Valued by the Viscount
Series: Second Sons of London #6
Author: Alexa Aston
Published October 4th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
A reformed rogue who yearns for a love match. A widow who’s been tossed from her home. A house party meant to bring lovers together . . .

Reed Davenport is a womanizer enjoying a carefree life until his beloved father dies. Now Viscount Boxling, Reed takes his responsibilities seriously, including providing an heir. He turns to the Duchess of Camden, famed for her matchmaking skills, and puts himself in her hands, hoping he will find not only his viscountess—but love.

Vanessa Hughes, Lady Hockley, is a widow whose husband made her feel worthless. With her year of mourning at an end, her stepson demands she leave the family estate. Raging at her dead husband’s grave, Vanessa meets a remarkable countess who invites Vanessa to a house party she is hosting.

Can Vanessa find a new husband that will see her for who she truly is—and is Reed the man who will finally bring love into her life?

Find the answer in bestselling author Alexa Aston’s Valued by the Viscount, the sixth book in Second Sons of London.
Goodreads

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

Lady Vanessa Hughes, Lady Hockley has suffered in life. On the eve of her first season, her only family, her elder brother, the wastrel Lord Stillwell, sells her to the cruel and wicked Lord Hockley, who marries and abuses her, before hiding her in the country away from any company. Now widowed, and just about to leave her morning, her stepson announces that she needs to vacate the dower property, and never darken his door again. Luckily, she meets Louisa, who brings her home and invites her to stay for the upcoming house party. Finally making friends, Vanessa can't imagine life getting better, but finding her attraction to Reed, Viscount Bowling, she might just be able to have the family she's always dreamed of.

This book was heartbreaking in the first couple of chapters. Vanessa suffered so much, and I felt so sorry for her, particularly when she came across Louisa and the Three Cousins. She was so grateful that someone, but especially Ladies such as they, would want to help her, and actually become friends with her. Soon Vanessa started to come out of her shell, but she was still sheltered, and unsure when it came to her romance with Reed. She was clearly attracted to him, but her marriage had turned her against any thought of love, but she was willing to go through with what happened in the bedroom if it meant she could have children. I'm glad that Reed went slowly with her, and allowed her to become accustomed with her feelings, and be able to truly love him. Reed knew he wanted to find a love match, but even he was shocked by how much in love he was with Vanessa. Having children to fill his home with joy and laughter, just like his niece and nephew did whenever they visited, was a dream, and he couldn't imagine anyone other that Vanessa at his side. Such a great addition to the Second Sons series!

Dates Read:
September 29-30, 2022

Rating
3 Stars