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Lords of Hazard #2
Nearly a Bride
Not yet published
Expected 28 Apr 26In this captivating new historical romance brimming with seductive twists and irresistible wit, an English nobleman is finally free from exile—but can his heart still be captured?
After more than a decade separated from his home and family, the Earl of Heathbrook returns to his London townhouse to face a new reclaiming guardianship of his younger brothers. His reputation as a rakehell, it seems, has followed him from detention inside Napoleon’s France and caused his own father to block Heathbrook’s rightful custody in his will. However, the clever rogue concocts a plan to restore respectability and rescue his siblings . . . by finding a “fiancée” with no strings attached.
Giselle Bernard is not looking to wed an earl with a wild past. All she seeks is a connected nobleman who can legally secure her new life in England and head off a mysterious stranger’s threats. Posing as Heathbrook’s bride-to-be would surely benefit them both. But as revelations come to light—the ill-fated young affair that left Heathbrook embittered, and the mademoiselle’s own guarded secrets—their engagement charade may unexpectedly blossom into a promise to love, honor, and cherish . . .
After more than a decade separated from his home and family, the Earl of Heathbrook returns to his London townhouse to face a new reclaiming guardianship of his younger brothers. His reputation as a rakehell, it seems, has followed him from detention inside Napoleon’s France and caused his own father to block Heathbrook’s rightful custody in his will. However, the clever rogue concocts a plan to restore respectability and rescue his siblings . . . by finding a “fiancée” with no strings attached.
Giselle Bernard is not looking to wed an earl with a wild past. All she seeks is a connected nobleman who can legally secure her new life in England and head off a mysterious stranger’s threats. Posing as Heathbrook’s bride-to-be would surely benefit them both. But as revelations come to light—the ill-fated young affair that left Heathbrook embittered, and the mademoiselle’s own guarded secrets—their engagement charade may unexpectedly blossom into a promise to love, honor, and cherish . . .
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 28, 2026
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95 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Jeffries
88 books4,798 followersSabrina Jeffries is the NYT bestselling author of over 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze of dreams and madness is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 11 million books published in print and electronically in 25 different languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world.
She always dreams big.
She always dreams big.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 10, 2025
Rupert Oakden, the Earl of Heathbrook, has spent twelve years detained in a French fortress. Now home, he wants nothing more to claim guardianship of his three younger brothers. Heath’s rakish reputation hinders his ability. He must find a suitable fiancée to appear respectably in front of the courts. A perfect candidate presents herself to Heath. Giselle needs his help, so Heath proposes a plan: if she poses as his pretend fiancé, he will help her and her mother gain proper, legitimate papers. Is their ruse doomed to fail?
Giselle Bernard has secretly adored Heath since their days in Verdun, France. She has no interest in tying herself down to a man with such a wild and reckless past. Plus, Giselle believes she is not suitable for Heath. When a stranger asks about her and her mother’s paper, Giselle turns to the only person she believes could help. Heath proposes an outlandish request, one that could possibly benefit them both. However, secrets from the past reveal themselves. Will Heath and Giselle’s charade become real?
I admire Heath’s persistence in gaining custody of his brothers. He will go to any lengths, even subterfuge, to get them back. They may be strangers, especially the youngest, but that did not matter to him. I believe Heath’s time in France gave him a better appreciation for family. Why he is so desperate to get custody. What I like the most about Heath is how he floundered a bit once he got them back. Their relationship was not instant. The Oakden brothers had to find their footings with one another.
I understand Giselle’s hesitations, especially when it concerned Heath’s rakish past. She did not want to walk in her mother’s footsteps. Giselle had learned from her mother’s mistakes. I feel that sometimes Giselle let her illegitimacy stand in her way. Heath, unlike his lofty peers, had no problem with it, and he even voiced it. Yet, Giselle persisted that she was not good enough for him.
NEARLY A BRIDE is the second book in Sabrina Jeffries’ historical romance series, LORDS OF HAZARD. Sadly, I have not read HAZARDOUS TO A DUKE’S HEART. It did not hinder my ability to follow and enjoy this story. The author does a great job of touching up on Heath’s time in France. There is a small plot spillover from the prior book, a mystery that continues to go unsolved. I wonder if more clues will be revealed in the next book or if it will be solved? I have a feeling the next couple will be Scovell and Chloe.
I am curious about Sir Percy. Is he the one who outed Jon, Heath, and Scovell in France? If he is innocent, will he get a book? Will his innocence or guilt be proved in the next book? I hope the answers will be revealed in the next installment.
I do have one nitpick that affected my rating. The whole angle concerning Zach, and the way it is handled. To me, it came off unbelievable. It just did not work for me.
Giselle Bernard has secretly adored Heath since their days in Verdun, France. She has no interest in tying herself down to a man with such a wild and reckless past. Plus, Giselle believes she is not suitable for Heath. When a stranger asks about her and her mother’s paper, Giselle turns to the only person she believes could help. Heath proposes an outlandish request, one that could possibly benefit them both. However, secrets from the past reveal themselves. Will Heath and Giselle’s charade become real?
I admire Heath’s persistence in gaining custody of his brothers. He will go to any lengths, even subterfuge, to get them back. They may be strangers, especially the youngest, but that did not matter to him. I believe Heath’s time in France gave him a better appreciation for family. Why he is so desperate to get custody. What I like the most about Heath is how he floundered a bit once he got them back. Their relationship was not instant. The Oakden brothers had to find their footings with one another.
I understand Giselle’s hesitations, especially when it concerned Heath’s rakish past. She did not want to walk in her mother’s footsteps. Giselle had learned from her mother’s mistakes. I feel that sometimes Giselle let her illegitimacy stand in her way. Heath, unlike his lofty peers, had no problem with it, and he even voiced it. Yet, Giselle persisted that she was not good enough for him.
NEARLY A BRIDE is the second book in Sabrina Jeffries’ historical romance series, LORDS OF HAZARD. Sadly, I have not read HAZARDOUS TO A DUKE’S HEART. It did not hinder my ability to follow and enjoy this story. The author does a great job of touching up on Heath’s time in France. There is a small plot spillover from the prior book, a mystery that continues to go unsolved. I wonder if more clues will be revealed in the next book or if it will be solved? I have a feeling the next couple will be Scovell and Chloe.
I am curious about Sir Percy. Is he the one who outed Jon, Heath, and Scovell in France? If he is innocent, will he get a book? Will his innocence or guilt be proved in the next book? I hope the answers will be revealed in the next installment.
I do have one nitpick that affected my rating. The whole angle concerning Zach, and the way it is handled. To me, it came off unbelievable. It just did not work for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have enjoyed Sabrina Jeffries's books in the past, but this one didn't quite do it for me.
On the plus side: The characters were interesting and well written. Heath wanting to get custody of his brothers, and the conflict with the cousin were well done. The attraction between the two leads was clear. I didn't read book 1 of the series, and it was clear that I had missed information, but I wasn't truly lost by any means.
On the minus side: Heath keeps hinting at a terrible sin he committed in the past that makes him unworthy of love, and that made his parents decide that he wasn't worthy to care for his brothers, and it turns out that the terrible sin was ... being a hormone-driven teenager?? When we get to the big reveal, I can't find anything there that really justifies Heath's feelings about himself, let alone his parents' and cousin's feelings about him. (I guess we're supposed to believe that THEY were never hormone-driven teenagers who then ... grew out of it??) Heath himself goes back and forth between reminding everyone that it's not fair to judge his 29-year-old self solely on the actions of his 16-year-old self, but that's also exactly what he does to himself.
The resolution of the surprise twist was also really unsatisfying. Without getting into spoiler territory, there was an expert forger of documents RIGHT THERE the whole time, but instead they chose to perpetuate a lie that meant that their whole family was plunged into scandal?? Come on now.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
On the plus side: The characters were interesting and well written. Heath wanting to get custody of his brothers, and the conflict with the cousin were well done. The attraction between the two leads was clear. I didn't read book 1 of the series, and it was clear that I had missed information, but I wasn't truly lost by any means.
On the minus side: Heath keeps hinting at a terrible sin he committed in the past that makes him unworthy of love, and that made his parents decide that he wasn't worthy to care for his brothers, and it turns out that the terrible sin was ... being a hormone-driven teenager?? When we get to the big reveal, I can't find anything there that really justifies Heath's feelings about himself, let alone his parents' and cousin's feelings about him. (I guess we're supposed to believe that THEY were never hormone-driven teenagers who then ... grew out of it??) Heath himself goes back and forth between reminding everyone that it's not fair to judge his 29-year-old self solely on the actions of his 16-year-old self, but that's also exactly what he does to himself.
The resolution of the surprise twist was also really unsatisfying. Without getting into spoiler territory, there was an expert forger of documents RIGHT THERE the whole time, but instead they chose to perpetuate a lie that meant that their whole family was plunged into scandal?? Come on now.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book! I had already read the first book in this series, and although there was some overlap in characters and plot lines, everything was well explained in this book, so it could be read as a stand-alone.
The main characters of Giselle and Heathbrook were wonderful together, even if it took each of them a while to see it. They both had issues and misunderstandings to work through, but I liked how they were able to talk things through to get on the same page. They did have a strong and supportive friend group (the same group from the first book), although these friends weren’t brought into the story until later. However, I did enjoy the camaraderie between Heathbrook and his brothers, and how they drew Giselle and her mother into their circle. I also really enjoyed that this book (and the first book in the series) centered around British nationals in France around the time of Napoleon, and their lives after they returned home. The author gave a quick history lesson at the beginning and end of each book, which I thought was fascinating and made for a deeper understanding of that time in history.
Overall, this was a great book and I’m looking forward to any other books in this series and what happens next! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review.
The main characters of Giselle and Heathbrook were wonderful together, even if it took each of them a while to see it. They both had issues and misunderstandings to work through, but I liked how they were able to talk things through to get on the same page. They did have a strong and supportive friend group (the same group from the first book), although these friends weren’t brought into the story until later. However, I did enjoy the camaraderie between Heathbrook and his brothers, and how they drew Giselle and her mother into their circle. I also really enjoyed that this book (and the first book in the series) centered around British nationals in France around the time of Napoleon, and their lives after they returned home. The author gave a quick history lesson at the beginning and end of each book, which I thought was fascinating and made for a deeper understanding of that time in history.
Overall, this was a great book and I’m looking forward to any other books in this series and what happens next! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review.
December 28, 2025
Book 2 in the Lords of Hazard series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Lord Heathbrook, a notorious rake with an awful reputation, has been fighting for guardianship of his younger brothers. He needs a gameplan to convince the court - and his lawyer has suggested securing a marriage quickly. Miss Giselle Bernard has come to speak to Lord Heathbrook regarding assisting her with legal passports for her and her mother. Having shared one kiss in the past, they’ve always been attracted to each other, yet circumstances had stopped it from going further. But then Heath comes up with the brillant plan for them to pretend an engagement to help both their causes.
***Forced proximity
***Fake engagement
***Forbidden romance
***🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a fun read! This is not my first novel by the author, and I really enjoy her writing style. Giselle was a lovely historical romance FMC. It took a little longer for me to come around to love Heath - he did come off at times as immature. The chemistry between our couple was sizzing hot - good spicy scenes!
Definitely looking forward to future novels by this author!
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.
Lord Heathbrook, a notorious rake with an awful reputation, has been fighting for guardianship of his younger brothers. He needs a gameplan to convince the court - and his lawyer has suggested securing a marriage quickly. Miss Giselle Bernard has come to speak to Lord Heathbrook regarding assisting her with legal passports for her and her mother. Having shared one kiss in the past, they’ve always been attracted to each other, yet circumstances had stopped it from going further. But then Heath comes up with the brillant plan for them to pretend an engagement to help both their causes.
***Forced proximity
***Fake engagement
***Forbidden romance
***🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a fun read! This is not my first novel by the author, and I really enjoy her writing style. Giselle was a lovely historical romance FMC. It took a little longer for me to come around to love Heath - he did come off at times as immature. The chemistry between our couple was sizzing hot - good spicy scenes!
Definitely looking forward to future novels by this author!
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a fun and interesting read! I have to confess I dove into Nearly a Bride before picking up book 1. I have no regrets - it worked well as a standalone, with much of the backstory woven throughout. And now I have book 1 to go back and enjoy!
I love that the story didn't feel too high-stakes, but was satisfyingly layered with history, intrigue and a background edge of threat. The concept of being detained for 12 years and returning to society makes for such an interesting premise, and had me reading more about Napoleon's France during this period.
Heath and Giselle felt both earnest and authentic, but don't take themselves overly seriously, creating a genuine and loving chemistry. I loved the way their families were woven together throughout the story, and the way their relationship blossomed over time. Whilst the acceptance of their love for each other felt a little overwrought, overall this was such a fun read I wasn't bothered. I'll look forward to the next installment whilst going back to enjoy the first!
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
I love that the story didn't feel too high-stakes, but was satisfyingly layered with history, intrigue and a background edge of threat. The concept of being detained for 12 years and returning to society makes for such an interesting premise, and had me reading more about Napoleon's France during this period.
Heath and Giselle felt both earnest and authentic, but don't take themselves overly seriously, creating a genuine and loving chemistry. I loved the way their families were woven together throughout the story, and the way their relationship blossomed over time. Whilst the acceptance of their love for each other felt a little overwrought, overall this was such a fun read I wasn't bothered. I'll look forward to the next installment whilst going back to enjoy the first!
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley.
I have enjoyed reading this authors books and look forward to future books in this and other series. I enjoyed this book. I already read the first book in this series, and wanted to see what would happen next. Who would find their other half next. Interested to see who will be in the next book.
Will we find out who the betrayer is in the next book or ... Enjoyed the appearance of the previous characters and the update on how they are getting along.
One thing that annoyed me was the 'I really enjoy/want/like this person but I don't want to get married' dragged out too long for me. I will say how a certain plot point was wrapped up was very interesting and unusual. I liked it, but it was definitely unconventional. One of the subplots was very out there and I could have done without it.
I like how the author's notes gave a look at actual history at the beginning and end of each book. I thought it was fascinating and made for a better understanding of that time.
I have enjoyed reading this authors books and look forward to future books in this and other series. I enjoyed this book. I already read the first book in this series, and wanted to see what would happen next. Who would find their other half next. Interested to see who will be in the next book.
Will we find out who the betrayer is in the next book or ... Enjoyed the appearance of the previous characters and the update on how they are getting along.
One thing that annoyed me was the 'I really enjoy/want/like this person but I don't want to get married' dragged out too long for me. I will say how a certain plot point was wrapped up was very interesting and unusual. I liked it, but it was definitely unconventional. One of the subplots was very out there and I could have done without it.
I like how the author's notes gave a look at actual history at the beginning and end of each book. I thought it was fascinating and made for a better understanding of that time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Nearly a Bride continues the "Lords of Hazard" series. This story is Giselle's story, who we meet in "Hazardous to a Duke's Heart." Giselle goes to Heath with help due to false papers that she and her mother have, allowing them to live in England, and Heath needs help with a custody battle over the guardianship of his 3 brothers. (both of his parents are deceased.) Giselle agrees to pose as heath's fiancée to help him with his image during this custody battle, and he agrees to help her get legitimate papers.
The idea of the story is good, however Heath frequently came off to me as being juvenile for his age. I expected someone a bit more mature although he is supposed to come off as a bit of a hothead. I enjoyed the character development of Heath's 3 brothers as well as Giselle.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
The idea of the story is good, however Heath frequently came off to me as being juvenile for his age. I expected someone a bit more mature although he is supposed to come off as a bit of a hothead. I enjoyed the character development of Heath's 3 brothers as well as Giselle.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
December 22, 2025
Book 2 in the Lords of Hazard series, this novel continues the romantic journey of three British detainees who recently returned from France and the intertwined sisters whom they love. If you loved the previous book you'll enjoy this stand-alone sequel (although book 1 is definitely worth a read). A historical romance with some spice, some intriguing historical events, a merry band of supporting characters, and a fast-paced, engaging (and at times over the top) story arc, this one is a solid choice to heat up on a cold wintry day. I look forward to the next book (one of my favorite supporting characters is up for his chance at romance next).
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A tale about how scandal, reputation and misunderstanding can affect the progress of a relationship. But in this tale, they are inevitable. I enjoy the rediscovery of their love and passion for each other, and the love and caring for his younger siblings as well as the camaraderie and support from good friends. An enjoyable series to read, for sure!
I received an .arc of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an .arc of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Unfortunately not my favorite. Relied heavily on events of book 1, had a flimsy premise which seemed self-resolving and largely manufactured to allow the romance which itself relied heavily on past events to make the chemistry believable. I will continue reading but have not been very impressed by this series overall.
Want to read
December 12, 2025My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
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