About the Book:
Title: A Duke for Diana
Author: Sabrina Jeffries
Series: Designing Debutantes #1
Page Length: 352
Publication Date: May 24, 2022
Publisher: Forever
Synopsis: Self-made civil engineer Geoffrey Brookhouse has unexpectedly inherited the dukedom of Grenwood. But he has a secret that could ruin his family. Hoping to save his timid sister from that fate, he seeks to marry her off to a respectable, protective gentleman. With the London Season imminent, Geoffrey hires Elegant Occasions to orchestrate her debut. Yet Lady Diana Harper, spirited fashion expert, proves more than he bargained for. Suddenly, Geoffrey’s sister is emerging from her shell, and he is beleaguered with social invitations and gossip! Worse, Diana is attempting to transform him into a presentable duke—when all he really wants is to win her heart…
Diana doesn’t know what to make of the handsome, disheveled duke. The man bristles at the very idea that his fashion faux pas might spoil his sister’s chances. Yet Geoffrey’s stubbornness simply inspires Diana to ruffle his feathers—by setting him on a course of self-improvement. Although there’s something endearing, even irresistible about his flaws, can a man who hates the ton tolerate a woman who makes her living catering to them? Little does either know that they have more in common than they suspect—and that two can create a society all their own…
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My Review:
This is the first book in a new series by Sabrina Jeffries, and it was an entertaining read. The premise is unique and interesting, and the characters are compelling. Three sisters, disgraced by their parents’ improprieties and deemed undesirable for marriage, start their own business. They create Elegant Occasions and use their combined skills to assist others in party planning and other social events. Geoffrey, an engineer-turned-Duke, hires the women to help his younger sister during her first season, and he quickly falls for the middle sister, Diana.
Diana and Geoffrey are both great characters. Intelligent, independent, and loving toward their respective families, they have a lot in common. Both are hesitant to fall in love and marry, both are afraid to let anyone too close, and both are struggling because of things their parents did. Diana grew up with parents who fought and cheated and never took into account the well-being of their daughters. Ostracized from society, she lives with her sisters and has made a comfortable life for herself, but she longs for male companionship and love. I liked how Diana and Geoffrey showed each other that they didn’t have to do everything alone, especially Geoffrey.
Geoffrey carries a lot on his shoulders, and he has secrets that threaten to destroy his family. He is a fish out of water and has a lot to learn about being a Duke. He doesn’t care for high society even though he is now part of it, but he adores his sister and mother enough to secure their futures. He’s gruff and a little intimidating to most, but not to Diana.
Diana and Geoffrey have amazing chemistry from the very start, and their banter is fantastic. Diana challenges and questions Geoffrey, as not many others do. It takes him by surprise in the best of ways. I love their conversations, quick wit, and constant teasing. They have such an undeniable connection, and the sparks really fly when they’re together.
The story also includes some interesting historical elements that I didn’t know before, like when they chalk the ballroom floor prior to a party. That’s so intriguing, and I was really curious to see what that would look like. And there are strong messages about mental health, societal hypocrisy and prejudice, elitism, and more. It all makes for an entertaining and captivating story.
A fun, unique, and swoon-worthy romance, I would definitely recommend A Duke for Diana to readers of historical romance, and I’m eager to read the next books, which will focus on Diana’s sisters.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance!!
- The characters.
Favorite Line:
“The only way to win a rigged game, my darling, is to refuse to play. Then forge your own path.”
I don’t read a lot (or any!) historial romance, but this a great review – I could be convinced to try!
It was a fun read!! 🙂
And another one for the TBR.
Yes!!!! You can’t go wrong with Sabrina Jeffries.