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The Duke's Bargain
Not yet published
Expected 5 May 26Ruined 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 soon sees a new side to Georgiana—an ally and 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 not despite her past, but because of who she truly is. When hearts are tested, truth and secrets revealed, will love be enough to risk it all?
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 soon sees a new side to Georgiana—an ally and 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 not despite her past, but because of who she truly is. When hearts are tested, truth and secrets revealed, will love be enough to risk it all?
304 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 5, 2026
661 people want to read
About the author
Megan Walker
6 books983 followersMegan 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.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 14, 2025
“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 😌
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 😌
November 11, 2025
Dab, you were so right. RTC
Review of advance copy received from Author
(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: 🍩🌮
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: 🍩🌮
Want to read
January 17, 2026I’m SO excited for this book to come out!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I should have known better than to try to "just read a chapter" of a Megan Walker book before bed. 40% of the way through the book and a LOT of lost sleep... but I couldn't really regret my choices because it's so good.
I did not remember the relationships and events of previous books (all of which I read when they came out) at all. It still worked as a standalone novel, but the characters (namely Georgiana) might have felt different if I had read them recently.
*Minor Spoilers*
That said, I liked that Georgiana was a different kind of character. Early on she thrills at the "verbal sparring" double talk of the ton and is enlivened by the challenge of being successful in society. This makes her seem like the perfect choice for a Duke's wife, refreshingly unique compared to the majority of heroines I read about in clean historical fiction (usually, they might be bluestockings and unnaturally modern, but they're always sweet, kind, genuine, etc.) and highly entertaining to read about.
She seemed to morph into someone else however. Someone who is wearied by everything the ton is and is really just a girl who loves to read in haystacks. Um. I wish she had stayed consistent.
Georgiana's morality came into question sometimes. This wasn't surprising and I wouldn't have minded if she had just owned what it was instead of dressing it up as something else (ie. "wining" an ex/innocent. She could be unapologetic about being cruel given that her loyalty was to Marlow. But I wouldn't call that being a good friend. A real friend brings out the best in you, inspires you to be better and rise higher. Doesn't sink you by association with pettiness and humiliation. This kind of thing would absolutely have been talked about in regards to Marlow's feelings and reputation, and I thought he wanted to preserve appearances...), or at least if other characters called her on it. It seemed like her explanation was accepted as reasonable or even touching. -_-
There were so many good one liners and so many sweet moments - I wish I could share all my highlights.
Mistakes are made, but they're always addressed super quickly and not given the time to develop into Big Misunderstandings which I APPRECIATED SO MUCH!
There were a few times when I felt like attitudes or situations did not fit the time period at all (like the Duchess telling her son to follow his heart. Erm, I feel like this would almost NEVER happen. That's a very modern and a very American attitude. People always want to point back to Jane Austen, but Mr. Darcy was just a Mr. and even he struggled with duty over his feelings and what was not an advantageous alliance. If you're dealing with the Ton, you're in a whole different ball game). But luckily for me, it did not affect my enjoyment of the story too much.
I can't wait to read more by Megan Walker.
I did not remember the relationships and events of previous books (all of which I read when they came out) at all. It still worked as a standalone novel, but the characters (namely Georgiana) might have felt different if I had read them recently.
*Minor Spoilers*
That said, I liked that Georgiana was a different kind of character. Early on she thrills at the "verbal sparring" double talk of the ton and is enlivened by the challenge of being successful in society. This makes her seem like the perfect choice for a Duke's wife, refreshingly unique compared to the majority of heroines I read about in clean historical fiction (usually, they might be bluestockings and unnaturally modern, but they're always sweet, kind, genuine, etc.) and highly entertaining to read about.
She seemed to morph into someone else however. Someone who is wearied by everything the ton is and is really just a girl who loves to read in haystacks. Um. I wish she had stayed consistent.
Georgiana's morality came into question sometimes. This wasn't surprising and I wouldn't have minded if she had just owned what it was instead of dressing it up as something else (ie. "wining" an ex/innocent. She could be unapologetic about being cruel given that her loyalty was to Marlow. But I wouldn't call that being a good friend. A real friend brings out the best in you, inspires you to be better and rise higher. Doesn't sink you by association with pettiness and humiliation. This kind of thing would absolutely have been talked about in regards to Marlow's feelings and reputation, and I thought he wanted to preserve appearances...), or at least if other characters called her on it. It seemed like her explanation was accepted as reasonable or even touching. -_-
There were so many good one liners and so many sweet moments - I wish I could share all my highlights.
Mistakes are made, but they're always addressed super quickly and not given the time to develop into Big Misunderstandings which I APPRECIATED SO MUCH!
There were a few times when I felt like attitudes or situations did not fit the time period at all (like the Duchess telling her son to follow his heart. Erm, I feel like this would almost NEVER happen. That's a very modern and a very American attitude. People always want to point back to Jane Austen, but Mr. Darcy was just a Mr. and even he struggled with duty over his feelings and what was not an advantageous alliance. If you're dealing with the Ton, you're in a whole different ball game). But luckily for me, it did not affect my enjoyment of the story too much.
I can't wait to read more by Megan Walker.
February 2, 2026
“The Duke’s Bargain” by Megan Walker can be read as a standalone but you will fully appreciate the characters development and their background if you read Megan Walker’s previous books.
We were first introduced to Georgina Wood in “ Lakeshire Park” when she made a huge mistake that left her ruined and humiliated.
The Duke of Marlow was jilted days before his wedding in “ Miss Newbury’s List“. He is furious, he is angry and harsh.
In “ the Duke’s Bargain”, we get to see the other side of things and a different side of these two secondary characters. Megan Walker does a great job shedding light on their feelings, their inner thoughts, and their motivations, giving them more depth and growth and a chance at redemption and, eventually, love. And at the end you can’t help but root for them to find their HEA.
“The Duke’s Bargain” is a wonderful story of redemption and second chances. This is a great slow burn romance between Georgiana and Lucas,
two imperfect, flawed but relatable characters.
The romance is perfection. They start out not liking each other. It is heartwarming watching them open up and get to know each other better. There is real conversation, witty banter and hilarious sparring. There is a growing friendship, a deep emotional connection and intense chemistry.
It was also really fun to catch up wițh read the characters from the author's previous books.
I highly recommend “The Duke’s Bargain” and all Megan Walker’s previous books, to all fans of proper historical romance books full of wit, humor and heart.
We were first introduced to Georgina Wood in “ Lakeshire Park” when she made a huge mistake that left her ruined and humiliated.
The Duke of Marlow was jilted days before his wedding in “ Miss Newbury’s List“. He is furious, he is angry and harsh.
In “ the Duke’s Bargain”, we get to see the other side of things and a different side of these two secondary characters. Megan Walker does a great job shedding light on their feelings, their inner thoughts, and their motivations, giving them more depth and growth and a chance at redemption and, eventually, love. And at the end you can’t help but root for them to find their HEA.
“The Duke’s Bargain” is a wonderful story of redemption and second chances. This is a great slow burn romance between Georgiana and Lucas,
two imperfect, flawed but relatable characters.
The romance is perfection. They start out not liking each other. It is heartwarming watching them open up and get to know each other better. There is real conversation, witty banter and hilarious sparring. There is a growing friendship, a deep emotional connection and intense chemistry.
It was also really fun to catch up wițh read the characters from the author's previous books.
I highly recommend “The Duke’s Bargain” and all Megan Walker’s previous books, to all fans of proper historical romance books full of wit, humor and heart.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story completely captivated me until the final page. There aren't many books that cause me to get emotional but this one did (Marlow and his heart!). I was fully invested in the characters in a way that doesn't often happen and I absolutely adored this book. The Duke and Georgiana are unique because the reader gets to see the other side of things. We get the characters that cause the problems in our other books and are despised by others. We get a woman who made mistakes and she knows it and has regrets. We get a man who feels empty and is angry and harsh. We get two fairly selfish people who are going on a journey and I was not prepared. The romance is perfection. There is real conversation and a friendship that includes grace and honesty. It was also really fun to read what the characters from the author's previous books have been up to. I could not stop reading this book and I can't recommend it enough if you enjoy historical romance.
Five Stars.
"I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own"
Five Stars.
"I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own"
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Overall I quite enjoyed this NetGalley eBook.
The author is new to me, but I am a sucker for a good Regency romance and so I took a chance.
I enjoyed the sparring banter between the Duke and Georgiana. Even in their own heads they were quite hilarious: "Amelia who was sitting stalwart in her spot on the settee, her hand resting on her bulging stomach—the best and only thing about her I truly liked."
I typically read Christian Historical Fiction, of which this is not.
💋🥃🃏There are some steamy kisses and caressing, as well as alcohol drinking and gambling, so not for teen audiences.
Based on the above, it surprised me to see the author give thanks to Jesus Christ her Refuge, but that is simply an observation on my part.
I do think she made me feel the emotions of the characters quite well and I had no trouble picturing the settings.
I am removing one star for the many grammatical issues; mostly missing words. I could infer the intent and hope those issues are resolved before the release date.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
Read: 1/20-21/2026
📚 GoodReads Reading Challenge 2026: Book 12
The author is new to me, but I am a sucker for a good Regency romance and so I took a chance.
I enjoyed the sparring banter between the Duke and Georgiana. Even in their own heads they were quite hilarious: "Amelia who was sitting stalwart in her spot on the settee, her hand resting on her bulging stomach—the best and only thing about her I truly liked."
I typically read Christian Historical Fiction, of which this is not.
💋🥃🃏There are some steamy kisses and caressing, as well as alcohol drinking and gambling, so not for teen audiences.
Based on the above, it surprised me to see the author give thanks to Jesus Christ her Refuge, but that is simply an observation on my part.
I do think she made me feel the emotions of the characters quite well and I had no trouble picturing the settings.
I am removing one star for the many grammatical issues; mostly missing words. I could infer the intent and hope those issues are resolved before the release date.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
Read: 1/20-21/2026
📚 GoodReads Reading Challenge 2026: Book 12
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Against my better judgment, I felt his words take root in my heart and expand. I shouldn't let them. I should dig them out and toss them aside before they took hold of me. Before they grew. I had let such feelings take root before, and it had ruined me. "
I was thrilled to receive an advanced readers copy of this book!
Like her other books, Megan Walker does not disappoint with this one.
I enjoyed seeing the personality of the characters and how they developed and interacted throughout the story. Both Georgiana and Lucas have their own interesting histories and I appreciated the dual points of view.
I absolutely loved the slow burn romance and witty banter between the characters. I was giggling and smiling at many of their conversations. Their relationship also had depth and I loved being along for their journey of navigating their hearts in the midst of society's opinions, their families and feelings of duty and obligation.
I fell in love with these characters and highly recommend this book!
I was thrilled to receive an advanced readers copy of this book!
Like her other books, Megan Walker does not disappoint with this one.
I enjoyed seeing the personality of the characters and how they developed and interacted throughout the story. Both Georgiana and Lucas have their own interesting histories and I appreciated the dual points of view.
I absolutely loved the slow burn romance and witty banter between the characters. I was giggling and smiling at many of their conversations. Their relationship also had depth and I loved being along for their journey of navigating their hearts in the midst of society's opinions, their families and feelings of duty and obligation.
I fell in love with these characters and highly recommend this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is one of the best books I've read in a while... I enjoyed it way too much!
The chemistry between Georgiana and Marlow is intense much of the time. I love the witty dialogue and how they spar with each other.
I love strong heroines, and Georgiana is wonderfully written. She's brave, has nerve, easy to love, and loves a good challenge.
Poor Marlow didn't stand a chance. He was intrigued with her very early on.
The storyline is great - including the grandmother's ring - and the characters and settings are excellent.
I loved all the other 3 books in this series - but I think this one is my favorite.
I highly recommend them all - and each are great as stand alone books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC!
I loved it and am looking forward to this author's next project!!
💜💜
The chemistry between Georgiana and Marlow is intense much of the time. I love the witty dialogue and how they spar with each other.
I love strong heroines, and Georgiana is wonderfully written. She's brave, has nerve, easy to love, and loves a good challenge.
Poor Marlow didn't stand a chance. He was intrigued with her very early on.
The storyline is great - including the grandmother's ring - and the characters and settings are excellent.
I loved all the other 3 books in this series - but I think this one is my favorite.
I highly recommend them all - and each are great as stand alone books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC!
I loved it and am looking forward to this author's next project!!
💜💜
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I didn’t want to put this story down
When the Duke of Marlow goes to retrieve a priceless family ring, he did not expect to be dealing with Georgiana, a lady with dirt on her face and straw in her hair. The ring was a gift from her brother, he won it in a card game with the duke’s cousin, and she didn’t want to part with it. As the Duke offers more and more money, Georgiana realizes that there is something she would gladly trade the ring for. She had become a social outcast the previous season in London. If the Duke would appear with her at three high interest social events, her reputation would be restored. Can she and the Duke work together in this endeavor and could they possibly begin to see the value in each other? Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
When the Duke of Marlow goes to retrieve a priceless family ring, he did not expect to be dealing with Georgiana, a lady with dirt on her face and straw in her hair. The ring was a gift from her brother, he won it in a card game with the duke’s cousin, and she didn’t want to part with it. As the Duke offers more and more money, Georgiana realizes that there is something she would gladly trade the ring for. She had become a social outcast the previous season in London. If the Duke would appear with her at three high interest social events, her reputation would be restored. Can she and the Duke work together in this endeavor and could they possibly begin to see the value in each other? Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
For readers who love pure romance and passion with a clean, non explicit read. A wonderful read for the lovers of these themes: love against the odds, not quite equal stations, forced proximity, sacrafice, redemption and second chances. My attention was captured from the begining. What I appreciated about this story was the wonderful stolen moments and the growth of the two main characters. I liked the secondary characters and what they added to the story. I think the premise of the story was fantastic! We get to see what happens next after Miss Newburys list. (this could be read as a stand alone too.) A happily ever after where the decleration was just lovely!
*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy. all opinions are my own.
*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy. all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I LOVED this story! I couldn't put it down! The tension between Georgianna and Lucas is the "chef's kiss." The way they save each other is everything. And even better, it was all providence; the circumstances behind them meeting (her brother winning a priceless family heirloom from the Duke's (Lucas) cousin and then gifting it to her), Lucas' desire to retrieve the heirloom so he could find a wife and give it to her, the way only the two of them could understand each other heartbreak (his from an unfilled engagement and hers from a scandal), and the way the heal each other. This is a MUST read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Amazing! I’ll read anything Megan Walker writes.
Georgiana has the best witty comebacks and is so clever in her bargaining. She knew what she wanted and had an elaborate plan to achieve it. Lucas was no match for her reasoning. So he made a bargain with her. It seemed simple and easy. He didn’t think it would cost him much, but it ended up costing him his heart.
A wonderful story of redemption and second chances. Of following your heart despite what others may think or say. This is a great slow burn romance that will have you laughing out loud and leave you wanting more!
Georgiana has the best witty comebacks and is so clever in her bargaining. She knew what she wanted and had an elaborate plan to achieve it. Lucas was no match for her reasoning. So he made a bargain with her. It seemed simple and easy. He didn’t think it would cost him much, but it ended up costing him his heart.
A wonderful story of redemption and second chances. Of following your heart despite what others may think or say. This is a great slow burn romance that will have you laughing out loud and leave you wanting more!
January 26, 2026
YES YES YES! All the stars. If you read Megan's books Lakeshire Park and Miss Newbury's List, you get to see some old friends in this book. This is Georgiana Wood and the Duke of Marlow story. Chance meeting brings on a bargain to benefit them both.
The banter was so much fun. He is trying to help her back into a society he doesn't want anything to do with. She is trying to help him find a wife in a world he doesn't know how to navigate.
Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing, NetGalley and Megan Walker for the advanced copy of this book. I loved it so much! Now I need Gabriel's story!
The banter was so much fun. He is trying to help her back into a society he doesn't want anything to do with. She is trying to help him find a wife in a world he doesn't know how to navigate.
Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing, NetGalley and Megan Walker for the advanced copy of this book. I loved it so much! Now I need Gabriel's story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a wonderful proper romance! The characters were complex and funny and relatable. I loved the theme of valuing people instead of judging them for their mistakes. Lots of fun! Thank you to the author for this advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A wonderful romance of finding friendship, redemption and true love. Lucas and Georgiana are a worthy couple.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It took me a minute to get into this one. But once I did, wew! I couldn’t put it down.
I love that this story featured two very flawed MCs. From page one we see that they are very firmly entrenched in their ways. There is no semblance of sweetness or affection between them. This made the journey of watching them soften and open up so satisfying.
It was so fun seeing characters from past books, though from a very new perspective (if you’ve read Miss Newbury’s List and Lakeshire Park, you’re in for a treat. But don’t worry if you haven’t read them, you can jump right into this one).
Thank you to Shadow Mountain & Proper Romance for the chance to review an advance copy.
I love that this story featured two very flawed MCs. From page one we see that they are very firmly entrenched in their ways. There is no semblance of sweetness or affection between them. This made the journey of watching them soften and open up so satisfying.
It was so fun seeing characters from past books, though from a very new perspective (if you’ve read Miss Newbury’s List and Lakeshire Park, you’re in for a treat. But don’t worry if you haven’t read them, you can jump right into this one).
Thank you to Shadow Mountain & Proper Romance for the chance to review an advance copy.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews