Member Reviews
It generally goes against my nature to read books in a series out of order, and I hadn't read the first two books in this (apparent) trilogy. But this being a historical romance series, I guessed any spoilers wouldn't truly spoil anything, the happily ever after being a foregone conclusion. So I jumped on in anyway. I'm glad I did - I think! - because now there are two more books on my ever-expanding TBR list. I've read a few of Sabrina Jeffries' other books and enjoyed those, and this was not an exception. She again established interesting characters, both with their imperfections, but perfect for each other. And there's an interesting little side plot involving spies and smuggling. I listened to the audio version and Beverly A. Crick's narration was excellent. Now I'm looking forward to reading the first two books, and enjoying the journeys of the first two couples.
Thanks to Netgalley and RB Media for providing a copy for an unbiased review.
“Accidentally His” was my first ever audiobook, not just for review, but I never ventured in to the audiobooks thinking they might be hard to keep track of, and might also get boring. So it was a risk I took, that actually paid off. Having a penchant for historical romances, the story had me captivated from the get go. Though I have to admit that in the start I had difficulty placing people and the names, but then it started to make sense in a very organic way.
The story has a strong female lead, Verity, who is both a go getter but also has the feminine sensitivity and compassion. she is also very intelligent and intrusive BUT she tries to keep that particular trait in check… not always very successfully though.
Our hero on the other hand is very straight forward, even though secretive, but he doesn’t hide his emotions. He has work to do and he needs to infiltrate the Harper family, and to that, he needs to woo Verity… simple, right? But no one can dictate the matters of the heart, not even Rafe, the ever so “in control” spy for the crown!
The mystery in the book, though intriguing, didn’t take long for me to solve, it was pretty clear as to who, in the Harper family, had been acting as a “spy” for the enemy.
I also have to applaud the narrator, Ms Beverley Crick, who honestly made the book easier to follow, with clear and crisp narration.
Overall a good and quick listen.
I have been extremely picky when it comes to historical fiction/romance books because it’s not something I like much anymore .
Anyway I think if I wield have read it I wouldn’t have lied it but I did like the audiobook book. The story is good and I liked the narrative.
I do recommend
I have been provided with a review copy of Accidentally His from NetGalley for an impartial review. This book was just so easy to get lost in. I completely got lost in the story and I just loved getting to see these new characters come together. I just absolutely love this story and I just didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me this ARC of the audiobook to review.
When I requested this audiobook, I was unaware it was part of a series. I first started to listen to the book without reading the previous two books but stopped because I found the amount of characters that were mentioned confusing. If you ‘fight through it’, you could probably read this book as a standalone, but I went back to listen to the previous two books in the series and found my second try with this book to be far more enjoyable. The previous books also hint at the love interests of this book, leading to a happy trail of suspense for the love story in this one – so I would recommend reading the first two books of the series, before focusing on this one.
I was looking forward to the ‘spy’ aspect of this book and wanted to know more about Rafe. I thought it was hilarious how he came on Lady Verity. He was a very endearing character to me, although I wished that he was a bit more badass and a bit better at spying. I am glad though that Lady Verity almost instantly has suspicions about him rather than having this aspect dragged out and her later feeling betrayed by it. Lady Verity was a great female lead: She is smart and self-assured. She also showed great character strength by trusting Rafe and the process of uncovering the mole enough to wait and look at things logically rather than emotionally.
The constellation ‘virgin’ and ‘very sexually experienced man that cannot get married for one reason or another’ is repeated in this book and I am a bit tired of it. I know it is largely due to the Regency romance aspect of the series, but I was hoping for a bit of a different dynamic. I am glad that the main characters waited to be at least somewhat committed to each other before becoming intimate, but I wished they had been more secure in their relationship before doing anything. I think the fact that the power dynamic of the Regency era was so clearly in favour of the male counterpart and that Lady Verity took great risks with this, while Rafe would have been okay no matter what took the romance a bit out for me and as in the previous books I would have liked if the MMC had 'declared their intentions' more. Similarly, I found it strange that they referred to each other as ‘friends’ and Lady Verity even pictures Rafe marrying someone else, even after they fooled around.
Overall, this is an entertaining read, with a very endearing MMC and a smartass FMC! Beverley A. Crick did a great job with the narration! It is a 3,5 star read for me.
This book didn't work for me. I did not like Rafe that much. I found him to be manipulating and secretive. Verity deserved better.
I somehow knew this story would get to me more than the others, the build-up of anticipation was the perfect appetizer leading to this delicious main course. The beautiful banter between Verity and Rafe was a sumptuous ambrosia. I love a teasing- taunting kind of love and the humour in the relationship is what makes them such a delight. Once we move past the mystery of Verity’s phantom, we are thrown directly into the Rafe’s mystery case. That mystery arch may have been one of the most well-written bombshell’s I’ve read. I can honestly say I didn’t see it coming, which is always a pleasant surprise. I was enthralled with this story from start to finish.
I greatly enjoyed the audio. It drew you into the story with meaningful inflection and great emotion.
This <i> Accidentally His </i> was my first Sabrina Jeffries read, and I'm so happy that I now know of another great historical romance author!
I read a ton of historical romance and the plot on this was a little different, but also not completely original either. I enjoyed the mystery. I didn't see the villain reveal coming either, so it gets definite kudos for the surprise!
Verity was an ok heroine, I didn't love her, she was a little too rigid. As I listened I imagined her as a spinster with glasses and mousy hair pulled up in a harsh bun... but that wasn't how her physical appearance was described, and Rafe was just so obsessed with her looks the entire time. I think those two images never meshed well for me and made the romance a little unbelievable.
Rafe, ugh I love the name Rafe! He was a good MMC, maybe not the best at solving mysteries... but kind throughout.
The ending was good, maybe could have been fleshed out a bit more. But not as rushed as a lot of the books I've read lately.
You don't have to read the two previous books in the series, but it is probably a good idea! I'll probably go back and read those now.
I feel like my review is a bit harsh for how I'm rating it, maybe I'm just in a nit picky mood! But I did enjoy the audiobook and the narrator. I did listen to it at a faster speed than I normally do to, so maybe I lost a little nuance? Not sure, but I'd say this is a solid 3.75 stars for me!
*Thank you to RB Media, NetGalley, and Sabrina Jeffries for the audiobook. I am always glad to leave my honest opinion!*
I voluntarily listened and reviewed an audio of this book via NetGalley and RB Media, Recorded Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publishing: January 23, 2024
Audiobook
Have not had a chance to read anything of Sabrina Jeffries lately and was happy to have the opportunity to listen to “Accidently His”. Ms. Jeffries is a fav author to this reader and the story was well-written and drawn out a bit, but fanfav narrator, Beverley Crick did a very good job of narrating this story that keeps you captivated with the characters. I loved the banter between Rafe and Verity and the mystery and humor that went along that made this audiobook so delightful. I love steamy in my historical romances, and this did not disappoint. This is a must-listen and I am looking forward to listening to the others in this series.
This book, 'Accidentally His' by Sabrina Jeffries, is read by Beverley A. Crick, and she does a good job.
Beverly has a delightful British accent and captivates listeners with her expressive delivery and ability to evoke emotions, making it easy to become immersed in the story. One of the primary benefits of listening to an audiobook is the engaging and lively performances, including different voices and accents. It's important to understand accents to feel confident while listening, and I believe that this story is understandable for almost everyone.
This is the third of a trilogy. I haven't read the first two books in the series. t's suggested that you read the first two books first, but you can read this one on its own too. This story has a bit of mystery and excitement. Rafe was a great hero, even though he was hiding things, and Verity was a very smart heroine.
Lady Verity is the youngest and only sister of the three who hasn't gotten married yet. She, along with her sisters, started Elegant Occasions as a way to make money after a family scandal and being cut off by their father. They organize fancy parties for London's rich and famous and also help a few couples get together. When it comes to meals, Verity is a master. She's happy with her life and her business. She doesn't want to date or get married because she's been hurt before.
Rafe Wolfford is an heir to a Viscount. He is on a mission to find the spy selling information to the French. For more than a year, he has been watching Lady Verity's family. Now he needs to get to know them better. He is sure that his leak is someone in the family or close to them.
Verity is cool, and Rafe, the main guy, is a good hero. The narrator, Crick, does a great job making their voices sound different. The story has humor, mystery, and love.
This audiobook is fun because of Crick's reading. If you like stories about love in old times, you should listen to 'Accidentally His'. Even if you didn't read the first two books, it's okay. I want to read more from Sabrina Jeffries because she's one of my favorite historical romance writers. Thanks to the publisher for giving me a copy. These are my own thoughts.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary audio Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
I loved their story. It was very similar to the last book I read but I don’t really read these romances for the variation. I loved the tension between the two characters throughout the book. It made me root for these two even more.
The plot was very interesting. It was a mixture of a mystery and a romance. I was trying to pick out details the entire time to find who they were looking for. The reveal at the end was nothing like I expected. I need to read the previous books in this series. I didn’t even realize there were others until I finished this one.
Here I go again. Third book in the trilogy and I haven't read the other two. New to me author. This is just a "no-keep looking" if ever there was one. But I just finished a book performed by narrator Beverley A. Crick, she made what was a tedious book into something I couldn't stop listening to - so momentary insanity and I found this one up on NetGalley. Reading the two pervious books would be recommended, but I quickly caught up with the overarching plot. Courting a lady under false pretenses is never a good idea. I loved the romance with a touch of mystery/suspense plot. Verity was a really smart heroine and Rafe was an awesome hero, even if he was keeping secrets. I love it when the hero and heroine work together to solve the mystery. Beverley A. Crick is one of the best audio performers I have heard, and I look forward to hearing other books by Sabrina Jeffries she has voiced.
Lady Verity is the youngest and only unwed sister of the three who have created Elegant Occasions, a business that kept them solvent after a family scandal and being cut off by their father. They create dazzling events for the London elite and match a few couples too. Verity is an expert when it comes to the culinary delights and is quite content with her life and the business. She has no plans for romance or marriage after being burned by romance in the past.
Rafe Wolfford is the heir to a Viscount and a retired military man whose missions may never be able to be told. He is on one last mission - find the person who is leaking sensitive information to the French. He has been observing Lady Verity's family for over a year and now he needs to get closer to them. He is sure someone in the business or close to the family is his leak. Becoming engaged to the lovely Verity is not in his plan, but will ultimately work to his benefit, if the very perceptive Verity doesn't out him first.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary audio Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
The mystery was very good! Definitely did not see that coming. Romance was sweet and good. Yes, some parts were very drawn out. Overall, fun and intriguing read. Narrator was good.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for a copy.
The views expressed above are mine.
"Beverley A. Crick brings Sabrina Jeffries' 'Accidentally His' to life with a captivating narration that perfectly captures the essence of Regency romance. Crick's voice, with its British charm, adds a delightful layer to the storytelling, making it a pleasure for my ears.
The story unfolds with Verity, a strong and independent woman navigating love and business in the regal world. Crick adeptly distinguishes characters, seamlessly switching between feminine and masculine voices. Rafe, the viscount's heir, emerges as a charming and protective hero, and the narrator skillfully conveys the depth of his emotions.
The blend of humor, mystery, steamy romance, and historical authenticity makes this audiobook a delightful experience. Crick's narration enhances the story's appeal, making 'Accidentally His' a must-listen for fans of Regency romance.
While I haven’t read the previous two books in the series, I didn’t felt like missing much and I’m looking forward to reading more from the author in the future as she is undoubtedly one of my favourite historical romance novelist.
Very grateful to the publisher for my alc, opinions are my own.
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 listened to the audio version of this book and as always Beverly A Crick does a great job. This narrator and author, both are in my favorite list, so the combo did not fail.to deliver.
A finale to the series of Harper sisters, daughters of an Earl, but not necessarily topnotch in society, because of the scandal involving their parents divorce.
Hero:: Rafe Wolfford, spy, soldier, called the chameleon and heir to his uncle. Spying on the Harper family to uncover who amongst them is selling secrets to the French.
Heroine: Lady Verity, very smart, observant and in charge of organizing food and events for Elegant Occasions.
He pretends to court her to uncover secrets regarding the spy in the family, she recognizes him from past encounters when he was incognito and encourages the courtship to uncover the truth of his identity. Hmmm, courtship becomes real, when they each discover the depths to the others character and of course there scorching hot attraction. Family interference changes the courtship to an engagement and wedding. Two heads (especially smart ones) together uncovers the truth behind the traitor and the mystery.
This was a fast paced, well developed book to end the series. Better to read as part of series rather than a standalone
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.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook narrated by Beverley A. Crick. She’s pretty much a historical romance, narrator, icon, and adds value to everything she reads. I loved her voicing for Rafe and how it contrasted against that of Verity. I’m pretty sure Beverly could read from Debrett’s Peerage nd make it an enjoyable listening experience.
Thank you to RB Media, Recorded Books, Kensington Books, Zebra and NetGalley for my review copies.
Sabrina's latest release, featuring the enthralling journey of Rafe and Verity, has proven to be an absolute delight for me. The narrative unfolds with a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and spice, which kept me engaged from start to finish.
One of the standout elements of the book is the well-crafted mystery that unfolds as the story progresses. The gradual unveiling of secrets adds a layer of suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Rafe and Verity's dynamic and chemistry are expertly portrayed, adding depth and authenticity to their blossoming romance.
The narrative's pacing is commendable, allowing the plot to develop organically while maintaining a sense of intrigue. The infusion of humour and banter, especially among the supporting characters, adds a delightful touch to the reading experience. The well-rounded cast of characters contributes to the richness of the story, making each interaction engaging and memorable.
The audiobook, narrated by Beverley A. Crick, enhances the storytelling experience. Crick's talent shines through as she skillfully brings the characters to life with unique and relatable voices. Her narration adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making the audiobook an excellent choice for those who prefer to listen to the story unfold.
In conclusion, Sabrina's latest offering is a stellar addition to her collection, delivering a captivating tale of romance, mystery, and humour. Rafe and Verity's journey is a testament to the author's storytelling prowess, and the supporting characters add an extra layer of charm to the narrative. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to Sabrina's works, this book is a must-read that will leave you enchanted and eagerly anticipating the next adventure.
This was another fun book in the Designing Debutantes series. This story follows Verity, the last unmarried sister of the trio. Verity has a knack for food and flavors, so she is responsible for all the food at the Elegant Occasions events. Rafe Wolford, the heir to a viscount, shows up at a charity auction and Verity is certain she recognizes him from somewhere. Verity even questions whether Rafe could the the “phantom “, a man whom she is convinced she has noted at other events spying on her family and guests.
When Rafe wins the auction prize Verity supplied of a gourmet meal, he is granted access to Verity and her family. Rafe is a military man on a mission and his goal is to determine who is providing the French army with English secrets and locations of their troops. Rafe is determined to uncover the truth, even though his clue are leading him towards someone in Verity’s family.
I was invested in this story from the start and thoroughly enjoyed the continuation of this series, which I have enjoyed. I enjoyed the narrator and would recommend this book to anyone looking for a regency romance with a sassy heroine.
As a viscount's heir, Colonel Rafe Wolfford knows he must take a wife someday, but she must be the right sort of wife, and one that won't delve into his escapades as a spy. One thing is for certain: the forthright and perceptive Lady Verity is altogether the wrong choice. But Rafe is on a mission to discover whether Verity Harper or anyone else at Elegant Occasions is leaking information to the French, and so he commences a faux courtship, determined to keep his real feelings out of it ! With one disastrous engagement behind her, Verity won't easily open her heart again, and although Rafe's charm catches her off guard, she knows he's harbouring secrets. But when Verity's ex-fiancé tries to ruin her reputation, Rafe offers his hand, and she has little choice but to accept.
Verity is the final Harper sister to find love. A very well written, book which ticked all the boxes for me, strong characters, sizzling chemistry, witty banter & spies. I loved both Rafe & Verity & how they were so good at wrong footing the other. There is the answer as to who the mystery Phantom is - & Verity wasn’t making it up!. Rafe is an undercover agent for the Government & has been trying to find a traitor for over a year but is closing in on them. Verity is no shrinking violet & I loved her intelligence. Together the couple are a force to be reckoned with. There are surprises, secrets & lies, I was surprised when the traitor was revealed. I listened to this book whilst reading it & listened straight through & finished it at silly o’clock in the morning as I stop. The narrator brought the book to life
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read