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Heiress Brides #3
Duke Most Wanted
Sophie Blake’s grandfather willed his fortune to the first of his granddaughters to marry a duke. Since her cousin, Deirdre, will seal the deal any day now, the quiet, bookish Sophie can sit back and enjoy her time with the only man she truly adores: Graham. No matter that the part charmer, part scoundrel has absolutely no designs on her! Sophie is content to engage Graham in lively conversation, beat him at cards… and probe at the darkness hiding behind his rakish smile.
Then Graham unexpectedly gains a title, an estate in near ruins and a mountain of debt. If there is any chance of survival he must find a rich wife—quickly. As his hunt for a bride begins, Sophie realizes that she isn’t even in the running. Suddenly no longer content to be a wallflower, Sophie gets a stunning make-over and becomes the belle of the ball. Lots of heads are turning… including Graham’s. But this beauty has secrets of her own. Will she be his salvation or seal his fate?
Then Graham unexpectedly gains a title, an estate in near ruins and a mountain of debt. If there is any chance of survival he must find a rich wife—quickly. As his hunt for a bride begins, Sophie realizes that she isn’t even in the running. Suddenly no longer content to be a wallflower, Sophie gets a stunning make-over and becomes the belle of the ball. Lots of heads are turning… including Graham’s. But this beauty has secrets of her own. Will she be his salvation or seal his fate?
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
46 people are currently reading
933 people want to read
About the author
Celeste Bradley
42 books1,813 followersVisit me at www.CelesteBradley.com or facebook.com/CelesteBradleyAuthor :)
Go to CelesteBradley.com/newsletter for my Voice of Society newsletter.
Hi, my name is Celeste Bradley and I write "brain chocolate." That is, I write fun and sexy escapism is for hardworking women everywhere. We deserve a little man-candy, too!
Reviewers like to say I write about misfit heroines getting the man of their dreams. Maybe that's true, but don't we all feel like misfits sometimes? Even if the rest of the world thinks we have all our balls in the air, aren't we juggling like mad on the inside, desperately trying not to drop one?
I love this manic, scattered life I lead. I love to write, craft, garden, bake and mother, even if I don't always do it all perfectly. I love living in the Southwest, with its big sky and vast desert views. I love venturing out of my quiet life to meet readers and other writers, and then I love to come back to my haven, full of ideas and renewed passion and creativity.
Maybe one of those times I'll meet you!
Hugs,
and thanks for reading!
Go to CelesteBradley.com/newsletter for my Voice of Society newsletter.
Hi, my name is Celeste Bradley and I write "brain chocolate." That is, I write fun and sexy escapism is for hardworking women everywhere. We deserve a little man-candy, too!
Reviewers like to say I write about misfit heroines getting the man of their dreams. Maybe that's true, but don't we all feel like misfits sometimes? Even if the rest of the world thinks we have all our balls in the air, aren't we juggling like mad on the inside, desperately trying not to drop one?
I love this manic, scattered life I lead. I love to write, craft, garden, bake and mother, even if I don't always do it all perfectly. I love living in the Southwest, with its big sky and vast desert views. I love venturing out of my quiet life to meet readers and other writers, and then I love to come back to my haven, full of ideas and renewed passion and creativity.
Maybe one of those times I'll meet you!
Hugs,
and thanks for reading!
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February 12, 2020..
The Duke Next Door of the 'Heiress Brides' was written by Celeste Bradley.
The story focused on Sophie, who had the strangest experience of all three cousins. She was the first of the cousins to fall in love, although her feelings were not reciprocated for much of the book. For such a charming ladies man, There were many life lessons to learn in this series. Graham appeared quite ignorant and clueless sometimes.
The dialogue includes bouts of profanity and is offensive, even when it’s supposedly done for the sake of realism. Although, some authors may find it challenging at times to make the dialogue realistic without a lot of swearing - which can be achieved by invention and creativeness. Personally, I don't feel cursing serves any positive purpose. I prefer warm, funny feel-good fiction.
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…
Profanity is basically a crude and obnoxious abuse of respectful dialogue. It offends many people not only in books but also in person. Some may feel this type of expression alerts the reader that the character/author has extremely low self-esteem. Including it in a literary fiction lowers my rating, even though other readers may not mind it.
This story has a strange plot, believable characters, and a H.E.A. Yet, it did not contain a compelling factor to keep the reader totally engrossed.
-----------------------------------
Duke Most Wanted
The Heiress Brides
Celeste Bradley (Author)
Length: 302 Pages
. . . Kindle Edition
** Free on Kindle Unlimited **
..
The Duke Next Door of the 'Heiress Brides' was written by Celeste Bradley.
The story focused on Sophie, who had the strangest experience of all three cousins. She was the first of the cousins to fall in love, although her feelings were not reciprocated for much of the book. For such a charming ladies man, There were many life lessons to learn in this series. Graham appeared quite ignorant and clueless sometimes.
The dialogue includes bouts of profanity and is offensive, even when it’s supposedly done for the sake of realism. Although, some authors may find it challenging at times to make the dialogue realistic without a lot of swearing - which can be achieved by invention and creativeness. Personally, I don't feel cursing serves any positive purpose. I prefer warm, funny feel-good fiction.
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…
Profanity is basically a crude and obnoxious abuse of respectful dialogue. It offends many people not only in books but also in person. Some may feel this type of expression alerts the reader that the character/author has extremely low self-esteem. Including it in a literary fiction lowers my rating, even though other readers may not mind it.
This story has a strange plot, believable characters, and a H.E.A. Yet, it did not contain a compelling factor to keep the reader totally engrossed.
-----------------------------------
Duke Most Wanted
The Heiress Brides
Celeste Bradley (Author)
Length: 302 Pages
. . . Kindle Edition
** Free on Kindle Unlimited **
..
August 25, 2019
Loved this series! And Sophie's story was the absolute best!!
Sophie's the ugly duckling of the cousins competing to marry a Duke. She's tall, slim, clumsy, and spectacled. Until her fairy godfather ...modiste comes to her rescue.
Graham Cavendish is the 4th son of a Duke. He's a debt ridden, gambling, drinking rake. Sophie's his best friend. He can always count on her to be a honest, caring, distraction. But things are about to change when she is transformed into a lovely swan.
This was a fabulous ending to the series. I can't wait to read more books by Celeste Bradley.
Sophie's the ugly duckling of the cousins competing to marry a Duke. She's tall, slim, clumsy, and spectacled. Until her fairy godfather ...modiste comes to her rescue.
Graham Cavendish is the 4th son of a Duke. He's a debt ridden, gambling, drinking rake. Sophie's his best friend. He can always count on her to be a honest, caring, distraction. But things are about to change when she is transformed into a lovely swan.
This was a fabulous ending to the series. I can't wait to read more books by Celeste Bradley.
May 25, 2021
I don't know how I got hooked up by this series, I guess I was curious to know who of the three cousins would win their grandfather inheritance...
This is a new author to me and I am not sure she won me over. If not for Sophie, I would have given up this series right in the first book. It is not that this book was precisely great, but it was so much better following Sophie and Graham then any other of the characters that I somehow think this was a good book.
So, on a positive note, I am glad I finished this series! I would not recommend it tho.
3.5⭐
This is a new author to me and I am not sure she won me over. If not for Sophie, I would have given up this series right in the first book. It is not that this book was precisely great, but it was so much better following Sophie and Graham then any other of the characters that I somehow think this was a good book.
So, on a positive note, I am glad I finished this series! I would not recommend it tho.
3.5⭐
November 5, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this historical novel. This is the story of Sophie Blake, a quiet, bookish woman with few matrimonial prospects. Her cousins clearly outshine her in beauty and one of them surely will win the prize - obtaining the family's fortune by marrying a duke. So, Sophie is content to enjoy her remaining time with her friend, Lord Graham Cavendish, a lesser son apparently determined to pursue the ladies, drink and gamble as much as he can. That is, until Graham inherits his father's title and a mountain of debts. Now, he must find a wealthy lady with the fortune to save the dukedom from ruin. Shall he marry the ton's darling or look elsewhere for his bride?
December 16, 2022
Necesito la historia completa de Fort y Patricia.
January 15, 2020
I have enjoyed reading this series. Loved the characters in the books. Looked forward to reading Sophie and Gray's story' It did not disappoint. Liked the twist at the end, did not expect it.
September 15, 2013
Sir Hamish Pickering died a couple generations ago, but not before making a ridiculous will. He somehow had scads of money (dumb must've paid well in those days), and his will settles twiddle on his female descendants and even less than twiddle on the males—unless…
The first female descendant who marries a duke, or marries a guy who eventually becomes a duke, inherits the whole bundle. And if anybody speaks of the terms of the will outside the family, the money goes to pay the fines of smugglers.
The third ingénue in the series is awkward Sophie Blake. When Horrible Tessa’s letter came, enclosing a sum of money for a wardrobe and accoutrements and inviting her stepdaughter’s two cousins to London for the Season (where they were to compete for said dukes and duke wannabes), Soph grabbed the money and took the first post chaise to London—by herself.
We’ve learned in previous installments that Soph is tall and skinny (to the point that some rude people have called her a giraffe), and she sports “the Pickering “nose” to her detriment. She’s also bashful to the point of terror around anything with a penis.
In the last installments she met and befriended Graham, the fourth son of the Duke of Edencort, who swept aside her fear by telling her that he’s never going to marry her, so she can just be his pal. They enjoy a cheerful camaraderie now, though in her heart of hearts, Soph can’t help wishing for more.
Graham is unlike his father and three older brothers, who love to hang out together, drink, belch, fart and shoot stuff. They line the walls with trophies from their hunts.
They don’t think much of him, either. Which is just as well, cuz as you might expect, within the first ten or so pages, they became the trophies on the wall of a rogue elephant. Graham is now the D of E. And it turns out that dukes who’ve gone before him haven’t bothered with silly things like keeping up the estates. They’re crumbling around his ears, his dependents are starving, and the moneylenders—not all of whom are the nice kind—want to strip him of everything he owns down to his brass buttons. He’s gotta marry Money, and do it fast.
Soph doesn’t take the news well. I mean, you’d think, knowing that if she marries the duke, she wins the 30,000 pounds ($1.5 million, give or take), she’d be tickled pink. Of course, she can’t tell him about it, so he’s not going to marry her for money. And unfortunately his not-so-ex mistress, Widow Moneybags, is dangling all her favorite assets before his eyes.
Meanwhile, the usual villains are still lurking in the shadows, doing their best to prevent anyone (or at least anyone other than their favorite) from winning the Marry-a-Duke Lottery. Between their machinations and a rather surprising revelation near the end, it takes somewhat improbable sleight of hand (me, I was figuring the Pickering Nose would prove convenient after all, but that would’ve been a bit too easy) to give the story its HEA. Oh, and I had hoped for a bit more out of the side stories—the one involving Tessa left me feeling like I’d just choked down a tablespoon of arsenic-laced-Saccharine, and the other felt a little like a come-down for a character I rather liked The series ends with a 3.5. I liked Sophie a lot and her backstory really sold it for me, but some of the other elements of the story seemed a little thin.
The first female descendant who marries a duke, or marries a guy who eventually becomes a duke, inherits the whole bundle. And if anybody speaks of the terms of the will outside the family, the money goes to pay the fines of smugglers.
The third ingénue in the series is awkward Sophie Blake. When Horrible Tessa’s letter came, enclosing a sum of money for a wardrobe and accoutrements and inviting her stepdaughter’s two cousins to London for the Season (where they were to compete for said dukes and duke wannabes), Soph grabbed the money and took the first post chaise to London—by herself.
We’ve learned in previous installments that Soph is tall and skinny (to the point that some rude people have called her a giraffe), and she sports “the Pickering “nose” to her detriment. She’s also bashful to the point of terror around anything with a penis.
In the last installments she met and befriended Graham, the fourth son of the Duke of Edencort, who swept aside her fear by telling her that he’s never going to marry her, so she can just be his pal. They enjoy a cheerful camaraderie now, though in her heart of hearts, Soph can’t help wishing for more.
Graham is unlike his father and three older brothers, who love to hang out together, drink, belch, fart and shoot stuff. They line the walls with trophies from their hunts.
They don’t think much of him, either. Which is just as well, cuz as you might expect, within the first ten or so pages, they became the trophies on the wall of a rogue elephant. Graham is now the D of E. And it turns out that dukes who’ve gone before him haven’t bothered with silly things like keeping up the estates. They’re crumbling around his ears, his dependents are starving, and the moneylenders—not all of whom are the nice kind—want to strip him of everything he owns down to his brass buttons. He’s gotta marry Money, and do it fast.
Soph doesn’t take the news well. I mean, you’d think, knowing that if she marries the duke, she wins the 30,000 pounds ($1.5 million, give or take), she’d be tickled pink. Of course, she can’t tell him about it, so he’s not going to marry her for money. And unfortunately his not-so-ex mistress, Widow Moneybags, is dangling all her favorite assets before his eyes.
Meanwhile, the usual villains are still lurking in the shadows, doing their best to prevent anyone (or at least anyone other than their favorite) from winning the Marry-a-Duke Lottery. Between their machinations and a rather surprising revelation near the end, it takes somewhat improbable sleight of hand (me, I was figuring the Pickering Nose would prove convenient after all, but that would’ve been a bit too easy) to give the story its HEA. Oh, and I had hoped for a bit more out of the side stories—the one involving Tessa left me feeling like I’d just choked down a tablespoon of arsenic-laced-Saccharine, and the other felt a little like a come-down for a character I rather liked The series ends with a 3.5. I liked Sophie a lot and her backstory really sold it for me, but some of the other elements of the story seemed a little thin.
January 5, 2025
Duke Most Wanted by Celeste Bradley; book three of the Heiress Bride series
.
Cover (stepback): 4/5
Story: 3/5
Steam: 🔥 (+kissing, mentioned scenes not on page, fade out)
Ending: HEA with epilogue
Publication: 2008
.
Series or Stand Alone: Could be read as a stand alone, but I feel the series is best enjoyed as a series and read in series order. There is a secondary romance that has been building since book one along with a major subplot and character crossover of importance.
.
England, Regency (1815)
Spare Turned Heir
Socially Akward Lady
Ugly Ducking
Cinderella-ish
Rags to Riches
Bluestocking Heroine
Jealous Hero
Cash Strapped Duke
Major Deception
Poor Relations Heroine
He Falls Hard
German Folktales
Opposites Attract
Friends to Lovers
Inheritance Race
Late Burn
Difficult Family
Fairytale Elements
.
This book was a real letdown. There is so much potential, and the plot twist is wiiiild. However, there are several plot points that I didn't like or agree with the endings of. Just meh.
As for steam, readers will need to hold out until near the end of the book for steam to arrive.
.
Read as a physical copy. Honest review left voluntarily.
.
Content Warning *spoilers likely*:
.
.
.
.
.
De*th of entity family- off page
Attempted S.A- Heroine ties up hero with the intention to have carnal relations with him without prior consent
G*n vi*lence
Mistreated of adopted child
.
Cover (stepback): 4/5
Story: 3/5
Steam: 🔥 (+kissing, mentioned scenes not on page, fade out)
Ending: HEA with epilogue
Publication: 2008
.
Series or Stand Alone: Could be read as a stand alone, but I feel the series is best enjoyed as a series and read in series order. There is a secondary romance that has been building since book one along with a major subplot and character crossover of importance.
.
England, Regency (1815)
Spare Turned Heir
Socially Akward Lady
Ugly Ducking
Cinderella-ish
Rags to Riches
Bluestocking Heroine
Jealous Hero
Cash Strapped Duke
Major Deception
Poor Relations Heroine
He Falls Hard
German Folktales
Opposites Attract
Friends to Lovers
Inheritance Race
Late Burn
Difficult Family
Fairytale Elements
.
This book was a real letdown. There is so much potential, and the plot twist is wiiiild. However, there are several plot points that I didn't like or agree with the endings of. Just meh.
As for steam, readers will need to hold out until near the end of the book for steam to arrive.
.
Read as a physical copy. Honest review left voluntarily.
.
Content Warning *spoilers likely*:
.
.
.
.
.
De*th of entity family- off page
Attempted S.A- Heroine ties up hero with the intention to have carnal relations with him without prior consent
G*n vi*lence
Mistreated of adopted child
May 31, 2022
Started off quite strong. However it kinda devolved into a bit of a mess with some unnecessary drama.
Still - I'm glad to have read it. It was a nice story overall - plain heroine turned into the Belle of the ball, handsome hero, friends to lovers, with some identity issues thrown in for good measure.
Still - I'm glad to have read it. It was a nice story overall - plain heroine turned into the Belle of the ball, handsome hero, friends to lovers, with some identity issues thrown in for good measure.
October 8, 2011
In my opinion, this was the best book of the "Heiress Brides" trilogy, which are the only Celeste Bradley books I've read so far. I decided to give her books a try because she has a reputation for writing humorous historical romances, but I don't feel like the humor really came through in the first two books of the trilogy. I definitely found the humor in this book, though. I particularly enjoyed the scene shortly after Graham inherits where he fuels a bonfire with his father's and brothers' hunting trophies, keeping only a giant stuffed bear which he dubs Sir Fangsalot.
I'm a sucker for Cinderella stories, so I really enjoyed that aspect of the plot. Graham and Sophie/Sadie were both very likeable, sympathetic characters, which was a major improvement over the trilogy's second book as I just could not warm up to either Calder or Deirdre. I also enjoyed the secondary romance between Calder and Deirdre's butler, Fortescue, and Deirdre's lady's maid, Patricia, which had been building throughout the trilogy. The scenes with Stickley and Wolfe, also a carryover from the previous books in the trilogy, were somewhat amusing as well, although Wolfe never made an entirely convincing villain. He seemed too stupid to ever be a serious threat to anyone, though he did manage to pull off a few of his schemes, such as Rafe's kidnapping in the first book. I was glad that he ended up being punished in the end and that Stickley realized the error of his ways.
All in all, even though I wasn't crazy about the first two books of the trilogy, this one was enjoyable enough for me to consider reading some of Celeste Bradley's other books in the future. I've heard good things about the "Liar's Club" series, so maybe I'll give that a try next.
I'm a sucker for Cinderella stories, so I really enjoyed that aspect of the plot. Graham and Sophie/Sadie were both very likeable, sympathetic characters, which was a major improvement over the trilogy's second book as I just could not warm up to either Calder or Deirdre. I also enjoyed the secondary romance between Calder and Deirdre's butler, Fortescue, and Deirdre's lady's maid, Patricia, which had been building throughout the trilogy. The scenes with Stickley and Wolfe, also a carryover from the previous books in the trilogy, were somewhat amusing as well, although Wolfe never made an entirely convincing villain. He seemed too stupid to ever be a serious threat to anyone, though he did manage to pull off a few of his schemes, such as Rafe's kidnapping in the first book. I was glad that he ended up being punished in the end and that Stickley realized the error of his ways.
All in all, even though I wasn't crazy about the first two books of the trilogy, this one was enjoyable enough for me to consider reading some of Celeste Bradley's other books in the future. I've heard good things about the "Liar's Club" series, so maybe I'll give that a try next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2013
3.5 actually. I debated on giving it a higher score but there was one little thing that was central to this book yet came out of nowhere. And...there was something else that I found...off.
Ok, the previous two books were about cousins. There were three cousins. Their mothers were sisters. Sometimes, if the gene pool is mixed enough, siblings don't look precisely alike but these sisters had a Scottish father. The cousins didn't look alike. Ok, I can sort of understand that but... our h, described as exceedingly tall and thin, looked enough like the sibling that she was picked out to be passed off as her daughter. Nothing was ever said that the other two sisters were tall and thin. Hmmm... Oh, and why didn't the cousins address the sibling as "aunt"? She was. For realz. Which is more than Tess was.
It's v. hard to address that, and the closely related out of nowhere plot point without releasing a huge spoiler but... This is something that bugs me - nowhere in the previous two books was it even hinted at that "cousin" Sophie had a big secret. Then you get this book and every now and then a hint would be dropped. Of course, I'm one of those who tends to read the end so I already knew but considering how big the secret was, the hints were rather piddling. It wasn't like the first book where one quickly learns the h's secret. I dunno...
OTOH, this book was really good at wringing emotions out of you, especially near the end where the H finds out the secret all that entails.
Ok, the previous two books were about cousins. There were three cousins. Their mothers were sisters. Sometimes, if the gene pool is mixed enough, siblings don't look precisely alike but these sisters had a Scottish father. The cousins didn't look alike. Ok, I can sort of understand that but... our h, described as exceedingly tall and thin, looked enough like the sibling that she was picked out to be passed off as her daughter. Nothing was ever said that the other two sisters were tall and thin. Hmmm... Oh, and why didn't the cousins address the sibling as "aunt"? She was. For realz. Which is more than Tess was.
It's v. hard to address that, and the closely related out of nowhere plot point without releasing a huge spoiler but... This is something that bugs me - nowhere in the previous two books was it even hinted at that "cousin" Sophie had a big secret. Then you get this book and every now and then a hint would be dropped. Of course, I'm one of those who tends to read the end so I already knew but considering how big the secret was, the hints were rather piddling. It wasn't like the first book where one quickly learns the h's secret. I dunno...
OTOH, this book was really good at wringing emotions out of you, especially near the end where the H finds out the secret all that entails.
May 28, 2015
Tercero de la trilogía las Herederas. Pues este es el más "normal" de los tres, el que cuenta la historia más clásica, y la que menos he disfrutado precisamente porque ninguno de sus dos protagonistas son originales en ningún sentido.
October 30, 2017
leído en Mayo 2011
*4.5 estrellas*
Me encantó... me gustó la trama y los personajes
*4.5 estrellas*
Me encantó... me gustó la trama y los personajes
November 8, 2018
oh lord, this was a freaking mess.. Had to skim through it
April 1, 2021
This book started off good and then it got boring. I skimmed some parts until the full reveal of her true identity and then I thought yes! This is good aaaand it resolved too quickly. Too bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2018
I was browsing my library for an audiobook to listen to on my commute and came across Duke Most Wanted. If I’ve read Bradley before, I don’t remember it. It’s the third in the series, but I don’t feel like I missed anything by skipping the first two. I really enjoyed this book. It was a lot of fun. It even had a plot twist at the end I didn’t see coming, something that rarely happens with me.
Sophie Blake’s grandfather secretly willed his entire fortune to the first of his granddaughter’s to marry a duke. Unlike her cousins, Phoebe and Deirdre, Sophie isn’t interested in finding a Duke, or really any husband at all. First, she’s too plain to ever catch the notice of one. Second, she’s hiding a pretty big secret. Third, she doesn’t want to be married. She’s just enjoying her first taste of freedom. And if she happens to have a slight..infatuation…with the youngest son of a Duke? Well, no one has to know. It’s not like he’d be interested in her, anyway. When one of the most sought after designers in London decides to take her under his wing and transform her, she decides maybe it’s time to do something for herself. It would be too much to hope Graham would notice her, but maybe she could find herself a husband after all.
Graham is doing his best to live up to his responsibility as the youngest son….he drinks, he carouses, he….enjoys spending time with a wallflower. He doesn’t let that one get out, but when his father and three older brothers are killed and he suddenly inherits the title, along with a mountain of debt, Sophie is the only one he wants to tell. Too bad he has to find a rich bride instead of indulging his sudden feelings toward Sophie.
This was such an unexpected gem. I was in the mood for something light and fun, and this hit the spot. I really enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Graham and Sophie. I also liked how blunt and unconventional she was, even through all her shyness with men (except Graham, who put her at ease when they first met by telling her he’d never marry her. While it may sound harsh, it actually relieved her mind so much she was able to relax with him and be herself). I also really enjoyed Graham’s growth over the course of the novel. He’s content to be a philanderer and a rake, until he realizes all the responsibility for their tenants now rests on his shoulders. That isn’t to say he immediately transformed into a paragon of society, but I felt his struggle to do the right thing was very real. Because I felt they had a pretty solid friendship before his father dies, I felt their separation was kind of contrived. It wasn’t really necessary for Sophie to become “someone else” in order to catch is attention (she didn’t do it for that reason, nor did he “notice” her simply because she wore different gowns, but even so, it felt like there was no point in it).
Toward the end there’s a revelation I saw coming, but the way it was related pulled me out of the story. It just seemed to land on the page out of nowhere. I thought I had the entire thing figured out, but there ended up being a major plot twist I didn’t see coming.
While parts of the story were problematic for me (namely Sophie’s transformation, the secondary plot featuring the bumbling idiot who manages the trust, the lack of comeuppance for Tessa the evil chaperone, etc), I can’t deny the story was engaging and fun. I really enjoyed Sophie and Graham.
4 out of 5
Sophie Blake’s grandfather secretly willed his entire fortune to the first of his granddaughter’s to marry a duke. Unlike her cousins, Phoebe and Deirdre, Sophie isn’t interested in finding a Duke, or really any husband at all. First, she’s too plain to ever catch the notice of one. Second, she’s hiding a pretty big secret. Third, she doesn’t want to be married. She’s just enjoying her first taste of freedom. And if she happens to have a slight..infatuation…with the youngest son of a Duke? Well, no one has to know. It’s not like he’d be interested in her, anyway. When one of the most sought after designers in London decides to take her under his wing and transform her, she decides maybe it’s time to do something for herself. It would be too much to hope Graham would notice her, but maybe she could find herself a husband after all.
Graham is doing his best to live up to his responsibility as the youngest son….he drinks, he carouses, he….enjoys spending time with a wallflower. He doesn’t let that one get out, but when his father and three older brothers are killed and he suddenly inherits the title, along with a mountain of debt, Sophie is the only one he wants to tell. Too bad he has to find a rich bride instead of indulging his sudden feelings toward Sophie.
This was such an unexpected gem. I was in the mood for something light and fun, and this hit the spot. I really enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Graham and Sophie. I also liked how blunt and unconventional she was, even through all her shyness with men (except Graham, who put her at ease when they first met by telling her he’d never marry her. While it may sound harsh, it actually relieved her mind so much she was able to relax with him and be herself). I also really enjoyed Graham’s growth over the course of the novel. He’s content to be a philanderer and a rake, until he realizes all the responsibility for their tenants now rests on his shoulders. That isn’t to say he immediately transformed into a paragon of society, but I felt his struggle to do the right thing was very real. Because I felt they had a pretty solid friendship before his father dies, I felt their separation was kind of contrived. It wasn’t really necessary for Sophie to become “someone else” in order to catch is attention (she didn’t do it for that reason, nor did he “notice” her simply because she wore different gowns, but even so, it felt like there was no point in it).
Toward the end there’s a revelation I saw coming, but the way it was related pulled me out of the story. It just seemed to land on the page out of nowhere. I thought I had the entire thing figured out, but there ended up being a major plot twist I didn’t see coming.
While parts of the story were problematic for me (namely Sophie’s transformation, the secondary plot featuring the bumbling idiot who manages the trust, the lack of comeuppance for Tessa the evil chaperone, etc), I can’t deny the story was engaging and fun. I really enjoyed Sophie and Graham.
4 out of 5
April 24, 2021
3.5 stars
This was pretty good. There was a major twist that surprised me. Sophie and Graham grew and changed throughout the book and watching that happen while they realized their feelings was nice.
This was pretty good. There was a major twist that surprised me. Sophie and Graham grew and changed throughout the book and watching that happen while they realized their feelings was nice.
February 28, 2018
Shorter than the first two books in the series. It was okay. I wouldn't recommend reading this series out of order.
March 24, 2021
It's been quite a while since I've read a regency romance novel and this was just what I bwas looking for. It was sweet and romantic and me cheesy grin. I really enjoyed it. 😁
January 1, 2010
Passion, intrigue, mystery, and love. You'll find all of these and more in the pages of Duke Most Wanted. Celeste Bradley does a wonderful job at once again bringing to life a set of characters that readers will want to learn more about-- and not just the main characters either. In fact, as much as I enjoyed seeing Graham and Sophie falling for each other, I think the side story of two of the servants, John and Patricia's love was just as entertaining, if only a bit more brief in length.
Although the mystery and secrets found in this story did throw me for a bit, I came to terms with them in the end, when the hero and heroine get their happy ever after. My only problem was the sudden twist that was thrown into the story with less than 50 pages to go. I won't say what it was, you'll have to read and find out for yourself, but it caught me off guard, and I had a bit of trouble adapting to it for a while. In the end, however, I was able to move on after seeing Graham come to terms with his mistake. I just wish this part had been developed a bit more, since we didn't really get to see how he came to realize what he did wrong, and so quickly forgave Sophie...
I liked Duke Most Wanted much more than I did the previous novel in the series, The Duke Next Door, and I think the main reason for that being so lies in the heroine of the book. Sophie was much easier to connect with than Deidre, whose blonde looks and slightly stuck up and shallow attitude annoyed me.
Unlike her cousins Deidre and Phoebe, Sophie was not the most stunningly beautiful woman in Society, and Graham was able to see from the very beginning that her beauty was more than skin deep, though she wasn't unsightly by any means. Because of this, Sophie was more of a strong- willed heroine, one that changed much in the book from the shy and timid girl in the beginning to the fiery lady who brazenly waltzes in on Graham and his ex-lover, quickly snatching off Lady C's wig and smartly taking her down a few pegs with her witty remarks. Although this particular scene helped Graham to realize his true feelings about Sophie, for me the reader, it provided evidence that the heroine was not just another bubbly bimbo, but one that knows what she wants, and will stop at nothing to get it, even when Society would love to crush her dreams.
The great thing about this book is you could see the connection between the characters, especially Graham and Sophie, and more importantly, you could actually see them falling in love. From just being "friends" at the beginning of this book to doing the well known dance around their feelings for each other, to finally saying "I love you" to one another. It didn't seem rushed or unbelievable, it simply felt like true love between them.
4 STARS! Duke Most Wanted provides not only the right amount of romance and passion between the main characters, but side ones as well, along with a few witty and sarcastic remarks to keep the story going. Add in the slight mystery around the heroine, and the secrets she's been hiding all these years, and you're in for a very delightful read!
Although the mystery and secrets found in this story did throw me for a bit, I came to terms with them in the end, when the hero and heroine get their happy ever after. My only problem was the sudden twist that was thrown into the story with less than 50 pages to go. I won't say what it was, you'll have to read and find out for yourself, but it caught me off guard, and I had a bit of trouble adapting to it for a while. In the end, however, I was able to move on after seeing Graham come to terms with his mistake. I just wish this part had been developed a bit more, since we didn't really get to see how he came to realize what he did wrong, and so quickly forgave Sophie...
I liked Duke Most Wanted much more than I did the previous novel in the series, The Duke Next Door, and I think the main reason for that being so lies in the heroine of the book. Sophie was much easier to connect with than Deidre, whose blonde looks and slightly stuck up and shallow attitude annoyed me.
Unlike her cousins Deidre and Phoebe, Sophie was not the most stunningly beautiful woman in Society, and Graham was able to see from the very beginning that her beauty was more than skin deep, though she wasn't unsightly by any means. Because of this, Sophie was more of a strong- willed heroine, one that changed much in the book from the shy and timid girl in the beginning to the fiery lady who brazenly waltzes in on Graham and his ex-lover, quickly snatching off Lady C's wig and smartly taking her down a few pegs with her witty remarks. Although this particular scene helped Graham to realize his true feelings about Sophie, for me the reader, it provided evidence that the heroine was not just another bubbly bimbo, but one that knows what she wants, and will stop at nothing to get it, even when Society would love to crush her dreams.
The great thing about this book is you could see the connection between the characters, especially Graham and Sophie, and more importantly, you could actually see them falling in love. From just being "friends" at the beginning of this book to doing the well known dance around their feelings for each other, to finally saying "I love you" to one another. It didn't seem rushed or unbelievable, it simply felt like true love between them.
4 STARS! Duke Most Wanted provides not only the right amount of romance and passion between the main characters, but side ones as well, along with a few witty and sarcastic remarks to keep the story going. Add in the slight mystery around the heroine, and the secrets she's been hiding all these years, and you're in for a very delightful read!
March 21, 2012
I am fond of Sophie, when I first read Celeste's story in The Duke Next Door. I find her bookish, plain and just enjoying life as it is.
But when I picked this up, I was wondering, my can't the hero, Graham sees Sophie for herself, when he knows her as just plain Sophie, not the enigmatic Sophie who changed her appearance later. I feel that if the writer has taken the effort to make us connect to the plain Sophie, I would enjoy the story more. I find her turning to beautiful Sophie a tad sour, perhaps because I enjoyed knowing the plain Sophie.
As for the climax, I have never expected it. It is just shocking.
I actually love the rapport between the three cousins, and was wishing there are more scenes engaging the three cousins together.
I enjoyed The Duke Next Door more than this one.
But when I picked this up, I was wondering, my can't the hero, Graham sees Sophie for herself, when he knows her as just plain Sophie, not the enigmatic Sophie who changed her appearance later. I feel that if the writer has taken the effort to make us connect to the plain Sophie, I would enjoy the story more. I find her turning to beautiful Sophie a tad sour, perhaps because I enjoyed knowing the plain Sophie.
As for the climax, I have never expected it. It is just shocking.
I actually love the rapport between the three cousins, and was wishing there are more scenes engaging the three cousins together.
I enjoyed The Duke Next Door more than this one.
September 2, 2025
Listened to on audio.
This started off just fine - the plot is very predictable and I was a little bored. However, some great writing (and humour) saved this book. I really liked the FMC especially who was an excellent blend of vulnerability and spunk. The hero is also fine - not bad but not particularly different either.
The story is a pretty standard historical romance - no real twists or innovation here. The book is kind of pleasant for that - it's not particularly difficult to get through and I enjoyed my time with it. The second half was much better as we got more interaction between the couple.
The book is a third in the series which I haven't read - so maybe I missed some character development and history with this couple. Nothing that for completeness.
The audiobook was good too - I liked the narrator. Again, pleasant experience. Not sure this will stay with me in another few week but it was good break for a few days.
This started off just fine - the plot is very predictable and I was a little bored. However, some great writing (and humour) saved this book. I really liked the FMC especially who was an excellent blend of vulnerability and spunk. The hero is also fine - not bad but not particularly different either.
The story is a pretty standard historical romance - no real twists or innovation here. The book is kind of pleasant for that - it's not particularly difficult to get through and I enjoyed my time with it. The second half was much better as we got more interaction between the couple.
The book is a third in the series which I haven't read - so maybe I missed some character development and history with this couple. Nothing that for completeness.
The audiobook was good too - I liked the narrator. Again, pleasant experience. Not sure this will stay with me in another few week but it was good break for a few days.
August 14, 2013
I enjoyed this book more than I should have. Grandfather writes a will leaving the bulk of his estate to the first of his three granddaughters to marry a duke. Twenty years later, two of the granddaughters are married, one of those almost sure to get the money by having married someone in line for dukedom. Sophie, the third granddaughter(stick thin, tall, glasses, ginger hair) develops a tendre for her third cousin, who is (of course) a handsome rake who is totally out of her league.
The plots and sub-plots get a little complicated, involving big game hunting, dishonest lawyers, murder, cheating, kidnapping, and misunderstandings. The handsome rake runs around in circles, failing to see Sophie right in front of his face until Sophie takes off her glasses in "the famous librarian reveal" and becomes the belle of the ball.
The plots and sub-plots get a little complicated, involving big game hunting, dishonest lawyers, murder, cheating, kidnapping, and misunderstandings. The handsome rake runs around in circles, failing to see Sophie right in front of his face until Sophie takes off her glasses in "the famous librarian reveal" and becomes the belle of the ball.
June 8, 2009
I was surprised to find that I truly loved this book.
It was the first book I read from this author, and I did not have high expectations.
Many romance authors can be drab and boring. However, Celeste Bradley used wit to lighten the mood. She also did not revolve the entire book around lovemaking.
I hate it when every other page is spent on intercourse.
This book was great, because it built up to its sexual potential, while concentrating on the relationship between the characters.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes romance authors who use wit and charm to enchant her readers.
I also feel the need to mention that this book takes what is at first a friendship, and turns it into something magical. (I love the characters "makeover")
It was the first book I read from this author, and I did not have high expectations.
Many romance authors can be drab and boring. However, Celeste Bradley used wit to lighten the mood. She also did not revolve the entire book around lovemaking.
I hate it when every other page is spent on intercourse.
This book was great, because it built up to its sexual potential, while concentrating on the relationship between the characters.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes romance authors who use wit and charm to enchant her readers.
I also feel the need to mention that this book takes what is at first a friendship, and turns it into something magical. (I love the characters "makeover")
February 2, 2010
I have really enjoyed my spurt of getting reacquainted with this author. This book started with a familiar theme for historical romances - "plain" girl is friend of rake and falls for him; rake becomes heir to a title; someone transforms plain girl so rake notices, but now he needs money; and so on. However, a nice little curve ball was thrown in that took the tale in yet another direction before reaching its inevitable HEA.
Someday, when I finally finish plowing through my TBRs more or less alphabetically, I am coming back to Ms. Bradley so I can read all her books that I have missed. She's worth the time and effort.
Someday, when I finally finish plowing through my TBRs more or less alphabetically, I am coming back to Ms. Bradley so I can read all her books that I have missed. She's worth the time and effort.
August 4, 2009
Cute story with a crazy little twist at the end. I didn't expect it and I first thought that it would be detracting. Obviously, I was wrong. Still, the twist caused some issues for me in believing Sophie's character and upbringing.
I actually like the friends to lovers theme, so I really enjoyed this book. It would have been perfect, if it wasn't for that twist. The characters from the previous books make a nice reappearance. The humor was well delivered. I catch myself repeating lines out loud, just to hear it.
I actually like the friends to lovers theme, so I really enjoyed this book. It would have been perfect, if it wasn't for that twist. The characters from the previous books make a nice reappearance. The humor was well delivered. I catch myself repeating lines out loud, just to hear it.
July 15, 2022
1.5
** possible spoilers**
This was boring.
The H was shallow AF (all was forgiven when the $ was back on the table y'all).
The h had to essentially change who she was to get noticed by the H.
The main character Sophie was described on the back as 'quiet & bookish'. That was 100% the reason I picked 'Duke Most Wanted' up to read. Sophie transformed herself into a femme fatale (i.e. she cut her hair, put on a new dress, & activated her bored bitch face), & away went any desire I had to finish what was already a dragging story.
** possible spoilers**
This was boring.
The H was shallow AF (all was forgiven when the $ was back on the table y'all).
The h had to essentially change who she was to get noticed by the H.
The main character Sophie was described on the back as 'quiet & bookish'. That was 100% the reason I picked 'Duke Most Wanted' up to read. Sophie transformed herself into a femme fatale (i.e. she cut her hair, put on a new dress, & activated her bored bitch face), & away went any desire I had to finish what was already a dragging story.
April 2, 2010
This is the last book of a wonderful trilogy! Each time I finish one of Celeste Bradley's books, I need to read another! I loved reading the Trilogy one after another. This author's humorous writing voice is beautiful and fun to read. The romance with the h/h is so passionate and romantic. Perfect read!
February 24, 2013
A delicious Regency read!! Engaging characters and an entertaining plot line. Nice amount of steam to keep the story popping!
They really are quite a pair! Sophie was easily my fav of the cousins!!
I love a lively historical with all the pomp and circumstance! Really enjoyable read!
A fun series.
They really are quite a pair! Sophie was easily my fav of the cousins!!
I love a lively historical with all the pomp and circumstance! Really enjoyable read!
A fun series.
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