Well fleshed out characters and interesting side characters with an interesting, unique and detailed subplot of the détenus during the Napoleonic Wars. A bit blander that some of Jeffries' other works, but still interesting and sweet with a touch of spice. Looking forward to the other books and continuation of the mystery.

Sabrina Jeffries has a gift of character development that few can match and Jon and Tori are a wonderful couple that you’ll immediately love. I was drawn to the story of Jon’s imprisonment in France and at how long he and his fellow prisoners were held and to find out this did happen was awful and added depth to his story. I like that there was a little angst to their story but it resolved itself soon enough and it was primarily from Jon’s point of view and he deserved to suffer a little. Tori is a strong and resilient person so her happily ever after is very deserved. There’s just enough surprises and humor to keep you turning the pages and hopefully we’ll get some follow up books with Jon’s two friends.

This was my first book by Sabrina Jeffries, and I'm impressed! Jon just got back from being a prisoner of war with the French for 11 years. He was imprisoned with Tory's father, and Jon promises to find Tory a husband.

Tory is a smart, talented artist and governess. She also has a special needs brother who comes first in her life. This is a very heartfelt story of him getting to know her brother, him taking sculpting lessons and both of them talking about his time in France. Good job!

Thank you to Kensington for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

What a great start to the Lords of Hazard series. Sabrina Jeffries has introduced us to three delightful characters who went through some very difficult times during the Napoleonic wars. The love story in this book is interesting as both characters involved in the love story do not feel they are worthy of each other. How they get past this is a great part of the story. I am greatly looking forward to the next story in the series to see what happens to another of Jon's friends.

Firstly I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing an early copy to read and review.

Secondly I would like to state that this eas my first book written by Sabrina Jeffries.

While I loved the plot, enjoyed the whole story lineand, I could understand both main characters that were just dancing around their feelings, I somehow missed something.

I also loved to see the past of Mr. Morris, the late father of the main heroine, to be peeled like an onion.
The more into the story, the more you understand.
I also very much enjoyed the historical meaning of the Napoleon wars and learned something new.

All in all, I can say I enjoyed the book and would love to read more from the pen of this author.

It was interesting to learn about the English citizens imprisoned in France by Napoleon after the Peace of Amiens. I hadn’t realized that so many civilians were prisoners for over a decade. This story is about Jon, a lord held in prison who has finally been freed. He finds out that he is now a duke. He also wants to help Tory, the daughter of the man who led him on his Grand Tour of Europe and had been imprisoned with him. The man had died from injuries he’d suffered in a failed escape attempt. He wants to help her find a husband despite his already falling for her.

The set up was interesting, but I had a hard time believing any of these characters. Jon is tormented by guilt for Tory’s father’s death. That seemed to upset him more than the deprivations he’d experienced from 11 years a prisoner. And Tory dreams of opening an art school for women. I’m skeptical that that was even a possibility in 1814. There was also too much insta-love going on in the story.

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.

I have enjoyed other stories from this author and this one does not disappoint. The chemistry between Tory and Jon was precious and the storyline is very different. I had never heard of the Englishmen and women who were detained for 8-11 years. That part of the story was very interesting and will have to do some research on them. If their stories are anything like what this story shows, it is a heartbreaking part of history that needs to be taught in schools. Dealing with the aftermath of that time was hard on our MC, Jon, and I think it could have been written a little harsher to get the feel of what he really endured. His guilt seemed to have been harder than any of the other issues I would have thought would have cropped up in his return to “regular” life. I felt for Tory and her situation as well, and all the secrets she was not allowed to know about her dad. The real secret was a bomb-shell and I enjoyed that immensely. Cyril was adorable and I enjoyed how the author portrayed him. I can’t help but think that Chloe will get her story and Mother’s messed up sayings were hilarious!. A good story, but a bit draggy and could have had more intenseness to it,

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

Jonathan has just returned to London from a decade-long imprisonment in France. Napoleon returned to power while Jonathan was on his Grand Tour; since war with England immediately resumed, the French army rounded up all the Englishmen of fighting age. His tutor on the trip, Mr. Morris, suffered a mortal injury during an escape attempt which Jon blames himself for. Upon returning to England, he finds he's inherited a dukedom, and his sister's governess/companion is Morris' grown daughter, Victoria (aka Tory). Jon vowed to Morris that he would take care of Tory and ensure she married well, but it seems she'd rather stay single and open an art academy for women.

I loved all of Jeffries' references to more obscure history. Obviously she loves this period and is excited to share her research. I knew nothing about the détenus, so Jon's experience was fascinating! The real female artists Tory idolizes were new to me, too, and the bit about Jon's brothers both drowning at a Frost Fair (which I first learned about from the mural under London Bridge!) was so unique that I forgave the lack of realism.

I enjoyed the chemistry between Tory and Jon, and I loved their unique backstories and motivations. Unfortunately, something fell flat in the execution of those motivations for me. I wanted MORE angst and MORE conflict. Jeffries TELLS us Tory's "big secret" is so incompatible with marriage, but I was never convinced that it was all that worthy of secrecy. It had the potential to be interesting but fell a bit flat. And it feels like all of a sudden Tory's main motivation to stay single swings from sculpture and her academy to her "big secret". Her passion for art then starts to feel more like her solution for dealing with said secret, i.e. financial independence, and less like something she loves.

Jon's anguish about being honest with Tory as to what happened with her father in France also annoyed me a bit. He had no real reason to be secretive with her, and I got so irritated every time he said something stupid. This man lived under constant surveillance in France and surely had to be cautious with his words, but he can't think before he speaks now??

Despite my mini rant, these are minor annoyances that likely won't bother most readers. And considering I still read the book in just a few sessions, they didn't even bother me too much!

Jeffries' experience is clear: this was solidly written and a relatively quick, breezy read (despite the heavy emotions involved). I think a lot of people would really enjoy this book and I'm sure I'll be recommending it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Duke falls for his sister's governess. Sounds simple, right?

But Sabrina Jeffries weaves a fascinating tale of secrets, guilt and trauma.

Newly minted duke, Jon, can't feel feelings. He has recently returned home, traumatised by his incarceration as a détenu - part of the mass imprisonment of English civilians in France for eleven years during the Napoleonic Wars.

Tory, daughter of Jon's mentor and fellow détenu, is an independent woman, determined to start her own art school for women.

This is the first book in a new series and we are introduced to the MCs I suspect will be in the remainder. There is also an overarching mystery arc, which will presumably be tackled throughout.

This was a quick read exploring a fascinating part of history.

3 ⭐️

I think that this story was just a bit slow for me. I mostly enjoyed it and kept me coming back.

I felt that we didn't get to know Tory that much. We got to know Jon more than Tory. Tory just wants to do her art and not be bothered by men. Even though Jon wasn't looking for a wife, Tory (and her art) would weasel her way into his life.

I wanted Jon to be more in love with Tory. You know they will end up together but I didn't feel that Jon fought for it enough. I wanted some more build up between these 2.

Overall I enjoyed the read but it took a while to get through.

**Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the read**

One of my joys is reading a Sabrina Jeffries historical romance. Her attention to detail and research that she brings to each book are why I will drop everything to read her books! One never fails to learn something new. The beauty of the Romance genre.

Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart is the first book in a new series surrounding three British citizens who were among thousands that were detained for ten years during the napoleonic war(s). Who knew?!?

Upon his return, Lord Jon Leighton, the third son of the Duke of Falconbridge discovers that due to an accident, he is the new duke. Well, that along with how much the world at large and society have changed, as well as processing being a prisoner. Complicating is the appearance of his late mentor’s daughter, who has been his now grown(ish) sister’s governess.

What ensues is a brilliant back and forth that begets some carefully crafted half-truths to ensure a father’s last request for his daughter well-being is fulfilled.

In between there is the mystery to be solved of who betrayed the friends in France? It is a mystery that will arc this series. I cannot wait!!

After the Treaty of Amiens,1802, many British citizens flocked to France, but were stranded when Great Britain declared war on France in 1803. Napoleon's retaliation was swift. Men 18-60 years old, some with their families, are detained in prisons. The worst was the prison Bitché Prison in France. These detained British citizens were known as détenus. For eleven years, they are held prisoners under deteriorating conditions. Lord John Leighton, his mentor, Dr Issac Morris, and two of his closest friends barely endured. Napoleon's capture and confinement to Elba, at last gave them freedom to return to England, but Dr. Morris died before he was able to go home. Jon's promise to Morris is to find a husband for his daughter, Victoria. The moment he meets her, as his sister's chaperone, he struggles with guilt for the death of her father and his passion for her. How can he give up the woman he wants for himself? Jeffries hasn't lost her touch writing a romance with secrets, trust issues, angst and passion.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

I absolutely loved this story by Sabrina Jeffries. I haven't read books by her for a while and I really missed them.

Once again we get a bit of historic fact mixed in with Ms. Jeffries turn of historic fiction...and once again we have the MC overthinking and going off on tangents with his ability to open his heart to love and the FMC letting him know that she knows what love is.

I'm not sure if this storyline will continue into a series, but it absolutely could and I would love that.

Five stars since this was a very feel good book and allowed me to escape to another time.

3.5/5 stars
2/5 stars

Tropes:
Duke/Governess
Post war
Sculptor/Artist FMC
Forbidden romance
Mutual pining
Close proximity
Secrets
Dual POV

I had my frustrations with the beginning of this book. I was irked by the way the post war discussions were handled because there was little regard to PTSD or trauma. Not that it wasn't mentioned but it was discussed in a flippant manner whenever it was explained why Jon behaved the way he did. Like give the man a break! He went through A LOT! Tory seemed more interested in getting every detail of their experience than being understanding of the trauma the detenus went through. It felt selfish of her to be so insistent.

Anyways, it got better as the story progressed. Trust from both MCs seemed to be the major issue and by the end they both learned to open up and trust each other. I get the feeling that one of the plot points was left unresolved so it could be continued in the next book. I will most likely read the next installment because I'm curious to see what happens with Jon's two friends.

Hazardous to a Duke's Heart is the first book in the Lords of Hazard series.

Lord Jonathan Leighton has been imprisoned in Napoleon’s war. It has finally ended, and he and his friends are returning home after being away for over seven years. He has changed from a spirited young man to man of guilt for losing his mentor and friend in a failed escape. Before Morris dies, he begs Jon to see that his daughter marries well. Once home he comes up with a plan to fund her a dowry in order to help achieve his promise. However, as most plans go, there is usually a flaw.

Victoria has become a governess for Jon's sister. She believes she has kept a secret from Jon's family which is eventually revealed. Tory is determined to start a school for women artists and never marry. This couple will have several missteps before they find one another.

This was a quick afternoon read. It was a different take on the Napoleonic War which was full of information that was very interesting to read while incorporated in a romance.

I loved this book it was a delightful tale with wonderful characters and settings. I received a review copy from NetGalley but the views and opinions expressed herein are my own.

I loved this book. The plot was unique from the typical regency romance. The story of Lord John returning after years as a prisoner of Napoleon and trying to build a normal life again was so interesting and at times heartbreaking. The characters were well developed and unique, and there were enough twists and turns throughout the book to keep me turning the pages. I've actually read this book through twice now and loved it ad much the second time as the first.

I really wanted to like this one but this book didn't catch me as her previous books did. I didn't really like either character and didn't want them to get together. I"m disappointed because I really WANTED to enjoy this book but the whole timeline of them getting together didn't work for me; likely because I didn't want them together. I read the whole book hoping it was just a mood of the day but sadly, it never landed for me.

Set in the Regency era, this romance follows Jon, the son of a duke, who is sent abroad to mature from his reckless ways. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he and his companions are captured during the war. While imprisoned, Jon witnesses the death of his mentor, Dr. Morris, which leaves him feeling burdened with guilt. Eleven years later, Jon returns home to find himself unexpectedly inheriting the title of duke. Haunted by his past and driven by a sense of responsibility to honour Dr. Morris's dying wishes, Jon commits to helping his friend’s daughter find a husband. However, Jon is conflicted as he introduces Victoria—now a witty and captivating young woman—to society, struggling to suppress his own growing feelings for her.

Victoria, in particular, is a thoughtful and considerate character who not only captivates Jon but also demonstrates her kindness and selflessness as she looks out for others. The characters’ interactions feel genuine, and the story's twists add interest. Although some of the questions were left unanswered, I am hoping that they will be addressed in the next installment. Overall, I enjoyed the novel and I look forward to continuing the series.

This is a delightful first book in the author's new Lords of Hazard series. Written with keen attention to the historical details of the post Napoleonic War era, in which Lord Jonathan Leighton is finally released to home after French imprisonment. There is a luscious romance with his late mentor's daughter, and an array of twists revealed with great wit -- a hallmark of Jeffries' writing. Histfic fans will be overjoyed and wish this compelling tale would never end. Brava, Sabrina!