I received a copy of Sabrina Jeffries’s Project Duchess through Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. As always, this review reflects only my honest thoughts on the book.
Project Duchess
by Sabrina Jeffries
Publication Date: June 25, 2019
Zebra
eBook & Paperback; 352 Pages
Series: Duke Dynasty, Book 1
Genre: Historical Romance/Regency
From New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries comes a sparkling new series about an oft-widowed mother’s grown children, who blaze through society in their quest for the truth about their fathers … and in the process find that love just might conquer all …
A series of stepfathers and a difficult childhood have left Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, with a guarded heart, enviable wealth, and the undeserved reputation of a rogue. Grey’s focus on expanding his dukedom allows him little time to find a wife. But when his mother is widowed yet again and he meets the charmingly unconventional woman managing his stepfather’s funeral, he’s shocked to discover how much they have in common. Still, Grey isn’t interested in love, no matter how pretty, or delightfully outspoken, the lady …
Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt with his rakish reputation isn’t exactly changing her mind. Then Grey agrees to assist his grief-stricken mother with her latest “project”: schooling spirited, unfashionable Beatrice for her debut. Now that Beatrice is seeing through Grey’s charms to his wounded heart, she’s having trouble keeping him at arm’s length. But once Grey starts digging into her family’s secrets, she must decide whether her loyalties lie with her family … or with the man whose lessons capture her heart …
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My Review
When Sabrina Jeffries tweeted about the dogs in this brand-new release, I commented that they were some of my favourite characters—who doesn’t love an adorable furry addition (or several!) to your protagonists? That being said, I’m not sure there was a character in Project Duchess that I could say I didn’t like (at least, not of those that are living at the time of the novel!).
What I think I liked best, though—besides the dogs—was the familial relationships that are so important to both characters and plot. Yes, this is a romance, and that relationship is central and critical. But even that would not be if it weren’t for the strong family ties that bind both Grey and Beatrice to those they hold most dear.
The protagonists come from troubled pasts, riddled with abuse and denial thereof. They’ve hidden the darkness of their histories from nearly everyone, including themselves. Yet they’re fiercely loyal to their families, particularly their siblings, nevertheless. I have no doubt that I would have enjoyed Project Duchess if it focused entirely on Bea, Grey, and the attraction that’s sparked between them, but it’s their love for their families, both literal and chosen, that truly drew me in and made me care about the two so much.
Of course, this bodes especially well for the novels to come in the Duke Dynasty series! In short, I loved reading Project Duchess and I’m already anxiously awaiting the next book to come. I hadn’t known Sabrina Jeffries’ work before this, but I’ll certainly be following her from now on!
Praise for Sabrina Jeffries’ previous novels
“Quick pacing, witty dialogue, and charmingly original characters set Jeffries’ books apart” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Master storyteller Jeffries is at the top of her game.” —RT Book Reviews, Top Pick on The Secret of Flirting
“Quick wit, lively repartee, and delicious sensuality drive the elaborate plot of this sinfully delightful addition to Jeffries’s latest series.” —Library Journal, starred review on The Pleasures of Passion
“With its irresistible combination of witty banter, well-defined characters, and a wonderful surfeit of breathtaking sensuality, the latest in Jeffries’ Sinful Suitors series is a straight flush.” —Booklist, starred review on The Danger of Desire
“Lovely, poignant, and powerful.” —Kirkus Reviews on The Study of Seduction
About the Author
Sabrina Jeffries is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 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 is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 9 million books in print in more than 20 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.
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Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, June 24
Excerpt at The Lit Bitch
Tuesday, June 25
Feature at Coffee and Ink
Review at Bibliophile Reviews
Review at Henry and Benny’s Book Nook
Wednesday, June 26
Review at Let Them Read Books
Review at The Book Junkie Reads
Thursday, June 27
Review at Amy’s Booket List
Interview at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots
Friday, June 28
Review at To Read, Or Not to Read
Review at For the Sake of Good Taste
Monday, July 1
Review at A Bookish Affair
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Tuesday, July 2
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time
Wednesday, July 3
Feature at Broken Teepee
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Thursday, July 4
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit
Friday, July 5
Review at View from the Birdhouse
Feature at What Is That Book About
Giveaway
We have two paperback copies of Project Duchess up for grabs! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on July 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
Project Duchess
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