THE DUCHESS DEAL (GIRL MEETS DUKE #1)

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… 

Release Date: August 22, 2017

Avon

Girl Meets Duke #1

Historical Romance

Copy provided by publisher at RWA

Liza's Review:

Tessa Dare became an auto-buy author for me from the moment I read her very first book, Goddess of the Hunt. I love she writes such strong heroines and her voice pulls me in from the very first page with every single book.

The Duchess Deal is such an amazing book. I was pulled into the story from the very first page. Emma Gladstone is such a strong character. She has been taking care of herself since her father kicked her out of the house at 16. When she goes to the Duke of Ashbury's home to collect payment for the wedding dress she made for his former fiancée, she has not idea how much her life was about to change.

Ash has pretty much become a recluse since retuning from the war with major burn scars on his face. He definitely isn't your usual hero as he only wants a wife to provide him with an heir, and he is so bitter when we first meet him. I love that Emma was strong enough to meet his challenge but add conditions of her own. I honestly felt like Emma knew there was so much more to Ash than he saw in himself any longer.

There was a slow build up to the romance between Ash and Emma, and it totally worked for them as a couple. I loved seeing the more time they started spending together, the more time Ash wanted with Emma. I also loved that Ash became so protective of Emma and wanted to go after anyone who had ever hurt her. I also adored that neither Emma nor Ash could keep their hands off each other. There was both a sweetness and steaminess to their lovemaking as their relationship progressed. I absolutely loved them as a couple.

The Duchess Deal is another winner from Tessa Dare. As with all of her books, I didn't want the story to end. I highly recommend The Duchess Deal and can't wait for the next book in the series.

Rating: 5 Stars (A)