A vibrant lady and a wounded war hero are a match just waiting to happen in The Bachelor. After seeing sparks fly between Gwyn and Joshua in the first Duke Dynasty book, I couldn't wait to read their story. The result was a bit of a mixed bag for me.

At thirty, Gwyn would definitely be on the shelf (even as the daughter of a deceased duke and sister of three current dukes) if it weren’t for her fortune. But Gwyn has a secret she believes might keep her from the love she dreams of and when her past comes back to haunt her in the form of a blackmailing villain, it’s clear she’s in over her head. Help comes in the form of Joshua Wolfe, a wounded war hero determined to regain his position in the military even though he’s injured. Gwyn is bright and lively, but secretly vulnerable and Joshua is grumpy, hurting, and unhappy with his current place in the world. They’re clearly begging for a wonderful love story and I did like them together. Their romance ticked all the boxes, but there was a bit of the usual Sabrina Jeffries magic missing in their story.

Gwyn’s former suitor who is now blackmailing her adds an edge to the story. Malet is a villain worth loathing and I wanted to see Gwyn free of him. There’s an added twist to the Malet storyline to further draw Joshua into it that I’m not sure was absolutely necessary, but I was game to go along with it if only to see our protagonists bring Malet down. But the tension Malet brought to the story had nothing on the push-pull between Gwyn and Joshua. Joshua doesn’t want to be attracted to Gwyn and she doesn’t care for it when he runs hot and cold. Class differences aren’t really an issue; Joshua may be the impoverished cousin of a duke, but since that duke is Gwyn’s half-brother (and Joshua’s sister is married to one of Gwyn’s other half-brothers) nobody has to worry about their family approving of the match. And speaking of their muddled family tree, the family dynamics at play in The Bachelor were a delight. The love, frustration, and interference siblings bring is on full display in this book and adds depth to the story. I loved watching Gwyn and Joshua interact with their family members, so even though this book was just an ok read for me, I really cannot wait to read the next Duke Dynasty book.

Safety warning: miscarriage, murder (self defense), PTSD

This is the second book in the Duke Dynasty series. A Duchess was married 3 times and had 5 children, so 3 of her sons are inheriting a dukedom. I love this concept so much!!! But, I wasn't a fan of the first book. Neither character really pulled me, probably just a personality disconnect or something. Still, I love Sabrina Jeffries and will always give her a try. I enjoyed this book a little more, but it still fell flat for me :( This book is about Gwyn, (before mentioned Duchess's daughter), and Joshua. Joshua is the brother of Beatrice, who is the heroine of book 1. This book can be read as a standalone, but I think it would be better if you read the first book for a few reasons. First of all, there seems to be a series long mystery going on, possibly with the mother's past? We didn't find out in the first book, and are also left hanging in this book without much information. Secondly, the first book does a good job of explaining all the family dynamics and establishing character personalities, many of whom are this book as well.

I think you would enjoy this story if you like
a war hero, soldier, wounded hero (he does suffer from PTSD)
plenty of plot/mystery/action going on
plenty of secrets held by characters
an 'older' heroine, she is 30 people, break out the cane (haha)
bodyguard trope

This book had a few things going on that usually aren't my favorite which is probably why it wasn't a high star rating for me. I think plenty of others will love it. I don't love when the heroine has a past, and much of the book covers this, what has happened in the past and how it's affecting the current situation. I don't really love the war/spy theme woven in the book, it's just not my thing. This book didn't have much tension to me, kisses and sexual encounters kept happening but I didn't feel the build up or the wanting necessarily. It just felt more mechanical to me. I guess I just couldn't see why or how they were falling in love. The dialogue didn't make me feel their pasts. Oh yes, they have pasts and baggage but it was more like it was just stated, I saw it, I didn't feel it. They didn't worm their way into my hearts like some characters do. It wasn't an unpleasant read for me, but it didn't have anything standing out that brought it above pleasant for me. It was okay.

I am loving the covers for this series though. I adore this cover and it portrays a scene from the story which I love even more.

I give 3 stars.

I ❤❤❤ this book
As always, Sabrina Jeffries has woven a well written story with interesting and awesome characters. This book is a good addition to the Duke Dynasty series. I enjoyed it very much. The story of The Bachelor was good, I really enjoyed the characters. I adored the early parts with Joshua as Gwyn's bodyguard😁

Lady Gwyn Drake has a history with Lionel Malet that goes back much further than their recent encounter when he tried to abduct a heiress. He is blackmailing her and if she doesn't pay, he says he will tell the press about the affair they had ten years ago and ruin her. Gwyn never told anyone about the one night she spent in his bed or the consequences and will do anything to keep her secrets. Thinking she can intimidate him, she pulls a gun, but is quickly disarmed and would have been in trouble if she wasn't saved from him by Major Joshua Wolfe. A man she has long been attracted to and who clearly doesn't feel the same, or so she thinks.

Joshua is the current Duke of Armitage's cousin and acting estate gamekeeper. Joshua was gravely wounded in battle years ago and is desperate to return to active duty. His letters to the War Office have been ignored, so when Gwyn's brother the Duke of Thornstock asks him to act as her bodyguard in London, he agrees and hopes that he can finally get some answers from the War Office and keep his attraction to Gwyn a secret. He feels unworthy of her, even though he is the grandson of a duke and a war hero.

He is not sure what is going on with Gwyn and Malet, but he thinks there is more than what Thorn and Gwyn have told him and when there is an attempt to sabotage their coach, he is sure of it. He is determined to get answers and keep Gwyn at arm's length - but she won't make it easy!

I thought this was a great addition to the series. Gwyn and Joshua are both a little broken and both have trust issues, they are clearly perfect for each other, but neither is going to make the journey to HEA a smooth ride! The book has some amusing dialogue, a lot of secrets, a bit of intrigue, some steamyish love scenes, a great supporting cast of characters, a nasty villain and finally HEA. I did feel like the book dragged a bit towards the end and I was disappointed that Gwyn never actually says "I love you" to Joshua - it is implied, but for me - it's not the same. This is the second book in the series, but there is also a linked novella in the anthology Seduction on a Snowy Night that is Heywood and Cass's story and the events in that book are closely linked to this story - so while this book is easily read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the novella "A Perfect Match" if you want a bit more backstory. Overall, I am happy to recommend this book and I look forward to the next installment.

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

I've read many books by Sabrina Jeffries and especially enjoy historical romance which makes it pretty difficult to not enjoy the read. This story had charming moments and endearing characters. However, I felt it lacked dialogue and fell flat around the 40% mark. It went too quickly from no romantic interaction to kissing with little to no emotion. I actually thought I might have accidentally skipped pages and went back to check. (Their waltz scene). There was no emotional descriptions which made it feel cold.
I appreciate Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Gwyn Drake makes a deal with the now notorious and disgraced Lionel Mallet. She will pay for his silence about the affair they had years earlier when Gwyn was still a young and innocent girl. When Joshua Wolfe interrupts their little meeting, Gwyn comes up with a story about being afraid that Lionel might kidnap her, and this prompts her brother, Thorn, to send Joshua with her to London as her bodyguard. Joshua accepted the position reluctantly, and because this gave him the opportunity to speak to his military superiors in London about his current position with the military.

Joshua is very sensitive about his limp, and feels that he is not good enough for Lady Gwyn. He tries his best to keep an emotional distance from her, while keeping her safe. As for Gwyn, she was trying her best to make him notice her.

The bribery/potential kidnapping plot with Lionel Mallet was a bit thin for me. After the way the previous book ended, I really had thought we’d seen the last of him. But, no, he’s back, like a bad penny.

I liked Joshua, even with all his surliness, Gwyn a bit less so. I enjoyed the interactions between Gwyn and Thorn a lot. He seems like an interesting character.

I’ve enjoyed this series so far and would love to continue the adventure with this interesting and diverse family.

I received an advanced copy of the book from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lady Gwyn Drake has long protected her family's reputation by hiding an imprudent affair from her youth. But when her former suitor Malet appears at Armitage Hall, manhandling the heiress and threatening to go public with her secrets, it's Gwyn who needs protecting. Her twin brother, Thorn, hires Joshua Wolfe, the estate's gamekeeper, to keep her safe in London during her debut. As a war hero, Joshua feels obligated to fulfill the assignment he has accepted. With handsome Joshua monitoring her every move, Gwyn would prefer to forget both the past and the parade of money-seeking bachelors at her coming out.
This is the second book in the series about the five children of Lydia who married three dukes. Yes it could be read on its own but seriously why would you & miss out on a brilliant series. I make no bones about the author's books being must reads for me, they never disappoint, they are well written, very well researched, characters who jump out of the page at you & lovely romances. I'd loved both Joshua & Gwyn in the previous book & absolutely loved the road to their HEA, it wasn’t smooth but it made for a first class read. I can't wait for Thorn's story, which is next & there's also the mystery as to who is targeting the family
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

The deepening of Sabrina Jeffries' characters from the first book in this series was so gratifying and the hero in this one is so sweet! Sabrina Jeffries is at the top of her game! 5 stars!

The Bachelor

The Bachelor is the second book in the Duke Dynasty series. It can stand on its own, but I would recommend reading Project Duchess first to get to know the characters –plus it’s a great read! I enjoy reading a Sabrina Jeffries book for several reasons: strong characters (the ladies are not wilting violets!), suspense, emotions, fun dialogue and those steamy scenes! I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

Lady Gwyn Drake has several brothers --- all dukes ---twin brother Thorn among them. She is about to leave for London and make her debut. Joshua Wolfe is an injured war hero and gamekeeper. He is the son of a duke and Gwyn’s mother’s nephew. Former suitor Captain Malet is blackmailing Gwyn and he accosts her on the estate. Joshua rescues her. Thorn decides she needs a bodyguard for London and hires Joshua.

As the two are thrown together, affection grows between them --- but not trust. Gwyn has secrets from her past. Joshua feels that no woman would want him because of his injuries and scars. As the story progresses, their layers are peeled back, revealed and explored. Joshua is hired as a spy and begins to heal emotionally. Gwyn reveals why she is reluctant to marry. Their HEA may be a possibility.

Ah … but the ending is really the begininng of the next book! Can’t wait to read it!

Loved the feisty dialogue that is so much Sabrina Jeffries. However, could not get past how gullible, naïve, and unsympathetic the heroine turned out to be right from the get go. Did not enjoy this book as a result

Lady Gwyn Drake thought when she was young that Lionel Malet was in love with her and wanted to get married but she quickly learned that her twin brother, Thorn, the Duke of Thornstock turned him down. Now , ten years later Malet was back in Gwyn's life trying to bribe her about their time together. When Thorn is concerned for Gwen's safety as she is about to make her debut, he decides to hire Joshua Wolfe, the estate’s gamekeeper to be her personal bodyguard. Joshua was a Major in the Navy and is quite capable of protecting Gwyn even with his disability.

The more time Gwyn and Joshua spend together, the more the sparks start to fly. Joshua likes the spitfire that Gwyn is but he doesn't feel he is worthy of such a lady. Too bad Gwyn has other ideas! It will take a lot for these two strong minded individuals to realize that they are perfect for each other, even with all their flaws and questionable pasts.

I just adored this story! I loved Gwyn! I loved her forward way of thinking about how woman should be able to behave. I really enjoyed Joshua too. He is such a loyal and honest person and he really deserves the world. Great new addition to this series!

I loved Gwyn and Joshua's story! They were very well matched and the story flowed smoothly. I loved watching them work through their struggles to find their HEA.

Gwyn has tried to keep a youthful indiscretion from her family, but when the man from her past tries to blackmail her, that all changes. In his attempt to coerce her, he ends up manhandling her. Joshua happens to see and frees her from the man's clutches. But now that her brother knows she is in trouble, he asks Joshua to be Gwyn's bodyguard as they traverse the London season. Having not told her brother about the blackmail, just the encounter, Gwyn wonders how she will pay the blackmailer the money when her every move is watched by Joshua.

Joshua agrees to protect Gwyn as he has given his word, but she tests all of his patience. He knows she is hiding something and it is just a matter of time before he figures out what it is. But the more time he spends with her, the more he realizes that he doesn't really know who she is. But he really likes what he sees and more and more attracted to her every day. But being a soldier and only one of half pay will never be good enough for the sister of a duke.

As Gwyn and Joshua grow closer to one another the looming threat of the blackmailer is always with them. Can they eliminate the threat and get their HEA?

I really enjoyed book 2 in the Duke Dynasty series. I really enjoyed Gwyn and Joshua in the previous book in the series and enjoyed watching them get their HEA. I loved that Joshua saw through all of Gwyn's tricks, but that didn't keep him from having to be on his toes to keep up with her. I also loved all the bantering between all the characters in the story. I was often laughing out loud at the dialogue. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out!!

The Bachelor by Sabrina Jeffries is technically the third book in the series despite what you might see on certain review sites, there was a novella that does not appear to be accurately represented. This is an interesting series as you're following the adult children of a widowed woman who happens to ultimately have three sons become dukes. The Bachelor is the story of Gwyn, twin sister of the Duke of Thornstock. She is finally making her debut in England at the ripe age of 30. Mostly due to her unique upbringing as a stepdaughter of an ambassador to Germany her return to England was delayed and she's certainly not a demure debutante. With threats still lurking from my past beau the Duke decides to hire a bodyguard. Who better to take on the task than Major Joshua Wolfe. Not only is he a known quantity he also happens to be a nephew of their mother. I told you it was convoluted you're going to need to look at the map at the beginning of the book to see how everyone is related. But I digress. Joshua is a war hero and fully prepared to protect Gwyn with his life. And keeping her close is going to cost him as he continues to grow fond of her. Especially when she has seduction in her mind.
I'm patiently waiting for the ongoing mystery surrounding the dukedoms to unfold.

Given the time this series is set in I was a little confused as to why the cover art had the heroine holding a bow and arrow. After finishing the book, I can now see the clever use of one tiny part of the story to create that image. Genius!

Since it’s been ages since I read the first book, I struggled to remember what had happened to understand what some of the references were to. After a little bit I managed to remember the gist and remembered more as more bits and pieces were hinted at. I recommend re-reading the first book if you’re wanting to read this one to refresh your memory. Especially because this book continues some key aspects from that book.

Like with Project Duchess I found myself wrapped up in both the action and the romance. It felt like the pace alternated from slow, methodical and filled with anticipation to fast and suspense driven. Normally I’m not a fan of this, yet it worked really well to keep the story moving at a good pace without dragging on too much while still giving us the details we needed to truly enjoy the story.

Some of the emotional issues Sabrina raises between Gwyn and Joshua truly surprised me. Some of them I could understand, while others confused me. Given the age I don’t understand why one of them thought something was so uncommon. I thought people of that time spoke about those things more openly than we have tended to in the past 100 years or so. I’m struggling to explain this without ruining that little tid-bit. And I really don’t want to spoil that for you, coz it’s a pretty major part of the story.

With the way the story ended I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next instalment. Fingers cross I won’t have to wait TOO long for it since it’s scheduled for release in August.

The Bachelor is an enjoyable, fun, entertaining read. Hints of sparks between Gwen & Joshua were evident during book 1 of the series (note: you do not need to read the prior book, though as with any connected series, doing so will impact the enjoyment of this book) and that spark is fully visible during their story. The author enables to feel the attraction between the two as well as their pleasure in bringing a smile or laugh to the other, their individual worries over their own secrets, as well as concerns if the attraction is one sided or doomed to disaster due to their own perceived “not good enough” for the other. The dialog sparkles both in its wit and care as appropriate. As Gwen & Joshua grow closer, you able to see them go from attraction to affection to love. A delightful addition to the series (and Ms Jeffries catalog) that I can recommend to anyone looking for regency romance with a touch of humor to spend some time with.

When a former suitor returns to Armitage Hall threatening to reveal some long-kept secrets about Lady Gwyn Drake it appears he's a little more dangerous than just wanting to blackmail her. So Gwyn's twin brother, Thorn, hires Joshua Wolfe as Gwyn's bodyguard as the family prepares to return to London for Gwyn's debut.

Wolfe, a war hero who is beginning to balk at the fact that a debilitating injury he received more than five years ago is keeping him from active duty, accepts the job, but with the constant nearness to Gwyn it's difficult to keep the attraction at bay.

I found that I enjoyed The Bachelor more than its predecessor Project Duchess. Don't get me wrong, both are good reads, but I loved that The Bachelor basically gives readers the followup to the spark we see in the first book between Gwyn and Wolfe. I think it also gave a little bit more intrigue for our characters as things progress and we are trying to figure out motivations.

The seed that was started in the first book relating to the death of the former Duke (Gwyn's stepfather) is given a little mention. So far, I've found that I love this build up and cannot wait to see how this mystery continues to unfold in the background.

Now, onto Gwyn and Wolfe. I really loved this pairing. They are two people who are or have been underestimated. Gwyn because she is a woman in a time when women's opinions and intelligence were not readily sought. Wolfe, due to his injuries which left him needing a cane in order walk, people see someone with a disability as being less than, when in fact it has nothing to do with his intelligence or keen observations whatsoever. But they both see each other clearly and that it what makes them together so great. They each have issues from the past that they're still dealing with and seeing the trust that is between them, seeing them open up to one another was wonderful.

As I said, I think I enjoyed The Bachelor more than the previous book. There is a novella that occurs between the two full-length stories that I did not read before starting The Bachelor. There are some mentions made to events in the novella, but it didn't throw me off. However, if you're one who likes being completely up-to-date on a series (novellas and all) I'd recommend looking out for Seduction on a Snowy Night.

For me, however, it looks like Gwyn's twin Thorn will be up next with his story, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't anticipating his story the most. Come on Summer!!

I received an ARC on Netgalley in exchange for a fair review. I absolutely loved this book for what it is... a historical romance. The hero was concerned about being unattractive to the heroine because he was disabled as well as not a member of society (he was a marine captain). I think their attraction, plus the suspense of the man who was blackmailing the heroine, made for a good romance. This whole series is a good one, and I can't wait to read the next installment with Gwyn's twin. Fingers crossed SJ makes it through all the brothers!

Joshua Wolfe – enough said! A military man who is injured and brooding all of the time. Does that not make you tremble? It does me. Joshua and Gwyn’s love story is so sweet in that they confide in each other (most of the time) and know each other’s weaknesses and thereby bring each other around when they see the weaknesses come out. The dialog is so funny – that scamp Joshua, who does not laugh or smile, was smiling quite a bit. I bet you will not look at bows and arrows the same again. I loved this story. I thought it was heartfelt and warming.

We still do not know how the mystery will be solved but must wait for Thorn’s story.

Another good entry in Sabrina Jeffries catalogue of historical romances! I honestly like both of the characters, and feel like the central romance takes realistic steps forward. It isn't a so-tormented emotional book or a book or (thankfully) one where they just need to tell each other something to fix things, but more along the lines of "we've got to break down some complicated issues based on our pasts in order to be together". A success in that for sure.

It's strange that I wouldn't usually think this in the romance I read, but the ending left me feeling I'd read more books with these two central characters in the -like if they start solving crimes as spies.

But regardless, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.