The Captain and the Duchess

The Strongs of Shadowcrest #4

by Alexa Aston

A widowed duchess yearning to find love. An orphan who became a sea captain. A powerful, forbidden love which ignites between the pair . . .

Dinah Strong, the Dowager Duchess of Seaton, was forced to wed a man much older than herself. Much to his dismay, she gifts him with four daughters, who, along with the two nieces she raises, became the lights in an otherwise dismal life.
Now widowed, Dinah decides to participate in the Season, hoping she might be fortunate enough to finally find love. None of the gentlemen appeal to her--because of one man she cannot forgot.

Drake Andrews is a man who is everything her late husband was not. The sea captain is bold, daring, and unafraid of taking risks, not to mention his sinfully delicious good looks. Dinah met him briefly before he sailed off on a lengthy voyage, and she finds her thoughts turning to him more and more.

Captain Andrews was an orphan raised at sea, and it is the only life he has ever known. He has finally achieved his goal of captaining his own vessel for Neptune Shipping Lines, but he can't seem to get the Dowager Duchess of Seaton out of his mind. His closest friend and former fellow seaman introduced Drake to her just before Drake set sail on his maiden voyage as a captain, and the woman has haunted his dreams every night.

Now back in London and between sailing assignments, Drake calls upon the dowager duchess, finding despite their origins, they have much in common. Their growing attraction flames into a torrid affair, with Dinah declaring her wish for them to wed.

Will Drake allow obstacles to keep them apart--or will love triumph over Polite Society's expectations for the widowed duchess?

*Each book in The Strongs of Shadowcrest is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read free with 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

Genres: Romance, Adult, Regency, Historical, Novella, Historical Romance

140 pages, Paperback

Published June 12, 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/

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...

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute, quick read! There were a couple good steamy scenes and the MCs were easy to connect to, and you were definitely rooting for them to figure things out! Looking forward to the next book in this series!

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 47th 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. She isn't super steamy but just enough and her writing is so good, I don't care. :) Definitely one of my favorite authors. This has been a great series.

I really liked Dinah and Drake. What a great story of ups and downs. My heart broke at times but always had hope. Just a great overall read. I just Alexa's writing.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the series & it’s Dinah’s story. I’ve liked her throughout the series & so glad that she found the love of her life. Drake Andrews was like a brother to James Strong, they were both pressed into the navy at an early age & became close as they grew with Drake becoming James’ first mate & then a captain. I loved the chemistry between Drake & Dinah but he leaves to captain his first ship but neither forgets the other. Then he returns & sparks fly. But how can someone from Drake’s background be suitable for a Duchess. I loved their journey to a HEA it wasn’t easy & a couple of times I reached for a tissue but it made for a riveting read, which I read in a sitting
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[ren ౨ৎ (rozanov's version) · Rating 2 out of 5]

⁀➷ 2.5 ★ ´ˎ˗

"i have done nothing but think of you."

was this essentially spice without a solid plot? yes. am i mad about it? not entirely.

this was probably my least favourite in the series thus far. i only really read it because i was eager to read the fifth installment and it would've felt wrong for skipping the fourth book when i've already read the entire series.

[Emily Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the world very fun and reminded me a lot of Bridgerton, which is always a good thing in my opinion! I thought the characters were very strong and each had a unique voice. Dinah in particular was very family-oriented, but also knew her worth and was bold and confident with her love interest, Captain Drake Andrews. I loved the yearning in this story, especially from Drake.

SPOILERS AHEAD**

I did think that their romance went very quickly from purely sexual to being in love, and the timeline was a little confusing for me, because they had already met in the past that we didn't get to read about. I also thought the 'third act breakup' wasn't very solid, the reasons for Drake leaving didn't really make sense. Or they did, but then he didn't really address why he was so hurt by Dinah when he went back to her.

All in all, it was a fun and smutty read, but the insta-love and third act breakup definitely knocked my rating down a bit.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love for the Ages

What an amazing story. Alexa keeps surprising me with each book she writes

Dinah gets her happily ever after.

Drake Andrews gets his happily ever after.

They both are from different worlds of society but they love each other more then their next breath and despite the fact they shouldn't be together they find happiness in secret until a friend steps in and reminds them he is a Duke and no one crosses a Duke and he will be there to protect them.

This was such an incredible story, I loved that this story had a mature couple. We need more mature couples in historical romances..

I can't wait to start the courtship at shadowcrest

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Not a bad read. I'd been looking forward to Captain Drake's romance. Dinah is keen for a romance and some passion.
The Captain doesn't mind that but thinks there's no long term future.
I was a bit disallusioned that a minor character was killed off to give Drake a new position even though we'd been hearing how much he loved to captain of his own ship. It seemed to me that Drake had to give lots up because Dinah had at least a couple of more girls to launch off.

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

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to Dinah and Drake's story and it certainly did not disappoint! Theirs is such a heartfelt and passionate story and you can't help but cheer them on. Dinah is so deserving to have her own happy life which includes a man who loves her as much as she loves him but with Drake thinking he's not good enough for her, there are some tense moments!!

I love Alexa Aston's books, she is one of my go to authors when I need to immerse myself into a great story. I'm so enjoying the Strongs of Shadowcrest series....marrying for love is what it's all about:)

[Sera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick satisfying read. Our heroine is a widow and wants to find marriage for love this time around. Our Captain and Duchess have undeniable chemistry. They believe because of their social classes they can’t be together but of course they figure things out and we get our happily ever after in the end.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

woohoo!

I’ve been waiting for these two to get their act together! Such a great storyline for the two of them!

[Ángela, Libros y Miscelaneas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Regency-era novels are not my go-to romance. (Ironically, 'cause I love period dramas and classic books set in this period).
I'm not sure why; maybe some of the issues are that I have not gotten fully immersed in it to get a good taste. So, looking for something different, I requested this book on Netgalley. 

The synopsis looked compelling: The Captain and the Duchess by Alexa Aston is a regency romance novella following the secret romance between a seaman and a widow who can't help but fall in love with each other, even when society would frown upon their relationship.
I like pirates, so my logic was: Pirates are hot, and they are seamen; so Captains, as they are seamen themselves, are also hot. You may find some issues with this logic of mine, and deep down I knew Captains don't equal hot pirates. But I take a leap of faith. And I don't think I was so wrong, even if my rating may not reflect this.

When I finished this book, I was totally empty: No thoughts. Neither positive nor negative. I didn't know what I would discuss in this text, and even now I'm discovering how I perceived this novella.
Other reviewers seem to be quite happy with their reading experience so far, but I also notice they may have read the previous novels. I feel that it's the key of my lack of clarity: I'm not the targeted audience. This is my first book of the series and by this author.

When first I got into this book I had completely different expectations: First and foremost, I thought it was a full-length novel, instead of a novella. As anyone can guess, my expectations could hardly match the product itself, as it was something different. 
The other thing I got wrong was that their connection runs deeper than I thought at first: Their journey begins as secondary characters in previous novels . It's not just some background for their romance to develop as I envisioned.
I feel like I get all the vibes wrong; what makes it harder to share my thoughts and be fair with the text we discuss. It feels like seeing a movie that is almost all the way through and then complaining it didn't make sense.

It was a well-structured story and Alexa Aston's art shone through it. The plot was right to the point and the writing style matched the historical setting. It was an easy read, though sometimes it came through overdramatic and heavy since it tended to use old-fashioned expressions and terms. Some dialogs came, also, quite off. 
I will never forget the moment she asks flirtatiously if he has space for dinner, and he proceeds to tell her he was a hungry orphan once. 

"I only hope you will have room for dinner", she teased.
"I was always hungry as a boy," he shared. "I only have a vague impression of my parents and have no idea what they did to earn their living. I do remember there never being enough to eat"

I shouldn't find that interaction THAT funny but... Are you guys having the same conversation? That's such a random comment and SO DRAMATIC. I kinda love it (and I may be referring to this scene from now on like the annoying VIXEN I am.

It also tended to unnecessarily do some kind of info-dumping about the previous books of the series, and I felt that made space for this romance to develop even narrower. It created a sentiment of unimportance to the plot. As their story was less compared to others.

It was a short, fast story. No more. I didn't connect with it because I do not know this relationship, not for lack of context; that was provided, but for lack of exposure to this character connection and dynamics. There's a lack of tension with the conflict that keeps the couple apart because everyone seems so happy about it when they discover it, and the solution is tossed their way so easily at the end... I couldn't get into it.

I think this could be an enjoyable reading to the fans of the series, that I would say are the targeted audience, and it would be a sweet and light reading experience for them. My experience, at the end of the day, was affected by my misconception and not being in touch with The Strong of Shadowcrest series.
I didn't have such a bad experience, I would like to clarify, and I may even read another book of the series to get a better idea of everything going on in this novella!

--------------------

Star rating: 2/5
General Rating: 4.50/10

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I cannot offer you love since I do not understand it, but I am more than willing to couple with you."
Whew, what a winning offer!
This reads more like a novella and less like one of the books in the rest of the series. Like it was written by a different author.

[Alexandra G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving, passionate and deliciously steamy romance!

She’s a widowed duchess who raised six young women, he’s a dashing sea captain on leave in London before he sets sail again. They’ve met before - her stepson is his best friend - and ever since that first introduction they stayed on each other’s mind.
Because of class difference and occupation, they both know a future together is impossible and that heartbreak lays ahead, but resisting their attraction for each other is futile and after all, it’s better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all…
But then circumstances change, and opportunity presents itself. Will they be brave enough to seize it?

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
This may not be my favourite story in the series so far - the previous book is a tough one to beat in my opinion - but it’s an incredibly beautiful one, and I’ve grown very fond of this unique family!
It’s refreshing to read about real, considerate and responsible grown-ups for once. Open and honest communication, an impossible inner struggle, and those heartbreaking moments when that happy ending seems almost out of reach. Simply wonderful!

Somehow I know I’ll never be disappointed when I start an Alexa Aston series. There’s something about her style - compelling plots that are never unnecessarily complicated, the way she never loses focus of the main couple and yet beautifully weaves their story into the bigger picture. I love it!
If you’re looking for something different, I’d highly recommend reading this marvellous series!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

This is book 4 of the Strongs of Shadowcrest, and focuses on the second chance at love story of the Dowager Duchess, Dinah Strong. She was married off as a young girl of 17 to the much older former Duke of Seaton, the father of the current Duke. It was a marriage of convenience, as the widowed Duke wanted a young, healthy second wife to bear him a spare. There was no love, nor even affection, and not even any regard, after she bore him daughters, but no second male, especially when James, his only son goes missing. Dinah, despite the lonely disappointment of her marriage, was a loyal and dutiful wife, and loving mother to her 4 daughters, and had more than enough love to share with her baby nieces, abandoned to her care after the death of their own mother, and abandoned by their father, Augustus, the scheming younger brother of the duke.

Now out of mourning, Dinah has decided that she would seek happiness for herself, while organizing the come outs of her daughters and nieces. After seeing the examples of loving relationships that two of her daughters, and stepson have managed to snag, Dinah is determined that if she were to wed again, it would be for love and passion. But so far, despite the attentions of many suiters and enjoying the fun of the Season, Dinah has yet to make that connection with any man in Society.

But she does remember one man she had that spark and attraction to, recently, and that is Drake Andrews, close friend of her stepson James, and captain of one of the ships belonging to the shipping line of her stepdaughter in law, Sophie.

Drake is a well-read, dynamic, handsome man who has finally achieved his ambition of captaining a ship. He is popular with women throughout the ports, but admits to himself that lately only one woman seems to consume his thoughts and that is Dinah. However, he knows that he is far below her in status, being an orphan of unknown origins, and raised poor on the streets of London before being scooped up to work on a ship. On his return to London though, he endeavours to reintroduce himself to Dinah in the hopes of any kind of relationship, at least until his next ocean voyage.

Dinah and Drake embark on an affair, with no intention of any lasting relationship, to explore their attraction and for Dinah to learn passion. They are careful, knowing that their relationship would be a scandal in the Ton, considering their differences in status, and that could reflect poorly on the remaining unwed girls and how they are received by Society.

But what Dinah and Drake cannot help is their growing feelings for each other as they fall in love. But despite their feelings, neither can see how to overcome Societal prejudices and barriers to be together. However, the Strongs are already an unconventional family, with a Duke and Duchess who are proud of their achievements and devoted and loyal to their family. So James and Sophie are determined to help Drake and Dinah be together. Unfortunately Drake misinterprets their actions and his pride also becomes a barrier is he presumes their efforts to bring him and Dinah together as meddling and not a reflection of his abilities, and experience, and what he has legitimately achieved as captain.

The story of Dinah and her disappointing marriage to the Duke, and what she had sacrificed to be a dutiful daughter, then a loyal, dutiful wife was so sad and lonely. It was quite satisfying that this kind, loving woman was able to find passion and love, so I quite enjoyed this story, and it fit in nicely with the series.

I was disappointed in myself because somewhere along the lines I forgot to read book 3, so had to go back and find that, and backtrack a bit. But that in no way impeded in the ability to read and enjoy this story on it's own. There were a few tiny holes in the overarching storyline of the Strong family, but not significantly impacting Dinah and Drake's story.

4 stars out of 5

[Marion Löw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dinah‘s Love Story

Dinah and Drake’s story is an enjoyable read. It has a nice plot with a class disparity trope, endearing main and supporting characters, and some steam.
I liked that Dinah and Drake are a mature couple, both having their dreams, desires and duties. And it was fun to see other members of the Strong family again and to experience their loving bonds.

Although this installment is part of the „Strongs of Shadowcrest“ series, it can also be read as a standalone.

After years in an arranged marriage to an older man, Dinah Strong, the Dowager Duchess of Seaton, is finally free to enjoy her life. She longs for love and passion, something she was denied in her marriage to the Duke. So she travels to London to look for a husband or lover. But she cannot forget Sea Captain Drake Andrews, the friend of her stepson and now Duke James, ever since she saw him for the first time.
When Drake visits her during a shore leave, he rekindles her passion and she asks him to show her sensual passion.

Drake grew up orphaned as a street urchin before finding work on a ship and meeting James Strong, who became like a brother to him. Now, after many years at sea, he has his first assignment as a captain.
He also feels a strong attraction to Dinah and is only too willing to introduce her to physical love. But he realises that nothing more can come of it because they are worlds apart. He doesn't want to give up seafaring, and anything more serious between them would ruin Dinah's girls socially...

If you love historical romance novels with mature couples and where love transcends class differences, you will enjoy this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Captain and the Duchess by Alexa Aston is the next in her series, the Strongs of Shadowcrest. Diana Strong, the Dowager Duchess of Seaton, has a good life between her four daughters and two nieces. She was especially fond of her step-son, James, who had returned from his life as a sea captain and reclaimed the dukedom from his nefarious uncle, ending her virtual imprisonment. Now life was as it should be, until one day when Captain Andrews appeared at her door. He had been the duke’s best friend all those years at sea. He arrived with the message that James, the duke, had been injured in a fire the night before and needed her. He had ridden all night to fetch her. She agreed to accompany him back to Town, but only after he had eaten, bathed, and rested. And thus began a love affair that could never be anything: a duchess and a sea captain, a commoner.

Diana was nothing if not realistic. She knew her place as a woman and as a duchess and not matter how much she liked this man, it could go nowhere. Captain Andrews, Drake, was just as realistic and he knew how difficult it would be to give up the sea. But, they vowed to enjoy whatever time they had. The characters were likable, the plot was good, and the conclusion was all that one could hope for. The trope of commoner and ton is always a good one. One can always count on Alexa Aston for a good read.

I was invited to read The Captain and the Duchess by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AlexaAston #TheCaptainAndTheDuchess

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 2 out of 5]

I keep coming back to the Strongs hoping that the books will get better. This one was (maybe?) better than the last but still not up to what I know Aston can do. "The Captain and the Duke" is a novella length book of the romance between Dinah, Dowager Duchess of Seaton, and Captain Drake Andrews. The two meet, flirt, spend some (chaste) time in a carriage and then think about each other a lot while he is off to sea for a year. He returns and the duo start a relationship that is supposed to be strictly physical - even though both already have feelings for the other before anything physical happens. There is a third-act separation - class differences, natch - that is fairly easily resolved to clear the way for a HEA.

This book was just kind of cringey and filled with stilted dialogue. The conversation in which Dinah and Drake decide to embark on a physical relationship came a little bit out of nowhere. And while I like that Aston had Drake be honest about the women he was with during his time away, the sheer numbers of those women were brought up multiple times. Drake went from attraction to OMG, I'm in love so fast my head spun. And the third-separation was based on miscommunication which I really dislike.

Anyway. The spice was decent and I do like a romance with characters who are a little bit older. 2 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

[Rixxyreadsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really love Miss Aston's writing style and prose. Flows so seamlessly and the prose is just so romantic. I really love romances bloomed between two lonely people. And older couple romances, this one has both. This was something fresh since both are older, this has no virgin MC's, they both know what they want from each other and they are willing to get it, they communicated well for the majority of the book (except that one time, near the end) and I appreciated the fact that they decided to just be straightforward towards one another

And the tension, the chemistry and the yearning, oh my, the yearning was so gooddd. And oh, my absolute catnip trope was also here, the forbidden trope in romance. Gosh, it was done so well here, it really does feel that it is forbidden because of their vastly different social status and life. Their situation was actually pretty much complicated but I just loved how how Miss Aston addressed this and the issues both MC's had as to why they cannot marry. I liked how it was solved. And oh, the best thing about this series? The family and the friendships. I fell inlove with their whole family, they were just so supportive and loving of each other. They protect and look after each other. Not toxic family member here so I really, really liked it. Really loved this book and read it in one sitting.

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Romance Story for Me: Short, Passionate, Sexy:
The Strong family is at it again. This lovely family has captured my heart and they're not done yet.
This story features Dinah the widow in a loveless forced marriage. She has singularly raised a bevy of girls who are fairly grown up now so it just might be time for Dinah to kick up her heels and discover the feelings of what romance is all about.
Drake the handsome sea captain has returned from first command of the new ship. They had previously met once, and a tiny attraction spark was instilled in each of their thoughts at that time. When they meet again the spark only grows and what charming, delightful passionate love story this turned out to be. I would give it more stars if possible.
Even though this is book 4 in a wonderful series about independent women, handsome men, and a wonderful family this can be a stand-alone read.
👀Dinah's Shocking disclosure that had my eyebrows raising
💖I loved this story and would read it again., and I don't say they lightly.
📖I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a fairly short novella, I enjoyed this romance between two mature people from opposite sides of the great societal divide. Dinah had suffered under her husband's emotional abuse, used as a commodity, and forced to endure her brother-in-law's cruelty when the aged Duke took ill and died. Keeping the family together became her prime purpose until her stepson made an unexpected appearance together with his best friend, Drake Andrews, when a spark of interest between Drake and Dinah was kindled. Returning to London after a voyage, Drake makes it his business to visit Dinah, confirming their interest in one another. However, knowing how the upper echelons of the ton operate, Drake knows there can be no future between them. Despite the potential for scandal, the romance comes to a lovely conclusion, bringing not only Drake and Dinah the happiness they so richly deserve, but the rest of the family too. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Morgane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Dina Strong had never had the kind of loving marriage she yearned for her daughters. Enter Captain Drake Andrews, the Vesta's captain and James's best buddy (James being her stepson). He and Dinah are clearly attracted to one another, and due to independent circumstances, they fall in love right away.

This novel was delightful, inventive, and spicy! Even though the couple's happy ending came with some challenges, I still found the trip to be enjoyable. However, I did feel like their romance was more of an instant love, due to sexual tension, so if you don't enjoy that, I would say it is not for you!

Without a doubt, I'll investigate the remaining volumes in this series. The Captain and the Duchess is the fourth book in the strongs of the Shadowcrest, but can be read as a standalone!

This book is ideal if you ever need a quick, fast-paced historical romance!

Thank you Netgalley and Alexa Aston for allowing me to read and review this book!

[Linda J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

My least favorite of the series and I was looking forward to the h's journey to HEA. The H/h just didn't click for me. I have read all the stories in this series and enjoyed their interactions. But, for me, there was little on romance, just lust. This is a standalone, but you may get more enjoyment reading the whole series, especially the first one.

The h wants to have sex with the H and lets him know it very quickly. What I found so weird, she wants to have sex but corrects him when he uses her first name. States, they don't know each other that well to use their Christian names - WHAT?

I understood the H's reason for leaving the h, so reviewers didn't. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little on romance, sex - outside of marriage - heat level 4+ out of 5. No villains, little suspense, did like the epilogue over 1 year in the future. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljh)

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drake Andrews has returned to London after his first voyage as captain. He intends to visit James, his childhood friend and shipmate, and Sophie, James’s duchess and Drake’s employer. He also means to visit Dinah. The attraction between them has not lessened in his absence. Their reunion begins with a bold request from Dinah. Can these two people from such different backgrounds find happiness? They don’t think so, then unexpected events provide the possibility of a different path. This is an entertaining story about two people who have fended for themselves while they nurture those around them. Both are bold and intelligent. The couple is surrounded by family and friends who, like me, root for them. There is a bit of angst and drama, lots of fun, a steamy romance (Dinah and Drake deserve it), and an awesome epilogue.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and quick reading novella, I enjoyed The Captain and Duchess and was able to read as a standalone (I haven’t read most of the titles in this series).

Dowager Duchess Dinah was married against her feelings to a man twenty five years her senior. A mother of four by the time she was 21, life seemed miserable for this woman, her daughters, and the two nieces she was raising. Dinah is still a younger woman (35ish) and after years of channeling her love solely to her daughter and nieces, she’s ready to learn about romance and passion. And who better with than a handsome captain who is close friends with her stepson? Bonus points for the two being instantly attracted to one another after an earlier one time meeting.

Both MC’s are likeable and I read this happily.



Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

[Tiffany P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love os what matters…..

This was a love story about second chances for a young widow who had been forced to marry someone she didn’t know when she was seventeen years old. It started with her wanting to learn about desire and physical intimacy, but she soon fell in love. Dinah and Drake were both really good characters that deserved happiness. They were easy to root for them being together. Again, the support of the Strong Family was consistent and loving.

This was a love story of a mature couple that planned to have an affair, but the love they shared couldn’t be denied. There were no villains and their love was obvious, and they weren’t afraid to admit it. They just had to figure out hot to be together which causing a scandal that would affect others. This was a sweet novella and a good read. I read the whole thing at one sitting.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Love, But Worlds Apart

She is a duchess; he is a sea captain. He does not even know his origins. Does their love stand a chance? In this steamy historical romance, Dinah and Drake cannot be together unless they defy convention. Dinah worries about her daughters. Will her involvement with the captain interfere with their chances of finding good matches?

Drake finally became a sea captain, a dream he had had for as long as he could remember. Being with Dinah meant he would leave her for months at a time. He also felt he was not worthy of a duchess. Neither did he want to interfere with her daughter's chances of making good matches. There were solutions, but Drake had his pride. Could love beat the odds? For the answers, you would want to read this story. I recommend it to those who like steamy historical romance with two people from different social classes.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of a series of historical romances centred around a family, so you will meet characters from the  other books in each one. The heroine in this one is the mother who has brought up a lot of girls. She must protect all of them, and ignore her own desires. Our hero is a humble seaman with no family, who has at last been awarded his first ship to captain.  He knows the beautiful Duchess is far above his reach, but perhaps he can help her. 

A saucy tale full of adventures and surprises.  I love this family. They have faced a lot of challenges and come out of them stronger and closer together.  I personally think that the books are better when read in order, but that's not necessary to enjoy each one. 

Great fun.

[Anne-Mammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I did enjoy this short book. The author did a great job reminding us of "the story so far" in light touches here and there, so that if you had read the other books, the story was coming back to you and if you had not it filled the gaps needed to fully understand what had happened earlier. it is an easy read, rather steamy at times, but fresh and tender. Of course, the unfolding of the story was fairly predictable but the atmosphere was pleasant and the characters so engaging, you could not but like them. My only criticism is that it is barely more than a novella and another 100 pages would have been welcome. I am looking forward to reading the younger girls stories in the forthcoming books and in the meantime, I'll have a look at Alexa's other series.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Widowed duchess Dinah is back out in the courting scene after the death of her husband, but she’s uninterested in any of the suitors she’s met this season. In the back of her mind, she’s still thinking about her stepson’s captain friend Drake, who had flirted with her upon first meeting. Back from his first journey as captain, Drake’s first stop is the call on Dinah and see if he can arrange a dalliance. Lucky for everyone involved, she’s very much interested. It’s a quick connection for these two, both physically and emotionally, even with their different social stations. This was a pretty quick low-angst steamy romance that was very fun to read.

[Victoria - Tori Simms (thevictorianstudy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dina Strong had never known a love-filled marriage as she wanted for her girls. Enter Captain Drake Andrews, best friend of her stepson James and captain of the Vesta. He and Dinah have an obvious attraction to each other and they quickly fall in love through circumstances of their own.

This book was spicy, lovely, and imaginative! I enjoyed the journey to the couple’s happy ending, even if it got a little bumpy along the way. I will definitely be looking into the other books in this series.

Thank you, NetGalley and the team behind this book, for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novella. All thoughts and opinions are my own.