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The Strongs of Shadowcrest #1
The Duke’s Unexpected Love
A virgin widow running her own company. A man who returns home after years at sea. An oddly-matched couple—who may not be so incompatible after all . . .
James Jones recalls little of his past, only remembering being taken as a young boy and growing up on the Seven Seas. Rising from cabin boy to captain of a ship, a chance encounter with a drunken stranger leads James back to his family, where he discovers he is the heir to the dying Duke of Seaton.
Sophie Grant, daughter of a viscount, never made her come-out, thanks to her father’s bad investments, which were paid off by Josiah Grant, owner of one of the leading shipping lines in Great Britain. As part of the arrangement, the shy Sophie is given to Josiah in marriage. Her new, much older husband helps Sophie to gain confidence in herself by teaching her all about how to run his shipping empire.
James, a former captain for one of Grant’s vessels, encounters the now-widowed Sophie and feels a connection with the efficient, intelligent woman. Rebelling against his new role as a leading member of the ton, he despises Polite Society and its expectation that he wed some titled gentleman’s bird-witted daughter—because James is increasingly drawn to the gossiped-about, independent Sophie Grant.
Will a newly-minted duke be able to win the heart of a woman who spurns the ton and has built a satisfying life for herself?
Each book in The Strongs of Shadowcrest is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Also you can read free in Kindle Unlimited!
The Strongs of Shadowcrest
Book #1: The Duke’s Unexpected Love
Book #2: The Perks of Loving a Viscount
Book #3: Falling for the Marquess
Book #4: The Captain and the Duchess
Book #5: Courtship at Shadowcrest (Regency Duet – includes Tempted by the Earl and The Viscount’s Heart)
Book #6: The Marquess’ Quest for Love
Book #7: The Duke’s Guide to Winning a Lady
James Jones recalls little of his past, only remembering being taken as a young boy and growing up on the Seven Seas. Rising from cabin boy to captain of a ship, a chance encounter with a drunken stranger leads James back to his family, where he discovers he is the heir to the dying Duke of Seaton.
Sophie Grant, daughter of a viscount, never made her come-out, thanks to her father’s bad investments, which were paid off by Josiah Grant, owner of one of the leading shipping lines in Great Britain. As part of the arrangement, the shy Sophie is given to Josiah in marriage. Her new, much older husband helps Sophie to gain confidence in herself by teaching her all about how to run his shipping empire.
James, a former captain for one of Grant’s vessels, encounters the now-widowed Sophie and feels a connection with the efficient, intelligent woman. Rebelling against his new role as a leading member of the ton, he despises Polite Society and its expectation that he wed some titled gentleman’s bird-witted daughter—because James is increasingly drawn to the gossiped-about, independent Sophie Grant.
Will a newly-minted duke be able to win the heart of a woman who spurns the ton and has built a satisfying life for herself?
Each book in The Strongs of Shadowcrest is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Also you can read free in Kindle Unlimited!
The Strongs of Shadowcrest
Book #1: The Duke’s Unexpected Love
Book #2: The Perks of Loving a Viscount
Book #3: Falling for the Marquess
Book #4: The Captain and the Duchess
Book #5: Courtship at Shadowcrest (Regency Duet – includes Tempted by the Earl and The Viscount’s Heart)
Book #6: The Marquess’ Quest for Love
Book #7: The Duke’s Guide to Winning a Lady
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2024
955 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Aston
153 books485 followersAward-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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Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/alexaaston
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Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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/
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaa...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexaAston
BookBub Follow: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alexa...
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/alexaaston
BingeBooks Author Page: https://bingebooks.com/profile/AlexaA...
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
January 25, 2024
I got this arc for review on netgally.
I liked the heroines back story, about her first husband and that she ruins the ship bussniess. It was nice to see that in a historic setting and the hero's back story was interesting too. Not perhaps my favorite couple but really enjoyed the story and it wasn't all about romance.
I liked the heroines back story, about her first husband and that she ruins the ship bussniess. It was nice to see that in a historic setting and the hero's back story was interesting too. Not perhaps my favorite couple but really enjoyed the story and it wasn't all about romance.
April 30, 2024
This is my 44th book by Alexa Aston. I only started reading her in early 2021 and LOVE her books. She is such a great writer and great storyteller. Definitely one of my favorite authors. I was so happy to see a new series come out of hers.
I loved this story. I loved the concept of it. I loved James and Sophie and their personalities. I loved that Josiah taught her the business. So unusual for those days. I've read a few tropes like this and forgot how much I loved it. This one was especially good. It was just a great read.
I loved this story. I loved the concept of it. I loved James and Sophie and their personalities. I loved that Josiah taught her the business. So unusual for those days. I've read a few tropes like this and forgot how much I loved it. This one was especially good. It was just a great read.
March 10, 2024
“The Duke’s Unexpected Love” is the kickoff to Alexa Aston’s new series “The Strongs of Shadowcrest.” Aston is generally an author I enjoy and I love a good family series. But this book fell short of my expectations in a few ways.
Here, MMC James, heir to the Duke of Seaton, is kidnapped into service as a sailor as a small boy. He works his way up from cabin boy to captain, largely forgetting his pre-ship bound life. FMC Sophie is the daughter of a viscount sold into marriage with a shipping magnate much older than herself. Her husband has no interest in bedding her but does want to teach her all aspects of his business, with the goal of her taking over when he dies. Which he does. James is the captain for one of Sophie’s company’s ships.
An unexpected encounter with a person from his past leads James to find and remember his past, just in time to inherit the dukedom. Meanwhile, he has also come into contact with Sophie, who wants him to captain a new ship being built for her line. James wants Sophie immediately and decides he wants to marry her shortly thereafter. She, meanwhile, wants him but does not want to lose everything her husband built by marrying again. James is determined to convince her to be his duchess.
So what fell short? The story lacks oopmh, for lack of a better term. Close to 50% of the book is spent establishing the characters;, mainly James’, backstory. The romance seems almost secondary. All of Sophie’s concerns about marrying James disappear much more quickly than one would expect, especially considering the Duke of Seaton also owns the chief competitor to Sophie’s shipping company, and neither of them plans to sell or merge. How is that monopoly going to work exactly? James supposedly lacks knowledge over basic information about Britain, yet he is supposedly also incredibly well-read, having educated himself throughout his years on the ship. The reader hears much about how the ton has and will disapprove of Sophie, but none of that conflict is on page before or after their relationship becomes common knowledge. There are two moments that are supposed to be suspenseful, but just aren’t given their quick resolutions.
On the other hand, the interactions between James and his family are lovely and his sisters and step-mother are well-positioned to have enjoyable stories of their own. Sophie is both incredibly intelligent and yet charmingly naive. There is attraction between James and Sophie and the steam, while minimal, is good.
2.5 stars rounded to 3. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonsblade for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.
Here, MMC James, heir to the Duke of Seaton, is kidnapped into service as a sailor as a small boy. He works his way up from cabin boy to captain, largely forgetting his pre-ship bound life. FMC Sophie is the daughter of a viscount sold into marriage with a shipping magnate much older than herself. Her husband has no interest in bedding her but does want to teach her all aspects of his business, with the goal of her taking over when he dies. Which he does. James is the captain for one of Sophie’s company’s ships.
An unexpected encounter with a person from his past leads James to find and remember his past, just in time to inherit the dukedom. Meanwhile, he has also come into contact with Sophie, who wants him to captain a new ship being built for her line. James wants Sophie immediately and decides he wants to marry her shortly thereafter. She, meanwhile, wants him but does not want to lose everything her husband built by marrying again. James is determined to convince her to be his duchess.
So what fell short? The story lacks oopmh, for lack of a better term. Close to 50% of the book is spent establishing the characters;, mainly James’, backstory. The romance seems almost secondary. All of Sophie’s concerns about marrying James disappear much more quickly than one would expect, especially considering the Duke of Seaton also owns the chief competitor to Sophie’s shipping company, and neither of them plans to sell or merge. How is that monopoly going to work exactly? James supposedly lacks knowledge over basic information about Britain, yet he is supposedly also incredibly well-read, having educated himself throughout his years on the ship. The reader hears much about how the ton has and will disapprove of Sophie, but none of that conflict is on page before or after their relationship becomes common knowledge. There are two moments that are supposed to be suspenseful, but just aren’t given their quick resolutions.
On the other hand, the interactions between James and his family are lovely and his sisters and step-mother are well-positioned to have enjoyable stories of their own. Sophie is both incredibly intelligent and yet charmingly naive. There is attraction between James and Sophie and the steam, while minimal, is good.
2.5 stars rounded to 3. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonsblade for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.
February 12, 2024
3.5, I kept thinking this felt like a book in the suddenly Duke series, and it was hard for me to let that go. But I do love all the family we have been introduced to. I hope to see all 6 sisters, step mom, and Caleb get their happy ending.
February 7, 2024
When I first heard that Alexa Aston was working on a new series, The Strongs of Shadowcrest, I was so excited and couldn't wait to read this first book in the series. I now have read it and....sigh....I absolutely loved it!!
How can one not fall in love with both James and Sophie?! My heart ached for James and what he went through after being kidnapped as a child. Now a sea Captain, his memories start to come back and he finds his family again. Sophie was married to a man much older than her, one who left her a virgin and taught her everything there was to know about running a shipbuilding business. Now a widow, she yearns to know the meaning of true love. When she meets James, she knows he's the one. With some danger surrounding them and not wanting to lose her business if she marries, Sophie and James need to overcome some obstacles, especially when she learns he's a Duke and owns the shipbuilding business that is her competition!!
I love Alexa Aston's writing style and she keeps her characters so interesting, it keeps me coming back for more:)
How can one not fall in love with both James and Sophie?! My heart ached for James and what he went through after being kidnapped as a child. Now a sea Captain, his memories start to come back and he finds his family again. Sophie was married to a man much older than her, one who left her a virgin and taught her everything there was to know about running a shipbuilding business. Now a widow, she yearns to know the meaning of true love. When she meets James, she knows he's the one. With some danger surrounding them and not wanting to lose her business if she marries, Sophie and James need to overcome some obstacles, especially when she learns he's a Duke and owns the shipbuilding business that is her competition!!
I love Alexa Aston's writing style and she keeps her characters so interesting, it keeps me coming back for more:)
January 20, 2024
This is a fun, entertaining read. James and Sophie are interesting, entertaining, complex, relatable, intriguing characters. James is my new book boyfriend, yum. Sophie is a woman ahead of her time and I love that. They are a good match. I enjoyed their romance and the path they took to get to their HEA. The various secondary characters added to the fabric of the story. I love that this series is about a family and am looking forward to getting to see all of these characters in the remaining books in the series. This is a good start to a new series. The story is easy to read and get into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 1, 2024
James Jones has spent his life at sea after being grabbed off the streets of London, he’s risen from cabin boy to captain but the a chance encounter with a drunken stranger leads James back to his family, where he discovers he is the heir to the dying Duke of Seaton. Sophie Grant, daughter of a viscount, married Josiah Grant, owner of one of the leading shipping lines in Great Britain as part of the arrangement to pay her father’s debts. Whilst having a white marriage with Josiah he taught her about his business & left it entirely to he in his will. James, a captain for one of Grant’s vessels, encounters the now-widowed Sophie and feels a connection with the efficient, intelligent woman.
The start of a new series & another book I couldn’t put down & read it straight through finishing it at silly o’clock. I loved both James & Sophie, he’s had his world rocked & is now set on a new course. She’s highly intelligent, practical & ripe for love. I loved the chemistry between them & how their relationship deepened & grew. James did keep a huge secret but I could understand why. I also loved Dinah & the other Strong siblings. There was some drama with disgruntled relatives & interesting tidbits of history including insurance & plaques.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The start of a new series & another book I couldn’t put down & read it straight through finishing it at silly o’clock. I loved both James & Sophie, he’s had his world rocked & is now set on a new course. She’s highly intelligent, practical & ripe for love. I loved the chemistry between them & how their relationship deepened & grew. James did keep a huge secret but I could understand why. I also loved Dinah & the other Strong siblings. There was some drama with disgruntled relatives & interesting tidbits of history including insurance & plaques.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 27, 2024
The Duke's Unexpected Love is the first book in the new series, The Strongs of Shadowcrest
James Jones doesn't remember much of his past. But he does remember he was taken and pressed into service as a young boy. He meets Drake and they form a friendship while working on ships to adulthood. James is now a captain and is returning his ship to London. As Drake and James head into a pub they run into a man that identifies James and promises to take him home to claim the life he had been taken from. When James returns to his family, he learns that his father is dying, and he will soon be the Duke of Seaton.
Sophie Grant, daughter of a viscount, did not have an ideal childhood due to her father's penchant for spending more than he has. He "sold" Sophie to Josiah Grant who teaches her all about his shipping company. With the confidence she gained from all she has learned; she is now one of the wealthiest women in England. When Captain James Jones returns to London with one of her ships, she sees in him what she never had with her husband and is determined to enter into a physical relationship with him. But when Sophie learns the truth about James Strong the duke, will her fears about losing everything dear to her keeping her from finding a truer love than she has ever known.
This was a fun and entertaining love story. It's a wonderful love story that overcomes hardships. I loved the characters and am hoping we might get to see them in the books to follow.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
James Jones doesn't remember much of his past. But he does remember he was taken and pressed into service as a young boy. He meets Drake and they form a friendship while working on ships to adulthood. James is now a captain and is returning his ship to London. As Drake and James head into a pub they run into a man that identifies James and promises to take him home to claim the life he had been taken from. When James returns to his family, he learns that his father is dying, and he will soon be the Duke of Seaton.
Sophie Grant, daughter of a viscount, did not have an ideal childhood due to her father's penchant for spending more than he has. He "sold" Sophie to Josiah Grant who teaches her all about his shipping company. With the confidence she gained from all she has learned; she is now one of the wealthiest women in England. When Captain James Jones returns to London with one of her ships, she sees in him what she never had with her husband and is determined to enter into a physical relationship with him. But when Sophie learns the truth about James Strong the duke, will her fears about losing everything dear to her keeping her from finding a truer love than she has ever known.
This was a fun and entertaining love story. It's a wonderful love story that overcomes hardships. I loved the characters and am hoping we might get to see them in the books to follow.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
January 21, 2024
An amazing book to start a new series . James the heir of Duke Seaton when was 8 has been kidnapped and been put in a ship to work . Now after almost twenty years he retyrns to England as the Captain of Vesta . When he meets his employer Mrs.Grant he is smitten . Sophie daughter of a Viscount at 18 she married a man 35 years older that her father made her because of his gambling depts . Her husband tought her everything about his shiping empire . Sophie when she sees James is suddenly aware of her needs and want to ask him to start an affair . But will she love him as James the Captian or James the Duke now that his father passed and he must take upon the role of the Duke ? Sophie will she want to marry a man so she can lose the fortune her first husband created ?
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
March 24, 2024
The Duke’s Unexpected Love. My fellow readers. Two people from the same world collide together in the most epic historical romance story. Sophie Grants’s is fantastic. This woman commanding persona is amazing.
The knowledgeable skills set from running a company and the ends and outs of building transportation ships was terrifically written. No wonder James is attracted to her. James is not a bad character himself. Captain to a number of roudy to navigate the seas during piracy is risking taking in its self. As I said before.
The writer did a wonderful job with providing factual information regarding the shipping industry and building shipping vessels. The romance between Sophia and James I thought was a slow build, but that was ok. I was excited and anticipating James return home. Be still my heart it was a get the tissues moment. These scenes between James and is family was profound and very sentimental.
Things happen for a reason and James has found his. I love the writing and everything about the book. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time fellow readers. Read on!
The knowledgeable skills set from running a company and the ends and outs of building transportation ships was terrifically written. No wonder James is attracted to her. James is not a bad character himself. Captain to a number of roudy to navigate the seas during piracy is risking taking in its self. As I said before.
The writer did a wonderful job with providing factual information regarding the shipping industry and building shipping vessels. The romance between Sophia and James I thought was a slow build, but that was ok. I was excited and anticipating James return home. Be still my heart it was a get the tissues moment. These scenes between James and is family was profound and very sentimental.
Things happen for a reason and James has found his. I love the writing and everything about the book. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time fellow readers. Read on!
April 23, 2024
Great story
I enjoyed this book from beginning to the end.
A great book to start a new series..
James beginning was tragic but then he ended up changing his own destiny into being someone stronger despite being kidnapped..
Sophia despite being married to a man twice her age isn't unhappy quite the opposite she's extremely happy and wealthy because her husband respects her for her mind. Once he passes away she sees that needs something more in her life though.. And that's A handsome Captain..
That Captain has a secret and he is a duke who is falling for her.. But doesn't know how to tell her the truth about his life..
This story was such a delight to read..
The side characters were an added bonus..
I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to the end.
A great book to start a new series..
James beginning was tragic but then he ended up changing his own destiny into being someone stronger despite being kidnapped..
Sophia despite being married to a man twice her age isn't unhappy quite the opposite she's extremely happy and wealthy because her husband respects her for her mind. Once he passes away she sees that needs something more in her life though.. And that's A handsome Captain..
That Captain has a secret and he is a duke who is falling for her.. But doesn't know how to tell her the truth about his life..
This story was such a delight to read..
The side characters were an added bonus..
I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
January 22, 2024
im so relieved to read a book that doesnt primarily take place in London. lots of subplotsThis was a good read. I liked both the hero and heroine. Completely off topic: I loved reading about the shipping/ ship building. im So relieved to read a book that doesnt primarily take place in London especially a London Ballroom. Llots of subplots and very original story. I thought the conflict was resolved and that both the hero and heroine seemed authentic.
The young bride married to older husband a little ick... but overall cute story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a copy. Opinions expressed are my own
The young bride married to older husband a little ick... but overall cute story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a copy. Opinions expressed are my own
April 17, 2025
This was good. I love a strong smart herione who has her own wealth and is running things.
May 6, 2025
it started off good then I sorta lost attention and set it aside, then I came back to it and the storyline was meh, insta, rushed. wasn't my cup of tea sadly.
October 8, 2024
I'm still sitting here trying to process what it was that I just read. I had assumed from the cover and the synopsis that I would be reading a historical romance novel. And to be fair, the time period lines up, but that is where anything even remotely historical about this novel ends.
Let's start at the beginning when little Lord James (the only son of a Duke) is eight years old. He goes to the docks with his tutor to see the shipping company that his family owns. It is stated that his grandfather was the one to open the business, and also that he is never to mention that his family owns it because polite society looks down on people who dabble in trade. And while this is common knowledge, I'm curious how his father managed to keep his involvement in this such a well kept secret that he wasn't shunned. I overlooked this little tidbit because James was so excited to see the docks and learn how things worked. And it was actually kind of cute to watch him roll up his shirtsleeves and get involved himself, calling out items from the box of cargo he was unpacking to be checked off of the manifest. Unorthodox yes, but he was eight and excited to learn.
But then the man in charge sends him off, ALONE to the ship to drop off one sheet of paper and in turn bring back more. Knowing that the docks were an unsavory place (to the point drivers being paid to bring people there stopped before they actually reached them), who in their right mind would send the OWNER'S eight-year old son (also knowing he was the sole heir) off on such an errand alone? And, as one might guess, things do not end well for the poor lad and he is kidnapped and forced to work on a ship.
Fast-forward several years and we meet Sophie and her much older than her husband, who is the owner of a different shipping company along those same docks. These two have a wonderful marriage based in friendship (seriously, when they wed her husband told her he was too old and uninterested in the physical aspect of marriage and instead taught her everything there was to know about his business making her more or less a partner in that). Sadly, as older husband's often do, Josiah dies. But not after making Sophie the owner of his shipping company.
Now if James being allowed to scamper off on his own wasn't enough to convince you this novel wasn't up to par with other historical novels, then the rest of my review should.
You see, despite loving her husband in a platonic way, Sophie doesn't observe a mourning period. In fact, only weeks after her husband's death, she comes into contact with James (who is I should point out one of her employees, although he has just found out he is in fact the son of a Duke). Not only does she seemingly become obsessed with him (and he with her), she concocts a plan to lure him into her bed and hopefully get her pregnant so that she has someone to leave her husband's shipping company to. At this point I became very confused because Sophie was raised in polite society (her father was a Viscount) and she knew just how cruel they could be considering all of her "friends" deserted her upon her marriage (to a man not of her choosing I might add), she would willingly have a child out of wedlock? Even if she doesn't care for polite society and their rules, she had to have known how that would reflect not only on her, but her child AND the future of the shipping company.
James, being a hot-blooded man after all, agrees to bed her. Although her invitation for him to get her with child and then have nothing more to do with said child angers him, he keeps it together because he has decided that he is in love with her and wants to make her his wife. Yup. After knowing her less than a month, he's in love and knows she will be his Duchess. But he doesn't tell her of his newly acquired position because he knows she was treated unkindly by society in the past, and also because he wants to make sure she loves him in return not as a Duke, but as a Captain.
This goes about as well as you can imagine, with her finding out the truth in possibly the worst way (which even leads her to considering asking the new caption of one of her ships who happens to be James' oldest friend if he would father a child with her, which tells me everything I need to know about how she truly feels).
Eventually they work things out, agreeing to marry but only if (and when) their solicitors draw up marriage settlements that ensures that Sophie retains full ownership of the company (plus all property and money she comes into the marriage with). Not only is this highly irregular, but the fact that her entire reason for doing this is to pass the company on to their future kids is just.... odd. She doesn't want her late husband's shipping company to merge with that of her new husband's. But what if they only had one child? What if none of their children wanted to be stuck running a company?
James on the other hand has been dealing with two unscrupulous family members (an uncle and cousin to be precise) who were stealing funds from the estate while his father lay bedridden, and instead of taking action against them he is told time and again to "let it go" because otherwise there will be a "scandal" and he has too many sisters and cousins coming out the following season to have even a hint of scandal hanging over his name. Of course, said relations pop into the picture to create even more unnecessary drama at the end of this novel, but suddenly not only is no one concerned about the scandal that will arise from that, but also no one bats an eye about the scandal of a Duke marrying a woman who is in trade. No one even stops to consider how their own children (daughters especially) will be treated. The reader is basically just told that they are in love and because he is a Duke, everything else will be overlooked.
Listen, I'm all for a happily ever after. And even more for couples (especially in that time period) standing up to social convections and forging their own path, but this was just not a good way of going about it. I think had it been a slightly longer story, with more character development and less instant love, I would have been more invested in their romance.
As it stands, I will not be reading more from this series (although I am curious about Dinah's book as she was the only character I even really liked).
Let's start at the beginning when little Lord James (the only son of a Duke) is eight years old. He goes to the docks with his tutor to see the shipping company that his family owns. It is stated that his grandfather was the one to open the business, and also that he is never to mention that his family owns it because polite society looks down on people who dabble in trade. And while this is common knowledge, I'm curious how his father managed to keep his involvement in this such a well kept secret that he wasn't shunned. I overlooked this little tidbit because James was so excited to see the docks and learn how things worked. And it was actually kind of cute to watch him roll up his shirtsleeves and get involved himself, calling out items from the box of cargo he was unpacking to be checked off of the manifest. Unorthodox yes, but he was eight and excited to learn.
But then the man in charge sends him off, ALONE to the ship to drop off one sheet of paper and in turn bring back more. Knowing that the docks were an unsavory place (to the point drivers being paid to bring people there stopped before they actually reached them), who in their right mind would send the OWNER'S eight-year old son (also knowing he was the sole heir) off on such an errand alone? And, as one might guess, things do not end well for the poor lad and he is kidnapped and forced to work on a ship.
Fast-forward several years and we meet Sophie and her much older than her husband, who is the owner of a different shipping company along those same docks. These two have a wonderful marriage based in friendship (seriously, when they wed her husband told her he was too old and uninterested in the physical aspect of marriage and instead taught her everything there was to know about his business making her more or less a partner in that). Sadly, as older husband's often do, Josiah dies. But not after making Sophie the owner of his shipping company.
Now if James being allowed to scamper off on his own wasn't enough to convince you this novel wasn't up to par with other historical novels, then the rest of my review should.
You see, despite loving her husband in a platonic way, Sophie doesn't observe a mourning period. In fact, only weeks after her husband's death, she comes into contact with James (who is I should point out one of her employees, although he has just found out he is in fact the son of a Duke). Not only does she seemingly become obsessed with him (and he with her), she concocts a plan to lure him into her bed and hopefully get her pregnant so that she has someone to leave her husband's shipping company to. At this point I became very confused because Sophie was raised in polite society (her father was a Viscount) and she knew just how cruel they could be considering all of her "friends" deserted her upon her marriage (to a man not of her choosing I might add), she would willingly have a child out of wedlock? Even if she doesn't care for polite society and their rules, she had to have known how that would reflect not only on her, but her child AND the future of the shipping company.
James, being a hot-blooded man after all, agrees to bed her. Although her invitation for him to get her with child and then have nothing more to do with said child angers him, he keeps it together because he has decided that he is in love with her and wants to make her his wife. Yup. After knowing her less than a month, he's in love and knows she will be his Duchess. But he doesn't tell her of his newly acquired position because he knows she was treated unkindly by society in the past, and also because he wants to make sure she loves him in return not as a Duke, but as a Captain.
This goes about as well as you can imagine, with her finding out the truth in possibly the worst way (which even leads her to considering asking the new caption of one of her ships who happens to be James' oldest friend if he would father a child with her, which tells me everything I need to know about how she truly feels).
Eventually they work things out, agreeing to marry but only if (and when) their solicitors draw up marriage settlements that ensures that Sophie retains full ownership of the company (plus all property and money she comes into the marriage with). Not only is this highly irregular, but the fact that her entire reason for doing this is to pass the company on to their future kids is just.... odd. She doesn't want her late husband's shipping company to merge with that of her new husband's. But what if they only had one child? What if none of their children wanted to be stuck running a company?
James on the other hand has been dealing with two unscrupulous family members (an uncle and cousin to be precise) who were stealing funds from the estate while his father lay bedridden, and instead of taking action against them he is told time and again to "let it go" because otherwise there will be a "scandal" and he has too many sisters and cousins coming out the following season to have even a hint of scandal hanging over his name. Of course, said relations pop into the picture to create even more unnecessary drama at the end of this novel, but suddenly not only is no one concerned about the scandal that will arise from that, but also no one bats an eye about the scandal of a Duke marrying a woman who is in trade. No one even stops to consider how their own children (daughters especially) will be treated. The reader is basically just told that they are in love and because he is a Duke, everything else will be overlooked.
Listen, I'm all for a happily ever after. And even more for couples (especially in that time period) standing up to social convections and forging their own path, but this was just not a good way of going about it. I think had it been a slightly longer story, with more character development and less instant love, I would have been more invested in their romance.
As it stands, I will not be reading more from this series (although I am curious about Dinah's book as she was the only character I even really liked).
February 19, 2024
Copying another book
I was excited to read this book until I realized I'd read it before. The character names may be different but each aspect of the plot from the heroine being sold by her father to a wealthy shipper and the hero being kidnapped. I've been frustrated with Aston's writing in the past because she ties up things too neatly without real conflict but as I was reading this book I kept thinking "this is where the Duke finds his Uncle had him kidnapped. " Turns out Aston left that part out.
I now have a goal to find the original book I read and find out if it's plagiarism or if Aston just steals everything about a book and changes the words enough for her to escape being sued.
I was excited to read this book until I realized I'd read it before. The character names may be different but each aspect of the plot from the heroine being sold by her father to a wealthy shipper and the hero being kidnapped. I've been frustrated with Aston's writing in the past because she ties up things too neatly without real conflict but as I was reading this book I kept thinking "this is where the Duke finds his Uncle had him kidnapped. " Turns out Aston left that part out.
I now have a goal to find the original book I read and find out if it's plagiarism or if Aston just steals everything about a book and changes the words enough for her to escape being sued.
February 11, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a first book in a new series by Alexa Aston, whose books I enjoy reading very much. This series seems to revolve around a family, and this story is about James Strong, the son of the family, and heir to the Duke of Seaton. At the beginning of the story, we meet James as a young boy, about to leave for school. You get a sense of his family through his eyes at the time, and find out that his mother had passed and he has a step mother and half siblings. His father owns a shipping business and his tutor takes him to the docks to explore a bit, and while there, he is violently taken and forced to work on a ship.
Years past, and because of what happens, James Strong has lost his memories of being heir to a duke and his family, and has built a new identity as James Jones, growing up at sea and building a talent for sailing, and leadership, and eventually becoming a young captain for one of the ships for Josiah Grant, a self-made wealthy commoner who runs a large shipping concern, with his young wife, Sophie.
Sophie, a daughter to a profligate viscount, was wed by Grant, but he took more of a fatherly mentor role to her, and theirs was a chaste marriage that was built on friendship and respect. Josiah saw the strength and intelligence in the shy, gently born Sophie, and mentored her to become his heir and to manage their ships and business, in his stead. Sophie, having never been presented, and now rejected by Society for marrying below her status, and engaging in trade, is grateful to Josiah for giving her the independence and strength to succeed, and on his death, is determined to continue the business as his legacy. She continues with their plans to build a new ship, with the hopes that Captain Jones will be the new captain for it. To keep control of her independence and Josiah's legacy, Sophie has no plans to remarry. But she is also very lonely, with no family or friends, and curious. She decides she would like to experience intimacy, choosing the attractive James to proposition for an affair, since they seem to like each other very much. If she manages to get pregnant as well, all the better for an heir for the business.
James, while visiting a pub while at dock, is recognized by a drunkard to be the missing Strong heir. The drunkard was his tutor, whose life was ruined and fell into drinking, when the duke punished him for losing his charge that day on the docks many years ago. James returns to his home to prove his identity and memories of his past start to return. He also faces his ailing father, and his family. He is forced to give up his life at sea as he finds himself having to take the reins and manage his family, including ousting a thieving uncle and cousin, who expected to inherit thinking James was dead, and have been exploiting their position and thieving from the dukedom while James' father was incapacitated.
James hides his new status, of being aristocracy and the heir to a dukedom, as well as owner of Strong Shipping, Sophie's chief business rival, from Sophie, unsure of where they stand, because he finds himself very attached to her, and wants to make her his duchess. Under the guise of being just Captain James Jones, he travels with Sophie to the shipyard, to deliver his old ship for repair and inspect the new ship being built.
Sophie discovers his identity and runs away, not wanting to deal with her confusion and emotions. What she does know though is that she is no longer part of Society and will not wed again because Josiah's legacy would then belong to her husband, and could be lost. James, not understanding the laws of ownership and property as they relate to women, or Society rules because of his years at sea, is at a lost of how to convince the woman he has come to love to wed him and be his duchess.
On top of that, he has to deal with the death of his father and becoming the head of his newly found family, and all their quirks and issues, as well as the drama of his thieving, conniving uncle and cousin, who seek their revenge.
I very much enjoyed this story. I quite enjoyed the story of Sophie and her relationship with Josiah, which fostered her into becoming a confident, powerful, independent woman, who is lonely because she is neither fish nor fowl in relation to other women of the middle class or Society. I liked James and his relationship with his first mate, and his adult relationships that were developing with his sisters and cousins, and step mother, especially in contrast to the beginning of the story. He is not a typical aristocrat in that he was forced to grow up away from society, and I liked that his opinion and attraction to Sophie was not coloured by the typical prejudices Society would have about Sophie.
Seeing how the various Strong siblings/family are in this story makes me curious to see how their stories play out as well and this is a good starter story for the series.
4.75 stars out of 5
This is a first book in a new series by Alexa Aston, whose books I enjoy reading very much. This series seems to revolve around a family, and this story is about James Strong, the son of the family, and heir to the Duke of Seaton. At the beginning of the story, we meet James as a young boy, about to leave for school. You get a sense of his family through his eyes at the time, and find out that his mother had passed and he has a step mother and half siblings. His father owns a shipping business and his tutor takes him to the docks to explore a bit, and while there, he is violently taken and forced to work on a ship.
Years past, and because of what happens, James Strong has lost his memories of being heir to a duke and his family, and has built a new identity as James Jones, growing up at sea and building a talent for sailing, and leadership, and eventually becoming a young captain for one of the ships for Josiah Grant, a self-made wealthy commoner who runs a large shipping concern, with his young wife, Sophie.
Sophie, a daughter to a profligate viscount, was wed by Grant, but he took more of a fatherly mentor role to her, and theirs was a chaste marriage that was built on friendship and respect. Josiah saw the strength and intelligence in the shy, gently born Sophie, and mentored her to become his heir and to manage their ships and business, in his stead. Sophie, having never been presented, and now rejected by Society for marrying below her status, and engaging in trade, is grateful to Josiah for giving her the independence and strength to succeed, and on his death, is determined to continue the business as his legacy. She continues with their plans to build a new ship, with the hopes that Captain Jones will be the new captain for it. To keep control of her independence and Josiah's legacy, Sophie has no plans to remarry. But she is also very lonely, with no family or friends, and curious. She decides she would like to experience intimacy, choosing the attractive James to proposition for an affair, since they seem to like each other very much. If she manages to get pregnant as well, all the better for an heir for the business.
James, while visiting a pub while at dock, is recognized by a drunkard to be the missing Strong heir. The drunkard was his tutor, whose life was ruined and fell into drinking, when the duke punished him for losing his charge that day on the docks many years ago. James returns to his home to prove his identity and memories of his past start to return. He also faces his ailing father, and his family. He is forced to give up his life at sea as he finds himself having to take the reins and manage his family, including ousting a thieving uncle and cousin, who expected to inherit thinking James was dead, and have been exploiting their position and thieving from the dukedom while James' father was incapacitated.
James hides his new status, of being aristocracy and the heir to a dukedom, as well as owner of Strong Shipping, Sophie's chief business rival, from Sophie, unsure of where they stand, because he finds himself very attached to her, and wants to make her his duchess. Under the guise of being just Captain James Jones, he travels with Sophie to the shipyard, to deliver his old ship for repair and inspect the new ship being built.
Sophie discovers his identity and runs away, not wanting to deal with her confusion and emotions. What she does know though is that she is no longer part of Society and will not wed again because Josiah's legacy would then belong to her husband, and could be lost. James, not understanding the laws of ownership and property as they relate to women, or Society rules because of his years at sea, is at a lost of how to convince the woman he has come to love to wed him and be his duchess.
On top of that, he has to deal with the death of his father and becoming the head of his newly found family, and all their quirks and issues, as well as the drama of his thieving, conniving uncle and cousin, who seek their revenge.
I very much enjoyed this story. I quite enjoyed the story of Sophie and her relationship with Josiah, which fostered her into becoming a confident, powerful, independent woman, who is lonely because she is neither fish nor fowl in relation to other women of the middle class or Society. I liked James and his relationship with his first mate, and his adult relationships that were developing with his sisters and cousins, and step mother, especially in contrast to the beginning of the story. He is not a typical aristocrat in that he was forced to grow up away from society, and I liked that his opinion and attraction to Sophie was not coloured by the typical prejudices Society would have about Sophie.
Seeing how the various Strong siblings/family are in this story makes me curious to see how their stories play out as well and this is a good starter story for the series.
4.75 stars out of 5
February 11, 2024
Sophie Grant is not your usual woman of the time period. She owns and runs a very successful shipping company she took over when her much older husband died. Most of the marriage was her deceased husband training her to take over the company. Sophie is definitely an independent woman, but one oddity came out of her marriage. They never consummated their marriage. Her husband felt he was too old, and was not interested in it any longer. Now, she has begun to wonder what it's like to have intimate relations with a man, and is thinking to have an affair.
James Jones happens to be a very successful captain of one of her ships she owns. Little does he know, or remember, he is the son of a duke. He was taken as an 8 year old to be a cabin boy. He had been beaten so badly, he no longer had memories of his previous life. All he knows is his life at sea. However, a chance encounter leads him to find out his previous life, and how this will affect the rest of his life.
Both James and Sophie are very attracted to one another. He wants her to fall in love with him as Captain Jones, not as the heir to a dukedom.
This book is filled with lack of communication between the two. Some of it is quite understandable, most is not.
I had series problems reading it. The novel took me over a week to finish, which hardly every happens. I wasn't invested in the characters or their story, and did not feel any connection either.. Maybe if the story had been longer, there may have been some depth to their characters, and add to the story. The conversations felt stilted and forced. He told her he was in love with her almost immediately. It was not a love at first sight. It just came out of nowhere.
Her fear of marriage was legitimate. During the time period, a woman would lose everything she owns because all would end up belonging to the husband. I won't give any spoilers, but I found their solution to the problem was odd.
James' family also happened to own a shipping company that was in direct competition to hers. Why bother even mention that part since there wasn't much reference to that? The villains could have been sabotaging a completely different business. Again, this isn't a spoiler. It is in the beginning of the book.
She was the daughter of a viscount, and he was the heir to a dukedom. Several times it was mentioned there would be issues reentering society for the two. Yet, not once did they even meet anyone connected to the ton besides his stepmother.
I did like James and Sophie a lot, just not as a couple. He was very, very sweet once he realized she had never had any relations with a man, I liked that she was a stubborn, strong woman, who had no problems taking care of things herself. Again, I did not feel any connection to their love story. Maybe if more time had been spent developing the characters and their past, I would have enjoyed this more.
There is some heat in the intimate scenes. After the first time, it was almost closed door for the rest of the novel.
The author has written quite a few novels. I may check those out, but I can honestly say that I have no interest in continuing this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
James Jones happens to be a very successful captain of one of her ships she owns. Little does he know, or remember, he is the son of a duke. He was taken as an 8 year old to be a cabin boy. He had been beaten so badly, he no longer had memories of his previous life. All he knows is his life at sea. However, a chance encounter leads him to find out his previous life, and how this will affect the rest of his life.
Both James and Sophie are very attracted to one another. He wants her to fall in love with him as Captain Jones, not as the heir to a dukedom.
This book is filled with lack of communication between the two. Some of it is quite understandable, most is not.
I had series problems reading it. The novel took me over a week to finish, which hardly every happens. I wasn't invested in the characters or their story, and did not feel any connection either.. Maybe if the story had been longer, there may have been some depth to their characters, and add to the story. The conversations felt stilted and forced. He told her he was in love with her almost immediately. It was not a love at first sight. It just came out of nowhere.
Her fear of marriage was legitimate. During the time period, a woman would lose everything she owns because all would end up belonging to the husband. I won't give any spoilers, but I found their solution to the problem was odd.
James' family also happened to own a shipping company that was in direct competition to hers. Why bother even mention that part since there wasn't much reference to that? The villains could have been sabotaging a completely different business. Again, this isn't a spoiler. It is in the beginning of the book.
She was the daughter of a viscount, and he was the heir to a dukedom. Several times it was mentioned there would be issues reentering society for the two. Yet, not once did they even meet anyone connected to the ton besides his stepmother.
I did like James and Sophie a lot, just not as a couple. He was very, very sweet once he realized she had never had any relations with a man, I liked that she was a stubborn, strong woman, who had no problems taking care of things herself. Again, I did not feel any connection to their love story. Maybe if more time had been spent developing the characters and their past, I would have enjoyed this more.
There is some heat in the intimate scenes. After the first time, it was almost closed door for the rest of the novel.
The author has written quite a few novels. I may check those out, but I can honestly say that I have no interest in continuing this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 3, 2024
The Duke’s Unexpected Love by Alexa Aston is the start of a new family series and looks to be pretty good. James Strong was a precocious eight-year-old who wanted to please his father. In that vein, his tutor had taken him to the family business to introduce him to what would someday be his. His father was not involved as it was demeaning for a duke to dirty his hands with business. James loved it that day, offering to help where ever he could; his last errand was delivering some papers two block away and returning with papers he was given. He never made it back; he was shanghaied by a monster and spent the next almost twenty years on various ships. His first day, he made a life-long friend, in a man called Drake. Sophie Grant had been sold into marriage to a man over three times her age. He had gently explained that he was no longer interesting in a physical relationship but they had had a marriage of affection and education. He taught her everything he knew about his business, Neptune Shipping. She had become the wealthiest woman in England, after he unexpectedly passed away. James Jones returned one day as a captain of a Neptune ship and met his new boss. He was immediately attracted. The same day, a drunk accosted him, identifying him as James Strong, the heir to the Duke of Seaton. Things started happening fast.
James had had a hard life but be had prevailed. Despite most of the men he saw, he grew to to honest, brave, and caring. His friendship with Drake had started the day he awoke in the hold and had grown ever stronger. Sophie Grant was a married virgin. She wanted to know what she was missing and she wanted a child to leave her vast wealth and holdings to. When she spied Captain Jones, she thought she had found her man. They were indeed a match. Both strong willed, talented, and ready to settle down. The great thing about romances is that the reader already knows the outcome so they can relax into the story. There were twists and turns, as always on the journey to true happiness, but Aston handled it well, as always. There were surprise characters, or at least their reactions and personalities were surprises. It was a terrific book. Thanks, again, Aston!
I was invited to read The Duke’s UnExpected Love by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AlexaAston #TheDukesUnexpectedLove
James had had a hard life but be had prevailed. Despite most of the men he saw, he grew to to honest, brave, and caring. His friendship with Drake had started the day he awoke in the hold and had grown ever stronger. Sophie Grant was a married virgin. She wanted to know what she was missing and she wanted a child to leave her vast wealth and holdings to. When she spied Captain Jones, she thought she had found her man. They were indeed a match. Both strong willed, talented, and ready to settle down. The great thing about romances is that the reader already knows the outcome so they can relax into the story. There were twists and turns, as always on the journey to true happiness, but Aston handled it well, as always. There were surprise characters, or at least their reactions and personalities were surprises. It was a terrific book. Thanks, again, Aston!
I was invited to read The Duke’s UnExpected Love by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AlexaAston #TheDukesUnexpectedLove
January 1, 2025
I saw this book as a Kindle wallpaper ad and just had to read it. All that pink! Pink sky, pink dress pink side panel. And it says dragon on that panel. Oh my, it just short circuited my brain.
This book really did have my emotions on a roller-coaster. When James gets kidnapped as a child, I was horrified and wondered if I had happened upon a David Mitchell romance book? He is taken on board and beaten till he no longer remembers his old life.
Then Sophie gets sold to an old man as his wife and I got the super ick. It turns out Mr Grant was a super sweet old man who bought a young wife but didn't have sex with her, and then taught her everything about the business. Well, that is pretty sweet.
Fast forward to current times, and James and Sophie meet. Sophie, who is still a virgin when her husband died, decides she will give her virginity to James. James sees Sophie and instantly falls in love.
Then he finds out he is the heir to the Duke of Seaton.
Before he can tell her, they "couple." Sophie used that phrase so many times that I wanted to teach her vulgar words. And if you are a reader who loves virgin stories, this is really a book for you. If you really want a do over of losing your own virginity and you dream of it being with a kind man who also teaches you how to kiss, then you will be thrilled with this book. I absolutely hate virgin stories, but I'll get over it.
I love all of James's sisters, and it makes me want to read their stories, but I just don't know. I can not do 5 more virgin scenes.
As the story started to wind down, I was wondering what would fill the remaining pages. I was shocked , and then it was worked out so fast my head spun. Also, violin bits on body parts are quite a vivid picture.
This book really did have my emotions on a roller-coaster. When James gets kidnapped as a child, I was horrified and wondered if I had happened upon a David Mitchell romance book? He is taken on board and beaten till he no longer remembers his old life.
Then Sophie gets sold to an old man as his wife and I got the super ick. It turns out Mr Grant was a super sweet old man who bought a young wife but didn't have sex with her, and then taught her everything about the business. Well, that is pretty sweet.
Fast forward to current times, and James and Sophie meet. Sophie, who is still a virgin when her husband died, decides she will give her virginity to James. James sees Sophie and instantly falls in love.
Then he finds out he is the heir to the Duke of Seaton.
Before he can tell her, they "couple." Sophie used that phrase so many times that I wanted to teach her vulgar words. And if you are a reader who loves virgin stories, this is really a book for you. If you really want a do over of losing your own virginity and you dream of it being with a kind man who also teaches you how to kiss, then you will be thrilled with this book. I absolutely hate virgin stories, but I'll get over it.
I love all of James's sisters, and it makes me want to read their stories, but I just don't know. I can not do 5 more virgin scenes.
As the story started to wind down, I was wondering what would fill the remaining pages. I was shocked , and then it was worked out so fast my head spun. Also, violin bits on body parts are quite a vivid picture.
January 28, 2024
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I am always excited to get my hands on a new Alexa Aston book! I thought this was a strong first book for the series as it set up some background on the characters and featured a couple that I do really want to see in future books. I liked that Sophie was a strong independent woman who not only went after what she (initially) wanted from James but also was able to defend herself when the time came that she needed to. I liked James, mostly because he saw Sophie for the amazing woman that she was. My only real problem with the book was that everything was just too easy. James comes to terms with the truth about his background right away. James fixes the problems with his uncle stealing from the family within a few pages (I also really wanted to see the interactions between him and the solicitor and company manager but instead only get a quick summary). James gives up his life at sea and takes his place as the duke right away with no problem. Sophie gets over her anger toward James for keeping the truth about who he was a secret after a quick visit from his stepsister. It's not that I need a book filled with angst and drama, but just one hurdle that wasn't gotten over with little problem would have been nice. And it was interesting that it was completely passed over that Josiah had hired ship captains who were stealing children off the streets. He may have been a great business man but it seems he knew nothing about what his employees were doing (or just turned a blind eye to it). This was an enjoyable read, just not as good as many of Ms. Aston's previous books.
I am always excited to get my hands on a new Alexa Aston book! I thought this was a strong first book for the series as it set up some background on the characters and featured a couple that I do really want to see in future books. I liked that Sophie was a strong independent woman who not only went after what she (initially) wanted from James but also was able to defend herself when the time came that she needed to. I liked James, mostly because he saw Sophie for the amazing woman that she was. My only real problem with the book was that everything was just too easy. James comes to terms with the truth about his background right away. James fixes the problems with his uncle stealing from the family within a few pages (I also really wanted to see the interactions between him and the solicitor and company manager but instead only get a quick summary). James gives up his life at sea and takes his place as the duke right away with no problem. Sophie gets over her anger toward James for keeping the truth about who he was a secret after a quick visit from his stepsister. It's not that I need a book filled with angst and drama, but just one hurdle that wasn't gotten over with little problem would have been nice. And it was interesting that it was completely passed over that Josiah had hired ship captains who were stealing children off the streets. He may have been a great business man but it seems he knew nothing about what his employees were doing (or just turned a blind eye to it). This was an enjoyable read, just not as good as many of Ms. Aston's previous books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2024
What a fun and unexpected read! The Duke’s Unexpected Love by Alexa Aston was a great start to a new series of books called The Strongs of Shadowquest. The series is going to follow the family whose last name is Strong and the home is Shadowquest in Kent. The first book follows James, the new Duke of Seaton and his bride to be.
James was impressed (kidnapped and forced to work on a ship) by a sailor when he was eight. Between the beatings and the horror, James had no memory of who he was. Years later as he rose through the ranks to become a captain, he ran across an older man who recognized him from the boy he was. James was astounded. He knew his life was to seriously change and he knew who he wanted to live that life with him.
Sophie was basically sold into marriage by her father. Luckily, the man she married was kind. As he was a lot older, he was seeking companionship and a partner for his business. His shipping line was to be hers, when he died. She learned the business and became a leader of the company after her husband died. That is when she met James - he was one of their captains.
The book gave a great deal of backstory to the couple, which I found interesting. I felt like it was important considering it is the first book in a series. I felt the concerns about Sophie losing control of her shipping line were handled too easily. I enjoyed the couple and look forward to the rest of the series. The Duke’s Unexpected Love by Alexa Aston was a good read!
James was impressed (kidnapped and forced to work on a ship) by a sailor when he was eight. Between the beatings and the horror, James had no memory of who he was. Years later as he rose through the ranks to become a captain, he ran across an older man who recognized him from the boy he was. James was astounded. He knew his life was to seriously change and he knew who he wanted to live that life with him.
Sophie was basically sold into marriage by her father. Luckily, the man she married was kind. As he was a lot older, he was seeking companionship and a partner for his business. His shipping line was to be hers, when he died. She learned the business and became a leader of the company after her husband died. That is when she met James - he was one of their captains.
The book gave a great deal of backstory to the couple, which I found interesting. I felt like it was important considering it is the first book in a series. I felt the concerns about Sophie losing control of her shipping line were handled too easily. I enjoyed the couple and look forward to the rest of the series. The Duke’s Unexpected Love by Alexa Aston was a good read!
February 14, 2025
Although this story ended happily, I found it to be written in a very robotic way. After mentioning one or two unfortunate events in the lives of the characters, the author immediately began to fix their life.
After James was kidnapped at the tender age of eight and was beaten terribly, all the other events of the story went very artificially and perfectly. At the age of 25, he became a ship captain and when he returned to London, someone happened to recognize him and with his explanation, the hero's memory immediately returned and he realized that his father is a duke and currently he is bedridden. On the very first day he went home, he immediately kicked out his evil uncle and cousin who, like a sponge, had stolen the duke's wealth for the past three years since his father's illness.
the most strange and incredible thing was the story of the heroine's very rich husband who owned a large shipping company. Her husband did not want to have children at all to inherit so much wealth! He never even had sex with his young and beautiful wife. Only he would kiss her on the cheeks! He had trained Sophie to succeed him after his death to make his legacy more profitable than before! He was what? Gay? I think he could have adopted a boy and taught him these lessons!
Alright, hero fell in love very quickly, and the events of the story went very good but robotically to the end.
After James was kidnapped at the tender age of eight and was beaten terribly, all the other events of the story went very artificially and perfectly. At the age of 25, he became a ship captain and when he returned to London, someone happened to recognize him and with his explanation, the hero's memory immediately returned and he realized that his father is a duke and currently he is bedridden. On the very first day he went home, he immediately kicked out his evil uncle and cousin who, like a sponge, had stolen the duke's wealth for the past three years since his father's illness.
the most strange and incredible thing was the story of the heroine's very rich husband who owned a large shipping company. Her husband did not want to have children at all to inherit so much wealth! He never even had sex with his young and beautiful wife. Only he would kiss her on the cheeks! He had trained Sophie to succeed him after his death to make his legacy more profitable than before! He was what? Gay? I think he could have adopted a boy and taught him these lessons!
Alright, hero fell in love very quickly, and the events of the story went very good but robotically to the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2024
Ships, Dukes, Family, Romance:
To be honest the cover did not entice me to read this book, but I like the fact that a strong woman was defying the ton and the characters sounded very interesting, which they were.
Well, I am so glad I decided to read this exciting all-encompassing story that is filled to the brim with a charming romance.
We first meet James the Dukes young son. James hasn't had a happy childhood and is looking forward to going away to school.
That's about the time where his life changes and I had a big 'Oh No' heart pounding moment.
We jump forward many years into the future where we meet Sophie a wonderful strong-minded girl who is running the shipyard which in those days is unheard of.
The story revolves around the shipping industry which was a nice change from the typical ton balls and such.
This is where the romance part between James and Sophie begins, and a wonderful story it is.
There are many teeth clinching, shocking, scary, jaw dropping situations, plus a few lessons to learn before they reach their very happy ending.
I am so glad I pick this book up and read it. It is really a good story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
To be honest the cover did not entice me to read this book, but I like the fact that a strong woman was defying the ton and the characters sounded very interesting, which they were.
Well, I am so glad I decided to read this exciting all-encompassing story that is filled to the brim with a charming romance.
We first meet James the Dukes young son. James hasn't had a happy childhood and is looking forward to going away to school.
That's about the time where his life changes and I had a big 'Oh No' heart pounding moment.
We jump forward many years into the future where we meet Sophie a wonderful strong-minded girl who is running the shipyard which in those days is unheard of.
The story revolves around the shipping industry which was a nice change from the typical ton balls and such.
This is where the romance part between James and Sophie begins, and a wonderful story it is.
There are many teeth clinching, shocking, scary, jaw dropping situations, plus a few lessons to learn before they reach their very happy ending.
I am so glad I pick this book up and read it. It is really a good story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
February 9, 2024
3.75 STARS -ROUNDED UP
I really liked the secondary characters in this book and I hope we get stories on them. The scene with the H as a boy and his tutor and what happens was very moving. Fast forward many years and as an adult he runs into his drunken tutor. The H lost most of his memory from being beaten as a child. As soon as the tutor emerges into his life again they come flooding back.
Because of the H being kidnapped as an 8 year old, the tutor’s life became awful, causing him to be a hard drunk. I felt disappointed were are not given more info on this man. The H takes him to his home and the tutor goes to the kitchens so he isn’t tempted to drink. We hear nothing more about him, his struggles to quit nothing. Just a little blurb near the end. He isn’t even at the wedding. I wanted to know if his best friend found romance too.
How did the “TON” react to the h remarrying less then a year after becoming a widow? So many details left me wondering. I would still recommend this story.
Little on romance more on lust at first. Lovemaking outside of marriage heat level 3+ out of 5.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance and steam. Some drama, but everything is resolved very quickly. Enjoyable epilogue 22 months in the future. (ljb)
I really liked the secondary characters in this book and I hope we get stories on them. The scene with the H as a boy and his tutor and what happens was very moving. Fast forward many years and as an adult he runs into his drunken tutor. The H lost most of his memory from being beaten as a child. As soon as the tutor emerges into his life again they come flooding back.
Because of the H being kidnapped as an 8 year old, the tutor’s life became awful, causing him to be a hard drunk. I felt disappointed were are not given more info on this man. The H takes him to his home and the tutor goes to the kitchens so he isn’t tempted to drink. We hear nothing more about him, his struggles to quit nothing. Just a little blurb near the end. He isn’t even at the wedding. I wanted to know if his best friend found romance too.
How did the “TON” react to the h remarrying less then a year after becoming a widow? So many details left me wondering. I would still recommend this story.
Little on romance more on lust at first. Lovemaking outside of marriage heat level 3+ out of 5.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance and steam. Some drama, but everything is resolved very quickly. Enjoyable epilogue 22 months in the future. (ljb)
January 30, 2024
Sold into marriage, one that actually treated her well, Sophie Grant is unwilling to give up the financial freedom she won when her elderly husband died. The captain of the Vesta is something of a surprise to Sophie, but she has no intention of giving up her rights as a widow, even to the most alluring of men. When an accidental meeting reveals James' origins, his memory is jogged and bits and pieces of his past life start to come back to him. Facing the reality of who he actually is comes with responsibilities but there is only one woman who can fill the crucial gap in his life, namely Sophie. This beautiful romance speaks of the laws of attraction and although there are several reasons why both parties refuse to give way to the allure of those feelings, they do eventually come to realize that every problem does have a solution, especially when loved ones are willing to intercede on their behalf. The novel comes to a sweet and delightful conclusion leading the way to more romance in the lives of the Shadowcrest family. I received a copy of this sweet romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
April 11, 2024
This book kicks off a new series, The Strongs of Shadowcrest, and it looks to be a delightful series! Thanks to the debts Sophie's father dug himself into, Sophie never had a come out and was forced to marry an older man, Josiah Grant, an owner of a leading shipping line, who agreed to pay her father's debts. Josiah taught Sophie the ins and outs of running a shipping business. Now a widow, she is able to confidently run the business. James has lived his life at sea. He was once a former captain of Josiah's and is back now, and finds himself the new Duke of Seaton. Society dictates that he marry a simpering miss, but he is captivated and attracted to the very capable and intelligent Sophie, who is the subject of various gossip. James cares for none of that, he only knows that he is completely drawn to the intriguing Sophie. She is equally drawn to him, but when she learns he is a duke, that complicates things. These two no doubt have some obstacles to overcome before they can settle into their HEA.
A great start to a new series! Looking forward to reading more!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
A great start to a new series! Looking forward to reading more!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 5, 2024
5 stars
Great start to a new series. James, as a small boy, was shanghied and made to work as a cabin boy on a merchant ship owned by the heroine. James is actually the heir to a dukedom. On his return to England he starts to remember especially when he spots a drunkard who was his old Tutor. At the same time he has just met Sophie the widow of a ship owner. He decides she is the woman for him and at the same time, having had a platonic marriage, Sophie realises she wants to experience lovemaking and have a child. We meet James's Step mother, two sets of step sisters, his cousin, Theo and his female cousins. His friend, IMO is being lined up for Dinah..I'll have to wait and see. There were some historical quirks, such as what happened to a year of mourning after the father's death. I think are ignored as James is going to be his own man and not fall in with the dictats of society.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Great start to a new series. James, as a small boy, was shanghied and made to work as a cabin boy on a merchant ship owned by the heroine. James is actually the heir to a dukedom. On his return to England he starts to remember especially when he spots a drunkard who was his old Tutor. At the same time he has just met Sophie the widow of a ship owner. He decides she is the woman for him and at the same time, having had a platonic marriage, Sophie realises she wants to experience lovemaking and have a child. We meet James's Step mother, two sets of step sisters, his cousin, Theo and his female cousins. His friend, IMO is being lined up for Dinah..I'll have to wait and see. There were some historical quirks, such as what happened to a year of mourning after the father's death. I think are ignored as James is going to be his own man and not fall in with the dictats of society.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2024
4.5 stars
The hero definitely fell first but was unschooled in the ways of the Ton!
Captain James Jones had his identity beat out of him at the age of 8! He knows nothing of Ton rules or how men rule women and their property! He was a world traveler and a man he must have seen how men treated women and took ownership!? Oh well that was my main concern with this story!
We have Sophie Grant a Viscount daughter who was sold to an older Mr Grant in exchange for her father’s debts! Her husband trained in everything to do with a shipyard and building and maintenance of ships worldwide! She is incredibly wealthy but lives very simply! These are important factors in her and James relationship!
This a rocky courtship to be sure! James and Sophie are drawn to each other from the beginning! They have a lot of chemistry! It seems that a HEA is not far off except Sophie is terrified she won’t be able to keep all she owns! James also kept his identity a secret!
There seems to be no hope for this couple until the current duchess saved the day! Bravo
The hero definitely fell first but was unschooled in the ways of the Ton!
Captain James Jones had his identity beat out of him at the age of 8! He knows nothing of Ton rules or how men rule women and their property! He was a world traveler and a man he must have seen how men treated women and took ownership!? Oh well that was my main concern with this story!
We have Sophie Grant a Viscount daughter who was sold to an older Mr Grant in exchange for her father’s debts! Her husband trained in everything to do with a shipyard and building and maintenance of ships worldwide! She is incredibly wealthy but lives very simply! These are important factors in her and James relationship!
This a rocky courtship to be sure! James and Sophie are drawn to each other from the beginning! They have a lot of chemistry! It seems that a HEA is not far off except Sophie is terrified she won’t be able to keep all she owns! James also kept his identity a secret!
There seems to be no hope for this couple until the current duchess saved the day! Bravo
March 7, 2025
I really liked the unconventional characters. After being shanghaied at 8 years old, James couldn't remember anything about his life except that his name is James. When he returns to London many years later, he runs into a man he knew when he was a child. Memories started coming back to him. He thought he was all alone in the world, except his good friend. Now it seems, he has a large family. Sophie is the only child of a viscount, but he is a gambler and has lost everything. He has sold her to the first man who would give him money. Fortunately, even though he is much older than Sophie, he was very kind to her and taught her so much about his business. When her husband dies, Sophie continues to run the business. Unheard of for a woman to run a large company. James has to take control of his family's finances because his greedy uncle and cousin have been syphoning money for several years. Sophie has been shunned by the ton, so will she want James now that he is a peer? He still thinks of himself as a captain, not a Duke. Will she love the Duke?
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