Well this was super fun and swoony! Very much looking forward to the rest of the series. I’ll also be grabbing more Kate Bateman books in the meantime.

This story had moments of predictability and sweetness that occasionally veered into overly sentimental territory. Tess's situation as the Dowager Duchess, still a virgin after her husband's death, is an intriguing premise, but it does have elements of the conventional. The idea of a marriage of convenience between Tess and Justin Thornton is a classic trope in historical romance, and their initial connection at a party, while passionate, could have been more unique.

However, the story does have potential, especially with Tess and her friends investigating scandalous crimes in London. The mystery element adds depth to the narrative, and Queen Charlotte's involvement adds a layer of intrigue. Justin's skepticism about love and his doubts about Tess's motives create an interesting tension.

While this part may have some pedestrian moments and saccharine elements, it still offers promise for those who enjoy historical romance with a dash of mystery and a touch of skepticism about love. Readers looking for a blend of passion and intrigue may find this part of the story enjoyable.

The first book is definitely the charm in this new series from Kate Bateman. Second Duke’s the Charm put me in mind of Sarah MacLean’s fabulous Hell’s Belles, but with Bateman’s own style and twist, which automatically made this one a winner for me.

I love strong, avenging, and independent women, especially in historical romances, and the women of King & Co. are three of the best. Getting introduced to Tess and her two loyal friends, and to Justin, the reluctant Duke and altogether charming titular hero was rewarding and engaging, and I soon found myself so completely immersed in the story, I couldn’t put it down.

Bateman strikes a lovely balance between romance and suspense here—seeing Tess and Justin go from marriage of convenience to true love was delightful, as was watching the women do their jobs skillfully—and creates a set-up for the rest of the series that left me bereft that I couldn’t just dive right into the next book. On the bright side, I see a re-read in my future when future installments are released, and I am not sorry about that. And truly, if you love romance, mystery, bold women, and passionate men, you won’t be sorry to read this one either!

A Fool for Love, Secrets, Mystery:
We are introduced to Tess who has just become a widow by sheer luck, and she certainly isn't upset about it at all.
A couple of years later Justin has been found and is now the new Duke and is on his way to meet Tess, the dower duchess of his estate.
Many surprises are in store for both as they make their way into a contractual agreement and their journey takes us with them through many ups and downs along with strong amount of passion that will bring Justin to admitting he has a heart after all. This is where you take a breath and sigh. HEA
 Plus, not only a romance story but a mystery that is intermingled throughout the story that has Tess, and her friends Ellie and Daisy running an espionage business.
A wonderful romance story that kept my attention until the thrilling end.
Special Mention, to Ellie and Daisy who had me in stiches with their humorous insights and suggestions.
Mature Advisory:

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Kate Bateman returns with a delightful start to a new series. Tess Townsend is sold off by her father to marry an older Duke who dies on their wedding night. As a young Dowager Duchess she enjoys great freedom. She and her two friends have a quiet investigative business for cases beneath Bow Street Runners notice. Her life is upturned when Justin Thornton is declared the new Duke. He is a distant relative never expecting to inherit and has made his fortune in shipping. Meeting Tess he proposes a business type marriage of continence that works to both of their benefits.

Tess and Justin are delightful in their banter. I love their trying to get each other to use their given names. The side friends, who I assume will get their own books, are equally fun. I love them giving her advice on faking her experience, as she is still a virgin. I was less interested in their investigation into a blackmail situation. But it fills out the novel and allows for some distrust between the smitten couple. There is a fun playfulness to Bateman’s writing and characters. The grand gesture is a silly premise and yet heartwarming at the same time. I can’t wait for the next adventure in Her Majesty’s Rebels series. (4.5 Stars)

I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it as much as Bateman's previous books.

The detective agency angle did not work for me: it came about suddenly, did not feel organic, and made the conflict feel very forced. It was difficult to believe she couldn't tell him about the agency and what she was doing so I thought surely there had to be more coming, but no. And for some readers that's fine but I expected more from the story and one of my favorite authors.

I just love Kate Bateman, and this latest was no exception. This marriage of convenience story sizzled with chemistry and had a higher steam level. Tess and Justin were just wonderful together, and I enjoyed the slight mystery and intrigue as well. I can’t wait for more in this series!

I received an ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

This was a fun book. I really enjoyed the storyline about King & Co. and I’m SO excited to (hopefully) read Ellie and Daisy’s stories! I love a book with healthy, happy female friendships (especially when they get up to shenanigans!!!).

As always with Kate Bateman, the characters were interesting and the writing was great. The only thing for me that knocked off a star was a bit of a lack of tension/momentum when it came to the romance. It just seemed like Tess and Justin got together pretty early on and there could have been more depth to their relationship. That’s not to say it was bad, it was still definitely a great read and I recommend it! (also had great steamy scenes 🌶️)

A big thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Fabulous new series! I loved the relationship between Tess and her best friends. They were very entertaining while also showing such feelings. Tess and Justin had ups and downs in their relationship and they kept me turning the page to see what was next. I enjoyed it very much and I'm looking forward to more books in the series!

Thank you to Kate Bateman and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.

Honestly, I really enjoy Kate Bateman's books. She manages to give you romance with a plot and intriguing characters. But this one fell short.

The overall story lacked the same plot depth as her other work. The investigation was relatively weak, and the second part of the plot was wrapped up without fuss (and without the reader experiencing it at all). I'm used to a spicy cabernet from Kate Bateman, and I felt cheated by light rose.

There were also far more errors in this book (spelling, grammar). The biggest one was where they discussed their first meeting early in the book, then discussed it again at the end...as if the first conversation hadn't happened. It was an important part, so that should probably be fixed before publication.

I'm not sure where to publish this review since there's no Goodreads listing for this book, but a second set of eyes before going out into the world would benefit this story, along with some additional heft to the plot.

Kate Bateman is back with a new series and it may be her best bet. If you are a fan of Miss Scarlett and the Duke, you will love these new characters who are private investigators. The balance of mystery and romance was spot on and the story was fun and original. I can't wait to read more!

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC

Kate Bateman is a comfort author for me and I was so excited to see a new series from her this year! And man, did this book, deliver. It has all the things I love in a story with Kate’s signature “idiots in love that don’t know what to do about it”. Super cool widowed FMC that runs an investigation agency with her besties? Check. Surly new Duke that finds out he’s nobility now and isn’t pleased about it? Check check. A shared kiss at a scandalous party that leads to a marriage of convenience? You got it.

Tess and Justin have phenomenal chemistry and it’s evident from their first time together on page. They’re so sweet together and when they finally get *together* it’s worth the wait! The investigation plot was well balanced with the romance (even though it was a bit of a stretch in believability) and I enjoyed it! Investigation plots aren’t always my favorite, but this one was just bananas enough to work for me.

Excellent start to a new series and can’t WAIT for Daisy and Ellie to get their stories!

4.5 ⭐️

I enjoyed Second Duke's the Charm for all that it brought to the table, and I foresee myself recommending it to our historical romance readers (even if it has more spice than they're used to). I really appreciated the way Tess and Justin grew as a couple throughout the entire book, and I also thoroughly enjoyed the female friendship that was present throughout solving the mystery.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series once it's published!


Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my opinion and review of the book.

“Second Duke’s the Charm” written by Kate Bateman is a charming beginning to her new series. The prologue gives us a glimpse of the unfortunate episode of Tess’ first marriage. Tess was forced into a marriage with the Duke of Wansford, a decrepit old man, old enough to be her grandfather. It’s not a spoiler alert to mention Tess became a widow before she was truly a wife. The only one who benefited from the marriage was Tess’ father, who pocketed a wad of cash. During the two years it took to find the next in line to the title, Tess improved the estate, increased the coffers, she improved her relationship with the tenants and the staff, she redecorated, updating the country house and the city manor house. She earned respect. Tess was driven to help people, so Tess and her two best friends, Daisy and Ellie, opened an investigation office, their focus was discreetly helping woman no matter their place in society. I liked this character, she was smart, caring, a go getter. She used her position as a widow to make improvements. The new duke was Justin Thornton. He was a self made merchant. He was rich and handsome. He didn’t want the duchy, but since it was his duty, he took up the reins. Justin assumed the dowager duchess was the same age as the former duke. He was a shocked to discover he was already acquainted with the lovely young woman. He was also surprised to learn the improvements to the estate, the increase in estate income, and the overall well-being of the dukedom was due to Tess’ endeavors. He was falling under Tess’ spell of beauty and brains, quick wit, and passion. Tess was equally enamored with Justin, appreciating his fine qualities. I enjoyed the plot of this story, I never lost interest and found it hard to put down at times. The banter between the two was witty and funny. The passion between Tess and Justin was steamy, scorching, and went both ways. Justin was determined to return to his business interests after three months allowing both of them to lead separate lives. However, Justin realized Tess was a one of a kind woman. At every turn Justin was discovering more facets of Tess’ endearing character. The inclusion of Daisy and Ellie added to the strength of the story and underscored the importance of friendship. I definitely recommend “Second Duke’s the Charm” by Kate Bateman. I will definitely keep an eye out for the next in the series. I received an ARC from NetGallery, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.25/5 stars
2.5/5 spice

First time author for me, and I wasn't disappointed. Steamy, romantic, and eventful, I really enjoyed reading this book.

Tropes:
Marriage of convenience
Strangers to lovers
Secret identity
Businessman turned Duke
Widow FMC
Secret businesswoman
Insta-lust
He falls first
Dual POV

This one had a lot of fun elements that had me giggling and gasping. I loved how logical Justin was about love because you just know that he's going to be the first one to fall. I was just waiting for him to get over himself, and it was adorable when he realized how hard he had fallen. I also loved Tess, who was able to stand on her own two feet and be so successful running the duchy and a business. She was inspiring and very easy to like. The trio of friends was also a great thing to see, and I hope to read about their adventures soon, too.

Overall, an entertaining and steamy historical romance. Highly recommend for fans of the marriage of convenience trope.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is such a fun, entertaining read.
Tess is forced by her father to marry an old duke. The duke passes away on their wedding night leaving her a virgin widow.
She has an encounter with Justin at a club. She later finds out that he is the new duke.
Justin makes a proposal of a marriage of convenience to keep the matchmaking mammas at bay.
I loved the chemistry between Justin and Tess so much!
There was mystery and humor throughout the story that kept you wanting more.
I also loved the secondary characters and can't wait for their stories.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I don’t think Kate Bateman’s books get enough hype! I really enjoyed this!

Tess is facing her wedding night with her much older husband when he falls over dead. Tess is able to get her freedom while the next Duke is searched for after a series of misfortunate accidents. She and her friends start a detective agency and in particular help other women. Then the next Duke is found and they end up agreeing on a marriage of convenience. It turns out they met at a party and were intimate prior to finding out he was the new Duke. They have obvious chemistry and it’s clear they care for each other.

I loved the adventures Tess and her friends go on for their agency. I loved how strong and independent Tess was. I really liked Justin and how smitten he was with Tess. I can’t wait for more books in this series!

Kate Bateman's Second Duke's the Charm is so so so good. I very much loved her writing it transported me into this historical regency world she made and I was enjoying every word. Does not hurt at all that we get to meet a rich grumpy Duke.

Three brilliant, young ladies run an exclusive investigating agency of King & Co. without there being a ‘King’ to lead them - it is fantastic! This new series by Kate Batemen will keep you intrigued to find out how these women will outsmart everyone around them, including a new husband. Tess, Ellie and Daisy are adorable. Their witty conversations and observations will keep you turning the page to see what will happen next.

This first in the new series Her Majesty’s Rebels actually has Her Majesty asking for help. Tess, the dowager duchess and new duchess, falls in love with the new duke, Justin Thornton but she is unsure if she should trust him with their secret. Although handsome, gentlemanly, and a bit short of understanding love, Justin falls for her before he even knows what hit him.

Justin steps right into their investigation thinking he is saving his marriage. I loved it. I loved that he goes along with her ‘innocence’ as she is learning from him. This is a great romance and I cannot wait to see what Bateman has in store for Ellie and Daisy!

I read this entire book in one sitting with a smile on my face the whole time. That is so rare! The characters are so appealing and their reactions to various situations are often totally unexpected. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in this new series!