A Duke in Time is a new series about Widows written by Janna MacGregor.

When Katherine's husband dies (after only spending 6 hours with her after the wedding), she is shocked to find her husband was not only married to her but two other women as well! Constance (who is heavily pregnant) and Beth. Enter Christian, Duke of Randford and Katherine's husband Meri's older half brother. A newly returned war hero, Christian is left to clean up his brother's mess once again. The three women form an unlikely friendship, and as Christian gets to know Katherine he soon finds himself drawn to his brother's widow. But Katherine holds even more secrets, secrets that could ruin both her and Christian, but will love be able to overcome them?

This book was good and I found myself wanting Katherine and Christian to get together. I'm assuming the next two books in this series will revolve around Constance and Beth and I'm looking forward to seeing how their stories turn out.

*I was provided an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher for my honest review

I dare you not to swoon over the sweet, supportive romance that blooms between Kat and Christian.

Kat is a self-made woman. She has concealed her ignominious past from the ton, and launched a successful business with her savvy and insight. Her husband's death doesn't bring the closure she had hoped for. Instead it brings new obstacles and challenges she never could have foreseen. She digs in her heels and takes off her gloves to force his dukish half-brother into helping her clean up the mess.

Christian has never met a woman like Kat. He expunged his brother and his wild antics from his life when he joined the army. And now his delectable, infuriating widow has gotten under his skin and his skill as a tactician on the battlefield was no preparation for her siege.

They begin a reluctant partnership that unfolds into a shared presence of mind and determination to make the world a better place. Christian wants her in his bed, and is lost at the first fleeting touch of her lips. But he cannot offer her more. And Kat finds him fiercely irresistible- but cannot allow her secrets to cloud his future.

The journey to incandescent joy is a sweet, saucy surrender.

The villain in this story is a polygamist. He is truly the bad guy in this scenario.
Katherine is in for the shocking realization that her husband, Meri, has two other wives. It could be the ruination of her hopes and dreams.
Christian is the Duke of Randford and Meri's upstanding brother. What could he do when he finds himself falling in love with Katherine?
This is a good storyline and a remarkable tale.
Jana MacGregor is an imaginative author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Imagine, if you will, being a recent window, whose marriage was not consummated, and finding out at the reading of the will that you are one of three wife's of the deceased. This knowledge is very hard to take in as one of the other two is very much pregnant. The deceased's older brother (a recently minted Duke) wishes to wash his hands of the whole matter as he considered his younger brother to be a scoundrel and a rake. Our heroine takes in the other two wifes and tries to avoid a scandal. Gradually the Duke begins to see the proverbial light and beauty of our heroine and nature starts to take it's natural course.

An enjoyable read which I would rate 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

This was a wonderful first book in a series. I found the idea of a bigamist as the "scoundrel" in absentia throughout the story to be quite different. I believe the characters to be well-formed and believable for the time period. The main character in this story, Katherine "Kat" Vareck; Lady Meriwether, is a strong, determined woman. Imagine her amazement and surprise when she finds out her husband has 2 other wives.... Into the melee steps the current Duke of Ranford, Christian Vareck, just back from the war and at loose ends as to what to do with himself. Katherine has the gumption to ask for the Duke's assistance in straightening out the mess of 3 wives and won't take no for an answer.

Christian finds the forthrightness and audacity of Kat to be quite unsettling; but why? The woman intrigues him and he finds himself drawn to her when he knows he shouldn't be.

This story flows so well that you could, more than likely, read it in one sitting (if you had the time of course) as it keeps you wanting to see what's going to happen next... I enjoy Ms MacGregor's writing style and her stories are so entertaining that she keeps me coming back for more.

Katherine's and Christian's circumstances at meeting intrigued me. Obviously both were strong characters to handle those circumstances. The storyline is unique, a fresh breeze in historical romance stories. I enjoyed this first book and am looking forward to the next book in Ms. MacGregor's series.

I received an advance reader copy through NetGalley. These opinions are my own voluntarily given.

A Duke in Time is the first book in Janna MacGregor's The Widow Rules series, and it is delightful. Katherine's husband abandoned her immediately following their wedding breakfast, and now he's dead. Upon the reading of his will, Katherine finds out he not only married her, but two other women as well, and spent all of their dowries. Christian, her husband's brother and the Duke of Randford, is determined not to fix any more of his ne'er-do-well brother's messes, but there's something about Katherine he just can't resist.

This book was wonderful, I really loved Katherine's character. She runs a successful textile business and is willing to do what it takes to make it a success. Christian is a former soldier and is trying to find a way to help other soldiers who have come home to nothing. Both of the protagonists are trying to do so much to help other people, and it's so nice that they can get their own HEA.

I will definitely be reading the next book in this series when it's available! Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy!

Perfectly charming and heartwarming characters. Just enough heat! Interesting plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Enjoyed every minute of it!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

I usually adore Ms. MacGregor's books, but this one was not one of my favorites. Not sure if having the dead husband married to multiple woman is a new trope, but this is the same story line as Jess Michael's latest series. Multiple wives, one is a virgin even after marriage and throw in a duke into the mix as a new suitor is almost identical to the other series. Also, "A Duke in Time" seemed a bit modern to me and I would have preferred more of a Regency style to the story line.

Good things about the book is Katherine. She is a strong, hard-working woman who has built a successful business and hires only women especially women with few other options. Also Katherine's caring for the other wives speaks well to her character. Christian is the perfect hero--a celebrated war hero who wants to help returning soldiers find worthwhile work. While one of Katherine's problems was resolved, the main mystery of where all the dowry money from all 3 women went was not really resolved. Was all the outrageous possessions of the dead husband meant to resolve this issue? Not sure it does.

While I always look forward to new releases from this author, I have no interest in continuing this series.

Katherine's husband passes away, instead of mourning him, she has to deal with his other two wives, ladies he married after her, add to this her late husband step brother and everything is wonderful, not..
I did enjoy this storyline, characters were liked .

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 dowrey 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.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Katherine & Christian. It was a sweet historical romance that swept me up in the story. I thought Katherine was a fantastic female lead being the strong, independent woman that she was. It was very cool that she was a female running a female workforce & only allowed women in her shop. Definitely not your typical historical heroine. Christian was a forward thinking gentleman for that time & supported Katherine in this, which was also nice to see. He was a great counterpart to Katherine in that he had a big heart & wasn't uptight like a lot of characters from the ton. I enjoyed the other "wives" as well & look forward to their stories. Highly recommend reading this book & starting this series.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review

Thank you to the publisher and to netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book in advance in exchange for an honest review!

Y’all, when I heard there was a new Janna MacGregor book coming out I about shed a tear! I loved her Cavensham Heiresses series and couldn’t wait to dive into this new series by her and it did not disappoint! This book was really endearing, I found the honesty between the two main characters very endearing and I thought the plot was unique in historical romance in a lot of ways. I’m excited to see where this series goes and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

This is the type of review I hate writing. This was a book I was looking forward to reading, by an author I had read and enjoyed previously, but it fell completely flat for me. Despite the cute premise I was largely bored right from the first. Our two main characters are very nice people. Katherine is kind and a talented business woman, Christian looks after those around him and can calm a distressed horse with a few soothing words. All of their redeeming characteristics do not make them especially interesting to read about. Even the mystery of Katherines past seemed thrown on to add some spice. I mildly curious about the other wives who married Christian's scoundrel of a brother but am not sure I am curious enough to pick up their books.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't like it that there were three wives. That part of the plot annoyed me. At first I didn't like any of the characters, but kept reading and started to like kat. She is such a strong character. I thought the romance was nice. But oh so cheesy. This book was an okay read for me.

This premise definitely grabbed my attention and the story jumps right into it. The story opens at a solicitor’s office where Katherine, who just became a widow after 1 year of marriage, learns that her husband was married to 2 other women and there are complications in getting her dowry back. While Katherine isn’t too broken up over the loss of her husband, after just a few weeks of courtship they wed and then he dipped out a few hours into their marriage, she is mourning the loss of what could have been and needs to figure out what happened to her dowry quickly. Katherine sets out to help the 2 other women as well, so when her late husband’s brother, Christian, Duke of Randford, shows up she knows he’ll fix all their problems.

Christian has just returned from war and always had a complicated (i.e. not so great) relationship with his family when he learns about the mess his half-brother created. While taken aback at first, Christian soon jumps into trying to help the 3 women out and is immediately taken with wife #1, Katherine. I loved Christian and how he wanted to do more with his life than being a Duke and producing an heir, he wanted to help men from his regiment back from war find work and have a meaningful life. He ends up pairing up with Kat to glean some business knowledge from her and she actually helps him set up a furniture business for all the men he’s been assisting. Kat owns her own business, making linens and bedding and is very successful. I really enjoyed how the 3 wives became fast friends, instead of cattiness they bonded over their shared duping and banded together to ensure they each were looked after and their friendship was really nice to see.

Things I had issues with: I did find the relationship very insta-lovey. The story all kind of came together really easily/a bit predictable. There was some last minute drama/blackmail I could have done without.

Other moments I enjoyed: the hero has a love of botany (from his own mother’s love for plants & flowers), he grows flowers in his conservatory & brings all the women bouquets of roses (swoon). Loved how business/idea savvy Kat is. Both Christian & Kat such caring hearts and really try to do better for everyone they come in contact with, Christian with the war vets and Kat with single mothers and women & men down on their luck.

Thank you to the publisher (St. Martin’s Press) for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts & review. A Duke in Time will be published June 29, 2021.

It is funny, but when I read an historical novel, that is what I was hoping to find. This book had too modern an overall feeling for me to love it.

I am a fan of Ms MacGregor’s writing. Loved her entire last series. But, in this book, the feeling of the present day seemed to intrude on history.

There is little to no sense of polite responses between people. The conversations are more like what one would hear today rather than in the Regency Period. I believe it would have been difficult for any woman to be able to do something as simple as rent property on her own.

Katherine (Kat) is a widow. She finds that her late husband married two other women in the year that she did not see him. Because she is a generous woman, she takes the two women and an aunt into her home.

Kat comes from a background of deprivation and she has worked very hard to succeed by creating a successful business. Because of her past, she is open to helping people in need and being understanding of difficult circumstances.

When she meets her late husband’s brother, Christian, there is an immediate attraction between the two. He is a duke and a war hero. His goal in life is to find a way to provide income for the men who have returned from the war. Many of them have come back to nothing. He is not certain how he will do it, but he wants to provide a viable future for these heroic survivors.

Before very long, the attraction between Kat and Christian has progressed to intimacy. Which is surprising since Kat never had any sexual relationship with her husband or anyone else. That does not seem to interfere with her desire.

I wanted Kat to be strong and she was. In fact all the women in the story are powerful women. Kat has surrounded herself with people who are hard working and willing to step up to any challenge. Between her hard work, skill and choice of workers, her business is the most successful of its kind.

Christian is a kind man whose only blind spot is his dislike for his late brother. But, in fact, that is shown to be not dislike at all. He is determined to help the soldiers who served under him. He also is determined to help the wives of his late brother.

Both Kat and Christian are likable people. I wanted both of them to find happiness. I think Kat’s list of deep dark secrets became a little too much for me. Rather like overkill.

I look forward to the next book in the series. I know that Ms MacGregor is a talented author.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

*Thanks go to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review*

Janna MacGregor is an automatic add to my TBR shelf because her books are well researched, original and engrossing.

Katherine (Kat) is shocked to discover she is one of three widows when her husband, Lord Meriweather (who goes by Meri) she knew for all of six hours up and dies in a sudden accident. Kat really doesn't need this bother right now as she has a small but thriving linen businesses employing many women who rely on her. She is just about to score a big account that would be a huge boost to her business and her employers. The scandal of her dead husband's multiple marriages would surly ruin her chances.

Christian, Duke of Ranford, recently returned from war, wrote off his half brother, Meri, years ago. While they were close as children, Meri kept dragging Christian down into his drama and troubles and expected him to clean it up. It seems that even after Meri's death, Christian can't seem to escape Meri's messes (multiple widows, a tiger, a moody horse, obscene statuary...). When he returns from battle, all he wants to do is repair his estate and help his fellow war veterans.

When Christian discovers Meri's multiple widows he vows that they're on their own. But he can't forget the determined Kat. Christian realizes he can't leave the women hanging. Kat and Christian's romance feels honest and real. Christian and Kat strike a deal to help each other's businesses out all while they become closer and get to know each other better.

I loved the detail of Katherine's business and the involvement of the crown's patronage. I had to stop and google details about 19th century linens and how royalty purchased household items. Beautifully written love scenes and sparkling, humorous dialogue makes this a great start to a new series. Can't wait for the next widow's story!

2.5 Stars

If the blurb for A Duke in Time caught your attention, please do not let my rating sway you from reading. It’s taken me a bit to figure out what exactly it was about this story that didn’t do it for me. Janna MacGregor writes awesome historical romances, and I’ve always loved her stories before this one. And that’s when it hit me…this did not read like a historical romance, at least not for me. There were places in the story had titles not been peppered around, I’d have thought I was reading a contemporary romance. I was also guilty of not reading the blurb and just snagged because of the author and title—I thought it was going to be a time travel romance, but that’s totally on me for not paying attention.

Again, Janna MacGregor writes some of my fav stories, but this one just didn’t make the cut. However, A Duke in Time could be your next fav romance!


**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

This is a fun setup for a romance series - one man married three women, leaving them all in differently difficult circumstances. The heroine of this novel, Katherine, is a businesswoman with a heart of gold who has risen from poverty and obscurity to be one of London's preeminent... purveyors of bedlinens. (No but seriously, she designs and sells linens for interior design and she's really good at it.) The heroine, Christian, is a duke who is also a war hero, and who is devoted to veterans who have returned to England without pensions. They're a perfect match for each other since they are both specifically interested in assisting those who are less fortunate than they are.

While the premise was fun, the book was less interesting. It didn't hold our interest and it was tough to get through. The 3rd act conflict was heavily telegraphed and still managed to rely heavily on purposely vague communication. (We still don't know why romance novel couples who have spilled their deepest secrets prior to getting engaged feel like they can't tell each other one last little thing before hightailing it out of town.)

But was it steamy? Yeah, and MacGregor takes advantage of Katherine's profession to make sure we know what kind of linen is covering each trysting spot (a nice touch).