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He loved her—and was blindsided when she wed another man...
He refused her—and now, her life is no longer her own...
Book 2 in the "The de Wolfes of Esterley Castle" series is now available. Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
Lady Amelia Ward is ecstatic that her brother, the Earl of Merrifield, has just married for love. Amelia, who is in her first Season, now wants the same for herself. Though ton marriages rarely involve love, she has seen what a difference it’s made in Oliver’s life, and she won’t settle for anything less—especially because she’s already in love with her new brother-in-law—who thinks her a featherbrain.
Derek de Wolfe, the new Earl of Reston, has seen his older sister, Diana, wed to Lord Merrifield. Now, Derek’s ready to return to Northumberland, because he has no plans to wed for several years, preferring to focus on changes he wishes to make at Esterley, his country estate. In truth, he’s running away from his growing attraction to Amelia, his new sister-in-law, whom he knows believes in love.
When Amelia decides to make Derek jealous, her plans backfire. She finds herself wed to a stranger who’s a known rake, and her unhappiness grows when she realizes the kind of marriage they will have.
Will Amelia find a way to escape a union that should never have occurred and if she does, will Derek be waiting for her?
He refused her—and now, her life is no longer her own...
Book 2 in the "The de Wolfes of Esterley Castle" series is now available. Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
Lady Amelia Ward is ecstatic that her brother, the Earl of Merrifield, has just married for love. Amelia, who is in her first Season, now wants the same for herself. Though ton marriages rarely involve love, she has seen what a difference it’s made in Oliver’s life, and she won’t settle for anything less—especially because she’s already in love with her new brother-in-law—who thinks her a featherbrain.
Derek de Wolfe, the new Earl of Reston, has seen his older sister, Diana, wed to Lord Merrifield. Now, Derek’s ready to return to Northumberland, because he has no plans to wed for several years, preferring to focus on changes he wishes to make at Esterley, his country estate. In truth, he’s running away from his growing attraction to Amelia, his new sister-in-law, whom he knows believes in love.
When Amelia decides to make Derek jealous, her plans backfire. She finds herself wed to a stranger who’s a known rake, and her unhappiness grows when she realizes the kind of marriage they will have.
Will Amelia find a way to escape a union that should never have occurred and if she does, will Derek be waiting for her?
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2019
283 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Aston
148 books482 followersAward-winning and USA Today bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She enjoys travel, sports, and time with her family.
Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense.
Stay in touch with Alexa at:
Website: https://alexaaston.com/
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaa...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexaAston
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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...
Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense.
Stay in touch with Alexa at:
Website: https://alexaaston.com/
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaa...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexaAston
BookBub Follow: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alexa...
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/alexaaston
BingeBooks Author Page: https://bingebooks.com/profile/AlexaA...
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 19, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Very enjoyable read, full of unrequited love , unenviable marriage and unfortunate discoveries.
A wonderful new story from Alexa , quick and exciting reading that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
When Amelia falls for her best friends brother, she decides the best way to get his attention is to make him jealous.
But it goes to far and she finds herself in marriage that holds no affection and little if no civility.
Derek should have told Amelia from the start of his feelings, he knows that now , but it’s too late.
She belongs to another , a man who doesn’t deserve the wonderful creature that she is .
Can the two find a resolution to their dilemma or will they be separated forever.
Excellent addition to this addictive new Regency series by Alexa Aston
Best to read them in order :-
Diana
Derek
Thea
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Very enjoyable read, full of unrequited love , unenviable marriage and unfortunate discoveries.
A wonderful new story from Alexa , quick and exciting reading that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
When Amelia falls for her best friends brother, she decides the best way to get his attention is to make him jealous.
But it goes to far and she finds herself in marriage that holds no affection and little if no civility.
Derek should have told Amelia from the start of his feelings, he knows that now , but it’s too late.
She belongs to another , a man who doesn’t deserve the wonderful creature that she is .
Can the two find a resolution to their dilemma or will they be separated forever.
Excellent addition to this addictive new Regency series by Alexa Aston
Best to read them in order :-
Diana
Derek
Thea
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Read
December 10, 2019"This is one of those romance stories that will have readers aching for the hero and heroine to be together!"
Check out my full review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
Check out my full review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
August 20, 2019
Sometimes what we wished for could become out of reach due to reckless decisions. Such was the case with Lady Amelia Ward, who was only in her first Season. But just having witnessed how happy and in love her brother Oliver was with his new wife Diana, it made her long for the same with a husband. Unfortunately, she had become enamored with Diana's brother Derek de Wolfe, but she had overheard what he thought of her. Featherbrained indeed! She'd show him! Trying to make him jealous, she ends up with a rake extraordinaire, Lord Trumbull, that tries to push her into marraige. Wait, what? Oh yes
Derek did not know that Amelia had overheard his comments until he tried to tell her to stay away from Merrifield. When she told him she knew what he thought of her and she could take care of herself! What she didn't know was Derek was attracted to her, but love? No, never because he had seen the ruin of his parents.
Ms Aston always writes a story of the heart and manages to pack in everything worthy of an engaging romance that will not let you go to sleep until you turn the last page! I could not wait to find out what happened and how Derek and Amelia would find their ever after love!
Derek did not know that Amelia had overheard his comments until he tried to tell her to stay away from Merrifield. When she told him she knew what he thought of her and she could take care of herself! What she didn't know was Derek was attracted to her, but love? No, never because he had seen the ruin of his parents.
Ms Aston always writes a story of the heart and manages to pack in everything worthy of an engaging romance that will not let you go to sleep until you turn the last page! I could not wait to find out what happened and how Derek and Amelia would find their ever after love!
August 15, 2019
Derek de Wolfe, the Earl of Reston recently bought his sisters to London to enjoy the season. The eldest has already found a worthy husband. Unfortunately the youngest has broken her leg and must put off her season until next year. They have made some very good friends.
Lady Amelia Ward is enjoying her first season and loves her new sisters in law. It's great fun to have female company, even if her new bestfriend can't come out to the parties yet. There is also another reason she likes to visit with her friend.
A short but action packed story that doesn't quite go as you think it will. The characters and and their families are a fun and loving group. You will meet many from previous and future books in the series and fall in love with them all.
I loved it.
Lady Amelia Ward is enjoying her first season and loves her new sisters in law. It's great fun to have female company, even if her new bestfriend can't come out to the parties yet. There is also another reason she likes to visit with her friend.
A short but action packed story that doesn't quite go as you think it will. The characters and and their families are a fun and loving group. You will meet many from previous and future books in the series and fall in love with them all.
I loved it.
December 18, 2019
Rating: 3.5/5.0
This is one of those romance stories that will have readers aching for the hero and heroine to be together!
Read full review in the 2019 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This is one of those romance stories that will have readers aching for the hero and heroine to be together!
Read full review in the 2019 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 12, 2022
Pass
The plot and characters are paper-thin. I did not appreciate that the bisexual character is the villain of the book for the crime of being bisexual, which is an ongoing pattern in Ms. Aston’s books.
The plot and characters are paper-thin. I did not appreciate that the bisexual character is the villain of the book for the crime of being bisexual, which is an ongoing pattern in Ms. Aston’s books.
September 1, 2019
A mini package full of tormented longing and deep-set love!
They say that "the course of true love never runs smoothly" and never more than for Amelia and Derek.
Instant attraction, misunderstanding, dishonesty, heart-aching discoveries and deep regrets and revelations that envelop you as you wrestle with that on the edge feeling that's become so integral in an Aston romance. This nervous tension that quite literally will have her stomach in knots, make you smile and wonder how it can all possibly end in a HEA. As you war with moments of heightened desire, sparks of chemistry, anxious frustration and heartwarming longing that fits so neatly into a read, that can be consumed in one sitting!
Amelia is so easy to like. Her wit, generous nature, zest for life and open heart leads her to fall madly for Derek - her highly principled, deeply protective, if in some ways cynical about love, best friend's brother. Desperation and unrequited love forces her to make a decision that might just drain her of all her vivacious fire and have detrimental consequences for her future happiness. A touching romance that wouldn't be Aston's if it didn't put you through the emotional ringer a time or two as she cleverly entwines torment, turmoil and soul-deep devotion so seemlessly.
Really enjoying this series and Aston's foray into the regency world. Very much looking forward to Thea's tale - no hero grabs my attention quite like a tortured war hero as he desperately grasps at the love of a soothingly passionate, deeply caring and intelligent heroine. Already on preorder!!
They say that "the course of true love never runs smoothly" and never more than for Amelia and Derek.
Instant attraction, misunderstanding, dishonesty, heart-aching discoveries and deep regrets and revelations that envelop you as you wrestle with that on the edge feeling that's become so integral in an Aston romance. This nervous tension that quite literally will have her stomach in knots, make you smile and wonder how it can all possibly end in a HEA. As you war with moments of heightened desire, sparks of chemistry, anxious frustration and heartwarming longing that fits so neatly into a read, that can be consumed in one sitting!
Amelia is so easy to like. Her wit, generous nature, zest for life and open heart leads her to fall madly for Derek - her highly principled, deeply protective, if in some ways cynical about love, best friend's brother. Desperation and unrequited love forces her to make a decision that might just drain her of all her vivacious fire and have detrimental consequences for her future happiness. A touching romance that wouldn't be Aston's if it didn't put you through the emotional ringer a time or two as she cleverly entwines torment, turmoil and soul-deep devotion so seemlessly.
Really enjoying this series and Aston's foray into the regency world. Very much looking forward to Thea's tale - no hero grabs my attention quite like a tortured war hero as he desperately grasps at the love of a soothingly passionate, deeply caring and intelligent heroine. Already on preorder!!
January 23, 2020
Not my favorite
I have read all of the St.Clair series and the first book in this series. This is the first one I really disliked. Too much happened in too short a time and most of it was unrealistic. No romance at all. Just not my cup of tea and I would not reccomend it.
I have read all of the St.Clair series and the first book in this series. This is the first one I really disliked. Too much happened in too short a time and most of it was unrealistic. No romance at all. Just not my cup of tea and I would not reccomend it.
August 22, 2019
Derek de Wolfe, the new Earl of Reston, had just watched his older sister marry. Not only marry but married for love. However, he felt that he could forget marrying for now and focus on the changes he wishes to make to Esterley. But is that the real reason he is putting off marriage? Lady Amelia Ward had just watched her brother marry Derek’s sister and wonders what her future holds. She knows that she is in love with the Earl, but what does he feels for her? As the wedding party continues, she overhears Derek tell another that he is not interested in her as he feels she is a featherbrain. Her efforts to make him jealous only results in her marrying a well-known rake and her life falls into darkness. Alexa Aston has provided a page turning adventure into the life of two people that would not listen to their hearts and their lives of unhappiness seems to never end.
August 21, 2019
Derek de Wolfe, the new Earl of Reston has just seen his sister Diana wed the Earl of Merrifield and next his sister Thea will have her season in London. Lady Amelia Ward is happy her brother married Diana and she’s gained a new friend in Thea Ward, and she has fallen love with her best friend’s brother Derek, but he has no designs to marry anytime soon. Lady Amelia realizes he doesn’t love her and she soon decides to marry another man. Poor Amelia if only Derek loved her her life would be perfect, he does but doesn’t confess his true feelings. Derek soon realizes his mistake and tries to make things better. A beautiful story with a few twist and turns and one I voluntarily read and reviewed.
August 22, 2019
Lady Amelia has a big crush on Derek de Wolfe Lord Reston, but he does even notice her. Derek is fighting his growing attraction to Lady Amelia and is definitely in denial. When Amelia overhears Derek talking to a friend saying he has no interest in her because she is immature and empty headed she sets out to make him jealous and to prove him wrong. When Amelia decides to marry another she gets in way over her head, but there is nothin she can do now but dream of what could have been. Derek realizes to late his feelings for Amelia for she is already married to another. I loved this book, there is so much to the story that I could not put it down. There were times that I just wanted to shake both of them! I love a story that makes you feel! Definitely recommend this one!
August 23, 2019
After assisting his sister, Diana, in finding and accepting marriage, Derek is not ready to find his mate. Lady Amelia has fallen in love, with Derek de Wolfe. Unfortunately, he finds her “empty-headed” and immature. Devastated, Amelia accepts the proposal of one of England’s most notorious rakes. Watching Amelia take her wedding vows with another man leaves Derek with the knowledge that he has made a mistake and so has she. Amelia’s marriage is not without secrets and betrayals. How and when Derek and Amelia find their way to each other. Or can they? This is a great second book in this series!
August 28, 2019
Rash decisions have dire consequences...
Derek and Amelia have known each other for years through their families. But what neither has known, is the feelings each harbors for the other. One evening Lord Derek is asked about his feelings for Amelia by someone and he denies her in a not so complimentary way, which she overhears. So Amelia rashly sets out to make Derek jealous, which in this case has dire consequences.
Their story is filled with sad, romantic longing, a truly evil antagonist, and hope. I really enjoyed it. It is the second in this series, although a stand-alone, and I am hoping at least one more character has a story as well.
Derek and Amelia have known each other for years through their families. But what neither has known, is the feelings each harbors for the other. One evening Lord Derek is asked about his feelings for Amelia by someone and he denies her in a not so complimentary way, which she overhears. So Amelia rashly sets out to make Derek jealous, which in this case has dire consequences.
Their story is filled with sad, romantic longing, a truly evil antagonist, and hope. I really enjoyed it. It is the second in this series, although a stand-alone, and I am hoping at least one more character has a story as well.
September 14, 2019
LOVE, SPITE, & DUAL RELATIONSHIPS
4 STARS for Book 2 with a fast moving interesting storyline. Derek was a bit stuffy, but considering his parents relationship it isn't suprising. Amelia obviously was having her 1st season & I felt could have even used a year more maturity beforehand. She was not very likeable in how she decides to deal with who she loves & how she decides to punish him. However, soon afterward the book starts nipping at the reader's emotions as the characters' emotions seem to go haywire. All in all it is a good series & just a book to stand alone!
Sex Activity
4 STARS for Book 2 with a fast moving interesting storyline. Derek was a bit stuffy, but considering his parents relationship it isn't suprising. Amelia obviously was having her 1st season & I felt could have even used a year more maturity beforehand. She was not very likeable in how she decides to deal with who she loves & how she decides to punish him. However, soon afterward the book starts nipping at the reader's emotions as the characters' emotions seem to go haywire. All in all it is a good series & just a book to stand alone!
Sex Activity
Read
September 10, 2019A second chance
Amelia is in love with Derek! She overheard Derek making disparaging remarks about her and it devastating to her! Amelia determined to marry anyone who will esteem her and pushed Derek and her feelings to the background! Derek who didn't believe in love finds after Amelia marries that he is a fool and too late to wed the woman he loves! Amelia soon realizes her husband is vile with unnatural inclinations! How will they survive their foolish pride and even more foolish choices!
Amelia is in love with Derek! She overheard Derek making disparaging remarks about her and it devastating to her! Amelia determined to marry anyone who will esteem her and pushed Derek and her feelings to the background! Derek who didn't believe in love finds after Amelia marries that he is a fool and too late to wed the woman he loves! Amelia soon realizes her husband is vile with unnatural inclinations! How will they survive their foolish pride and even more foolish choices!
August 20, 2019
Love this Family
Another great story by Alexa Aston.
This is about Derek de Wolfe and Lady Amelia Ward. Amelia’s best friend is Thea de Wolfe, Derek’s sister. The problem is that Amelia loves Derek, but she hears a conversation between him and another friend. Hearing that conversation leads her to make the biggest mistake in her life!!
This is an excellent book to read!
Another great story by Alexa Aston.
This is about Derek de Wolfe and Lady Amelia Ward. Amelia’s best friend is Thea de Wolfe, Derek’s sister. The problem is that Amelia loves Derek, but she hears a conversation between him and another friend. Hearing that conversation leads her to make the biggest mistake in her life!!
This is an excellent book to read!
August 22, 2019
Second Chance
You will cry when Amelia marries Lord Trumbull and his secret is revealed. Derek was smitten with Amelia, but he waited too long to tell her and he would live with regrets. The phaeton race between Derek and Trumbull led to a horrific accident. They were given a second chance for love and marriage. They had a lifetime ahead to live and love forever.
You will cry when Amelia marries Lord Trumbull and his secret is revealed. Derek was smitten with Amelia, but he waited too long to tell her and he would live with regrets. The phaeton race between Derek and Trumbull led to a horrific accident. They were given a second chance for love and marriage. They had a lifetime ahead to live and love forever.
September 4, 2019
Lady Amelia Ward is in love with Derek de Wolfe although after overhearing him tell a friend that she is beautiful but empty headed she refuses to waste anymore time on him. Amelia jumps into a marriage the finds is her worst nightmare.
Derek realizes much to late what his true feelings for Amelia are and there is nothing he can do to save her now she is married.
Derek realizes much to late what his true feelings for Amelia are and there is nothing he can do to save her now she is married.
May 12, 2020
Marriage by mistake.
Overhearing a conversation between Derek, Lord Reston and a friend, Amelia's heart is broken. Looking elsewhere for love she marries a man who uses her as a front for his fast living. She only sees a life of misery until fate steps in. Wow! A different trope from anything I've read in a long while.
Overhearing a conversation between Derek, Lord Reston and a friend, Amelia's heart is broken. Looking elsewhere for love she marries a man who uses her as a front for his fast living. She only sees a life of misery until fate steps in. Wow! A different trope from anything I've read in a long while.
August 21, 2019
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
August 28, 2019
Twists ahead
This story seemed so different, but just as good as the others! I wasn't sure how the happy ending would come about, but it did!!
This story seemed so different, but just as good as the others! I wasn't sure how the happy ending would come about, but it did!!
November 6, 2025
Very good book!!!
A very sweet story! True love won out in the end. Derek and Amelia's story was very sweet and love persevered .
A very sweet story! True love won out in the end. Derek and Amelia's story was very sweet and love persevered .
September 18, 2019
Lovely story!
Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! Great and exciting plot, wonderful characters! I've really come to enjoy this author! Great read!
Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! Great and exciting plot, wonderful characters! I've really come to enjoy this author! Great read!
January 2, 2022
A bit disappointed
As I read through this story, I debated the entire time whether I was going to finish it.
You can sort of guess where the wind is blowing before you open the door. The hero was a bonehead and the heroine was just as he described her, flighty but really just immature.
Stupid. Lame. Dull. Just plain old dumb. But I finished it because my OCD kept kicking in as I thought- if you want to read the next one and finish the series you HAVE to finish reading this one.
I’m glad she (the author) puts word together well. I am still in love with the St. Claire’s series and thought- ooh a continuation. Nope.
As I read through this story, I debated the entire time whether I was going to finish it.
You can sort of guess where the wind is blowing before you open the door. The hero was a bonehead and the heroine was just as he described her, flighty but really just immature.
Stupid. Lame. Dull. Just plain old dumb. But I finished it because my OCD kept kicking in as I thought- if you want to read the next one and finish the series you HAVE to finish reading this one.
I’m glad she (the author) puts word together well. I am still in love with the St. Claire’s series and thought- ooh a continuation. Nope.
May 13, 2022
Derek and Amelia (Merrifield's sister). Typical she's in love with him and he's in love with her but there are communication issues which leads her to marrying a ton rogue with a rumor of also being bisexual (believe the rumor). Her hubby has no intention of having any sort of real marriage and tells her to have affairs but be discrete. She wants to be with Derek and for some odd reason her hubby has a problem with them actually caring for each other and challenges him to a phaeton race. He dies in the race leaving her open to marry Derek. Minus the bisexual part this book was extremely predictable. The romance was severely lacking too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2024
Awesome!
OMG I 💕💕💕 Amelia and Derek’s story. Not that I wish death upon anyone but I was ecstatic that death released Amelia from her horrendous marriage. If only her and Derek had been honest with each other in the beginning all of the heartache could have been avoided. Of course then we wouldn’t have the story. Alexa has created a warm, witty and sexy series that I am sure I will read again.
OMG I 💕💕💕 Amelia and Derek’s story. Not that I wish death upon anyone but I was ecstatic that death released Amelia from her horrendous marriage. If only her and Derek had been honest with each other in the beginning all of the heartache could have been avoided. Of course then we wouldn’t have the story. Alexa has created a warm, witty and sexy series that I am sure I will read again.
November 20, 2021
Amelia caused her own unhappiness
She rushed I to a marriage with Grumble without really knowing him. She got lucky when he perished in an accident. She was able to marry the man she truly loved Derek and be a true wife.
She rushed I to a marriage with Grumble without really knowing him. She got lucky when he perished in an accident. She was able to marry the man she truly loved Derek and be a true wife.
September 16, 2022
The story continues
I so love that the author devotes a book to each character, this allowing to get to know them all better and to see what happen to them as they flower or come to love.
I so love that the author devotes a book to each character, this allowing to get to know them all better and to see what happen to them as they flower or come to love.
October 4, 2022
A very tortured romance
This was not a sweet love story, but still very good. I was a little frustrated that Derek and Amelia never had an honest conversation until after she married Mr wrong but I was satisfied with the ending
This was not a sweet love story, but still very good. I was a little frustrated that Derek and Amelia never had an honest conversation until after she married Mr wrong but I was satisfied with the ending
April 17, 2020
Hated the bad guy !
I loved the story!
Alexa seems to know just how to make a reader love the good guy and hate the villain !
I loved the story!
Alexa seems to know just how to make a reader love the good guy and hate the villain !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews