Love Finds a Way

Sophia's cousin inherited her father's earldom. From the moment they met as children, his true colors showed. His first act was to throw her down the stairs and break her leg and kneecap. When he became earl, he treated her as a servant, gave her a small room in the attic, and made her teach the ton's children music while pocketing all the money. By chance, she met a kind duchess who introduced her to the man she would come to love. He was a duke, and she did not think she was worthy of him. She intended to play with an orchestra, and she knew the ton would not be kind or forgiving. Henry and Sophia would face challenges, but Sophia did not realize how powerful dukes were since she had not experienced the ton as no more than a music teacher. Would Henry finally convince her to be his duchess? What about Sophia's cousin? Surely, he would want her to continue to be under control. How would Henry handle him? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance, where the hero and heroine must fight injustice. I look forward to what comes next in this series.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Lady Sophia Sawyer, or Fia to her friends, has spent the last 6 years as little more than an indentured servant to her wicked cousin. After losing her parents, she believed that she was being called to London to take part in her season. Instead she was locked in a tidy room in the attic, and sent out to give music lessons to the children of the ton, all for her cousin's gain. In a chance encounter with the Dowager Duchess of Westfield, she finds a friend in both gran and Margaret, as well as an ally in both the Duke of Westfield, and the handsome Duke of Linberry. Henry always knew he would one day become Duke of Linberry, but he never expected to lose his father and grandfather in one day. Now coping with both his own grief, and that of his mother, he knows he needs to find a bride soon. However Fia is not the type of woman he expected, and he fights his attraction, but is he strong enough?

Another addition to the Suddenly a Duke series, and I really enjoyed the romance between Fia and Henry. Their story wasn't the easiest, and they had many obstacles to overcome, but it was worth it. Fia's childhood had been great, until her cousin Theo came to the family to take his place as heir. He was a cruel bully, hurting her physically and mentally, and has turned into even more of a cruel adult, especially when he inherits the title. Now Fia is fighting to get free, but she's scared of the repercussions. I loved that Margaret and Daniel took Fia in, and supported her in the season. She really flourished under their care, and the proximity to Henry allowed her to consider that she might be able to marry, and have a family like she's always wanted. A really enjoyable romance, and a part of what is set to be a great series!

Music for the Duke By: Alexa Aston

Late ARC Review - Released March 17 , 2023

Synopsis-

Lord Henry Vaughn witnesses the deaths of his father and grandfather and becomes the new Duke of Linberry. A decent, kind, and responsible man, Henry knows after this double tragedy that it is important he take a wife and provide a ducal heir since death can come calling unexpectedly.

Lady Sophia Sawyer loses both her parents closely together and mourns them the requisite year. When her cousin, the new Lord Parkhurst, calls her to London, she believes it is so she might make her delayed come-out. Instead, Fia is banished to live in the attic like a servant, while Parkhurst schedules her to give music lessons to children of the ton, keeping the fees for himself.

The couple meets through mutual friends and the duke is drawn to the quiet, golden-haired beauty. When Fia shares she wants to play and compose her own music, however, Henry is torn, worried what Polite Society would think of a duchess who is anything but conventional.

Will the duke learn to bend—and even let go of the ton’s rigid, unwritten rules—and instead choose to follow his heart?
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I adored this book 🥰.. to the point I dragged it wayyyy out , so it didn’t have to end 🤭. I loved the head strong determination of Fia . I loved that the Duke knew she was strong and let her be , but still fought for her 🫶. The tale of how music spoke to her and how it helped his mother , her grief , & their love 🎼. Just beautiful . Exquisite , and heartwarming . I’m so glad Pankhurst got his because he made me want to throw my phone.. 🤬on everything. Any who , READ IT! It’s fantastic!!!🙂📖
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Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice : 🌶️/5
Tropes : Historical Romance 💕

@authoralexaaston

#historicalfiction #historicalromancenovel #arcreview #arcreviewer #bookrecommendations #bookworm #bookreview #fivestarread #musicianromance #highlyrecommended #beautifulbooks #booksbooksbooks #fivestarreviews #musicfortheduke #dukeromance #alexaaston

This is the second book of Suddenly a Duke series. After the death of his father and grandfather, Henry becomes the new Duke of Linberry. He knows his duty and is ready to search for a wife and secure a ducal heir. Sophia has also tragically lost family, both her parents are gone. After her mourning period has been completed, her cousin Theo, the new heir and her guardian, calls her to London. She thinks it is so she can have her come-out, but in fact, he lines her up to give music lessons to children. Henry and Sophia meet through a mutual contact, and he immediately becomes smitten with her. Sophia, given her circumstances, sees herself as a servant in her cousin's home, and doesn't believe herself worthy of marriage. But Henry doesn't see it that way and sets out to show her she deserves not only marriage, but a family of her own. They have some work to do and overcome some obstacles and challenges before coming to their happy conclusion.
Ms Aston does an amazing job of bringing the story and characters to life with her vivid descriptions and attention to details. The story flowed well and kept my interest the entire time The characters were interesting and well-developed and were portrayed well. This was an entertaining and engaging story filled with intrigue, drama, and romance. I enjoyed the story and look forward to continuing the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

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

This is book 2 of Suddenly a Duke by Alexa Aston, but it can be read as a standalone story.

Lady Sophia Sawyer, affectionately known as Fia, was the beloved only daughter of Lord Parkhurst, an Earl. But because her parents can no longer have any other children, her cousin becomes the heir, and is brought to live in their home as a child. But he is a terrible violent bully and mistreats Sophia. When she loses both her parents at the age of 17, she is forced to be under the guardianship of her cousin. After her year of mourning, he sends for her to come to London. But rather than taking her due place in Society, she finds that she is dependent fully on him, and afraid of him as he is still an angry bully. She is treated worse than a servant, being forced to use her musical talents to teach the children of the Ton, as per the new Lord Parkhurst's schedule, is given a pittence of an allowance, and to live in a room in the attic. For years she suffers this, with her only respite being going to the country for a spell to teach a couple of her students more intensively. But she knows she has no choice, having no money and depending on Parkhurst for a roof over her head.

One day, while teaching, she is playing with her students when she is overheard by the Dowager Duchess of Westfield, who takes an interest in Fia, and introduces her to her grandson and his bride, the current Duke and Duchess of Westfield. They take an interest in her talents and when they find out her circumstances, encourage a friendship and a plan to interfere to help her. They introduce her to Westfield's friend, the new Duke of Linberry, Henry Vaughn. He had recently lost both his father and grandfather, suddenly gaining his title. He is planning on finding an appropriate bride this season, but is roped into helping Fia. Two Dukes taking up her cause may have more power over Lord Parkhurst. This gives Fia hope and her starts to plan for a future away from Parkhurst, to have control over her own independence and funds. She has not been raised in Society and after years of being treated as a servant, feels that she would be more comfortable working.

Linberry initially thought he wanted a Society bride to be his duchess, and to not fall in love and suffer loss as his mother suffered with the tragic loss of his father. But the more he sees Fia, the more he is attracted to her talent and beauty. They have to work to overcome her fears, Society's strictures, and Parkhurst's abuse to reach their happily ever after.

Kind of a Cinderella story, and Fia gets out from under the thumb of Parkhurst and he gets his just rewards. But I hate how the story started with the bullying cousin causing Fia such pain and abuse. I feel that her parents should have seen what was going on from the first and protected their daughter from her cousin, especially if they were so loving to her. Or karmic justice happens and he was forced to fall down the stairs and suffer just like he did to her.

3.75 stars out of 5

Music for the Duke is the second book in a series called Suddenly a Duke. Despite being part of a series, I found the book entirely readable without having read the first book. (Something I intend to take care of this week.) I am looking forward to the next book in this series by Alexa Aston.

When Lady Sophia Sawyer lost her parents she hid for a year mourning their loss and focusing on her music. After the year her cousin (now her guardian) called her to London, not to take her place and marry in the tonne, but to earn him money by giving music lessons to the tonne. Sophia is not given any of the money she earns and slowly becomes a shadow with no escape.

Lord Henry Vaughn is suddenly a duke. He saw the death of his father and grandfather happen. This event scars him and suddenly realizes how he needs to marry. In London, he believes he will find his future wife, someone who will understand the importance of her new role.

Of course they meet via friends and help Sophia escape her prison. Sophia is determined she wants to be free to play music with an orchestra which is not okay with the tonne. Henry is convinced he cannot have an unconventional bride.

I enjoyed Alexa Aston’s writing. I found the characters and the storyline interesting. Music for the Duke by Alexa Aston was a good read.

This story is another Cinderella version. Lady Fia is an earl's daughter but her father's title was inherited by a cruel cousin. Parkhurst makes her work hard teaching children to play but gives her none of the money. She's been outside of the ton and never had a season. But when she befriends a duchess or several they give her another place to stay as well as the courage to break free from Parkhurst. Henry Linberry is a young duke looking for a wife and there is an instalove type attraction between them. But Fia does not believe she is cut out to be a duchess. She just wants to make music but once the ton takes notice of her there is unpleasant gossip about unmarried women who play instruments for money. This was a pleasant story although occasionally Fia's decisions seemed rather self-sabotaging. I received a free copy and this is a voluntary review.

A music teacher being treated like Cinderella is the situation that Fia found herself in. Her evil cousin was having her teach lessons without any pay. Fia befriended our main characters from the previous book and they brought her into her home to get away, but also perform her music (and meet Henry a handsome Duke).

I really liked Fia and Henry's characters and similarities of dealing with the loss of a parent(s). Fia just wanted to make a life performing her music and hadn't thought of marriage. Henry didn't know what he wanted in a wife, but Fia and her music definitely warmed his heart.

I liked that it took a village and a bunch of friends to help assist in Fia having a better life. I also liked bringing back characters from the previous book in pretty major roles as well.

Painting and music, what will the next book bring? I hope that Margaret, Daniel, Fia and Henry all make appearances in future books.

Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Music for the Duke. Have you ever had in your family that one annoying, evil cousin who bullies you all the time. Somehow they Conveniently find ways to really get under your skin? They make you think of doing some unimaginable things to get back at them? Like when you were kids and all the cousins would gang up on the bully. You get them in trouble and then they would have to stay in the house while all of you are outside playing. Some of you would lick your tongue out at them or others would shake their Fanny at them as they look out at you through the window. You rile them up so that they would have that mean face, pouting and you all would fall down laughing uncontrollably? Yep. Those were the good old days.
Well imagine if you and that so called cousin are adults now and that cousin still finds their way to get under your skin. Their continual bulling and or harassing has got you at sixes and seven? What would you do to then? Ooooo their is a FeliCa in here that will make you see red. I did!
I found myself taking aggressive stances every time that weasel came into scenes. Let’s talk about the characters and how they performed in the story. Sophia and Henry. They are my favorite characters in this quaint love story. I found Henry’s character very likable.
He knew what he wanted. He took the initiative towards something that made him happy. Henry worked very hard at getting what he wanted with the help of some good friends, and a very determined Grand Duchess. Sophia motivational moments in the story were very important to her. I found them very respectful towards woman in her time frame.
She did get on my nerves a bit when she had to decide between love and a career. What about her cousin you ask? Lord Poop In His Pants Parkhurst? Sophia’s bully of a cousin. His character was exceptionally written for this story.
Parkhurst association with the other characters was absolutely terrific. I could just feel his venom seeping through his dialogue, and or actions, while he moved through the book. For me, I think his character steals the show, because I couldn’t wait to see how he was going continue in the book. I have to say this though.
Ain’t no way in H E double hockey sticks would I run away after a man has slapped me, and punched me in the face. I would tap into one of my personalities and conjure up Rhonda Rousey, while I sing Princes’s, song “Let’s Get Crazy” in my head. Yes sir! All the other characters were totally awesome in the book. They helped tremendously with the main characters, Sophia and Henry on their mission to the romantic parts of the story.
The plot to the story definitely hooks you into the book, as well as the characters. The actions and the pace of the story moves at just the right moments in the story. The romance was beautiful and very sweet. The story was very entertaining for me. I give this story two snaps and a, Parkhurst, I’m calling you out?
Sophia! Get Johnson to have you and the orchestra play DMX’s, Party Up (Up In Here). Until next time my fellow readers… read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Lord Parkhurst wins the award for being a cruel and nasty child and adult. What a horrible villain!
Henry and Sophia (Fia) both endured the loss of their parents. Fia had to live for several years in Parkhurst's attice and lived a life of servitude, when she really wanted to compose and make music.
Henry and Fia were wonderful characters, and I appreciated that Fia did not have to give up her gift of music which many young ladies had to do when they married.

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was the second in this new series, and is just as fun and sweet as the first. The only complaint I had is that I really wanted to know what the bow street runner found out…. I also hope that at some point, she gets her own story.

4 stars

Good story. Sophia loves music which is lucky because her atrocious cousin is making her work teaching music to the ton's children. He's also stealing her wages. Henry meets her via his friends Margaret and Daniel (from the first book) and though reluctant at first to help them rescue her eventually comes on board. Fia just wants to live independantly. The book describes who helps who hinders and how Henry comes round. Nice continuation of the series.

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

An emotional story of loss, sorrow and a journey to finding strength and love

Henry and Sophia are both struggling from losses of their family. He is taking his new responsibilities seriously and knows he needs to marry. Also help his mother in her grief.

Sophia on the other hand has been given a raw deal landing with her cousin who keeps her trapped and treated horribly.

As these two meet, it seems that there may be a life for them if they can get past a few obstacles...

This is a story of tragedy, greed, deception, abuse, kindness, friendship, loyalty, family and love. Lady Sophia (Fia) Sawyer lost both her parents in a short period of time. Her cousin, Theo, who assumed her father's title, wealth and lands has mistreated Fia by making her live in an attic room usually reserved for servants and makes her give music lessons to children whose parents are members of the Ton. Theo then keeps then money for himself only give Fia a very small amount of pin money. Henry Vaughn, the Duke of Linberry witnessed the death of his grandfather and father on the same day due to a tragic accident. His mother is so depressed she hardly does more than get out of bed. Fia has decided she does not want to marry and be under the control of another man. She only wants to escape her cousin and play music and compose songs. Henry has decided he needs to marry in the hopes that a wife and hopefully children soon will give his mother the much needed help to move out of her depression and making to live a happy life. When these two meet, there is a slight interest, but Fia realizes she is way below the Duke in social standings and she doesn't think she has a dowry. When Henry's new friends, the Dowager Duchess of Westifeld, the Duke and Duchess of Westfield decide to help this relationship along, things began to happen. There are some very 'steamy" parts in the story. You will discover the power of music as you read this story.

Lady Sophia Sawyer has been abused by her cousin Theodore, now Earl of Parkhurst, since she was a child. Now he has brought her to London, treats her worse than a servant, demands she give music lessons, and takes the money charged for the lessons. She wants out. What will it take for Fia to have a chance at the freedom she desires. How about tea with the Dowager Duchess of Westfield? Fia meets the current Duchess, Margaret, a duchess who is an artist, her husband, Daniel, and their friend, Henry, Duke of Linberry. Henry is taken with Fia, her beauty, her strength, and her music. He even asks her to use her music to help his mother who loves music, but is weighed down by the grief of the tragic loss of her husband. Will Henry be able to convince her that her loves her and will support her dreams? I enjoyed this story of strength and determination. Henry and Fia have doubts along the way, there is trouble from Cousin Theodore, help from a feisty lady Bow Street runner, and a lot of help from their friends. An emotional story with a beautiful ending, awesome characters, and lots of music.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Abused by her cousin, the Earl of Parkhurst, Lady Sophia Sawyer dreams of making a living with her music to get away from him.
Meeting the Dowager Duchess Westfield sets in motion the freedom she desires. Having had no season and treated as a servant, Sophia doesn't see marriage and children in her future. The Duke of Linberry has other ideas when he falls in love with Sophia. Now he just has to convince her marriage and a family are hers when she says yes. I love independent women and the men who love them enough to support them in whatever they do and this series definitely reinforces that view.
Heat level 2
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

I liked this book just a little bit more than Portrait of the Duke (and I liked that book a lot). I felt like Fia's story had more depth to it. She's a great study in how quickly someone's self-worth and confidence can be crushed by someone who truly mistreats them. Her cousin is pretty much the worst kind of person - he just seems to hate everything and to love being able to control someone like Fia. I am still not sure how I feel about how his story wrapped up, it kind of came out of no where and I would have loved to see him suffer more for everything he had ever put Fia through. As for the romance in this book, I loved it. We got to meet Henry briefly in the first book and I was so glad that he was going to be the focus of this book. His first chapter is pretty heartbreaking. I would have liked more between his mother and Fia as Fia helped the dowager come out of her mourning. I liked that we got to see Margaret and Westfield again and that they played more than just a passing role in the story. I also liked that Henry got over any reservations about breaking Society's rules faster than Westfield had in book 1. And Fia and Henry together were just so wonderful. They really were partners and helped each other overcome the tragedy of their respective pasts. My petty side would have liked just one moment in which Fia was able to stand up to all of those who had shunned her and made them regret their actions, especially the Capwells. There was a little preview into book 3 and I can't wait to read that as well!

I did like the character's of Margaret, Daniel and Daniel's grandmother from the first book and it was so nice to see them again in this book they do feature quite heavily in this story helping Fia out of her difficult situation and sponsoring her so I would recommend reading the first book if you can. I found this book an interesting well written read with lots of emotion and a villain and am looking forward to the next book in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Henry, Duke of Linberry is desperately trying to bring his mother out of her depression. Maybe if he finds a wife and gives her grandchildren that might help.
Our hero has always been a thoughtful and generous man, but is very new to the duties and responsibilities he now faces.
Lady Sophia Sawyer loves her music and giving music lessons to children, but nothing else in her life. Her horrible cousin has had total control over everything since the deaths of her parents.
Our heroine is talented, clever and not without courage. Her next steps will need all of that and more.
This historical romance is emotional and has fabulous characters, some of which you might have met in the previous book in the series. You can however quite happily read this book on its own.
Im looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Good fun.

An awesome book. Written about a women on the fringes who wants to stay there and have her freedom too.
I enjoyed the book about a women musician. This type of book isn't written very often simply because it wasn't allowed. I really enjoyed this book there is one steamy scene but it can be skipped over without repercussions.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.