ARC Review: Educated by the Earl (Second Sons of London #1) by Alexa Aston

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Educated by the Earl
Series: Second Sons of London #1
Author: Alexa Aston
Published February 25th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
First sons inherit all. Third sons are promised to the church. Second sons do their duty and serve in the military—unless fate intervenes and turns their lives upside down.

Welcome to Second Sons of London, a new Regency Historical Romance series by USA Today Bestselling author Alexa Aston, where seven men who are second sons lay claim to fabulous wealth and lofty titles and fulfill their destinies when they find their soulmates.

A dutiful army officer who shuns intimacy. A selfless beauty ready to start living for herself. A chance meeting in the street that leads to love...

When Major Spencer Haddock’s father dies, he returns to England as the Earl of Middlefield. He seeks a typical ton marriage, where his wife will provide him with an heir and possibly other children and then they go their separate ways. He intends to find his countess quickly and not waste time at boring social affairs.

Lady Tessa Foster delays her come-out for several years in order to care for her ill parents. Now out of mourning, Tessa is eager to be introduced in Polite Society so she can find a husband and start a family of her own.

When Spence attempts to save Tessa from a thief brandishing a knife, she turns and attacks Spence. He quickly learns that instead of the pliant woman he thought he wanted as his countess, he desires Tessa—a woman of beauty and valor who stands up for herself and those she cherishes.

Can Spence change Tessa’s poor opinion of him and win the heart of the woman he has come to love?
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Returning to England following the death's of his father and brother, and learning he is the new Earl of Middlefield, was a shock to Major Spencer Haddock. As a second son, he never expected to inherit, and was sent away to war as a dutiful son. Now Spence knows he needs to restore the estate to its former glory, and find the perfect countess, and beget an heir and a spare, before it's too late. He thinks it'll be easy to attend a few society events, find a wife, and then go their separate ways without too much intimacy or feelings, but when he meets Lady Tessa Foster, and realises that she might be the one for him.

This was a really quick book, and perfect for those who've enjoyed Alexa's other books. Tessa was the daughter of an Earl, and had delayed her come out while caring for her ill parents. Now orphaned, she's staying with family in London, and plans to take part in the Season to find a husband, and start a family, sooner rather than later. She doesn't wish to be a burden on her uncle's family, and has no aims of love, just wanting to be content. When Tessa and Spence meet, it's not the best of first encounters - rather, Spence plans on protecting her from a thief, and she turns around and attacks him, and takes the thief (a girl) home to be her new ladies maid. I loved how the chemistry and relationship between Spence and Tessa progressed naturally, though it was quite a slow burn romance. Tessa took her time in accepting that Spence could be interested in her, but once she did, it was clear they were meant for each other. Tessa's cousins Adalyn and Louisa are definitely bound for their own stories, and I look forward to reading their romances.

Dates Read:
February 21, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

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