Reviews with content warning for Ableism - The Duchess Deal

Reviews tagging 'Ableism'

The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

12 reviews

kaitrates's review

emotional hopeful

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

'You're here,' he repeated, taking her hand and drawing it against his chest, right above his pounding heartbeat. 'In my heart. Somehow you crashed your way into it when I wasn't looking. The same way you barged into my library, I supposed. But you're here now, inside. Emma, you're the very life of me.'

BRB don't mind me completely SWOONING over this gorgeous, funny, steamy romance.

This was my first Tessa Dare book (though I apparently read a short story of hers in a Christmas anthology years ago) and it absolutely won't be my last. I had a blast!

So many surprising and funny moments in this! From Ash moonlighting as a vigilante (LOVE) to the many sex scenes to our badass girl group.

I've taken a long break from histrom, mostly because my taste in books has evolved. It feels good to "come home" and find unexpected disability rep in a type of book that I've definitely become less likely to pick up in recent years (namely those by white authors featuring characters who are white, cishet, conventionally attractive, thin, and appearing pre-disabled).

What kept this from being a true 5 star for me is that I wanted it to rooted in a bit more of a disability justice lens. I wanted more from Ash's character arc related to his scarring and chronic pain, as well as his identity as disabled. I wanted him to reckon with his sense of self, his internalised ableism and pretty privelege. I also chaff at the fact that this is apparently a beauty and the beast retelling because of his disability? ICK.

All in all, I really enjoyed this and am eager to dive into the rest of the series.

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yoohanna's review

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funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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boundbyemily's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

“Don’t love me.”
The words came unbidden from his throat. Not a thought, but a plea.
“Too late,” she whispered in his ear.
“Don’t tell me so. Don’t say the words.”
“I love you.” She cupped his face in her hands and brushed a kiss to his lips. “I love you so much.”

Beauty and the Beast meets Batman — this story had all the delectable b&tb tropes with a more brazen and strong willed fmc. A definite must read if you like historical romance!

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