Training the Duke

Suddenly a Duke #7

by Alexa Aston

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?

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
Book 1 – Portrait of the Duke
Book 2 – Music for the Duke
Book 3 – Polishing the Duke
Book 4 – Designs on the Duke
Book 5 – Fashioning the Duke
Book 6 – Love Blooms with the Duke
Book 7 – Training the Duke
Book 8 – Investigating the Duke

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Historical

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 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

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars
Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley is training his men when a stray bullet hits him in the head the wound leaves him blind in one eye and unsuited to lead men into battle. Cy returns to Melrose to find his father long dead and his 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. Lady Finola Honeyfield’s come-out was ruined when a very 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.
Finola has a chance meeting with Cy. Soon, a friendship springs up between them.
The seventh book in this lovely series, it could easily be read on its own. I loved both Cy & Finola the attraction between them was immediate & they both fell hard for each other & a lovely friendship developed, I loved that they fell for the person not the title & both were willing to work. However they both had secrets & of course secrets always are revealed & cause problems. I loved Bertie, Cy’s batman’s son, he was an utter delight, I would have loved for him to have been reunited with his family & for Cy to have found a place for the whole family. I loved how Cy showed how much he loved Finola & how she faced her tormentor. A captivating romance which I devoured in a sitting
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Diana N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in this series. I liked that this book started with Cy away at war and coming home due to his injury and blindness instead of coming home to claim the Dukedom.

We see Cy and Finola as more working people that weren't treated well growing up instead of members of society. The dog training is a fun occupation to hear about and who doesn’t like cute puppies. I liked the focus on Bertie and his schooling and dog training learning as a bit of a main story addition.

The romance comes easily and is more down to earth than books during a similar timeperiod. Cy and Finola definitely see the love happen pretty early on.

I liked seeing a few characters from previous books. I hope these characters show up in the next. I am so ready for Miss Slades story. Bring on another strong heroine.

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

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK read

Sadly the author has fallen into the trap of writing self-denigrating, virtue signalling angst too many times, and some of the statements are erroneous.
If she could ‘do better’ than him she would have done so by now.
He wouldn’t be a kept man relying on her financially as her property becomes his on marriage.
He sold his commission, he didn’t forfeit it.
Still - ignoring the angst etc, it’s an okay read.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2*STARS*
Lady Fiona Honeyfield has had her share of embarrassment and heartache. Grateful to Sir Roscoe Banfield for giving her a home as a child, she has means to support herself. Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley had no choice but to join the army as a second son. An injury forces him to sell his commission, but he has no hero's welcome. Each holds a secret that could destroy their blooming relationship. This series has some strong independent women, way beyond the norm for the Regency period and men not afraid to love them. Open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the story about two souls that certainly endured their own life challenges. Cy’s challenges are a bit tougher than Fiona’s but the feelings of hurt are just the same. From my interpretation of the story I felt that it was lighthearted after Cy has met with his brother Charles. The scenes between Bertie, Fiona and Cy with the dogs you can really get that feeling from reading the storyline. The characters are wonderful. They are a tremendous part of the fun and entertainment in the story. The romance is pretty sweet. I give this story two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 40th book by Alexa Aston and I only started reading her in early 2021. I love how she writes. I feel she gets so much depth in her stories and her charcters. Although I like a bit more steam in my books, I honestly don't mind because she writes so damn good. She actually has a few books I've read that I consider top 10 favorites and since I've read almost 3000 books in just 8 years, I think that's saying a lot.

I really enjoyed Cyrus and Finola's story. They seemed to have great chemistry. I always enjoy when couples such as these two and what they went through come together to make a power couple that don't care about being a power couple. Love always prevails!!!

[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.

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!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This is another installment of the Suddenly a Duke series, and while there are appearances/mention of characters from preceding books, this can be read as a stand alone.

Lady Finola Honeyfield is a woman making her own way, alone in the world, trusting dogs far more than people. She was orphaned as a young girl, rejected by her remaining family, alone, until she was taken in by a local bachelor baron, who became her only family and mentor. When she made her debut, she was made the butt of a terrible prank, and that, plus the trauma of losing her mentor and only real family, caused her to retreat to her country estate, where she proceeded to withdraw from society. She turned to breeding and raising her beloved dogs, developing her own successful business and independence, and eschewing her title and any links to Society, other than as that of a successful dog breeder and trainer.

Full disclosure - dogs are a big part of this story - therefore I am more than halfway in love with it already...

One day, when exercising part of her pack, she runs into a stranger and a young boy. Cyrus Cressley is at a loss, after being forced to sell his commission to the army, having been injured and losing his vision. He returned home, the younger, unwanted half brother of the Duke of Margate, and living in the old hunting lodge on the family estate. He is uncertain about his future, and his only friend and companion is the young son of his old batman, sent to keep him company and aid him. When he meets Finola, he hides his own identity, sensing her disdain for the aristocracy, and they forge a friendship and purpose together, teaching his young charge and Finola teaching him how to train dogs. Finola helps him with his site, and find himself, after having lost his place in the army. Their friendship develops into a love and regard for each other, until his brother suddenly passes and Cyrus finds himself suddenly Duke. Finola feels betrayed by his apparent lies about his identity and that she again has been the butt of another aristocrat's joke.

I loved the story of two lonely souls, alone and rejected by Society and their own families, coming out of their shells, and forging a love and friendship together. Throw in the unconditional love of dogs (or any other animals) and you pretty much have caught me and reeled me in fully - I was in love.

4.5 stars - rounded up because of dogs.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woman's best friend

Great story

Even though it started out with me not feeling a connection with the heroine.. I eventually picked up on that connection. She's independent and she's headstrong. But she's also been rejected by everyone in her life except for the man who helped raise her and teach her everything she knows about dogs up until she meets a soldier who is also a lost and wounded soul..

He was in the Army for most of his life he expected to retire from the military however after losing his eyesight in a training accident, he is sent home and put in a hunting lodge on the edge of the place he grew up.. He along with a little boy who returned from the war with him. He starts not only seeing his life isn't helpless anymore but meaningful when a dog trainer comes into his life.


With the help of young boy and dogs these two wounded souls not only find each other by mishap but they start healing their own wounds one by one as they fall in love with each other.

I enjoyed this book.. I can't wait to read the next book

[Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blind

Shot in the head,Cyrus was sent home from the army with his batman's son Bertie to help him. His brother, the current Duke didn't want him around and sent him to the hunting lodge at the edge of their property. He meets a dog trainer, Finals and the magic begins. As always, Alexa Aston weaves a magical story that you won't want to put down.

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The almost blind H is unwanted at home, so lives in a small house on the estate. A young boy does what he can, then he meets the h. She's a dog trainer and helps the boy learn to read. They all form a bond and a wonderful story follows. Loved it.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lovely romance is all about friendships, being yourself and accepting people for who they truly are and not their honorifics. A beautiful addition to this engaging series!

What I loved most about this books is the way Finola and Cy form such a precious bond before their titles take over.
She’s a lady without airs or hysterics, trying very hard not to let her past define her future. Simple and down to earth, she gets the job done and she’s not shy about showing how she feels.
For most of the book he’s not a duke, and just a man who’s a bit lost. No entitlement, no misguided pride. And even though he basically raised himself, Cy’s paternal instincts are a thing of beauty. The way he cares for Bertie, the boy who accompanies him home from the peninsular war, is so touching!

Lots of puppies, some sweet revenge and a dash of drama. This is a wonderful feel-good story with a nice sprinkling of wit and steam! I would recommend to everyone who’s looking for an entertaining diversion from the glamour and glitz of high society!

📚 A shooting accident severely damaged Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley’s sight. No longer able to lead his men into battle, he’s forced to sell his commission and return home… Home, the place where he’d spent a lonely youth as the second son of an uninterested duke.
Upon arrival he finds his much older and estranged brother in very poor health and the new duke, and is immediately banished to the estate’s hunting lodge which suits Cy just fine. He needs a quiet place to heal and to find his place in the world.

Unwanted by her much older sisters, Finola Honeyfield, an earl’s daughter orphaned at the age of eight, had been lovingly raised by Sir Roscoe, a single country gentleman who bred dogs.
Cruelly humiliated in her first season and mourning her guardian’s sudden death, she retreats entirely from society. Even though he left her his estate, she needs an income and steadily builds her reputation as one of England’s premier springer spaniel breeders and trainers.

Following one of her young spaniels who wandered onto her neighbour’s land, Finola and Cy meet at his lodge and their lonely souls instantly connect. Friendship springs and soon after other feelings start to bloom. 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 he convince her they are meant to be together? Or will her mistrust of gentlemen of the ton keep them apart forever?

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Training the Duke by Alexa Aston is another in her Suddenly a Duke series. When Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley arrived home to Margate, he was surprised to learn his father had been dead for years, and his brother was now the duke. He was further surprised to see his brother who had gone from heavy to obese, and was unable to move because he was severely afflicted with gout. His brother, as always, wanted nothing to do with him, but did offer him the hunting lodge as residence. He said he would send people to make it habitable and keep it stocked. Cy left for the lodge the next day and was pleased to see the condition it was in. Mrs. Arnold and her staff had made it shine and it would be the perfect home for himself, and the boy he had brought with him, Bertie, Briggs, the son of his batman. Bertie had been sent to help the duke get home since his eyesight had been affected when he had been shot in the head. He had no sight in one eye, and minimal in the other. After several days, Bertie was accosted by a dog, quickly followed by his owner, and trainer, Finola Honeyfield. She had inherited her home after her guardian had died. She had returned home and made his business her own.

The doctor said his sight might return, that it was a hysterical situation, brought on by stress. Finola made him a solution she had used on her dog’s eyes and it immediately improved the situation. At least, his eyes no longer itched and burned. As they spent time together, Cy fell in love with the beautiful young woman who wore men’s clothing when she worked. She was kind and had a lovely sense of humor. She had taken on Bertie as something of an apprentice when she saw his affinity for the animals. Cy was stubborn, but a good man. The story was the one a reader would anticipate after the introductions of the two main characters. What could not have been predicted was the way the romance went: hot, then, very cold. She was not the proper wife for a duke and she knew it. There were twists and turns aplenty. They were both enjoyable characters, and as usual, Aston told a good story, just as readers have come to expect. We re-met some characters we have known it the past, always a bonus! It was a fun and enjoyable read.

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

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

This is probably my favorite book in the series. What sets it apart from the first six books is that these characters come together and fall in love before Cy becomes the duke. I really liked that the focus in this was not him coming to terms with becoming the duke but instead finding his place in the world after leaving the army and the life he fully expected to live. On top of that is the partial loss of his vision which adds another dynamic to his suddenly changing world. Having the romance occur prior to him becoming the duke also allowed for the focus to just be on Finola and Cy falling in love. As readers we know there will be some fallout when Cy's full identity is discovered by Finola but I liked that she didn't stay mad for long because she realized that she had also been keeping her full background from him. I also understood why Finola would feel betrayed even though this situation was very different from the one with Crofton. The appearance of Nalyssa and Pierce didn't feel forced and I liked that she and Finola were both in need of a friend and found that in one another. I loved Bertie and how quickly he took to his new life and working with Finola. The only time in the entire story when I was upset with Finola was when she yelled at him and told him she didn't want to see him again - it was cruel considering he was just a child and she broke his heart. Luckily she came around on him pretty quickly - I would have liked an apology from her. I liked getting to see Miss Slade again - especially since I'm guessing the final book in the series will be about her. Although I did enjoy seeing Cy make Crofton cry and Finola insult him to his face I found that part of the story a little unsatisfactory. I wanted him to suffer a little more and I wanted his buddies to suffer too. We never really got to know if they reformed or not. I also wanted to know how the other women were doing in the years after they were hurt by those men - did they recover and find partners or were they like Finola before she met Cy?

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Training the Duke is the seventh book in the Suddenly a Duke series. This can be a stand-alone read. There are a few characters from previous books in the series.

Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley has returned home after a head wound leaves him blind in one eye. Cy returns to Melrose to find his father has died several years ago and his brother is now the duke. Cy is disappointed that his brother did not bother to inform him. He asks his brother for a place to stay. The new duke gives him a hunting lodge at the outskirts of the property which hasn't been used for years and makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with him. Cy takes Bertie, his batman's son with him to start a new life.

Lady Finola Honeyfield has had a terrible life after her parents died and her older sisters didn't want anything to do with her. Until she becomes a ward of Sir Roscoe who only has his love of dogs to share. They have a good life together, but he asks her to have one season in London to see if it what see would like. Finola is targeted by a Viscount who humiliates her. She returns home to Sir Roscoe only to find he has died. She picks up the mantle of training the dogs and puts the past behind her.

One of the Honeyfield spaniels escapes and meets Bertie and Cy, and a friendship is born between Cy and Finola, which quickly turns to love. Just when Cy realizes he needs to tell Finola he is the brother of a duke before they marry, his brother dies and Finola learns the truth before he can get to her. Finola feels as if she has been duped again and tells Bertie to tell Cy that she never wants to see either of them again. Will they be able to find their way to each other before it is too late.

This was a wonderful romance. I really liked the characters and the story. It was another addition to the series.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for an unbiased review.

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 5 out of 5]

An other gem in her collections of amazing books . Cy is an Lieutenant-General but a wound in his head lives him almost blind , his right eye can't see and from his left eye his vision is blurred . Now back at England he goes to Melrose his father ducal estate only to learn that his big brother is the new Duke . His brother accepts to let him stay at the hunting cabin in the estate . With him is eight year Bertie the son of his batman which is sebd with him to be of assistant . Lady Finola Honeyfield is living alone and she is one of England’s trainers of English springer spaniels . When she was eight years old she became orphan and while she had two older married sisters in Scotland they didn't wanted her . Then Sir Roscoe Banfield take her in . From him she learn how to love , breed and train dogs . When she it was the time for her come out she met a handsome Viscount who treated her awful . While she is training her dogs she meets Cy and Bertie and they become friends , she even suggest to give him some herbs to put on his eye to help him . She is teaching Bertie how to become an animal trainer and also sh allows them to come at her house so Cy can teach Bertie to write and read and do maths . When they reveal their love for each other they agree to marry as soon as they can but they both haven't told the other that they are titled . Then his brother dies and Cy became the Duke of Margate and she wants nothing to do with him and Bertie . He is not giving up so easily . With the help of Daniel and Pierce he will get the his revenge for the woman he loves . Will she forgive him ? I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

[Ellen Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can Finola train Cy as she has her beloved Honeyfield Spaniels?

A wonderful novel about the curative power of love, the genius of childhood, and beloved canines overcoming lifetimes of familial neglect and societal abuses.

Shot in the head during a training accident, Cy has to sell out of the Army after being left blind in one eye and blurry in the other. His batman's son is sent home with him, as a companion to help with his needs and caring. When he arrives home, Cy discovers his much older brother is now the current Duke, as their father has finally passed. His brother doesn't want to see him but agrees to let Cy use the hunting lodge to recuperate.

While there, Cy and Bertie meet Finola, along with her beloved Honeyfield Springer Spaniels. She was orphaned and taken in by a local gentry after no other family member would take her. She inherits his home, a small stipend, and his beloved dogs after his death on the same night she is humiliated by a horrid member of the Ton.

Will they be able to overcome their fears to love each other? Can she help him navigate through this new world of limited sight? Will Bertie take on a profession with Cy or go to help Finola with her Spaniels?

In the end, after revealing the truth, some time apart, and learning just how deep love can heal a person, they are wed in the local parish church surrounded by the collages who have come to be important to them both.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read previous books in this series, I was happy to receive this one and it did not disappoint. The romance between the main characters built slowly and the inclusion of Bertie Briggs rounded out their personalities and brought warmth and healing to both Cy and Finola. The shameful incident that Finola experienced in the one season she attended is in the past, but she has never forgotten how that night impacted her life. Cy, on the other hand, is a man adrift, battling to adjust to civilian life as well as having to deal with a disability. The meeting with his brother the Duke of Margate does not go well and Cy is relieved to find that he will not be living at the main house on the estate but in the hunting lodge nearby. This brings him in contact with Finola and he and Bertie become instant friends with her and the spaniels she is breeding. Unfortunately, secrets prevail and when events transpire that bring exposure to the truth, trust is broken and both Cy and Finola have to search their hearts. Cy, being a protective man and a warrior at heart, chooses to avenge Finola bringing about both peace and resolution of past pain. The novel comes to a sweet conclusion and even Bertie's dreams come true. I received a copy of this enjoyable romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Tiffany P · Rating 3 out of 5]

GOOD…BUT NOT MY FAVORITE!

I was really enjoying this book until the heroine became completely unreasonable. It was a sweet love story that blossomed from the friendship between Cy and Finola. While they both didn’t reveal all about their past to one another for very similar reasons, she was completely hypocritical in her reaction. He never once judged her poorly for not telling him her background, but she instantly shunned him and Bertie, the little boy that was helping her with her dogs. She was actually cruel to him when he was just an innocent child in the situation. It just made no sense and made ne view her differently. She did eventually come to her senses about Cy not revealing that he was the son of a Duke, but she still found other ridiculous reasons to shun him, supposedly out if love for him. Her reasoning made no sense considering that she knew the unique circumstances of the Duke and duchess of Stoneham so falling back on the belief that she wasn’t good enough to be a duchess was just another ridiculous explanation for me. Cy was steady throughout with his love for her. I just feel like for a love that was supposed to be that strong she should not have needed to be convinced of their relationship together.
I truly loved the book and all the characters until she learned he was the new Duke which is why I only gave it 3 stars.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

Standalone story with some crossover characters from the series.

The first two chapters will tug at your heart, especially in how the h was treated at a ball. Oh, how my heart ached for her. Then we are introduced to the H and he's in the Army and he is deeply respected by his men. He is injured and has to return home with a young child to help him.

The h is strong, smart and caring. Story has sadness and joy mixed in and pacing was perfect. The H is trying to adjust to his knew life and the h enters at the right time.

The sweetness of Bertie just added another layer to this story. I didn't care for how each kept a secret from the other. I understood his reason and felt how the h reacted was overboard since she was guilty of the same. Yes, we are told at the end her reason, but to me it didn't ring true.

Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5. I did feel a connection to the couple so it was filled with love.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romantic, small editing issue and steam. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the seventh installment of the series, Suddenly a Duke. I have really been enjoying the series so far, and this latest addition is no different. Cyrus is forced to return home from the military after sustaining a head wound which left him blind in one eye. When he returns home, he finds his father passed a while ago and his brother, the new duke is in poor health. Finola suffered heartbreak and embarrassment after her come out and in her loneliness she retreats to the country with her beloved dogs. She supports herself as a skilled trainer of springer spaniels. Finola and Cyrus have a chance meeting and become fast friends and it doesn't take long for their friendship to turn into something more. But both are keeping secrets that could affect their growing bond.
Finola and Cyrus had really strong chemistry and the romance between them was sweet. They each needed to heal from their pasts before moving forward, and I enjoyed seeing them both grow. A very lovely story and I am eager to continue the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Finola Honeyfield had a cruel joke played on her at her come out, so she retreated to the country. Sir Roscoe Banfield had taken Lady Finola in as a child when no other family would take her. He provided her a home and a way to support herself. Working alongside Sir Roscoe she started training dogs. Upon his death, Sir Roscoe left his home and dogs to Finola.
Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley is injured in an Army training accident. Cyrus comes home to find his father has been dead for quite a while, and his brother, the current Duke, in poor health. His brother sends him to the hunting lodge to recuperate.
This is an amazing story. The first two chapters are emotional and will tug at your heart.
Finola is a smart, caring individual with the strength to survive all the anguish her life has given her.
Cyrus has some major adjustments to make. Meeting Finola at a critical point in his recuperation greatly helped him.
Bertie added so much sweetness to the story as only a child can. His parents were very brave to send Bertie home with Cyrus when he sold his commission.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a training accident resulted with the loss of sight in one eye, Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley returns to Melrose, his childhood home. He learns that his father is dead and his brother is the duke. His brother doesn’t want Cy to live in the manor, but allows him the hunting lodge. He and his helper, Bertie, settle into the lodge. Lady Finola Honeyfield had been the butt of a cruel joke at her come-out. She returned to the home she had shared with her guardian and has become a foremost dog trainer. Cy and Finola meet by chance while she is walking some her dogs. They are almost instantly attracted, and he and Finola are soon friends. This is a delightful romance. Cy and Finola are great separately and together. Bertie is adorable. There are secrets that are eventually revealed. Will they handle the problems that arise? A lovely story where two lonely souls find happiness.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Training the Duke" is the 7th in Alexa Aston's Suddenly a Duke series, but it operates quite well as a standalone book. I really enjoyed Cy and Finola's story. Dog training is not something I have seen come up in a romance before and it is always interesting to see something totally new. This story is a little less instalove than some other entries in this series. Cy is dealing with mental and physical injuries from the war, Finola is dealing with the trauma of humiliation in front of the ton. Cy is great - he broods but not to the extent of shutting people out. He is willing to meet his new but unwanted responsibilities head-on and he is completely unafraid of Finola continuing her work with dogs - he seeks to support, not consume her. A nice love story.

3.5 stars rounded to 4. Thank you to Dragonblade and NetGalley for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pledge, Secrets, Trust, Family
This is a story that you can't stop yourself becoming totally engrossed in.
This is a charming fast paced emotional romance between Cy, a wounded war hero and Finola, a dog trainer, 1 young boy and several dogs.
It does have a sad beginning that sets the stage for many sad tears along with a few happy tears throughout their budding romance, so don't forget your tissue box and your lady's fan that will come in handy as their first kiss sent sparks flying.
They each had past experiences to overcome. Some physical and some more on the emotional side which made this a very beautiful and heartfelt love story that I really enjoyed. 
✔5 Stars for the Cover with the Honeyfield springer spaniel. 
✔I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced ARC copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
✔Mature: 🌶🌶🌶

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

It's part of a series so we meet a couple of the previous Dukes. Our hero has had to return from the peninsular because of a stray bullet hitting his head. He's lost the sight in one eye and the other one is hazy. His Batman sends his young son as an aide. They get to Cryus's home to find that his brother, the duke, doesn't want Cy around because he reminds him of their mother. The brother's aren't close. Cy has a cottage near to Lady Finola's land. Finola, once chubby, had a disasterous season and retreated to training dogs with her devoted step father. There's a romance, there's delightful dogs, there are lies that keep everyone apart and then it all comes good.

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

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyprus Cressley has come home from the war seriously wounded. Even at home he's going to find things difficult.  

Lady Finola Honeyfield has not had an easy time in life. Now she's settled as a breeder and trainer of springer spaniel hunting dogs. 

This is a lovely historical romance with fabulous characters.  Including a little boy who gets a lot of life changes for such a young age. The start is exciting and somewhat emotional. Even the four legged characters are fun. Two people who have learned to live without the support of a loving family. Will they find what they need??

This is part of a series but easily read on its own.  You will meet a few characters from the previous books in this one, but not enough to spoil their stories if you haven't read them yet. 

Great fun. 

[Jeanie Gaslin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyrus was a second son to a Duke. His birth caused his mothers death. His father was a cold man to both of his sons. Charles his older brother by ten years was as cold as his father. Cyrus grew up alone and sought a career in the military. He rose quickly in the ranks and planned to retire as a military man. However, while training a random shot pierced his skull above his right eye. This left him blind in one eye. The king did not need blind officers. He was sent home to his now Duke’s brother’s home.
Next door lived Findlay Honeyfield who had been raised by a local nobleman. He had taught her to train dogs and after a dreadful season in London, she retired to the country. She was happiest training her spaniels and living independently.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Finola Honeyfield is not your average maiden. She is smart, kind, and has developed an amazing reputation as a dog breeder among the nobility

Cyrus Cressley, was a loyal and accomplished soldier, until his horrible accident that took his eyesight and sent him home. However, when he returns, he finds his father dead and his brother the duke.

This installment is not your typical regency era romance. It’s based in friendship and occurs away from the social season in London. Overall, it was a good read with lovable witty characters.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my advanced copy. All opinions in this review are my own*

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story! Finola was treated so horribly by people, even when she was young, so her faithful relationship was with dogs. The lovely part of this story includes great knowledge of a certain breed of dog and adds so much to the overall plot of the story. Dogs are God's gift of unconditional love and in case you have never had a dog, know that a dog falls in love with it's owner every time it sees the owner! Think about how wonderful it is to fall in love every time you come together. Cy was returning from war and between Finola and Cy, they had to learn that lesson in love all over again. Beautifully written. Love little Bertie