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, a 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 make her his own . . .
 
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 …

Titles in the Designing Debutantes series include — A Duke for Diana —♥— What Happens in the Ballroom —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Title:  A Duke for Diana
Series:  Designing Debutantes #1
Author:  Sabrina Jeffries
Genre:  Historical Romance, Regency Romance
Published:  May 24, 2022
Publisher:  Kensington Books
My Rating:  4.5

A Duke for Diana begins the Designing Debutantes series with a story that captured my imagination from the very first chapter as three enterprising sisters put their heads and their talents together to form their own business rather than settle for a life as a governess.  Elegant Occasions is a party-planning business geared toward the elite, the wealthy, and in other words, the ton.  That very same polite society had shunned them after decisions made by their parents, circumstances far beyond the young women’s ability to do anything about, so instead of cowering and hiding, they’ve made themselves vital to those who turned their backs on them.  Such ironic poetry in my mind!

When a quiet man, a self-made man, suddenly inherits a dukedom, well, no one was more surprised than Geoffrey… or apprehensive as well, for he has a secret that, if exposed, will ruin his sister’s chance for marriage.  So what does a loving brother do but seek out someone with the ability to turn his sister into the talk of the ton, and create a diamond of the first water to secure her future?  And Diana is the perfect lady for that task.  What follows becomes a delightful tale of creating not only a lovely, successful Season debut for Rosalie, but a far overdue makeover for Geoffrey as well because, well, to be kind, he certainly doesn’t look or act like any Duke would right now.

I enjoyed Diana and Geoffrey’s story very much.  Not quite a fish out of water type of story, perhaps a little bit of enemy to lover at times, but definitely a delightful romp.  There are times when Geoffrey comes off as a bit grumpy, and I loved Diana’s bantering with him about his attitude.  As usual, we’ll get a few more Regency terms explanations woven into the story as naturally as rain.  I never knew what chalking the floor meant before, although I’ve read it several times.  I always learn something new in this author’s stories, and that is part of the reason I always return for her next book.  If you love a historical romance with laughter and tears, annoyance and happiness, a couple to believe in, and a well-written plot then you’ll want to pick this one up soon.

I own a Kindle edition of this title.

Available in print, audio, and for the Kindle