Listen free for 30 days
-
The Duchess Deal
- Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells
- Series: Girl Meets Duke, Book 1
- Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £11.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Governess Game
- By: Tessa Dare
- Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The accidental governess...After her livelihood slips through her fingers, Alexandra Mountbatten takes on an impossible post: transforming a pair of wild orphans into proper young ladies. However, the girls don’t need discipline. They need a loving home. Try telling that to their guardian, Chase Reynaud. The ladies of London have tried - and failed - to make him settle down. Somehow, Alexandra must reach his heart...without risking her own.
-
-
An excuse for Sex.
- By Thor on 14-07-21
-
Romancing the Duke
- Castles Ever After
- By: Tessa Dare
- Narrated by: Carmen Rose
- Length: 9 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities. And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one....Now Izzy's given up yearning for romance. She'll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished 26-year-old woman who's never even been kissed?
-
-
great
- By Jo baker on 02-04-18
-
The Rogue Not Taken
- Scandal & Scoundrel, Book 1
- By: Sarah MacLean
- Narrated by: Justine Eyre
- Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside-first in a goldfish pond in front of all society, she becomes the target of very public aristocratic scorn. Her only choice is to flee London, vowing to start a new life far from the aristocracy. Unfortunately, the carriage in which she stows away isn't saving her from ruin. It's filled with it.
-
-
should come with a sex warning!
- By Amazon Customer on 23-10-17
-
Kingscastle
- By: Sophia Holloway
- Narrated by: Matt Addis
- Length: 8 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Captain William Hawksmoor of the Royal Navy never expected to inherit Kingscastle and is none too pleased when he does so. Especially when he learns that he must marry within a year or be forever dealing with trustees. As the new marquis of Athelney, the captain takes command of Kingscastle and discovers much to be done to set it in order. He must also contend with his aunt Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, who is determined that her daughter will be his wife.
-
-
Thoroughly enjoyable
- By Mo Bass on 15-01-22
-
Indiscreet
- The Horsemen Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Mary Balogh
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Viscount Rawleigh longs for a little diversion, and beautiful young widow Catherine Winters seems like easy prey. But Rex's target is a lady of virtue, and when she roundly rejects his proposal to become his mistress, Rex finds himself faced with a delectable challenge. Catherine knows she must fight the indecent feelings the Viscount arouses within her. But even though she knows one kiss could bring her to ruin, temptation proves an insurmountable foe....
-
-
A wonderful “listen”! Rosalyn Landor narrates Mary Balogh’s storied so well!
- By Amazon Customer on 11-04-19
-
A Night to Surrender
- Spindle Cove, Book 1
- By: Tessa Dare
- Narrated by: Carolyn Morris
- Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Welcome to Spindle Cove, where the ladies with delicate constitutions come for the sea air, and men in their prime are..nowhere to be found. Or are they? Spindle Cove is the destination of choice for certain types of well-bred young ladies: The painfully shy, young wives disenchanted with matrimony, and young girls too enchanted with the wrong men; it is a haven for those who live there. Victor Bramwell, the new Earl of Rycliff, knows he doesn't belong here.
-
-
Almost 4 stars
- By JED on 07-09-18
-
The Governess Game
- By: Tessa Dare
- Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The accidental governess...After her livelihood slips through her fingers, Alexandra Mountbatten takes on an impossible post: transforming a pair of wild orphans into proper young ladies. However, the girls don’t need discipline. They need a loving home. Try telling that to their guardian, Chase Reynaud. The ladies of London have tried - and failed - to make him settle down. Somehow, Alexandra must reach his heart...without risking her own.
-
-
An excuse for Sex.
- By Thor on 14-07-21
-
Romancing the Duke
- Castles Ever After
- By: Tessa Dare
- Narrated by: Carmen Rose
- Length: 9 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities. And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one....Now Izzy's given up yearning for romance. She'll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished 26-year-old woman who's never even been kissed?
-
-
great
- By Jo baker on 02-04-18
-
The Rogue Not Taken
- Scandal & Scoundrel, Book 1
- By: Sarah MacLean
- Narrated by: Justine Eyre
- Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside-first in a goldfish pond in front of all society, she becomes the target of very public aristocratic scorn. Her only choice is to flee London, vowing to start a new life far from the aristocracy. Unfortunately, the carriage in which she stows away isn't saving her from ruin. It's filled with it.
-
-
should come with a sex warning!
- By Amazon Customer on 23-10-17
-
Kingscastle
- By: Sophia Holloway
- Narrated by: Matt Addis
- Length: 8 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Captain William Hawksmoor of the Royal Navy never expected to inherit Kingscastle and is none too pleased when he does so. Especially when he learns that he must marry within a year or be forever dealing with trustees. As the new marquis of Athelney, the captain takes command of Kingscastle and discovers much to be done to set it in order. He must also contend with his aunt Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, who is determined that her daughter will be his wife.
-
-
Thoroughly enjoyable
- By Mo Bass on 15-01-22
-
Indiscreet
- The Horsemen Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Mary Balogh
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Viscount Rawleigh longs for a little diversion, and beautiful young widow Catherine Winters seems like easy prey. But Rex's target is a lady of virtue, and when she roundly rejects his proposal to become his mistress, Rex finds himself faced with a delectable challenge. Catherine knows she must fight the indecent feelings the Viscount arouses within her. But even though she knows one kiss could bring her to ruin, temptation proves an insurmountable foe....
-
-
A wonderful “listen”! Rosalyn Landor narrates Mary Balogh’s storied so well!
- By Amazon Customer on 11-04-19
-
A Night to Surrender
- Spindle Cove, Book 1
- By: Tessa Dare
- Narrated by: Carolyn Morris
- Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Welcome to Spindle Cove, where the ladies with delicate constitutions come for the sea air, and men in their prime are..nowhere to be found. Or are they? Spindle Cove is the destination of choice for certain types of well-bred young ladies: The painfully shy, young wives disenchanted with matrimony, and young girls too enchanted with the wrong men; it is a haven for those who live there. Victor Bramwell, the new Earl of Rycliff, knows he doesn't belong here.
-
-
Almost 4 stars
- By JED on 07-09-18
-
The Duke Undone
- By: Joanna Lowell
- Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells
- Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Royal Academy painting student Lucy Coover trips over a naked man passed out in an East End alley, she does the decent thing. She covers him up and fetches help. Trouble is, she can't banish his muscular form from her dreams as easily. Compelled to capture every detail, she creates a stunning portrait but is forced to sell it when the rent comes due. What could be worse than surrendering the very picture of your desire? Meeting the man himself.
-
-
I just loved it
- By Joey on 09-03-22
-
Someone to Love
- Westcott, Book 1
- By: Mary Balogh
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Anna Snow grew up in an orphanage in Bath knowing nothing of her family. Now she discovers that the late Earl of Riverdale was her father and that she has inherited his fortune. Avery Archer, Duke of Netherby, keeps others at a distance. Yet something prompts him to aid Anna in her transition from orphan to lady. As London society and her newfound relatives threaten to overwhelm Anna, Avery steps in to rescue her....
-
-
A wonderful new series by Mary Balogh
- By Mrs C Turner on 19-09-18
-
A Lady of Persuasion
- Wanton Dairymaid Series, Book 3
- By: Tessa Dare
- Narrated by: Gabrielle Baker
- Length: 12 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Only one thing could convince Sir Tobias Aldridge, an incorrigible libertine, to profess undying fidelity to a woman he's just met. Revenge. What better way to get back at an enemy than by stealing the scoundrel's sister? Not that Toby finds it a chore, seducing a beguiling, sultry beauty freshly arrived from the West Indies. When the prize is Isabel Grayson, vengeance is doubly rewarding.
-
Three Nights with a Scoundrel
- By: Tessa Dare
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The bastard son of a nobleman, Julian Bellamy is now polished to perfection, enthralling the town with wit and charm while clandestinely plotting to ruin the lords, ravish the ladies, and have the last laugh on a society that once spurned him.
-
-
Another absolute winner from Tessa Dare
- By Wendy on 05-07-15
-
A Duke in Shining Armour
- Difficult Dukes, Book 1
- By: Loretta Chase
- Narrated by: Kate Reading
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bookish, brainy Lady Olympia Hightower should be elated she's marrying the ‘catch' of several London seasons. Her large spendthrift family certainly is! And yet, Olympia finds herself sneaking out the chapel window, in a mad attempt to escape her glorious future as a duchess. Virtue was never a virtue for Hugh Philemon Ancaster, Seventh Duke of Ripley, but even he can see his duty as best man requires him to recapture the fleeing bride, and return her to the bridegroom. But with every one of Olympia’s clever turns, he’s finding it harder to give her up.
-
-
Disappointing
- By Ioana on 01-12-21
-
More than a Mistress
- Mistress Series, Book 1
- By: Mary Balogh
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An arrogant duke does the unthinkable - he falls in love with his mistress.... She raced onto the green, desperate to stop a duel. In the mêlée, Jocelyn Dudley, Duke of Tresham, was shot. To his astonishment, Tresham found himself hiring the servant as his nurse. Jane Ingleby was far too bold for her own good. Her blue eyes were the sort a man could drown in - were it not for her impudence. She questioned his every move, breached his secrets, touched his soul. When he offered to set her up in his London town house, love was the last thing on his mind.
-
-
More than a mistress
- By Astar on 16-04-16
-
The Trouble with Being Wicked
- Scandalous Spinsters, Book 1
- By: Emma Locke
- Narrated by: Marian Hussey
- Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Celeste Gray arrives in the sleepy village of Brixcombe-on-the-Bay, she thinks she's one step closer to leaving her notorious past behind. She even suspects the deliciously handsome - if somewhat stuffy - viscount next door is developing a tendre for her. That is, until the day Ashlin Lancester learns she's not the unassuming spinster she's pretending to be.
-
The Autumn Bride
- Chance Sisters Romance Series, Book 1
- By: Anne Gracie
- Narrated by: Alison Larkin
- Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Governess Abigail Chantry will do anything to save her sister and two dearest friends from destitution, even if it means breaking into an empty mansion in the hope of finding something to sell. Instead of treasures, though, she finds the owner, Lady Beatrice Davenham, bedridden and neglected. Appalled, Abby rousts Lady Beatrice's predatory servants and-with Lady Beatrice's eager cooperation-the four young ladies become her "nieces," neatly eliminating the threat of disaster for all concerned!
-
-
Fantastic
- By Rachel Reads on 25-08-19
-
Bombshell
- By: Sarah MacLean
- Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After years of living as London's brightest scandal, Lady Sesily Talbot has embraced the reputation and the freedom that comes with the title. No one looks twice when she lures a gentleman into the dark gardens beyond a Mayfair ballroom...and no one realises those trysts are not what they seem. No one, that is, but Caleb Calhoun, who has spent years trying not to notice his best friend's beautiful, brash, brilliant sister. If you ask him, he's been a saint about it, considering the way she looks at him.
-
-
oh dear
- By Jo Kindle on 26-04-22
-
Lord Perfect
- Carsington Family Series
- By: Loretta Chase
- Narrated by: Kate Reading
- Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tall, dark, and handsome Benedict Carsington, Viscount Rathbourne is the perfect aristocrat. As the heir to the Earl of Hargate, he is renowned for his perfect manners, perfect breeding, and perfect wardrobe. Unlike his scandalous brothers, Benedict is in no danger of ending up in the scandal sheets - until he meets her. Bathsheba Wingate, is a member of the DeLucey family - the rotten side - notorious for being cheats, frauds, and swindlers.
-
-
Wonderfully entertaining
- By Sandra Meggison on 23-03-22
-
Mr. Cavendish, I Presume
- By: Julia Quinn
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Amelia Willoughby has been engaged to the Duke of Wyndham for as long as she can remember. Literally. A mere six months old when the contracts were signed, she has spent the rest of her life waiting. And waiting. And waiting...for Thomas Cavendish, the oh-so-lofty duke, to finally get around to marrying her. But as she watches him from afar, she has a sneaking suspicion that he never thinks about her at all.
-
-
Another great story!
- By Nicki Kelly on 10-04-22
-
Three Nights
- By: Debra Mullins
- Narrated by: Kitty Mule
- Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With a turn of the cards, her father is ruined - and innocent Aveline Stoddard is lost. To honor the gambling debt, she agrees to submit for three nights to Lucien DuFeron's every desire, three nights of blistering sensuality and unparalleled ecstasy in the arms of the dashing, dark rogue they call "Lucifer." But the time passes all too quickly...and when the debt is paid, the handsome devil vanishes.
-
-
Meh!
- By Mo Bass on 05-11-21
Summary
Winner of the 2018 Audie award for best romance.
Mills & Boon presents The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare.
'I am a Duke. I’m not asking you to marry me. I am offering to marry you. It’s a different thing entirely.’
When the Duke of Ashbury returns from war scarred, he realises he needs an heir - which means he needs a wife! When Emma Gladstone, a vicar's daughter turned seamstress visits wearing a wedding dress, he decides on the spot that she'll do.
His terms are simple:
- They will be husband and wife by night only.
- No lights, no kissing.
- No questions about his battle scars.
- Last, and most importantly...Once she's pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.
But Emma is no pushover. She has secrets and some rules of her own:
- They will have dinner together every evening.
- With conversation.
- And teasing.
- Last, and most importantly...Once she's seen the man beneath the scars, he can't stop her from falling in love....
Critic reviews
More from the same
What listeners say about The Duchess Deal
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Danielle Maria
- 31-03-18
Disappointing
Due to a change in publisher, this title came out several months after its original date. Having finally been able to listen to the book, I'm very sorry to say that it has come as something of an anticlimax.
I have read or listened to several Tessa Dare books, including the Castles Ever After, and the Spindle Cove series. Mostly (but not always) her books have been a hit with me, witty, well paced, and with really lovable characters. The first three Spindle Cove books are wonderful, after that, not so much. The cross-over book Do You Want To Start A Scandal was frankly bizarre.
When I read the blurb for The Duchess Deal it sounded like Dare had finally got back on track. When I found out that Mary Jane Wells was narrating the audiobook I was delighted. I am a big fan of Wells, and so waited the extra few months for the audiobook to come out, though the hard back was available much earlier.
The beginning section of this book is just as I had hoped. Lots of witty dialogue with two good quality leads, and some laugh out loud moments. Ash and Emma both have a lot of emotional baggage, but are both quite pragmatic with a shared dark humour. Ash's attempts to enjoy his wedding night are wonderfully calamitous, and his determination to keep a 'stiff upper lip' quite adorable.
For me, the book dipped terribly in the middle. Here, we are introduced to some of the characters who will become main characters in later books in the series. I felt this section was so obviously about setting up future books, and really broke the flow of Ash and Emma's story. These characters appear heavily in this middle section, and then disappear before making a brief reappearance near the end of the book. It just didn't feel natural, and I lost interest in the book, and didn't return to it for a few weeks.
The final section of the book was better, but to be honest I just didn't feel that there had been much emotional development between Ash and Emma. They seem to have sex every other minute, but there were no real moments of intimacy between the two. There were no proper descriptions of the two eating meals with each other, reading books, talking about their childhoods, laughing, sharing non-sexual touch... any of the scenes that normally make you feel all warm and fuzzy. Throughout they really struggled with intimacy, and 'witty banter' characterised nearly all of their conversations, which got really tedious.
It is quite a short book, and it felt like there wasn't time for some of the better elements to really shine. Ash's relationship with a local lad Trevor had the potential to be comedy gold, but it flagged until it became necessary as a plot device.
Wells does a good job, but as the book lacked emotional depth, so did her performance.
All in all, I don't think this will be a re-listen for me, and I'm not too fussed about listening to the rest of the series either.
11 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jennie Lou
- 26-06-18
Started well
This could have been so much better had it continued as it started. As the tale went on it focused on sex. Not always a bad thing but I would have preferred to know more about the characters.
I feel it’s a bit of a cop out to continually write about sex in this case.
Just my opinion. Not that best but certainly not the worst.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kindle Customer
- 21-01-19
Couldn't finish it
I tried. I really did. But I just couldn't finish this book. The Duke is as mature as a 12 year old boy and I don't find that appealing. While I enjoy witty banter and humour, they did not have any normal adult conversations which added to the feelings that I was reading a book about children.
There is nothing historical or romantic about this book.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Rachel Reads
- 06-04-19
very funny
I laughed out loud this was excellent, narration made it so much better her voice, tones and verbal sparing really put across sarcasm and wit in the book.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lola1
- 10-05-18
Best novel I've read in years.
Witty, romantic and totally engaging. It was so well written and spoken. I couldn't stop listening!!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Thor
- 14-07-21
Humerous
The Hero is a scared, embittered war veteran.
The Heroine a Vicar's daughter down on her luck.
Unusual circumstances bring them together, both decide to take advantage of fate.
Thankfully the story is well written, just a pity that today's world demands a plethora of sex.
The secondary characters are well chosen and boost the story along.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Fiona MacNeill
- 09-02-21
Great Listen
I really enjoyed my 1st Tessa Dare and it won't be my last. Would recommend
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Book addict
- 14-07-18
Had promise but lacked something
I listened to A Week to Be Wicked from the Spindle Cove series by this author just before this one, and that book was surprisingly good, so I immediately went off to find the next highest rated book by the author. This one, however, lacked something for me. Some of the humour was a bit too slapstick, and the story felt a bit more shallow. It certainly had potential and I’m sure some people love it, but it was just missing that extra thing that draws me in. I’d definitely recommend the other book I mentioned though.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 30-05-18
Very witty
Plenty of humor and overall very enjoyable. V well read . A lighthearted and entertaining story.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mo Bass
- 17-04-22
Amusing
Not for the Regency purist as manners, servants etc are not true to the period. It is laugh out loud funny in places though and the narrator is brilliant.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall

- misozi samuti
- 28-01-22
Awesome
Loved it and would recommend it.Funny and captivating from beggining to end.The Narration was great as well.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 16-01-22
Delightful, funny and romantic!
I enjoyed this story with the humour and descriptions of old English traditions and language. Glad to have found this book to listen to!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Reader
- 25-10-21
Delightful!!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Many laugh out loud moments, great characters, lovely story. Narrator was 👏 👏 👏 brilliant.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Karina
- 22-12-20
By far THE best book I've listened to!
If I had to recommend only one book in the regency genre, this would be it!
This book never gets old! This must be the third or fourth time I've listened to it. What makes this book such a hit is the perfect mix of a great story, hilarious witticisms and outstanding narration which seems to bring every character to life and give the story colour and vibrance. It also includes some of the most steamiest sex scenes I have ever encountered in a book (just quietly) so be prepared!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- theamazingcatherine
- 29-10-18
Cute, sweet, lacking in tension
I dunno, there's a lot I like about it - Dare is great at writing damaged people who deserve love, and she has a lovely warm and gentle humour - it just feels like every time a problem arises, it gets sorted out very quickly, as if most of the book is the HEA epilogue. The dramatic tension just isn't very high.
Still a decent listen, though, and the reader is lively and entertaining to listen to.