Title: Second Chance PrinceAuthor: Sara Bennett
Series: Romancing the Dukes #3
Pages: 352
Publication Date: May 19, 2026
Publisher: Forever
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical
Synopsis:
A mysterious prince and a rebellious lady go from fake engagement to real feelings in this friends-to-lovers tale fit for royalty.
Prince Nikolai of Holtswig has journeyed to London with one purpose: stay out of trouble until the unrest in his country dies down. But after an assassination attempt at the season’s first ball, he has no choice but to accept a deal from the British government. They will offer him protection...if he gets engaged to a proper Englishwoman. Niki isn’t interested—until they suggest his childhood friend Lady Roberta Ashton.
Lady Roberta couldn’t help being a bit infatuated with Niki in the summers they spent together all those years ago. Faking an engagement would definitely liven up the season—but there's a difference between lively and deadly. As the threats increase along with their attraction, Roberta and Niki must learn to trust each other to protect themselves—and their hearts.
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I was really looking forward to reading Second Chance Prince, the third book in Sarah Bennett’s Romancing the Dukes historical romance series. This is such a swoon-worthy series, and I was eager to read Roberta’s story and to learn more about Niki. He wasn’t the most likable when we first met him in this series, but I had a feeling there was more to him than met the eye, and I was right. The fake engagement setup between him and Roberta was great, especially since you can tell early on that there is more going on between them than either is willing to admit.
Roberta and Niki are both compelling protagonists, and they’re total opposites. Niki comes across as arrogant and distant in public, but it becomes clear that a lot of that is a mask he has learned to wear. He definitely has a public persona fit for royalty, but underneath, he is more awkward and guarded than he wants people to see. Roberta is outgoing, extroverted, and she often says things she shouldn’t in polite company. I love that she never fully loses that part of herself.
I also really liked that Niki and Roberta both had feelings, or at least interest, in each other years ago but never said anything. That shared past adds a lot to their interactions and makes their connection feel even more special. Their romance is swoon-tastic! I mean, you can’t go wrong with an opposites attract, forced proximity romance between a shy prnce and a vivacious woman. So lovely! It is obvious from the start that Roberta and Niki care about each other, even when they are trying to keep things practical or temporary. I also really liked how they actually talk to each other and pay attention to what the other person needs. They understand and accept each other in a way that no one else does.
The plot is intriguing and suspenseful, with Niki’s life in constant danger, and no idea who’s targeting him. After the assassination attempt early on, the danger never really goes away, even with the protection of both countries. The fake engagement with Roberta is meant to help protect him, but it also puts her in danger. Of course, Roberta is fierce and won’t be cowed easily, as Niki quickly learns. lol There’s a constant question of who is behind the threats against Niki, and there are several suspicious moments, unexpected incidents, and situations where it is clear someone is watching or trying to get close to him.
I really enjoyed Second Chance Prince. It has great characters, a swoon-worthy romance, and an intriguing plot. While it is the third book in the Romancing the Dukes series and the earlier books give more background on the family and the scandal that follows them, this one can still be read on its own. Special thanks to Forever and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
- opposites attract
- fake dating/engagement
- childhood friends to lovers
- forced proximity
Sara Bennett writes with passion. She has been published by Avon HarperCollins in the USA, and also publishes independently. She recently wrote a series of Regency novellas about Second Chances called Mockingbird Square. The four novellas are Unforgettable, Enraptured, Surrender and Reckless. They’re available at all eBook stores.
Currently she is writing a second series of Mockingbird Square. The first three novellas, Fascination, Seduction and Temptation are available, and Obsession is under way.
Sara also writes paranormal romance as Sara Mackenzie, steamy historical romance as Evie North, and Australian Women’s Fiction as Kaye Dobbie.
