Friday, July 5, 2019

Book Review and Giveway - Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries

Book Synopsis
From New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries comes a sparkling new series about an oft-widowed mother’s grown children, who blaze through society in their quest for the truth about their fathers . . . and in the process find that love just might conquer all . . .

A series of stepfathers and a difficult childhood have left Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, with a guarded heart, enviable wealth, and the undeserved reputation of a rogue. Grey’s focus on expanding his dukedom allows him little time to find a wife. But when his mother is widowed yet again and he meets the charmingly unconventional woman managing his stepfather’s funeral, he’s shocked to discover how much they have in common. Still, Grey isn’t interested in love, no matter how pretty, or delightfully outspoken, the lady . . .

Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt with his rakish reputation isn’t exactly changing her mind. Then Grey agrees to assist his grief-stricken mother with her latest “project”: schooling spirited, unfashionable Beatrice for her debut. Now that Beatrice is seeing through Grey’s charms to his wounded heart, she’s having trouble keeping him at arm’s length. But once Grey starts digging into her family’s secrets, she must decide whether her loyalties lie with her family . . . or with the man whose lessons capture her heart . . .

 

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My Review
Project Duchess is the story of Beatrice Wolfe and "Grey," Fletcher Pryde.  Grey is a Duke in need of a wife, and Beatrice is an independent woman who is planning her debut.  Because Beatrice is from modest means, she aspires to marry a vicar or doctor.  When Beatrice and Grey meet, there is an instant spark, and they find they have much in common with their difficult childhoods.  But will this be enough for them to break tradition and find happiness together?

This is the first book in Sabrina Jeffries' new Duke Dynasty series.  A large cast of characters with a lot of background is introduced in the first few chapters.  It would be helpful to have a list of characters in the book for readers.

Once the book focused more on Beatrice and Grey, I became engrossed in their story. They are from different worlds but on an intrinsic level are so very alike.  I liked Beatrice's spark and independence, and Grey's kindness and strength.  There was a lot of back and forth between these characters with banter and a rollicking romance.

There is also a double mystery in the book -- there were two unexplained deaths in the past (Beatrice's uncle and Grey's stepfather -- both highly unsympathetic characters).  Grey works to solve the two murders, and that is part of the plot as well.

We are also introduced to Beatrice's brother and Grey's siblings -- I am guessing they will appear in future books in this series.  (I hope so!)

I enjoyed the setting of the country estate.  There is even a kennel with pointers and foxhounds, and the dogs appear several times in the book.

There are also a number of interesting historic details -- like funeral biscuits, and ruins constructed on the estate (a ruined abbey with a bell tower). 

I found Project Duchess a fun and entertaining read.  I think readers who enjoy historical romance and the regency period will especially enjoy this book.  I look forward to reading the next book in this series!


Author Bio
Sabrina Jeffries is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 9 million books in print in more than 20 languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world.

 

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Giveaway

We have two paperback copies of Project Duchess up for grabs! To enter, please use the Gleam form below. 

Giveaway Rules 
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on July 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter. 
– Giveaway is open to the US only. 
– Only one entry per household. 
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. 
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.  
Project Duchess