Tessa Dare The Duchess Deal: Girl Meets Duke

Last updated date: June 17, 2019

DWYM Score

8.7

Tessa Dare The Duchess Deal: Girl Meets Duke

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We looked at the top Romance Novels and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Romance Novel you should buy.

Update as August 6, 2023:
Check out The Best Romance Novel for a detailed review of all the top romance novels.

Overall Take

In our analysis of 46 expert reviews, the Tessa Dare The Duchess Deal: Girl Meets Duke placed 3rd when we looked at the top 7 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

When girl meets Duke, their marriage breaks all the rules…

Expert Reviews

Expert Summarized Score

8.4
12 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

9.4
781 user reviews

What experts liked

Secondary characters are well delineated. Trevor, the “Monster of Mayfair’s” young follower, Lady Penelope and her little circle, and Ash’s servants, all not above a bit of scheming to force the duke into a long hoped-for romance with his wife of convenience, are deftly and delightfully depicted with large doses of humor.
- New York Journal of Books
I found The Duchess Deal to be an enjoyable and light-hearted read. Ms. Dare has crafted some great supporting characters who I hope to learn more about in future books.
- All About Romance
I think the humor is what ultimately sold me. Throughout the book and the rushed marriage of convenience, the Duke of Ashbury only wants to be called “Duke” or “Ashbury” by his new wife and she’ll have none of that. She spends many scenes coming up with new and ridiculous pet names for her husband that had me cracking up more often than not, especially when she got her new “misfit” friends to help her out.
- Novel Knight
August 7, 2017 | Full review
The Duchess Deal has great secondary characters. Emma’s new friends are fun, and it looks like Lady Penelope Campion (animal rights activist), mad scientist/baked Nicola Teague, and clock enthusiast/engineer Alexandra Mountbatten will make up the rest of Tessa Dare’s Girl Meets Duke Series. Trevor, Robin to Ash’s Batman, is a really sweet and intelligent boy.
- We So Nerdy
August 22, 2017 | Full review
All I can say is that after finishing the book (at 2 am in the morning, no less), my heart was just full of love. This was definitely another successful work for Dare! (And look at that cover – absolutely gorgeous.)
- One Way or An Author
September 1, 2017 | Full review
This book was fabulous - can I leave it at that and call it a day? This book made me smile, giggle, swoon, fan myself, and swoon all over again. I adore marriage of convenience stories, and this one did not disappoint.
- The Eater of Books
The whole thing is concluded and both parties are happy. Emma gets her way and Ashbury realizes that he has been an idiot. All’s well that ends well.
- Literary Weaponry
This was a great story, I must say. I love Dare’s writing and I love the sense of humor that she instills in her characters. In this book Ashbury has a very dry wit and he never hesitates to bring it forth. I loved the banter between Ash and Emma and wanted more and more.
- Book Binge
There is a wounded, self-deprecating, yet still confident hero, a strong, bright, loving heroine, wonderful humor, true romance, and plenty of steam. THE DUCHESS DEAL is beautifully written, and has everything I need in a book – it’s definitely on my favorites list for this year and I already can’t wait to read it again!
- Roses Are Blue
Their chemistry is electric, which made all the deals and negotiations and lackluster ceremony all the more delightful. Humor, staff meddling, and an obnoxious cat provided entertainment. I loved this beauty and the beast courtship. The arrangement trope is one of my favorites and Dare breathed new life into it.
- Caffeinated Book Reviewer
I loved the dynamic between the two and watching their love grow, the trust develop and how each character in turn learned the value of self-worth, mutual affection, the power of attention and how to move forward with life and let yourself be happy.
- Dallas Single Mom
August 23, 2017 | Full review

What experts didn't like

Some readers might have a difficult time with Ash’s initial proposal to Emma. It comes completely out of the blue, and it does require you to just go with things that don’t make a great deal of sense at first.
- All About Romance
This book starts off a bit rough. You’re given very little background information and thrust right into the thick of things without much to go off of in terms of the characters, their personalities, and their desires. I wasn’t really a fan of how the romance began with the duke simply pursing Emma because “she would do.”
- Novel Knight
August 7, 2017 | Full review
If I am to offer critique, I’d say that there are several interesting secondary storylines that are opened up, but never really explored or resolved in a way fulfilling way.
- We So Nerdy
August 22, 2017 | Full review
I have to admit, after reading pretty much most of her works, there were some familiar tropes she used that were also seen in other books as well.
- One Way or An Author
September 1, 2017 | Full review
There is one tiny part of the climax that I didn't love, because it involves Ashbury swallowing his pride when Emma should have also swallowed hers. I definitely agree with Ashbury manning up and doing this and that, but I also think Emma should have backed down and swallowed her pride too.
- The Eater of Books
If you are the type that doesn’t like explicit sex scenes, I will say that this book isn’t for you. They have intercourse multiple times and it is talked about nearly every other page. But, for a Valentine’s Day read, it wasn’t too shabby at all.
- Literary Weaponry

Romance Novel Overview

  • If you are new to the romance novel genre and not sure what author you’ll like, take a trip to your local library before buying the book. This will help you get an idea of the authors and their styles before you build your personal library up with the genre.
  • Try a book in each sub-genre that interests you so you don’t get stuck in a rut of the same sub-genre every time you go for a good romance novel.
  • There are multiple sources for accessing romance novels: brick-and-mortar book stores, online book stores, e-book subscriptions, audiobook subscriptions and libraries.
  • A large influence in the world of books is the publishing company that backs an author. Research the top publishers in the romance novel genre and that will help you find an excellent author and wonderful romance novel.
  • Asking for recommendations from friends is always a great way to discover a good romance novel and romance novel author.
  • Always be sure to read the back cover and the description and ask for a sample if you are in a book store.
  • Online resources offer listings of popular romance novel authors and popular romance novels for your convenience. Check those out before buying.

Buying Advice

Picking out a new book is always a treat and a tough decision. There are so many choices, especially in the romance genre. Using consumer reviews alongside the summaries can help you decide which romance novel is going to captivate you the most. When choosing, you’ll have to ultimately consider the writing style you prefer, but there are a few underlying similarities in the top-rated romance novels out there today.

Two main kinds of romance novels are available to readers: series romances and single-title romances. If you are the type who doesn’t like a book to end, go for the series romance novels for a riveting ride. For a quick vacation read, opt for a single-title romance novel for a simple storyline and quick resolution.

There are two features of a novel that the majority of readers expect in a romance novel. There should always be a main storyline that is extremely saturated with the theme of love. There can be countless subplots so long as there is a clear relationship plot happening. The second aspect is that the ending should be filled with emotional satisfaction and love that does not judge. These two characteristics are fully expected by the readers in every single romance novel, no matter the sub-genre it fits into.

Although there are two major expectations of romance novels, they all carry the same theme of love. Whether it is one-sided love, love lost or love found after a long time, love is the base of a good romance novel. Readers can choose from sub-genres within the romance niche according to their interests. Here are a few sub-genres to consider:

Historical romance is a novel that takes place before 1950 and offers readers a glimpse into the romantic ventures and practices of families back then. They are often nostalgic and give readers a good sense of how customs have changed from then to now. From dating or courting to engagements and weddings, the formalities differ drastically, and these historical romance novels depict them quite well.

Romantic suspense is usually based around a mystery and has thriller aspects to the storyline. Such as in “The Witness” by renowned author Nora Roberts, the main character is an elusive member of her community that poses a great mystery to the town. “Half Empty” (First Wives Book 2) by Catherine Bybee is another suspense romance that gives readers more than just a love story, but a crime story as well. These novels are both intriguing and captivating for their audiences and offer a multi-faceted storyline with romance as the base.

The young adult romance sub-genre is another popular read in the top-rated romance novels. These books often intertwine a young love story into the main storyline. “That Month in Tuscany” by Inglath Cooper is a whirlwind novel based on the attraction between a famous musician and a tired wife. These types of novels attract a wide audience with their characters and plots.

Contemporary romance novels attract quite a few romance novel readers with their setting in modern day or anything after 1950 and a focused storyline on romance. “Crazy Little Thing” (A Bell Harbor Novel) by Tracy Brogan leads readers through the resistance of love and all that comes along with romance and natural attraction.

A few other sub-genres include erotic romance, which usually contains explicit content as well as a strong character transformation from beginning to end. Paranormal romance novels are heavy into science fiction and can be intertwined with erotic and historical elements. And finally, there is a sub-genre for religious romance novels that often feature the characters following a path of certain spiritual guidelines within a relationship.

No matter what sub-genre interests you, there are endless possibilities for great romance novels out there. Find rave reviews and excellent ratings on some of your favorite authors and keep a new romance novel nearby for those quiet moments or spontaneous vacation reads.