Meet Her Majesty’s Rebels: three brilliant women who run King & Co., London’s most exclusive investigative agency…

The wedding-night death of her much older husband left Tess Townsend the Dowager Duchess of Wansford—and still a virgin. Now she and her two best friends investigate London’s most scandalous crimes, and while Tess longs to experience physical pleasure for herself, she can’t risk losing her treasured independence…

Cynical shipping magnate Justin Thornton never expected to inherit a dukedom, but he’ll do his duty. When the ravishing woman he kissed at a party turns out to be the Dowager Duchess, Justin sees an obvious solution: a marriage of convenience that will suit them both.

But the passion that sparks between them is anything but convenient. As Tess works on a new case at the request of Queen Charlotte, her increasingly suspicious behavior makes Justin question her motives—and her past. The infuriating woman clearly can’t be trusted, but Justin doesn’t believe in love, so there’s absolutely no danger of him falling for his own wife…is there?

Review:

Enticing, amusing, and entertaining!

Second Duke’s the Charm is a heartwarming, playful romp that sweeps you away to London during 1816 and into the lives of the independent, spirited widow, Tess Townsend and the dashingly handsome, newly appointed Duke of Wansford, Justin Thornton, as they navigate a sensual meeting, undeniable attraction, a marriage of convenience, a mission for the Queen, and strange, suspicious behaviour that could ruin it all.

The prose is smooth and light. The characters are passionate, secretive, and hardworking. And the plot is an enchanting mix of friendship, family, societal expectations, tricky situations, tender moments, desire, and romance.

Overall, Second Duke’s the Charm is a charming, seductive, delightful tale by Bateman that’s without a doubt a promising, enjoyable start for this new Her Majesty’s Rebels series.

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following link.