a review of the duchess deal by tessa dare

A Review of The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

Introduction

 

This is a book review of The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare, a historical romance where the hero and heroine entered into a marriage of convenience which eventually turned into real love. It is an enjoyable and light read with superb writing. If you are into historical romance books and the blurb interest you, check my book review of The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare below and learn if this story is for you.

 

Goodreads Blurb

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…

Book Estuary Review

The Scarred Hero

It tells the story of the Duke of Ashbury who was severely scarred in the battle of Waterloo. He returned to London and lived a secluded life because of his hideous scars. However, being a responsible Duke who knew that he had to take care of his estate and his people, he came to accept that it is part of his duty to produce an heir to continue his legacy.

 

The Heroine – the seamstress of H’s ex

One day, Emma who is a seamstress came to his study while wearing a bridal gown that she made for the Duke’s ex-fiancee. She insisted on collecting the fee for her labor in making the uncollected gown. The Duke came up with a sudden idea and propositioned Emma to marry him with given conditions that the marriage will be just a marriage of convenience with the main goal of just impregnating Emma so she can produce an heir for him. These conditions also include that there should be no affection and more importantly there should be no acts of love or any actions that would lead them to fall in love with each other.

 

Falling Inlove and the Ex Drama

But, like all romantic stories, the Duke and the seamstress turned Duchess fell in love. The story also tackles the sensationalized story of the monster of Mayfair who is actually the Duke himself with his very useful and charming sidekick, Trevor. Of course, there is the ex-fiancee causing trouble and wanting to bring down Emma. There are also other characters like the Duke’s butler – Khan, Emma’s vicar father, Emma’s friend Ms. Palmer and many others who made this story more enjoyable.

 

This story manifests that falling in love is not based on looks, love is felt when there is genuine caring and when it comes from within. And, when two people support each other in any way possible, they can create a great pair that can overcome any obstacles.

 

Overall

Though the story is not an extraordinarily great romantic read, it is quite enjoyable and a light-read. The writing style is also very historical and I think it is done in a believable way as if it is actually written in that era. This is my first read of Tessa Dare’s work and I enjoyed it. I will surely be on the lookout for her other books. I give this book my 4.5-star rating.

 

More Historical Romance Book Reviews

A Review of Someone to Wed (Westcott #3) by Mary Balogh – A marriage of convenience turned to love built on friendship and respect.

 

*This review was originally posted on steemit.com.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Book Title: The Duchess Deal (Girl Meets Duke #1)
Author: Tessa Dare 
Publication Date: August 22, 2017
Print Length: 288 pages
My Rating: 4.5-star
Goodreads Link
Buy on Amazon

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.