Review: How to Dance with a Duke by Manda Collins

Author: Manda Collins
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: January 2012

 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

How to Dance with a Duke is a historical romance that I have had on my shelf for a long time.  I wish I hadn't waited so long to read it.  Cecily wants to have access to her father's diaries that might be able to prove he was not part of a scandal.  The only problem is that the society does not admit women.  Lucas's brother went missing and might have been a part of the scandal.  He is willing to help Cecily if it means he gets to the truth.

I thought this was a fun romance with a bit of a mystery and intrigue thrown in.  There is the hunt for Lucas's brother as well as for finding the missing diaries.  I did have an inkling as to who was behind it all, but there were still some surprises.  The mystery was a nicely balanced with the romance.  It was a lot of fun watching this couple fall for each other.  They suited nicely and were such a sweet couple.  I definitely recommend this one.  I can't wait to read the next book.