Thank you so much to Headline for providing me an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

I am no stranger to Sabrina Jeffries’ writing and in fact if you go through my reading history, you would have noticed I have read almost every single book by her. I really enjoyed reading Eliza and Nathaniel’s book. The forbidden aspect of it aka your best friend’s widow just creates a much more delicious depth to the story beyond the typical balls and debutantes. All in all, Sabrina never disappoints!

Like Jeffries's Hellions of Halstead Hall series, this has a mix of high society and earning money. In this case the series is based on a trio of women who have started a party planning business to avoid being governesses. I’ll leave you to decide how realistic you think that is, but I’m happy to go with it, because I like my heroines independent and finding ways to have some choices and control over their lives. Anyway, this is the second book in the series and our heroine is Eliza, a military widow who is building herself a future after the death of her husband. Our hero is her husband’s best friend, who asks for her company’s help to help another young widow find a new husband. Eliza is puzzled about why Nathaniel is taking such an interest in the young woman and her child, but goes along with it. She is burned from the way her marriage unfolded (as well as her parents marriage) and he has secrets that he’s hiding. Can they find a happily ever after? Of course they can. This is a fun and easy read – I guessed a few of the secrets that were going on, but not all, and I enjoyed watching Eliza and Nat grope their way towards a happily ever after. Steamy, but in line with what you would expect from Jeffries. I think.

Most of the issue's with this relationship are down to the fact Nathaniel told a lot of lies and while he felt he had a genuine reason for this it did cause most of the problems between the two. There is a feeling of attraction from the start however there was not a great deal of development in the relationship but there is lots of humour and banter between the two which is entertaining and well written. Overall it felt like a light hearted and fun story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was a lot of fun! Sexy, funny and with a large dose of romance it ticks all the boxes. I am new to the Designing Debutantes series so it was a refreshing modern take to have these sisters running their own business and making their own rules. It did feel modern to me but at the same time as reading this novel I was reading a book about the real life scandals of the regency era, and the life Eliza and her sisters live may not be that far removed from the lives of some rich women of that time. Some upper class women did have agency and power and it it was refreshing to read that here. I will definitely be reading the first one in the series and cannot wait for the next one.

4/5 stars! This is the second book in the Designing Debutantes series. I'm a huge fan of the regency romance genre so I was really excited to read this book. I really liked the chemistry between the main characters but didn't find some of the plot lines to fit the time in history that they were taking place.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I enjoyed this story, but found some bits a bit confusing as it’s obviously part of a trilogy, so it’s assumed you know certain things in the book, which if you haven’t read the first book, you won’t do. That being said it can still be stand alone, if you ignore all reference to the heroines father, as that’s the main confusing bit, and just enjoy the romance. There’s a nice element of mystery to it, and overall it makes a lovely story.

Far too raunchy for a typical Regency Romance, a rather modern-day romp in period costume. Dashing ex-rake with his young widowed guardian and her young son meet with three sisters who arrange social lives of others. One of these is another slightly less young widow and the desire of the ex-rake. Passions flare amongst secrets, deceits and a whole range of quirky characters. A fast and light read, but enjoyable enough. 3.5* rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

I loved this book- a great regency romance with a bit more love action than you might expect with a book set in this era.
I enjoyed the characters- Eliza was inspirationally strong for a woman from this time and her and her sisters business was so interesting to read about. You could really see why there was a need and why the Lord found himself in need of their services. I won’t spoil the story by going into any depth but suffice to say I devoured the book in a day and have already added Sabrina to my alerts list for new books she writes. I’m really excited by the prospect of this being a series and can’t wait to see what happens for Verity!