Polishing the Duke

Suddenly a Duke #3

by Alexa Aston

A haberdashery owner who suddenly discovers he’s a duke . . .

A woman of the ton stained by scandal . . .

A deathbed request which brings this pair together . . .

Haberdasher Pierce Selkirk always knew he was the son of an earl. Much to his surprise, he learns he is not illegitimate as he had been led to believe. With his father’s death, he becomes the Duke of Stoneham and must take up responsibilities beyond his comprehension.

Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne was the darling of the ton until her gambling father went bankrupt and committed suicide. The suicide cast a shadow upon Nalyssa, and she now earns her living preparing men who have unexpectedly come into a title, training them to take their places in Polite Society.

Nalyssa travels to Stonecrest, where she meets her next client, a man she is wildly attracted to. The new duke also desires Nalyssa, and she does her best to hold him at arms’ length as she trains him in the idiosyncrasies and unwritten rules of the ton. Nalyssa knows Stoneham must make a brilliant marriage, if only to help his sister and help her find her footing in Polite Society.

Will this duke create an even greater scandal by pursuing—and wedding—a woman barely tolerated by the ton?

Find the answer in Alexa Aston’s Polishing the Duke, Book 3 in Suddenly a Duke.

Each book in the Suddenly a Duke series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free with Kindle Unlimited.

Suddenly a Duke Series Order:

Book 1 – Portrait of the Duke – Daniel & Margaret
Book 2 – Music for the Duke – Henry & Fia
Book 3 – Polishing the Duke – Pierce & Nalyssa
Book 4 – Designs on the Duke – Elijah & Abby
Book 5 – Fashioning the Duke – Fox & Delaney
Book 6 – Love Blooms with the Duke – Xander & Willa
Book 7 – Training the Duke – Cy & Finola
Book 8 – Investigating the Duke – Jasper & Shelby

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Historical, Regency Romance

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2023

About the author

Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She enjoys travel, sports, and time with her family.

Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense.

Stay in touch with Alexa at:

Website: https://alexaaston.com/

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Reviews

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce gave Nalyssa the romance that she was not expecting. The plot was intriguing and very readable. Pierce had an agenda and Nalyssa’s agenda in some ways worked towards that same goal. The story is quite entertaining and pleasing to read. All The characters are enjoyable to read. The story is a nice page turner with some romance that heats up the story. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Regency romance from Alexa.
Great characters and a good story that keeper me entertained and made me stay up way later than planned just to finish the book.
Enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haberdasher Pierce Selkirk always knew he was the son of an earl. Much to his surprise, he learns he is not illegitimate as he had been led to believe. With his father’s death, he becomes the Duke of Stoneham and must take up responsibilities beyond his comprehension. Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne was the darling of the ton until her gambling father went bankrupt and committed suicide, which cast a shadow upon Nalyssa, and she now earns her living preparing men & sometimes women who have unexpectedly come into a title, training them to take their places in Polite Society. Nalyssa travels to Stonecrest the seat of the Duke of Stoneham, where she meets her next client, a man she is wildly attracted to. Pierce also desires Nalyssa.
The third book in the series & it’s easily read on its own but does feature the characters from the previous two books, especially the delightful Dowager Duchess of Westfield. A story with a difference & Pierce certainly had all his preconceived ideas about his father knocked on their heads. I loved both Pierce & Nalyssa, he’s a self made man who takes to the dukedom like a duck to water, he's confident with some arrogance, caring & gorgeous. Nalyssa whilst a confident, intelligent woman feels unworthy of society. I loved their journey to a HEA & once again burned the midnight oil to finish it – will I never learn to start the author's books early in the day! I loved the lessons in etiquette & who knew a saucer had to be held just so! A lovely romance with lovely chemistry between the couple & an aggrieved half brother
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Diana N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A job to groom the new Duke in the ways of society, but Nalyssa wasn't expecting to fall for him.

Pierce went through his life thinking to be the bastard of the Earl. Pierce and his mother and sister learned to get by through learning skills and running shops, including a haberdashery. Nalyssa takes them under her wing after learning of their new circumstances.

Nalyssa is such a strong willed woman and doesn't think she is worthy of Pierce due to her being shunned by society. Thank goodness he was so persistent.

Even though this book could be read as a stand-alone, it was nice to have a ball from a previous book in a different perspective. The Westfields and Duke of Lindberry make a nice appearance. I hope Pierce and Nalyssa show up in future. Maybe Pierce will show off more of his sewing skills.

Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa Aston is one of my favorite authors. I've only been reading her since early 2021 and this is already my 35th book by her. I am enjoying this series.

I loved reading Pierce and Nalyssa's story. I loved the concept and it's was such a great read. They seemed like such a cute couple. Just loved it!!!!

[Rosemary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why does this have a high rating? I’m 20% in and our MMC is a total hypocrite and he and his mother seem TSTL. I regret I wasted time on this. This could have been good.

[Maddie · Rating 2 out of 5]

These books should be called one note characters taking away women’s choices. Two stars because he made her wedding dress 🥰

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce and Nalyssa

I loved this story and the strong characters, especially getting to see some interaction with the characters from previous books. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Annalise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surprised to see so many high ratings for this one! I expect much more from the romances I read. I had skipped to book 3 in this series because it was the one that came recommended in reviews and I hadn't enjoyed the first book at all. Well, not much improvement here, I'm afraid. I rushed through this and not in a good way. It's just a bit too simplistic for my taste. The writing is basic and ultimately the characters need a lot of work. I found the concept interesting but that was about it. I did enjoy this more than the first book but not enough to continue with the author's books in the future. I tried - can't win 'em all I guess.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

Lady Nalyssa is a woman tainted by family scandal and living on the fringes of Society, despite being well born, the daughter of a peer, and at one point, a vaunted society belle. But she has managed to turn things around for herself, and has turned her assets, such as her manners, poise, knowledge of social norms and expectations, etc. into a business, where she helps to polish those who wish to make a good impression on Society.

Pierce Selkirk's memories of his childhood and the man he finds out later is his father are tainted by anger and bitterness. He and his mother left to find a new life far away and they found success running their own businesses. Then one day, he has the shock of his life when he finds out that his mother was not the man's mistress and he and his sister were not the bastards born of an illicit affair. Just before the prior Duke's death, he decided to right prior wrongs and publicly admit to his hidden marriage to Pierce's mother, making Pierce, a haberdasher, the new Duke of Stoneham.

Because they were raised as commoners, Lady Nalyssa was hired to help teach the Selkirks how to behave to be accepted in Society and overcome the scandal of their situation, especially as the previous duke had married another more socially acceptable bride and had two children with her. The duchess had died, but that leaves his two children who must now suffer the labels of being bastards born of a bigamist relationship.

Oh yes, there is family angst and drama with the angry, bitter Pierce, and the brooding sulking displaced heir.

But also, there is quite a bit of steaming romance as well, and romantic angst. Pierce is a strong willed man with a smouldering sexuality and he definitely is used to being in charge and knowing what he likes and wants. And he wants Nalyssa. He overwhelms her with his obvious desire and sensuality. At first, it came across as arrogance and ego, but then I have to admit he won me over, and I ended up finding him to be hot and yummy. Nalyssa tries to fight it, knowing that he needs to win over Society to truly gain their support of him as a Duke, and she is not an appropriate mate for him, and she cannot afford to lose much more of her reputation by being his mistress. But Pierce is a go-getter and knows how to get what he wants. In case anyone was not clear about the story - HE REALLY WANTS Nalyssa.

It is good to be wanted...

4.25 stars out of 5

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Polishing the Duke by Alexa Aston is part of a new series: Suddenly a Duke, which is kind of Aston’s speciality, unexpected dukes. Many years ago the earl had not been able to stand up to his father and tell him he had married the love of his life. Instead, he hid her and his child in a cottage and visited now and then. To make his father happy he married another and had several children. Now, after his (second) wife has died he is determined to make it all right. He contacts his barrister and they make a plan. The plan includes hiring Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne. Lady Nalyssa exists on the fringes of the ton. She had been a very successful debutante but had not married before her father committed suicide in the face of his impending bankruptcy. That left her with a scandal and very little money. She took the new Earl of Starling, her father’s replacement, and changed him from a country bumpkin into an earl. And, she recognized she could make this into a business and so she did. A relatively successful one for the past ten years. Now she had new clients: The new Duke of Stoneham, his mother the Duchess, and his sister, who would enter society next year.

This makes one wonder of there was someone filling this capacity really or if people just bumbled along if they inherited a title with no training to go with it. It was an entertaining story of two very stubborn people: Nalyssa and Pierce, the new duke. Their mother, Amanda, had drilled good manners into both of her children, as well as educating them, so the leap wasn’t as far as it might have been. There was the displaced half-brother to deal with, but that was for another day. Their father had left him well-provided for. Pierce was an excellent character, everything a duke should be, including arrogant. Nalyssa had been inundated too long with the rules of the ton and was not willing to see them stretched a bit. She was adamant that he find an appropriate wife, and she was not her. It was a different plot and entertaining. The pacing was good and the reader was ready for it all to come together, although not the way it did. Very clever.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Polishing the Duke by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AlexaAston #PolishingTheDuke

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

Discovering that he is in fact the legitimate son of the Duke of Stoneham, rather than a bastard is a surprise to Pierce Selkirk, a store owner in Bristol. Inheriting the title, with his mother now ready to take her place in society as duchess, he knows there's going to be an uphill battle, though his father had considered that before his death, and hired Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne to give the family pointers on how to behave. Arriving at Stonecrest, Pierce and Nalyssa immediately clash heads, but the respect growing between them, and the more time they are comfortable with each other, soon convinces Pierce that yes, he does need to find a duchess, but she's been in front of him all along.

After reading the second book in the series, I decided to get caught up with the published books so far, and dove right into books 3 & 4. I do think this one is my favourite so far, as I just loved the chemistry between Pierce and Nalyssa so much, and the fact that he wasn't really a member of society, and didn't adhere to the silly rules over heritage, etc., but rather merit and worth, made him respect Nalyssa so much more. She was raised as the daughter of an earl, and had had a few seasons but had never chosen a husband before her father lost their wealth, and killed himself. Luckily the new earl, and her cousin, was kind, though not prepared for his role in society, and Nalyssa gave him instructions. Now many who wish to enter the ton hire her to prepare them, and she's grudgingly accepted at society events. Working with Pierce, Amanda, and Penelope will be her biggest task to date, though the most rewarding. Because she had always been in society, she knew that she wasn't really welcomed, and cared about the Selkirks too much to cause them any trouble. Luckily though Pierce wasn't willing to let her go, and he fought tooth and nail for her. We saw the Westfields and Duke of Lindberry again, and the dowager Duchess was instrumental in Pierce and Nalyssa being able to find love once and for all. A lovely addition to the series!

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a unique story!

This is the first time an author has given me a look into the training of the rules to follow of the ton. I found it fascinating from how to hold a tea cup, how to put tea and condiments into the cup etc.

Our H overhears a conversation when he is 10 with a man who visits them monthly. But, not all is as he thinks. Oh, how my heart ached for the H's mother. The author made you feel her anguish and pain in what she tells this man.

The H is very protective of his mother and sister. He learns he must leave his working life behind and become a very different person. The same holds true for his mother and sister, this is where the h comes into their lives. She trains those who have no idea how to handle their change of status.

Can you imagine, how you would be tainted by something your family did. No matter how innocent you are, the ton would shun you because of something you had no control over. Oh my goodness another reason I'm glad I didn't live in this time period.

Story has suspense, some violence and twists I didn't expect.

Slowly our couple fall in love but the h puts it out of her mind because of their different status. The H is having nothing of what she feels he needs, because he knows he needs her. Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5.

I'm glad the author wrote the villain as not being nice. What he has to accept, in his change of circumstances was sad. If he would have been kind and caring it would change the story for me.

Interesting main and secondary characters. This can be a stand alone but you will want to read the series. Characters from books 1 and 2 have parts in this one too, but you won't be lost.

Loved the epilogue about 5 years in the future. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romantic and some steam. (ljb)

[Donique Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Doubt A Duke

The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Nalyssa Shelbourne…daughter of the late Earl of Starling, cousin to the current Earl of Starling, has a talent for helping gentlemen become “gentlemen” worthy of Polite Society and marriage. Pierce Selkirk…unknown legal heir to the Duke of Stoneham, owns and runs a haberdashery, not interested in being a duke. The h has been tasked with a job that may be beyond her abilities. Well the H is in for quite a surprise. Wow the father of the H had a rough childhood. No one ever wants to find love, like it is a terrible disease LOL. The H had decided that he was going to dislike the h on sight but she surprised him. LOL the h thinks the H is already in possession of the annoying behaviors of his social position. The H thinks the h is bossy but attractive. “My wife will have my opinions,” the H is funny. Well the H has made a decision about the h but I don’t think she is going to agree. Whew the half-brother of the H is super angry, he may be a problem. The h believes that she is making the best decision for the H but she is really not listening to what he wants. The H is not impressed at all by most of the rules practiced by Polite Society. Oh how cool a snippet from a previous book in the series. Oh the wedding gift from the H to the h is priceless. Yep the half-brother of the H has lost his mind. Both the MCs were determined that the villain would not ruin the day, and HEA. This is book three in the Suddenly A Duke series. This storyline was one that I had never encountered before and I liked it. There is quite a bit about expected behavior in Polite Society but it was interesting and enlightening. There is some adult language and light steam. I think this has been my favorite one in the series.

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Polishing the Duke" is the third entry to Alexa Aston's "Suddenly a Duke" series. I loved the potential double-entendre of the title but this enjoyable read is (sadly!) only slightly steamy. Lady Nalyssa Sherbourne is a 29-year-old disgraced daughter of a deceased earl. Her disgrace was not her fault, but resulted from her father's destitution and resultant suicide. She has since made a life for herself training non-aristocrats for entrance to the ton. She has been hired by the recently deceased Duke of Stoneham to "polish" his son - who was raised thinking he was illegitimate - to take his rightful place as Duke.

Pierce, newly the Duke, is willing to learn but skeptical. There is quick chemistry between himself and Nalyssa, and he quickly sets his sight on her as his bride, even knowing (and with her constant reminders) that she is not marriage material due to her borderline reputability amongst the ton. Love, of course, prevails.

This was a mildly entertaining easy read. The premise seemed more than a little off - a duke marrying a commoner, then hiding her and their child, then "marrying" again and siring additional children and being honest with no one until his death? Incredibly farfetched even as a romance novel setting and just despicable behavior. I admittedly liked Amanda a little less for being willing to go along with such shenanigans. Pierce's quick decision to make Nalyssa his bride also felt a little out of left field. It felt like she was more convenient than anything else. Still, I liked the story overall. I hope we revisit Penelope at some point in the future!

3.5 stars, rounded to 3. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion*

I'd put this somewhere around the 3.5 star range. For those who have read the previous two books this takes place at the same time as book 2. For those who haven't read any of the books, you can still enjoy this without having read the previous ones (but we do get to see the characters from those books so it might help). Nalyssa is a great leading lady - she's independent, smart, and isn't afraid to tell Pierce when he needs to stop whining. It was amusing how duke-like he already was in attitude so it was just a matter of teaching him the rules of society. The twist involving his legitimacy was interesting - although his father's actions are explained I still didn't understand why he didn't just disappear with Amanda rather than getting himself into the situation of committing bigamy. I liked how easily Nalyssa bonded with Amanda and Penelope - she was so lonely and didn't seem to realize that until she had them in her life. The dowager duchess of Westfield makes another appearance and is just as meddlesome as always (in the best way). Nalyssa's situation is different than that of Fia and Margaret and driven by necessity rather than passion for what she is doing. And it was just as much about Pierce helping Nalyssa get over her fears of rejection as getting her to fall in love with him. The villain of the story has a very good reason for hating our main characters - he was easy to forget once he was out of the picture so it did come as a little bit of a surprise when he did reappear. Very much looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce Selkirk is the owner of a Haberdashery. He has believed from a very young age that he and his sister Penelope was the bastard son and daughter of the Earl of Hardwell. His mother never told them that she was actually the legal wife to the Earl. Fast Forward to the future and Pierce is advised by his father's attorney that he is the Legal Heir to his father's Dukedom. He is now the Duke of Stoneham. His mother is the new Duchess of Stoneham, and his sister is now a Lady Stoneham. His whole world has turned upside down. Before his father's death he hires Lady Naylissa Shelbourne to train him, and his mother and sister for the new duties of a Duke and Duchess. He must learn everything to be presented to proper society and take his place in the Ton and his seat in Parliament.

Lady Naylissa seats on the edge of proper society. She was once the darling of the Ton. But her father the Earl of Starling gambles away his entire fortune including her huge dowry. She is left penniless, and abandon buy proper society. The new Earl was a lowly Barrister, so he asks her to help prepare hir for entering the Ton. this is the beginning of Naylissa new business. The way she can earn a living.

This is a very different storyline and I truly enjoyed. The characters are written very well. The banter and the scene setting in the story are accurate. Of course, Pierce and Naylissa fall in love and get there HEA!! I really loved this story. Despite the fact I dislike stories about spinster.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreak and tragedy lead Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne to the Selkirk family, as they reel from the news that the Duke of Stonecrest has died and that Pierce Selkirk is his official heir. It would seem that the only person who truly mourned the passing of the Duke is Pierce's mother. Regardless of what went before, Pierce is faced with the monumental task of learning how to integrate himself and his family with the ton. It would seem that the only worthwhile thing the late Duke did was to employ Lady Nalyssa to ease their way. Pierce has seen what love did to his mother and wants none of the complications that come from giving his heart, even though he is strongly attracted to Nalyssa, who in turn is facing the scorn of society as a result of the wrong decisions made by her father. Together they take on the season, and in spite of their inner vows, neither Pierce nor Nylassa is able to refrain from the feelings aroused by the other. Fortunately, they find favor with their new friends who cannot help themselves from getting involved, bringing the novel to a tense but romantic conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 3 of the Suddenly a Duke series. I have enjoyed the previous books so far, and this one also did not disappoint. Pierce has always believed himself to be the illegitimate son of an earl. But when his father passes, he learns that he is rightfully the next Duke of Stoneham. Nalyssa was once upon a time, the toast of the ton, but after her father committed suicide, her reputation is now tainted by the scandal. She now earns her living by training and grooming men who have unexpectedly come into their title, how to fulfill their roles in society. When she takes on Pierce as a client, their attraction to each other is palpable, but Nalyssa knows he must make a good match and doesn't see herself as worthy of him. Neither expected to fall in love, however, society dictates otherwise. But Pierce won't let that stop him from being with the woman he loves.
The story was well-paced with an entertaining and interesting plot and I enjoyed it very much. The characters were well-developed and I enjoyed getting to know them and following their story. This was a delightful read and a wonderful addition to the series. Looking forward to more!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Duke of Stoneham died, he left a confession that identified his true, legitimate, family. Pierce Selkirk, a successful businessman, is thinking of expanding his popular haberdashery, when he learns that not only is he legitimate, he is now the Duke of Stoneham. When he and his family arrive at Stonecrest, they meet Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne who is to teach the everything the three of them need to know to join Polite Society. Nalyssa hasn’t been in Society since her father committed suicide. She has taken care of herself by teaching others, like the Selkirks, to integrate into Society. The family moves quickly to acquire the skills they need. At the same time, Pierce and Nalyssa fall hard for each other. Pierce is determined; Nalyssa is resistant. How will he convince her? His friends suggest a grand gesture. Easy, right? This is an entertaining story with strong characters. The romance growing between Pierce and Alyssa is charming. Amanda and Penelope are delightful. Surprises, twists, trouble, new friends, and a happy ending make this a wonderful addition to the series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaching a Duke

I absolutely loved Pierce and Nalyssa’s story. Pierce never knew until today that the Earl was his father. He heard his mother speak to the Earl that they were moving away and for him to never see them again. They moved away and started a new life and his baby sister was born 7 months later.
Twenty years later they receive a visitor, his father’s Solicitor and finds out that his mother was actually married to the Earl before he was born. In fact he is know the new Duke of Stoneham and his half brother is actually the bastard know.
Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne was cast from society 10 yrs ago after her father gambled everything away and then committed suicide. She had to earn a living and started her own business by bringing men up to snuff where polite society will receive them. She has been summoned to the old Duke of Stonehams home and told an amazing story that he was a bigamist and that his first wife was alive a living with his legitimate heir. He hires Lady Nalyssa to teach him everything he needs to know about the ton and there rules.
Such a beautiful written story of finding love and fitting into society.

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just One Night:
A most interesting beginning certainly had my attention. Complicated relationships are brought forth after the death of the Duke of Stoneham.
The story is filled with anxiety, many endearing lessons (I now know how to properly pour tea), beautiful letters where you will need a tissue box handy, along with a blooming romance that can't be denied. Soon the pages are smoldering with desirous attraction and longing.
A wonderful story with interesting characters and a few favorite characters from the previous books. It was enjoyable to have them included in this story also. Never a dull moment and the ending is a Oh No, this can't be happening moment, but all will leave us with a very happy ending.
I truly enjoyed the story, and the epilogue was very rewarding.
 ✔Book 3 of the Suddenly a Duke series but reads as a stand-alone.
✔Con. Nalyssa for her name. Didn't roll off my tongue very well🤷‍♀️
✔4.5 Star rounded up to 5
👀I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Pierce is a new book boyfriend! Fearless, handsome came from humble beginnings. Built a business from the ground up and can sew!
Nalyssa is headstrong and almost let fear ruin her life! Her father gambled away her dowry and their money and had a shameful death! She believes she is barely tolerated by the Ton so no man would want her!
She has built her reputation on assisting bastards and others with their entrance into the Ton!
Pierce does not believe in love he watched his mother believe in it and wait for a man he thought of as his mothers paramour!
With a shocking turn of events make him a Duke and his mother a Duchess he needs help and fast!
Enter Lady Nalyssa to turn a sows ear into a silk purse but this famous is well educated and has such a presence her job is easy!
What isn’t easy is these two falling in love and Pierce believing a Duke changes everything!
Nalyssa is not convinced! What can change her mind? Pierce suggests a grand gesture!
What if the previous heir just won’t let them be happy!? Bravo

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce Selkirk always thought he was illegitimate, but when the Duke of Stoneham dies, Pierce learns the truth. He is the new duke and must take his place in society with his mother and sister. They need help. Enter Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne. Once a member of upper society, she is known for her business of making a purse out of a sows ear. Easing the duke's family into society won't be easy, but Nalyssa is good at her job. A powerful attraction between she and Pierce is there from the start, but can go nowhere. Or so she thinks. Pierce wants her for his duchess and is willing to do anything to get her to say "YES."
A charming new duke uses seduction and the help of a dowager duchess to change her mind.
Each book in the series features an independent woman seeking her own way in a world quick to judge because they're unconventional. It takes a special man to stand up to Polite Society and make her his own. I recommend putting this series on your TBR.
Some open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting twist on the suddenly-a-duke trope. Pierce always thought that he was an illegitimate child of an Earl but it turned out he wasn't. He was born in wedlock and now he's the duke of Stoneham. Lady Nalyssa is a woman on the fringes of the ton, making a living trying to give social newcomers some town polish. But although Pierce was a haberdasher he's got pretty good manners and he already has the confidence of a duke, and guarding her heart is a harder task than teaching him to mind his spoons. . His newly displaced halfbrother causes some trouble.

I enjoyed this story although I thought Nalyssa changed her mind at the drop of a hat. I loved Pierce's wedding surprise.

Series status: The events are partly concurrent with those of the previous book but it stands alone.

Steam level: a premarital tryst.

I received a free copy and this is a voluntary review.

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story we have here . Pierce had thought all his life that he and his younger sister were bastards but they turned his mother had married the Earl who later become Duke when they were not even 20 years old . Now that his father died he became the Duke . His father before his death had asked Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne to prepare his wife and two children for the Polite Society . Nalyssa is a lady but 10 years ago her father after gambling all their money he committed suicide and now she has to work to earn her living . So she is training men who come to a title . While she helps Pierce she feels attraction for him but nothing can happen between them because of her past . Pierce is determined to make her his Dushess . Will he make her change her mind ?
I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own .

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!

I loved the romance and emotions within this storyline. Pierce knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go for it. He was a wonderful character and his personality shone throughout the story and the love he had for his family.

Nalyssa had been through a rough time and was working towards a better future. The ton had turned their backs on her but when they wanted help training one of their own to succeed their title, she was the first person they turned to!

Such a swoon-worthy storyline full of wonderful characters, tender emotions with some steam and oh when Pierce did the most romantic thing ever, I think I fell in love with him!

If there was a recommended read for April, this would be it! Loved It!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce Selkirk has built himself a successful business. As he is deciding if he should expand to more haberdashery shops he is told he is not illegitimate as he believed, and he is now the Duke of Stoneham.

Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne lost her place in society after the suicide of her father. Now she makes a living teaching others everything they need to take their places in that same society. 

This historical romance is the third book in a fabulous series. You don't need to read them in order because they are all stand alone stories. You will however meet some of the characters from the other books here. We have some very special heroes and heroines. This hero in particular has an unusual talent that comes in very handy. It's very easy to hooked into the story from the beginning to the end. 

Great fun.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so good and Alexa’s writing is so well done. Each book is a little different from others that I have read (although a couple of the scenarios are the same) and I am really enjoying them. This one deals with a lady who works with those coming into the peerage and helping them fit in. We all know that feeling, right? So far, this is my favorite of the series. Pierce and Nalyssa are so adorable and Alexa really knows how to write her characters with feelings and emotions. Also, Amanda and Penelope are super cute. Pierce’s grand gesture was so fabulous, I actually teared up. Who knew a dress could be the end all. An amazing story.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Lovely story. Nalyssa the ton groomer has to make sure that Pierce is ready to greet the Ton. He ran a haberdasher shop but was really the duke's heir. The previous Duke didn't acknowledge then because he thought his fiendish father would kill then, which I thought was a bit OTT. Another author did a similar story but had the second marriage unconsummated which wouldn't have provided a villain for this one. People from the first two books come along.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.