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He’s a virgin who almost died at Waterloo... and now finds himself a duke.
She’s been told that kissing is important, and if she likes a man and has the opportunity... she should take it.
Lady Thea de Wolfe breaks her leg, causing her to miss her first London Season, one in which her sister, Diana, becomes the Countess of Merrifield, and Thea’s best friend, Amelia, weds Thea’s brother, Lord Reston. Seeing those closest to her find love has led Thea to dare to dream of the possibility of love coming to her.
Major Adam Ashbury arrives home from war to discover his cousin recently died in a phaeton accident, making Adam the new Marquess of Trumbull. Before he can get used to having a title, his uncle dies, and the former military man finds himself woefully unprepared to be the Duke of Durham. Adam can’t even dance—but he longs to find a duchess and create a new life for himself, one in which family and love play equally important roles.
A funeral first brings Adam and Thea together, followed, soon, by a house party, where their growing attraction finds fertile ground to blossom. Though other single women vie for the new duke’s attention, and Thea’s guardian is determined to keep her from kissing anyone before she makes her come-out, true love runs its natural course for the pair.
Thea is Book 3 in The de Wolfes of Esterley Castle and a part of the De Wolfe Pack Connected World. It can be read as a standalone.
She’s been told that kissing is important, and if she likes a man and has the opportunity... she should take it.
Lady Thea de Wolfe breaks her leg, causing her to miss her first London Season, one in which her sister, Diana, becomes the Countess of Merrifield, and Thea’s best friend, Amelia, weds Thea’s brother, Lord Reston. Seeing those closest to her find love has led Thea to dare to dream of the possibility of love coming to her.
Major Adam Ashbury arrives home from war to discover his cousin recently died in a phaeton accident, making Adam the new Marquess of Trumbull. Before he can get used to having a title, his uncle dies, and the former military man finds himself woefully unprepared to be the Duke of Durham. Adam can’t even dance—but he longs to find a duchess and create a new life for himself, one in which family and love play equally important roles.
A funeral first brings Adam and Thea together, followed, soon, by a house party, where their growing attraction finds fertile ground to blossom. Though other single women vie for the new duke’s attention, and Thea’s guardian is determined to keep her from kissing anyone before she makes her come-out, true love runs its natural course for the pair.
Thea is Book 3 in The de Wolfes of Esterley Castle and a part of the De Wolfe Pack Connected World. It can be read as a standalone.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2019
298 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Aston
150 books484 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
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...
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 56 reviews
September 19, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
I can’t get enough of Alexa’s books , every one has been wonderful, this is no exception, simply brilliant.
Thea and Adam have a great chemistry, they just click , a Match made in heaven.
As our special couple get closer, they show us what love is all about .
Trust , honesty and devotion, they have all this in spades and it’s heartwarming to read.
When all is said and done these two want the same thing , love and family, can they achieve their destiny?
It’s lovely to see Diana and Oliver Back to, they of course began this series.They are chaperones for Thea as she enters publicly into society.
Highly Recommended Read
💋💋
I can’t get enough of Alexa’s books , every one has been wonderful, this is no exception, simply brilliant.
Thea and Adam have a great chemistry, they just click , a Match made in heaven.
As our special couple get closer, they show us what love is all about .
Trust , honesty and devotion, they have all this in spades and it’s heartwarming to read.
When all is said and done these two want the same thing , love and family, can they achieve their destiny?
It’s lovely to see Diana and Oliver Back to, they of course began this series.They are chaperones for Thea as she enters publicly into society.
Highly Recommended Read
October 6, 2019
Another cute short story in this entertaining de Wolfe world (based on the family of my favorite book by Kathryn Le Veque's "The Wolfe"). All of Alexa Aston's books in The de Wolfes series have been terrific. She is a great addition to the de Wolfe family of books!
September 29, 2019
A lovely story of the heart that made me believe in love all over again. Alexa Aston, with her beautiful writing style and character creation always make me feel I am right there looking down on the story unfolding. She truly has a gift and her regency tales have captured my imagination, having me anxious for the next one as I have turned the last page.
Major Adam Ashbury has gained the title of Duke of Durham, one he had not ever given any thought to but with the death of his reckless cousin and then his devil of an uncle it happened very quickly. He was really not prepared, but he did know one thing for certain. He wanted to find love and quickly marry and have the family he had never been part of with his upbringing. Can I say I adored Adam? I mean truly adored him and his longing for love?
He had spotted Lady Thea de Wolfe at his cousin's funeral and was immediately drawn to her. Love at first sight maybe, almost? She wanted love as well, after seeing her brother so happy.
As these two are brought together, can they find a happy ever after together?
A truly wonderful read that made my heart smile and I know it will your's too! Do not miss this or any in this series. Sigh...
Major Adam Ashbury has gained the title of Duke of Durham, one he had not ever given any thought to but with the death of his reckless cousin and then his devil of an uncle it happened very quickly. He was really not prepared, but he did know one thing for certain. He wanted to find love and quickly marry and have the family he had never been part of with his upbringing. Can I say I adored Adam? I mean truly adored him and his longing for love?
He had spotted Lady Thea de Wolfe at his cousin's funeral and was immediately drawn to her. Love at first sight maybe, almost? She wanted love as well, after seeing her brother so happy.
As these two are brought together, can they find a happy ever after together?
A truly wonderful read that made my heart smile and I know it will your's too! Do not miss this or any in this series. Sigh...
December 15, 2019
Rating: 3.5/5.0
For readers looking for an easy-to-read, uncomplicated regency, "Thea" hits the mark. Adam and Thea make a lovely pair and seeing them find their happily-ever-after is a pleasure!
Read full review in the 2019 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
For readers looking for an easy-to-read, uncomplicated regency, "Thea" hits the mark. Adam and Thea make a lovely pair and seeing them find their happily-ever-after is a pleasure!
Read full review in the 2019 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 24, 2019
Lady Thea de Wolfe missed her first London Season, due to a broken leg. House bound for the entire season; she has been told that kissing is important and if she likes a man, she should take it. Of course, she found nothing out about kissing as her season never happened. Major Adam Ashbury arrives home from fighting the French and discovers that his cousin and uncle have both died and he is now the Duke of Durham. Just how is a military man that knows only how to fight and nothing of running an estate, suppose to prepare to be a Duke? Not only that but he is recovering from wounds and suffers from terrible nightmares of losing men and fighting. Adam first meets Lady Thea at a funeral and are thrown together at a house party where a growing attraction seems to be brewing. Alexa Aston has wonderful characters; a wonderful romantic story line and the readers must keep turning the pages to find out the conclusion. Thank you, Alexa, for your wonderful deWolfes of Esterley Castle.
September 24, 2019
Spotting an attractive female across the cemetery during the burial of his uncle, the new Duke of Durham, Adam Ashbury, is intrigued. He finds that she is Thea de Wolfe, has not had her “coming out” due to a broken leg and he decides to find a way to become better acquainted with her. His Aunt Louise plans a house party to assist with his scheme. Thea had noticed the Duke at the service, but knew that her chances to formally meet him were very limited. Accepting the invitation to the party, Thea is very enamored with Adam and the story to their happily ever after begins.
This was a very refreshing story. The hero and heroine know that they want to meet and the hero doesn’t have a mistress or two hiding that he needs to end their relationship. I really enjoyed the third story in this series and am hoping for more!
This was a very refreshing story. The hero and heroine know that they want to meet and the hero doesn’t have a mistress or two hiding that he needs to end their relationship. I really enjoyed the third story in this series and am hoping for more!
September 24, 2019
The Atlas Map
A beautiful love story of two meant for each other. Adam home from the war and now new Marquees of Trumbull only to find himself the Duke of Durham. He wanted a wife to love and a family, but he had never been with a woman. He was unsure how to do anything until his Aunt stepped in and tutored him. Lady Thea de Wolfe had missed her London season due to a broken leg but now healed she found herself as a houseguest of the Duke. A game of The Atlas Map led them to the real deal. A honeymoon traveling the atlas and making memories for a wonderful life together. The ghosts of Trumbull were gone forever with only smiles and love.
A beautiful love story of two meant for each other. Adam home from the war and now new Marquees of Trumbull only to find himself the Duke of Durham. He wanted a wife to love and a family, but he had never been with a woman. He was unsure how to do anything until his Aunt stepped in and tutored him. Lady Thea de Wolfe had missed her London season due to a broken leg but now healed she found herself as a houseguest of the Duke. A game of The Atlas Map led them to the real deal. A honeymoon traveling the atlas and making memories for a wonderful life together. The ghosts of Trumbull were gone forever with only smiles and love.
September 24, 2019
Lady Thea de Wolfe breaks her leg, causing her to miss her first London Season, but she finds a best friend in her brother’s new sister-in-law Amelia Reston who stays by her side as she recuperates. Major Adam Ashbury arrives home from war to discover he’s to be the Duke of Durham. He’s woefully unprepared for his responsibilities and needs to find a duchess to help him and create a new life for himself and a family. At first site Thea and Adam are attracted to each other, and her guardian is determined to keep her safe until her coming out ball. Thea and Adam are perfect for each other and soon love blossoms between them. I loved this captivating story and I voluntarily wrote a review.
September 22, 2019
Major Adam Ashbury hasn't been home from the wars for very long. He has already inherited twice. Now he finds himself a Duke without the slightest idea how to be one.
Lady Thea de Wolfe came to London to enjoy her sister's season that she should have been sharing if she hadn't broken her leg. She's now fully recovered but the season is ending.
This is a short but very sweet historical romance, with fabulous characters. I have met a few of them before in the previous books in the series. All the books are good fun and very easy reading.
Very enjoyable.
Lady Thea de Wolfe came to London to enjoy her sister's season that she should have been sharing if she hadn't broken her leg. She's now fully recovered but the season is ending.
This is a short but very sweet historical romance, with fabulous characters. I have met a few of them before in the previous books in the series. All the books are good fun and very easy reading.
Very enjoyable.
September 24, 2019
Loved
I lived reading about the de Wolfe family from William to now!
In this book you get to know Thea de Wolfe. You read a little about her siblings Diana and Dereck.
Now for the male character the new Duke of Durham, Adam Ashbury
With Adam having to take over the duties of the Duke, he really feels out of place. With the help of his aunt he has a week long party so that he could find a Duchess .
He already has one picked out. Now it’s a waiting game to see if they can
get along!
I think that to enjoy this book it needs to be read!!!!
I lived reading about the de Wolfe family from William to now!
In this book you get to know Thea de Wolfe. You read a little about her siblings Diana and Dereck.
Now for the male character the new Duke of Durham, Adam Ashbury
With Adam having to take over the duties of the Duke, he really feels out of place. With the help of his aunt he has a week long party so that he could find a Duchess .
He already has one picked out. Now it’s a waiting game to see if they can
get along!
I think that to enjoy this book it needs to be read!!!!
September 24, 2019
Beautifully Written!
This is one of the best books i,ve read in a while, it's one of those books that will bring a smile to your face, and warmth to your heart.
Thank you! For writing such a beautiful story. ❤❤
This is one of the best books i,ve read in a while, it's one of those books that will bring a smile to your face, and warmth to your heart.
Thank you! For writing such a beautiful story. ❤❤
October 2, 2019
SHORT STORY. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, while the characters were cute...the instalove took the fun out of everything. And it was a clean romance. Just kisses, no sex.
May 13, 2022
Adam (new Duke of Durham after the skeezy former Trumbull dies in the phaeton accident) and Thea. Having never spoken but seeing each other at Trumbull's funeral, it is love at first sight. His aunt returns after being exiled by the former douchey Durham and guides him on how to act in society. He's the former military man and never went to college and is a virgin. The aunt throws a house party and invites her and some other eligible people. After putting together a puzzle and him watching her shoot he has the feels. They kiss and its love. This was kind of disappointing as there was no romance outside of their kiss. Like none. I'm surprised this is a book by Alexa Aston because its so not her style.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2020
He knew in an instant.
After several months recovering from a serious wound from the war, Adam returns to England on the death of his cousin. Soon after his uncle dies, too. A chance glance at the funeral, Adam, now the new Duke of Durham, makes eye contact with the beautiful Thea de Wolfe. A house party at his new home gives them a chance to kiss. A kiss becomes more kisses and Adam makes an offer. A competitive debutant and highwaymen just confirms their love for each other.
An easy short read.
After several months recovering from a serious wound from the war, Adam returns to England on the death of his cousin. Soon after his uncle dies, too. A chance glance at the funeral, Adam, now the new Duke of Durham, makes eye contact with the beautiful Thea de Wolfe. A house party at his new home gives them a chance to kiss. A kiss becomes more kisses and Adam makes an offer. A competitive debutant and highwaymen just confirms their love for each other.
An easy short read.
June 16, 2021
Didn't do it for me
Although I enjoy Alex's books, this one was very anticlimactic. The perilous portion of the story felt like it was just inserted into the story, when I was hoping for some trouble brought about by the two house party guests that were not seen in a favorable light while visiting the Duke's home. I thought they might reek some havoc on the newly betrothed couple. Having read, and enjoyed the rest of the books in this series...this one was a let down.
Although I enjoy Alex's books, this one was very anticlimactic. The perilous portion of the story felt like it was just inserted into the story, when I was hoping for some trouble brought about by the two house party guests that were not seen in a favorable light while visiting the Duke's home. I thought they might reek some havoc on the newly betrothed couple. Having read, and enjoyed the rest of the books in this series...this one was a let down.
July 22, 2025
Short and sweet
A lovely story of love at first sight. Not that all of this author's stories don't pretty much have that theme. But this one . . . Thea, I think learned from watching her siblings. The new Duke, though he had never known love, was open to finding it. A lot was covered in this novella. There was even some heart stopping drama. An excellent bedtime story. Happy dreams.
A lovely story of love at first sight. Not that all of this author's stories don't pretty much have that theme. But this one . . . Thea, I think learned from watching her siblings. The new Duke, though he had never known love, was open to finding it. A lot was covered in this novella. There was even some heart stopping drama. An excellent bedtime story. Happy dreams.
August 18, 2024
Great read!
I really enjoyed Adam and Thea’s HEA. I especially liked that the snobby girl didn’t get the Duke. I also loved that Thea and Diana beat the tar out of the highwaymen!
The whole de Wolfe series was entertaining with a totally different plot twist to each one. The characters were very real and interesting. Once again Alexa has given us a great series.
I really enjoyed Adam and Thea’s HEA. I especially liked that the snobby girl didn’t get the Duke. I also loved that Thea and Diana beat the tar out of the highwaymen!
The whole de Wolfe series was entertaining with a totally different plot twist to each one. The characters were very real and interesting. Once again Alexa has given us a great series.
March 26, 2022
The de Wolfes
Another great series filled with emotion, adventure and stories that make you want more!
Real life situations you can put yourself into and feel the sadness, happiness and the reality of what life sometimes throughs our way and the resilience to get through it!
Another great series filled with emotion, adventure and stories that make you want more!
Real life situations you can put yourself into and feel the sadness, happiness and the reality of what life sometimes throughs our way and the resilience to get through it!
June 20, 2022
Predictable
Once again the hero and heroin fall in love with no qualms or surprises before the book barely gets started. To me this makes the story too predictable and almost boring. I'm disappointed in Ms. Aston.
Once again the hero and heroin fall in love with no qualms or surprises before the book barely gets started. To me this makes the story too predictable and almost boring. I'm disappointed in Ms. Aston.
November 21, 2022
Anything de Wolfe!!
I have really enjoyed this World of de Wolfe series by Alexa Aston. She did a great job bringing descendants of Kathryn le Veque's THE WOLFE to life.
This a multiple repeat read for me. I highly recommend this three book series.
I have really enjoyed this World of de Wolfe series by Alexa Aston. She did a great job bringing descendants of Kathryn le Veque's THE WOLFE to life.
This a multiple repeat read for me. I highly recommend this three book series.
April 17, 2020
Wonderful !!
So exciting!
Alexa makes her characters so human !
So many human emotions ,
An exhilarating story !
I loved it !
So exciting!
Alexa makes her characters so human !
So many human emotions ,
An exhilarating story !
I loved it !
Read
May 29, 2020Awesome book, I would recommend this book and the rest of the series to everyone... Can't wait to read more of her books.... Couldn't put this book down until I finished it...
October 17, 2020
Another great book
I enjoyed this book too. Adam and Thea had found true love. I liked the name you gave the daughter as that is my middle name Joy.
I enjoyed this book too. Adam and Thea had found true love. I liked the name you gave the daughter as that is my middle name Joy.
April 20, 2021
SOOO cute..
great series.
Loved Thea and Adam!!
great series.
Loved Thea and Adam!!
November 20, 2021
Adam and Thea
It was love at first sight at the funeral for Trumball and they had a lot in common including their love of travel.
It was love at first sight at the funeral for Trumball and they had a lot in common including their love of travel.
January 18, 2022
Quick read , but entertaining.
March 22, 2022
A great read
It was a page turner. It was well written. It was hard to put down. It has all the feels.
It was a page turner. It was well written. It was hard to put down. It has all the feels.
May 18, 2022
Love the series from this author
September 17, 2022
How does she keep doing it?
Yet another great read. She keeps you on edge and brings joy in spite of all the turmoil. On to the next book.
Yet another great read. She keeps you on edge and brings joy in spite of all the turmoil. On to the next book.
May 5, 2025
perfect book
I don’t think there was anything I didn’t like about this book. I don’t know what else to say. ❤️
I don’t think there was anything I didn’t like about this book. I don’t know what else to say. ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews