Second Duke's The Charm by Kate Bateman

There are some authors that become very well known for writing in their genre and one of my favorite authors for the historical romance genre is Kate Bateman. I have read quite a few of her books now and she always brings a delightful fun story that leaves you feeling wonderful.

This upcoming book is a perfect example of a delightful, fun story that you will fall for! Read my full review below.

Second Duke’s The Charm by Kate Bateman
Series: Her Majesty’s Rebels #1
Publisher: ‎ St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Pub Date: December 26, 2023
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1250907363

OVERVIEW:
The wedding-night death of her much older husband left Tess Townsend the Dowager Duchess of Wansford―and still a virgin. Now she and her two best friends investigate London’s most scandalous crimes, and while Tess longs to experience physical pleasure for herself, she can’t risk losing her treasured independence…

Cynical shipping magnate Justin Thornton never expected to inherit a dukedom, but he’ll do his duty. When the ravishing woman he kissed at a party turns out to be the Dowager Duchess, Justin sees an obvious solution: a marriage of convenience that will suit them both.

But the passion that sparks between them is anything but convenient. As Tess works on a new case at the request of Queen Charlotte, her increasingly suspicious behavior makes Justin question her motives―and her past. The infuriating woman clearly can’t be trusted, but Justin doesn’t believe in love, so there’s absolutely no danger of him falling for his own wife…is there?

Second Duke’s The Charm by Kate Bateman Review

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.

4 STARS!!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.