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Can the Ladies of the Wagering Whist Society help an impoverished modiste win the hand of a sought-after Duke?

Tina Rowan is beautiful, talented—and wants nothing more than to be free of her past. The illegitimate daughter of a baroness, she is being blackmailed by her own foster-father. She must rely on her flair for designing dresses to earn enough to pay him off. Starting a business dressing the ladies of Regency society isn’t easy for a nobody. But Tina has three aces up her sleeve—her own amazing talent, her well-connected biological mother, and the helpful (if meddlesome) support of the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society.

The handsome, arrogant Duke of Warwick has grown up schooled in the “proper” way for a nobleman to behave. Rule number one: do not fraternize with people of the lower classes. But when he has to introduce his beloved sister to society, he finds himself completely reliant on the beguiling woman he’s hired as his sister’s modiste. To his astonishment, he finds himself opening up to her and enjoying her company far, far too much.

When Tina discovers the true man behind the ducal title, her heart might very well be lost. But can the duke set aside his façade and allow himself to love the only woman who could possibly make him happy?

It will take the combined efforts of the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society to see this difficult hand well played.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2019

463 people are currently reading
230 people want to read

About the author

Meredith Bond

70 books204 followers
Meredith Bond's books straddle that beautiful line between historical romance and fantasy. An award-winning author, she writes fun traditional Regency romances, medieval Arthurian romances, and Regency romances with a touch of magic. Known for her characters “who slip readily into one’s heart,” Meredith loves to take her readers on a journey they won't soon forget. She is currently living in Europe enjoying the Bohemian life. I write a blog on writing and self-publishing that is published every Sunday at www.meredithbond.com/blog/posts

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,133 followers
November 26, 2019
Tina Rowen is the illegitimate daughter of her mother, Lady Norman. Her foster father is a greedy bastard who tries to trap Tina into marrying his brute of a son, Caleb. But sneaky Tina outsmarts him. She heads for London and with the help of her mother, becomes a popular modiste among the ton. When she is summoned by the Duke of Warwick to create two dresses for his sister, she’s unsure what to make of the duke. He’s borderline rude and standoffish. But the more she’s around him, the more her feelings grow. She knows nothing can come of it, or can it? When her birth father, whom she’s never met, insists on her coming out and taking his name, the Duke of Warwick proposes. Is he proposing because he loves her or because she’s now considered acceptable? With the help of the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society, Tina will discover Warwick’s true feelings.



A Hand for the Duke is a compelling Regency romance with heart. The characters are a delightful mix of the ton with their own backstories. I especially liked the women of the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society. The romance between Tina and Warwick is slow-burning and very sweet. A few kisses but nothing more. Emotional read with a realistic view on issues such as infidelity and a baby out of wedlock. Meredith Bond’s descriptive narration transported me to Regency England. The growth of Warwick and his sister added more depth to the story.



I don’t say this often but fans of Pride and Prejudice will love this book. Highly recommend!



Favorite Character/Quote: Tina, hands down. Her spunk and tenacity, not often seen in this era, secured my affection for her. Her talent for designing gowns is impressive and I loved the detailed description of the gowns. She goes through a lot in this book but it’s her spirit which makes her shine. Brilliant!



My Rating: 5 stars



Reviewed by: Mrs. N



This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Profile Image for Maria Dariotis .
783 reviews17 followers
April 16, 2019
A Hand for the Duke
The Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society book 1
by Meredith Bond

This was a really entertaining read, a wagering society for women how fabulous is that! Tina Rowan is a beautiful talented young woman. Her past is forever haunting her, all she wants is to make beautiful dresses. When her blackmailing foster-father demands money she needs ton business and that’s not an easy task. Luck is on her side (in more ways than she knows) and she is hired as the modiste for the Duke of Warwick’s sister.
As Tina and Warwick spend time together they find that there’s more to the relationship than modiste and peer, their chemistry was just amazing to see them develop from a work relationship to friendship to something deeper. I loved the way the author pulled at my emotions. This was an intriguing story with plenty of emotions, misunderstandings and suspense I was fascinated with the descriptive feel of the era, Ms Meredith Bond is a talented author that keeps the reader engaged from the first page. I highly recomend this new series.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
20 reviews
April 17, 2019
A Riveting Story

By the end of the first chapter, this book had me hooked completely. I wanted to know all about Tina, her mother, and her father. Why had she been raised as a foster child? Then their was the Duke and his sister. Who was the lord that so understood women’s fashion? This book was good from the beginning to the end.
Profile Image for Judy Munoz.
320 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. Wow! I was blown away by this book! This is a charming historical romance with a bit of a twist. All of the characters were unique and engaging and believable. I particularly loved Tina and Warwick. Their chemistry and devotion to each other was obvious and heartwarming. I was hooked from the first chapter and the book was next to impossible to put down. The story was full of drama, sorrow, intrigue, misunderstandings, suspense and dreamy romance. The story tugged at my emotions in all the best ways - sometimes I laughed, sometimes I cried, sometimes I gasped - but I was always entertained. The pace of the story was perfect and the author’s spin on the era and on “high society” was spot on. The author’s sharp and witty writing was a perfect mix of staying true to the era and remaining completely readable and relatable. This is a fantastic read and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Phylis Collins.
2,854 reviews8 followers
April 22, 2019
The plot and characters are well developed. It is a heartfelt story filled with lots of twists and turns that held my interest throughout. It’s a story that’s well worth reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
My free opinion. Thanks.
Profile Image for Sam Atkinson.
649 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2023
Fast paced with not much depth but I enjoyed it and will probably buy some more in the series
Profile Image for Mrs Caroline Trevor.
443 reviews10 followers
November 15, 2019
I found this a really good book. Tina is a strong character. She has been brought up by a horrible family but still manages to shine because of them. She gets her dream to become a modiste to the haute ton and meets lots of lovely people who take her to their heart especially Lady Margaret and her brother the Duke of Warwick. Can she take a place in society which is her birthright.
Profile Image for Dawn Marie Hedrick.
37 reviews
October 17, 2024
A Perfect Blend of Romance, Wit, and Heart!

“A Hand for the Duke” by Meredith Bond is an enchanting, heartwarming Cinderella story that swept me off my feet from the very first chapter. The audiobook brings this charming Regency romance to life in the most delightful way, with excellent narration that captures both the elegance of the era and the deep emotions of the characters.
Tina Rowan is a wonderful protagonist—strong, talented, and determined to rise above her past. I loved watching her journey as she worked to establish her modiste business and navigate the complexities of high society. The Duke of Warwick is a perfect counterpart, caught between his rigid upbringing and the unexpected feelings he develops for Tina. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the slow-burn romance is incredibly satisfying.
The Ladies' Wagering Whist Society adds a fun and clever twist, and I adored their support for Tina in winning the heart of the duke. The plot is full of warmth, wit, and just the right amount of tension, making it impossible to put down.

The narration is top-notch, making each character distinct and bringing their emotions to life. I could easily picture the grand ballrooms, the elegant gowns, and the spark between the hero and heroine. It's no surprise that this audiobook has won numerous awards, including “Best Romance” of 2022—it’s a must-listen for anyone who enjoys sweet, rags-to-riches romances.

If you're a fan of Regency romance with strong characters, a swoon-worthy hero, and a story that leaves you smiling long after it's over, A Hand for the Duke is an absolute gem. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in both ebook (Amazon) and audiobook (Audible). My review is voluntary and my own opinion based from my interpretation of the story..Neither the author, publisher, producer nor narrator have had any input or influence on my review.
4,195 reviews22 followers
December 12, 2024
This is the first installment of the Ladies of the Wagering Whist Society series and is a delightful Regency romance filled with intrigue, class struggles, and a satisfying slow-burn romance.

Tina is a talented modiste with a sharp mind, a strong sense of independence, and a past she is desperate to escape. She is being blackmailed by her foster-father, and the only way she sees out of the situation is to rely on her talent to earn enough money to pay him off. Her journey of navigating blackmail and carving a place for herself in the restrictive world of Regency England is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

The Duke of Warwick, with his rigid adherence to class expectations, is a perfect foil to Tina. The story follows the duke as he goes through his own journey of arrogance to vulnerability. Their chemistry crackles with tension and charm, especially as Tina’s warmth and intelligence slowly break down Warwick’s defenses.

I also enjoyed getting to know the members of Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society. Their camaraderie was heartwarming and their combination of humor, wit, and resourcefulness, created a supportive environment for Tina while adding layers of richness to the narrative. These women are a force to be reckoned with, and their clever schemes make the story sparkle.

The audiobook’s narrator does a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life, capturing the nuances of Regency dialogue and the emotional undercurrents in every interaction. The pacing is smooth, the romantic tension builds beautifully, and the dual struggles—Tina’s with her blackmailer and Warwick’s with his societal expectations—are intertwined seamlessly.

I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Marti.
3,309 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2019
A Hand for the Duke by Meredith Bond is the first book in the Ladies Wagering Whist Society Series. The book is a historical romance with one of the major connective tissues the Ladies Whist game that happened weekly. The other major connective tissue was the Tina Rowan, the illegitimate daughter of one of the members.

Tina Rowan has to leave her life and start again. She does not want to be forced to marry her cruel step brother. She makes a bargain and sets off to take London by storm as modiste for the ton. Her mother agrees to help her and has a party for women to meet a new modiste who then start to play cards while waiting their turn. Of course, things start off well. She begins to make headway with dresses, when the Duke of Warwick shows up insisting she dress his sister. That’s when things get a bit out of control. Everyone has secrets and slowly things start to come out.

A Hand for the Duke by Meredith Bond was an interesting start for a series. I am not sure where the series is set to go and I hope the story lines tighten up a bit. Meanwhile, it is a good book to read if you like historical romance.

I read this book as a preview novel thanks to the Chase Family Reader’s Group. I was grateful for the chance to read the book and provide an honest review.
2,102 reviews38 followers
November 25, 2019
Colonial... ergo, not English. English society and its centuries old class distinction could never be changed not even in a fictional Regency setting unless this is a fantasy or time~travel... thus, a bastard seamstress or even an exemplary modiste like Tina would not even think to be in equal footing with her betters despite being fathered by a peer (and even birthed by one)... bastards, even the acknowledged ones, unless one is a king like William the Conqueror, different timeline) do carry the stigma and bear society's unforgiving censure though no fault of their own... so Tina should not even be offended by the Duke's peremptory summons because everyone know their own place given this book's timeline and genre. Even Jane Austen had to conform so did the Bronte sisters later on. There is a line that the lower orders do not cross unless allowed by the peer and mostly in secret because of the established norm re~class system. Ridiculous and insulting to a true blue Regency and Historical reader. Good storyline, though.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
April 17, 2019
I can't wait to read more of the Ladies Wagering Whist Society series. This first book was a wonderful romantic story. The characters are well-described in such a way that you can almost see them as well as feel their hopes and dreams.

Christianne loved her daughter but was forced to give her away at birth due to society’s constraints. Tina became a strong, independent, smart woman, but one who was being blackmailed by her foster father. Warwick, the Duke, was attracted to Tina from the beginning but knew that he could not be involved with a modiste. His sister, Margaret, was unsure of herself but bloomed with Tina's friendship.

There is conflict, tension, misunderstandings, but also laughter within this story, all of which contribute to the 5-star rating it deserves.
379 reviews
September 20, 2023
Childishly entertaining

The story was cute but very “fairytale-ish”. There was no realism, no deep emotional substance, very superficial. The writing contained many typos … words missing, random words inserted haphazardly. Very sloppy. The dialogue was juvenile, and lacked genuineness and believability.

I enjoyed the storyline… I found it touching and original. Unfortunately the writing was too immature to convey the emotions and genuine suffering inherent in our heroine’s life. In addition, it was evident throughout the story that the writer was either ignorant of the traditions and social norms of the regency period or simply ignored them. This is not a book I would recommend.
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,284 reviews40 followers
April 17, 2019
a wonderful historical, Tina is such a sweet character. Out of desperation to avoid a bad marriage arranged by her foster father, Tina becomes a modiste. She loves designing clothes and plans to make this business work. When she is asked to design and make a gown for the Duke of Warwick's sister, there is chemistry between her and the Duke. A fun read, this book will make you laugh and cry. You will want to keep turning the pages to see what happens next. This is the first book I have read by this author and look forward to reading more. I received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for The Endless Unread.
3,419 reviews63 followers
July 21, 2019
Absolutely beautifully written and the flow of the storyline was superb. Most historical/regency romances have way too much over the top romance but this one was balanced particularly nicely. It definitely kept me turning those pages and I must say that I devoured this in one sitting. Cannot wait to read more. This is without a doubt one of my new favourite authors. I found myself transported through time watching the events as they unfolded as though I was actually there. A mark of a true author. Very immersive with good strong characters that you will grow to love. I will be reading the rest in the series without a doubt.
2,043 reviews8 followers
November 17, 2023
Audiobook: This was my first experience with Meredith Bond's work, and it was delightful. Tina Rowan was the illegitimate daughter of a baroness. Her mother sponsored her to become a modiste for the ladies of Regency society. The Duke of Warwick hired Tina to create dresses for his sister's presentation to society. The story was set against the backdrop of Regency England, and I found it appealing. The characters were pleasant, but the codes of conduct were unrealistic for the society of the times. Naomi Rose-Mock's narration was entertaining. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
Profile Image for Alicia Rivoli.
Author 10 books67 followers
July 16, 2022
I wanted to give this a higher rating. This story had the potential to be great. I was throughly enjoying it, then I realized it wasn’t “clean” like I had supposed. More PG-13. There wasn’t any sex, but enough intimacy that it took away from the story. There were also several curse words, many mentions of mistresses, and some infidelity. Because of the content, I won’t be reading anything further in the series.
626 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2023
I loved this story! The story is very well written, and characters well developed. I really liked the personality and gumption of Tina. I could see the activities and behavior of the ton actually occurring. It was also fun to listen to. I am looking for more works by this author! The narration was really good, and a pleasure to listen to. I received a free copy of this audiobook am voluntarily leaving my review.
2,379 reviews6 followers
May 15, 2025
Tina has been raised by foster parents who treated her cruel land demeaned her and eventually use a situation she is not agreeable to as a blackmail. With the help of her natural mother and eventually others she finally finds true happiness and love but not without difficulty. Why she was raised by such people and how she finally gets through all her struggles and finds her hea is revealed in this sweet and clean story
Profile Image for Linda Rutland.
320 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2019
Modiest to Duchess

An illegitimate daughter of London society raised by a foster family gets a chance to move to London and start her business as a modiest. Her mother his sponsoring her but hasn't acknowledged her nor has she told the father. These are great characters and a wonderful story. You'll enjoy the ladies of the Wagering Whist Society.
1,324 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2019
Beautiful

Beautiful story with a wonderful story line, these are my favorite kinds of stories,,where in the end our
Heroine, is a heiress, even though
Her parents were never married,
This is a story that will warm your heart, and where love and friendship
Doesn't let the ton get in there way.
Thank you ❤
2 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2019
I found most of the characters behaviour highly unrealistic and non-conforming to Regency Society's rigid standards. I found these historical inaccuracies bothersome and although I tried I just did not enjoy the story or characters.

I greatly regret purchasing this book and will not be continuing with the series.
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,925 reviews22 followers
August 13, 2021
This is the first book in The Ladies' Wagering Whist Society. This is a sweet and beautifully written Regency Romance. The characters are great, and the storyline is interesting. Naomi Rose-Mock did a good job with the narration. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily written this review.
Profile Image for Shirley Hamlod.
1,118 reviews7 followers
April 13, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed it. Both Tina and Warwick are wrestling with their pasts albeit for very different reasons. There is an instant attraction between them but their class divides them. While Warwick is pondering what to do, Tina is acknowledged by her real parents. An enjoyable plot laced with several misconceptions.
1,781 reviews24 followers
November 22, 2023
This is a sweet, clean regency romance. Interesting characters. Cute plot.

5 stars plus for the narrator. She has different voices for each character. Her male voices are very good and believable.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the author through Story Origin.
Profile Image for Lia Eagles.
17 reviews
May 23, 2025
3.5- There were too many side plots. I went into this thinking it was gonna be about the main couple, and it was…kind of. The main couple’s story felt under developed due to their lack of “screen time” They “fell in love” after only having seen and talked to each other a handful of times which didn’t make me believe that they even knew each other
80 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2019
An easy light day's read

I enjoyed this tale but there were historical inaccuracies that bothered me enough to keep from giving it a 5 star rating. Also, I found myself more interested in the hero's sister and the heroine's biological parents than I did in the 2 main characters.
306 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2019
Happily ever after

For more than one. But our main heroine definitely is a talented woman with pluck and fortitude who seems to have upended the unflappable duke of propriety and he knows naught what to do about it as she is of the working class or so the ton thinks but......
242 reviews
November 26, 2019
Unlikely Romance

If you can disregard how unlikely this story is, you might enjoy it. There are good characters and heartwarming scenes. Also, the Ladies' Wagering Whist Society is a good idea for a book series. I plan to read further to see if I enjoy them more.
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