Desperately Seeking a Duke
by Celeste Bradley
ISBN: 9780312939687

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. BUT WILL IT BE "I DO"--OR "ADIEU?"

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...

Welcome to the preview of my book, Desperately Seeking a Duke. I hope you enjoy reading it each day and I look forward to any comments or questions you may have. -- Celeste

I have read this book and loved every moment. I couldn't put it down. I have now started to read your second one and have ordered the third one of this series. I just love your books. I'll be watching for them.
Thanks, Betty

Thanks, Betty! I hope you like the next ones just as much. Sophie is my favorite!

Hi Celeste!

Enjoying it so far. Will add you to my list of "to read' authors. Thanks for writing!

Hi Paula! Thanks!

I'm a romatic at heart, you had me by the seond days reading. It will go on my list,
but I just might have to stop by the library and pick this one up.
I love it!!!

Hi Celeste,
I'm enjoying the excerpts of your book! Your bio says you changed majors five times. Just curious -- what did you major in?

My last post didn't make it in--so I'll try again.

I started out as a soil engineering major--seriously! Then it was anthropology (for about five minutes!) then I changed it to telecommunications (to impress a guy!) then I married the guy, then I changed it to theatre but I can't act my way out of a paper bag so it was set design and then I took an art class so I could do better set design and then I changed it to fine art--all so I could become a writer...I honestly have no idea how that happened.

Hi Celeste,

I'm enjoying the emails so much,I picked up the book from the library.

Cool! I think everybody should try the library first--that's where I get my books!

I am loving the preview so much...I can hardly wait until tomorrow...what happens once they dance out on to the terrace??!! I am so caught up that I put your book on top of my queue for Booksfree.com! I'm hooked...can't wait! M.

<big cheesy grin!> I can't tell you--that would be cheating!

Seriously, I'm glad you're enjoying the installments. I had so much fun writing my own version of classic fairy tales!

This books begins fantastically!! I'm lovin it. I love books that resemble my favorite fairy tales. Could you please write one for The Ugly Duckling, or Beauty and the Beast? I love both, and you'd do a fantastic job converting them to a regency romance. Please, please.

Actually, the next book in the Heiress Brides series, THE DUKE NEXT DOOR, is Beauty & the Beast and DUKE MOST WANTED is Cinderella/Ugly Duckling.

Rafe definitely has style! And I think Pheobe shows the promise of spirit I like to see in my romance characters. Looking forward to the rest of the week -- and to looking for this book on the book shelves.

Thanks, Linda! Actually, I'm pretty sure Rafe gets even better as the book goes on! ;)

I just reserved your book at our library. I love "spicy" characters! And - will look for more of your books. When did you start writing? How many books have you writen? Thanks, Lynn

I started writing in 1999 because--as much as I love my girls--I had a really hard time becoming a stay at home mom! After running my own pottery business and having two part-time jobs on the side, I just about lost my tiny little mind on "The Baby Channel, All Babies, All The Time."

So I started reading romances to fill the void and then I started making up my own stories. I decided to write one down. My friend loved it and made me submit it to New York editors and agents. That book, FALLEN, was published in 2001! It was the first thing I'd ever written other than high school creative writing assignments and angsty teen poetry.

I forgot the second part of the question!

I've written 13 books and one novella. Excerpts of all my books can be found on my website CelesteBradley.com

I have a five book series, a four book series, one stand-alone and one novella. The stand-alone is my first book, FALLEN, which can be hard to find except in used bookstores. The novella is in an anthology titled MY SCANDALOUS BRIDE with Christina Dodd, Stephanie Laurens and Leslie Lafoy.

If you want to start at the very beginning (because all my books are interconnected in some way!) I would start with THE PRETENDER.

Did they have rockets then?
"Launch like a rocket, to rain destruction on innocent ballrooms..."

Yes, they did! The Chinese had been developing fireworks for centuries. The English liked them very much and the Prince Regent was prone to setting them off at any opportunity.

I have to go and get this book from the library and if they dont have it, I might just have to go and buy it right away. I know I am a little behind in reading it from the week it was sent out but just reading the first 20 pages, I could not stop.