This book was such a joyous ride. I love a man who pines and this man has been PINING for FOUR YEARS. He’s so in love with her and her dog Mouse. One thing I don’t love love is an engagement to the wrong girl but I’ll forgive it because I do enjoy a second chance at a romance that never was. All the characters from the island make their appearances and that is one of my favorite parts of a Christina Britton story!

Christina Britton is the queen of emotional and internal conflict and this book continues to prove that! A little slow for me but I think historical readers will find something to enjoy.

I’ve really adored all of Christina Britton’s historical romances, but this one was a bit off for me from the very beginning, largely due to personal taste. I’m not a huge fan of the self sacrifice trope, and that’s largely the main barrier for the romance here. That being said, if anyone was going to make me finish a romance with this trope, it’s Christina Britton!

The Isle of Synne and its related spinoff have become one of my favorite historical romance series in recent memory, and Britton's latest book is no exception. The seaside locale + the angsty second-chance romance between Katrina and Sebastian was HITTING from the jump, and while it seemed more like they were getting in their own way about giving into their feelings as opposed to navigating external threats, the journey to them realizing they needed to be together was a delight. I picked this one up after being stuck in a terribad reading slump, and it did the trick instantly.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this edition from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the eARC of What's A Duke Got To Do With it! All opinions in this review are my own.

I have only heard good things about Christina Britton's Synneful Sisters series and this one did not disappoint! I loved the moment Katrina and Sebastian reunite after all this time! This historical romance is both funny and sweet, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the review copy in exchange for a review!


I loved this book - I really liked Bronwyn's book and I was super excited to read more from this author. A few of my favorite things about this book one the dog Mouse who is a huge I think it said he was a greyhound or Wolfhound I'm blanking honestly when I'm writing this review and I just adored seeing all the characters from the last book show up in this book. I loved watching these two fall in love throughout the book - it was super sweet and just the right amount of spice!

Genre: Historical Romance
Spice: 2/5
TW's: None I can think of off the top of my head

I never read the author before, but I really got into this book quick. I wasn't sure how I felt about the hero and heroine knowing each other already, but it didn't end up ruining their chemistry. I liked that they had these strong feelings for one another about circumstances were keeping them from their HEA. Some of the drama was heavy, so I appreciated the lighter moments, especially with the dog Mouse. I was really rooting for the couple and was happy how the author tied everything up in the end. Will read more from her.

Not a fan of second chance romance, but this book didn't give off the normal you wronged me vibe second chance romances give. Lightly steamy, great group of side characters with the return of ones from prior books, my only complaint is that sometimes the book seemed to move really slow. Do we need a whole chapter dedicated to how Katrina is stuck on Sebastian's mind? Eh, not really. I got the feel for his feelings already at this point.

Y'all..i'm torn all the way up… do you hear me. What's a Duke Got to Do With It by Christina Britton is everything I imagined it would be. Heart wrenching, angsty…romantic…a pure gem. Soooo. Many…FEELS. It's just as engaging and emotional as it's predecessor. Maybe more so. It's beautifully written. The characters themselves sparkle with such luminosity…

Poor Katrina!!! Y’all…if she didn’t have bad luck…poor girl would have no luck at all. Her life is a mess. She’s RUINED!!! Broke….A SPINSTER (gasp)..all because some nodcock couldn’t get it in his head that she didn’t want him. And then…THEN to find some measure of peace, she high tails it put to the middle of nowhere and the scrupulous cad shows up again. I mean REALLY….what in the world was he thinking trying to climb into her window not once but twice?!? Watching Katrina fall in love with the right man was emotional and beautiful.

I told you guys in my last book review for her that her new book was gonna be awesome…she did not let me down. What's A Duke Got to Do With It is freaking fantastic! If it's not on your TBR list…shame on you.

Cute and sweet and just the right amount of raunchy ;) Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free advance copy.

Her reputation tainted by scandal, Miss Katrina Denby reunites with her first love, Sebastian Thorne, Duke of Ramsleigh, who’s on the verge of getting engaged In What’s a Duke Got to Do With It (Synneful Spinsters #2) by Christina Britton.

Brittain’s vivid and detailed descriptions draw me into her compelling and poignant historical romance. She deftly develops relatable, complex, and likable characters through funny, emotional, and chemistry-filled interactions that help reveal and evolve her characters. Katrina and Sebastian’s deep attraction, profound connection, and pining and longing for each other shine in all their scenes.

Miss Katrina Denby lost everything because of a scandal four years ago. She builds a new life with amazing friends and a position as Lady Tesh’s companion. Then, inexplicably, the man responsible for ruining her reputation and life resurfaces, only to die in a fall from her bedroom window. She’s blamed for his death, vilified, and ostracized yet again. When her reputation causes her friends to suffer by association, Katrina will do whatever’s necessary to protect them by gaining respectability—even marry whoever will have her despite her lack of fortune and stained name. So, of course, the only man Katrina’s ever loved arrives, nearly engaged and seemingly determined to ruin her chances for marriage.

Sebastian Thorne, Duke of Ramsleigh, fell for Katrina as a carefree rogue. Unfortunately, because of his father’s selfish and horrible conduct, he gave up on his dreams of a future with Katrina. Years of working to save the dukedom left him with one option—to marry well—to protect the people counting on him. Sebastian’s so close to securing marriage and fortune. Unexpectedly, he encounters Katrina while on an errand for his future father-in-law. He discovers his feelings for her have not faded, and her hold on his heart is even deeper. Will their connection and shared passion lead to Sebastian and Katrina’s ruin or happiness?

Katrina has experienced much loss and pain but remains sweet, kind, loyal, and protective of the people she loves. Strong and resilient, she stays primarily positive. Katrina’s interactions with her prospective suitors are frustrating and upsetting to read because they treat her disdainfully and cruelly. It’s quite sad how many people who consider themselves respectable treat her abominably for things that were not her fault and ultimately resulted from a man’s behavior and desires.

Burdened by his father’s sins and overwhelmed by the devastation left behind, Sebastian’s trapped and desperate. Generous, honorable, reliable, and kind-hearted, he’s willing to sacrifice his dreams and life to protect his family and those under his protection. Because he cares for Katrina and wants her to be safe and have a good life, even if it’s not with him, he can’t help protecting her. Unfortunately, his attempts to protect and look out for her inadvertently interfere with Katrina’s attempts to marry and restore her reputation.

Katrina and Sebastian’s interactions show they are still profoundly attracted and connected. Their pining and longing for each other is intense. But Sebastian and Katrina are stuck in a terrible situation, desperate to restore their family’s reputation, and that’s more important than anything, including their personal happiness.

Britain explores how difficult it is to be a woman in society when your only value or the only thing that keeps you safe is a pure or positive reputation and family—males—to protect you like Katrina’s brother.

Angsty, funny, emotional, and romantic, What’s a Duke Got to Do with It? is a second-chance romance that explores themes of acceptance and healing, friendship, overcoming difficult circumstances beyond one’s control, self-discovery, family, duty, responsibility, sacrifice, hypocrisy, and the judgmental nature of society.

Advanced review copy provided by Forever via Netgalley for review.

Despite not typically being a fan of second chance romances or self-sacrifice tropes, I found myself really enjoying this sweet love story. What truly elevated it for me were the delightful side characters, particularly Lady Tesh, who quickly became a new favorite. I'm really hoping to see more of her. And for dog lovers, the inclusion of a lovable pooch 🐶 added an extra layer of charm to keep us entertained throughout

Katrina Denby is surprised to meet her first love Sebastian, Duke of Ramsleigh on the Isle of Synne. But in the four years since their last meeting, Katrina's reputation has been shattered through no fault of her own and she must make a living as a lady's companion. Sebastian needs to marry an heiress to save his estates and his sisters after his father's lies cost them everything.

Katrina and Sebastian fought their feelings trying to do the "right" thing for everybody else and within the expectations of regency society. I liked Katrina's friend group who supported her throughout all her difficulties. However I did think the repeated nastiness towards Katrina by the townspeople dragged on as well as all the pining of the two main characters which took most of the book. But overall this was an enjoyable second chance romance with a found family. I'm looking forward to book three!

Thank you to the publisher for my e-copy of this book.

I love Christina Britton’s Synneful Spinsters series of historical romances. They are full of brave women with strong friendships, always looking out for each other in a world ruled by the patriarchy. In this book, Katrina Denby, once a debutante but now a lady’s companion after being “ruined” by scandals outside of her control, gets a second chance at love if she’ll allow herself to take it. Meanwhile, Sebastian is a completely broke Duke trying to repair his family’s estate while behind helplessly in love with Katrina. There’s a delightful giant dog and it’s a very fun read. Highly recommend.

I am a moth to a flame with second chance romance! I only wish this one had a bit more angst because that is usually what makes that trope so good to me, but I won't complain about how sweet this book is!

Since they first met four years ago, Katrina Denby and Sebastian Thorne have fallen on hard times. Her reputation ruined, and rejected by her brother, she has found refuge as a companion to Lady Tesh. He has inherited the Dukedom of Ramsleigh, but its overwhelming debts oblige him to marry an heiress. Though their former feelings rapidly rekindle when they meet again, social and financial obstacles remain.

This is second in the Synneful Sisters series, set on the Isle of Synne. It largely tracks the protagonists’ internal struggles to repress their powerful mutual attraction in the face of challenging circumstances. Though their devotion and self-sacrifice merit a happy outcome, the radical change in attitude of several characters and the unexpected inheritance that solves the financial issue are overly convenient strategies to achieve it. The supportive group of women are interesting, particularly Lady Tesh, but the characters in this sentimental Regency romance play one-dimensional roles, either loyal friends or insensitive bullies, and the plot drifts towards melodrama at times. Readers looking for sorely conflicted lovers will be satisfied.
HNR Issue 105 (August 2023)

Life is just really not fair sometimes. Katrina had the odds stacked against her, but when her former flame re-enters her life years later, her whole world is destined to change.

This is the second installment of the Synneful Spinsters series. I enjoyed the first book of the series and this one also did not disappoint. Scandal had ruined Katrina's life four years ago, but she has since then recovered and is content with her situation now. She has a comfortable position as a companion and wonderful friends, life is finally looking up. But when the reason for her ruination returns, she becomes embroiled in yet another scandal when he ends up dying after falling from her bedroom window. Katrina needs to gain back her respectability and somehow find someone who will marry her, despite her reputation.
Katrina and Sebastian, Duke of Ramsleigh, were once in love. But because of his father's actions, he had to walk away from her. Since then, he has spent years trying to save the dukedom, and now he plans to marry a wealthy bride, so he can protect all those counting on him. But one look at Katrina, and those old feelings come rushing back stronger than ever. But Sebastian must marry for money, so he puts those feelings aside and offers to help Katrina find a husband. But they can both only hold those feelings at bay for so long before they come crashing out in a tidal wave of passion.
This was a well-written story that caught my attention from the start and held my interest till the end. An engaging second chance romance with complex characters that kept me rooting for them the whole time. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of this series.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Once again Christina Britton has written a book that I really enjoyed. I love the characters and the group of friends at the heart of it, and am enjoying each of their individual love stories.

I really enjoyed book 1 in the Synneful Sisters series and book two did not disappoint. It has everything I enjoy in a regency, a swoon worthy Duke, a group of great friends and a sweet heroine. This one also included a mischievous dog, a meddling older woman and lots of scandal!