Another wonderful read from Alexa Aston. Characters are likable and the story well-written and engaging. I am never disappointed when reading a book from Ms. Aston. Can't wait to read the next.
Thank you Alexa Aston, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

I love Alexa Aston's books. She is so good at creating fun stories with likeable characters. Debating with the Duke is not an exception. Great
Book that keeps the reader interested. Great job

The Duke and the Matchmaker

She was too outspoken for him, but his heart didn’t care. He told her he would not have her as his duchess, and he asked her to find him a bride. Then, what did happen? Could the shy duke have changed his mind? Could he have fallen for a woman, opposite him, in every way? Two people fell victim to lack of communication, which lead to misunderstandings and heartbreak. Luckily, the heartbreak would not last, but it might cause you to shed a few tears for the two miserable souls who would feel much better, if only they would talk. I enjoyed this story. It was not their misery that I enjoyed. Could it have been the emotions that the book Induced? It is difficult to say, but romance between two people, especially when they resist, is sweet when it finally ends in happiness.

DNF at 38%

I didn't feel emotionally invested as I didn't connect with either MC. I also didn't feel like there was any chemistry between the MC's.

What I did appreciate, though, was the author explaining the rules of high society / the ton throughout the text. This is especially helpful when you're new to the historical romance genre, like I still am. However, that was not enough for me to keep reading.

3.5 stars.

I haven't read Alex Aston before but it seems similar to many other historic romance books where it is always seems to be based on the series, and it is all about the kiss and their sexual attraction that everything else becomes secondary and ignored. I like more character development, I prefer the tension growing between the main characters (by delaying any physical connection and growing their emotional one instead). So this book was not for me.

Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy in exchange of an honest review.

This is a well-written, sweet book! Adelyn and Everett-- such good names! Lady Adelyn is a happy, confident woman who has enjoyed London society for the social whirl and matchmaking for friends and acquaintances, instead of for the goal of finding a husband. Her cousin is recently married with a baby, and Adelyn starts to feel the pang of wanting a family, so Adelyn decides that this is the season she will marry. Everett is newly back from the Napoleonic wars, due to his brother dying and inheriting his brother's title. Adelyn begins to try to match Everett up with ladies, and they both try to avoid the pull towards each other instead.
I really liked the story, the dialogue and I loved Adelyn! Everett slightly annoyed me, and the story was a little implausible with his manipulation to marry Adelyn and their rocky start. But overall it was a great read and I really enjoyed this book. It is the second in the series and could be a standalone read, but I liked Adelyn's cousin and her husband so much that next on my reading list is the first in this series as well.

This was a slow starter, but got better as the story moved along. It must be part of a series, because the hero is a member of a group called "Second Sons" and there is a recap as we are brought up to date. The hero is the second of the group to inherit his older brother's title. The hero is concerned because his brother was murdered and it seems the circumstances are suspicious. And his brother's best friend, one of the hero's friend's older brothers, was also assaulted and is not recovering and maybe that will be the next in the series. But the author is trying all the story lines together quite neatly.
Our heroine is about 24 years old and considers herself a match maker. She and her cousin are looking for husbands this season and their good friend is married to a "Second Son". The friend's wife offers to introduce the hero to her friends because he is a recluse and shy. He meets them and asks to meet the heroine's cousin because she is shy like himself. He is not interested in the heroine because she is lively and bright and likes to be in society. He is happily concerned with the plan to court the cousin, until he realizes that he needs to have children and their contact needs to be a spark or sizzle. So he asks the cousin for a kiss to see if they will get along and she agrees because she wants a spark or sizzle also. When they kiss, nothing, like kissing a grandparent. She is upset and leaves the room after agreeing that they will not suit and bumps into the heroine. The heroine is mad because the hero has upset her cousin and he decides to shut her up by kissing her. And they both feel like lightning has struck.
This book has romance mixed with adventure, mystery,drama and comedy. It is a good story that I would like to read again. I would give this 5 stars and a recommendation to read..

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

Lady Adalyn Porter has been a leader in society ever since her come out, and though she's had many proposals in the past, she's always turned them down, and rather found matches of others instead of herself. But following her cousin, Tessa's, wedding and baby, Adalyn is looking for her own family. When Tessa and her husband Spence bring the newly minted Duke of Camden around, ready to introduce him to the ton, Adalyn is shocked by how dull he is, until he kisses her. Major Everett Wayward never wanted to be duke, and was happy in his military role, but fate has brought him home, and he's determined to marry quickly, and to the perfect duchess, but while Miss Louisa Goulding may be that person, Everett can't stop thinking about Lady Louisa.

This book was everything I wanted for Adalyn, after meeting her in book 1. Adalyn was a very confident woman, beloved by the ton, but inside she had a vulnerable side, and her hopes and dreams were ones she could never wish for. Her and Everett were completely different personalities, but together, they opened the other up to seeing more of life, and shared more with each other than they ever had before. There were a lot of moments when the couple could've solved their issues by simply talking about them, but everything was right in the end, and I couldn't be happier with the ending. I hope book 3 is Louisa's story, she deserves to find love like her cousins have!

alexa aston books always have me hooked. this one was a good one. I like the stories and have me wanting to read more.

Ms. Aston's Second Sons of London series continues with this captivating second installment. Everett, is the new Duke of Camden. His brother was murdered while he was away at war fighting against Napoleon, forcing him into his new role and title. He sets about learning his duties and is aware that one of those duties involves marrying and siring an heir to continue the family line. He is shy in nature, and he know finding a love match would be difficult, so he sets his mind to find a woman that would be a good duchess and good mother to their children. When he meets Adalyn, his first impression is that they would definitely not suit and finds her to be too outspoken and bold. He decides her cousin Louisa who is more like him would be a better match. Ah, but the heart has ideas of its own. Opposites clearly attract as Adalyn and Everett are pulled closer and closer together. But misunderstanding and miscommunications pose a challenge to their relationship as they struggle to reveal their feelings. Never underestimate the value of a good friend, as they are the ones who help them through this struggle. A very charming and entertaining addition to the series! Looking forward to more!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

2nd of a series but works as a standalone. Everett is the 2nd of the 2nd sons to inherit a title he never expected to have. He returns to London on the heels of battle and finds himself in need of a wife. Matchmaker Adalyn agrees to help Everett find a wife while also deciding to take a husband of her own. Neither believes the other is the perfect spouse for them until they realize they are.

ARC via Net Galley. All opinions are my own.

A serious duke who has been shattered by war. An opinionated beauty with no interest in marriage. A kiss that should be wrong but is more than right…What a great story! Alexa Aston knows how to create captivating romance with characters that are realistically flawed - bringing them together with the perfect partner and soulmate. This is an opposite’s attract story with a blend of “when the spare inherits” and marriage of expectation. This is an entertaining story with low level steam yet full of feels. I recommend reading the series in order for the most enjoyment. As always I adore every book of hers that I read and eagerly await the next!

4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚I received a review copy of this story from Dragonblade Publishing and this is my honest and unbiased review. 📚

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

I was glad to see that Adalyn was the heroine of the story; I liked the relationship between the cousins in the first book.

This is the story of Adalyn and Everett, the new Duke of Camden. He was the shy friend from Eton, to Spencer, from book 1. His brother was murdered by cutthroats while he was in the army and he left the field to become the new Duke. After learning to manage the estates and his homes, with the help of Spencer and Tessa, he is aware he has a duty to marry and continue the line, and has a specific idea of what he wants. He thinks, because of his incredible shyness, that he would not be able to find a love match like Spencer, and concentrates on what he thinks will make a good duchess and mother.

On meeting Adalyn and Louisa, cousins of Tessa, he decides that the outspoken, bold, popular social butterfly Adalyn is not for him, and that the quieter Louisa would make a suitable duchess. However, ultimately he and Louisa are not attracted to each other, and he cannot deny his physical attraction to Adalyn, despite fighting it hard.

Their relationship is hampered by miscommunication, and misunderstanding of each others wants/needs in a partner, as well as some rather silly lies/fibs. Adalyn is a bold and outspoken woman, but I can empathize how Everett, who is very shy and a bit socially awkward, could be put off by her. But opposites can attract, and perhaps the intent would be that they could bring out the best from each other; Everett could temper Adalyn's exuberance, and she could help him out of his shyness. In general I did enjoy this story and am intrigued by how the story would go with Louisa... but there were just some things that did not sit right with me - chief would by the ruse by which Everett convinced Adalyn to marry him with to begin with. It seemed contrived and deceitful, and ultimately unnecessary; why not just admit his attraction to her and propose, rather than force her hand and compromise her?

3.25 stars out of 5.

An opposite attracts scenario with the Duke being a former soldier second son who was never meant to become Duke. No real problems with the match just them thinking they will not suite and not knowing how to act in society. Not my favourite book by the author but readable. This is my honest opinion on this book.

Debating with the Duke by Alexa Aston is the second book in the Second Sons of London series, and I absolutely loved, loved, LOVED every moment of it. The characters were fully developed and lively. The banter and interaction between the two main characters is delightful; however, if you’re looking for a high steam book, this is not it. But that’s okay because this book will still leave you feeling warm and tingly on the inside.

Major Everett Wayland has just inherited a title that he is ill prepared to receive. But just because he’s ill prepared, does not mean he’s not determined to be the very best Duke he can be…especially since his brother, the previous Duke of Camden was such a scoundrel. First order of business, learn how to manage his dukedom with the help of his best buddy Spencer. After that, produce an heir, which means he’s got to find the perfect woman to be his duchess. One who’s quiet, docile…reserved. So when he first encounters Lady Adalyn…the absolute opposite of what he’s looking for, his dislike for her is immediate.

Lady Adalyn Goulding is beautiful, outgoing, and vibrant. She positively sparkles and Ev can’t help but be drawn to her, even if she is wrong for him. Being wrong for him, however, does not mean that she can’t help him find his bride. As the two of them navigate the marriage mart together, they soon realize there is something simmering between them. But a series of unfortunate incidences and lack of communication threaten their happily ever after.

I found this book to be both entertaining and charming. Overall, a very good read. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series…and encourage you to pick this book up if you have not done so. I strongly recommend reading book one before starting this book as it picks up immediately where it left off although with a new story and of course new main characters.

England 1814

A charming addition to this series that I enjoyed so much!

The second son, Everett had done as expected and went off to battle. Unexpectedly though, he older brother was killed and he was to step into the title of Duke. Not having any idea how to navigate that title, he first went to see his good friend and meets his wife's cousin Lady Adalyn.

Adalyn has become known as a matchmaker for the ton. But know she is ready to settle down and find a match of her own. Upon meeting Everett, she thinks him a little stiff, but feels a buzz of attraction. Of course he has specific ideas about his future duchess and it doesn't include a lady like herself! He wants more of a calm, soft spoken lady and that is definately not her.

But when the arrow hits, what can one do? A tension filled journey to love that is well worth the reading every word!

This was a slow book, but still very good. I got afraid when they talked about betting but Aston thankfully took another rout
3,5⭐️

Major Everett Wayland is one of the "second sons" a group of friends who knew they wouldn't inherit a title. As is normal they all joined the army. Now after the murder of his brother, Everett finds himself the Duke of Camden with no idea how to act.

Lady Adalyn Porter has been out in Society for a few years, but this year she has decided she will find a husband for herself instead of matchmaking for others. Making a list of desirable qualities is the right way to start.

This historical romance has fabulous characters that have serious communication problems. Friends play a huge part in their lives. An interesting and amusing story that is the second in the series. Each book can be read on it's own.

Good fun.

Major Everett Wayland is in Spain fighting in the war when he receives word his brother has died, and he is the new Duke of Camden. Everett returns to England and is overwhelmed by his new title, all that he has inherited, and how to navigate society. He decides he needs a wife to help him. Not knowing where to start, he turns to one of his best friends, Spencer Haddock, Lord Middleton, and his wife Tessa. Tessa introduces Everett to her two cousins hoping he will make a match with one of them, and also because Lady Adalyn Goulding has a reputation of being somewhat of a society leader and has a reputation of being a matchmaker.
Everett and Adalyn are both stubborn individuals, they initially rub each other the wrong way, and there are quite a few misunderstandings between them.
I love this series and Alexa Aston has written a wonderful romantic story. I highly recommend it for your reading enjoyment.
I received an advance copy through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Another second son must sell his commission and return to England. Everett, Major Wayland, is the new Duke of Camden. His first move is to seek the help of one of the Second Sons of London, Spencer, Earl of Middlefield. While Spencer is willing and able to help teach Everett his duties as a duke, his wife, Tessa, has plans of her own, to find Everett a wife. Either of her two cousins, Adalyn or Louisa would be perfect. Everett does not believe he can find love in a marriage. He thinks he should marry a lady with his own personality, quite and shy. Vivacious and a leader of the ton, Adalyn longs for love. Everett tells Adalyn that they do not suit, but he regrets his quick judgment when he falls in love with her. He needs a plan to make her his wife. Once again Everett goes into battle. The second book in the series is just as much fun to read as the first. It is pure romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.