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Lords of Hazard #2
Nearly a Bride
In this captivating new historical romance brimming with seductive twists and irresistible wit, an English nobleman is finally free from exile—but can his heart still be captured?
After more than a decade separated from his home and family, the Earl of Heathbrook returns to his London townhouse to face a new reclaiming guardianship of his younger brothers. His reputation as a rakehell, it seems, has followed him from detention inside Napoleon’s France and caused his own father to block Heathbrook’s rightful custody in his will. However, the clever rogue concocts a plan to restore respectability and rescue his siblings . . . by finding a “fiancée” with no strings attached.
Giselle Bernard is not looking to wed an earl with a wild past. All she seeks is a connected nobleman who can legally secure her new life in England and head off a mysterious stranger’s threats. Posing as Heathbrook’s bride-to-be would surely benefit them both. But as revelations come to light—the ill-fated young affair that left Heathbrook embittered, and the mademoiselle’s own guarded secrets—their engagement charade may unexpectedly blossom into a promise to love, honor, and cherish . . .
After more than a decade separated from his home and family, the Earl of Heathbrook returns to his London townhouse to face a new reclaiming guardianship of his younger brothers. His reputation as a rakehell, it seems, has followed him from detention inside Napoleon’s France and caused his own father to block Heathbrook’s rightful custody in his will. However, the clever rogue concocts a plan to restore respectability and rescue his siblings . . . by finding a “fiancée” with no strings attached.
Giselle Bernard is not looking to wed an earl with a wild past. All she seeks is a connected nobleman who can legally secure her new life in England and head off a mysterious stranger’s threats. Posing as Heathbrook’s bride-to-be would surely benefit them both. But as revelations come to light—the ill-fated young affair that left Heathbrook embittered, and the mademoiselle’s own guarded secrets—their engagement charade may unexpectedly blossom into a promise to love, honor, and cherish . . .
Audible Audio
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
Sabrina Jeffries
89 books4,845 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 182 reviews
April 30, 2026
Historical Fake Engagement Slaps
Sabrina Jeffries is always a guilty pleasure. I’ve been reading her for years and she’s a comforting escape during a crazy time. I really enjoy how she inserts well researched historical events into her books and has very interesting side plots that the characters have to manage during the love story. Some of this is kind of silly, but that’s a selling point for me. Yes the hero is an idiot and the heroine has to manage him constantly, of course, everything could be resolved if they were just honest with each other, but then we wouldn’t have a book.
The ending was a bit messy and I think the deception they worked out was unnecessary and a little weird.
I will always pick up Jeffries books and I always enjoy them.
Sabrina Jeffries is always a guilty pleasure. I’ve been reading her for years and she’s a comforting escape during a crazy time. I really enjoy how she inserts well researched historical events into her books and has very interesting side plots that the characters have to manage during the love story. Some of this is kind of silly, but that’s a selling point for me. Yes the hero is an idiot and the heroine has to manage him constantly, of course, everything could be resolved if they were just honest with each other, but then we wouldn’t have a book.
The ending was a bit messy and I think the deception they worked out was unnecessary and a little weird.
I will always pick up Jeffries books and I always enjoy them.
May 15, 2026
This is an entertaining, well-written, historical romance novel. It has a likable female protagonist, an engaging male protagonist, appealing children, a touch of humor, mystery, intrigue, a sizzling romance, and a satisfying conclusion. This is the second entry in Ms. Jeffries' outstanding Lords of Hazard Series, and it can be read as a stand alone, but is best when read in order for continuity of an ongoing theme. I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this series with great anticipation. Beverly A. Crick has a lovely voice and does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this second book in the Lords of Hazard Series a lot more than I did the first. The heroine, Giselle, was a force to be reckoned with. I can't say she always had the best course of action, but she had some very good instincts. She always had the best interests of others in mind in any plot or decision she make. First, her mother, then Heath, and then his brothers. Her caring and kindness were on display throughout the book. Heath didn't have a chance, and I think he knew that from early on. Their pact of mutual agreement was a starting point that almost was the death of their relationship. The secrets that kept these two apart were easily discernable and not original. We are still looking for the person who betrayed Heath and his friends and don't seem to be getting any closer to an answer there. Probably will be a key plot point in the last book.
When the Earl of Heathbrook finally comes home to England after spending more than a decade under detention in France, he is a different man than the callow boy of sixteen who left. His father died in detention making him the new Earl. His mother also died during this time, leaving his three brothers young orphans. Heath is facing his mother's cousin in a battle for guardianship of his brothers and due to his fathers will and Heath's own reputation as a rakehell, it is an uphill battle.
During a trip to Bath with her mother French emigre Giselle Bernard is threatened by a stranger. Giselle is afraid that the legal status of her and her mother could come into question and might not stand up to it. She needs someone with connections to help secure her residency in the country. With her first choice out of town, she goes to the Earl of Heathbrook with whom she had a friendship during his detention in France. He proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement: She poses as his fiancée to improve his chances to secure guardianship of his brothers and Heath will arrange for proper papers and discover who approached her and why. Win-Win, at least until someone falls in love.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
When the Earl of Heathbrook finally comes home to England after spending more than a decade under detention in France, he is a different man than the callow boy of sixteen who left. His father died in detention making him the new Earl. His mother also died during this time, leaving his three brothers young orphans. Heath is facing his mother's cousin in a battle for guardianship of his brothers and due to his fathers will and Heath's own reputation as a rakehell, it is an uphill battle.
During a trip to Bath with her mother French emigre Giselle Bernard is threatened by a stranger. Giselle is afraid that the legal status of her and her mother could come into question and might not stand up to it. She needs someone with connections to help secure her residency in the country. With her first choice out of town, she goes to the Earl of Heathbrook with whom she had a friendship during his detention in France. He proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement: She poses as his fiancée to improve his chances to secure guardianship of his brothers and Heath will arrange for proper papers and discover who approached her and why. Win-Win, at least until someone falls in love.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
April 29, 2026
my first sabrina jeffries book and i was super impressed! the characters are complex and well written, the conflict was real but not overly angsty, and the twists weren’t predictable.
heathbrook proposes a fake engagement to giselle in order to show he is responsible/respectable enough to gain custody of his brothers. giselle accepts in order to get his help in getting rid of a man questioning her travel papers. their connection picks up from their days in france and i loved seeing them help each other and grow close to each others families. i will definitely go back and read the first book in the series, i think the setting of them being in verdun in napoleon times was super interesting.
the narrator did such a good job!! the fmc is french and the mmc is english and she narrated both povs wonderfully! it can be very distracting when narrators can’t do french or scottish accents as well as british accents but beverly a crick did great.
thank you netgalley for the arc!
heathbrook proposes a fake engagement to giselle in order to show he is responsible/respectable enough to gain custody of his brothers. giselle accepts in order to get his help in getting rid of a man questioning her travel papers. their connection picks up from their days in france and i loved seeing them help each other and grow close to each others families. i will definitely go back and read the first book in the series, i think the setting of them being in verdun in napoleon times was super interesting.
the narrator did such a good job!! the fmc is french and the mmc is english and she narrated both povs wonderfully! it can be very distracting when narrators can’t do french or scottish accents as well as british accents but beverly a crick did great.
thank you netgalley for the arc!
May 16, 2026
Now that Rupert Oakden, Earl of Heathbrook, is back in England he wants to regain custody of his 3 brothers. Giselle Bernard, an old kiss-buddy from his time in France, needs help with her forged passport. They decide to fake an engagement to help one another out. But oh no they keep kissing! What does it mean? Eventually Heath gets everything he wants: his brothers, the girl, and the kisses—but not without a "plot twist" that feels like a bad lemon.
1. Just to get it out of the way: This entire plot point really, really didn't work for me and the longer I sit with it the more sour I get.
2. The romance itself was pretty meh: allegedly, Giselle and Heath sparked off one another when they first crossed paths in Verdun. After stealing a kiss. Heath gets warned away by Giselle's father. And they've been (allegedly) carrying the torch for one another ever since. Giselle even confesses that she fell in love with him all the way back when. :\
This just didn't work for me since it means either that they are both rewriting their history to put more weight on a single kiss than it warrants, or that it was (somehow) instalove or something?
3. I did like that the whole thing with Yates gets resolved via a conversation! That was decent.
4. Also the secondary plot of the creepy man stalking Giselle was unnecessary, and his fate was interwoven into the epilogue because it was so clearly a half-baked non-starter of a plot thread, LOL.
5. Ultimately, not one I enjoyed.
1. Just to get it out of the way: This entire plot point really, really didn't work for me and the longer I sit with it the more sour I get.
2. The romance itself was pretty meh: allegedly, Giselle and Heath sparked off one another when they first crossed paths in Verdun. After stealing a kiss. Heath gets warned away by Giselle's father. And they've been (allegedly) carrying the torch for one another ever since. Giselle even confesses that she fell in love with him all the way back when. :\
This just didn't work for me since it means either that they are both rewriting their history to put more weight on a single kiss than it warrants, or that it was (somehow) instalove or something?
3. I did like that the whole thing with Yates gets resolved via a conversation! That was decent.
4. Also the secondary plot of the creepy man stalking Giselle was unnecessary, and his fate was interwoven into the epilogue because it was so clearly a half-baked non-starter of a plot thread, LOL.
5. Ultimately, not one I enjoyed.
September 3, 2026
2.5 okay stars
July 30, 2026
4 stars. 🎧
July 26, 2026
I consistently forget how much I love Sabrina Jeffries until I pick up one of her books and am reminded how good her writing is. The first book in this series introduced us to a group of détenus, men who were among the British civilians held captive in France for over a decade after the Treaty of Amiens was broken and the Napoleonic Wars resumed. Now we're back with the second of these men as he tries to rebuild his life after years in captivity.
The Earl of Heathbrook is back in Britain after being held captive, first in a French town of détenus and later in a French prison. His younger brothers ended up in the custody of his mother's cousin after her death, and he is fighting to get them back. One of his brothers was born after he and his father went to France and became trapped there, so he's never even met him, but he knows he wants to be their guardian. Unfortunately, his cousin is fighting him in court, claiming Heath is an unfit guardian because of some wild behavior from his teenage years. Heath is now in his 30s and has become a model peer and landlord, but he needs to prove to the court that he can provide a stable home for the boys, and the easiest way to do that is to have a fiancée. Fortunately for him, the woman he's been wild about since he was first detained in France has come to him for help, and he sees an opportunity to make a deal.
Giselle Bernard and her mother moved to England after the end of the war so they could escape the political turmoil in France and be closer to Giselle's half sister. Giselle was born after her mother's marriage, but she is the natural daughter of an Englishman her mother knew before she married. This man was a détenu, so Giselle was able to get to know him, but he died in France before the end of the war. To immigrate to England, Giselle and her mother used forged documents. When a man questions the validity of her papers, Giselle panics. Her half sister and brother-in-law are out of town, so she turns to the only other powerful peer she knows for help: Heath. She asks him to help her obtain legal papers, and in exchange, she will become his faux fiancée to help him gain custody of his brothers. Once their problems are solved, she will jilt him, and they can go their separate ways. But Giselle has long held a tendre for Heath, and as they spend more time together, she realizes she can't let him go without a fight.
Sabrina Jeffries is one of the best in the game at blending real history into a compelling historical romance while keeping the novel from becoming historical fiction. We all know I love when the Napoleonic Wars are included in my Regency romances, and I am always excited when an author does something different with that history. Instead of the traditional scarred war hero (not that I will ever complain about one of those in my romance), we have a détenu who endured separation from his family, lost both parents while in captivity, and suffered cruelty in a French prison.
While Giselle is a great character, this is really Heath's book. He is the one with the complex family dynamics and an unfurling backstory that provides so much depth to the novel. When he was a teenager, he made some impulsive and ultimately very bad decisions. His parents reacted in the most extreme way, sending him to France with his father and ensuring he would not have custody of his brothers should something happen to them before the boys came of age. Heath has to contend with his parents' opinion of him throughout the book and have faith that he has changed and grown enough to be a good guardian despite those youthful mistakes. His conflict was compelling and really carried the story for me.
Where I thought this book could have used a little more work was in Giselle's conflict. While the beginning of the novel set up high stakes for her, the conflict surrounding her forged papers ended up feeling anticlimactic, especially compared to the ongoing revelations Heath was facing. His conflict and the pacing of his story were so strong that it was noticeable when Giselle's wasn't as compelling. I think the villain of her story needed to be more directly connected to her and her mother than what we ultimately got.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I love Sabrina Jeffries's writing, and the history she's unpacking is fascinating to me as a longtime historical romance reader. 4 stars.
The Earl of Heathbrook is back in Britain after being held captive, first in a French town of détenus and later in a French prison. His younger brothers ended up in the custody of his mother's cousin after her death, and he is fighting to get them back. One of his brothers was born after he and his father went to France and became trapped there, so he's never even met him, but he knows he wants to be their guardian. Unfortunately, his cousin is fighting him in court, claiming Heath is an unfit guardian because of some wild behavior from his teenage years. Heath is now in his 30s and has become a model peer and landlord, but he needs to prove to the court that he can provide a stable home for the boys, and the easiest way to do that is to have a fiancée. Fortunately for him, the woman he's been wild about since he was first detained in France has come to him for help, and he sees an opportunity to make a deal.
Giselle Bernard and her mother moved to England after the end of the war so they could escape the political turmoil in France and be closer to Giselle's half sister. Giselle was born after her mother's marriage, but she is the natural daughter of an Englishman her mother knew before she married. This man was a détenu, so Giselle was able to get to know him, but he died in France before the end of the war. To immigrate to England, Giselle and her mother used forged documents. When a man questions the validity of her papers, Giselle panics. Her half sister and brother-in-law are out of town, so she turns to the only other powerful peer she knows for help: Heath. She asks him to help her obtain legal papers, and in exchange, she will become his faux fiancée to help him gain custody of his brothers. Once their problems are solved, she will jilt him, and they can go their separate ways. But Giselle has long held a tendre for Heath, and as they spend more time together, she realizes she can't let him go without a fight.
Sabrina Jeffries is one of the best in the game at blending real history into a compelling historical romance while keeping the novel from becoming historical fiction. We all know I love when the Napoleonic Wars are included in my Regency romances, and I am always excited when an author does something different with that history. Instead of the traditional scarred war hero (not that I will ever complain about one of those in my romance), we have a détenu who endured separation from his family, lost both parents while in captivity, and suffered cruelty in a French prison.
While Giselle is a great character, this is really Heath's book. He is the one with the complex family dynamics and an unfurling backstory that provides so much depth to the novel. When he was a teenager, he made some impulsive and ultimately very bad decisions. His parents reacted in the most extreme way, sending him to France with his father and ensuring he would not have custody of his brothers should something happen to them before the boys came of age. Heath has to contend with his parents' opinion of him throughout the book and have faith that he has changed and grown enough to be a good guardian despite those youthful mistakes. His conflict was compelling and really carried the story for me.
Where I thought this book could have used a little more work was in Giselle's conflict. While the beginning of the novel set up high stakes for her, the conflict surrounding her forged papers ended up feeling anticlimactic, especially compared to the ongoing revelations Heath was facing. His conflict and the pacing of his story were so strong that it was noticeable when Giselle's wasn't as compelling. I think the villain of her story needed to be more directly connected to her and her mother than what we ultimately got.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I love Sabrina Jeffries's writing, and the history she's unpacking is fascinating to me as a longtime historical romance reader. 4 stars.
Read
August 2, 2026Very good, maybe I like the first better but this one was really good. Looking forward to the next!!
March 7, 2026
This series takes place as English people detained during the Napoleonic Wars return home to England after being released from over a decade of captivity. As this is happening, French aristocrats are fleeing the threat of the guillotine. I’ve never seen a historical romance reference this real occurrence - that foreigners traveling in France when the war broke out were detained there, so this series is unique in my mind.
Giselle and her mother, the daughter of an aristocrat, have fled France with forged papers. Fearful that someone knows they've traveled illegally, Giselle quickly agrees to pose as the fiancé of the Early of Heathwood, who was detained in her French town before they both fled. Heath, meanwhile, is trying to get custody of his three little brothers and wants to show the Court of Chancery that he's a stable adult. He hopes having a fiancée will help his case.
There's a series-long mystery about who informed on the main characters when they attempted to escape captivity. Their mentor was severely injured in the attempt and later died. The main characters were sent to a notorious prison.
I enjoyed the lack of angst in this story - while this is a fake betrothal, you know Giselle and Health will come together. The scenes with the young boys are delightful and there's a big twist delivered towards the end that makes the custody case even more important to Heath. I could see revisiting this series when all of the books are out to read them as one big story. The series-long arc about the escape is unique and I'm extremely interested in seeing how it ends!
Giselle and her mother, the daughter of an aristocrat, have fled France with forged papers. Fearful that someone knows they've traveled illegally, Giselle quickly agrees to pose as the fiancé of the Early of Heathwood, who was detained in her French town before they both fled. Heath, meanwhile, is trying to get custody of his three little brothers and wants to show the Court of Chancery that he's a stable adult. He hopes having a fiancée will help his case.
There's a series-long mystery about who informed on the main characters when they attempted to escape captivity. Their mentor was severely injured in the attempt and later died. The main characters were sent to a notorious prison.
I enjoyed the lack of angst in this story - while this is a fake betrothal, you know Giselle and Health will come together. The scenes with the young boys are delightful and there's a big twist delivered towards the end that makes the custody case even more important to Heath. I could see revisiting this series when all of the books are out to read them as one big story. The series-long arc about the escape is unique and I'm extremely interested in seeing how it ends!
January 21, 2026
TLDR: Great author. Good series. Ok book.
I kept leaving and coming back to this one. The chemistry and connection was based on events years past in Verdun. We don’t see that build, so it felt insta-lust for me. Heath is immature and somehow has a rake’s reputation even though he was a prisoner for 12 years and we never see that bad behavior.
The romance stands alone, but this series has the plot point of the détenus’ life in France and learning who betrayed them. It might be helpful to read in order, but it’s not like you can’t figure it out. The big reveal of Heath’s secret was unsatisfying. I expected a real sin.
I guess this author’s other books just set the bar high, and for whatever reason this one didn’t resonate with me. I’m curious how the betrayal mystery unfolds so I’ll keep reading.
I received an arc from NetGalley.
I kept leaving and coming back to this one. The chemistry and connection was based on events years past in Verdun. We don’t see that build, so it felt insta-lust for me. Heath is immature and somehow has a rake’s reputation even though he was a prisoner for 12 years and we never see that bad behavior.
The romance stands alone, but this series has the plot point of the détenus’ life in France and learning who betrayed them. It might be helpful to read in order, but it’s not like you can’t figure it out. The big reveal of Heath’s secret was unsatisfying. I expected a real sin.
I guess this author’s other books just set the bar high, and for whatever reason this one didn’t resonate with me. I’m curious how the betrayal mystery unfolds so I’ll keep reading.
I received an arc from NetGalley.
Did Not Finish
July 8, 2026Oof what a snooze fest. I’ve adored some of Jeffries’ earlier works but this series I struggle to really feel engaged with and this book is definitely the weaker of the two so far. Beverly Crick did her best but I don’t think she could have done much to make Giselle not sound snooty. Heath was very much a cardboard character.
August 4, 2026
3.5 / 4 Stars
***LIBBY Audio***
MC's: Giselle & Heath
Have to say I like the whole premise of this series, and this story. That's not to say Heath's lack of communication didn't made me want to give him a couple good "Gibbs slaps". (NCIS fans will know this meaning!)
There were a lot of family secrets and misunderstandings. I figured out one of the major twists before it was revealed. I was happy that didn't become a drama of its own. In light of that, I bumped it to 4 Stars.
***LIBBY Audio***
MC's: Giselle & Heath
Have to say I like the whole premise of this series, and this story. That's not to say Heath's lack of communication didn't made me want to give him a couple good "Gibbs slaps". (NCIS fans will know this meaning!)
There were a lot of family secrets and misunderstandings. I figured out one of the major twists before it was revealed. I was happy that didn't become a drama of its own. In light of that, I bumped it to 4 Stars.
August 18, 2026
This book is about a young woman from France, who came with her mother to England, and learns her papers may be forged. Then she learns a man is following them. I quite liked Giselle as a main Character. She is resourceful, but not silly. She meets with the Earl of Heathbrook, and soon you’re finding them exchanging stories of their problems. The Earl has been away from England for ten years, and has just returned home. His younger brothers have been given to a cousin to watch over due to rumors of him being a rake. Later you learn how the rumors got started. They devise a plan that she will pose as his fiance, since she just came to England from France herself . It will give her protection, and him a more stable background, when he goes to court, for the return of the boys. There is also a surprise in the story I never saw coming. I did not like Lilly at all. The Earl feels he can never love again, and Giselle can never be serious about a man that can not return her love. Several spicy romantic scenes. I loved the ending, and the Epilogue. 5 stars. Well written, with mystery, and adventure, and finally a happy ending for all. I adored the children, all young boys, and how dearly she cared for them, and her mother. Plus the Earl was very capable, and a bit of a handsome want to be lover, and was very concerned for his family.
May 16, 2026
Audiobook
Nearly a Bride (Lords of Hazard #2)
By Sabrina Jeffries | Narrated by Beverley A. Crick
Sabrina Jeffries is a well-known author of historical romance, and in "Nearly a Bride", she shows why many readers love her books. She combines lighthearted charm with an interesting historical mystery. The audiobook is even better thanks to Beverley A. Crick's fantastic narration, which makes it both emotional and enjoyable.
Jeffries’ writing style is engaging from the start. In this second book of the "Lords of Hazard*"series, her storytelling shines in several ways:
Witty Dialogue: Jeffries is known for her sharp, witty conversations. The playful tension between Giselle and Heathbrook flows smoothly, making their interactions feel natural.
Relatable Characters: Jeffries creates complex characters. Giselle Bernard is a strong woman who shows resilience and independence. Lord Heathbrook is also well-developed; he struggles with family duty, making him a sympathetic hero.
Effective Tropes: Jeffries uses the familiar fake engagement trope to build yearning and tension. She blends fun moments with mystery and historical details, keeping the plot moving.
Outstanding Narration by Beverley A. Crick
The audiobook enhances the storytelling. Crick’s narration captures the emotions and energy that make the story engaging.
Great Accents: Crick uses British and French accents to create an authentic feel for this cross-cultural romance, adding to the historical accuracy.
Clear Character Voices: She gives each character a unique voice, helping listeners feel connected to the world of both books in this series.
Emotional Nuance: Crick captures every sigh, laugh, and tone change perfectly, bringing the written story to life.
Even though the plot follows some typical romance patterns, the emotional depth of the characters and the humour make this book special. I would recommend this audiobook to any fan of historical romance looking for a smart and heartfelt story. The combination of Jeffries' writing and Crick's narration makes it an excellent choice for genre lovers.
Nearly a Bride (Lords of Hazard #2)
By Sabrina Jeffries | Narrated by Beverley A. Crick
Sabrina Jeffries is a well-known author of historical romance, and in "Nearly a Bride", she shows why many readers love her books. She combines lighthearted charm with an interesting historical mystery. The audiobook is even better thanks to Beverley A. Crick's fantastic narration, which makes it both emotional and enjoyable.
Jeffries’ writing style is engaging from the start. In this second book of the "Lords of Hazard*"series, her storytelling shines in several ways:
Witty Dialogue: Jeffries is known for her sharp, witty conversations. The playful tension between Giselle and Heathbrook flows smoothly, making their interactions feel natural.
Relatable Characters: Jeffries creates complex characters. Giselle Bernard is a strong woman who shows resilience and independence. Lord Heathbrook is also well-developed; he struggles with family duty, making him a sympathetic hero.
Effective Tropes: Jeffries uses the familiar fake engagement trope to build yearning and tension. She blends fun moments with mystery and historical details, keeping the plot moving.
Outstanding Narration by Beverley A. Crick
The audiobook enhances the storytelling. Crick’s narration captures the emotions and energy that make the story engaging.
Great Accents: Crick uses British and French accents to create an authentic feel for this cross-cultural romance, adding to the historical accuracy.
Clear Character Voices: She gives each character a unique voice, helping listeners feel connected to the world of both books in this series.
Emotional Nuance: Crick captures every sigh, laugh, and tone change perfectly, bringing the written story to life.
Even though the plot follows some typical romance patterns, the emotional depth of the characters and the humour make this book special. I would recommend this audiobook to any fan of historical romance looking for a smart and heartfelt story. The combination of Jeffries' writing and Crick's narration makes it an excellent choice for genre lovers.
October 3, 2026
KU. HRBC Mad About Series Challenge 2026. Tropes: Regency Romance, Romance/Mystery, Fake Dating/Fiancé/Marriage, Friends/Family, Foreign Country (France), Illegitimacy.
h. Mlle, Miss Giselle Bernard, 25, moved to England from Verdun, France with her mother Mme. Bernard ( Only speaks French and has rheumatism and needs to be in Bath to bathe in the Hot Springs). She knew all the English who were detained in France for eleven years. She worked for her cousin Mme. Dubois at a rooming house. She was Mr. Morris's illegitimate daughter and he taught her English while a detainee in Verdun. He died in prison at Bitche after attempting to escape with Jon (Duke of Falconridge, Bk.#1), Lt. Scovell, ?Oakden ,Earl of Heathbrook. She met her sister Tory (married to Jon, Duke of Falconridge) when she came to England and stayed with them before taking her mother to Bath.
H. Earl of Heathbrook, aka Heath, Rupert Oakden, 27, a rakehell and former detainee ( Verdun, Bitche, France for eleven years). He has been seeking custody of his three brothers since returning. His lawyer suggests getting married to increase his chances of gaining custody of all three brothers: Evan, (19)Kit(17) & Zack (11)Oakden. Giselle Bernard agrees to be his fake fiance in exchange for his help with her and her mother's passports which had been forged by Mr. Beasley in France. His fellow detainee's are Jon (Duke of Falconridge), Mr. Morris (Gisele and Tory's father), Lt. Scovell. Another of their group was captured in Arras, France, Percy? All four had been at Eton together and then at Verdun.
Mystery
Mysterious death of Vaughn Jones, Sarah Beasley's beau three years ago in Verdun. He had asked Giselle about her and her mother's passports when he saw them in Bath. He followed them to try to find Sarah Beasley. Gisele asked Rupert Oakden, Earl of Heathbrook to look into getting legitimate papers for she and her mother in exchange for agreeing to be his fake fiance to help him gain custody of his three brothers: Evan, Kit and Zack.
Romance
Giselle and Rupert known as Ingram eleven years ago kissed her. Mr. Morris, Giselle's real father warned Rupert off after seeing the kiss. He knew Ingram was a rakehell and was protecting his own. Today both Rupert and Giselle remember that kiss. Giselle had secretly always had a tendre for the Earl of Heathbrook and when he asked her to be his fake fiance she hoped it would turn out to be true. Rupert (Heath) remembered the kiss very well imagining more and always wished he could bed her. He sneaks liberties with Gisele finally wearing her down and they sleep together. He tells her that they must marry. She tells him she loves him but won't marry him unless he loves her too. Eventually her realizes he does.
This story was interesting and a page turner. The romance was a slow burn and eventually desire took over. Giselle gave up her virginity to the one she loved. There was a balance between the past at Verdun and Bitche, present day quest for attaining custody of Rupert's brothers, Evan, Kit and Zach, fake fiance, meeting with his old friends, Jon (Tory & Clare), Scovell, and Percy and Mr. Beasley and his cousin Yates. I gave this 4 stars.
h. Mlle, Miss Giselle Bernard, 25, moved to England from Verdun, France with her mother Mme. Bernard ( Only speaks French and has rheumatism and needs to be in Bath to bathe in the Hot Springs). She knew all the English who were detained in France for eleven years. She worked for her cousin Mme. Dubois at a rooming house. She was Mr. Morris's illegitimate daughter and he taught her English while a detainee in Verdun. He died in prison at Bitche after attempting to escape with Jon (Duke of Falconridge, Bk.#1), Lt. Scovell, ?Oakden ,Earl of Heathbrook. She met her sister Tory (married to Jon, Duke of Falconridge) when she came to England and stayed with them before taking her mother to Bath.
H. Earl of Heathbrook, aka Heath, Rupert Oakden, 27, a rakehell and former detainee ( Verdun, Bitche, France for eleven years). He has been seeking custody of his three brothers since returning. His lawyer suggests getting married to increase his chances of gaining custody of all three brothers: Evan, (19)Kit(17) & Zack (11)Oakden. Giselle Bernard agrees to be his fake fiance in exchange for his help with her and her mother's passports which had been forged by Mr. Beasley in France. His fellow detainee's are Jon (Duke of Falconridge), Mr. Morris (Gisele and Tory's father), Lt. Scovell. Another of their group was captured in Arras, France, Percy? All four had been at Eton together and then at Verdun.
Mystery
Mysterious death of Vaughn Jones, Sarah Beasley's beau three years ago in Verdun. He had asked Giselle about her and her mother's passports when he saw them in Bath. He followed them to try to find Sarah Beasley. Gisele asked Rupert Oakden, Earl of Heathbrook to look into getting legitimate papers for she and her mother in exchange for agreeing to be his fake fiance to help him gain custody of his three brothers: Evan, Kit and Zack.
Romance
Giselle and Rupert known as Ingram eleven years ago kissed her. Mr. Morris, Giselle's real father warned Rupert off after seeing the kiss. He knew Ingram was a rakehell and was protecting his own. Today both Rupert and Giselle remember that kiss. Giselle had secretly always had a tendre for the Earl of Heathbrook and when he asked her to be his fake fiance she hoped it would turn out to be true. Rupert (Heath) remembered the kiss very well imagining more and always wished he could bed her. He sneaks liberties with Gisele finally wearing her down and they sleep together. He tells her that they must marry. She tells him she loves him but won't marry him unless he loves her too. Eventually her realizes he does.
This story was interesting and a page turner. The romance was a slow burn and eventually desire took over. Giselle gave up her virginity to the one she loved. There was a balance between the past at Verdun and Bitche, present day quest for attaining custody of Rupert's brothers, Evan, Kit and Zach, fake fiance, meeting with his old friends, Jon (Tory & Clare), Scovell, and Percy and Mr. Beasley and his cousin Yates. I gave this 4 stars.
May 15, 2026
I enjoyed this second book in the (unbeknownst to me) trilogy much more than the first one, although I was surprised by the choice of the FMC. (I'm dying to read the 3rd story, which will obviously be about the Duke's sister Chloe and the Scottish captain — alas for me, that'll probably be a year from now.)
If done well, I'm a huge fan of the fake engagement trope. This book definitely nailed it, in part because it was very clear what both sides were getting out of the deal, because while it was Heath's idea, Giselle immediately saw the potential benefit for her (and her mother) and, unlike in many books, it actually felt like a fair trade. (Sometimes the fake engagement trope bargains are incredibly one-sided and only benefit one person, normally the MMC.)
The détenu plot was used to great effect in this book because Giselle and Heath had known each other for most of the time he was "imprisoned" in France. There had been an attraction (and a kiss) back then and from the beginning of the book, it was very clear that the old attraction remained strong. As always, a thing I really liked about this book was the fact that neither of the MCs kept secrets from one another, and both of them (especially the FMC) were very open/blunt about their opinions and feelings. Also, they accepted logic! I really liked the scene where Heath was forced to explain to Giselle exactly who Lily was, why she'd said she was his "true love," and the disastrous results of his youthful relationship with her. Explanations can often lead to forgiveness! Who knew!
I will say that while I guessed what Lily's big reveal was going to be, I thought she was going to tell Heath that she'd passed his child off as her husband's, or sent it to foster somewhere. DID NOT AT ALL suspect that the person Heath thought was his youngest brother, Zachary, was actually his son. While I was initially skeptical about how the book resolved that issue — Giselle and Heath pretending that they'd had Zachary out of wedlock while Heath was detained in France and they secretly smuggled the child to England to be raised by his grandparents — now that I've had some time to think about it, I feel like it was the best of all possible solutions. Curious about whether there will be social consequences for them in the next book.
I also really enjoyed the whole "fighting for custody of his brothers to save them from a dour cousin who might be stealing their money" subplot, because of how much my feelings about the scenario changed over the course of the book. In the beginning, Yates was a huge asshole for not telling the boys that Heath was fighting for custody of them, not letting them receive Heath's letters or see them, and telling the boys that Heath didn't care about him. I absolutely LOVED the chancery court hearing scene, because watching Yates's failure to make a credible case and Heath's lawyer absolutely spank him was a delight. And then, as the boys talked about their time in his custody and Heath's investigations into the finances turned up nothing, Yates slowly turned from an evil villain to a multi-faceted (but not necessarily evil) human being. And then everything made sense when Heath went to confront him about Zachary post-Lily reveal. The resolution between the two men to jointly handle the boys' finances and let Yates keep the boys when Giselle and Heath went away felt really good and was one of the reasons (at least for me) the book ended on a good note.
All in all, this book is a good example of Sabrina Jeffries at her best. I hope she can nail the landing on the 3rd book, because she's done a great job building anticipation for it in the first two books.
If done well, I'm a huge fan of the fake engagement trope. This book definitely nailed it, in part because it was very clear what both sides were getting out of the deal, because while it was Heath's idea, Giselle immediately saw the potential benefit for her (and her mother) and, unlike in many books, it actually felt like a fair trade. (Sometimes the fake engagement trope bargains are incredibly one-sided and only benefit one person, normally the MMC.)
The détenu plot was used to great effect in this book because Giselle and Heath had known each other for most of the time he was "imprisoned" in France. There had been an attraction (and a kiss) back then and from the beginning of the book, it was very clear that the old attraction remained strong. As always, a thing I really liked about this book was the fact that neither of the MCs kept secrets from one another, and both of them (especially the FMC) were very open/blunt about their opinions and feelings. Also, they accepted logic! I really liked the scene where Heath was forced to explain to Giselle exactly who Lily was, why she'd said she was his "true love," and the disastrous results of his youthful relationship with her. Explanations can often lead to forgiveness! Who knew!
I will say that while I guessed what Lily's big reveal was going to be, I thought she was going to tell Heath that she'd passed his child off as her husband's, or sent it to foster somewhere. DID NOT AT ALL suspect that the person Heath thought was his youngest brother, Zachary, was actually his son. While I was initially skeptical about how the book resolved that issue — Giselle and Heath pretending that they'd had Zachary out of wedlock while Heath was detained in France and they secretly smuggled the child to England to be raised by his grandparents — now that I've had some time to think about it, I feel like it was the best of all possible solutions. Curious about whether there will be social consequences for them in the next book.
I also really enjoyed the whole "fighting for custody of his brothers to save them from a dour cousin who might be stealing their money" subplot, because of how much my feelings about the scenario changed over the course of the book. In the beginning, Yates was a huge asshole for not telling the boys that Heath was fighting for custody of them, not letting them receive Heath's letters or see them, and telling the boys that Heath didn't care about him. I absolutely LOVED the chancery court hearing scene, because watching Yates's failure to make a credible case and Heath's lawyer absolutely spank him was a delight. And then, as the boys talked about their time in his custody and Heath's investigations into the finances turned up nothing, Yates slowly turned from an evil villain to a multi-faceted (but not necessarily evil) human being. And then everything made sense when Heath went to confront him about Zachary post-Lily reveal. The resolution between the two men to jointly handle the boys' finances and let Yates keep the boys when Giselle and Heath went away felt really good and was one of the reasons (at least for me) the book ended on a good note.
All in all, this book is a good example of Sabrina Jeffries at her best. I hope she can nail the landing on the 3rd book, because she's done a great job building anticipation for it in the first two books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2026
Heath's perpetual bachelor ways were brought low by the enchanting and sassy Giselle, who gave him a new perspective on family and love.
I liked Heath's sense of humor and his upbeat way of approaching things. It seemed a bit incongruous for someone who was imprisoned for quite a long time, and it made him very likeable. Giselle matched his sharp wit and they shared a strong attraction, but she was trying so hard to protect her heart that she presented opposing personalities to Heath. She was blowing very hot and cold. In one breath, she admonished him to keep things between them strictly professional, but then she would get upset when he actually treated her that way. Or she seemed to forget that she was using him just as much as he was using her. That part about her was a bit irritating, but understandable. Heath's back-and-forth feelings for Giselle felt more genuine.
This flip-flop journey from faux to real betrothal was filled with fun banter and sizzling chemistry. The plot surrounding the fake papers and Heath's brothers were the impetus for bringing them together but played more of a background role to their love story. All the other characters were unique, and each one made the story richer in different ways.
I can recommend this if you like a fake engagement historical romance. Each book in the series stands well on its own.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This review is also on Hooked By That Book.
I liked Heath's sense of humor and his upbeat way of approaching things. It seemed a bit incongruous for someone who was imprisoned for quite a long time, and it made him very likeable. Giselle matched his sharp wit and they shared a strong attraction, but she was trying so hard to protect her heart that she presented opposing personalities to Heath. She was blowing very hot and cold. In one breath, she admonished him to keep things between them strictly professional, but then she would get upset when he actually treated her that way. Or she seemed to forget that she was using him just as much as he was using her. That part about her was a bit irritating, but understandable. Heath's back-and-forth feelings for Giselle felt more genuine.
This flip-flop journey from faux to real betrothal was filled with fun banter and sizzling chemistry. The plot surrounding the fake papers and Heath's brothers were the impetus for bringing them together but played more of a background role to their love story. All the other characters were unique, and each one made the story richer in different ways.
I can recommend this if you like a fake engagement historical romance. Each book in the series stands well on its own.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This review is also on Hooked By That Book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I was delighted to get my hands on the second book in this series after enjoying the first one also as an ARC. Here's to book 3 coming my way soon!
Another dual third-person POV for our lovebirds. Overall, I enjoyed Giselle and Heathbrook more as a couple than Jon and Tory, who were still quite entertaining. Giselle just had a charming confidence even how she worked her way through the English language (loved their vocabulary sidebars) and her feelings for Heath. She was a great bridge between the detenu time in France and a new life in England, especially with her family history.
Heathbrook was a roguish force of nature spending much of the taming his temper and attraction to Giselle. I loved that he spoke French (and didn't hide it half the book) and how much he cared for his little brothers.
The romance escalation was well done and felt honest to their characters. Spicy (multiple times) but still laden with humor as befitting long-time acquaintances.
I took off a star because of the too-rapid resolution of feelings. I get they knew each other for a decade so it should've come sooner or been a different obstacle. The familial twist was an interesting one and much better than a similar ploy.
SPOILER
Ie. I'm glad Heath didn't knock Giselle up and have to marry her. I'm glad his ex didn't try to trap him or even want to stick around. They found a creative and sweet solution to a problem that nearly came out of nowhere.
Another dual third-person POV for our lovebirds. Overall, I enjoyed Giselle and Heathbrook more as a couple than Jon and Tory, who were still quite entertaining. Giselle just had a charming confidence even how she worked her way through the English language (loved their vocabulary sidebars) and her feelings for Heath. She was a great bridge between the detenu time in France and a new life in England, especially with her family history.
Heathbrook was a roguish force of nature spending much of the taming his temper and attraction to Giselle. I loved that he spoke French (and didn't hide it half the book) and how much he cared for his little brothers.
The romance escalation was well done and felt honest to their characters. Spicy (multiple times) but still laden with humor as befitting long-time acquaintances.
I took off a star because of the too-rapid resolution of feelings. I get they knew each other for a decade so it should've come sooner or been a different obstacle. The familial twist was an interesting one and much better than a similar ploy.
SPOILER
Ie. I'm glad Heath didn't knock Giselle up and have to marry her. I'm glad his ex didn't try to trap him or even want to stick around. They found a creative and sweet solution to a problem that nearly came out of nowhere.
April 28, 2026
4.25
Sabrina Jeffries is one of my favorite Historical Romance authors and she doesn't disappoint in this second installment of her Lords of Hazard series. I even liked this one a bit more than the first book.
Jeffries is great at writing characters and their interactions. I really enjoyed Giselle and Heath's story, but some of my favorite parts of the book involved Heath's younger brothers. I also liked that this book continued the story of the detenus. I love learning about parts of history I didn't know about before. I'm looking forward to the final book in this trilogy.
Beverly A. Crick does a wonderful job at narrating this book. I've listened to her before and always know the narration will be good when she's listed in the credits. I particularly appreciated her French accents for Giselle and her mother.
I do wish the audiobook had included the author's note that's at the end of the ebook with more historical info, though.
Thank you to NetGalley, RBmedia/Recorded Books and Kensington Publishing for access to this eARC and audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sabrina Jeffries is one of my favorite Historical Romance authors and she doesn't disappoint in this second installment of her Lords of Hazard series. I even liked this one a bit more than the first book.
Jeffries is great at writing characters and their interactions. I really enjoyed Giselle and Heath's story, but some of my favorite parts of the book involved Heath's younger brothers. I also liked that this book continued the story of the detenus. I love learning about parts of history I didn't know about before. I'm looking forward to the final book in this trilogy.
Beverly A. Crick does a wonderful job at narrating this book. I've listened to her before and always know the narration will be good when she's listed in the credits. I particularly appreciated her French accents for Giselle and her mother.
I do wish the audiobook had included the author's note that's at the end of the ebook with more historical info, though.
Thank you to NetGalley, RBmedia/Recorded Books and Kensington Publishing for access to this eARC and audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 4, 2026
Nearly a Bride continues the saga of the English travelers detained in France by Napoleon. Giselle and Heath met and were in daily contact during the 10 years he was confined in Verdun. With the war over, both are now in England. When she approaches him for help, he proposes a bargain. She needs his influence to obtain legitimate passports for herself and her mother and he needs a fiance to appear more respectable and stable so that he can obtain custody of his brothers. They agree to a fake engagement.
There's a real pull between Heath and Giselle. But, he's determined never to fall in love and she refuses to settle for a relationship that's only physical. This couple really needs to learn how to communicate. There's definitely chemistry but it's a very slow burn.
There's a little suspense - a man from their shared past is threatening Giselle and Heath is determined to identify who betrayed him in France.
This doesn't really work as a standalone. The context from the first book in the series really helps readers understand the connections between the characters.
There's a real pull between Heath and Giselle. But, he's determined never to fall in love and she refuses to settle for a relationship that's only physical. This couple really needs to learn how to communicate. There's definitely chemistry but it's a very slow burn.
There's a little suspense - a man from their shared past is threatening Giselle and Heath is determined to identify who betrayed him in France.
This doesn't really work as a standalone. The context from the first book in the series really helps readers understand the connections between the characters.
June 7, 2026
Excellent read. The second book in the series about the "detenus", British civilians who went to Paris during a ceasefire during the Napoleon Wars, and were imprisoned for eleven years. This story reunites two of the prisoners, Rupert Oakden, the Earl of Heathbrook, and a french miss, Gisele Bernard. She is in England with her mother on forged passports and comes to Heath for help. She has also been in love with him for many years when they were held in France and lived in the same boarding house. Heath needs a favor in return. He is trying to wrestle custody of his three younger brothers from his mother's cousin. They make a bargain for a pretend engagement. He has a secret that he doesn't want her to know about. But there is also a secret being kept from him as well. All of which come to a head. Likable characters. And as always, the author infuses her work with her vast historical knowledge and research. Highly recommend the series.
I read an ARC gifted to me by the publisher. This is my unbiased, voluntary and honest review.
I read an ARC gifted to me by the publisher. This is my unbiased, voluntary and honest review.
May 21, 2026
The Earl of Heathbrook returned to England after being held a prisoner by the French from 1803 to 1814. Giselle Bernard met the Earl in France, ten years ago. She and her mother need help. He offers to help her if she will help him. His reputation makes her leery of his proposal, but what choice does she have. He is desperate for her help. As the two of them work together and wade through lies and secrets, Giselle hopes for something she may never have.
A very complex plot with some disturbing revelations.
Descriptive sex.
For more background information, I recommend reading HAZARDOUS TO A DUKE'S HEART.
I voluntarily read reviewed a copy of this book from Netgalley.
A very complex plot with some disturbing revelations.
Descriptive sex.
For more background information, I recommend reading HAZARDOUS TO A DUKE'S HEART.
I voluntarily read reviewed a copy of this book from Netgalley.
November 10, 2025
Rupert Oakden, the Earl of Heathbrook, has spent twelve years detained in a French fortress. Now home, he wants nothing more to claim guardianship of his three younger brothers. Heath’s rakish reputation hinders his ability. He must find a suitable fiancée to appear respectably in front of the courts. A perfect candidate presents herself to Heath. Giselle needs his help, so Heath proposes a plan: if she poses as his pretend fiancé, he will help her and her mother gain proper, legitimate papers. Is their ruse doomed to fail?
Giselle Bernard has secretly adored Heath since their days in Verdun, France. She has no interest in tying herself down to a man with such a wild and reckless past. Plus, Giselle believes she is not suitable for Heath. When a stranger asks about her and her mother’s paper, Giselle turns to the only person she believes could help. Heath proposes an outlandish request, one that could possibly benefit them both. However, secrets from the past reveal themselves. Will Heath and Giselle’s charade become real?
I admire Heath’s persistence in gaining custody of his brothers. He will go to any lengths, even subterfuge, to get them back. They may be strangers, especially the youngest, but that did not matter to him. I believe Heath’s time in France gave him a better appreciation for family. Why he is so desperate to get custody. What I like the most about Heath is how he floundered a bit once he got them back. Their relationship was not instant. The Oakden brothers had to find their footings with one another.
I understand Giselle’s hesitations, especially when it concerned Heath’s rakish past. She did not want to walk in her mother’s footsteps. Giselle had learned from her mother’s mistakes. I feel that sometimes Giselle let her illegitimacy stand in her way. Heath, unlike his lofty peers, had no problem with it, and he even voiced it. Yet, Giselle persisted that she was not good enough for him.
NEARLY A BRIDE is the second book in Sabrina Jeffries’ historical romance series, LORDS OF HAZARD. Sadly, I have not read HAZARDOUS TO A DUKE’S HEART. It did not hinder my ability to follow and enjoy this story. The author does a great job of touching up on Heath’s time in France. There is a small plot spillover from the prior book, a mystery that continues to go unsolved. I wonder if more clues will be revealed in the next book or if it will be solved? I have a feeling the next couple will be Scovell and Chloe.
I am curious about Sir Percy. Is he the one who outed Jon, Heath, and Scovell in France? If he is innocent, will he get a book? Will his innocence or guilt be proved in the next book? I hope the answers will be revealed in the next installment.
I do have one nitpick that affected my rating. The whole angle concerning Zach, and the way it is handled. To me, it came off unbelievable. It just did not work for me.
Giselle Bernard has secretly adored Heath since their days in Verdun, France. She has no interest in tying herself down to a man with such a wild and reckless past. Plus, Giselle believes she is not suitable for Heath. When a stranger asks about her and her mother’s paper, Giselle turns to the only person she believes could help. Heath proposes an outlandish request, one that could possibly benefit them both. However, secrets from the past reveal themselves. Will Heath and Giselle’s charade become real?
I admire Heath’s persistence in gaining custody of his brothers. He will go to any lengths, even subterfuge, to get them back. They may be strangers, especially the youngest, but that did not matter to him. I believe Heath’s time in France gave him a better appreciation for family. Why he is so desperate to get custody. What I like the most about Heath is how he floundered a bit once he got them back. Their relationship was not instant. The Oakden brothers had to find their footings with one another.
I understand Giselle’s hesitations, especially when it concerned Heath’s rakish past. She did not want to walk in her mother’s footsteps. Giselle had learned from her mother’s mistakes. I feel that sometimes Giselle let her illegitimacy stand in her way. Heath, unlike his lofty peers, had no problem with it, and he even voiced it. Yet, Giselle persisted that she was not good enough for him.
NEARLY A BRIDE is the second book in Sabrina Jeffries’ historical romance series, LORDS OF HAZARD. Sadly, I have not read HAZARDOUS TO A DUKE’S HEART. It did not hinder my ability to follow and enjoy this story. The author does a great job of touching up on Heath’s time in France. There is a small plot spillover from the prior book, a mystery that continues to go unsolved. I wonder if more clues will be revealed in the next book or if it will be solved? I have a feeling the next couple will be Scovell and Chloe.
I am curious about Sir Percy. Is he the one who outed Jon, Heath, and Scovell in France? If he is innocent, will he get a book? Will his innocence or guilt be proved in the next book? I hope the answers will be revealed in the next installment.
I do have one nitpick that affected my rating. The whole angle concerning Zach, and the way it is handled. To me, it came off unbelievable. It just did not work for me.
Did Not Finish
September 30, 2026DNF. even one of my favorite narrators couldn't save me from boredom and eye rolls.
In fairness, I was interested in the historical backstory, but the book was just blandly formulaic and I find the fake engagement trope pretty hard to like.
In fairness, I was interested in the historical backstory, but the book was just blandly formulaic and I find the fake engagement trope pretty hard to like.
June 20, 2026
Lindo :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When a fellow French emigrant began to question Miss Giselle Bernard about her travel papers, she became concerned and needed help, but since her brother-in-law the Duke of Falconridge and her half-sister are out of town, she turns to Rupert “Heath” Oakden, the Earl of Heathbrook for help. Giselle has known Heath for many years, as she worked in her cousin’s boarding house in Verdun, the French town where thousands of English citizens were detained during the war. She once shared a kiss with him, but he seemed to lose interest in her almost immediately after, breaking her young heart. But while he remained aloof, she still considered him a friend and has turned to him to help her secure legitimate papers for her and her mother. She never imagined that he would need her help in return, and that help would involve her having to pretend to be his fiancée!
After an impetuous mistake as a young man, Rupert “Heath”, his father, the previous Earl took him to France to get him away from England, but as luck would have it, Napoleon decided to detain them, and Heath ended up spending the next 11 years trapped in France and losing his father, before he was free to return to England. But upon returning home, he learned that his father did not make him the guardian of his younger brothers, one of whom he has never met, as he was born shortly after Heath and his father were detained. Custody of the boys was given to his mother’s cousin, and Heath has not even been able to visit them. He hired a lawyer to fight for custody, but with his previous reputation as a rake, his lawyer thinks he will have a hard time winning. His attorney suggests that Heath marry or at the very least get betrothed to an upstanding woman. He has just about given up hope when Giselle approaches him for help. It is the perfect solution! All he has to do is keep his hands (and lips) to himself until his brothers are back in his care and he can help Giselle, what could go wrong?
I loved the idea of this series about a group of men who formed a bond of brotherhood when they were detained in France and became what was known as “the detenu”, the history about this is fascinating and I was eager to learn more about it! In this installment, readers get to know Rupert Oaken aka Heath and Giselle Bernard, who have a history together, but who have not been close for many years, they get reacquainted when Giselle feels threatened and seeks out Heath for help. They agree to help each other and hope they can do so without making their relationship complicated. Giselle tries hard to keep her feelings out of it, especially after he rejected her years ago – or did he? Heath believes that he cannot love, but that is clearly untrue considering how hard he is working to get custody of his brothers. Overall, this was fast paced story with lots of history, emotion, secrets, shocking surprises, some steamyish love scenes, wonderful characters, and finally a happy ending complete with a sweet epilogue. I will be honest that I didn’t like this book as much as the first book, but it was still a good story and one I would be happy to recommend. This is the second book in a connected series, but it could be read and enjoyed as a standalone title with no problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
After an impetuous mistake as a young man, Rupert “Heath”, his father, the previous Earl took him to France to get him away from England, but as luck would have it, Napoleon decided to detain them, and Heath ended up spending the next 11 years trapped in France and losing his father, before he was free to return to England. But upon returning home, he learned that his father did not make him the guardian of his younger brothers, one of whom he has never met, as he was born shortly after Heath and his father were detained. Custody of the boys was given to his mother’s cousin, and Heath has not even been able to visit them. He hired a lawyer to fight for custody, but with his previous reputation as a rake, his lawyer thinks he will have a hard time winning. His attorney suggests that Heath marry or at the very least get betrothed to an upstanding woman. He has just about given up hope when Giselle approaches him for help. It is the perfect solution! All he has to do is keep his hands (and lips) to himself until his brothers are back in his care and he can help Giselle, what could go wrong?
I loved the idea of this series about a group of men who formed a bond of brotherhood when they were detained in France and became what was known as “the detenu”, the history about this is fascinating and I was eager to learn more about it! In this installment, readers get to know Rupert Oaken aka Heath and Giselle Bernard, who have a history together, but who have not been close for many years, they get reacquainted when Giselle feels threatened and seeks out Heath for help. They agree to help each other and hope they can do so without making their relationship complicated. Giselle tries hard to keep her feelings out of it, especially after he rejected her years ago – or did he? Heath believes that he cannot love, but that is clearly untrue considering how hard he is working to get custody of his brothers. Overall, this was fast paced story with lots of history, emotion, secrets, shocking surprises, some steamyish love scenes, wonderful characters, and finally a happy ending complete with a sweet epilogue. I will be honest that I didn’t like this book as much as the first book, but it was still a good story and one I would be happy to recommend. This is the second book in a connected series, but it could be read and enjoyed as a standalone title with no problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Usually, I’m a big fan of this author, which honestly made this one an even bigger disappointment because it’s not at all what I’ve come to expect when picking up one of their books.
I understand this is the second installment in a series, but there felt like there was a lot missing when it came to Heath and Giselle’s relationship. Their shared past is talked about constantly; we’re told they formed a deep friendship while he was stranded in France during the war, that they shared a kiss, and that he was later warned away from her by her father, yet we never actually see any of it. Because of that, their present-day feelings never felt grounded in anything meaningful and instead came across as fairly superficial.
Heath himself was also confusing as a character. He’s repeatedly described as a notorious rake, yet we never see evidence of that reputation beyond a brief courtroom mention of six past relationships, some dating back to when he was sixteen. That hardly paints the picture of an irredeemable rogue, and more like a young man who behaved exactly as many young men of the era did. Which then left me wondering what his supposed great “secret” was even meant to be about. Was it the failed elopement? The ruined girl he didn’t marry? His belief that he was incapable of love? Because the one genuinely significant secret tied to him is something he doesn’t even learn about until nearly the end of the book.
And even then… it adds almost nothing to the story. The revelation doesn’t create conflict between Heath and Giselle, it doesn’t meaningfully change their relationship, and the explanation they eventually present to society makes very little sense. If anything, it feels like it would cause more harm than good for two of the people involved. Meanwhile, genuinely interesting plot threads, like Heath discovering who betrayed him and his friends, or Giselle’s forged travel papers, are brushed aside when they could have added real tension and stakes to an otherwise dull story.
The characters themselves didn’t help matters eithers. Heath could be downright insufferable at times, particularly during an engagement they attended where Giselle clearly wanted to dance, and he refused to ask her, only to become angry when she danced with other men because it reflected poorly on their engagement. Sir… perhaps you should have simply danced with her instead of sulking about it afterward.
Giselle wasn’t much easier to like. Her temper flares quickly and often without justification, such as when Heath and a friend are calmly discussing who might have betrayed them years earlier. The moment her relative is mentioned as a possibility, by someone who didn’t even know of their connection, she lashes out immediately, forcing repeated apologies over what was, frankly, a reasonable assumption.
All things considered, this was a frustrating read from an author I normally enjoy. I’ll absolutely pick up more of their work in the future because I know they’re capable of stories I love, I’m just not entirely convinced I’ll be continuing with this particular series.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
I understand this is the second installment in a series, but there felt like there was a lot missing when it came to Heath and Giselle’s relationship. Their shared past is talked about constantly; we’re told they formed a deep friendship while he was stranded in France during the war, that they shared a kiss, and that he was later warned away from her by her father, yet we never actually see any of it. Because of that, their present-day feelings never felt grounded in anything meaningful and instead came across as fairly superficial.
Heath himself was also confusing as a character. He’s repeatedly described as a notorious rake, yet we never see evidence of that reputation beyond a brief courtroom mention of six past relationships, some dating back to when he was sixteen. That hardly paints the picture of an irredeemable rogue, and more like a young man who behaved exactly as many young men of the era did. Which then left me wondering what his supposed great “secret” was even meant to be about. Was it the failed elopement? The ruined girl he didn’t marry? His belief that he was incapable of love? Because the one genuinely significant secret tied to him is something he doesn’t even learn about until nearly the end of the book.
And even then… it adds almost nothing to the story. The revelation doesn’t create conflict between Heath and Giselle, it doesn’t meaningfully change their relationship, and the explanation they eventually present to society makes very little sense. If anything, it feels like it would cause more harm than good for two of the people involved. Meanwhile, genuinely interesting plot threads, like Heath discovering who betrayed him and his friends, or Giselle’s forged travel papers, are brushed aside when they could have added real tension and stakes to an otherwise dull story.
The characters themselves didn’t help matters eithers. Heath could be downright insufferable at times, particularly during an engagement they attended where Giselle clearly wanted to dance, and he refused to ask her, only to become angry when she danced with other men because it reflected poorly on their engagement. Sir… perhaps you should have simply danced with her instead of sulking about it afterward.
Giselle wasn’t much easier to like. Her temper flares quickly and often without justification, such as when Heath and a friend are calmly discussing who might have betrayed them years earlier. The moment her relative is mentioned as a possibility, by someone who didn’t even know of their connection, she lashes out immediately, forcing repeated apologies over what was, frankly, a reasonable assumption.
All things considered, this was a frustrating read from an author I normally enjoy. I’ll absolutely pick up more of their work in the future because I know they’re capable of stories I love, I’m just not entirely convinced I’ll be continuing with this particular series.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In 1814, a decade after being held in Verdun, France at the whims of Napoleon, Lord Heathbrook has finally returned to England. His younger brothers are all wards of their mother's cold, stuffy cousin, and Heath means to get them back. His cousin will use his rakehell reputation against him, though, and Heath concocts a plan when he sees Giselle Bernard for the first time in many years. Giselle and her mother have forged passports used to leave France, and Heath may be someone who can help them with new papers. In exchange for his help, Giselle agrees to pose as Heath's fiancee for the custody hearings. Spending time in close proximity reignites the passion they shared in a kiss in Verdun a decade ago. Heath isn't sure he wants a life without Giselle, but Giselle isn't sure she can accept a marriage without his whole heart.
Sabrina Jeffries shows why she has remained a staple of the historical romance genre for so long with this Lords of Hazard series. Using the history of the detenus, she gives her characters historical context and basis for their development. A decade away from their families shapes the men in this series, but we never feel bogged down in historical fact since Jeffries focuses on the romance and the more immediate custody plot.
I really enjoyed Giselle's character. She is slightly older, in her late twenties and only a few years younger than our hero, which means she knows herself and her desires. She's quick to scold Heath when he doesn't think about consequences - for example, when they meet his cousin, he lets them think for a few extra moments that she's a mistress not a fiancee, which could have legal implications - but also insightful and forgiving where appropriate. She knows her own heart and isn't willing to settle, which I loved throughout the story. Heath recognizes his own imperfections, and owns the mistakes he made as a youth, which makes him sympathetic to the reader even as a mostly-reformed rakehell.
Nearly a Bride falls lower on the angst scale, in large part because the characters are open on where they stand with one another. There is yearning, of course, since neither are sure the other can provide the emotional backstop they need, but the tone stays lighter overall, making it a very satisfying and quick romance to read.
I've been listening to a lot of Beverly A Crick lately, and really like her as a narrator for these slightly older female main characters (she does most of Caroline Linden's books as well). Like the story itself, Crick's narration makes the book eminently readable and pleasant, and I enjoyed listening to it.
Thank you to Kensington for an eARC and RB Media for an ALC. Nearly a Bride is out 4/28/2026!
Sabrina Jeffries shows why she has remained a staple of the historical romance genre for so long with this Lords of Hazard series. Using the history of the detenus, she gives her characters historical context and basis for their development. A decade away from their families shapes the men in this series, but we never feel bogged down in historical fact since Jeffries focuses on the romance and the more immediate custody plot.
I really enjoyed Giselle's character. She is slightly older, in her late twenties and only a few years younger than our hero, which means she knows herself and her desires. She's quick to scold Heath when he doesn't think about consequences - for example, when they meet his cousin, he lets them think for a few extra moments that she's a mistress not a fiancee, which could have legal implications - but also insightful and forgiving where appropriate. She knows her own heart and isn't willing to settle, which I loved throughout the story. Heath recognizes his own imperfections, and owns the mistakes he made as a youth, which makes him sympathetic to the reader even as a mostly-reformed rakehell.
Nearly a Bride falls lower on the angst scale, in large part because the characters are open on where they stand with one another. There is yearning, of course, since neither are sure the other can provide the emotional backstop they need, but the tone stays lighter overall, making it a very satisfying and quick romance to read.
I've been listening to a lot of Beverly A Crick lately, and really like her as a narrator for these slightly older female main characters (she does most of Caroline Linden's books as well). Like the story itself, Crick's narration makes the book eminently readable and pleasant, and I enjoyed listening to it.
Thank you to Kensington for an eARC and RB Media for an ALC. Nearly a Bride is out 4/28/2026!
May 7, 2026
I obtained this ALC from Netgalley and I requested it not realizing it was the second in the series, while I think that it may have been intended to be a stand alone I would recommend reading this series in order if you are interested in this series so you don't run itno the same problems I came across. I feel that the narrator did a lovely job and I appreciated that she was able to do so many accents along with both male and female parts.
I struggled to get into this book to be honest, it was kind of boring at times with all the discussions about past events which I hadn't read about previously and it felt like maybe a lot of their previous relationship had taken place "off the pages" since I didn't know how much of their relationship was shared in the first book, the story frequently brings up the past and was somewhat repetitive at times with having the characters think something then discuss it with someone moments later.
The story discusses frequently our Earl's tendency to be a Rake but from evidence this was all in the past prior to him being a prisoner of war not current behaviors. The reasons why his father didn't want him to have custody of the younger brothers becomes more clear over the course of the book but is really based on the fact that a 16 year old boy is irresponsible... who knew that 16 year olds wouldn't be mature enough to be in charge of younger children full time?
There is a secret that comes out towards the end of the book that doesn't really add anything to the story and would only for the time period cause issues for those involved so I was confused as to why it was resolved the way it was.
I did end up appreciating how Heath and Giselle worked together and cared for each other and the brothers but I didn't ever feel the true build up of feelings it was kind of like they are friends pretending to be engaged to each other to more which led to more insta love. I do enjoy a happily ever after though.
I also felt that there were at times too many things going on with the plot that were weaving in and out of the story but the things that I thought would be the main plots were set aside to only be brought up sporadically a few times later in the story and then dropped or resolved in a few short paragraphs.
Overall this book was just ok for me, I might check out more of the series at some point to see if the other issues ever get resolved and to maybe have a better understanding of what happened in France.
book blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...
Tropes: *Historical Romance *Fake engagement/fiance *Rake *spice *Virgin FMC
*opposites attract *HEA *netgalley ALC 7/12 *family drama *family secrets
I struggled to get into this book to be honest, it was kind of boring at times with all the discussions about past events which I hadn't read about previously and it felt like maybe a lot of their previous relationship had taken place "off the pages" since I didn't know how much of their relationship was shared in the first book, the story frequently brings up the past and was somewhat repetitive at times with having the characters think something then discuss it with someone moments later.
The story discusses frequently our Earl's tendency to be a Rake but from evidence this was all in the past prior to him being a prisoner of war not current behaviors. The reasons why his father didn't want him to have custody of the younger brothers becomes more clear over the course of the book but is really based on the fact that a 16 year old boy is irresponsible... who knew that 16 year olds wouldn't be mature enough to be in charge of younger children full time?
There is a secret that comes out towards the end of the book that doesn't really add anything to the story and would only for the time period cause issues for those involved so I was confused as to why it was resolved the way it was.
I did end up appreciating how Heath and Giselle worked together and cared for each other and the brothers but I didn't ever feel the true build up of feelings it was kind of like they are friends pretending to be engaged to each other to more which led to more insta love. I do enjoy a happily ever after though.
I also felt that there were at times too many things going on with the plot that were weaving in and out of the story but the things that I thought would be the main plots were set aside to only be brought up sporadically a few times later in the story and then dropped or resolved in a few short paragraphs.
Overall this book was just ok for me, I might check out more of the series at some point to see if the other issues ever get resolved and to maybe have a better understanding of what happened in France.
book blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...
Tropes: *Historical Romance *Fake engagement/fiance *Rake *spice *Virgin FMC
*opposites attract *HEA *netgalley ALC 7/12 *family drama *family secrets
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