My lord, this was good. I enjoy a historical romance most of the time, but this thoroughly surprised me in how nuanced and well-researched it was. The details were seamlessly added to this romance, and just provided a lovely background for this couple.
I loved how it was not all about "who to marry", but it really incorporated each character having their own journey and things to overcome to be ready for a new happy end. Of course the love story was sweeping and I cannot wait to read more from this author.

My first read by Janna Macgregor and it was an interesting one. A woman finds out, after her husbands death, that he had not one but two other wives! (Where would he find the time!) 3 wives, 1 with child and no dowries to be found. That’s the start of twists and secrets and an interesting historical read that’s quite different. I look forward to more

Katherine and Christian, the Duke of Ranford, meet in a solicitor's office for the reading of a will. Her husband and Christian's half brother, Meri, has passed away. He leaves behind 3 wives, Katherine, Beth and a very pregnant Constance.
Christian is not surprised at the mess his brother has left behind. Meri lived his life without a care for anyone but himself. But 3 wives!!! Katherine is the spokesperson for the 3 of them. He is very attracted to her, her strength and her beauty. She likes the same thing about him.
They fight their attraction and try to work together to straighten out this mess. They both have a past full of secrets and emotional upheavals.
The best part of this book was the friendship that develops between the 3 women. I can't wait for their stories.
This book was good. I enjoyed it . But it didnt really draw me in. I dont think there was really enough action going on. It just seemed a little boring.
4 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to review this book.

A feisty heroine and a dashing hero!

At the reading of her late husband's will, Katherine discovers she isn't the only wife of the late, Lord Meriwether Vareck – two other wives are using the same title too! As the presumed first wife, she takes the other women under her wing, to protect them and avoid the scandal becoming common knowledge. Only her motive is personal because if her true identity is revealed, she stands to lose everything she's worked for.

Christian, Duke of Randford is a war hero and the half brother of Meri. When he learns of the mess his wastrel brother left behind, he's determined to help these women, as Mr Hanes, the family solicitor begins researching the whereabouts of the women's missing dowries. Within a short space of time, Christian realises he's developing feelings for Katherine as shared interests and common goals are realised, however, is it wrong to pursue is late brother's wife?

This entertaining narrative held my attention right from the start. Set during the Regency period, the unique plot is a lot of fun, as the protagonists try to make sense of the situation they find themselves in. Their relationship gathered steam quite quickly but didn't feel rushed.

As a pair, Katherine and Christian are a good match. She is a strong, independent woman, who has worked hard all her life to achieve the success she has. As for Christian, he fights for what he believes and doesn't bow to public opinion. He's a loyal and trusted friend and companion to those he knows and in Katherine, he's met someone as passionate as he is about causes he cares for.

The unexpected twist towards the end helps to set the scene for the following books. As for Katherine and Christian, they found their happy ending.

This is my first Janna MacGregor novel and I'm eagerly waiting to read more books in The Widow Rules series.

4.5 stars

***arc copy generously received courtesy of St. Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***

A fairytale romance.
Yet another story where a lofty duke falls for a young woman with no pretensions to blue blood, working in trade and with a scandalous past. However if you can suspend disbelief this is an interesting read. I enjoyed the characters and the friendship between the three women and the Duke’s need to do something for the returning soldiers which leads to the forming of a charity.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Full disclosure, I received an ARC of “A Duke In Time” from NetGalley to read and provide my unbiased feedback and thoughts on.

First and foremost, MacGregor has written a truly unique and quirky historical romance with “A Duke In Time”. I honestly think that if you are a reader who once loved historicals, but then moved away from the sub-genre due to fatigue, this is the book that could bring you back into the fold, because it is so unlike anything that has been done before.

The story of the sisterhood of the three widows of Lord Meriwether Vareck can easily be classified as a bananas story. Especially, as the ‘deceased’ Lord Meri continues to be revealed as more absurd hot mess with every chapter unveiling a new crazy antic he had been up to. I honestly can’t wait to find out what other hair brained things he had been up to in the next two books. I can honestly say I have never encountered a more entertaining dead man in a romance, truthfully it is rare to get a living character that is this hilarious.

Lovers of grumpy cinnamon bun heroes with family issues, independent heroines, unlikely sisterhood friendships, bananas comic relief at slightly inappropriate times, and bedroom linens rejoice! You have found your newest favorite book.

The only real weakness I found in the story was the extreme melodrama tied to an apple. I won’t lie, it was overdone, drawn out too long, and got tedious. It was honestly too small and trivial to be built up to become the critical conflict point of the story.

All in all, “A Duke In Time” walks away with a solid 4 stars for being truly memorable.

Absolutely in love with this book! From the beginning, the story line is great and just keeps getting better. The romance is so sweet, I really loved Katherine's spirit and Christian's good heart. I loved everything about this book, Strong writing from a great author - you cannot go wrong with this one. I am so excited for the rest of the series! Usually I try to find something to critique but honestly, I really cant. It all wraps up neatly by the end and leaves you wanting more.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for a review (but I will for sure be purchasing this one for my collection!)

A Duke in Time by Janna Macgregor is a delight! I was sucked in from the first scandalous moment. It starts with a lot of excitement that will stay throughout the entire book.

I highly recommend reading the prequel novella that begins this series.

Katherine has many secrets that she is hiding from the world to keep up her very successful linen business. Including the extremely short marriage to a titled, charming rogue. When she meets with the solicitor to hopefully regain her dowry, she is met with two surprises. Katherine is an extremely likable character. She has worked very hard to get where she is and has made her own family of sorts. Her companion is a hoot!

Christian, the Duke of Randford has returned home a war hero. HIs father and brother have both passed. Christian also had a difficult life with his family and cleaning up his brother’s (Half-Brother!) mistakes. Christian is very prince like in his countenance and compassion for other’s troubles.

This has everything I love in a historical. A self-made heroine, a kind hearted hero and something they need to accomplish together. Spicy in the romance department!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#ADukeinTime #JannaMacGregor #NetGalley

DNF- I hate to do this, but I could not finish this book. The premise was actually really good, but the writing was not for me. I found the dialogue and thoughts to be illogical and unbelievable, as well as cheesy. This book was just not to my taste, but it could be to your taste, so give it a try.

A Duke In Time
The Widow Rules Series - Book 1
By Janna MacGregor

St Martin's - July 2021

Historical Romance


Katherine Vareck's life did not change much after her wedding vows. She became Lady Meriwether Vareck, but as her husband left mere hours after their vows, she continued her life without him. His untimely death should have been the same, except she learned that she was not the only Lady Vareck. Or rather she was, but there were two unfortunate ladies who her husband had tricked into believing they had each married him. One was pregnant, both were facing ruin, and Katherine knew that she would help them.

As would Meriwether's brother, Christian Vareck, Duke of Randford.

Christian couldn't believe the mess his brother had left. His half-brother had made many bad decisions, but taking dowries and tricking women into sham weddings were beyond anything Christian could have anticipated. He didn't know how he could help these ladies, he was busy trying to help men returning home after fighting a war for their country but had no jobs or opportunities. He needed to focus on them, yet Katherine appeared to have made herself champion of the other two ladies and was determined another problem created by Meri was now his to solve.

A Duke in Time is an exciting introduction to a fascinating new series. A heroine who had married a man who had married at least two other women, that they know about. As the story of Meri's continued antics unravel, one might question Katherine's judgement in marrying him. However, her background, strength, ingenuity and care for others shines bright. Then there is Christian who is so caring and determined to help the men that others ignore. Together they are a force to be reckoned with, as is their romance. I look forward to the next two stories, which I assume are Meri's other two wives.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

A Duke in Time is Book #1 in The Widow Rules series, a new one by Janna MacGregor.
Katherine Vareck goes to the reading of her late husband's will, only to know that she was not Lord Meriwether's "only wife" - he had also married two other ladies, Constance and Helen. As it seems that Christian, the Duke of Randford and Meriwether's eldest brother, isn't going to do anything to help the three ladies, Katherine decides to take care of the other two.
Christian, a war veteran, regrets not helping the three ladies his half-brother had damaged. Thus, he goes to Katherine's house and offers his help as well as he asks Katherine, who owns a successful business, to help him start a new venture to employ war veterans. There are sparks between the two of them and things progress well until Katherine's old secrets may jeopardize their relationship.
I enjoyed reading this book, but I confess I disliked that there are too many anachronisms in the story. I don't care about a couple of modern ideas, but when I get confused whether the plot is in the 19th or in the 21st century, I tend to lose interest in the plot. That's why this book is 4 stars for me.
Anyway, I can't wait to read the next instalment in the series, Rules of Engagement, Constance (Wife/Widow #2) and Jonathan's story.

This was my 1st book by this author , the writing was very formulaic. I really wanted to love Katherine but she didn't develop the depth as a character. Even her attempt to fix her own issues which I love especially in a historical seemed a little too easy , why did she do that years ago if it was that simple .
Christian also had the potential of being a great character but again didn't have much depth

Recently widowed Katherine arrives at her husband’s solicitor’s office for the reading of the will. Unfortunately she then finds her dead husband’s other two wives in attendance as well. One is very pregnant! She wants to talk to the Duke of Randford, her husband’s older brother, but he wants nothing to do with the women or his brother’s business.

Katherine takes matters into her own hands and invites the women, Constance and Blythe, to her home. She realizes that there is no money to be had from her dead husband and these women’s reputations are on the line. When the public finds out that they were all married to the same man, all hell will break loose.

While Christian, the Duke of Randford, truly wants nothing to do with the women his brother married, he finally realizes that he can’t just leave them all to their own devices. He’s surprised when he finds out that Katherine has taken them home and goes there to see if he can be of assistance. Though he wishes that things were easier, he soon realizes that there is a tangled web. This on top of the fact that he finds Katherine incredibly attractive and soon wants her for himself.

This was a cute story. Not only did it deal with the three women as well and the romance between Katherine and Christian, but also with Katherine’s business. I loved that the author made Katherine more or less a self-made woman who truly didn’t care what the public though about her. She wanted the royal commission for her linen business, however, and that forced her to play the ton’s game.

Christian, while acting the jerk at first, soon showed his true colors as a really nice guy. He wanted to help the women and did all he could to make sure that their reputations wouldn’t be hurt. I did like Katherine and Christian together, but I found Katherine completely out of character when it came to the sex scenes. Maybe I’m turning prude in my old age, but it just didn’t fit with her character. IDK.

Gregor wrote a sweet story with a little twist at the end. While I liked the book it didn’t love parts of it, including when Katherine was blackmailed for something from her past. It was ok, but wasn’t too exciting. Overall a decent read.

Rating: 3.25 out of 5

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

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

A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor (The Widow Rules #1) 5 stars

Katherine Vareck is a new widow when she finds out her husband, Lord Meriwether Vareck drowned after being thrown from his horse. When visiting the solicitors office for the reading of his will she is shocked to find two other women claiming to be the wife of Lord Meri. Apparently, Lord Meri was trigamist. The resulting scandal could ruin her chances to become a royal linen supplier. Lord Meri's older brother, Christian, Duke of Randford is confronted with yet another of his younger brother's misdeeds and is trying to clean up the mess. How to avoid scandal and solve the problem of multiple wives will tax his inguenity and fortitude. It doesn't help that he is attracted to Katherine; her sprit, intellegence and compassion rings all the bells for him. Is there a HEA in store for them? Of course, but the course of true love is never smooth.

I loved this book and it is a great beginning to a (trilogy??) featuring the multiple wives of Lord Meri. Christian is a hero to swoon over, noble and handsome, what's not to like. I especially loved the roses. Katherine has secrets, but is a compassionate woman due to her background and the family she had. I can't wait for the next book in this series. Bravo Ms. MacGregor.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC.

It’s funny how books go in cycles. I just finished reading Jess Michaels’ The Three Mrs. series which has the same basic premise as this new series from Janna. I was looking forward to this series after having read the prequel which set it up nicely. I found this story to be quite sweet. Christian wants to take care of his stepbrother’s widows and goes about making that happen. Katherine is worry about her past but feels this attraction to Christian. What I really loved was Katherine’s business acumen. She was a go-getter and was rewarded for it. There is a set up for the other two stories which I am anxious to read. The story was a little slow in parts but overall it is a great start to a new series.

I loved, love, loved reading A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor, book one in her Widow Rules series. How does one handle the news that your husband not only suffered an accidental death but that he had married two other women? Katherine Vareck handles it by taking the other two wives under her wing, providing a temporary home and establishing a bond and friendship with them. To make sure she doesn’t lose her business and all she has been working for, especially if word of the three wives leaks out, she seeks out her husband’s brother Christian, Duke of Randford, for assistance. Christian is not happy to be pulled into these problems, especially after years of avoiding his hedonistic family, but knows he has to do something to help these women. Working together and forming a friendship, Katherine and Christian soon recognize the magnetic pull and sizzling chemistry they share. When an opportunity to partner in a business venture brings them even closer, Katherine and Christian will have to face their pasts and secrets before they are able to share a love as strong as them.

I was quite impressed with the strength, warmth, and intelligence Katherine, Kat, possessed. She was a natural leader, taking charge of the other two wives, keeping them together, and finding ways to help. This was an extension of the work Kat was doing with her linen business, hiring women in need of a job, especially those supporting their families. It was these strengths that attracted Christian to Kat and Kat to Christian. He too was a leader and overly compassionate, wanting to find positions for the men who served with him against Napoleon, once they returned home. The world needs more people like these two.

Ms. MacGregor, a talented author, wrote an amusing, entertaining, and emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with humorous escapades, amusing banter, strong women, sizzling chemistry and endearing characters giving Katherine and Christian a chance at love, happiness, and a future together. I highly recommend A Duke in Time to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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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This was an entertaining, well-written book. It had an unusual plot and featured strong, independent women. The progression of Katherine's and Christian's relationship held my interested and I didn't want to put the book down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

A Duke in Time is a story of letting go of the past and grabbing hold of your future. Christian has been running from his scandalous family’s legacy since he was a child and with the death of his younger brother, Meri, he finds himself in a mess with not one, but three widowed sisters-in-law. For a man who wants nothing to do with his half-brother, this is extremely upsetting. But what really knocks him off his feet is his attraction to Katherine, Meri’s first wife. Christian is a duke who is also a war hero. He’s determined to do his best by veterans and is honorable to the core. He’s reserved at first but he’s a case of still waters running deep. He carries old wounds from his family that he needs to face in order to move forward with his future and I liked watching him come into his own.

I really liked Katherine as a heroine. She’s a successful businesswoman with a keen mind and a generous spirit. She also has secrets that would ruin her business if they got out because of the fine line a woman who is on the edges of society has to walk in order to be successful. Her world is turned upside down when she learns that her now-deceased husband left behind not just her, but two other wives. Meri wasn’t exactly a good husband, having left her mere hours after their wedding, but this goes beyond the pale. Nevertheless, Katherine immediately befriends the other two wives and opens her home to them when they have nowhere to go. The three become fast friends which is one of my favorite parts of the book. Like Christian, Katherine has to learn to face the past and move on, which isn’t easy in her position and the time she lives in. I was rooting for her every step of the way, however.

Christian and Katherine are instantly attracted to one another and their romance is fairly low drama. Christian needs help setting up a charity for veterans and Katherine is just the woman to help him. The two of them complement one another extremely well and they fall in love seamlessly, if rather quickly. I liked them as individuals with their own unique interests and I liked them as a couple. A Duke in Time moved at a quick clip and I found it to be an enjoyable romance overall. By the end of it I was really looking forward to seeing what Janna MacGregor has in store for Meri’s other wives so I will definitely be reading the rest of the Widow Rules trilogy.