ARC Review: Second Duke's the Charm by Kate Bateman

Second Duke's the Charm
Author: Kate Bateman
Publication: St. Martin's Paperbacks (December 26, 2023)

Description: Meet Her Majesty’s Rebels: three brilliant women who run King & Co., London’s most exclusive investigative agency...

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?

My Thoughts: 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.

Favorite Quote:

A shock of something elemental, almost like recognition, flashed through her as their eyes met. If someone has asked her to describe a "dangerous man," it would be him. Flint-gray eyes, high cheekbones. Lips that looked like they could command -- or kiss -- with consummate ease.

They'd never met in person, she was sure, but she knew him: he was every wicked fantasy she'd ever dreamed, come to life.

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.