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Lords of Hazard #1
Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart
Intriguing twists and sparkling wit entwine in this stunning new historical romance from the New York Times bestselling Sabrina Jeffries, as a once-captive patriot returns home to a changed world in the wake of the Napoleonic War...
Napoleon’s war has ended, and English captives detained for years in a French fortress are finally released. Returning to a London he no longer recognizes, and facing astonishing changes in his own family, Lord Jonathan Leighton learns he has inherited a dukedom. But the new nobleman carries the guilt of having wronged his late mentor. Now, he vows to fulfill his promise to find a suitable match for the man’s daughter, Victoria—even if it takes offering a nonexistent dowry to spark her interest in matrimony . . .
Sharp-witted Victoria would just as soon sculpt the Greek god who has come to take charge of her future. In fact, she has her sights set on founding a school for women artists. As Jonathan matches wits with the talented beauty, revelations from his past—and their connection to her father’s demise—threaten to unveil both of their closely held secrets and thrust them into a danger they can only escape together.
Napoleon’s war has ended, and English captives detained for years in a French fortress are finally released. Returning to a London he no longer recognizes, and facing astonishing changes in his own family, Lord Jonathan Leighton learns he has inherited a dukedom. But the new nobleman carries the guilt of having wronged his late mentor. Now, he vows to fulfill his promise to find a suitable match for the man’s daughter, Victoria—even if it takes offering a nonexistent dowry to spark her interest in matrimony . . .
Sharp-witted Victoria would just as soon sculpt the Greek god who has come to take charge of her future. In fact, she has her sights set on founding a school for women artists. As Jonathan matches wits with the talented beauty, revelations from his past—and their connection to her father’s demise—threaten to unveil both of their closely held secrets and thrust them into a danger they can only escape together.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2025
470 people are currently reading
13175 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Jeffries
80 books4,798 followersSabrina Jeffries is the NYT bestselling author of over 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze of dreams and madness is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 11 million books published in print and electronically in 25 different languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world.
She always dreams big.
She always dreams big.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
February 21, 2025
This was a good, light read with some interesting historical elements but the last third of the book was so laden with cheesy dialogue and cringey sex scenes that I was a bit put off.
She called her 🐱 her fountain of love and I can’t with that nonsense. 🤮
But if you skip those parts it was really interesting to read about the hero’s back story as a détenu of the Napoleon wars and the heroine was a strong minded and determined sculptress. This was mostly Regency brain candy, and fairly conventional for a historical romance, but it was a quick and engaging read if you can get over the heavy corn/porn at the end. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for the complimentary copy.
****************************
Brand new series, and I got the arc!
She called her 🐱 her fountain of love and I can’t with that nonsense. 🤮
But if you skip those parts it was really interesting to read about the hero’s back story as a détenu of the Napoleon wars and the heroine was a strong minded and determined sculptress. This was mostly Regency brain candy, and fairly conventional for a historical romance, but it was a quick and engaging read if you can get over the heavy corn/porn at the end. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for the complimentary copy.
****************************
Brand new series, and I got the arc!
November 18, 2025
This is an entertaining, well-written, historical romance novel. It has a likable female protagonist, an engaging male protagonist, witty banter, appealing secondary characters, intrigue, a sizzling romance, and a satisfying conclusion. I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this wonderful new series with great anticipation. The author's note is informative and enlightening, and is truly appreciated. I won a copy of this delightful novel as a member of Kensington Books Between the Chapters book club. This is my honest opinion.
April 29, 2025
Will someone please save me from crusading Historical Romance heroines? Where can I find an old-fashioned bodice ripper these days? All the HRs published lately have heroines who are just not interested in finding their hero and are set on some quest, be it personal or political. I'm tired of it. I want an old-fashioned romance. Deep breath. Rant over. Now for the review.
"Hazardous to a Duke's Heart" met only one of my expectations: That Beverley A. Crick would deliver an awesome narration. She deserves better material to work with but performed a great job with what she had to work with. Jon, our hero, was a typical nobleman in a lot of ways but because of his experience, he showed a lot of empathy and a lot of guilt over how Torie's father died. Tory was carrying a heavy load and not willing to share why with anyone. The whole thing just didn't click for me. I guess what I wanted was a hot bodice ripper, what I got was a tepid romance with a lot of angst and martyrdom. 3 1/2-Stars
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary audio Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
"Hazardous to a Duke's Heart" met only one of my expectations: That Beverley A. Crick would deliver an awesome narration. She deserves better material to work with but performed a great job with what she had to work with. Jon, our hero, was a typical nobleman in a lot of ways but because of his experience, he showed a lot of empathy and a lot of guilt over how Torie's father died. Tory was carrying a heavy load and not willing to share why with anyone. The whole thing just didn't click for me. I guess what I wanted was a hot bodice ripper, what I got was a tepid romance with a lot of angst and martyrdom. 3 1/2-Stars
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary audio Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
April 29, 2025
Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart by Sabrina Jeffries
Lords of Hazard series #1. Historical romance. Alternating 3rd person POV.
After being held hostage for years during Napoleon’s war, Jonathan Leighton returns home to find out he’s the new head of family and the Duke of Falconridge. One of his first responsibilities will be to ensure his lost friend’s daughter is set up appropriately.
Victoria has no interest in marriage. Learning of an inheritance means she can make her dreams of setting up a school. Jon has other ideas.
🎧 I was able to read both an ebook copy and listen to an audiobook which is narrated by Beverley A Crick who does many of this authors books. She creates a wonderful regional accent with clear voices for male and female. Emotions are subtle but clear. The characters come to life in the audiobook.
I did listen to this between 1.5 and a bit higher to closer match my reading and conversation speed.
The descriptions were vivid for me in the print version for the locations and settings while the audiobook is about the people. I think either will give the reader a rich experience.
I always have a hard time with war as a setting. This book is more looking back on memories after the prologue. He doesn’t want to talk about the hard times that he experienced but Tory needed to understand. I feel like his sharing brought them closer together.
Sentimental, sexy and a bit sad for the typically not talked about prisoners of war. I’m happy he was able to recover and find love and a whole new dynamic for a family.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher RBMedia.
Lords of Hazard series #1. Historical romance. Alternating 3rd person POV.
After being held hostage for years during Napoleon’s war, Jonathan Leighton returns home to find out he’s the new head of family and the Duke of Falconridge. One of his first responsibilities will be to ensure his lost friend’s daughter is set up appropriately.
Victoria has no interest in marriage. Learning of an inheritance means she can make her dreams of setting up a school. Jon has other ideas.
🎧 I was able to read both an ebook copy and listen to an audiobook which is narrated by Beverley A Crick who does many of this authors books. She creates a wonderful regional accent with clear voices for male and female. Emotions are subtle but clear. The characters come to life in the audiobook.
I did listen to this between 1.5 and a bit higher to closer match my reading and conversation speed.
The descriptions were vivid for me in the print version for the locations and settings while the audiobook is about the people. I think either will give the reader a rich experience.
I always have a hard time with war as a setting. This book is more looking back on memories after the prologue. He doesn’t want to talk about the hard times that he experienced but Tory needed to understand. I feel like his sharing brought them closer together.
Sentimental, sexy and a bit sad for the typically not talked about prisoners of war. I’m happy he was able to recover and find love and a whole new dynamic for a family.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher RBMedia.
February 5, 2025
This was a cute book! I enjoyed reading it, even though the plot was very cut and dry for the regency genre.
The story follows Jon, the new Duke of Falconridge, who finally returns home after 11 years of being a prisoner of war during the Napoleonic Wars. He finds out his father and two elder brothers who succeeded him have passed, and he now carries the burden of being Duke. In the midst of this, we are introduced to Victoria, or Tori, who is governess to Jon’s younger sister Chloe. Jon is lowkey traumatized from his years at prison, where he was accompanied by Chloe’s father, his tutor. To make amends for circumstances that happened at the prison and the internal guilt he feels, he makes up a dowry to give Tori for a chance to marry into good standing, but she is unwilling to accept the money as she doesn’t want to be married… she wants to open an art school 🥲🤣🥲. And thus the romance begins.
I thought this book was super cute with a few spice my scenes sprinkled through, although they weren’t super intense. It is written pretty well but some of the characters have some cringy dialogue sometimes and that really took me out of the story. It was written in dual pov, but I feel like there wasn’t enough yearning or tension for me to be ~~obsessed~~ with it… it was a bit too instalove/lust and the 4th act brake up was very expected and unnecessary overall… and there wasn’t enough need or DESPERATION(!!!!) on Jon’s part before getting back together, it felt like a whole lot of tell and not enough show.
4/5
Thank you netgalley for letting me read this!! 😘
The story follows Jon, the new Duke of Falconridge, who finally returns home after 11 years of being a prisoner of war during the Napoleonic Wars. He finds out his father and two elder brothers who succeeded him have passed, and he now carries the burden of being Duke. In the midst of this, we are introduced to Victoria, or Tori, who is governess to Jon’s younger sister Chloe. Jon is lowkey traumatized from his years at prison, where he was accompanied by Chloe’s father, his tutor. To make amends for circumstances that happened at the prison and the internal guilt he feels, he makes up a dowry to give Tori for a chance to marry into good standing, but she is unwilling to accept the money as she doesn’t want to be married… she wants to open an art school 🥲🤣🥲. And thus the romance begins.
I thought this book was super cute with a few spice my scenes sprinkled through, although they weren’t super intense. It is written pretty well but some of the characters have some cringy dialogue sometimes and that really took me out of the story. It was written in dual pov, but I feel like there wasn’t enough yearning or tension for me to be ~~obsessed~~ with it… it was a bit too instalove/lust and the 4th act brake up was very expected and unnecessary overall… and there wasn’t enough need or DESPERATION(!!!!) on Jon’s part before getting back together, it felt like a whole lot of tell and not enough show.
4/5
Thank you netgalley for letting me read this!! 😘
June 15, 2025
Read: 6/10/25
Setting: Regency England
Trope: second chances, friends to lovers, secrets
3.5 stars
hmmm... This book had a great premise, but it didn't quite live up to its promise.
I actually got a little bored and put it down for a month. Some of that had to do with the heroine. I just wasn't in the mood for a more modern storytelling at the time. I miss SJ old school books.😢
Luckily, once they abandon the teaching part of the story, the plot became much more interesting. It all centers around the big secrets they are keeping from everyone. Secrets that prevent marriage to each other. His excuse was weak, but he's been imprisoned for 11 years, so we'll give him a break.
The MC's conversations were the best part of the book. They bantered well together. I liked how she was able to put him at ease. Not to mention their sex scenes were hot 🥵
Ending:
The big mystery on who betrayed his group 3 years ago isn't solved. TBH, I wasn't that invested. I might read the other books when they become available and are free.
Conclusion: This wasn't a bad book. Most will find it an average hr that they probably won't remember later.- too mean? I could name better SJ books.
Setting: Regency England
Trope: second chances, friends to lovers, secrets
3.5 stars
hmmm... This book had a great premise, but it didn't quite live up to its promise.
I actually got a little bored and put it down for a month. Some of that had to do with the heroine. I just wasn't in the mood for a more modern storytelling at the time. I miss SJ old school books.😢
Luckily, once they abandon the teaching part of the story, the plot became much more interesting. It all centers around the big secrets they are keeping from everyone. Secrets that prevent marriage to each other. His excuse was weak, but he's been imprisoned for 11 years, so we'll give him a break.
The MC's conversations were the best part of the book. They bantered well together. I liked how she was able to put him at ease. Not to mention their sex scenes were hot 🥵
Ending:
The big mystery on who betrayed his group 3 years ago isn't solved. TBH, I wasn't that invested. I might read the other books when they become available and are free.
Conclusion: This wasn't a bad book. Most will find it an average hr that they probably won't remember later.- too mean? I could name better SJ books.
August 11, 2025
An okay read. Nothing too thrilling. I was expecting the hero to have PTSD since he was imprisoned in France for 11 years or so. I don't enjoy reading about that, so I was fine with the author's choice. No, he was not in the military. He was on tour with his tutor (the heroine's father) when Napoleon ordered that any British civilian males between the ages of 18 and 60 be imprisoned, which is part of the Napoleonic Wars that I've never read before in a historical romance, so that was interesting to learn.
While imprisoned, the hero, his two friends, and tutor (the heroine's father) tried to escape, but someone betrayed their plans to the French guards. Now freed, the hero and his friends want to find the traitor, but they barely spend any time investigating. Realistically, I feel like it may be impossible at this point, but we'll see how the investigation progresses in the next or third book. Having read many series by this author, the mystery will likely be solved in the final book of the series.
Will probably add a little more later about the romance. I think the hero's Scottish friend will end up with the hero's sister, Chloe, and the hero's other friend will end up with the heroine's half sister.
While imprisoned, the hero, his two friends, and tutor (the heroine's father) tried to escape, but someone betrayed their plans to the French guards. Now freed, the hero and his friends want to find the traitor, but they barely spend any time investigating. Realistically, I feel like it may be impossible at this point, but we'll see how the investigation progresses in the next or third book. Having read many series by this author, the mystery will likely be solved in the final book of the series.
Will probably add a little more later about the romance. I think the hero's Scottish friend will end up with the hero's sister, Chloe, and the hero's other friend will end up with the heroine's half sister.
May 7, 2025
While I found the writing and setting to be delightful as always (in a Sabrina Jeffries novel) I really just lost interest in the plot by the end. It was a bit too long a dragged out, but not a bad time by any means. I really loved that Tory had brother with an intellectual disability as that’s a subject close to my heart and quite an infrequent occurrence in romance books. I do wonder if this was sensitivity read? Something about it maybe needed a little more development.
Personally I wanted something with a bit higher stakes or characters with a bit more…character. Which is becoming a theme I’ve noticed recently: both characters are just solidly good people which is nice but not necessarily exciting, you know? Maybe if you don’t read a lot of historical romance, you won’t notice it, but I’ve read several recent releases and they’re all just ~nice.
Beverly A. Crick is one of my favorite narrators, and she remained as lovely as ever here. The audiobook seemed well edited and a consistently high quality. If the plot is of interest to you or you’ve loved Jeffries’ other work, I definitely recommend picking up the audiobook.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️/5
I received an ALC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
Personally I wanted something with a bit higher stakes or characters with a bit more…character. Which is becoming a theme I’ve noticed recently: both characters are just solidly good people which is nice but not necessarily exciting, you know? Maybe if you don’t read a lot of historical romance, you won’t notice it, but I’ve read several recent releases and they’re all just ~nice.
Beverly A. Crick is one of my favorite narrators, and she remained as lovely as ever here. The audiobook seemed well edited and a consistently high quality. If the plot is of interest to you or you’ve loved Jeffries’ other work, I definitely recommend picking up the audiobook.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️/5
I received an ALC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
April 18, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the audio ARC! Great job narrator.
Okay, first of all—that title! It sounds like a warning label on a poison bottle or maybe a very dramatic Jane Austen fanfic, and honestly? Accurate. Because Lord Jonathan Leighton is absolutely not prepared for Victoria—even if he thinks he is. She’s stubborn, clever, and fully committed to her dream of opening a school for women artists, which obviously makes her extremely inconvenient for his “I promised your dead dad I'd find you a husband” mission. Oops.
This book felt like Jeffries was having a really good time throwing Regency tropes in a blender: returning war hero who accidentally inherited a dukedom? Check. Heroine who would rather yeet herself off a cliff than marry for convenience? Double check. A fake dowry?? That one actually made me snort-laugh.
If you like historical romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still gives you swoony moments, secrets, and a heroine who’s basically “what if Lizzy Bennet was an artist with zero patience for nonsense,” this one’s for you.
Will I read the next book in the series? Absolutely. Bring on the next traumatized duke.
🎶“Poison & Wine” – The Civil Wars
🎶“Roslyn” – Bon Iver & St. Vincent
Okay, first of all—that title! It sounds like a warning label on a poison bottle or maybe a very dramatic Jane Austen fanfic, and honestly? Accurate. Because Lord Jonathan Leighton is absolutely not prepared for Victoria—even if he thinks he is. She’s stubborn, clever, and fully committed to her dream of opening a school for women artists, which obviously makes her extremely inconvenient for his “I promised your dead dad I'd find you a husband” mission. Oops.
This book felt like Jeffries was having a really good time throwing Regency tropes in a blender: returning war hero who accidentally inherited a dukedom? Check. Heroine who would rather yeet herself off a cliff than marry for convenience? Double check. A fake dowry?? That one actually made me snort-laugh.
If you like historical romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still gives you swoony moments, secrets, and a heroine who’s basically “what if Lizzy Bennet was an artist with zero patience for nonsense,” this one’s for you.
Will I read the next book in the series? Absolutely. Bring on the next traumatized duke.
🎶“Poison & Wine” – The Civil Wars
🎶“Roslyn” – Bon Iver & St. Vincent
April 21, 2025
The start of this book was so well crafted that I was hooked immediately. The prologue takes place in a French prison for English people detained during the Napoleonic Wars. I’ve never seen a historical romance reference this real occurrence - that foreigners traveling in France when the war broke out were detained there, some up to 11 years.
The rest of the book shows what happens when one detainee, Jon, arrives home to find that his father and two older brothers are dead and he has inherited a dukedom. He had been on his grand tour and was detained with his tutor (bear leader, love that they use the term!). His tutor died just as the Napoleon abdicated and the MMC feels guilty that the man’s daughter is now alone. He decides to create a dowry for her and present her in society alongside his sister.
You know what’s coming, but it’s an interesting journey to HEA.
The overarching story of the series will most likely deal with the Jon and his two closest friends from prison determining who informed their captors of their failed prison break. It looks like each friend will get a book and his sister might be a future lead. The third lead is introduced in this book, but I’ll skip that so I don’t have to make this as containing spoilers.
The rest of the book shows what happens when one detainee, Jon, arrives home to find that his father and two older brothers are dead and he has inherited a dukedom. He had been on his grand tour and was detained with his tutor (bear leader, love that they use the term!). His tutor died just as the Napoleon abdicated and the MMC feels guilty that the man’s daughter is now alone. He decides to create a dowry for her and present her in society alongside his sister.
You know what’s coming, but it’s an interesting journey to HEA.
The overarching story of the series will most likely deal with the Jon and his two closest friends from prison determining who informed their captors of their failed prison break. It looks like each friend will get a book and his sister might be a future lead. The third lead is introduced in this book, but I’ll skip that so I don’t have to make this as containing spoilers.
did-not-finish
April 17, 2025DNF @ 16%
This is a very dry, boring book. There’s a lot of talk of history and war, which is fine, but then the main character’s conversations with his sister, mother, and his sister’s governess are so boring. The dialogue is very dull. There’s no wit, and what minimal flirting there is is cringey. These women are surprisingly oblivious to the fact that this man suffered in prison. They’re so surprised he didn’t eat well and exercise as much as he would like. It just doesn’t feel real to me. Their beloved family member was in prison for years, and they care more about getting back into society and throwing parties and celebrating his return and filling him in on the latest gossip than showing any real concern for him.
This is a very dry, boring book. There’s a lot of talk of history and war, which is fine, but then the main character’s conversations with his sister, mother, and his sister’s governess are so boring. The dialogue is very dull. There’s no wit, and what minimal flirting there is is cringey. These women are surprisingly oblivious to the fact that this man suffered in prison. They’re so surprised he didn’t eat well and exercise as much as he would like. It just doesn’t feel real to me. Their beloved family member was in prison for years, and they care more about getting back into society and throwing parties and celebrating his return and filling him in on the latest gossip than showing any real concern for him.
October 7, 2025
KU. October Reads. Tropes: Regency Romance, Romance/Mystery, Class Difference, Governess/Bluestocking, Love at First Sight.
MC's h. Victoria Morris,26, orphan and governess, mother passed away, father passed away in France as a detainee during the war with Boney. Living with the Duchess of Falconridge and L.Chloe Leighton, her daughter.
H. Duke of Falconridge, Jonathan Leighton, 31, was a detainee in France during the war with Boney for 11 years. Mr. Morris his tutor was accompanying him on a Grand Tour but war broke out and he and Jonathan were detained indefinitely for 11 years. The last years in Bitche a prison. Mr. Morris died from gangrene.
Jonathan and Victoria meet at his home in London for the first time in 11 years. Jonathan blames himself for her father Mr. Morris's death because he sustained his fatal injuries during and escaped attempt from Verdun. Someone betrayed them. They ended up in Bitche a prison for enemy soldiers. Mr. Morris's gangrene due to a fall and a fractured bone from falling down a wall during their escape attempt caused him to die. It was too late to amputate. Mr. Morris asked Jonathan to make sure Victoria married well before her died. Jonathan decided to give her a dowry of 5000 pounds and a season. She just wanted to start and art school for women. He made a compromise with her and is now taking art lessons so she can prove she is a good art teacher. She will participate in the season willingly.
MC's h. Victoria Morris,26, orphan and governess, mother passed away, father passed away in France as a detainee during the war with Boney. Living with the Duchess of Falconridge and L.Chloe Leighton, her daughter.
H. Duke of Falconridge, Jonathan Leighton, 31, was a detainee in France during the war with Boney for 11 years. Mr. Morris his tutor was accompanying him on a Grand Tour but war broke out and he and Jonathan were detained indefinitely for 11 years. The last years in Bitche a prison. Mr. Morris died from gangrene.
Jonathan and Victoria meet at his home in London for the first time in 11 years. Jonathan blames himself for her father Mr. Morris's death because he sustained his fatal injuries during and escaped attempt from Verdun. Someone betrayed them. They ended up in Bitche a prison for enemy soldiers. Mr. Morris's gangrene due to a fall and a fractured bone from falling down a wall during their escape attempt caused him to die. It was too late to amputate. Mr. Morris asked Jonathan to make sure Victoria married well before her died. Jonathan decided to give her a dowry of 5000 pounds and a season. She just wanted to start and art school for women. He made a compromise with her and is now taking art lessons so she can prove she is a good art teacher. She will participate in the season willingly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2025
4 stars.
March 15, 2025
*I’d like to thank NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and Sabrina Jeffries for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“Hazardous to a Duke's Heart” by Sabrina Jeffries is the first instalment in Jeffries’ new series “Lords of Hazard” and follows the story of Lord Jonathan Leighton and Victoria Morris. After the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Jon returns to England with one mission: make sure Victoria Morris marries well. When he arrives, it is revealed that his two older brothers died in the past 11 years, and Jon has inherited his family’s dukedom. On top of that Tory, the daughter of his mentor, has been employed as his sister’s governess and has absolutely no intention to get married any time soon. He hopes to convince her to get married by forging a hefty dowry, but they end up striking another bargain. Tory participates for the rest of the season, should the season pass with no real match on the horizon, she’ll receive her dowry to start an art school for girls. However, they quickly find themselves entangled in much more than just a bargain.
The thing I like about Jeffries’ writing the most is that her stories are always well constructed. There are no missing threads or major plot holes, everything just pulls together perfectly into one sound and coherent story. “Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart” surely is no exception.
Additionally, I really enjoyed the historical part of this novel. The Napoleonic Wars are often mentioned in the genre, but not always explored as a real part of the plot. Jon’s backstory as a soldier captured by the French and the descriptions of his experience being held in Bitche was very interesting. In the author’s note Jeffries explains her research process and what inspired Jon’s story, which I truly appreciated. Personally, Jon was my favourite character in the story. As the third son who was sent off to war in order to keep him out of trouble, only to end up becoming the heir was quite the character arch. And didn’t even stop there.
The character I am most curious about is Chloe, I hope she will get her own story in the upcoming instalments of the story.
The scene in the carriage must have been my absolute favourite in the entire scene. It had everything from steam to a good heart-to-heart. Very effectively it showed the development of Jon and Tory’s relationship from an attraction to deep seated emotions.
The thing that bothered me the most about this novel was the lack of exploration of Tory’s character. I felt for much of the book, she simply was there while Jon went through a lot of experiences and growth. The sexual assault by Jon’s brother was never further explored nor was her love for art and teaching it to women.
I also found it a bit frustrating that the entire traitor plot was not resolved at the end. Not even a new big clue that would make me excited for book 2 was revealed.
And while the carriage scene was my favourite regarding the main romance, the overall story arc of the love story was not a favourite of mine. Jon and Tory’s relationship starts very quickly and very passionately, which is strange considering that Jon literally just was told that his brothers gave the governess a really hard and constantly harassed her, yet he feels comfortable enough to immediately start flirting and making out with her.
Even though the story is very well constructed, I felt that it got boring very quickly. Everything that occurred either happened very quickly or was very predictable, leaving me with not much interest in the progression of the plot. There wasn’t much tension between the external conflict of Jon finding the person who betrayed them back in France, and the internal conflict of Jon setting up Tory to marry someone else while falling in love with her. A certain element of action or angst was missing in my opinion.
Overall, a good novel with a decent and well-executed plot, but not outstanding in the landscape of the genre. I’m sure fans of Jeffries will enjoy this story as it aligns with her usual style, and it might be a great recommendation for people who are interested in the Napoleonic Wars in the framework of historical romance. I’d give the novel three out of five stars.
“Hazardous to a Duke's Heart” by Sabrina Jeffries is the first instalment in Jeffries’ new series “Lords of Hazard” and follows the story of Lord Jonathan Leighton and Victoria Morris. After the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Jon returns to England with one mission: make sure Victoria Morris marries well. When he arrives, it is revealed that his two older brothers died in the past 11 years, and Jon has inherited his family’s dukedom. On top of that Tory, the daughter of his mentor, has been employed as his sister’s governess and has absolutely no intention to get married any time soon. He hopes to convince her to get married by forging a hefty dowry, but they end up striking another bargain. Tory participates for the rest of the season, should the season pass with no real match on the horizon, she’ll receive her dowry to start an art school for girls. However, they quickly find themselves entangled in much more than just a bargain.
The thing I like about Jeffries’ writing the most is that her stories are always well constructed. There are no missing threads or major plot holes, everything just pulls together perfectly into one sound and coherent story. “Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart” surely is no exception.
Additionally, I really enjoyed the historical part of this novel. The Napoleonic Wars are often mentioned in the genre, but not always explored as a real part of the plot. Jon’s backstory as a soldier captured by the French and the descriptions of his experience being held in Bitche was very interesting. In the author’s note Jeffries explains her research process and what inspired Jon’s story, which I truly appreciated. Personally, Jon was my favourite character in the story. As the third son who was sent off to war in order to keep him out of trouble, only to end up becoming the heir was quite the character arch. And didn’t even stop there.
The character I am most curious about is Chloe, I hope she will get her own story in the upcoming instalments of the story.
The scene in the carriage must have been my absolute favourite in the entire scene. It had everything from steam to a good heart-to-heart. Very effectively it showed the development of Jon and Tory’s relationship from an attraction to deep seated emotions.
The thing that bothered me the most about this novel was the lack of exploration of Tory’s character. I felt for much of the book, she simply was there while Jon went through a lot of experiences and growth. The sexual assault by Jon’s brother was never further explored nor was her love for art and teaching it to women.
I also found it a bit frustrating that the entire traitor plot was not resolved at the end. Not even a new big clue that would make me excited for book 2 was revealed.
And while the carriage scene was my favourite regarding the main romance, the overall story arc of the love story was not a favourite of mine. Jon and Tory’s relationship starts very quickly and very passionately, which is strange considering that Jon literally just was told that his brothers gave the governess a really hard and constantly harassed her, yet he feels comfortable enough to immediately start flirting and making out with her.
Even though the story is very well constructed, I felt that it got boring very quickly. Everything that occurred either happened very quickly or was very predictable, leaving me with not much interest in the progression of the plot. There wasn’t much tension between the external conflict of Jon finding the person who betrayed them back in France, and the internal conflict of Jon setting up Tory to marry someone else while falling in love with her. A certain element of action or angst was missing in my opinion.
Overall, a good novel with a decent and well-executed plot, but not outstanding in the landscape of the genre. I’m sure fans of Jeffries will enjoy this story as it aligns with her usual style, and it might be a great recommendation for people who are interested in the Napoleonic Wars in the framework of historical romance. I’d give the novel three out of five stars.
February 4, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first NetGalley historical romance, and it was almost entirely enjoyable. I really liked the different angle of focus on the Napoleonic wars. I had never heard of the detenus and civilian prisoners, including nobles like Jon. It was both easier and harder to read about his PTSD struggles without having fought in the war. He hadn't been trained or aware of the dire situation he faced as a decade-long prisoner. I thought the novel gave a good amount of focus to reentering society and taking up ducal duties as a younger son never expected to inherit. Jon has quite a bit of emotional baggage while relearning how to be a lord, son, and brother.
As for Victoria, I thought she was a great character for the independence-minded heroine that authors like Liana de la Rosa and Diana Biller have introduced. She has the education of a highborn lady, but the freedom given to an orphaned young woman working as a companion/governess. Her devotion to family and her artistic pursuits were relatable and refreshing.
I thought our lead couple's romance was well-paced and quite steamy. I would say there were 3-4 truly spicy scenes in multiple non-traditional locales, which was delightful. I liked that Tory had some knowledge of The Marriage Duty (from her mother), but also that she asked questions and Jon talked her through the acts. Much better than how the Bridgerton men got things going, IYKYK.
Finally, a few things I didn't like. There were too many ellipses during Jon and Tory's intimate moments. I get what the author was going for, but it read more like fanfiction than professional novel dialogue. Also, Tory as a nickname raised the historical Tiffany problem for me. Not least that Tory became a real British policial party not soon after this time period.
I would read the next book in the series and follow the further developments of Jon and his friends as they emotionally recover from their detenu time in France.
This was my first NetGalley historical romance, and it was almost entirely enjoyable. I really liked the different angle of focus on the Napoleonic wars. I had never heard of the detenus and civilian prisoners, including nobles like Jon. It was both easier and harder to read about his PTSD struggles without having fought in the war. He hadn't been trained or aware of the dire situation he faced as a decade-long prisoner. I thought the novel gave a good amount of focus to reentering society and taking up ducal duties as a younger son never expected to inherit. Jon has quite a bit of emotional baggage while relearning how to be a lord, son, and brother.
As for Victoria, I thought she was a great character for the independence-minded heroine that authors like Liana de la Rosa and Diana Biller have introduced. She has the education of a highborn lady, but the freedom given to an orphaned young woman working as a companion/governess. Her devotion to family and her artistic pursuits were relatable and refreshing.
I thought our lead couple's romance was well-paced and quite steamy. I would say there were 3-4 truly spicy scenes in multiple non-traditional locales, which was delightful. I liked that Tory had some knowledge of The Marriage Duty (from her mother), but also that she asked questions and Jon talked her through the acts. Much better than how the Bridgerton men got things going, IYKYK.
Finally, a few things I didn't like. There were too many ellipses during Jon and Tory's intimate moments. I get what the author was going for, but it read more like fanfiction than professional novel dialogue. Also, Tory as a nickname raised the historical Tiffany problem for me. Not least that Tory became a real British policial party not soon after this time period.
I would read the next book in the series and follow the further developments of Jon and his friends as they emotionally recover from their detenu time in France.
April 5, 2025
After the Treaty of Amiens,1802, many British citizens flocked to France, but were stranded when Great Britain declared war on France in 1803. Napoleon's retaliation was swift. Men 18-60 years old, some with their families, are detained in prisons. The worst was the prison Bitché Prison in France. These detained British citizens were known as détenus. For eleven years, they are held prisoners under deteriorating conditions. Lord John Leighton, his mentor, Dr Issac Morris, and two of his closest friends barely endured. Napoleon's capture and confinement to Elba, at last gave them freedom to return to England, but Dr. Morris died before he was able to go home. Jon's promise to Morris is to find a husband for his daughter, Victoria. The moment he meets her, as his sister's chaperone, he struggles with guilt for the death of her father and his passion for her. How can he give up the woman he wants for himself? Jeffries hasn't lost her touch writing a romance with secrets, trust issues, angst and passion.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
March 22, 2025
This is a delightful first book in the author's new Lords of Hazard series. Written with keen attention to the historical details of the post Napoleonic War era, in which Lord Jonathan Leighton is finally released to home after French imprisonment. There is a luscious romance with his late mentor's daughter, and an array of twists revealed with great wit -- a hallmark of Jeffries' writing. Histfic fans will be overjoyed and wish this compelling tale would never end. Brava, Sabrina!
February 18, 2025
It was fine. Good plot with likable characters and interesting history. But I never got swept up in the romance. Everything between them felt rushed and superficial. And Jon’s arc about marrying for love and forgiving himself was underdeveloped. I was more excited to see Diana and Gregory from another series than watch Tory and Jon. love this author and I’ll try the rest of this series but this one won’t be a reread.
I received an arc from NetGalley
I received an arc from NetGalley
December 25, 2025
Needed something to tide me over before Christmas, so went back into my Netgalley ARCs… unfortunately not for me! I was hoping I could get into some regency romance but the writing was pretty basic, and I fear that it didn’t do the historical story it was trying to include any sort of justice. So much premarital sex too my god, where’s the yearning!
June 12, 2025
Sabrina Jeffries latest romance novel is a winner. The prolific author has launched a new series with "Hazardous to a Dukes Heart. " The historical fiction centers on the English citizens who were detained in Napoleonic France for fourteen years as the war waged on. A young lord imprisoned at the end of the war had promised his dying mentor that he would find the man's daughter a good husband. When he returns to England he discovers that he is now a Duke, and the woman he was supposed to provide for does not wish to marry anyone. Fan's of Julia Quinn will love this romance with all the tropes. It is love at first site, but neither person feels worthy of the other and they both have secrets that get in the way. This somewhat spicy novel will keep you reading. Jeffries provides lots of detail to round out the main characters, and I couldn't help loving them flaws and all. Without providing spoilers, I will say that I was very happy to see the inclusion of a disabled person toward the end of the story. I was thrilled to get an advanced reader's copy of this novel for review from the publisher, The review is completely voluntary and the opinions are my own. I loved this story and can't wait to read the next book. The author lays the groundwork here for other love matches and I am waiting to see these characters get their Happily Ever After.
January 2, 2026
Lord Jonathan Leighton was touring France when Napoleon reclaims power and decides that all English citizens in France are now his prisoner. After 11 years of captivity, the surviving deténus are able to return to an England that, for many of them, has changed dramatically. For Jon, that means he's now the Duke of Falconridge. It also means he's got to honor his promise to the tutor who didn't survive France's prisons. He fulfills this process by lusting after his daughter, Victoria "Tory" Morris, creating a falsified will that claims she has a dowry of £5000, lying to everyone about the dowry, agreeing to sculpting lessons so that Tory might get to open an art school instead of getting married, doing the sex with Tory, and then realizing he's in love with Tory. Oh also she has a secret brother . The end.
1. I hadn't heard of deténus before, which was a very interesting historical thread: Napoleon's decision to make prisoners of war from citizens, imprisoning them in French towns and/or French prisons for 10-11 years, and refusing to release them despite their non-war-combatant status is horrifying and fascinating.
Very interesting premise.
2. The relationship elements were a little weaker: there's insta-lust with insta-kissing and insta-groping and eventual feelings that lead to a fallout that lead to marriage. And it's fine, but I've read better this week and better by Jeffries, so this is doubly disappointing.
3. Also what was the point of making Tory an artist if 99% of her angst is tied up in her brother. And she has very valid fears about what might happen to her brother, but setting us on the path of "she refuses societal norms because of THE ART" feels pretty misleading.
Also, I just have to point out that Tory gets on her high horse about Jon not trusting her / himself enough to love her, but then commits the same "crime" herself by not trusting those around her to meet / know Cyril (and potentially love him). And there's no direct acknowledgement of that in the text which is annoying. :|
4. Also the physical descriptions: woof. I get that it's what Tory was taught by her mother, but there's no excuse for "fountain of love", especially when it's partnered with a "stiffened penis". Thank you, next.
1. I hadn't heard of deténus before, which was a very interesting historical thread: Napoleon's decision to make prisoners of war from citizens, imprisoning them in French towns and/or French prisons for 10-11 years, and refusing to release them despite their non-war-combatant status is horrifying and fascinating.
Very interesting premise.
2. The relationship elements were a little weaker: there's insta-lust with insta-kissing and insta-groping and eventual feelings that lead to a fallout that lead to marriage. And it's fine, but I've read better this week and better by Jeffries, so this is doubly disappointing.
3. Also what was the point of making Tory an artist if 99% of her angst is tied up in her brother. And she has very valid fears about what might happen to her brother, but setting us on the path of "she refuses societal norms because of THE ART" feels pretty misleading.
Also, I just have to point out that Tory gets on her high horse about Jon not trusting her / himself enough to love her, but then commits the same "crime" herself by not trusting those around her to meet / know Cyril (and potentially love him). And there's no direct acknowledgement of that in the text which is annoying. :|
4. Also the physical descriptions: woof. I get that it's what Tory was taught by her mother, but there's no excuse for "fountain of love", especially when it's partnered with a "stiffened penis". Thank you, next.
May 18, 2025
Hazardous to a Duke's Heart is an intriguing start to a new series by popular romance novelist Sabrina Jeffries. The story is a fascinating twist on an old trope, surprise title inheritance and deathbed promises. Before I had read this book, I wasn't aware of the history of Détenus and found the story of the English Nationals detained in France by Napoleon to be riveting. I would have liked to learn more but hopefully that will come in future books of the series.
Jonathan Leighton has spent the last 11 years as a Détenu in France, the most recent time in a brutal prison camp thanks to a botched escape attempt. His mentor Professor Morris is on the verge of death from an injury he received during the attempt, and Jon feels responsible since he was the one who encouraged them to try to escape. As Morris lay dying, he begged Jon to watch over his wife, his daughter Victoria, and find Victoria a good husband. Shortly after Jon and his fellow prisoners are informed that they are to be released, they are free. Morris has breathed his last though, so Jon remains in France to see his friend properly buried before traveling home to England at last.
Once home, Jon learns that both of his half-brothers have died and that he's now the Duke of Falconridge. Not only does he have to get used to being in polite society and act as a gentleman again, he now has to take on the mantle and many responsibilities of a duke. Jon also quickly finds out his oldest half-brother ignored many of the responsibilities, so now he has to play catch up as well. He's quite overwhelmed to say the least, and fairly knocked off his stride by Victoria Morris who not only is Jon's younger sister Chloe's governess, but also is quite firm in her refusal to marry.
Victoria Morris is both lovely and artistic, her deepest desire is to open a school for female artists. The Leighton family took her in after Mrs. Morris died (during the 11 years Jon & Professor Morris were Détenus), first as a governess and possibly later as a lady's companion. Tory has no plans for marriage as it wouldn't fit in with her dreams of her school and another reason she'd prefer to keep to herself. Jon is quite persistent in his desire to keep his promise to his mentor. He even pulls together a story of a dowry set aside for Tory to help her find a husband. The longer Jon & Tory are together the closer they grow and the attraction is harder to ignore. The rest of the book is a lovely story of rebuilding and learning to live again.
I enjoyed Hazardous to a Duke's Heart and I'm looking forward to future books in the series. I am eager to read about Jon's friends from that horrible time in France, Captain Scovell & the Earl of Heathbrook. Although Jon's sister Chloe had eyes for the charming rogue Heathbrook, steady and handsome Captain Scovell kept her in his sight at all times. It will be interesting to see if Chloe ever realizes what's right in front of her. And will these friends who bonded for life in the horrible "Mansion of Tears" be able to find out who betrayed them during their attempt to escape? I cannot wait to find out.
Thank you NetGalley & Sabrina Jeffries for this ARC. I enjoyed the book and this is my honest review.
Jonathan Leighton has spent the last 11 years as a Détenu in France, the most recent time in a brutal prison camp thanks to a botched escape attempt. His mentor Professor Morris is on the verge of death from an injury he received during the attempt, and Jon feels responsible since he was the one who encouraged them to try to escape. As Morris lay dying, he begged Jon to watch over his wife, his daughter Victoria, and find Victoria a good husband. Shortly after Jon and his fellow prisoners are informed that they are to be released, they are free. Morris has breathed his last though, so Jon remains in France to see his friend properly buried before traveling home to England at last.
Once home, Jon learns that both of his half-brothers have died and that he's now the Duke of Falconridge. Not only does he have to get used to being in polite society and act as a gentleman again, he now has to take on the mantle and many responsibilities of a duke. Jon also quickly finds out his oldest half-brother ignored many of the responsibilities, so now he has to play catch up as well. He's quite overwhelmed to say the least, and fairly knocked off his stride by Victoria Morris who not only is Jon's younger sister Chloe's governess, but also is quite firm in her refusal to marry.
Victoria Morris is both lovely and artistic, her deepest desire is to open a school for female artists. The Leighton family took her in after Mrs. Morris died (during the 11 years Jon & Professor Morris were Détenus), first as a governess and possibly later as a lady's companion. Tory has no plans for marriage as it wouldn't fit in with her dreams of her school and another reason she'd prefer to keep to herself. Jon is quite persistent in his desire to keep his promise to his mentor. He even pulls together a story of a dowry set aside for Tory to help her find a husband. The longer Jon & Tory are together the closer they grow and the attraction is harder to ignore. The rest of the book is a lovely story of rebuilding and learning to live again.
I enjoyed Hazardous to a Duke's Heart and I'm looking forward to future books in the series. I am eager to read about Jon's friends from that horrible time in France, Captain Scovell & the Earl of Heathbrook. Although Jon's sister Chloe had eyes for the charming rogue Heathbrook, steady and handsome Captain Scovell kept her in his sight at all times. It will be interesting to see if Chloe ever realizes what's right in front of her. And will these friends who bonded for life in the horrible "Mansion of Tears" be able to find out who betrayed them during their attempt to escape? I cannot wait to find out.
Thank you NetGalley & Sabrina Jeffries for this ARC. I enjoyed the book and this is my honest review.
May 8, 2025
Jonathan Leighton has spent the last 11 years as a détenu, an imprisoned Englishman held captive during Napoleon's reign. His mentor, Dr Morris, who accompanied him on his Grand Tour, died as they were closing in on their freedom, and as his dying makes Jon promise to find his daughter Victoria a good husband. When he arrives home, he learns his two older brothers are dead and he's now the Duke. Jon takes it upon himself to forge a codicil to Morris's will to provide a £5000 dowry for her. Except that Tory, who was his sister's governess for a time, doesn't want anything to do with marriage...and Jon has eyes only for her.
Sabrina Jeffries chooses an interesting historical facet of the Napoleonic War era to start this story. Napoleon declared that all English civilians who *could* fight or lead troops (between 18 and 60) who were in France were to be detained. So Jon, who went to France for his Grand Tour and to grow up, is away from his home without contact for eleven years. This separation gives us a hero who has an excuse for not fitting quite in with society and freely ignoring some social norms, including dowering his sister's governess.
The book is a little uneven for me - especially since I know what Jeffries can be capable of - but the writing is strong enough and the plot and characters fun enough that this was an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Kensington for an eARC for review. Hazardous to a Duke's Heart is out 4/29/25.
Sabrina Jeffries chooses an interesting historical facet of the Napoleonic War era to start this story. Napoleon declared that all English civilians who *could* fight or lead troops (between 18 and 60) who were in France were to be detained. So Jon, who went to France for his Grand Tour and to grow up, is away from his home without contact for eleven years. This separation gives us a hero who has an excuse for not fitting quite in with society and freely ignoring some social norms, including dowering his sister's governess.
The book is a little uneven for me - especially since I know what Jeffries can be capable of - but the writing is strong enough and the plot and characters fun enough that this was an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Kensington for an eARC for review. Hazardous to a Duke's Heart is out 4/29/25.
May 21, 2025
4.5⭐️
Great new series alert!!!!
I love when a historical romance author finds a unique part of history and brings it to light in their writing. This is one things that just makes historical romance, so interesting and fun for me!
Speaking of, Sabrina Jeffries new book, Hazardous to a Duke‘s Heart, the first in her new Lords of Hazard series revolve around a group of men who become friends do a common misfortune of location, that found them all in captivity in France under the reign of Napoleon. They are known as detinue.
Now these former captives are of returned to England and need to find a way to live a normal life again… easier said than done for Lord Jonathan Leighton when he returns home only to find out that he is now the Duke! Thankfully, he has his sister’s sharp-witted governess, who happens to just be his mentors daughter, to show him the ropes and ease them back into society.
Jonathan and Victoria strike a deal aimed at easing Jonathan‘s guilty conscious for Victoria‘s father‘s passing, but he doesn’t expect the attraction in kinship. He feels for her, knowing that his time in captivity has made him in suitable as a husband…
I absolutely loved this tape on the prodigal son’s return and the heartfelt emotions that Sabrina Jefferies in Sue her characters with. They’re both so multidimensional and well developed that it was a real joy to see them, traverse the obstacles and find away to be together.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audio narrated by Beverly A. Crick and absolutely loved her traditional historical romance narration for this book. She is an icon in the genre and did an amazing job of voicing the various characters and stealing their personalities in her reading. And absolutely delighted to listen to.
After this great start to the series, I’m eager to see where the Lords of Hazard take us next!
Great new series alert!!!!
I love when a historical romance author finds a unique part of history and brings it to light in their writing. This is one things that just makes historical romance, so interesting and fun for me!
Speaking of, Sabrina Jeffries new book, Hazardous to a Duke‘s Heart, the first in her new Lords of Hazard series revolve around a group of men who become friends do a common misfortune of location, that found them all in captivity in France under the reign of Napoleon. They are known as detinue.
Now these former captives are of returned to England and need to find a way to live a normal life again… easier said than done for Lord Jonathan Leighton when he returns home only to find out that he is now the Duke! Thankfully, he has his sister’s sharp-witted governess, who happens to just be his mentors daughter, to show him the ropes and ease them back into society.
Jonathan and Victoria strike a deal aimed at easing Jonathan‘s guilty conscious for Victoria‘s father‘s passing, but he doesn’t expect the attraction in kinship. He feels for her, knowing that his time in captivity has made him in suitable as a husband…
I absolutely loved this tape on the prodigal son’s return and the heartfelt emotions that Sabrina Jefferies in Sue her characters with. They’re both so multidimensional and well developed that it was a real joy to see them, traverse the obstacles and find away to be together.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audio narrated by Beverly A. Crick and absolutely loved her traditional historical romance narration for this book. She is an icon in the genre and did an amazing job of voicing the various characters and stealing their personalities in her reading. And absolutely delighted to listen to.
After this great start to the series, I’m eager to see where the Lords of Hazard take us next!
July 30, 2025
I’ll admit I kept putting this book down on my TBR. When I finally felt in the right mindset, I got to it! And I liked it! The author’s descriptions of the times, the historical tidbits, and the language pulled me right in. I thought Lord Leighton and Victoria belonged together right from the beginning, even given the snarkiness between them. The conversations are just so eloquent and polite, even when it was clear they were being sarcastic to each other. It made me laugh at times, and I’ll admit I was saying some of the lines out loud (as if I actually pretend to be from that era) ….”I beg your pardon” … And the “love” scenes were titillating without being obscene.
Thank you to the authors, publishers and Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to read and review 😊
Disclaimer - I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway
Thank you to the authors, publishers and Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to read and review 😊
Disclaimer - I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway
May 1, 2025
A good book and an entertaining read, but there are quite a few unresolved plotlines. It's also a bit slow to start. Overall, though, well-written and a good start to a series. My copy of this book was won from a Goodreads giveaway, and I appreciate the chance to read & review it.
September 23, 2025
For starters I want to thank Kensington Publishing, Sabrina Jeffries and anyone else involved in this giveaway. I was very happy to be picked as a winner!
I really enjoyed the way this book leaned into the historical side of the historical romance genre. I don’t remember ever having heard about Napoleon taking so many English hostages for all those years and I thought it was a very interesting aspect of this story. I found the whole story to be an excellent read and I really liked the dynamic between the two main characters. I already have high expectations for the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed the way this book leaned into the historical side of the historical romance genre. I don’t remember ever having heard about Napoleon taking so many English hostages for all those years and I thought it was a very interesting aspect of this story. I found the whole story to be an excellent read and I really liked the dynamic between the two main characters. I already have high expectations for the next book in the series.
February 25, 2025
This book was an absolute delight! The perfect mix of lighthearted fun, swoon-worthy romance, and a touch of mystery kept me hooked from start to finish. The hero, haunted by his experiences in France, was both compelling and endearing, while the heroine, hiding a well-kept secret, added depth to the story. Their chemistry crackled with just the right amount of spice, making every interaction sizzle with anticipation.
I also loved the vibrant friendships and rich family dynamics, which brought warmth and depth to the narrative. Though the mystery remains unsolved, it perfectly sets the stage for the next book in the series—and I can't wait to read more!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I also loved the vibrant friendships and rich family dynamics, which brought warmth and depth to the narrative. Though the mystery remains unsolved, it perfectly sets the stage for the next book in the series—and I can't wait to read more!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
May 4, 2025
Tropes: class difference; MMC has past trauma; unexpected inheritance of dukedom; MFC with a secret
Steam level: 2-3
First in a series
2.5 stars squeaked up. I had high hopes for this. I've liked the author's previous books, was intrigued by the historical notes at the beginning, and was expecting a HR with emotional depth akin to Grace Burrowes' Captive Hearts series. Unfortunately, this fell flat.
The Good:
--As mentioned, the historical backdrop is intriguing. I was not at all aware of the eleven-year time period during the Napoleonic Wars when thousands of British civilians, many upper class, were held captive in France.
--MFC Tory's younger brother, Cyril, is special needs. I appreciated the author's sympathetic take on that situation; it came across as fairly real.
On the Fence About:
--The "traitor" subplot is a cliffhanger. Not surprising, but more could have happened with that in this book, I think.
The Not-So Good (aka "Oof"):
--Stilted dialog that often becomes cringey
--Many of the characters are one-dimensional and come across as shallow, including the MC's. I get that MMC Jon was a rake before he left England and he hasn't been around a woman for a while, but his flirtatious comments ranged from eye-rolling to distasteful. His insta-lust for Tory is OTT.
--Jon's trauma is never addressed with any real depth. Most of his family act like nothing's happened and their conversations are relentlessly banal. Surely the media during that time would have released some information of the deprivation and violence the detenus experienced? Excluding one scene toward the end, which is the best written overall even if it is still somewhat emotionally muddled, Tory seems to constantly want details but grasps little nuance.
--I also struggled with the fact that Tory faced situations with two men in the past who held power over her and molested her, but this is never followed up on, and she easily falls into Jon's bed.
Overall: great idea, poor execution.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary review. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for this opportunity.
Steam level: 2-3
First in a series
2.5 stars squeaked up. I had high hopes for this. I've liked the author's previous books, was intrigued by the historical notes at the beginning, and was expecting a HR with emotional depth akin to Grace Burrowes' Captive Hearts series. Unfortunately, this fell flat.
The Good:
--As mentioned, the historical backdrop is intriguing. I was not at all aware of the eleven-year time period during the Napoleonic Wars when thousands of British civilians, many upper class, were held captive in France.
--MFC Tory's younger brother, Cyril, is special needs. I appreciated the author's sympathetic take on that situation; it came across as fairly real.
On the Fence About:
--The "traitor" subplot is a cliffhanger. Not surprising, but more could have happened with that in this book, I think.
The Not-So Good (aka "Oof"):
--Stilted dialog that often becomes cringey
--Many of the characters are one-dimensional and come across as shallow, including the MC's. I get that MMC Jon was a rake before he left England and he hasn't been around a woman for a while, but his flirtatious comments ranged from eye-rolling to distasteful. His insta-lust for Tory is OTT.
--Jon's trauma is never addressed with any real depth. Most of his family act like nothing's happened and their conversations are relentlessly banal. Surely the media during that time would have released some information of the deprivation and violence the detenus experienced? Excluding one scene toward the end, which is the best written overall even if it is still somewhat emotionally muddled, Tory seems to constantly want details but grasps little nuance.
--I also struggled with the fact that Tory faced situations with two men in the past who held power over her and molested her, but this is never followed up on, and she easily falls into Jon's bed.
Overall: great idea, poor execution.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary review. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for this opportunity.
April 29, 2025
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for sending me a physical ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I normally don’t read historical fiction and I don’t usually read a purely romance book, and this was both of those combined. But man oh man was this excellent. It had me hooked right away!
I was never bored while reading this. The writing was phenomenal. I highlighted and annotated so many lines!
It was just such a romantic read. The way Jon talked about Tory and how much he cared about her had me swooning. And the humor was top notch! I kept on laughing at a lot of the dialogue or Jon’s thoughts.
It was hard to read about a time where women had such a hard time just existing, but I’m glad Tory, Chloe and their mother were very tough! I loved how much Tory and Chloe trash talked men.
The slow burn between Jon and Tory was killing me, but any moment they had together I was squealing. Their banter was also so good.
I loved Jon from the minute we met him! He was such a loser in the best way, and he was so funny. He was so laid back and kind, I really appreciated that about him. I am glad we got Tory’s POV as well, it gave a lot of perspective on her personality and her actions.
Chloe and Jon’s mother were amazing characters! I love how headstrong they were! Chloe was so funny and I love how their mother constantly gave Jon grief but in a loving way. I really liked Jon’s friends as well, I wish they were in it more.
One thing I do wish was that Tory said along the lines of I don’t want to get married unless I meet the perfect person. That was kind of implied and she thought that, but it felt a little off to me that she kept saying “I don’t want to marry,” but you know she will end up with Jon by the end of it. It makes it seem like anyone who says that will eventually change their mind when that is just not the case. But that was such a small thing I could get past it.
It made me sad they were lying to each other but at least they were both doing it I guess!
This absolutely needs to be made into a movie or a tv show. I would eat that up!
I can’t wait to continue reading this series! I would absolutely read more by Sabrina Jeffries!
I normally don’t read historical fiction and I don’t usually read a purely romance book, and this was both of those combined. But man oh man was this excellent. It had me hooked right away!
I was never bored while reading this. The writing was phenomenal. I highlighted and annotated so many lines!
It was just such a romantic read. The way Jon talked about Tory and how much he cared about her had me swooning. And the humor was top notch! I kept on laughing at a lot of the dialogue or Jon’s thoughts.
It was hard to read about a time where women had such a hard time just existing, but I’m glad Tory, Chloe and their mother were very tough! I loved how much Tory and Chloe trash talked men.
The slow burn between Jon and Tory was killing me, but any moment they had together I was squealing. Their banter was also so good.
I loved Jon from the minute we met him! He was such a loser in the best way, and he was so funny. He was so laid back and kind, I really appreciated that about him. I am glad we got Tory’s POV as well, it gave a lot of perspective on her personality and her actions.
Chloe and Jon’s mother were amazing characters! I love how headstrong they were! Chloe was so funny and I love how their mother constantly gave Jon grief but in a loving way. I really liked Jon’s friends as well, I wish they were in it more.
One thing I do wish was that Tory said along the lines of I don’t want to get married unless I meet the perfect person. That was kind of implied and she thought that, but it felt a little off to me that she kept saying “I don’t want to marry,” but you know she will end up with Jon by the end of it. It makes it seem like anyone who says that will eventually change their mind when that is just not the case. But that was such a small thing I could get past it.
It made me sad they were lying to each other but at least they were both doing it I guess!
This absolutely needs to be made into a movie or a tv show. I would eat that up!
I can’t wait to continue reading this series! I would absolutely read more by Sabrina Jeffries!
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