ARC Review: Training the Duke (Suddenly a Duke #7) by Alexa Aston
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Series: Suddenly a Duke #7
Author: Alexa Aston
Published October 12th 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Goodreads Synopsis
An army officer who has returned to his childhood home . . .
An earl’s daughter forced to earn her own living . . .
Two damaged souls who find friendship . . . and love . . .
Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley’s head wound leaves him blind in one eye and unsuited to lead men into battle. Selling his commission, Cy returns to Melrose to find his father long dead and his distant brother, who is in poor health, the new Duke of Margate. Cy is given use of the hunting lodge on the estate, where he seeks to find his purpose in life after being forced from the military.
Lady Finola Honeyfield’s come-out was ruined when a cruel trick was played upon her, leaving her to trust no one but her dogs. She retreats to the country and becomes one of England’s premier trainers of English springer spaniels, having found a way to earn her keep, even as she is lost in loneliness.
Thanks to her Honeyfield spaniels, Finola has a chance meeting with Cy. Soon, a friendship springs up between them, with Cy even helping Finola train her current litter of pups. But these two keep secrets from one another and when Cy suddenly finds himself the Duke of Margate, Finola washes her hands of him.
Can Cy convince Finola they are meant to be together and forge a path as the Duke and Duchess of Margate—or will her mistrust of gentlemen of the ton keep them apart forever?
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Losing her parents at such a young age, Lady Finola Honeyfield was lucky to be taken in by her neighbour, who raised her in the country, training springer spaniels. She's only been to London once, but her come out was marred by both a cruel trick played on her by a handsome suitor, and the death of her guardian. Now one of the premier dog trainers across the country, Finola has no need to wed, and has never found herself even interested. But when she meets Cy Cressley, newly returned from war and living in the hunting lodge on the Duke of Margate's estate, Finola begins to wonder if there could be a future between them. But Cy is the heir to the ailing duke, and his injuries have left him with sight loss. Working together, Cy comes to terms with his disability, and dreams of a future with Finola. But they are both keeping secrets from each other, and when Cy's brother dies, it may prove too big a problem to overcome.
I'm always so happy when I see another book by Alexa available to review, and this book was perfect for her fans. Finola and Cy's pasts had been fraught with loss and heartbreak, and they needed to find themselves and heal, before they could be with someone else. I loved the growth in both of the couple, and seeing them as a little makeshift family when Bertie was around, was so joyful. I do wish that they both had been real with each other about who they were, as hiding their titles led to more heartache than either deserved. A lovely story, and I can't wait to read the next in the series!
Dates Read:
September 30, 2023
Rating
3 Stars
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