DESPERATELY SEEKING A DUKE
The Heiress Brides - Book One
Celeste Bradley
St. Martin's
ISBN 9780312939687
March 2008
Historical Romance

The late Sir Hamish Pickering willed his significant fortune to the female descendant who could marry a duke. A generation has passed without success and now the challenge falls to three granddaughters, cousins Phoebe, Deirdre and Sophie. Phoebe is the dutiful vicar's daughter who strives to earn her stern father's love in the wake of a secret scandal when she was just fifteen. Deirdre is the polished society belle mentored by an overbearing and cruel stepmother. Bookish and plain Sophie feels she has no hope to win a duke or the Pickering fortune and has come to London simply for the adventure.

Lord Raphael "Rafe" Marbrook is a walking scandal. His illegitimate birth and past reputation as a notorious rake make for great gossip fodder among members of the Ton. Yet, no one seems to notice that a change has occurred. Though his status as a bastard will forever bar him from inheriting his family title, property and holdings, he has stood by his brother, Calder, the Marquis of Brookhaven during a difficult time and has actively worked to make his own fortune, if only his ship will come in. Rescuing a pretty country girl from near disaster at a society ball comes easily to Rafe, who is soon quite unexpectedly captivated by the refreshing beauty and decides that she is indeed THE ONE for him.

The morning after Phoebe's magical encounter with Rafe, she receives a marriage proposal. Knowing that this union would please her father and possibly secure the Pickering trust fund, Phoebe eagerly accepts, buoyed by the additional knowledge that she could easily lose her heart to the man as well. When her affianced arrives, Phoebe is shocked to discover that man she has pledged to marry is Rafe's brother, Calder. To please her father, Phoebe keeps her mistake to herself and continues with the engagement, but at what cost?

DESPERATELY SEEKING A DUKE is in a word, amazing! I was charmed and captivated from the very first page and consumed this beautifully rendered grown-up fairy tale in one glorious sitting! Rafe is an incredible hero, so tortured, yet so completely unwavering in his devotion -- and torn between his own brother and the object of Rafe's true heart's desire! Phoebe is a likable heroine with understandable motivations, but still I found her actions at times frustrating, nonetheless. However, the magic between Rafe and Phoebe is deliciously intense! Ms. Bradley also introduces the reader to a
sizable and intriguing supporting cast, including a big bad Wolfe! I look forward to reading more about these characters as they are sure to figure prominently in books two and three. Fans of Ms. Bradley
will no doubt rejoice for this new series which is also set to win  hearts of many readers, like myself, who are new to her work. I have been certainly missing out on a great talent!

The Heiress Bride trilogy continues with Deirdre and THE DUKE NEXT DOOR and concludes the following month with DUKE MOST WANTED. Readers will want to make room for all three books on their keeper shelves! Very highly recommended!

Reviewed by Melissa Fowler
Rating 4 1/2