Second Chance Prince

Romancing the Dukes #3

by Sara Bennett

A mysterious prince and a rebellious lady go from fake engagement to real feelings in this friends-to-lovers tale fit for royalty.

Prince Nikolai of Holtswig has journeyed to London with one purpose: stay out of trouble until the unrest in his country dies down. But after an assassination attempt at the season’s first ball, he has no choice but to accept a deal from the British government. They will offer him protection...if he gets engaged to a proper Englishwoman. Niki isn’t interested—until they suggest his childhood friend Lady Roberta Ashton.

Lady Roberta couldn’t help being a bit infatuated with Niki in the summers they spent together all those years ago. Faking an engagement would definitely liven up the season—but there's a difference between lively and deadly. As the threats increase along with their attraction, Roberta and Niki must learn to trust each other to protect themselves—and their hearts.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 19, 2026

About the author

Sara Bennett writes with passion. She has been published by Avon HarperCollins in the USA, and also publishes independently. She recently wrote a series of Regency novellas about Second Chances called Mockingbird Square. The four novellas are Unforgettable, Enraptured, Surrender and Reckless. They're available at all eBook stores.

Currently she is writing a second series of Mockingbird Square. The first three novellas, Fascination, Seduction and Temptation are available, and Obsession is under way.

Sara also writes paranormal romance as Sara Mackenzie, steamy historical romance as Evie North, and Australian Women's Fiction as Kaye Dobbie.

Reviews

[Deanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC of Second Chance Prince, the third instalment in the Romancing the Dukes series.

Unfortunately, this story wasn’t for me. I felt like everything happening was very surface level, including the characters’ emotions. I could not connect with anyone, so ultimately I did not care for the main couple. Their feelings escalated very quickly from mutual acquaintances to love, but we never see any substantial yearning or something of substance to back up these claims of love.

Roberta was an ok character, she was not a docile lady as was expected of women of the time but she is certainly trying to be. She has no other personality traits though, other than not being like other girls. Nikolai, or Niki, on the other hand was an absolute bore. He really gave me the ick when suddenly, 84% into the book, he mentions that maybe his ancestors were correct in not letting women get involved in state matters… like what in the world? Unnecessary, when he simply didn’t want to admit Roberta was right.

The so-called threat on his life should have made the plot more exciting, but it felt like it was forgotten most of the time. Plus it was obvious to me who was behind it.

I didn’t hate this by any means, but I simply did not enjoy it.

[Read-n-Bloom]

I couldn’t finish this one. It was just too boring for me. Someone else might read and love it and that’s great 😃 but I just couldn’t get into it. 😔

[Kathleen Hoffman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I really went in thinking I’d love it but unfortunately it was not for me. I just had a hard time connecting to the characters. I liked Roberta for the most part and Nikki was…. Blah….ok I guess, but nothing to write home about.

My main issue was how slow the beginning was. I really had to force myself to continue and not DNF it. While the second half picked up and was better, it was still predictable and anticlimactic.

I guess I was just expecting more and finished it disappointed overall. It’s well written and if you’re looking for a simple romance, you may really enjoy it. It just didn’t do it for me.

2 stars.

[Visionary Druid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince Nikolai (Niki) of Holtswig visits his aunt in London until the unrest in his country calms down. He has never forgotten his time with the Ashton family, especially one young woman. When someone tries to assassinate him, Niki allows the British government to protect him. He needs to pretend to be engaged to an Englishwoman. Niki will have none other than Roberta Ashton to pose as his fake fiancé. Will Niki learn the identity of the one behind the assassination attempts? And will his and Roberta’s sham engagement become real?

Roberta Ashton’s family is no stranger to scandal. She has learned to subdue her wild nature while amongst her peers. Roberta fondly remembers her infatuation with Nikolai during his last stay in England. When someone tries to kill him in her presence, she agrees to a fake engagement to protect him. Roberta knows she is the wrong woman for Niki, but she cannot help but to want to be his real fiancé. Will their ruse have the desired effect? Can Roberta let Niki go once he is free from the danger?

This book really changed my original opinions on Nikolai. His arrogant and pompous demeanor is all a front, one that has been hammered into him since childhood. It has also become a defense mechanism for him; one Niki uses to hide his awkwardness and shyness. What I like the most about Nikolai is how he secretly admired Roberta’s true nature. He hated seeing her dampen it down.
Roberta has really come a long way. I half expected her to continually thumb her nose at her peers and their expectations. Instead, Roberta learned to play their game while not forgoing her true nature. She just knows when to let it free and when to reign it in. What I adore the most about Roberta is how she truly saw Niki. She saw the socially awkward man beneath the cold, pompous demeanor. Roberta also picked up clues when Niki became nervous or agitated over something.

SECOND CHANCE PRINCE is the third book in Sara Bennett’s historical romance series, ROMANCING THE DUKES. It is better to start the series from the start. DREAMING OF A DUKE LIKE YOU, book one, introduces the Ashton family and the scandal that surrounds them. In book two, MY SECRET DUKE, shows how Roberta and Nikolai first met. I do remember secretly hoping they would end up together. Glad the author made it happen! Gabriel and Vivienne and Olivia and Ivo do make appearances throughout the story.

I did have one small nitpick. Freddie and his happily-ever-after. I remember, going into this book, wondering if the author intends to introduce his destined partner. Sara Bennett does. Unfortunately, it is a background romance like Justina and Charles and Annette and Harold. It felt like a major let down. And I am not wild about his choice. I still cannot pinpoint what about her that disagrees with me so.

I wonder if Antonia will be the next Ashton to receive a book. The other two Ashton sisters are too young. I have a suspicion… And I hope Niki’s younger brother gets a book, but I suspect HIS story will be a background romance too.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roberta Ashton was raised as Lady Roberta Ashton, daughter of the Duke of Grantham, but learned after his death that her parents’ marriage was not valid and she and her sisters were deemed as illegitimate. Thankfully, her half-brother Gabriel didn’t turn his back on them and insisted that they still had the privileges due to them as daughters of a duke. She met Prince Nikolai of Holtswig years ago when he was introduced as a possible suitor for her sister Olivia, and was instantly smitten, thankfully her sister married someone else, but he returned home soon afterwards. Now during her come out season the prince returns and they meet again at a ball, while they are catching up their conversation is interrupted when someone tries to kill the prince! The next day she is shocked when her brother’s friend Freddie Hart, a government agent approaches her and asks her to pretend to be engaged to the prince so the English government will be able to guard him without insulting his countrymen. She agrees, never believing she would actually marry him, even though she is still smitten with him. But when plans go awry and her life is turned upside down, will she find her HEA?

Prince Nikolai “Niki” of Holtswig has recently inherited his grandfather’s throne, but he is aware that not all of his countrymen are happy with his ideas for his country’s future. But he ever imagined anyone with try to kill him! When an attempt is made and it is suggested that he betroth himself to an English lady, he immediately asks Freddie to approach Roberta Ashton. Though he courted her sister, he had always been drawn to Roberta and thinks she would be the perfect lady to play his faux fiancée. When their charade becomes real, he is thrilled, as he knows he loves her, but not everyone is happy with their marriage and with so many suscepts it is hard to know who he can really trust. Will he be able to figure it out in time or will he lose everything including the woman he loves?

I really didn’t like the first two books in this series and was hoping the third time would be the charm – it wasn’t. I think I am just too picky – I know this is a work of fiction and I am willing to accept a certain amount of creative license, but in this series, it is like the author didn’t even try to make the story realistic to the era. I am not going to rehash all the title and protocol errors – but even if I was willing to overlook those errors, I thought the fake engagement plot was weak and slow moving. Overall, I do like the author’s writing style and enjoyed getting to know Roberta and Nikolai, the love scenes were warm without being graphic, the mystery was very well done and the book ends with a happy ending. So, while not my cuppa, I am sure many readers would find this book enjoyable.

2.5 stars

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I pick up a royal historical romance, I am looking for one thing and one thing only: a kidnapping. I don't know why I am like this, but I just love a good kidnapping. Luckily, Second Chance Prince came through for me, fulfilling my messed-up wishes.

Thanks to Forever for the complimentary ARC of Second Chance Prince.

Lady Roberta Ashton has had a crush on Prince Nikolai of Holtswig, or Niki as she calls him, since she was a girl. He was originally intended for her older sister, Olivia, but when that didn't work out, he went home and she accepted that nothing would ever be between them. Roberta has had a hard time since coming out in society. She is a bold young woman who loves to ride horses and speak her mind, but that is not valued in Georgian England, where a demure woman is preferred over the vibrant, so she has dulled herself down to blend into society. She and Niki reconnect when he comes to London to avoid some unrest at home. When an assassination attempt puts Niki's life in danger, it is clear that he needs protection. But the British government will only provide that if he is engaged to a British woman. Niki immediately refuses, but when Lady Roberta is suggested as the woman, he can see the merits of the situation. This will be a ruse to provide Niki with the protection he needs, and at the end, Roberta will break the engagement and he'll go home. But Roberta's childhood crush comes back with a vengeance, and Niki realizes he has feelings for her, making their fake relationship entirely too real, especially with the danger they both face from Niki's attackers.

Like many royal romances, you can't think too hard about this. If you do, you're not going to have a good time. Niki is the ruler of some tiny European principality that happens to speak English and has a gothic castle. Don't try to find the logic, don't think too much about the politics, and you will have a great time.

Where this book really works is in the emotional stakes between Roberta and Niki. Roberta is the illegitimate daughter of a duke—the background is explained in a previous book—and her family is seen as quite scandalous in the eyes of the ton. Meanwhile, Niki is the ruler of a country that is very much stuck in the past. He has to contend with the mistakes of his father while trying to drag his nation into the 19th century. Roberta's reputation could be a challenge for him, were he to actually marry her. I really liked that they had that level of conflict in their relationship while also dealing with the assassination attempts and physical danger.

I'm not going to tell you about the kidnapping because I don't believe in spoiling the story, but just know it's quite fun. I was really hoping we'd get one in this book, and Sara Bennett came through.

This was just good fun. 4 stars.

[Matilda Dix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prince Nikolai of Holtswig arrives in London seeking to stay low while unrest brews at home, but an assassination attempt at a society ball forces him into a risky bargain with the British government: he must present himself as engaged to a proper Englishwoman to secure protection. He asks childhood friend Lady Roberta Ashton to pose as his fiancée. Roberta, who once harbored a summer crush on Niki, agrees—prompting a season of forced proximity, guarded confessions, and growing attraction. As threats against Nikolai escalate, the pair must navigate social expectations, family ties, and political danger while deciding whether their pretend engagement can become something real. Alongside the central pair, warm secondary threads—Roberta’s spirited sister Antonia, Niki’s aunt Matilda, and other Ashton relations—add domestic humor and depth as loyalties and secrets surface.

I enjoyed this story for its blend of familiar tropes and emotional warmth: a slow-building friends-to-lovers arc, a fake engagement premise that allows intimacy and tension to develop, and the safety-versus-risk stakes that sharpen romantic moments. The novel balances courtly danger with cozy domestic scenes and secondary-characters’ subplots, offering both simmering attraction and lighter, charming family dynamics. Fans who appreciate a quietly heroic, socially guarded hero thawing under a spirited heroine’s influence—and readers who like their romance threaded with gentle suspense rather than nonstop action—will find this a satisfying read. A definite add to your TBR pile and a continuation of a fun series.
This book is set to be published May 19, 2026 by Forever (Grand Central Publishing). Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat this book turned out to be. Second Chance Prince swept me straight into a world of royal intrigue, childhood nostalgia, and that delicious friends‑to‑lovers tension that makes a romance feel like a warm sigh.

This was my first Sara Bennett novel, and now I completely understand why readers adore her. She writes with that immersive, lived‑in quality that makes you feel like you’re standing right beside the characters—listening to the rustle of silk, catching the glint of danger, and feeling every stolen glance.

Prince Nikolai is the perfect blend of charming, weary, and unexpectedly vulnerable. And Roberta? She’s exactly the kind of heroine I fall for every time—spirited, clever, and quietly brave in ways that matter. Their shared history gives the story such a tender undercurrent, and watching that old affection spark into something deeper was pure joy.

The fake engagement setup is handled beautifully: playful, intimate, and threaded with just enough danger to keep the pages turning. The political intrigue never overwhelms the romance—it sharpens it. Every threat, every twist, every moment of trust earned between them makes their connection feel even more real.

By the end, I was fully invested in their safety, their happiness, and their future. Bennett delivers that perfect mix of wit, charm, story, and passion—the kind of romance that leaves you smiling and already reaching for her backlist.

If you love childhood-friends-to-lovers, royal stakes, and a heroine who refuses to be anything but herself, this one is a delight from start to finish.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Niki, prince of a small nation, and Roberta, daughter of a scandalous family, re-unite at a ball, potentially reigniting Roberta’s youthful crush on a man who was once considered a potential suitor for her sister. But soon a plot against Niki’s life and crown throw them together in a pretend engagement that turns all too real. I will admit that despite owning a physical copy of one of the earlier books in this series, this is the first I’ve read. So my review is colored by this chaos reading.

I don’t remember the last time I’ve read a historical romance involving a prince, and they are definitely a challenge to pull off. I did like that we got to experience bits of Niki’s home and felt that the novel really hit its stride once we made this journey. The setup here was great with both a pretend engagement and political espionage, even if it could feel a little slow in its movements at points.

There were times it felt like we were bluntly told character traits or emotional revelations, rather than getting to see them more actively. This may have also just been me not always gelling personally with the voice. But, for instance, we are told many times of Nikki’s shyness, including Roberta telling him as such, but I would have liked to see that explored more actively. I did enjoy that Niki was a virgin before Roberta as I enjoy getting more variety of experience in heroes as well.

I think the secondary romance between Freddie and Matilda actually often stole scenes and focus for me personally.

Thank your to Forever for the digital ARC for review.

[Mama Needs to Read Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prince Niki is in danger. Someone wants him dead. The solution? Roberta, his childhood friend (and maybe more) agrees to a fake engagement so her country's bodyguards can protect him. There's danger! There's spice! But could there also be LOVE?!?

This felt like the perfect historical romance for contemporary romance fans. The "fake engagement" trope ran very similarly to the way it would work in a rom com. There was danger and mystery, as well as a heavy dose of politics, but plot was always easy to follow. The spice was tastefully done, heightened by the fact that both of our main characters are virgins, which isn't something I often see in romance novels. I loved Roberta's fierce energy, and how she challenged Niki, who had a heart of gold.

The above praise may also be the reason this book was somewhat middle-of-the-road for me. It felt somewhat formulaic, and didn't grip me the way I'd hoped that it would. Some of the conflict was repeated too much. While I did root for our main characters, I struggled to feel connected to them.

Bottom Line: Anyone looking for an easy to follow childhood friends-to-lovers, fake engagement story with danger, spice and suspense...should read this book!

Content Warnings: shooting, assassination attempts, kidnapping (brief), peril

I'd like to thank Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sharyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read book one in the series and enjoyed the premise. I have not read book 2, which I think sets up the premise of the Prince, Niki and the FMC, Roberta.
Niki is a Prince of a small country and has been raised to show no emotions and think only of his country. Roberta had a crush on him 3 years earlier when he came to visit their country estate because his grandfather and her grandmother had been in love years ago. R9berta is one of 6 sisters who became illegitimate in book 1.They were raised in a half hearted way, and Roberta is particularly outspoken. Her half brother, now the Duke, is responsible for them. Two seem to have gotten married in book 2, leaving 4, but 2 are still children.
When it turns out Niki is in danger, he decides that having a fake engagement to Roberta will cause the British government to help with security.
We see this book through Niki and Robert's eyes, so we see the romance progressing.There is an underlying mystery, a secondary romance and more.
I particularly enjoyed every time King George arrived, finally not the regent anymore.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for EARC. This is my honest review.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prince Niki is as shy and prim as one can be-not good for a Leader of a country.Lady Roberta is a free-spirit exradonaire-not good for a Lady who is trying not to be scandalous like her family. I absolutely adored how the author brought the reader with them to his country and see them after the marriage. So many times, we see the wedding and never know what comes after. Antonia, her sister is very important to this story and I loved how she helped in her own way. Tomas was a bit of a pill, but enjoyed his trajectory . I had a hint of who the villain was, but kept questioning myself when all these other options kept getting put in the way. The author does a great job of keeping them hidden until the end, but the climax was a little difficult to picture with the cliff scene. I truly enjoyed this story , full of love, adventure, mystery and angst. I adored Niki and Roberta’s relationship , how she brought light back into his life and their chemistry was wonderful.

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice story about Prince Nikolai and Roberta. They met a few years back when Roberta’s grandmother hoped the prince would court her sister. At that time Roberta had a crush on him. Now he is back in England, and they run into each other at a ball. At this ball, someone tries to kill Niki, and it was decided he needed protection while he was in England and it was thought the best way to get that protection is if he was engaged to an English Lady, so as a favor to Niki, Roberta pretended to be his fiancé. During this pretend engagement Roberta’s and Niki connection got strong and it was turning into reality. I will tell you I really liked Niki, he was quiet, sometimes standoffish but you always knew he liked Roberta, he never lied to himself about that. Roberta was the perfect lady for him. I also enjoyed the side story of Niki’s aunt, Matilda and Freddie, and I loved Roberta’s sister Antonia.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am leaving my honest opinion.

[Mary L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars Told in third person, Second Chance Prince is a slow paced, HEA, regency romance. I was able to set it down and pick it back up easily without forgetting anything that was happening. I read this as a stand alone and have not read any other books in the series.

Roberta is an illegitimate duke's daughter whose family is well known for their scandals but somehow things always work out for them. She had a crush on Prince Nikolai three years prior when her grandmother was trying to matchmake him to her sister. Long story short they are fake engaged for his protection but they fall even more for each other for it to turn into the real thing.

This is a decent young adult book. However, it was hard for me to connect with the characters. Plus, everything was very predictable.

Thank you Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity of the ARC of this book.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prince Nikolai of Holtswig has journeyed to London with one purpose: stay out of trouble until the unrest in his country dies down. But after an assassination attempt at the season’s first ball, he has no choice but to accept a deal from the British government. They will offer him protection...if he gets engaged to a proper Englishwoman. Niki isn’t interested—until they suggest his childhood friend Lady Roberta Ashton.
The third book in the series & somehow I missed the first two, it’s very unusual for me to read a series out of order. That said this book can definitely be read on its own. I liked Nikolai & Roberta but I didn’t love them & for me that all important chemistry was missing. The threat to Nikolai could have made the book exciting & riveting but it felt a bit lacklustre. It was an OK read but one I won’t revisit
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story. Roberta is a woman was has decided never to marry, as she values her independence and ability to say and do what she pleases. However, after her childhood crush Prince Niki experiences an assassination attempt right in front of her, she quickly agrees to be his pretend fiancé to get him extra protection while he is in her country. As tends to happen, the pretend relationship starts to feel all too real, and both start to catch feelings. But Roberta comes from a family filled with scandals, and Niki has a duty to his countrymen. And as they are trying to figure out if there could be a future between them, a dangerous threat is looming over them the whole time. A fun quick read, but slightly lacking in relationship buildup which is why I took a star off. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher, and these are my opinions.
Prince Nikolai has traveled from his country to visit his aunt who lives in England. When there is an attempt on his life, the government comes up with the idea of a fake engagement to a British citizen. Roberta Ashton met Niki several years ago and is infatuated with him, even though she never plans on marrying. She agrees to go along with the plan, knowing that it is only for a short time.
The chemistry between the pompous Niki and free-spirited Roberta was interesting and sometimes tedious,
There were a lot of interesting secondary characters, some violence, and a few misunderstandings along the way.
All in all, it was a good story.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince Nikolai is visiting England when he is the subject of an assassination attempt. He turns to his friend Roberta to have a fake engagement to try to lure out the killer. Their closeness turns to more than just friendship. Even though she is not from his country, they decide to marry. Will they ever find out who is trying to kill them? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Forever for my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ruse to,protect him turns into the real thing. The journey to finding each other as soulmates is impeded by other factors like assassination attempts and the mystery behind it. The characters are likeable and admirable. I enjoyed reading about their similarities and differences which ultimately complete them.

I received an ARC,of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Forever for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I absolutely wanted to love this more than I did. Regency historical romance tends to be my favorite of the subgenre and while this was on the surface a good story, it just never quite got there for me. It felt almost too insta love for me and I need my couples to languish in their wanting for each other. It all just felt a little too neat for me.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

there was nothing with the book, but my gosh, it was sooooo boring. considering someone was literally out to murder the mmc, i'm honestly baffled at how boring it turned out to be. characters, plot, and writing were all ok though, i just prefer a bit more action.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the amazing and awesome story. When Prince Nikolai of Holtswig life is in danger. he needs someone to be fake engaged to and chooses. Lady Roberta. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full. of captivating characters and mystery, and a must read riveting romance story.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince Niki is in trouble and he turns to an old friend for help. They agree to a fake marriage so he can get help in finding where the trouble lies. Soon the word fake isn’t there anymore. Love grows as they go through tough times.