A lively tale that lightens up the page.

Second Duke's the Charm (Her Majesty’s Rebels #1) by Kate Bateman    

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nineteen year old Tess Townsend had been married against her will to a lecherous and decrepit man old enough to be her father, if not her grandfather. Fortunately for her, as the bridegroom came to consummate the marriage he suffered a heart attack and died.

This left Tess as the Duchess of Wansford, still a virgin, and unwilling to trade her freedom for marriage. She’s involved in a detective agency, King & Co., that helps women to right wrongs that have been inflicted upon them. Word of her and her companions has spread by word of mouth. Even Queen Charlotte has asked for their assistance.

Looking for a night of pleasure (not too much) Tess attends a masquerade in a scarlet dress. She attracts the attention of a gorgeous man who kisses her ruthlessly.

Imagine her alarm when the stranger turns out to be Justin Thornton (Thorn), the new Duke of Wansford. They meet at a ball when Tess is wearing that dress! 

Justin’s looking for a wife to ease his life, whom he’ll leave after three months to attend his various business interests. To Thorn this seems an ideal plan. No having debutants thrust upon him. A wife dangling on his arm will give him access to important dinners that he is not invited to as a bachelor. This access will increase his business acumen.

Thorn doesn’t believe in love. Or rather he doesn’t want it. When he decides to cut corners and proposes that Tess be his wife, (and lover—oops!) well things take a decided turn.

Of course things don’t run smoothly. Well that’s a given!

A rather delightfully delicious read. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.

A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.