Desperately Seeking a Duke

Heiress Brides, Book 1

By: Celeste Bradley

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

The only way for vicar's daughter Phoebe Millbury to inherit a family fortune is to find herself a duke - just as her late grandfather demanded in his will. But Phoebe, who's still trying to make good after a romantic scandal, also has her two cousins to contend with. They're all competing for the same money, maybe even the same men...until Phoebe meets her match in the terribly handsome and charming Rafe Marbrook. When she receives a marriage proposal from the Marquis of Brookhaven, Phoebe is thrilled to learn that Rafe is headed for dukedom, and accepts his offer. There's only one problem: It's from Rafe's older, less captivating brother, Calder. Now Phoebe finds herself on the verge of yet another scandal as she faces a desperate choice: Marry Calder for his money-or follow her own heart? Each way can only lead to trouble.

©2008 Celeste Bradley (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[A] humorous romp of marriage mayhem that's a love-and-laughter treat, tinged with heated sensuality and tenderness. This winning combination ensures Bradley's Heiress Brides series will climb the bestseller charts." ---RT Book Reviews

Bradley did it again!

If you could sum up Desperately Seeking a Duke in three words, what would they be?

Surprises all around!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Rafe, of course. Usually, I like the heroine, but the author had created an amazing character is Rafe. He fell in love at first sight almost. Usually that's the heroine's role. And then he continued to be the reformed rake anyone would fall in love with.

Which scene was your favorite?

Their first meeting after her engagement to his brother was my favourite, and the beginning of many, many obstacles.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

As the book went on, I couldn't figure out how they were going to succeed against all the obstacles the author heaped on them, only to find another obstacle, and then yet another. I kept listening because I needed to find out what happened!

Any additional comments?

I read the third book first, and I didn't see anything coming in there. In this one, I needed to find out how they overcome their challenges. These are not just copy cat books -- each one appears to be unique. I'm looking forward to reading the second one in the series.

Excellent Story and Performance

I like Bradley's writing and the narrator was an excellent compliment to it. Truly enjoyable performance. Although the basis for the story (the will) was silly, Bradley's characters come to life and are full of humor and human flaws. The story is more intricate than I expected. Good way to spend some time!

Cute

There were so many characters that in the beginning I became confused but once the characters were well developed, it was good. Funny plot twists even to the end and it left a little bit at the end to give the desire to find out more.

Seriously???

It was beyond a ridiculous story. I am so mad at myself for finishing it. I just kept thinking it HAD to get better. A cheesy fairy tale at best.

Cleverly funny

I really loved the plot and narration of this book. Regency novels are my favorite and this one thoroughly entertained me!

Disregard the negative reviews!!!!

This book is perfection. Beautiful story, extremely well written and witty, lovable characters. Rafe is a sweet, gentle, loving hero with some baggage about his brother that he needs to work through. Phoebe is vivacious and honorable, with toxic relatives and a past that haunts her. Together they are absolutely perfect. The story is a slow burn, with a bit of angst but lots of comic relief. Oh, and the narration! It is absolutely wonderful. Susan Erickson is an astounding narrator. You will love this book. I'm off to listen to the second in the series- Deirdre's story!

I was so bored.

I wish I could get my money back. I didn't even finish it. good luck

Oh come on!

The ONLY reason I got halfway through this book was because I absolutely adore Susan Erickson. She reads fabulously. And she did so in this book.

The story started nicely, and then in an instant was an entire 11 hours of the same whiny angst. I HATE when stories focus so hard on the “why we can’t be togethers” of the characters. It was just tedious and seriously, it was STILL the same story with the exact same things being whined about, at the spot I finally called it at which was 5 hours left.

What I’m most annoyed with is that I lose out on my favorite narrator.

I paid $6.83 for this, and $3.29 for the next book in the series and I am 100% returning both of them. I have no interest in wasting any more time on this type of story telling.