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Dukes Done Wrong #4

Delighting the Duke

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Accused of something they never did. Five boys banished from their homes in disgrace, to the place where they find the brothers of their heart—and build new family ties that will last a lifetime.

An army major whose soul is stained by war. A lonely bluestocking who failed miserably during her first Season. Two strangers who bond over an injured kitten...


Aaron Hartfield is forced to leave the army and return to England to claim a title he never wanted when his brother is killed in a scandalous duel. Hart’s friends convince him to attend the Season in order to find himself a duchess and provide an heir—but he has no interest in making a love match.

After a disastrous come-out, bluestocking Olivia Knight retreats to her uncle’s vicarage in the country for five years. With his death, she returns to London and finds her father and loathsome cousin planning to choose a husband for her. Olivia is interested in a man’s character, while her relatives want her to secure a wealthy peer with a lofty title.

When Hart meets Olivia, he realizes no one else will do as his duchess, but he keeps silent, wanting her to grow in confidence and receive the attention she deserves before he offers for her.

Will Hart wait too late and lose his chance with the blossoming Olivia—or will he speak up and find a lasting love with the ugly duckling who has turned into a beautiful swan?

Find the answer in Delighting the Duke, Book 4 in Dukes Done Wrong.

Each book in Dukes Done Wrong is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free in Kindle Unlimited.

Series Order:
Book #1: Discouraging the Duke
Book #2: Deflecting the Duke
Book #3: Disrupting the Duke
Book #4: Delighting the Duke
Book #5: Destiny with a Duke

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 27, 2021

239 people are currently reading
247 people want to read

About the author

Alexa Aston

146 books481 followers
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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Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexaAston

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Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/alexaaston

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5 stars
1,052 (55%)
4 stars
554 (29%)
3 stars
220 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for Sara Reads (mostly) Romance.
351 reviews246 followers
July 22, 2022
dnf. the writing is so robotic. and boring. The H/h don't even have much time together because the majority of the book is filled with superfluous conversations with other people. i'm always shocked when i dislike a book everyone else seems to like. I think I'm not going to read anymore of this author's books. might give her another try in the future but for now, nope
Profile Image for Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb".
1,440 reviews17 followers
October 30, 2021
WONDERFUL STORY!! I couldn't put it down. Read it straight through.

Aaron Hart know as Hart was sent to the Turner Academy for killing his beloved younger brother which he never did. It was his older brother who murder the youngest brother. Years later when Harts brother and father the Duke have died. Hart becomes the new Duke. Rich, Powerful and Prosperous.
He meets Lady Olivia Knight who had been sent to live with her aunt and uncle because she was overweight and a embarrassment to her family. After all these years her father has retrieved her from her uncle because he is dying.

Hart and Oliva are a perfect couple. What I loved most about this story was all the H/H couples from the previous stories in the series and there children are very much present in the story.

I love the Dukes Done Wrong series. All 4 books so far have gotten 5 stars reviews from me!!
Profile Image for Julie - One Book More.
1,320 reviews236 followers
November 26, 2021
Delighting the Duke is the fourth book in Alexa Aston’s Dukes Done Wrong series, and it is just as interesting and romantic as the first three books. The story follows Hart, an army major who learns that he must return to England and become a duke after the death of his father and brother. Upon his return, he meets Olivia, who also recently returned to town after living with her loving aunt and uncle for years. Pressured by her obnoxious father and cousin to wed, Olivia cares less about a title and more about a man’s character. After a chance encounter with Olivia, Hart knows she is the one for him. However, Hart sees that Olivia lacks confidence and wants her to see her own worth before he proposes. Will Hart miss his chance at love?

Hart and Olivia have a wonderful romance and feel a connection from their first encounter. As they get to know each other, their connection and feelings for each other grow. Olivia and Hart are both interesting and compelling characters that have gone through so much, and I love how their relationship progresses. They have a swoon-worthy love story that is challenged by internal obstacles, malicious family, and societal pressures.

Olivia had to learn to believe in herself and see her worth. Between her browbeating father, who verbally abuses her, her shady cousin, and feeling rejected by society when she was younger, it is difficult for Olivia to believe in herself. I think Olivia and Hart are alike in that way – neither really sees how wonderful they truly are. Olivia becomes more confident throughout the story, and I like that she learned to be more outspoken and stand up for herself.

And I love Hart! A fantastic leading man, he is honorable, principled, and gorgeous, and he values his integrity. He is a better man than most of the people he meets in the ton, as are the rest of his friends. And I adore the way he patiently boosts Olivia’s self-esteem and makes her see how special she is. He stands up for her, defends her, and fights for her, and he treats her like an equal. This makes for many swoon-worthy moments!

According to the ton, Olivia used to be an ugly duckling and is now a swan. There are some interesting messages here about societal acceptance and prejudices, fat-shaming, and how the ton seems to value their perceptions of outer beauty over inner beauty and worth. The way they treat people who don’t fit into their cookie-cutter societal molds of what a woman should look and act like is deplorable. This is true to a lesser degree with the men, and though hart worries about his family’s tarnished reputation, he is protected by his title.

I love that the couples from the first three books had such large roles in this story. They are all such fantastic characters, and I love reading how their lives have changed. New additions to the families bring such a sense of happiness and hope and show Olivia and Hart what they could have too. The Turner Terrors are the most wonderful found family, and the wives of the terrors have become a strong and influential group of women. The women use this influence to help other women, which they do with Olivia. They so easily befriend and welcome Olivia into their tight-knit group even before they know of her connection to hart. I think it says a lot about these women when they help others and reject the dictates of upper-crust society. They are strong, independent, intelligent, and much loved for their kindness and generosity, especially by their amazing husbands.

This is such a great addition to the Dukes Done Wrong series, and I loved learning more about Hart and Olivia. A few new characters are also introduced, and I have a feeling we’ll see more of them as the series ends. The next and final book focuses on Finch, the most elusive of the Terrors, and I can’t wait to finally learn his story! Special thanks to NetGalley, Dragonblade Publishing, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Profile Image for Lori D.
4,079 reviews130 followers
November 21, 2021
I love these guys! This series has been so engaging with the Terrors all being swoon worthy
can I say! This one was about Hart.

When he finds himself inheriting the Dukedom, Hart needs to find a Duchess and when he sees
Olivia, he knows he has found her.

Olivia does not want to return to have a season after her first one was a disaster. But when she
meets Hart, she cannot believe he would really be interested in her..

Charming, entertaining, intriguing and a visit from some of the other Terrors, Makes this a story not
to be missed!
Profile Image for Sw3.
802 reviews3 followers
January 1, 2022
Boring. Almost no drama. Bland steam.

I didn't really sense much of an attraction between Olivia and Hart. Olivia is just so proper. It bothered me a bit to see Hart pawing her.

I remain unconvinced that Hart is straight. Sorry. And I do not buy that he's got marriage on his mind. He flipped a lot on this. There were some brief references to war stress and foul moods, but it never materialized. I thought Donovan was the one who was moody???

What is with all the women being obsessed with babies? I understood Meadow, but Wynter basically had a personality change and Olivia wasn't even described as having much expectations for a future, including children.

Speaking of Olivia, this book is like 80% Olivia. We never get to know Hart. We never see him do anything. His scenes are either with Olivia or brief moody scenes where he vaguely pines for here. This is such a disappointment. I wanted to get to know Hart.

My biggest beef is with the wives being used as plot devices. The plot for this book is basic, but decent. Had their relationship been developed a bit more naturally, perhaps involving a few of the regular tropes, I would have enjoyed the characters and the plot more. Instead, we read endless pages about the wives and some stuff about matchmaking. Part of me is glad that these great characters are truly recurring, but I'd also like to know their identities outside of the "Terror" group. I think this is the heart of the problem with this book. There are too many characters and too many plot points. This book needs at least 200 more pages to truly round everything out.

I would not recommend reading this as a standalone. You really need to read the other books because the entire plot relies on preestablished relationships. It pains me to give this one star. I love the characters and I like the concept of the plot. But everything felt so shallow and blah. Olivia's character doesn't really develop through her character arc, and Hart never even got a lesson to learn.

I mostly forced myself through this because I'm eager to read Finch's book. It's been hyped up through this entire series. I hope it doesn't disappoint...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sophie.
1,441 reviews553 followers
October 26, 2021
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

The fourth Turner Terror to inherit an unexpected title, Aaron Hartfield, or Hart as he's better known, is more at ease on the battlefield than he is at home as the new Duke of Mansfield. When his younger brother was killed by his elder one, Hart was blamed and sent away from home, never allowed to return. But following the death's of all his family member's, he's the only one left, and luckily has his friends to support him. But on one of his first days in London, he meets the beautiful Lady Olivia Knight, rescuing an injured kitten, and he's smitten. But Olivia is newly returned to London too, and after her disastrous debut, she's worried about her reintroduction. But her thoughtless father and scapegrace cousin are determined to marry her off by the end of the Season, and they don't care what she says in the matter. Hart knows he needs Olivia to be his duchess, but will he be able to bolster her confidence enough, without losing her forever?

This series just gets better and better as the story progresses. I know it's book 4, and we do have a lot of the backstory to contend with, but I feel as if you could really read this book as a standalone. I love that we see the couples from the previous books, and there's lots of mentions of the 5th Terror, Finch, who's book will be next. But all in all, I loved the couple we saw here. They were perfect for each other, and really accentuated the good in each other, without overpowering. Olivia had had an awful childhood with her vindictive mother, who bullied her cruelly over her weight, so when she debuted, she was larger than was in fashion, and was treated abominably. Luckily, she had her aunt and uncle, who she fled to, and they cared for her like true parents should. Now that her aunt is dead, and her uncle sick, her father finally cares about her enough to bring her home, but only to sway the gossip, and marry her off ASAP. I loved seeing how Olivia grew so much in the book, from being quite vulnerable at the beginning, to discovering herself, and finding friendship and love unexpectedly. Hart was a really good love interest, but didn't stick with me as much as Olivia did. However, he was right for her, and the way he knew he wanted to marry her, but wanted her to see herself how everyone else did, and grow in confidence and strength first, was astounding. I really rooted for them, and was pleased with how there story turned out!
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,547 reviews88 followers
October 24, 2021
I don't know when last I have enjoyed a series as much as Dukes Done Wrong, alternatively known as the Turner Terrors. With his three friends already Dukes, although second sons, Hart finds himself in the same situation, ill-prepared for the responsibilities that lie ahead of him and with little knowledge of the workings of society. Returning to London, he is immediately surrounded by his Turner brotherhood and their wives and made to feel welcome. Coming across Lady Olivia Knight fending off a band of rascals terrorizing a cat, he is amazed to see her taking action and defending herself and the kitten. Suspecting that she is governess, he is taken aback when he finds her visiting in vastly different apparel, with his friends' wives. The spark of romance is instantly ignited, but unfortunately, they have to get past the conniving minds of members of the ton. The novel is fast-paced and well written with an attraction that steadily grows and they both come to respect and admire one another. The romance closes on a chase across the country, but all ends well as Hart and Olivia take their vows. I received a copy of this delightful story through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
998 reviews13 followers
October 26, 2021
Olivia and Hart are both ignored by their respective parents. Hart instead finds support in his schoolmates, The Terrors. Olivia finds love and understanding from her aunt and uncle whom she lives with. Hart unexpectedly inherits a dukedom. Olivia is forced to live with her cruel father and cousin when her aunt and uncle die. Hart meets Olivia by accident on the street where he protects her from bullies. Both of them dread the marriage mart they must participate in, and instead come to realize how compatible they are. I love this series and can’t wait to read Finch’s story! I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
October 27, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

I’ve become a little addicted to this series and the Terrors that inhabit it.
They are so wonderful to read about, a real delight.

Hart and Olivia are great characters, made for each other and full of chemistry.
Passionate and entertaining with a dose of tension and intrigue, just how I like it.
Great stuff Alexa.
Can’t wait for Finch, the dark horse and the big secret of the series.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Profile Image for yueting ♡.
285 reviews8 followers
dnf
October 8, 2023
DNF at 40%

My biggest gripe with this book is just that it's exceedingly bland. There's nothing super offensive about it, but I was just absolutely bored. The beginning starts off strong with a violent and horrific chapter but then it's very quickly downhill from there. Everything is described in a plodding, plain tone, and there is absolutely no excitement or spark even when Hart and Olivia meet. The descriptions are trite and everything is too simple. It's just scene after scene of tedious convenience - I couldn't even make it to the actual season.
Profile Image for Jaime.
1,801 reviews309 followers
October 23, 2021
Another amazing story for this 5-Star series!!
The premise of the series is, Accused of something they never did. Five boys banished from their homes in disgrace, to the place where they find the brothers of their heart—and build new family ties that will last a lifetime, and each new story gets better and better!!

This is Book four of Alexa Aston’s “Dukes Done Wrong” series and I loved every minute! As with previous books in the series this story features one central couple and brings back the couples we love from previous stories! In this book we meet Major Aaron Hartfield, “Hart”,new Duke of Mansfield, and Lady Olivia Knight. When Hart meets Olivia, he realizes no one else will do as his duchess, but he keeps silent, wanting her to grow in confidence and receive the attention she deserves before he offers for her. Olivia was in no hurry to return to London and suffer through another season, her debut season and her only season was five years prior, when she meets Hart her feelings change. However she would never dream a Duke would select her for his Duchess so she resigns herself to finding other suitors in order to avoid her father and cousin’s devious choice for her groom. It’s not long before Olivia gains the attention of several would be suitors and Hart decides he has waited long enough and makes his move to claim his future Duchess.

“ “I love you.” She stilled. Hart hadn’t meant to say those words. He didn’t even know if he did love her. He raised his head. “At least I think I love you,” he amended. “I have never loved a woman before so I am quite new at this.” He hesitated and then added, “But if it means that every waking moment I think of you and long to be with you, then I suppose it is love. I do think of you all the time, Olivia. I want to be with you. Talk to you. Touch you. Kiss you. I want to go to sleep with you gathered in my arms and awake with you by my side.”


😍😍

‘“All I know is I want you to be my friend. My lover. My duchess.” He kissed her fingers. “I didn’t really ask you, though. I can remedy that now.” Hart dropped to his knees and clasped her hands. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”’


Another Love match for the Ton and of course we know this happy couple won’t make it to their vows without some drama. Needless to say, Don’t mess with a Duke who has three fellow Dukes as “brothers” and all of them are married to remarkable, witty, and strong Duchesses. I loved the special relationship’s between the “Turner Terror’s” turned Dukes and of course watching their duchesses take Olivia under their wings added to the story. As the series continues its fun to see the growth of each character as they build their lives together.

Apparently these books in the series are able to be read in any order; However, I recommend you read the series in order for best enjoyment. I cannot wait for book 5 — it will be featuring the Turner Terror that we know the least about, Finch. I have a feeling his story is going to be an emotional roller coaster.

I highly recommend this book & series - you won’t be disappointed. Also quick shout out to the cover designer, beautiful covers, which is an awesome trend from Dragonblade Publishing!!

5 Stars ⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥 | Chemistry level — Hot 💋❤️‍🔥

Books in series:
Discouraging the Duke
Deflecting the Duke
Disrupting the Duke
Delighting the Duke
Destiny with a Duke

Profile Image for BaiwarAllah.
201 reviews3 followers
December 11, 2021
“Griffin’s letter wasn’t clear as to the order of things but Hart knew two facts. His father, the duke, and his brother, the marquess, were deceased.
Major Aaron Hartfield was now the Duke of Mansfield. Owner of Deerfield Park in Surrey and who knew how many other estates throughout England”

“He stared hard at her. “You will come with us. Today. You will attend the Season. You will wed. You will refrain from speaking poorly of me or your dear cousin, who has nothing but love and respect for you.”
She knew she had no choice in the matter. Women never did.”

“Olivia would keep her promise to Uncle Theo. She would live the life she wanted, as much as she could within the confines of Polite Society. She wouldn’t try to hide her bluestocking tendencies, as she had during her first Season. Others would either accept her—or they wouldn’t. She wouldn’t change for them. Instead, she would always be true to herself.
It would be the way she honored Uncle Theo and Aunt Beryl’s memory”

“I doubt you could land a duke with your independent streak,” her father said. “Dukes aren’t men who wish to be challenged, least of all by their wives.” His face grew stern. “I am warning you, Olivia. Do not behave in an untoward manner at social events.”

“She had already dreaded the Season but now she felt all choice was being removed from her. She could only hope to find a man her relatives approved of that also might fit her criteria of what she wished for in a husband. She wanted a moral man. One who was kind and thoughtful. Loyal to his family and friends. A man who might actually admire her mind and not think her some silly plaything.”

“It was obvious each of his friends had made love matches. The men were not only besotted with their wives but their children.
And Hart wanted that. Desperately.
It was why he had agreed, at the women’s urging, to come to London for the Season. While he would have preferred to remain at Deerfield Park and go through spring planting and summer harvest, he knew Patterson more than capable of running the estate. Coming to London to peruse the Marriage Mart was his mission in life now.”

“Curiosity filled him. Not much had caught his attention since he had been home, certainly not a beautiful upper servant.
Hart wondered how he could go about locating Miss Knight—and finding out exactly who she was.”

“She had appeared to be pretty to him at first. Now, she became more attractive by the minute as she ministered to the tormented kitten.”

“Lady Olivia needed to experience a full Season. The ton should see how she had blossomed. She needed gentlemen to fill her dance card. Partner with her at cards. Send huge bouquets of flowers and call upon her, giving her compliments. She deserved the attention, which would hopefully help her learn to believe in herself and see her worth.
Only then would Hart make his feelings for her known”

“Hart thought that he had no reason to go through a lengthy Season when the woman he wanted to be his duchess was seated across from him. Lady Olivia was beautiful, intelligent, caring, and interesting. He had no reason to look further because he knew he would never find anyone who would compare favorably to her”

“She only wanted Hart as her husband. And that would never come to pass. Those two might be terrible gossips but they only voiced what others were thinking. She wasn’t good enough for a duke, much less one such as Hart”

“She only wanted Hart as her husband. And that would never come to pass. Those two might be terrible gossips but they only voiced what others were thinking. She wasn’t good enough for a duke, much less one such as Hart”

“Breaking the kiss, he rested his brow against hers and said, “I love you.”
She stilled.
Hart hadn’t meant to say those words. He didn’t even know if he did love her.
He raised his head. “At least I think I love you,” he amended. “I have never loved a woman before so I am quite new at this.” He hesitated and then added, “But if it means that every waking moment I think of you and long to be with you, then I suppose it is love. I do think of you all the time, Olivia. I want to be with you. Talk to you. Touch you. Kiss you. I want to go to sleep with you gathered in my arms and awake with you by my side.”
Her radiant smile was worth the wait.
“I love you, too,” she said. “I do know what love is”

“Hart dropped to his knees and clasped her hands. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes!” she cried joyfully, this time kissing him.”

“I can’t do it anymore. I envy every man who steals a smile from you. I am in a constant state of worry that you might fall in love with one of them.” He paused and then said, “I want you for myself, Olivia. No other woman will do as my duchess.”

“Hart must know how anxious she would be come their wedding night. What better way to allay her nerves than to couple before their wedding occurred? That way, she would not spend the days leading up to the ceremony and the entire day itself besieged by fright.”

“Wyatt gripped his arm. “Knight and Cooperton have been humiliated. They lost their chance at marrying beautiful women with large dowries. They have taken matters into their own hands and are trying to change their fates.”
“What?” he hissed. “You believe they will try and force a marriage?”
“Yes,” Braithwaite said”

“Your cousin will make for Bristol in the morning,” Hart said. “He will take the first ship bound for America.”
“America?” she asked, shocked at the thought of Higbee leaving England.
“He will write to me with his address once he is settled. I have made clear to him that there is nothing for him here. When Lord Rivers passes—which will likely be a good many years—I will notify Knight and he can return home and claim his title and lands. You have no need to fear him ever again, Lady Lydia.”

“The doctor has Cooperton’s wound cleaned and stitched,” Hart revealed. “He will stay the night in the inn. The innkeeper’s wife will watch over him. We had an interesting talk. Lord Cooperton will return to his country estate from here. His Season is over. If and when he returns to London, he knows never to speak to us again. His brief brush with death may have actually convinced him to walk a different path in life.”

“He slipped his arms about her. “Next spring, we will be three. We will bring our boy or girl to this same spot and sit on this blanket. We will bask in the sunshine and count our blessings.”
“Always,” she said. “I count them every day. I love you so much, Hart.”
“And I love you, Olivia, Duchess of Mansfield and mother of our child.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,172 reviews65 followers
October 27, 2021
Major Aaron Hartfield is forced to leave the army and return to England to claim a title he never wanted when his brother is killed in a scandalous duel & his father dies a few hours later. Hart’s friends convince him to attend the Season in order to find himself a duchess and provide an heir but he has no interest in making a love match. After a disastrous come-out, bluestocking & obese Lady Olivia Knight retreats to her uncle’s vicarage in the country for five years. There Olivia finds herself loved for herself & she no longer needs food as a solace. With his death, she returns to London and finds her father and loathsome cousin Higbee planning to choose a husband for her.
When Hart meets Olivia rescuing a kitten, he realizes no one else will do as his duchess, but he keeps silent, wanting her to grow in confidence and receive the attention she deserves before he offers for her.
This is the fourth in the series of five second sons who were accused of events they didn’t commit & they were sent away to school where the five of them formed their own family The Turner Terrors. This book could easily be read on its own but I’d recommend reading the other books as this series is so very, very good. I loved both Hart & Olivia who were perfect for each other. They were attracted to each other from their first meeting & this only grew the more time they spent together. Once again I found myself totally engrossed in this lovely romance, I was routing so much for them & also loved that the couples from previous books were featured. The road to their HEA isn’t smooth but it was totally captivating
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Petula.
3,085 reviews86 followers
October 23, 2021
After a tragedy, second son Aaron Hartfield was banished from his family home and sent to a school for troubled boys.  The other boys he meets will be the family he needs. 

Many years later he's called home from war to take a title he never wanted. With that comes the need for a whole new life.  

Lady Olivia Knight has been bullied by her mother and ignored by her father all her life.  After the death of her mother she's sent to live with an uncle.  That proves to be a happy time.  

A London season and the marriage mart are on the menu for our reluctant characters.  There are dangers hiding in Polite Society for the unprepared.  

An emotional and fun historical romance.  This is part of a series that features the "Terrors" and should really be read in order,  although each book is enjoyable on it's own.  Just one more to come for me now and I can't wait to read it.  

Great fun.  
1,433 reviews
October 27, 2021
Aaron Hartfield is the new Duke of Mansfield, a role he never wanted. Forced to leave home and attend a school for disgraced sons, after his older brother and father accuse him of letting his brother drown, Hart finds friends that he will hold dear forever. These friends convince him to attend the Season in order to find himself a duchess and provide an heir. Yet when he meets bluestocking Olivia Knight, he realises that she is perfect for him. However, Olivia has little self-confidence, believing herself to be worthy of a duke’s attention.
Whilst I enjoyed reading about the Terrors again, I found Olivia and Hart’s romance a bit too scripted whereby I knew what was to happen next. I enjoyed the story but found that it wasn’t quite as good as the first two books in the series. I must admit that I am looking forward to Finch’s story as there has been such a lead up to his story. Great to read about the duchesses and their kindness to Olivia.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Anne.
829 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2023
A thoroughly delightful read

The title of this book is perfect - it truly is delightful. I loved Hart and how he was able to see Olivia’s character and want to help her to gain confidence for herself before he pushed for what he really wanted, her hand in marriage. This book was passionate and intriguing. The misdeed that Hart was wrongly accused of was truly tragic and my heart bled for what he and his siblings endured. This series just keeps getting better and better and I eagerly await discovering the mystery of Finn. I wish that there were more than 5 Terrors - I am thoroughly enjoying their heartfelt tales and the continuity of the stories and the inclusion of the couples from the previous book in the series.
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,809 reviews134 followers
October 30, 2021
I loved this book. I like this whole series a lot.

I love how Alexa Aston writes. I just picked up her books for the first time in March and this is my 20th book by her.

I love the concept of this series and how great of a person each Duke is even though their families suck.

I am glad the Turner Terrors had each others backs.

Olivia and Hart were so fun to read.

I highly recommend but definitely read book 1 first to appreciate the characters more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
498 reviews5 followers
October 29, 2021
I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to like this book, but after the first 2 this series has gone downhill. I do still want to know Finch's story and that is the only reason I didn't DNF this book.
Yet another unexpected duke who falls in love with the first woman he sees.
There is no real conflict stopping out main characters from ending up together.
The writing especially the dialog is boring and stilted.
3,250 reviews33 followers
October 30, 2021
Delighting the Duke by Alexa Aston is the story about the fourth of five boys known as the Turner Terrors. They had all been sent to a school for incorrigibles by their parents and found their true families. All five had been accused by their fathers of crimes against the family and at least four of them were innocent. Interestingly they were all second sons who became dukes through the untimely deaths of their fathers, and often, guilty brothers. They are now adults, have been to university, been to war, and have returned to inherit their titles and estates. The first three have married and have children or children on the way and the newest duke is Aaron Hartfield, known as Hart, who has been home for several months and is now in London, joining his friends for the season, where he hopes to find a wife. He doesn't really think love is in the picture; he doesn't know if he is able to love. Lady Olivia Knight had her come-out five years earlier. At that time she had been a fat, unattractive blue stocking with no hopes of a marriage. The her mother died and she was sent of to live with her uncle Thro and aunt Beryl where she knew happiness for the first time in her life. She gradually transformed into a beautiful young woman who didn't need food to replace the love she deserved because she was getting the love. Then disaster struck, he uncle was dying and her father had returned to take her to London where he expected her to make a marriage so she would be off his hands. There is so much more to the story.

This has been a good series. I will be sorry to see it go. Of course, there are the overly privileged sons of the ton who take what they want, by whatever means necessary and the innocent young woman who are trapped by them. There are fortune hunters in both genders. Neither Hart nor Olivia was one of them. Hart wisely knew that Olivia needed to experience being wanted for herself before she would be ready to settle down. She needed that shot of self-esteem. All Olivia ever wanted was Hart, but because of her low self-esteem, didn't believe herself worthy. The two of them, meeting in the middle was magical. Of course, the other three Turner Terrors and their wives cheering them on was entertaining as well. Aston has written a compelling series and a terrific book. Any fan of Regency-type romance will love it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Delighting the Duke by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #alexaaston #delightingtheduke
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,474 reviews46 followers
November 20, 2021
An army major whose soul is stained by war. A lonely bluestocking who failed miserably during her first Season. Two strangers who bond over an injured kitten...
Aaron Hartfield is forced to leave the army and return to England to claim a title he never wanted when his brother is killed in a scandalous duel. Hart’s friends convince him to attend the Season in order to find himself a duchess and provide an heir—but he has no interest in making a love match.
After a disastrous come-out, bluestocking Olivia Knight retreats to her uncle’s vicarage in the country for five years. With his death, she returns to London and finds her father and loathsome cousin planning to choose a husband for her. Olivia is interested in a man’s character, while her relatives want her to secure a wealthy peer with a lofty title.
When Hart meets Olivia, he realizes no one else will do as his duchess, but he keeps silent, wanting her to grow in confidence and receive the attention she deserves before he offers for her.
An army major whose soul is stained by war. A lonely bluestocking who failed miserably during her first Season. Two strangers who bond over an injured kitten...
Aaron Hartfield is forced to leave the army and return to England to claim a title he never wanted when his brother is killed in a scandalous duel. Hart’s friends convince him to attend the Season in order to find himself a duchess and provide an heir—but he has no interest in making a love match.
After a disastrous come-out, bluestocking Olivia Knight retreats to her uncle’s vicarage in the country for five years. With his death, she returns to London and finds her father and loathsome cousin planning to choose a husband for her. Olivia is interested in a man’s character, while her relatives want her to secure a wealthy peer with a lofty title.
When Hart meets Olivia, he realizes no one else will do as his duchess, but he keeps silent, wanting her to grow in confidence and receive the attention she deserves before he offers for her.
Hart and Olivia are a perfect pair considering their penchant for each other.
Alexa Aston has done it again and written a book that says it all.
Profile Image for Gloria Pastorino.
Author 82 books56 followers
November 14, 2021
The Dukes Done Wrong series is almost coming to an end and the intriguing Turner Terrors are all heading to their happy endings. As they should, because they’re strong, honorable men who were unjustly accused of terrible things as children and sent away from their families, only to find a new family based on friendship and respect.
The main character of this book is Hart, who comes back from war to become the new Duke of Mansfield when his father and his brother die. He’s a broken man, still filled with hatred toward his family, and the war didn’t help matters at all. Now he’s looking for some peace and maybe a family of his own, since his fellow Turner Terrors are all happily married with children.
The heroine is Olivia and she’s as broken inside as Hart. She’s always been neglected by her family and despised even by her mother because she was overweight in her youth, and she only found some peace in recent years with the help of her aunt and uncle in the country. But now she has to come back to London and marry, whether she likes it or not.
Both characters are lovable in their own way. Hart is honorable, caring and deserving to find the love he was never given when he was a child. He also has very modern views on women and their worth and I appreciated him quite a lot for that. But Olivia is my favorite character. Despite her suffering, she is strong and tries to fight back every step along the way, even if she’s still very insecure of herself and of her worth.
I loved the way the author portrayed their interactions and their inner feelings. I also found myself on the brink of tears a couple of times during the book… Definitely a book worth reading, as is the entire series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for JenReviews4U.
475 reviews
October 24, 2021
A sweet, romantic story that kept me engrossed all day. I could not put this one down, Hart is all heart. So far, this book out of the series has been my very favorite.
As with the premise of the series, Aaron Hartfield never expected nor wanted to be the Duke of Mansfield but he is and he needs to learn all about the strict rules of the ton. I liked how the author made him vulnerable enough to actually make those mistakes and willing to learn from them, especially when Olivia is the one to school him about them.
I really wanted Olivia to have more of an outspoken voice however, she appeared too much to be back and forth, one moment strong, speaking her mind bluntly, the next meekly standing by and holding her tongue. For being a girl who grew up in the country and only having one season and not caring about the ton, she sure adhered to their rules a bit too much I felt.
I really thought this story was finished by the halfway mark when Hart declares Olivia is the one for him but in true Alexa Aston fashion, the story is just getting better and it does. The last half of the book is more riveting than the first half and I give this book my high recommendation.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review
4,137 reviews22 followers
November 21, 2021
This is Book 4 in Ms. Aston's Dukes Done Wrong series and my first experience reading something by this author. I have to say this was a very enjoyable book and I am planning to go back and read the previous installments I missed! Aaron returns from war and is forced to take his place in society, even though that is the farthest thing from what he wants. He enters society to find a duchess so he can do his duty and produce an heir. He has no interest in finding a love match. Olivia just might put a little dent in his plans on that aspect. Aaron sees her as the perfect duchess, but Olivia has some self-confidence issues. Before he offers for her, he wants her to become more confident in herself. Both Olivia and Aaron were two amazing and well-developed characters and you can't help but fall in love with them. They really brought out the strengths in each other and were a great couple. Both characters, especially Olivia did a lot of growing throughout the story. This was a thoroughly engaging, sweet, and entertaining read, I really enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading more of the series!

I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Lorraine.
1,161 reviews87 followers
September 25, 2023
Deerfield Park, England. September 1796. London, England. 1812. Alexa Aston’s Delighting the Duke (Dukes Done Wrong, #4) is the story of the 4th second son blamed for a horror that he did not do. Hart is sent to Turner Academy for ‘troublesome’ lords where he meets the four other ‘Turner Terrors’ who are attending the academy who ultimately become his real brothers. Hart chooses a life in the military. 1812. Hart must return to England to become a duke which he never wished to happen.
Hart is the fourth Turner Terror to become a Duke. He does not plan to marry for love or maybe not at all. Enter: Bluestocking Olivia Knight and an abused kitten. By chance Hart meets Olivia and the kitten. Possibly things will change. This series has been enjoyable as each Terror is quite different. Observing how his family of Terrors handle Hart and his situation is always interesting. Good people should win. Watching how the Terrors insert themselves to aid their ‘brother’ is amusing and fun! One Terror is left. He is single and a vicar. Wonder how that will play out as he is the only one not to share with the others why he was sent to Turner Academy! 4 stars.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,111 reviews13 followers
October 29, 2021
Five boys accused of horrible acts that did not commit, banished from their homes, and sent to Turner Academy, a school for troubled boys. They become brothers of the heart and are affectionately known as the Turner Terrors.

This is Hart’s story. Like his Brother Terrors, he is a banished second son who has unexpectedly become a duke. This time the elder brother died in a duel and the father from the shock of it, making Hart the new Duke of Mansfield. When he meets Lady Olivia Knight, she is confronting a group of rascals terrorizing a kitten. The attraction between them is immediate and grows steadily. There are some problems, her father and cousin, jealous suitors, and a double kidnapping. There are wonderful scenes with the other dukes and their happy families. Delighting the Duke is an engaging story, and a happy ending for another Turner Terror. I enjoyed it and recommend it and the series.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Wendy Tavenner.
1,324 reviews12 followers
November 1, 2021
Finding his Heart

I absolutely loved Olivia and Harts story. After being accused of drowning his younger brother Hart at age 10 was banished from his family and home and sent to the Turner Academy. It was the best thing to ever happen since he met 4 others accused of crimes they didn’t commit. They all became friends and brothers.
As he graduated from the University he got his commission to the Military. When he received word that his father and brother were dead that means he was the new Duke.
Olivia has a disastrous first season and asked to go live with her aunt and uncle in the country. All her parents ever did was berate her. She stayed in the country for 5 yrs when her father came to get her. She finds out her uncle is dying and she leaves with her father to have another season in London.
When Olivia rescues a kitten being tortured she meets a Lord who assists her and finds out he is a Duke. When she becomes friends with the Duchesses she believes she might be able to find a husband know with there help.
A beautifully written story with a wonderful ending.
Profile Image for Debra Martin.
Author 28 books250 followers
October 24, 2021
Aaron Hartfield was never supposed to inherit the dukedom. His father had banished him after the death of a younger brother, a death his older brother caused but would not own up to. After school Hart went off to war along with his fellow "Terror brothers" and only returned when he was notified of his father and brother's deaths. When he meets Lady Olivia Knight, he's immediately smitten, but Olivia has endured her own family troubles with a father who ignored her for her entire life. Can these two tortured souls find love?

This was another enjoyable story in this series. I loved both Hart and Olivia. I'm glad to see Olivia stand up for herself throughout the story although her father continues to berate her. I loved how all the wives of the other Terrors took Olivia under their wings and allowed her to really blossom. I can't wait to read the last Terror story. What exactly is Finch's story?

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
1,635 reviews15 followers
October 30, 2021
I really enjoy this series and can't wait for the last Terror's story.

The author does a wonderful job in filling in how the Terrors became friends. This is a stand alone, but I especially enjoyed books 1 and 2 of the series.

Great main and secondary character's. Nice to get caught up with all the Terrors and their wives.

Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 2.5 out of 5 if that. I did enjoy the spirit and banter with the h and her family. It was touching the beginning with the Uncle and out h, was very moving scene.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS! I wanted to find out what happened to Lady Lydia. Who did she end up with? What, if any gossip happened when their journey ended? What happened to the Earl? Everything was to pat with the Duchesses having some thing to pull them away. How did the villain know they would be alone? Some things left up in the air over the ending. END OF SPOILER'S.

No cheating, HEA, some romance and a tad of spice. (ljb)
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,001 reviews18 followers
November 1, 2021
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

A great addition to an already great series! I think Olivia may be my favorite of the women so far (and they have all been pretty great). I almost cheered out loud the first time she stood up to her father and cousin - it was clear right from that moment what type of character she was. The way Wynter, Meadow, and Emery immediately took Olivia under their wing reminded me why I had liked each of them so much in their own stories. And their mild meddling (along with their husbands) was really sweet. I had liked what I had seen of Hart in the previous books and loved getting to know him better in this one. The only thing missing from this story was Finch - he's mentioned but we don't actually get to see him. I can't wait for the next book in the series, but at the same time I'll be a little sad when these characters' stories have all been told.
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