How to Marry a Duke - How To, Bk 1 Author:Vicky Dreiling Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary -- nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he&#... more »39;s ever met...
Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife -- she'll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women view for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.« less
Remarkably wonderful! You've got an admirable heroine who isn't obnoxious with her independence, a sexy hero who's torn by duty but is a romantic down to his bones. Sexual chemistry sparks every time Tristan and Tessa are together. Their repartee is warm and entertaining which pulls them closer together, but not once does it resort to over-the-top ridiculous just to garner a few laughs. The plot is similar to The Bachelor reality show, which I think makes it original for a historical romance, and the bad guy from Tessa's past was dealt with in a most satisfying way without taking over the story. There were several parts where Tristan was heart-melting romantic, and Tessa was one of the best heroine's I've read in a long time. This is a refreshing tale that should not be missed! 4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this new author, and can tell she will become one of my favorites. I really liked how you get to know all the different characters not just the main hero/heroine. Someone else said how this author reminded them a bit like Julia Quinn. I am a huge Julia Quinn fan, but I do have to say this author is different. However if you like Quinn I think you will like Dreiling.
Enter Tristan James Gatewick, the Duke of Shelbourne, deemed the most eligible bachelor.
When we first meet this tall, dark and handsome character, he is strolling through a ballroom filled with the creme de la creme of the ton, former mistresses and giggling chits. He's on the hunt for a wife, but just not any wife. He has a list of what his future duchess should be.
Enter matchmaker Miss Tessa Mansfield.
When someone jostles her arm she drops her fan, which is immediately stepped on by a handsome stranger, she meets a gorgeous rake. From here, the story takes on a life of itself.
Tristan asks Tessa to find him a wife. She puts her matchmaking skills to test by rounding up all the possible duchesses... 24 of them. At this point in the book, it's reminding me a lot of "The Bachelor" but with many differences. He has to eliminate which ladies he doesn't like or doesn't think he'd be compatible with. Love isn't a requirement.
The single ladies seem very immature to me. They giggle, sometimes act childish and are at times devious to others. During this time Tessa and Tristan meet on a regular basis to discuss progress. One meeting in particular, they meet in private during the night and one thing leads to another until they are caught up in the moment and kiss passionately. They feel guilty about it and insist that they have to remain professional in order for Tristan to find the right bride for him.
Interesting characters enter the story and carry it out for more drama. I won't give the ending away for the individuals that haven't read the book yet. I would suggest to grab a cup of hot chocolate, curl up on the sofa or on a bed and settle in for a wonderful read set back in 1816, London.
I enjoyed the book immensely and thought it was well written. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Barbara Ann reviewed How to Marry a Duke (How To, Bk 1) on
Having settled all the debts his father had left behind, Tristan (love the name) the Duke of Shelbourne is finally ready to settle down. There's just one problem, it seems as if every available young lady in London is more than willing to be the next duchess. How is Tristan supposed to choose just one girl among the hoards of women vying for his attention? Tristan doesn't want just any woman, either, so he swallows his pride and asks the help of a well known matchmaker, Tessa Mansfield.
Tessa--although young and extremely well off--had long ago deemed herself a spinster. She has absolutely no intention of marrying. However, she does find great happiness in finding that perfect someone for those around her. When the Duke of Shelbourne asks for her help in finding a bride, Tessa is beyond thrilled. Should she be able to pull it off and find the Duke his perfect match, it will be the talk of the ton! There's just one little thing...the Duke has rather specific requirements in making a match and unfortunately love is not one of them. As a matter of fact, the idea of love is rather ridiculous as far as he concerned. He doesn't even believe in such a female emotion. Lust is a whole other matter.
No matter, Tessa is determined to find that perfect bride and while she's at it make him realize that love really does exist.
A friendship blooms between Tessa and Tristan. Twenty four candidates are carefully chosen and now it's up to the Duke to narrow the list down. Some are beautiful, some intelligent...some even give the best possible reasons as to why they should be the next duchess. But, as the meetings with Tessa continue, Tristan begins to realize that out of all the women he can choose from, Tessa is the one he wants most. She's also the only woman he can't have!
As the list dwindles, Tessa finds herself growing more and more anxious. Her goal was to convince Tristan that he can love one of these women and that they could live happily ever after. But as the days continue, the mere thought of Tristan falling for any one of the girls begins to drive Tessa mad with jealousy.
Although an extremely independent woman, a terrible secret from Tessa's past surfaces and she must rely on the Duke for help. To do so, she must release all the skeletons in her closet, skeletons that could not only tarnish her sparkly reputation but damage the Duke's as well.
Oh, I really enjoyed this story! I will admit that I had believed it was getting a bit predictable. Then out of the blue the author starts throwing things at you that leave you happily surprised. The tale was romantic, engaging and the conclusion was perfect. I'll definitely be picking up another book by this author.
