The Duke's Bargain - Review

The Duke's Bargain

By: Megan Walker

Expected Publication: May 5, 2026 by Shadow Mountain

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--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 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?

First, The Duke's Bargain should really be listed as book 3 in a series with the previous two books being: Lakeshire Park and Miss Newbury's List. Georgiana was a side character in Lakeshire Park. Her brother was the main male character of that book. And she and another woman were in competition at a house party for the hand of one man. Georgiana had known him since childhood and truly couldn't comprehend that he wasn't interested in her. She kisses him in a public way, and her reputation suffers because of it. But she hasn't given up. When the Duke of Marlow shows up at her house to retrieve an heirloom that his cousin lost to Georgiana's brother, Peter, during a bit of gambling, Georgiana knows that she has to capitalize on this opportunity.

Marlow was a side character in Miss Newbury's List. He was supposed to marry Rosalind in an arranged marriage beneficial to both of them. But Rosalind fell in love with another man during that time. Marlow still needs to find a wife and produce an heir. He agrees to Georgiana's request to escort her to three events, thereby giving her his blessing to all of society. But he didn't count on falling in love with her. Nor her with him.

I really enjoyed this romance. Marlow was so cold in Miss Newbury's List, yet I did remember feeling sorry for him. And I like that Georgiana was considered a villain in Lakeshire Park. It's all about perspective. I love being able to turn things around and see them from a different angle.

Favorite quotes:

-Loneliness was an ugly, bitter hag, and I was tired of her.

-"No man can measure up to a good book."

-"I don't aim to control you, Georgiana. I only aim to please you."

-"'Dear, dear! To see how some people fling away their happiness, and then cry and weep about it, just as if it was not their own doing, and as if there was more pleasure in weeping and wailing than in being at peace.'"

-"Ours is my very favorite story, Lucas."

I definitely feel like The Duke's Bargain should be listed as the third in a series. While you could read this book independently from the previous two books, I do feel like you'd be missing a lot about the characters' stories and background. How we got to where we are is so important to appreciate the full story. The Duke's Bargain gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Duke's Bargain? What did you think? Let me know!

Lakeshire Park - Review

Lakeshire Park

By: Megan Walker

Publication: April 7th 2020 by Shadow Mountain

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Brighton, England 1820

Amelia Moore wants only one thing—to secure the future happiness of her younger sister, Clara. With their stepfather’s looming death, the two sisters will soon be on their own—without family, a home, or a penny to their names. When an invitation arrives to join a house party at Lakeshire Park, Amelia grasps at the chance. If she can encourage a match between Clara and their host, Sir Ronald, then at least her sister will be taken care of.

Little does she know that another guest, the arrogant and overconfident Mr. Peter Wood, is after the same goal for his own sister. Amelia and Peter begin a rivalry that Amelia has no choice but to win. But competing against Peter—and eventually playing by his rules—makes Amelia vulnerable to losing the only thing she has left to claim: her heart.

Sigh! Well, that was just the perfect read for me! I am absolutely blissed out right now. Lakeshire Park was everything I could ask for. I will certainly be on the lookout for more books by Megan Walker.

Here's the background that you need to know: Amelia and Clara are sisters. Their mother was in love as a young girl, but her beloved was sent away and was supposed to return the night of a specific ball. When he didn't show up she connected with a stranger for a dance and then stole away for a private moment which resulted in a kiss witnessed by others and they were forced into marriage. The man was Amelia and Clara's father. He died of pneumonia suddenly and their mother reconnected with her original young love who became their stepfather. On her deathbed, their mother extracted a promise from their stepfather that he would take care of them and secure their futures. He then made the smallest attempts possible by giving them one season which proved unsuccessful. After contracting a lung illness which was leading to his inevitable death, Lord Gray allowed the girls to attend a house party in one last attempt to secure husbands because, upon his death, the girls receive nothing.

Amelia is resigned to being alone and only hopes to secure a future for Clara who caught the eye of Sir Ronald during their brief time in London for their Season. The only problem is, Georgina Wood also has her sights set on Sir Ronald. And Georgina's brother, Peter, is determined to help her in any way he can. Peter and Amelia quickly realize that they each are trying to advance their own sister. They strike a deal to butt out, but they also must spend each afternoon together to give Clara and Georgina a chance to win Sir Ronald's attention on their own.

Peter's regard for Amelia was quickly evident to me. She, of course, took much longer to realize it. And I was glad that Amelia at least discerned her own feelings before learning of Peter's. But there are still more obstacles for them to face. Georgina lets it slip that Peter needs a dowry from his marriage match partner. Amelia not only doesn't have a dowry, but she also has zero funds and no home or relations beyond Clara. Also, since Clara and Georgina are in competition for Sir Ronald, Clara can't stand the idea of seeing Georgina again after this house party. If Sir Ronald offers for Georgina, Clara will be miserable watching them together. If Sir Ronald offers for Clara the opposite will be true and it will be difficult for Georgina to witness. Ultimately, the main hurdle was easy for me to spot. Yet I wasn't sure how things would turn out.

Favorite quotes:

-“Love is not a risk, Amelia. Love is an inevitable outcome of living. And sometimes it does not make any practical sense at all. But that does not mean we should fear it.”

-“What is the benefit of keeping a secret from someone you care about?” I had a feeling his question was more pointed than innocent. “For fear of losing that person’s good opinion. Or being seen differently in their eyes.”“That is exactly the thing I appreciate most about love, Miss Moore. Its opinion is not easily swayed by status or money or flaws. Unless it is betrayed, it is most forgiving. And it holds steadfast in any weather.”

Ultimately I was near giddy the entire time I was reading Lakeshire Park. I loved the characters, their backstories. I loved the banter between Amelia and Peter. I literally can't think of a thing I would change. Lakeshire Park gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read Lakeshire Park? What did you think? Let me know!