THE DUCHESS DEAL is book one in Tessa Dare's "Girl Meets Duke" series. The Duke of Ashbury is many things -- scarred war hero, jilted fiancé, and late-night masked avenger. When seamstress Emma Gladstone meets him, at the opening of this story, she is simply a hardworking woman looking to be paid for her work. Emma crafted a wedding gown for Ash's former fiancé, but soon becomes his wife after he finds her utterly irresistible. Emma and Ash both have secrets and their own agendas for their marriage, but they find happiness together despite themselves. The twists and turns this romance take are unexpected, but the reader will have a good time watching the events unfold.

Emma and Ash have both known the sting of rejection, and are understandably slow to fully reveal themselves. Tessa Dare creates a hero who can be prickly and tactless at times, while still remaining sympathetic. The rejection and disgust by his former fiancé wounded Ash more than anything he experienced as a soldier. These emotional wounds make Ash seem more human, and less like a cold aristocrat. THE DUCHESS DEAL has classic screwball comedy elements, including laughable attempts by Ash to try and keep sex perfunctory even though he is overcome with desire for his wife. As their passion for each other increases, their feelings become more substantial.

THE DUCHESS DEAL shows that when a monster meets a vicar's daughter, the results are divine. The Monster of Mayfair and his unwanted youthful sidekick make a hilarious homage to Batman and Robin. The group of quirky female friends that Emma finds provide useful advice and emotional support. Ash's servants make amusing, yet muddled matchmakers. Despite almost blowing it with the woman he loves, Ash makes it up to Emma in a spectacularly singular and very romantic denouement. This promises to be as enchanting and whimsical a series as only Tessa Dare can dream up.