3.75/5. Releases 12/26/2023.

Vibes: marriage of convenience, secret virgin, verrrry slick hero, and light mystery

Heat Level: 3/5.

Following a very short-term marriage (as in, he had a heart attack right after seeing her naked) to a gross old man, Tess is left a widow with some degree of independence. With that, she starts a secret detective agency with her best friends. All is well until the dukedom unexpectedly falls to cynical businessman Justin Thornton, who upon meeting Tess has a risky offer–why not have a marriage of convenience? Three months together, and they’ll go their separate ways, him dodging matchmakers, her securing a stable future. Tess agrees; but doesn’t quite anticipate the full risk to her heart.

This was a fun one! While mystery plots are hit or miss for me in romance, this one was light enough to enjoy–and surprisingly (for me) the rest of it was pretty much a feelings book. I do have some quibbles, but if you’re looking for a fluffier read with some solid heat, I think you’ll like it.

Quick Takes:

–This is a very heroine-forward romance, and places a good emphasis on Tess’s friendships with her detective-coworkers and mains, Ellie and Daisy. I loved their rapport from the start (and this book does have a very evocative beginning that immediately hooked me). They were a bit bawdy, very supportive, and just fun.

I do suspect that, because this book has a bit of a modern edge (I don’t get the sense that Kate Bateman was super concerned about historical accuracy, and I honestly respect it) it might not be for the Bonnet Brigade. I expect complaints. If you actually want to have fun when reading, kindly ignore them.

–Justin and Tess have a bright chemistry from the beginning, and he’s so expressive of his attraction to her. He doesn’t hide it at all. (And sidebar: love that Tess is beautiful and just knows this. She’s not shy about her looks and using them to her advantage, which I so appreciated.) It kind of adds to the stress Tess feels about actually falling love with him, because he is very charming, and it would be so easy for her to fall despite him wanting what is essentially a no strings attached marriage.

–Like I said earlier, the mystery is on the lighter side. It also involves Queen Charlotte. I was less than enamored with this. it felt to me like an appeal to the Bridgerton crowd, and I kind of couldn’t care less. In general, I find that shoehorning real (famous) historical figures often takes away from the general experience of a historical romance. It’s kind of awkward, as they’re almost always portrayed as being much more gracious and grand than they actually are.

–One thing I did struggle with a little was that there is much more of Tess’s perspective than Justin’s. His POV is there enough for you to get a tease, but not enough to really establish his feelings for Tess, in my opinion. I knew she was falling in love, but his emotional arc felt rather rushed at the end. It kind of felt like he fell in love with her all at once, and I wanted more insight. Ultimately, this took away from what was otherwise a solid love story and a good grovel.

The Sex:

It was hot, and it started early. There is one particularly good Carriage Cunnilingus scene, as well as a bit of… he thinks it’s virgin role play? But it’s not, Tess is an actual virgin. That’s a big part of the tension, sexual and otherwise, in the first half of the book. For valid reasons, Tess has been hiding her virginity since her first husband died, and it’s kind of hilarious for her to VERY successfully convince Justin, a super experienced man, that she is also experienced. His “oh yes, you must know this from all your lovers” “my God, you are so good” is really… something.

I do have to nitpick one little thing. Before Tess and Justin marry, she has some worries about contraception. She and her friends discuss several period-accurate options and methods, and I was like “oh great, she’ll pick one that works for her”. And then she just went “well, I’ll risk it”. Despite acknowledging that Justin is going to dip and leave her in London after three months, and that, though she likes the idea of a baby, she doesn’t like the idea of raising a baby essentially fatherless… She just decides to risk it?

And this really wasn’t considered much further. There’s this vague implication that Tess perhaps likes the idea of being left with a baby (though Justin makes it clear that he’s fine with her getting pregnant by another man once he leaves, and he’ll legally claim the child, no questions asked–so she can have a baby either way) but I don’t know. I didn’t really love the sort of “fuck it” vibe to all of this. It felt weird, especially for a woman in a relatively precarious situation. Other than that, I loved the way the sex scenes in this book were handled, but that nagged me a little.

While not a perfect read, I found Second Duke’s the Charm fun and charming, with the brisk sense of fun I’ve come to expect from Kate Bateman. It’s a good read for the winter.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I adore everything Kate Bateman writes, and once again, I was not let down. This book was just as wonderful as I hoped it would be!

Second Duke's the Charm is the first book in the new Her Majesty's Rebels series. It features a marriage of convenience trope, which I absolutely love.

Tess and Justin are an amazingly hot couple. Some of the scenes in this book were truly swoon worthy. There was a bathtub scene (I won't go into detail), but just know I won't stop thinking about it for a very long time. Justin is a captivating and magnetic hero, and all of his interactions with Tess were extremely seductive.

There was just the right amount of angst and conflict to make things dramatic. With a resolution and grand gesture that didn't quite go as planned, but that made it all the more charming.The next book in this series can't come soon enough!

Thank you, Netgalley, and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a fun read! I love a marriage of convenience so I was here for this as soon as I read the description. I think a bit longer of a timeline could’ve improved things since it was a little too insta-lovey for my taste but that’s a subjective thing.

I thought Tess was a great character and loved how smart and strong willed she was. It was sweet and kind of funny how Justin fell for her almost immediately despite the fact that he was constantly thinking about how he “didn’t have a heart” and totally would never be in love with someone. As mentioned earlier he started thinking he was in love with her pretty fast for my liking (it was maybe 2-3 weeks into their whole arrangement like dude chill I know you think she’s hot but you’re a grown man not a 6th grader), but I’ll let it slide I guess because a book bf should always be obsessed with his girl and I’m sick of historical romances where the hero treats the heroine horribly. Also I wasn’t mad at the third act break up like I usually would be, especially considering how much I enjoyed the grand romantic gesture.

I also thought the side plot with Tess and her friends’ detective business was interesting and I’m excited to read the next books in the series for what I’m assuming will be Ellie and Daisy’s stories. I do think things with the investigation were kind of unrealistic and clues were just constantly falling into Tess’s lap but also this was a romance book and I was not actually reading this to learn about the intricacies of crime investigation in the 1800s let’s be real. I do think it was strange that Justin’s side plot where he thought someone might be trying to kill him or whatever did wrapped up super quickly and we didn’t actually get to read about how things got resolved and it was just told later.

Overall I good time reading this and will be reading more Kate Bateman, including the rest of this series, in the future. If you’re looking for a fun and light hearted historical romance then I’d definitely go for this.

After being forced into marriage with a decrepit Duke, Tess becomes a widow on her wedding night before the Duke even has a chance to touch her. Offered the freedom that widows are afforded, Tess creates an investigative agency with her two best friends. Though she doesn't desire to give up her freedom to get married again, Tess does desire passion and to lose her virginity. At a masked party, she meets someone who gives her the adventure she desires...only to find out the next day that he is actually the next Duke who has inherited from her deceased husband.

This book was just a blast! It hits my favorite trope (marriage of convenience) but with some unique twists that made it even that much more enjoyable. I loved the detective agency that Tess runs with her two friends and loved their friendship as well!

The grand gesture was both delightful and hilarious. The whole book is really fun, funny, and sexy which was exactly the mix I was looking for!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Second Dukes the Charm follows the Dowager Duchess Tess, and the new Duke of Wansford who agree to a marriage of convenience that serves them both. Though they agree to keep feelings out of the deal, they are both so smitten with each other from the start. This was another Kate Bateman book that I loved, she is really great at writing a fun, low angst historical romance. As usual this one has an intriguing and unique set up, and it really delivered in the story on both the romance side and the suspense side plot. One thing I love is her heroes are always SO in love with the heroines. I’m also really intrigued about Tess’ best friends and fellow private detectives. Looking forward to seeing what their stories are about.

This is a lovely story. The story has some excellent characters that will entertain the reader. Tess becomes a young widow on her wedding night. She is vivacious and kindhearted. Justin becomes the next Duke. He is a merchant and businessman at heart first. The story has a really fun plot as the relationship between Tess and Justin unfolds. The wooing and romance is great as they each try to protect their heart. The dialogue is witty and entertaining. Readers will enjoy turning the pages to its lovely conclusion.

I enjoyed reading this book. A lot of sex. Talking about sex. Thinking about sex. Being wrongly accused of having sex.
I'm glad that Tess has such good friends but I felt sad for Justin. He had work associates. People who worked for him. Not it didn't seem like he had too many friends. I think that's why it it him so hard when Tess makes it clear that she wants as little to do with him as possible. Not only is she his wife but best friend.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I wanted to finish this book in one day but unfortunately Thanksgiving is today so I couldn't finish it late last night. Finished it today! Great story! Tess and Justin's story is full of ups, downs, twists and turns. I really hope her friends get their own stories as well.

✨Kate Bateman’s the Charm✨

Perfection. I can’t wait to reread and experience that grand gesture all over again. I loved the way they met, I loved the marriage of convenience, and I especially loved how he found out she was a virgin (I was waiting for it the entire book). It truly had all of the elements I’ve come to expect from Kate Bateman: humor, sexiness, and a hero who once he’s down, he’s down BAD.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.

This is the first in a new series, and as such there's a good deal of set-up involved. Basically, three women - friends since school - band together after one is widowed to create a private investigative firm specializing in helping women or those who have no one else.

Tess Townsend was widowed on her wedding night - before consummation - and is afraid this fact could cause issues should anyone find out. Justin Thornton - the heir to her deceased husband - seems like the perfect man to help solve her 'little problem'. Tess & Justin agree to a marriage of convenience, which ends up becoming more than either of them expected.

It was a fun story, with a good dose of spice. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

"Second Duke's the Charm" was a fun and flirty romance novel by Kate Bateman. I enjoyed the main character, Tess, but would have liked to see more character development from the main male character, Justin.

After a disastrous wedding night to the aged Duke of Wansford leaves Tess as the Dowager Duchess of Wansford. After an extensive search for the rightful heir, Justin Thornton is named the new duke. Since Tess is so beautiful, Justin proposes a marriage of convenience (and sex). The two marry and the romance begins. There is also a side story with Tess and her two friends running a secret investigation firm. This book was cute and fun and I enjoyed it.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks for a chance to read this book.

Sometimes I read historical romances and I tell myself I am so thankful I was not born in those times. I would definitely be on the naughty list and talked about daily. Having to live up to constant expectations is exhausting.

That is why I am thankful for the stories that Bateman brings to us. She crafts strong characters that live life as they see fit, not for how others see them. In this story, we meet so many wonderful characters that will become the basis of a new series.

The plot is fresh and fun. I love how she develops the main characters to find and fall for each other while adding the marriage of convenience trope to it too. These characters are burning up together and Bateman brings the heat too.

Second Duke’s The Charm is a fun story that is sweet, and romantic, and these two are adorable together! I cannot wait for more in this series.

This book was so much fun! Marriage of convenience is a favorite of mine and this one really hit the spot for me.

Justin and Tess are delightful together. They have wonderful chemistry in the bedroom, but Justin has told her he will not love her. Their marriage is strictly business and pleasure. As you would expect, things get complicated when he realizes he actually likes her.

Other noteworthy things:

- A horse named Fool For Love
- A puppy that will happily pee on your shoes
- A prologue straight out of Weekend At Bernies
- Creative uses for a pearl necklace
- Two wonderful besties
- Truffle hunting

A truly fun read. I will absolutely be continuing the series and checking out Kate Bateman's backlist.

I received an ARC of this book from #Netgalley all opinions are my own.

This was an enjoyable historical romance. Tess Townsend was forced by her father to marry the aged Duke of Wansford who fortuitously died on their wedding night. Her father died shortly after. Leaving Tess as the virginal Duchess of Wansford and a woman with more freedom than most in 1814.

Tess and her two best friends form an investigations agency for problems too small or too delicate for the Bow Street Runners. Even the Queen comes to call when she needs someone to recover some indiscreet letters the princess wrote when she was much younger.

Tess would like to explore her sensual side but her position makes it difficult. She and her friends attend a racy party where she meets the perfect man and the two exchange some kisses and petting. Imagine her surprise when she learns that the man she shared those intimacies with is the new Duke of Wansford.

Justin Thornton never expected or wanted to inherit a dukedom. He's a self-made man who has amassed riches in his shipping business. Nor has he ever expected or wanted to fall in love. But when he discovers that Tess is the woman who rocked his world at the party, he does propose that they marry and become lovers and then part after three months before they can either fall in love or get bored with each other.

Tess demands some concessions which will secure her financial independence but agrees knowing that she is risking her heart.

I liked this first in a series about women working to find their places in society. The characters were well-drawn and interesting. I'll be looking for Tess's best friend's stories.

I chose this from the NetGalley catalog because the cover and synopsis appealed to me greatly. This was my first experience with Kate Bateman and it certainly won't be my last. The chemistry, dialogue, and characterizations were all total bangers. The couple had such magnetism and the writing was very compelling. I had a wonderful time reading this and I didn't want to put this book down. I fell in love with these stellar characters. Although I'm sorry you can't convince me that Justin is a sexy name. It seriously took me out whenever it was moaned in moments of passion.

One of my favorite elements of Second Duke's the Charm was the strong theming. Red was a key motif that was utilized heavily in this book. The heroine wore red clothing at important moments in the novel, the hero called her Scarlet, and I'm pretty sure it was his favorite color by the way he salivated when she wore that particular shade. The book even featured a beautiful crimson dress on the cover. Everything tied in really well together and I was so just enthused over something as simple as color theory. It's a small thing to notice, but I'm a total nerd who overanalyzes everything. When I finished this book, the first thing I thought was, "Man, this guy really liked the color red, huh?"
 
Second Duke's the Charm was a wonderful surprise and I'm so pleased that I gave this book a chance. I definitely want to read more from Kate Bateman and I hope to start exploring her past publications soon. The characters and writing style were incredibly inviting. I certainly hope there isn't any more emphasis on color in future books of the Her Majesty's Rebels series, but Second Duke's the Charm!

I really enjoy Kates Bateman’s strong female characters and this book is no different. In the first book in this series, we meet Tess Townsend and her friends who run King & Co, a detective agency. They use the pseudonym Charles King to hide the fact that they are three women who are doing the work. This reminded me of the 80’s TV show Remington Steele where a woman did the work, and a man was the figurehead. Tess was forced to marry a duke who died on their wedding night before the marriage was consummated. The search for an heir takes several years until a distant relative is found, Justin Thornton. Tess worries about losing her freedom when the new duke steps. Justin is reluctant to step into the roll. They meet and sparks fly. They enter into an agreement and get married. While it is intended as a marriage of convenience, they fall in love. I look forward to seeing what happens with the other ladies of King & Co.

The Second Duke’s the Charm by Kate Bateman grabbed my attention from the first line of the prologue and wouldn’t let me go. The prologue is a great setup for the series, introducing the three ladies of King & Co.: Tess, Ellie, and Daisy.

Bateman writes strong heroines whom I can easily believe are behaving in a way that may have actually happened. Tess is the next heroine who follows in that tradition. My favorite heroines are ones who are willing to do what it takes to look out for themselves and those they love. Tess is a gutsy heroine, and I love that about her. Woe unto those who underestimate her!

Justin is a hero who is capable of matching Tess in more ways than one. Some of my favorite heroes are men who weren’t raised as nobility, but they turned out to be an unexpected heir. Justin fits that description. Of course, it never hurts when they’re tall, dark, and handsome either!

Tess and Justin on their own are impressive, but when they get together the sparks that fly ignite their chemistry. They have some quite steamy encounters! While Bateman can write an incredibly steamy scene, she also excels at writing the emotional and humorous scenes. I particularly enjoyed the scenes in which Tess and Justin were negotiating.

Ellie and Daisy are strong supporting heroines in their own right. I can’t wait to see whose story is told next! I suspect it may be Ellie’s based on the epilogue, but we’ll see. Regardless, I’ll be here for it because Kate Bateman is most definitely on my list of must-read authors!

I received an ARC from the author via NetGalley. The opinions expressed above are mine.

How many tropes can you roll into a single book? We’ve got a virgin widow, female detectives, one-night stand in disguise, widow with her late husband’s heir, and marriage of convenience all in one. Tess becomes a widow to her much older husband on her wedding night and then uses her newfound freedom and independence to open an investigative agency with her two best friends. Two years later, wealthy shipping merchant Justin is identified as the next duke and stops by a scandalous house party on his way to claiming the title. There, he meets Tess is disguise and they have an amorous encounter as strangers, neither realizing that they will soon meet under different circumstances. When they properly meet at a ball, Justin immediately proposes a marriage of convenience to Tess, since it will save Justin the trouble of finding a proper wife and they get to continue their physical relationship. From there, we navigate a relationship where Tess is trying hard not to fall in love, and Justin denying that he has a heart. We also have Tess and her friends working on a case in secret in the background. With all the things going on in this book, it was definitely a page-turner and kept me entertained.

Second Duke’s the Charm by Kate Bateman is enormous fun to read. Tess is a beautiful and smart 21 year-old. Justin is wealthy, well-built, and handsome. This looks like the beginning of a lovely, predictable, 1814 romance. Let the reader beware Kate Bateman creates surprises at every turn. Tess and Justin defied this reader’s expectations at every turn delightfully.

Second time is the charm for Tess. After a disastrous first marriage, she finds love in the most unexpected place. Tess was scared to leave her independence as a widow, to enter into a new agreement of marriage, but she did with Justin.I enjoyed this book they were really funny parts, and the love scenes were fire.

I wished that they would’ve been more transparent with each other from the beginning, but I understand why they weren’t. They use that as a angsty ploy point in their relationship.