The Duke's Bargain

Proper Romance Regency

by Megan Walker

Ruined by scandal, Georgiana bargains with a duke to regain her place in Society. But their pretend friendship sparks real love, risking reputations, duty, and unexpected happily-ever-afters.

Eight months after a stolen kiss ruined her reputation, Miss Georgiana Wood is a recluse, cast out of Society without any hope of ever finding a suitable match. Longing for redemption, she never expects her salvation to arrive in the form of a handsome, temperamental duke.

After a failed bargain left the Duke of Marlow without a promised wife and heir, he must face courtship a final time. He plans to entice his future bride with a priceless family heirloom—one now in the possession of Miss Wood, who agrees to return it if he takes her on three outings in London during the Season to restore her reputation.

As the pair navigate Society’s expectations and whispered gossip, Marlow begins to see Georgiana as an ally and a friend. Her wit and courage, grace and allure far exceed that of the eligible ladies he intended to court, and soon, he’d do almost anything to secure her happiness.

As Marlow wrestles with duty and desire, Georgiana begins to hope that she could be loved for who she truly is. When hearts are tested, truth and secrets revealed, will love be enough to risk it all?

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Clean Romance

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2026

About the author

Megan Walker was raised on a berry farm in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where her imagination took her to times past and worlds away. While earning her degree in Early Childhood Education, she married her one true love and started a family. But her imaginings of Regency England wouldn't leave her alone, so she picked up a pen. And the rest is history. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and three children.

Reviews

[Dab · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎉 Happy Release Day!🎉


“You hate your choices. You must never hate yourself.”

Ever since reading Lakeshire Park I’ve wanted Georgiana’s story. I love books about people with difficult pasts, villain redemptions, and all stories that remind us we don’t have to be perfect to deserve good things in life.

Georgiana made a huge mistake that left her ruined and humiliated. Lucas was jilted days before his wedding, which left him furious. Aren’t they just the pair!

This is a love story between two imperfect, beautifully flawed, and deeply relatable characters. At first, they don’t like each other. They are both hurt and distrustful, both lonely in their own ways. Until they discover they’re far more alike than they ever imagined. And once they start truly understanding each other, staying apart becomes impossible…

I loved seeing a different side of these characters. Watching them open up and really see one another was heartwarming and very touching. Their growing friendship and chemistry were absolutely magical.

There were many things that spoke to me in this story, but my favorite part was how their imperfections and past mistakes didn’t make them unlikable or undeserving, just wonderfully human. I loved them so much that I will definitely come back to this book.

This book can be read as a standalone, but you will appreciate it more after reading Lakeshire Park and Miss Newbury’s List.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Edelweiss for the arc. All opinions are my own.

——

I need more stars to rate this 😌

[Melanie (lemonyreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may seem silly but this genre is incredibly hard to stand out in. "If you've read a few, you've read them all." But this book was absolutely delightful and unexpected in little ways. Just enough to make it wonderfully sweet, fun, and swoon worthy.

If you want a closed door romance this summer, get your hands on this book! The audiobook was WONDERFUL! It's dual narration and I adored it. I can't think of one reason why this would deserve anything less than five stars.

[Olde American Spirit (Shannon) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Technically 🌟 3.5 stars

After reading Miss Newbury’s list and Lakeshire Park (one of my favorites), I was excited to read The Duke’s Bargain. You do not have to read both of these beforehand, but characters from each show up in this latest release.

I adore the author’s writing style. She has a way of pulling me into the scenes with her descriptive writing style and well-rounded characters.

This one was ok, definitely some great wit moments, but I was not endeared to the plot nor the MMC.

I know it was more of a villainous redemption-style plot, but I just couldn’t get into it as I’d hoped. The main male character continued to take things way too far - especially near the end (the fight, etc). He was, til the end, a bully.

Just personal preference.

I was blessed with an advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

[Emma | meadowroselibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯, 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘰𝘸. 𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘪𝘵. 𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘥𝘶𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯'𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴."

Why did this book have to end. 😭 Now I have to wait forever for another book by Megan! 😅
If you've read anything by Megan, you know it's going to be incredible, but I mean...this one was INCREDIBLE. It's so hard to pick a favorite, but this one might be my new favorite. 🩷 I really didn't like Marlow in Miss Newbury's List, and I didn't care for Georgiana in Lakeshire Park, so I was curious what I'd think of this book.

I NOW ADORE THEM.

You get to see deep into their souls and hearts, and really find what they each need, want, searching for. And you can easily cry.
Marlow is NOT who he portrays himself to be. He's actually so loving, kind, patient.. and my favorite part about him? He has a big soft spot for cats. 🫠

But all this doesn't come out till Georgianna. She brings everything amazing out of him. And he does the same for her. If you read Miss Newbury's List, you'll see how she's very selfish and kind of of a snob. 🙊 But she's really just a hurting lady, searching for herself in this life, wanting love. She's made people think she's this perfectionist that everything has to look just right..but she's actually just someone who gets dirty in a barn, reading with her beloved cat.

So together...they're perfect. They're literally made for each other. There's no more words for them. 💔

If you're looking for a clean, closed-door regency romance that's still full to the brim with the sweetest romance, please try this one - and all of her books!! 😅

*Thank you so much to the author and Shadow Mountain publishing for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my most anticipated Regency romance releases, and it absolutely lived up to the wait. Megan Walker delivered a story that was witty, heartfelt, romantic, and deeply satisfying from beginning to end.

What stood out most to me was the redemption arc of Miss Georgiana Wood. Watching her journey unfold was beautiful. After scandal and heartbreak, seeing her slowly rediscover her worth and strength felt meaningful and emotionally earned. Her transformation was one of my favorite parts of the entire book.

The chemistry between Georgiana and the Duke of Marlow was wonderful. Their bargain arrangement created the perfect setup for sharp banter, emotional tension, and a romance that developed naturally over time. I especially loved how their relationship grew through friendship, understanding, and genuine admiration.

This story had everything I want in a Regency romance:
• wit and charm
• emotional depth
• wonderful character growth
• romantic tension
• redemption and second chances

And honestly? This book gets all the stars from me.

If you love character-driven historical romance with emotional payoff and a beautifully developed love story, I highly recommend picking this one up.

I received a complimentary copy and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

[Ashlee Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Rounded up for GR) THE DUKE’S BARGAIN by Megan Walker ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Turning me into a Regency Romance girl one Megan Walker book at a time. Lakeshire Park is one of my favorite books, so I could not have been more thrilled to get my hands on this one!! Eeee! I loved it. The slow burn watching Georgiana and Lucas grow a friendship and then let down their walls was everything. Their mutual love of their cats, winning over families, and defending her honor… perfection. Was I 100% more excited for the night time library rendezvous than Georgiana? Yes. Yes, I was.

Georgiana and Lucas are both trying to recover from their pasts. While they don’t trust each other at first, they begin to learn that they are more alike than they would have guessed.

Pub. Date: 5/5/26.

Perfect if you like:
•Regency Romance.
•Enemies to lovers.
•Redemption.
•Tension and chemistry!
•An unlikely pair.
•Slow burn.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️ (just kisses)
Mood: 🍩🌮

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruined by scandal, Georgiana Wood bargains with a duke to regain her place in Society. But their pretend friendship sparks real love, risking reputations, duty, and unexpectedly happily ever afters.

Of all of the books that I have read by Megan Walker, this is my favourite. I loved the banter, the chemistry, the sweet story of Lucas and Georgiana. Even though it was fiction, it was so real, and those are the best kind of stories to read.

My gratitude to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain. All opinions expressed are mine and honest.

[Sian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author remains a five-star author for me! Megan's new releases are exactly what I hope them to be each and every time.

I knew I loved the premise going in but the pacing is perfect and the execution, so effective! Marlow is everything you want from a Duke MMC and Georgiana has the perfect character portrait of confidence, sense, and yet sensitivity, to be relatable. The bookish elements were such lovely details. A simple but impactful love story. The yearning is an absolute stand-out! The ending and epilogue were so solid. This story did make me cry and I adored the humor throughout.

This did make me wish I had re-read Lakeshire Park and Miss Newbury's List because of the crossover characters. It would have been fun to revisit those stories before this. That being said, if you have not read Megan's previous works I highly recommend them in general and prior to picking this up! P.S. I really hope Gabriel gets a future book!

Congrats to the author on another lovely release.

In this book:
-fake friendship
-slow burn
-animosity to more
-unlikely pair
-secret yearning/pining
-forced proximity
-reputations on the line
-feline companions
-"touch her and die" scene

Content Guide:
romance -clean
language - clean
violence - non-graphic/one instance

[Holly (IG Hollys_Book_Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Yes. That was exactly what I wanted. To be the place she ran to when she was scared or sad. To hold her until she felt capable again. I'd do anything to be Georgiana's refuge."

The Duke's Bargain by Megan Walker

This book is swoony perfection! Worth an infinite amount of stars, no notes, top read for me ever! Probably my new favorite Megan Walker book. I'll be thinking about these characters for a very long time.

There is angst, so much delicious tension, yearning and longing, banter, and chemistry between the two main characters, Georgiana and Marlow. Oh my, they make quite the pair. Marlow had NO idea what he was getting himself into when he struck a bargain with Georgiana Wood to get his grandmother's ring back.
I definitely laughed, swooned, and sat in shocked silence many times. Cheered on Marlow during the skipping stones part (My favorite scene in the whole book!)

I LOVE a good protective, jealous MMC. And Marlow is definitely that! Getting his POV was such a treat because I could really feel the yearning from him even before he realizes he is in love with Georgiana.

I really loved watching them grow as individuals, but also as a couple throughout the book. Megan did such a tremendous job of having you fall in love with two very unlikeable characters from her previous books. And I did absolutely adore both by the end of The Duke's Bargain.

The cameos of the characters from Lakeshire Park and Miss Newbury's List made this story whole and complete. I loved getting glimpses into their lives.

If you are looking for a clean Kisses-only Regency Romance with witty banter, loveable well-written characters, so much tension and pining, then check out The Duke's Bargain.
I do highly recommend reading Lakeshire Park and Miss Newbury's List for the full effect of this story and to understand the cameos of the characters from those books.

Favorite Parts:
The contract
Conversation in the library
At the Dinner Party
Seeing the Winstons
More conversations
Mysterious Tunnels
Stables
So much yearning
Garden walk
Fencing
Jealous MMC
Skipping stones
Game of true or false
Touch and die
The whole book!!

Content Guide:
Language: None
Sexual Content: Kissing only-passionate kissing, a non consensual kiss
Violence/gore: Mild-a man gets into a fist fight with another man and both get bloodied up
Substance Use: Mild-various characters drink alcohol as appropriate to time period
Prejudices: social classes
Religious Content: none
Other: loss of loved ones (past), scandal (past), Abandoned by parent (past/ongoing)

Book Info:
Series: Standalone, but I recommend reading after Lakeshire Park and Miss Newbury’s List
Genre: Historical Romance; Regency
Romance Level: Kissing only
Release Date: May 5, 2026Publisher: Shadow Mtn Proper Romance
POV: Dual First Person

Thank you to the Author and publisher for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this.

[Brittanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gruff and handsome duke, sparkling banter, fake friendship, delicious romantic tension, and a heroine worth cheering. The Duke's Bargain delivers.👏

Georgiana's wants to rebuild her reputation, while the handsome, brooding Duke of Marlow is determined to recover a lost family ring. Their unlikely bargain promises to solve both of their problems. 🤭

“You didn’t say that she was beauty personified.”

Watching Georgiana slowly chip away at Lucas's guarded heart is a delight. Their friendship grows naturally with every act of kindness and teasing remark.

“I gauged your years at least forty for how cantankerous you are.”

Book lovers will enjoy the Mysteries of Udolpho references as Georgiana reads the gothic classic. Especially when Lucas jokingly leans into the role of the mysterious villain.

“I do have dark hidden tunnels so I suppose that does make me a villain.”

One of the most satisfying moments comes when Georgiana boldly calls him "Lucas" right in front of the former fiancée who jilted him. 🏆 Delicious payback.

“It’s what a friend does.”

The fake friendship takes an unexpected turn when Georgiana's chaperone suddenly leaves town, forcing her to stay under Lucas's roof. If you love a Pride and Prejudice hand-touch moment, you'll grin.

“No man can measure up to a good book.”🤭

When Lucas's mother decides she's going to keep the ton from gossiping about them by find Georgiana another beau it adds humor and unknowingly nudges Lucas toward her.

“What can I do? Please do not cry.”🥺

Then along comes the charming rake, Sir Reynolds, stirring up jealousy and uncertainty to keep you riveted. Add in the irresistible game of truths and falsehoods where secrets begin slipping free, and the romance only gets sweeter. 🍯

“Are you certain you are brave enough?”

And when honor is on the line? Let's just say the villains will get what they've earned.

👉This is one of those stories that earns a spot on your favourites shelf. Warm, witty, romantic, and packed with memorable moments, this easily earns five stars and stands as one of the most heartwarming Regency romances you'll read.🌟

[mikaela (spinebreaker) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dab, you were so right. RTC

[Reanne - (Faith, Fiction, Fact and Fluff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was lovely and sweet and exactly what I was in the mood for.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

She needs his help restoring her to London Society and he needs the heirloom she has in her possession to achieve the dutiful, proper marriage befitting a duke’s status. Megan Walker returns to her Proper Romance regency world with a romance full of fireworks and redemption.

The Duke’s Bargain is a standalone story- and I did fine reading it as such-, but I learned after I started reading that both characters were introduced in previous Megan Walker standalones. I got that feeling readers know when its obvious that the character has a backstory that had to have been introduced in a previous book. Though I haven’t read them… yet, I discovered that Georgiana was busy getting kissed and her reputation ruined in Lakeshire Park and the Duke of Marlow got jilted at the alter in Miss Newbury’s List.

And, so, Georgiana loves matching wits and witticisms and social activities that come with being about in Society and, more than anything she wants her reputation restored so she can return to that glittering world. Fortunately, she has a bargaining tool to make a certain infuriated duke go along with her plan. Three outings on his arm to high society exclusive functions ought to do the trick.

The Duke of Marlow is angry. He wants to make a proper match, have his heir and do what’s expected of him, but the lady he chose embarrassed him nearly at the altar, no less. Now, he must start again and he knows that a certain family heirloom will entice the right sort. And, the female who has it will only part with it on conditions.

Circling one another warily, Georgiana and Marlow set out to keep their bargain, but somewhere along the way, the hostility eases and they become friends. As things progress, it becomes more, but they are determined to stay the original course. Even though…, but there are secrets and risks if they go there.

I kept seeing Megan Walker’s Regency era releases and they always looked good, but I finally had the chance to grab this one. I loved the interplay between these two and loved that up front, it is obvious that they are two flawed people, both bright, but made mistakes. Georgiana is not a black-hearted villain by any stretch, but she certainly isn’t dissuaded by some sketchy motives and choices. She has a road to redemption in this one and fortunately, Marlow is her match. They have both put up solid walls of protection that don’t allow people to see their real selves, but eventually, they both show each other what is beyond the walls and that was lovely.

I blew through this one fast. It pulled me in and the pages flew by. I liked seeing this pair together among Society and the reactions they got and their reaction to each other.
The Duke’s Bargain turned out to be a steal of a deal of a read and I recommend it to other sweet Regency Romance lovers- though, go for those earlier releases to get the bigger picture, first.

I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 5.13.26.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was mesmerized from the start of this book. Megan Walker sucked me right into Georgiana’s world, after a stolen kiss ruined her reputation. The Duke of Marlow finds himself without a wife, and the impudent Georgiana strikes a deal, which leads to all kinds of swoon, fun, and witty banter.

This fake friendship bargain quickly turns into late nights in the library, public outings, adventures with ghosts, and bonding over the love of cats. I’m a big fan of dual points-of-view because the reader gets the full picture of the character’s hearts and minds. With mutual pining and snappy dialogue, these characters quickly found their ways into my heart…and into each other’s.

Walker’s style is great–vivid characters in such fun situations. The longing and chemistry oozes off the pages and delivers all the feels to the reader.

I laughed, swooned, and felt many tender moments throughout this entire book. This one is a favorite for sure!

[Heather.loves.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke's Bargain by: Megan Walker

📖 The Duke makes a bargain to take Georgiana on three social outings if she will return an heirloom.

You'll Find 🔍
Dual narrators- both fabulous
Banter
Barn cats
Strangers to More

➡️Swipe for similar vibes & quotes

I loved 🔍

Dash it all, the Duke won me over. I felt enraptured by how this story unfolded. If you have ever read a Regency and thought they really should enjoy that mansion more, you will adore this story.

There's a scene at Kensington gardens that is chef's kiss IYKYK (no spoilers here) 😜

Megan Walker could teach a masterclass on how to write a kiss scene. Worth.the.wait

If I had a magic wand 🪄
1. Gabriel needs a story
2. I would like more time with the lovely couple, perhaps a bonus epilogue

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

TW: death of father, off page
CW: no language, kisses

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart!!! This book captivated me completely and had me smiling the whole way through! 10/10 stars if I could rate it that!!! Definitely not one you'll want to miss reading if you are a Regency reading fan!

I loved how the author took two characters from previous books who are considered the villains, and gave them a second chance and story of redemption!!! And let me tell you that it was beautifully written. Full of heart and emotion as these two characters do a lot of internal reflection and have wonderful conversations between each other as they are trying to find healing and a way to move forward to find peace and joy. Of course the initial reactions between each other were quite humorous and delightful! They are both stubborn and have been left with hurt and feeling the weight of responsibility upon their shoulders. Watching their carefully guarded selves make a bargain and then following through that bargain...albeit very begrudgingly on at least one of their parts, was so much fun! Then to watch their walls start to come down as they realized the other wasn't trying to cause problems and damage their reputations further. I loved watching them learn to trust and find friendship with each other.

Finding they were falling in love with each other was even better! Hahaha! So many delicious moments. The witty banter, the jealousy, and the sweet scenes of realization!!! I was all in for finding out how their story would end! *Happy Sigh*

Seriously, grab it!!! Read it!!! You'll love it!!! Thank you to Megan Walker for writing books for us readers to enjoy and find our own moments of healing in the escape of reality for short bursts of time!!! I'm so excited to see what you have in store for us readers next!!!

Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses but nothing further. No language.

I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Hannah the book maiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars doesn’t seem to do this book justice.

This book got me out of a 4+ month book rut. I am an avid reader and yet nothing could get my attention until I picked this book up. And I devoured it.

I must insist, please read this.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I put into words how much I loved this book? It's replaced Lakeshire Park as my favorite Megan Walker novel! I listened to the audiobook and honestly did not want to stop listening. I even set the timer so I could listen when I went to bed. The narrators brought this story to life. Nicky Diss gave Georgiana so much spunk, warmth, and sass, while Thomas Judd sounded exactly how I imagine Marlow would sound—commanding, refined, and swoon-worthy. Their performances made an already wonderful story feel more engaging.

Georgiana completely stole my heart. After one naïve mistake ruins her reputation, Society refuses to let her move on, even nearly a year later. My heart hurt for her so many times throughout the story, but I absolutely loved her resilience, her humor, and her love of books. The way she talked to the characters she read about was so relatable, and any heroine who loves cats instantly earns bonus points from me.

I also adored Marlowe. Watching this serious, duty-bound duke slowly fall for Georgiana against his will was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their chemistry was fantastic, and I loved how their relationship developed through friendship, understanding, and genuine affection. The story had so many parts that made it unforgettable: the scenes in the library, fencing, the secret passageway, and especially the way Georgiana came to be in possession of Marlowe’s family heirloom.

This book gave me everything I love in a Regency romance: witty banter, lovable characters, swoony romance, and a heroine worth cheering for. I was completely invested from beginning to end, and when it was over, I wasn’t ready to leave these characters behind. Easily one of my favorite reads of the year.

I received an early copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, and a digital copy from NetGalley. I also listened to the audiobook using Hoopla. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Jodi | more.time.2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! 4.5 ⭐️

I have a special place in my heart for historical romance, but many of the stories start to feel the same. This story, however, felt different with a bargain between the MC’s to restore a damaged reputation.

The story brought me back to my days of reading Edenbrooke and Summerhaven where the Camaraderie and friendship build so easily, before they know it, the MC’s lives are orbiting around each other and they can’t help but fall deeply in love.

The wit and banter of the regency era is so much fun, along with all the rules and judgement of the ton. Regency also, when written well, has the best kissing scenes.

Romance content: Kissing only

[Kristalyne, love.lovely.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stunning redemptive story for two characters who were antagonists in previous books!!!! How I came to love them both and their growth and friendship to more is so beautiful!!!

I adored getting to know Georgiana and Lucas! I loved getting a glimpse into their hearts, their thoughts, their past, and seeing their actions from previous books through their eyes changed so much for me! They are both imperfect and flawed characters(aren’t we all😅), who feel seen and become better because of eachother, and that really touched my heart!

I loooove the way they find solace and happiness in one another too! There are so many fun and swoony scenes between them! I loved all of the library scenes so soo much!!! I also really enjoyed Georgiana’s personality. She is clever and bold, and I love how she helps him. He is brash at times but so much more, and I love the tender way he loves her! They fit so well together and complement each other perfectly!

I do have to say it felt as exciting as Christmas morning visiting with some of my absolute favorite characters, Peter and Amelia, Charlie and Ros again! I loved seeing where they were in their lives!!!

Favorites:
🌼The tension and pining
🌼The growth
🌼The bargain
🌼Love that library!!!
🌼The barn
🌼The happiest ending!

What a gorgeous, tender, swoony love story that really moved me and melted me all at once!!!! Such an amazing book that you don’t want to miss!!!
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.
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Thank you to the author and publisher for the arc copy. A positive review wasn’t required but freely given. All opinions are my own.

Collage and quote photos found on Pinterest and belong to their original owners. All edits are my own creation

Content: kisses only

[Kayla - Idlewildreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always eagerly anticipate a Megan Walker story and they never disappoint! Georgiana was such a unique character and I loved how sassy and self-aware she was and I loved all the yearning! Walker wonderfully took two "villain" characters and made me love them!

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves all the stars! It was funny and swoony and overall just absolutely delightful!

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and author for the free copy for review.

This regency romance was so charming and satisfying!

It follows a woman with a ruined reputation who wants to rejoin Society and a rigid Duke who is weighed down by duty. They make a bargain to benefit both of them that ends being more complicated than they ever expected. There were so many tender and swoony moments throughout as two unlikely friends slowly become more. The process was so satisfying and enjoyable to watch.

A unique thing about this book was that the two main characters are both people that had previously been jilted in the author’s earlier books. They could even be labeled as unlikable in those stories, but this book brought them full redemption and a chance for us to see everything through their eyes. It was wonderful to see the characters grow into their best selves while also finding each other. This book can definitely be read as a standalone and everything you need to know is fully explained here, but if you do want added background, check out Lakeshire Park and Miss Newbury’s List!

Trigger/content notes: no major triggers stood out to me. Spice level is kissing.

[Angela (justwant_2read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan Walkers books are PURE GOLD!! I know every time I pick one up, I will be sucked into her world and my life will be consumed for the foreseeable future.

Duke Lucas Marlow and Gabriel Wood meet up in a very unique way, and strike a bargain that should help them both. They are both living two different worlds, but you know what they say right?! “Opposites attract” 🙌😉 I absolutely loved their instant chemistry and was hooked from the beginning.

So much swoon, so much connection. *happy sigh. I just adored this book. Please don’t ever stop writing books Megan, and puh-leeeeeaaase let Gabriel’s story be next. Ok thanks 😘😂

Thank you to the author and publisher for an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Jenna Killpack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the double redemption story everyone needs in their lives! I finished in less than two days as I was in the final hours of throwing a baby shower and I just could not put it down! Megan Walker truly has a for storytelling and I will read anything she writes! So so good! All the feels and man I just really didn’t think I could love Georgiana and somehow she does it! 🤯
I would definitely recommend this one! It can definitely be read alone but for the best reading experience I recommend reading Lakeshire Park and Miss Newbury’s List first!

Updated
I just listened to the audiobook because apparently a month is too long to go without reading this story again and I loved it just as much!

Sigh…the last chapter and epilogue of this book are perfection and the ultimate example of a slow burn swoony romance!

I first read this book as an arc over a month ago and devoured it as I was prepping to throw a baby shower and therefore never wrote a good review. I kept putting off making my post for this one because I knew I couldn’t do it justice being a month old in my brain. I don’t know about you but when you go through books like I do some of the details get fuzzy so I decided to listen to the audio the last couple of days and absolutely loved it all over again! I have talked about the book with a lot of people over the last month and we all agree that it is amazing! I really feel like it builds from Lakeshire Park and Miss Newberry‘s list and in my opinion reading those two before hand is the only way to go!

Knowing Georgiana and the Duke’s backstory really set this one up to be the ultimate double redemption love story. I have to admit I was skeptical that I could love Georgiana after Lakeshire Park, but of course Megan pulled it off masterfully. And isn’t it just like real life, we put people in boxes but when we don’t know their whole story or how they are feeling we are really missing out on so much of the whole picture.

The Duke is admittedly arrogant and has been wronged but I felt more justified for him to get his love story even if he was a bit heavy handed at the end of Miss Newbury’s list.

I loved so many of the side characters also! Of course it was great to see Peter and Amelia again but Gabriel really stole my heart and I hope so badly he gets his own story! Seeing his personality really come out in the library scene toward the end of this book was 👌🏼

If you cannot tell already I wholeheartedly recommend this one. I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author and look forward to many more love stories written by her in the future!

[Melynne (mels_booknook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was honestly a masterpiece in regency romance. I loved it so much. The premise was unique and the tension and yearning delightful. So so good. Favorite things have to be the secret tunnel, the fencing, the touch her and die. Gosh so good. Definitely a favorite.

[Kylaslittlelibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan-freaking-tastic. Megan Walker does not miss.

The thick juicy tension that could be cut with a knife 👌. And the redemption arc of not one but TWO characters, pure genius. I would give this a million stars if I could.

Content: forced kiss

[Rachel (books.glorious.books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO MUCH FUN!!!!! I loved this!!!!! So swoony!!!!

[Rachel Hariri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clean regency romance that had enjoyable characters. Is it believable? No, but who cares!? It’s sweet and charming like a good cup of coffee and a cozy blanket.