Barbara’s rating: 3.7 out of 5 Stars

Finally, we have the identity of the Phantom who made cameo appearances throughout the second book. The Phantom had everyone fooled – or did he? Sly fellow that he was, he appeared in all sorts of roles and disguises – and nobody even noticed him. Well, nobody except Verity, and they all just thought she was imagining things. Who is the Phantom? Hmmm. . .

Rafe Wolfford is heir to a viscount, but he is also a Colonel in the army and a spy who is undercover to find a traitor who is feeding secrets to the French. His suspect is a peer who cannot be directly approached, so deception is called for. The traitor shot and grievously wounded Rafe’s uncle. Now, Rafe will do whatever it takes to catch this traitor – even pretend to court the man’s daughter. Hmmm . . . that daughter is witty, intelligent, and quite beautiful, so pretending to court her isn’t a real hardship. The hardship is in not truly falling for her. Can he do that? He has to because she hates secrets above all else and when she discovers what he has done and why, she’ll hate him forever.

Verity Harper, the estranged daughter of an Earl, is part owner of Elegant Occasions. Each of the owners, who are sisters, brings a special talent, and Verity’s talent is with food. Her menus, settings, and recipes are always unique and special for each occasion. Verity also never forgets a face – that is why she always knows when the Phantom is attending one of their affairs. Why is he showing up at their venues? What does he want? He never actually seems to do anything. And – why does the man she’s just met remind her of the Phantom? He can’t possibly be the Phantom – can he?

It was fun to watch Verity dance rings around Rafe. She saw right through him and the scene where he realized that was such fun to read. Yes, she had him at every turn, so I wondered how he became such a renowned, lauded spy. But, of course, Verity flustered him and he couldn’t keep his wits about him when she was around. Still, with as much experience as he had – one would think. . .

I enjoyed Verity and Rafe and thought they made a great couple. I know Verity hated secrets and lies, but Rafe was such a sweet liar – and he lied for all of the right reasons. I also enjoyed the mystery associated with the spy hunt. I thought it was interesting, but I have to admit, the identity of the spy threw me a bit – partially because we spent little time with them.

If you are looking for an entertaining romance with a mystery, spies, a romance, and a fun cast of characters, then you will likely enjoy this one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Spies amuck...

Rafe is both a lord and a spy. He thinks he can court Lady Verity so she'll tell him what he needs to know...you know, spill the tea because she's running amuck and needs to be taken in hand.

Verity knows her own mind. She is far more clever than Rafe gives her credit for. He thinks he can just turn on the charm and she'll give him all her family's secrets. Oiy! What an idiot. Verity is the managing sort and she's just going to manage Rafe,

Recommend.

A spy trying to figure out who is spying for the French against the English. In the process, his uncle is shot and injured. Elegant Occasions is still present and Lady Verity finds out through past parties that Rafe might be more than he says. A great story that keeps you guessing right up to the end.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Publisher and leaving a review by my own choice.

Lady Verity is the last of the three sisters who run Elegant Occasions to find a long-term partner. She assumes that she would never marry but fate may have other plans even as she is sure it will remain true.
We've met Rafe Wolfford in previous books as a man who is interested in Verity and her family, but not primarily for reasons of marriage. Instead, he is trying to figure out if someone from her family is feeding information to the enemy (France.) This same someone shot the uncle who raised him. Though the man was strict, Rafe still loves him and would like to find the culprit.
The two are brought together in deceit but the attraction that they have is visible to all and, when the chance is offered, the two may decide to stick it out for the long run.

Three and a half stars
This book comes out January 23, 2024
Follows What Happens in the Ballroom
ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

I received a copy of this title from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Accidentally His is the final (third) title featuring the Harper sisters and their business Elegant Occasions. During the first two books, Lady Verity Harper spotted an uninvited guest at many events hosted by Elegant Occasions that only she seemed to see and realize was the same person in different disguises. Little does she know, it is Colonel Raphael Wolfford, who is determined to find out who is responsible for the injury his uncle suffered while investigating a French spy. He is convinced that it is someone close to Verity - quite likely her father and decides to become close to her to get closer to her father. Of course, he doesn't expect to find Verity to be so attractive and captivating.

I thought that this was a good end to the series and I really liked by Rafe and Verity. They had great chemistry and I enjoyed the banter between the two. The mystery around the identity of the French spy was quite well done and definitely something I didn't see coming. Anyone looking for a fun way to spend a few hours should look no farther than this book.

Accidentally His
Designing Debutantes Series - Book 3
By Sabrina Jeffries

Zebra Books - January 2024

Historical Romance


Lady Verity Harper and her sisters had survived scandal and now ran Elegant Occasions, a successful business that allowed them to keep their independence. For months, she had noticed a suspicious individual at several events. When she met Colonel Raphael Wolfford, Verity suspected he might be the individual she called the Phantom - someone who shouldn't have been at events, and disappeared when she tried to get a better look. But Rafe's story that he was serving abroad had been verified, so Verity would have to find another way to discover his secrets.

Rafe had been working undercover, trying to identify a dangerous spy. He suspected someone close to Verity might be the culprit, and he was willing to do almost anything to uncover the truth. What he didn't expect was a sharp minded female who challenged him, or that his own feelings might be leading his actions.

Accidentally His is an entertaining read that kept me riveted from cover to cover. We had all glimpsed Verity's "Phantom" previously, and it was exciting to finally learn the truth. I've really enjoyed the Designing Debutantes series and learning about some "behind the scenes" for the events. Verity's specialty is planning the perfect meal, and it was fascinating to see a bit of that. Rafe was a prefect hero for Verity, as well as for his country. Although all three sisters are now married, I'd be interested to revisit Elegant Occasions and the families again.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

Accidentally His by Sabrina Jeffries
Designing Debutantes series #3. Historical regency romance. Can be read as a standalone.
Lady Verity is one of the owners of Elegant Occassion, a party panning business for the ton. She has a good memory for people and faces and she’s suspicious of Rafe Wolfford initially as someone who was at one of their parties in the past. She decides on a tentative trust for now, but will diligently be watching for anything amiss.
Rafe Wolfford is a spy. He has attended parties by Elegant Occassion in the past in disguise. His current assignment is to find out more about the company and unearth any treacherous dealings and the best way to do that according to his commander, is to use his actual title and position. It’s foolproof since he is a member of the elite in the ton. What could go wrong?

This not your standard regency romance. Spies, lies and an ex-fiancee out for revenge have Verity and Rafe working together closer than either expected.

🎧 I alternated between an ecopy and an audiobook copy of this book narrated by Beverly A. Crick. This narrator does the full series and has a wide catalog of historical romances using a wonderful British accent as well as vocalizing emotions that will draw you into the story. This is one of the main advantages to listening to an audiobook: the voice, accents and liveliness of the acting. Of course, you have to be able to understand an accent enough to be confident in listening and I think this narrative is clear enough for most anyone. I did listen at multiple speeds for review purposes and ended up listening mostly at my preferred speed of 1.5.

A bit of mystery and a small beginning of the women’s movement and most importantly, a romance that neither expect but seems perfect in the end.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher RB Media.

I just wish that publishers would note on Netgalley when a book is part of a series so I know what I'm getting into when I pick up something in the middle (or the end) of a series, like this book. There was so much back story that I was not following and references to things that happened in earlier books. Also, I didn't understand why these sisters were so modern to have their own business but it's completely accepted by the other characters. Too much kept pulling me out of the book, I'm sure fans of the series will love it.

I was a little nervous going in to the third and final book in the Designing Debutantes series.

Colonel Raphael Wolfford (the Chameleon), English spy and heir to the Viscount Wolfford. Rafe is trying to find out who’s behind information about British troop movements being passed to Napoleon
Lady Verity Harper has noticed a figure whom she dubs the phantom a who appears at various of their Elegant Occasions functions over the last eighteen months. Nothing specific just the jawline, angle of head, despite different hair coloring.

It was a fun book! As always, i enjoy a good mystery and romance thrown in together so Sabrina Jeffries has never disappointed me!

Thank you NetGalley for my copy in exchange for a review.All opinions are my own

This is the 3rd book in the series. I have not read the ones before and felt I was missing a fair bit. I found it a like slow in the beginning since I was expecting a spy story. I felt it was more a love story and a mystery although there were a few twists and turns to keep you reading. It was still a good read. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

Accidentally His by Sabrina Jeffries
This is the third book in the Designing Debutantes series. I'm not certain if three will be additional books since we've had the three sisters.

Colonel Raphael Wolfford is used to working in the shadows. He's trying to find a traitor and in order to do so he has to do the unthinkable, appear as himself in society. Without his disguises and on his own, he's moving forward with uncovering the culprit while appearing to look for a wife. Everything hinges on being closer to Lady Verity Harper, yet the attraction he feels for her could prove to be his downfall.

Lady Verity is certainly capable, with her Sisters, they have created a successful business of Elegant Occasions. She is the only unmarried sister and now they are looking to match her. She honestly never thought she'd get married after the disaster of her parents scandal. But she is drawn to Rafe like she has never been attracted to anyone before. There's something that just seems off and with her inquisitive nature she is bound and determined to uncover the secrets.
There is plenty of intrigue and naughty moments. So enjoy the twists.

You’ve gotta love a spy and debutante story!

No ordinary spy, Colonel Raphael Wolfford (the Chameleon), is a very secretive English spy and heir to the Viscount Wolfford. Rafe is trying to find out who’s behind information about British troop movements being passed to Napoleon
Lady Verity Harper is no ordinary debutante.
She’s the daughter of a divorced woman whose scandal became Verity’s when her fiancé, the toad Lord Minton, called off their engagement and let society think that Verity was not a decent young woman. “The gossips said [Minton] had surely refused to align himself with [Verity] because [she] was a licentious jade like [her] mother.” Minton had made sure her character was assassinated.
Verity’s also smart as a whip and has noticed a figure whom she dubs the phantom a who appears at various of their Elegant Occasions functions over the last eighteen months. Nothing specific just the jawline, angle of head, despite different hair colouring.
Of course it’s Rafe and he’s quite chagrined when he realizes how many times Verity’s has caught him out and been puzzled by him.
So spies, smugglers, puzzles, obnoxious ex fiancé’s, danger and guile stalk the pages as our combined heroes’s exploits roll off the page in the most beguiling way.
Once again Jeffries has imbued her characters with strength, integrity and believability.
Great fun!

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Sabrina Jefferies wraps up her Designing Debutants series in Accidentally His, with the final Harper sibling, Lady Verity, finding out that love was watching her all along!

This was the most clandestine story in the series, featuring Colonel Rafe Wolfford being introduced as the mysterious man that has been popping up at all the Elegant Occasions events in the most peculiar and covert ways! He’s actually the heir to a Viscountcy who has been undergoing a secret mission to ferret out French spies.

Unfortunately he suspects it’s someone related to the Harper family- thus his new plan to get closer by courting Lady Verity.

Lady Verity doesn’t forget a face and she’s been seeing Rafe and suspecting him of something for a while… but without any confirmation, she is seduced into the ideal courtship with this spy. As the courtship progresses and their feelings, get involved, Lady Verity soon fines she’s more invested in this investigation than she anticipated!

I really liked the characters of Rafe and Verity, especially verities, reluctant acceptance of the courtship and her suspicions of Rafe. I’ve read this series since book one and found it was a bit distracting the amount of suspicion and espionage placed on this book in comparison to the rest of the series, but as a standalone makes sense from the vibe of the series.

As a final book in the trilogy, I really appreciated the final epilogue, where we see all three Harper sisters and their families together basking in their happiness and success. Exactly what you want to see to wrap up a series.

Thank you to Kensington Books, Zebra and NetGalley for my review copies.

This was a bit hard to follow. I’ve read the previous books, but I just didn’t remember enough of the plots to keep all that back-story straight. He’s attracted to the heroine, but he’s also pretending to court her so he can spy on her and her family. It’s all very unbelievable and the heroine ends up being rather stupid in how she walks into danger and waits to be rescued.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

The cover design of this book was a bit of a surprise. The first two books of the series had trendy Bridgerton-style covers. Abandoning that style in favor of a more traditional look was just fine with me. I've been looking forward to this book because the identity of the mysterious phantom is finally revealed. The book also gives us a glimpse of Diana and Eliza along with their new husbands. I really enjoyed Rafe, the hero. He was working as a spy and he also wanted to get vengeance against whoever had hurt his uncle. Part of his plan was to pretend to court Verity, whose heart had been broken in a previous relationship. Even though he felt a bit guilty about doing this, the end justified the means. However, being a good man at heart, Rafe does develop sincere feelings for Verity. Eventually, Verity builds enough trust and falls for Rafe as well.
This book featured a sweet romance, some twisty intrigue and a few happy couples. I strongly recommend reading this book as part of the series. I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

"Accidentally His" may be my favorite in this trilogy. Rafe is such a delightful character: both confident in himself and his abilities and totally and awkwardly out of his depth with Verity at the same time. He's a spy who believes someone in Verity's family/friends circle is passing on informaiton to the French so has been sneaking into Elegant Occasions events for the past two books. Verity has been growing increasingly aggravated trying to figure out who he is and why he keeps showing up (sometimes dressed up in pretty bizarre costumes). But when she meets Rafe as himself, Verity is almost sure he's her mysterious Phantom- just not quite sure enough to call him on it. Meanwhile, Rafe is blissfully ignorant of the fact that Verity has him spotted pretty much from 'hello' and is trying to figure out if she's crazy or if he's up to something.

There's nice chemistry between them, heightened by Rafe's protective instincts when Verity's former suitor shows up again, acting like nothin has happened and they should get back together. Verity is perfectly capable of taking care of herself, but she kind of likes that here's someone willing to stand up for her.

I loved how Sabrina Jeffries didn't do down the typical path of lies and misunderstandings- which would be understandable since Rafe is a spy! Rafe is as honest as possible with Verity for most of the book, and it doesn't take him long to figure out that she's better at the riddles and clues that can come with spying than he is! They are partners from the beginning and I really loved that.

While "Accidentally His" is written in a way that you could read it as a stand alone, I recommend reading the whole trilogy in order to get the most out of the characters and Verity's 'Phantom' leading up to this book.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

As a viscount’s heir, Rafe Wolfford needs to find the right wife, one who is oblivious to his escapades as a spy. Yet the forthright and perceptive Lady Verity is not his choice, but he must court her to see whether she or one of her connections at Elegant Occasions is leaking crucial information to the French.
After enduring one disastrous engagement, Verity does not want to have a repeat, but she soon finds Rafe, charming and attractive. However, she knows he is harbouring secrets and when he offers to help her to thwart her ex-fiancé, she agrees if only to save her business. Soon, the possibility of a true marriage seems possible but if only they would both surrender to it.
This was an entertaining read, with two characters who are both at odds. There are plenty of twists and turns to this story, making for interesting dialogue between the pair. I enjoyed both characters who are strong and capable. Verity’s intelligence shines through and Rafe seems to appreciate this. Likewise, Rafe’s strength and also his protectiveness towards Verity, endears him to her. A steamy romance with a touch of mystery and intrigue.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book #3 in the Designing Debutants series by Sabrina Jeffries was just as engaging as the first two. With enough backstory so you won't be completely lost if this is the first of the series you're reading...but in my opinion you should read these books in order.

Rafe's 'cover' is that he is home to take care of his ailing uncle. In truth, he's still in the government's employ and trying to figure out who is sending England's secrets to the French! He is a good spy, but Verity is a better one in my opinion. She never forgets a face, and early on in the book has the idea that Rafe is the Phantom.

We get to see both of Verity's sisters and their husbands, the main characters from the first two books in this series. It was fun to 'visit' with their mother, father, and stepmother! Scandalous behavior!

As the search for the traitor heats up, Verity finally realizes who it is. Will she be able to save Rafe's uncle? Will she be able to save herself?

I've enjoyed this series and always look forward to the books of Sabrina Jeffries. I'm also wondering if there will be more books with these characters. Nothing was overt, but the feeling was there that this isn't the end of stories including these charming people!

This is the third and final book of the Designing Debutante series. It can be read as a stand alone but would be so much better if you read the first two in the series.
Verity is the youngest of the 3 Harper sisters who have come together to form Elegant Occasions. Verity is very proud of the job they do helping debutantes and their mothers transition to making their debut. They hold gatherings to arrange meetings between bachelors and debutantes. At these gatherings, Verity sees a man in different disguises whom no one seems to know. She nicknames him the Phantom.
Raphael's one job, as a spy, is to Infiltrate the Harper family. Someone, somehow, is getting out classified information to the French and all signs point to the Harper family. So he decides that the best way to proceed is to show interest in Verity and make it look like he is courting her.

But Verity is not so easy to fool. She recognizes Raphael as the man she has seen in so many different disguises. What is he up to? And why is he showing interest in her?
There is only one way to find out, as they both decide to investigate each other. Let the games and Romance begin.
I enjoyed this book. I loved both of the main characters. I also like that the main characters from the other books were brought in. A very nice conclusion to the series.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

It’s been a few years since I’ve read a Sabrina Jeffries book so I was happy to receive her ARC and see how her writing has evolved. Rafe is 100% soldier and driven with his mission but you get from the beginning that Verity has captured his interest. And we quickly discover Verity has a fascination with Rafe and his alter ego. Fun read and this book had everything I love without too much angst or unnecessary drama due to lack of communication. Both have their doubts and fears about their growing feelings but don’t allow it to hinder the HEA. Good mix of romance and mystery. Any book that throws the main characters together with a common mission is always a favorite and while our hero does his best to “protect” our heroine and keep her out of the danger, Verity seems to have a talent for getting in the midst of it. Well done, Ms Jeffries, on another great read!