4 STAR REVIEW: UNDERCOVER DUKE by Sabrina Jeffries

Duke Dynasty: Book #4
Publication Date: May 25, 2021

Along with his stepsiblings, Sheridan Wolfe, Duke of Armitage, is determined to finally solve the mysteries behind the suspicious deaths of their mother’s three husbands. Tasked with investigating a possible suspect, Sheridan finds himself in dangerous proximity to her captivating daughter, Vanessa Pryde. But still haunted by a tragically lost love, the duke is resolved to resist the attraction—and avoid any “scheming” husband-hunters. Besides, lovely Miss Pryde seems utterly smitten with a roguish London playwright…

Vanessa thinks a little scheming may be in order—for it’s Sheridan she truly has her sights, and her heart, set on. Her theatrical flirtation is intended only to break through his business-like demeanor and guarded emotions. And as Sheridan’s jealousy becomes aroused, the two soon find themselves propelled into a scheme of an altogether different kind, involving a pretend engagement, a secret inquiry—and a perhaps not-so-secret leap into true love…

I’ve finally made it to the end of the Duke Dynasty series by Sabrina Jeffries. I had a gut feeling of who the “bad guy” was, but I couldn’t figure out why or how, so I was excited to see how everything panned out.

In Undercover Duke, we follow the final duke, Sheridan, and Vanessa (who happens to be his step-brother Grey’s cousin… yeah, still confusing). Vanessa has had her eye on Sheridan since they first met, but he’s not interested in marriage. Partially because he’s drowning trying to figure out why he can’t get his estate out of debt and partially for other reasons that come out during the story. He is also so focused on figuring out the deaths in his family that he doesn’t have time for romance. But he needs to question Vanessa’s mother and gets thrown into pretending to be courting Vanessa. Of course, there are sparks that can’t be denied and ultimately lead to the happily ever after.

While I did enjoy the ride of Vanessa and Sheridan’s romance, which was filled will all kinds of twists and turns, I really was looking forward to the end of the series plotline. As I said earlier, I had pretty well figured out who it was, but I had no reason for that guess other than it really couldn’t have been anyone else. It was a satisfying ending as everything was unraveled and revealed.

I honestly did enjoy all the books in this series, and Undercover Duke was a great finale. The whole family made appearances, and the epilogue was a wonderful ending to the series. I would definitely recommend this book… but advise that you start at the beginning for the best impact.

Sabrina Jeffries is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas).

At home in front of a crowd, Jeffries is a sought-after speaker, as evidenced by her 2010 gig as emcee for the National Romance Writers of America’s 30th Anniversary Awards Ceremony.

Whatever time not spent speaking to organizations around the country or 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 9 million books in print in more than 20 languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics (she has a Ph.D. in English literature) 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.