*** My Review ***

Step into the glittering world of Regency England in Sabrina Jeffries’ Designing Debutantes series, where the parties are lavish, the dresses are exquisite, and the romances are oh so delicious! In the second book, What Happens in the Ballroom, readers are treated to the captivating tale of Eliza Pierce, a strong and respectable military widow who finds herself drawn to Nathaniel, her deceased husband’s friend, and the ward of a young woman intent on marrying.

The story of Eliza, the eldest of the Pierce sisters, is a tale of resilience and courage. Having been widowed at a young age due to her husband’s military service, Eliza carries herself with a strength and grace that is truly admirable. Her unwavering determination to make a life for herself and her sisters, and her refusal to settle for less than she deserves, is truly awe-inspiring.

Despite her resolve to remain single, Eliza finds herself drawn to Nathaniel, her late husband’s friend. Nathaniel, however, is burdened with his own set of challenges. As the ward of a young woman who is intent on marrying him, Nathaniel must navigate his responsibilities, his conscience, and his growing feelings for Eliza.

The chemistry between Eliza and Nathaniel is palpable from the start, and readers cannot help but root for them to find their way to each other. Their banter is witty and endearing, and the way they complement each other is truly heartwarming. Nathaniel’s pet name for Eliza, “Dearling,” is a testament to his affection for her and is sure to make readers’ hearts flutter.

But as with any good romance, there are obstacles to overcome. Nathaniel’s secrets threaten to tear them apart, and he must decide whether to reveal the truth and risk losing Eliza or keep them hidden and continue to deceive her.

The characters in this book are so well-crafted that readers cannot help but become emotionally invested in their journeys. Eliza’s strength and determination are truly inspiring, and Nathaniel’s struggles with his responsibilities and his conscience make him a relatable and endearing character. The Pierce sisters’ banter and love for each other is heartwarming, and readers cannot help but feel a part of their family.

One of the strengths of this book is its exploration of family secrets and how they can impact the lives of those around them. Eliza and her sisters are struggling to make ends meet, and their financial situation is directly tied to the secrets their father kept hidden. Similarly, Nathaniel’s loyalty to his ward is tied to a secret from his own past. While the resolution of these secrets is satisfying, the consequences of keeping them are felt throughout the story.

Another strength of “What Happens in the Ballroom” is its portrayal of women in Regency-era England. Eliza and her sisters are working to make their way in a society that doesn’t value their skills and abilities. They are determined to succeed, even when the odds are against them.

Eliza, in particular, is a strong and independent woman, who refuses to be defined by her status as a widow or her husband’s mistakes. She is a role model for readers looking for strong female characters in their romance novels.

While the romance between Eliza and Nathaniel is the central focus of the story, the relationships between the sisters are just as important. Each sister has her own personality and strengths, and they support each other through thick and thin. Their banter is both funny and heartwarming, and their loyalty to each other is admirable.

However, some readers may find the lack of build-up in the romance a bit disappointing. There is no romance until towards the end of the book, and the characters seem hot and cold towards each other throughout the story. It’s hard to believe they are madly in love when they didn’t even get to know each other before being all over each other. But that being said, the chemistry does eventually develop, and it saves the book for some readers.

Despite the lack of build-up in the romance, the story itself is entertaining, and the plot is intriguing. I like the premise of the story (family secrets that may lead to either ruination or triumph). Nathaniel’s determination and stubbornness to protect his ward at all costs, even if it means keeping secrets from Eliza, adds tension to the plot. When the secrets do come out, there are definitely justifications as to why they were kept. This book illustrates the reasons why keeping secrets is never a good idea.

Jeffries’ writing style is fun and light, and her characters are well-developed. There is a satisfying element to Jeffries’ books because we don’t ever have a damsel in distress, doormat, or feather brained heroine, and the hero is usually the one putting the wrong foot forward. This dynamic allows the reader to relate to the heroine and put themselves in her shoes. Since the female characters are not portrayed as helpless and weak, readers can find themselves rooting for them even more.

In addition to the engaging characters, the plot of “What Happens in the Ballroom” is well-crafted and keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Jeffries cleverly weaves family secrets into the story, adding an element of intrigue and drama to the romance. The sisters’ party planning business also adds an interesting aspect to the story, giving readers a glimpse into Regency-era society and the social events that were so important during that time period.

Overall, “What Happens in the Ballroom” is a delightful historical romance that will appeal to fans of the genre. While the romance between Eliza and Nathaniel may have started off a bit abruptly, their chemistry and banter make up for it.

Jeffries’ writing style is light and entertaining, making this an enjoyable read that can be finished in a day. The strong female characters and well-crafted plot make this book a standout in the genre. If you’re looking for a fun, engaging historical romance, “What Happens in the Ballroom” is definitely worth checking out.

What Happens in the Ballroom by Sabrina Jeffries is a perfect choice for readers looking for a light, entertaining read with a happy ending. Sabrina Jeffries is a talented writer, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.