Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book, and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the second story of the Designing Debutantes series, about the eldest sister, Eliza. She is a young widow after having eloped with a handsome, charming man when she was younger, and was cut off and essentially disowned by her father. Her husband turned out to be a liar, and poor husband, and by the time he left her to join the military, Eliza had enough of her less than satisfactory marriage. When he died on the field, she became a poor widow, and with her sisters, rallied their skills and resources together to form their business, Elegant Occasions.

Eliza, after her poor experience, did not desire to marry again, but wanted independence from men. Observing the rancor between her scandalous parents, how manipulative and abusive her father was, and her own marriage left her with a sorry view of men and how they treat women.

She was approached by her husband's best friend, the Earl of Foxstead, Nathaniel Stanton, to hire Elegant Occasions to manage his ward's introduction to Society, with the hopes of marrying the her off. This ward was presented to Eliza as a young war widow, with a charming rascal of a son; the daughter of a Nathaniel's dead mentor, a general, and who had grown up following the military with her father.

Eliza has a slightly jaundiced view of Nathaniel, considering he was her husband's friend, drinking buddy, and as far as she knew from her husband's stories, a first class debaucher and rake. But they take the job on. However, Nathaniel has many secrets he has hidden, including a strong attraction to Eliza, a secret guilt over his role in her husband joining the army and then his subsequent death, and many other secrets that could cause his personal house of cards to come tumbling down.

This was generally an enjoyable story, and I liked the unrequited love aspect of Nathaniel's attraction to Eliza. But Nathaniel had built his story and relationships on a shaky foundation of lies and all his hens were coming back to roost pretty quick. There were a lot of stories in stories, and his problems in the end with Eliza were all his fault, and after years of being lied to by her previous husband, I would not have blamed her if she washed her hands of him. Of course, the difference between Nathaniel's lies and her previous husband were that Pierce's lies were selfish, self serving, and meant to hurt, and Nathaniel's appeared to be meant to save face and help others... but some would argue lies are lies regardless of the intent.

But of course, being a romance, the problems caused by his lies are solved and tied up in neat little bows. A bit too neat for me, because I was left with a certain degree of dissatisfaction for a few things. Such as the relationship between Eliza and her father, what about fall outfrom their cousin and his discovery of the ward's past? What about the ward's fiancee's family - are they told the truth? What about Nathaniel and Eliza and how they resolve the entangled family relationships and continued secrets.

Maybe I am asking too much of a romance, but while I enjoyed it overall, I was left wanting.

3.25 stars out of 5

Wow, what a tangled web, I truly appreciate the uniqueness of this story. I would have never guessed at the mysteries surrounding and intertwining this couple, very surprising (jaw dropping) and entertaining series of events, circumstances and consequences. Love the comradery and purpose of the Elegant Occasions ladies. Eliza and Nathaniel are both very independent and a force to be reckoned with but so is their mutual attraction. Great couple, enticingly romantic. Let the cards fall and the sparks fly. Somehow I missed Book 1 but I'm looking forward to reading next story.

Exactly what I needed and expect from a Sabrina Jeffries title - a delightful escape into an idyllic setting.

I loved Eliza's character. I didn't like Nathaniel's however. Even after he realized that he was in love with Eliza, he had made the decision to keep his secret from her and everyone else forever. Shows a lack of trust and respect to me. I was happy that Eliza got her happy ending. I just wish that it had played out differently.

I am a longtime reader and fan of all things Sabrina Jeffries. Her heroines always have such strong, refreshing voices. This series is no exception - the series focuses in on three sisters who are the regency equivalent of event planners and society life coaches. This book focuses in on Eliza who is recently widowed. Eliza's husband was not a good person - and he was even less of a good husband to her. Nathaniel was Eliza's husband's best friend - and before the two men left for war he was the very definition of a rake. Eliza has had just about enough of men behaving badly - so when Nathaniel enters her life again with a request that they assist with launching his ward into society, she's not sure how to handle things. But she and Nathaniel definitely have a very strong connection that neither wants to resist.

In this story - the secrets aren't hard to guess - even though they aren't fully revealed until the end of the story. And the idea of them might be hard for many modern readers to even comprehend. I think Sabrina Jeffries does a good job of bridging the historical facts with modern sensibilities of how the ideas behind the secrets are just a total anathema now. But that being said, as much as a liked Eliza, I didn't really love Nathaniel. I am not 100% he really deserved her in the end. He had a lot to deal with - that is true - but he approached everything pretty badly. I don't blame him for all the secrets. Given the time i does make sense - but still he was kind of a wuss about the whole thing.

Overall - I loved the writing and the storyline kept me reading. I also loved Eliza's relationship with her sisters - so I would definitely recommend this one - but I liked the first book better.

I received this as an ARC via NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

What Happens in the Ballroom (previously titled An Earl for Eliza) is the second book in the Designing Debutantes series about sisters who run a high society party planning service. Eliza Pierce is the heroine of this novel, opposite Nathaniel Stanton, the Earl of Foxstead. These characters and some of their back story is briefly introduced in the first novel in the series.

This book was enjoyable for me, and read very quickly, but I felt like there was no real build up or tension between the hero and heroine. They flirt relentlessly and are kissing by 25% into the book. The "problem" near the last 25% of the book didn't feel all that serious either, the hints are there all throughout the book. The conclusion of the book, as a result didn't feel tense or hard won, I never truly questioned if they would have their Happily Ever After ending.

With that in mind, this book is 3.5 stars rounded down for me. The chemistry is great and characters themselves were fun to read about, and I enjoyed the book overall, but it still felt lacking in a few regards as mentioned above.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.

Second in the Designing debutante series, this is Eliza's story and it is an excellent one. There are many twists and surprises. Eliza is a widow whose husband was killed in the Peninsular war. Nathaniel, who feels guilty that he dared her husband Samuel to join the army, and always had a "thing" for Eliza, returns from Spain with a ward, Mrs. March and her 2 year old son. He brings her to the Harper sisters, of whom Diana is now a Duchess (A Duke for Diana) and Eliza and Verity run the business of bringing woman out to find husbands.
There are many reasons for this that we learn in the first book, as we learn more about Eliza's marriage and Nathaniel's family. It is quite a story.
And now we have to wait until 2024 for Verity's book!
I love Sabrina Jeffries and was so happy to receive an EARC from Netgalley and Kensington books for an honest review. I highly recommend this book.

What Happens in the Ballroom is the second in the Designing Debutantes series by Sabrina Jeffries. This story focuses on Nathaniel and Eliza, a pair that has some history; but, could there also be a future?

Overall, I didn’t really enjoy this book. It’s fine as far as romance goes: HEA, spice, etc. However, Nat and Eliza’s dialogue and connection didn’t come across as genuine to me and the writing was a little wordy for my tastes. I appreciated that Eliza was a curvy MC, so that was a big plus, but I really struggled to get into the story.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review What Happens in the Ballroom. I give it a 3/5.

Thank you Kensington Books, Zebra and NetGalley for my eARC!

I absolutely loved "A Duke for Diana" and was over the moon when I was granted "What Happens in the Ballroom." From start to finish the newest Sabrina Jeffries book was pure perfection. What I always love about her books is the fact that she creates real, relatable characters who have pasts and are imperfect. This newest addition did not disappoint. I empathized, laughed and loved with Eliza and Nathaniel. The return of Diana, Geoffrey and Verity was very welcome and I enjoyed getting both perspectives of the main characters. Sad that I can't delve into Verity and the Phantom Gentleman until 2024, but so so pleased that this was my first read of 2023. Boy oh boy was it a good one!

Sabrina Jeffries knows how to write a book!! I enjoyed this story. The characters were great. It was a well developed plot and I thought the character interaction was top notch. I would recommend to others.

Thank you so much to netgalley, Sabrina Jeffries, and Kensington books for this ARC of What Happens in the Ballroom, the second book in the Designing Debutantes series.

The heroine, Eliza, is a widow. Her unhappy marriage has led her to a determined spinsterhood. She and her sisters (Diana is the heroine of the first book) run a successful event planning etc. business and she is very happy with her work.

The hero, Nathaniel, the Earl of Foxstead, an old family friend, was close with Eliza’s husband. He’s also wanted Eliza from nearly the very moment he met her. And he’s back from the war, a reformed rake, a soldier, and a secret keeper, many secrets.

Nathaniel asks Eliza and her sisters to help his ward make her debut. The young mother is widowed, shy, and especially nervous around Eliza, but blossoms quickly into a success.

Meanwhile Eliza and Nathaniel get closer and what starts as an affair of lust quickly turns into more. Secrets are revealed, trust is tested, and romance blooms.

Also, Eliza is 27, an age well known and lived by romance readers. We think you’ll really enjoy how Ms. Jeffries handles a 27 year old woman. 😉

This book was a joy to read. We really liked Diana’s book but LOVED Eliza’s. Read it in a day.

Also the smooching starts early! 😍🤣

I read What Happens in the Ballroom (formerly An Earl for Eliza) in almost one sitting. This is the second book in the Designing Debutantes series by Sabrina Jeffries. The first book was just as fun and sets up the reason why these sisters must have careers even though they are of the peerage. We learned little tidbits about Eliza's life in A Duke for Diana but I wasn't sure if I was invested enough in her personality to read an entire book about her. Boy, was I wrong.

Eliza is the brains behind the Elegant Occasions planning service. She handles all of the financial and comportment issues. Widowed for several years after her husband runs off to war, Eliza is the glue that holds her sisters together. When her deceased husband's best friend comes to her for help she finds it to be an offer she can't refuse. Nathaniel suddenly shows up with a very young widow with a small child in tow and claims to be her guardian. He wants her to be married off quickly and for Elegant Occasions to help with that.

The chemistry between Nathaniel and Eliza was smoldering. Their banter back and forth was just so entertaining. Eliza was so snarky at times I would laugh out loud. I really thought that Sabrina Jeffries handled the situation with Sam (Eliza's husband) well. There was a progression of bereavement as the story went along for both Nathaniel and Eliza. The bond between the sister's was still in the forefront of this storyline and I enjoy seeing them support and quibble with each other. Verity's story with the Phantom has me so excited. I can't wait to find out who this mysterious person is! I do wish the title wouldn't have changed. The original title fits in better with the first novel.

Tropes included: widow, best friends wife, war hero, working heroine, reformed rake, family secrets, carriage steam

Thank you to NetGalley, Sabrina Jeffries, Kensington Books (Zebra) for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own. #netgalley #sabrinajeffries #kensingtonbooks #whathappensintheballroom #designingdebutantes

I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC of What Happens In The Ballroom by the extraordinary Sabrina Jeffries via Netgalley.
Nathaniel Stanton, the Earl of Foxstead and
Mrs. Eliza Pierce, widow to his best friend, have been friends for a very long time. When Nathaniel asks Eliza to sponsor and help his ward in the marriage mart, and she agrees, the proximity the two are always in sparks some magical fireworks. The characters are very well developed as is the plot. I was intrigued by the developing story and all it's subtleties. I was enthralled by the beautiful flow of words and am so looking forward to the next book in the series. An extraordinary book!

Another fun and entertaining book in this series. This one had lots of secrets, torn loyalties, and romance. This is such a great book. Really looking forward to the next, just wish I didn't have to wait so long.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Drama oh drama, there are so many drama in this book, many secrets involve. I love Sabrina Jeffries books, usually main character in her book had deep conection. In this book Nathaniel and Eliza conection feel weak. But at least i enjoy their story.

Eliza was kind and selfless her last marriage teach her a lot about lies and manipulation make her guard high. Nathaniel who has crush since before Eliza maried cant stop himself to approach her.

I love Nathaniel grand gesture to gain Eliza forgiveness, his action show how truly his feelimg to Eliza.

But stilll after all authors series, this is unstatisfying, i feel something missing and want more.

#WhatHappensintheBallroom #SabrinaJeffries #KensingtonBooks #NetGalley #ARC

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of "What Happens in the Ballroom" in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved this book and read it in one sitting. Like all of Sabrina Jeffries' books, she did not disappoint with this one. It was the perfect sequel to "A Duke for Diana". The plot continued seamlessly and all of the characters, both reoccurring and new, were as entertaining as ever. I'm happy this book covered Eliza's backstory and provided her opportunity for a happy. I can't wait until the next book in this series!

This is the second installment in the Designing Debutants series by Sabrina Jeffries. This book is about the sister Widow Eliza Pierce and her sisters company Elegant Occasions. We meet her late husband's best friend the Earl of Foxstead and his Ward Jocelin March. The Earl is looking to hire Elegant Occasions to help Jocelin become part of society. There are sparks between Eliza and the Earl Nathaniel Staunton, but secrets that the he has but he doesn't want to share and as we all know most secrets come to light in the most inopportune moments. I enjoyed the plot of this book as well as the twists and turns that Ms. Jeffries takes us on. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical romances.

Quick read, interesting characters, engaging plot.

"She and her sisters were consummate professionals. Which was odd, given that ladies weren't supposed to work. They had turned that expectation on its head."

I love a cast of strong female main characters. Well done.

The novel,What happens in the Ballroom by Sabrina Jeffries, took me a bit to get into but by the 5th chapter I was hooked and I couldn’t put it down. It’s hard to decide, as a reader, whether to root for the MMC or hope for a third act break up. Nathaniel seeks out the services of Eliza and her sisters to find his young charge, a widow with a son, a suitable husband by introducing her to polite society. However, he seems a bit more invested in the success of her introduction than if he were a simple guardian. Is there a more sinister reason why he has taken such an interest in her? Eliza is weary of men after her first disastrous marriage. When these two join forces to help Jocelyn the sparks fly instantly between them much to Jocelyn’s chagrin.

There is a ton of family drama in this novel. A lot of women empowerment too which I found really refreshing for a regency romance. I was rooting for Eliza from the get go and I didn’t quite know what to think of Nathaniel for most of the book but he comes into his own nicely throughout the story. Lots of twists and turns in the second half of the book and if you can get past the first few chapters it becomes a really enjoyable read! I will definitely be going back and reading a Duke for Diana and I can’t wait to read Verity’s story when it comes out!

Eliza, a young widow, runs a business with her two sisters helping young women with their debuts and planning balls/parties. Nathaniel needs Eliza’s help introducing his ward, Jocelyn, to society and finding her a husband before they take too close of a look at her past with her two year old child.

I liked Jocelyn and Nathaniel’s stories. Unfortunately, this book was too similar to its predecessor. Eliza and Nathaniel know each other from the past and are basically in lust at first sight which is the worst of the tropes for me. They can’t possibly be married because of their own hang ups.

Character development and dialogue were alright. I feel like the line “why is it that men get away with sleeping around but not women” is used in like 75% of romance novels and it tires me. We’re all aware that it’s not equal but let’s just agree that anyone running around with their passions unbridled leaves a bad taste in the mouth. That’s why those men are called rogues or scoundrels. Those terms are spun to have a draw nowadays, but in those times, mothers were avoiding those types of men for their daughters just as men avoided women that slept around. No one really got away with it, but yes it was worse for women.

Eliza is basically a strong woman that’s only issue is she has a hard time trusting people after her parents and ex-husband. She’s so wise and loving and sings like an angel. She’s a bit boring if you ask me.

I loved Sabrina Jeffries book “Undercover Duke” which led me to read this series and I’ve been disappointed by both of the first two books. Maybe I’ll go a bit further back and try some older stuff.