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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Kate Bateman starts out her new series with a trio of female spies. This first installment Tess and Justin and their marriage of convenience. Bateman's writing is charming and fun, and exactly what I would expect from her. This novel is well plotted and paced. Her characters are interesting and I enjoyed watching their intrigue with the other grow into a relationship with feelings. Bateman does a lovely job of getting this new series on its feet and I found it to be a solid start to what hopes to be an interesting series.
Overall Bateman does a lovely job of balancing the plot and the character's relationship. Sometimes with historical romances with spies I feel like there is not enough development of the romantic relationship, but Bateman does a great job of keeping the relationship present. This novel then becomes a story of the learning to take on the unexpected, discovering of one's self, and opening your heart to another. I loved watching Tess come into her own, experience pleasure, and fall in love. This novel is enjoyable and one that any Bateman Fan is sure to enjoy. And while enjoyable while reading, this is not a new all time favorite of mine by Bateman, but it does leave me curious and interested in seeing where this series will grow.
Thank you to St. Martin's and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Overall Bateman does a lovely job of balancing the plot and the character's relationship. Sometimes with historical romances with spies I feel like there is not enough development of the romantic relationship, but Bateman does a great job of keeping the relationship present. This novel then becomes a story of the learning to take on the unexpected, discovering of one's self, and opening your heart to another. I loved watching Tess come into her own, experience pleasure, and fall in love. This novel is enjoyable and one that any Bateman Fan is sure to enjoy. And while enjoyable while reading, this is not a new all time favorite of mine by Bateman, but it does leave me curious and interested in seeing where this series will grow.
Thank you to St. Martin's and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m a big fan of the mistaken identity trope (not sure if that’s actually what it’s called, but that’s what I’m going with LOL) and Kate Bateman gave it such a fun twist by adding in the marriage of convenience trope. There’s nothing like a jaded and cynical hero falling head over heels for the heroine who happens to be his wife ;) Justin’s assumptions about Tess and her sexual exploits (and her creative ideas to conceal her level of experience) had me laughing so hard. I loved the reveal about their actual first “meeting” and the build up between them was so good. The steamy scenes definitely left me fanning myself.
As much as I loved the romance between Tess and Justin, it’s the female friendships that stole the show. Tess, Ellie, and Daisy were amazing and everyone needs ride or die friends like these. They also added some wonderful comic relief throughout.
Unfortunately, the story started to derail at the end and the final conflict and resolution just didn’t fully work for me. I actually think the groveling should have gone both ways on this one. Second Duke’s the Charm was still a very enjoyable read though and I’m looking forward to more books in the series. Ellie’s cryptic note has me very intrigued!
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
As much as I loved the romance between Tess and Justin, it’s the female friendships that stole the show. Tess, Ellie, and Daisy were amazing and everyone needs ride or die friends like these. They also added some wonderful comic relief throughout.
Unfortunately, the story started to derail at the end and the final conflict and resolution just didn’t fully work for me. I actually think the groveling should have gone both ways on this one. Second Duke’s the Charm was still a very enjoyable read though and I’m looking forward to more books in the series. Ellie’s cryptic note has me very intrigued!
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
Content Warnings
CW: forced marriage, financial problems (past), blackmail, theft, drugging, attempted murder, threats to safety
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Second Duke's the Charm by Kate Bateman is the first book in the new series.
This book it witty, bawdy, and refreshing to see such a strong female lead.
She may not have been able to prevent her first marriage, but she's certainly embraced her widow status. Now, she finally gets to experience passion and more. Join us as the Duchess meets her match.
Justin never thought he'd be the next Duke, yet here he is. And they perfect plan has fallen into his lap by offering to marry the current Duchess. Of course, he's applying the same rules to his marriage as all his liaisons. If he only knew what he was getting into and the difference he's not prepared for.
This book it witty, bawdy, and refreshing to see such a strong female lead.
She may not have been able to prevent her first marriage, but she's certainly embraced her widow status. Now, she finally gets to experience passion and more. Join us as the Duchess meets her match.
Justin never thought he'd be the next Duke, yet here he is. And they perfect plan has fallen into his lap by offering to marry the current Duchess. Of course, he's applying the same rules to his marriage as all his liaisons. If he only knew what he was getting into and the difference he's not prepared for.
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars (I know, it's a problem)
Another historical romance I feel conflicted about. A friend's review mentioned a strong start, which I agree with, and that she felt the ending was rushed, which I also agree with. This was just an uneven story for me personally. For every character or aspect that I enjoyed, there'd be something that lessened it. Some aspects I loved - strong female friendship rep (and the friendship group was hilarious), intriguing main characters who were fun to read, and the steam was well done. Some parts that fell a bit short imo - the overall romance felt rushed with a quick shift in feelings, all.the.secrets. and how they came out, and the constant mention of and references to the h's virginity (she's a widow who never had a true wedding night).
The book starts on Tess's (h) wedding day after her father's forced her to wed an elderly Duke and then the Duke falls down dead at the sight of her in her bedroom. Her two best friends happen to come upon the scene as they had planned to try to distract the Duke from their friend and the three ladies discuss what to do and the sudden freedom in Tess's grasp. Jump ahead two years and the three are running an investigative service, primarily to help other women. A new heir to the dukedom has also been located and is being presented, Justin (H), who's a cynical businessman who's anti-love. Our two leads unknowingly meet at an adult masquerade party where they exchange some kisses and touches before Tess calls a halt.
Much to each of their shock, Justin and Tess discover who the other is and that their attraction is alive and sparking. A quickly timed marriage of convenience later (with an agreement that they'll eventually live separate lives) and they're steaming up the bedroom, though struggling with emotional intimacy. And Tess and company are also investigating a matter for the Queen during all of these relationship challenges. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama, H not a virgin (his last mistress separated from him about 2 weeks prior to his first interaction with h; some details about his past and how he was with prior lovers), and h was a virgin (though she was pretending she was experienced).
I enjoyed the scenes of Tess and Justin at their main residence with her showing him how competent she was and that she was more than just a pretty face. If this time had been longer, even if some of it was off page, I think I would have felt more satisfied. As I said, the steam also steams nicely, though a choice the author made for the wedding night wasn't my favorite. But then another plot line is introduced with a possible attacker after either Tess or Justin. An attacker that also interrupts their quality time blast them! Too much was happening in too short of a time basically. Side plots aside, due to the timeline and the fast pacing, I didn't find the move to them in love as believable. Esp as Justin was so anti-love and the vulnerability sharing and emotional intimacy was not present for either of them for most of the story.
The third act was rushed, though the investigation plot line did feel complete. The attacker plot line just felt extraneous and added to create an extra layer of unnecessary drama. Secrets are revealed though in appropriately dramatic fashion, hearts bared, accusations made, and the two are separated for a couple weeks. However, the grand gesture to show Tess how Justin truly felt was amazing, both funny and adorable. The epilogue is their HEA of them still married, in love, and several months down the road with a small lead-in to the next book. I wish that the author had included a transition chapter and a longer epilogue as not much time was spent with them happily in love with no secrets or doubts between them. It simply wasn't enough for me. I do think others will enjoy it more as most of what I disliked were matters of personal taste though.
Another historical romance I feel conflicted about. A friend's review mentioned a strong start, which I agree with, and that she felt the ending was rushed, which I also agree with. This was just an uneven story for me personally. For every character or aspect that I enjoyed, there'd be something that lessened it. Some aspects I loved - strong female friendship rep (and the friendship group was hilarious), intriguing main characters who were fun to read, and the steam was well done. Some parts that fell a bit short imo - the overall romance felt rushed with a quick shift in feelings, all.the.secrets. and how they came out, and the constant mention of and references to the h's virginity (she's a widow who never had a true wedding night).
The book starts on Tess's (h) wedding day after her father's forced her to wed an elderly Duke and then the Duke falls down dead at the sight of her in her bedroom. Her two best friends happen to come upon the scene as they had planned to try to distract the Duke from their friend and the three ladies discuss what to do and the sudden freedom in Tess's grasp. Jump ahead two years and the three are running an investigative service, primarily to help other women. A new heir to the dukedom has also been located and is being presented, Justin (H), who's a cynical businessman who's anti-love. Our two leads unknowingly meet at an adult masquerade party where they exchange some kisses and touches before Tess calls a halt.
Much to each of their shock, Justin and Tess discover who the other is and that their attraction is alive and sparking. A quickly timed marriage of convenience later (with an agreement that they'll eventually live separate lives) and they're steaming up the bedroom, though struggling with emotional intimacy. And Tess and company are also investigating a matter for the Queen during all of these relationship challenges. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama, H not a virgin (his last mistress separated from him about 2 weeks prior to his first interaction with h; some details about his past and how he was with prior lovers), and h was a virgin (though she was pretending she was experienced).
I enjoyed the scenes of Tess and Justin at their main residence with her showing him how competent she was and that she was more than just a pretty face. If this time had been longer, even if some of it was off page, I think I would have felt more satisfied. As I said, the steam also steams nicely, though a choice the author made for the wedding night wasn't my favorite. But then another plot line is introduced with a possible attacker after either Tess or Justin. An attacker that also interrupts their quality time blast them! Too much was happening in too short of a time basically. Side plots aside, due to the timeline and the fast pacing, I didn't find the move to them in love as believable. Esp as Justin was so anti-love and the vulnerability sharing and emotional intimacy was not present for either of them for most of the story.
The third act was rushed, though the investigation plot line did feel complete. The attacker plot line just felt extraneous and added to create an extra layer of unnecessary drama. Secrets are revealed though in appropriately dramatic fashion, hearts bared, accusations made, and the two are separated for a couple weeks. However, the grand gesture to show Tess how Justin truly felt was amazing, both funny and adorable. The epilogue is their HEA of them still married, in love, and several months down the road with a small lead-in to the next book. I wish that the author had included a transition chapter and a longer epilogue as not much time was spent with them happily in love with no secrets or doubts between them. It simply wasn't enough for me. I do think others will enjoy it more as most of what I disliked were matters of personal taste though.
I was so excited about this because, for the most part, I love Kate Bateman historicals. Unfortunately this one was a miss.
The premise I love, and I would like to read romances with a similar premise, but I just did not enjoy the execution in this book, nor did I end up loving the characters.
One of the main reasons I enjoy historical romance (though not so much “bodice rippers”) is I love the actual romance. This unfortunately lacked for me in both the actual romance and even in the lust. These two just didn’t feel attracted to or developing feelings for each other.
As a side note, while I did read and listen to this one (which I enjoy usually), I did not like the narrator.
2⭐️
The premise I love, and I would like to read romances with a similar premise, but I just did not enjoy the execution in this book, nor did I end up loving the characters.
One of the main reasons I enjoy historical romance (though not so much “bodice rippers”) is I love the actual romance. This unfortunately lacked for me in both the actual romance and even in the lust. These two just didn’t feel attracted to or developing feelings for each other.
As a side note, while I did read and listen to this one (which I enjoy usually), I did not like the narrator.
2⭐️
✨Kate Bateman’s the Charm✨
Perfection. I can’t wait to reread and experience that grand gesture all over again. I loved the way they met, I loved the marriage of convenience, and I especially loved how he found out she was a virgin (I was waiting for it the entire book). It truly had all of the elements I’ve come to expect from Kate Bateman: humor, sexiness, and a hero who once he’s down, he’s down BAD.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
Perfection. I can’t wait to reread and experience that grand gesture all over again. I loved the way they met, I loved the marriage of convenience, and I especially loved how he found out she was a virgin (I was waiting for it the entire book). It truly had all of the elements I’ve come to expect from Kate Bateman: humor, sexiness, and a hero who once he’s down, he’s down BAD.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.