Member Reviews
Accidentally His is an entertaining and romantic conclusion to the Designing Debutantes series. I was looking forward to reading Verity’s story from the first book when Verity was one of the only ones who noticed a mysterious figure who frequented their gatherings. In the book, we learn who this enigmatic man is and the reasons for his secrecy.
Verity’s story feels a bit different from her sisters, which I liked. The sisters are all so different, so it makes sense that their stories and romances would be too. Accidentally His has more danger and suspense, and the stakes are higher as Rafe works to uncover threats to the country.
The story didn’t focus too much on the Elegant Occasions, which disappointed me a little. I love that these sisters built a thriving and successful business, and it was at the forefront of the first two stories, so it surprised me that it didn’t have as big a role in Verity’s story.
Of course, for me, the highlight of the story is the swoon-worthy romance between Verity and Rafe is delightful. They have a ton of chemistry, but their road to happiness is marred by secrets that Rafe fears will ruin their growing feelings for each other. I enjoyed seeing how they slowly opened up to each other and learned to trust each other. Considering their backgrounds and experiences with family and country, this is no easy feat.
Overall, I thought this was a fun conclusion to the story, and though it’s the third in the trilogy, it could be read as a stand-alone. That being said, I love that the main characters from the first two books have secondary roles in this one. It highlights the overarching themes of sisterhood and taking a chance on love.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
4.5 rounded to 5 stars. The latest from Sabrina Jeffries does not disappoint. I’d been looking forward to Verity’s story; she has been a great character throughout the series. While I had a few qualms with Rafe’s characterization, overall he was a strong love interest for Verity. I don’t often like romances with mystery/suspense elements, but I enjoyed this one. It worked without feeling forced.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I will start off by saying that this isn’t a stand alone book.
This historic romance novel is set during the war and has references used throughout the story.
The book is easy to read and follow what’s going on however it does have references about things that have happened in past books of this series so if you haven’t read the previous ones it can be a little confusing what happened.
The characters are likeable and the story does flow throughout I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would do.
What a fun series! Really enjoyed all of these books (I didn't realise that I hadn't read the second so I paused this one and then read that one) and would happily read more. thank you for sharing.
The third book of three sisters detailing their antics in starting a business of their own.
Verity is the last holdout of the sisters from marrying as she was was jilted in the past due to the scandals of her mother and father. She is outspoken with a big heart but finds it difficult to trust men.
Rafe is a Colonel during the war utilizing his special skills as a spy and he has been spying on Verity’s family.
He is holding many secrets that Verity can only guess may affect her.
A few twists in the plot lead to revelations that will either bind them together or tear them apart.
A unique series of strong women working during the time period.
Read all three books for the best experience but this story can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Accidentally His read as a little phoned in. Like a formula and characters done a few too many times. All the whimsy is gone and both the mystery and the romance felt like we were all going through the motions.
Enjoy this steamy read with lots of wonderful characters, a storyline which is intriguing and keep you guessing with a HEA that will touch your heart!.
Accidentally His
by Sabrina Jeffries
Pub Date: 23 Jan 2024
As a viscount’s heir, Rafe Wolfford is obligated to take a wife someday. But she must be the right sort of wife—not too independent, and not inclined to delve into his escapades as a spy. The forthright, perceptive Lady Verity is altogether the wrong choice. But Rafe’s courtship is merely a ruse to discover whether Verity or anyone else associated with Elegant Occasions is leaking crucial information to the French. That mission is all that
matters—until fate, and desire, intervene.
After enduring one disastrous engagement, Verity won’t easily open her heart again, preferring to devote herself to Elegant Occasions. Rafe is charming, handsome, and kisses like the very devil, but she knows he’s harboring secrets. Still, when her ex-fiancé tries to ruin her reputation, Rafe offers his hand. For the sake of her family and business, Verity has little choice but to accept. Yet turning this arrangement into a true marriage will require daring and trust—which neither will embrace easily, making surrender all the sweeter . . .
I received and ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Two things about me. I love a good romance novel. I hate to disparage an author's work.
That said. I did not enjoy this book. I would have given up on it if it hadn't been an ARC. I didn't care about he characters, and found a whole lot of the things they did to be idiotic. Add to that an off the charts cheese-level and I am out. I am sure there will be readers for this book. But I am, sadly, not one of them
I don’t know why the titles in this book series changed. I liked the alliterative progression this series started with A Duke for Diana. The second book initially was going to be An Earl for Eliza, then this should be a Viscount for Verity.
I always thought Verity’s “phantom” was her former fiancé but I was pleasantly surprised and glad Accidentally His went in a less predictable direction.
Sabrina Jeffries always adds intrigue to her romances and Accidentally His is no exception. Someone is sending military secrets to France and that someone is in Verity’s family. Rafe has been sent to spy on the family and now needs to embed himself to get closer to finding the traitor. Who better to “court” than the youngest sister and still single Verity.
As this is the last book in the series, all the sisters and their husbands are included.
Thank you NetGalley and Zebra for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I greatly enjoyed this new book by Sabrina Jeffries. I am a big fan of her work anyway and this new book does not disappoint in any way. This picks up right were the first two books in the Designing Debutantes novels leave off. The characters are incredibly charming and the relationship between Rafe and Verity is lovely to see develop.
Colonel Raphael “Rafe” Wolfford is an heir presumptive to a viscounty. He is also a spy for the English government. Rafe has been investigating the sisters who own Elegant Occasions. He suspects an enemy spy is associated with the Harpers. To further his mission, Rafe pretends to court the youngest sister. However, he never anticipated how intuitive the lady is or his attraction to her. Can Rafe keep Verity from learning about his identity? Will he find the person responsible for selling information to the French?
Lady Verity Harper is no stranger to scandal. She handles the menu and the food for the party planner business she co-owns with her two sisters. Verity never forgets a face, so she is determined to unmask the mystery man who has been infiltrating their events. She suspects Raphael, her newest suitor. The handsome man comes to her rescue when Verity’s former fiancé tries to ruin her. Can Verity trust Rafe with her heart? And will she discover who the mystery man truly is?
Rafe is such a fun and enjoyable hero! He has this infectious charm about him that appealed to me. I could not help but fall helplessly in love with him (who wouldn’t?). I admire Rafe’s determination to finish his uncle’s last investigation. It shows just how much the man truly meant to him. Yeah, Rafe also had ulterior motives for continuing the investigation. What I love the most about Rafe is how he openly admired Verity and her personality. He liked that she was not like other society ladies but a woman who did not conform to her peers.
Verity has been through a lot. First her parents, especially her father’s domineering ways. Then weathering a scandal caused by her parents. I admire Verity and her two sisters for coming out of that situation stronger. They refused to bow down to society’s censor and their father’s disapproval. Instead, they found a path that complimented them. I understand Verity’s reluctance to open her heart to another, especially after what happened with her former fiancé.
ACCIDENTALLY HIS is the third and final book in Sabrina Jeffries’ historical romance series, DESIGNING DEBUTANTES. I recommend reading the prior two books before this one. It can stand alone. However, the first book explains the Harper sisters’ circumstances and their reasons for starting Elegant Occasions. Both books show how Verity noticed the mystery man at their party events. I love how the couples from the prior books play important roles in the storyline. It is great seeing how both (Diana and her duke, Geoffrey and Eliza with her earl, Nathaniel) are settling in their new wedded lives.
I am sad that this series has ended. I always look forward to any story/book Sabrina Jeffries brings out. I cannot wait to see what the author is working on next.
I liked this book fine. The main characters are a bit trope-ish (the strong, abrasive heroine and the slightly tortured hero) but their story was enjoyable nonetheless.
Three stars.
*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
Accidental His wraps up the Designing Debutant so many of our lingering questions are put to rest. It is wonderful to meet up with the sisters and their husbands from the last books. I must emphasize that the book could be read and thoroughly enjoyed s a standalone. It is just juicier knowing the first two. It centers around Elegant Occasions, a service helping young women, and some men, navigate the rough waters of landing a spouse. Lady Verity is to help Rafe Wolfford, heir to a viscountcy, find the perfect wife. But he only has eyes for Verity. Well… maybe he has his eyes out for some espionage too. What fun!
This is fast paced with a dollop of intrigue. Rafe is a wonderful hero. He’s trying to save the world as he’s falling for Verity. And he sees her in her glory, calling her Verity Venus. He sees her wit and her intellect as well as her lovely form. He appreciates her wisdom and especially her insights. This makes the novel plausible as well satisfying. Oh, and speaking of satisfying… there are some sensuous sexy bits as well!
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.