Suddenly a St. Clair

The St. Clairs #5

by Alexa Aston

Will a marriage of convenience blossom into one filled with love?

Read Book 5 in the bestselling "The St. Clairs" series for free with Kindle Unlimited!

At age eighteen, Hudson St. Clair learns he’s the Duke of Everton’s bastard. Though never clamed by his father, the new duke, Hudson’s half-brother, accepts Hudson into the family, gifting him with a university education and teaching him about the myriad of businesses controlled by the St. Clair family. His grandmother, Cor, guides Hudson in how to become a gentleman and molds his character, making him a man to be reckoned with. Upon Cor’s death, her wealth and estate will go to him—provided Hudson weds within sixty days after the reading of her will.

Lady Mia Sloane is an inventor, caring for her feeble-minded father on their crumbling country estate. Upon his death, Mia is swept away to London by her pushy but loving aunt, who tries to turn Mia into a woman she’s not. Attending society events at night, Mia spends her days working on her devices, especially the new steam engine she’s sold to Hudson St. Clair and his family.

When Mr. St. Clair proposes a marriage of convenience in order to allow Mia to continue working on her prototypes, she leaps at the offer, despite never having desired a husband or children. The only thing troubling her is her new husband tells her she’s not expected to share his bed—the very thing Mia has become most interested in doing since their experiments in kissing have awakened something within her that only Hudson St. Clair can fill.

Can two misfits rejected by society come together and grow stronger through the lasting bond of love?

Find the answer in bestselling author Alexa Aston’s final book of The St. Clairs, Defending the Duke.

Each book in The St. Clairs Trilogy is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.

The St. Clairs
Book #1 Devoted to the Duke
Book #2 Midnight with the Marquess
Book #3 Embracing the Earl
Book #4 Defending the Duke
Book #5 Suddenly a St. Clair

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

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2019

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

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the St. Clair series. Hudson and Mia were a perfect paring. The book brings together all of the previous St. Clair siblings and there spouse and children. But My Heart Broke with the Death Cor there grandmother who had raised them as her own. Cor was a big part of the series. I felt like I lost a family member or a close friend. I do think there should have been a little more mourning over Cor's death.

The story is fast paced and just moves smoothly. The Chemistry between Hudson and Mia is hot.

The problem I had with the story is Mia should "NOT" have been called Lady Mia she was the daughter of a Viscount. This is a lower Title and there sons and daughters are referred to as Honorable Mister of Miss "NOT" Lords and Lady. That secondary title is reserved for Dukes, Marquess and Earls sons and daughters. The author should have know this.

I also, had trouble with Morrison and his wife Hortense slapping, beating and kicking Mia when they kidnapped her. Violent Abuse to women is not necessary in a romance story.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there are moments of heartache and struggle, the moments of triumph and beauty are much more significant!

Read full review in the 2020 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Diane Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very likeable book! There is nothing really different or special about this romance, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very appealing characters and smooth writing.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
I just love this series and all the characters. Let’s hope there’s going to be a next generation.

Hudson is the only one in his large family that has no titles, and is not welcome among the highest ranked in society. His sister and he are illegitimate, she married a Duke , and now no one would dare say anything against her.
Hudson Of course will not have that get out, he will always be a bastard, no matter how rich , how intelligent, or how well he marries.

When he meets Mia and realises that she is the inventor of his very much desired steam engine not her father ,he’s stunned , not only is she beautiful and very well educated she is rocking a seriously well fitted pair of breaches . He can’t take his eyes off her.

Mia is dually impressed with him,
Dark , stunning eyes , well fitted clothes . He’s the first man she’s ever had a yearning for . She’s always been to engrossed in her work .
When things go wrong in her life he’s there , helping .
Does he want more than a professional relationship?.
Does she?

Beautifully written with excellent characters and the chemistry between our lead two is sparking fit to combust.

A brilliant book and a wonderful series.
Highly recommended reading.

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

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think you have read the best in this series, it continues to get better. I have to say, I adore the St. Clair's and how they have made a family and stick together.
This is Hudson's story and I could not help but fall in love with him and Mia. Both have had their challenges but Hudson has thrived since finding his relations.
Lady Mia Sloane had been working with her father as his memories faded and she carried on his inventions. She had been working on the Steam Engine and she meets with Hudson who is enterested in buying her invention.
Her aunt takes her to London and brings her into society so she can find a husband. But when she meets Hudson, well.... You will just have to read and see what happens!
As all books by this amazing author, I just adored this story and was sorry to see it end. But know that is was a great addition and I could not wait to see what would happen! Perfect!

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Regency Romance. It’s a favorite sub-genre and I’ve probably written hundreds of reviews (literally: I review a lot) on Regency tales I’ve enjoyed. Yes somehow I totally missed Alexa Aston. Pretty surprising considering just how many books she’s written in this sub-genre. In fact, I only discovered her because of her first non-Regency series, Hollywood Name Game (highly recommended, by the way). Well, I loved that so of course had to try her The St. Clairs series of Regency tales. Well, now (thanks to having Kindle Unlimited) I’ve poured through all of these, starting with Jeremy snd Catherine’s story in Devoted to the Duke (Book 1) through the last in the series, Suddenly a St. Clair (Book 5). All I can say is that each of these was just perfect. Period appropriate (a requirement for me to really enjoy a Regency) with wonderfully crafted characters and a truly enjoyable and interesting plot. Each book had it all. Totally fun to read, I am more than happy to highly recommend each of these wonderful stories, and am definitely looking forward to reading this author’s other Regency romances.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series. I have never read any books from this writer but I really enjoyed all 5 books of the series. I would recommend these books plus more from this writer.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suddenly St. Clair by Alexa Aston is the latest in the St Clairs series and a mighty entry it is. Hudson St. Clair is a by-blow. He and his twin sister, Laurel, lived in poverty until the day Lauren decided to act on the information she has discovered after he mother's death. Poor and a coal laborer in the morning; clean and the member of a wealthy family by nightfall. He got his wish to go to college and now he was managing the various business holdings of his mighty family. All was well except for his grandmother's insistence he marry and raise a family. An insistence she put in her will, making his inheritance dependent on a marriage that must take place within 60 days. There was only one woman he would consider and he had just met her: Mia Sloane. Mia was the most enticing woman he had ever met, and the strangest. She wore her father's cast off trousers and had invented a steam engine that would make him even wealthier. The biggest problem was that she had not desire to marry and he had just signed a contract with her that gave her an income that would deem marriage unnecessary for her.

This is a lovely Regency type romance. Hudson is wealthy and a good man, besides. He doesn't always think in a straight line and it gets him in trouble. He could be a better communicator, but he is kind has a conscience, and cares for others. Mia is brilliant, but loving. She is will to put herself through the ordeal of a London season at 29 just to make her aunt happy, since her aunt and uncle came to her rescue when her father died and she had no one. She does not see the importance of society rules, in fact really doesn't see why society exists when there are so many wonderful people outside of it. This is a better plot than sometimes happens in these types of books, in fact, it was an all 'round enchanting book with Hudson and Mia finding their happily-ever-after, eventually.

I received a free ARC of Suddenly a St. Clair from Dragonblade. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.

[Cathy Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!

I love reading about this family. They all have such wonderful love stories, and this one did not disappoint. Hudson and Mia were destined for each other. Such a beautiful story. I highly recommend this book and the series.

[Scott Sillars]

Enjoyable

I would have to say that I enjoyed this story very much
From the beginning until the end it was brilliant

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great finish

This is a great (and sad in a few ways) finish to this series! I look forward to exploring more series by Ms. Aston. I do like that the "secrets"don't last too long in her stories, I believe some authors drag the "hurt" between the new couples out too long.

[Wende · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

I have not read any of the other books in the series and found it was not needed to enjoy this book. I will of course read them now

[Barbara Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hudson Wright was 18 his whole world changed. His mother died, leaving him and his twin sister, Laurel, alone and trying to survive in the worst part of London. As hard as they both worked, the money they made was never enough. When Laurel found their birth certificate and a letter, she noticed that their father’s name was listed. He was the old Duke of Everton and had passed away. She decided to confront the New Duke and hopefully he would grant them some money to keep them from starving. However, things did not work out, instead they were brought into the family and Hudson’s last name was changed and he was sent to university. Guiding him through his life as a St. Clair was his grandmother Cor. She helps him become a gentleman and molds his character and a deep love settles over both. As she grew older, her one desire was that he marry. An option he was against at all cost, or so he felt. Lady Mia Sloane is an inventor, trained and guided by her feeble-minded father. As his mind fails him, Mia takes over and advances his inventions. Mr. St. Clair is interested in her inventions and soon the two come together designing a new stream engine. Can love also to bloom for these two? What a wonderful St. Clair adventure Alexa Aston has given us to enjoy.

[Sandra Standefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson St. Claire has grown up poor, working 20 hours a day to survive and suddenly finds out he is the illegitimate son of the Duke of Everton. At the Age of 18 his life changed forever. Now a man and a successful one he is still not accepted by society, but has the live and support of many half siblings. When Hudson goes to meet an inventor about purchasing a steam engine he is surprised to find out the inventor is actually a Lady Mia Sloane. When Mia’s father suddenly dies she is swept off to London by her aunt who wants her to have a season and to find a husband, something Mia has no intention of doing. Hudson has also been informed that his grandmother Cor has left him her estate I her will with the stipulation that he marry within 60 days. Hudson decides that he could marry Mia and give her what she desires most, to be able to work on her inventions and he could have what he desires most his grandmothers estate, but some things never turn out the way we expect, especially when the heart gets involved. This is the fifth book in the St. Claire series, but can also be read as a stand alone book. I have read all of the series and I loved this one as much as the others. I loved Hudson and Mia’s story and definitely recommend reading this one.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson and his twin sister were brought up by a very hard working single mum.  After she died they found out about the rest of their family.  Luckily for them it's a loving family that believes in sticking together and looking after each other. Ten years on and his life has changed dramatically. 

Lady Mia Sloane is an inventor.  She's worked alongside her father most of her life,  unfortunately the last few years his mind has been wandering.  Hopefully the man who is coming to look at the invention that's ready for sale won't notice. 

Our hero is a hard working man who is used to strong,  independent women.  The intelligence of  Lady Mia attracts him.  Our heroine is old enough to live independently but agrees to accept the help of her Aunt and Uncle when tragedy strikes. 

A fun and very romantic story for this last sibling in a great family.  You don't need to have read the other stories to enjoy this but it does contain spoilers if you haven't. 

I have loved each one.  

[Tonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one of my favorites!

Alexa Ashton's books have become some of my favorites! I love the continuing series of seeing my favorite characters again! The stories are full of love and support a big family can have. With tender moments and also adventure too!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson is still adjusting to the novelty of privilege that comes with the last name of St. Clair. When his siblings realized that he had a gift with growing their investments, they tasked him with finding the next one. Mia has been her father’s shadow. She is an inventor, like her father, and has designed a new mode of travel. When she and Hudson meet, the interest and sparks fly. After the sudden death of her father, she is immediately evicted from her home by the nefarious new Viscount Morrison and his wife. What neither Mia nor Hudson know is how depraved and desperate the couple are. As they quickly marry and explore their feelings, the Viscount and Viscountess may have devised a way to end their happiness.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Mia Sloane father memory is fading she’s continued his life’s work working on his inventions. Hudson St. Clair learns he’s the Duke of Everton’s bastard. He and his twin sister are raise up from poverty to wealth and his sister marries a duke of her own. His grandmother, Cor, guides Hudson on becoming a gentleman and when she dies he inherits her wealth and estate if he marries within sixty days. Hudson discovers Mia not her father is the person behind the new steam engine she’s sold to Hudson St. Clair and his family. Once Hudson meets Mia he decides she the wife for him, only one problem to convince her and gain his inheritance. I voluntarily wrote a review for this excellent story of two misfits in society falling in love.

[Barbara Literski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Sticks Together

I love reading about the St. Clair family. This one is about Hudson Wright. He does know that his life was going to change.
He finds out that him and his twin sister, Laurel was going to have a very big life change.
They are going to meet their new family the St. Clair’s. According to their new family all St. Clair’s stick together.
This book is about Hudson and Lady Mia Morrison. Lady Mia is an inventor of a steam engine.
So many things happens, different types of people.
This is a great book to read and enjoy.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suddenly a St. Clair

I read one of Alexa Aston's books in an anthology and when I had the opportunity to read this book, I didn't hesitate. First of all, the cover was amazing! Hudson and Mia made my heart flutter. I loved everything about this couple and the St. Clair family. I love that this author doesn't mind showing married couples who are passionately in love with each other and who adore their family and friends. This was a beautiful story and I think it can be read as a stand-alone.

[N Dent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family is Everything

At age18 Hudson was welcomed into home of Duke of Everton and his life was forever changed. Mia Sloane worked beside her father inventing and was considered a social misfit. Two misfits rejected by society fell in love and standing together they were complete. Book 5 is a page turner and you will love their adventures and love of family.

[Cherylbestlife · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good Regency story..

This was a really good recency story. I really loved the idea of a lady inventor and an illegitimate man find each other. Both misfits in the world of the ton. I did find it frustrating the misunderstanding that could have been cleared up with a conversation. But, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and reading more about the St. Clairs.

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it

Hudson and Mia are a fantastic couple. Smart, courageous and compassionate. This is a Cinderella story with some drama. I like this series.

[Gwenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this family! New to the St Clair family Hudson finds love and support. I enjoyed this story of strong women. Mia and Hudson fight and win. Good read

[Tom Prejsner]

Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Thank you very much for these wonderful books. Thank you

[Sandra Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happily ever after

This book was a wonderful ending of the series. I loved that they were all strong women who had strong men to support and nurture them

[Barb Altmaier · Rating 5 out of 5]

That story

Love this series. So descriptive and beautiful. Draws you into the storyline as you are introduced to the different characters. Worth reading all books

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully heartfelt end to a fabulous series!!

Suddenly a St Clair is a compellingly sweet romance that pairs the illegitimate son and brilliant businessman Hudson with Lady Mia, an inventor with an unconventionally sheltered upbringing as they fight the ton's vicious snobbery, Hudson's feelings of unworthliness, vicious scheming and a heady depth of attraction that makes this one sweetly addictive read packed with wit and an abundance of charm.
The tale flows beautifully and despite a wealth of familiar characters that have the power to grab your attention and admiration without even trying, some how manage not to steal the limelight from Hudson and Mia on their journey to understanding and love. Each encounter balances moments of tummy twisting tension, sweet revelation, a dose of spice and delicious intimacy with the ability to evoke tears and, like every good Aston tale, a cloak of threat and malicious intent to forever bide the couple together into a gordian knot of love. The couples integrity of feeling for each other and towards others is vivid in it's portrayal and simultaneously allowed the couple to shine and sparkle not just when together but as individuals as well.
Well thoughtout end to a series that has been packed to the hilt with love, depth of character, cruel villians, strong heroines that are intelligent, free-spirited and compassionate and heroes that may have insecurities but possess integrity, honour and are quite literally sexy as hell. A series I wholeheartedly recommend as I enjoyed every sibling's bumpy path to all consuming love via uniquely intriguing trials, tribulations and misadventure!!

[Lisa Woo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

This may be the last in the series, but it was definitely up to par! It was full of twists and turns, villains and heroes. It started 10 years after we first met the St. Clair families, when the last discovered son had already finished school and then trained with each of his half brothers in business, estate management, etc. He brought money into the family and built a nice nest egg for himself. However, he couldn't break into the upper echelons of society, because he was illegitimate.
He went on a fact finding mission to follow up on a possible locomotive he had read about. Imagine his surprise when he met the inventor....a young woman living with her father who was having more frequent senior moments. She had been covering for him, finishing up their projects, applying for patents, etc. Her whole life to that point had been training with her father, then covering for him.
To learn more, read!

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hudson and Mia. She was an inventor (same as her father). Her father declined quickly and died. She had corresponded with Hudson about her steam engine invention. He is an amazing business man. Cor (grandma who is VERY close to) died leaving most of her assets to Hudson but only if he married within 60 days. Having been attracted to Mia and her to him, he brings her in to his family and she grows attached. After having danced with Hudson at a ball she was shunned by the ton because he is illegitimate. They decide to marry and her cousin kidnaps her try and get her inventions sold off or kill her husband so everything comes to her (when she would mysteriously die). She escapes and her cousin kills himself after killing his own wife and realizing he has been caught. They have twins.