The premise of this romance is an interesting one. When Greycourt's mother is widowed unexpectedly Grey is summoned home to his estranged family and discovers that all may not be what it seems with his stepfather's death. And unfortunately part of the secrets may involve Beatrice. Beatrice is smart woman who is aware of her potentially shaky future and is fiercely loyal to her brother despite not being quite sure what secrets he was hiding. Grey's family was also an interesting ensemble of characters with a collection of Dukes for brothers, an entertaining and strong willed sister, and a mother who potentially has a few secrets of her own. Unfortunately, I just never could warm up to Grey. He had a tough childhood which I was sympathetic too but after awhile I was kind of done. He doesn't have the monopoly on tough times. I'll read more of this series but this was probably the book of this author's that I felt was the weakest.

Apologies for the late response on this title, and apologies for clogging up an inbox on old titles.

While I am aware it's obvious, I have chosen not to read/review this title.

As always, I appreciate access to titles and look forward to the next one...which I have likely already read based on how long ago this title was published.

Thanks, again.

This romance, Project Duchess tells the story of Beatrice Wolfe and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt. The story is weaved in a way that captivates you and makes you feel good. This is a well-done romance and I highly recommend it.

[Thanks Netgalley for the ebook. This review is my honest opinion but just another opinion, you should read this book and judge it by yourself]

//ENGLISH REVIEW//
Not for me. It's well written, with a good starting point but poorly developed. I felt the characters out of time and a bit superficial.
----------------------
//SPANISH REVIEW//
Mñe. Tenía este libro de Netgalley desde hace siglos y me daba pereza, no sé por qué. Y bueno, pues lo he leído como buenamente he podido ya que, aunque el argumento no tenía mala pinta (nunca la tienen), el desarrollo sí deja que desear y acaba perdiéndose en sí mismo, de tal modo que no me preguntes dónde está el clímax del libro, que no lo sé.
No está mal escrito pero lo he notado algo raro, como si los personajes estuvieran fuera de lugar (especialmente en la época, los he visto demasiado modernos -y, si lo noto yo, es que se nota mucho, porque nunca me fijo en esas cosas) y algo superficiales, por mucho tinte psicoanalista que se vea. Me ha costado conectar y en el tramo final ya solo deseaba acabar.
Hay cierta trama de suspense que, supongo, se mantendrá en el resto de la saga pero no me tienta lo suficiente como para seguir.
Esta escritora me cae bien y quiero que me guste pero las veces que lo he intentado, no ha podido ser, así que no sé cuántas veces más lo intentaré.

To marry a Duke of the ton is the goal of most historical romance books, but when a woman has married three Duke's in succession and been widowed three times, tongues begin to wag. The children of these marriages are grown and are dealing with the ton in their own ways.

First son, Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, was to live with his uncle as a young boy according to his father's will. He was to be taught how to be a Duke. Unfortunately his aunt and uncle abused and tried to take advantage of the young boy. Grey blames his mother and siblings for "sending" him away all those years ago. When he is called to his mother's side after her latest husband dies, he has a guarded heart and is full of resentment. Upon arriving at his brother Sheridan's estate, he meets Beatrice Wolfe a cousin to his step-brother. Beatrice is unlike any woman he knows. She doesn't flirt or simper. She speaks her mind and enjoys the outdoors. She takes care of her brother who was wounded in the war and is now the estate's groundskeeper. Grey falls hard for her but can he convince Bea that a Duke is really interested in a Gamekeeper's sister.

Sheridan believes his father's death was not an accident and Bea's brother could be responsible. Can Grey and Bea prove her brother's innocence? If it wasn't him, who could have wanted Uncle Maurice dead? Could their mother's previous husbands also been murdered? This sets up the premise for the next three books in the series. A mystery along with a saucy romance provides a wonderful read. Grab all four books in the Duke Dynasty series now.

A fun romp through history! I have been recommending this one to fans of Bridgerton and have put it on a display in the front case.

An entertaining start to a new series. This book is a historical romance with a murder mystery hidden inside. It's hard to get into the twists and turns that I liked best about this story without giving things away, but it definitely sets the stage for some very interesting events in the next books. Bea and Grey's courtship and engagement against these intrigues and dangers becomes something that you want to have happen but at times aren't sure that their budding romance can survive surrounded by so much uncertainty. I'm definitely following this series, if only to discover what follows from the revelations at the end of this book!

I was beyond excited to start this book because it was a new series by Sabrina Jeffries. I’ve only read one other series by her and it has a little more of a spy/mystery plot so this was my first time reading something more traditional historical romance from her. I had so much fun reading PROJECT DUCHESS!

Sabrina Jeffries excels at writing characters you can’t help but like and want to see them get an HEA. In this case both our hero and heroine had a rough childhood in their own way. He’s now a Duke and she’s the young and poor cousin of the Duke’s half brother. Beatrice is endearing from the very first moment we meet her. She’s not refined and no one has ever taken the time to teach her the proper manners and the way to behave like a lady in society. That’s what the Duke’s mother wants to do so she can secure a good husband. But Grey ends up wanting her more to himself than just teaching her to be perfect for somebody else.

This book is all about that great chemistry, fun and flirty banter and there’s even a tiny bit of a mystery woven throughout without taking any of the spotlight away from the romance between our main characters. We are also introduced to a family that I can’t wait to dive deeper into and know more about. There’s such an interesting background and endless possibilities that I can’t wait to explore in this series.

RATING: 4 STARS
2019; Zebra/Kensington Books

I enjoyed Project Duchess a lot more than I thought I would. I expected it to be a bit fluffier read, but it actually had a solid mystery/suspense aspect to the story. Although, when I start a historical romance, I usually peg it to be a quick easy fluffy read. Sometimes I have it right, but many are very witty, smart and have more involved stories. This is still a fun read, but one that will suck into the Duke Dynasty.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

When Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, Duke of Greycourt’s cousin Vanessa comes to visit him he learns two things, one his aunt is still intent on him marrying Vanessa, much to his and Vanessa’s disgust and two his mother has been widowed yet again. At his mothers’ request, he immediately leaves London and heads out to Armitage Hall.

Beatrice Wolfe, is cousin to Sheridan Wolfe, the new Duke of Armitage. She is at the hall helping with the funeral arrangements for her uncle Maurice when Grey arrives and immediately sets her temper off. For his part, Grey is intrigued by the plain speaking Beatrice and would love to argue with her, but he needs to see his mother and get some answers from Sheridan. Beatrice and her brother Joshua live in the dower house, they were orphaned when Beatrice was only 10 and they were taken in by her grandparents, soon after Joshua joined the army and only returned a few years ago, injured and much changed. Beatrice had tried to be helpful to her aunt Lydia (Grey’s mom) and the duchess has decided that Beatrice needs a season and Beatrice hopes to find a husband and finally some security in her life. She is surprised by her reaction to Grey, but is cautious, she has heard rumors of his debauched life and knows better than to pine after a man so far above her in station.

His mother is overcome with grief and very happy to see Grey, she wasn’t sure he would come as he has ignored his family in the months since they returned to England from Prussia. His step-father was an ambassador in Prussia and only returned to London when his brother “Armie” died and he inherited the duchy. His mother was married three times and had five children, three of her sons are dukes – Grey, the Duke of Greycourt is her eldest, Marlowe is the Duke of Thornstock and Sheridan is now the Duke of Armitage, she also has a daughter Gwyn (Marlowe’s twin) and Heywood (Sheridan’s younger brother) – with the exception of Heywood who is in the military, they are all at Armitage for the funeral. Grey is happy to see his siblings, but is guarded, he left Prussia when he was only ten to go live with his aunt and uncle in England and the experience left him changed, he doesn’t want love, as it has only ever caused him pain and as much as he would like to embrace his family, his past holds him back. He soon learns that Sheridan doesn’t believe Maurice’s death was an accident and thinks that Beatrice’s brother Joshua killed not only him, but possibly Armie as well. He wants Grey to investigate Joshua, but Grey argues that he would probably get more answers from Beatrice – especially since their mother is grooming her and Gwyn for a debut, Grey says he would get more information helping their mother prepare the girls as he is familiar with the London season.

I really enjoyed this story, yes, there are a lot of characters and yes, there is a lot going on, but it is really well done and even with the multitude of characters, it stays on point and Beatrice and Grey are definitely forefront in the story. I loved watching them fall in love and slowly overcome the hurts of their past and learn to trust each other, even when things are not what they seem. The book is filled with witty dialogue, secrets, heartache, steamy love scenes, mystery and a very hard won HEA. The book nicely sets up the series with hints of the other siblings backstories as well as the ongoing mystery of Maurice’s death. I am happy to recommend this book and am eagerly awaiting the next story!!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

DNF

Struggled through half of the book but I'm just so bored. Nothing overtly wrong aside from a lack of attachment but BORED.

Truly enjoyed this one! Ms Jefferies has a great handle on characters - always has - and this work is no exception. Ready for more in the series!

Sabrina Jeffries is a fairly new read to me and she is a great writer. Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries is the first book in what looks to be a enticing new series The Duke Dynasty. What makes Project Duchess unique is there is a mystery going on throughout the book that you me is an added gem! Looks like the mystery will continue throughout the series.

If you love a romance with a large family and witty banter… this is for you. Fletcher Greycourt’s mother has been married Three times to three Dukes! The sudden death of his stepfather brings him to the estate of his youngest brother, Sheridan. He is met with his grieving family, an estate in debt and a mystery. He also meets Beatrice Wolfe the cousin of his youngest brothers(Sheridan and Heywood). Beatrice has been helping the family since the estate has been her home almost all her life. Grey’s mother, Lydia, has also taken Beatrice under her wing (as a project) to give her a debut with her own daughter Gwen. Grey and Beatrice seem to bring out fire and wit and humor in each other. Our main characters are also privately dealing with past childhood traumas as well. They seem like the best matches to break down all the walls they’ve built up over the years.

The secondary character connections were all very clear and I’m looking forward to learning more of everyone’s stories. Because the family is large and extend there are lots of private dynamics that I like seeing.

The steam and conflict are great. Can’t wait for the next!

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

#KensingtonBooks #NetGalley #ProjectDuchess #SabrinaJeffries #HistoricalRomance #mystery

I loved the family dynamic in this book.
Grey and Beatrice were such adorable characters and their love story was the sweetest.

Nice historical romance.

By Guest Reviewer: Amy Compton
“ ‘ You realize this is madness. Pure insanity’, he said even as he worked loose the buttons of her nightdress. Perhaps he didn’t care either. ‘Is it?’ When he spread hot kisses down inside the opened placket, she nearly fainted from the anticipation of what he meant to do. ‘Feels perfectly sane to me.’ “
No one wants to be played the fool in love. But when two hearts collide, no matter how much they tell themselves they’ll be strong, the temptation is impossible to resist. And that’s just the battle Bea and Grey face in Project Duchess, the first book in Sabrina Jeffries’ Duke Dynasty series. Past secrets, conniving family members, and a fascinating murder mystery all conspire to keep these two apart.
Beatrice Wolfe and her crippled brother lived in the Dower house of her late uncle and his wife. Loyal to and reliant upon her family, Bea was happy to assist her aunt with her late uncle’s funeral. Uncle Maurice had been kind to Bea. Much kinder than the previous duke, her Uncle Armie, who had used his power over her to try to force her to his will.
Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt came to Lincolnshire after the death of his stepfather, Maurice. Despite his strained relationship with his family, he feels compelled to assist his mother with her latest “project”- preparing his stepfather’s poor niece for a London season. But Grey’s brother suspects Bea’s brother of being involved in the suspicious deaths of the last two dukes. Though Grey found Bea refreshing, entertaining, and desirable, his main goal was to make sure she wasn’t hiding something concerning the “accident” that had befallen his stepfather and the death of the duke before him.
Grey was determined to either prove or disprove that Bea’s brother was involved in the suspicious deaths. Aiding his mother in preparing Bea for society was the perfect way to investigate. He found Bea to be forthright. Her teasing tart remarks and impudence made him want to know her better. He was known for his self -control but around Bea, he was finding he had none. But the past had taught him to guard his heart. No one would ever have power over him. Whether Bea was an innocent or a schemer, she was off limits. If he kept reminding himself of that, maybe that would keep him from wanting to touch her, taste her. Easier said than done. “So much for keeping his wits about him. That was difficult when she was so refreshingly genuine. Truthful.” And enticing.
Though Bea had never met Grey, she’d heard tales of his reputation and was certain he was no better than her abusive uncle had been. Ruthless and licentious. Though he was superior, he wasn’t all that bad when he wasn’t making assumptions. He was blunt and unapologetic and he exhilarated her. She could say what she wanted with him. His advances should frighten her but they didn’t. They made her come alive. “His kisses were a delight and his blatant wicked caress an invitation she badly wanted to accept.” She hated her susceptibility to him. No handsome man with his broad experience would want a woman with no dowry and whose father was killed in a duel. Besides, the last thing she needs is Grey digging into her family secrets. But with each stolen, reckless moment alone, holding Grey at arm’s length is the last thing she wants to do.
I’ve never found two characters who were so different yet had so much in common. Bea wore her heart on her sleeve. Grey thought he had no heart. Bea blurted out her thoughts while Grey kept his feelings hidden. Bea was eager to please others while Grey avoided them. But neither conformed to rules. Both had suffered under the manipulations of family members. Both were protective of and loyal to their family, even when they weren’t entirely trustful of them. And neither could fight their desire for one another.
I loved the secondary characters. This is one strange assortment of family relationships. Ms. Jeffries gave us just enough insight into them to get me hooked. Now all of them are begging for their own stories. I’m anxious to see if Bea’s brother and Grey’s sister make a love connection. And I can’t wait for Grey’s cousin to take on her conniving mother. And there’s the underlying mystery still to be solved. I have to know why all the dukes are dropping like flies!
I love a little mystery with my romance and this series promises to have the best of both worlds. A sizzling love story that will sweep you away, an intriguing plot that will keep you riveted, and incredible characters you love to root for. A great romance plus a mystery that keeps you guessing equals one incredible story.

Project Duchess started out well, but then deteriorated after the 1st quarter of the book. The conflict was resolved early, and there was no real conflict in the last quarter of the book. The writing didn't seem to be the usual Sabrina Jeffries' writing. I'm sorry but didn't enjoy this book at all.

Sabrina Jeffries is one of my favorite authors of all time in historical romance but this book felt off in that it lacked its usual magic.

It's been a long while since I read a historical romance, but I knew that Sabrina Jeffries wouldn't let me down! I have been a fan of hers for years even if I haven't read any of her works lately, but this one sure has got me in the mood for historical romances!

In this series it's about a widowed woman's full grown sons whom the eldest are now dukes because she has been married three times and married well each time.

This one revolves around Lady Lydia's eldest son Grey who must come home because his stepfather has died. He hasn't came home much because he blames his mother for letting his aunt and uncle raise him. She didn't have a choice and he never thought about how it affected her. His guardians where not nice to him and it has made him the hardened man he is today. It has also made him a prime scandal sheet candidate and has him being quite the rogue.

Beatrice is Grey's brothers cousin and her and her brother Joshua have weathered their own bit of scandal due to their father and his duel. She doesn't expect to marry to far above her station and has never had a come out. So Lady Lydia has decided that she wants to help Lydia have a season in London and takes her under her wings as a project. It will give her something to keep her mind off the death of her husband.

Grey gets roped into helping his mother with his latest project and it seems he is having a hard time keeping his hands off of her. Grey doesn't want to marry nor tell anyone of his pains but he can't help but want to be around Beatrice. He also has a bit of a problem though as his brother thinks that Joshua might have killed their Uncle and Sheridan's father and so Grey has to try and get Beatrice to talk about her brother but she doesn't want to because a part of her isn't sure about Joshua.

This was really good and a lot of fun! I really love all the characters and can't wait to get to know them all a lot more. Beatrice is so full of spunk and Grey the sexy brooding type and they really went well together. Grey likes that she doesn't hold her tongue around him and pretty much just says what is on her mind.

I always like when the romance has a bit of mystery and this one is going to be woven throughout the series as we never found out exactly what happened to Uncle Armie and Maurice. I really like Joshua and can't wait to read The Bachelor as it features him, he is so growly and brooding...lol.

Unforetantly this wasent as good as I had hoped. Having never read Sabrina Jeffries before and seeing this on NetGalley, I requested and was granted an early ARC.It started great with intriguing characters, so I expected an amazing book, unfortunately, it was a struggle to keep going. The main characters Bea and Grey were hard to love and their relationship never rang tue ( their chemistry to me ran flat). Even the murder and the conclusion they get to at the end made no sense at all.

I will try more by this author but Unforetantly this book wasent for me.

I loved Beatrice and Grey. This was such a good book by Sabrina Jeffries, I am never disappointed. I can't wait to find out who did it and why.