niftyreads 's review for:

Second Duke's the Charm by Kate Bateman

4.0

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Thanks, Forever, for my arc! 

 

I'm a big fan of Kate Bateman, and I love the idea of three women running a detective agency under a fake man’s name, so no one questions them. SECOND DUKE'S THE CHARM is a pro-woman's historical romance book, which is my favorite type to read, especially when they have a close friend group. This group of friends just don't meet for tea and gossip - they are solving crimes! Their current case is for Queen Victoria and is their most important one so far. They are intelligent, creative, and funny. I love seeing how their minds work to solve the case. 

 

There is also a second plot with Tess. Her very old husband died before they consummated the marriage, so at 19, she is a virgin. She doesn't want to lose the freedom that widowhood has allowed her, but in those times, a man means safety. Enter Justin Thornton and the idea of a fake marriage so they both keep everything they want. 

 

Tess and Justin have excellent chemistry and banter. I loved the progression of their relationship. My one gripe is I didn't care for was the virginity trope. It's not my favorite trope, but I'll read it, especially since it happens a lot in historical romance. I just felt like it was thought about and talked about so much in this book that it got old, really fast. 

 

I loved the ending, and my grievance won't keep me from reading more Kate Bateman!