I think that the writer did an excellent job of telling Eliza and Nathaniel’s love story. I absolutely loved the story. The background story as well as the romance was entertaining. I personally think that Eliza’s sisters teeter on the crazy side. I was getting a little worried about Jocilyn there.
She had me remembering my teenage years. Nathaniel should have addressed that a long time ago. Jimmy was good character to add, but him speaking in second person was ok. The romance between Eliza and Nathaniel was very sweet. Their love affair was based on the topic of a lot of trust.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. #Netgally #Kennsingtonbooks

What Happens in the Ballroom is a delightful historical romance that will transport readers to the glittering world of Regency England. Sabrina Jeffries' writing style is captivating, with a strong and independent heroine and a hero who is both charming and flawed. The Pierce sisters are a joy to behold, with their unique personalities and unwavering support for each other.

So pick up this book and enter the dazzling universe of Regency England with Sabrina Jeffries' Designing Debutantes series, where opulent celebrations, stunning gowns, and delectable romances abound. What Happens in the Ballroom, the second book in the series, follows the compelling story of Eliza Pierce, a resilient and honorable widow of a military man, who is smitten with Nathaniel - her late husband's comrade - and the guardian of a woman seeking his hand in marriage.

Their romance is filled with sizzling chemistry, witty banter, and some steamy scenes that will leave readers swooning. But as secrets threaten to ruin everything, Eliza and Nathaniel must navigate their feelings and the challenges that come with them. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles in their path and find happiness together?

One of the best things about this book is the wonderful camaraderie among the Pierce sisters. They are strong, independent, and unafraid to speak their minds. Readers will love getting to know each of them and watching as they support each other through thick and thin.

Sabrina Jeffries is a master of the genre, and her signature style is on full display in this book. Her heroines are always smart and independent, while her heroes are grumpy and lovable. And even though this book is not particularly deep or angsty, it is a delightful palate cleanser that will leave readers with a smile on their face.
So come join the party in What Happens in the Ballroom and experience the romance, glamour, and intrigue of Regency England. You won't be disappointed!

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and the heroine

Should I read in order?
It’s not totally necessary. You’ll get a touch of character depth for the heroine, Eliza, in book 1 but nothing extensive.

Basic plot:
Nathaniel, her late husband’s friend, asks Eliza’s help in launching a young widow close to him into society.

Give this a try if you want:
- Regency time period (1812)
- London setting
- Best friends spouse
- Child in the story – a side character has a young son that pops in and out of page time
- A touch of instalust here
- Widow heroine (didn’t have a good marriage)
- Former soldier (Earl) hero
- Working women – heroine owns a business with her sisters called Elegant Occasions
- Medium steam – it’s a 2 steam but the page count felt shorter in this one?

Ages:
- Hero is 30, heroine is 27

My thoughts:
I have read a lot of Sabrina Jeffries (This is my 21st novel by her!) and I generally do really like her. But, I find that a lot of her heroines and heroes just feel the same. Especially her heroes. And even though it’s been awhile since I have read her, I thought this one was kind of par for a lot of her other books and nothing really stood out to me or grabbed me.

I’m not a huge fan of secret keeping, or instalust really (it makes the books lower on tension and feels for me usually) so I think if those things are your jam you will enjoy this one quite a bit more than me. As it was, it was a pleasant read, but I don’t see myself returning to this novel. I liked the first book in the series quite a bit more than this one.

I also saw something about the title being changed and it was going to be An Earl for Eliza? Or something like that? I’m kind of sad about the title change. I think it works better (yay alliteration) and matches with the title from book 1. But those are just random thoughts!

I think there was quite a bit of side characters at play here with Nathaniel’s widow he’s trying to sponsor and the baggage from the past, I think the couple and their romance just got a bit lost for me here.

Loved the first book in this series and the second is great too!

Eliza, a war widow, is the oldest sister of the trio who have opened, and to their parents horror, actually run, Elegant Occasions. After their parents divorce left all three sisters almost destitute, and all but tossed out of society, they decided to go into trade and help young ladies make their entry into society.

Elegant Occasions takes on Nathaniel Stanton the Earl of Foxstead's ward, Jocelyn, who is also a war widow and has a young child. Nathaniel promised her father, his commanding officer, to help her get situated in society. Eliza just isn't sure she is getting the complete picture! Lots of great dialogue between Eliza and Nat as they learn they have feelings for each other, even though Eliza's dead husband, Samuel, was Nat's BFF. Apparently Eliza's former husband was not the most truthful person and Nat feels like it was his dare that sent Samuel to war. As the book wends it's way down the storyline, there are twists and turns you just won't see coming!

The writing is pure Sabrina Jeffries. A very easy to read and follow book. Even though this is the second book in the series, Ms. Jeffries weaves in enough background that if you haven't read the first in the series, you won't miss out on anything in this one.

A bit of mystery heading in to the third sisters book, with an intriguing set-up. All in all another fine read for me.

I received an ARC from the publisher, Kensington via Net Galley. The review is my own.

I always jump at the chance to read a book by Sabrina Jeffries. She writes such swoon-worthy romances, and the love story between Eliza and Nathaniel is fantastic!

A young military widow, Eliza is the eldest of the Pierce sisters. She’s a strong woman, dependable and respectable, and she works hard. Eliza has no plans to remarry, but she is so drawn to Nathaniel, and I don’t blame her! As her husband’s friend and the ward of a young woman intent to marry, Nathaniel struggles with his feelings for Eliza, his responsibilities, and his conscience. He makes mistakes and poor decisions, but ultimately, he is a good man with a big heart, and he easily won mine. I also love that Eliza doesn’t put up with any nonsense. She knows what she wants and what she deserves.

Nathaniel is officially being added to my list of swoon-worthy book boyfriends. I adore him, and the way he feels about Eliza is EVERYTHING! Every time he called her “Dearling,” I could feel my heart squeeze, and there was a scene at the end that literally had me swooning. But Nathaniel is keeping secrets from Eliza, and he knows revealing them will break her heart. They have a great romance filled with terrific banter, tons of chemistry, and some wonderfully spicy scenes.

I thought this was a great read. It’s fun and entertaining, the banter is fantastic, and I love the sisters. I’m so excited for Verity’s story in the next book. There’s a character who has been on the periphery of the story, and Verity is determined to find out who it is. Me too! It sounds like Verity is going to have an adventure and romance as swoon-worthy as her sisters.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 2 of the Designing Debutantes series. Widowed Eliza knows that her late husband who died in battle was a waste of space, but we really hit it home here in this book. Nathaniel, an earl, and her husband’s best friend has tasked Eliza and her sisters with polishing up his young widowed ward for the marriage mart. However, we suspect early on that the ward (and her two year old son) are not exactly as they seem and may be holding onto some major secrets there. The romance part of the story was relatively uncomplicated, with Eliza and Nathaniel falling easily into lust, embraces, and an affair. The main issue is that Nathaniel is keeping secrets and Eliza is unwilling to trust a man, after being treated poorly by both her father and her late husband. Overall an enjoyable book, even if you were able to guess those secrets for yourself.

“What Happens in the Ballroom” by Sabrina Jeffries
Secrets can Damage
It took me a bit of time to get really into, that is hooked by, this story. I am glad I persevered. It was a rather fun Regency era historical romance with secrets galore, a bit of spice and one surprise after another. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion
I received a copy of this story from the publisher via NetGalley

This is the story of Eliza Pierce, the oldest of 3 sisters who own and manage Elegant Occasions, a business of preparing young, wealthy women enter their season. She is a widow, childless and the brains behind the operation of the enterprise. The H, Nathaniel Stanton, Earl of Foxstead, recently returned from continental Europe after serving years in the British Army. He brought with him his ward, Jocelin March, a widow with a child Jimmy. His main goal is to marry her off to a titled man so she needed to learn how to act like a Lady and to be introduce to the ton; hence the hiring of Elegant Occasions.

I like the premise of the story (family secrets that may lead to either ruination or triumph). I like the camraderie among the sisters - they show their unique characters and they aren't afraid to call out people or situations. I like Nathaniel's determination and stubborness to protect his ward at all cost. What I don't like are scenes between the H and h. There is no build-up of Romance. Heck, there is no romance at all! They didn't even get to know each other before being all over each other. I get it that neither wants to get married but you don't start an affair after meeting only a couple of times. Also they are hot and cold towards each other. There seems to be no chemistry until towards the end... and that kind of save the book for me.

This can be read as stand alone although book 1 will introduce you to the many characters found here. I give this 3.5* rounded off to 4*

Thanks to Kensington Books thru netgalley for the ARC. Everything I've written are my own opinions.

The second book in a series about three sisters starting a party planning business, Elegant Occasions. This entry is about Eliza who is in charge of the business side of the company. She is a war widow after having an unhappy marriage with a possessive and gaslighting husband. Her husband's best friend, Nathaniel, now asks the sisters to bring his ward, a young widow with a toddler, out in society to find her a husband. Eliza is suspicious about his relationship with his ward. Something seems odd. As Nathaniel and Eliza grow closer, his deceptions are keeping them apart. Eliza has become more assertive since becoming a widow, no longer keeping quiet to avoid conflict. Nathaniel, a former rake, has to decide if he can trust those closest to him if he wants a future with Eliza. I'm looking forward to Verity's story and who this phantom man is she keeps seeing at their events.

I'm a true Sabrina Jeffries fan. I have read everything she has written. Most of my favorites are the older series but I have to say this is up there with those.

My only real criticism is that I like my historical romances with the majority of pages reserved for scenes between the love interest. There were lots scenes with everyone else, especially on the beginning, and I found myself wanting to skip to get to parts with the main MC and FC.

Otherwise, it had so much to keep my attention: a young widow not afraid to take hold of man's attentions as long as it's in private, the ex-husband's bestfriend moving in though he thinks he shouldn't for a few reasons, supportive sister group that is doing as they please despite society standards, a charge that has a young child as well a messy situation/past, and best of all an MC that has to really grovel to get his lady back.

4/5 stars
2/5 spice

A light, fun, second chance romance that features an independent widow and army vet Earl.

Tropes:
Second chance romance
Late husband's best friend
Working woman
Army veteran MMC
Close proximity
Carriage scene 🌶

Eliza and Nathaniel have chemistry right from the beginning. There is little time wasted, which moves the story along quickly. They flirt and banter and are clearly attracted to each other. With Eliza being a widow and a business woman she was very up front about what she wanted and didn't hesitate to take indulge in it.

Nathaniel was painted as a former rake, ready to take on the responsibility of marrying off his ward. We knew there was secrecy involved and as the reader, you can easily start to guess what it was that he was hiding. Regardless of the secrets, there was little drama involved between him and Eliza. He didn't shy away from his feelings for her and accepted that he wanted her for more than an affair. It was only when the secrets were revealed that they had issues.

In the end, it was all resolved with just a little angst and the right amount of groveling. I love it when the MMC grovels...

Overall a cute, low angst, historical romance. Highly recommend for fans of second chance romance and strong, independent heroines.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and Kensington Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered freely.

What Happens in the Ballroom is the 2nd book in the Designing Debutantes series. Even though we get to meet up with the characters from the previous book, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. It's an entertaining Regency romance with a husband's best friends-second chance at love theme. Both Eliza and Nathaniel are very likeable characters and I enjoyed their journey to a HEA.

I am a longtime reader of Sabina Jeffries, but I am not really enjoying this Series. This, the second book in the Series, did not draw me into the story of Eliza and Nathaniel, because there really wasn't a relationship that you could watch grow. There were steamy sex scenes, but no love story. I felt there was a lot of words, but nothing much going on. But, that's just my opinion.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the Publisher and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Sabrina Jeffries is a stalwart of historicals, and I'm enjoying this new series. The relationships between the sisters are enjoyable, although some aspects to the story edge into silliness. The two leads have good chemistry, though, and I found them to be engaging and compelling.

This is Sabrina Jeffries at her best. I finished this in one sitting and can't wait for the next book in the series.

A young military widow, Eliza Pierce is enjoying both freedom and financial success as part of Elegant Occasions, her party planning business. When her late husband’s best friend, Nathaniel Stanton, the Earl of Foxstead, hires Elegant Occasions to help another young widow of an officer become part of high society, Eliza wonders why and why does she have such an attraction to Nathaniel when his reputation as a Rake should want her to stay away.

Nathaniel has always been attracted to Eliza and hated watching his friend treat her so bad while they were married. After hw gets is ward married off could he have a chance with the beautiful Eliza?

Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley!

I have been a fan of Sabrina Jeffries forever! She has not failed with this series!
Eliza and Nathaniel have an entwined past with him being best friends with her now deceased husband. He needs help for his ward to find a husband and enlists Eliza and Elegant Occasions. They fight a growing attraction of course. A few surprises at the end!
Excellent story with lots of characters to love! It is rare to find both H/H to both be good, true and interesting characters usually the heroine is harder to write but Jeffries wrote Eliza perfect.
Can't wait for Verity and her Phantom Fellow!!

I loved Eliza & Nathaniel's story. It was so nice to see how Eliza became such a strong and confident woman, especially starting a business back during that time being a woman. I also loved that Nathaniel did what he could to try and make everyone happy and putting himself to the back. I loved their chemistry and can't wait for the next in the series!

I really enjoyed this story! Even though I haven't read the first book in the series, I was no way lost of felt like I was missing something. I do now want to go back and read Diana's book and I cannot wit for Verity's story.

I love the cover and the description and I thought I would enjoy the book more but perhaps I am growing out of these historic romance novels with superficial dialogues and sexual attraction right from the beginning that conquers all. I wish there was more focus on the character development and gradual moments of falling for each other, for their characters' strength, their morals, their kindness, their honesty or their passionate hearts. But instead it is all about sex that loses appeal to me. I am completely fine if the historic romance novels have no sex appeal at all because I do not lack that in my life. I love to relive the falling in love and the beauty of two people coming together becoming like one spiritually and physically. I think many current authors fall too quickly into a trap of superficiality and flattery rather than the substance because it is easy and quick to write and does not require much thought.

Thanks to Netgally for a free copy in exchange of an honest review.

I enjoyed this story of secrets and promises. Some of those secrets are pretty obvious to us readers, but others? Wow! Eliza and Nathaniel awaken each other's libidos to such an extent they have trouble going about their daily duties. Perhaps that's why Nathaniel shows poor judgement in some of his decisions, much to Eliza's fury. As she thinks to herself in the story: Men. She would never understand them. I am eagerly awaiting the final book of this series, to see what hapless man falls under the spell of the youngest Harper sister.