Great start to a new series! Jon and his two friends have finally been freed and return to England. Jon is surprised to learn he is now Duke and that his mentor’s daughter he was seeking works in his household. Tory works as Jon’s sister’s governess and he is attracted to her from the beginning, but holds back because of his time spent with her father in France.

Great romance and story! I found this hard to put down, but I am impatient for the rest of the series!

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My first Sabrina Jeffries and it won't be my last! Loved the combo of history along with the romance.

Jon has been in prison in France for 11 years during the war. Once he is released he discovers that he will return home as the Duke of Falconridge. He was never expected to take the title so he has had no preparation but he must now meet society's expectations. That includes finding a wife. Tory is friends with Jon’s sister and the daughter of the man who was in prison with Jon for 11 years. She is devastated by the loss of her father but now has to figure out her place in society. Can two people brought together by shared grief and familial ties find a lasting love?

Jon grew from an impetuous young man to a serious man during his 11 years in prison. The author does a good job showing how his prison experiences varied wildly depending on where he was being held. I like that the author slowly exposed Jon’s truths and secrets. The big reveal was well done. Jon’s guilt over the death of Tory’s father was heartfelt and moving. The fact that Jon acted without thinking through the consequences when he told Tory that she had a large dowry proves that deep inside he is still the same person he was 11 years ago just with good intentions at the root of his decisions. Tory starts the story already a part of Jon’s family since she is friends with Jon’s sister. She has to learn to be open to the possibility of a good future. She is a good person who needs to find her place in society and with Jon. They are a good couple. I like all of the side characters. I think they add to the story.

This story takes place in London in 1814. I enjoyed the relationship between the main characters. I will read more from this author in the future.

Based on a fascinating event in history, as a young man Jon was on his Grand Tour in France when he and his mentor Mr. Morris were imprisoned by orders of Napoleon. British citizens, or, detenus (detainees), were interned in the town of Verdun under house arrest. Those with money could socialize but were restricted to where they could go. After living like this for years, Jon, Mr. Morris, and two friends tried to escape. They were betrayed by someone and captured resulting in being sent to Bitche prison. After 11 years of imprisonment these civilians are finally released when Napoleon abdicates the throne. Just before their release, on his deathbed Mr. Morris asks Jon to find his daughter Tori a husband to take care of her back in England. This is where the story really begins. Jon returns home to find Tori is his sister's governess and he is now the Duke. The two become close as everyone adjusts to the changes eleven years has brought to their lives. Jon has to deal with the guilt he feels over her father's death, Tori has a secret of her own, and who betrayed the detainees in France? Not all the questions are answered leaving openings for following books in the series. I'm looking forward to reading them.

Sabrina Jeffries is a queen of historical romance. I really enjoyed this one. It had some twists and turns I wasn’t expecting that added depth, and the premise was a new one, which is sometimes hard to find in a historical romance. I enjoyed both main characters and was rooting for them throughout the book. I loved how much Tory stood up for what she wanted and deserved throughout the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC!

This wasn't that engaging for me, mostly because while the story foundation and conflit was a good basis, the two chracters wren't devleoped enough for me to root for them

I love reading romance in which I learn something, how some careers work, favorite recipes incorporated into the story, history, science. ..etc. This new series ventures into a bit of history that was never taught in my World History courses (or I don't remember it). During a period of seemingly peace during the Napoleonic Wars, many upper-class British citizens took a vacation to France and then were captured and put into prison. They were called detenus and this series of books is about three of those young men who were held for eleven years.

Lord Jonathan Leighton left as the third and youngest son of a Duke and came back to find that his father and both his older half brothers had all died and he was now the Duke. He found his baby sister, Chloe all grown up and her governess/bestie , Victoria (Tory) magnetizing. But she is the daughter of his tutor and mentor, whom he had given a deathbed promise to see that she was married. If only it could be him, but he doesn't feel he is worthy because he believes it was his fault that Dr. Isaac Morris died in prison. But for reason of her own, which she doesn't want to share with him, she has no desire to wed, but prefers to open her own school for women artists. He fakes a dowry for her and they make a wager, but will they both win in the end? Meanwhile he and his two friends are investigating who betrayed them to the French.

Interesting story, as always likable characters, and lively banter. I read a gifted ARC via NetGAlley.com. All thoughts and options are my own.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

The story opens with Lord Jonathan Leighton, recently returned from years of French captivity and unexpectedly inheriting a dukedom. He finds himself in a London vastly changed, burdened by guilt over a past wrong to his late mentor, and determined to fulfill a promise to find a suitable match for the man's sharp-witted daughter, Victoria.

Jon, a man shaped by his arduous past, is an interesting protagonist, grappling with newfound responsibilities and a desire for redemption. Victoria, however, is far from a docile charge; her ambition to found a school for women artists provides a refreshing and independent spirit. Their dynamic is immediately engaging, marked by clever banter as Jonathan attempts to manage her future and Victoria resists his well-intentioned but often misguided efforts. As they match wits, revelations from Jonathan's past begin to surface, intertwining with Victoria's own secrets and drawing them into a shared peril that only strengthens their burgeoning connection.

"Hazardous to a Duke's Heart" is an entertaining historical romance that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of Sabrina Jeffries and the genre alike. It offers intelligent characters, compelling secrets, and a romance that is both passionate and profoundly satisfying. It is highly recommended for a delightful and intriguing escape.

My thanks to NetGalley and Pocket Books for the advanced reader copy.

Sabrina Jeffries has always held a spot on my auto-read list, and Hazardous to a Duke's Heart kicks off her brand-new series with all the wit, warmth, and swoon-worthy tension I’ve come to expect!

Set in the wake of Napoleon’s defeat, the story begins as a group of long-detained English prisoners are finally released from a French fortress. Among them is Lord Jonathan Leighton, now unexpectedly in charge of a dukedom—and returning to a London he barely recognizes. His world has changed drastically, and so has his future.

But Jonathan is carrying more than just a title. He’s also burdened by guilt from a promise made to a fellow captive and mentor: find a worthy husband for Victoria, the man’s fiercely independent daughter.

One problem? Victoria isn’t interested in being matched off—least of all by a man she sees as a walking sculpture with a hero complex.

Victoria is ambitious, sharp, and not-so-secretly dreaming of opening a school for women artists. She’s the kind of heroine I love to root for: bold, ahead of her time, and completely uninterested in playing by society’s rules.

Watching her go toe-to-toe with Jonathan was an absolute delight. Their banter? Chef’s kiss. The chemistry? Undeniable.

This book is less about sweeping ballrooms and more about navigating duty, redemption, and personal ambition. While it’s a slow-burn romance, it’s also a refreshing story of two people figuring out who they want to be now that war is over—and whether that future might include each other.

Why You’ll Love It:
-A reluctant duke with a sense of honor (and a bit of brooding charm)
-A headstrong heroine chasing her own dreams
-Post-war London setting full of social tension and opportunity
-A slow-burn romance with real emotional payoff
-A perfect series opener—no cliffhanger, but plenty to look forward to

If you’re a fan of historical romance with heart, A Duke for the Ages is a lovely place to start. It’s smart, romantic, and full of promise for a series I’m already excited to keep reading.

Great new series alert!!!!

I love when a historical romance author finds a unique part of history and brings it to light in their writing. This is one things that just makes historical romance, so interesting and fun for me!

Speaking of, Sabrina Jeffries new book, Hazardous to a Duke‘s Heart, the first in her new Lords of Hazard series revolve around a group of men who become friends do a common misfortune of location, that found them all in captivity in France under the reign of Napoleon. They are known as detinue.

Now these former captives are of returned to England and need to find a way to live a normal life again… easier said than done for Lord Jonathan Leighton when he returns home only to find out that he is now the Duke! Thankfully, he has his sister’s sharp-witted governess, who happens to just be his mentors daughter, to show him the ropes and ease them back into society.

Jonathan and Victoria strike a deal aimed at easing Jonathan‘s guilty conscious for Victoria‘s father‘s passing, but he doesn’t expect the attraction in kinship. He feels for her, knowing that his time in captivity has made him in suitable as a husband…

I absolutely loved this tape on the prodigal son’s return and the heartfelt emotions that Sabrina Jefferies in Sue her characters with. They’re both so multidimensional and well developed that it was a real joy to see them, traverse the obstacles and find away to be together.

After this great start to the series, I’m eager to see where the Lords of Hazard take us next!

Good start to the new series. I especially enjoyed learning about a little-known part of the Napoleonic Wars - the imprisonment of British men of fighting age found on French soil immediately after the declaration of war. These civilian men remained in prison for up to eleven years before being released at the end of the war.

Eleven years ago, Jon was the third son of a duke, with little to do but get into trouble. Fed up with his antics, Jon's parents hired Professor Morris to accompany him on a tour of Europe to get him away from bad influences. Unfortunately, Jon and Professor Morris got caught up in the sweep and spent the next eleven years in prison. Those years left a deep mark on Jon's soul, including an intense sense of guilt over the professor's death. He promises to find a husband for the professor's daughter. When Jon finally returns home, he discovers his father and two brothers are dead, leaving him the dukedom. Not only must he adjust to being free, he must also learn how to be the duke. To fulfill his vow, he invents a dowry to assist in finding a suitable match.

After her mother's death, Victoria became a governess for Jon's sister, Chloe. Now that Chloe is grown, Tori has become her companion instead of governess. This also gives Tori time to pursue her love of sculpting.

I enjoyed watching Jon and Tori's relationship develop. The beginning is a little rough, as Jon doesn't expect Tori's independent nature. He plans to find her a husband, while Tori isn't interested in marriage. She wants to use her dowry to fund a school for women artists. I loved their interactions as each fights for their own plans until they work out a compromise. I liked how Tori held Jon to his promise. I laughed out loud at some of the art lessons.

Neither expects the sparks of attraction that flare between them. Tori doesn't intend to marry, as experience has convinced her that men are unreliable. She has another compelling reason to avoid marriage that she has kept secret from everyone. I understood her concerns and loved her protectiveness. At the same time, Jon finds himself increasingly drawn to Tori. However, he is wracked with guilt over her father's death and fears that she will hate him if she learns the truth. I liked seeing both finally trust each other and themselves enough to open up.

The ending was excellent, and I loved seeing how everything worked out.

There is also a hint of mystery in this book that I suspect will run through the entire trilogy. When Jon and his friends were captives in France, they planned an escape. Unfortunately, they were betrayed and recaptured. Now, they want to find out who was responsible. There is an interesting twist involving one of their suspects.

Hazardous to a Duke's Heart is an intriguing start to a new series by popular romance novelist Sabrina Jeffries. The story is a fascinating twist on an old trope, surprise title inheritance and deathbed promises. Before I had read this book, I wasn't aware of the history of Détenus and found the story of the English Nationals detained in France by Napoleon to be riveting. I would have liked to learn more but hopefully that will come in future books of the series.

Jonathan Leighton has spent the last 11 years as a Détenu in France, the most recent time in a brutal prison camp thanks to a botched escape attempt. His mentor Professor Morris is on the verge of death from an injury he received during the attempt, and Jon feels responsible since he was the one who encouraged them to try to escape. As Morris lay dying, he begged Jon to watch over his wife, his daughter Victoria, and find Victoria a good husband. Shortly after Jon and his fellow prisoners are informed that they are to be released, they are free. Morris has breathed his last though, so Jon remains in France to see his friend properly buried before traveling home to England at last.

Once home, Jon learns that both of his half-brothers have died and that he's now the Duke of Falconridge. Not only does he have to get used to being in polite society and act as a gentleman again, he now has to take on the mantle and many responsibilities of a duke. Jon also quickly finds out his oldest half-brother ignored many of the responsibilities, so now he has to play catch up as well. He's quite overwhelmed to say the least, and fairly knocked off his stride by Victoria Morris who not only is Jon's younger sister Chloe's governess, but also is quite firm in her refusal to marry.

Victoria Morris is both lovely and artistic, her deepest desire is to open a school for female artists. The Leighton family took her in after Mrs. Morris died (during the 11 years Jon & Professor Morris were Détenus), first as a governess and possibly later as a lady's companion. Tory has no plans for marriage as it wouldn't fit in with her dreams of her school and another reason she'd prefer to keep to herself. Jon is quite persistent in his desire to keep his promise to his mentor. He even pulls together a story of a dowry set aside for Tory to help her find a husband. The longer Jon & Tory are together the closer they grow and the attraction is harder to ignore. The rest of the book is a lovely story of rebuilding and learning to live again.

I enjoyed Hazardous to a Duke's Heart and I'm looking forward to future books in the series. I am eager to read about Jon's friends from that horrible time in France, Captain Scovell & the Earl of Heathbrook. Although Jon's sister Chloe had eyes for the charming rogue Heathbrook, steady and handsome Captain Scovell kept her in his sight at all times. It will be interesting to see if Chloe ever realizes what's right in front of her. And will these friends who bonded for life in the horrible "Mansion of Tears" be able to find out who betrayed them during their attempt to escape? I cannot wait to find out.

Thank you NetGalley & Sabrina Jeffries for this ARC. I enjoyed the book and this is my honest review.

The best books in this genre teach us something, and Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart certainly does just that. In a fascinating opening section, we are introduced to our MMC, Jon, who has spent the last 11 years as a “ Détenu” in France during Napoleon’s reign. This portion of the narrative hints at an exploration of trauma, friendship and class that, while gripping and profound early in the book, was not fully taken up as the story progressed like I anticipated. In some ways, the narrative likely reflects the “stiff upper lip” approach, which certainly would have been more prevalent in turn-of-the-century England regarding a newly-minted Duke. But, in another respect, I suppose I was surprised that, in 2025, Jon’s trauma wasn’t more of a storyline. That said, many aspects of Tory’s story felt very ahead of their time, grounded in 19th century England but with modern sensibilities.

I can absolutely recommend this read to fans of Historical Romance and can’t wait to continue this series. Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart is perfect for fans of Mary Balogh and Elizabeth Hoyt.

(Note: overall, the writing was excellent and the story was well plotted and paced. I will be reading more by this author. However, if you are sensitive to the language used in spicy scenes, be prepared — I’m not sure I’ve ever been more distracted by word choice. Take heart, it’s only like three sentences in the whole book.)

A middling start to a new series. I learned a lot about Détenus, imprisoned in France during the Napoleonic Wars. I had a vague knowledge of the detainees but had never delved into it. How harsh the conditions were for everyone but interestingly the class system existed in prison. Officers, nobility, and nobility adjacent were allowed more privilege, if they could pay the graft, but 11 years is still a very long time to lose your freedom. I hope in the next three books continues to flashback to the two friends when their stories come out.

Jon has returned from 11 years in a detention camp in France. Unlucky to be caught up in the French war involving Napoleon. When the war is finally over the prisoners are set free to fid their own way home. Jon arrives to find out he's become the Duke with his two step-brothers having died while he was away. Not raised to even be the spare Jon is overwhelmed, spending most of his time catching up on the bills and tenets, etc. . While learning about the estates and finances he's also got to find a husband for his travelling companion and mentor, it was a deathbed promise. I felt his family was more interested in the details of his imprisonment than how he was. His mother even wanted him to attend ton events & have a ball right off the bat. Poor guy.

Tory didn't have much of a backstory. She's presented fully formed and not much of her life is provided. She's independent, having to be so, so when her mother dies & her father is in France she takes an offer to be a governess/companion to Jon's sister. She doesn't want to marry and has other plans for her life. Having chemistry with Jon muddies the waters and it's a tou9gh decision to pick between love and her plans. I wasn't able to truly become invested in the characters, main or secondary. I liked the book well enough but wish it had been a stronger start to this trilogy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#HazardoustoaDuke'sHeart #Sabrina Jeffries #LordsofHazard #romance #historicalromance #détenu #Frenchimprisonment #NapoleanonicWar
#bookreview # Kensington Books

I enjoy reading historical romance novels set during world events that I don't know much about. That drew me initially to this novel from Sabrina Jeffries, set in the aftermath of the Napoleonic war.

I found myseld enjoying the second half of the novel, when the set up in the aftermath of the war and between the handful of characters was allowed to play out.

The first half of the novel was slow for my taste. I found my interest wavering and struggled to care about what was happening until later when all cards and plot points were on the table.

The lead characters felt stilted at times early on, as well. There could have been more digging into the mental health aspect of an English nobleman surviving eleven years of captivity in France, and ways that would manifest. It could have added depth to the Duke that otherwise felt a bit glossed over.

For those who feel a certain way about cringeworthy phrasing sometimes found during sex in romance novels, there are a few phrases used that took me out of the sex scenes.

Thank you, as always, to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of the ebook.

2.75 stars on StoryGraph rounded up to 3 on here.

Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart was an interesting story as it brought forth parts of the time period that we don’t often see, such as how the English nationals were held hostage in France. It also showed a realistic (for the time) portrayal of Tori’s brother, a character written with compassion and a favorite of mine in this story. Tori’s passion is sculpting, again, something no woman of the ton would carve out for herself as a career, yet her sculpting leads to another passion, far beyond her dreams… or so she thought until Jon mentions an inheritance from her father (Jon’s mentor and fellow prisoner).

Everything she desires is within her reach. Until one little white lie blossoms beyond “little”, her dreams may not be as near as she’d hoped, unless she and Jon answer one question without doubt…do you love me, for me and no other reason. The right answer will change two very stubborn people’s lives.

I enjoyed Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart very much. It’s a well-written story from an author I’ve come to trust to provide a good, realistic, love-filled romance. If you love a Regency Romance with a few subjects that we don’t often see, then you’d love this one.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author’s publishing house and/or NetGalley, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

I am always entertained by this author and really enjoyed this story. A great start to this new series. I loved the interaction between Jon and Tory. After being imprisoned for years in France, Jon is once again home, but with a load of guilt. He went to France with a tutor, Morris, and while there, they were imprisoned and Morris died just as they would be freed. Jon thinks the whole reason for Morris' death is his fault and just as he was dying, Morris ask Jon to look after his daughter and find her a husband. The problem is, Tory doesn't want a husband. She has her reasons and isn't sharing them with Jon. The more he gets to know Tory, the more he wants her for his wife, but he knows if she were to find out what really happened to her father, she would hate him. The best thing would be to find her a good man who can take care of her. The problem is, Tory is not cooperating. Will he have to tell the whole story? Will she ever speak to him again if he does?

A great start to a new series by Sabrina Jeffries, an author I go to whenever I am looking for a fast paced, sexy historical romance. Jonathan Leighton, a younger son to the Duke of Falconbridge, is back from France after being sent there with a trusted mentor to guide him while he matures into the man his parents hoped he would become. Upon his arrival home, he learns he is now the Duke as his two half brothers have recently deceased. He is also shocked to learn his late mentor’s daughter, Victoria, has been serving as governess to his sister, Chloe. Johnathan is not ready to address his guilt over his mentor’s death with anyone, especially Tory and he does what he canto make her life easier by telling her his father left her a dowry and asked him to ensure she married well. Of course, both Tory and Johnathan have secrets and as they spend more time with each other they will have to work together to ensure they each reach the HEA they want.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Sabrina Jeffries launches a new series featuring Englishmen returning from France after eleven years held captive. As you might imagine, there are emotional issues to work through as each hero finds his footing amongst all the changes during their absence.

When Jon left for his grand tour, he was young, arrogant, and carefree. Eleven years later, a much more sober man returns to responsibilities, family obligations, and a debt to repay to the tutor who didn't make it home. When he agreed to find the man's daughter a husband he had no idea what he was in for. I love when a hero's well-laid plans for his heroine are blown to smithereens in an instant.

I adored Tory. In her, Jeffries created a character who had my whole-hearted support, respect, and affection. The banter between her and Jon sparkles. I love her determination, her vulnerability, and her fierce protection of the secret she's keeping. The chemistry between this couple is undeniable and the feelings deepen as Jon struggles with what his heart wants and what his conscience demands.

Jeffries does a good job of introducing the lead characters of the next two books, giving readers a taste of what we're in for without allowing them to outshine the main couple. There's also a mystery that will unfold over the course of the series and an unexpected twist in this book that caught me by surprise. I'm eager to discover how it will all play out over the course of the series.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased opinion

Sabrina Jeffries always writes enjoyable period romances, and this one is no different.

This is a first in a new series which introduces us to a new Lord who had inherited his title whilst he was a captive of Napoleon. He comes back with a lot of guilt over his mentor dying during a botched escape plan, and he feels the need to set right with his mentor‘s daughter. This involves him feeling the need to help her find a husband, which is the last thing she wants to do.

This is also filled with a lot of the fun banter that is usually in these books and of course the requisite happily ever after. I look forward to reading the rest in the series.