This was a great third entry in the Strongs of Shadowcrest series. It had everything that I was looking for from the previous two books. The characters worked with the historical fiction element and enjoyed how everything worked together. I enjoyed the way Alexa Aston wrote this and can’t wait to read more.

I love the idea of the Strong family but this series overall continues to be underwhelming. MMC August is struggling with wounds received in the war and then losing his father and brother in quick succession. But mostly with his scars. FMC Georgina is perpetual sunshine, close with her family (and not very many others) and seemingly one of the few people who sees August as simply a man versus a scarred man. I don't normally mind a low stakes romance, but this one was too low stakes even for me. Pretty much the only thing standing between the couple is August worrying about people judging him based on his scars. And while appearance related insecurities can be a lot, I just didn't feel like his concerns were anything more than vaguely superficial. Georgina had pretty much no problems at all, except for August not falling over her from the start. I feel like Aston tried to create drama over the fact that she ended up debuting alone, but that didn't exactly strum my sympathy strings.

I plan to keep trying this series, though - I like Aston as a writer and I know this series doesn't reflect her true capabilities. For this book, though, I give it 2 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

Looking beyond appearance and getting to know someone for who they truly are is so important in life. Georgiana Strong was a perfect example of that and her relationship with August. Poor August had lost his eye in battle in France and really struggled being out in society thinking how hideous he looked.

I liked that another Strong sibling found love. Georgiana and August had to learn to stick up for eachother and get of what others thought. This romance was heartwarming with a couple kind and likeable characters.

I am looking forward to the sibling that gets to find love next. The Strongs are an eclectic bunch.

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

4 stars

I quite liked the story. There were no external protaganists just August self loathing for his loss of looks.
Georgie looks around to see if there are any other candidates for her hand and then plumbs for him. I thought the heavy petting in a park over looked by their houses seemed a bit risky and a bit out of sync with the August's character. There were a few historical bits that made me reach for google. such as when were hyperdermic needles used. Although Morphine was available apparently it wasn't admistered much until the needle was used...much later than this story was set in 1810. We meet again the Strong family and learn that Sophie and Pippa are pregnany. The epilogue was useful and I assume Mama is up next?

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

This is a new to me author. I liked her more than I thought that I would. I love reading historical romances and finding new authors. I’d love to read more by this author in the future.

A wounded hero who is finding his appearance difficult to live with is our hero in this historical romance. A woman who sees past the sacrifice he has made is just the heroine he needs.
This is part of a series surrounding a large family. Because of that you will enjoy it more if you read them in order. But each family member has their own story, so you can read any of them on their own. They are all "Strong" and loving characters, who have faced difficulties or understand those that have. In this particular story the danger was at the beginning, but the trauma doesn't stop there. I have read all of the books so far and will read all of them.
I loved it.

This is an enjoyable and entertaining read. August and Georgina are interesting and complex character's and the story is based on one of my favourite tropes of the wounded hero returning home from an author who always delivers well. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

This was the story of a man with physical and emotional scars who refused to believe that he had actually found his soulmate. It is part of a series and probably best if read in order. I read it as a freestanding book and I was constantly bombarded by the names of countless off-page characters. That being said, I was still able to enjoy the story.
Georgina was a level-headed young lady who was able to see beyond August's scars. The fact that she was able to do this enabled August to begin living his life more fully. Things came to a happy conclusion as soon as August realized that Georgina was the only woman for him. The book was character-focused and relatively low-steam. I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Wonderful Characters

The book touched me emotionally more than I had expected. The story is good and I immediately fell in love with the Strong family. The way they interact with each other and the strong bond between them and their friends is really great to witness. Georgina's character is wonderful. She is open, direct and she sees the people behind their scars and masks, which makes her instantly endearing. August's suffering and trauma is palpable and the rejection of him by society was painful to witness.

Although the book has many references and explanations to the previous books in The Strongs of Shadowcrest series , I do not recommend reading this book on its own, but rather starting at the beginning of the series.

When Captain August Holt is seriously wounded in the war against Napoleon and loses an eye and a few fingers, he is forced to sell his commission and return to England. His father has recently passed away and his older brother is also dying. On his deathbed, August promises his brother that he will marry during the season and provide an heir. But this turns out to be more difficult than expected. Like himself, society sees him as a monster, except for Lady Georgina and her family, who welcome him with open arms and protect him against the attacks of the ton.

Lady Georgina Strong and her family come to London to make their debut in society. When she meets her neighbour by chance, she is immediately fascinated by him and wants to get to know him better. But while she is celebrated by society as the diamond of the season, August, despite being the new Marquess of Edgethorne and his wealth, is ostracised by society because of his looks and Georgina protects him against the malicious attacks from members of the ton.

Although his feelings towards Georgina grow stronger, August is firmly convinced that she is not the right woman for him and that he cannot condemn her to a life with a monster and a recluse...

An enjoyable read that I’m glad to recommend!

Georgie and the Marquess...

I'm really enjoying this series.
August Holt was wounded in the war in a grisly manner, leaving him with only one eye and the loss of three fingers on one hand. He's an honorable man, new to his title of Marquess and determined to wed a wallflower for convenience only. He'll hide out in the country licking his wounds.

Georgie is young and making her come out. She's fascinated and smitten with her new neighbor, August. She finds all sorts of ways to waylay him at the bookstore. She's a success at her debut, so not a wallflower. Therefore, August determined he cannot marry her.

Great characters.
Recommend.

Lady Georgiana Strong doesn’t see anything wrong with Holt.. But an others see his physical flaws and not the person he is. She is strong but quiet. he is trying just to survive. This is one of the strongest families I have seen in writing. (No pun intended). I absolutely love this series and this book just punctuates the point. The plot is just what i come to expect of Alexa Aston. Strong and flowing with romance and expectations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

I have enjoyed reading about the unusual Storm family, especially as they defied convention in every way when hardship and scandal came their way. If anyone could weather a storm it is Lady Georgina and her siblings. Forced to resign his commission and return to the country he almost died fighting for, the Marquess of Edgethorne faces ridicule and insults as a result of his injuries. There is one person who sees behind the mask and Lady Georgina refuses to let August be disparaged in society, standing up for him when no one else will. Unfortunately, August's insecurities get in the way of him truly falling in love, until it finally dawns on him that he is already in love with her and all her actions have proven her feelings for him. August almost misses his opportunity to win the wonderful woman who has stood by him but good sense prevails and the novel concludes on a lovely note, bringing the Storms and those they love, together. I received a copy of this warmhearted romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This book is a scandalous season presenting a long lost duke and his working duchess, a scarred marquess and a diamond who’s anything but demure…
A wonderful romance with very strong beauty and the beast vibes!

In a matter of weeks August loses his father, his brother, his eye and three fingers, leaving him severely disfigured and slowly slipping into darkness. He promised his dying brother he would marry and have children, but how can he condemn his future family to life with a monster, albeit a wealthy titled monster? No, he will marry, do his duty and disappear… then why is he inexplicably drawn to the dazzling angel across the park?

Lively, smart and steadfast, Georgie is unlike any other debutante. She had expected to share her first season with her sisters and cousins, but suddenly finds herself facing an endless stream of suitors on her own, but there’s only one man who can hold her attention - a marquess new to his title. If only he could see beyond his scars and morose expectations of a marriage… because she won’t settle for anything but true love.

Their relationship is a cat-and-mouse game. They both know exactly who they want - their chemistry leaps of the page - but it proves a delicious, witty and sweet challenge to make it down the aisle. He may be the army man, but she’s the strategist. I love that Georgie isn’t the possessive kind, and that she’ll do just about anything to see August happy, even when he’s being a complete numbskull.

Gossip, good intentions and strong emotions, this story is a rollercoaster, and it was just great fun! The Strong family and their search for love is quickly becoming one of my new favourite series!

A wounded veteran home from the war, a second son who inherits, a new marquess who promises his brother that he’ll marry and continue the family line. The debutante he feels he doesn’t deserve.

Based on the synopsis, I really hoped to adore this story but unfortunately, I found this… underwhelming. The stakes were so low, and I wasn’t able to find a connection to it, or either of the main characters. Though well written, it was very slow and I didn’t find much that caught my interest until about 45% of the way in.

Although this specific story wasn’t for me, I’m rating it up to 3 stars because it is well written, and I will check out more of this series.



Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

When August returns home horrifically scarred from the war he finds that he is now a marquess that needs an heir. He meets Georgina who refuses to see his scars and instead sees the man he is. August, however, must be convinced he is good enough for the beautiful Georgina. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

Captain August Holt is gravely injured whilst fighting in the Peninsular Wars, he loses an eye and also bears a hideous scar running from his brow to his cheek from a sabre wound & also loses three fingers. He returns home in time to speak to his older brother, Peter the Marquis of Edgethorne, on his deathbed. Peter makes August promise to attend the Season the following spring and find a bride. Lady Georgina Strong was to make her debut in Polite Society with two of her sisters and two cousins but for one reason or another at the beginning of the Season, Georgie is the only one left to make her come-out. When August and Georgie meet, she is not repelled by his appearance in the least, seeing him for the man he is.
The third book in this brilliant series following the Strong family & they are a strong family, supportive, loving & caring. I loved both August & especially Georgie, he can not see past his wounds so has difficulty thinking anyone else can. From their first meeting Georgie doesn’t see his scars & the rest of her family also see the hero not the scars. I loved how she defended him on several occasions. I loved their journey to a HEA as August came to realise he wasn’t a monster. Another lovely, charming, delightful romance, which I devoured in two sittings, the characters have depth & are relatable, the pace is good & the epilogue was lovely
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

August has a hard time seeing past his disfiguring injuries. Georgina hardly sees them at all. Which August has a hard time believing that anyone as beautiful as her could do. She stands up for him time and time again against gossips. I think this world could use a lot more Georgina's in it. This book was a delight to read.

This book examines how the ton treated those who served in the war and came back with physical limitations or blemishes. Captain August Holt believes he will never be accepted because of his disfiguration. George meets him and from the first few moments is struck by Holt. She is looking for love, but is unsure how to tell when she's found it. Her strength, loyalty and sense of fairness stand out as she faces her first season. As she continues to show strength, August waffles in his fear of being a monster which he sees as unacceptable. This is truly a love story that shows love's progression, and the power love has to overcome adversity. A great read

August has just returned from the war and has scars both mentally and physically. He meets Georgina who has no problem defending him to the current ton. A beautifully written story that brings to light the beauty of a person from the inside out, instead of only on the surface. This is part of a series and can stand alone however if you have never read this author you are greatly missing out. She is one of my all time favorites and her series books are beyond compare. This story is only one of them as she brings these characters to life in a way that the reader can feel, engage and emphasize with. Don't miss this one.

A briliant story . August Holt is a Captain in the Peninsular Wars when he gets injured . He loses his three fingers from his left hand , his left eye and gains scars in his face . When he returns in England he learns that his father the Marquess is dead and his brother is dying . His brother before he dies makes him promise that he will marry . When he meets Lady Georgina Strong he discovers that she sees the man and not the scars like all the others . Georgie is looking to find a husband who will love him and love her back and want to raise their children together . At first he insist that all he want is to marry a woman have an heir and then live alone in his estate in Scotland . Spenting time with the Strong family will make him realise that he is not a beast and that his scars can't define him . Will Georgie make him realise what she is the woman that he needs ?
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .