In Time With the Duke

The Time Pearls #1

by Brooke J. Losee

With the expectation to take over as CEO of the family business looming over her, Magdalena McCarthy wants nothing more than to escape a life of board meetings and late nights at the office. When her pearl heirloom grants her wish by transporting her two hundred years into the past and is then stolen by a bunch of British punks, her future looks more uncertain than ever. Now she’s stuck in 1815, and her only chance of finding the heirloom and going home rests with her handsome rescuer.

Luke Halford, Duke of Avendesh, avoids social gatherings like any man committed to eternal bachelorhood. But after saving a peculiar young lady from a band of highwaymen, his notions on marriage are quickly upended. Miss McCarthy’s odd phrases and lack of social etiquette disarm him, and the more time he spends with the American lady, the more his walls crumble.

As Maggie begins to accept life in the past, the opportunity to reclaim the necklace leaves her with an impossible choice, one ripped from her grasp when gossip threatens her reputation. After confessing the truth, she’s certain her return to the future was for the best, but Luke isn’t ready to lose the woman who stole his heart, and the same pearl necklace that brought them together soon places them both in the hands of a madman and the future in jeopardy.

*Content Warning: Kisses only. Mild violence. Mention of suicide

Genres: Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Historical

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2023

Reviews

[E.T. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Time with the Duke starts out in contemporary times with our heroine Maggie who gets sent back to regency times. She ends up meeting the man she loves, but the trouble only continued from there. They end up back in 2022 and have to overcome many more difficulties before they can finally have their happy ending.

I can’t wait for the next book to come out already. It was fun to see such a relatable character thrown back into the regency world and it makes me wonder how I’d act if I was the one to time travel. It would certainly be more difficult than I’d probably think, but maybe meeting a duck in the past would be worth it.

Other than just the romance, though, there was danger and adventure, which really added another depth to the book. It was just so good! I can’t wait for the coming books.

I received an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

[Marilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a time travel regency romance and when I saw the blurb for this one, I KNEW I had to pick it up and I am so glad I did.

Maggie accidentally travels back in time to regency England and worries she may be stuck there. I laughed at all of her missteps trying to fit in with the time period and swooned over her interactions with Luke, who just so happens to be a handsome duke.

This book has a sweet HEA with lots of mystery and suspense wound together with the romance. The pacing was a little slow in the middle and I was happy when it picked back up with the plot twists I absolutely did not see coming. Such a sweet and sigh-worthy romance for lovers of the genre!

I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading such a feel good book, especially at this time of the year. It hits all the right spots, romance, mystery, action, a curse, time travel and so much more! This book has it in abundance, with an wonderfully spun plot, absolutely delightful characters, characters that draw one in immediately. I could feel their angst at what society or an overbearing parent dictates, their reactions evoked a lot of heartfelt , "oh boy's" I just wanted to enfold them in my arms and give them huge hugs! So likeable, so real. Who would have thought that a strand pearls have such power!

I loved both Maggie and Luke, my goodness is he the perfect gentleman! By a twist of a pearl Maggie finds herself 200 years in the past. I loved the attention to detail of the time period, one is actually transported right there, so well described. The banter between Maggie and Luke is priceless, so easy, so uncomplicated, in what is actually a very complicated situation! As dire as Maggie's situation is, which I most definitely sympathised with, I had to chuckle at her attempts to speak the appropriate language of the time, it was so comical, because, well, being stranded in 1815, Maggie has no idea how to behave, she can only draw on on novels she's read set in that time period and that was fiction! And when the tables were turned, it was even more hilarious! And as for Mrs Bielle, well she's an absolute honey!

Very much an Outlander feel to it but so much more! There are secrets, there are emotions, there are lies and even a secret organisation! This perfectly paced, at times very humourous tale, with these incredible characters, will captivate your heart as much as it did mine. OUTSTANDING read!

[J.R. White · Rating 5 out of 5]

With great expectations, comes great responsibilities and Magdalena McCarthy wants nothing more than to escape from the board meetings and late nights at the office of her families business. But she's in luck, and her pearl heirloom grants her wish by transporting her two hundred years into the past. But when she's rudely robbed and the pearls are stolen by a bunch of punks, her future is more uncertain than ever. Now she’s stuck in 1815, and her only chance of finding the heirloom and going home rests with her handsome rescuer. Swoon.

Luke Halford, Duke of Avendesh, is a man committed to eternal bachelorhood. But after saving a peculiar young lady from a band of ruffians, he starts to reconsider his notions on marriage. Miss McCarthy’s strange way of speaking and her lack of social etiquette charm him, and his walls start to crumble with every second spent in her presence.

Maggie slowly starts to adapt to her new life in the past, until a disaster occurs and she's forced to make an impossible choice. She’s certain her return to the future is for the best, but Luke isn’t ready to lose the woman who stole his heart. But love isn't the only game being played, and the same pearl necklace that brought them together soon places them in the hands of a madman. Their hearts aren't the only thing only thing in jeopardy anymore, and the future just became more uncertain than ever.

Ahh! I LOVED this book! Time travel, regency, romance *sigh* it was perfect! I had a grand time following Maggie and Luke on this adventure. They were such fun characters and absolutely adorable together. The banter and cute moments as they started falling for each other *chef's kiss*. The pacing was very smooth and I couldn't put the book down, I needed to know what happened next! And you need to know too! I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed.
And this is only the beginning ;) I can't wait to read the rest of the series as well when it comes out!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I am OBSESSED with this book! It’s basically everything I didn’t know I needed. Time travel and regency? The perfect blend of regency and contemporary romance? Yes please! Luke is absolutely dreamy and Maggie is essentially what I would imagine myself to be if I got magically transported to the 1800s. Maggie and Luke were so good together and I loved their banter and teasing. So fun! There was lots of giggling and swooning (from me hehe) and some danger mixed in there. Just overall a fantastic book!

And now if a dreamy gentleman from the 1800s could just teleport into the present and fall madly in love with me…. That would be great. 😅

I received an advanced ready copy from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Leigh W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This genre is not my normal go to. I discovered this author through her other series and enjoyed her work so I thought I would give this a try. And I loved it. The characters are fun and I found myself laughing several times. As one can guess from the title there is a bit of sci-fi and time travel. So the differences in language was fun and interesting to see how language has evolved over the years. I also enjoyed the fact she poked fun at the genre within the series, that made me chuckle when I got to that part. This story had HEA and had some good cozy, feel good moments. Definitely a new comfort read for my pile and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.

[Michele G · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great concept, boring delivery. This story could have offered so much more that it did. It’s a clean romance, of which I don’t mind, but the main character constantly saying “fudge” when frustrated drove me nuts. Some how I stayed with it long enough to finish.

[Moni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of the author's that I've read and I want to continue reading more from her. It's book in The Time Pearls Series and can be read as a standalone, though it's clear that the rest of the books in the series will follow characters introduced in this one. The book's blurb let you know what to expect, though do be aware the book briefly mentions suicide. This is a great third person dual pov romance about two individuals falling in love and becoming better versions of themselves.

As her mother's only daughter, Maggie has been groomed to takeover the family business but being a CEO isn't something that she wants to do. Having the pressure of being in charge of the company, attending board meetings, & working long nights doesn't appeal to her. She hasn't quite figured what she wants to do but she longs for a calmer pace of life. When she finds herself in the past, naturally, she's worried about what's to become of her. As she tries to keep her secret while she navigates her new life, she's enjoying having the break from her fast paced life and being in Luke's company. What I liked about Maggie was how, even when she made mistakes, she was quick to adapt. And, minus the exception of doing so in the presence of her mother, I liked how she didn't try to hide her thoughts.

As the Duke of Avendesh, Luke is used to being sought after for his title. Though he knows it is a duty that he cannot avoid, he has no desire to marry. His parent's marriage didn't give him hope for a love match so Luke is content with his current bachelorhood. When he unexpectedly meets and saves Maggie in her time of need, he feels protective over - though it's not from a feeling of wanting to form a romantic attachment. However, as they spend more time together, he keeps being drawn to her and her odd way of speaking. Without intending to, he has come to enjoy her company more than he thought possible. I liked seeing Luke open himself up and be lighter in Maggie's company. Even before he accepted his feelings for her, he was attentive and wanted to offer her aid in any way that he could.

Because neither of Maggie's situation and the fact that neither is looking for a relationship, their romance is a clean slow burn. At the start, when they sought each other's company, it was out of curiosity and wanting to get to know each other as friends. I liked seeing Maggie find what she wanted to do with her life and seeing Luke feel comfortable with her because she wasn't after his connections. They shared a couple of moments that will make you chuckle and have plenty of sweet moments. Aside from the romance, I also enjoyed seeing each of them adapt to new customs. There is conflict and, even if one's guesses are right about certain plot points, it will keep you turning the page wondering what will happen. It was a fun and enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from the series.

[•• fateemz •• •• · Rating 4 out of 5]

so good ngl
clean romance actual chemistry and banter between the couple and it was fun and cute af

🩵Good fudge. “Please go to the hallway before my face burns to ashes.”
He chuckled, and she kept her eyes closed as she listened to him
shuffle to his feet. His boots tapped against the wooden floor, the echoes
bouncing off the walls outside the room. Maggie heaved a sigh and, with a
great deal of effort, got to her feet. She backed into the doorframe…and
waited.
This time she heard his approach, and although it was completely
unnecessary, he cleared his throat. “Miss McCarthy.”
Maggie spun around and dipped into a shallow curtsy. “Your Grace.”
She met the duke’s gaze. His lips were pressed firmly together, clearly
holding in amusement.

🩵“I promise to be more cordial during your tour. So long as you remain
upright, I believe I can manage. If you feel the need to fall over, do warn me
though, and I shall do my best to catch you.”

🩵“Miss McCarthy.” Luke offered a slight bow. “You look lovely, this
evening.”
“I changed,” she blurted.
Her face took on a light red hue, and his blasted grin escaped. “Yes,
that is generally what one does before dinner.”
“Right. You changed, too. Not that I pay attention to what you wear.”

🩵Luke stepped forward, scooped up her gloved hand,
and returned it to his elbow. Because he was a gentleman. And there might
be more birds.

🩵“I would like to think the company is not so bad, either.” Luke lifted
his brows and grinned, hoping his teasing would pull a smile from her. He
possessed an inexplicable desire to rid her of that worry and fear if only for
a short time.
With an expression as stoic as stone, she responded, “Mrs. Bielle is
excellent company.”
Luke blew out a stream of air as if extinguishing a candle. “You do me
great injury with your words. My pride shall be cracked the remainder of
my days.”
She smiled then, a twinkle returning to her brown eyes. “I doubt my
opinion could affect a duke so much.”

🩵“Quite the contrary, Miss McCarthy. I find your opinion means a great
deal to me.”

🩵“We have good instincts about everything, Your Grace. Women can be
very formidable opponents.” She tilted her head, her brows raised in
challenge.
Luke leaned closer to her, his lips curling as he prepared to disarm his
new opponent. “Of you, Miss McCarthy, I cannot deny that is true. You are
formidable, indeed.”

🩵The world is brighter with you around. I can see the effect your visit has had on my staff. Mrs. Bielle has certainly been livelier, and I find myself enjoying the company. I do not believe I’ve been this happy in a long time. I am fortunate to have you.”

🩵Luke leaned down to her ear, whispering. “Well, Miss McCarthy, would you trust your partner to lead you in another dance?” “I would trust him to lead me anywhere

🩵Katherine nibbled her lip. Disbelief still riddled her features, but there was something more there. Something that looked like hope. “Physics has come far, then? In the future, I mean?” “Very far. It isn’t exactly a subject I know much about. The only equation I remember is E=mc2. E is, like, energy and the m is mass. C is… something about light. Squared.”Einstein would be so proud of her.

🩵“Pray, tell me what else you find appealing.”
She spun around and began searching aimlessly through the rack of
clothing. “We did not come here to talk about your…qualities. We need to
find you something to wear.”
Luke hummed. “I do not believe dresses suit me so well.”

🩵“Are you embarrassed to be seen with someone who is five hundred
years old?” he asked, keeping his voice low.
“I’m not embarrassed to be seen with you…and you’re not five
hundred years old.”
“Do tell me how old I am, then.”
Her brows furrowed into that endearing expression he enjoyed. “I
don’t know how old you are. That’s something you should keep up with
yourself, Your Grace.”
“Then tell me the year that I might deduce the number out on my
own.”
“Two thousand twenty two.”
Over two hundred years? That was only slightly better than five
hundred. “Two hundred thirty-five. Well, I have certainly aged well, if I
might say so.”

🩵Adventurous. He was adventurous, was he not? After all, he had not
turned down the Coke. And he had traveled through time.

🩵Of course you shall hurt me again, just as I am likely
to hurt you. We are two imperfect people, but that does not mean we should
sacrifice what we have found together. My life is decidedly better with you
in it, and I am willing to work through whatever troubles may come our
way if you are willing to do the same.”

🩵“You do not have to ask. I would wait a hundred years—traverse time
and give up everything I own. I have already done so.”

[Kari Monet · Rating 4 out of 5]

You might have noticed that I tagged this book with "contemporary romance" and "period romance." It's both! This sweet romantic comedy takes place in the present day and in the year 1815, as our heroine inadvertently travels back in time by means of a magical family heirloom.
The pearl necklace Maggie's father warned her never to wear whisks her not only back in time but clear over the ocean to England, which I think we can all appreciate any necklace worth its salt should do if it possibly can. Just moments after her arrival in the past, she's accosted by malefactors who take her necklace and are threatening to do worse, but she is rescued by the handsome Luke Halford, Duke of Avendish.
Bereft of her only means of transport back home in time and place, but certain she'd be sent to an insane asylum if she told the truth of her situation, Maggie feigns memory loss (and a few other things) during her stay with the Duke on her estate. But as they both seem to be developing feelings for each other, she wonders, should she even be trying so hard to recover the pearls? And what would Luke think of her if she told him the truth?
I found this story delightfully original, especially since it appeals to the most universally acknowledged desire of womankind: to be instantly transported into the regency era. Maggie's attempts at passing for a non-time-traveling woman are very funny! And I especially enjoy her voice as one of the two narrators. Witness this scene from early in her acquaintance with the duke:

"He passed the cup, and her fingers brushed over his when she accepted the china, releasing a horde of butterflies in her stomach. Who knew butterflies liked tea so much?"

Comic relief aside, the story is also full of those sweet, intimate moments between the two characters that romance readers are here for, not to mention some great drama around the heirloom necklace. I, for one, will be lining up for the next installment in The Time Pearls series.

[Melody Tregear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story!

I truly hope the rest of the series goes on special soon! I would love to read them! This was such an interesting read. The old / modern storyline was well done. The best of both worlds: historical romance and contemporary. There is romance, drama, intrigue... And a happy ending. The extended epilogue didn't really have much to it and you do have to sign up to receive the author's newsletter. Enjoyed this book very much.

[Dana Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

This book is written very well and most of all it makes sense. The reading is easy and captivating. I highly recommend for the time travel enthusiasts. Although the initial change in time the main character was not totally lost on the change and her fitting in was not totally lost on her she was a bit out of her depth. But recovered nicely. I highly recommend this book, can't wait to start the next ones.

[Kristal Hinck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It is so captivating. Loved the jump from the year 2022 to 1815 and then back to 2022; taking characters with. Such a good wholesome story. I appreciate the “clean” writing. I had to finish the book quickly to find out what happened in the end. Did Maggie get to keep her Duke? Did Luke get to be with his confidant? Such an incredible story with a twist at the end.

[Karen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Good time travel romance. A woman’s father has given her a necklace of pearls that are supposed to be magical. Her mother wants her to take over her very lucrative business but she does not. So, she wears the pearls and wishes herself back in time. She is rescued by a duke who falls for her. The adventure continues on from there.

[Joanne Moynihan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time travel

Maggie never wanted to follow her mother and be a CEO in 2022. Luke, a Duke, has no interest in getting married and secure an heir. Maggie wears pearls from her father that are supposed to be magic. When she wears them to a party her mother is giving, she is transported to the 1800's. Different twist at the end

[Kim Paulus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Time Travel

Maggie and Luke are 200 years apart in time but have so much in common with their positions in society. They were destined to meet. The question is can these two really live in either of their times, 1815 or 2022. I really enjoyed this story. And now to get into the second book in the series.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVE this book! I love time travel stories and this one with a mystery included is really worth reading! The author has made a very great work with the characters, the plot and well, with everything! Cant wait for the 2nd book in this series!

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

The beginning of this series is a fast moving adventure that twists and turns with mystery, adventure, romance and surprises. The main and secondary characters are interesting as they develop and change. A delightful read.

[Lindsay Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book!

I enjoyed reading this time travel romance, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

[JULIE RAPP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Great New author I found! Well written and funny! It keeps you guessing too. I found my new time travel favorite!

[Kylan McClelland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storylll

Most imaginative time travel romance I ever read. Sounds like there are so many stories needing to be told. I wonder where the rest of the pearls are now.

[Sarah Kisko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet, time travel romance. I loved the witty banter. The characters were very likeable and the story moved at a good pace.

[Brittany Rinehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

really good

This was not exactly what I expected . I loved it though! I apparently didn’t realize time travel was involved but it was so good.

[Coring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

Loved the story, can't wait for the next book. I am glad I found this time travel book, and read the rest.

[Kimberly Borup · Rating 5 out of 5]

a time travel romance

Such a fun take on a time-travel romance. It was very entertaining and clean. I could hardly put it down as I fell in love with Maggie and her Duke.

[Annette Summerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time travel romance

This is a delightful read. By the end of the story I was smiling.
Thank you for offering this book for free.

[Diana Lupinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

duke in time jumps fine

A very sweet intriguing story. A twist n time travel which greatly surprised me. Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Thank you

[Kristina Deluise · Rating 4 out of 5]

please watch the deluise book series youtube channel in july for my review of this book

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable time and space hop story. The writer managed to overcome the difficulty of getting to another country quite easily.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fluffy hallmark movie of a novel if there ever was one 🥰🥰