⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Kate Bateman has become one of my favorite historical romance authors and I was so thrilled to receive an advanced reader copy of her latest book, Second Duke’s the Charm!

This book was a lighthearted, spicy, funny read and I couldn’t put it down. I loved reading about these strong, sometimes bull-headed main characters and their descent into love.

Highlights
❤️ The amazing 🥵 spice
❤️ A strong FM (Tess) and her equally strong friends; I loved their ladies’ investigative agency and can’t wait for Ellie’s and Daisy’s stories.
❤️ Justin’s intelligent, dry-humored, confident character with a “lucky” streak, that included inheriting a dukedom.
❤️ The insight into historical upper-crust English society (why read a historical romance if you’re not in it for this!?)
❤️ This humor! I laughed so much throughout this book.

I loved Justin and Tess’ instant connection, the “I can’t keep my eyes off of you” vibes, and their meant-to-be relationship.

I devoured the book in a day and absolutely adored the world Kate created.

Thanks to Kate Bateman and St Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book!

Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

This is a wonderful start to a new Kate Bateman series. The main characters are perfect for each other, the friends on both sides are wonderfully supportive (and I can’t wait for their books) and then you add in masked balls, a virgin widow, an unwilling duke, a detective agency with a very mysterious ‘owner’, attempted murders, and tasks for the queen – well, you will find yourself unable to put the book down.

You will absolutely love Tess Townsend and her friends Ellie Law and Daisy Hamilton. They make a formidable trio. When, at 19, Tess’s father forced her to marry the decrepit and aging Duke of Wansford, she was determined he would never touch her. When the Duke keels over dead on the floor as he is approaching for his conjugal visit, she is both elated and appalled. Now, she is a widow – with all of its privileges. Her father cannot force her into another marriage, she has the financial security of a small jointure from the estate, and she can run the estate until the new heir is found. All she is missing is a bit of passion – actually, she just wants a kiss – just to see what it is all about. Attending Tom Careby’s notorious masquerade – known for its licentiousness – will afford Tess the perfect opportunity to be kissed without the possibility of also being recognized. Oh! Yes!! Who knew a kiss could literally curl her toes? That kiss would certainly have led to more if they hadn’t been interrupted. But, they are, and she leaves without ever learning his name.

Justin Thornton is an extremely successful self-made man. He has grown a shipping company with one small ship into one of the most successful companies in the realm. He is richer than most, if not all, of the ton. He is rich and he is powerful – what more could he want? Well, certainly not a title – especially that of Duke. However, the title is his whether he wants it or not. It definitely doesn’t sound like a fortuitous thing since several other heirs died before they found him. He’ll take up the mantle of Duke, he’ll acquire the required society wife, and then he’ll take himself back to Brighton to run his company. When he stops in at his friend Tom’s masquerade on his way to London, he kisses the most delectable woman – one he cannot get out of his mind.

This book has almost everything you could want in a romance. It is emotional, steamy, romantic, and a HEA that will curl your toes. And, the added bonus of an Epilogue makes it near perfect. I hope you’ll love this book as much as I did. Now, I can hardly wait for the next installment.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Second Duke’s the Charm was an entertaining, sweet, and sexy story! I loved Tess and Justin and how their story unfolded with so many fantastic scenes and witty moments. It moved along at a good pace that was lively and quick and I found myself smiling while reading because it was so fun.

I loved Tess and how strong she was and how she was making the most out of her life given the circumstances. I loved her and Justin meeting, it was passionate and humorous all rolled into one. They had great chemistry and a playfulness between them that I really enjoyed. I liked them meeting again and how the marriage of convenience came into play. I really liked how it evolved since neither of them thought they’d fall in love, it was highly entertaining. I liked them getting to know each other, their playful conversations, and how they matched wits.

This was a charming story that was exciting to read. I liked Tess’s friends, the bonds they had, and how they wanted to do good for others. This story is the first in the series and I plan on continuing because I want their stories too. I liked the dual POVs and thought it flowed well. There was a little conflict and drama involved, just enough to keep it moving along and me totally invested. This was a light, fun story with great characters that made for an incredibly enjoyable read. This was my first time reading this author and this story makes me want to delve into her back list. It was definitely a winner!

When I first started reading this I thought, man does this sound familiar. Boy was I wrong! I think there were some similarities to another series about female detectives (that series only has 2 on staff) which is what made me think I was rereading something. This book was great, the idea of a young woman marrying a mugh older husband only for him to pass away before consummating the marriage is interesting. What is she to do now? I loved the way it turned out, not giving any hints away here! Can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

Tess Townsend's husband has passed, leaving her a virgin. With the help of her two best friends, they set out to relieve Tess of that little issue. Enter the equation, Justin Thornton.

Justin recently inherited a dukedom. That is how he comes to be acquainted with Tess. Tess just wants to experience pleasure, but Justin wants marriage. Find out what happens in SECOND DUKE'S THE CHARM.

Kate Bateman is quickly becoming one of my new favorite authors. I haven't read anything by her that I haven't liked. She writes a wide variety of romance tropes. SECOND DUKE'S THE CHARM gets 4 stars from me.

When Tess Townsend's husband, The Duke of Wansford dies on the night of their wedding, everyone now assumes Tess is a gold digger and was only after her husband's money since he was fifty years older than her. Little did anyone know, it was an arranged marriage that her father forced her into and they never even consummated their marriage. Fast forward two years and now Tess Townsend the Dowager Duchess of Wansford along with her two best friends Ellie Law and Daisy Hamilton run King & Co., an investigative agency. When their latest case has Tess attending a masqueraded, distreputable party to find out some intel, she also hopes that maybe she will experience her first ever kiss. What Tess never counted on was Justin Trevelyan Thornton, the new Duke of Wansford, to rock her world. Neither of them know who the other is at the party but when they finally meet they are both shocked!

Justin isn't very excited about being the Duke, he does well enough with his shipping company. When he realizes that if Tess and him can come to an understanding, maybe they help each other out. When Justin proposes getting married, at first Tess balks but then realizes it could be advantageous for her also. The problem that neither of them expected was the serious chemistry between the two of them. The more time these two spend together, the stronger the feelings become.

While Tess continues her investigating, Justin becomes suspicious that she is hiding something from him. Just when everything comes to a head, everything becomes revealed and these two find themselves in a real marriage. Even though Justin said he'd never fall in love, he finds himself falling. What started out as a marriage of convenience quickly becomes something else and these find a happy ever after.

I just loved this marriage of convenience story. Tess just wanted to be able to live her life on her own terms....and so did Justin. I loved how both of them fell in love and realized that they could still be themselves. This was a great start to a new series.

1814

Tess Townsend’s husband, the Duke of Wansford, 72, fell dead on their wedding night, thankfully leaving her a virgin. Her friends, Ellie Law and Daisy Hamilton knew how much she dreaded marrying this lecherous, old man but her father had forced her into the marriage. Ellie and Daisy were first on the scene when the old duke died. The three young ladies were friends from Miss Honoria Burnett’s Ladies Academy. Today, the three of them formed an investigative agency called King and Company.

1816

Justin Thornton, 30, owns Thornton Shipping and Trading in Bristol. He gained his fortune in shipping fur and lumber from Canada. Now, he learns that he is the new Duke of Wansford.

When Tess and Justin met at a masked party, she just wanted to shed her virginity. It almost happened, but he drew back. Now, that they have officially met, he realizes that Tess is the woman he met that night. He proposes a marriage of convenience to her and she accepts.

Justin has no knowledge of Tess’s investigative work and begins to wonder if she could be having an affair with someone. As she is finding herself falling in love with Justin, she doesn’t want them to be apart. How can she save their marriage?

This story was filled with all kinds of fun and scary things happening. I rooted for Tess and Justin all through the book. It’s rather steamy and quite romantic. Two strong characters who learned to be true partners. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I enjoyed the tension and chemistry between Justin and Tess. I liked how they met and enjoyed that even though Justin saw Tess masked, he recognized her immediately! The mystery plot was fun, but I think one too many. I also enjoyed the friendship between Tess and her friend group!

Tropes: Marriage of Convenience

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this arc.

This book was so much fun. I loved that Tess and her friends had their own investigative business because I love when women in histroms prove how badass women always were. Daisy and Ellie were hilarious and brought the humor to that novel, but you can tell they’ll be great leads in their own books. I think Ellie is next, and I can’t wait.

Justin and Tess had swoony chemistry but I hated how much of their connection was based on secrets, 100% understood why Tess was keeping all those secrets, but it caused so much unnecessary strife between them. Though I did enjoy that the woman was the one with all the crazy secrets for once, because we usually see that with men in these novels. Justin’s insistence on being business minded even in his personal relationships rubbed me the wrong way in some moments, but it did provide a big pay off when love finally smacked him over the head.

Highly recommend to any histrom fan, and I can’t wait to see what the ladies of the Charles King agency investigate next.

Tess Townsend is the Dowager Duchess of Wansford after her much older husband died on their wedding night. She and her two best friends investigate London’s most scandalous crimes, and Tess loves the independence her widowhood brings her. Justin Thornton never expected to inherit a dukedom, or to kiss the Dowager Duchess at a party. A marriage of convenience would suit them both, though there's unexpected passion between them. Tess has secrets she can't tell Justin, making him question everything about her.

I adored Tess from the start, from the husband dropping dead upon entering her room on their wedding night to the friendships she has, to the desire for something more than rumor and being a dowager duchess at age nineteen. It's gross that her father essentially sold her to someone fifty years older than her, but thanks to fiction neither man that wanted to take advantage of her youth and beauty were able to do so. Justin is all business and doesn't want to believe in matters of the heart after his father died soon after his mother's death. The two are attracted to each other and plan to have a marriage of convenience, but we all know how that trope will go, especially with the pains that Tess and her friends take to keep their investigation company discreet. They use their position in society and society's assumptions about them to their benefit, and I applaud that.

It was a little annoying how Justin didn't trust her, but he's not used to relying on others or even acknowledging emotions. Once they were able to express themselves fully, Justin made his grand gesture (and called it that!) to prove that he's not above emotional entanglements after all. Overall, I really enjoyed this romance and watching them fall in love with each other.

Even from page 1, this story delivered. I was laughing my heart out at the mischiefs the three best friends were plotting. Tess Townsend found herself a widow on her wedding night no less. Forced by her father into a marriage with a seventy-two-year-old duke at the age of nineteen, the man’s heart gave out before the marriage was consumed, luckily. Now Tess, a young dowager must struggle to show her new employees and tenants that she is more than a fortune hunter. The desire to experience her first kiss leads her in the arms of Justin Thornton, recently invested as the eight Duke of Wansford. A marriage of convenience, a man who sees love as idiotic and a woman with a secret vigilante life are the ingredients that make this book a great read.

I loved the first part of the story, how Tess and Justin enticed each other and as well her attempts at faking her experience in intimate matters. The second part of the book seems more focused on the side story that gets mixed into Tess’ marriage. The three best friends try to help the Queen avoid a major scandal.

The author, as per usual, created strong female characters, brave and smart who want to defy the rules of society, discretely. She did not shy away from showing even the indiscretions and even the short minded men who only viewed women as tools or pretty things to keep at home. Precisely because of that, Justin was oblivious to the innocence his new bride possessed.

I enjoyed my time with this book so, so much. Even though the love confession was out of the blue (a lot of time dedicated to the action and not so much to building feelings). I am so happy for this story being release! There is the promise of so much more at the end of the first installment and I cannot wait to discover what’s next.

Tess is finally out of morning. Her ancient husband, who died on their wedding night, passed away two years ago. So her two best friends encourage her to head to a party for some much-needed excitement. It is at this masked affair that she meets the only person NOT wearing a mask, Justin Thornton. The two exchange kisses and more, neither one suspecting the identity of the other. And their secret identities, once revealed, will rock their world! Justin has never believed in love, but it seems that he might have inadvertently given his heart to Tess! But what happens when her many secrets are revealed?!?

How does Kate Bateman take a love scene and make it spicy, humorous, AND suspenseful! I was riveted by the emotion and the tension between these two from the start. This book effortlessly combines intrigue and romance, sexual tension and fun. I loved Tess's two best friends, and CANNOT wait for their love stories to unfold in this new series: Her Majesty's Rebels. Seeing strong women who find the loves of their lives; men who celebrate them as the powerful females they are...just perfection!

I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A new series from Kate Bateman - YES! She is one of my favorite regency romance authors.

Second Duke's the Charm is the first book in the new Her Majesty's Rebels series. Tess and Justin's met a few years ago, and he was smitten. He knew her father would never approve of his meager ways, so he set out to the continent to make something of himself. He's returned, amassed a small fortune and finds his lady in waiting a widow to estate he's inherited. Justin is captivating, attentive and seductive throughout the whole story, including his ill-planned declaration of love but "luck" is on his side as always.

This romance captures just the perfect amount of angst and conflict. The next installment can't come soon enough.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for the complimentary copy.

This is a well-written, entertaining, steamy, fast paced, historical romance novel. It has a likable and intelligent female protagonist, an engaging male protagonist, wit, a touch of humor, supportive friends, mystery, intrigue, sizzling chemistry, a heart-warming romance, an exciting finale, and a happily ever after ending. I am looking forward to reading the next entry in Ms. Bateman's outstanding, new "Her Majesty's Rebels" series with great anticipation.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press, Ms. Bateman, and NetGalley, who kindly provided me with an ARC of this wonderful novel. This is my honest opinion.

This is a new and exciting read by one of my favorite authors. Ms Bateman knows her craft when if comes to this genre of romance. It's a totally fun book that has me at first chapter and never let go.
The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. A new series is always fun and this doesn't disappoint.
Tess Townsend is a virgin duchess whose husband died on their wedding night. Her father sold her into marriage which she hated, but now is free to live as she wants.
Tess meets a handsome man who she kissed at a house party. His name is Justin Thornton, the new Duke of Wansford. Tess didn't reveal her real name and he names her Scarlet because of the red dress she had on. Justin is rich and now he's inherited a title of which he could do without. Now he's wants a wife to give him a much needed status of the ton.
When they meet again at a ton event, each finds out about each other. Justin wants a wife and he wants Tess the Dowager Duchess of Wansford. They both bargain for what they want and marriage is the key.
Secrets and jealousy cause a complicated start to their marriage. But they must work together to find a way to a true love for a happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

This story is absolute perfection!! The characters are strong and are living their lives as they want to, not how others expect them to live. And these three, close friends that this series is about, are secretly running King & Co. London’s most exclusive investigative agency. Yes three women as investigators! They brings so much to this story, with their friendship, and intelligence that I can’t wait for the next two in the series. The plot is fabulously fun, sweet, steamy and romantic with a touch of intrigue. Then add in the tropes of a secret virgin, widow, marriage of convenience, secret crush, working heroine, and unexpected inheritance and you have a fantastic story.

This is the story of Tess Townsend the Dowager Duchess of Wansford and Justin Thornton a shipping magnate who has just been given the title of the Duke of Wansford.

Tess Townsend wedding-night death of her repulsive, older husband left her not only the Dowager Duchess of Wansford… but also still a virgin. Although she loves her independence and freedom to investigate with her friends, she also longs to find out what lust is all about without getting married.

Justin Thornton, finds that through the great misfortune of several others death he is now the new Duke of Wansford. He doesn’t really want the title since he has already has a fortune from his shipping business and feels that a title will attract too much attention to him. When he stops at a house party he meets and has a delicious encounter with a mysterious woman who he calls Scarlet, because of her red dress. But not until he sees that same red dress in the ballroom in London does he find out that the Dowager Duchess is his Scarlet. With him needing a wife and Tess needing the continued security of her position they make an agreement, where love will have no place.

These two spark to life with the heat between them. But when Justin starts to question her past and her motives, as she keeps secrets from him. Will these two be able to find the love and trust they both need? You will need to read to get all the details! Captivating!

I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

Kate Bateman continues to deliver some of the best historical romances with the first volume in a new series that pits the smart ladies of the ton against the roles society sets for them.

We meet Tess Townsend, the new Dutchess of Wansford, on her wedding night after she was basically sold off to the ancient Duke by her dissolute father in order to get money. But luck is on her side and the Duke dies of a heart attack as soon as he sees her in her nightclothes, and Tess is free to continue unmolested and living as the Dowager Duchess. The freedom of her new situation lets her create a PI company with her closest friends that lets them help those with cases that the police don't.
Justin Thornton has spent his life working hard to get where he is in life and isn't too happy to be burdened with the responsibility of a title. His plans to set things in order and leave London as soon as possible quickly change when he discovers that the Dowager Dutchess isn't the old woman he expected but the gorgeous Ms. Townsend he remembers seeing years ago and knowing that he could never even approach her.
They quickly get pulled together but Tess has her virginity and profession to keep secret and Thornton has sworn off love as nothing but pain. And it's a pleasure to read about them opening up and discovering sides to each other they didn't suspect. Even when Thornton has his bullheaded moments, it's a pleasure to read about them becoming a real couple.
The characters are fun and breathe life into the story in a way that kept me turning pages and looking forward to spending more time with them. I'm really excited to see what Bateman does with Tess' friends.
My one gripe is that the case and another mystery get resolved bit too easily and neatly for my tastes. I get keeping the page count low and the plot moving, but I would have enjoyed reading more about that.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Paperbacks for the wonderful read!

4.5 stars
This is a fun, entertaining, good read. Justin and Tess are interesting, intriguing, captivating, entertaining, relatable characters. I enjoyed them as individuals and as a couple. There romance is very fitting for these characters and very enjoyable, with all the twists and turns. The secondary characters – particularly Tess’s friends – added much to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story and character are captivating – they captured my attention from the start and held it until the very last word. This is an amazing start to a new series and I cannot wait to read what happens in the next book.

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

**Thank you to Kate Bateman, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to receive an Advance Reader's Copy of Second Duke's the Charm in exchange for an honest review!!** I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I adore Kate Bateman's writing and I devoured this book. I honestly screamed when I saw St. Martin's Press had sent me this ARC. I am a huge fan of Kate Bateman and I'm pretty sure I have read all of her books. This book was especially a treat. It is the first in a new series, and it has a fun concept. Tess and her friends run a detective agency which will definitely ensure that there are many hi-jinks throughout this series. Tess is offered a marriage of convenience (a favorite trope of mine), to the handsome Duke. I loved their personalities and I really enjoyed Justin's character arc. I also really like that the cover of this book makes sense within the context of the storyline. I also loved the Remington Steele reference (but saying this may age me). I look forward to the next book in the series with bated breath.

Genre: historical romance
London, 1816

Tess Townsend, Dowager Duchess of Wansford, is widowed on her wedding night when her much older husband expires. Not wanting anyone to know the wedding was unconsummated, she and her friend drag the late duke back to his own chambers. Two years later, she hasn’t returned to the marriage mart because she doesn’t want anyone to find out her marriage might not have been valid. Looking for fun though, she goes to a club where she meets an incredibly handsome stranger to make out with… only to discover that he is Justin Thornton, and the newest Duke of Wansford. He’s looking for a wife (and also a mistress), and decides to offer a marriage of convenience to Tess who agrees, thinking he may be the answer to her prayers so she can eventually get on with her life and take future lovers.

This book had a strong premise for me, but ultimately ended up falling flat. Bateman puts too much emphasis on Tess’s physical virginity. While I understand Tess’s worries about being discovered, I wanted there to be more of an emphasis on her emotional backstory or an emotional connection to her role assisting the land steward that she was loath to give up.

Instead, we have a subplot about Queen Charlotte requesting aid on behalf of her granddaughter Princess Charlotte, daughter of the Prince Regent and his estranged wife Princess Caroline. Someone is blackmailing Princess Charlotte before her wedding, and Queen Charlotte has hired Tess and her friends Daisy and Ellie to help investigate. I love that Tess, Daisy, and Ellie have a business that helps to investigate and better the lives of those around them, and I look forward to reading more about that in the next books…but I also didn’t find the blackmailing plot exciting.

While this is the first full length book from Kate Bateman I’ve read, I know from her novellas that she can bring together solid characters and fun plots. This went a little off the rails for me in a non-bananas direction. That said, her prose is solid and I look forward to more books from her, including in this series!