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Busty Bodice Club #7

Curves for the Secret Duke

Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26
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She told the school she was married.
Her best friend doesn’t know he’s the husband.


Lady Penelope Harrington needs a husband to inherit her fortune—so she tells everyone she already has one.
Unfortunately, the man she names is her lifelong best friend.

Now Edward Thornton must pretend to be her husband while they travel to Scotland together… sharing rooms, risking scandal, and staying far too close for comfort.

He’s spent his entire life protecting Penelope. He’s also loved her for years. She has no idea.
But when a mysterious stranger begins following them across the countryside, it becomes clear the danger they feared for Penelope’s fortune may not be meant for her at all.

Because the greatest secret in their fake marriage…
belongs to Edward.

And it’s one he doesn’t even know he carries.

Perfect for readers who
Fake Marriage
Best Friends to Lovers
He Falls First
One Bed
Forced Proximity
Hidden Identity
Secrets and Danger
“It’s Always Been You”


Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 26, 2026

5 people are currently reading
42 people want to read

About the author

Janna MacGregor

31 books1,152 followers
Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs. She loves to hear from readers.

Visit her at www.JannaMacGregor.com.
Twitter: @JannaMacGregor
Facebook: Janna MacGregor
Sign up for her newsletter at www.JannaMacGregor.com

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Fanosse23.
761 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 21, 2026
I am absolutely loving the Busty Bodice Club series, a delightful collection from a talented group of historical romance authors. Each story follows the siblings of a noble family as they strive to fulfill their late father’s final wish to secure their inheritance. It’s clear he knew his children well—his request is both a challenge and a nudge toward finding purpose, and perhaps even love.

Curves for the Secret Duke tells Lady Penelope Harrington’s story. To inherit, she must have a husband, so she convinces everyone that her best friend, Edward Thornton, is her spouse as they travel to Scotland—sharing rooms and more along the way. Scandalous indeed! Edward, the ever-loyal son of a tutor, has loved Penelope for years and vowed to her late father that he would always protect her. When she asks him to escort her north, he reluctantly agrees, even assuming the role of her husband to keep her safe.

Penelope is a vibrant and endearing heroine. She hates being alone and leans heavily on Edward for support. Her love of extravagant hats perfectly mirrors her bold, colorful personality. It takes her far too long to realize that her feelings for Edward go well beyond friendship, and when the revelation comes, it’s as dramatic as one of her show-stopping hats.

Adding a dash of intrigue, Edward suspects that the man following them is in the employ of a villainous viscount who wants Penelope for himself. But could the mysterious pursuer actually be after Edward instead? Along the way, a kidnapping, shocking secrets, and unexpected twists keep the story fast-paced and engaging. Edward’s unwavering devotion—and his love for Penelope just as she is, curves and all—make the romance utterly swoon-worthy.

Curves for the Secret Duke is a charming, heartfelt, and delightfully cheeky historical romance that blends humor, suspense, and passion. Fans of the genre will adore watching Penelope and Edward’s friendship blossom into true love. If you’re looking for a feel-good romantic adventure with plenty of heart and a touch of scandal, this book is an absolute must-read!

I received an ARC (advanced review copy) for free and am sharing my thoughts voluntarily.
Profile Image for Visionary Druid.
731 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 16, 2026
Lady Penelope Harrington needs to marry and live humbly to secure her inheritance. She accepts a teaching position at an all-girls finishing school in Scotland. Penelope persuades her friend Edward to accompany her. She leads everyone at the school to believe he is her husband. However, the unknown stranger following them may reveal their deception. Will Penelope succeed in the task that her father left her?

Mr. Edward Thornton is the son of a tutor. He promises Penelope’s late father that he would always look out for her. When she asks him to act as her escort, Edward reluctantly agrees. He even assumes the role of her husband to protect her on the journey. Edward suspects the man trailing them works for a villainous viscount seeking to marry Pen. Who is the man really seeking? Penelope? Or could it possibly be Edward?

Penelope is an effervescent whirlwind with a love for ridiculous hats. I like her teaching style. It is a little out there, but it did capture her students’ rapt attention. What I love the most about Penelope is how she never cared about her and Edward’s stations. She treats him as her equals and knows that she can trust him.

Edward is such a sweetheart! He has always been Penelope’s staunchest ally, even with the differences in their station. He refuses to allow anyone to take advantage of her or hurt her. I love how Edward adores Pen’s full figure. He is quick to admonish her whenever she bashes on her curves.

CURVES FOR THE SECRET DUKE is the seventh book in the BUSTY BODICE CLUB series. Each of the seven stories are written by a different author featuring full-figured sisters. Novella in length, the stories do not take long to read. This installment is by Janna MacGregor, an author that I am familiar with.
Profile Image for Dani.
158 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 2, 2026
I have been really enjoying the Busty Bodice Club series, this is the 7th book.

It's Lady Penelope's turn to fulfill her fathers last wishes. The only way she will get her inheritance is by completing her father's request.
She must live humbly and marry in order to inherit.
She has the perfect plan, go to Scotland and teach.

Penelope is fun, unconventional, and endearing. She isn't used to being alone, actually hates the thought.
She relies on Edward, he's her best friend. He's always close by, always there for her - she can't imagine spending a long time without him.

Penelope convinces him to go with her, she just knows she can convince him to stay as well, once they arrive.

Edward is very sweet, he is truly a wonderful friend, Penelope's ally in everything. He definitely puts Penelope above all else.
His best friend means a lot to him, more than she knows. He has loved and desired her for a long time but he feels she deserves better than a tutor.

He knows he shouldn't travel alone with Penelope, especially without a chaperone but he can't leave her alone until he knows she is safe. He gives in and agrees to her plan.

Them travelling together to Scotland requires them to share a carriage and rooms alone - quite scandalous, so they tell everyone along the way they are married!

and then they start practicing marriage...

Really enjoyable read with great characters, no drama, and some fun twists.



I received a ARC. All opinions expressed are honest and voluntarily provided




Profile Image for Maria Dariotis .
789 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 2, 2026
This story delivers a classic friends-to-lovers romance with a clever twist of deception and rising suspense. Lady Penelope Harrington’s impulsive decision to invent a husband in order to secure her inheritance sets the stage for a compelling and emotionally layered journey. The fact that she names her lifelong best friend, Edward Thornton—completely unaware of his long-hidden love for her—adds both charm and tension from the very beginning.

What makes this story especially engaging is the forced proximity trope done right. As Penelope and Edward travel to Scotland, sharing rooms and navigating the expectations of a “married” couple, their dynamic shifts in subtle yet powerful ways. Edward’s quiet devotion and internal conflict bring depth to his character, while Penelope’s obliviousness creates a slow-burn emotional payoff that feels satisfying rather than frustrating.

The added element of mystery elevates the plot beyond a simple romance. The presence of a shadowy figure following them introduces real stakes, and the gradual reveal that the danger may be tied to Edward—not Penelope—adds an intriguing layer of suspense. The final twist, hinting at a secret Edward himself doesn’t even know, leaves the reader hooked and eager for more.

Overall, this is a well-balanced story that blends romance, tension, and intrigue. Fans of historical romance with a touch of mystery and emotional depth will find it especially enjoyable.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,336 reviews67 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 8, 2026
Lady Penelope Harrington, the youngest sister receives her late father’s letter & she needs a husband and to live humbly for a year to inherit her fortune. So she'll teach at her old boarding school to live a humble life, but she's not ready to marry. So she tells everyone she already has a husband.
Unfortunately, the man she names is her lifelong best friend. Now Edward Thornton must pretend to be her husband while they travel to Scotland together… sharing rooms, risking scandal, and staying far too close for comfort. That’s harder than he thought because he’s spent his entire life protecting Penelope. He’s also loved her for years. But when a mysterious stranger begins following them across the countryside, it becomes clear the danger they feared for Penelope’s fortune may not be meant for her at all.
An absolutely delightful novella. Penelope & Edward are best friends but both have loved each other for years, a secret they’ve never shared. I loved both Penelope & Edward she’s a hat loving extravert whose teaching style is different to say the least. Edward is totally loyal to Penelope & won’t hear a word said against her. There’s also a touch of mystery as they are followed on their road trip. A captivating book which I read straight through & loved it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,358 reviews57 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 27, 2026
The Busty Bodice Club series has been entertaining, with each young lady given a task by the late Duke of Kenbrooks in order to earn their inheritance. In this story, Penelope Harrington and Edward Thornton have been best friends for years, but even though he loves her, he knows he’s not worthy of her since he’s just a lowly tutor. When Penelope receives the task her father leaves for her after his death, it involves her marrying and living humbly for a year. She schemes to land a teaching job at a school in Scotland and talks Edward into going with her, where they claim to be married to make things easier for everyone. Edward is concerned with protecting Penelope after they notice a stranger following them, but he’s not correct about who is in danger. This was a fun story, with a somewhat irresponsible young lady and a very responsible but completely smitten young man, and their adventures in Scotland, who go from best friends to something much more.
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,741 reviews22 followers
May 7, 2026
I recently finished Curves For The Secret Duke by Janna MacGregor, and it easily earns a glowing 5 stars from me!

Janna MacGregor is such an amazing author. Her prose is snappy, entertaining, and utterly engaging from the very first page. She has a rare talent for pulling readers into her stories with characters who are so likable and well-drawn you can’t help but cheer for them. Every moment spent with them feels personal and heartfelt.

One of the unexpected delights of this book were the geography lessons woven into the plot. They were fun, clever, and completely unforgettable—adding an extra layer of charm and immersion to the reading experience.

Finally, the happy ending was so well deserved and deeply satisfying. It left me smiling long after I closed the book. If you love historical romances with wit, heart, and characters who leap off the page, Curves For The Secret Duke is a must-read!
Profile Image for Ghazal.
440 reviews10 followers
Read
April 28, 2026
Curves for thw Secret Duke is such a fun quick read.  After the death of their father, the Harrington children learn that each has been given a task to perform in order to get their inheritance. Lady Penelope Harrington is the  youngest of eight sisters. Her father wanted her to marry and live humbly for one year before she would receive her inheritance. She inadvertently has to use her childhood friend, Edward Thornton, a tutor, to pretend to be her husband while she teaches at the boarding school she herself attended when younger. Both Penelope and Edward have been the best of friends since childhood, but the class difference has always prevented them from expressing their feelings for one another. Given the proximity of living together under a fake marriage, both are able to say and show how much they love each other. An absolutely wonderful story.
Profile Image for Gylene.
245 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 22, 2026
This book had some of my favorite tropes such as Fake Marriage, Best Friends to Lovers, Road Trip and One Bed that I always enjoy reading. It was absolutely a fantastic story and definitely did not disappoint!! I truly loved and enjoyed reading this book!!

I instantly fell in love with both Penelope and Edward’s characters and thought they were so cute and perfect for each other. I enjoyed the witty banter between them and how they both tried so hard to remain friends but finally confessed their true feelings for each other. The book was very entertaining, truly delightful, and the story flowed without dragging.

This is the final book in the Busty Bodice Club by multiple authors. It is a very fun and awesome series!! I highly recommend this book!!
800 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 21, 2026
This is another book in the Busty Bodice Club. I enjoyed this book like I enjoyed all the other books even though they are written by different authors. This book is about Penelope who is the youngest sister of her family. Her father asks her to marry and live humbly for a year then she can inherit what he left her. Penelope has decided on a way to go around this she will live humbly and then marry. Edward has been Penelope’s best friend forever, he loves her and cares for her. He goes on this journey with her so he can protect her, on their journey they become more than best friends.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
2,365 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 22, 2026
So Special!
A fake marriage, a huge (unknown) secret and a love so true... That is what you can expect from this book!
I want an Edward Thornton in my life. He was just the most perfect, caring, loving and lovable man one could wish for and Lady Penelope Harrington was the lucky lady to have him in her life, helping her fulfil her father's final wish so she could claim her inheritance.
Loved their interaction, their adventure and their trust in each other.
This story was so to easy to read and enjoy and I lapped up every single word.
I have just finished reading an early copy and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
40 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 26, 2026
Curves for the Secret Duke, by Janna MacGregor, is a fun book! This is the last book in a series entitled the Busty Bodice Club about curvaceous heroines in Regency England. Lady Penelope Harrington is the last daughter of a recently deceased duke. Her father has a task for her in order for her to gain her inheritance - she must live a simple life for a year and also be married. Meanwhile, a fortune hunter offers to marry her and lead separate lives. But Penelope has her own plans which include the help of her lifelong friend, Edward Thornton, whose father was the family’s tutor. I enjoyed this book and read it as a standalone.
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,304 reviews33 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 5, 2026
The youngest Harrington, Lady Penelope, must fulfill the task specified by her father in his last letter to inherit her fortune. To live humbly, she'll teach at her old boarding school for a year. Only it's in Scotland and she doesn't want to go alone. Edward Thornton would do anything for Pen. Going to Scotland as her friend and protector is no problem. Neither is pretending to be her husband. Edward's confrontation with the mysterious stranger that followed them to Scotland, has unexpected consequences. A lot of story squeezed into one novella.
Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.
500 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 27, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I adore friends to lovers, and this scratched my itch! Pen and Edward were so lovely together. I appreciated their implicit trust and honesty with one another. I thought there may be an instance where a big misunderstanding would happen, but I was so thrilled that they both kept loyal to one another and didn’t jump to poor character conclusions. There was still drama and questions to be answered, but not at the expense of their relationship dynamic.

Bravo! A simple and beautiful story of true and believable love.
Profile Image for Marilyn .
531 reviews12 followers
May 8, 2026
I received this book as an ARC and these are my opinions.
This is the final book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Lady Penelope is tasked with living humbly for a year and marrying before she can receive her inheritance from her father.
When a fortune hunter offers for her, Edward her best friend since childhood and her take off for Scotland where she plans on teaching at her old school.
The storyline is fun, interesting and has several unexpected surprises.
I loved the interaction between Penelope and Edward. It was so sweet, with a few spicy scenes sprinkled throughout.
473 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 19, 2026
Quite the friends to lovers tale! I received a free advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review. Penelope wants to fulfill the quest from her father, but hates to be alone. Who better to accompany her than Edward, her best friend. It is definitely a romance with added subterfuge, danger and intrigue. Penelope’s ideas of interesting geography lessons are quite amusing. Overall, this is an entertaining novella and a worthy busty bodice addition.
1,518 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 20, 2026
Friends to Lovers

Sometimes best friends make the best lovers in this wonderful romantic read as both Edward and Penelope find that secret feelings are about to explode and be explored in this super fun read full of wonderful characters, a secret and a super swoon-worthy HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
918 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 30, 2026
This was a fun, quick story about friends who have loved each other all along. Their dynamic was so sweet, and the story itself was engaging. Their miscommunication about their feelings did not last long, and their chemistry was outstanding. I had the best time reading about Penelope and Edward. Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy for an honest review.
2,493 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 4, 2026
Road trip, one bed novella that was so cute, especially Edward. Edward and Penelope were sweethearts that blossomed into love, true love. One thing that bothered me a little was Penelope was a bit flighty. I like strong women and I think Penelope could be endearing but also whip-smart. It did not detract for my love for these two characters.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,018 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy
April 22, 2026
Their childhood friendship turned to true love. Both main characters are very likeable. I enjoy their camaraderie as well as how he supports and protects her plus her unwavering faith in him. Lovely read.

I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 30, 2026
A delightful little story!

When Penelope’s father dies and leaves her a task to complete her loyal friend Edward agrees to help. Will they finally admit their love? Or will they just be friends. What happens when their safety is threatened? Can they have a happily ever after?
27 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
May 4, 2026
Very funny and a great addition to the busty Duke collection of books! Enjoyed it a lot!
Profile Image for Jill.
639 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 28, 2026
An exciting trip across England as Penelope works to fulfill her father's quest. I struggled a bit with her thinking as in Rosamunde's story Pen seems so intelligent. I enjoyed Edward's character. It is a fun part of the whole series and was a quicker read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews