Review - - Accidentally His

Accidentally His

by Sabrina Jeffries

Designing Debutantes - Book 3

Publisher: Zebra Books

Release Date: January 23, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

As a viscount’s heir, Rafe Wolfford is obligated to take a wife someday. But she must be the right sort of wife—not too independent, and not inclined to delve into his escapades as a spy. The forthright, perceptive Lady Verity is altogether the wrong choice. But Rafe’s courtship is merely a ruse to discover whether Verity or anyone else associated with Elegant Occasions is leaking crucial information to the French. That mission is all that
matters—until fate, and desire, intervene.

After enduring one disastrous engagement, Verity won’t easily open her heart again, preferring to devote herself to Elegant Occasions. Rafe is charming, handsome, and kisses like the very devil, but she knows he’s harboring secrets. Still, when her ex-fiancé tries to ruin her reputation, Rafe offers his hand. For the sake of her family and business, Verity has little choice but to accept. Yet turning this arrangement into a true marriage will require daring and trust—which neither will embrace easily, making surrender all the sweeter.

PJ's Thoughts:

She saved the best for last. I've thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy by Sabrina Jeffries. It's been one of my favorites from her in a number of years. Diana's and Eliza's journeys to love in books one and two had me eagerly turning pages but it's this third book - youngest sister Verity's story - that kept me happily reading until well past my bedtime. Twice. 

After reading the first two books in this series, I had my fingers crossed that Jeffries would pair Verity with the elusive Phantom who kept slipping in and out of Elegant Occasions events. I was beyond curious to discover what he was up to and how that would impact Verity. I was delighted to discover he would be her hero and he did not disappoint. 

I loved Rafe and Verity together. The banter, the sparks, the matching of wits, the food, the reluctance to trust (for good reasons). Following along on their journey was pure pleasure. It was beyond fun to watch Rafe be continually baffled and surprised by Verity's ability to read him, a seasoned spy. She was one smart cookie, to be underestimated at one's own risk. Thankfully, it didn't take him too long to discover that.   

In Accidentally His, Jeffries has crafted an intriguing mystery within a sparkling romance that kept both main characters on their toes. She also threaded it with more than a few twists that kept them - and me - guessing well into the story as well as a depth of emotion that touched my heart. I enjoyed the roles Verity's sisters and their husbands played in this book as well as the questions surrounding Rafe's late parents. As always, family is paramount in the books of this series, helping to push the story forward with humor, conflict, and, at times, poignant emotion.    

You could read Accidentally His as a standalone but for maximum understanding and enjoyment, I would recommend reading the three books in order. They are: A Duke for Diana, What Happens in the Ballroom, and Accidentally His. All three are winners in my book.