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Project Duchess

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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.

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What a wonderful book. I am a big fan of Ms. Jeffries’ work and had been eagerly awaiting this new series, but this book exceeded even my high expectations. I love that this series is about a family (like her Hellions of Hallstead Hall series); the siblings were all introduced in this book, and I am excited to read all of their stories!

Now, specific to this book: Grey and Beatrice, the hero and heroine, are just lovely. Their individual histories have resulted in issues with intimacy and trust, and I liked that the book was upfront about that and showed the characters working through their issues. There are no “big misunderstandings” as plot device—these characters communicate. They work and talk through their issues. They are mature and act like adults, which I appreciate. Finally, the writing: as always the dialogue is excellent, and the mystery that is central to the series is introduced successfully. However, it doesn’t dominate the story—the romance is the priority. I am so excited for the rest of this series.

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Fletcher "Grey" Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, is trying to avoid a compromising situation with his cousin Vanessa. Her mother's dearest wish is to have the two be married but neither is eager to fall in with her plans. Their excuse to avoid that fate is that Vanessa has just delivered the news to Grey that his stepfather has just died.
Grey is devastated. He may have had conflicting emotions regarding his stepfather Maurice (who sent Grey away when he was 10 to live with his uncle who was then the Duke) but he knows that he has to go be with the family.
Everyone at Armitage Hall is shocked that the Duke is dead. He had only succeeded his brother a few months ago. His son, Sheridan (Grey's half-brother), is suspicious that both deaths may not have been accidental. Sheridan asks Grey to stay and figure out if his cousin Joshua is getting rid of the people who stand before him for the dukedom. Grey is also wondering. But he has a problem. Joshua's sister Beatrice is distracting him.
At 26, Beatrice doesn't necessarily want to be presented to society but her uncle Maurice's family has embraced her and her cousin's half-sister Gwyn really would rather not debut alone. She just wants to find a nice man, maybe a priest or a doctor. Dukes are not on her list. Even though Grey kisses like a fiend. But she knows she's not the type of woman he's going to marry. And worse, he thinks her brother has killed two men.
The first three-quarters of this book were great, setting up the series as well as letting us see Grey and Beatrice falling in love but the last quarter felt rushed and not as well edited. Very loose. This may change before the book comes out but the ARC ended with a whimper.

Three stars
This book comes out June 25th
ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

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This book was really fun! The romance was sweet and I loved watching the two characters fall in love. I also liked the murder subplot, that will likely continue in the next book(s). The only thing that bugged me was the back and forth at the end with characters making assumptions instead of having conversations. Otherwise, the book was great!

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Beatrice Wolfe has too much experience organizing funerals. When she is called upon to help her Aunt Lydia after the death of her husband, she does so without hesitation. But when Fletcher Pryde, the Duke of Greycourt arrives, and not knowing who he is, she doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind regarding his rudeness. Just looking at him, she knows exactly what a man of his ilk are like and she wants nothing to do with him.

Grey is instantly taken with the woman who gives him her blunt rebuttals to his inquisition. When his brother shares concern that the woman’s brother may have been involved in a murder, he offers to spend time with her to learn what he can. Soon, he’s battling a mixture of emotions that offer him no peace except to claim Beatrice as his own.

Poor Grey. He had an awful childhood that left him untrusting of people in general. Trying to fit in with his half-siblings, he struggles with old wounds even as he hungers for Beatrice and the satisfaction that her presence brings to him. I loved that he adored Beatrice for her hoyden ways and her straight forward honesty. The very thing that would keep her from finding a suitable husband, and the things his mother’s project would fix, were the things that drew him to her. Sigh. Exactly what I look for in a historical romance.

”She was perfect for him in every way. And all she asked was that he let her look inside his very soul.
He should let her. It meant nothing, right?
It meant everything. It meant sharing his secrets with her, taking hers on faith, trusting her to hold his heart in her hands and not crush it, the way everyone else had. Because apparently he did have a heart if he were to judge from the searing pain in his chest.”

Beatrice was amazing. She was so kind and caring, always ready to help at a moment’s notice. With the weight of the her and her brother’s world on her shoulders, she’s fighting to do what needs to be done to assure they are not cast aside and found homeless. But as suspicions of murder arise, she can’t help but worry that they are true. She was a strong heroine, determined to solve her problems in the best way society would allow. Her ability to speak her mind to Grey and stand up to him made me like her even more.

This has a lot of steam for a regency, but I LOVED it! If I want to read a flat historical romance, I’ll pull out one of my momma’s old books. Instead, this is what I want. A romance with suspense, mystery and intrigue all laced with sizzling passion. With enough uncertainty and drama to keep the story moving and a pace that matches it, I found myself reading this within an afternoon. I couldn’t stop.

Project Duchess sets up this series as we meet the characters that I assume will have their own books. There isn’t a one of them I don’t want to know more about. With the possibility for danger and mayhem as this series progresses, I’m eagerly awaiting the next book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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This is the first in a new series of Duke Dynasty from Sabrina Jeffries. What an interesting family this series will cover… Dowager Duchess, Lydia Wolfe has now been widowed for the third time, but over the years she has manage to bare five children, and three of her sons are Dukes! The infamous Lady Lydia has had the honour of being married to three Dukes herself! How fun, I am excited to see where this series takes us.

The begin the series, we meet the first born son of Dowager Duchess Lydia, Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt. He is a stern man that the gossips love to run through the wringer! His reputation is that of a libertine, but he has not given justice to such rumours since his early days. Summoned to his estranged families side as they drive for the third husband of her Grace. While in the country he meets the poor relation of his half brother and can’t help being mesmerized by her original nature.

Beatrice Wolfe lives a simple life and tries her best to be useful for her cousins… they are generously letting her and her injured veteran brother live in the estate dowager house while her brother acts as head gamekeeper. Being a the poor relation is difficult and is only made worse when her and her brother are suspected of murdering their uncle. Can her new relationship with her her cousins half-brother, Gray help secure her anther brothers future> Or is he cozening up to her to unlock her secrets…

I highly enjoyed this book and the characters had interesting backgrounds that brought a depth to them. I am looking forward to the next instalment in this series and highly recommend this on to start!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books (Zebra) through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#ProjectDuchess #NetGalley

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"Project Duchess" by Sabrina Jeffries
A lively Regency romance with some interesting twists and turns. I enjoyed my time with these characters. I liked how this story ended. But I do have some lingering questions that may be answered in the future. I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion... this story is worth the read.

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I loved this book! Both abused, the hero, Grey, and heroine, Bea, come together to take a chance on love. There are two suspicious murders which seem like they won’t be solved till the end of this Duke Dynasty series. I can’t wait to read Colonel Lord Heywood’s story in the novella, Seduction On A Snowy Night which comes out on September 24. The next full book in the series, The Bachelor, will be out in February 2020. I received an ARC for my honest review.

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Project Duchess is an historical romance with a little bit of everything from an outspoken, independent thinking woman, a handsome alpha male duke with trust issues, to the intrigue of two possible murders. This is a quick, easy read with interesting complex characters and intriguing plot. Don't miss this story from a talented author. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

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Great opening book in the new Duke Dynasty series! The family tree does take some time to figure out, but is worth it. If you loved the Hellions of Halstead Hall series, you will adore this one as well. Great romance with a mystery that I assume will carry through the series. Jeffries does an outstanding job of writing the mystery in such a way that it is open ended, but doesn’t feel that way.

I can hardly wait for the future books! Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

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There’s a lot going on in this book, so much so that for a while the romance takes sort of a background role to the several tragic backstories and the ongoing murder mystery. When the romance moves to the forefront, it’s somewhat unearned, especially give the complete lack of trust between the hero and heroine for the majority of the book.

All the same, Bea and Grey have some solid banter and good chemistry, which still made it an enjoyable read.

I received a digital advance copy on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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This was an absolutely wonderful introduction to Sabrina Jeffries new series. There is an overall mystery to the series, I’ll not tell you what that is – but you’ll discover it in this book. We meet – and love – the five children of a duchess who has had three husbands – all dukes. She had one child, Fletcher (Grey), with her first husband; two children – twins – Marlowe (Thorn) and Gwyn with her second husband; two children, Sheridan and Heywood with her last husband. The series revolves around solving the mystery introduced in this book, the children learning more about their fathers, and each of them pursuing and finding their own HEA’s. I found each of them intriguing and can’t wait to get to know them better in their own stories. The next story (featuring Heywood) will be a novella, A PERFECT MATCH released in an anthology (Seduction on a Snowy Night) with authors Madeline Hunter and Mary Jo Putney. Then, in February of 2020, we get Gwyn’s story – The Bachelor.

Fletcher Pryde, the 5th Duke of Greycourt, had a lovely family life until he was ten years old. He lost his father when he was very young, so he didn’t remember him, nor does he really remember his first step-father. However, his second step-father created a happy, loving family for all of them. That idyllic family lasted until Grey was ten and the uncle his father had named as his guardian came to claim him. He even thought he might want to go with him. Then he saw his aunt and uncle’s true colors and his nightmare of a life began. He quickly walled off his heart and all emotions. He became cold and always, always in control. He also distanced himself from his family and had little interaction with them – even after his uncle died.

We first meet Grey as he’s receiving word that his step-father, Maurice, has died. He doesn’t want to, but he leaves for Armitage Hall. He’ll do his duty and then leave as soon as he can. However, he’s not prepared for what he finds when he gets there. He meets a sassy young woman standing in the hall and immediately starts making demands – as dukes do. She was having none of it and gave as good as she got. He had to wonder who that sharp-tongued woman was. Then, his brother arrived and introduced them. Uh-oh – he’d assumed she was a servant or merchant of some sort.

Beatrice Wolfe is the granddaughter of a duke, but she is penniless. She and her brother, Joshua, live in the dower house at Armitage Hall. Joshua was severely wounded in the Peninsular wars and he now acts as head gamekeeper for the estate. He is grouchy, uncommunicative, etc. – all those things we associate with PTSD today.

Beatrice has handled all of the arrangements for the funeral of her uncle, the Duke of Armitage, who has just died. She loves the family and wants to ease their way as much as possible. As she’s standing in the entryway arranging the funeral cookies, a man approaches and starts making demands and berating her. She knows he has to be the Duke of Greycourt just from what she’s heard of him. Well – he’s not going to speak to her that way.

Grey and Beatrice bicker right along with all of the other siblings in the house. It was so much fun to read because I’ve known big loving families who bickered just that way. Grey can’t believe he’s attracted to Beatrice – but he is – and he just won’t allow it. He’s in full control of himself and will absolutely not allow it. Right . . . We all know how that’s going to end.

With a mystery to solve, an acerbic brother to manage and a cruel aunt still reaching out to cause trouble, you begin to wonder if they can truly find their way to their HEA. Never fear, Grey is up to the task of assuaging Beatrice’s fears and concerns – it just takes him a while to get there.

This was an excellent read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Well as always a great, sweet, sexy historical romance from an amazing author! The sweetness and flow of the story was great, there wasn’t much suspense or intrigue but this moved along smoothly.

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Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries

⭐️⭐️⭐️

The beginning of this title was great and I liked the meet cute but instalust soon reared it’s ugly head. I liked the hero and heroine and their backstories but I just find the whole they met two days ago but are super attracted to each other thing annoying. I felt like a lot of this was just setting up for the next books to come, which I will read because I love Sabrina Jeffries’ titles.

*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Sabrina Jeffries is one of my favorite authors so I was eagerly anticipating this new series.

Fletcher Pryde, the Duke of Greycourt, is called to the country after his stepfather dies quite suddenly. Grey has a tense relationship with his mother (I won’t spoil the reason...you have to read the book) but he loves her and his siblings deeply. While visiting Lincolnshire he meets Beatrice Wolfe, cousin of his younger brother Sheridan. It sounds confusing because it is...(Grey’s mother has been married multiple times and bore three dukes). Grey is pleasantly surprised to meet the outspoken Beatrice and the story begins of their relationship.

I enjoyed this romance. Grey and Beatrice both have issues and secrets but they spend a lot of time getting to know one another. Their romance develops quite quickly but it is filled with passion and mutual respect. They have some hiccups to their HEA but they eventually get there.

The book was well written. Ms. Jeffries uses a lot of dialogue which helps the story move along. I did find it a slow start and I did pick it up and down frequently, not reading it straight through. There were areas (scenes and dialogue)that seemed to be repetitive especially regarding the murder mystery, but overall it was a great read. The secondary characters are quite interesting leading to interest in their upcoming stories. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

4 stars

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This was a lovely, quick read. I can always count on Ms. Jeffries to deliver a good, sweet historical romance.
I had some difficulty getting into it the first 3 chapters or so but later the story picked up and I got engrossed. It kept me engaged and wanting to read it until the very end. I loved the plot and the back story of the five siblings with different fathers and their mother and the mystery with the murder (although I'm a little mad it didn't get resolved -yet). Grey is interesting and very smart and Beatrice is strong and stubborn, she was a delight! She is strong and spirited, and holds her own with Grey quite well. They make a good pair. The chemistry and repartee between them was excellent. I loved the richness of the characters and the story line. The ending made me happy even if it was a little sappy (but not too sappy).
Silly title aside, if you ever need a book that'll satisfy your need of happy ending then this is it. Oh and also, look at that gorgeous cover, it's impossible to resist it.

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I loved this story! I had a great time watching Grey and Beatrice fighting their attraction. It was refreshing to see two characters who sort of acknowledged their mutual attraction, even while fighting against succumbing to it. They both try to keep their distance (for a million reasons) and that is what makes the story so enjoyable! So glad I got to read this one.

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Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, is devastated when he hears of his stepfather's death. He immediately heads to his half brother's estate to be with his siblings and his mother. Although there for a somber occasion, Grey cannot help but be intrigued by a woman he soon discovers is a cousin of his half brother's.

Beatrice Wolfe wants nothing to do with a rake like Grey, but she has no choice when his mother enlists his help in preparing Beatrice for society. Beatrice avoids Grey in the beginning, but soon a friendship sparks along with other complicated emotions. Beatrice must keep some distance between them if she wants to keep certain secrets buried. What will Grey think of her when he learns about her past?

PROJECT DUCHESS is the first in a compelling new series titled DUKE DYNASTY. I give it a 3.5 star rating. Having been written by author Sabrina Jeffries moved it up to the top of my TBR pile since Ms. Jeffries is a favorite of mine. PROJECT DUCHESS is a story about a family who have lost loved ones left and right under questionable circumstances. Thus begins the challenge of uncovering the mystery of Grey's stepfather's death and the death of Beatrice's uncle, for it is almost certain the two are related. You couldn't have asked for a worse guy than Beatrice's uncle. What she had to endure at his hands for years was abominable. Who could blame anyone for killing a man like him? Although, Grey and Beatrice get their much deserved HEA, the reader is still left with many puzzling questions. I can only hope they will be answered in the next book.

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I quite enjoyed this romance with a bit of mystery. This story focuses on Beatrice, a strong minded woman who cares little for what is expected by societal standards and Fletcher, the Duke of Greycourt, a reserved gentleman who guards his heart because of childhood experiences. Told in dual POV, I loved how these two characters cautiously courted each other despite their reservations on romantic liaisons. Their vow to tell the truth to each other was refreshing. And despite misunderstandings, there were no grudges held. The mystery element had me hooked but unfortunately this is not resolved in this story. So even though this couple gets their HFN, this book does end with a cliffhanger.

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Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, Duke of Greycourt, is the son of Lydia Fletcher and her first ducal husband. When news of his step-father’s death reaches him, he drops everything to help his family with the funeral. However, Grey finds his half-brother’s cousin handling the arrangements. The outspoken chit dares to call him out over his arrogant behavior. Grey soon finds himself fascinated with the intriguing woman, so he offers to help Beatrice Wolfe prepare for her upcoming debut. Can Grey let go of his past for a future with Beatrice? Or will other circumstances stand in their way?

Beatrice “Bea” Wolfe is the orphaned and impoverished cousin of the fourth Duke of Armitage. She helps her relatives by overseeing her late uncle’s funeral and managing the household ledgers. Beatrice accepts becoming the dowager’s latest project in hopes of finding a suitable husband. She cannot help but feel leery of taking coming-out lessons from the lofty Duke of Greycourt. However, their time together allows her to see the man hidden behind the arrogant façade. Can Beatrice help Grey reconcile with his family? Or will their guarded secrets keep them apart?

Grey is a gem. I understand his caution of reacquainting with his mother and half-siblings, especially after years of his uncle’s callousness. His cool aloofness is a self-preservation mechanism to protect his heart from further pain. I adore how Grey encourages Beatrice to be her usual forthright self around him. He likes that she does not kowtow to his every whim; instead, she treats him like an ordinary person instead of wealthy duke. What I love the most about Grey is how he acknowledges that he and Beatrice have a lot in common. He finds a kindred spirit, one who can understand all the anguish and torment he went through as a kid.

Beatrice is a remarkable heroine. She has endured so many ups and downs throughout her life. I like how Beatrice never allowed her late uncle’s licentious behavior to color her opinions of people. She does not escape unscathed; however, she uses his ill treatment to bolster her inner strength to persevere. I adore Beatrice’s spunk and temerity. She is not afraid to stand up to a duke or take him to task about his snobbery. What I love the most about Beatrice is her sibling loyalty. She wants to improve her life so she can offer her prickly brother a better future.

PROJECT DUCHESS is book one in Sabrina Jeffries’ brand new historical romance series, DUKE DYNASTY. I have been reading this author since my late teens, so I always anticipate any new book she releases. This one is no exception. I love how the title is cleverly based off a reality TV show. It is a genius way to set the book apart from the other stories set in the historical romance genre.

PROJECT DUCHESS is a sweet and uplifting tale of family reconciliation and expunging one’s painful past for love. I suspect two possible pairings for upcoming books. I cannot wait to see if my suspicions prove correct.

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