How to Marry a Duke

November 22, 2010
In Dreiling's whimsical debut, matchmaker Tessa Mansfield meets her greatest challenge yet in Tristan James Gatewick, the duke of Shelbourne. Under pressure to find a wife, Tristan employs Tess, who comes up with an alarming and unconventional proposition: she presents him with two dozen single young ladies, from whom he must select a single candidate. Despite the implausibility of Regency speed-dating, the book works well when dealing with the candidates and the wealth of subplots arising from their friendships, alliances, and rivalries. Less rewarding is the heavy-handed attraction between Tessa and Tristan, with a conclusion even more foregone than usual. The usual villain from the past makes an appearance, but might have been better left out in order to spend more time with the potential brides.

Starred review from January 1, 2011
Dreilings Regency romance debut is, in a word, enchanting. Tristan, duke of Shelbourne, has come to the conclusion that its time for him to beget an heir. Since he is a notorious rake, his access to misses suitable for marriage is limited. His friend Lord Broughton found his wife through a matchmaker, however, and Tristan decides to ask young spinster Miss Tessa Mansfield to find him the perfect match. Tessa agrees, culling the top 24 debutantes of the season for his perusal. As Tessa and Tristan meet to decide how the courtship should proceed and who should be eliminated from the pack after each gathering, they gradually fall in love. When only two candidates remain, Tessa and Tristan are caught in a tangle of their own making. How can Tristan honorably back away from his public courtship? And how can Tessas reputation in high society survive? Dreiling not only solves the dilemma; she also makes readers care about the delightful couple through their witty repartee and her expert storytelling.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)