This could probably stand on its own, but previous couples do show up quite a bit, and there is an overarching mystery that culminates in this one, so it's probably best read in order. I was pretty certain I'd solved the mystery two books ago, and I was right, but I'm really here for the romance, so I didn't mind that much. In the beginning they both have ulterior motives that bring them together, and I thought it was handled well. I like that the heroine reached for what she wanted, and that the hero slowly fell for her despite himself. Both characters made a couple foolish choices, but were overall likable.
The last few chapters really leaned heavily on long explanatory conversations to bring everything together, and it felt a bit forced and flat. I'd also already guessed how the ending would play out a couple chapters earlier, so it wasn't a particularly interesting ending for me, but it wasn't too shabby how things turned out.
Overall I would rate the series:
1: 3
1.5: 2.5 rounded to 3
2: 4
3: 3
4: 3

I received as advance copy for reviewing purposes, but my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. ( )

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Undercover Duke by Sabrina Jeffries is the fourth book in her Duke Dynasty series. As there is an ongoing mystery running through the series, I think that you should read the books in order. Vanessa Pryde has been hiding her crush on Sheridan Wolfe, Duke of Armitage, by pretending to be in love with a roguish playwright. When Sheridan’s brother charges him with investigating Vanessa’s mother, he’s reluctant because he finds her too attractive for his sanity and spending time with her could only lead to disaster. A pretend engagement, an intriguing mystery and just the right amount of steam make this book one I enjoyed immensely. Steam Level: Medium. Publishing Date: May 25, 2021. #UndercoverDuke #SabrinaJeffries #NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #DukeDynastySeries #HistoricalRomance #HistoricalRomanceSeries #bookstagram #bookstagrammer ( )

Dukely deaths unmasked!

A convoluted plot as Sheridan Wolfe, the Duke of Armitage, and his siblings try to discover who might have killed the various Dukes, and their fathers, their mother, the Dowager Duchess Lydia Pryde Drake had married. Their suspicions have landed on three women. That investigation was to take place at a house party by Sheridan’s half brother Grey, the Duke of Greycourt, but that’s now not possible, so it’s up to Sheridan. This leads to Sheridan pretending to be engaged to Vanessa Pride, whom it seems is “too attractive for Sheridan’s sanity.” Vanessa has her own reasons for joining in this deadly farce. Something to do with a playwright, Konrad Junker she’s “gushing” over. Vanessa’s woven a web of deceits that she’s afraid she’ll find hard to untangle. Hmm!
Vanessa is one of the best aspects as we come to the unveiling of who’s been disposing of the Dowager Duchess’s Dukely husbands over the years. Another great episode in Jeffries highly readable, yet deadly, regency romance saga!

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley ( )

A Regency romp with romance and intrigue
4 stars

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.

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. ( )

This was an okay ending to a series with a great premise: a woman marries three different Dukes (each dies) and has various children by each. The family discovers the three Dukes (and others) were murdered and the children investigate.
This book is Sheridan and Vanessa's story. The mystery of the murderer is resolved in a satisfactory manner but I was disappointed with the romance. There didn't seem to be much chemistry between the H/h, only lust on his part and infatuation on hers. At times, she acts like a high schooler though she's twenty-five years old, trying to make him jealous by kissing other guys or flirting. He is mostly fascinated with her breasts, not that there's anything wrong with that but it put him in a high school YA portrayal also. There's a lot of tropes that done well are fine, but here it seemed to be just padding out the book for the mystery.
Still, I mostly enjoyed the series and am happy they caught the murderer. ( )