Celeste Bradley - Desperately Seeking a Duke (Heiresses Brides 1)

In his will Hamerish Pickering expresses his disappointment about his daughters. Being a self made man, he had high hopes of his daughters marrying a title. But instead they all married a common fellow. Now he wants to set things straight. His fortune will go to the first Pickering girl in 3 generations to marry a duke... If not... smugglers of wiskey will gain everything...

Now we meet the 3t generation: Phoebe, Deidre and Sophie and their stephmom entering society to find a duke and get a hold of the money.

In Part 1 Phoebe meet Rafael at a ball and the attraction between them is pure and instant. In that moment Rafe decides she's the one and points Phoebe out to his older brother Calder, a future duke to see if he would approve the match ... Calder, being on the search for a wife himself and always very efficient, sees the advantages of Phoebe and decides not to waste time. The next morning, not aware that Rafe wanted Phoebe, he proposes. Phoebe accepts without any doubt, thinking the offer came from Rafe...

When she finds out the mistake she made, it's too late... Finally she has the attention of her dad again, the money could be hers and she wants to avoid scandal again at any cost...

But will she be able to put her heart aside and marry the much colder Calder, forgetting all about the one man who puts sunshine in her life and lets her be Phoebe.

Celeste Bradley was a new author for me, but one I will definitely try more.
This book is highly entertaining, though no high emotions or intense drama... Just a fun story that puts a smile on your face while reading.

Phoebe is a vicar's daughter. At 15 she caused quite a scandal and ever since she has tried to redeem herself in her fathers eyes. Untill she meets Rafe and experiences love at first sight again. When she realises she accepted a marriage proposal from the wrong brother, she is afraid she won't be able to handle a new scandal. But Rafe won't go out of her system. So will her heart overrule her mind? Or will she be able to live a happy life with the stoic Calder.

Rafe is the half-brother of the Marquis of Brookhaven. He's quite the opposite of his efficient brother, even though they are rather alike in looks. When he meets Phoebe he knows she's the one he has been waiting for, the one woman to cave the rake. But things go wrong and Rafe thinks Phoebe prefers his brother over him, because after all, who would choose a bastard rogue over a wealthy future duke?

If you like regency, this is a story you will want to read. It's light, funny. Some things are far-fetched, but hey, it is fiction.
When you are in need for a not to complicated book that will brighten up your day without too many plots and deep emotions, this books is one I can really recommend.
If you don't like regency, or if you want deep emotions and soulsucking event, pass on this one because it will leave you dissatisfied.

I really enjoyed it and look forward to part 2 where Deidre meets her match...