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The Widow Rules #1
A Duke in Time
Get ready for lost wills, broody dukes, and scorching hot kissing all over London in A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor.
Katherine Vareck is in for the shock of her life when she learns upon her husband Meri's accidental death that he had married two other women. Her entire business, along with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a royal supplier, is everything she's been working for and now could be destroyed if word leaks about the three wives.
Meri's far more upstanding brother, Christian, Duke of Randford has no earthly clue how to be of assistance. He spent the better part of his adult years avoiding Meri and the rest of his good-for-nothing family, so to be dragged back into the fold is…problematic. Even more so is the intrepid and beautiful Katherine, whom he cannot be falling for because she's Meri's widow. Or can he?
With a textile business to run and a strong friendship forming with Meri's two other wives, Katherine doesn't have time for much else. But there's something about the warm, but compellingly taciturn Christian that draws her to him. When an opportunity to partner in a business venture brings them even closer, they'll have to face their pasts if they want to share each other's hearts and futures.
Katherine Vareck is in for the shock of her life when she learns upon her husband Meri's accidental death that he had married two other women. Her entire business, along with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a royal supplier, is everything she's been working for and now could be destroyed if word leaks about the three wives.
Meri's far more upstanding brother, Christian, Duke of Randford has no earthly clue how to be of assistance. He spent the better part of his adult years avoiding Meri and the rest of his good-for-nothing family, so to be dragged back into the fold is…problematic. Even more so is the intrepid and beautiful Katherine, whom he cannot be falling for because she's Meri's widow. Or can he?
With a textile business to run and a strong friendship forming with Meri's two other wives, Katherine doesn't have time for much else. But there's something about the warm, but compellingly taciturn Christian that draws her to him. When an opportunity to partner in a business venture brings them even closer, they'll have to face their pasts if they want to share each other's hearts and futures.
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First published June 29, 2021
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About the author
Janna MacGregor
30 books1,151 followersJanna 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
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 - 30 of 516 reviews
June 28, 2021
While part of me enjoyed A Duke in Time, everything was just a little bit off with the story.
I haven't read much from Janna MacGregor, but the premise was just too interesting to pass up. I read a lot of historical romance, but a trigamist was new for me. I really couldn't wait to start this one, but the momentum petered out pretty quickly.
Right from the start, I found the chemistry to be lacking. The male MC was very one-note with his hatred towards his half-brother and his flip-floppy attitude towards the female MC. I found his personality to be too underdeveloped to carry the story, and he was uncharacteristically understanding at times where it didn't quite make sense for him to be and too harsh when I thought he should have given a little. I just never quite clicked with him.
The female MC also seemed a bit unrealistic. I never quite understood why her first husband married her (was that ever explained? She wasn't wealthy or connected??), and I found her sexual confidence to be a bit out of place with her experience level. I liked her character more, even if I also found her to be unevenly portrayed.
The pacing was so-so, and combined with a pairing and plot that didn't live up to its potential, I was underwhelmed.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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I haven't read much from Janna MacGregor, but the premise was just too interesting to pass up. I read a lot of historical romance, but a trigamist was new for me. I really couldn't wait to start this one, but the momentum petered out pretty quickly.
Right from the start, I found the chemistry to be lacking. The male MC was very one-note with his hatred towards his half-brother and his flip-floppy attitude towards the female MC. I found his personality to be too underdeveloped to carry the story, and he was uncharacteristically understanding at times where it didn't quite make sense for him to be and too harsh when I thought he should have given a little. I just never quite clicked with him.
The female MC also seemed a bit unrealistic. I never quite understood why her first husband married her (was that ever explained? She wasn't wealthy or connected??), and I found her sexual confidence to be a bit out of place with her experience level. I liked her character more, even if I also found her to be unevenly portrayed.
The pacing was so-so, and combined with a pairing and plot that didn't live up to its potential, I was underwhelmed.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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April 19, 2021
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Expected publication Jun 29th 2021
(Tropes: Mistaken Identity, Love Triangle-ish, Forbidden Love)
JM’s writing seems very formulaic, and her characters does not seem genuine. So I end up not really caring about them, take any interest in them, or their romance.
While this book started with an interesting premise, it just couldn’t deliver. I did not fall for the heroine, the hero or their “sidekicks”. The mix of cliches, bizarre plot elements and the heroinne's sexual confidence/prowess while having no experience within this setting simply did not work for me.
1.5 - 2 stars
- He clipped off a stem with a large bloom, taking care to cut the thorns. Satisfied with his work, he handed it to her.
“It’s beautiful.” She bought it to her delicate nose and inhaled. A smile spread slowly across her lips. “How lovely.”
“Not as lovely as you,” he murmured.
- Christian drank in the sight of her. A man could easily surrender his soul by staring into the deep pools of golden green that shimmered in the light. If that man were lucky, he’d drown in such a vision. What good was a soul anyway when he could find the promise of heaven in her gaze?
- His cock pulsed against her lower belly. The intense sensation made her want more. The top of her thighs were already wet because of him.
- “Katherine, do you know what happened her tonight?” He ran his lips along the slop of her jaw. The thrum of his deep cadence centred her, leaving an indelible mark upon her heart. “I held heaven in my arms.”
“Oh, Christian,” she murmured, laughing. “Why do you do this to me?”
(Tropes: Mistaken Identity, Love Triangle-ish, Forbidden Love)
JM’s writing seems very formulaic, and her characters does not seem genuine. So I end up not really caring about them, take any interest in them, or their romance.
While this book started with an interesting premise, it just couldn’t deliver. I did not fall for the heroine, the hero or their “sidekicks”. The mix of cliches, bizarre plot elements and the heroinne's sexual confidence/prowess while having no experience within this setting simply did not work for me.
1.5 - 2 stars
- He clipped off a stem with a large bloom, taking care to cut the thorns. Satisfied with his work, he handed it to her.
“It’s beautiful.” She bought it to her delicate nose and inhaled. A smile spread slowly across her lips. “How lovely.”
“Not as lovely as you,” he murmured.
- Christian drank in the sight of her. A man could easily surrender his soul by staring into the deep pools of golden green that shimmered in the light. If that man were lucky, he’d drown in such a vision. What good was a soul anyway when he could find the promise of heaven in her gaze?
- His cock pulsed against her lower belly. The intense sensation made her want more. The top of her thighs were already wet because of him.
- “Katherine, do you know what happened her tonight?” He ran his lips along the slop of her jaw. The thrum of his deep cadence centred her, leaving an indelible mark upon her heart. “I held heaven in my arms.”
“Oh, Christian,” she murmured, laughing. “Why do you do this to me?”
May 7, 2021
Spicy little number!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is one story that has some awesome twists. This author throws it all out there and holds nothing back. I love that about her writing.
Not one but 2 other wives? Can you say big scandal not to mention that burning desire for the step brother-in-law… oh yeah! Our heroine has some big issues hanging over her head. Not only is she now a widow, but her background has some slight issues that could prove to be a problem.
Enter Christian, said step brother-in-law and her hopeful savior. I loved his character and the fact that while he could have been a jerk, he was so sweet and really fell for her. Their connection was immediately sweet and hot with an extra serving of spice! MacGregor does not hold back with her spicy romance!
A Duke in Time is entertaining, unique, and a delicious spicy romp to dive into! Cannot wait for the next in the series – ladies we have already met!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-duke-in-ti...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is one story that has some awesome twists. This author throws it all out there and holds nothing back. I love that about her writing.
Not one but 2 other wives? Can you say big scandal not to mention that burning desire for the step brother-in-law… oh yeah! Our heroine has some big issues hanging over her head. Not only is she now a widow, but her background has some slight issues that could prove to be a problem.
Enter Christian, said step brother-in-law and her hopeful savior. I loved his character and the fact that while he could have been a jerk, he was so sweet and really fell for her. Their connection was immediately sweet and hot with an extra serving of spice! MacGregor does not hold back with her spicy romance!
A Duke in Time is entertaining, unique, and a delicious spicy romp to dive into! Cannot wait for the next in the series – ladies we have already met!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-duke-in-ti...
May 24, 2021
This book really does open with a bang! It starts off in a solicitors office where our heroine, Katherine, is waiting to be told her late husband’s will. Only for two other women to show up–women who claim they were also married to Katherine’s husband and one of whom is now pregnant! Katherine is shocked but immediately shows her strength of character when she offers the other two women stay with her whilst they sort everything out. All of their dowries have gone missing leaving all three of them in trouble. The main plot of the story is taken up with trying to find out where their dowries have gone, and how they’re going to avoid the scandal of being married to a trigamist.
In this book though I will admit I didn’t like the hero, Christian, who is the brother of Katherine’s husband, much to start with. He shows up with some documents for the will but then pretty much leaves the women to it, even after discovering what a mess his brother has made. He does have an attack of conscience (or is moved by Katherine’s beauty) and turns his coach around but when he gets back the women have already disappeared. He did grow on me though. After finding out the reasoning behind his initial abandonment, and later when he offers to help, his true character starts to shine through. He also has some issues of his own to work through with regards to his brother, and I enjoyed seeing how Katherine helped with that.
Opposite of Christian, I loved Katherine right from the start! She’s a very strong character with secrets in her past that could ruin her, and any relationship she begins with Christian. She’s all for some action though and she definitely believes in taking what she wants. She’s a hard-working heroine, having built a successful business which is famous for only hiring and catering to women.
I did enjoy seeing their relationship develop, although it did go quicker than I usually like. I’m definitely more for a slow-burn and this was almost insta-lovey. I definitely swooned a bit though when Christian comes over one day bearing flowers–not just for Katherine but for all the women. He was wonderfully protective at times too!
Altogether this was a sweet romance between two people with caring hearts who really just want the best for everyone. They both have issues to overcome and it was an enjoyable journey seeing them come together. I’m assuming there’s going to be two other books in the series dealing with the other widows and I’m curious to know how their stories are going to turn out!
Many thanks to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In this book though I will admit I didn’t like the hero, Christian, who is the brother of Katherine’s husband, much to start with. He shows up with some documents for the will but then pretty much leaves the women to it, even after discovering what a mess his brother has made. He does have an attack of conscience (or is moved by Katherine’s beauty) and turns his coach around but when he gets back the women have already disappeared. He did grow on me though. After finding out the reasoning behind his initial abandonment, and later when he offers to help, his true character starts to shine through. He also has some issues of his own to work through with regards to his brother, and I enjoyed seeing how Katherine helped with that.
Opposite of Christian, I loved Katherine right from the start! She’s a very strong character with secrets in her past that could ruin her, and any relationship she begins with Christian. She’s all for some action though and she definitely believes in taking what she wants. She’s a hard-working heroine, having built a successful business which is famous for only hiring and catering to women.
I did enjoy seeing their relationship develop, although it did go quicker than I usually like. I’m definitely more for a slow-burn and this was almost insta-lovey. I definitely swooned a bit though when Christian comes over one day bearing flowers–not just for Katherine but for all the women. He was wonderfully protective at times too!
Altogether this was a sweet romance between two people with caring hearts who really just want the best for everyone. They both have issues to overcome and it was an enjoyable journey seeing them come together. I’m assuming there’s going to be two other books in the series dealing with the other widows and I’m curious to know how their stories are going to turn out!
Many thanks to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2022
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine (perhaps a bit heavier on the heroine side)
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Basic plot:
Three women have been hoodwinked by their trigamist husband. Now Katherine’s security and business are in jeopardy and her dowry gone. She begs her husbands half brother for help. Christian isn’t eager to clean up another one of his brother’s messes but there’s something about Katherine that draws him in...
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency time period (1815)
- London setting
- Ex-soldier/Duke hero, business owner heroine (She sells luxury bedding and pillows)
- Medium steam – 3 full scenes and more kisses
- Celibate hero
- Forbidden love – a touch of class difference and the heroine is the hero’s half brother’s widow
Ages:
- Heroine is 25, hero is 30
My thoughts:
Katherine only spent 6 hours with her husband before she was abandoned. Later, she finds he went off and married two other women after her. Now, struggling with the scandal and the lack of her dowry, she’s asking her husband’s half brother for help. I liked Katherine, I liked that she owned her own business and it was important to her.
Christian initially was resistant to helping his brother’s wives. He comes around though and I thought he was extremely sweet, caring and gentle with Katherine. He also cares deeply about veteran rights and wants to lobby parliament to create better circumstances for returned soldiers.
There was something about this one I generally liked. I thought the plot was pretty unique. It was a little slow. But the sex was really sweet and romantic to me, and I enjoyed their relationship unfolding. Definitely eager to try the second book in the series. I tried a few of MacGregor's from her Cavendish series and wasn't a fan so I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine (perhaps a bit heavier on the heroine side)
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Basic plot:
Three women have been hoodwinked by their trigamist husband. Now Katherine’s security and business are in jeopardy and her dowry gone. She begs her husbands half brother for help. Christian isn’t eager to clean up another one of his brother’s messes but there’s something about Katherine that draws him in...
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency time period (1815)
- London setting
- Ex-soldier/Duke hero, business owner heroine (She sells luxury bedding and pillows)
- Medium steam – 3 full scenes and more kisses
- Celibate hero
- Forbidden love – a touch of class difference and the heroine is the hero’s half brother’s widow
Ages:
- Heroine is 25, hero is 30
My thoughts:
Katherine only spent 6 hours with her husband before she was abandoned. Later, she finds he went off and married two other women after her. Now, struggling with the scandal and the lack of her dowry, she’s asking her husband’s half brother for help. I liked Katherine, I liked that she owned her own business and it was important to her.
Christian initially was resistant to helping his brother’s wives. He comes around though and I thought he was extremely sweet, caring and gentle with Katherine. He also cares deeply about veteran rights and wants to lobby parliament to create better circumstances for returned soldiers.
There was something about this one I generally liked. I thought the plot was pretty unique. It was a little slow. But the sex was really sweet and romantic to me, and I enjoyed their relationship unfolding. Definitely eager to try the second book in the series. I tried a few of MacGregor's from her Cavendish series and wasn't a fan so I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
June 29, 2021
I’ve read a few novels by Janna MacGregor and she has never disappointed with entertaining this reader with her stories. I think she is truly an author that has a knack for understanding her characters and what she wants to show on the pages.
A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules, #1) is a well-written story that captured my attention from beginning to the end. Although I had to put it down once, I couldn’t wait to finish. The story evolves around Lady Katherine (Kat) Vareck who was married to her husband, Lord Meriwether (Meri for short) and due to his accidental death she stands in the solicitor’s office in front of two other women claiming to be wives of her husband as well. It appeared that her husband had a fondness for exotic things including a few women that led to two extra wives. In her estimation, he was considered a “Trigamist” (haha). Kat then enlists the aid of Christian, the Duke of Randford, and Meri’s half-brother to help her avoid Beth and Constance, the other two wives in what has become a most precarious scandalous situation. Throughout the story, Meri’s exploits began to uncover a husband and brother who lived a very wasted, womanizing and care-what-may lifestyle.
Kat and Christian are two of the most likeable characters who have been dealt with obstacles that allow them to overcome a dark secret and a painful childhood. This a story that allows you to see the fears and strengths of the H/h, as well as the sub-characters who stands by and supports the decisions that they make. I loved how the author gradually builds the relationship between Kat and Christian and throws in for good measure love interests among the subs. In addition to the hardships that both the H/h experience, I also loved the fact that the author incorporated Christine, an honored war hero’s willingness to aid other homeless, displaced or misplaced soldiers returning from the war. There was a lot of heartwarming compassion on the part of both characters in their efforts to assist those who are in unfortunate circumstances and needing a helping hand.
This is one of the most well-written stories that I have read so far this year. A lovely historical romance that is filled with wit and passion. A recommended read.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.
A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules, #1) is a well-written story that captured my attention from beginning to the end. Although I had to put it down once, I couldn’t wait to finish. The story evolves around Lady Katherine (Kat) Vareck who was married to her husband, Lord Meriwether (Meri for short) and due to his accidental death she stands in the solicitor’s office in front of two other women claiming to be wives of her husband as well. It appeared that her husband had a fondness for exotic things including a few women that led to two extra wives. In her estimation, he was considered a “Trigamist” (haha). Kat then enlists the aid of Christian, the Duke of Randford, and Meri’s half-brother to help her avoid Beth and Constance, the other two wives in what has become a most precarious scandalous situation. Throughout the story, Meri’s exploits began to uncover a husband and brother who lived a very wasted, womanizing and care-what-may lifestyle.
Kat and Christian are two of the most likeable characters who have been dealt with obstacles that allow them to overcome a dark secret and a painful childhood. This a story that allows you to see the fears and strengths of the H/h, as well as the sub-characters who stands by and supports the decisions that they make. I loved how the author gradually builds the relationship between Kat and Christian and throws in for good measure love interests among the subs. In addition to the hardships that both the H/h experience, I also loved the fact that the author incorporated Christine, an honored war hero’s willingness to aid other homeless, displaced or misplaced soldiers returning from the war. There was a lot of heartwarming compassion on the part of both characters in their efforts to assist those who are in unfortunate circumstances and needing a helping hand.
This is one of the most well-written stories that I have read so far this year. A lovely historical romance that is filled with wit and passion. A recommended read.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.
April 28, 2022
This was a different trope where one man married 3 women and they only found it out when he died. So, the story starts with them realizing that they are all in big trouble.
I liked the romance enough but nothing very special.
3.5 stars.
I liked the romance enough but nothing very special.
3.5 stars.
April 19, 2021
3.5 stars
Recently widowed woman finds that not only did her husband leave her the day of the wedding to spend her dowry, but married to other women shortly afterwards to do the same. Trying to untangle the mess with the help of her husband's brother, the titular Duke, she finds that they might just be perfect for each other. Points off for a complete disregard for most things historical and some dreaded last-minute drama.
What I really liked: The characters!
- Katherine was an Independent Modern Working Heroine who, surprisingly, didn't bother me at all. She was NICE. Really nice. She takes in two complete strangers who her husband was also married to, helps people left and right find jobs, and is just an all around good person. With a big bad secret no one must ever learn or else she'd be ruined.
- Christian was hands-down one of the nicest Dukes ever. I really hate how lately, every hero has to be a Duke, but this one was the sweetest, most decent and hard-working one I've met in a long time. Returned a decorated war hero, he sets out to help fellow soldiers who are less fortunate and together with Katherine creates a charity to help soldiers find work and get back on their feet. He's supportive, respectful, not a womanizer... He's just really nice.
- The other two wives were also really sweet. The three women bond and I loved how they support each other. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in the future.
What I didn't like:
- The sex scenes. They were really explicit, and the virginal heroine has no trouble recreating something she read in erotic stories she found in her husband's possessions on their first encounter, including pleasuring herself in front of him and oral sex. I just found those scenes a bit unexpected.
- The anachronisms. I see a trend here, but I don't really like reading historical romances where people behave like they would these days (addressing each other by first names right after meeting, no regard for titles, etiquette, or what was considered propriety, etc.).
- The big bad secret. I was hopeful when Katherine came clean about her past after she discovered she had feelings for Christian, but it still lead to some last-minute blackmail drama that I could have lived without.
All in all, this was a nice, character-driven romance with two genuinely good people, and a supporting cast I look forward to getting to know better.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Recently widowed woman finds that not only did her husband leave her the day of the wedding to spend her dowry, but married to other women shortly afterwards to do the same. Trying to untangle the mess with the help of her husband's brother, the titular Duke, she finds that they might just be perfect for each other. Points off for a complete disregard for most things historical and some dreaded last-minute drama.
What I really liked: The characters!
- Katherine was an Independent Modern Working Heroine who, surprisingly, didn't bother me at all. She was NICE. Really nice. She takes in two complete strangers who her husband was also married to, helps people left and right find jobs, and is just an all around good person. With a big bad secret no one must ever learn or else she'd be ruined.
- Christian was hands-down one of the nicest Dukes ever. I really hate how lately, every hero has to be a Duke, but this one was the sweetest, most decent and hard-working one I've met in a long time. Returned a decorated war hero, he sets out to help fellow soldiers who are less fortunate and together with Katherine creates a charity to help soldiers find work and get back on their feet. He's supportive, respectful, not a womanizer... He's just really nice.
- The other two wives were also really sweet. The three women bond and I loved how they support each other. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in the future.
What I didn't like:
- The sex scenes. They were really explicit, and the virginal heroine has no trouble recreating something she read in erotic stories she found in her husband's possessions on their first encounter, including pleasuring herself in front of him and oral sex. I just found those scenes a bit unexpected.
- The anachronisms. I see a trend here, but I don't really like reading historical romances where people behave like they would these days (addressing each other by first names right after meeting, no regard for titles, etiquette, or what was considered propriety, etc.).
- The big bad secret. I was hopeful when Katherine came clean about her past after she discovered she had feelings for Christian, but it still lead to some last-minute blackmail drama that I could have lived without.
All in all, this was a nice, character-driven romance with two genuinely good people, and a supporting cast I look forward to getting to know better.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
May 17, 2021
Katherine Vareck meets with the solicitor to learn details of her husband's will . . . and so do his other two wives! All three are shocked to learn about the others, but in the heat of the moment they vow to band together and try to get their dowry back. In walks the dead husband's half-brother Christian, and as it turns out he's not shocked his scumbag, estranged sibling would do this. But it's not his problem, right? As he tries to leave, Katherine gets in his face and lists all the reasons it is his problem and why he has to help them. If this gets out, a huge scandal will ensue and the women will be scorned. Let the battles begin!
Who doesn't love a spicy historical romance with a spunky heroine facing off against a handsome Duke? Katherine proves to be one little spitfire that pushes all Christian's buttons in this entertaining story of the three merry widows, lost dowry, buried secrets and catastrophe after catastrophe. Katherine is an admirable heroine, full of spunk, sass, and hidden desires stoked by one hunky Duke, but one big secret from her past that can bring it all crashing down. Christian is a kind war hero who's just returned home to take over as the Duke of Randford - a title and job he never wanted. What he does want is to set up a charity to take care of his wartime men who are returning home to a bleak life of poverty and scorn . . . and to convince one spicy, hot sister-in-law that he's the man for her.
Sparks fly hot and often in this raunchy historical romance. While the characters have a bit of a "modern" take on things, the action and pace are swift, the chemistry smoking and the story delightful. A Duke In Time is a highly entertaining historical romance with a healthy dose of laughter . . . and sex. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Recommended to fans everywhere.
Special thanks to St. Martins Griffin for an arc of this book.
Review posted at: Cross My Heart Reviews
Who doesn't love a spicy historical romance with a spunky heroine facing off against a handsome Duke? Katherine proves to be one little spitfire that pushes all Christian's buttons in this entertaining story of the three merry widows, lost dowry, buried secrets and catastrophe after catastrophe. Katherine is an admirable heroine, full of spunk, sass, and hidden desires stoked by one hunky Duke, but one big secret from her past that can bring it all crashing down. Christian is a kind war hero who's just returned home to take over as the Duke of Randford - a title and job he never wanted. What he does want is to set up a charity to take care of his wartime men who are returning home to a bleak life of poverty and scorn . . . and to convince one spicy, hot sister-in-law that he's the man for her.
Sparks fly hot and often in this raunchy historical romance. While the characters have a bit of a "modern" take on things, the action and pace are swift, the chemistry smoking and the story delightful. A Duke In Time is a highly entertaining historical romance with a healthy dose of laughter . . . and sex. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Recommended to fans everywhere.
Special thanks to St. Martins Griffin for an arc of this book.
Review posted at: Cross My Heart Reviews
April 20, 2022
✨Saucy wenches love mutual masturbation! I am saucy wenches!✨
Okay this was cute! I love The Other Woman vibes of it. I’m not totally into ex-military men plots but I think it was well done here. There was maybe a bit of fire/tension missing for me, but it was a good listen for the background while I worked. I think mayyyybe I wanted a bit more from Christian. It may be on me (or the narrator) but she kept describing him as a godlike Adonis and I just did NOT get those vibes from him.
The sex was good which I didn’t see coming so point one to Janna 👁🫦👁 not too many scenes but they did the thing. I remember her novella in the Big Duke Energy Anthology so I shouldn’t be surprised she can write sex but I’m always wary the first time reading a new author. The dirty talk could maybe use a bit of work because she said something very mild and he was like “I love when you talk dirty” and I was like…
I really appreciated how Janna dealt with the third act breakup here! This was kind of a make or break point for me because I was having a really good time and then a pompous pancake entered the chat and I was like lord give me the strength. But! Kat handled it like a CHAMP and I respected her decision so point one to Kat. You go Kat.
The narrator suffers from the makes-men-sound-like-warbling-Shakespearean-ghosts narration style and I simply cannot take them seriously. Maybe read the physical copy of this one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
Okay this was cute! I love The Other Woman vibes of it. I’m not totally into ex-military men plots but I think it was well done here. There was maybe a bit of fire/tension missing for me, but it was a good listen for the background while I worked. I think mayyyybe I wanted a bit more from Christian. It may be on me (or the narrator) but she kept describing him as a godlike Adonis and I just did NOT get those vibes from him.
The sex was good which I didn’t see coming so point one to Janna 👁🫦👁 not too many scenes but they did the thing. I remember her novella in the Big Duke Energy Anthology so I shouldn’t be surprised she can write sex but I’m always wary the first time reading a new author. The dirty talk could maybe use a bit of work because she said something very mild and he was like “I love when you talk dirty” and I was like…
I really appreciated how Janna dealt with the third act breakup here! This was kind of a make or break point for me because I was having a really good time and then a pompous pancake entered the chat and I was like lord give me the strength. But! Kat handled it like a CHAMP and I respected her decision so point one to Kat. You go Kat.
The narrator suffers from the makes-men-sound-like-warbling-Shakespearean-ghosts narration style and I simply cannot take them seriously. Maybe read the physical copy of this one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
May 3, 2021
This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy, historical romance novel which pays a wonderful tribute to veterans. It has likable, engaging characters, a duke who is a war hero, an intelligent, strong and capable female protagonist, a heart-warming romance, drama, intrigue, and a happily ever after ending. I appreciated the nod to Ms. MacGregor's outstanding Cavensham Heiresses series. I am looking forward to the next entry in this series with great anticipation. Ms. MacGregor never disappoints her readers!
Net Galley kindly provided me with an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest opinion.
Net Galley kindly provided me with an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest opinion.
July 5, 2021
What a refreshing unique story!
June 26, 2021
THIS WASN'T BAD... I JUST DIDN'T LIKE ANYTHING ABOUT IT 😅
Actual rating: 2.5 ⭐
You ever get that feeling? There's plenty of things you can find wrong with a book, and yet it isn't a total bust? That's how I felt about this book. I can name several things that I didn't like and no things that I did like and yet I was still okay with this book. So strange...
👎 What I Disliked 👎
POVs: At first I couldn't pinpoint why I often felt confused while reading. Often I just felt like something happened that made me lose it. But then it suddenly occurred to me. MacGregor would change POV constantly and willy-nilly. Several times during a chapter with no pre-ample or warning, we'd suddenly jump from Katherine's head into Meri's. It threw me off, at first without me knowing it, and later because I became hyper aware of it whenever it happened.
Historical: I don't dislike historical romance novels that take a slightly modern twist, as long as it still reads largely as a historical novel. This book, I felt, strayed way too far into the modern realm and often I could easily forget that this was supposed to take place during the Regency period.
Twists: Several times this story took a twist that just felt... weird. Just, wrong, strange and out of place. It just felt like a strange way to create some drama even though it didn't fit the story or make any sense.
Secret: Katherine has a secret that she is ashamed of and wants to hide. And honestly, once that secret was revealed, I really didn't understand what the big deal was. Again, it was more drama than it was worth and just didn't make sense.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Blog Post: 15 Bookworm Problems
Actual rating: 2.5 ⭐
You ever get that feeling? There's plenty of things you can find wrong with a book, and yet it isn't a total bust? That's how I felt about this book. I can name several things that I didn't like and no things that I did like and yet I was still okay with this book. So strange...
👎 What I Disliked 👎
POVs: At first I couldn't pinpoint why I often felt confused while reading. Often I just felt like something happened that made me lose it. But then it suddenly occurred to me. MacGregor would change POV constantly and willy-nilly. Several times during a chapter with no pre-ample or warning, we'd suddenly jump from Katherine's head into Meri's. It threw me off, at first without me knowing it, and later because I became hyper aware of it whenever it happened.
Historical: I don't dislike historical romance novels that take a slightly modern twist, as long as it still reads largely as a historical novel. This book, I felt, strayed way too far into the modern realm and often I could easily forget that this was supposed to take place during the Regency period.
Twists: Several times this story took a twist that just felt... weird. Just, wrong, strange and out of place. It just felt like a strange way to create some drama even though it didn't fit the story or make any sense.
Secret: Katherine has a secret that she is ashamed of and wants to hide. And honestly, once that secret was revealed, I really didn't understand what the big deal was. Again, it was more drama than it was worth and just didn't make sense.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Blog Post: 15 Bookworm Problems
December 22, 2021
3.5 stars
These historical romances are like candy, you just can never have enough. When one young woman discovers her respectable, aristocratic husband died and left her to discover that she was actually one of three wives? Whew. Bit of a pickle.
Concept: ★★★★
Plot/Pacing: ★★★
Chracters: ★★
Katherine Vareck shows up to her late husband's will reading and discovers, to her shock, that she is not the only Mrs. at the table. In fact, she's one of three wives... and all three of them are in for a real mess.
Enter Christian, the deceased's older brother and the Duke of Ransford.
Christian had no idea about these three wives, or his brother Meriwether's appalling lack of decency. Christian knows he needs to do some sort of right by these women, but he's not sure what to do and his own personal situation is in an interesting spot as well—so he's not sure what he can do, anyway.
With drama, wiles, and a whole lot of surprising business acumen, Christian and Katherine find themselves working together to support the other two wives, themselves, and potentially each other in this charming series opener.
Overall, I thought this story was cute and charming. It was not the most memorable for me, personally, as a romance reader—but I've had a pretty hard time with historical romances this year in general so it might just be my burnout talking.
Some unique elements of this story centered around the dynamic of Katherine and Christian, surprisingly. Unlike many, MANY other Regency-era romances that rely on animosity, misunderstandings, and mild enemies-to-lovers to make their characters pop, A Duke in Time actually started off with its love interests tackling their problem together, as a team very squarely on board with each other's place in their duo. It was refreshing and oddly charming.
If you're a fan of historical romances, add this one to your list!
Thanks so much to St Martin's Press for my copy in exchange for an honest review
These historical romances are like candy, you just can never have enough. When one young woman discovers her respectable, aristocratic husband died and left her to discover that she was actually one of three wives? Whew. Bit of a pickle.
Concept: ★★★★
Plot/Pacing: ★★★
Chracters: ★★
Katherine Vareck shows up to her late husband's will reading and discovers, to her shock, that she is not the only Mrs. at the table. In fact, she's one of three wives... and all three of them are in for a real mess.
Enter Christian, the deceased's older brother and the Duke of Ransford.
Christian had no idea about these three wives, or his brother Meriwether's appalling lack of decency. Christian knows he needs to do some sort of right by these women, but he's not sure what to do and his own personal situation is in an interesting spot as well—so he's not sure what he can do, anyway.
With drama, wiles, and a whole lot of surprising business acumen, Christian and Katherine find themselves working together to support the other two wives, themselves, and potentially each other in this charming series opener.
Overall, I thought this story was cute and charming. It was not the most memorable for me, personally, as a romance reader—but I've had a pretty hard time with historical romances this year in general so it might just be my burnout talking.
Some unique elements of this story centered around the dynamic of Katherine and Christian, surprisingly. Unlike many, MANY other Regency-era romances that rely on animosity, misunderstandings, and mild enemies-to-lovers to make their characters pop, A Duke in Time actually started off with its love interests tackling their problem together, as a team very squarely on board with each other's place in their duo. It was refreshing and oddly charming.
If you're a fan of historical romances, add this one to your list!
Thanks so much to St Martin's Press for my copy in exchange for an honest review
July 5, 2021
3.5 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was a fun historical romance set in Victorian London.
Katherine married Meri after a three week whirlwind romance. Imagine her surprise when he leaves her six hours after the wedding and other than a few sporadic letters, she doesn't see or hear from him again. After Meri dies in a riding accident, Katherine discovers he married two other women in the year since her wedding, spending all of their dowries. Facing homelessness and ruined reputations, Katherine invites the other two wives to stay with her in London until they can convince Meri's half brother, Christian, the Duke of Randford to make them whole.
This was a cute, sweet historical romance. The romance was pretty predictable. The couple got together pretty easily, then suffered the typical misunderstanding, then joyously got back together again. What was more interesting and fun to read about was Katherine's business and Meri's odd and entertaining bequeaths that would randomly appear at the Duke's estate. If you are looking for a sweet book to escape with for a few hours, this is a good book to read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was a fun historical romance set in Victorian London.
Katherine married Meri after a three week whirlwind romance. Imagine her surprise when he leaves her six hours after the wedding and other than a few sporadic letters, she doesn't see or hear from him again. After Meri dies in a riding accident, Katherine discovers he married two other women in the year since her wedding, spending all of their dowries. Facing homelessness and ruined reputations, Katherine invites the other two wives to stay with her in London until they can convince Meri's half brother, Christian, the Duke of Randford to make them whole.
This was a cute, sweet historical romance. The romance was pretty predictable. The couple got together pretty easily, then suffered the typical misunderstanding, then joyously got back together again. What was more interesting and fun to read about was Katherine's business and Meri's odd and entertaining bequeaths that would randomly appear at the Duke's estate. If you are looking for a sweet book to escape with for a few hours, this is a good book to read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. All opinions are my own.
June 27, 2021
Meh. Everything about this book is meh, okay but no where near great. Characters and writing lack depth or any connecting qualities. Feels wooden. Instalove. I have read a lot of historical novels and this one feels like a modern day writer wrote the book. Just didn’t fit.
I wanted to read this book because of the plot. Three women find out they are married to the same man. I read Jess Michaels The Unexpected Wife which has a similar premise but is a much better book and series. Fyi. I just rather read other books than this one. I almost DNF this book a few times but I was hoping for it to get better. It didn’t for me sadly.
*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I wanted to read this book because of the plot. Three women find out they are married to the same man. I read Jess Michaels The Unexpected Wife which has a similar premise but is a much better book and series. Fyi. I just rather read other books than this one. I almost DNF this book a few times but I was hoping for it to get better. It didn’t for me sadly.
*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
June 28, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
One Charismatic Duke
Three Widows all belonging to his deceased brother, one of them about to pop.
A Pregnant racehorse with a stroppy nature.
I adore that horse by the way.
His heart is on the line with one of them, but can they ever be together?
I loved the book and the story was so different than anything I’ve read before, it was refreshing.
The characters were interesting and satisfying, had fully been thought out and made the story very enjoyable.
This is, as usual from Janna, another hit, without a doubt.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
One Charismatic Duke
Three Widows all belonging to his deceased brother, one of them about to pop.
A Pregnant racehorse with a stroppy nature.
I adore that horse by the way.
His heart is on the line with one of them, but can they ever be together?
I loved the book and the story was so different than anything I’ve read before, it was refreshing.
The characters were interesting and satisfying, had fully been thought out and made the story very enjoyable.
This is, as usual from Janna, another hit, without a doubt.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
June 10, 2021
Christian and Katherine made a very interesting couple seeing as how their first meeting was at the lawyer for the reading of her husband's will (he is the brother) not quite a enemies to lover story but close for a bit, the things that occur and the slow burn romance weaved in with a very good story and the always required it seems "big secret" was done pretty well and did not resort to the hero having to ride in on a white horse with sword drawn everytime there was a problem since our heroine was very resourceful . The thing is you keep thinking the "big secret" was going to be the turning point but there are plots and subplots and parallel plots, all of which I enjoy but it seems with female authors many of them don't give revenge junkies like me a full measure of satisfaction but the ending was very satisfying otherwise. 4 Stars for a story that kept my attention, sexuality that was done well (not great but well) since it seemed a bit more 21st century than Victorian but the relationship proceeded fairly normally for the most part with some unforeseen twists that I did not see coming in the story which made it even more entertaining. I can hardly wait to see what becomes of her 2 friends since it is obvious they will be the other "widows" this series is about, good entertaining reading ahead it would seem .
October 15, 2022
Katherine, Lady Meriwether Vareck, is blindsided not only by her husband’s unexpected death in a freak accident but by the revelation that he had two other wives. Her linen business is competing for a contract with the Prince Regent, and she cannot afford the blemish of scandal on her reputation.
Meri’s much more morally upright older half-brother, Christian, the Duke of Randford, is just as surprised as Katherine and unsure how to help. He’s made a point to avoid Meri and the rest of his dissolute family and has only recently returned from fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. Also problematic is the surely unallowable attraction he is soon fighting for his brother’s widow.
Katherine is busy with her business and the tight friendship she’s fast forming with Meri’s other wives, so her time is limited. Yet, she still can’t help but be drawn to Christian and when he asks for her help establishing a charity business for returning soldiers in need of work, she can’t refuse. The endeavor brings them into closer proximity and as feelings develop, they find they’ll need to share more details of their pasts if their hearts and their futures are to become entwined.
I liked this book but I wanted to love it so much more than I did and am left with some mixed feelings. Christian wound up being a rather charming cinnamon roll though his portrayal as more of an alpha-hole in the first chapters really didn’t fit this and threw off his characterization for me, not to mention reflecting poorly on Katherine’s judgment. Katherine didn’t really work for me as a heroine, especially for a historical. Put a cell phone in her hand and she could be a contemporary heroine, which I don’t necessarily mind, but when combined with the other things that bugged me about her, it was a bit hard to get past.
After how horribly Katherine misjudged Christian, their friendship and deeper relationship developed really quickly and yet I still somehow felt like the attraction between them was too much of a slow burn. I found Katherine’s secrets to be very anticlimactic, so minor as to be laughable really, given how easy they could’ve been overcome if she’d only asked for help rather than remaining so fixated on doing things on her own, a lesson she still didn’t seem to have really learned by the end. She came off as overly dramatic, enough so to grow tiresome for me.
Some of the plotting also felt a little slapdash with the reason for Meri marrying Katherine in the first place never really becoming clear and all his random bequests popping up, which were perhaps designed to be humorous but at times just interrupted the flow for me. My main gripe above all this, however, is the rapid development of this sisterly relationship between Katherine and the other two wives. There was none of the jealousy or strife there that there perhaps should’ve been, but this is a little expected since none of the women knew how deceitful Meri really was, so what doesn’t jive for me is the closeness that develops so quickly. I wound up more invested in whatever attraction was developing between Morgan and Willa than I was in Christian and Katherine.
The steamy scenes were satisfying, and the romance did eventually kick in very nicely nearer the end, though I still wanted Katherine to have more faith in Christian and confide in him more as a true partner. Sometimes I wondered what exactly he really saw in her as their attraction seemed very skewed on his side more so than hers and her reasons for keeping him at a distance were rather flimsy. There were also a few holes left unexplored in the plot regarding Katherine’s friend Helen and her attempts to matchmake Katherine with her brother, but perhaps this will crop up to be explored later in the series and wasn’t merely forgotten.
Overall, despite my mixed feelings, I do like this premise and look forward to the next installment from one of my favorite authors.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Meri’s much more morally upright older half-brother, Christian, the Duke of Randford, is just as surprised as Katherine and unsure how to help. He’s made a point to avoid Meri and the rest of his dissolute family and has only recently returned from fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. Also problematic is the surely unallowable attraction he is soon fighting for his brother’s widow.
Katherine is busy with her business and the tight friendship she’s fast forming with Meri’s other wives, so her time is limited. Yet, she still can’t help but be drawn to Christian and when he asks for her help establishing a charity business for returning soldiers in need of work, she can’t refuse. The endeavor brings them into closer proximity and as feelings develop, they find they’ll need to share more details of their pasts if their hearts and their futures are to become entwined.
I liked this book but I wanted to love it so much more than I did and am left with some mixed feelings. Christian wound up being a rather charming cinnamon roll though his portrayal as more of an alpha-hole in the first chapters really didn’t fit this and threw off his characterization for me, not to mention reflecting poorly on Katherine’s judgment. Katherine didn’t really work for me as a heroine, especially for a historical. Put a cell phone in her hand and she could be a contemporary heroine, which I don’t necessarily mind, but when combined with the other things that bugged me about her, it was a bit hard to get past.
After how horribly Katherine misjudged Christian, their friendship and deeper relationship developed really quickly and yet I still somehow felt like the attraction between them was too much of a slow burn. I found Katherine’s secrets to be very anticlimactic, so minor as to be laughable really, given how easy they could’ve been overcome if she’d only asked for help rather than remaining so fixated on doing things on her own, a lesson she still didn’t seem to have really learned by the end. She came off as overly dramatic, enough so to grow tiresome for me.
Some of the plotting also felt a little slapdash with the reason for Meri marrying Katherine in the first place never really becoming clear and all his random bequests popping up, which were perhaps designed to be humorous but at times just interrupted the flow for me. My main gripe above all this, however, is the rapid development of this sisterly relationship between Katherine and the other two wives. There was none of the jealousy or strife there that there perhaps should’ve been, but this is a little expected since none of the women knew how deceitful Meri really was, so what doesn’t jive for me is the closeness that develops so quickly. I wound up more invested in whatever attraction was developing between Morgan and Willa than I was in Christian and Katherine.
The steamy scenes were satisfying, and the romance did eventually kick in very nicely nearer the end, though I still wanted Katherine to have more faith in Christian and confide in him more as a true partner. Sometimes I wondered what exactly he really saw in her as their attraction seemed very skewed on his side more so than hers and her reasons for keeping him at a distance were rather flimsy. There were also a few holes left unexplored in the plot regarding Katherine’s friend Helen and her attempts to matchmake Katherine with her brother, but perhaps this will crop up to be explored later in the series and wasn’t merely forgotten.
Overall, despite my mixed feelings, I do like this premise and look forward to the next installment from one of my favorite authors.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
June 29, 2021
In a patriarchal society where reputation is everything, Katherine knows her name must be above reproach, especially considering the secrets in her past. With a business on the line and other people depending on her, Katherine is determined to fix the messy situation her deceased husband left her and two other wives in. So, when she meets her husband’s brother, the Duke of Randford, she implores him to help.
As a Duke, Christian has much responsibility, especially after he learns that his deceased brother Meri had three wives. He wants nothing to do with his brother’s mess, but his conscience and the beguiling Katherine won’t let him ignore the situation. The lives and reputations of three women are in the balance. As Katherine and Christian try to figure out the mess that Meri left behind, will they give in to their growing feelings for each other? Will secrets from the past ruin their chance at love?
Christian is brave and determined and not one to shirk his responsibilities. He is also compassionate and thoughtful, and he has an amazing green thumb. A war hero and leader, Christian knows the horrors of battle. Like Katherine, Christian wants to use his success and influence to help others. I love that Katherine and Cristian share this desire to help others. They are both generous and compassionate, and they share so many great qualities.
Katherine is strong and fierce, and her kindness and regard for others are admirable. I mean, I don’t think, if I found out my husband married two other women, that I would invite the women to live with me. But Katherine sees women in need and in worse situations than her, and she is compelled to help. She works hard and helps others all while pursuing her own independence. She’s much like Christian in that way. They are both intelligent and strong-willed, and they make a great team.
Though Katherine and Christian didn’t meet under the best circumstances, their feelings for each other quickly grow. They have great chemistry and complement each other well. However, many complications and obstacles stand in their way. Though they had very different upbringings, they both are haunted by the past and things that happened in their childhoods. Some secrets threaten their relationship as well, and it’s interesting to see how their story unfolds and develops.
The story takes place in 1815, and the after-effects of the war are prominent throughout the story. Christian is a war hero committed to helping other veterans who need aid. Homelessness, unemployment, injuries, and PTSD are just some of the topics that are examined in the book. It also highlights the passivity society shows to these war heroes and their plight. I found this aspect of the story really interesting, and I love how Christian and Katherine try to help.
There are interesting commentaries throughout the novel about social classes, morals, and how one’s actions can affect others. Meri’s actions had profound effects on so many people, and his selfishness and thoughtlessness repeatedly put others at risk. In contrast, Katherine and Christian’s actions throughout the story have such positive impacts on the people in their lives. From employing people to offering shelter to creating new business opportunities, this pair defies social norms in the best ways possible. I love the strong messages and how they not only highlight prevalent issues but also add to the character development
I enjoyed this historical romance. It has great characters and great messages, and the love story is wonderful. The story also sets up potential romances in the next books, and I’m excited to learn more about the other two widows. Thanks so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Janna MacGregor for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
As a Duke, Christian has much responsibility, especially after he learns that his deceased brother Meri had three wives. He wants nothing to do with his brother’s mess, but his conscience and the beguiling Katherine won’t let him ignore the situation. The lives and reputations of three women are in the balance. As Katherine and Christian try to figure out the mess that Meri left behind, will they give in to their growing feelings for each other? Will secrets from the past ruin their chance at love?
Christian is brave and determined and not one to shirk his responsibilities. He is also compassionate and thoughtful, and he has an amazing green thumb. A war hero and leader, Christian knows the horrors of battle. Like Katherine, Christian wants to use his success and influence to help others. I love that Katherine and Cristian share this desire to help others. They are both generous and compassionate, and they share so many great qualities.
Katherine is strong and fierce, and her kindness and regard for others are admirable. I mean, I don’t think, if I found out my husband married two other women, that I would invite the women to live with me. But Katherine sees women in need and in worse situations than her, and she is compelled to help. She works hard and helps others all while pursuing her own independence. She’s much like Christian in that way. They are both intelligent and strong-willed, and they make a great team.
Though Katherine and Christian didn’t meet under the best circumstances, their feelings for each other quickly grow. They have great chemistry and complement each other well. However, many complications and obstacles stand in their way. Though they had very different upbringings, they both are haunted by the past and things that happened in their childhoods. Some secrets threaten their relationship as well, and it’s interesting to see how their story unfolds and develops.
The story takes place in 1815, and the after-effects of the war are prominent throughout the story. Christian is a war hero committed to helping other veterans who need aid. Homelessness, unemployment, injuries, and PTSD are just some of the topics that are examined in the book. It also highlights the passivity society shows to these war heroes and their plight. I found this aspect of the story really interesting, and I love how Christian and Katherine try to help.
There are interesting commentaries throughout the novel about social classes, morals, and how one’s actions can affect others. Meri’s actions had profound effects on so many people, and his selfishness and thoughtlessness repeatedly put others at risk. In contrast, Katherine and Christian’s actions throughout the story have such positive impacts on the people in their lives. From employing people to offering shelter to creating new business opportunities, this pair defies social norms in the best ways possible. I love the strong messages and how they not only highlight prevalent issues but also add to the character development
I enjoyed this historical romance. It has great characters and great messages, and the love story is wonderful. The story also sets up potential romances in the next books, and I’m excited to learn more about the other two widows. Thanks so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Janna MacGregor for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
June 30, 2021
A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor is the first in a new series and it was such a delight to read. First, I should mention that you should read the free, short and sweet prequel prior to starting this book called Where there’s a Will. It introduces you to the characters and the plot of the story. It’s not necessary but it definitely will whet your appetite for jumping right into the story.
Could it get any worse when your husband leaves you on your wedding day? Yes, yes it can. Katherine Vareck, Lady Meriwether, has gone to her husband’s solicitor for the reading of the will and encounters not one but 2 wives who make the same claim as being Meri’s wife. And one is pregnant! Katherine was the first wife and befriends the other ladies because they’ve really nowhere to go since and were hoping that this meeting would set things right. Now enters their brother-in-law, the Duke of Ranford, Christian Vareck, who’s just returned from the Napoleonic wars, a hero, and the last member of Meri’s family. Unfortunately, Christian doesn’t want anything to do with Meri’s troubles since he’s been dealing with them all his life. Katherine isn’t going to be dismissed by the Duke and is persistent in getting him involved. That persistence leads them both down a path they both didn’t see happening. They realize that they aren’t all what they first thought and before you know it their acquaintance turns to friendship, then business partners and eventually to lovers. With better understanding and knowing what true love feels like they want to protect those they love at all cost. With a few twist and turns both Katherine and Christian find their happy ending. I love it when a smart women doesn’t need a man to fix her problems and is willing to do it on her own.
The author has written quite an intriguing tale with bits of humor, interesting characters and an over the top romance which will have you swooning. Oh, the things Christian says to woo a girl. Christian grew on me over the course of the book and I was happy to see his vulnerable and compassionate side as well as his formidable Duke side. The side characters of the other wives, Beth and Constance, and Katherine’s companion Willa brought a bit of humor when needed. I believe the author has a hit on her hands and it pleases me that I have something to look forward to with more stories in the Widows Rule series.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Could it get any worse when your husband leaves you on your wedding day? Yes, yes it can. Katherine Vareck, Lady Meriwether, has gone to her husband’s solicitor for the reading of the will and encounters not one but 2 wives who make the same claim as being Meri’s wife. And one is pregnant! Katherine was the first wife and befriends the other ladies because they’ve really nowhere to go since and were hoping that this meeting would set things right. Now enters their brother-in-law, the Duke of Ranford, Christian Vareck, who’s just returned from the Napoleonic wars, a hero, and the last member of Meri’s family. Unfortunately, Christian doesn’t want anything to do with Meri’s troubles since he’s been dealing with them all his life. Katherine isn’t going to be dismissed by the Duke and is persistent in getting him involved. That persistence leads them both down a path they both didn’t see happening. They realize that they aren’t all what they first thought and before you know it their acquaintance turns to friendship, then business partners and eventually to lovers. With better understanding and knowing what true love feels like they want to protect those they love at all cost. With a few twist and turns both Katherine and Christian find their happy ending. I love it when a smart women doesn’t need a man to fix her problems and is willing to do it on her own.
The author has written quite an intriguing tale with bits of humor, interesting characters and an over the top romance which will have you swooning. Oh, the things Christian says to woo a girl. Christian grew on me over the course of the book and I was happy to see his vulnerable and compassionate side as well as his formidable Duke side. The side characters of the other wives, Beth and Constance, and Katherine’s companion Willa brought a bit of humor when needed. I believe the author has a hit on her hands and it pleases me that I have something to look forward to with more stories in the Widows Rule series.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
July 1, 2021
Katherine Varek is horrified to discover she wasn't her late husband's only wife. Styled as Lady Merriweather, a title that has helped her rise within Society and provided her with the opportunity to build a successful business, the scandal surrounding her husband's bigamy threatens to ruin her very existence. More than that, there are the two other wives to contend with as well as her late husband's half brother, the Duke of Randford.
With dowry's missing, one very pregnant wife and another with no one to turn to, Kat invites the other ladies to stay with her until they can sort the mess out. Meanwhile, she enlists Randford's help in solving the mystery behind his brother's actions and help figure out who the real Lady Merriweather actually is - a truth that could undo everything Kat has worked so hard to achieve.
As Kat and Randford work together, they help each other out in more ways than one and as they do so, feelings develop. But Kat has a past she's been running from for many years. The question is, will it wreck her chance with the man she's falling in love with?
A fun story where the courage to be honest leads to the greatest reward.
With dowry's missing, one very pregnant wife and another with no one to turn to, Kat invites the other ladies to stay with her until they can sort the mess out. Meanwhile, she enlists Randford's help in solving the mystery behind his brother's actions and help figure out who the real Lady Merriweather actually is - a truth that could undo everything Kat has worked so hard to achieve.
As Kat and Randford work together, they help each other out in more ways than one and as they do so, feelings develop. But Kat has a past she's been running from for many years. The question is, will it wreck her chance with the man she's falling in love with?
A fun story where the courage to be honest leads to the greatest reward.
January 17, 2022
4 Stars! Aww! I love this story! It has such a unique storyline & I’ve never read a book like it before. This is the first book in a new series that has a HEA ending and can be read as a standalone. Katherine, the heroine, was likable and relatable. Christian, the hero & brother to a trigamist, was likable and I find myself wishing for a real life Christian of my own! I can NOT wait for the rest of the series! I definitely recommend this one! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one & REALLY can’t wait for the other wives books!
Also - This book had me thinking of all the men that had gone away to fight only to come home with injuries and no job and that’s only IF they were ‘lucky’ enough to come home! So sad! I'm glad it's better for soldiers returning nowadays but still wish we'd have no more wars!
*I received this book at no charge from NetGalley & I voluntarily left this review.*
Also - This book had me thinking of all the men that had gone away to fight only to come home with injuries and no job and that’s only IF they were ‘lucky’ enough to come home! So sad! I'm glad it's better for soldiers returning nowadays but still wish we'd have no more wars!
*I received this book at no charge from NetGalley & I voluntarily left this review.*
June 29, 2021
I just loved the main characters of Christian and Kate. Kate had a difficult childhood but did having a loving mother. She had a faithful friend in Willa. Kate was intelligent and creative and had developed a successful business, which she used to employ less fortunate women. Kate had a very caring nature, as was seen in her attitude to Beth and Constance. Christian was determined to restore a good name to the duchy. He was unlike his father and brother as he could possibly be. Christian, also, wanted to help his fellow soldiers, who found themselves without work when returning from the war. As they get to spend time with each other so their attraction grew. However, Kate had a secret in her past that could make a difference to how Christian feels. There were many very romantic moments, which I loved, as well as, passionate ones. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series. I did receive a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. However, I did preorder my own copy.
February 23, 2022
I love Tessa Dare, Eloisa James, Kate Bateman and Kerrigan Byrne. I'm sorry to say that Janna MacGregor just doesn't measure up. Any way I choose to look at this book it comes out bad. The basic plot had merit, but it just didn't live up to its potential.
Katherine Vareck finds out that the man she knew for three weeks and married only to have him disappear six hours after the ceremony went on to marry two other ladies and get one on them pregnant. Of course, he dies and leaves his three wives to band together to try and outwit society and salvage their good names.
Christian, Duke of Randford is absolutely appalled at what his half-brother has done and as much as he just wants to wash his hands of his SOB half-brother, the wives need his support. It doesn't help that Christian has near instant lust for the lovely Katherine and it just grows to more he gets to know how wonderful she is. Just when it looks like everything will work out, Katherine's past is discovered and could bring all their plans crashing down.
Katherine Vareck finds out that the man she knew for three weeks and married only to have him disappear six hours after the ceremony went on to marry two other ladies and get one on them pregnant. Of course, he dies and leaves his three wives to band together to try and outwit society and salvage their good names.
Christian, Duke of Randford is absolutely appalled at what his half-brother has done and as much as he just wants to wash his hands of his SOB half-brother, the wives need his support. It doesn't help that Christian has near instant lust for the lovely Katherine and it just grows to more he gets to know how wonderful she is. Just when it looks like everything will work out, Katherine's past is discovered and could bring all their plans crashing down.
July 17, 2023
I really liked this story line. I’ve never read a historical romance where the wife’s become friends because the all end up married to the same man (they had no idea).
The story begins with the three women meeting and then coming face to face with the man’s brother who is a Duke. It was really interesting. I’m looking forward to Constance’s story.
The story begins with the three women meeting and then coming face to face with the man’s brother who is a Duke. It was really interesting. I’m looking forward to Constance’s story.
January 8, 2025
4 stelle e mezzo
Quanto mi era mancata la MacGregor e quanto mi è piaciuto questo inizio di serie.
Alla morte di lord Meriwether, figlio cadetto di un duca, e alla conseguente apertura del testamento, la sua giovane vedova Katherine si trova a che fare non con un'altra lady Meriwether, ma bensì con due; il lord deceduto era infatti trigamo, ed era tanto biondo, dolce e affascinante, quanto era scialacquatore, capriccioso e oltremodo volubile.
Amava collezionare cose belle, certo, ma, dopo la fregatura patita, Kat, Constance e Beth, le tre vedove, non ci stanno ad abbandonarsi allo scandalo sociale e alla rovina.
Kat, soprattutto, si è avvalsa del titolo per lanciare la sua attività imprenditoriale e il suo negozio di corredi, grazie a cui è riuscita a dare un posto di lavoro a molte donne bisognose. Per questo, accoglie in casa anche le "rivali" (in realtà, assolutamente senza colpa) e cerca il modo di recuperare la dote di ciascuna.
Per sua fortuna, il fratello maggiore del trigamo, nonché attuale duca in carica, è un eroe di guerra, tutto d'un pezzo, tanto severo quanto pronto ad assecondare la generosità industriosa di Kat quanto ad aiutare lui stesso i suoi uomini, reduci dalle guerre napoleoniche, che sono finiti sulla strada dopo il ritorno dall'Europa.
So che, detto così, la coppia appare troppo buona, ma la storia di Kat e Christian si sviluppa all'insegna di scontri, sorprese e una vera passione, in seno a un gruppo di personaggi o simpatici (menzione per Willa, governante con pugnale, e Morgan, il valletto con la benda stile pirata, oltre a zia Vee, che spero di rivedere) o molto intriganti (vedi il prossimo salvatore di Constance).
La MacGregor scrive bene e io sono già pronta a leggere le storie di tutte le vedove truffate.
Segnalo alcune scene hot: le ho trovate intense e gradevoli, ma meglio avvertire altre lettrici.
Quanto mi era mancata la MacGregor e quanto mi è piaciuto questo inizio di serie.
Alla morte di lord Meriwether, figlio cadetto di un duca, e alla conseguente apertura del testamento, la sua giovane vedova Katherine si trova a che fare non con un'altra lady Meriwether, ma bensì con due; il lord deceduto era infatti trigamo, ed era tanto biondo, dolce e affascinante, quanto era scialacquatore, capriccioso e oltremodo volubile.
Amava collezionare cose belle, certo, ma, dopo la fregatura patita, Kat, Constance e Beth, le tre vedove, non ci stanno ad abbandonarsi allo scandalo sociale e alla rovina.
Kat, soprattutto, si è avvalsa del titolo per lanciare la sua attività imprenditoriale e il suo negozio di corredi, grazie a cui è riuscita a dare un posto di lavoro a molte donne bisognose. Per questo, accoglie in casa anche le "rivali" (in realtà, assolutamente senza colpa) e cerca il modo di recuperare la dote di ciascuna.
Per sua fortuna, il fratello maggiore del trigamo, nonché attuale duca in carica, è un eroe di guerra, tutto d'un pezzo, tanto severo quanto pronto ad assecondare la generosità industriosa di Kat quanto ad aiutare lui stesso i suoi uomini, reduci dalle guerre napoleoniche, che sono finiti sulla strada dopo il ritorno dall'Europa.
So che, detto così, la coppia appare troppo buona, ma la storia di Kat e Christian si sviluppa all'insegna di scontri, sorprese e una vera passione, in seno a un gruppo di personaggi o simpatici (menzione per Willa, governante con pugnale, e Morgan, il valletto con la benda stile pirata, oltre a zia Vee, che spero di rivedere) o molto intriganti (vedi il prossimo salvatore di Constance).
La MacGregor scrive bene e io sono già pronta a leggere le storie di tutte le vedove truffate.
Segnalo alcune scene hot: le ho trovate intense e gradevoli, ma meglio avvertire altre lettrici.
April 13, 2021
Book received from NetGalley for an honest review
I have read books by Janna MacGregor before and really enjoyed them. This is the start of a new series and that's exciting. There were, however, several issues with the story. First of all, it was one of the most anachronistic historical romances I've ever read. If one would replace Duke by Mister and take away the Lady in front of the heroine's name it could totally work as a modern romance. Throw in some technology and it can even be a contemporary. It was THAT much out of the Regency context. And when the heroine gave a little speech to a young girl ( daughter of an unwed mother) about how she is valuable and can be whatever she wants to be I rolled my eyes at the book. No, she couldn't. No matter how much you suspend disbelief or wish things were different, that sort of cheesy feminism doesn't quite work today, let alone in Regency England. There were also some plot points that were very thin -
I have read books by Janna MacGregor before and really enjoyed them. This is the start of a new series and that's exciting. There were, however, several issues with the story. First of all, it was one of the most anachronistic historical romances I've ever read. If one would replace Duke by Mister and take away the Lady in front of the heroine's name it could totally work as a modern romance. Throw in some technology and it can even be a contemporary. It was THAT much out of the Regency context. And when the heroine gave a little speech to a young girl ( daughter of an unwed mother) about how she is valuable and can be whatever she wants to be I rolled my eyes at the book. No, she couldn't. No matter how much you suspend disbelief or wish things were different, that sort of cheesy feminism doesn't quite work today, let alone in Regency England. There were also some plot points that were very thin -
May 3, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much. The writer definitely grabbed my attention with a plot that involves a tough, independent and somewhat of a stubborn lady. Kate works hard at proving to Randford that she can manage things on her own. I liked Ranfords character for his inability of not turning his back on the ladies and working hard at amending the rights for them. I found this story to be a fast pace read. The story definitely has realistic issues in it. I think that the writer also worked hard at having the readers focus on the growing love match between Kathleen and Randford. I liked the tit for tat the two played with each other while flirting. I had a good time reading about the passion and the romance among the two. I truly had a great time reading this book.
July 3, 2021
A Duke in Time
By Janna MacGregor
I always love a first book in a series, and one from Janna MacGregor, I was more than excited to pick this one up. There is nothing I love more than a broody duke and scorching chemistry and this one delivered.
Katherine Vareck's husband dies suddenly and this was not the biggest shock of them all, it was that she discovers of him having two other wives! More than her reputation, her business was put at risk... coming to help is Meri's brother Christian, the Duke of Ranford who wants to stay as far away from his family, but was drawn to help his brothers' widow, the beautiful Katherine.
I love the writing and the excitement of all the intrigue that was happening in the story. It was hard to put down as soon as I started the story and was deep in the story so immersed into their lives and loves. I highly recommend this scorching hot read I really enjoyed.
By Janna MacGregor
I always love a first book in a series, and one from Janna MacGregor, I was more than excited to pick this one up. There is nothing I love more than a broody duke and scorching chemistry and this one delivered.
Katherine Vareck's husband dies suddenly and this was not the biggest shock of them all, it was that she discovers of him having two other wives! More than her reputation, her business was put at risk... coming to help is Meri's brother Christian, the Duke of Ranford who wants to stay as far away from his family, but was drawn to help his brothers' widow, the beautiful Katherine.
I love the writing and the excitement of all the intrigue that was happening in the story. It was hard to put down as soon as I started the story and was deep in the story so immersed into their lives and loves. I highly recommend this scorching hot read I really enjoyed.
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