Great start to the series. Having to deal with freedom after so many years in jail. Going back to a London he did not know. Taking on a dukedom and a young lady were more things added. Along came slow love. I enjoyed the story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the Publisher and leaving a review by my own choice.

A slightly modified fairytale with governess turned duchess plus sculpture and a side of processing of traumatic experiences. Of course, the heroine does not want to marry. Of course, the hero cannot marry her. Of course, the heroine is most understanding of hero’s flaws. Of course, the hero is (mostly) free thinking on women and society.
While the romance genre is mostly not given to deep explorations of the human nature, this book touched on several issues such as: women rights in the 1800s, women artists in the 1800s, women education in the 1800s, mental illness (in different variations) in the 1800s, war trauma in the 1800s, and much more, but did not go in the trouble to explore one of them in depth. Furthermore, none of these issues was the main or significant driver for the story or character development. Also, the “mystery” in the book is not resolved and only touched on in this installment, probably because the story is to be contributed as a series?
The plot does not include unforeseeable twists, but there is a lot of repetitions on why the MC or the FC cannot marry. A lot of repetitions. Which does not make the reasons more convincing. Partly cheesy dialogues in the cringy scenes.
A light, well written, but rather lengthy read with enjoyable characters.
Thanks to netgally for the arc. This is my voluntary reviews. Opinions are my own.

This is the story you need!
Jonathan was an English captive for years in a French Fortress. When he finally is able to return home things sure have changed drastically & he is now a Duke with responsibilities. On top of all that he has promised his friend & mentor that he will help his daughter find a husband.
Now then we have Victoria. She is a talented artist and has focused her future on opening a school for women artists. She isn't thrilled about her father's dying wish to get her married.
Soon Jonathan realizes he doesn't want her to marry someone else. She too is falling for him. Can they find a way to be together?
So wonderfully written. The story just seems to flow and grabs you from the start. Wonderful Strong characters matched with a perfect story and you feel like part of their world. It is packed with wit, great conversations and of course don’t forget that hidden passion. You won't be able to get enough.
I can't wait to read more from The Lords of Hazard series!! Go on and enjoy this adventure!!

This tugged at my heartstrings in so many ways. Jon had suffered in numerous ways, as with his friends and mentor. Victoria carried the weight of the world and much more. They both had to find healing and learn love cannot be denied. I found myself googling many aspects of this historical fiction, which makes them next level. I get to feel history on a personal level. I shed tears more than once and felt whole and happy at the end. Brilliant book.

Lord Jonathan Leighton has been gone for 11 years - detained in France by Napolean with some friends and his mentor. When he returns to England, he finds out that his half brothers have died and he has now inherited a dukedom. He also has a promise to keep that he made to his mentor.

Victoria Morris is in a bad way. She has been working as a governess to Lord Leighton's sister, but since Chloe is in her second Season, Tory is more of a companion to Chloe. She is kind of in limbo, since she is no longer a governess, but hasn't been named a companion. She is also about to lose the lease on her cottage and has a huge secret that she has been keeping from everyone.

Jon is immediately attracted to Tory, but since she is the daughter of his mentor and the one that he has promised to find a suitable husband, nothing can come of the attraction. That is, until they become involved. Jon finds out Tory's secret and assures her he can take care of everything. Tory finds out Jon's secret and it causes a rift between them.

Add in some intrigue that followed Jon from France, and you have a fabulous read! Sabrina Jeffries does an amazing job of bringing Regency England to life, and now adding the interesting aspect of the dentenus makes the story so engaging. Sabrina has done it again with this new series! I can't wait to read the next books!

As a fan of historical romance, reading Sabrina Jeffries was already a must.

With this new story we have our hero who after returning to English soil learns that he is the new Duke and must honor the promise made to his mentor who died during captivity, and that is to take care of his daughter, a lady who refuses to be married and who has her own plans for the future.

The formula of this trope of the independent lady who dictates her rules and the hero who for whatever reason wants to marry her off and they end up falling in love, never fails, at least in my case.

I ended up loving Jeffries' pen and I'm sure I want to read what follows of the next characters, because I was intrigued for more.


Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC.

Author Sabrina Jefferies does another great job in her new book “Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart” first in a new series, called Lords of Hazard. The author sets up the story in the prologue in Bitche Prison, France, April 1814. The reader gets to know Lord Jonathan Layton, who is the main character in this story and the prisoners who are his friends, the Earl of Heathbrook, Captain Wuentin Scovell, and mentor, Dr. Morris. The beginning of the story takes place during Napoleon’s war while they are in prison.

The dramatic beginning leads to an exciting storyline with Jon a new duke trying desperately to redeem himself by getting Dr. Morris’s daughter, Victoria, married and in a financially secure life. Meanwhile, her sharp wit, intelligence, desire to control her life while protecting her secret creates a fun story of her and Jon clashing over everything.

These two characters are thoroughly entertaining and will keep readers attention to the very end.

The lesson I learned from this book is that protecting someone special takes sacrifice and love. Sometimes there won’t be a happy ending if you don’t allow it. This book is about hoping and receiving more than one thought possible.

The Duke of Falconridge’s third son, Jon, leaves for France on a grand tour. He leaves with his tutor, William Morris and then they are detained in a French prison during Napoleon’s war. During this time, Morris dies, and he asks Jon to take care of his daughter, Tori. Jon returns to England to find that he is the current Duke. Tori (Victoria) is Jon's sister governess. The attraction is instant between them. However, Jon must find a husband for both his sister and her governess. Can he put his own feelings aside about Tori and find a suitable husband for her?

The banter between Jon and Tori is fun and this regency romance pulled me into the story from the beginning. My first book by Sabrina Jeffries and it won't be my last.

Sabrina Jeffries latest romance novel is a winner. the prolific author has launched a new series with "Hazardous to a Dukes Heart. " The historical fiction centers on the English citizens who were detained in Napoleonic France for fourteen years as the war waged on. . He had promised his dying mentor that he would find the man's daughter a good husband. When a Lord returns to England he discovers that he is now a Duke, and the woman he was supposed to provide for does not wish to marry anyone. Fan's of Julia Quinn will love this romance with all the tropes. It is love at first site, but neither person feels worthy of the other and they both have secrets that get in the way. This somewhat spicy novel will keep you reading. Jeffries provides lots of detail to round out the main characters, and I couldn't help loving them flaws and all. Without providing spoilers, I will say that I was very happy to see the inclusion of a disabled person toward the end of the story. I was thrilled to get an advanced reader's copy of this novel for review from the publisher. I loved this story and can't wait to read the next book. She lays the groundwork here for other love matches and I am waiting to see these characters get their Happily Ever After.

If you enjoy book clubs, this is the May pick for Kensington's Between the Chapters Book Club on Facebook.

This book had an interesting backdrop as the hero had spent 10 years as a detenee in France during the Napoleonic war, in other words, he was a civilian prisoner of war. At times, Jon, our hero was a bit of an a$$ and much of this was explained as a consequence of his captivity. The heroine, Tory, was exactly what John needed as he worked to normalize his life after captivity. 4 stars.

An outstanding blend of historical yet fictional activities taking part in both France and England. Jon returns from imprisonment in France to find many things have changed in England. One of those changes is Tori, who now works for his sister. An amusing tale with sizzle, clear articulation on the cultural and legal differences between the countries.
Fabulous characters both primary and secondary work together to ensure that the reader is engaged and entertained.

A interesting bit of history that is mostly unknown is the setting of this historical romance. Jon and his mentor, Professor Morris or bear leader as the nickname goes, were caught and detained during the Napoleonic Wars. They were one of many. Making friends and trusting people was dangerous, but he did trust only two. When the four tried to escape after 8 years of being held hostage, they were betrayed and sent to prison. Now 3 years later they finally are freed when Napoleon was captured. Only Professor Morris dies before he see freedom and his dying wish was to see that his daughter marries and so Jon promised.
Life back in London has greatly changed in the 11 years since Jon been gone. He is now the Duke of Falconridge, a total surprise since he is the third son. Feeling guilty he is the reason for Morris death he comes up with a plan to fulfill his promise only to want Tory for himself.
I always love learning tidbits of history and this was woven into the story beautifully. A bit of unsolved mystery to be continued in the next book. Be also forewarn there are steam scenes. Thank you #NetGallery and #Kensingtonbooks for this ARC. The opinions expressed are my own. #HazardousToADukesHeart

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.