How to Dance With a Duke

Ugly Duckling Trilogy, Book 1

By: Manda Collins

Narrated by: Anne Flosnik

Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Miss Cecily Hurston would much rather explore the antiquities of Egypt than the uncharted territory of marriage. But the rules of her father's exclusive academic society forbid her entrance unless she weds one of its members. To clear her ailing father's name of a scandalous rumor, Cecily needs to gain admission into the Egyptian Club-and is willing to marry any old dullard to do it. Lucas Dalton, Duke of Winterson, is anything but dull. He's a dashing and decorated war hero determined to help Cecily-even if that means looking the other way when she claims the dance card of Amelia Snow, this season's most sought-after beauty. But Lucas has a reason for wanting Cecily to join the Egyptian Club: His brother went missing during one of Lord Hurston's expeditions to Egypt. An alliance with the explorer's bluestocking daughter could bring Lucas closer to the truth about what happened....or it could lead him to a more dangerous love than either he or Cecily could have imagined.

©2012 Manda Collins (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Collins' debut delivers a fast-paced, adventurous love story that will enthrall [listeners]. Her dynamic characters, a murder and passion combine with the perfect amount of lively repartee." ( Romantic Times)

Mystery and romance

What did you love best about How to Dance With a Duke?

If you like Amanda Quick books, you'll love this one. It reminded me of her earlier books.
It has wit, murder, attempted murder, mystery, romance and its sexy. Throw in a good looking Duke, and you've got it all. Very good story. You won't get bored half way through it like so many.

What about Anne Flosnik’s performance did you like?

Love Anne Flosnik. She always adds so much to an audible book.

Can't finish

I just can't finish because of the narrator. I usually avoid this narrator, who gives a somewhat dreary, monotone, whispery, and choppy style. I thought I'd give her one more try, but I cant finish this one either. Some of her characters are well done, but the overall tone is not for me.

just a really nice read

Not much wrong with this book. I liked the characters in this one, and their actions seemed reasonable, given the time and place. A nice bit of mystery and danger, but of course with a HEA ending. Solid narration. Definitely a good choice for lovers of Regency Romance.

eh

narrator was good but this isn't worth a full price credit. if you want it, wait for it to go on sale.

Can't wait to listen to the next two books.

Very good story, mystery and romance. The best narration and I will listen to this story again.

Wanted to like it but struggled

I really liked the concept of a trilogy about 3 wallflower cousins, and I love Regency romances featuring strong & unique heroines. That said, this book was a challenge to get through. The plot is filled with coincidences and questions. Why was a young woman wearing ugly dresses and bonnets when all that was needed to make her popular was an attractive gown? Why were there no expectations of her as a duchess? Why did a past relationship so traumatize her in the second half of the book when she had no reaction other than mild embarrassment during the first half? I downloaded this one as part of my Romance package, but even at free I can’t recommend.

Hated the narrator

Figured out the villain early, and the story just went on and on and on. Narrator was awful. Bad voicing of characters, no emotion. Would have returned the book if I could have.

Doesn't live up to its potential

What a poorly plotted mess of a book! I'm sorry I wasted my money on it. The worst of it is, the book had real potential. The author writes well, has some interesting turns of a phrase and makes some nice incidental observations. The broad outlines of the plot are promising--the bluestocking Egyptologist and the former Army officer turned unexpected Duke meet when both are investigating the aftermath of an expedition to Egypt in which his brother went missing and her father had an apoplexy, leaving him unable to speak. From there, unfortunately, the plot went completely off the rails and left the characters behaving like complete ninnies. By the end, I thought they were among the stupidest, shallowest people I'd ever spent time with. It didn't have to turn out that way by any means. I think the author could develop into a decent one if she had a really good editor who could point out the idiocies and inconsistencies in her plotting and characters' motivations. Alas, I suspect that won't happen. Don't waste your time with this.

Contains sexual scenes

Any additional comments?

Not a traditional regency because of the sex scenes. Otherwise a fair story. Narrator was fine. I'd rather read Georgette Heyer type novels with lots of romance and history but no overt sex scenes.

The Worst Voiceover in History

This was the WORST voicing of a story I have ever heard. 12 minutes in and I'm done! The woman cuts sentences apart so you can't follow her. Voiceovers are supposed to let sentences flow - not this one. Do not buy.

Story may be great - I'd buy it and read it rather than listen to it.