From New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries comes a sparkling new series about an oft-widowed mother’s grown children, who blaze through society in their quest for the truth about their fathers . . . and in the process find that love just might conquer all . . . A series of stepfathers and a difficult childhood have left Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, with a guarded … Greycourt, with a guarded heart, enviable wealth, and the undeserved reputation of a rogue. Grey’s focus on expanding his dukedom allows him little time to find a wife. But when his mother is widowed yet again and he meets the charmingly unconventional woman managing his stepfather’s funeral, he’s shocked to discover how much they have in common. Still, Grey isn’t interested in love, no matter how pretty, or delightfully outspoken, the lady . . .
Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt with his rakish reputation isn’t exactly changing her mind. Then Grey agrees to assist his grief-stricken mother with her latest “project”: schooling spirited, unfashionable Beatrice for her debut. Now that Beatrice is seeing through Grey’s charms to his wounded heart, she’s having trouble keeping him at arm’s length. But once Grey starts digging into her family’s secrets, she must decide whether her loyalties lie with her family . . . or with the man whose lessons capture her heart . . .
“Anyone who loves romance must read Sabrina Jeffries!”
—Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author
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What a wonderful start to this new series by Sabrina Jeffries! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting this very intriguing family which consists of a mother who married 3 times (all Dukes) and gave birth to 5 children altogether. She had Grey with her first husband, twins Thorn and Gwyn with her second husband and Sheridan and Heywood with her third husband. We also meet Beatrice Wolfe and her brother Joshua and although they are cousins to Sheridan and Heywood, they are penniless and rely on Sheridan’s help.
This first book is Grey and Beatrice’s story and I just LOVE how she can give as good as she gets! lol She’s feisty and doesn’t hold her tongue where Grey is concerned and that leads to very interesting situations:) Both have secrets that eventually come out and it will bond them even closer although the threat that there’s a murderer around keeps everyone on their toes.
Having 4 brothers and being the only girl, I can appreciate all the sibling rivalry that occurs in this story and all the bickering had me smiling! lol All in all, I really loved this story and can’t wait to read the other books that will come along in this series.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Beatrice Wolfe has too much experience organizing funerals. When she is called upon to help her Aunt Lydia after the death of her husband, she does so without hesitation. But when Fletcher Pryde, the Duke of Greycourt arrives, and not knowing who he is, she doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind regarding his rudeness. Just looking at him, she knows exactly what a man of his ilk are like and she wants nothing to do with him.
Grey is instantly taken with the woman who gives him her blunt rebuttals to his inquisition. When his brother shares concern that the woman’s brother may have been involved in a murder, he offers to spend time with her to learn what he can. Soon, he’s battling a mixture of emotions that offer him no peace except to claim Beatrice as his own.
Poor Grey. He had an awful childhood that left him untrusting of people in general. Trying to fit in with his half-siblings, he struggles with old wounds even as he hungers for Beatrice and the satisfaction that her presence brings to him. I loved that he adored Beatrice for her hoyden ways and her straight forward honesty. The very thing that would keep her from finding a suitable husband, and the things his mother’s project would fix, were the things that drew him to her. Sigh. Exactly what I look for in a historical romance.
”She was perfect for him in every way. And all she asked was that he let her look inside his very soul.
He should let her. It meant nothing, right?
It meant everything. It meant sharing his secrets with her, taking hers on faith, trusting her to hold his heart in her hands and not crush it, the way everyone else had. Because apparently he did have a heart if he were to judge from the searing pain in his chest.”
Beatrice was amazing. She was so kind and caring, always ready to help at a moment’s notice. With the weight of the her and her brother’s world on her shoulders, she’s fighting to do what needs to be done to assure they are not cast aside and found homeless. But as suspicions of murder arise, she can’t help but worry that they are true. She was a strong heroine, determined to solve her problems in the best way society would allow. Her ability to speak her mind to Grey and stand up to him made me like her even more.
This has a lot of steam for a regency, but I LOVED it! If I want to read a flat historical romance, I’ll pull out one of my momma’s old books. Instead, this is what I want. A romance with suspense, mystery and intrigue all laced with sizzling passion. With enough uncertainty and drama to keep the story moving and a pace that matches it, I found myself reading this within an afternoon. I couldn’t stop.
Project Duchess sets up this series as we meet the characters that I assume will have their own books. There isn’t a one of them I don’t want to know more about. With the possibility for danger and mayhem as this series progresses, I’m eagerly awaiting the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I quite enjoyed this romance with a bit of mystery. This story focuses on Beatrice, a strong minded woman who cares little for what is expected by societal standards and Fletcher, the Duke of Greycourt, a reserved gentleman who guards his heart because of childhood experiences. Told in dual POV, I loved how these two characters cautiously courted each other despite their reservations on romantic liaisons. Their vow to tell the truth to each other was refreshing. And despite misunderstandings, there were no grudges held. The mystery element had me hooked but unfortunately this is not resolved in this story. So even though this couple gets their HFN, this book does end with a cliffhanger. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced review copy from Netgalley.
The first book in Sabrina’s new Series is full of great characters, an ongoing mystery and a lovely story. I enjoyed this story because I have been reading Sabrina’s books since her first Historical Romance Novel written as Deborah Martin “Moonlight Enchantment” in 1992. This story had me laughing in the first chapter. Her writing is lyrical with lots of action, witty dialogue, steamy love scenes and a satisfying end to this story with an intriguing teaser for the next book in the series.
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
I was happy that I asked for Ms. Jeffries book, this is the first book in this series and with how she started it lets me know that I will be looking forward to reading the rest. We meet Grey a standoffish Duke. He is that way because he was raised away from his family since the age of 10 and now doesn’t really let anyone in. We meet Beatrice who is sort of a relation to him since she is his half brothers cousin. These are instantly attracted to each other but both feel that they would not suit. She is penniless and even though she is 26 an age that would be considered on the shelf has not even had a debut. Grey offers to assist both her and his sister on the ways of the ton and while spending time together they cannot deny a chemistry but they have multiple problems that will put a damper on things. 1) he is trying to get info on her brother to prove or disprove that he killed his uncle which would be Grey’s stepdad. 2)Greys manipulative aunt trying to force his hand on marrying his cousin…How will they overcome it? Grab a copy and enjoy! I personally can not wait on reading more from this family.
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
It has been awhile since I’ve read any historical romances and even longer since I’ve read anything by Sabrina Jeffries so I was very excited when I was given the opportunity to read the ARC of Project Duchess.
I really loved Grey and Beatrice’s story. Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt had a very difficult childhood. He was sent away to live with his aunt and uncle where he was treated horribly. This resulted him to become cold and distant with everyone around him. But when he meets Beatrice Wolfe, who has become a sort of project to Grey’s mother, something about her draws him to her. Unfortunately, due to Beatrice’s own difficult upbringing she is very leery of Grey’s interest in her. There are many obstacles that makes their road to their happily ever after very bumpy; secrets they are keeping from each other, interfering secondary characters and a murder mystery. But the close proximity and chemistry they feel towards each other is very strong which makes them inevitable.
Overall I really did enjoy this book. There were parts that I felt were a bit slow and the back and forth from Grey did get a bit tiresome, especially with his suspicions, but all in all the chemistry, the banter and the murder mystery kept me interested. I am definitely looking forward to reading the future books in this series, especially with the secondary characters and unanswered questions lingering.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
This was throughly entertaining and I couldn’t set it aside! I absolutely love the writing style of Sabrina Jeffries. It’s both sensational and provocative. She creates these diverting characters that you’re dying to see come together and once they do, the explosions begin!
I read the last book in this series first, so I felt like I already had a broad picture of them and their motivations. This was just the frosty icing upon the cake. This Regency Romance gave a thrilling romance as it also dove into some very traumatic events. There are relatable issues at play here making these characters so very human.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this must read series. Regency England is just so captivating and makes for the most swoony romance.
Project Duchess is the first book in the new series, Duke Dynasty. This book is a Historical Romance with a heavy dose of suspense/mystery. It’s a tale told by Sabrina Jeffries and everything she writes IMO is impressive and recommendable, so add this book to that list.
Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt is not easy to impress and he doesn’t suffer fools easily. He made the decision to stay away from his own mother and siblings after a difficult childhood caused him to guard his heart heavily. Grey worked hard, improved his wealth and carries a reputation of being a rogue. His focus is on buying up property to add to his dukedom when he gets notice that his mother has just become a widow again. Grey meets his brother’s cousin Bea, who seems to be managing the funeral and the household. Needless to say he is quite impressed on how much they have in common but, still isn’t interested in love and marriage. No matter how outspoken or tempting she is…
Beatrice Wolfe gave up on having love with marriage a long time ago and will settle for a local, decent gentleman now. The arrogant Duke with his reputation published for all to read isn’t impressing her. Then Grey agrees to assist his mother with her “project” of teaching Bea the finer points of etiquette for her debut. Bea is noticing that she could have been wrong about Grey, that he is thoughtful and caring but trying to hide a heart that is wounded. She’s having trouble keeping him at a distance and once he starts investigating her brother she must decide where her loyalties lie. . .
Another wonderful, lighthearted story, well written and totally enjoyable. Grey and Bea are a great match, both strong and honorable. I loved that there wasn’t a lot of hand wringing angst that some romances resort to now. Another series to look forward to reading
I’ve had Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries on my to-read list since it was released. When I was asked to review book four, Undercover Duke, I knew I needed to start at the beginning, and I’m glad I did. While the book stands alone, the books in the series are all strongly connected with an overarching plot but also with the characters. So, I strongly suggest reading the books in order.
This series revolves around a family. The matriarch of the family, Lydia, was married three times. Each man ultimately ended up a duke. She has five children, three of which have inherited the duke title. And now, the series follows each of these children as they find their true love. Book one, Project Duchess, is the story of Fletcher, the Duke of Greycount (aka Grey), and Beatrice.
First, the premise of this series pulled me in. You have these five step-siblings, three of whom are dukes. They’re a close family, and they get even closer as they dive into the mysteries surrounding the deaths of each of their fathers and as they find love and start their own families.
Project Duchess kicks off the series, introduces the whole family and how everyone fits in the equation, and sets the stage for the mystery.
Grey and Beatrice are interesting characters. Both have pain in their past that makes them wary. But there’s this spark between them that they have a heck of a time ignoring. The romance is a slow burn and developed well as Ms. Jeffries had to take the time to get these two characters to trust each other enough to fall in love. And boy, there are plenty of reasons for them both not to trust the other. I can’t say that either character is unique, but I didn’t care. They worked together, and I was cheering them on.
My only real complaint is the mystery part of the book. I know it’s not the focus, but I feel that it could have been developed more to add a little more meat to the story. I understand that it’s going to be carried over into future books in the series. But I felt that it was just rather thrown into this series as a way to add conflict between Grey and Beatrice and wasn’t explored past that. Other than this, I was sucked into the story.
Project Duchess was a solid first book in a series. I always know I can count on an enjoyable read when I pick up a book by Sabrina Jeffries, and this one was no exception. I can’t wait to read more in the Duke Dynasty series! The Bachelor is up next on my eReader, as I’m curious to visit more with this interesting family. Fans of historical romance should not miss this series.
My review originally posted at Novels Alive.
This one is on Prime Reading, and it starts a little complicated. Normally, I carry characters in my head with little trouble. I honestly considered making a chart for this one because Sabrina Jeffries must have been feeling Russian. Everyone has multiple names and nicknames (and fathers and cousins and brothers…I’m telling you it felt a bit Anton Chekov there with all the names!) But once I sorted out who everyone was, this was a great read! I am going to have to hurry up and read the rest of the series so I don’t get confused about who is who. Grey and Beatrice are adorable! Can’t wait for the rest of these kids to find their HEA! Happy Reading!
Sabrina Jeffries is a fairly new read to me and she is a great writer. Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries is the first book in what looks to be a enticing new series The Duke Dynasty. What makes Project Duchess unique is there is a
mystery going on throughout the book that you me is an added gem! Looks like the mystery will continue throughout the series.
If you love a romance with a large family and witty banter… this is for you. Fletcher Greycourt’s mother has been married Three times to three Dukes! The sudden death of his stepfather brings him to the estate of his youngest brother, Sheridan. He is met with his grieving family, an estate in debt and a mystery. He also meets Beatrice Wolfe the cousin of his youngest brothers(Sheridan and Heywood). Beatrice has been helping the family since the estate has been her home almost all her life. Grey’s mother, Lydia, has also taken Beatrice under her wing (as a project) to give her a debut with her own daughter Gwen. Grey and Beatrice seem to bring out fire and wit and humor in each other. Our main characters are also privately dealing with past childhood traumas as well. They seem like the best matches to break down all the walls they’ve built up over the years.
The secondary character connections were all very clear and I’m looking forward to learning more of everyone’s stories. Because the family is large and extend there are lots of private dynamics that I like seeing.
The steam and conflict are great. Can’t wait for the next!
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
#KensingtonBooks #NetGalley #ProjectDuchess #SabrinaJeffries #HistoricalRomance #mystery
Was ecstatic to find this book and realize it was the first in a new series by Sabrina Jeffries and it was every bit as wonderful as I hoped it would be!
This book was such a great read, I just may have been inspired to write a historical romance!
Project Duchess is the first in a new series called the Duke Dynasty about a family of five siblings, three of which are dukes due to the mother marrying three times. This story is about Fletcher Pryde, the Duke of Greycourt, the eldest who has been estranged from his family due to his father’s will that his guardian raise him. Grey has had a miserable childhood and now has a guarded heart in which he lets no one get close, that is until he meets Bea. Beatrice Wolfe is an orphaned cousin of Grey’s stepbrother who is assisting in the funeral arrangements for Grey’s stepfather. Bea is a very strong-willed, outspoken young lady who upon meeting Grey instantly puts him in his place which fascinates Grey. The story that follows is filled with intrigue, drama, a little sadness, many laughs, family reunions and various love connections. This is a great introduction of the series, the characters and stories filled with happily ever afters that will follow.
Read the entire book in one day. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Good opening to the new series. These are the stories of the children of Lydia, a duchess who has been married three times, each one a duke. She has five grown children, four sons, and one daughter. The oldest son, Grey, was with her first husband, twins Thorn and Gwyn, with her second husband, and Sheridan and Heywood with her third husband. Three of those sons are now dukes, themselves. This is the story of Fletcher Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt.
Grey had a relatively normal life until he was ten years old. His father died when Grey was young, and his first stepfather not long after that. His second stepfather was a kind and loving man for them all. When Grey was ten, his uncle, who was named guardian by Grey’s father, came to claim him. This set in motion a chain of events that left Grey alienated from his family and determined to always be in control of his emotions. The book opens as Grey receives word of his stepfather’s (the Fourth Duke of Armitage) death and his mother’s plea for him to come for the funeral. He doesn’t want to, but despite everything, he still loves his mother, so he goes, but plans only a short stay. Those plans get derailed when he arrives and meets Miss Beatrice Wolfe, his half-brother’s cousin.
Beatrice is the granddaughter of a duke, but the poor relation in this family. She and her brother, Joshua, were the wards of the Third Duke of Armitage and occupy the dower house. Joshua is a veteran of the Peninsular War, where he was badly wounded before coming home to become the estate gamekeeper. He is a grouchy loner who avoids people whenever he can. Beatrice loves her family and helped Lydia and her family learn the ropes when Maurice became the fourth duke. She stepped in to help with the funeral arrangements and is engaged in that process when Grey arrives. He does NOT make a good impression.
I loved the first meeting between Grey and Beatrice. He is very much the top-lofty, arrogant duke, and Beatrice doesn’t put up with that attitude. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her stand up to him. Grey is taken aback at first, but then intrigued and captivated. It’s evident that there are sparks between them, but neither one wants to admit it. Beatrice knows that there is too big a gap between them for anything to become of it. Grey wants nothing to do with anything that threatens his control over his emotions.
I enjoyed the development of Grey and Beatrice’s relationship. Their plans to avoid each other are complicated by Lydia’s plans to take both Gwyn and Beatrice to London for the Season. Lydia recruits Grey to assist in teaching both women what they need to know to survive a London Season. It doesn’t take long for Grey and Beatrice to discover that they have much in common, from unpleasant events in their pasts to their preference for straight talk. I loved their pledge to each other that they don’t hold back when speaking to each other. Both of them are very quick-witted, and I liked the banter and teasing between them. The more time they spent together, the greater the sparks between them grew, providing both sweet and steamy encounters.
However, the possibility of a future between them has complications and obstacles. Sheridan believes that his father was murdered and that Joshua is the most likely suspect. He recruits Grey to help him investigate, which puts Grey in an awkward position as his feelings for Beatrice grow. Can he discover the truth without endangering his relationship with her? There are some heart-wrenching and amusing moments as Grey, Beatrice, and Joshua work their way through this dilemma. Grey also ends up the attempted victim of his selfish and greedy aunt as she tries to manipulate him into an engagement with his cousin. The timing was especially bad, but Grey comes through with the perfect solution. In both cases, Grey and Beatrice had to decide whether they were able to trust each other. I liked that they overcame by talking to each other – once the initial hurt and anger faded. The ending was great, and I loved their big moment at the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed the entire family. It is obvious that there is a great deal of love between all the members, even though some have a harder time showing it. The teasing indicates that they don’t take themselves too seriously. When there are problems, there is always someone available to help with support or advice. That’s not to say there are no problems. Joshua’s attitude is a prime example and makes it easier for him to be suspected of murder. At the same time, Sheridan’s focus on Joshua was a bit irritating as his suspicions had no evidence to support them. The sniping and arguing between Thorn and Gwyn appears to be caused by something in their past, which I hope will be addressed in a later book. It looks like the question of the murder may be a continuing theme through the series. I am intrigued to see how that develops.
A really fun read
Fletcher aka Grey duke of greycourt finds out his step father died he goes to his mother at once and helps his half brother Sheridan . Sheridan believes his cousin Joshua killed his father Grey decides to get information from Joshua sister Beatrice and tries to fight his attraction to her. While realizes his mother three husband died with possible murders , and deals with a scheming aunt . Maybe he can find happiness with letting his past go.
Good book enjoyed the witty banter with Grey and Beatrice . Loved the characters. Good book
Wonderful Story.