To Pleasure a Duke by Sara Bennett

Title/Author: To Pleasure a Duke (The Husband Hunter Club #3) by Sara Bennett
Publisher/Date published: Avon Books, November 1st 2011
How I got this book: received it from the publisher through NetGalley

Goodreads summary: "It has taken Eugenie Belmont but a moment to decide whom to marry...
Unfortunately the gentleman in question, the Duke of Somerton, hasn’t yet offered — a mere formality for a confirmed member of the Husband Hunters Club of Miss Debenham’s Finishing School. Like her friends, Eugenie is unwilling to wait demurely until the perfect mate happens by. And, despite the handsome duke’s imposing reputation, she can feel his heated glances in her direction are charged with desire... and possibilities.
Saddled with a dukedom, a haughty dowager, and an irresponsible younger sister, Sinclair St. John is far too occupied with important matters to indulge in romantic whims. But for the first time in his life, a brazen temptress has him utterly distracted. He could — and he should — dismiss her and court someone more befitting his station. But he is irresistibly drawn to this bewitching woman... and must match her game of seduction, move for passionate move."

It's always a good time for historical romances in my opinion, but this time of year with all the cold and the lighting of candles at night and just the general urge to stay inside makes me crave them even more. And this one delivered!

At first I was a bit worried, cause the duke in question really annoyed me with the constant curling of his lip at everything. I mean, obnoxious much? But I'm glad to say Eugenie managed to make him mend his ways pretty soon. He was still haughty and snobbish, but with less lipcurling, so I was good with it.

I really liked Eugenie, I liked how she knew what she wanted and though she knew they were to different in social status for him to propose without scandal, she refused to settle for being his mistress. You go girl! I also liked that her imagination tended to run away with her and get her into trouble.

I SO hated the duke's mother!! I mean, really woman? Discouraging your son from doing things he loves because you don't approve? BAD PARENTING! His sister was also annoying, but more spoiled princess than anything else. I warmed up toward the duke himself over the course of the story, but he was definitely not swoon at first sight for me.

I really enjoyed this novel and the tension between the two main characters was wonderful!
My rating: 4 stars