Talk about a murder mystery and historical romance merged together! Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries was edge-of-my-seat thrilling; full of romance, humor, intrigue and lust. I devoured this book and award it 5 out of 5 of whatever you love.

Thank you to netgalley.com for supplying an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest readers review. By chance this was my first Sabrina Jeffries novel, but by choice it will definitely not be my last.

This is the start of a new collection of novels by Sabrina, the Duke Dynasty.  I am hoping it covers the many husbands and children born to Ms. Lydia Fletcher. Project Duchess takes place soon after the death of Lydia’s 3rd husband and stars her first born son Fletcher Greycourt, who happens to be a Duke.

Immediately we fall in love with Greycourt and his jaded past. We feel sorrow for his childhood and want to ease his inner battles. Our heroine, Beatrice, enters just as quickly with her own guarded past and inner battles. She is a cousin of a brother and you soon identify that this family tree is not exactly tangled… just extremely branchy.

Whilst Lady Lydia grieves her husbands untimely death, she distracts herself by teaming with Greycourt to turn Beatrice into the young debutante she was never able to be– due to a disgusting uncle. Although Greycourt is not exactly interested in turning Bea into a lady, he has an alternative agenda– mainly the murder of his step-father and Beatrice’s brother’s guilt.

Our two find themselves together, alone, very easily and flames fly. The honesty is wonderfully romantic and the stolen moments are steamy.

Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries is set for release on June 25th, 2019. Please check with your local libraries for a copy, or purchase on all your major platforms. As usual I promote the eco-friendly electronic copies. Happy reading.

#netgalley #sabrinajeffries #projectduchess #dukedynasty #murdermystery #kensingtonbooks #historicalromance #readwhatyoulove #bookishmommyblog

Fletcher "Grey" Pryde is the eldest of an unusual family. His mother married three times, and now three of her children have inherited dukedoms. Reunited with his family for the funeral of the third husband, Grey meets Bea, a ward of his late stepfather. His mother has taken Bea under her wing and is determined to give the woman a society season, and Bea goes along with it because the dowager duchess seems like she could really use a project.


Sabrina Jeffries is an auto-buy author for me, but this one was a bit of dud. There's a side plot about how one of the siblings thinks his father was murdered, by Bea's brother no less, and Grey tries to help investigate without raising too much suspicion. But, frankly, that was the most interesting thing going on and also got the least amount of page time. Most of the book was just introducing the large cast of new characters and setting up for future sequels, which left Grey and Bea very little room to be interesting. Their arc was just "Who are you? Oh, hot. Hm, I like you after spending time with you. Let's get married!" Which is a perfectly respectable progression for a healthy relationship, but not very interesting to read about.


However, it seems like "who's doing a murder?" is going to be a series long mystery and I'm curious to see where that goes. Also, the leads for the next book met in this one, and it's "grumpy bodyguard and cheery debutante" so you know I'm going to be there for that!

This is a great start to this new series. I liked all the characters, but it was a little confusing at the beginning trying to keep all of the relatives straight. With their mother being a widow three times and each time she was married to a duke, there are quite a few relatives. Grey is the oldest and has decided that he will never risk his heart. After meeting Beatrice, he is having a hard time keeping that vow. But of course the road to love is rocky and there is a bit of mystery threaded throughout the story. I really enjoyed it.

When Grey's stepfather dies unexpectedly, Grey is forced to go home to comfort his grieving mother and siblings. It's not that he doesn't love his mother, and he loved and admired his stepfather, but he's never forgiven them for sending him away when he was a boy. Prepared to do his duty and flee, he is unprepared for Beatrice Wolfe, the sharp-tongued spinster helping with the funeral, or for the news that his stepfather was murdered, and the prime suspect is Beatrice's reclusive, war-wounded brother. Charged with helping solve the case, Grey does not object to spending time with Beatrice, but only because it means he can have her brother arrested as soon as possible. It has nothing to do with how he feels when he's around her. At least that's what he tells himself.

Tired of being a charity relation, Beatrice longs for a life and family of her own. Though she is daunted by the idea of a London season, she allows Grey's mother to make a project of her, knowing how badly the dear woman needs a distraction from her grief. Lessons in etiquette and dancing with the arrogant Duke of Greycourt are something she must put up with, even though she finds it harder and harder to deny her attraction to him. But as that attraction deepens into something more, Beatrice is stunned to learn Grey suspects her brother of murder and that he's been using her for information. Both Beatrice and Grey will have to determine where their hearts and loyalties lie and how far they're willing to go to protect their families.

I have enjoyed previous Sabrina Jeffries novels, but this one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I really liked the characters, and the banter between them was sizzling, but I can't say there was anything really original or memorable about this story. I'm all for a mystery, and it appears the mystery of who murdered Maurice and why will run the course of the series, but I felt like it needed to have more substance in this first book to set it up. It seemed like more of an afterthought against the backdrop of dancing and etiquette lessons. The sex scenes, while hot, were too flowery for my tastes. Too many "ohs" and exclamation points. But I still found it an enjoyable way to pass the time, and I may read the next book to see if the mystery deepens.

Project Duchess - Duke Dynasty book 1
by Sabrina Jeffries

WOW! I’m utterly speechless! Sabrina Jeffries has another keeper, this was very entertaining, loved the story.
A fast paced read that keeps you turning the pages wondering what secret Grey and Beatrice are keeping. As a child Grey had a very tumultuous upbringing, his mother having married not once, or twice but three times! And to Dukes no less, who died mysteriously. Grey believes that there was foul play at hand, and he means to find the culprit.

Being orphaned at a young age Beatrice, knows all about loneliness and pain. Her brother, Joshua suffers from the horrors he’s witnessed at war is a broken man. Grey believes that Joshua is a link in his stepfathers death. He keeps him close by asking for his help. When Beatrice is the funeral coordinator Grey is shocked to realize that passion is not the only thing they have in common! As her brother becomes a suspect Beatrice is torn between her loyalty to her brother, and Grey the man she’s fallen in love with! What unfolds is a story full of romance, passion, mystery, intrigue and many secrets. A story that keeps you engaged from the first to the last word!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

This was an interesting story centered on two relatable and compelling main characters. I loved the banter between the leads and their families.

This is book 1 in the Duke Dynasty series. In it we meet Fletcher "Grey" Pryde and Beatrice Wolfe. Grey has had a hard life and it has left him distant from his family. But when his stepfather passes away unexpectedly, he goes to where his family is to help them handle any issues that may arise. He doesn't expect to walk into what could be a conspiracy. His brother believes that his father was murdered. And asks for his help in figuring out who the culprit could be. Bea has lived on the estate with her brother since her parents passed away when they were children. She has also been through a lot, but she tries not to let things bring her down. When her aunt asks her to help with the funeral arrangements for her uncle, she doesn't feel as if she can say no. But she doesn't expect to meet the arrogant Grey. Or for him to decide to help her when his mother decides that she need's to debut and find a husband. And spending more and more time together just shows them how much they truly have in common. And how much secrets can hurt in the long run.

I really enjoyed this one. I usually do like this author's books and this one was no different in that respect. The characters were different and interesting enough to keep your interest. I especially liked how the side characters make you want to know more, like Bea's brother especially needs a HEA! Bea is this take woman who has been through a lot but never lets it bring her down, or to change the path she is taking in order to have some happiness in her life. Grey had a bad childhood that he has never left behind him. Until Bea helps him understand that, and helps him find clarity in what happened. They definitely are the right people for each other, and I really liked how their romance played out. The only drawback for me was that there wasn't a resolution Grey's stepfather's death. I hope that is because it will play out in the next book because otherwise I was left hanging and I don't like that LOL! Otherwise, definitely a great read and I can't wait for his brother's books!

Brilliant start to the new series. Sabrina Jeffries throws in just the right amount of saucy to hook her readers. Grey is a gentleman trying to do the right thing by his family. Beatrice is trying to hold herself together and protect her brother. She is witty and smart and has a sharp tongue that intrigues Grey. All the major players for the series are introduced and the mysterious death are yet to be resolved. The ladies are independent and sharp and should be able to give their suitors a run for their money.

I really enjoyed reading this book by one of my favorite authors. MS Jeffries does historical romance at it's best.
This one was no exception. I loved the characters who had thoughts and feelings of their own.
This book is the beginning of a new series in which held my interest from first page.
Fletcher "Grey" Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, is a handsome rake who has a reputation of a rogue. He is wealthy man with the liability of expanding his dukedom and little time of socializing. His Mother is widowed again and meets the lovely woman managing his stepfather's funeral. Her name is Beatrice Wolfe and she is a beautiful outspoken woman. She takes no nonsense from Grey who seems to want to flirt. She learned long ago not to trust men with pretty kisses and sparky words of love.
When Grey's mother needs help from him to sponsor Beatrice for her debut. It will take new clothes that are all the fashion and lots of work on presentation. But Grey is also taken with the project of getting Beatrice ready with lots of smooth talking and sneaky kisses.
They become closer in their relationship, and romance blossoms. But when Grey starts to dig in her family's secrets, she is afraid that her loyalty will be tested to them. Beatrice will have to decide if she is strong enough to weather the storm, and keep her man.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

While the premise of Sabrina Jeffries' new series might be slightly silly (the mother was married and widowed, after providing an heir, by 3 dukes resulting in sibling dukes), the story contains the charm and wit expected from one of her novels. Upon meeting the H/H are attracted but cautious toward each other. The reader gets to enjoy as the two get to know each other, finding common ground and learning the other may be just the one to ease the childhood hurts and fears that color their today. There's a little bit of mystery (besides the secrets that each keeps) and outside influences that help move things along without actually interfering in the romance. As the story takes place at the estate of the last husband duke shortly after his sudden death, the overall background tone of the story is a little somber (no parties or balls) but it doesn't weigh down on the story itself but instead lends to 2 people who prefer to stay to background find each other and romance. I look forward to the siblings stories.

Project Duchess by Sabrina Jefferies. A fast read that keeps you wondering what secrets Grey and Beatrice are keeping.
Grey, who was separated from his family at a young age had a troubled childhood, .his mother had been married three times. Each husband died, last two under mysterious circumstances. Beatrice was orphaned at a young age. Her brother, Joshua came back from the war with injuries and emotional problems. Grey’s Brother has asked him to help with the death of the last two because he suspects, Beatrice’s brother, Joshua had something to do with it. Grey is attracted to Beatrice. Romance, mystery and many secrets.

June 25, 2019 #KensingtonBooks #NetGalley #ProjectDuchess #SabrinaJeffries
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC

4.5 stars. A delightful story and a great introduction to a new series by Sabrina Jeffries. A mother married and buried three husbands -- all dukes! Now three of her sons are dukes in their own right. This is the story of the oldest son, Greycourt. When he reunites with the family after the death of his last (and loved) stepfather he meets Beatrice Wolfe, a cousin from another side of the family. Grey believes he has lost the ability to love, but he certainly hasn't lost the ability to desire. Beatrice is outspoken, but sensible. They make a great combo.

The book has an unsolved mystery that will surely develop in the subsequent books. I really enjoyed the various personalities and interactions among the family members. And I am most definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.

ARC provided by Netgalley.

Grey is returning home for his step father's funeral. Not planning on marrying anytime soon, he is surprised to find himself to attracted to Beatrice. Beatrice is a cousin to Grey's half brother and helping with the funeral. His brother asks him to look into the death of his father and his uncle before him. Their deaths don't seem quite right. In doing so, he spends more time with Beatrice and falls deeper under her spell. Grey tries to deny his feelings, but everyone around him can see what he is trying to deny.

Beatrice is weary of high born men, so when Grey starts paying marked attention to her, she tries to discourage him. But she soon learns that he is only spending time with her because her cousin asked him to look into the resent death of the duke. But as she spends more time with Grey, she realizes that there is more to him than the face that he puts on in front of others.

I loved Beatrice and Grey's story! I loved watching Grey take down his walls and letting himself fall in love and reconnecting with his family. I'm so excited for the next book in the series!

What a wonderful start to this new series by Sabrina Jeffries! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting this very intriguing family which consists of a mother who married 3 times (all Dukes) and gave birth to 5 children altogether. She had Grey with her first husband, twins Thorn and Gwyn with her second husband and Sheridan and Heywood with her third husband. We also meet Beatrice Wolfe and her brother Joshua and although they are cousins to Sheridan and Heywood, they are penniless and rely on Sheridan's help.

This first book is Grey and Beatrice's story and I just LOVE how she can give as good as she gets! lol She's feisty and doesn't hold her tongue where Grey is concerned and that leads to very interesting situations:) Both have secrets that eventually come out and it will bond them even closer although the threat that there's a murderer around keeps everyone on their toes.

Having 4 brothers and being the only girl, I can appreciate all the sibling rivalry that occurs in this story and all the bickering had me smiling! lol All in all, I really loved this story and can't wait to read the other books that will come along in this series.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is the first book in a new series by Sabrina Jeffries. It was an OK read. I wasn't really wowed by the plot. Being a massive fan, I'm waiting for the next one to come out.
Thanks the publisher and netgalley for this ARC. The opinions expressed here are all mine.

I haven't read a Sabrina Jeffries book in years, but I am so glad I got to read this one. I knew from the beginning that these characters were going to break my heart. And they did. But it's okay because they also put it back together again with their happy ending.

The banter between Beatrice and Grey was highly entertaining from their very first encounter. I can never resist a woman character that is willing to knock a guy down a few pegs. There's really nothing better than when the high society guy is just amused by her. It's one of my favorite relationship dynamics. And the dancing lessons, be still my heart. I felt so sorry for both Grey and Beatrice for what they endured with their uncles and I'm so glad they were able to come together to love and support one another. I also really liked the family dynamics with their siblings. The dedication of the Wolfe siblings to protecting each other and the teasing that happened between Grey and his siblings was a lot of fun to read and felt realistic to me. I liked all of the characters and I'm very interested in reading their individual books.

The mystery aspect was okay. It was intriguing, but wasn’t my main focus. It’ll be interesting to see the conclusion of it though.

On another note, I already have the couples I'm rooting for picked out so I can't wait to see how that turns out.

Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries was simply a joy to read from start to finish, a great beginning to a series about the children of a woman who married not one, but three dukes and gave birth to three sons — so she's thrice a dowager duchess and the mother of three dukes. The Duke of Greycourt is first up, the oldest son who was raised by an uncle and resents bitterly that he had to leave his mother. Still, he goes to her when her most recent husband dies (suspiciously, a great thread in the story that is still unsolved) and meets Beatrice Wolfe. She is a connection of the family who did not expect to marry because, why else, she is poor and with only a grumpy brother in her corner. Grey's mother is determined to bring Beatrice out with his half-sister, thus the project in the title — although Grey doesn't realize his mother's intent as to Beatrice's potential as a duchess until well near the end of the story. This is a love story that builds beautifully over the course of the book, complete with obstacles (a cousin whose mother will stop at nothing to ensure Grey and Vanessa marry) and a hint of danger as Grey and his brother and fellow duke search for the killer. A third brother and duke is mostly MIA in this story and we look forward to learning more about him. Jeffries creates a believable, fascinating world, with flesh-and-blood characters whose fates we care about. Wonderful start, and can't wait for the next book. (I received an ARC on NetGalley. Opinions mine.)

This book was ok. I like Sabrina Jeffries, but prefer Tessa Bailey and Lisa Kleypas. I had some troubles following the writing style and I needed more swoony moments. It was a cute story though

When Fletcher "Grey" Pryde, the Duke of Greycourt, is called to his family's home after the untimely death of his stepfather, Grey is full of apprehension. He was sent away as a young boy in order to learn, at the hands of his uncle, what it takes to run a dukedom. Unfortunately, Grey's aunt and uncle do not provide a caring and loving household and, unwittingly, Grey forms some resentment towards his mother and siblings for it. Luckily when he arrives in a foul mood, Beatrice Wolfe is around to ground him a little bit.

Beatrice has long ago given up on love and romance. After the death of her parents, and the fact that it's only her and her brother, she's never had a proper coming out. When Grey's family agrees to help Beatrice she's over the moon, well except for the part that she will be working closely with Grey, despite the fact that she's terribly attracted to him. When she's with Grey, Beatrice doesn't feel like she has to worry about being proper, and definitely doesn't feel like she has to guard her words. But, Beatrice is keeping a family secret close to the chest and she's afraid that Grey would be the one to unknowingly pry the secret from her. This doesn't bode well when the cause of Grey's stepfather's death comes into question and Beatrice's brother is the prime suspect.

I really enjoyed this first book of a new series by Sabrina Jeffries. I loved the added bit of intrigue where the death of Grey's stepfather is concerned. Everyone likes a good mystery and this one will definitely be and overarching storyline that will, at least, follow through into the next book.

I really enjoyed Beatrice's spirit and most of all I loved that her family wasn't looking to change who she was, just maybe refine her a little for social events which was an interesting commentary as Grey has his own reputation that he contends with but being in the position of Duke grants him more leeway. It was interesting seeing the contrast of these two similar personalities and how society views them because they are of the opposite sex. I loved all of Grey and Beatrice's interactions. Sabrina Jeffries wrote some wonderfully steamy almost minimalistic scenes (especially during the dance lessons) that build up the chemistry and tension between Grey and Beatrice.

Project Duchess speaks a lot about family and siblings in particular. I'm hoping that as the series continues that we'll build more upon this because I didn't feel exactly satisfied in the interactions and / or the closure between the siblings. Grey has kept himself separate from his brothers and sister always reminding them, and himself, that they are half-siblings (as their mother married three different times). As mentioned before, a lot of this stems from his childhood away from the family and the resentment he carries, and while this is acknowledged by the end on Grey's part, I still wanted to see the family get closer. But, as I say, this is very much something that could be ongoing, in which case I will reserve final judgement until later.

Overall, I think Project Duchess is a wonderful start to a new series. I'm looking forward to spending more time with Grey's siblings and seeing what other kind of escapades this family can get into.

OMG this story was such fun! What a great background! Lydia Fletcher has been wed three times, each time to a Duke. She has given birth to 5 children in total (3 dukes, a spare and a daughter). This book is her first son's story, Fletcher "Grey" Pryde, the 5th Duke of Greycourt.

Grey has spent much of his life resenting his mother and stepfathers because he was forced to live with an uncle after his father's death. His family didn't realize that Grey was being treated poorly. Now, years later, Grey has proven to everyone that he has become a successful Duke, yet has no interest in taking a wife. When Grey's second stepfather passes away unexpectedly, Grey shows up at his mother's side. Imagine Grey's surprise when he meets Beatrice Wolfe, the young woman who is organizing his stepfather's funeral and they end up having a fun, entertaining meeting and Grey is instantly smitten.

Bea has had a hard upbringing especially after losing both of her parents and having to live with her Uncle Armie while her brother was in the service. Now that her uncle is dead, Beatrice isn't sure what is going to happen to her. Grey's mother would like to help Bea, along with her daughter, Gwen have their coming out and she thinks it would be wonderful if Grey could help. As Grey and Bea spend more time together the attraction starts to grow until they both realize that they may have found something that neither of them was ever looking for. Of course things from the past always have a way of causing trouble and delaying these two from finally getting their happy ending but eventually do.

I just adored Bea. She has a heart of gold and a mouth like a sailor! She has a tendency to tell it like is and that is what drew Grey to her. Grey is tall, dark hair, beautiful cerulean blue eyes and he sounds completely delicious! The chemistry between these two was so much fun! I loved this story and can't wait for more books in this new series!