10 Rules for Marrying a Duke

10 Rules for Marrying a Duke, Book 1

By: Michelle McLean

Narrated by: Clare Staniforth

Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Bookish Arabella Bromley never gave a fig for society's rules—until her sister ran off with a man below her station. Now Arabella is desperate to restore her family's ruined reputation to favor amongst the ton. She'll have to marry quickly and well. But in order to carry off her plan, Arabella needs a duke . . . and she has just the rakish fellow in mind.

The Duke of Whittsley has an ungentlemanly tendency to disregard the rules. Unfortunately, a sense of mischief doesn't excuse a high-ranking noble from family duty—especially where it concerns producing a son. And that's where he can't quite resist Arabella's distinctly outrageous plan: if he saves her family, she'll give him an heir.

Now the deal's been struck. They have one year to achieve their goals and ten iron-clad rules to keep them on track. Like long, scorching kisses and ensuring they're both exquisitely satisfied. And the only thing that could ruin their plan is the one thing they never planned on: love.

Contains mature themes.

©2022 Michelle McLean (P)2022 Tantor

Nice bit of fluff

The narration was a bit rough but other than that the storyline did not require a great deal of concentration making the book an easy listen. The story moved along with humor towards a predictable conclusion. I enjoyed the first third best. The action, character development, and conflicts were interesting and provided a basis for anticipating how the story would move forward eg any unexpected plot twists. Unfortunately the latter two thirds of the book was void of surprises and unique approaches to a rather routine storyline. I recommend this book to those looking for a “snack” rather than a “dinner.”

Sweet story

This was a sweet story. I first read it and later listened to the audiobook because I enjoyed the story so much. Unfortunately, I found the narration distracting. It was mostly because of a somewhat strange emphasis on syllables or words that didn’t make sense. In general, it made everyone sound older than they were in the story. Maybe it was just not how I’d heard it in my head while reading, but I’m not sure I would’ve made it through the story had I encountered the audiobook first. I did like the voice she used for the main character but the male voices were off-putting.

Great story

Even though at times I was very frustrated with the misunderstandings. Overall a fast, humorus read

was ready for it to end

It's an ok book. I've heard worse. The incessant contract negotiations and rule-setting at the beginning were a bit tiresome after a while, but then I had to remind myself of the title of the book. The narration is pretty good and had a good flow. The most tiresome aspect of the book, and what had me so ready for it to end, was the silly, immature, indulgent refusal to communicate feelings on the part of both of the main characters, because "it's better this way". Good God. Maybe that was the way it was for the Victorian aristocracy...they were rich, bored, and had to create their own unnecessary drama. Silly. I realize that was the author trying to create a conflict in the story to set up the climactic ending to be some kind of romantic triumph, but I just found myself rolling my eyes and thinking "geez, grow up" several times in the last few chapters. Meh!