In terms of a romance, despite having all the right notes, this wasn't particularly memorable. It was still good, but I was more interested in the history. Jon's background in the Napoleonic Wars was unique - its common to read about war heroes but I've never read about the detenus or civilian prisoners before. I found the concept fascinating, and thoroughly enjoyed reading about a war survivor from a different angle.

This is a slow-burn romance with the emotional weight of war, legacy, and guilt—plus a heroine who’s ready to sculpt her future (and maybe a Greek god or two) with her own two hands.
Jeffries delivers a satisfying blend of historical detail and romantic tension with vibrant characters, anchored by the compelling premise of British detainees returning from long-term captivity in France.

Jonathan Leighton, the MMC, is a rare breed of historical hero—haunted but honorable, newly minted duke but entirely unprepared for the life he’s inherited.

After a decade away, he’s disoriented, emotionally raw, and trying very hard not to fall for the woman he’s promised to find a good husband for. Classic setup for internal conflict, and it works.

Victoria (Tory) is a refreshing heroine: smart, protective, and determined to chart her own course—specifically by creating a school for women artists. She’s also very protective of both her found family and her blood-related family.

Her chemistry with Jon simmers from the start, and while he does the whole tortured "I can’t, I mustn’t" routine for a bit too long, you get why. His loyalty to her father, who was also his mentor, adds emotional complexity to their entanglement.

The historical grounding in post-Napoleonic Britain adds weight to the love story. The notion of returning detainees—called détenus—trying to pick up lives that had moved on without them isn’t something I’ve seen in romance, and it’s handled thoughtfully here. The writing is vibrant with characters you can connect to.

This was a lovely read with heart, heat, and historical flair.

Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart by Sabrina Jeffries
Lords of Hazard series #1. Historical romance. Alternating 3rd person POV.
After being held hostage for years during Napoleon’s war, Jonathan Leighton returns home to find out he’s the new head of family and the Duke of Falconridge. One of his first responsibilities will be to ensure his lost friend’s daughter is set up appropriately.
Victoria has no interest in marriage. Learning of an inheritance means she can make her dreams of setting up a school. Jon has other ideas.

🎧 I was able to read both an ebook copy and listen to an audiobook which is narrated by Beverley A Crick who does many of this authors books. She creates a wonderful regional accent with clear voices for male and female. Emotions are subtle but clear. The characters come to life in the audiobook.
I did listen to this between 1.5 and a bit higher to closer match my reading and conversation speed.
The descriptions were vivid for me in the print version for the locations and settings while the audiobook is about the people. I think either will give the reader a rich experience.

I always have a hard time with war as a setting. This book is more looking back on memories after the prologue. He doesn’t want to talk about the hard times that he experienced but Tory needed to understand. I feel like his sharing brought them closer together.

Sentimental, sexy and a bit sad for the typically not talked about prisoners of war. I’m happy he was able to recover and find love and a whole new dynamic for a family.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher RBMedia

A governess and a duke, who just learned he was duke after returning from being trapped in France for 11 years. They should not be a match, but what if they are? Tory and Jon both have secrets they believe make their union destined to fail from the start but can they overcome their fears and put their trust in the other or will the pair pass like ships in the night?
I love Tory's character and how she is very set in her ways and what will be best for her and her family. Jon, determined to follow through on his promises is trying his darnedest to stay away from Tory, even as the attraction grows. Their relationship is very cute and I love that they taunt and joke with each other. they are both slightly outside of society from different circumstances but they find a kindred spirit in the other.
I am looking forward to seeing who's story is next and how the overall world will progress and expand.

I enjoyed the story. It's very well written, with interesting historical tidbits that I haven't come across before, packed with betrayal, secrets, lies, banter, a bit of steam and likable characters whose attraction sizzles from the start. Jon is distrustful because of his troubled past and Tory is a strong, brash and intelligent character who sometimes got on my nerves with her inquisitorial behavior. The book ends with a bit of a cliffhanger and I hope it will be resolved in the next instalment of the series.

Over a decade ago, Lord Jonathan "Jon" Leighton, his mentor Dr Morris and two of his friends were initially detained during their Grand Tour in the course of the Napoleonic Wars and, after a botched escape attempt, imprisoned in the Bitche Prison. When Napoleon abdicated and was sent into exile on Elba, the prisoners were released, but too late for Dr Morris, who had injured himself during their escape attempt and succumbed to his injuries. Before his death, however, Morris asks Jon to ensure that his daughter makes a decent match.
Jon, who feels guilty for Morris' injury, agrees and makes his way home. Back in London, Jon learns that his two half-brothers have died in his absence and that he is the newly minted Duke of Falconridge and that Morris' daughter Victoria has been working as his younger sister's governess and confidante for several years. To persuade Victoria to marry, Jon secretly invents a dowry, which he pays out of his own pocket, and offers her a season. But Victoria is not interested in marriage and would much rather open an art school, because she too has secrets that make marriage impossible for her...

Overall, an enjoyable read with strong characters, interesting historical insights, some twists, emotion and spice that I am happy to recommend!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

A prisoner of war...

This was such an interesting premise for this new series...prisoners of war, held by Napoleon, this was something I had not come across in history before, but of course it makes sense. Jon was held for eleven years as a prisoner, along with his tutor, Morris and two other English lords. They became very close, but they were betrayed.

Finally free, a third son, Jon is unexpectedly the new duke upon his return to England. He carries guilt and two vows, well, three now that his tutor's daughter, Victoria "Tory" is living with his family as his sister's governess. She is smart and artistic and knows her own mind. Jon vows to see Tory wed.

Tory is perfect for the somber Jon. But danger is on his heels...as he was betrayed.
Recommend. I really am looking forward to the other two books.

A very interesting book detailing the trials of Englishmen trapped in France during the war and made prisoners. This is the opening of the series. Jon comes back from France and struggles to face life free. He feels so much guilt. Tory is enamored with him, but also has vowed not to marry in order to protect her secrets. The story is interesting, but sometimes difficult to follow. I am interested in how the following books in the series carry on with the theme.

This was an entertaining, well-written Regency romance. It was fun, steamy and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this Regency romance and look forward to reading more books by this author.

A delightful read! What a lovely couple! Loved to read about these characters, specially the MFC, Tory, inteligent, witty and fun! can't wait for the next books in the series. Giselle made me curious. Sabrina Jeffries is always a must read.

Lord Jonathan Leighton has been held in captivity for the last eleven years in France while the last three were in Bitche at the Mansion of Tears. Napoleon finally surrendered and now the 31 year old is free along with his closest friends 28 yr old Rupert Oakden, Earl of Heathbrook and 29 yr old Captain Quentin Scovell, son of Marquess of Glencraig and a naval officer and commander of the HMS Willoughby.

Jon had been on a grand tour with Dr. Isaac Morris when they were captured. Three years earlier the group of four men tried to escape and were caught. Dr. Morris ended up breaking his leg which ended up killing him. Just before he died, he made Jon agree to help find a suitable husband for his 26 year old daughter, Victoria "Tory". Now back in London, Jon is determined to complete Dr. Morris' request. It turns out Tory is the governess for his sister Chloe and lives part time with his family. It also turns out that both of his half brothers, Alban and Aubrey drowned in the Thames River at the Frost Fair when the ice broke, thus making Jon the new Duke of Falconridge.

Jon is intrigued by Tory but knows she is hands off, even if the two of them are downright combustible together! Jon is upfront with her about her father's request to find a suitable husband for her, but Tory is not interested. She would rather open an art school for women with her inheritance and dowry. Jon gets Tory to agree to try and he will help introduce her to society. The more time these two spend together, the harder it becomes to not cross that line and eventually they both give in to their attraction. Before too long, Jon starts to realize that he is the one who wants to marry Tory but she is afraid. She has a secret that Jon doesn't know about and will do anything to protect it. At the same time Jon is keeping a secret from Tory. When all of the secrets finally come to light, Jon and Tory realize that together they can overcome anything and finally decide to get that happy ever after that they both dreamed about but never thought they would have.

I really enjoyed this steamy historical romance. Jon and Tory were both really great characters and I liked the journey they went on. I can't wait to read the other books in this series.

Great book for anyone who is a fan of regency romances. After the Napoleonic wars have ended prisoners are finally released to return home. One of these prisoners learns that he has inherited a dukedom from his former mentor. Lord Jonathan Leighton promises to find a match for the man’s daughter.
Victoria has other plans. She wants to open a school for women artists and has no interest in marriage. Events transpire that bring out revelations from Jonathan’s past that put them both in danger. Can they escape the past and create a future together? Romantic and suspenseful

Endearing hero!

I found the characters sympathetic. Victoria, the heroine, is a strong-minded and independent woman. I liked the artistic aspect of the heroine’s character. I particularly loved Jon, a flawed, vulnerable, yet strong hero. They form a beautiful couple, and the chemistry between Victoria and Jon is delicious.
The story flowed nicely and kept my interest, but there was no major plot. The book touches on a mystery but does not develop it much or resolve it. I guess this mystery will be continued in the next book of the series.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.

4.25 Stars
Napoleon’s war has ended, and English captives detained for years in a French fortress are finally released. Returning to a London he no longer recognises, and facing astonishing changes in his own family, Lord Jonathan Leighton learns he has inherited a dukedom. But the new nobleman carries the guilt of having wronged his late mentor. Now, he vows to fulfil his promise to find a suitable match for the man’s daughter, Victoria. Sharp-witted Victoria would just as soon sculpt the Greek god who has come to take charge of her future. In fact, she has her sights set on founding a school for women artists.
The start of a new series & a very good starter, I was lucky enough to get both the ebook & audiobook from NetGalley so I feel I had the best of both worlds. The narrator brought the book to life & it was great playing in the background whilst I was gardening & then I was able to relax & read it. I really liked both Jon & Tory, their chemistry sizzled but secrets kept them apart. I was fascinated by the plight of the detenus, something which isn’t referred to very much. I felt that Jon adaptation to life back in England as a free man was swept under the carpet & more could have been made of his struggles. A very well written thoroughly enjoyable book which left the ongoing arc of who had betrayed the friends unsolved so I expect that this will run throughout the series. I look forward to the rest of the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

I really enjoyed reading the latest book by one of my favorite authors. Ms Jeffries has long been a favorite of mine and this cute story is exceptional. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own.
Jon, the new Duke of Falconridge has been in prison during the Napoleonic war for a long time and now has returned to his home. He feels out of place because he lost his tutor who died from his injuries in captivity with him. Jon lost his brothers and father during his imprisonment and doesn't feel like a duke. He finds out that his younger sister's governess is Victoria (her father was his tutor) and wants to give her a dowry. Jon feels responsible and wants to help her. She doesn't want a dowry because marriage isn't in her plans. Tori wants to open an art school.
The romance begins a slow burn and turns hot with lots of kisses etc. I like how Jon and Tori begin to see into each other's heart for a forever kind of love.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart by Sabrina Jeffries. This is the first book in the series called Dukes of Hazard. The novel is based during the time of the Napoleon wars and is based on some English travelers who were captured and held in a prison as if they were soldiers. The majority of the story takes place after the captives are released.

When Lord Jonathan Leighton returned to London from captivity, he discovered he was the new Duke of Falconridge after the deaths of his father and older siblings. Jon was not ready to take over the Dukedom, but he did at the risk of learning on the job. He came back with the intention to help Victoria, the daughter of his mentor. Jon feels guilt over his mentor’s death, helping Victoria will help assuage the guilt. The issue: she is already part of his household to help his younger sister. The other issue: he can not stop thinking about her!

The novel is sure to be a hit with people who enjoy historical romance. Sabrina Jeffries’s books are well written and full of interesting characters. Secrets and trust issues were certainly explored in this novel. I was not exactly thrilled with how Victoria was called Tori (curious, as it is the name of a political party). I enjoyed the novel and will be looking for the second novel. Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart by Sabrina Jeffries is a good read.

I loved this one! You know a book is good when you look forward to getting back to it ASAP (after reluctantly putting it down in the first place), and find yourself disappointed whenever you remember you’ve finished it and it’s no longer your current read. That’s what happened to me with this book—more than once.

Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart is such a charming read, with characters who are easy to like and root for, and a story that chugs along at the perfect pace to remain engaging throughout. Added bonus: it’s the first book of a new series and sets up future books nicely. Too nicely honestly, since I am already champing at the bit to read them, and a kind of shattered they’re not available yet.

Anyway, highly recommend if you enjoy historical romance with a hint of modern feminism, an unpolished (in all the best ways) Duke, and a couple of friends who need HEAs stat.

Hazardous to a Duke's Heart
Lords of Hazard Series - Book 1
By Sabrina Jeffries
Kensington Books - Apr 2025
Historical Romance

As a duke's third son, Lord Jonathan Leighton had lived a privileged life, but his behavior had sent him with his mentor to France. With the outbreak of war between France and England, they, and many others, were held captive for over a decade. Jon’s mentor died just before their release, but he had made him promises. One being to help his daughter find a husband.

Upon his arrival home, Jon was met with one surprise after another. His older half brothers were dead, making him the new Duke of Falconridge. Also, his mentor's daughter was now his sister’s governess. Her closeness to the family and his promise of an inherited dowry, which he would secretly provide, would improve his chances of fulfilling his commitment.

As an artist herself, Victoria Morris dreamed to open a school for women artists. The inheritance was just what she needed to get it started, but she had no intention of getting married. After the duke scoffed when she mentioned her dream, she intended to show him what a good instructor she could be. Starting with him.

Hazardous to a Duke's Heart is a romance of healing and forgiveness. Jon blames himself, because his actions sent them to France which ultimately led to Victoria's father’s death. Jon never expected to become duke, and he has a lot to learn about the management of the estate. However Victoria's challenge intrigues him. As does the woman herself. But he has to be careful with her, she wants to know more about her father's experiences and Jon wants to keep the past firmly in its place. There is also a mystery of who betrayed Jon and his friends while in prison. Sabrina Jeffries' new series Lords of Hazard series continues with Jon's friends and involved a little known bit of history that I was fascinated to learn about.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

Tropes: class difference; MMC has past trauma; unexpected inheritance of dukedom; MFC with a secret
Steam level: 2-3
First in a series

2.5 stars squeaked up.. I had high hopes for this. I've liked the author's previous books, was intrigued by the historical notes at the beginning, and was expecting a HR with emotional depth akin to Grace Burrowes' Captive Hearts series. Unfortunately, this fell flat.

The Good:
--As mentioned, the historical backdrop is intriguing. I was not at all aware of the eleven-year time period during the Napoleonic Wars when thousands of British civilians, many upper class, were held captive in France.
--MFC Tory's younger brother, Cyril, is special needs. I appreciated the author's sympathetic take on that situation; it came across as fairly real.

On the Fence About:
--The "traitor" subplot is a cliffhanger. Not surprising, but more could have happened with that in this book, I think.

The Not-So Good (aka "Oof"):
--Stilted dialog that often becomes cringey
--Many of the characters are one-dimensional and come across as shallow, including the MC's. I get that MMC Jon was a rake before he left England and he hasn't been around a woman for a while, but his flirtatious comments ranged from eye-rolling to distasteful. His insta-lust for Tory is OTT.
--Jon's trauma is never addressed with any real depth. Most of his family act like nothing's happened and their conversations are relentlessly banal. Surely the media during that time would have released some information of the deprivation and violence the detenus experienced? Excluding one scene toward the end, which is the best written overall even if it is still somewhat emotionally muddled, Tory seems to constantly want details but grasps little nuance.
--I also struggled with the fact that Tory faced situations with two men in the past who held power over her and molested her, but this is never followed up on, and she easily falls into Jon's bed.

Overall: great idea, poor execution.

I cannot believe I am doing this but I just was not feeling this story. While I loved the story of the civilian detainees, Sabrina always does a fantastic job with researching and bringing us differing views of history, this story was boring. It had so much potential. The characters were flat and the story was not there. I do like Jon’s friends and want to read their stories. There is some surprises and an overarching storyline (at least I hope it will be addressed in the next books). I also like how Sabrina brings a character into the story who needs special care. He was such a darling. After reading all of Sabrina’s stories, some multiple times and my favorites, I am sad that this one did not live up to the other books.

Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart by Sabrina Jeffries was a little darker than I expected, but still an intriguing read.
Jon, a civilian caught in the crossfire of war, is detained in France along with his mentor, Mr. Morris. After a failed escape and harsh imprisonment, Jon watches Mr. Morris suffer a fatal injury — but not before extracting a promise from Jon to care for his daughter, Tory.
Back in England, Jon returns to a life turned upside down: the loss of his father and brothers has made him heir to a crumbling dukedom, and Tory is now working as his sister’s governess. To complicate matters, Jon finds himself increasingly drawn to her — making the promise to find her a suitable husband far more difficult. Personally I felt her should have been paying more attention to his new responsibilities and was giving away money without knowing how much he even had to run the estate. I enjoyed the friendship between John’s sister and Tory. I suspect we will see her in a future story.
While the romance is heavy on physical attraction and inner conflict, the real standout for me was the historical backdrop. I had never heard about British civilians being detained in France during the Napoleonic Wars, and I appreciated the author’s notes expanding on this piece of history.
Although darker and more brooding than I usually prefer, this story sets up the series well, and I’m definitely curious to follow Jon’s friends in the books to come.

there were open door scenes
violence - the violence was in the past, but heartbreaking to me. I may have scored it higher than most because I hate prison scenes.