What Happens in the Ballroom: A Sparkling Historical Regency Romance

by Sabrina Jeffries

Overview

“Anyone who loves romance must read Sabrina Jeffries!” –Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author

Fans of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton won’t want to miss this new story from the legendary New York Times bestselling author as she brings a fresh new hook to Regency romance with her series about three event planners who’ve rejected working as governesses to become party planners to London’s elite ton.
 
A young military widow, Eliza Pierce is enjoying both freedom and financial success as part of Elegant Occasions. When her late husband’s best friend, Nathaniel Stanton, the Earl of Foxstead, hires Elegant Occasions to help another young widow of an officer become part of high society, Eliza wonders why. Is the woman a relative? Or is she the earl’s mistress and her adorable toddler his child? If so, why does he take Eliza in his arms every chance he gets . . .
 
Foxstead’s family situation makes it difficult for him to marry, so his visceral attraction to his best friend’s widow is an unwelcome complication. Burdened by family secrets and those of his commanding officer, he’s determined to do his duty even when it means being around Eliza every day. But how can he resist when the fetching Eliza keeps tempting him to break his own rules? For if he dares to expose the truth, will she ever forgive him? Or will she banish him from her life forever . . .

“This heartwarming historical romance teems with witty banter and wanton desire.”— Library Journal

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781420153804
Publisher:	Kensington
Publication date:	03/28/2023
Series:	Designing Debutantes , #2
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	352
Sales rank:	5,256
File size:	770 KB

About the Author

SABRINA JEFFRIES is the New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over nine million books in print in more than twenty-one languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world. She always dreams big.

Editorial Reviews

02/06/2023

Jeffries fills Regency London’s ballrooms with steamy trysts and scandalous secrets in her sexy second Designing Debutants romance (after A Duke for Diana). When widow Eliza Pierce, who co-owns party planning service Elegant Occasions with her sisters, agrees to help Nathanial Stanton, Earl of Foxstead, launch his mysterious new ward, Jocelin, a single mother, into society, she decides to also use the opportunity to get closer to handsome Nathaniel. Nathanial has always fancied intelligent, mild-mannered Eliza, but her late husband was his best friend, so he’s never allowed himself to act on his feelings—until now. Enjoying the independence of widowhood, Eliza has vowed never to remarry, meanwhile Nathanial harbors a secret that keeps him from forming a permanent connection. As the pair embark on a steamy affair, however, they soon realize that they have more than just their bedroom proclivities in common and love grows. The characters’ chemistry is strong, and the mystery of Nathanial’s connection to Jocelin keeps the pages turning. Jeffries delivers. Agent: Pam Ahern, Ahern Agency. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

Praise for the Duke Dynasty Series:
 
“Jeffries is an expert in the Regency era… the most important thing to know is that women were expected to be pretty, quiet and boring. The thing that makes all of Jeffries’ heroines stand out is that none of them are quiet and boring. Pretty? Often. But the women she writes are spirited, intelligent, devilish, brave, independent and politically and culturally savvy. They are true heroines; she-ros, if you will. And Olivia Norley is definitely a she-ro.” —Bookpage on Who Wants to Marry a Duke
 
“Sabrina Jeffries is touted as a master of romance—and the first novel in her new Duke Dynasty series is as steamy as they come…a witty, scintillating read.” —Woman’s World, Editor’s Pick for Project Duchess

“An excellent blend of great characters and witty dialogue make this a delicious first in a new series.” —BookPage, STARRED REVIEW for Project Duchess

“The chemistry is as intense in the bedroom as it is in the science lab in Jeffries’s intoxicating third Duke Dynasty Regency romance…Jeffries’s perfect blend of romance, mystery, and suspense is sure to have series readers anxious for more.” —Publishers Weekly on Who Wants to Marry a Duke
 
“Who Wants to Marry a Duke is a story of love and commitment, risk and vulnerability, and ultimately, the courage to trust. Its sparkling banter, unique hero and heroine, and intriguing mystery make it irresistible.” —Ausetenprose on Who Wants to Marry a Duke
 
“Jeffries’s riveting first Duke Dynasty regency has a little bit of everything: an independent, forthright woman; a handsome duke with trust issues; and a mystery…Complex, intense characters heat up the pages with scintillating love scenes amid the intrigue. Jeffries continues to impress, and romance fans will eagerly await the next book.” —Publishers Weekly on Project Duchess

“Readers will love Grey and Beatrice, and the nicely paced, intriguing plot will keep them engaged…An appealing historical romance from a fan favorite.” —Kirkus Reviews on Project Duchess

“Olivia’s scientific gifts will draw in and delight fans of bluestocking romances, such as Tessa Dare’s A Week To Be Wicked.” —Library Journal on Who Wants to Marry a Duke

“Best-selling Jeffries brilliantly launches her new Duke Dynasty series with another exemplary Regency-set historical brilliantly sourced from her seemingly endless authorial supply of fascinating characters and compelling storylines.” —Booklist on Project Duchess

“Beautifully showcases the author’s gift for creating vividly etched characters (including a well-matched pair of protagonists) and then expertly placing them within a tautly constructed plot spiced with danger and plenty of red-hot sensuality.” —Booklist on The Bachelor

“Anyone who loves romance must read Sabrina Jeffries!” —Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author on Project Duchess
 
“Best-selling Jeffries, whose literary brand is synonymous with smart, sexy historical romance, wraps up her Regency-set Duke Dynasty series and the investigation into a series of ducal murders that began in Project Duchess (2019) on a high note with a perfectly fashioned love story rich in smoldering sexual chemistry, sharp wit, and a dash of danger.” —Booklist on Undercover Duke
 
“Fans will delight in revisiting Sheridan’s large family in this heated, twisty tale of love and deception.” —Publishers Weekly on Undercover Duke
 
“I have been wanting Vanessa and Sheridan to pair up since book one. She is the perfect contrast to his stuffiness… Undercover Duke is a brilliant conclusion to a fun and entertaining series.” —Romance Junkies on Undercover Duke

From the Publisher

01/13/2023

Eliza Pierce has known her share of disappointing men. Disinherited by her cruel father and disenchanted by her callous husband, she abandoned hope of her own happy ending. Now a widow in need of funds, Eliza has partnered with her sisters to create Elegant Occasions, a consulting agency that helps young misses navigate the marriage mart and avoid adversity such as hers. When Nathaniel Stanton, Earl of Foxstead, seeks their services for his ward, Eliza suspects that there is more to the situation than he is revealing. The pair will have to learn to trust one another in order for their desire to overcome their dissonance. In her second engaging installment of the "Designing Debutantes" series, Jeffries (A Duke for Diana) delivers more of the delightful and daring Harper sisters. This heartwarming historical romance teems with witty banter and wanton desire. The immersive detail and enchanting cast of characters create a compelling romp that will leave readers ready for more. VERDICT This book will appeal to readers seeking a playful and provocative Regency romance with an independent, intelligent heroine. Recommended for fans of Sophie Irwin, Eloisa James, and Virginia Heath.—Lauren Hackert

Library Journal