The Perks of Loving a Viscount

The Strongs of Shadowcrest #2

by Alexa Aston

A man who cherishes his freedom at sea. A woman who fears she will never find her place in Polite Society. Two unlikely people who come together—and find love . . .

As a boy, Seth Atwell falls in love with the sea. His uncle, Lord Hopewell, arranges for Seth to become a cabin boy, and over the years, Seth works his way up to the position of captain of a trading vessel. On a return trip home to England, he is shocked to learn that he is the new Viscount Hopewell—and must give up his seafaring ways.

Lady Philippa Strong has a zest for life and is always in motion. Curious about everything, with a love of languages and geography, Pippa doesn’t want to make her come-out with her twin. Though she adores Georgina, Pippa knows when the ton compares the two Strong twins, she will come up lacking.

Seth retreats to Hopewood, his country estate, where he encounters his ducal neighbor’s sister. Seth is drawn to Pippa’s free spirit and inquisitive nature, and she agrees to give him riding lessons since he has never been atop a horse. The pair grow close, but friendship is not enough for this viscount. He wants to claim Pippa as his viscountess.

Can Seth convince Pippa that friends can become lovers—and that love does not limit a woman’s opportunities?

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

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2024

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

[ren ౨ৎ (rozanov's version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⁀➷ 3 ★ ´ˎ˗

"he decided he would follow pippa strong wherever she led him.

important note: potential spoilers below.

i honestly have a lot of mixed feelings about this book.

initially, i liked the romance that spurred out of the friendship between pippa and seth. i even really liked pippa and seth as individual characters. pippa was an extremely headstrong woman who liked to rebel against the customs within high society (wearing men’s attire, not wanting to make her come out during the season, etc.). meanwhile, seth was an adventurous former captain of a ship turned viscount. these major points of both of their personalities seemed to blur as the story continued, making them seem like almost shells of the characters we were introduced to.

the build-up to their relationship was really fun to read, but it all dissolved when seth decided to propose in order so he could basically speed-run the chance to have sex with pippa. while this is posed as a chivalrous act, it just reads as… gross. after the proposal, the book felt like a drag. especially when the misunderstanding between pippa and seth comes into play — it seemed just unnecessary, especially with how quickly they make amends. it’s almost like even pippa knew how stupid she was at that moment.

i really wish i had enjoyed this book all the way through because i enjoyed the author’s writing aside from the pacing and the loss of character voice.

one final note: i hope there is a future novel about pippa’s mother eventually finding love again, she deserves it.

thank you to netgalley, dragonblade publishing and alexa aston for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 45th 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. Book 1 was so good I put it on my favorite books read list.

I enjoyed Seth and Pippa's story. It was a good read. I love the depth Alexa gets in her stories, even with secondary characters. I also love how you can tell who everyone is to each other even if you had read a previous book in that series. Some authors I read, I have no idea who is who. You don't have that issue with Alexa. That is a good detail to have without being overly detailed. Just an overall really good read. Gave me all the feels.

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Being ill did not help this book out in any way. Both main characters really tested me. Seth was the least trying of the two he kept calling her not pretty\beautiful. I'm not saying Pippa has to be beautiful to everybody But like you gotta be attracted to her. And then there is Pippa, When she did what she did with the lord No Just no. To me that was cheating. And also it seems like she was kind of playing games with Seth like 1st telling him that they had no reason to see each other anymore and then when she decided oh actually I don't want the other guy Oh yeah let's hang out. That's so manipulative. Chapter 23 just no Just no. 2.5 cause again the premise just reminds me to much of the previous series. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I just can't get enough of Alexa's books.. This story was sooo good..

You feel the connection with the characters instantly, the laughter, the sadness, and the love between the two main characters along with the side characters are something that makes this story so good. And that you have strong female leads and male characters who aren't going to hold them back by any means..

PS:

I'm with Pippa and Georgie though I hope their mom gets a happy ending of her own! I can't wait to see if she does..

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuing saga of the Seaton house family picks up with the young Lady Pippa. Pippa meets up with a young Captain Seth Atwell who makes his mission to stay far away from London and the Nobility as much as he can. Who knew that certain unexpected life changing moments who bring him back home. I like how the story was written and interpreted. The story was interesting to me in the most fun and expressive way. The story was based around two young people who wants to have fun and joy in their life. Although I feed that Pippa being at the age of eighteen was not mature enough for certain adult situations. Situations that require a woman making decisions that are of the utmost importance to both people. If the woman was twenty four or older certain scenes can relate or engage with the reader more. Perhaps the writer can gloss over the young ladies age or simply not address her age at all. Other parts of the book did keen me engaged with the story.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seth Atwell falls in love with the sea as a young boy & his uncle, Lord Hopewell, arranges for him to become a cabin boy, and over the years, Seth works his way up to the position of captain of a trading vessel. On a return trip home to England, he is shocked to learn that he is the new Viscount Hopewell.
Lady Philippa Strong has a zest for life and is always in motion. Curious about everything, with a love of languages and geography, Pippa doesn’t want to make her come-out with her twin, Georgina. Seth retreats to Hopewood, his country estate, where he encounters his ducal neighbour’s sister. Seth is drawn to Pippa’s free spirit and inquisitive nature, and she agrees to give him riding lessons since he has never been atop a horse.
The second book in the series & this is purely a lovely romance with very little angst, no intrigue, no kidnapping just two people falling in love. There’s a couple of misunderstandings which are easily resolved. I really liked both Seth & Pippa whose attraction was immediate & they became close as she gave him riding lessons, I must say I was surprised that they were allowed to be alone & would have thought a Duke’s daughter & sister would at least have had a groom present. I loved the dynamics between the Strong family members & the subtle hints in the epilogue. A well written romance which was a stroll in the park rather than a canter down Rotten Row & I thoroughly enjoyed it
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

This continues the story of the Strong family by giving us the story of Lady Phillipa Strong, the half sister of James from book 1. She has returned to Shadowcrest, the Strong's beloved country estate and her family is planning on the comeout of her, her sister, and other older females in the family. But Lady Phillipa dreads the Season and wants to avoid it. She is afraid she is not as popular, beautiful, or as accomplished as her sister, and prefers to ride, wear breeches and shirts, hunt, and fish, which may make her an oddity in the eyes of the Ton. She manages to convince her mother, James and Sophie to avoid being presented, and stay behind at Shadowcrest. Phillipa is convinced that she wants to stay unmarried and keep her freedom.

Seth Atwell has been at sea for the past 20 years, since he was a child. He was always fascinated by travel and geography, and did not want to follow his father's footsteps to become a clerk in a law office. When his uncle, the reclusive Lord Hopewell, a Viscount, discovers his wish to go to sea, he helps the young boy achieve this dream by arranging for him to join a voyage on a ship under Strong Shipping, one of his investments. Seth spends the next many years learning to sail and making his way up to being a captain, and living the life he wanted. This suddenly changes when he finds out that his uncles have passed away suddenly and his father has inherited the title. He is summoned by his father as he is now heir apparent. This is an unlooked for future for Seth and he wants to avoid the future his father plans for him as heir, but before he can find a way to avoid his new fate, it falls in his lap faster than he expects.

Seth travels to Hopewood, his country estate, resolved to take up his new title and responsibilities, giving up his life at sea. Hopewood neighbours Shadowcrest and he meets Phillipa as she wanders near their shared border. She and the former Viscount, his uncle, were friends and shared a love of books and fishing. Seth is attracted to and intrigued by Phillipa, and when he meets the Strongs, is embraced by the family, sharing so much with James, and willing to learn from them about his new role and estate management. As Seth gets to know Phillipa more, he becomes more attracted to her and falls in love. He inveigles Phillipa to teach the salty seaman in him to learn to ride a horse, something he has never done before, and because she is so familiar with the area, help him learn about his tenants and estate. But he learns of her desire to avoid marriage and the marriage mart and while he tries to get closer to her, he keeps his feelings under wraps until he is more certain of how she feels. Phillipa, being an innocent, is very confused by Seth's attraction to her and the feelings of desire that he invokes in her.

This is a very sweet story and mirrors the first book quite a bit in terms of Seth and Jame's shared background and changes in fortune. I generally liked the story, but did not find that there was as much tension and drama in this one as book 1. But it was a lovely sweet and warm love story, and I liked the epilogue set in the future and giving hints to HEAs for other Strongs as well.

3.75 stars out of 5

[Diana N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in this series with a man learning to take his place as a peer after years at sea.

Even though you could read this book as a stand-alone, I like that our main female lead is the half sister of our sea captain from the first book. Oh and is she strong, spirited, and determined to not marry.

Seth and Pippa meet through being new neighbors and there is a instant connection (even with Pippa not really acting like a lady). Seth turns in his sea legs for some sore riding legs during his horseback riding lessons from Pippa and finds love along the way.

This book takes falling in love with the boy next door to a new level. He sure is cute in trying to figure it all out, jealousy and all.

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

[Rod · Rating 3 out of 5]

A steamy story. I am I a dilemma with this story. I found I liked it but thought there was sometimes too much deliberation on Pippa’s and Seth’s feelings. I also did wonder at Pippa deciding to kiss the other Viscount, as well as the fact no one seemed concerned about her teaching Seth to ride and being out and about on her own with him. Whilst more freedom was allowed in the country and she might possibly ride about their estate on her own I think there would have been a groom at least in attendance, especially as it was at his ‘bachelor’ estate, and she was mindful of how her actions might impact on her sisters/family. Similarly I do not think she would have been left on her own with the other Viscount in room at the Inn. Overall it was alright, but I felt it lacked something and didn’t quite develop, so 3.5 stars not quite 4.

[Always Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute I think my heart almost exploded. Seth and Pippa complemented each other so well. With their need for adventure and their lack of interest in the ton/polite society.

It so sad for him to lose his uncle (all three of his uncles) back to back. His father ended up becoming the viscount since the older three had no heirs. My heart broke when Seth landed at the docks to learn his father had past just before he got there as well, making him the new viscount, something he never expected to happen being the son of a fourth son.

One thing I felt the book was missing was his grief, his father and uncles all died within weeks of each other. Maybe since Seth left at aged 8, it was different but he still wrote to the viscount and his father frequently so I wish this was touched on more.

What I loved was that he handled it all with grace and took his responsibility seriously. As devastated as he was to leave life at sea, he didn't hold a grudge or turn into some asshole. He wanted to learn the job and do it well, and he really made his tenants and staff his top priority. I think Pippa made it easier for him,

Pippa was so sweet, wise, funny and while she was intelligent, she was still slightly naive (having only just come of age). She was the perfect heroine for Seth. She loved the outdoors. I loved that wore breeches when riding, and her family was amazing and accepting of each other. Her relationship with her twin Georgie was so sweet. Often, historical romance likes to make adversaries of women, even siblings but I love that all the cousins and siblings got along. With her desire to travel too, it worked out perfectly for Seth who wanted to show her the world.

It's not pressed on in the book, I really do think his uncle (the former viscount) knew Seth and Pippa needed each other. He sent them both books and the uncle left Pippa his favorite fishing rod in his will.

I was cracking up the whole time because Seth and Pippa's POVs were just them wondering if the other liked them. This is probably the first time I wanted someone to walk in on them kissing so they'd be forced to marry already 😂 but it all worked out perfectly in the end and their happy ending was so satisfying.

Safety: Pippa was being courted by another viscount (I can't even remember his name) and she asks him to kiss him because she wasn't sure if kissing always felt so powerful like when she did with Seth. She felt nothing and immediately retreats and confesses she's in love with someone and realized that she'd only feel that way with Seth. Seth sees the kiss and storms off, but they talk about it and she confesses her feelings to him. He doesn't hold it against her and he proposes. No OW, not even the slightest.

[beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I did win this as an eARC from NetGalley*
Also the reviews for this story are popping up under a different book on Goodreads that is something about the government (Are You Ready?: A Guide to Citizen Preparedness), so I think there is a glitch from NetGalley or Goodreads.

This story is about Seth and Pippa. Seth is a seamen who soon learns that he is the new Viscount. He moves into this giant house next door to Pippa's family. They hang out more and more and start to develop feelings for each other, but circumstances keep getting in the way and they refuse to tell each other. They have to decide whether this potential romance could bloom or is ultimately set to fail.

This book was good! It was a quick, light read. I liked that though it was a historical fiction, it was not heard to read like some are. I also liked that it was the second in a series and I did not feel like I missed out by not reading the first one. Towards the end, it did feel like I was being force fed that there was going to be a book about her mother finding love again (not confirmed, but a hunch from reading). I also did not like that it felt like insta-love. They had met two times and then suddenly they have secret feelings for each other? I understand that the times were different back then, but like on both occasions they barely talked to each other. I also did not understand the "fight" at the end. Kissing on the cheek is way different than kissing on the mouth. It was like Pippa was just looking for a way to not marry Seth. Another thing I liked was that it showed like the everyday life of them falling in love. Some might say that it was too much detail, but I liked the horseback riding lessons when it showed the average conversation between them. It humanized them and made them seem like an actual relationship in my head.

[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

Characters from the previous story are part of this one. I think you would enjoy the beginning in how the family comes together, by reading book 1.

I liked the beginning when the H is an 8 year old and how he goes off to be a cabin boy. Then fast forward almost 20 years and his life is changed in a huge way. What happens to his uncle and father was very farfetched. The H has no desire to leave being a Captain and is adamant, he will not take the title. He realizes he's stuck, but I thought he accepted his fate way to easily.

Then you have the h who has informed everyone she isn't going to have a season and doesn't want to marry. Then she meets the H and all those thoughts leave her.

Author throws some hiccups with a friend and then another time with her sister. Both of these didn't add to the story and just took page space.

Foreplay outside of marriage - heat level 4 out of 5. No cheating, no cliffhanger for our couple, HEA, romance and steam. I did enjoy the story and some of the interactions with the other characters. The theme of family came through which I liked.

Does this follow the "ton" rules, no it doesn't, but I didn't mind it. The H/h are together alone A LOT, but no-one raises an eyebrow.

Interesting secondary characters and in the epilogue, you are teased with the future of the h's family. I didn't mind it because nice set up for future stories, but some reviewers did. (ljb)

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perks of Loving a Viscount by Alexa Aston is the second book in The Strongs of Shadowcrest series. The novels are all about the various people who make up the Strong Clan in Kent. This particular book focuses on Philippa, called Pippa by her family.

Pippa loves to be outside, whether it is riding, walking or fishing. She is very daring to wears breeches when she is riding as a member of the nobility. Pippa knows she is expected to debut this year with her sister and cousins. She is not interested in participating in this. She feels she isn’t ready to put up with the social bore known as the season.

Seth Atwell wanted to be on ship forever and his family helped him start on a ship. Eventually, Seth ends up as a captain on one of the Strong’s ships. When he lands this time, he discovers he is Viscount Hopewell. His life is going to change tremendously and he has much to learn. Hopewell, his new home is where he goes to start to learn his responsibilities. It is here he meets the Strong Family and really strikes a bond with them. Pippa interests him greatly. She teaches him how to ride and he teaches her how to kiss.

I enjoyed this novel! I found Seth a great addition to the clan. Pippa and Seth are interesting together. I was happy to read another novel about the Strong Family. The Perks of Loving a Viscount was a good read!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

I hate to say this because I have been a big fan of Alexa Aston for a while now, but I really feel like she is phoning it in with this series. My big problem with the first book in the series was that everything happened to easily and my big problem with this one is that it's kind of boring. I don't need there to be constant action or hurdles thrown in the way of characters in order to enjoy a story, but this one just had nothing to it. The biggest argument between the two is when Pippa thinks Seth is carrying on with her twin sister - which is really an insult to both of them - and that gets resolved within the next few pages. The circumstances which lead to Seth inheriting the title were also just kind of lazy. The death of his uncle mad some sense (the man had been unwell for quite some time) but the death of his father was just too easy. And the fact that both men died in their sleep was a little lazy. As far as we knew his father was in good health and not that old. I was expecting there to be some plot against his family but in the end it was just a plot device to get Seth off his ship and into the country where he could meet Pippa. All in all this isn't a bad book, it's just not as good as I've come to expect from this author.

[Clarissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Rating 2.5 stars

Seth and Pippa. Where do I start?
I'm going to try and articulate myself hopefully without being too harsh.

I know a lot of the reviews I've seen were by reviewers who really enjoyed this book and gave it a 5 star rating. I actually thought it to be quite mediocre. For me, the characters seemed frivolous. Pippa seemed really childish, and Seth, a bit taboo.

I generally don't read the same genre twice to ensure that I don't compare books, and I actually haven't read this genre for over a year, so believe me, when is say expectations were high.

The entire story revolves around Pippa and Seth. Him, a newly appointed Viscount and Pippa, having sworn of her season, falls head over heels for him. That's pretty much the story.

I didn't think there was much depth to the characters, and neither did I feel the chemistry between them. I guess I just wanted more?
The storyline itself just fell flat as well. There was no angst or climax or anything, really. Basically, there are no ups and downs. Just flat.

To me, this was just another book. There's nothing that makes it stand out. Or makes you want to call up your friends saying; "Read this now!"
I guess if you're looking for something light and predictable, then this is it.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seth Atwell went to sea when he was eight years old with the support of his uncle, Viscount Hopewell. He loved it and worked his way up to be the captain of a trading ship. On his recent return to England, he is shocked to learn that both his uncle and father have died suddenly, and he is now Viscount Hopewell. Lady Phillipa Strong, sister to the Duke of Seaton, is not the typical Society Miss. She loves the outdoors, riding, fishing, geography, and languages. She cares nothing for embroidery, dancing, or other debutante activities.
When Seth decides to stay at his country estate for a while to learn about being a viscount, he is tasked with taking Pippa a gift his uncle left her. These two are immediately attracted. Seth loves Pippa’s outlook and spirit. When he tells her he has never been atop a horse, she offers to give him lessons. During this time, they become friends, the perfect place to start. This is a heartwarming straightforward love story. There’s no villain or angst. There are a couple of misinterpreted occurrences, but these are easily explained. I really enjoyed the support the Strong family gave this lovely couple. The story has a well-done plot, a host of likable characters, a happy and surprising ending. A charming addition to the series. I look forward to the next one.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem we have in the second book of the series . Seth Atwell was the son of a fourth son of a Duke and his father worked as a clerk in a solitor . He always loved the sea so when he visited his uncle the Viscount he helps him to make his dream reality at the age of 8 . Now almost 20 years later his uncle has died , also his two other uncles and his father is now the new Viscount . The day his ship arrives to London he learns that he now is the new Viscount Hopewell and can't anymore be a captain . When he visit his country estaty he meets the most beautiful woman he ever met in his life . She wears breeches , loves fishing and riding . Her name is Pippa Strong the sister of the Duke of Seaton . Pippa doesn't want to make her come out with her twin sister Georgina because she believes she will not find a man who will respect love and treat her and their children . When she meets Seth she is shocked by her feelings for him and while she teach him how to ride they grew closer . Will Seth be able to make her change her mind ?
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I quite enjoyed this read but it seemed much 'quieter' than the author's usual offerings. Pippa, a twin with Georgina, has decided she doesn't want a come out...In any case her mother has at least three other girls to launch at the same time. Seth, now a viscount but was a ships captain (similar to the hero from book 1) has realised that he needs to understand his estate and also learn to ride. Pippa is a very good equestrian and teacher. They start with kisses. Georgie is offended when she realises that Pippa is not going to be with her in London and worried about how they might loose their closeness. The romance continues though there are a couple of places when there are misunderstandings due to jealousy. I'm not sure that in those times Pippa's wearing of trousers would have been accepted and I found the one scene where she sits naked on Seth's knee in the cottage a bit crinch worthy.

There are plenty of more relatives to work through and I liked how the epilogue gave me some hints. Overall I will stick with this series.

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

[RB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good parts: a fairly engaging story. Yes, it's typical in some ways--boy meets girl, attraction and love result. But the female lead wishes to retain some independence, like her brother's wife. The male lead is a new-to-the-ruling class dude, gaining his title after some unexpected deaths. There's a true sweetness here that makes it a calm read.

Bad parts: the entire story is told to the reader. There is no discovery through action or description. It feels like someone is reading a ton of text, with virtually no descriptions, details, or honestly, even verbs or adjectives. Everything is told, and not shown through verbiage. This makes for 2 dimensional characters at best and no real story. Also, while I can handle the virgin trope, the hymen and horseback riding thing is just super ridiculous. NO ONE in their right mind can swallow that ridiculous myth, and it's not been a romance trope in decades. Truly stupid as well as horrible.

I'm not sure about additional reads of this author. She needs to learn how to share a story, not tell a story. Some may argue that this is a style, but it's not.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 2 of The Strongs of Shadowcrest series. Seth's first love has always been the sea. He practically grew up on it going from cabin boy to making his way up to captain. But the time has come for him to give up his seafaring ways when he becomes the new Viscount of Hopewell. Being more interested in life and learning all it has to offer, Pippa is not interested in a come out. When Seth meets her, he is captivated by her energy and free spirit. Living on the sea his whole life, he doesn't know how to ride. Pippa agrees to teach him, and in the process they begin to grow close and Seth begins to see Pippa as something more.
The build-up of their romance was sweet and exciting and it was great to watch them grow closer and realize their feelings for each other. The story was well-written and charming and the characters were well-developed and I enjoyed following their story. A lovely addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Alexandra M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first ever book by Alexa Aston. If you know me, you know that I truly love a good regency/historical romance but this one WAS NOT regency or historical. It was romance for sure but the characters could have been placed in any time period and they would still work. I mean who can believe that Pippa could go meet Seth by herself and give him riding lessons in that time period? That was a strech for sure! I did like the dynamics in Strong household, the easiness between Seth and Pippa but I can not agree with how the author presented the time period, the relationships in the era and the liberties the characters had. For a contemporan romance, yes but for a historical one ... not really.


I have received this book through NetGalley to read and review as a see fit. I am grateful to have had this opportunity and I will add more books by this author to my TBR to see if this is her writing style or maybe only what she chosen for this series.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Regency England, it takes a special man to understand a woman who needs independence and the freedom to make her own choices. Having fulfilled his own dreams and desires of traveling the world, Seth quickly comes to understand that if he is to win the hand of the strong-willed Lady Philippa he is going to have to make some adjustments to his thinking. Philippa challenges Seth in every way, especially as she has made it clear that she would rather be an independent aunt to her siblings' children than a wife and mother. Nevertheless, when the chemistry between them can no longer be denied, Philippa gives her heart unreservedly, but not without a few hiccoughs along the way. The novel is part of a series and it was lovely meeting up with the rest of the Strong Family once again, but despite that it is a standalone and comes to a delightful conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Jessica's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction regency romance is set in the English countryside of two neighboring estates. Sweet dual perspectives enhance the experience in this slow-burn romance—quant with a dash of bold femininity. What happens if the son of a fourth son unexpectedly inherits a title and all that comes with it?

Pippa and Seth complement each other; the duo skirts the norm of high society. Pippa is a bit of a “tom-boy” who struggles to retain a life of some independence yet longs to be fulfilled. As a Sea Captain, Seth is the romanticized idea of suddenly being thrust into Viscountcy.

Can Pippa retain her independence and agree to a love match? Is Seth patient enough to wait and not push Pippa but open her heart to choose him? This is a comfy read for a day when you want a feel-good moment. It’s steady with some realistic ups and downs. Absolutely charming.
3.8/5 stars.

Sponsored ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

[Tiffany P · Rating 4 out of 5]

The right person will love you the way you need……

I loved this story! Seth and Pippa were the cutest couple. Both characters were well developed and lovable although Pippa had moments where she was very annoying, and her actions made no sense and were extremely frustrating. The book was full of good characters. The String family bond was so nice to read.
I love when a story doesn’t make me wait forever for the main couple to admit their love for one another. Seth knew his feelings right away, and he didn’t hide from them. Pippa, on the other hand, was in denial for a while. She even decided to test her feelings for him which I thought was unfair to Seth, but it was quickly resolved. Overall, the romance was believable and the couple was relatable. They were made for one another because neither wanted to live the mold of the ton. I would give this 4.5 stars, but not 5 because I thought Pippa’s two instances of irrational behavior took away from the love story a bit.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful and endearing story! It's pure romance with barely any angst and with characters you can't help but love. Seth and Pippa are so adorable together and are just perfect for each other.

Seth is definitely a swoon worthy hero and although leaving his life at sea to become the new Viscount was not something he ever expected, he takes on the challenge and I absolutely loved how good he was with all the servants and villagers. Pippa is such an innocent and yet she knows what she wants and that is to not want to do her first coming out or ever get married....but, that was before she met Seth:)

Very well written and another Alexa Aston book that I have thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seth Atwell has grown up on the ocean to become a captain of a trading vessel, after many years at sea. However, he returns home to England only to discover that his uncle has passed, making him the new Viscount Hopewell. When he retreats to his country estate, Hopewood, he encounters Pippa, Lady Philippa Strong. He is drawn to her free spirit and inquisitive nature and soon finds that friendship is not enough. Pippa does not wish to make her debut and instead, takes great delight in giving Seth riding lessons.
Seth was a delightful character and wonderful in his new role as a viscount. Together with Pippa, they make for a wonderful read. I also found many of the secondary characters added to make this an enjoyable romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The Perks of Loving a Viscount" is, unfortunately, a rather mediocre historical romance from Alexa Aston, who is normally better than this. This book isn't bad, it is just kind of there. FMC Pippa is an 18-year-old country loving tomboy, twin to Georgina, who loves the ton type things that Pippa claims to hate. MMC Seth is an improbable viscount, staying at his country seat to learn the ins and outs of his estate. His country seat happens to be next door to that of Pippa's family. Upon meeting Pippa, Seth promptly decides she is the only one for him.

There is little drama or angst - Pippa is somehow allowed to spend copious amounts of time alone with Seth. They quickly fall for each other, but don't actually tell one another. Instead they each engage in subtle manipulations to try and get the other where they want them. The moment of drama towards the end is not believable given the relationships established in pretty much every other part of the book. Instead it just drives home how immature Pippa is.

On the positive side, Seth is a lovely cinnamon roll hero. The cover is beautiful. It just wasn't working for me. 2 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for a complimentary ARC of this book. These opinions are my own.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, I must start with the epilogue. The epilogue!!! What in the name of all spoilers was that? This is my first Alexa Aston book, so I don't know if she usually does that or not. I just was floored by the epilogue.
Back to the book! Pippa is an unconventional woman who wears breaches, loves the outdoors and doesn't want to get married. Seth is a captain of a ship who has just found out he inherited a title. They become neighbors. I really love a nice guy in romance. But he may actually have been a little too nice and I was slightly annoyed by his insta - love. I appreciated that Pippa had her own interests and was so knowledgeable on many topics. The writing was great. I just think that epilogue clear plumb made a coherent, intelligent review of this book fly right out of my head.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me say that in Alexa’s stories, at least the ones I have read which have been a lot, the guy always falls first and tries to keep things together. I like that and in this book even though the guy falls first there is at least some angst and misunderstanding. Don’t get me wrong, I am okay with the falling first, but I am thankful for the angst. I thought there could have been more. I know a lot of people like low or no angst but as I get older I want all of the turmoil you can throw at me. I don’t feel this one was as good as the last book but maybe it is just a fluke.

I am still waiting, anxiously, for Drake Andrews’ book. He is not in this one but he was such hero material in the last book.

3.5 rounded up to 4 because Alexa writing is superb.

[Cherie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family, Shipping, Charming Romance:
The story was delightful with charismatic, passionate characters that kept the story moving a clipper pace.
The story revolves around Seth (the new viscount) the Lady Pippa and the two-shipping company's we read about in book one, but this book can be a standalone story with familiar characters.
I enjoyed this lighthearted story that had many interesting conversations, delightful riding lessons, jealousy, along with a whizz bang of a shocking declaration. A super enjoyable epilogue that put a smile on my face. The story couldn't have had a better HEA
📣Special Mention: To the sailor's superstition's that were hilarious
 👀I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.