How to Marry a Duke

by Vicky Dreiling

[Ing Cruz]

My Synopsis:

Tessa Mansfield is well off and independent after inheriting her late uncles estate and money. She is a confirmed spinster at the age of 26 and is fine with her spinsterhood. She has a secret pass that she wants kept a secret, so remaining on the shelf helps protect Tessa's secret from coming out. The ton barely tolerates her because of her match making business. Tessa has helped 6 couples find their happily ever after including her good friend and companion Anna.

Tristan Shelbourne has put off marriage and has spent the last years getting the family financial situation stabilized. Now that the finances are up to par Tristan is seeking a wife. His endeavors so far are proving frustrating since the belles of the Beau Monde are piratically doing what they can to snag his attention after he was declared the most eligible bachelor for season. Tristan has certain qualifications he is seeking in a wife but has not been able to find one woman to fit all of his qualifications. His mother has refused to help him so when Tristan meets Tessa at a party and finds out she is a match maker he enlists her help in finding his future Duchess.

My Thoughts:

The Bachelor meets regency England is probably the best way to describe this book. There is backstabbing, jealousy, suspense and crying all the elements to make a great reality dating show that centers around our hero Tristan. I enjoyed watching the eliminations of each potential Duchess. Tristan is determined to marry without love and Tessa is determined that Tristan marry for love. The by play between the two was hilarious. Tristan is jaded about love after witnessing his father's philandering. He is determined to not base his marriage on love. I liked Tristan. He was honorable, loyal to his family, and sexy. Watching him trip his away around Tessa and fighting his attraction to her was comical. Tessa annoyed me with her manipulation at the beginning of the book. A lot of her actions was to make herself look better to the ton instead of worrying about how her trickery would put Tristan and the other girls in a bind once the courting was made public. Tessa's character did win me over as the book progresses. She is independent and caring. The plot with Tessa's pass coming back to cause trouble was nicely done. Added a new element to the storyline to move it along. The secondary characters were entertaining with their little comments during the whole courtship/contest to win Tristan. This was a nice debut novel from new author Vicky Dreiling. I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next book which is about Tristan's sister and friend.