SPORTOCHICK’S MUSINGS: I love the multiple strong women characters in A Duke in Time by Author Janna MacGregor

The plot of this story is strong, fast moving and solid. Three widows helping each other out and working together to figure out the unfortunate situation they are in, is handled with finesse and ease. These women took the hand dealt them with grace especially for their time and the author was still able to infuse the hardship they suffered without sacrificing their inner strength.

Though this book may appear to have only two Main Characters Katherine Vareck, Meri's first wife, and Christian, Duke of Randford but the other two wives, Constance Lysander and Beth Howell are a large part of the success of this book plot.

With the introduction of the Christian's friends Julian Raleah, Marquess of Grayson, and Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston, the author does a superb job of setting the readers up for future books to this series.

I look forward to reading more books from this series.

I give this 5 STARS.

The first story in the widow series is a great beginning to understanding the dynamics of life after finding out you were not your husbands only wife.

First in a series of friendship between the widows of an (unbeknownst to them!) polyamorous man. Seamstress Katherine is shocked upon meeting the solicitor to discover her late husband has two other wives, and the potential scandal could ruin her business prospects. Her husband Meri’s brother Christian, the Duke of Ransford, steps up (just in time) to offer help and support, and swoon-worthy romance ensues.

I loved reading a story about wronged women coming together to help each other out, and bonding instead of tearing each other apart.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of #ADukeInTime from #NetGalley.

A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1). By Janna MacGregor. 2021. St. Martin’s Paperbacks (eBook ARC)

While not my favorite book by this author, the story and characters were overall, entertaining.

A good storyline with solid characters. It was easy to engage and hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed it— and encourage you to pick up a copy and read it.

Hmmmmm…….this was just ok. Nothing wrong about it, but something was missing. One of those that you can’t quite put your finger on. When three women find out they’re married to the same person you would think chaos would happen. These women, however, band together become fast friends. They even move in together the same day they meet. I mean, I liked that they formed a sisterhood, but maybe a little “what the hell” moment? The Duke seemed like he was going to be an ass, but he was actually very sweet. I didn’t think this was insta-love, I thought they’re falling in love had good pacing. Some good side characters, some good banter, but I don’t know, just something missing. The only thing I really didn’t like was Kat’s “secret”. I didn’t think it was as big a deal as she was making it, & was brought up one too many times.

Did Not Finish at 30%. It just wasn’t holding my attention and I tried a few times.

Wasn't for me but certainly may be a hit with someone else.

This is a fantastic story with some amazing twists! The author really puts it all out there and doesn't hold anything back, which I absolutely love about her writing.

Can you believe it - not one, but two other wives? That's quite the scandal, not to mention the burning desire for the step brother-in-law... Oh yeah! Our heroine definitely has some big issues hanging over her head. Not only is she now a widow, but her background has some slight issues that could prove to be a problem.

But then Christian enters the picture, her step brother-in-law and hopeful savior. I absolutely love his character and the fact that, even though he could have been a jerk, he was so sweet and really fell for her. Their connection was immediately sweet and hot with an extra serving of spice! MacGregor really doesn't hold back with her spicy romance.

A Duke in Time is truly entertaining, unique, and a deliciously spicy romp to dive into!

Janna MacGregor does an excellent job of creating a vivid and engaging world, transporting readers back to Regency-era England. The characters are also well-developed, with Lady Katherine being a particularly strong and independent protagonist who isn't afraid to speak her mind.

The plot is well-structured, with plenty of twists and turns that keep readers engaged. The romance between Lady Katherine and her love interest, the Duke of Sutcliffe, is also beautifully written, with just the right amount of chemistry and tension to keep readers invested.

Overall, A Duke in Time is an absolutely delightful read that is sure to appeal to fans of historical romance and time travel. The book is well-written, with a charming and engaging plot and strong characters that readers will adore. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic and romantic read!

Hello

Apologies for the late notice, but I have decided not to review this title. While I am certain it's obvious by now, I wanted to also clear this off NetGalley, so it's not showing as open for either of us.

I look forward to continuing to work with you in 2023 and beyond.

Laura

2.5/5 The prequel had me so hooked to read this series but the execution of the first book felt like something was lacking. Katherine is the widow of Christian's brother but from his return from war he discovers his brother has not one but three widows. Christian falls for Katherine while trying to help all his brother's wives. I needed banter, humor, funny circumstances, something more than the doldrums I read.

A Duke in Time is the first in The Widow Rules, a new trilogy from histroical romance author Janna MacGregor and from the first page I was hooked. This emotionally captivating, steamy, and witty page-turner left me on the edge of my seat until the last page.

When Katherine discovers that her deceased husband had three wives, and needs help to avoid the gossip mill and endager her reputation and business. It will take an army to uncover who the rightful, legal wife is and with one of the woman pregnant, the layer of complications just increased exponentially.

Who is the rightful heir, who is the legal widow? These women will have to band together to clear their name, maintain their status, and figure out how they will surive in light of their recent financial discovery. A secret long thought to be in Katherine's past is brought to the surface and threatens those around her, including her recently departed husbands half-brother Chrisitan, the one person who wants to help her. Will she find a way to open her heart? The closer she gets to Christian the discovery of what love is will challenge her in ways she never dreamed.

When Katherine fordges a friendship with two women who should in most situations be her enemy, she'll discover what family truly is. With Christian, she'll discover feelings that are exhillerating. To finally have the chance to know a love that can blossom from a suitor who perhaps, needs her more than she needs him. This new relationship will change her life forever..

In order to prevent a scandal, find their missing dowries and discover who the rightful, legal wife is, this adventure becomes a captivating page-turner that ticks all the boxes of a great historial romance read.

I can't wait to see what happens next.

I loved it, I simply fell in love with them. I get that the book had many flaws, that's why I rated it 4 stars, but it was engaging and heartwarming.
The way conflicts and secrets were handled in the book was great, the miscommunication trope isn't one I'm a fan of, so this felt like a breath of fresh air.
Their chemistry and love were just so beautiful, their playful flirting and banter was so swoon worthy.
The most apparent flows were how muted down some reactions were, like the wives' reactions were really weird, Constance at least should've been more emotional.
Overall, a really nice read.
* I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Loved this book! Janna MacGregor's book never disappoint. The women are always strong and the men swoon-worthy,

This is a prequel to the new series The Widow Rules. The story sets the background for A Duke in Time and introduces you to Katherine, Lady Meriwether Vareck and Christian Vareck, the Duke of Randford. It’s a nice introduction to the series and makes you want to read the next books in the series to see what happens with each of the three widows.

I thought this was a good historical romance, but it wasn’t the best for me. But this was the most fascinating premise - three wives find out about each other when their husband dies and have to find their way in the world together. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this series!

Such a wonderful historical romance. I loved both the hero and heroine. I couldn’t put it down because I was so entranced by the story.

This was a delightful read from Jenna MacGregor. It is a slow burn romance with some great fire as you go.

Katherine "Kat" Meriwether is widowed after a brief marriage lasting a year. She owns her own business that employs single women and has created an exclusive boutique for women to shop. Her deceased husband apparently had three total wives, and all of their dowries are gone! Kat can't bear to leave the other two widows behind, so she allows them to stay with her.

Christian Vareck, the Duke of Ranford, is the half brother of the widow's husband. A dark brooding war hero, he seeks to employ men who returned home from the war.

Christian wants nothing to do with any of the women, because his experience with his half-brothers situations always end badly. However, there is something about Kat that draws him.

Christian and Kat end up working together for a common goal, which is always a good starting point for romance to begin!

This book doesn't excellent job of showing the process of grief and emotional healing. There are several minor characters who I am hoping get their own book soon.

This book is definitely worth to read!

Highly entertaining, sweetly sexy, exciting fun, emotionally thrilling adventure filled with intriguing charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Really enjoyed this action packed adventure from beginning to end, and so hard to put down.

Another great Janna MacGregor read!
This Regency romance opens as a beautiful young widow with a hidden past discovers that her late husband had also "married" two other women, one of whom is extremely pregnant.Who is the legitimate wife? What will happen to the other two?
Each woman has good reasons for this scandal to stay hidden.
Then the dead man's cold, seemingly heartless war hero half brother enters the picture. He has the thankless job of figuring out which woman is his despised brother's rightful widow and heir while trying to find a way to help the downtrodden, emotionally scarred and physically damaged soldiers who served under his command. Will one of these women persuade him to open his heart?
Love, secrets, illegitimacy, money...all part of the recipe for a good romance are found of this delicious new novel. (less)

Katherine Vareck is still recovering from the accidental death of her husband , Lord Meriwether Vareck , her energies focused her business and on the chance to become a "Royal Supplier" when she discovers that she is not her late husbands only wife - he has two more . The scandal will be unbearable , her potential business opportunity a thing of the past.......just how will she and her husbands now abandoned other wives survive ?
Christian , Duke of Randford , has avoided his 'good for nothing' family until, now but he cannot leave his brother's widow without assistance .
When a joint business venture arises that would benefit both parties they are thrown together .
Their feelings and attraction begin to grow but it is only by reconciling the past will they be able to have a future .

Another enjoyable historical romance from the Author - I look forward to reading the remainder of the series

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own