November 22, 2010
In Dreiling's whimsical debut, matchmaker Tessa Mansfield meets her greatest challenge yet in Tristan James Gatewick, the duke of Shelbourne. Under pressure to find a wife, Tristan employs Tess, who comes up with an alarming and unconventional proposition: she presents him with two dozen single young ladies, from whom he must select a single candidate. Despite the implausibility of Regency speed-dating, the book works well when dealing with the candidates and the wealth of subplots arising from their friendships, alliances, and rivalries. Less rewarding is the heavy-handed attraction between Tessa and Tristan, with a conclusion even more foregone than usual. The usual villain from the past makes an appearance, but might have been better left out in order to spend more time with the potential brides.