Along with his stepsiblings, Sheridan Wolfe, Duke of Armitage, is determined to finally solve the mysteries behind the suspicious deaths of their mother’s three husbands. Tasked with investigating a possible suspect, Sheridan finds himself in dangerous proximity to her captivating daughter, Vanessa Pryde. But still haunted by a tragically lost love, the duke is resolved to resist the attraction—and avoid any “scheming” husband-hunters. Besides, lovely Miss Pryde seems utterly smitten with a roguish London playwright…
Vanessa thinks a little scheming may be in order—for it’s Sheridan she truly has her sights, and her heart, set on. Her theatrical flirtation is intended only to break through his business-like demeanor and guarded emotions. And as Sheridan’s jealousy becomes aroused, the two soon find themselves propelled into a scheme of an altogether different kind, involving a pretend engagement, a secret inquiry—and a perhaps not-so-secret leap into true love…
| Title: | Undercover Duke |
| Author: | Sabrina Jeffries |
| Series: | Duke Dynasty (Book 4) |
| Pages: | 352 |
| Genre(s): | Historical |
| Trope(s): | Fake Relationship |
| Point of View: | Third Person, Past Tense, Dual Viewpoint (H & h) |
| Location: | England |
| Setting: | Regency, 1809 |
| HEA: | ✔️ |
| Release Date: | 25th May, 2021 |
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A Regency romp with romance and intrigue
I am a huge fan of Ms Jeffries’ writing although I’ve only read 2 of her most recent series, Duke Dynasty, of which this is number 4. I assume this is also the last in said series as it’s in this book that we find out the identity of the killer – the mystery that has been running throughout the whole series. The romance in this book stands completely alone although, as I mentioned, the mystery carries on from previous books. I don’t suppose you need to have read the previous books but you may get confused by the large cast of characters and the (unashamedly) confusing way they’re all related to each other!
Sheridan is a strong, silent and stoic character but without the arrogance that we sometimes see in ducal heroes. I liked him and understood him although I was a wee bit peeved with the way he needlessly used his first love as a barrier against Vanessa. I also didn’t like that he probably wouldn’t have approached Vanessa if he hadn’t been investigating the murders. I want him to HAVE to approach her regardless. But he was nicely besotted with her and overcome with lust when they were together – so I mostly forgave him.
Vanessa was a very enjoyable character and one I really got behind. Despite her rather hideous mother, she was still strong and determined and honest to a fault. I loved the fact that she knew what she wanted and worked all the angles to get her happily ever after. It never came across as scheming or manipulation – if anything, Sheridan was more artful than Vanessa was.
“[there’s]…lots of naughty shenanigans that Ms Jeffries always delivers to us in spades.”
As I mentioned, the lust between Sheridan and Vanessa was delightfully apparent. Neither really disguised their attraction to the other – well, once they were wed, anyway – which led to lots of naughty shenanigans that Ms Jeffries always delivers to us in spades. Vanessa is a true innocent – unaware of any aspect of lovemaking – so having Sheridan instruct her was surprisingly sweet while still being fan-yourself while clutching your pearls, steamy.
As always with Sabrina Jeffries, she really grabs you and brings you into the worlds she builds with her writing. We’re transported to Regency London and all the sights, sounds and smells you would expect from the time. I would happily while away the hours in a Sabrina Jeffries story.
I was satisfied with the conclusion of the mystery of the murders and who the culprit was. It definitely wasn’t edge of your seat, full-on action / adventure / drama stuff – but so far as I could see, I was happy that justice prevailed and we got the baddy/baddies in the end. Anyway – I’m mostly here for the romance anyway…
As always when I pick up a Sabrina Jeffries novel, I know I’ll be entertained and possibly even swoon a little. This book was no exception and she remains one of my favourite historical romance authors. 4 stars.
Sabrina Jeffries is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas).
At home in front of a crowd, Jeffries is a sought-after speaker, as evidenced by her 2010 gig as emcee for the National Romance Writers of America’s 30th Anniversary Awards Ceremony.
Whatever time not spent speaking to organizations around the country or writing in a coffee-fueled haze is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music.
With over 9 million books in print in more than 20 languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics (she has a Ph.D. in English literature) for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world.
She always dreams big.
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Duke Dynasty Series:
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