by Michelle McLean
narrated by Clare Staniforth
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Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke by Michelle McLean is a charming historical romance featuring a marriage of convenience with some steam. I listened to the audiobook, which clocks in at eight hours and is narrated by Clare Staniforth.
Arabella Bromley would rather curl up with a book than go to a ball, but then her older sister ran away with a man below her station. She brews up a scheme and propositions the rakish Duke of Whittsley: she’ll provide him the heir he desperately needs if he helps save the reputation of her family.
I’ve previously read some historical cowboy romances by this author, which I enjoyed. I started this book during a road trip; it was my turn to drive, and my partner said he didn’t mind me listening to an audiobook in a genre he doesn’t typically read because he planned to take a nap. But then he got INVESTED.
This was his first historical romance and first romance read in general. There was great banter and chemistry between our lead characters here. We laughed out loud quite a bit, and he said “that was a really good line” several times. He also told me this would make a good rom-com movie.
There’s some miscommunication in here, which is not one of my favorite tropes. He kept muttering “most of these issues would be solve if they just TALKED TO EACH OTHER.” Now he understands my pain.
I typically enjoy romances as “brain candy.” This totally fit the bill and overall I really enjoyed it! I really identified with Arabella. As a reader who enjoys delving into books to escape from real life, I felt very seen here.
Tropes: bluestocking, marriage of convenience, miscommunication, Victorian
I received a copy of this book to review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
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