Lady Katherine Meriweather is a widow. After a whirlwind marriage , only married for 6 hours , her husband left for business. Unfortunately Meri , Katherines husband preferred name , died in a horse accident. At the realtors office Kat finds out she is not the only grieving widow. There are two others. Her husband was a trigimast. Meri had three wives. Our story follows the wives trying to survive , how to get their dowry’s back and Katherine growing affection for her brother in law.
I did find some slow bits , but I feel they set up the story more . Overall a truly romantic story . I recommend to anymore who enjoys romance novels.

I have read books by Janna MacGregor before and really enjoyed them. This is the start of a new series and that's exciting. There were, however, several issues with the story. First of all, it was one of the most anachronistic historical romances I've ever read. If one would replace Duke by Mister and take away the Lady in front of the heroine's name it could totally work as a modern romance. Throw in some technology and it can even be a contemporary. It was THAT much out of the Regency context. And when the heroine gave a little speech to a young girl ( daughter of an unwed mother) about how she is valuable and can be whatever she wants to be I rolled my eyes at the book. No, she couldn't. No matter how much you suspend disbelief or wish things were different, that sort of cheesy feminism doesn't quite work today, let alone in Regency England. There were also some plot points that were very thin - like why Meri married the heroine in the first place, why did he leave and, why would he ever ask a former priest to act as one knowing the marriage is invalid. I get that the author was going for situation turns but they were not believable at all. And then the 'big shameful secret' she was hiding was just silly and carried no weight. If she had actually stolen something when she was hungry it would have been better. The way it was written just came off as idiotic, especially for a woman who claimed to be self-made and strong. The chemistry was good and the love scenes hot (though I could have done without the virgin widow thing) but the love declarations were very very cheesy and over the top. An ok read but not even close to some of this author's backlist.

I requested to read and review this book for free from St. Martin Publishing Company. This book is set in London in the 1800s. The characters in this book are Kat, Christian, Morgan, Beth, Willa, and Constance. Is there a such thing as true love? Is forgiveness possible. This story is about three women betrayed in the same way. Can they find a way out of a horrible suitation. Will society accept them or disgrace them. This has romance, mystery. This is for a mature reader and can be read anywhere.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 1 in a new series from Janna MacGregor. I really enjoyed this read and cannot wait for book 2. This is about Kat a recent widow that learns her husband had two additional wives. This had a good premise and loved the romance that built.

A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) by Janna MacGregor
This is a wonderful start to a new series by Janna. It can be read as a standalone and kept me entertained the whole time. This is Katherine and Christian, Duke of Randford's story. She is a strong h and he is a war hero and also a strong H. They both have issues in their past that still cause them problems. There are many interesting characters in this book than I learned to love and hope to see their stories. This book has angst, deception, laughter, caring, a mean guy, a very good story and plenty of steam to get us to a very HEA. I can't wait for the next book in the series RULES OF ENGAGEMENT Constance and Jonathan's story.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read Entertaining Funny Great world building Happily Ever After Informative Page-turner Romantic Steamy Tear-jerker Unpredictable Wonderful characters

received "A Duke in Time" from the fabulous Janna MacGregor and Netgalley and voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Katherine Vareck is one of three of the widowed wives of the second son of the previous Duke of Randford. Christian Vareck is the step brother of the deceased polygamist as well as the new Duke of Randford. Janna MacGregor's story telling gets better with each new book. She has beautifully told the story of love, betrayal, compromise and sacrifice. The hero and heroine are both dealing with issues of their past, but trying to move forward at tge same time. A dazzling romance!

A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I found a Janna MacGregor‘s book with the concept of one man marrying three women interesting. As she goes on to explain the circumstances and unravels three marriages it becomes more and more interesting.

The heroine Kat seems to be the most victimize. She’s a businesswoman and she’s also a friend to many of the people she has employed. When she meets Christian, the Duke of Randford it is in an effort to straighten the whole situation out. Christian although appearing quite stuffy is immediately taken in by her savvy understanding of the situation.

I enjoyed the twist of this book but I felt the sex were a bit overdone. It
seems Kat had never consummated her marriage with her husband the trigamist. She did however, become well read on sex. Usually in a book this doesn’t bother me I always figure it’s part of the couple learning about each other but this was a little over done.

The fantastic match making of the other two wives with friends seem too far-fetched even for me. I love the way Miss McGregor writes and I’m always happy to read her books but this book just didn’t do it for me.

Katherine, the heroine is an unusual heroine in that she has her own business and isn't the usual "damsel in distress". Upon finding out that her husband married two other women after her, she shows compassion and tries to help them. Christian, the hero, is duke, but he seems to have less self esteem than she does but has an equal sense of social conscience. It could make for an interesting couple but I found the whole relationship to be unlikely and unbelievable.. Not so much because of her illegitimate birth and and an incident of theft in her youth, which she seems to think could ruin her business and her life.but because she is such a staunch member of the working class. The whole relationship would have been impossible at that time. I got somewhat past it and the general plot was interesting enough to somewhat make up for the anachronisms, so I enjoyed the book.

This book was a wonderful read with a well-written storyline and characters that were so well developed which made this book a very enjoyable and entertaining read! I look forward to reading more from this author!

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Katherine's husband died in a freak accident. When visiting the solicitor she learns that he had two other wives. She meets the brother of her deceased husband who is now a Duke. I enjoyed the different characters

Katerina, who is widowed, learns that her husband has two other wives besides her. Christian, the Duke of Randford, is her husband’s brother and they meet at the lawyer’s office. Christian can’t ignore Katherine’s plead of help.

This is a well-written, enjoyable, passion-filled romance.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher. All options are my own.

I absolutely loved this book! At first, I thought I knew where it was headed but there were twists and turns I didnt see coming. So steamy! I can't wait to read the next one!

Such a precarious situation made such a delightful story. Love the independence and strength of Katherine. I also love how the author laid out the new love interest and how all that eventually played out. The Duke got the shock of his life and it was exactly what they needed. New to me author, did a great job with this one.

Janna MacGregor has provided an oddly modern story placed in Regency times. Without revealing too much of the plot a Duke must deal with the choices of his lately deceased half-brother. The characters for the most part are likable but the plot was ponderously slow. I usually am adept at skipping over graphic sex but sadly I caught some exchanges which generally ruined the story's potential sweetness. There must be some commercial reasons for including this which totally escapes me. I’m definitely not a fan.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I’ve read a few novels by Janna MacGregor and she has never disappointed with entertaining this reader with her stories. I think she is truly an author that has a knack for understanding her characters and what she wants to show on the pages.

A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules, #1) is a well-written story that captured my attending from beginning to the end. Although I had to put it down once, I couldn’t wait to finish. The story evolves around Lady Katherine (Kat) Vareck who was married to her husband, Lord Meriwether (Meri for short) and due to his accidental death she stands in the solicitor’s office in front of two other women claiming to be wives of her husband as well. It appeared that her husband had a fondness for exotic things including a few women that led to two extra wives. In her estimation, he was considered a “Trigamist” (haha). Kat then enlists the aid of Christian, the Duke of Randford, and Meri’s half-brother to help her avoid Beth and Constance, the other two wives in what has become a most precarious scandalous situation. Throughout the story, Meri’s exploits began to uncover a husband and brother who lived a very wasted, womanizing and care-what-may lifestyle.

Kat and Christian are two of the most likeable characters who have been dealt with obstacles that allow them to overcome a dark secret and a painful childhood. This a story that allows you to see the fears and strengths of the H/h, as well as the sub-characters who stands by and supports the decisions that they make. I loved how the author gradually builds the relationship between Kat and Christian and throws in for good measure love interests among the subs. In addition to the hardships that both the H/h experience, I also loved the fact that the author incorporated Christine, an honored war hero’s willingness to aid other homeless, displaced or misplaced soldiers returning from the war. There was a lot of heartwarming compassion on the part of both characters in their efforts to assist those who are in unfortunate circumstances and needing a helping hand.

This is one of the most well-written stories that I have read so far this year. A lovely historical romance that is filled with wit and passion. A recommended read.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Captivating from the start. The trials and tribulations that Katherine faced and the strength she exuded was inspiring. Christian stole my heart immediately. The journey that all the characters embarked kept the story moving. A good book always has a villain and this one had one too. Everything was entwined in this wonderful regency romance.

Christian, The Duke of Randford, has no time for another blunder made by his half-brother, Meri. Unfortunately, Meri has up and died and left three wives behind. No matter how hard he may try, Christian can’t walk away this time.

Katherine Vareck was married to Meri for a year. He left just after the wedding breakfast and didn’t even consummated the marriage. She hadn’t seen him since. Once she is brought to Meri’s solicitor, she accidentally meets the other two wives. Wife number two, Constance, is with child and could deliver any day. Wife number three, Blythe, is the sister of a Viscount who is glad to be rid of her. With a little persuasion from her dear friend and right arm gal, Willa, Kat invites the two other wives to stay with her as long as they need to. The three ladies begin a wonderful friendship as they start the long journey to find out where their husband stashed their dowries.

Kat and Christian’s spark is instant and will not go unchecked. While Kat is busy readying her business for a royal contract, Christian is receiving unfathomable items left to him by his half-brother. All the while, the two share burning kisses and explosive passion.

MacGregor has another winning series on the books. This book is only book one and it has it all! She gives us fiery romance, mystery, drama, and an explosive climax that one character has to control all on their own for the possibility of a happily ever after. We still have two wives who need to find theirs. Who will win the hearts of Constance and Blythe?

I received A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

What a sweet tale! Katherine is a widow who has come to the solicitor’s off ice for the reading of the will. There she finds two other women married to her husband as well. Her husband’s brother, the Duke, arrives and just wants things settled. However, Katherine refuses to let him walk away from his responsibilities. Christian is a war hero and now the Duke. His half brother always created messes that Christian had to get him out of trouble.
But this is one mess he wants to go away except Katherine has caught his attention. And there begins the story of Christian and Katherine on their way to an HEA. Great read.

Katherine Vareck is in for the shock of her life when she learns upon her husband Meri's accidental death that he had married two other women. Her entire business, along with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a royal supplier, is everything she's been working for and now could be destroyed if word leaks about the three wives.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Janna is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book

4 Stars! Aww! I love this story! It has such a unique storyline & I’ve never read a book like it before. This is the first book in a new series that has a HEA ending and can be read as a standalone. Katherine, the heroine, was likable and relatable. Christian, the hero & brother to a trigamist, was likable and I find myself wishing for a real life Christian of my own! I can NOT wait for the rest of the series! I definitely recommend this one! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one & REALLY can’t wait for the other wives books!
Also - This book had me thinking of all the men that had gone away to fight only to come home with injuries and no job and that’s only IF they were ‘lucky’ enough to come home!
*I received this book at no charge from NetGalley & I voluntarily left this review.*