I love every time I get to return to the Isle of Synne, and this latest adventure to the isle is no different. We've gotten to see Katrina as part of the Oddments and within her position as Lady Tesh's companion in previous books, but What's a Duke Got to Do With It was Katrina's time to shine. I enjoyed getting to explore her character further; it was clear from previous books that Katrina had a story to tell, and Britton's storytelling here did not disappoint.

The characters in any Isle of Synne/Synneful Spinsters book are definitely worth reading about. I particularly love the Oddments and all their quirks, and I'm loving reading about all of them getting their happily-ever-afters. We've previously gotten to know Katrina through her role at Lady Tesh's side, but this book finally gave her the spotlight and filled readers in on her backstory and how she came to be on Synne and how she found herself as a companion. Lady Tesh is fast becoming one of my favorite supporting characters, and I hope we get to see much more of her throughout future Synneful Spinster stories.

I both loved and felt for Katrina and Sebastian. Both were in difficult situations at the start of the book, at no fault of their own, but they were both strong in their determination to make things right for those they cared about. Their love and attention for those around them meant this second-chance romance was also a slow burn, but the pay off was definitely worth it.

I always find Britton's writing easy to get lost in, and this latest novel is no different. Settings and characters are always well done, and action scenes (spicy or otherwise) are always on point. Like pretty much every other main character (or past/future main character), I loved Katrina and Sebastian and loved the slow-burn, second-chance journey they went on together.

I loved Katrina and Sébastien. I'm a fan of slow burn and second chances and this book combines it so well. Not to mention the hilarious opening (well we shouldn't laugh at a dead lord but hey) !

The gentle push and pull of attraction has the perfect amount of strong nudge from my fav Lady Tesh. Loved her from the earlier book and she doesn't disappoint. The mouse is more prominent and without giving any spoilers you would love it!! Also the end!! Be ready for a good groveling scene.

So much love to this book.
Thanks Netgalley and foreverbooks for the ARC!

Thanks #NetGalley for the advanced copy of #WhatsaDukeGottoDoWithIt by Christina Britton in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 2 of the #SynnefulSpinsters series but can be read as a standalone book. I enjoyed the last book in this series so was excited to see book 2 on the netgalley list. I was not let down by the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this second chance at love for 2 characters that were on their way to finding love until scandal and ruin finds both of them. This book is angsty without being too angsty. Once again you see the Oddments (group of spinsters) and they are there to fight for and with the FMC. Don't you just love to see women supporting women? I know I do. I really wasn't sure how the HEA would work out for these 2 but never felt stressed about there possibly not being one. If you like found families and second chances, I think you will enjoy this book.

What's A Duke Got To Do With It by Christina Britton is the 2nd book of her Synneful Spinsters Series.

The title of this fabulous book made me think of this awesome song by Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It... and honestly? I sang the whole time "What's A Duuuuke Got To Do With It..." 😅

This brilliant love story of Katrina and Sebastian felt like the coziest blanket and I just never wanted to be over.

Miss Katrina Denby had her fair share of scandals and is the companion of Lady Tesh now. Hoping for a good marriage to get back her reputation she never expected to see the man of her dreams again... years ago there was a special chemistry between her and Sebastian, but he had to take care of his family. Now he's back and the Duke of Ramsleigh... but can they continue where everything had to stop?

OH MY GOODNESS!!!
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!! 😍
Now I'd love to read it again and again and again and again!
Their love story made my heart explode. As a hopeful romantic I want what Katrina and Sebastian have... true love. ❤️
They had to deal with impediments along their way... and... aaargh! I don't wanna spoil you!
READ THIS WONDERFUL BOOK AND FALL IN LOVE TOO! ❤️

I really really really loved Katrina and Sebastian! Awwwww! What a couple!!! Great characters! OMG and I can't stop swooning about HIM!!! 😍😍😍😍
Ha! But I don't want to forget to mention all the other great characters like Lady Tesh!!
Awwww! And MOUSE! Katrina's dog! He's a pure genius! LOL

So... What's A Duke Got To Do With It has it all!
DRAMA, LOVE, HEARTBREAK, LAUGHTER, FRIENDSHIP, COURAGE and so much more! ❤️❤️❤️
I really really really loved this book, their beautiful love story and can't wait for more of this series - or more of Christina Britton generally.

This is the tale of the most unfortunate woman in the world. Seriously, if bad luck had a face, it would be that of our heroine, Miss Katrina Denby. Although it seemed almost comical, in a dark humor sort of way, I was instantly drawn to her as a character. She had to endure so much during a time that had very little sympathy for women. And then enters our hero, who somehow has also fallen on quite a bit of bad luck in a short time. Ultimately, these two embark on a romantic journey of second chances, with a dash of forced proximity and a strong helping of found family. The Isle of Synne has solidified its role as the island of misfits and outcasts - I love it!

The last thing Miss Katrina Denby expected to find outside her bedroom window was the body of the man who has ruined her four years earlier. As if life wasn't hard enough being shunned by her brother and working as a companion when she used to be the diamond of the ton, now she must revisit her trauma every day while the local townspeople shun her for it. Sebastian Thorne, Duke of Ramsleigh, was her first love, so things get even more complicated when he shows up on the doorstep of her employer with a young lord in tow. Especially when that young lord is the brother of Sebastian's near-betrothed, a woman he doesn't love but whom he must marry to save his estate and sisters from financial ruin. The last thing either of them need is romance in their lives, but the sparks that simmered beneath the surface years ago have come back to life once more. Now the next step is to let them die...or breathe life into them again.

Both main characters were easily lovable, albeit at times with a pitying sort of lens. Poor Katrina just could not catch a break, and even though she had found tremendous support with her employer and her friends, she hurt from the fact that her only remaining family wouldn't speak to her. Her brother, dear reader, was the absolute worst. He deserved to lose an arm, and I don't say that lightly. It's a long fall from being the social butterfly of all the parties to being the pariah hidden away out of sight, and Katrina managed herself well with grace and humility. But she couldn't help it when her heart wanted Sebastian. Sebastian never forgot Katrina, but after his father's death left him with more debt than he could reasonably manage, he struggled to stay afloat. He had a hard enough time rescuing himself, let alone helping Katrina with her dilemma. Things hadn't exactly improved over the last four years, and although he felt a deep passion for his first love, he knew she didn't have the funds to help his family. Yep, he was a gold-digger...albeit one whose motives were understandable. Of course, as with all romance, love finds a way. And if you get towards the end of the book and wonder if her brother will ever get what's coming to him, don't worry - he does!

Circumstances....

Have conspired to keep Katrina and Sebastian Thorne (best book name) apart for four years.
A dowward spiral for both. Sebastian abd Katrina were friends and flirted until Katrina's life imploded through no fault of hers (things happened to her). Sebastian was on the cusp of declaring himself when he had a rude awakening on responsibility and the dukedom he inherited from a gambling father (things happening to him). Now, four years later, he is going to take to wife a woman he he feels nothing for to secure his dukedom's financial security.

Katrina only wants happiness and security, both of which are eluding her again, with the same idiot dragging her unwittingly into his scandals. She has a lovely found family on the Isle of Syne and a job as companion to Lady Tesh,

Katrina and Sebastian both always want to do the right thing and to do their duty and what is best for others. I really like them together as they face many challenges.
Recommend.
Purchased.
Recommend.

I have been in love with the Isle of Synne since the first book in the first series. Christina Britain has created an imaginary Island romance is their key export!

Katrina Denby is a scandalous spinster working as the companion for the formidable Lady Tesh, pretty much the matriarch of Isle of Synne. Her beauty and general kindness has attracted men that bring her scandal with no fault or provocation of her own. It’s not fair, but she’s ruined needs to face the consequences of other men’s actions.

Katrina is shocked to find that lady Tesh’s most recent houseguest has brought a friend, who she fell in love with during her come out season. They have not seen each other since her scandal, and unbeknownst to her, his scandal as well!

Sebastian Thorne, Duke of Ramsleigh needs to distract his future brother-in-law from an unwanted love match, and what better place to do it than on the remote Isle of Synne! Too bad when he arrives, he finds a ghost from his past, his former love interest… this does not bode well for his upcoming marriage of convenience that is set to save his dukedom!

This second chance romance was extremely compelling. The star crossed love interests in the forbidden of nature of their attraction and romance practically sizzled off the page! Both characters have been dealt tough cards and tried to do their duty to their respective families. I love seeing love triumphs over duty, and these to find a way to break the Dukes engagement, and create their own happily ever after!

I have loved the Synneful Spinsters series but this addition can easily be read as a standalone.

Visiting the Isle of Synne and What’s a Duke Got to Do With It definitely needs to be on your summer TBR!

Thanks to Forever Romance for my review copy. Opinions are my own.

Four years ago Katrina was involved in a scandal that was not of her own making. Ostracized by society, she takes a position as the companion of Lady Tesh on the Isle of Synne. Sebastian, Duke of Ramsleigh, must marry for money so he agrees to help his future father-in-law by taking his future brother-in-law to the Isle of Synne to keep him from an actress. There he again runs into Katrina whom he has not forgotten after four years. The pair loved each other at a polite distance in the past, but now they are staying in the same house and can’t keep away from one another.

I always really enjoy Christina’s Isle of Synne books. This book works on its own but the characters from previous books do make appearances. Like all of Christina’s books this one is filled with heart, humor, and wonderful characters. I really liked Katrina and I loved Sebastian. My only issue with this book was how poorly Katrina was treated by her family and the town when literally none of the scandal was her fault. I wish the matter had been resolved a lot sooner than it was rather than have it linger throughout the book. That being said, I feel like Katrina and Sebastian really earned their HEA and all their troubles made the moment all the more powerful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the digital ARC and Forever for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a pretty good read by one of my favorite authors. Ms Britton writes a good story about two loves who were separated though no fault of their own. Even though this in a series it can be read as a stand alone. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own.
Sebastian Thorne, the Duke of Ramsleigh was about to propose to Miss Katrina Denby when he was called away to see to his father's funeral. When Katrina found out she was devastated because she loved Sebastian. Then she is in a scandal when a man climbs in her bedroom window but accidentally falls to his death, but Katrina didn't know until she woke up. Then the vicar says that she is a sinful woman who should be shunned by folks, which they do.
A few years later Sebastian and Katrina meet again and the old feelings are stirred up again which they try to hold at bay. When the fates come to a knocking on each others heart, they know they were meant to be.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

Tropes: Friends to lovers, Unrequited Love (both), Second Chance, Ruined Heroine, In Need of a Fortune (both), Close Proximity

Starring Miss Katrina Denby and Sebastian Thorne, Duke of Ramsleigh

My constant state when reading a Christina Britton story… smiles, sigh, then ugly cry af. It’s basically rinse, lather, and repeat with all the feels... and the reason I keep coming back for more.

I am so in love with Katrina and Sebastian’s wonderfully slow burn and angsty road to HEA. I was on pins and needles as they navigated through all the obstacles that could keep them apart… then cheered when they decided to risk it all for each other!! These two deserve all the love coming their way after Christina Britton put them (and us) through an emotional wringer.

I love Katrina’s dog, Mouse. He was a fun comic relief.

I was hopeful in the beginning that Katrina’s brother might have his own story, but I don’t like the way he treated Katrina at the end.

Anywho, fantastic read from Christina Britton… and I can’t wait to hear what’s next in the Isle of Synne.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.

My Star Rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!

Oh my this is one of the best books I've read this summer! I loved it. Be ready with the tissues.It is a rollercoaster of emotions. Believe me when I say you don't want to miss this story.

There is nothing to reproach to Sebastian and Katrina, they are victims of other deeds and are still paying years later the price for them.
As what could have been never went further than ballroom flirtation.
Now both impoverished from his side and disowned by her remaining family, they are both in an impasse.
He needs funds only a wealthy bride could provide and she needs a husband to salvage what is left of her reputation.

So now, years later after their separate scandals, they meet again but what could have been a few years ago is now an impossibility as they both have an agenda that can not include the other.
Still it appears now in the same environment, fate plays many tricks and put them often on the same tracks.
Katrina was lucky in her exil as she found an amazon to shelter her, a woman determined to give her a safe place, but or because of this, it made of Katrina a mouse, a woman who seeks to blend in instead of fighting for her rights to be.
While Sebastian did the last thing but it brought him so low, he sees not other option than a marriage of convenience, his title for wealth.

I wonder whose father who has a duke eating in his hand would send him on a merry mission instead of quickly sealing the deed?
Still Sebastian sees again Katrina, no chuckled but close too, while fate has once again caught up with her and her name is once more on every wagging tongue.
So this is their tale as Katrina head for many poor choices as potential spouse and Sebastian is constantly in the vicinity to try to rescue her.
This is a cute story with some nasty onlookers and two too sweet main protagonists as they find the will and strength to go for what they want instead of following the “easier” path.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

What happens when the dreaded scandal actually happens in an historical romance novel? What are the consequences, and how can someone be redeemed? Well, What's a Duke Got to Do With It excellently explores this and let me tell you it tugged on my heart strings again and again!

Katrina and Sebastian were an excellent pairing. Their friends-to-lovers via second chance romance was so sweet. Each of them had their own struggles, but they tried to support one another as best they could - all while pining over one another. And when the slow burn turns up the heat? Absolute fireworks!

And if you love side characters with ~character~, you'll love this cast! We have sassy and assertive friends, an elderly dowager viscountess that sees and knows everything (loved her!), and a giant dog named Mouse who has the best timing for shenanigans.

With beautiful writing and emotional scenes, What's a Duke Got to Do With It is one of my favorite romances of the year!

Thanks, ForeverPub, for the advanced copy!

4.5 stars!

Four years ago, Katrina and Sebastian were about to embark on the love of a lifetime. But scandal ripped them apart. Now, each of them has given up on happiness in an effort to repair the damage that was done. They've moved on as best they can, carving out lives that will suit their purposes but provide no chance at love. It is at this point, four years later, that Katrina and Sebastian meet again. They must fight the attraction that never died if they want to save themselves and the people who are counting on them. But the one thing they want is each other, and that's something they can never have.

This book is the second in the Synneful Spinsters series. Like the first book, it's set on the BEAUTIFUL Isle of Synne. I was thrilled to be back! Beach scenes abound, which was absolute perfection for the start of the summer season (as I'm writing this). Christina Britton is a gorgeous writer. I was thoroughly swept away by this novel. It made my heart ache and sing, which is absolutely what I'm looking for in a historical romance! Sebastian is the perfect man: caring, dashing, gorgeous. Katrina is a loving and compassionate person. The love that these two find in each other elevates each of them as individuals, which was beautiful. This book was chock-full of swoon-worthy scenes! The romance is absolutely top notch! I found the love scenes to be sweet and a bit spicy, which, in my opinion, is perfection. The angst relating to the "will they/won't they?" had me desperately turning pages for much of the book. It was SOOO good!

We did wind up covering the same ground a bit often when it came to reflecting on their obstacles. I also wondered if the last act was entirely realistic when it came to the resolution and the ways some of the less likable characters changed. However, this being a romance novel, and me being a reader who appreciates a Happily Ever After in which everything is tied up with a bow, I still appreciated it, and was willing to suspend a bit of belief.

Ultimately, this book gave me everything I wanted from a historical romance: an achingly beautiful love story with fantastic characters set on a charming little island. I will 100% be back for book three!

I'd like to thank Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for the e-ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Enjoyed this second chance romance. Well Katrina has had all the bad luck and I hate that society blames the woman for dumb men's decisions, still do really. A guy tries to enter her bedroom while she's sleeping so she's ruined. Like how can she prevent that. And so many additional events happened that she was blamed for cause she's uh a very attractive woman?
Luckily this has a hea and I tried so hard to figure out how the two that were stuck with the consequences of others actions could fix it. They had fallen for each other during her first season but circumstances had changed. But I didn't see it coming. Love those that I just can't figure out. So much bad luck and having to be polite through all the awful people. Sebastian is the best.

Thank you readforeverpub for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

A decent timepass. I enjoyed the first book of this series a lot more though. I just wish there was more romance instead of the extended inner dialogues and the countless scenes between every character that wasn't the two main characters. A bit more character development and background information would have given this more depth as well. Though this didn't work for me, I do recommend giving it a try as it may work for someone else!

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Katrina has the worst luck. She was the diamond of her first season until a man (whom she didn't even like!) climbed into her bedroom to declare his love, and ended up dueling her brother. She's finally settled into a happy life as a spinster and lady's companion when the same man tries climbing into her bedroom again—only this time, he falls to his death. Her only chance of redeeming her reputation now is marriage—but not to the impoverished duke who once stole her heart. He's all but engaged to an heiress. So why does he keep driving all her other suitors away?

This is an entertaining and heartwarming Regency romp full of whimsical characters and heartwarming friendships. It's a joy to read.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Playful, passionate, and charming!

What’s a Duke Got to Do With It is a heartwarming, enticing tale that sweeps you away to the Isle of Synne during 1821 and into the life of Katrina Denby, a kind young woman who, after having her reputation left in tatters due to the careless amorous actions of the Lord of Landon and having consigned herself to the role of companion to Lady Tesh, has her life turned upside down when after four years of absence she finds herself face-to-face with the only man she’s ever wanted more with, the dashingly handsome Duke of Ramsleigh, Sebastian Thorne, who unfortunately at present seems to be doing whatever he can to secure his engagement to a wealthy heiress in order to save his own dukedom from financial ruin.

The prose is sweet and light. The characters are loyal, supportive, and engaging. And the plot is an entertaining tale full of family, friendship, societal expectations, tricky situations, tender moments, desire, trust, steamy romance, and second chances.

Overall, What’s a Duke Got to Do With It is a swoon-worthy, uplifting, delightful read by Britton that I absolutely devoured and which is a fantastic addition to what is hands down another must-read series for me by one of my all-time favourite historical romance authors.

Two people, scarred with rumors trapping them with soiled reputations, find themselves reunited after four years. Will the flame that started long ago flame to a full fledged fire?

Blurb:
The last thing Katrina Denby expected to find in her garden is the body of the man who ruined her three seasons ago. No matter that his death is a tragic accident, the rumors are enough to kill any woman’s prospects. With two scandals now hounding her, the best she can hope for is a hasty marriage of convenience—until her first love shows up in her drawing room, reminding her of all the reasons why she wanted a love match. If only he weren’t already engaged. . .

Sebastian Thorne, Duke of Ramsleigh, knows what he has to do to save the dukedom from the crushing debts and scandal his father left: marry and marry well. He’s picked the lady, too—a baron’s daughter who is pleasant, if a little boring. But seeing Katrina again makes him want to throw all those perfectly laid plans out the window. The first chance he had with her, he chose his duty over his heart. Doing so again might prove utterly impossible.

I enjoyed this book, however; I am unsure how realistic it would have been for the time. While a person this day and age can see that a man trying to get into an unmarried woman's window was NOT her fault, I do not think that would have happened oh so long ago. Sebastian, as much as I enjoyed him, I think he would have been more selfish. Don't get me wrong, I am delighted that he was not, but "uppercrust" people were not known to be selfless.

I would recommend this book to other historical romance readers.

Thank you for allowing me an advanced copy in return, I am providing an honest review.

There's nothing better than staying up all night to finish a good story and that's just what I did with this book. From the moment I started it, I was drawn in by the two main characters and their immediate conflicts. We're given just a touch of a back story with two young characters, toying with flirtations, realizing a burgeoning love, before they are torn from each other and each faces an incredible struggle that leads them to never really believe they'll see each other again.

Then, by the same circumstances that tore them apart, they are brought together, and much fight the attractions that lay dormant within them for so long. All in the face of people who would disparage and manipulate them for the circumstances that were out of their control.

Sebastian, while described as rake, was really and truly just a cinnamon roll. He was a boy that was enjoying his youth and tell himself what he *thought* he was supposed to do, but in reality found himself falling for Katrina. Katrina herself was swept away by the season and enjoying being a diamond of the first water, until an unscrupulous man compromises her (on the outside) and she is forced to leave London.

There was a lot of angst right out the gate and Britton really didn't pull any punches when it came to reminding us just how awful Katrina had it and how hopeless Sebastian's solutions were. Especially once they found each other and had to fight their returning feelings. While the story has very low steam/spice, the fact that they were pining so much for each other sucked me in and held me there because I NEEDED to know how they were going to overcome everything.

While the ending was definitely satisfying, I will admit that it was all a bit wacky. Side characters popped up to save the day and previously nefarious villains suddenly understood the error of their ways. Not to mention the issue of money was easily resolved with a character that was mentioned only in passing during a single chapter. I felt a bit of whiplash by the end, lol. Yes, despite all of that, I found myself pleased with the ending and the HEA for Sebastian and Katrina.

I'm also intrigued to find out who will be in the next book! I have a couple of ideas...