Debating With the Duke by Alexa Aston is the second book in the Second Sons series. His brother had always been a monster so it was not a surprise when he was notified of his death at the hands of a murder. That made him the duke, a position he did not want and was not equipped for. Everett, the new Duke of Camden had been in England for several months, earning how to be a duke, before he sought out his friend, Spencer, Haddock, Lord Middleton, and his new wife. He liked her immediately and she set about preparing him for the season. There was so much he needed to know if he were to find a wife, a duchess. To that end, Tessa hosted a small dinner part, just family, including her two female cousins. Ev was immediately taken by one of them; she would make the perfect duchess, but when he visited her they discovered, mutually, that they were destined to be friends. He then decided that Adalyn, the other cousin, who purported to be a matchmaker, could help him find a wife. As they made up a list of desirable attributes, their overwhelming physical attraction took over, but both realized it could never happen again.

This was a case of two people who both thought they were wrong for the other, coming together in a most entertaining way. Ev was quiet and shy; Addie was the opposite. Nothing about her was on his list of desirable traits. Yet, he was in love and figured out a way to force the marriage. She spent the first several weeks trying to be what he wanted. He couldn't figure out what was wrong with her; where was the woman he loved? It was an entertaining ride, watching them finally come together and figure it out. He turned right, she turned left. It took a little outside interference to make them wake up. It was fun!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Debating With the Duke by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #alexaaston #debatingwiththeduke

In the midst of a brutal battle in Spain, Major Everett Wayland receives word that his brother has died, and that he is the new Duke of Camden. Ev is overwhelmed at first, and turns to one of his best friends. Spencer Haddock, now the Earl of Middlefield, and his new wife Tessa, welcome Ev and offer to help get him acclimated to his new life. He meets Lady Adalyn Porter, Tessa’s cousin, who offers to help him find a bride. When they meet sparks fly, but not the romantic kind, at first. They each take exception to the other’s behavior and perspective on marriage. They are opposites in almost every way. Ev is quiet, reserved, and uneasy in social situations. Addie is feisty, cheerful, opinionated, and quite comfortable in Society. However, there is a tension and an attraction simmering beneath their initial disdain. The biggest problem they have is not communicating their thoughts and feelings to each other. This leads to misconceptions and several misunderstandings. When all seems lost, Ev comes up with a plan to set things right. If all goes well, he and Addie will find their happily ever after. This is an enjoyable story with very entertaining characters. I recommend this one and look forward to the rest of this series.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Everett was returning home to England, as a Duke. Notified of his brother’s untimely death, his priority changed from war to a member of the peerage.
Lady Adalyn Goulding is an anomaly in her world. For the past few years, matching members of the ton has been a fun and fulfilling pastime for her. But now, she wishes to marry and have a family of her own.
Spark do fly when she and Everett meet, but the two of them are anything but cordial. In fact, she had daydreams of becoming his duchess-which he quickly destroyed. Adding to her woes is the betting book at Whites.
But Everett has had a change of heart. He is determined to make Addie his Duchess and his partner for life. Now, if he could only convince her!

Tropes
Regency Era, Steam Warm, Historical Romance, Season/Marriage Mart, Ton Society, Titled Hero, War Hero, Shy/Recluse Hero, Virgin Heroine, Soldiers, Matchmaker, Married in Scandal, Opposites Attract, Sudden Nobility, Miscommunication Issues

The Plot
I thought the plot was good; I was disappointed that there wasn’t more about Everett’s brothers murder or more conflict with Lord Rosewell or with the betting book with Adalyns name in it. I was hoping any of those would lead to the climax of the book. The miscommunication or lack of communication trope has always bothered me, even in movies or tv shows, but I won’t judge a book on that score as it’s a personal issue.

Ev smiled gently. “I just do. And I plan to find those places which will bring you the most pleasure, Addie. That is my job as a husband. Everything I do, I do for you.”

The Heroine
Adalyn was in no rush to get married; she enjoyed being young, going to parties, the theater and dancing. But watching Tessa get married and have a baby changed something in her and she decided this season she would find a husband. She is known among her friends as a matchmaker and helps members of the ton find a good match. Although she is drawn to Everett, she know they would never suit, especially after his list of qualities he wants in a duchess are opposite of her!

The Hero
Everett Wayland, Duke of Camden, is a second son and was never supposed to be the Duke. But when his brother is murdered, he has to leave the battlefield and return home. He is very shy, reserved, and of course, having been ignored because he wasn’t the heir, he has no idea how polite society works! He wants to find a wife that will give him children and then they can go their separate ways, just like his parents marriage. But once he meets Adalyn, he realizes he does want a faithful wife, many kids and family. Not just an heir and a spare.

“I found what I was looking for in you, Addie. You are everything I wanted and didn’t know I needed. I want to hold you forever. Stand by your side and be the joy to your heart. I know I am not the right man for you. That you deserve one much better than I am. But I hope my love for you will convince you that I will do my best to always meet your needs. “My life began that day we met. I would be nothing without you.” He paused, his eyes filling with tears. “Do you think you—”

The Steam
There was one or two steamy scenes, lots of passionate kisses though!

Stand Out Moment
I thought there wedding night was very sweet. Adalyn was truly ignorant about the wedding bed and he was so sweet to her.

Everett has just become the Duke of Camden, a second son, who has spent his entire adult life in service to the Crown. Fighting alongside a group of second sons from school for England against Napoleon. What is a man to do but go home and except what life has given him? But he never expected this to be so hard. Hopefully, a good friend Spence, now an Earl, will help him. He was a second son, too, and a soldier with Ev fighting together. Alexa develops the story line, as Ev becomes adjusted to his new standing, finding a lady to help him, and quite enough adventure along the way. Waiting patiently for the next second son's adventure to read and enjoy.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Fun and enjoyable read from this excellent series by Alexa Aston .
These second sons are all fighting for their country against Napoleon, but as their predecessors die they are forced into the limelight to pick up the mantle of the family titles.

Everett in now a Duke after the murder of his brother, but he needs an heir and for that, a wife.
His final choice is the lady who’s helping him in his search, Addie.

This is a lovely book , it’s got a very romantic feeling throughout and it’s just a great story.
The characters have a magical chemistry and it’s easy to see them together. A really good read.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

Sent from my iPhone

An engaging regency romance, great story and characters. Ev and Addie are perfect for each other they just don't know it yet. I enjoyed the banter and their journey. Another great book in the Second Sons of London series.

I really liked Adalyn in the first book of this series so I was excited to see how her love story would unfold. I liked the chemistry and banter between her and Ev, although I thought he was just a tad judgmental with her during their early encounters. Which, of course, made for a must sweeter moment when he comes to see how great she is and that he would be lucky to have a woman like her. I thought he would be more socially awkward given what was said about him book 1. I was also expecting more about the death of Ev's brother, maybe some deeper conspiracy - it was kind of sad that he was just a victim of 'wrong place, wrong time'. The only part of the book I didn't really like was Ev's tactics in getting her to marry him. I can understand why that would put such pressure on Addie to be the woman she thought he wanted. Had he just been honest with her about his feelings she would have realized that she didn't have to change at all to be the woman he wanted by his side. As with all Alexa Aston's books I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series! I'm not sure if it will happen in book 3 or one of the ones after that but I really want to get Louisa's story!

There is a thread of tension that runs through this romance that keeps the plot simmering. News of the death of Everett Wayland's brother reaches him after a particularly vicious battle, forcing him to return to England to take up his responsibilities as the Duke of Camden. Reuniting with one of his best friends, Everett is introduced to Lady Adalyn Goulding, a self-declared matchmaker, a role that he finds appalling. So sets the tone of their initial interaction with one another. Everett is far more enamored with Adalyn's cousin Louise, only belatedly realizing that there is very little spark between them. Thinking that Everett has somehow hurt Louise, Adalyn takes umbrage, and upbraids him, leaving him no option other than to quieten her by the only effective means he can think of, thereby discovering that there is definitely a spark between them, one that threatens to ignite and rage out of control. Everett is quiet by nature, but also very shy, making it difficult for him to navigate society and the rules that come with his new role. Adalyn and her cousin set out to give him the assistance he so desperately needs, making him realize that the sooner he finds a bride the better off he will be. Adalyn, on the other hand, is vivacious and has successfully swanned her way through society for a number of seasons, but she too feels the stirrings that come with seeing her cousin with her new baby, leaving her longing for her own home and family. Unfortunately, misunderstandings abound between the stubborn couple who almost ruin what could be the most perfect match of the season by misconceptions and assumptions. Fortunately, with a little bit of advice from their friends, they find a way through the confusion. I received a copy of this well-written and romantic novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Thanks to Netgalley for the copy!

For the life of everyone involved, it was a misery of their own doing, a grave misunderstanding that could've easily been solved had they just been honest about their real feelings right from the beginning. But no, of course, we had to have the typical unnecessary drama of the ton. Ev and Addie, a complete polar opposite, an awkward gentleman meets carefree lady. The moment they set eyes on each other's though, they just knew! It was awfully cute and a little annoying at the same time, both of them thinking they forced one another in an unhappy marriage of unrequited love. I enjoyed it anyway! Mostly, their stolen kisses! I just don't understand why Ev had to do the bet? He could just order to burn the stupid book at once, he. is. a. duke. (as was painfully emphasized every time in the book).

The second book of the Second Sons, it only took a moment to be transported back to this group of wartime friends. As Second Sons, they had all accepted their way was a life at war while their older brothers held the family titles. But like Spencer, the Earl of Middlefield, Everett’s brother has now died leaving Ev to sell his commissions and take up the title of the Duke of Camden. With guidance from his friends and an unlikely new attraction, he agrees to the help of Lady Adalyn in making a match. But he quickly discovers, that despite what he thinks he wants, only Addie speaks to his heart. The love story to follow is rocky, but true love always wins out in the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ev & Addie together, they each seemed to bring out the best in the other. Sadly, they too fall to the widely misunderstood, that communication is the key to happiness. A love story of opposites attract is destined to be rocky, but alls well that ends well. And Ev & Addies love story does indeed end well!

Major Everett Wayland is stunned when his brother Mervyn is murdered, making Ev the Duke of Camden. The shy duke meets a matchmaking beauty of the ton who, while unsuited to be his duchess, promises to help Ev find an appropriate woman to become his wife. Lady Adalyn Goulding is not easily intimidated and is a leader in Polite Society, occasionally matching couples together. Her cousin, Tessa, has made a love match and has a new baby, causing Adalyn to rethink her stance on marriage. When she agrees to find a shy duke a bride who is dignified and unapproachable, Adalyn has no idea what she’s in for especially after the dull duke kisses her and she finds he’s not quite what he seems.
The second book in the series of five close friends who are all second sons & have joined the army. It could easily be read on its own but I love the author’s books so would recommend reading Spencer & Tessa's story first. I once again read this delightful, captivating story in a sitting, it ticked all the boxes for me. A shy gorgeous hero, a feisty heroine, electric chemistry, misunderstandings & assumptions all made for a book I couldn’t put down. Ev & Addie are perfect for each other & both fall hard & fast after they kiss but verbal communication isn’t their forte so misunderstandings & self doubt creep in. Have I said I just loved it?
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I enjoyed this book but once they actually got married it fell a little flat for me. I understand that the book explains why but I didn't like that she changed her personality once they got married. I might have liked it more if they showed more of them married after they had their talk.

I received an arc through netgalley.

Major Everett Wayland thought he'd spend his life as an army officer, but when his older brother is murdered, Everett finds himself as the new Duke of Camden. He knows nothing of running a duchy or how to act in Polite Society. His friends, Spencer and Tessa, agree to help him along with Tessa's cousin Lady Adalyn who has been out in Society for a couple of years. Adalyn has enjoyed her time as a single young woman, but feels this is the year she's ready to marry. What she doesn't want is someone as shy and reserved as the newly elevated Duke of Camden, but there's something in the way he looks at her that fans the flames of desire. He's not the man for her, but can she convince her heart of that?

I'm a fan of Ms. Aston and enjoyed this second book of the series. Everett is honorable and quite reserved, but he is the ultimate gentleman. I liked how his personality grew and changed as well as his wants in a duchess. Adalyn was likable and she tried so hard to make Everett happy not realizing that she was changing exactly what he liked about her in the first place. While there aren't any big conflicts in the story which could have made it more interesting but after a series of misunderstandings, these two finally confess their feelings for each other and enjoy their own HEA. I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the series.

When Major Everett's brother passes, he becomes the new Duke of Camden. Everett decides he needs to find a wife and produce an heir as soon as possible and enlists the help of Lady Adalyn Goulding. Adalyn is the exact opposite of the type of woman he is looking for, even though it is obvious that they have chemistry.
Unfortunately, I had a difficult time getting into the story. While the characters were interesting and the storyline fun, the writing style kept taking me out of the story. I had a really hard time finishing the book for that reason. I might try other books in the series just because I enjoyed the characters and storyline.

4 stars

Another good story about a second son. Ev's bother is murdered and so he inherits the dukedom. He needs to get to grips with his obligations and decides to find a wife. Adalyn (bit of a modern name) has been an amateur matchmaker so offers her services to Ev. She feels attracted to him so is disapointed when she realises she won't be his ideal mate.

The story seems to change half way along when Ev suddenly realises he can make Adalyn his wife. He also seems to loose his shyness. I wonder if we get more information about Mervyn's murder especially as Owen (brother of Mervyn's friend who was fatally injured) is being set up for book 3. We also have Lucy and Adalyn's sister Jane as potential heroines. Ev decides to farm sheep, not sure in Regency Engliand they would have refered to Sheep Farms as stations, sounded a bit australian to me.

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

When Everett Wayland hears that his older brother has died, and he is the new Duke of Camden, he knows he is wholly unprepared. Luckily, he has the support of his friends, but he knows he also needs a Duchess. Lady Adalyn Porter is a matchmaker and cousin to the wife of Everett’s best friend, so when they meet, she agrees to help Everett find a wife. However, as Adalyn sees her cousin and her husband with their new baby, Adalyn begins to see that she wants the same in her life, and Everett might just be what Adalyn never knew she was looking for.

Everett and Adalyn have such a great opposites-attract romance! When they first meet, Everett is looking for a wife, and he promptly realizes that Adalyn is not what he wants. Adalyn is vivacious and extroverted. She likes to socialize, and people seem to gravitate to her. Everett wants his duchess to be cool, composed, quiet, and dignified. He tells Adalyn this, and they even make a list of the qualities he desires so that Adalyn can help him find a wife. However, the more time they spend together, the more Everett realizes how much he enjoys being with Adalyn.

Both Everett and Adalyn struggle to reveal their feelings, but their chemistry is palpable. Of course, misunderstandings and insecurities stand in their way. Everett is quiet and shy and feels he isn’t good enough for Adalyn. She is witty and respected in the ton, and Everett barely knows the rules of polite society. I like how this pair learns that they are a complement to each other, and I couldn’t wait for them to finally reveal their feelings to each other. Plus, their banter is fantastic, especially when they tease and challenge each other.

The story highlights issues that were very relevant during the time, many of which are still relevant today. Feelings of worth, complicated family dynamics, the brutality of war, the gratification of having loyal and supportive friends, and the societal pressures one faces are all addressed in the book. It makes for an interesting and thought-provoking romance.

Alexa Aston is such a great historical romance novelist, and I always enjoy reading her stories. The characters are compelling, as are the plotlines, and the romances are always super swoon-worthy! I also like that the characters from the first book have roles in this book. I loved Spencer and Tessa and was eager to see how their relationship was progressing. However, if you haven’t read the first book in the series, you can totally read this one as a standalone.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All views are my own.

Second book of the series with a nice lead up from the previous book. Everett, who is shy and quiet and serious, is newly the duke and looking for a wife. His friends try to set him up with some cousins; he's inclined towards the serious girl who he feels no spark with (Louisa), and avoids the outgoing lively one who makes his blood boil (Adalyn). Luckily, the serious cousin and he realize they don't suit early on (let's avoid a love triangle here) and he can't get the fiery Adalyn out of his mind. They both are very much attracted to each other, but fear that they do not make a practical match because they're so different.

He just became Duke after his big brothers death . He was in the army and he had no knowledge about what is required from him . His best friend try to help him by introducing him to his wife cousins . Because he is shy his first thought is to make his Duchess the shy cousin but his heart wanting the outspoken one . I loved that they both wanted the other and they would change how the behave so they would make the other happy .
I received this book from netgalley and the puclisher as an arc . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

Eeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhhhh so. This is book two in a series where second sons seem to ... not be second sons any more. Following on from Spence & Tessa's story in book one, we now meet Everett (Ev) the new Duke of Camden and catch up with Lady Adalyn (Addie) who appeared in book one. It's all ver opposites attract, with Addie a sparkly, witty, outspoken leader of the ton, and Ev a retiring sort who has no idea about the dos and don'ts of the London Season.

Ev enlists Addie's help to find a suitable Duchess and describes the anti-Addie. Which was obviously very ill advised as they are clearly enamoured of each other.

The premise is fine, the two main characters are likeable, but the writing is a bit heavy footed and so finishing this did feel like a bit of a slog.