The Duchess Deal (Girl Meets Duke, #1) by Tessa Dare Series: Girl Meets Duke #1
Published by Avon on August 22, 2017
Pages: 389
Genres: Historical Romance
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When girl meets Duke, their marriage breaks all the rules…
Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.
His terms are simple:
- They will be husband and wife by night only.
- No lights, no kissing.
- No questions about his battle scars.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own:
- They will have dinner together every evening.
- With conversation.
- And unlimited teasing.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love…
I had high expectations for The Duchess Deal, and while it is definitely entertaining, I didn’t love it the way I expected. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more had I not recently read a truly excellent historical romance with a marriage of convenience theme. I don’t know, but 3.5 stars is still pretty darned good.
For an impoverished woman, Emma seems remarkably blasé about the perks of being a duchess, including having money. The Duke of Ashbury is sullen, cold, and impersonal. Nonetheless, Emma is instantly drawn to him. I loved her teasing and his wry sense of humor. Ash’s insecurity and vulnerability are appealing, but only up to a point. After awhile his woe-is-me attitude grows tiresome. Fortunately, their mocking exchanges inject a great deal of fun into their relationship.
While I enjoyed their blossoming romance, I wasn’t invested in the rest of the story. The silly side plot involving Ash’s alter ego held little interest for me. Emma’s poorly hatched plan to help a friend is also less than satisfying.
For me, The Duchess Deal was an enjoyable read. It just wasn’t a page-turner.
About Tessa Dare
Tessa Dare is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fourteen historical romance novels and five novellas. Her books have won numerous accolades, including Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award (twice) and the RT Book Reviews Seal of Excellence. Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance,” and her books have been contracted for translation in more than a dozen languages.
Mixing wit, sensuality, and emotion, Tessa writes Regency-set romance novels that feel relatable to modern readers. With her bestselling “Spindle Cove” and “Castles Ever After” series, she has had great fun creating heroines who defy the conventions of their time—engaging in “unladylike” pursuits that range from paleontology to beer-making—and dreaming up the strong-willed, sexy heroes who find their hearts ensnared by them.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, their two children, and a trio of cosmic kitties.
I’m sorry this one wasn’t a big hit for you. feel like I’ve been seeing Tessa Dare’s book everywhere lately. I’m not normally a historical romance gal, but I’m considering reading one of her books. Guess I’ll start with a different one after reading your review.