I’ve binge-read a couple of Janna MacGregor’s books from her Cavensham Heiresses series recently and just fell in love with her storytelling. So when we were asked to host Ms. MacGregor in her blog tour for A Duke In Time, I was excited to start this new series.

I have to say, the book starts with a bang when Katherine is at her late husband’s solicitor’s office for the reading of his will, and she learns that she is one of three wives. Then she meets her brother-in-law, Christian, and while she needs his help, she’s confused by the spark of attraction between them.

Katherine is a compassionate woman. Even though she is dealt the blow of finding out about her late husband’s other wives, she becomes friends with these women and wants to help them. She also finds herself helping Christian when he needs assistance setting up a charity for war veterans, a cause near and dear to him. Through all this, Katherine finds herself falling in love with Christian but not feeling worthy because of her past.

Christian is compassionate in his own way, but his focus is getting over the past hurts of his family so that he can grasp the love that just dropped in his lap. I liked the two of them together as they help each other in business and to get over their pasts to find their happily ever after.

I have to say, this might’ve been the first romance book that I’ve read that dealt with the aftermath of polygamy. It’s definitely an interesting premise to the series, and I was sucked into this world that Ms. MacGregor created. I honestly can’t wait to read the rest of the series, as I’m going to assume it follows the other wives. Well done, Ms. MacGregor!

Not only has Katherine Vareck’s husband Meri, taken her dowry, he has also married two other women. Her chance of being the royal supplier of linen, is surely doomed, as is her business when word gets out about his misadventures. Upon meeting Meri’s brother, Christian, the Duke of Randford, Katherine finds herself drawn to him, like no other. Whilst he initially appears to be distancing himself from Meri’s problems, he soon cannot help but be drawn into assisting Katherine.
It was quite understandable how each were drawn to the other, as I too, found myself captivated by both Kat and Christian. Here are two people, who were both honourable, in their attempt to help others. Whilst theirs backgrounds were difficult; they have not let this define them. Their attraction and love for each other is evident, growing through their interactions with each other. This was very well done and made for a believable romance. I loved the dialogue between the couple and found myself, not wishing this book to end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was also quite fascinated by both the characters, created by Janna MacGregor. This would have to be one of my favourites, and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor is the first book in The Widow Rules series and the first book I've read by MacGregor. I was interested to see how this one was going to go once I read the summary. I mean, three wives and no one knew until Meri, the husband, died.

While there are three wives, the main heroine of this book is Katherine Vareck. I thought she was the strongest of the three wives although I'm looking forward to reading the stories of the other two. Once Katherine finds out what Meri was up to, she is introduced to Meri's brother, Christian, the Duke of Randford. She pushes him to step in and help them all get their dowries back as well as help come up with a solution for everyone. While at first he tries to wash his hands of everything, he realizes he can't just step away.

As they Katherine and Christian work to come up with a plan for the ladies, they also come up with a plan to work together on a business venture that will help everyone. Alongside of that, they start to realize they are attracted to each other. As they both face their pasts, they have to determine what is most important to them for their futures.

I enjoyed this book and will definitely pick up more from MacGregor in the future. Consider picking this book up when you have the chance!

I thought that the “Meri” Widows a great idea for a plot. This romance takes server all twists and turns and is actually a couple of romances in one. I’m not sure if this will be the start of a series as there a couple of “widows” whose story hasn’t been completed. The subplot is a bit convoluted, but the dynamics lend a bit of intrigue to the overall story.

Historical romance with interesting,unusual,for the time,characters. A good story with lots of twists and surprises.

3.5 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This was a fun historical romance set in Victorian London.

Katherine married Meri after a three week whirlwind romance. Imagine her surprise when he leaves her six hours after the wedding and other than a few sporadic letters, she doesn't see or hear from him again. After Meri dies in a riding accident, Katherine discovers he married two other women in the year since her wedding, spending all of their dowries. Facing homelessness and ruined reputations, Katherine invites the other two wives to stay with her in London until they can convince Meri's half brother, Christian, the Duke of Randford to make them whole.

This was a cute, sweet historical romance. The romance was pretty predictable. The couple got together pretty easily, then suffered the typical misunderstanding, then joyously got back together again. What was more interesting and fun to read about was Katherine's business and Meri's odd and entertaining bequeaths that would randomly appear at the Duke's estate. If you are looking for a sweet book to escape with for a few hours, this is a good book to read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. All opinions are my own.

A Duke in Time is a Regency romance and the first book in The Widow Rules series. The story opens in London in 1815. After learning of her husband's death, Lady Katherine Meriwether went to her attorney's office for the reading of her husband's will. Granted, it wasn't much of a marriage. He left right after the wedding breakfast and she never saw him again. However, Lord Meriwether's other two wives were there for the same reason. None of them knew about the others. As if this wasn't bad enough, two of the wives, one pregnant, were basically homeless and penniless. Could things get much worse? The Lord's half brother, Christian, the Duke of Randford enters the picture as seemingly cold and very much distanced from the situation.. That changed quickly.
Katherine and Christian are well developed characters. They both had overcome much and they were capable and generous people. Together they were unstoppable. But, when Katherine's past surfaced and Christian's endeavors were threatened difficult decisions had to be made. Would their love survive?

This is a beautifully told love story. It is multi layered and a pleasure to read. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

After her husband Lord Meriwether Vareck’s death Katherine Vareck learns he had three wives. She was only married a few hours, not even a marriage consummated. Her business would be destroyed if the scandal gets out. It seems her brother-in-law the Christian, Duke of Randford didn’t care for his half-brother, Meri. A captivating story their personalities clash at their first meeting, but the attraction is there just under the surface with their heated looks. Christian wants nothing to do with his brother’s estate and wipes his hands of the whole mess. All three women’s dowries have gone missing. It’s quite fascinating to see how their dynamics grows and changes in the story from enemies to burning desire. I voluntarily read and reviewed this extraordinary story with a few twists and turns to keep it interesting.

Interesting and well-written first book in the new The Widow Rules series. I loved Katherine (Kat) and Christain, the Duke of Randford. Their chemistry and caring seemed genuine and heartfelt. And the secondary characters added to the story without taking anything away from the main characters. I recommend this solidly-written and well-paced historical romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

What a wonderful start to The Widow Rules series that immediately captivated me and kept me glued to the book until I read the last word with engaging characters, humor, drama, steamy and touching romance and so much more. I loved the undeniable chemistry between Katherine Vereck who learns her husband had married two other women when he died and Christian, Duke of Randford, Meri's brother. If you enjoy well crafted Regency romance, you will love "A Duke In Time" by Janna MacGregor. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review. I liked it so much, I purchased a copy to read again.

Katherine (Kat) arrives at the solicitor's office to await her brother-in-law the Duke of Randford. While waiting two beautiful women are also escorted into the room. At which point Kat discovers she is one of three widows of her husband, Lord Meriweather is a trigamist.

Christian, Duke of Randford, recently returned from war, wrote off his half brother as well as his father and step-mother years ago. Christian tried to save Meri from his drama and troubles which he left Christian to resolve. Christian can't escape Meri's poor choices and bad decisions.
Christian angrily discovers Meri's multiple widows, wanting nothing to do with them, informs them that they're on their own. Kat is equally determined that Christian must as the Duke protect and resolve the situation. Each of the widow's will have their own problems they would like kept secret. It will take the partnership of the Duke and Kat to help all concerned.

I loved the information about Katherine's business. It was a wonderful addition to the story especially since it was pretty uncommon for that era.

A Duke in Time
By Janna MacGregor

I always love a first book in a series, and one from Janna MacGregor, I was more than excited to pick this one up. There is nothing I love more than a broody duke and scorching chemistry and this one delivered.

Katherine Vareck's husband dies suddenly and this was not the biggest shock of them all, it was that she discovers of him having two other wives! More than her reputation, her business was put at risk... coming to help is Meri's brother Christian, the Duke of Ranford who wants to stay as far away from his family, but was drawn to help his brothers' widow, the beautiful Katherine.

I love the writing and the excitement of all the intrigue that was happening in the story. It was hard to put down as soon as I started the story and was deep in the story so immersed into their lives and loves. I highly recommend this scorching hot read I really enjoyed.

Well I did not see that coming at all… in only the best of ways. An all new series beginnings revolving around the lives of three women brought together in the most unusual of circumstances, especially in the Victorian era, and becoming as close as sisters. Janna MacGregor was a late addition to my bookshelves, but I can honestly say that I am thrilled I found her and was able to enjoy her skill. The new world of the Meriweather widows is one filled with twists and turns that make the story not only interesting but thrilling and truly worth every moment of reading. Katherine Vareck is determined to make her business into one of the most influential female run businesses in England, but the sudden death of her husband leaves her dowry free and in need of serious capital in order to win a contract with the Prince. Her brother-in-law is returning from war and will be her only hope of regaining her funds, but he is such a forbidding character she finds herself reluctant to approach him. Christian is finally returning to the peace of his home, though with a lot hanging over his head, and he doesn’t want to deal with the fallout of his younger brother’s shenanigans. His only goal is to provide a safe and sane landing for his fellow soldieries returning from the war, but when he meets with his brother’s lawyers his life changes forever. Christian and Katherine are left to handle the truth left behind by Meri’s death, and the two wives that have also arrived to claim their dowries back from Meri’s estate. Katherine knows she shouldn’t get more involved, but the women are in dire straits, even more so than herself and Christian seems unwilling to offer his hand to the ladies so she takes them into her home and under her wing. Christian is intrigued by the spitfire that pushes against him, repeatedly demanding he step up and meet his obligations, and soon they are working together on both of their projects and their feelings for one another are becoming much more than simple admiration. Only their love will see them through the coming scandal when the truth of Meri’s widows comes to light and give them a chance to reach their HEA. Christian seemed to be a single-minded and selfish pompous ass on the surface, but there was so much going under the calm façade he tried to portray to the world that he was like an iceberg with only a quarter of his truth above the water. He spent so much of his youth fighting the embarrassment cause by his family that he just wants to distance himself and become a man that he can respect, looking after his men and friends, but he comes to learn that sometimes we have to be selfish in order to look after our own inner peace. He was sweet of the oddest moments, strong, and brave, leading his men out of desperate situations and improving their lives again and again. He truly was a commanding officer that anyone could respect and a man that any woman could love. Katherine was a woman well before her time, running not only a business as a woman, but for female customers and having female employees (mostly) only, giving her exclusivity. Her sass, savviness, and strength of character was obvious from the beginning, but as she spent more time with Christian and began to fall in love, she found a softness and devotion to herself and her future that led her into a different direction and reminded her that just because a woman wants her career doesn’t mean she has to give up a family—inner battles women still fight hundreds of years later. I enjoyed seeing her taking the other women under her protection and befriending them, making them sisters really, and allowing the three of them to find a way to find some good out of the tragedy of their husband’s polygamy and lies. The passion between Christian and Katherine started out much more subtly than in some novels, but as their relationship developed and they spent more time together their love and the heat between them kindled quickly and became an inferno to be sure. I am looking forward to the stories of the other two wives in this mess to be sure and seeing where their lives take them after this. Another good series shaping up for sure.

When widow, Kat finds out her deceased husband was married to two other women she ends up befriending them. She is also drawn to Christian her husbands half brother. As she works her way through this new life and falls for Christian she has a problem to solve that may fracture this relationship. Great character and storyline. I received a copy through Netgalley and this is my voluntary review.

A Duke in Time is the first book I have read by this author. The description sounded intriguing and even though it was extremely well-written, I found it starting to drag at times and certain behaviors of the heroine seemed really out of place, especially in light that it was a historical.

ARC received via NetGalley.

Ok so normally I really like stories by this author. But I really struggled with this one. The blurb made it seem like it would be something that sucked me and left me never wanting it to end. But honestly, for me it just didn't happen that way. I had a very hard time connecting with the characters-they honestly didn't seem that likable to me. And the story almost seemed to be all over the place to me. There were plot points to it that really didn't seem necessary or make any sense in the overall story. It just was strange to me. It definitely fell short for what I was hoping for just based off the blurb. I am sure some people will enjoy it, unfortunately I wasn't one of those people.

As soon as I read the book description I was all in. I thought the premise of this book was super original. Usually with historical romance you discover the deceased husband has a bastard or maybe a mistress, not two other wives! My favorite part about this book was the way the women banded together and made the best out of a horrible situation. I have to give MacGregor props, she could have chosen to up the drama and have the women hate each other. Instead she focused on the development of a loving sisterhood.

“Kat’s heart swelled at the scene. This was her new family, where hugs and congratulations were freely given. Now she knew what it was like to have sisters.”

The MC’s spend the majority of the book fighting their attraction for one another. The chemistry is undeniable and you can literally feel the steam building after each interaction they have. Typically historical romance has the classic confused virgin heroine, questioning everything going on in the bedroom. I loved that Kat was inexperienced but confident in her sexuality. I mean, the woman knew how to pleasure herself so I don't think its a stretch to let her character be confident in her wants and needs. On the flip side, Christian hasn’t been with a woman in years and I also found it so refreshing to have a hero that wasn’t a rake. For me A Duke in Time was a wonderful break from the status quo.

SIDE NOTE: I feel a second chance romance is brewing between Constance Lysander and Lord Sykeston. I for one can’t wait for the second book Rules of Engagement, to see how it all unfolds.


Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

***All quotes are taken from an advanced readers copy and aren’t final***

I received an advanced reader’s copy of A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor.

3.5 stars

The story idea of a man having married three women and the wives learning of each other upon his death is intriguing. I felt the story had a bit of a slow start but there were interesting developments to keep me reading.

I liked that the three women develop a friendship despite the circumstances that brought them together.

Katherine and Christian both had pasts that influenced them greatly. They’re both passionate about the things they care about. Their kindness and caring is shown throughout the story.

I’m intrigued by Constance, one of the other widows, and am looking forward to reading her story.

An interesting concept done in an excellent way. I didn't see certain things coming and it definitely made it shocking when those events played out, for me. The three wives each seem interesting and I look forward to each book as it is released. If it is as good as this one, then I'll likely devour it quickly. I wasn't really familiar with this author before, but I plan to be in the future! #netgalley #adukeintime

I really enjoyed this unusual story of secrets, desperation and helping others survive the chaos created by others. It is a well crafted story that entertains and warms your heart. I can't wait for the next two stories to unfold.

What would you do if your new husband left right after your wedding breakfast? Would you feel confused, used for your dowry? When you find he's died a year later with him never returning to you how would you handle it? Would you grieve, seek your dowry back from his estate? Then you find he's got 2 other wives he's married since you, a baby on the way by one of them and you ALL are desperate for your dowries and the estate is empty! How would you handle it? Wow what a set up for a romance series!!

I truly fell in love with the heroine of this book Katherine Greer Vareck. She overcame being an illegitimated daughter of an actress and fending for herself for years. She is full of compassion for helping her fellow women and a successful business woman in a age where that was almost impossible. She managed to marry into the gentry to aid her standing in business. On top of that she takes in her husband's other wives and they become sisters, united in helping each other avoid scandal. She lives and breaths the values her mother taught her and serves as an example to others.

Christian Vereck has always been embarrassed of his family. He enlisted in the war to get away from them after giving up on his half-brother Meriwether. Now, Captain Vereck has to come home being the new Duke of Ranford to settle his brother's estate. He doesn't want the responsibility and seeks to have his servants deal with it. Katherine gets in his face and makes him face the fact that there are three wives who need his help. He slowly comes to realize Meri actually did him a favor by marrying Katherine so they find each other. I loved watching these two become a team while secrets slowly come to light.

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