Although this is the fourth book in the Second Sons series, you can still fully enjoy as a short, enjoyable stand-alone book. Minta, having missed her coming out due to war, is looking to marry and have children as soon as possible. She and Percy have instant chemistry. They quickly fall in love. Percy, however, has personal issues that he feels he should not inflict on Minta and breaks off the attachment. Minta refuses to accept this and is ready to fight for their love. I will definitely be recommending this, as well as previous books in the series, through reviews, social media and word of mouth.
Thank you Alexa Aston, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

I really enjoy this series. Each book has been interesting and this one is no exception. I love the characters and the setting. As usual this story immediately sucked me in and kept me engaged throughout. The twists and turns are so expected and unexpected at the same time. Love it.

Short and lovely regency romance, rooted in more reality than some other entries in the genre that I've read. Aston's writing is clear and concise, making for an enjoyable and easy read. Even without having read the previous books in the series, I was able to follow along with the pre-established characters with ease. I liked that Aston used real historical events as a backdrop for the events of the plot, because it made the story feel more genuine.

A Regency Romance with a Wounded Hero

He is a man, broken by war. Nightmares plague him, and he does not think he has a place for love in his life. He must marry, but he won’t let a woman into his heart. At least, this is what he thinks, but love has been known to soften the hardest of us and humble the most arrogant. When Percy finds the woman he wants, he pushes her away. Will they have a future despite the obstacles he puts in their way? Minta is a strong woman, but will she persist even when Percy breaks her heart? Percy is a man in need of healing, and a loving woman might be the balm for his soul. What will it take to bring them together? If you like Regency romance with a wounded hero and a feisty woman, you might like this story.

Another lovely and (relatively) light read from Ms. Aston, this is the 4th installment of her Second Sons of London series. It works as a standalone, but it definitely helps the reader's understanding to have read the previous books. Our hero, Percy, is the 4th Second Son to be called back to London from the front lines to assume a place in the peerage. He is the most conflicted so far about taking up his position - he actually loved his older brother, but is also desperate to get out of the military and away from war. He also suffers from PTSD upon his return. In addition, Percy is shy and socially awkward around those he does not know and he dislikes crowds. So the ton and the Season is basically his nightmare.

Our heroine, Minta, is newly returned to London after an extended stay in Canada thanks to the war with America. She meets and immediately identifies with Percy as Minta's twin, Sera, is also quite shy. Percy feels a connection to Minta immediately but thinks he is too broken to be a husband to vibrant and vivacious Minta.

Like the other Second Sons books, there is no villain in these stories. The obstacles to a HEA are created by the characters themselves. Percy's constant back and forth gets a little tiresome and some of the writing is less than smooth but the book remains enjoyable. Minta is incredibly understanding, and the interactions between the Second Sons reflect enviably strong friendships. 4 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

The Heroine
Minta Nicholls has been stuck in Canada during the war, but has finally returned to England eager to experience the social whirl of the Season and find a husband. With a bubbly personality and a quiet beauty, she is sure to be popular among the bachelors. Her parents were a rare love match, so she wants the same for herself. Minta's twin is painfully shy, so she is patient and understanding with Percy which makes the book even sweeter.

The Hero
Lieutenant-Colonel Perceval Perry was never meant to be the Marquess of Kingston, but with the death of his beloved brother, he has returned from the war to take up the duties of the marquess. Percy is shy and reserved, but I really liked him and he was determined to overcome his shyness in order to spend time with Minta. And, although I don't really enjoy the whole "drive her away so she can be happy" plot, poor Percy is still having nightmares from his time at war and he just cannot imagine putting Minta through marriage with someone so broken! He need to trust that Minta can make him a better, more whole man…more so than him being alone the rest of his life. He came to his senses pretty quickly and even came to her rescue!

The Plot
These Second Son series books have pretty basic plots and they really focus on the main characters falling in love. Don't get me wrong they have very different plots and each couple has different obstacles to overcome, but the stories focuses more on the post-war soldier finding love and a future wife. Made for the Marquess was a lovely, quick read and I am excited to read about Minta's twin's romance next!

The Steam
There was one steamy scene, a few intense kisses and lots of romance. :)

Tropes
Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Country Life, Ton Society, Damaged Hero, Shy/Recluse Hero, Soldier/War Hero, Titled Hero, Unworthy Hero, War Hero, Virgin Heroine, Angst Romance, Married in Scandal, Opposites Attract

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

Leaving behind his career in the army, Lieutenant-Colonel Percival Perry finds himself the new Marquess of Kingston following his brother's death. Though he may have left the battlefields behind, the ghosts and scars continue to follow and plague him, and he struggles with readjusting with civilian life. And though he longs for a family, and knows it's his duty to marry and continue the family line, he worries about bringing a wife and children into his suffering. So when he meets Araminta Nicholls, a beautiful debutante, who is witty, and charming, and who he made a bad first impression on, he's lost. Minta may be 22, but due to the war in America, she's been stuck in Canada, and is only just making her come out. She longs to marry, and Percy, though quiet, may be the perfect husband - if only she can find the real him.

This is the fourth book in the Second Sons series, and though it's starting to get a little repetitive, it was enjoyable nonetheless. Made for the Marquess tells the story of Minta and Percy, both who have lost out on life experiences due to war, and long to marry, and start a family. Their personalities are very different, and it seems unlikely that they will get together, but when they are with each other, you can really see them blossom and flourish in the other's company. I loved how caring and understanding Minta was, of Percy's shyness, and his PTSD, and allowed him to come out of his shell, and face his fears. The added camaraderie of the other Second Sons and their wives was great, and I do enjoy how we get to see into the lives of previous characters. I look forward to reading book 5.

This is the fourth installment of Ms. Aston's Second Sons of London series. I have really been enjoying the series so far and this latest addition also did not disappoint! Percy is a shy and reserved man. He spent time in the military and now suffers the after effects of PTSD and is plagued with terrible nightmares. He is not comfortable out in society and is awkward and therefore is misunderstood. Minta returns to London after being stuck in Canada due to the war. She missed her come out and is excited now that she has a chance to have her first season. She is living next door to Percy and when she meets him, having a twin sister who is also an introvert, she understands Percy like no one else has been able to. Minta herself has an outgoing personality, but these two opposites really connect with each other. Despite their instant connection, Percy thinks himself too damaged to be worthy of anyone's love. His journey is one that will tug at your heart, but ultimately leave you with a warm feeling and a smile on your face. Such a wonderful story. I definitely recommend this book and the entire series.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

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

Poor Percy, he was the shy one of the group of second sons. Also, it does suck that he was given the name Percy Perry too - at least it wasn't Peregrine Perry . Regardless, you always got the impression that he had a near crippling shyness, but once one managed to get under that guard, he and he warmed up to someone and trusted them, he revealed the warm, intelligent man that he was. But being shy, and probably a bit sensitive, it must have been hard for him the military as well, and it does sound like after years of battle, despite being a strong capable soldier and leader, he was traumatized and suffers PTSD, in the form of vivid, terrifying nightmares that causes him to wake up screaming.

Despite that, when he finds out his brother Rupert has died suddenly and he has to assume the mantel of Marquess, he is quite overwhelmed. Not just with the loss of his beloved brother, but also worries about how he would manage things such as finding a wife and siring an heir. To that end, he is dependent on his Second Son friends and their wives, now known by the group as the Three Cousins. He is thinking that he would likely not have a love match as they found with each other, in light of his shyness and his perception of himself as damaged because of his nightmares.

But then he meets Araminta Nicholls, and older lady making her debut and who becomes friends with the Cousins. She has spent the past few years in Ontario, Canada (one would presume around the York region/Upper Canada - my neck of the woods nowadays), with her father and twin sister, and has returned to London eager to find a husband as she wants to have a family. She recognizes in Percy a shy person similar to her sister, who remained in Canada with her parents, and so she empathizes with him. She is of a more open and social nature, but wants to help him as she helps her sister. It also helps that they are both quite attracted to each other.

But Percy, despite his attraction and desire for Minta, is conflicted, as he feels that she deserves better than a man with a damaged mind like his, but likewise, he feels that she is wonderful and what he wants in a wife. As a consequence, he blows hot and cold with her and puts her in quite a bit of distressing emotional turmoil.

I enjoyed the portrayal of Percy's shyness and his distress/PTSD, and while I could understand why he thought he did not deserve Minta, and was conflicted between being with her and letting her go, I could also feel her emotional distress at the mixed messages that he was relaying to her. I could understand why she was ready to cut him loose a few times - at least to save herself the grief of having her own sense of attractiveness/self worth being undermined. He was quite cruel to her when he did decide to cut her loose. But then again, that trauma added to the drama of the story, versus letting her off gently and staying friends, right? I also enjoyed the slight twist to this story of starting the story line of their other Second Son friend Wes, who Percy had left in the battle field when he became Marquess, ascending to his title as the Duke, and being a part of this story as well. A slight twist, breaking up the sameness of the storylines.

3.5 stars out of 5

Percy Perry, Marquis of Kingston is a painfully shy ex-army officer who never wanted or expected to inherit the title. Along with the other "second sons" who he made friends with at school he thought his life would revolve around the army. His time at war has left it's mark on him, but the idea of joining society terrifies him.

Araminta Nicholls is joining society a bit late because of family circumstances. She recognizes a personality similar to her twin sister's and that draws her.

This is a historical romance with characters who show us that the torment following war is nothing new. Family and understanding are necessary for anyone to thrive.

This is the fourth book in a series of books that can each be read read on their own.

Really good fun.

Lieutenant Colonel Percival Perry is a member of the Second Sons of London. As a Second son of a Duke, he too went into the Army. That is until he receives the news that he is now the duke, with the drowning of his older brother. Now he finds himself in London, separated from his cousin Win that is still fighting the French. A whole new world opens to the shy young man, as he is trying to find his way amongst the Ton. Thank heavens for his Second Sons club as they try to help him navigate the waters of the Ton. What an interesting storyline, one that I enjoyed reading and at times hoping he would find his way. Thanks for this series as it has been most enjoyable.

Another second son ends up inheriting a title. This time, Percival Perry becomes the Marquess of Kingston upon the death of his brother Rupert. Percy is traumatised by years of war and rather adrift when he gets home. He meets Araminta (Minta), recently arrived from Canada where her father worked for the administration there. She has traveled back for a Season and is staying with her aunt and uncle who are neighbours of Percy's. Percy and Minta meet before the season even begins and there is an immediate connection. Percy is very quiet, feels he is ill suited to be a husband given his continued post traumatic stress.

I liked this book. As with all this series, I like the characters enough to overlook (with a wince) some of the clunking dialogue.

Made for the Marquess by Alexa Aston is the fourth book of the Second Sons of London. Lieutenant-Colonel Percival Perry just received the news of his older brother’s death, leaving him to inherit the title of Marquess of Kingston. Percy is plagued by nightmares of his time at war. Araminta Nicholls missed the opportunity for her debut because the war left her stuck in Canada for several years. When Minta finally returns, she is eager to wed and have children. When Minta is introduced to the shy Marquess of Kingston, she believes he is much like her shy twin sister back in Canada. Minta begins to develop feelings for Percy after getting to know him better. Percy feels the same, but he feels he is damaged and that Minta deserves better. Minta must help Percy realize that they are a great match.

Alexa Aston writes another romantic instalment in the Second Sons of London series. I love the way Minta refuses to give up on Percy. Percy is a sweet soul, and I was very glad to see Percy and Minta have their hard-fought for happily ever after.

Another great story! I am enjoying the Second Sons of London. Each of these men never excited to be titled, which allows them to attain their titles without all the entitlement of typical Lords. Percy is fabulous character who is shy and reserved, but a true gem when he allows his true self to emerge. Having come from a life at war, he Carrie’s a fair bit of trauma and what we know today as ptsd. Not knowing how to deal with this, he views himself as broken and thus holds himself back from love. Minta, is a strong woman who despite believing he could be content with a polite marriage, longs to share the love she sees in her friend’s marriages. The way she supports Percy and helps him to deal is truly beautiful. The friendship between all the couples is one of the highlights of this series. Each person is selflessly supportive of their friends and helps draw them out in the right situation. Well written, and a joy to get lost in.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Love this story
Alexa has done it again, producing a wonderful book that pulls on the heartstrings and thrills you at every turn.
Great characters with lots of chemistry and a storyline that keeps you entertained.
What more can you ask.

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

I couldn't put it down. Once I started reading it, I just couldn't stop. Good romance. Fast paced and not a lot of unnecessary dialogue about trivial things that don't add to the story. My kind of book. It sticks with the characters and it's about them.

Made for the Marquess by Alexa Aston is the story of the fourth of a group of men who call themselves Second Sons, because, well, they were all second sons. All four of them had risen to their titles because something had happened to their elder brothers. All were ill-equipped for their new positions after having spend years fighting Napoleon. The first three had found wives to bolster them. The fourth and newest, Percival Perry, Marquess of Kington, was by far the worst prepared, and the shyest. Now the wives of his friends were talking about the season and the marriage mart. He couldn’t do it. He knew he couldn’t. They were not giving him a choice and he would have their support all the way. Then he met Minta Nicholls, who was the niece of his neighbors in the country. He was enthralled almost immediately. But, she was too good for him, this he knew. Between his shyness and his debilitating nightmares, there was no way that anything could come of it. She didn’t know about the nightmares, but she could deal with the shyness. She had all her life with her sister, Sera. She was broken when he called in all off, definitively.

Percy was a particularly well-well written character who did have his own trials. In this kind of romance, love of a good woman is the cure. He suffered from battle fatigue or PTSD in modern parlance. Aston described it in detail and well. Even his friends didn’t know the extent of his illness. Only his servants knew, and they had never seen, only heard. Minta was feisty but naive, having only been in society for a short time. She had no idea of the way people operated. She knew her aunt and uncle loved her, but their goals might have been different for her than hers were. He wanted love, just like his friends had, but he realized it was unrealistic for him. It was quite the mess, for both of them. As always, Aston does the story justice.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Made for the Marquess by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #alexaaston #madeforthemarquess

I love this series and the fact it focuses on second sons. Second sons in England usually joined the military. I appreciate Alexa writing about how difficult it can be to transition back to civilian life after serving in the military, especially during war time. These second sons also returned to the pressures of newly inherited titles they never thought they would inherit. Also, Percy suffered more PTSD than Spencer, Everett or Owen (other stories in the series).

I also love the comaraderie between the second sons, their wives, and how they support and treat each other like family.
While Minta seemed the total opposite of Percy, she was exactly what he needed. Well done Alexa! A wonderful romantic story!
I received an ARC copy and chose to leave this review!

I just discovered Alex Aston, I really have enjoyed her stories! Continuing the Second Son series, this was about Percy and Minta. They were good characters, Percy endured trauma during the war and Minta wanted to start her season after a unforeseen delay.
I enjoyed the fact that Minta was your slightly older heroine.
Percy was troubled but worked through his problems at the end!
In this book, I wanted to have more interaction between the H/H, not enough of dialogue for me.
It is still a lovely story.
Can't wait for Win's story!!

I really like the Second Sons series, and Alexa Aston's new addition to it may be my new favorite! The publisher description does not do it justice, or maybe it is the heroine's name that I didn't care for, but I started the book thinking I would not like as much as the first three-- but I was wrong! In previous books, I thought the dialogue was a little repetitive at times, but in this one the repetition has been tightened up more.
Araminta and Percy are charming and I liked both these characters. Percy is so sensitive and dear, even when he is being quiet and difficult his charm shined through. Araminta's strength of character is a delight. I wish we could have had a little more of them being perfect for each other in the book, but maybe we will see in Win's book!
It was really fun to have the other Second Sons and the Three Cousins in the mix, too. That being said, this could be read as a standalone also. I really enjoyed Made for the Marquess and read it in one sitting! I received this book as an ARC and my opinions are my own.