Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart by Sabrina Jeffries
Out April 29, 2025
Rating: LOVED

In Hazardous to a Dukes’ Heart, a duke’s third son, Jon, leaves for France on a grand tour. Instead of all the fun, he ends up detained in a French prison during Napoleon’s war. He’s stuck there for years with his two best friends and his tutor, William Morris, who becomes a dear friend and father figure to him. On Morris’ deathbed, he asks Jon to help his daughter, Victoria (Tori), find a good husband when he gets home.

Finally, they’re released and—surprise—Jon learns he’s the new Duke. Riddled with guilt for Morris’ injury and death, Jon creates a dowry for Tori and tells her that her father amassed a fortune in France. Only Tori has no interest in marrying; her dream is creating a school for female artists who have nowhere to develop their skills.

Neither can ignore their attraction and growing feelings, though they are determined to deny them. Jon’s in awe of Tori’s intelligence, creativity, determination, and beauty (of course), among other things. Tori sees a passionate and thoughtful man (if at times high-handed and arrogant) who’s haunted by something. I loved the tension between them, the dialogue, the character development and chemistry, the palpable emotions. The secrets/relationship impediments did drag a little longer than I’d prefer, but I absolutely loved Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart.

The narrator, Beverley A. Crick, always does a fabulous job with historical romance. Loved her tone, inflection, and ability to differentiate the many voices so I always knew who was speaking.

Highly recommend!

Rating: 4
Themes and Tropes: Secrets, Duke and Former Governess, Tension, Family Relationships, Mystery
Steam: Medium
Pair With: Your favorite sparkling wine. 

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