Calder Marbrook, the Marquis of Brookhaven and also nicknamed 'The Beast' by the Ton was left at the altar by his fiancé for his half-brother. Calder, actually was an integral part of getting those two together because he realized how much they were in love with each other. But this hasn't stopped the gossip about him running rampant all over England and adds fuel to the fire, especially since most believe he killed his first wife as she left him for her lover. Now Calder must find a new bride, mainly for his unruly daughter, Meggie.

Deidre Cantor decides to sacrifice herself to The Beast, even though she doesn't think of him that way. She has adored Calder ever since she saw him at a ball and will recommend herself to become his wife since her cousin did leave him for another man. Plus, when Calder becomes a Duke she will be able to inherit the thirty thousand pounds promised to her by her grandfather. He left a stipulation in his will that they only way any of his granddaughters will be able to receive this hefty inheritance is to marry a duke.

Calder is quite shocked when Deidre comes to him with her proposal. But he has no where else to turn and Deidre is quite lovely to look at. They have a quick marriage ceremony where Deidre believes her life will be much better, especially after being under the thumb of her cold step-mother. But both these newly-weds are for in quite a surprise as Calder refuses to share her bed, expects her to obey his every rule and make his daughter into a young lady and not a hoyden. Deidre will use her own wiles to get what she wants and that is to have Calder fall in love with her.

Celeste Bradley has done it again! THE DUKE NEXT DOOR is her second book in the Heiress Brides series and this historical romance is adorable and a bit zany, but such a wonderful read. Deidre is a heroine with a lot of sass and gumption and Calder is a goner because his every thought is about seducing Deidre. Don't be surprised if you find yourself laughing out loud at the antics of Deidre and Calder's daughter, Meggie. There are also an excellent set of secondary characters who add spice to the tale such as Calder's butler Fortescue who is in love with the lively Irish maid, Patricia and Deidre's comical step-cousin Graham and his growing admiration for Deidre's dowdy and intelligent cousin Sophie.

Mischief, laughs and romance make for a great read and THE DUKE NEXT DOOR has it all. I know for certain I will pick up the next book by Celeste Bradley and I urge you to do the same!