Second Duke's the Charm

By: Kate Bateman

Narrated by: Beverley A. Crick

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?

KATE BATEMAN’s writing is: “Brimming with intrigue, passion, and humor.”—Publishers Weekly “Pure fun.”—BookPage

©2024 Kate Bateman (P)2024 Recorded Books

A sweet and Sexy Romance

Second Duke’s the Charm is the first book in a new series from Kate Bateman. Tess was “sold” to a 72-year old duke, but he died on their wedding night before they could consummate their marriage to Tess’s delight. Two years later, a duke is found. Tess is now the dowager duchess and is a detective with her two friends Daisy and Ellie. Justin is a very successful businessman and the new duke. He also desires Tess, and they marry as a sort of business arrangement. However, Justin and Tess fell in love with each other. He assumed things about Tess that was insulting and he had to grovel, which was pretty funny. I had a lot of fun reading this book. This is a good story. The romance is sweet, the story is entertaining, and the characters are interesting. I love Tess and Justin, and funny enough, they were both very lucky indeed.

Woman Lies and Is Rewarded

I really disliked the 'heroine.' The investigator piece was poorly done-like it was an afterthought to try and make it more interesting. The woman lied over and over and over again so the man apologizes and she continues to punish him. I wanted the Duke to leave and find a more worthy woman.

Tess and the New Duke

When her friends arrive to interrupt Tess Townsend’s wedding night, it’s unnecessary. The disgusting old duke she was forced to marry took one look at her and dropped dead. She is left with a title, wealth, and estates until an heir is found. Oh, and her virginity. Justin Thornton is a successful and wealthy businessman. He doesn’t believe it when the solicitor tells him he is the new Duke of Wansford. He’ll just go to London, sign the papers, settle the old dowager, and return to Bristol to tend his business. Imagine his surprise when he discovers that the old dowager is the beautiful young woman he met at a scandalous masquerade. Upon their introduction, Justin proposes a marriage of convenience, three months together, then on to their separate lives, no attachment, no love. How’s that going to work? The story is fast-paced and lots of fun. The narration by Beverley A. Crick is excellent. There are a lot of surprises, mostly for Justin. The characters are terrific. Tess and her friends are delightful – beautiful, intelligent, ambitious, and protective of each other. Their investigation firm is great. Justin is intelligent, successful, and proud. He starts out as a bit of a jerk, but soon comes to see Tess for the treasure she is. This is the first story in a new series that promises to be fun and entertaining.

Great story, strong characters

There's every thing good in this book. There is romance, a little mystery, some character conflict and entertaining dialogue. Kate Bateman tells an interesting story, but her characters are the stars in this book. Beverly A Crick does an outstanding job of bringing life to Kate's characters. Thank you ladies for a great entertainment.