Project Duchess is the start to a promising new series. The story between Grey and Beatrice was full of tropes but Jeffries made up for it with enigmatic characters that left you begging to know more. While this first installment was enjoyable, the overall series shows even more promise. The cast of surrounding characters are witty and hint of interesting backstories. The series mystery is fascinating so far.

Got my Sabrina fix and what a great story to start off her new series. I know I say this for every Sabrina Jeffries book I read, but her stories flow so well. Lots of dialog (which I happen to love) that makes time fly. The writing is witty and compelling. I really like that she went back to a mystery through the series (which I assume this will be) ala The Hellions of Halstead Hall. Who killed Maurice, who killed Armie? There is something about reading Sabrina’s stories that make me smile. Okay, who is with me? Grey is yummy. He and Beatrice make a very cute couple (I especially liked “Jenny’s Market”).

Next up, Joshua (brooding, yay!) and Gwyn. I can see the sparks flying.

Even if vanilla regencies are your thing, Project Duchess is not worth your time to read. Duke Dynasty has a unique concept for a family series: half-siblings connected by one mother widowed by 3 dukes. Fletcher Pryde is the Duke of Greycourt. He is rumoured to be licentious but he is the complete opposite - he doesn't even have a mistress. He's a respectable landowner called to his stepfather's funeral, landing himself back into the arms of his estranged family. Beatrice Wolfe, the poor relation of Sheridan Wolfe, Duke of Thornstock and half-brother of Grey, is concerned about where she and her brother, Joshua, a soldier that became lame in one leg due to war, will live as Sheridan is now the acting patriarch of the family. Upon Grey's return, he is tasked by Sheridan to find out if Joshua murdered his father and Uncle and potentially also another uncle too. To do that, Grey decides to get close to Beatrice.

I have a soft spot for the Swanlea Spinsters by Sabrina Jeffries and while I didn't love/finish other books by her, I was hopeful about this but this didn't click. I got the impression of a new author going through the motions. It was lifeless because it was so predictable both in terms of the mystery at the heart of this plot and the romance. At one point, I suspected <spoiler> Sheridan was the murderer mastermind </spoiler> but nothing was resolved in this story. It is not steamy. There is one kiss, one dance and one scene in bed. No passion or conflict. Grey is arrogant and Beatrice is the heroine that speaks her mind - there should be a push-pull dynamic but nothing interesting happens between them.

The Big Misunderstanding is something a romance can live or die by. If it is used well, the reader will successfully suspend their disbelief to enjoy the fiasco ahead, but if it is not, it is an empty threat of no consequence. In Project Duchess, there is a moment when it seems Grey and Beatrice will be separated but Grey quickly resolves the issue and upon his return, Beatrice just *knows* he is coming back to marry her. In this case, the Big Misunderstanding served no purpose but to pad the word count. The hero and the heroine never felt uncertain about their future together. To be clear, I'm not asking for an epic adventure but a bit of the skin in the game. This book tried so hard to not make me feel anything. It didn't want to offend me or shock me. It merely wanted to assure me, like an afterschool special, everything will be all right, but in the worst pollyanna way.

Grey's backstory is a good example of this. From the very beginning, there are throwaway lines about his childhood trauma. It turns out that Grey was sent to his uncle to be trained as a duke, away from his loving family, but his uncle wanted him to sign over un-entailed property to him. He did not do this, and his uncle would employ evil tactics to get him to sign from physical to psychological means such as starvation to being nice then being mean. You read a few bodice-rippers and you think, if this hero is not getting tortured by the heroine's father, is it really abuse? I am being incredibly cavalier but that's the sting of heavy foreshadowing - the pay-out better be worth it.

I spend a lot of time reading newer regencies in the hopes that I may find something good, but each time I dedicate the few hours I can to leisure reading seems to reinforce the value of older works. This one is a big pass for me.

A good start to a new series, mixing romance with mystery and creating a thread that I'm sure will be followed in future novels.

Sabrina Jeffries is back with a new historical romance “Duke Dynasty” series, revolving around a family with an oft-widowed mother who wedded - and birthed - Duke(s) and their heir(s). “Project Duchess” brought forward the eldest of the lot: Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, the Duke of Greycourt. Having been through a couple of stepfathers followed by difficult childhood, he grew up a wary and hardened man. Moreover, he kept quite a grudge to his parents that made him a bit estranged.

With the picture of dynasty of dukes in one family and backstory of the siblings, I had a pretty high expectation of this book. While I generally liked this author’s writing, I wasn’t all that dazzled by this pilot of the series. For one thing, Grey’s resentment of his family seemed overplayed given the rather impassive way he went about it and the ease with which the fractured kinship mended. Even then, the camaraderie between the siblings felt a bit off to me.

The same applied for the poor Wolfe’s relations. I liked Bea and her quirkiness, but for all the worries she had of his brother, the issue (of what actually wrong with him besides the obvious) was a bit murky. Besides, the shifted feeling she had toward Grey felt rushed.

I’d like to also note one thing: Greycourt was not a silver-tongued sort of Duke. It was said that dukes could get away with anything, but Grey struck me as having a penchant to put his foot in his mouth, and I didn’t say it fondly, too. Between the swinging mood the two MCs had, the story lost the appeal to me.

This is a lukewarm start to the series. Fortunately, Grey’s other siblings sounded intriguing enough that I’m still game to follow this series. Here’s hoping the following installment would be more captivating to read!


Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this a lot more than I though I would, I liked the characters and Sabrina Jeffries always writes so well.
The only thing that did bother me about this is that the mystery wasn't solved at the end but I enjoyed this so much thst I'm happy that the story will continue!
I recieved an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a delightful, fun, entertaining start to what looks like a super promising series by Sabrina Jeffries.

I loved the story - which had some lovely surprises- the straight spoken heroine, the smitten hero, the entire support cast - who I can't wait to find out more about in the upcoming books.

This was an entertaining, well-written historical romance. Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and is just hoping for security. Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt had a difficult childhood, but when his mother is widowed he agrees to help her with her latest "project": helping Beatrice prepare for her debut. They start out fighting, but begin to see what's under the surface and they may have more in common than they thought. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Promising start to a new series

Sabrina Jeffries’ Project Duchess is the first book in her new Duke Dynasty series. I thought the premise was good, a woman who sires 3 different dukes. However there were so many character introductions that I needed the family tree in the front of the book to keep everyone straight.
Grey and Beatrice’s first meet was not smooth but they were an interesting couple with serious chemistry. There are a couple villains in their past, both paternal uncles that seemed a little redundant. While they get their HEA I wish I had known that there was to be a mystery that will continue throughout the series.
I received an advance reader copy via Netgalley.

Grey and Beatrice's story just made me want more of this wonderful family! I loved this book. It had everything you are looking for in a romance. Grey and Bea can relate to each other because they have been through similar losses and similar things even though they are at two different places in Society. I couldn't put this book down.

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.
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.
This first book in this new series by a long time favorite author had me a bit confused in the beginning. I was uncertain how all of these brothers obtained the title of Duke. It took a while for me to realize that each had a different father who had been Duke before them and that they were half brothers with the same mother who married several different Dukes. That being said I am ready for this new series to take off, so let's get to the next one post haste.
The characters in book #1 are engaging. Being introduced in this book to all of these siblings we hope to get each brother's story in succession. After figuring out how so many Dukes could exist in one family the story flowed.
This first book gets 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline, plot and characterization.
I received a complimentary copy of this title to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Book Title: Project Duchess (Duke Dynasty #1)
Author: Sabrina Jeffries
Pub Date: June 25, 2019

***ARC was provided to me by Net Galley and the Publisher for a fair and honest review***

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Heroine (Beatrice Wolfe): 5/5 Beatrice has lived in the country all her life with one family member or another. She hasn’t learned the ways one acts in Society and is trying to learn from her aunt and her children. Beatrice has a tendency to speak her mind in ways not accepted in London drawing rooms.

Hero (Fletcher “Grey” Pride): 4/5 Grey plays the part of an authoritative duke who goes unquestioned very well. Until he meets Beatrice. She challenges him and might even open his battered heart again.

Plot: 4.5/5 When Grey’s stepfather dies unexpectedly, he returns home for the first time in awhile to discover his half brother’s cousin Beatrice is handling the funeral. While there Grey’s half brother believes his father to have been murdered and wants Grey’s help in his investigation. Under the guise of helping his mother prepare his half sister and Beatrice prepare for their debut the following year, he stays to investigate. While he and Beatrice fight the attraction between them, Grey learns she may know more than she’s letting on...

Personal Review: Grey is one of 5 siblings that are all half related through their mother and the series seems intent on paring a cousin on the father’s side of one sibling to another unrelated sibling. Not exactly odd for the times, just a bit of a whirlwind to keep track of the bloodlines. But there is a helpful family tree at the start of the book.

Grey and Beatrice are good together, Beatrice doesn’t allow him to get away with anything (as she should). Watching as Grey learns to trust people again was interesting but lacked a certain something as it seems to just be a switch he turns on after a few discussions with his mother and cousin.

Overall it is a good read and I will be reading the next installment when it comes out.

So many new and wonderful characters in this new series and I can’t wait for more; each more interesting and dynamic than the next.  The first book in the series has the Duke of Greycourt, or Grey for short, and Beatrice, the poor relation who is in charge of organizing his step-father's funeral. The moment they meet, sparks fly, and not the types of sparks that lead to passion...yet. He is rude and takes her for an undertaker's daughter trying to scam his family, and she doesn't let his rudeness go unchallenged.  Loved their first interaction and it sets the stage for each one after that, where passionate sparks fly. She is outspoken, independent, witty, and intelligent and he doesn’t know how to handle a woman who isn’t cowed by him.  She finds him pompous and arrogant, and rude, but also can’t keep her eyes off of him during her coming-out lessons.  And they can’t keep their hands to themselves, either.  Together they have to figure out if his step father was murdered; her uncle, who died months ago, was murdered; and if so, by whom? I enjoyed their story, it is classic Sabrina Jeffries Regency: passionate, with strong characters and plot and it is the start to what is going to be a great new series. I look forward to more.

Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries. Kensington Books, Zebra, 2019.

When Beatrice’s brother is a suspect Grey’s stepfather’s death, he agrees to help prepare for her coming out, so he can investigate the death and his growing attraction.

This is a lite, readable Regency-era romance featuring a slight murder mystery and some very general historical elements. Main characters are likeable, and the book is well written; the plot is unremarkable except for some unlikely aspects.

I did not mind reading and finishing this book but after finishing it could describe no outstanding features.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of Project Duchess for free via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

**4.5 stars**

Wow, this book blew me away. I didn't really know what I was getting myself into with this book. I'm still slowly getting into historical romance and this is my first time reading Sabrina's work. Definitely not my last for sure! But this was so different from others I have recently.

My reading tastes tend to be darker - I prefer darker the better. With that said, this book had some of those elements. And I immensely enjoyed it! It was a murder mystery and one that left you wondering "who done it" until the very end.

“"My experience is what has taught me how rare a woman you are."”


Then mix in the connection between Grey and Beatrice, a rake and a girl who has given up on romance... IT WAS EVERYTHING! I'm really looking forward to seeing where this series goes and who it follows and how their story plays out. I also look forward to reading Sabrina's backlist.

“"You are not merely a beauty -- you're the queen of beauties."”

Project Duchess (Duke Dynasty #1) by Sabrina Jeffries

Sabrina Jeffries has begun a new series called Duke Dynasty. The premise is that a woman who married three times and had children by each husband has three dukes for sons (each of after their separate fathers). The first book is called Project Duchess. This novel starts the series with the oldest of her sons, the Duke of Greycourt called Grey.

Grey has been called to his mother’s side for the death of his step father Maurice. He has been avoiding his family due to the circumstances of his youth and his father’s will, but now there is no impediment for him spending the time as he wishes, except for the deep feelings of abandonment when he was younger. Grey is immediately brought into the newest question of what happened to his stepfather and is asked to help his younger brother find the truth.

Meanwhile, his mother has determined his youngest sister and her cousin (on the other side) need to be prepared for their “coming out” into society. Both Gwen and Beatrice need lessons to help them gain the knowledge they need for catching a husband. Beatrice is rather bold and brash with Grey and he finds himslef entranced despite his best efforts. Beatrice doesn’t believe she is lovable and Grey doesn’t trust his heart to be loved. What could go wrong?

Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries is a good start to a new series and to a new group of people. I do not think the name is a good fit, but that is not a reason to avoid reading this fun romance. Project Duchess is a hot historical romance to read!

“Let’s get this straight once and for all. You are not merely a beauty—you’re the queen of beauties.”

Loved this one! Sabrina Jeffries—like most historical romance authors at this point—is new-to-me, since I’ve just started reading the genre, so I went into this one with an open-mind and high hopes. And came out of it utterly charmed by Grey and Beatrice, and indeed all of Grey’s many relations.

Project Duchess is the first of a new series, so I knew it would be a good starting point for me with this author. And though I had a few confused moments early on as I became familiar with the various branches of Dowager Duchess Lydia’s family, for the most part, I reveled in the dynamics of this complex and likable family. They’re definitely a group I want to revisit—and not just because there appears to be more than meets the eye when it comes to the whys and hows and whos of the central plot.

With a romance which successfully navigates naivety and arrogance, heartbreaking histories and forced futures, Project Duchess is an engaging, steamy, feel good romance with suspenseful elements. It completely won me over and made me not only eager for more of this series, but determined to find more books from this author.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Project Duchess is the first title in a new series that features the offspring of Lydia, the Duchess of Armitage. Lydia has buried 3 husbands and has the rare distinction of being the mother of not one or two, but rather 3 dukes (note, Lydia is inspired by a real life woman so this part of the story isn't completely out of the realm of possibility). Her eldest son, Fletcher (Grey), the Duke of Greycourt, went to live with his uncle when he was younger and grew up in England while the rest of the family lived in Berlin. His uncle only wanted to bleed Grey dry of what money he could and did everything he could to make him capitulate, but Grey never did. He's spent his adult life adding to the Greycourt fortune and avoiding his family, but the death of his step-father forces him to travel to the Armitage family seat where he meets Beatrice, a cousin to his brother Sherridan.

Beatrice's mother died when she was young, and she was orphaned around 10 years old when her father died fighting a duel; she was raised by her grandparents until they too died. Her uncle was the duke of Armitage until his recent death in a riding mishap. Beatrice harbor's suspicions about the cause of her uncle's death as well as of his heir, who died when the railing on a bridge gave way causing him to fall into the river below and drowned. Beatrice's older brother Joshua served in the Napoleonic war and since his return due to an injury has been withdrawn and quick to anger; she fears he may have had a hand in the deaths.

Grey meets Beatrice upon his arrival and mistakes her for an employee of a funeral home; he quickly realizes his mistake and finds out that not only is she his brother's cousin, but is also his mother's latest project. Lydia is determined to teach Beatrice everything she needs to know so she can have a come out in London with Lydia's daughter. Grey finds himself involved in trying to determine who (if anyone) is responsible for the two deaths and drawn to Isabel despite the fact he is convinced he had no heart.

I thought the romance was well done and the characters were allowed a chance to get to know each other better before either even considered they might be experiencing something more than a temporary attraction. The mystery surrounding the deaths added an interesting element and I thought Ms. Jeffries did a good job balancing the romance and mystery. I'm looking forward to additional titles in this series.

“ ‘ You realize this is madness. Pure insanity’, he said even as he worked loose the buttons of her nightdress. Perhaps he didn’t care either. ‘Is it?’ When he spread hot kisses down inside the opened placket, she nearly fainted from the anticipation of what he meant to do. ‘Feels perfectly sane to me.’ “
No one wants to be played the fool in love. But when two hearts collide, no matter how much they tell themselves they’ll be strong, the temptation is impossible to resist. And that’s just the battle Bea and Grey face in Project Duchess, the first book in Sabrina Jeffries’ Duke Dynasty series. Past secrets, conniving family members, and a fascinating murder mystery all conspire to keep these two apart.
Beatrice Wolfe and her crippled brother lived in the Dower house of her late uncle and his wife. Loyal to and reliant upon her family, Bea was happy to assist her aunt with her late uncle’s funeral. Uncle Maurice had been kind to Bea. Much kinder than the previous duke, her Uncle Armie, who had used his power over her to try to force her to his will.
Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt came to Lincolnshire after the death of his stepfather, Maurice. Despite his strained relationship with his family, he feels compelled to assist his mother with her latest “project”- preparing his stepfather’s poor niece for a London season. But Grey’s brother suspects Bea’s brother of being involved in the suspicious deaths of the last two dukes. Though Grey found Bea refreshing, entertaining, and desirable, his main goal was to make sure she wasn’t hiding something concerning the “accident” that had befallen his stepfather and the death of the duke before him.
Grey was determined to either prove or disprove that Bea’s brother was involved in the suspicious deaths. Aiding his mother in preparing Bea for society was the perfect way to investigate. He found Bea to be forthright. Her teasing tart remarks and impudence made him want to know her better. He was known for his self -control but around Bea, he was finding he had none. But the past had taught him to guard his heart. No one would ever have power over him. Whether Bea was an innocent or a schemer, she was off limits. If he kept reminding himself of that, maybe that would keep him from wanting to touch her, taste her. Easier said than done. “So much for keeping his wits about him. That was difficult when she was so refreshingly genuine. Truthful.” And enticing.
Though Bea had never met Grey, she’d heard tales of his reputation and was certain he was no better than her abusive uncle had been. Ruthless and licentious. Though he was superior, he wasn’t all that bad when he wasn’t making assumptions. He was blunt and unapologetic and he exhilarated her. She could say what she wanted with him. His advances should frighten her but they didn’t. They made her come alive. “His kisses were a delight and his blatant wicked caress an invitation she badly wanted to accept.” She hated her susceptibility to him. No handsome man with his broad experience would want a woman with no dowry and whose father was killed in a duel. Besides, the last thing she needs is Grey digging into her family secrets. But with each stolen, reckless moment alone, holding Grey at arm’s length is the last thing she wants to do.
I’ve never found two characters who were so different yet had so much in common. Bea wore her heart on her sleeve. Grey thought he had no heart. Bea blurted out her thoughts while Grey kept his feelings hidden. Bea was eager to please others while Grey avoided them. But neither conformed to rules. Both had suffered under the manipulations of family members. Both were protective of and loyal to their family, even when they weren’t entirely trustful of them. And neither could fight their desire for one another.
I loved the secondary characters. This is one strange assortment of family relationships. Ms. Jeffries gave us just enough insight into them to get me hooked. Now all of them are begging for their own stories. I’m anxious to see if Bea’s brother and Grey’s sister make a love connection. And I can’t wait for Grey’s cousin to take on her conniving mother. And there’s the underlying mystery still to be solved. I have to know why all the dukes are dropping like flies!
I love a little mystery with my romance and this series promises to have the best of both worlds. A sizzling love story that will sweep you away, an intriguing plot that will keep you riveted, and incredible characters you love to root for. A great romance plus a mystery that keeps you guessing equals one incredible story.

An enjoyable historical romance with a cast of characters from a unique blended family. Three brothers who share a mother but who have all inherited their own dukedom. The Duke of Greycourt and Beatrice meet after Grey's stepfather's passing and discover that they have much in common. Difficult childhoods bring them together but questions about whether Grey's stepfather was murdered threatens to tear them apart. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.