Eliza Gray is an outstanding bareback rider doing stunts at Prebbles Flying Circus under the name, Clorinda the Winged Venus. She was found wandering the streets in Bath when she was only a young child and was assumed to be an orphan. She has lived in the circus since, was trained and has been performing for the last 12 years. She dreams about finding her family and finally decides to leave the circus and get a job as a maid in a noble home, while looking for her family. On her way to the house she has been directed to, she is knocked down by a curricle driven recklessly by Raven, Earl Purfoy, who was "in his cups". Worried that she might be sent back to the circus, Eliza pretends to have amnesia. Raven is feeling responsible, so takes her to the home of his friends, Corinna and Alick Wolfe, to recover. They take an immediate liking to her and Corinna is sure that she is part of society. They invite her to attend a ball with them and support her entry into London Society. Eliza feels an immediate attraction to Raven, and it is reciprocated, but he has no desire to marry or get involved with anyone. Alick's cousin from America, Zadoc Flynn has purchased a racing mare that he plans to take home to the US to develop a stable of racing horses, he also hopes to bring home an English bride, specifically Eliza Gray. Will Eliza find her family? Is she of noble blood? Will Raven act upon his feelings?

I enjoyed this story of romance, intrigue, friendship and horses. My one niggle was that the Wolfes accepted Eliza so quickly and introduced her to society without having any evidence of who she really was. Beyond that, I enjoyed the story of this young woman trying to find out where she belonged. She was an amazing horsewoman and I liked how she and Earl Purfoy's groom became friends and he kept her secrets. Much of the book is set around riding, taking care of the horses, training horses and talking about them. I enjoyed seeing how much Eliza loved horses and how important they were to her life. Watching Eliza and Raven fight their feelings for each other was amusing at times and frustrating at others. He had a big secret that was keeping him aloof from most people, but eventually shares it. There is a misunderstanding, partly a miscommunication situation that almost derails the budding relationship between them, but luckily Raven isn't too stubborn and he does listen. There is also a plotline about inheritance, illegitimacy and gambling that added much to the story. An Accidental Debutante is an enjoyable romance, despite the one issue I had with the story. I enjoyed the characters, the friendships that developed, the horse racing and of course the romance. If you enjoy good, clean historical romance, you might want to pick this one up.

4 out of 5 stars


If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a Regency-era horse girl with a traumatic circus past collided (literally) with a brooding earl then The Accidental Debutante is your answer. Eliza escapes her life in the circus in search of answ answers. But she’s nearly run over by a man whose idea of romance is a glower and a growl. Naturally, this makes him irresistible. Listen, I don’t make the rules, but I’ll gladly follow this one.

This novel is dramatic but refreshingly so. Eliza’s love for horses isn’t just quirky window dressing; it grounds her character and gives the plot actual horsepower. See what I did there?

At times, I did feel like I was missing key context, particularly in the dynamics between the hero and the secondary characters. There was clearly more history there, but as readers, we weren’t fully let in on it.

Thanks to NETGALLEY and the publishers for the ARC.

A good read! I enjoyed the characters. I liked the storyline. I thought it was fast paced. A must read!

As a disclaimer, I DNFed this book so my review is based off of what I did read. I was honestly just not hooked by what I did read and really wasn't encouraged to continue.

DNF @ 20%
Unfortunately I'm finding it really hard to stay focused / interested in this book. It feels like it's moving really slowly. I'm also not a fan of the multi POV. I don't mind third person but when it skips around between all the characters it's just hard for me to follow.

I also think that this would have been better if I had read some of the previous books. I believe the author when she says it's a standalone but for me personally I think I need to read the other ones and I'm not interested enough to do that.

The circus, horse racing,a love triangle, Lord Byron quotes- this Regency-era romance had a lot going on! Eliza is a talented performer who wants to learn more about her past to secure her future. Many of the characters were introduced in a previous book, and I wished that I had read that one first.

Eliza was found at the age of seven wandering the streets crying and was taken in by Mrs. Prebble of The Prebble's Flying Circus. As an adult, Eliza is a circus performer but decides to sneak away to learn of her family. Rav is drunk driving his carriage and runs her down. He takes her to a friend's house to recover. She can speak as if she's from the streets or as upper class, fitting in to each situation. The friend couple introduces her to society and she must make a decision between the two men interested in her. The book is closed door and written in a quaint writing style (for lack of a better word) you might find wearying.

This was a well written book, with a fab heroine Eliza. She's as mad about horses as she's about our hero Raven. Her personality really shines through, she's kind, she just enjoys the little joys of life and is very likeable.

Both books in this series has been about found families, real or created and the camaraderie and support is very well done.

Cannot wait to see what's next.

#TheAccidentalDebutante #NetGalley

This novel. started well, butt. I found the middle section rather unformed. I also found the Byron lauding and quoting on tthe overly. Romantic side.. by which I mean that it is the sort of thing every very young person does, and one that they then grow out of.
I felt that some. editing would have sharpened the storyline, and that the whole business of the girls being hallf sisters wa far too obvious from the beginning.
I was also confused as to why Elizabeth married the old lord Bathwick as she was either already in a relationship, or started one asap. What happened to Eliza's mother's parents? Surely, there must have been some reason for the marriage, and were they also dead? A missing link I thought.
Overall, much too much on the. BYRONIC romantic limb of writing style from midway through for me.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a pretty good read. I did enjoy the romance that grew between characters. It was just a slow read.

Its a circus out there....

Eliza works in the circus as a trick rider. Earl Purfoy knocks her over and he sends her to his wealthy friends for care. She also meets a wealthy American, Zadoc Flynn. Its a juggling act, as to who will win the girl. Eliza is also looking for her mother.
Recommend.

Eliza is an intriguing central character with a mystery to solve as to her upbringing. She can mimic whichever strata of society she finds herself in but her earliest memories point to her having a respectable and fairly affluent family. As self defence, she finds herself having to mislead the people who are trying to help her. She feels guilty about this.

Raven is the dashing lord who has made sure that she is safe and under the care of his closest friends. Up in London for the Season, he is a confirmed bachelor but you feel that there is a sensitive side beneath the surface.A trauma in his family has left him determined to avoid any future heartbreak. Eliza finds herself with a choice to make. She has the chance for a respectable but loveless marriage to a rich American but hankers after a true love affair. There is plenty of period detail which shows you a believable world with some interesting characters. It has all the ingredients of a Regency romance and depicts plausible friendships and a touch of humour too.

In short: family secrets and a glittering romance

In The Accidental Debutante, Eliza Gray runs away from the circus, where she has been working as a horsewoman/bareback rider on her much loved horse Percy. She was taken in by the circus at the age of seven when she was separated from her nursemaid in a crowd in Bath. Being deprived of love at such a formative age, she flees the circus in hopes of findng her real family.

On her way she has an accident and Raven, Lord Purfoy, rescues her and takes her to his friends Corinna and Alick. If you have read the authors other novels, you will be familiar with these characters and a few others, from An Unsuitable Heiress. It was wonderful to be reunited with such familiar and much-loved characters, but this novel does also work as a standalone. I was particularly happy to see Taz, Purfoy’s tiger (or liveried groom). Taz instantly bonded with Eliza over their shared love of horses.

Raven was the perfect male main character in a Regency novel, flawed, damaged by past tragedy, and yet still capable of love in spite of himself. I found it refreshing how soft he became when around Eliza, in spite of his formidable character when dealing with other people.

Eliza was so intrepid and fearless, with a resilience that shone from her. When she gets the opportunity to find out the truth about her past and who she is, she approaches it with a stoicism far beyond her years, completely prepared to face her future head on without hesitation. I loved how Eliza could fit effortlessly into all sections of society. She was equally at home chatting with the circus folk, as she was mingling with the Ton at a magical ball that was considered to be the event of the season.

In addition to the attentions of Purfoy, Eliza also receives a marriage proposal by American Zadoc Flynn, which lacks any romantic inclinations, but makes complete business sense to him, recognising her skills and knowledge about horses.The big question is should Eliza follow her head or her heart?

I make no secret of my admiration for the novels of historian Jane Dunn, since her first novel The Marriage Season was published in 2023. They contain a significant blend of historical accuracy, exemplary Regency romance and modern sensibilities without ever feeling too modern or formulaic.

The Accidental Debutante is a captivating romance that will transport you to a Regency England that is historically grounded with a modern subtlety that does not detract from a story of love, resilience, courage and families lost and found.

Sweet and thoughtful

This is a very engaging regency romance. Our heroine has been brought up as a circus performer after being lost from her family as a child. But, she has been longing for a real family and runs away from the circus. Lots of heat and thoughtful exploration of what family really means. Romance and heat but very closed door (no explicit sex). Very good book for your summer reading, escapist but thought provoking.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time limited e-arc via netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Alone and lost at just seven years old
Eliza has been raised in a circus and is daring and bold.
However she dreams of finding her family
And so her adventures begin you see.

Being knocked down wasn’t what she had planned
Nor was recuperating in a home that is oh so grand.
However surprised she is at this twist of fate
Secrets need sharing before it is too late!

A fun historical romance I enjoyed all the way through
With friendship and more as Eliza decides what to do
There are twist a-plenty before all is resolved
Requiring Eliza to keep being bold!

For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this my honest review.

Jane Dunn’s delightful Regency romances are in a class of their own and this talented storyteller is back with an enchanting tale guaranteed to make readers swoon: The Accidental Debutante.

Eliza Gray is a legend at Prebbles Flying Circus, however, the daring horsewoman has always harboured a desire to find her family and discover who she really is and where came from. Fate takes a hand when she is knocked down by a curricle driven by Raven, Earl Purfoy, who is mortified at having caused Eliza a moment’s hurt. Determined to make up for his carelessness, Raven deposits Eliza in the care of two of his closest friends who immediately take her under their wing and encourage her in her quest to find her family.

Eliza quickly goes from the rough and tumble of the circus to rubbing shoulders with the Ton in polite society. However, she quickly realises that she’s got far more than barbed comments from society matrons and scurrilous gossip to worry about when she crosses paths with American Zadoc Flynn, who is on the lookout for an English bride to take home with him back to New York.

Will Eliza ever be reunited with her family? Will she find her place in the world? And will it be Mr Flynn or Lord Purfoy who will make this accidental debutante the happiest woman in polite society?

Jane Dunn’s books are a historical romance reader’s dream. She writes with style, verve and panache and elevates the genre by understanding the norms and mores of the time and bringing the past to light by immersing the reader in the world she so exquisitely creates. The Accidental Debutante is a sparkling, irresistible and wonderfully romantic tale liberally sprinkled with humour, emotion and pathos that I struggled to put down.

With wonderful characters, wicked wit, heartfelt drama and spellbinding romance, The Accidental Debutante is another superb Regency delight from Jane Dunn readers will thoroughly enjoy.

The Accidental Debutante, by Jane Dunn, is the 5th book in a series of Regency Romances. It can be read as a stand alone, but there is crossover of characters from previous books in the series. I had not read any of Jane Dunn’s prior novels, so these characters were new to me. It would have been helpful to have read her prior novels for more context with the characters.

This book is the story of Eliza, a circus acrobat performer, who runs away from the circus in search of a better life. She is hit by a curricle the night she escapes, and is injured. Raven, Earl Purfroy is the driver, and takes her to a friend’s home to recover. These friends, the Wolfe family, take in Eliza, and decide to launch her in to society. Eliza is also searching for her birth family, who abandoned her as a child in Bath.

Eliza meets another love interest, Zadoc Flynn, an American heir to a fortune, and must decide between him and Raven. She encounters many challenges as she negotiates her new world of high society in London. She finds comfort in caring for and riding horses throughout the novel. She searches for her place in the world of the ton, which is completely different from the circus or the world she was born into.

The writing style of this novel felt dated. The third person narration didn’t work for me. However, the author skillfully captures the world of Regency London. She also creates a story full of romantic love and also love for family through the characters in the novel. While her writing style didn’t appeal to me, I think Historical Romance readers would appreciate this author’s traditional style. Readers who have read the prior books in this series would also really enjoy this book and seeing what previous characters are now doing.

Thanks to Jane Dunn, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

If I could inhabit Regency England I would do so in the world this clever author brings to life so beautifully. From the moment Eliza Gray steps into the path of Raven, Earl Purfoy and disappears under the spinning wheels of his curricle I was beguiled by the story of a spirited young woman in search of her family and of an imperious young man who isn’t prepared for the effect that Eliza’s beauty and charming personality will have on his heart.

Whilst those who have read The Unsuitable Heiress will recognise many of the characters who play such an important role in the story, it can also be read as a standalone for it is Eliza and Raven who take centre stage in a deliciously sweet Regency romance. The world of sumptuous ballrooms, with gloriously appealing characters comes alive, from the eccentric American millionaire in search of a suitable wife, to the ale and onion smell of Prebbles Flying circus and the supreme equine competence of Clorinda, the Winged Venus. I raced through the story reluctant to leave Eliza alone for a second and eager to learn more about her search for a long lost family.

Strongly redolent of a bygone age when young ladies weren’t expected to ride astride or dismount their horse by somersaulting from its saddle, Eliza Gray is a breath of fresh air in a world which constrained its women in tightly laced corsets and Parisian lace and gave them not an ounce of freedom to be themselves. I loved every word and said a reluctant goodbye to this wonderful young woman, wishing her much happiness in a future she so well deserved.

Beautifully written, and impeccably researched An Accidental Debutante is another fascinating glimpse into the vagaries of Regency life, and of the challenges of finding love when you least expect it.

Eliza Gray was a circus performer and although she excelled at her job, she wanted more from her life. While she was running away she came into contact with Lord Raven Purfoy. Although they do have an attraction to each other, Raven fights against it, due to his family experiences. Raven takes Eliza to stay with his good friends. There was a lot happening in this book, Eliza is trying to find her family and an American cousin of the family she is staying with adds complications for her. There are also one or two unlikeable characters. I loved the banter between Raven and his groom, Taz. This was an entertaining read which ends happily. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is great for fans of Georgette Heyer, a lovely regency romance with likable main characters and fun side characters. I felt like it went on a little long, but I enjoy the writing and the characters so I was fine with that :)