Lords of Hazard, Book 1
From the publisher:
Intriguing twists and sparkling wit entwine in this stunning new historical romance from the New York Times bestselling Sabrina Jeffries, as a once-captive patriot returns home to a changed world in the wake of the Napoleonic War…
Napoleon’s war has ended, and English captives detained for years in a French fortress are finally released. Returning to a London he no longer recognizes, and facing astonishing changes in his own family, Lord Jonathan Leighton learns he has inherited a dukedom. But the new nobleman carries the guilt of having wronged his late mentor. Now, he vows to fulfill his promise to find a suitable match for the man’s daughter, Victoria—even if it takes offering a nonexistent dowry to spark her interest in matrimony.
Sharp-witted Victoria would just as soon sculpt the Greek god who has come to take charge of her future. In fact, she has her sights set on founding a school for women artists. As Jonathan matches wits with the talented beauty, revelations from his past—and their connection to her father’s demise—threaten to unveil both of their closely held secrets and thrust them into a danger they can only escape together.“Jeffries (Accidentally His) presents the first installment in the new “Lords of Hazard” series, a character-driven historical romance full of humor and heart . . . will appeal to readers seeking a steamy Regency romance with a spirited leading lady and lively banter.”—Library Journal
“The sparkling Lords of Hazard series starter from Jeffries (the Designing Debutantes series) draws inspiration from the true stories of Englishmen detained in France during the Napoleonic War . . . The result is a page-turning romance complete with a wounded hero it’s easy to crush on and an intelligent, fiercely independent heroine it’s easy to root for. This is a delight.” —Publishers Weekly
“This new series kickoff hits all the notes of an old-school romance, with historical richness, delicious pining, and a lack of communication and trust keeping the pair apart. Secondary characters function as plot devices, but the leads are appealing. There are short references to atrocities Jon and others faced while in France, but the story never goes too deep, maintaining a light tone instead . . . The unique historical specificity adds interest to this serviceable romance.”—Kirkus Reviews
Lord Jonathan Leighton, the third son of the Duke of Falconridge, was on his grand tour when he, along with thousands of other British civilians, was detained and sent to a French internment camp, and then a prison. I had never encountered this piece of history before, so I found it particularly fascinating. After spending several years imprisoned with no hope of release, Jon, two friends, and his appointed guardian, Isaac Morris, attempt a daring escape. The attempt fails, and Morris suffers a severe leg injury that ultimately proves fatal. Before dying, Morris extracts a promise from Jon to look after his daughter, Victoria (Tory), and ensure she marries well.
After eleven long years, Jon and his companions are finally freed and return to England. Jon is shocked to discover that both of his elder brothers have died, leaving him to inherit the dukedom. He also learns that Tory is now employed as his sister’s governess. However, with his sister in the marriage mart herself, Tory’s services as governess are no longer required, and she is considered more a companion. Wanting to fulfill his promise, Jon tells Tory that her father left her a generous dowry, though in reality, Jon plans to provide the funds himself to help her secure a good marriage.
To Jon’s surprise, Tory reveals she has no interest in marriage. Instead, she dreams of using the money to open an art school for women. An artist herself, Tory is passionate about sharing her craft. After some negotiation, they strike a deal: Jon will sponsor Tory for the social season, ensuring she has all the necessary attire and opportunities to meet eligible suitors, while Tory, in turn, will teach Jon sculpting, an art form he has little interest in but agrees to as part of their bargain. If Tory remains unmarried by the end of the season, Jon promises to fund her art school.
Jon is haunted by guilt over Morris’s death, feeling responsible for the tragedy. As their art lessons progress, Jon finds himself increasingly drawn to Tory, though he believes she could never forgive him for her father’s fate. Meanwhile, Tory develops feelings for Jon but is acutely aware of the social divide that makes a match with a duke seem impossible. She also harbors a secret that could upend all of Jon’s plans for her.
As their mutual attraction grows, they find themselves teetering on the edge of scandal. Yet before they can find happiness together, they must confront their personal demons and unresolved issues. The novel touches on the harrowing experiences Jon endured during his imprisonment, which can be unsettling at times, but the witty banter and evolving relationship between Jon and Tory bring warmth and levity to the story. This unique historical backdrop and premise make for a compelling and engaging romance. If you enjoy historical romance with a fresh twist, this book is well worth a read.
5/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
HAZARDOUS TO A DUKE’S HEART by Sabrina Jeffries. Kensington (April 29, 2025). ISBN: 978-1496751027. 288p.
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