Cecily Hurston is committed to the study and exploration of the antiquities of Egypt. Though she has inherited her passion from her parents, her father has been determined for years to keep her away from studies of the mind and make sure she has the interests of a proper lady. He fears that the intellectual pursuits contributed to the death of his wife and wants to ensure his daughter does not encounter the same fate. When her father is incapacitated during the return trip from an archeological trip to Egypt, Cecily is determined to complete his work. To do so she must gain admittance into her father's exclusive academic society which only admits women married to members. Cecily expects to marry at some point so why not a member of the society who can help her reach her objective?

Storming away from the building after being denied admittance by the society she runs into Lucas Dalton, Duke of Winterson, who is less than cordial. First he thinks she's after him for his title. When he realizes she is the daughter of the man who may be have killed his brother he is even colder. Dalton's brother worked for Cecily's father and went missing after the expedition. Now the Duke wants to know what happened to his brother. Soon Cecily and Dalton find themselves working together to find her a husband and discover the truth about what happened in Egypt.

HOW TO DANCE WITH A DUKE, the first book in Manda Collins' Ugly Duckling trilogy, is an appealing blend of history, mystery, and romance. The series centers on three cousins who use the miss-placed dance card of the most popular girl of the season to facilitate their entrance into society. This exciting debut novel is full of interesting characters and engaging plot twists. Cecily is smart and determined and Dalton is handsome and suitably appreciative of her intellect. As a bonus, the cover is beautiful. I look forward to reading the next books in the series.

Book Summary

SHE'S IN NEED OF A PARTNER

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.

AND HE HAS ALL THE RIGHT MOVES

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....

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