Barbara Ann reviewed 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.
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.
