The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare — Review

The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare
Series: Girl Meets Duke #1
Published by Avon
on August 22nd 2017
Pages: 389
Genres: Historical, Romance


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Reading Challenges: Conquer My TBR

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…

❝You’re mine,❞ he said hoarsely, lifting his head and staring deep into her eyes, willing her to believe.
❝If you leave, I will follow. Do you hear me? I will follow and find you and cart you home.❞

I LOVED THIS BOOK! It had everything: amazing characters, stunning writing and a steamy storyline that had me swooning! 

The Duke of Ashbury desired a wife to continue his lineage. Yet, he didn’t want a partner or a companion, he simply wanted an incubator. After being horrifically injured in war, he was used to people looking at him in horror. When his previous engagement ended he was left feeling that he “deserved nothing more than scraps and shadows of affection, and even then, only in the dark.” 

When Emma barged in demanding money for her services, the Duke decided marrying her would be a win for both. He would get an heir, she would no longer want for money.

❝A broodmare. Hm. I’m not certain I mind that comparison. If you’re a broodmare, that would make me the stud.❞
❝And there,❞ she said, ❝is the injustice of the world in a nutshell.❞

Emma Gladstone had had a difficult time of it the last six years. After being kicked out of her fathers home, she set forth on her own to London. Penniless and without help, she persevered, found a craft and worked as a seamstress.  It was hard work, but Emma was good at it. When she wasn’t paid for the work she’d done for a wedding dress she’d made, Emma had no other choice but to ask the Duke for reimbursement. Even if it was humiliating. Emma didn’t expect to get a marriage proposal out of it. Even though it didn’t offer the four things she’d been craving since she was a child; Understanding. Admiration. Affection. Love. she knew the proposal was too good not to accept, he was a Duke, after all, she would be a fool to say no.

The Duke pushed Emma at every turn and Emma challenged his every move. She was determined to make him see the beautiful person he was, not the monster he’d been made to believe.

❝It’s not pity or distaste that worries you. You’re not afraid of rejection. You welcome it. But if you’re seen for everything you are—the strengths and the flaws, the beauty and the scars—you might have to believe you’re wanted. Loved. Really, truly, honestly, earnestly, properly.❞
She pressed her forehead to his. ❝And completely.❞

If I could shout my love for this book from the mountain tops I would! The banter was hilariously written, making me cheer this couple on. The strength and fortitude Emma exhibited made me wish she were my friend!

❝That can’t be entirely true. You’re a seamstress, aren’t you? Your fingers are for let.❞
❝If you don’t know the difference between a woman’s fingers and her womb, I would definitely not share a bed with you.❞

This may only be the second book I’ve read penned by this author, but I am a huge fan! A story about the healing powers of unconditional love, ‘The Duchess Deal’  was romance at its best!

 

 

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• Conquer My TBR

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