Book Review: The Duke Deal by Valerie Bowman

Author: Valerie Bowman

Title: The Duke Deal

Series: The Whitmorelands #1

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 161

Published: November 1, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Bookbub)

Summary: 

She wants a favor. He has ONE condition.

The honeymoon is over…

When Veronica said “I do” to Sebastian Sinclair, Duke of Edgefield, she thought all her dreams had come true. He was dashing and doting, and she absolutely adored him—until he betrayed her trust, shattering their marriage, and her heart, into a million tiny bits. She hasn’t seen her husband in the two years since, and she’d just as soon make it twenty. But when she learns that her beloved grandfather’s dying wish is for her and Sebastian to attend the family’s Christmastide celebration, she swallows her pride and asks him a favor: to pretend they’re the happy couple they once were.

But the passion still simmers.

Sebastian is shocked to find his lovely duchess on his doorstep, but he’s ready and willing to play the part of a devoted husband for the Christmas season…if Veronica will grant him a favor in return. All he asks is that she share his bed every night. All night. And maybe even give him the heir he needs.

Could their love be the real deal?

Veronica must be mad to agree—especially since Sebastian seems intent on using every weapon in his arsenal to charm and seduce her. She knows it’s just pretend and yet, she can’t help but wonder if the falling snow and Christmas cheer will work a little magic. Maybe she and Sebastian will end up with more than either of them bargained for…

Review:

When I saw this on Bookbub as a freebie for me I had no choice but to pick it up. Love this author and dukes? Yes, please!!!!

Veronica and Sebastian married two years ago. It was a love match and they were happy...until they weren't. She caught Sebastian in a lie and with the trust gone how could she ever trust him again? Two years go by and they have not seen each other. Now they are forced together to celebrate the holidays with Veronica's ailing grandfather. 

Oooooooo you stubborn fools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just wanted to shake Veronica and even Sebastian. They were too stubborn to stay and fight. They both had some trauma from their childhood and refused to listen to each other or explain. TALK YOU FOOLS TALK!

I love Justin, Veronica's brother, who finally has enough and decides to help. Bless him. I adore him.

I loved, loved the ending. Made me chuckle. 

My only issue was the internal monologue copy-pasting. Oh...my...gawd. We get it. We truly get why you have issues with the other and themselves. Sighs. 

All-in-all this was a fun second chances romance. It was nice when they finally woke up and found each other again. Some copy-pasting, but worth it to watch them work through it. I do want to read more esp if Justin gets to fall in love. He's a gem. 3 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):

- #24 for Romance Reading Challenge - Xmas setting