This was a new author for me, but a familiar story line. I liked the flow of the book. Nowhere was it stagnant. I, as a reader did not feel bored by the pace. The characters were believable and dealt with, by the author in a very realistic manner.
I personally prefer closed door romance. This one had a few intimate scenes which made me a bit uncomfortable. But then, that is my preference as a reader.

This was a lovely read! I love the marriage of convenience trope. The way the relationship was developed and the development of the characters made the situation more believable. I loved the cast of supporting characters and look forward to reading more about them in future books. Perfect for readers of Joanna Shupe!

Silas is emotionally destroyed after a painful marriage that ended in divorce despite the fact that he was a Duke.
When he finally returns to society, he becomes embroiled in a card game in which he wins the hand of Clara.
Despite their inauspicious beginning, they come to terms with each other and marry.
A love story along a rocky road of rumors and interference.
Sad start but an enjoyable read.

First in a new series by a new-to-me author. Clara’s early naïveté but inner strength was well done and she’s instantly likable. I wish they had dug deeper into Silas’s social anxiety, but his growth was well done too. This is a low stakes romance with no big misunderstandings, and maybe a little too much telling when we needed to seen more conversations that deepened their relationship. It’s nice to see reasonable characters acting reasonably.

The historical setting is not regency accurate, but I was still entertained. Based on Silas’s history with his ex, I was worried they would delve into kinks that weren’t hinted at in the description or any content notes, but those acts stayed in his past, as Silas seemed to want.

I’m on board to see what happens with Silas and Clara’s friends.

A duke makes a deal by Matilda Madison arc review. I was able to read this ebook through net galley. This was an excellent fast paced historical romance. It a marriage of convenience. The first in a new series. This is my first read by this author and I enjoyed it very highly. I literally couldn’t put it down once I started it. Clara woodvine attend her first high society ball thinking she about to get engaged well she learns her would be fiancé bet her in a card game ,to the to the Duke of Combe who is know as the divorce Duke she feel like she lost it all. Until her meeting with the Duke they make a deal to save both their reputation to enter into a marriage of convenience and nothing more they become friends and learn to trust each other. The more time they spend together more there feeling begin to change and evolve it something more. Can then learn to let go of the past and be happy or will be their issue get in the way. I found this book entertaining and fun to read I love the characters together and found them relatable . I also very excited to see what happens next in this series can’t wait definitely recommend you check it out. This book comes out June 11,2024