REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard
The Duchess Deal by Tessa DareMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
The Duchess Deal takes a less-used trope that I have previously enjoyed in contemporary books. I can't reveal what this theme is but I loved that context for the story and it is this theme that brokers 'duchess deal'. Emma is a lowly seamstress but previously a gentlewoman. Emma had courage and the spark needed to negotiate and spar with the Duke of Ashbury aka lambkins, sweetmeat, precious angel muffin (you had to be there).
Tessa Dare rolled out her delectable humour from the first chapter and what I love about this is the humour never detracts from the underlying story that has seriousness and heart aching moments. When Ash first claps eyes on Emma, he doesn't quite know what to make of her.
"He was blinded. Not by her beauty-though he supposed she might be beautiful. It wasn't possible to judge. Her gown was an eye-stabbing monstrosity of pearls, lace, brilliance and beads."
Life has been pretty tough on Ashbury and he's such a cantankerous personality but he definitely has a slice of the endearing about him. I felt compassion for him and I wanted the nice side of him that was buried to shine through. The ups and downs of Ash made for absorbing reading.
"Fortune was a heartless witch in perpetual anticipation of her monthly courses. And didn't Ash know it."
The story was excellent with depth and some predictability that didn't detract from enjoyment at all. The friends that emma developed in her new role in life were great side characters, as were Khan and Breeches. I suspect some of those friends may be part of the series as it evolves and I am excited about reading more from this eclectic mix of women.
Highly recommended for all fans of Dare and any new readers wishing for that unusual combination of rom-com historical style.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through Edelweiss in return for an honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
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