Audiobook Review: The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare
SYNOPSIS:
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…
Review:
This book was everything I didn't know I needed. My first ever historical romance and it was absolute perfection! I loved listening to this book. Ashbury was so grumpy and so funny, I was keeling over listening to his wit. His Shakespearean name calling and gruff attitude was delivered perfectly from the narrator. Emma was modern and feminist, I loved that she was strong willed and independent. She meets a group of independent ladies that become her girl gang, I loved this side story! She also tries to help out a friend in need and that storyline definitely shows her character. I had all the swoon eyes, all the giddy and gleeful feelings. This book is a gem!
I am now obsessed with Mary Jane Wells (narrator) and Tessa Dare. Dare is brilliant! This is a historical romance that feels modern which totally worked for me. I definitely think listening to this over reading for my first historical read was the right choice. MJW delivered each line so well and the jokes hit hard! I think I would have missed the humor if I read it over listening just because I would have gotten caught up in the jargon. I've already downloaded The Governess Game, book 2 in the Girl Meets Duke series!
