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The Duke Next Door (Heiress Brides)
written by Celeste Bradley
Studio : St. Martin's Paperbacks
by St. Martin's Paperbacks
Release Date : 2008-04-01
Publisher : St. Martin's Paperbacks
Released : 2008-04-01
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Number of Items : 1
EAN : 9780312939694
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 15 reviews)
List Price : $6.99
Our Price : $0.68
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Product Description |
The dangerously beautiful Deirdre Cantor is determined to inherit her grandfather’s vast fortune. All she needs is to marry a duke…and be the first granddaughter to walk down the aisle. After all, she has always dreamed of becoming a member of the haute ton. So when the proper Calder Marbrook, the Marquis of Brookhaven and future Duke of Brookmoor, is abandoned at the altar, Deirdre makes it her business to become his wife—in spite of the whispers about his past. Soon Deirdre’s visions of a lavish existence with the handsome Calder are shattered when she learns his shocking secret. Feeling betrayed, Deirdre seeks revenge by playing a perilous and seductive game of cat and mouse with her husband that threatens to drive them both to the heights of passion. She will not surrender to him, no matter how great her desire. But at what cost? Calder is determined to keep his secret under lock and key—and to make his stunning wife his in every way that matters. Even if it means winning her heart all over again… |
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enjoyable |
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I was not disappointed with this second in a series. Not sure why some of the reviews are so brutal, bad day perhaps? I found it to be a light, fast read. |
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Banal |
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I have read all three in the series, with this one being the last. I am glad I read the other two before reading The Duke Next Door, or I would never have picked up the other two in the series. The character turn-around was weak and banal. Where as the other two books in the series seemed more plausible (as plausible as you can get in a romance novel--not that I am complaining) and the characters more likeable, this seemed compulsory. All that being said, I do like this author, this book just wasn't her best attempt. |
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The Duke Next Door |
Dierdre Cantor is the most beautiful of her cousins. The same cousins she is vying against to win her grandfather's fortune. Dierdre is determined to be the first to marry a duke. When Calder, the Marquis of Brookhaven and future Duke of Brookmoor, is left without a bride, Dierdre makes her move.
Before her wedding day is over, Dierdre's hope of a fantastic new life is crushed when she learns that Calder has kept a devastating secret from her. Hurt and let down, Dierdre resolves to make Calder pay for his transgression. Whereas Calder is just as single-minded in his desire to make Dierdre his true wife in every way.
Fans of the historical romance genre must try Celeste Bradley. The Heiress trilogy is a great place to start. The Duke Next Door is filled with sexual tension, sharp dialogue and heart scalding romance. You'll love Dierdre's stubborn resolve and Calder's sensual persuasion. The Duke Next Door is delicious!
Annmarie
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed |
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Another light read |
It's an entertaining book, with sparks of humor, although it's not great in the romance department.
After Rafe's and Phoebe's wedding in Desperately Seeking a Duke, Deirdre proposes to Calder and he accepts. The book covers the relationship between the new couple, intertwined with the continuous schemes of the solicitors, the romance between the butler and the maid, and the beginnings of a friendship between cousin Sophie and Graham, Lady Tessa's cousin.
Calder is a character difficult to warm up to. He's very obtuse and clumsy with his feelings, somewhat cold, almost like a robot sometimes. In some moments it's very frustrating, comparing Deirdre with his first wife, but at least his behaviour is somewhat coherent with his character. I didn't love him, but he made a better impression than in the last book, especially towards the end.
Deirdre, or Dee, it's a more interesting character, although sometimes tiresome. She'd fell in love with Calder years ago, something not very understandable, so their relationship loses spark. It's interesting to see her planning how things are going to be in their marriage, to have them fall apart when she begins to really know her husband and discovers he has a daughter.
Their relationship isn't great, it seems forced and doesn't have much chemistry. It's more interesting and real the relationship between Dee and Calder's daughter, first with acceptance and uncertainty, and finally with care and love.
The book left me wanting Sophie and Graham story, which has the potential to be the best of the trilogy. I give it 3 stars, but like the first book, it would be better 2 ½. |
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Liked it better than the first book |
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I liked The Duke Next Door better than Desperately Seeking a Duke. Mostly because I liked the two main characters - Calder and Deirdre. They both had some baggage and worked their way through it. I didn't like Phoebe at all in the first book so I had a hard time finishing it. I thought Calder and Deirdre's story followed a nice progression and parts made me laugh and cry. I also thought the end was very satisfying. I mostly want to read the third book just to find out more about Calder and Deidre's continuing life. |
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