For the young Dowager Duchess of Wansford, the second duke is indeed the charm in this first book in a new series from Kate Bateman.

When Tess Townsend’s much older husband passes away on their wedding night before any joining can take place, she’s relieved. Tess is left to run his household and estate until the next duke in line takes her deceased husband’s place. Maintenance and improvements, along with the investigations she and her friends undertake at their private detective agency, keep her busy, but she feels like she is missing out on some of the more physical aspects of life.

Imagine her surprise when, shortly after she dons a mask and seeks out one of those more physical experiences, she discovers that her very eager partner from that encounter is none other than the new Duke of Wansford.

Justin Thornton never expected to be a duke. He has a prominent shipping business and is only distantly related to the former Duke of Wansford. When he inherits the title and discovers the Dowager Duchess is the masked lady in red that he recently kissed at a party, he proposes an arrangement of sorts: a marriage of convenience with a physical component that has an expiration date. He will no longer be prey to be circled by the mothers of the ton; his needs will be met; and with a change in their living arrangements scheduled after three months together, neither will fall in love.

Oh, dear readers, we know how that will turn out. I just adore it when an MMC falls head-over-heels in love and is shocked by the outcome.

Bateman’s books are always fun, and this one kept me grinning.

I loved how strong, intelligent, and capable Tess is. I loved how Justin recognizes and praises her for her accomplishments. She is not just a pretty face to him.

I loved the female friendships and look forward to reading more books centered around the ladies from the private detective agency.

I liked the meddling servants.

And I adored the chemistry between Tess and Justin. Their attraction is on fire and cannot be contained to a bedroom.

Although at the end, I wasn’t completely sold on the grand gesture, I did enjoy the accompanying grovel.

All in all, this is a fun start to a new series.

I received an advance copy from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

Kate Bateman does it again. I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley, and I had a pretty good idea of what to expect, in terms of writing style. As usual, the characters are so well developed, their emotions and the scenes so vividly described, it’s impossible not to see what they see, and feel for them.

We first meet Tess Townsend on her wedding night as her 70+ husband, the Duke of Wansford enters her bedchamber. She is only 19, having been sold by her father for 2000 pounds. Thankfully, this marriage doesn’t last long, and because she is newly married, a waiting period is observed to make sure she isn’t pregnant before searching for a successor. Meanwhile, she enjoys a fulfilling life with her friends Daisy and Ellie. She has no desire to remarry because she enjoys such freedom as a widow, even though she is far too innocent to pursue affairs like many widows do. Still, she has been able to donate to charities, and along with Daisy and Ellie, she has formed King & Co., a detective agency. You see, in addition to being a remarkable beauty, Tess has a sharp mind and intends to use it. It’s unlikely any husband would continue to allow her to do so.

By the way, it’s clear that Daisy Hamilton and Ellie Law will enjoy their own stories at a later date. They are a great addition to the story. Ellie is the daughter of a barrister (last name Law—hahaha), and she is also exceptionally intelligent. She is quick to point out legalities and such. Two years after Tess has been widowed, and after extensive searching for the next heir, a new Duke of Wansford is discovered, Justin Thornton. Explaining how she found out, Ellie explains, “Because I happened to overhear a conversation between my father and Josiah Turnbull at dinner the other night. And when I say ‘happened to overhear,’ I mean ‘shamelessly eavesdropped the minute I heard the name Wansford.’”

But it’s really Daisy who steals the show when the three women are together. Discussing the size of the new duke’s package, Daisy says, “No harm in inspecting the merchandise. Men do it all the time. Why shouldn’t we return the favor? Can I help it if current gentlemen’s fashion provides a snug outline? No.” When Ellie scolds her and says she should avert her eyes, Daisy counters, “That’s like touring the British Museum and averting your eyes from the statues.”

Meanwhile, Justin Thornton is busy minding his own business—a very successful shipping business—when he’s approached by the previously mentioned Josiah Turnbull, from the firm executing the late duke’s estate. When Justin is told he is the next duke, he tries to turn it down, but alas, it’s not so easy as that. Begrudgingly, Justin makes his way to London to take over the title. He has no idea who the widow of the former duke really is, but when he sees her, he immediately recognizes her. Little clues are sprinkled in, regarding their history—a history which Tess only knows of minimally—and they indicate a long-standing regard Justin had for Daisy from the moment he first saw her.

Early on, it becomes apparent what’s going to happen but that, by no means, detracts from the enjoyment of watching the plot unfold. Justin and Tess are complex enough characters that we’re never really sure how they’re going to act in a given situation. Although it’s Tess who appears to be the main character at first, it’s really Justin who undergoes the transformation. He starts as a very intelligent, cynical, logical, and business-driven man, but there’s a gooey center in there and Tess brings it out. For as long as possible, he denies deeper feelings for her, to the point that he convinces her he doesn’t care and she doesn’t believe him when he claims he does.

Along the way, Tess complains to her friends that she fears she can’t abide by the terms of her agreement with Justin—a marriage of convenience, during which intimacy will be required for only the first three months, after which time, he will leave London and they will remain married in name only. She’s afraid of falling in love with him; Ellie and Daisy assure her that once she gets to know him better, she’ll be able to find fault with him, but that’s not what happens. After less than a week of marriage, she confesses, “...I think I’ve made the very grave mistake of falling in love with him.” The ensuing conversation is quite funny. Daisy curses, “Oh, Hell.” At the same time, Ellie asks, “What did he do?...He didn’t turn out to be nice, did he?” When Tess starts to tell them some of the nice things he did, Daisy says, “...Of course you fell in love with him. What woman wouldn’t?” She explains it’s on the list of all of the nice things that men can do, inadvertently, that make women fall in love with them. And when Tess questions the list, Daisy is undeterred, saying, “Of course there’s a list. It’s one of those unwritten laws. Like the fact that the week before you get your monthly courses, you have to force yourself not to stab everyone with a letter opener because they’re so irritating.” Tess, matter-of-factly, agrees, “We do all have a ‘stabby week.’”

Interactions between Tess and Justin are intense and clearly reflect the deeper feelings developing between the two of them. Because we are privy to the thoughts of both MCs, we can see how Justin intentionally ignores his feelings and pretends he doesn’t love Tess, until it bursts out of him, almost without his permission. We then learn the truth about the first time he saw her. We also learn that the things he assumed he knew about Tess are not real; he saw what he wanted to see. Although we don’t know how they will overcome the ensuing rift, we know they will because these two deserve a happy ending. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more.

Second Duke’s the Charm by Kate Bateman
Her Majesty’s Rebel’s series #1. Historical regency romance.
Tess Townsend, the Dowager Duchess of Wansford, needing something to keep her busy after her first husband died before their wedding night, is part owner of an exclusive investigative agency. Their current case is to find the blackmailer that is threatening the Queen. Undercover, Tess wears a scarlet dress and mask to a party hoping to identify the blackmailer but instead runs into Justin Thornton, her soon to be next husband. Their marriage, for Justin, is a way to have his cake, and leave when he’s had enough. He doesn’t trust his wife, considering where he first met her, as well as the fact that someone seems to be trying to kill one or both of them.

Justin fell in love at first sight with Tess, but his station at the time meant he had no chance at all with her. Sigh. If only he’d tell her rather than keep his distance.
Of course, she goes off the rails too when the unexpected happens.
It’s an intriguing and multifaceted story with steamy interludes, romantic outings and dangerous accidents. His grand gesture is comical.
The undercover agency added a bit of mischief along with the often bawdy humor between the women.
Captivating and engaging. A historical romance that will keep you breathless and entertained.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

This is the first in a new historical romance series about three women who run an investigative agency and I absolutely loved it.

I'm always so excited to start a new Kate Bateman novel because she writes such great female characters and I know I'm going to be hooked instantly. I LOVED the badassery and friendship between the three women and I wish the rest of the series was out already!

Tess and Justin had amazing chemistry and banter and even though marriage of convenience isn't one of my favorite tropes, I thought it was done so well here and I really enjoyed it. The fact that they made an agreement for both a marriage and an affair really kicked things up a notch and it was steaaaaamy.

I highly recommend this one! (Also how gorgeous is this cover?? The colors are so dreamy 😍)

Thank you so much to the publisher for the ARC!

Second Duke’s the Charm is another deliciously delightful story from fabulous author Kate Bateman, and hopefully the start to a new series with these wonderful characters.

Poor Tess. Her father pretty much sold her off to an old, repulsive Duke. Fortunately for Tess, that old man died on their wedding night – before the marriage could be consummated. So now Tess is the Dowager Duchess of Wansford, with independent means and the freedom of a widow. Poor Tess again, though. She is young and vibrant with wants, desires and needs. But if it becomes known that the marriage was never consummated she will no longer be eligible to be the Dowager Duchess. She’ll lose her income, her home and her freedom. She’ll no longer be able to afford the investigative business she runs with her two best friends Daisy and Ellie. Keeping the secret is important, but so is finally experiencing the pleasure she can now only dream about. So she attends a masquerade notorious for its licentiousness, where she hopes as an incognita, a masked woman with no name and no morals, she can find a handsome stranger and do a little “passionate experimenting” without fear of discovery. And yep, she does meet a man. A handsome handsome handsome man who doesn’t even bother to be masked.

I love the masquerades in these Regency romances. It always makes me think of the why-didn’t-Lois-Lane-recognize-Clark-Kent-when-he-was-Superman question. But it usually seems to work and people remain anonymous. Except when they don’t. Turns out that handsome man was paying very close attention to every detail about Tess and recognizes her when as the new Duke of Wansford he meets the Dowager Duchess. Gulp. Tess isn’t so anonymous now, is she? Of course she recognizes him because he wasn’t masked, but she doesn’t realize he also knows she was that lady in red who stirred something in him.

Justin does not want to be a duke. He’s already a successful businessman and doesn’t need the income nor the residences and especially not the hassles of running a dukedom – and having a wife. He never imagined he would inherit the dukedom; they had to go quite a way down the inheritance line to even find someone eligible. But . . . responsibility.

When he meets Tess he has an “Aha!’ moment: they can enter a marriage of convenience, she’ll retain her position, he’ll have a wife for appearance sake. Problems solved. Except this whatever it is between them – heat, desire, longing, tenderness – isn’t very convenient.

Author Bateman excels at this sort of thing. The characters are intriguing, adorable, infuriating. The romance is sweet, scorching and often laugh-out-loud funny. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy of Second Duke’s the Charm via NetGalley. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to see if there will be a second book in this series, or anything else at all written by Kate Bateman for that matter. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

Second Duke's the Charm is another great read from Kate Bateman! Tess, an impoverished aristocratic young woman, is forced by her father to marry an old duke. Lucky for her, he dies on their wedding night. For self-preservation and to keep her widow's due, she keeps the fact that her marriage has gone unconsummated from everyone but her two best friends, Ellie and Daisy. The three of them form a private investigator agency, to help other young women from dangers amongst the ton. Tess is a happily widowed duchess about town, and one night goes to a scandalous ball, where she meets Justin Thornton, a handsome stranger, but leaves him before things get too serious.
Justin has just succeeded a long, unlucky line to become the new duke of Wansford. On his first night out at a ton event, he meets the dowager duchess-- who happens to be Tess! Tess, who he could not get out of his head after the masked event. Tess, who he saw two years prior and was instantly attracted to but knew nothing could come of anything because he was a merchant and with at the time no hope of any title.
Justin suggests a marriage of convenience that will last through the season, he will keep other women from throwing themselves on to him for marriage, and she can keep her life as the duchess of Wansford as-is.
Now this marriage of convenience just did not make sense to me. Justin was into Tess, Tess was into him-- but they enter in to a marriage that will just be for three months? I feel like there were other tropes that would work better under this scenario, but I still liked it. I just feel like it could have been done a little more creatively than settling for a marriage of convenience romance and don't know who thought this would be the best follow-up from Kate Bateman's last series (which I LOVED). Second Duke's the Charm is a fun read, I really liked it and especially liked a little cameo of a Montgomery aunt from Kate Bateman's other series! I am excited for Daisy and Ellie's books, and despite the dubious main trope, I could still get behind this book. It is funny, snappy dialogue and great characters. It is just the lazy, feels like last-minute trope that I could not get behind. It is an entertaining read and I will always enjoy a Kate Bateman book!

Second Duke the Charm by Kate Bateman, book one in Her Majesty’s Rebels series, is a sweet, fun and romantic story. This close-knit group of smart, strong, intelligent women are not only close friends, but the secret owners and investigators of King & Co., one of London's most exclusive investigative agencies; working to take down criminals. It was unheard of for women to indulge in such brash behavior given the times, but Tess Townsend and her friends are good at what they do, and they enjoy the independence it affords them.

Tess Townsend, was bartered off in marriage by her father to a repulsive older man, was saved when her husband dropped dead on their wedding night; leaving her not only the Dowager Duchess, but also a virgin. Attending a masked house party, hoping for a little flirty fun, she gets more than she bargained for when her fling turns out to be the new duke. Shipping magnate Justin Thornton never expected to inherit a dukedom but, when the woman he kissed at a party turns out to be the Duchess, Justin sees a solution: a pleasurable marriage of convenience that will suit them both. Now all they have to do is figure out how to control the fiery hot, sizzling chemistry sparking between them. Justin doesn't believe in love and trusts no one. Tess wants to keep her independence and refuses to submit to any man. It’s going to take some shrew negotiating, and a grand gesture that doesn't quite go as planned before this marriage of convenience becomes a real, loving union between these two.

Ms. Bateman managed to create the perfect balance between romance and intrigue; crafting strong characters who live life as they see fit, not for how others see them. I love how the main characters to find and fall for each other while adding the marriage of convenience trope to it too. The chemistry between Tess and Justin was off the charts, and there was just enough of the investigative story to balance the romance. I loved her friends and can’t wait to see their stories in the future. I highly recommend Second Duke the Charm to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I read "Second Duke's the Charm" by Kate Bateman on NetGalley. Tess is a widow and Justin has just become the new duke. Sparks fly between them but so do misunderstanding. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more!

I really enjoyed this book! I've read a lot of regency romance but I wasn't sure what to expect given this has a "bodice ripper" style cover and not the trad-pub cartoon/illustrated covers that I am more used to seeing.

I loved the dynamic between Tess and Justin and the marriage of convenience trope. It was fun to see how they evolved from insta-lust, to married, to then falling in love. Tess's friends Daisy and Emma are amazing and I really hope they each get a book as well!! The humor in this book is fantastic and I love how it modernized a regency book while still being in the regency time and norms.

This book is perfect for fans of Virginia Heath and Evie Dunmore, with strong female characters and swoony love interests.

Second Duke’s the Charm is the first book in a new series by Kate Bateman. I enjoyed the premise and think it’s great at setting up the new series but I struggled with it- the mystery/ investigation company of the women starts so strong and you think I’ll be prominent but it quickly loses out to the rushed romance. It’s enjoyable but the pacing felt off and the attempted murders of the Duke felt very forced.

A sweet and steamy regency romance between Tess and Justin. They made a good match for each other and the chemistry was palpable. I do wish one of the mysteries was solved on the page rather than having Justin narrate the details. But overall this was a good romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins for the arc.

Tess was widowed on her wedding night. Becoming the Duchess has given her freedom and she's used it for the better good. She goes to a party to fulfill a wish and meets an intriguing stranger. But what was supposed to be a one-night experience threatens her undercover work when she discovers he is the new Duke.

Justin has inherited a dukedom he never wanted, but he agrees to give it some time. He's shocked to learn the current duchess is not an old woman, but a beautiful young woman he once thought out of his league.

Together, they devise a plan which works for them until they meet danger. Both have secrets, and neither will fall in love, until it's too late. But misunderstandings get in the way... can they find a way to forgive and make a change to their pact, which will lead to a forever love?

A wonderful romance I couldn't put down.

received a netgalley from the publisher

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, steamy, clever and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

If you're looking for a captivating regency romance, "Second Duke's the Charm" by Kate Bateman is an insta-read!

Justin Thornton, a 30-year-old successful and wealthy businessman, inherits a dukedom. He reluctantly travels to London, intending to set his affairs in order, find a wife, and return home within a year. But his plan goes awry when he meets 21-year-old Tess Townsend, the late duke's widow, who is beautiful, intelligent, and seemingly unattainable - until now!

This novel is perfect for readers who love the marriage of convenience trope, a hero who has sworn off relationships, and an innocent yet clever heroine. You'll easily fall in love with the grumpy, sexy, and cynical Justin Thornton. And you'll admire Tess' strength, as she is a strong character who can handle herself and doesn't settle for anything less than she deserves. The passion and sweet romance that blossoms between the two is simply irresistible!

Trust me, every page of "Second Duke's the Charm" is worth reading. Don't miss out!

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the novels by Kate Bateman that I’ve read, and I still plan to work my way through her back catalogue! Her new release, Second Duke’s the Charm, is the beginning of a new series and it’s going to be excellent - a series of ladies who enjoy solving mysteries for other ladies back in regency London.

This particular one is about Tess, a duchess who’s husband (a very much older Duke), passed on their wedding night - she was basically sold to him by her father… she’s managed to continue her life by living in his home and earning a wage by starting a company with her girlfriends under the control of an imaginary gentleman (calling it King and Co, with the imaginary Mr. King just always out of the office), taking on investigations and solving problems for the ladies of the Ton.

The Queen herself hires them for a case for her niece, the Princess, and during her investigation, Tess comes across Justin several times (the first time at a masked ball was a very interesting affair!), before discovering that he’s the long-lost heir to her dukedom… which could be a big problem for her. A proposed short-term solution as a marriage of convenience before he returns to Canada and she can retire as the dowager or re-marry is his proposal, hoping it fixes the issue for everyone…

Kate Bateman writes so well with a lot of twists in the storylines so when you think you’ve guessed the outcome, you may have only guessed a tiny part but not the whole of where she’s taking you on the ride. And what a great ride it always ends up being! I definitely recommend everyone picks up this new series (in fact, all of her books)! 4.5 stars rating.

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, and this is my honest feedback.

Tess Townsend was forced to marry an old Duke but on their wedding night, he died before he could consummate their marriage. She kept all that secret and is now the Dowager Duchess of Wansford, still a virgin, and sought after by many men. She and her two best friends run King and Company together working to investigate and solve crimes. The current job is for the Queen who is being blackmailed. Every time a relative is found to become the next Duke, they end up dead. Now Justin Thornton, the latest relative has been found and is to become the new Duke. Tess and Justin met at a masquerade party as she wanted to gain knowledge about being with a man but couldn’t go through with it. As he finds out she is the Dowager Duchess of Wansford, he offers her marriage of convenience as he said he will never fall in love and will be leaving is a couple months to go back to being the wealthy shipping magnate. Of course, things don’t always end like they think they will. As she is working on her secret case, he doesn’t like what he thinks she is up to. Thinking she is an experienced lady and has had many lovers, he didn’t trust her. When they talk everything out, he does a grand gesture to prove how much he loves her.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy.

4.5 stars

I loved this fun start to a new series.

A marriage of convenience, sign me UP. This was a sexy, sexy regency romance with an abundance of spicy scenes. I loved the relationship between Tess and Justin and I loved watching it evolve. We love a man who is obsessed with his wife.

I also really enjoyed the relationship between Tess and her friend group. The side-plot of them running an investigative agency was a fun addition but I wanted more!! I feel like the mystery portion of the book wrapped up too quickly and as much as I was digging the romance, I wanted more investigation and mystery solving.

This book does have a misunderstanding...but I did like that it was quickly solved and I didn't get the urge to shake any of the characters. I can't wait for the rest of the books in the series!!

Second Duke’s the Charm is the first book in Kate Bateman’s newest series ‘Her Majesty’s Rebels’ and if Tess and Justin’s story is any indication, we are in for another wonderful series! The action grabs you from page one and it is an exciting thrill ride to the end.

Tess Townsend is forced to marry a much older man who, luckily for her, dies on their wedding night. She is happy being the Dowager Duchess of Wansford since it offers her the independence she wants and needs to run an investigation company with her friends. For the first time in her life, she has some control and she does not want to lose it. In walks Justin Thornton who never expected to be a duke. But given the changes in the line of succession, he is ready to fulfill his duty. Justin proposes a marriage of convenience since he doesn’t believe in love, and she wants to maintain her independence.

I loved Tess and Justin’s instant attraction. Their chemistry was fantastic and their ability to poke fun at each other was entertaining. The banter between the two kept me laughing as did the scenes with Tess, Ellie, and Daisy. The women are quite a formidable trio, and I can’t wait to read the other two stories.

I so enjoyed reading this book! It was well written, had strong female characters who were not above breaking society’s rules, there was blackmail involving the Queen, an underlying mystery, romance, a ton of humor, lots of steamy chemistry, and a “grand gesture” that is quite amusing! This is a must-read for fans of Kate Bateman!

Thank you to Kate Bateman, St. Martin’s Publishing, and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy. I voluntarily read the book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tess Townsend was fortunate enough that her much, much, much older husband perishes on her wedding now. Still a virgin, Tess is enjoying her freedom, but longs for some intimacy.

Justin Thornton, a shipping magnate, has just inherited a Dukedom. He, too, enjoys his freedom and is annoyed at the fact that he is now a popular bachelor. Realizing Tess is the widow of his new dukedom, he offers a solution to their problem... a marriage of convenience.

But the more time they spend together, the more their attraction to the other starts to sizzle. Can this marriage possibly become more than just a convenience and perhaps one filled with love?

I absolutely adored this story. I love Tess and her little group of friends that have become a secret detective agency. I can't wait to read about Ellie and Daisy's stories. You should one-click this now - you won't be disappointed.

Two years ago, a review I wrote stated "My 2nd Kate Bateman book has cemented my "fan" status." Six books later, that hasn't changed. This author gives readers imperfect yet incredibly likable, complex characters in an exceptional story. Both Tess and Justin have a complicated personal history and are smart, strong and wily - able to circumvent all the societal restrictions to live the life they want. The intense attraction between these two evolves into a relationship which soon has them confessing their true feelings and gradually leads them to a very satisfying HEA, Justin is completely yummy with brains, fearlessness, a growing self-awareness, honesty and his clever wit. Tess is his match in brains and bravery. When life would find her clinging to her independence, she opens her heart to love. For this reader, this book has it all: outstanding characters, excellent dialog, wit, angst, heat, romance and a large group of surrounding characters that will hopefully get their own stories in the future. HIGHLY recommend!

I received a complementary copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review.