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A Deal with the Rakish Duke
Lady Eleanor is a spinster. A shameless, foxy spinster, who is terrified of the prospect of marriage. But there is one thing she absolutely must achieve this Season: find a suitable gentleman for her younger sister. And keep her away from rakes.
The gossip columns are wrong. Isaac Brown, the Duke of Gouldsmith, is not looking to get married. Infamous for his rakish ways, the secret to his heart lies in his past—a past no one can ever know. After he asks Eleanor for a dance, he never expected to make a devilish deal with her: pretend to be courting to escape gossip.
Eleanor knows rakes are only trouble. Trouble she must stay away from, if she wants to salvage her already damaged reputation. But as her lips touch Isaac's, her hatred turns into a blossoming love with no salvation...
The gossip columns are wrong. Isaac Brown, the Duke of Gouldsmith, is not looking to get married. Infamous for his rakish ways, the secret to his heart lies in his past—a past no one can ever know. After he asks Eleanor for a dance, he never expected to make a devilish deal with her: pretend to be courting to escape gossip.
Eleanor knows rakes are only trouble. Trouble she must stay away from, if she wants to salvage her already damaged reputation. But as her lips touch Isaac's, her hatred turns into a blossoming love with no salvation...
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2021
345 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 25, 2022
It was okay. It was just too short for anything to be developed. The characters, while likable, are fairly one dimensional. We are told the hero is a rake, though he never acts like one. The romance goes from zero to one hundred because there was just no time to develop it.
I was amused that the description says this book is a realistic depiction of the regency and victorian era (that statement is already a red flag because those are two different time periods). This book was not realistic at all. The heroine and the villainess run around without chaperones. They go to the hero's house by themselves in broad daylight where any of the neighbors could see them. The hero buys the heroine a dress. The younger sister danced every set at a ball with one suitor. There were a ton of other little things too.
I was amused that the description says this book is a realistic depiction of the regency and victorian era (that statement is already a red flag because those are two different time periods). This book was not realistic at all. The heroine and the villainess run around without chaperones. They go to the hero's house by themselves in broad daylight where any of the neighbors could see them. The hero buys the heroine a dress. The younger sister danced every set at a ball with one suitor. There were a ton of other little things too.
March 16, 2022
I was drawn in by the cover and then the title fits one of my reading challenges! Count me in
We follow Lady Eleanor who is a spinster with a damaged reputation and never wants to marry. However, she has to help her sister find a suitable gentleman and keep away the rakes. Walks in Isaac Brown, the Duke of Gouldsmith, who is a rake and never wants to marry. He also has a secret from his past that no one can never know. He and Lady Eleanor make a devilish deal....pretend that he is courting her. This will help Eleanor and her sister get invites to certain balls they have been cut from and help him keep women off his back. However, things happen after a single kiss.
This was short and cute. Gotta love the moment with fake romances when real feels come into play. Makes me always chuckle. Fake romances never work people! Real feels ALWAYS happens for at least one of the two folks.
I liked Eleanor and her sister. They are very sweet girls.
It took a minute for me to warm up to Isaac. He for sure plays the part of the rake and cad. It took a minute to see his walls down.
Ooooo Caro. SMH. At first I felt bad for her because she seemed to really like Isaac, but then she does somethings that made me want to punch her.
This was a light read. The drama was there but easily solvable.
Now, I will say it took me a minute to really get into the story. The first 25% dragged for me. The rest was really good so the drag/lull at the beginning was worth it in the end. I'm glad I didn't give up.
I enjoyed this and I am curious when book 2 will be coming out. I believe book 2 is about Eleanor's sister. She deserves a HEA!!!!
Overall, this was short and sweet. The beginning was a little rough for me, but once I was hooked...I was hooked. 3 stars from me.
We follow Lady Eleanor who is a spinster with a damaged reputation and never wants to marry. However, she has to help her sister find a suitable gentleman and keep away the rakes. Walks in Isaac Brown, the Duke of Gouldsmith, who is a rake and never wants to marry. He also has a secret from his past that no one can never know. He and Lady Eleanor make a devilish deal....pretend that he is courting her. This will help Eleanor and her sister get invites to certain balls they have been cut from and help him keep women off his back. However, things happen after a single kiss.
This was short and cute. Gotta love the moment with fake romances when real feels come into play. Makes me always chuckle. Fake romances never work people! Real feels ALWAYS happens for at least one of the two folks.
I liked Eleanor and her sister. They are very sweet girls.
It took a minute for me to warm up to Isaac. He for sure plays the part of the rake and cad. It took a minute to see his walls down.
Ooooo Caro. SMH. At first I felt bad for her because she seemed to really like Isaac, but then she does somethings that made me want to punch her.
This was a light read. The drama was there but easily solvable.
Now, I will say it took me a minute to really get into the story. The first 25% dragged for me. The rest was really good so the drag/lull at the beginning was worth it in the end. I'm glad I didn't give up.
I enjoyed this and I am curious when book 2 will be coming out. I believe book 2 is about Eleanor's sister. She deserves a HEA!!!!
Overall, this was short and sweet. The beginning was a little rough for me, but once I was hooked...I was hooked. 3 stars from me.
June 27, 2023
Una historia entretenida, no es nueva y no tiene mucho cuerpo pero entretiene y cumple su función. Creo que esa entrega de Eleanor, la protagonista, hacia su hermana pequeña es más que exagerada. No se llevan tantos años y los recuerdos con la madre de ambas y toda su figura están muy idealizados. Ahí ha exagerado la autora, o a mi entender tendría que haber puesto más diferencia de edad entre ambas.
Los motivos por los que Isaac, el duque, para no casarse tampoco tienen mucho peso en un hombre. Me parece más una decisión de una mujer que de un hombre, pero bueno, la autora quería que en eso fueran iguales sus protagonistas.
Me ha gustado cómo interaccionan Isaac y Eleanor, es divertido verlos juntos. El enamoramiento me parece un poco rápido pero está bien. En cuanto a la amiga de la infancia, Caro, la verdad es que poco puedo decir, un poco trastornada sí que parece.
Novela ligera y entretenida para pasar un rato ameno.
Los motivos por los que Isaac, el duque, para no casarse tampoco tienen mucho peso en un hombre. Me parece más una decisión de una mujer que de un hombre, pero bueno, la autora quería que en eso fueran iguales sus protagonistas.
Me ha gustado cómo interaccionan Isaac y Eleanor, es divertido verlos juntos. El enamoramiento me parece un poco rápido pero está bien. En cuanto a la amiga de la infancia, Caro, la verdad es que poco puedo decir, un poco trastornada sí que parece.
Novela ligera y entretenida para pasar un rato ameno.
March 13, 2024
one word: fun!
Despite the not-so-accurate depiction of regency life (the lack of chaperones; dancing all your dances only with one person; and even now I still don't get how could a gentleman invite a single lady to his house, even with the presence of a(n absent) chaperone?), I did enjoy reading this. I like the heroine's sarcastic sense of humor that is reflected in her inner thoughts. I like the hero, although I fail to see how on earth he got his reputation as a rake when he was actually a quite decent man. However, I enjoy reading hero and heroine's earlier interaction. One obvious downside of this book is the length. Since it's too short, I felt the change of dynamics between hero and heroine from witty to angsty was too abrupt. I think their "trauma" needs to be delved a bit longer. But anyway, it's an easy read. If you're tired of alpha a-hole heroes or annoying heroines, this one should do for a breather.
Despite the not-so-accurate depiction of regency life (the lack of chaperones; dancing all your dances only with one person; and even now I still don't get how could a gentleman invite a single lady to his house, even with the presence of a(n absent) chaperone?), I did enjoy reading this. I like the heroine's sarcastic sense of humor that is reflected in her inner thoughts. I like the hero, although I fail to see how on earth he got his reputation as a rake when he was actually a quite decent man. However, I enjoy reading hero and heroine's earlier interaction. One obvious downside of this book is the length. Since it's too short, I felt the change of dynamics between hero and heroine from witty to angsty was too abrupt. I think their "trauma" needs to be delved a bit longer. But anyway, it's an easy read. If you're tired of alpha a-hole heroes or annoying heroines, this one should do for a breather.
December 26, 2021
What starts as an understanding with mutual benefits ends up as the most important decision ever made. Isaac needs a fake courtship to keep an obsessed young woman at bay while Lady Eleanor needs the duke to further on her sister's marriage prospects. Neither wants to get married for fear of falling in love and loosing their beloved. They strike a deal and soon they are spelled with eachother. Though Isaac fights agains his feelings, he soon realise that is preferable to live, love and possibly suffer rather than not giving in to love and suffer nonetheless. A witty Lady Eleanor, a rake with a considerate behaviour are tge Nain ingredients of this heart-warming love story written beautifully.
June 9, 2022
A pretend courtship leads to a lasting love.
Although not one of my favorites from Sally Vixen, Deal with the Rakish Duke was still an entertaining read. Both the main and supporting characters were likable and held their own within each scene. The push and pull of the developing relationship between Eleanor and Isaac was believable, but held a hint of uncertainty. The ending was sweet but, because it would be the beginning of the next book, it felt less than satisfying.
Hint: to find out what happens to Eleanor's sister Lydia, read the next book. In my opinion, it is a five-stars read.
Content 411: In addition to a couple of mild swear words, there are a couple of sexually intimate scenes.
Although not one of my favorites from Sally Vixen, Deal with the Rakish Duke was still an entertaining read. Both the main and supporting characters were likable and held their own within each scene. The push and pull of the developing relationship between Eleanor and Isaac was believable, but held a hint of uncertainty. The ending was sweet but, because it would be the beginning of the next book, it felt less than satisfying.
Hint: to find out what happens to Eleanor's sister Lydia, read the next book. In my opinion, it is a five-stars read.
Content 411: In addition to a couple of mild swear words, there are a couple of sexually intimate scenes.
January 11, 2023
Fantastic!
Wow, what a story, with all the suspense and thrilling moments you wish to encounter. This story reminds me of myself. I was 23 yrs. of age when I decided marriage was not for me after two broken engagements because of the pain and hurt I went through (different reasons than Eleanor or Issac) but still left me saying I would remain single. But that didn’t happen and I have been married 47 years. So, when the right person comes in your life everything changes if you can overcome your fears and take a chance on love, just like Issac and Eleanore (as well as myself) did you can give yourself and your true love that happily ever after ending. I hope this story touched others out there as it did me.
Wow, what a story, with all the suspense and thrilling moments you wish to encounter. This story reminds me of myself. I was 23 yrs. of age when I decided marriage was not for me after two broken engagements because of the pain and hurt I went through (different reasons than Eleanor or Issac) but still left me saying I would remain single. But that didn’t happen and I have been married 47 years. So, when the right person comes in your life everything changes if you can overcome your fears and take a chance on love, just like Issac and Eleanore (as well as myself) did you can give yourself and your true love that happily ever after ending. I hope this story touched others out there as it did me.
June 1, 2023
Eleanor and Isaac are 2 sides of the same coin. Neither wants to marry in order to keep their “freedom” or sense of “self”. They plot to fake date so Eleanor’s sister gets suitable matches and the ladies of the ton leave the Duke alone as a taken man. They fall for each other during that scheme and get physical at some point. Alas, they are caught by a lady who desperately wants to marry Isaac (even though he keeps telling her he won’t).
He, then proposes to save Eleanor from utter ruin and because he loves her. The couple is sweet, it feels like the desire they feel is their connecting point for a while.
A nice, feel good read. (I was only thrown off by the constant use of "My love" as soon as the couple professed their love to each other.)
He, then proposes to save Eleanor from utter ruin and because he loves her. The couple is sweet, it feels like the desire they feel is their connecting point for a while.
A nice, feel good read. (I was only thrown off by the constant use of "My love" as soon as the couple professed their love to each other.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 30, 2024Exquisite historical romance
A wonderful romance with insights into loved and then the grief of lost love. The impacts of a lifetime of love and the deep loss of that love. Do we take a chance of such intense grief in our own lives, knowing that loving so deeply will cause intense pain or do we live a lifetime full of true love and taking the chance of living that love? A decision people must make when we ourselves are close and seeing the effects. Do we close ourselves off to protect our hearts?
A great romance of love, fears, and a some steamy chapters that reminds you of that intense love!
A wonderful romance with insights into loved and then the grief of lost love. The impacts of a lifetime of love and the deep loss of that love. Do we take a chance of such intense grief in our own lives, knowing that loving so deeply will cause intense pain or do we live a lifetime full of true love and taking the chance of living that love? A decision people must make when we ourselves are close and seeing the effects. Do we close ourselves off to protect our hearts?
A great romance of love, fears, and a some steamy chapters that reminds you of that intense love!
December 31, 2021
Everyone has a right to change their mind
Isaac saw the grief his mother endured after his father died. Eleanor saw that same grief in her father when he lost his wife. Both concluded that it was better to never marry so they might avoid a similar fate. Silly nobles! The draw between them grew stronger and would have to culminate in either marriage or they would have to stop seeing one another. A charming story with a happy ending.
Isaac saw the grief his mother endured after his father died. Eleanor saw that same grief in her father when he lost his wife. Both concluded that it was better to never marry so they might avoid a similar fate. Silly nobles! The draw between them grew stronger and would have to culminate in either marriage or they would have to stop seeing one another. A charming story with a happy ending.
February 13, 2022
This was a short, sweet love story about two people who have dedicated their lives to caring for their grieving parents and have entirely given up on love. Lady Eleanor is dedicated to finding her sister a good match and gives little thought to her own spinsterhood. When her sister is approached by notorious rake Isaac she steps in and embarks in a fake courtship with the Duke to improve her sister's prospects.
April 12, 2022
two stubborn people
This quick story manages to have all the reasons of a historical romance on not too many chapters. A determined spinster meets a supposed rake and he convinces her to have a fake courtship. Real feelings pop up even though neither wants to be heartbroken like their parents if they live and the other dies too young. Various make-out and eavesdropping scenes, a breakup, a threat of scandal, and they come to their senses and have a happy ending in marriage.
This quick story manages to have all the reasons of a historical romance on not too many chapters. A determined spinster meets a supposed rake and he convinces her to have a fake courtship. Real feelings pop up even though neither wants to be heartbroken like their parents if they live and the other dies too young. Various make-out and eavesdropping scenes, a breakup, a threat of scandal, and they come to their senses and have a happy ending in marriage.
July 24, 2022
Loved story about a rake of a Duke and Eleanor, a lonely spinster of twenty-three who was helping her sister find a good match. Both the Duke and Eleanor decided not to marry because both sets of parents were truly in love, but when one passed away the other went into a decline and they didn't want that for themselves. Even though they were really in love deciding not to marry.
Do they finally marry or do they stay single and are miserable.
Do they finally marry or do they stay single and are miserable.
January 1, 2022
A very endearing historic romance!
Made for each other it is so wonderful that they realized what they had. Problems arise, but love can conquer all if given the chance. I really enjoyed this story, it had humor, but more importantly there was love. I enjoyed reading this novel very much, thank you, Jack.
Made for each other it is so wonderful that they realized what they had. Problems arise, but love can conquer all if given the chance. I really enjoyed this story, it had humor, but more importantly there was love. I enjoyed reading this novel very much, thank you, Jack.
January 7, 2022
You stubborn people Fall in love
The author catches the absurdity of 2 people who are determined not to This author has away with words and have a change of mind. I like the characters in the story a little bit of viciousness, a little bit of silliness and a whole lot of love. This author has away with words
The author catches the absurdity of 2 people who are determined not to This author has away with words and have a change of mind. I like the characters in the story a little bit of viciousness, a little bit of silliness and a whole lot of love. This author has away with words
February 23, 2022
very nice romance
I liked that it was a quick read and the attraction between the two started nearly at the beginning. It was not filled with lust and sex. That being said, the oral sex over yea in his drawing room was unnecessary and to me, a romance killer. It didn’t need to be there, it was the only sex scene before wedding. That is where the last star went.
I liked that it was a quick read and the attraction between the two started nearly at the beginning. It was not filled with lust and sex. That being said, the oral sex over yea in his drawing room was unnecessary and to me, a romance killer. It didn’t need to be there, it was the only sex scene before wedding. That is where the last star went.
July 22, 2023
This started strong but really started to lose its way around halfway. There were far too many plot contrivances. That being said, it was very readable and I think it showed a lot of promise.
Just to note, this book is marketed as a "realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era" but those aren't the same era and this isn't really a realistic depiction of either.
Just to note, this book is marketed as a "realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era" but those aren't the same era and this isn't really a realistic depiction of either.
May 19, 2024
A well used trope, older spinster stating she will never marry, titled Lord saying the same, but deciding to pretend to court each other to keep society and family from pursuing them. Within days they're hopelessly in love and married for real.
Not much more to this book than that.
Disappointing.
1.5*
Not much more to this book than that.
Disappointing.
1.5*
December 28, 2021
Trust your instincts
The plot was well written and showed how events in your past can cloud how you perceive the future. Took understanding on both of their parts to let love triumph
The plot was well written and showed how events in your past can cloud how you perceive the future. Took understanding on both of their parts to let love triumph
December 29, 2021
Never to wed!
Both our hero and heroine carry scars of love lost by their parents! When one parent of each passes and leave one grieving for years , each swear off marriage! So have a courtship of pretense to protect themselves!
Both our hero and heroine carry scars of love lost by their parents! When one parent of each passes and leave one grieving for years , each swear off marriage! So have a courtship of pretense to protect themselves!
February 3, 2022
Finally love
Loved this story about Eleanor and Isaac. They both did not want to marry, but shortly after meeting their chemistry was strong they could not do anything but fall in love.
Loved this story about Eleanor and Isaac. They both did not want to marry, but shortly after meeting their chemistry was strong they could not do anything but fall in love.
May 2, 2022
3,5 stars
This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed te story and the characters. I would have liked a bit more time/chapters of the main characters before them getting together. It was very fast.
This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed te story and the characters. I would have liked a bit more time/chapters of the main characters before them getting together. It was very fast.
June 14, 2022
Since English isn’t my first language, so there were words that were quite difficult to understand. But never mind, I love this story so much. I enjoy how good is Isaac and Eleanor relationship. OMG, their chemistry made me feel butterflies in my stomach. They’re so cute and sweet. 💕💗
December 8, 2022
Have not read any novels
From Sally Dixon before, but definitely will be now. It's pretty much typical of other stories, from that era. Sallys book have it just a slight difference to the characters and settings. Held my attention.
From Sally Dixon before, but definitely will be now. It's pretty much typical of other stories, from that era. Sallys book have it just a slight difference to the characters and settings. Held my attention.
February 19, 2024
I Will Only Marry For Love
Eleanor and Issac agreed to a fake courtship for different reasons, but not for love because neither wanted to marry. But as time goes by they realize that they love each other.
Eleanor and Issac agreed to a fake courtship for different reasons, but not for love because neither wanted to marry. But as time goes by they realize that they love each other.
February 28, 2024
The heroine wants to help her sister find an appropriate suitor. The hero wants to fend off forward females. They enter into a fake courtship. It was a short read, but didn’t seem to follow the ton rules at the time, such as no chaperones.
December 27, 2021
A Deal with the Rakish Duke
A steamy story about a young woman that claims to be a spinster and a duke fell in love with her and she with him
A steamy story about a young woman that claims to be a spinster and a duke fell in love with her and she with him
December 29, 2021
Nice romance
Nice fast paced romance, that was well-written. Believable story line and interesting characters. If you like a quick regency read this is a story to read.
Nice fast paced romance, that was well-written. Believable story line and interesting characters. If you like a quick regency read this is a story to read.
January 2, 2022
Love triumphs after a fashion!
Good recency story of Isaac & Eleanor's strange pact of fake betrothed becomes a reality!
Fun read with a nice cup of tea!
Good recency story of Isaac & Eleanor's strange pact of fake betrothed becomes a reality!
Fun read with a nice cup of tea!
January 10, 2022
Rakish Duke
A deal with the Rakish Duke was a great read
Rather a medium short read but none the less enjoyable start to finish
A deal with the Rakish Duke was a great read
Rather a medium short read but none the less enjoyable start to finish
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews