Hazardous to a duke's heart

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. After being imprisoned for 11 years, Lord Jon Leighton returns to England to find the country radically changed. He also discovers that, with both his older half brothers dead, he is now the Duke of Falconridge. The title brings many new duties, but Jon's focus is on fulfilling his promise to his mentor, Dr. Morris, who died while imprisoned with Jon, to secure a good marriage for his daughter, Tory Morris, who happens to be Jon's sister's governess. Free-spirited Tory, however, has no interest in matrimony, determined instead to realize her dream of opening a school for women artists. The pair clash, only coming to a truce when Tory agrees to husband hunt during the London Season if Jon becomes her sculpting pupil. Mutual attraction blossoms--as does intrigue, as Jon searches for the person who betrayed his escape plan back in France. 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. (May)

Jeffries (Accidentally His) presents the first installment in the new "Lords of Hazard" series, a character-driven historical romance full of humor and heart. Nearing the end of an 11-year detainment during the Napoleonic Wars, Jonathan pledged to his dying mentor that he would find the man's daughter and see her advantageously matched. However, Jonathan's world is turned on its head when he returns home to find that he has inherited a dukedom, and the very woman he was meant to help is now his sister's governess. While this should make his quest all the easier, the headstrong Victoria informs him that she has no intent to marry and plans instead to open an art school. They strike a bargain: Jonathan agrees to let her use her dowry however she sees fit if she agrees to teach him ducal deportment. Playful banter and plenty of heat yield a delightful reading experience, and Jeffries's fans will appreciate the nod to the ladies of Elegant Occasions (featured in her "Designing Debutantes" series). VERDICT Jeffries's newest will appeal to readers seeking a steamy Regency romance with a spirited leading lady and lively banter. Recommended for fans of Lisa Kleypas, Eloisa James, and Sophie Irwin.--Lauren Hackert

Newly returned to England after years detained in France during the Napoleonic Wars, a duke falls for his sister's governess. Lord Jonathan Leighton, third son of the Duke of Falconridge, was on a grand tour when he and thousands of other British civilians were forced into detainee camps in France. Jon attempted escape alongside his two best friends and his mentor, Dr. Isaac Morris, but they were captured and sent to prison, where Morris died before they were released. When, after 11 years away, Jon returns to England with plans to make good on his promise to find a husband for his mentor's daughter, Victoria, he learns that his father and two brothers are dead and he's inherited the dukedom; Tory now works as his sister's governess. When he (falsely) tells Tory that her father left her a sizable dowry--providing the money himself seems like the best way to help her--she surprises him by responding that she does not wish to marry but would rather open a school for women artists like herself. They come to an agreement that Tory will be presented in Society and look for a husband until the end of the Season if Jon will attend sculpting lessons, but they soon find themselves unable to resist their mutual attraction. Both are hiding secrets, though, which become more complicated to maintain as their feelings grow. 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. One mystery thread is left open for future books. The unique historical specificity adds interest to this serviceable romance. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.