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.*

As if losing her husband wasn't bad enough, Katherine finds herself in the midst of a scandal in the making. Her late husband's half brother arrives to try to settle the mess. Katherine had started her own business and is determined to live her own life. Her late husband's half brother arrives to put affairs in order but finds himself fighting his desire for her. This is a romantic, well written story . The characters, even the secondary ones are entirely believable. I had to read almost straight thru because I just had to see how it ended. Janna McGregor has penned another 5 star book. Her writing is creative and makes for happy reading . The story just flows on the page. Well worth the read!

In a patriarchal society where reputation is everything, Katherine knows her name must be above reproach, especially considering the secrets in her past. With a business on the line and other people depending on her, Katherine is determined to fix the messy situation her deceased husband left her and two other wives in. So, when she meets her husband’s brother, the Duke of Randford, she implores him to help.

As a Duke, Christian has much responsibility, especially after he learns that his deceased brother Meri had three wives. He wants nothing to do with his brother’s mess, but his conscience and the beguiling Katherine won’t let him ignore the situation. The lives and reputations of three women are in the balance. As Katherine and Christian try to figure out the mess that Meri left behind, will they give in to their growing feelings for each other? Will secrets from the past ruin their chance at love?

Christian is brave and determined and not one to shirk his responsibilities. He is also compassionate and thoughtful, and he has an amazing green thumb. A war hero and leader, Christian knows the horrors of battle. Like Katherine, Christian wants to use his success and influence to help others. I love that Katherine and Cristian share this desire to help others. They are both generous and compassionate, and they share so many great qualities.

Katherine is strong and fierce, and her kindness and regard for others are admirable. I mean, I don’t think, if I found out my husband married two other women, that I would invite the women to live with me. But Katherine sees women in need and in worse situations than her, and she is compelled to help. She works hard and helps others all while pursuing her own independence. She’s much like Christian in that way. They are both intelligent and strong-willed, and they make a great team.

Though Katherine and Christian didn’t meet under the best circumstances, their feelings for each other quickly grow. They have great chemistry and complement each other well. However, many complications and obstacles stand in their way. Though they had very different upbringings, they both are haunted by the past and things that happened in their childhoods. Some secrets threaten their relationship as well, and it’s interesting to see how their story unfolds and develops.

The story takes place in 1815, and the after-effects of the war are prominent throughout the story. Christian is a war hero committed to helping other veterans who need aid. Homelessness, unemployment, injuries, and PTSD are just some of the topics that are examined in the book. It also highlights the passivity society shows to these war heroes and their plight. I found this aspect of the story really interesting, and I love how Christian and Katherine try to help.

There are interesting commentaries throughout the novel about social classes, morals, and how one’s actions can affect others. Meri’s actions had profound effects on so many people, and his selfishness and thoughtlessness repeatedly put others at risk. In contrast, Katherine and Christian’s actions throughout the story have such positive impacts on the people in their lives. From employing people to offering shelter to creating new business opportunities, this pair defies social norms in the best ways possible. I love the strong messages and how they not only highlight prevalent issues but also add to the character development

I enjoyed this historical romance. It has great characters and great messages, and the love story is wonderful. The story also sets up potential romances in the next books, and I’m excited to learn more about the other two widows. Thanks so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Janna MacGregor for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I will post links closer to pub. date

A DUKE IN TIME - Janna MacGregor
The Widow Rules - Book 1
St. Martin's Paperbacks
ASIN: B08FZ8B348
ISBN-10:1-25076-159-X
ISBN-13: 978-1-25076-159-0
June 29, 2021
Historical Romance

London, 1815

Katherine, who prefers to be called Kat, is at her husband's solicitor, Mr. Hanes, who informs her that Lord Meriwether Vareck has died. Kat married Meriwether, or Meri, a year ago but doesn't feel much grief as he abandoned her a few hours after the marriage. He took her small dowry of two hundred pounds. She needs it back for her business. While they wait for Meri's brother Christian Vareck, the Duke of Randford, to arrive, another woman, obviously pregnant, enters the office. She introduces herself as Lady Meriwether Vareck. Before long, a third Lady Meriwether Vareck arrives.
When the Duke of Randford arrives and learns this, he demands Hanes find a solution to another of his half-brother's messes. When he turns to leave, Meri's legal wife Kat confronts him telling him the scandal will affect all of them and the other two wives will be ruined. He needs to help them. He leaves.
Willa has been with Kat since she served as her nursemaid and came with her to the solicitor. She insists Kat take the two other wives home with her as they have no place to go. She reminds Katherine she does the same for other women by giving them work in her business, Greer's Emporium. Now once again misses, Constance Lysander, who is pregnant, and Miss. Blythe Howell, the sister of a viscount, gladly go with Kat.

Christian has only been back in London a week since returning from the war in France and finds that he is acclaimed as a war hero. Shortly after leaving Hanes office, guilt makes him order his carriage driver to return. Outside the office, he finds a beggar asking for coins who he recognizes as one of his soldiers. When Christian finds his men thrown away after returning from the war, he hires them. It makes him angry the public ignores the returning soldiers and what sacrifices they made for England. When he is told the women have left, and that Kat took them in, he is surprised.

Katherine's mother was an actress, and after she died, Willa continued to take care of her. While poor, both women loved her and did whatever it took to take care of her. Christian came from a wealthy family but was disparaged, ignored, and shamed by his father and stepmother's profligate and dissolute parties. They loved Meriwether but ignored him. It was the reason Christian had escaped to the army and the war against Napolean. When he visits Katherine, he discovers she owns a business that helps support unmarried mothers and homeless women and decides he wants her to help do the same for homeless soldiers. The more they are in each other's presence, the stronger their initial attraction grows.
A DUKE IN TIME has great characters and the story involves many twists and turns plus some passion. While a strong love grows, both Kat and Christian have secrets. The story will captivate readers.
Robin Lee

A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor. The Widow Rules, #1. St. Martin's Press, 2021.

Of a series of unexpected encounters for newly widowed Katherine waiting hopefully at the lawyer’s office, meeting her brother-in-law Christian is probably the most pleasant.

Katherine (Kat) and Christian are kindred spirits, attractive and good, as are the supporting characters, introduced with enough development so that readers who enjoy this book will look forward to meeting them again, in later books of this new series.

Though at times the dialogue reminded me of a script, the book is easy to read. The plot is straightforward as characters overcome past experiences and efficiently cope with a number of current challenges. This Regency Romance is light on history, which is fine, it just isn’t my preference. For me, a Duke in Time was just ok.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of A Duke in Time for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #adukeintime #NetGalley

I got a total kick out of the premise for this book-spouse dies and the widow, Katherine, goes to the law office for the will reading only to discover two other women who are also apparently married to the same man! Talk about a cheating bounder!! And this opening kicked off a really fantastic read...

I loved Katherine. She’s resilient, loyal, honest, and so darn compassionate to those in need. She’s taken a few hard knocks in her lifetime, but it doesn’t get her down. Befriending the other wives showed a more forgiving and understanding personality than some would have, and I liked how accepting she was about the matter.

Christian was extremely likable! Here he is, stuck dealing with his idiotic half sibling’s demise and ensuing chaotic mess he really wants no part of, all while trying to help his fellow military compatriots and deal with his estate. He’s sort of caught between a rock and a hard place. With Katherine pestering him to do something about her and the other women’s financial mess among other things (besides walk away and leave another in charge) Christian steps up to the plate in the most unexpectedly endearing ways.

The strong leads and a wonderful cast of supporting characters made this book a very enjoyable read! I haven’t read many books by this author, but she’s definitely on my radar now!

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

What a great start to a series? I feel for all three of these women.
I really loved all the main characters. They are so supportive of each and I loved seeing their friendship development.
Katherine and Christian were absolutely perfect together. I loved watching their relationship unfold. I wish there was a little more intimacy though out the book which is why I gave it four stars. There was just a small part that felt missing. I am so excited to read the next book because the next character intrigues me he most.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This regency romance was warm and witty with a feminist viewpoint.  I love the way this book made consent and women's rights an integral part of the storyline which supported the romance in an affirming way. 

Upon arriving at her dead husband's solicitor, Katherine Varek is surprised to find out that he has 2 other wives.  She then makes the compassionate decision to take them both in while they all sort out the tangled web their late "husband" has trapped them in. Her husband's brother, Christian, Duke of Randford, meets Katherine at the solicitor and is immediately taken with her.  He tries hard to help Katherine and the other women to sort out their problems while dealing with his complicated feelings about his late brother.

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review

Sweet and spicy, with one of the more affable heroes and daring heroines I’d seen in a while. Can’t wait to read more from this author

A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor, published by St. Martin's Press, is a stand-alone in her new The Widow Rules Series.
The storyline is set in 1815 in London UK, in the upper society.
Lady Katherine is a young widow, all alone in London. She's a businesswoman but keeps her secrets close to her.
And then there's her brother-in-law, Lord Christian. Their meet cute is remarkable and there isn't much love left. But contrairy their chemistry is high, very much so.
ADiT is a heartwarming story, unputdownable once started, an all the feels giving story, a sweet romance with a twist.
A great read, I recommend the book , 5 stars.

I liked this story a lot, even if it was a little bit too long in my opinion. Looking forward to read the stories of the other 2 Brides of Mari.

Questa storia mi é piaciuta parecchio, anche se forse qualche pagina in meno non avrebbe guastato. Comunque non vedo l'ora di leggere anche le storie delle altre due mogli!

I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

I really loved this book. Just dove in and binged my way through. I love that it gives a different twist on the Regency romance plot. Katherine is her own woman, has her own business & doesn't need saving. She isn't intimidated by the Duke and she has empathy for the other "wives." I also love that the hero is not a rake who needs to be reformed by the love of the heroine. He has an innate sense of honor that makes him a great match for Katherine. And I think most of all I love that the author gives the characters time to get to know and appreciate each other and it isn't just physical attraction that drives their relationship.

I can't wait for the next book in what I assume will be a trilogy.