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Duke Dynasty #1
Project Duchess
From New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries comes a sparkling new series about an oft-widowed mother's grown children, who blaze through society in their quest for the truth about their fathers . . . and in the process find that love just might conquer all . . .
A series of stepfathers and a difficult childhood have left Fletcher "Grey" Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, with a guarded heart, enviable wealth, and the undeserved reputation of a rogue. Grey's focus on expanding his dukedom allows him little time to find a wife. But when his mother is widowed yet again and he meets the charmingly unconventional woman managing his stepfather's funeral, he's shocked to discover how much they have in common. Still, Grey isn't interested in love, no matter how pretty, or delightfully outspoken, the lady . . .
Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt with his rakish reputation isn't exactly changing her mind. Then Grey agrees to assist his grief-stricken mother with her latest "project" schooling spirited, unfashionable Beatrice for her debut. Now that Beatrice is seeing through Grey's charms to his wounded heart, she's having trouble keeping him at arm's length. But once Grey starts digging into her family's secrets, she must decide whether her loyalties lie with her family . . . or with the man whose lessons capture her heart . . .
A series of stepfathers and a difficult childhood have left Fletcher "Grey" Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, with a guarded heart, enviable wealth, and the undeserved reputation of a rogue. Grey's focus on expanding his dukedom allows him little time to find a wife. But when his mother is widowed yet again and he meets the charmingly unconventional woman managing his stepfather's funeral, he's shocked to discover how much they have in common. Still, Grey isn't interested in love, no matter how pretty, or delightfully outspoken, the lady . . .
Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt with his rakish reputation isn't exactly changing her mind. Then Grey agrees to assist his grief-stricken mother with her latest "project" schooling spirited, unfashionable Beatrice for her debut. Now that Beatrice is seeing through Grey's charms to his wounded heart, she's having trouble keeping him at arm's length. But once Grey starts digging into her family's secrets, she must decide whether her loyalties lie with her family . . . or with the man whose lessons capture her heart . . .
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 25, 2019
2594 people are currently reading
6605 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Jeffries
88 books4,800 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 - 30 of 884 reviews
June 12, 2019
Sabrina Jeffries is one of my favorite authors so I was eagerly anticipating this new series.
Fletcher Pryde, the Duke of Greycourt, is called to the country after his stepfather dies quite suddenly. Grey has a tense relationship with his mother (I won’t spoil the reason...you have to read the book) but he loves her and his siblings deeply. While visiting Lincolnshire he meets Beatrice Wolfe, cousin of his younger brother Sheridan. It sounds confusing because it is...(Grey’s mother has been married multiple times and bore three dukes). Grey is pleasantly surprised to meet the outspoken Beatrice and the story begins of their relationship.
I enjoyed this romance. Grey and Beatrice both have issues and secrets but they spend a lot of time getting to know one another. Their romance develops quite quickly but it is filled with passion and mutual respect. They have some hiccups to their HEA but they eventually get there.
The book was well written. Ms. Jeffries uses a lot of dialogue which helps the story move along. I did find it a slow start and I did pick it up and down frequently, not reading it straight through. There were areas (scenes and dialogue)that seemed to be repetitive especially regarding the murder mystery, but overall it was a great read. The secondary characters are quite interesting leading to interest in their upcoming stories. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
4 stars
Fletcher Pryde, the Duke of Greycourt, is called to the country after his stepfather dies quite suddenly. Grey has a tense relationship with his mother (I won’t spoil the reason...you have to read the book) but he loves her and his siblings deeply. While visiting Lincolnshire he meets Beatrice Wolfe, cousin of his younger brother Sheridan. It sounds confusing because it is...(Grey’s mother has been married multiple times and bore three dukes). Grey is pleasantly surprised to meet the outspoken Beatrice and the story begins of their relationship.
I enjoyed this romance. Grey and Beatrice both have issues and secrets but they spend a lot of time getting to know one another. Their romance develops quite quickly but it is filled with passion and mutual respect. They have some hiccups to their HEA but they eventually get there.
The book was well written. Ms. Jeffries uses a lot of dialogue which helps the story move along. I did find it a slow start and I did pick it up and down frequently, not reading it straight through. There were areas (scenes and dialogue)that seemed to be repetitive especially regarding the murder mystery, but overall it was a great read. The secondary characters are quite interesting leading to interest in their upcoming stories. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
4 stars
May 23, 2021
Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries
1st book in the Duke Dynasty series. Historical romance.
A sensual romance blooms between Grey and Beatrice when he goes home temporarily. He’s impress with her business acumen but they both have secrets they must clear up to fully trust each other.
There is a light murder mystery which adds interest and intrigue to the base romance. The practical Beatrice is impressive in her outlook but a bit too easily seduced.
Complicated family details make it a bit of a slow start but its world building for the series which I look forward to continuing.
1st book in the Duke Dynasty series. Historical romance.
A sensual romance blooms between Grey and Beatrice when he goes home temporarily. He’s impress with her business acumen but they both have secrets they must clear up to fully trust each other.
There is a light murder mystery which adds interest and intrigue to the base romance. The practical Beatrice is impressive in her outlook but a bit too easily seduced.
Complicated family details make it a bit of a slow start but its world building for the series which I look forward to continuing.
February 9, 2020
HISTORICAL ROMANCE WITH A MURDER MYSTERY TWIST 🔍
I picked up this book because I got the arc of the second book, The Bachelor, from Netgalley. Honestly, I didn't have the biggest expectations, but this was sweet and nice - though nothing out of the ordinary. However, they characters were engaging and this book nicely introduced the main characters of the next couple of books in a way that makes me want to keep on reading.
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Bea: The female lead, Beatrice, was an absolute delight! I loved her fierceness and her outspokenness but also her tenderness towards her brother, Joshua, and the male lead, Grey. Grey fell in love with her feistiness and so did I!
Murder mystery: Though I have read many historical fiction books and many of these with some sort of mystery twist, I still felt like this was somewhat new and engaging. So I liked that part and will look forward to diving deeper into the mystery.
👎 WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE 👎
Writing: Like I said, I read a lot of historical fiction, though this is my first Sabrina Jeffries book. Honestly, most of this book felt like it was written on auto-pilot. It resembled so much other historical romance that it was a little boring at times.
I picked up this book because I got the arc of the second book, The Bachelor, from Netgalley. Honestly, I didn't have the biggest expectations, but this was sweet and nice - though nothing out of the ordinary. However, they characters were engaging and this book nicely introduced the main characters of the next couple of books in a way that makes me want to keep on reading.
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Bea: The female lead, Beatrice, was an absolute delight! I loved her fierceness and her outspokenness but also her tenderness towards her brother, Joshua, and the male lead, Grey. Grey fell in love with her feistiness and so did I!
Murder mystery: Though I have read many historical fiction books and many of these with some sort of mystery twist, I still felt like this was somewhat new and engaging. So I liked that part and will look forward to diving deeper into the mystery.
👎 WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE 👎
Writing: Like I said, I read a lot of historical fiction, though this is my first Sabrina Jeffries book. Honestly, most of this book felt like it was written on auto-pilot. It resembled so much other historical romance that it was a little boring at times.
July 8, 2019
Formulaic, tropey in the worst way, uninspired, and tossed together like a bad salad. Not even 300 pages and I had to force myself to not skim large chunks of it. I just was not captured by anything here. My mind wandered so long and so far while I struggled to read this book. I decided to fold the laundry so that I could have a few minutes away from it. I even put the folded laundry away. That's how unexcited I was about these characters and the plot (what little there was of one at least).
There is no legitimate chemistry between Grey and Beatrice and I lost track of the number of times I rolled my eyes or flat out had to put the book down over the shit they did and said. Grey pops a stiffy every time she's in his general vicinity and it's always for reasons he doesn't want to examine too closely. I never believed that he felt anything genuine for her, just physical attraction. I know the aristocracy are repressed, but COME ON PAL. A little self-reflection and emotional intelligence isn't going to cause you to lose your standing to Society or turn you into a weeping Byronic mess. Just stop thinking with your dick for five seconds. Please.
And Beatrice! Beatrice was so focused on hating Grey for half the book that those swoopy feelings in her gut whenever he was around sounded more like an impending IBS flareup than any kind of romantic attachment. These two ran lukewarm then cold and it was taxing to read. Physical lust is not the same as being emotionally engaged with a person and you can’t change my mind.
The smutty bits were AWFUL. If I ever have to see the phrase “earthquake in her soul” when describing an orgasm again, the offending book will be buried in my garden as fertilizer and maybe serve a useful purpose.
Vaguely referenced feelings and motivations that didn’t make sense dragged down what little actual story there was and just didn't inspire me to want to care about these characters. For example, Grey keeps thinking about how bitter he was about Things. Did I care about this and how it shaped him into the man he is? No. No I didn't. Because he did not display any depth of character or redeeming qualities. At all.
Finally, there was a lot of ~foreshadowing~ about an overarching plot but little of it actually interests me. The only character I'm actually curious about and want to read more of? Joshua Wolfe. We see far too little of him but his page time was the only thing that had me actively engaged with the story. Which is why I’ll read the next book, dammit. Jeffries knew what she was doing when she made him the focus of the next in the series.
In summary, I can’t recommend this to anyone. Save yourself and go find something else to read.
There is no legitimate chemistry between Grey and Beatrice and I lost track of the number of times I rolled my eyes or flat out had to put the book down over the shit they did and said. Grey pops a stiffy every time she's in his general vicinity and it's always for reasons he doesn't want to examine too closely. I never believed that he felt anything genuine for her, just physical attraction. I know the aristocracy are repressed, but COME ON PAL. A little self-reflection and emotional intelligence isn't going to cause you to lose your standing to Society or turn you into a weeping Byronic mess. Just stop thinking with your dick for five seconds. Please.
And Beatrice! Beatrice was so focused on hating Grey for half the book that those swoopy feelings in her gut whenever he was around sounded more like an impending IBS flareup than any kind of romantic attachment. These two ran lukewarm then cold and it was taxing to read. Physical lust is not the same as being emotionally engaged with a person and you can’t change my mind.
The smutty bits were AWFUL. If I ever have to see the phrase “earthquake in her soul” when describing an orgasm again, the offending book will be buried in my garden as fertilizer and maybe serve a useful purpose.
Vaguely referenced feelings and motivations that didn’t make sense dragged down what little actual story there was and just didn't inspire me to want to care about these characters. For example, Grey keeps thinking about how bitter he was about Things. Did I care about this and how it shaped him into the man he is? No. No I didn't. Because he did not display any depth of character or redeeming qualities. At all.
Finally, there was a lot of ~foreshadowing~ about an overarching plot but little of it actually interests me. The only character I'm actually curious about and want to read more of? Joshua Wolfe. We see far too little of him but his page time was the only thing that had me actively engaged with the story. Which is why I’ll read the next book, dammit. Jeffries knew what she was doing when she made him the focus of the next in the series.
In summary, I can’t recommend this to anyone. Save yourself and go find something else to read.
May 4, 2020
The makeout/sex scenes in this were so utterly inappropriate Each and Every time they popped up. Revving from 0-60 for no legitimate reason, ignoring all boundaries of class and good manners.
Seriously why is your hand up your brother’s cousin’s who-ha outdoors?
With y’all’s siblings a few feet away? Y’all don’t know each other near well enough to be considering bumping uglies.
Overall the plot was weak, the original reasons for suspicions flimsy as all hell, the characters’ thoughts were circuitous and repetitive and much of the book is straight up filler.
The females also had a very cavalier attitude to cursing for the time period. Like eight year old boys seeing how far they could push Mama.
I would rate it lower but there is still some underlying charm to the writing so I’ll leave it at a solid three. It’s readable. Just rather more of a forgettable time passer than any kind of emotive memorable tale.
Seriously why is your hand up your brother’s cousin’s who-ha outdoors?
With y’all’s siblings a few feet away? Y’all don’t know each other near well enough to be considering bumping uglies.
Overall the plot was weak, the original reasons for suspicions flimsy as all hell, the characters’ thoughts were circuitous and repetitive and much of the book is straight up filler.
The females also had a very cavalier attitude to cursing for the time period. Like eight year old boys seeing how far they could push Mama.
I would rate it lower but there is still some underlying charm to the writing so I’ll leave it at a solid three. It’s readable. Just rather more of a forgettable time passer than any kind of emotive memorable tale.
April 8, 2021
Lydia, the 4th Dowager Duchess of Armitage has married either very well or very badly, depending on your prospective. She has married three dukes, all who have left her widowed, the first two in a three year time span. The third duke had at least hung around for 30 years. From those marriages Lydia has produced three dukes, one spare and one daughter.
It will be these adult children who are at the center of Sabrina Jeffries new series-the Duke Dynasty. Jeffries is getting off to a stellar start with her first entry, Project Duchess.
Those who know Lydia have no doubt that at least the second and third marriages were love matches. The very recent death of the 4th Duke of Armitage leaves her heartbroken. To help her grief Lydia has taken on two projects. The first is the rapprochement with her oldest son, Fletcher Pryde the 5th Duke of Greycourt. The second project is the simultaneous launch into society of her daughter Gwyn along with a niece she never really knew, Beatrice Wolfe. Since it is a long time until mourning ends and the launches launch, Lydia has time to remove all of the rough edges from Beatrice. There are many since she grew up roaming the estate when she wasn’t serving as companion to the late Duchess or reluctant hostess to the widowed (and now late) 3rd Duke of Armitage.
To help with this grand project, the Dowager Duchess has enlisted the help of Greycourt. After meeting the acerbic Beatrice, Greycourt has found himself less resistant to this idea than he would have first supposed.
Although Beatrice is the grand-daughter of a duke, fate has ordained that she and her war damaged brother, Joshua, reside in the Dower house. Joshua holds the job of head gamekeeper on the Armitage estate; a job far below his status but one suiting the reclusive Joshua just fine.
Beatrice had made herself useful in other ways, being an efficient manager of estates, homes, and people. If Beatrice and Joshua lose their residency in the dower house they will be homeless and destitute; so Beatrice does her best for the Armitage estate.
In Project Duchess Duke Dynasty #1, Jeffries introduces all of the adult children who will be starring in the forthcoming books with teasing glimpses that perfectly whet the appetite.
Fair warning though, rough seas ahead, with Project Duchess tackling dark issues; a serial killer, physical, mental, sexual abuse, and PTSD. These threads don’t overwhelm Project Duchess but make it deeper and more absorbing than the usual HR.
I’m greedy; I wish authors could just stream books as do so many of the cable and internet channels with their series. Especially with a series that starts out so wonderfully.
There are heartbreaking back stories, intricate plots, and characters whose stories one can’t wait to read; and that’s just with the first, Project Duchess.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
It will be these adult children who are at the center of Sabrina Jeffries new series-the Duke Dynasty. Jeffries is getting off to a stellar start with her first entry, Project Duchess.
Those who know Lydia have no doubt that at least the second and third marriages were love matches. The very recent death of the 4th Duke of Armitage leaves her heartbroken. To help her grief Lydia has taken on two projects. The first is the rapprochement with her oldest son, Fletcher Pryde the 5th Duke of Greycourt. The second project is the simultaneous launch into society of her daughter Gwyn along with a niece she never really knew, Beatrice Wolfe. Since it is a long time until mourning ends and the launches launch, Lydia has time to remove all of the rough edges from Beatrice. There are many since she grew up roaming the estate when she wasn’t serving as companion to the late Duchess or reluctant hostess to the widowed (and now late) 3rd Duke of Armitage.
To help with this grand project, the Dowager Duchess has enlisted the help of Greycourt. After meeting the acerbic Beatrice, Greycourt has found himself less resistant to this idea than he would have first supposed.
Although Beatrice is the grand-daughter of a duke, fate has ordained that she and her war damaged brother, Joshua, reside in the Dower house. Joshua holds the job of head gamekeeper on the Armitage estate; a job far below his status but one suiting the reclusive Joshua just fine.
Beatrice had made herself useful in other ways, being an efficient manager of estates, homes, and people. If Beatrice and Joshua lose their residency in the dower house they will be homeless and destitute; so Beatrice does her best for the Armitage estate.
In Project Duchess Duke Dynasty #1, Jeffries introduces all of the adult children who will be starring in the forthcoming books with teasing glimpses that perfectly whet the appetite.
Fair warning though, rough seas ahead, with Project Duchess tackling dark issues; a serial killer, physical, mental, sexual abuse, and PTSD. These threads don’t overwhelm Project Duchess but make it deeper and more absorbing than the usual HR.
I’m greedy; I wish authors could just stream books as do so many of the cable and internet channels with their series. Especially with a series that starts out so wonderfully.
There are heartbreaking back stories, intricate plots, and characters whose stories one can’t wait to read; and that’s just with the first, Project Duchess.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 15, 2019
Beatrice Wolfe has too much experience organizing funerals. When she is called upon to help her Aunt Lydia after the death of her husband, she does so without hesitation. But when Fletcher Pryde, the Duke of Greycourt arrives, and not knowing who he is, she doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind regarding his rudeness. Just looking at him, she knows exactly what a man of his ilk are like and she wants nothing to do with him.
Grey is instantly taken with the woman who gives him her blunt rebuttals to his inquisition. When his brother shares concern that the woman’s brother may have been involved in a murder, he offers to spend time with her to learn what he can. Soon, he’s battling a mixture of emotions that offer him no peace except to claim Beatrice as his own.
Poor Grey. He had an awful childhood that left him untrusting of people in general. Trying to fit in with his half-siblings, he struggles with old wounds even as he hungers for Beatrice and the satisfaction that her presence brings to him. I loved that he adored Beatrice for her hoyden ways and her straight forward honesty. The very thing that would keep her from finding a suitable husband, and the things his mother’s project would fix, were the things that drew him to her. Sigh. Exactly what I look for in a historical romance.
”She was perfect for him in every way. And all she asked was that he let her look inside his very soul.
He should let her. It meant nothing, right?
It meant everything. It meant sharing his secrets with her, taking hers on faith, trusting her to hold his heart in her hands and not crush it, the way everyone else had. Because apparently he did have a heart if he were to judge from the searing pain in his chest.”
Beatrice was amazing. She was so kind and caring, always ready to help at a moment’s notice. With the weight of the her and her brother’s world on her shoulders, she’s fighting to do what needs to be done to assure they are not cast aside and found homeless.
But as suspicions of murder arise, she can’t help but worry that they are true. She was a strong heroine, determined to solve her problems in the best way society would allow. Her ability to speak her mind to Grey and stand up to him made me like her even more.
This has a lot of steam for a regency, but I LOVED it! If I want to read a flat historical romance, I’ll pull out one of my momma’s old books. Instead, this is what I want. A romance with suspense, mystery and intrigue all laced with sizzling passion. With enough uncertainty and drama to keep the story moving and a pace that matches it, I found myself reading this within an afternoon. I couldn’t stop.
Project Duchess sets up this series as we meet the characters that I assume will have their own books. There isn’t a one of them I don’t want to know more about. With the possibility for danger and mayhem as this series progresses, I’m eagerly awaiting the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Grey is instantly taken with the woman who gives him her blunt rebuttals to his inquisition. When his brother shares concern that the woman’s brother may have been involved in a murder, he offers to spend time with her to learn what he can. Soon, he’s battling a mixture of emotions that offer him no peace except to claim Beatrice as his own.
Poor Grey. He had an awful childhood that left him untrusting of people in general. Trying to fit in with his half-siblings, he struggles with old wounds even as he hungers for Beatrice and the satisfaction that her presence brings to him. I loved that he adored Beatrice for her hoyden ways and her straight forward honesty. The very thing that would keep her from finding a suitable husband, and the things his mother’s project would fix, were the things that drew him to her. Sigh. Exactly what I look for in a historical romance.
”She was perfect for him in every way. And all she asked was that he let her look inside his very soul.
He should let her. It meant nothing, right?
It meant everything. It meant sharing his secrets with her, taking hers on faith, trusting her to hold his heart in her hands and not crush it, the way everyone else had. Because apparently he did have a heart if he were to judge from the searing pain in his chest.”
Beatrice was amazing. She was so kind and caring, always ready to help at a moment’s notice. With the weight of the her and her brother’s world on her shoulders, she’s fighting to do what needs to be done to assure they are not cast aside and found homeless.
But as suspicions of murder arise, she can’t help but worry that they are true. She was a strong heroine, determined to solve her problems in the best way society would allow. Her ability to speak her mind to Grey and stand up to him made me like her even more.
This has a lot of steam for a regency, but I LOVED it! If I want to read a flat historical romance, I’ll pull out one of my momma’s old books. Instead, this is what I want. A romance with suspense, mystery and intrigue all laced with sizzling passion. With enough uncertainty and drama to keep the story moving and a pace that matches it, I found myself reading this within an afternoon. I couldn’t stop.
Project Duchess sets up this series as we meet the characters that I assume will have their own books. There isn’t a one of them I don’t want to know more about. With the possibility for danger and mayhem as this series progresses, I’m eagerly awaiting the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
June 12, 2019
Series: Duke Dynasty #1
Publication Date: 6/25/19
Number of Pages: 352
This was an absolutely wonderful introduction to Sabrina Jeffries new series. There is an overall mystery to the series, I’ll not tell you what that is – but you’ll discover it in this book. We meet – and love – the five children of a duchess who has had three husbands – all dukes. She had one child, Fletcher (Grey), with her first husband; two children – twins – Marlowe (Thorn) and Gwyn with her second husband; two children, Sheridan and Heywood with her last husband. The series revolves around solving the mystery introduced in this book, the children learning more about their fathers, and each of them pursuing and finding their own HEA’s. I found each of them intriguing and can’t wait to get to know them better in their own stories. The next story (featuring Heywood) will be a novella, A PERFECT MATCH released in an anthology (Seduction on a Snowy Night) with authors Madeline Hunter and Mary Jo Putney. Then, in February of 2020, we get Gwyn’s story – The Bachelor.
Fletcher Pryde, the 5th Duke of Greycourt, had a lovely family life until he was ten years old. He lost his father when he was very young, so he didn’t remember him, nor does he really remember his first step-father. However, his second step-father created a happy, loving family for all of them. That idyllic family lasted until Grey was ten and the uncle his father had named as his guardian came to claim him. He even thought he might want to go with him. Then he saw his aunt and uncle’s true colors and his nightmare of a life began. He quickly walled off his heart and all emotions. He became cold and always, always in control. He also distanced himself from his family and had little interaction with them – even after his uncle died.
We first meet Grey as he’s receiving word that his step-father, Maurice, has died. He doesn’t want to, but he leaves for Armitage Hall. He’ll do his duty and then leave as soon as he can. However, he’s not prepared for what he finds when he gets there. He meets a sassy young woman standing in the hall and immediately starts making demands – as dukes do. She was having none of it and gave as good as she got. He had to wonder who that sharp-tongued woman was. Then, his brother arrived and introduced them. Uh-oh – he’d assumed she was a servant or merchant of some sort.
Beatrice Wolfe is the granddaughter of a duke, but she is penniless. She and her brother, Joshua, live in the dower house at Armitage Hall. Joshua was severely wounded in the Peninsular wars and he now acts as head gamekeeper for the estate. He is grouchy, uncommunicative, etc. – all those things we associate with PTSD today.
Beatrice has handled all of the arrangements for the funeral of her uncle, the Duke of Armitage, who has just died. She loves the family and wants to ease their way as much as possible. As she’s standing in the entryway arranging the funeral cookies, a man approaches and starts making demands and berating her. She knows he has to be the Duke of Greycourt just from what she’s heard of him. Well – he’s not going to speak to her that way.
Grey and Beatrice bicker right along with all of the other siblings in the house. It was so much fun to read because I’ve known big loving families who bickered just that way. Grey can’t believe he’s attracted to Beatrice – but he is – and he just won’t allow it. He’s in full control of himself and will absolutely not allow it. Right . . . We all know how that’s going to end.
With a mystery to solve, an acerbic brother to manage and a cruel aunt still reaching out to cause trouble, you begin to wonder if they can truly find their way to their HEA. Never fear, Grey is up to the task of assuaging Beatrice’s fears and concerns – it just takes him a while to get there.
This was an excellent read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 6/25/19
Number of Pages: 352
This was an absolutely wonderful introduction to Sabrina Jeffries new series. There is an overall mystery to the series, I’ll not tell you what that is – but you’ll discover it in this book. We meet – and love – the five children of a duchess who has had three husbands – all dukes. She had one child, Fletcher (Grey), with her first husband; two children – twins – Marlowe (Thorn) and Gwyn with her second husband; two children, Sheridan and Heywood with her last husband. The series revolves around solving the mystery introduced in this book, the children learning more about their fathers, and each of them pursuing and finding their own HEA’s. I found each of them intriguing and can’t wait to get to know them better in their own stories. The next story (featuring Heywood) will be a novella, A PERFECT MATCH released in an anthology (Seduction on a Snowy Night) with authors Madeline Hunter and Mary Jo Putney. Then, in February of 2020, we get Gwyn’s story – The Bachelor.
Fletcher Pryde, the 5th Duke of Greycourt, had a lovely family life until he was ten years old. He lost his father when he was very young, so he didn’t remember him, nor does he really remember his first step-father. However, his second step-father created a happy, loving family for all of them. That idyllic family lasted until Grey was ten and the uncle his father had named as his guardian came to claim him. He even thought he might want to go with him. Then he saw his aunt and uncle’s true colors and his nightmare of a life began. He quickly walled off his heart and all emotions. He became cold and always, always in control. He also distanced himself from his family and had little interaction with them – even after his uncle died.
We first meet Grey as he’s receiving word that his step-father, Maurice, has died. He doesn’t want to, but he leaves for Armitage Hall. He’ll do his duty and then leave as soon as he can. However, he’s not prepared for what he finds when he gets there. He meets a sassy young woman standing in the hall and immediately starts making demands – as dukes do. She was having none of it and gave as good as she got. He had to wonder who that sharp-tongued woman was. Then, his brother arrived and introduced them. Uh-oh – he’d assumed she was a servant or merchant of some sort.
Beatrice Wolfe is the granddaughter of a duke, but she is penniless. She and her brother, Joshua, live in the dower house at Armitage Hall. Joshua was severely wounded in the Peninsular wars and he now acts as head gamekeeper for the estate. He is grouchy, uncommunicative, etc. – all those things we associate with PTSD today.
Beatrice has handled all of the arrangements for the funeral of her uncle, the Duke of Armitage, who has just died. She loves the family and wants to ease their way as much as possible. As she’s standing in the entryway arranging the funeral cookies, a man approaches and starts making demands and berating her. She knows he has to be the Duke of Greycourt just from what she’s heard of him. Well – he’s not going to speak to her that way.
Grey and Beatrice bicker right along with all of the other siblings in the house. It was so much fun to read because I’ve known big loving families who bickered just that way. Grey can’t believe he’s attracted to Beatrice – but he is – and he just won’t allow it. He’s in full control of himself and will absolutely not allow it. Right . . . We all know how that’s going to end.
With a mystery to solve, an acerbic brother to manage and a cruel aunt still reaching out to cause trouble, you begin to wonder if they can truly find their way to their HEA. Never fear, Grey is up to the task of assuaging Beatrice’s fears and concerns – it just takes him a while to get there.
This was an excellent read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 13, 2022
Very sweet and intriguing series start!! I am hyped for Gwyn and Joshua's book, especially because it has one of my favorite tropes. 👀
Content warning: period typical sexism and misogyny, period typical ableism, death of stepparent, past child abuse, past sexual abuse/assault and harassment, sex scenes
Content warning: period typical sexism and misogyny, period typical ableism, death of stepparent, past child abuse, past sexual abuse/assault and harassment, sex scenes
August 11, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Zebra in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Project Duchess is the first book in Jefferies NEWEST series "Duke Dynasty" and I am such a fan for Sabrina Jeffries and she is pretty much an auto-read author since she was one of my very firsts adult authors to pick up. Now lately I never know if a regency will work for me or not but this book was so delicious in every way and I just didn't want to put it down. There was something so sweet and connecting about this story that I gravitated towards and I have no REGRETS in any way because once again this author has delighted me and I am more than happy with that.
In Project Duchess, our story sets off when our hero has come to his family's estate when he hears that his step father has been killed and rushes home. He has had a great distance from his family and mostly that is due to his own actions and decisions and what happened to him when he was young and sent away from his family. Now having lost the only real father he ever really knew he is devastated and regrets that they weren't able to mend fences before he was killed. When he arrives he meets a cousin of one of his step brothers, Beatrice, who is sassy and smart and doesn't hold back with him and he finds her refreshing and wanting her like a breath of fresh air. Beatrice is in training to have her come out under the guidance of Grey's mother. But there is a murder to solve and Beatrice's brother is their primary suspect. Can he get to the truth without compromising the love that is forming between himself and Beatrice? or will that bride be burned unable to be rebuilt?
Project Duchess was a stunning story and I was really captivated by the sweet and fun bantering that these two had whenever they were near to each other but at the same time, there is powerful chemistry that is built between them that really stuns you in all the delightful ways. I truly didn't want to let go of what these two had together. The chemistry that slowly forms between them is powerful from their walks in the woods, to Grey teaching her to dance and the slow passion that forms into burning desire was captivating. I honestly found myself caught in these fiery moments between these two. I had forgotten how well that Sabrina Jeffries crafts these steamy moments between a couple and she did it just right for these two.
The story itself is highly engaging and I was really curious about this murder mystery that is brought into the story and found wonderful balance with the romance itself. It is so intricately placed into the story that we find the ways that these two come together and see what is really going on with her brother Joshua. We also see a delightful connection form between Gwen (Grey's sister) and Joshua and they are book two so I love the little teasers and their book I have a feeling is going to be explosive.
Overall I found Project Duchess to be a truly entertaining and edge of your seat fun....a true pleasure to read and become engaged in!! You can't go wrong with this one here, so grab it up, settle in with a nice cup of tea and embrace this love story bound to curl your toes and leave you with a smile!
Project Duchess is the first book in Jefferies NEWEST series "Duke Dynasty" and I am such a fan for Sabrina Jeffries and she is pretty much an auto-read author since she was one of my very firsts adult authors to pick up. Now lately I never know if a regency will work for me or not but this book was so delicious in every way and I just didn't want to put it down. There was something so sweet and connecting about this story that I gravitated towards and I have no REGRETS in any way because once again this author has delighted me and I am more than happy with that.
Every time you offer to do whatever I wish, you tempt me, Beatrice. So don't offer unless you mean it
In Project Duchess, our story sets off when our hero has come to his family's estate when he hears that his step father has been killed and rushes home. He has had a great distance from his family and mostly that is due to his own actions and decisions and what happened to him when he was young and sent away from his family. Now having lost the only real father he ever really knew he is devastated and regrets that they weren't able to mend fences before he was killed. When he arrives he meets a cousin of one of his step brothers, Beatrice, who is sassy and smart and doesn't hold back with him and he finds her refreshing and wanting her like a breath of fresh air. Beatrice is in training to have her come out under the guidance of Grey's mother. But there is a murder to solve and Beatrice's brother is their primary suspect. Can he get to the truth without compromising the love that is forming between himself and Beatrice? or will that bride be burned unable to be rebuilt?
What I want is to make love to you. What I want is to show you what it feels like to need someone so desperately that nothing else makes sense, that the mere thought of seeing that person makes one's heart race.
Project Duchess was a stunning story and I was really captivated by the sweet and fun bantering that these two had whenever they were near to each other but at the same time, there is powerful chemistry that is built between them that really stuns you in all the delightful ways. I truly didn't want to let go of what these two had together. The chemistry that slowly forms between them is powerful from their walks in the woods, to Grey teaching her to dance and the slow passion that forms into burning desire was captivating. I honestly found myself caught in these fiery moments between these two. I had forgotten how well that Sabrina Jeffries crafts these steamy moments between a couple and she did it just right for these two.
At last he'd found a woman who could not only know him thoroughly, but could accept him for what he was--a man with flaws and fears, but a man still capable of loving.
The story itself is highly engaging and I was really curious about this murder mystery that is brought into the story and found wonderful balance with the romance itself. It is so intricately placed into the story that we find the ways that these two come together and see what is really going on with her brother Joshua. We also see a delightful connection form between Gwen (Grey's sister) and Joshua and they are book two so I love the little teasers and their book I have a feeling is going to be explosive.
Overall I found Project Duchess to be a truly entertaining and edge of your seat fun....a true pleasure to read and become engaged in!! You can't go wrong with this one here, so grab it up, settle in with a nice cup of tea and embrace this love story bound to curl your toes and leave you with a smile!
May 25, 2021
'A series of stepfathers and a difficult childhood have left Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, with a guarded heart, enviable wealth, and the undeserved reputation of a rogue. Grey’s focus on expanding his dukedom allows him little time to find a wife. But when his mother is widowed yet again and he meets the charmingly unconventional woman managing his stepfather’s funeral, he’s shocked to discover how much they have in common. Still, Grey isn’t interested in love, no matter how pretty, or delightfully outspoken, the lady . . .
Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt with his rakish reputation isn’t exactly changing her mind. Then Grey agrees to assist his grief-stricken mother with her latest “project”: schooling spirited, unfashionable Beatrice for her debut. Now that Beatrice is seeing through Grey’s charms to his wounded heart, she’s having trouble keeping him at arm’s length. But once Grey starts digging into her family’s secrets, she must decide whether her loyalties lie with her family . . . or with the man whose lessons capture her heart . . . '
____________________________
Project Duchess is the first book in Sabrina Jefferies' Duke Dynasty series and is a historical romance with a touch of murder mystery.
I have just finished reading the fourth book in the series and the family connections in the series are complex enough that each book has a family tree at the beginning. Plus I had somehow only ever read this and the fourth book, despite having always intended to go back and read the series from the beginning. Either way though, I was left feeling that maybe there were some family details that I was forgetting and so here I am starting the series and reading the books I missed! I think I'll reread the second book as well though because it's been a year and I want to make sure I have all the details for this mystery.
I'm going to be entirely honest, I wasn't crazy about this book. Beatrice jumps to conclusions about Grey's character and wavers between sticking to those ideas and thinking that she may have misjudged him while fighting an attraction to him. And Grey suspects Beatrice and her brother of conspiring to commit/cover up a murder while also fighting an attraction to her. It just left me not really able to care much about their becoming more of a team when there was still this lurking sense of distrust. Then when they worked through that enough to be more trusting of one another, it felt a bit sappy to me because I just wasn't able to embrace it after their earlier behavior.
But that being said, it wasn't bad. But I am glad that I read other books in this series first because if this was my first exposure to the series, I'm not certain I would have continued on with the series. I remember really enjoying the second book when I read it a year ago, so perhaps this book just fell into the pitfall of a shaky first book to introduce a new series.
Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt with his rakish reputation isn’t exactly changing her mind. Then Grey agrees to assist his grief-stricken mother with her latest “project”: schooling spirited, unfashionable Beatrice for her debut. Now that Beatrice is seeing through Grey’s charms to his wounded heart, she’s having trouble keeping him at arm’s length. But once Grey starts digging into her family’s secrets, she must decide whether her loyalties lie with her family . . . or with the man whose lessons capture her heart . . . '
____________________________
Project Duchess is the first book in Sabrina Jefferies' Duke Dynasty series and is a historical romance with a touch of murder mystery.
I have just finished reading the fourth book in the series and the family connections in the series are complex enough that each book has a family tree at the beginning. Plus I had somehow only ever read this and the fourth book, despite having always intended to go back and read the series from the beginning. Either way though, I was left feeling that maybe there were some family details that I was forgetting and so here I am starting the series and reading the books I missed! I think I'll reread the second book as well though because it's been a year and I want to make sure I have all the details for this mystery.
I'm going to be entirely honest, I wasn't crazy about this book. Beatrice jumps to conclusions about Grey's character and wavers between sticking to those ideas and thinking that she may have misjudged him while fighting an attraction to him. And Grey suspects Beatrice and her brother of conspiring to commit/cover up a murder while also fighting an attraction to her. It just left me not really able to care much about their becoming more of a team when there was still this lurking sense of distrust. Then when they worked through that enough to be more trusting of one another, it felt a bit sappy to me because I just wasn't able to embrace it after their earlier behavior.
But that being said, it wasn't bad. But I am glad that I read other books in this series first because if this was my first exposure to the series, I'm not certain I would have continued on with the series. I remember really enjoying the second book when I read it a year ago, so perhaps this book just fell into the pitfall of a shaky first book to introduce a new series.
June 26, 2019
Two and a half stars.
Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt is summoned to his stepfather's estate when he receives news that his stepfather Maurice has died unexpectedly. His mother had married three Dukes and had five children, three of whom were now Dukes in their own rights (following the deaths of their respective fathers). Grey has never forgiven his family for sending him to England to live with his abusive uncle when he was only a young boy, leaving him to grow up alone.
When Grey arrives he mistakes his stepfather's niece Beatrice Wolfe for a maid or a representative from the undertakers, he is arrogant and abrupt for which Beatrice cuts him nicely down to size.
Originally Grey intended to spend only a night with his family before returning to London, but when his stepbrother Sheridan shares his suspicion that Maurice was murdered, and indeed that his brother Armie was also murdered before him, Grey feels compelled to stay and help with the investigations, especially when suspicion falls on Beatrice's older brother Joshua.
Meantime, Grey's mother is determined to present Beatrice at court when she presents her own daughter Gwynn, ashamed that Maurice's brother Armie didn't do more for his niece. She forces Grey and his brothers to help in coaching the girls in the etiquette of high society, including teaching them to dance.
At first Grey cultivates Beatrice's company to further his investigations into Joshua but soon he is intrigued by her honesty, her beauty and her wit. But his childhood has made him slow to trust others, especially with his heart, and a lowly woman with no dowry is not a suitable candidate for the role of Duchess of Greycourt.
I really enjoyed the start of this novel, the idea of a woman who had been married three times, the hint of mystery, the feisty heroine and the supercilious hero - catnip I tell you!
Unfortunately, all too soon the focus of the novel turned to page, after page, after page of heavy petting and sexual encounters with little to no plot development. On and on it went, full of florid language like his 'large staff' and references to 'ravishing' and 'plundering', it felt repetitive and frankly derivative. I was also massively disappointed by the end. This felt 'wrong', also the heavy-handed use of historical words alongside the modern sexual attitudes just didn't sit right for me. Even the cover doesn't fit the novel, given that the family is in mourning and Beatrice is a poor relation.
I have only read one novella written by Sabrina Jeffries which I really enjoyed, maybe her writing style is more appealing to me in a shorter format.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt is summoned to his stepfather's estate when he receives news that his stepfather Maurice has died unexpectedly. His mother had married three Dukes and had five children, three of whom were now Dukes in their own rights (following the deaths of their respective fathers). Grey has never forgiven his family for sending him to England to live with his abusive uncle when he was only a young boy, leaving him to grow up alone.
When Grey arrives he mistakes his stepfather's niece Beatrice Wolfe for a maid or a representative from the undertakers, he is arrogant and abrupt for which Beatrice cuts him nicely down to size.
Originally Grey intended to spend only a night with his family before returning to London, but when his stepbrother Sheridan shares his suspicion that Maurice was murdered, and indeed that his brother Armie was also murdered before him, Grey feels compelled to stay and help with the investigations, especially when suspicion falls on Beatrice's older brother Joshua.
Meantime, Grey's mother is determined to present Beatrice at court when she presents her own daughter Gwynn, ashamed that Maurice's brother Armie didn't do more for his niece. She forces Grey and his brothers to help in coaching the girls in the etiquette of high society, including teaching them to dance.
At first Grey cultivates Beatrice's company to further his investigations into Joshua but soon he is intrigued by her honesty, her beauty and her wit. But his childhood has made him slow to trust others, especially with his heart, and a lowly woman with no dowry is not a suitable candidate for the role of Duchess of Greycourt.
I really enjoyed the start of this novel, the idea of a woman who had been married three times, the hint of mystery, the feisty heroine and the supercilious hero - catnip I tell you!
Unfortunately, all too soon the focus of the novel turned to page, after page, after page of heavy petting and sexual encounters with little to no plot development. On and on it went, full of florid language like his 'large staff' and references to 'ravishing' and 'plundering', it felt repetitive and frankly derivative. I was also massively disappointed by the end. This felt 'wrong', also the heavy-handed use of historical words alongside the modern sexual attitudes just didn't sit right for me. Even the cover doesn't fit the novel, given that the family is in mourning and Beatrice is a poor relation.
I have only read one novella written by Sabrina Jeffries which I really enjoyed, maybe her writing style is more appealing to me in a shorter format.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
wishlist
March 5, 2019Blog Tour starting on June 24th! Email Amy at hfvirtualbooktours@gmail.com if you would like to host!
January 19, 2023
absolutely obsessed with the cover of this book
shocking that this is my first Sabrina Jeffries book but it won't be the last...
shocking that this is my first Sabrina Jeffries book but it won't be the last...
May 14, 2021
3.5 ⭐️
This was a cute feel good book ❤️
This was a cute feel good book ❤️
June 12, 2019
The beginning of this title was great and I liked the meet cute but instalust soon reared it’s ugly head. I liked the hero and heroine and their backstories but I just find the whole they met two days ago but are super attracted to each other thing annoying. I felt like a lot of this was just setting up for the next books to come, which I will read because I love Sabrina Jeffries’ titles.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2019
This book features a wacky family, past sexual harassment/abuse, past child abuse, a super sexy dance lesson, and at least 3 dukes (if we just count the living ones). If you're looking for a short, sexy read with a weird punctuation cockblock (listen to our podcast for an explanation if you need one), then you should read Project Duchess. Plus it sets up at least 2 other novels so if you like Sabrina Jeffries you shouldn't miss it.
37-Word Summaries:
Meg: [a la Tim Gunn] As you know in fashion, one day you’re in, and the next you’re out. This Project Duchess will get Beatrice Wolfe ready to be out - in society. Or at least, that’s what Grey wants her to think.
Laine: Keep it in the family. What is it you ask? Suspicion, abuse, marriage, etc. This series is going to be the Hapsburgs without genetic inbreeding. Beatrice and Grey let their guards down around one another. Love ensues.
37-Word Summaries:
Meg: [a la Tim Gunn] As you know in fashion, one day you’re in, and the next you’re out. This Project Duchess will get Beatrice Wolfe ready to be out - in society. Or at least, that’s what Grey wants her to think.
Laine: Keep it in the family. What is it you ask? Suspicion, abuse, marriage, etc. This series is going to be the Hapsburgs without genetic inbreeding. Beatrice and Grey let their guards down around one another. Love ensues.
July 31, 2019
I’m just back from Le Festival du Roman Feminin in Paris where I was lucky to meet a bunch of awesome authors, so I have a bit of struggle put back my feet on earth.
This is my second read by Mrs Sabrina Jeffries, I do remember my first one, I liked it but I had mixed feeling about the heroine.
But here, she outdid herself and crafted a great young woman, with no weak knees ( how I dislike women who become puddles of drool at the sight of a man! ). Beatrice is strong woman, she was shaped by her upbringing and the behavior of her uncle toward her. Instead of undermine her character, it strengthened it, she blossomed in a woman who speaks her mind and lets nobody thwart her projects. Sure, it renders her less prepped to face London society.
Fletcher Pryde has ressentes his family since he was estranged at ten to be raised by his uncle and guardian. Worst, his uncle abused him to have him comply to his wills. He changed him to a man who refuses any emotional involvement. Why his life is turned upside down when around Beatrice, he feels a compulsion to be close to her, to hold her, to kiss her when at the same time he suspects her to might been part of some wrongdoings.
I loved they were able to tell what they have in mind, that they do not shy away and ask instead of turning around. They are far from perfect as their faith in the other is put to test at each bend. Their trust is balanced between their certitudes and hearsay and rumors. They each time come to realize when they have made mistakes and then they try to fix them, as it often done by blurting out before thinking but words can cause great pains. Why the truce they made to be true when they are together is often challenged as they must compromise between sentiments and secrets.
As a first in a series, the storyline introduced a wide range of characters, will each of the sibling get its story?
I just wondered why Gwyn, Grey’s half sister, never had a debut, even when they were not living in England. If I figure out my sums, she is in her thirties, I do like my heroines not fresh out of the nursery which it is more a spinster’s age than a debutante’s, but she acted rather like a very young woman instead of an adult one.
In all, it was a good beginning in this Duke Dynasty series, there are plenty of great tales in the making.
I was provided an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the editor Kensington Books/Zebra but I had previously preordered my own copy, so here is my true and unbiased opinion.
5 stars
This is my second read by Mrs Sabrina Jeffries, I do remember my first one, I liked it but I had mixed feeling about the heroine.
But here, she outdid herself and crafted a great young woman, with no weak knees ( how I dislike women who become puddles of drool at the sight of a man! ). Beatrice is strong woman, she was shaped by her upbringing and the behavior of her uncle toward her. Instead of undermine her character, it strengthened it, she blossomed in a woman who speaks her mind and lets nobody thwart her projects. Sure, it renders her less prepped to face London society.
Fletcher Pryde has ressentes his family since he was estranged at ten to be raised by his uncle and guardian. Worst, his uncle abused him to have him comply to his wills. He changed him to a man who refuses any emotional involvement. Why his life is turned upside down when around Beatrice, he feels a compulsion to be close to her, to hold her, to kiss her when at the same time he suspects her to might been part of some wrongdoings.
I loved they were able to tell what they have in mind, that they do not shy away and ask instead of turning around. They are far from perfect as their faith in the other is put to test at each bend. Their trust is balanced between their certitudes and hearsay and rumors. They each time come to realize when they have made mistakes and then they try to fix them, as it often done by blurting out before thinking but words can cause great pains. Why the truce they made to be true when they are together is often challenged as they must compromise between sentiments and secrets.
As a first in a series, the storyline introduced a wide range of characters, will each of the sibling get its story?
I just wondered why Gwyn, Grey’s half sister, never had a debut, even when they were not living in England. If I figure out my sums, she is in her thirties, I do like my heroines not fresh out of the nursery which it is more a spinster’s age than a debutante’s, but she acted rather like a very young woman instead of an adult one.
In all, it was a good beginning in this Duke Dynasty series, there are plenty of great tales in the making.
I was provided an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the editor Kensington Books/Zebra but I had previously preordered my own copy, so here is my true and unbiased opinion.
5 stars
June 16, 2024
i looked at the family tree at least a dozen times to make sure they weren’t related
February 28, 2021
SO, I don't know what to say about this because I liked it a lot??? But I also had a lot of plot related questions that were not really answered and don't hold up if you look at them too closely?? So I'm conflicted, but I'm probably landing at 3.5 stars, and I'll round up because Grey and Beatrice worked for me. I would have preferred the suspecting-Joshua-of-murder part of their relationship development to have gotten toned down a little sooner, but since that was really more on Sheridan than anything and I did really enjoy Grey and Beatrice on their own, I'm letting that slide.
I should also mention a content warning here for sexual harassment and attempted incest as well as child abuse. The heroine's uncle had an extensive history of sexually harassing her, from when she was about 16 until his death, including attempting to blackmail her into becoming his mistress. The hero's uncle was also abusive, caning him and starving him as a child.
This book requires a family tree, and I referred to the one provided in the front of the book often in the first 20% or so of the story. I am not sure the family history here entirely holds up because the whole plot is based on Lydia, who married three dukes, and after each marriage, she had at least one son before her husband died. Thereby making her the mother of three dukes. This book was about Lydia's son by her first husband, the Duke of Greycourt. I have some thoughts on this:
-For one, I thought we'd actually get some information on Lydia's relationship with Grey's father. There were a few lines that indicated that this may not have been the happiest of marriages, but I also could have been reading too much into the fact that Lydia said she never officially came out in society before she married Grey's father. That said, the previous duke was in his 40s when he died, supposedly of an illness he caught from Grey when he was an infant. That leads me to believe Lydia's first husband was significantly older than her??? Plus, no matter what, he was clearly neglectful in how he arranged for Grey's custody after his death.
-Speaking of Grey's evil uncle, that guy is the Worst and I'm glad he's dead (Eustace is a great evil uncle name, as an aside). I'm kind of confused as to why this man, who was truly evil and is presumably the younger brother of the previous duke and therefore next in line to the dukedom after Grey himself up until the point when Grey has a son of his own, didn't just find a way to quietly murder 10 year old Grey to get what he wanted???? So the ten year old kid refuses to sign some properties over to you, and you cane him and starve him but you don't actually kill him, at which point you'd get all of the properties??? Obviously killing him would make this an entirely different series, wherein Thorn, Gwyn, Sheridan, and Heywood were trying to figure out who killed their brother, rather than who killed all of their fathers, but I am just saying, murder of a child doesn't seem so far off the mark for an evil asshole like this Uncle Eustace.
-I say that Eustace must be the younger brother of the previous duke, because they appear to be related via Eustace in the family tree, Vanessa's surname is the same as Grey's, and he was named as the sole guardian in Grey's father's Will. Having Grey's blood relationship to the family be through Aunt Cora (who also sucks!!!!) would have at least been an explanation for why Eustace didn't murder Grey to inherit though.
-Also, on the ten year old kid reads a bunch of books in the library and realizes that his uncle is trying to force him to deed unentailed property to him outright: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Okay, but seriously, I don't pretend to understand everything about British property and/or contract law in the 19th century (although obviously a lot of US common law comes from England), so I can't speak to the legality of Uncle Eustace being able to get away with it, but there's a reason contracts signed by minors are not legally enforceable until they ratify them at the age of majority. ANYWAY, I'm just here to laugh about the fact that ten year old Grey apparently figured out some complicated legal documents all on his own. Sure, why not!
-Speaking of OTHER evil uncles, Uncle Armie was also the Worst. I don't have anything else to say on that subject other than he deserved to suffer more, tbh.
-I do, however, have some questions about the Armitage dukedom/line generally. I was expecting to get some answers on why Armie didn't remarry after his wife died to try to get an influx of cash for the struggling estate and/or try to produce an heir of his own, rather than just letting his brother inherit???? I was also expecting more answers about Beatrice and Joshua's parents, although maybe we'll get those in the next book since Joshua probably knew them better.
-One of my real sticking points here is the premise of this story is that Lydia married three dukes, which doesn't really make sense the way the Armitage line was actually set up. Lydia did marry two dukes, and she had Grey with the first and Thorn and Gwyn with the second, but then her third husband Maurice was actually the duke's second son, a diplomat, whose older brother was married and there was no guarantee Maurice would inherit. He apparently only ended up being the duke for a few months in the end! I'm explaining it in my head as after her first marriage to a man probably 20-ish years her senior, and then what must have been a very brief marriage to Thorn and Gwyn's father who died before the twins were even born, that she finally married Maurice for love, despite him being a second son. It's the only explanation that makes sense to me, and it makes me want a prequel novella telling Lydia's story. I don't think we're going to get one, but we should. Lydia's story is fascinating to me, and I wish we'd get to see more of it. Maybe then we could also get some answers as to the Armitage line because what we got in this book did not make a ton of sense. I spent a solid part of the first 20% of the book assuming the previous duke, who was Uncle Armie to Beatrice and Joshua, was actually Maurice's father and Sheridan and Heywood's grandfather. I just assumed Beatrice and Joshua's father was Armie's much younger brother. It was extremely confusing!!
-The sequel set up here is pretty good, but I am mostly excited for Sheridan and Vanessa. I suppose it's very convenient that Vanessa's dowry is doubled, given the fact that Sheridan is going to need the cash to save the estate from the giant mess his uncle left it in. I just hope that story is worthy on Vanessa because she's great, and deserves way better than her awful parents.
-Actually, speaking of sequel bait, it's hilarious how this entire family tree is going to become infinitely more complicated because the unrelated branches are just pairing off with each other. This family tree is bonkers, and I kind of love it.
-I don't have anything to say about the Thornstock line here because we really know nothing about Thorn and Gwyn's father. I'm sure I'll have Questions about that part of the family tree too though, so never fear. I can't wait to read their books and find out what those Questions are.
-I have spent quite some time picking apart the parts of the plot here that did not really hold up while only briefly mentioning the Sheridan-suspecting-Joshua-of-murder plot (lol), but I honestly spent more time wondering about the family tree issues than the murder plot, since it was immediately obvious to me that the ongoing murder mystery is the Glue That Holds This Series Together (aside from the fact that they're all related, obviously). This giant weird family was very charming to me anyway and I look forward to reading more about them, even when their family tree defies logic. I'll consider that a win.
I should also mention a content warning here for sexual harassment and attempted incest as well as child abuse. The heroine's uncle had an extensive history of sexually harassing her, from when she was about 16 until his death, including attempting to blackmail her into becoming his mistress. The hero's uncle was also abusive, caning him and starving him as a child.
This book requires a family tree, and I referred to the one provided in the front of the book often in the first 20% or so of the story. I am not sure the family history here entirely holds up because the whole plot is based on Lydia, who married three dukes, and after each marriage, she had at least one son before her husband died. Thereby making her the mother of three dukes. This book was about Lydia's son by her first husband, the Duke of Greycourt. I have some thoughts on this:
-For one, I thought we'd actually get some information on Lydia's relationship with Grey's father. There were a few lines that indicated that this may not have been the happiest of marriages, but I also could have been reading too much into the fact that Lydia said she never officially came out in society before she married Grey's father. That said, the previous duke was in his 40s when he died, supposedly of an illness he caught from Grey when he was an infant. That leads me to believe Lydia's first husband was significantly older than her??? Plus, no matter what, he was clearly neglectful in how he arranged for Grey's custody after his death.
-Speaking of Grey's evil uncle, that guy is the Worst and I'm glad he's dead (Eustace is a great evil uncle name, as an aside). I'm kind of confused as to why this man, who was truly evil and is presumably the younger brother of the previous duke and therefore next in line to the dukedom after Grey himself up until the point when Grey has a son of his own, didn't just find a way to quietly murder 10 year old Grey to get what he wanted???? So the ten year old kid refuses to sign some properties over to you, and you cane him and starve him but you don't actually kill him, at which point you'd get all of the properties??? Obviously killing him would make this an entirely different series, wherein Thorn, Gwyn, Sheridan, and Heywood were trying to figure out who killed their brother, rather than who killed all of their fathers, but I am just saying, murder of a child doesn't seem so far off the mark for an evil asshole like this Uncle Eustace.
-I say that Eustace must be the younger brother of the previous duke, because they appear to be related via Eustace in the family tree, Vanessa's surname is the same as Grey's, and he was named as the sole guardian in Grey's father's Will. Having Grey's blood relationship to the family be through Aunt Cora (who also sucks!!!!) would have at least been an explanation for why Eustace didn't murder Grey to inherit though.
-Also, on the ten year old kid reads a bunch of books in the library and realizes that his uncle is trying to force him to deed unentailed property to him outright: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Okay, but seriously, I don't pretend to understand everything about British property and/or contract law in the 19th century (although obviously a lot of US common law comes from England), so I can't speak to the legality of Uncle Eustace being able to get away with it, but there's a reason contracts signed by minors are not legally enforceable until they ratify them at the age of majority. ANYWAY, I'm just here to laugh about the fact that ten year old Grey apparently figured out some complicated legal documents all on his own. Sure, why not!
-Speaking of OTHER evil uncles, Uncle Armie was also the Worst. I don't have anything else to say on that subject other than he deserved to suffer more, tbh.
-I do, however, have some questions about the Armitage dukedom/line generally. I was expecting to get some answers on why Armie didn't remarry after his wife died to try to get an influx of cash for the struggling estate and/or try to produce an heir of his own, rather than just letting his brother inherit???? I was also expecting more answers about Beatrice and Joshua's parents, although maybe we'll get those in the next book since Joshua probably knew them better.
-One of my real sticking points here is the premise of this story is that Lydia married three dukes, which doesn't really make sense the way the Armitage line was actually set up. Lydia did marry two dukes, and she had Grey with the first and Thorn and Gwyn with the second, but then her third husband Maurice was actually the duke's second son, a diplomat, whose older brother was married and there was no guarantee Maurice would inherit. He apparently only ended up being the duke for a few months in the end! I'm explaining it in my head as after her first marriage to a man probably 20-ish years her senior, and then what must have been a very brief marriage to Thorn and Gwyn's father who died before the twins were even born, that she finally married Maurice for love, despite him being a second son. It's the only explanation that makes sense to me, and it makes me want a prequel novella telling Lydia's story. I don't think we're going to get one, but we should. Lydia's story is fascinating to me, and I wish we'd get to see more of it. Maybe then we could also get some answers as to the Armitage line because what we got in this book did not make a ton of sense. I spent a solid part of the first 20% of the book assuming the previous duke, who was Uncle Armie to Beatrice and Joshua, was actually Maurice's father and Sheridan and Heywood's grandfather. I just assumed Beatrice and Joshua's father was Armie's much younger brother. It was extremely confusing!!
-The sequel set up here is pretty good, but I am mostly excited for Sheridan and Vanessa. I suppose it's very convenient that Vanessa's dowry is doubled, given the fact that Sheridan is going to need the cash to save the estate from the giant mess his uncle left it in. I just hope that story is worthy on Vanessa because she's great, and deserves way better than her awful parents.
-Actually, speaking of sequel bait, it's hilarious how this entire family tree is going to become infinitely more complicated because the unrelated branches are just pairing off with each other. This family tree is bonkers, and I kind of love it.
-I don't have anything to say about the Thornstock line here because we really know nothing about Thorn and Gwyn's father. I'm sure I'll have Questions about that part of the family tree too though, so never fear. I can't wait to read their books and find out what those Questions are.
-I have spent quite some time picking apart the parts of the plot here that did not really hold up while only briefly mentioning the Sheridan-suspecting-Joshua-of-murder plot (lol), but I honestly spent more time wondering about the family tree issues than the murder plot, since it was immediately obvious to me that the ongoing murder mystery is the Glue That Holds This Series Together (aside from the fact that they're all related, obviously). This giant weird family was very charming to me anyway and I look forward to reading more about them, even when their family tree defies logic. I'll consider that a win.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2019
4.25 stars- Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Sparks fly when a guarded, conventional duke meets a spirited, unconventional lady unimpressed with his position in Project Duchess . Sabrina Jeffries kicks off her Duke Dynasty series with an engaging romance filled with likeable characters and a mystery that’s bound to keep this series interesting.
Until age ten, Fletcher “Grey” Pryde had an idyllic life with his mother, stepfather, and four siblings. But when he was taken back to England by his uncle, Grey’s life changed forever. Though he clearly loves his family, he keeps them at arm’s length and has walls around his heart. But when his stepfather dies, he doesn’t hesitate to go to his mother’s side. He’s prepared for memories to bombard him, but what he’s not prepared for is his mother’s newest “project”: preparing the lovely Beatrice Wolfe for her debut. Beatrice is his half-brother’s cousin and she is a breath of fresh air to Grey. She is forthright and sees value in people, not titles. Beatrice knows all-too-well that being a duke doesn’t make a man a gentleman. The two of them come from very different circumstances, yet it’s clear they’re made for each other from the start. I loved watching Beatrice and Grey fall in love. They’re unfashionably honest with each other, which helps break down some of the walls around their hearts. I enjoyed their dialogue and the chemistry that sizzled between them. Ms. Jeffries makes it incredibly easy to root for them because they’re such a likeable, well-matched couple.
Love, however, may not be enough for Beatrice and Grey to get their happily ever after. It isn’t a difference in station that makes things difficult, but rather a mystery. Was Grey’s stepfather murdered? The possibility seems increasingly likely and in his search for answers, Grey is forced to delve into Beatrice’s family’s secrets. Both Grey and Beatrice are pulled by duty, loyalty, and love and their burgeoning relationship may not survive the answers they find. How things work out, I’ll leave readers to discover on their own.
Grey and Beatrice are the heart of Project Duchess , but their families add depth to the world and make the book stand out. Grey’s mother has been married and widowed three times, all to dukes, and I adored her and Grey’s brothers and sister (the bright and vivacious Gwyn especially). The family dynamics were every bit as engaging as the romance. Between the overarching series mystery and the delicious tension between Gwyn and her future hero, I am on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happens in the next Duke Dynasty book.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Sparks fly when a guarded, conventional duke meets a spirited, unconventional lady unimpressed with his position in Project Duchess . Sabrina Jeffries kicks off her Duke Dynasty series with an engaging romance filled with likeable characters and a mystery that’s bound to keep this series interesting.
Until age ten, Fletcher “Grey” Pryde had an idyllic life with his mother, stepfather, and four siblings. But when he was taken back to England by his uncle, Grey’s life changed forever. Though he clearly loves his family, he keeps them at arm’s length and has walls around his heart. But when his stepfather dies, he doesn’t hesitate to go to his mother’s side. He’s prepared for memories to bombard him, but what he’s not prepared for is his mother’s newest “project”: preparing the lovely Beatrice Wolfe for her debut. Beatrice is his half-brother’s cousin and she is a breath of fresh air to Grey. She is forthright and sees value in people, not titles. Beatrice knows all-too-well that being a duke doesn’t make a man a gentleman. The two of them come from very different circumstances, yet it’s clear they’re made for each other from the start. I loved watching Beatrice and Grey fall in love. They’re unfashionably honest with each other, which helps break down some of the walls around their hearts. I enjoyed their dialogue and the chemistry that sizzled between them. Ms. Jeffries makes it incredibly easy to root for them because they’re such a likeable, well-matched couple.
Love, however, may not be enough for Beatrice and Grey to get their happily ever after. It isn’t a difference in station that makes things difficult, but rather a mystery. Was Grey’s stepfather murdered? The possibility seems increasingly likely and in his search for answers, Grey is forced to delve into Beatrice’s family’s secrets. Both Grey and Beatrice are pulled by duty, loyalty, and love and their burgeoning relationship may not survive the answers they find. How things work out, I’ll leave readers to discover on their own.
Grey and Beatrice are the heart of Project Duchess , but their families add depth to the world and make the book stand out. Grey’s mother has been married and widowed three times, all to dukes, and I adored her and Grey’s brothers and sister (the bright and vivacious Gwyn especially). The family dynamics were every bit as engaging as the romance. Between the overarching series mystery and the delicious tension between Gwyn and her future hero, I am on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happens in the next Duke Dynasty book.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
January 20, 2021
Hace bastante tiempo que no leía una novela de romance histórico. Pero hace unos meses vi este libro, leí y la reseña y dije: sí, algún día. Lo descargué en el kindle, y allí se quedó, hasta que ayer decidí darle una oportunidad.
La historia en sí no me pareció muy original. Por una parte, tenemos a Beatrice, nieta de un duke, quien básicamente se ha hecho valer por su cuenta desde que su papá falleció. Por otro lado, el duke de Greycourt es un hombre duro, acostumbrado a que le obedezcan y no le desafíen.
Se conocen en el funeral del padrastro de Grey, quien falleció en circunstancias sospechosas. El hermano de Grey, actual duque, comparte sus sospechas de que su padre fue asesinado (no sé si eso es spoiler o no, pero esa parte de la trama no se resuelve durante este primer libro, y sospecho que es algo que va a ser parte de los demás libros de la saga). En este contexto, Grey se ofrece para intentar conseguir información de Beatrice, lo cual probablemente es una excusa de su parte para pasar tiempo con Beatrice, una mujer que lo cautivó desde un principio.
Me gustó bastante, pero no me tuvo con la nariz pegada al kindle. No sé si siga con la saga (probablemente no).
La historia en sí no me pareció muy original. Por una parte, tenemos a Beatrice, nieta de un duke, quien básicamente se ha hecho valer por su cuenta desde que su papá falleció. Por otro lado, el duke de Greycourt es un hombre duro, acostumbrado a que le obedezcan y no le desafíen.
Se conocen en el funeral del padrastro de Grey, quien falleció en circunstancias sospechosas. El hermano de Grey, actual duque, comparte sus sospechas de que su padre fue asesinado (no sé si eso es spoiler o no, pero esa parte de la trama no se resuelve durante este primer libro, y sospecho que es algo que va a ser parte de los demás libros de la saga). En este contexto, Grey se ofrece para intentar conseguir información de Beatrice, lo cual probablemente es una excusa de su parte para pasar tiempo con Beatrice, una mujer que lo cautivó desde un principio.
Me gustó bastante, pero no me tuvo con la nariz pegada al kindle. No sé si siga con la saga (probablemente no).
June 23, 2019
4.5 stars, rounded up
When Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, Duke of Greycourt’s cousin Vanessa comes to visit him he learns two things, one his aunt is still intent on him marrying Vanessa, much to his and Vanessa’s disgust and two his mother has been widowed yet again. At his mothers’ request, he immediately leaves London and heads out to Armitage Hall.
Beatrice Wolfe, is cousin to Sheridan Wolfe, the new Duke of Armitage. She is at the hall helping with the funeral arrangements for her uncle Maurice when Grey arrives and immediately sets her temper off. For his part, Grey is intrigued by the plain speaking Beatrice and would love to argue with her, but he needs to see his mother and get some answers from Sheridan. Beatrice and her brother Joshua live in the dower house, they were orphaned when Beatrice was only 10 and they were taken in by her grandparents, soon after Joshua joined the army and only returned a few years ago, injured and much changed. Beatrice had tried to be helpful to her aunt Lydia (Grey’s mom) and the duchess has decided that Beatrice needs a season and Beatrice hopes to find a husband and finally some security in her life. She is surprised by her reaction to Grey, but is cautious, she has heard rumors of his debauched life and knows better than to pine after a man so far above her in station.
His mother is overcome with grief and very happy to see Grey, she wasn’t sure he would come as he has ignored his family in the months since they returned to England from Prussia. His step-father was an ambassador in Prussia and only returned to London when his brother “Armie” died and he inherited the duchy. His mother was married three times and had five children, three of her sons are dukes – Grey, the Duke of Greycourt is her eldest, Marlowe is the Duke of Thornstock and Sheridan is now the Duke of Armitage, she also has a daughter Gwyn (Marlowe’s twin) and Heywood (Sheridan’s younger brother) – with the exception of Heywood who is in the military, they are all at Armitage for the funeral. Grey is happy to see his siblings, but is guarded, he left Prussia when he was only ten to go live with his aunt and uncle in England and the experience left him changed, he doesn’t want love, as it has only ever caused him pain and as much as he would like to embrace his family, his past holds him back. He soon learns that Sheridan doesn’t believe Maurice’s death was an accident and thinks that Beatrice’s brother Joshua killed not only him, but possibly Armie as well. He wants Grey to investigate Joshua, but Grey argues that he would probably get more answers from Beatrice – especially since their mother is grooming her and Gwyn for a debut, Grey says he would get more information helping their mother prepare the girls as he is familiar with the London season.
I really enjoyed this story, yes, there are a lot of characters and yes, there is a lot going on, but it is really well done and even with the multitude of characters, it stays on point and Beatrice and Grey are definitely forefront in the story. I loved watching them fall in love and slowly overcome the hurts of their past and learn to trust each other, even when things are not what they seem. The book is filled with witty dialogue, secrets, heartache, steamy love scenes, mystery and a very hard won HEA. The book nicely sets up the series with hints of the other siblings backstories as well as the ongoing mystery of Maurice’s death. I am happy to recommend this book and am eagerly awaiting the next story!!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
When Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, Duke of Greycourt’s cousin Vanessa comes to visit him he learns two things, one his aunt is still intent on him marrying Vanessa, much to his and Vanessa’s disgust and two his mother has been widowed yet again. At his mothers’ request, he immediately leaves London and heads out to Armitage Hall.
Beatrice Wolfe, is cousin to Sheridan Wolfe, the new Duke of Armitage. She is at the hall helping with the funeral arrangements for her uncle Maurice when Grey arrives and immediately sets her temper off. For his part, Grey is intrigued by the plain speaking Beatrice and would love to argue with her, but he needs to see his mother and get some answers from Sheridan. Beatrice and her brother Joshua live in the dower house, they were orphaned when Beatrice was only 10 and they were taken in by her grandparents, soon after Joshua joined the army and only returned a few years ago, injured and much changed. Beatrice had tried to be helpful to her aunt Lydia (Grey’s mom) and the duchess has decided that Beatrice needs a season and Beatrice hopes to find a husband and finally some security in her life. She is surprised by her reaction to Grey, but is cautious, she has heard rumors of his debauched life and knows better than to pine after a man so far above her in station.
His mother is overcome with grief and very happy to see Grey, she wasn’t sure he would come as he has ignored his family in the months since they returned to England from Prussia. His step-father was an ambassador in Prussia and only returned to London when his brother “Armie” died and he inherited the duchy. His mother was married three times and had five children, three of her sons are dukes – Grey, the Duke of Greycourt is her eldest, Marlowe is the Duke of Thornstock and Sheridan is now the Duke of Armitage, she also has a daughter Gwyn (Marlowe’s twin) and Heywood (Sheridan’s younger brother) – with the exception of Heywood who is in the military, they are all at Armitage for the funeral. Grey is happy to see his siblings, but is guarded, he left Prussia when he was only ten to go live with his aunt and uncle in England and the experience left him changed, he doesn’t want love, as it has only ever caused him pain and as much as he would like to embrace his family, his past holds him back. He soon learns that Sheridan doesn’t believe Maurice’s death was an accident and thinks that Beatrice’s brother Joshua killed not only him, but possibly Armie as well. He wants Grey to investigate Joshua, but Grey argues that he would probably get more answers from Beatrice – especially since their mother is grooming her and Gwyn for a debut, Grey says he would get more information helping their mother prepare the girls as he is familiar with the London season.
I really enjoyed this story, yes, there are a lot of characters and yes, there is a lot going on, but it is really well done and even with the multitude of characters, it stays on point and Beatrice and Grey are definitely forefront in the story. I loved watching them fall in love and slowly overcome the hurts of their past and learn to trust each other, even when things are not what they seem. The book is filled with witty dialogue, secrets, heartache, steamy love scenes, mystery and a very hard won HEA. The book nicely sets up the series with hints of the other siblings backstories as well as the ongoing mystery of Maurice’s death. I am happy to recommend this book and am eagerly awaiting the next story!!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
July 6, 2019
Wow I really do not like this book 🙈 I could not see where the attraction was coming from with Grey and Beatrice. When they met, Beatrice made up her mind about his character and judged him harshly. Apparently he finds her snark and attitude endearing and she catches his eye. She supposedly doesn’t like him but quickly falls into his arms whenever he quirks his finger.
I found this book rather boring, although I can’t specifically say why (there were plenty of things going, dialogue, plot movement..) I guess I just didn’t CARE. The murder mystery started taking over the book and I didn’t get any feels from it other than annoyance that refused to dissipate. The fact that Grey can kiss Beatrice then wonder if she’s a murderer, then go back to kissing her just made me roll my eyes.
I guess I just found both characters rather unlikable. 😢
I did like the whole set up of the series though and enjoyed meeting the other dukes. I will always give Sabrina Jeffries a try and look forward to the other new releases.
I found this book rather boring, although I can’t specifically say why (there were plenty of things going, dialogue, plot movement..) I guess I just didn’t CARE. The murder mystery started taking over the book and I didn’t get any feels from it other than annoyance that refused to dissipate. The fact that Grey can kiss Beatrice then wonder if she’s a murderer, then go back to kissing her just made me roll my eyes.
I guess I just found both characters rather unlikable. 😢
I did like the whole set up of the series though and enjoyed meeting the other dukes. I will always give Sabrina Jeffries a try and look forward to the other new releases.
December 3, 2025
This was cute.
Having liked Sabrina Jeffries in the past and this being part of the Audible catalogue, I was happy to try it.
The story was simple.
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Having liked Sabrina Jeffries in the past and this being part of the Audible catalogue, I was happy to try it.
The story was simple.
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Want to read
February 24, 2019OMG I loooveee Sabrina Jeffries!! Cannot wait to read this!!!! eeeeppp
July 5, 2021
Very typical historical romance.
August 10, 2022
I had read an installment from this series in a Christmas anthology and enjoyed the family that was featured in the book so when I was craving a series to binge, this one came to mind!
Was this book a perfect romance? No. But I thought the family dynamics and the easy dialogue that Jeffries created even with the broad cast of characters was top notch. It is difficult to create a scene with a lot of people and still make the dialogue and the setting feel natural. In my opinion, it is one of the reasons Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series is so popular is because her family that she created sparkles on the page and feels so alive. Jeffries really has a knack for it too and I found myself really enjoying the fantastical set-up of three dukes spanning a family due to one woman's miraculous ability to marry and produce heirs for three dukes in her lifetime. Ha--you go girl.
Anyway, the family isn't perfect, but they are all likable in some way or another and I loved seeing how the series was set up. So many times with series openers, it just feels like I am asking "wait, who is that?" or "wow that was some clunky exposition" or "I'm 75 pages in and I haven't met the heroine". However, the romance here felt easygoing and not too deep so even though it didn't shred my heart apart and the sex scenes were a bit more than I usually go for, I found the relationship fun amidst the even more enjoyable backdrop of the potential murder mystery that started to develop. Beatrice is enjoyable as a harmonizer who seems to harmonize with everyone else except for the duke (whom she finds herself oddly attracted and irritated which was fun) and the duke started off a bit overbearing, but I liked that he truly thought about the things he heard from Beatrice and his family and really tried to learn from his mistakes and to start again.
I love when I discover series that have a fun family (or group with some connection) that have gorgeous covers and an ongoing theme. Combine romance, a murder mystery, and a great family and I am ALL IN. I just ordered the other three books in the series and I'm currently re-reading the novella so I can keep the binge going!
This is my first time reading Sabrina Jeffries and I have a feeling I'll definitely keep that streak going, especially with her newest series!
Was this book a perfect romance? No. But I thought the family dynamics and the easy dialogue that Jeffries created even with the broad cast of characters was top notch. It is difficult to create a scene with a lot of people and still make the dialogue and the setting feel natural. In my opinion, it is one of the reasons Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series is so popular is because her family that she created sparkles on the page and feels so alive. Jeffries really has a knack for it too and I found myself really enjoying the fantastical set-up of three dukes spanning a family due to one woman's miraculous ability to marry and produce heirs for three dukes in her lifetime. Ha--you go girl.
Anyway, the family isn't perfect, but they are all likable in some way or another and I loved seeing how the series was set up. So many times with series openers, it just feels like I am asking "wait, who is that?" or "wow that was some clunky exposition" or "I'm 75 pages in and I haven't met the heroine". However, the romance here felt easygoing and not too deep so even though it didn't shred my heart apart and the sex scenes were a bit more than I usually go for, I found the relationship fun amidst the even more enjoyable backdrop of the potential murder mystery that started to develop. Beatrice is enjoyable as a harmonizer who seems to harmonize with everyone else except for the duke (whom she finds herself oddly attracted and irritated which was fun) and the duke started off a bit overbearing, but I liked that he truly thought about the things he heard from Beatrice and his family and really tried to learn from his mistakes and to start again.
I love when I discover series that have a fun family (or group with some connection) that have gorgeous covers and an ongoing theme. Combine romance, a murder mystery, and a great family and I am ALL IN. I just ordered the other three books in the series and I'm currently re-reading the novella so I can keep the binge going!
This is my first time reading Sabrina Jeffries and I have a feeling I'll definitely keep that streak going, especially with her newest series!
March 14, 2021
Okay, well, the first thing you should do is go read Grace's review.
I finished this earlier this week, so have lost nearly all thoughts of my own, but this is a fun setup for a series! Lots of duke half-brothers! Falling in love with your . . . in-laws? I don't even know if that's the right word. Your half-siblings relation.
A lot of the conflict was a bit too much--characters jumping to conclusions and reacting WAY too quickly, but I guess that's human.
Anyway, I liked everyone, so it should be a fun series.
I finished this earlier this week, so have lost nearly all thoughts of my own, but this is a fun setup for a series! Lots of duke half-brothers! Falling in love with your . . . in-laws? I don't even know if that's the right word. Your half-siblings relation.
A lot of the conflict was a bit too much--characters jumping to conclusions and reacting WAY too quickly, but I guess that's human.
Anyway, I liked everyone, so it should be a fun series.
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