In her fourth season, Miss Madelyn Haywood ignored society's snickers that she's a social disaster. After listening to her stepmother's constant criticisms over the last 10 years, Madelyn is immune to their ridicule. Her attendance at the social event of the season is only to shield her best friend, Charlotte, from getting her heart broken over a self-centered rogue. That vain rake is the Duke of Wolverest's younger brother, Tristan. The duke shocks society with the news that he plans to announce seven suitable young ladies to join him at his estate for a fortnight where his younger brother will pick a bride from the lucky candidates.

Gabriel, the Duke of Wolverest, hopes his scheme to find a wife for Tristan will result in Tristan settling down and taking his heritage seriously. With high hopes, Gabriel has engineered the perfect plan. Perfection is always his goal -- he cannot accept anything less. Gabriel rejects marriage with its compromises and the emotions it entails. Too messy and complicated, he desires only mistresses who he can control with money. His self-control is legendary, that is until he meets Madelyn.

She hits him in the head with a lemon, gets stung by a bee, falls in the pond and dresses in bodices too tight with breasts that threaten to fall out at any minute. He cannot keep his eyes off her. This half American is a walking social catastrophe that's far from perfection. Gabriel knows she's impossible, but he cannot keep away from her.

AT THE BRIDE HUNT BALL is a witty Regency romp with sparkling dialogue and laughable antics. Ms. Parker's new tale is a pleasure to read. Fans of Julia Quinn should flock to this little gem.