How to Marry a Duke

I really liked this one. Chubby, independent spinster with a secret that makes her insecure and closed off. The angst was quite good, the matchmaking gig being the perfect foil for doubts and suffering. Could have used a bit more sex though. Definitely will be reading more by Vicky Dreiling. (3.5 stars)

Originally read in July 2011, re-read May 2015. Took it off the chubby heroine shelf since it is only referenced a couple of times with regard to her "voluptuous figure."

I have to say it because you are ALL thinking it: this book is like the historical version of The Bachelor. I wonder if that was on purpose or not but I don't think I liked that aspect of the book. On to other things, I liked the heat in this story, Ms. Dreiling did an excellent job making this story as hot as it could be.


I did not care for the drama of the girls but that is part of the courtship of the period, I assume. I also did not enjoy the pop-up confession by Tessa towards the end, I mean, I know it's a big deal back then but come on, get over it and find a new man. I am saying this as a 21st century women though. It might have been cause for suicide back then.


I will keep reading books by this author, this one was spirited, decently written, and I overall enjoyed it.

Debut author Vicky Dreiling started off the new year with a bang for me with her first novel, How to Marry a Duke. In it, she created two likable and relatively complex characters with whom I enjoyed taking a journey to true love and happiness. Her historical spoof of the reality TV show, The Bachelor, was cute. It gave the story some lighthearted moments with a few of the courtship elements being laugh-out-loud funny. Yet it wasn't all fun and games. There was also a nice mix of angst and emotion as the hero and heroine both battle past hurts and scandals to find their way to an HEA. The author is very deft at teasing the reader with Tristan and Tessa's issues, so much so that by the time I finally got to the reveal, particularly of Tessa's secrets, I was absolutely dying to know. While I can't say that I was particularly surprised by the revelations from the past, Ms. Dreiling did make events more complicated than I was expecting, making it very easy for me to sympathize. Overall, How to Marry a Duke was a highly enjoyable read.Tristan begins the story as an unrepentant rake who is highly cynical about love. He amused me early on with his overly logical brain which rejects the notion that true love could possibly be real. Yet, I believe he fell for Tessa instantly and irrevocably from the moment he accidentally stepped on her fan and looked up into the most beguiling face he'd ever seen. It just took him a long time to realize it, and watching him squirm while he figured that out was half the fun of the story. He was definitely one of those stubborn alphas who was totally brought to his knees by a little thing called love. When it came to the courtship, I liked that Tristan wanted more than a simpering, vapid chit to be his wife, and I was very pleasantly surprised by his willingness to pledge fidelity to whomever he chose, even though he didn't believe it would be a love match. I did doubt Tristan a bit in the beginning of the courtship when he seemed to be paying more attention to the “pretty girls,” but he came around fairly quickly and proved that he had a good heart and could be fair to all the girls, recognizing that even the less physically attractive ones still had other admirable qualities. Tristan was quite the seductive charmer, but he could also be rather brooding. Best of all he was an incredibly honorable man, always trying to do right by everyone for whom he felt responsible. Tristan was certainly a very appealing hero and one who has earned a spot on my favorites list.Tessa is a bit of a bluestocking, asserting the enjoyment of her independence and her matchmaking career as the main reasons for having no desire to marry, but no one knows that she harbors a painful secret that makes her feel unworthy of marriage. Instead, she chooses to live vicariously through the couples she matches. Underneath it all, it's obvious that she is a romantic, because she will only make love matches. The Duke, however, proves to be one of her biggest challenges, but she feels up to the task of opening his heart to love. Tessa is a rather plump heroine who doesn't consider herself to be particularly attractive, and it doesn't help when she overhears some biting remarks about her weight from a couple of the young ladies vying for Tristan's hand. All of this gives her a feeling of special responsibility to the wallflowers and unattractive ladies who no one seems to want to court. I liked that Tristan was able to make her feel beautiful. He was thoroughly entranced by her voluptuous figure and thought she was the loveliest woman he'd ever seen from the moment he first laid eyes on her. Tessa was a very sweet, kindhearted and thoughtful heroine who loved Tristan so much she was willing to give him up to save him from further hurt and scandal.In addition to Tristan and Tessa, there were some very memorable secondary characters. At first, I was uncertain about Tristan's mother. She seemed rather cold and controlling, but it didn't take long for her to turn into an enigma with her belief in true love and apparent desire for her son to marry for love. Lady Shelbourne was a complicated character and the author definitely kept me guessing about her motives. The two bridal candidates who made it to the final round were both appealing in their own way, and I can't help but wonder if there might be stories for them somewhere down the line. Most notable of all was Tristan's best friend, Hawk, a rogue who could charm the stockings off any lady he wanted, but firmly asserted his love of bachelorhood. Much like Tristan though, this rake is about to fall and for none other than Tristan's sister, Julianne, a nice young lady who obviously only has eyes for him. I'm very much looking forward to reading their story, How to Seduce a Scoundrel, when it comes out in August 2011.I can't wrap up my review without making special mention of my favorite scene in the entire book. The proposal was absolutely beyond amazing. It was so beautifully romantic, it left me with no doubt that Tristan loved Tessa to distraction. Not to mention, it had me crying so hard, you'd think I was the one being proposed to. I rarely cry when reading, but if I do, it's usually because of something sad or heartbreaking. I think this may mark the first time that I've actually cried happy tears over a book. Two things made it so lovely, one being the realization that Tristan had grown so dramatically from a resentful, cynical man who didn't believe in love into a man who wasn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and proved it by making a grand, romantic gesture that was unforgettable. The other thing is that the proposal seems to be a romantic element that often gets overlooked. Typically, in my experience of reading romance, it is either non-existent or it's a rather simple affair that doesn't stick with me. In How to Marry a Duke, Vicky Dreiling took the time and care to create one of the most memorable and romantic proposals I've ever read.The plot itself is fairly fast-paced with lots of dialog, perhaps a little too much at times, because it occasionally seemed to drag a bit. Once in a while, I thought it could have used a few more details and introspection. The book isn't particularly steamy and normally this wouldn't bother me, but I couldn't help feeling just a tad disappointed that the final consummation wasn't a bit spicier after waiting so long to get there. In the grand scheme of things, these were little more than minor annoyances some of which may show Ms. Dreiling's greenness as an author and will probably work themselves out down the road as she gains more experience. Overall, I was always eager to get back to reading the book each time I had to put it down. For various reasons, I can see why How to Marry a Duke might not work for some readers, but personally, I was enchanted by its wonderful mixture of humor and emotion. I thought that it was an excellent debut novel, and I'll be eagerly waiting with bated breath for Ms. Dreiling's next release.Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Hachette Book Group, in exchange for my review.

I have come to realize that the best books I’ve ever read were purchased on impulse, and this one is at the top. I was frankly STUNNED at how good this début book was. I started to read in the afternoon, and read it through the night, and early morning. I just could not part ways with it. The above blurb does not do it justice.Our Hero meets our Heroine on page 4 by stepping on and crushing her fan. That scene was written so well, that it took me into that ballroom with it! From that point on, I was hooked, lined and sunk by the page 371 where I just broke down and wept.I’ve read a few reviews of the book, and a lot of them are describing it as “hilarious”. To me the word “warm” would describe it better. This read, at least for me, was a perfect balance of romance, drama, and humor. I’ll go ahead and admit that I had my doubts about the premise of “The Bachelor” in Regency England. I didn’t think it would work, but boy was I proven wrong!This was very fresh and entertaining. As for the “secret” and the mystery, even that surprised me! Just when I thought I figured it out, I’m knocked off my rocker! I loved the chemistry between the two main characters as much as I loved the chemistry of all the secondary ones as well. I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed the character of the Duchess, Tristan’s mother. I’m thinking of starting a petition for her love story in a novella if nothing else. Her Grace deserves her own happy ending!There’s not a thing that I didn’t like about this book. Nothing. NADA! If you want to feel fuzzy kind of warm, and you want to laugh and cry, don’t pass this one up. “How to Seduce a Scoundrel” is a story of Julianne and Hawk and it will be out in July of this year. Vicky Dreiling, where have you been hiding? Welcome to my Keeper Shelf!

What a great book from new author, Vicky Dreiling. I laughed, I cried, it was really good. There was a lot of story and good character development. I loved Tristan and Tess. Looking forward to the sequel coming in July!

Tristan needs to marry in order to produce an heir. After a chance meeting involving a crushed fan, Tristan finds himself imploring the skills of experienced matchmaker, Tessa. Tessa is a woman locals love to talk about. At the age of 26 she has remained unmarried, and is said to have inherited a huge amount of money from her deceased uncle. When asked to help Tristan find a bride, she sees the chance to further her career as a matchmaker. She quickly sets up a courtship with 24 eligible young women. When Tristan and Tessa begin to have feelings for each other, they know they can never act on them. Think of the scandal! Of course fighting the attraction is always easier said than done. Tessa also has her reasons for avoiding marriage along with many buried secrets. When an unexpected visitor arrives on the scene, Tessa begins to fear those secrets will be revealed, and she finds herself having to make some difficult choices.This book was so much fun! I loved the historical take on the modern day reality television show The Bachelor. Main characters Tessa and Tristan had an undeniable chemistry. Tessa’s independence was admirable, and Tristan was a great catch once he left his notorious rake lifestyle behind. I enjoyed the sarcastic wit most of the characters seemed to possess. Tristan’s mother was probably my favorite character. She turned out to be not at all like I initially expected. His best friend Hawk was another favorite. I can’t wait to read his story in the next book of this series, How to Seduce a Scoundrel. The mystery involving Tessa’s past added a nice element to the plot, and kept me turning the pages. I found the author’s writing style very engaging. The characters developed nicely as the plot progressed, and even the secondary characters had their chance to shine. How to Marry a Duke is a nicely balanced mix of romance, mystery, and snark. I highly recommend it!

This was another great romance. I loved the story. It was such an interesting idea, and it was pulled off superbly! A matchmaker falling in love with a client? How scandalous!Tessa was a great character. She was so independent and strong in a time when strong women were frowned upon. And yet she still managed to make a fairly decent life for herself. She kept her feelings bottled up, because that was what was expected of her, yet she knew that to be truly happy she would have to do things that went the status-quo, but since that was how her whole life had been when she realized what she had to do she went for it. Tristan was a great hero. He made all the women swoon, and how could he not? The most eligible bachelor and handsome to boot! He seemed a bit superficial at times, but then the more we learn about his intentions he becomes such a sweetheart and you really begin pulling for him to get what he wants, which is ultimately Tessa. Tessa's secret, which she thought had be successfully kept hidden comes to play and things get a bit hairy for both Tessa and Tristan as they try to find Tristan the perfect wife. It makes for a great story. It was a great love story. I can't wait to get my hands on the next in this series. .A review copy was provided by Hachette Book Group.

Picture it. Twenty four women in one room all gathered for a single purpose. All twenty four dressed in their finest attire. All twenty four fanning themselves as they coquettishly peer at their prize. All twenty four vying for the attention of Tristan, the sexy Duke of Shelbourne.Tristan needs to get married, but he is tired of the little chits he meets time after time, ball after ball, each a giggling little female without the outstanding qualities he is seeking in a duchess. At one such ball he happens upon Tessa Mansfield and is instantly drawn to her. Tristan is surprised to realize that she is Society's notorious matchmaker...the "mantrapper". Tristan decides to enlist Tessa's help in finding a wife. Little does he know what Ms. Mansfield has in store for him....a Regency style bachelor show.Tristan must choose his bride from the 24 candidates that Tessa has hand-picked for him. He has made it clear that he is not looking for love, only a dutiful wife that will elicit some passion in the bedroom. Tessa, a romantic at heart, is determined to find Tristan not only a suitable wife, but also a love match. The two spend a great deal of time together, and before she realizes what is happening, Tessa finds herself falling for the Duke. Of course, this is unacceptable. She is the matchmaker, and he is her client. But the attraction is undeniable. What will happen if Tessa gives in to her emotions? What if Tristan gives in to the burning desire he feels for Tessa?This is a thoroughly enjoyable, light-hearted historical romance with a wonderful mix of humour and emotion. I enjoyed the witty banter between the Duke and Tessa. Their desire for one another was palpable and the fire that consumed each of them when their lips met was all-consuming. Vicky Dreiling does a fabulous job of bringing her hero and heroine to life, but I also became engrossed with the secondary characters, especially Tristan's best friend, Hawk, whose story will be coming soon. I cannot wait! The Duchess, Tristan's mother, a sly, witty, tell-it-like-it-is kind of gal, was another character whom I came to enjoy and adore. Even some of the girls Tessa chose to vie for Tristan's hand were well developed and endearing characters. Overall, this is a fun read that will make you laugh out loud and sigh with envy as our hero and heroine find their true love match.I received this book free from the publisher through the Goodreads "First Reads" contest.

HOW TO MARRY A DUKE by Vicky Dreiling is a delightful,fast paced historical romance set in 1816 London.It is this author's debut novel. It is well written with detail,depth,and will keep you turning the page from beginning to end. It is full of humor,heart,passion, action packed, laugh out loud humor,wit, matchmaking, romance, love, sweet sensuality,warmth,secrets,tenderness and finding true love. The characters are full of charm,are enchanting, sexy,witty,and a challenge. The hero, Tristan, is handsome, a Duke, on a mission:to find a suitable wife,strong, sexy, meets the most enchanting women he has ever meet and decides to use her to find his wife. The heroine, Tessa, is a spinster, has a secret, a matchmaker,beautiful, rich,and accepts Tristan's offer as his matchmaker. But Tessa will break her number one rule:never fall in love with the prospective groom. Sparks fly even from the first time they meet. Tristan is attracted to her as much as she is to him. What follows only fate and destiny could have arranged. Tessa's past comes to light and threatens to destroy her.Tristan is determined to protect her,even if he has to hold off on his engagement announcement. For actually Tristan has fallen in love with Tessa just as she has fallen in love with him. This is an enchanting story of love,sacrifice, and forgiveness. It will leave you longing for more long after the story ends. This is an author to watch out for, she has created a fast paced, full of humor,life,wit and love story. A keeper. I would highly recommend this debut novel especially if you enjoy Regency at it's finest. This book was received for review form publisher and details can be found (Hachette Book Group)at Forever,an imprint of Grand Central Publishing and My Book Addiction and More.