A review by wellreadandhalfdead
The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

emotional funny lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a delightfully modern take on the Regency romance. Instead of a virginal shrinking violet, the heroine Emma is a more feminist imagining of a protagonist, with more agency and more nuance than you might find otherwise. Ashbury, the hero, is equally as nuanced, although kind of a jerk (trauma does not excuse poor behavior). The awkward situations the author puts these two in were very amusing, and the blossoming feelings left me charmed. While funny, I think some of the humor detracts from emotional moments in a record-scratch-type deflation of tension that I wasn't a fan of. The plot was a little bizarre but if you can suspend your disbelief, this book is a great time.
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