The Healing Power of Love

Both Julia and Devin faced tragedy in their lives. After an injury ended his career in the army, Devin visited a friend, where he met Julia. She was the governess of his friend's children. The two fell in love, but Julia wanted nothing to do with the ton. When Devin became Marquess, everything changed. Julia also had a secret. There were challenges ahead. Could Devin and Julia face them together? Would love prevail in the end? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with
Secrets.

Meant for the Marquess by Alexa Aston is the next book in her Second Sons series and features Lord Devin Stone and Miss Julia Birmingham, governess to the nephews of the Duke of Woodmont. She had been a lady, the daughter of the Earl of Tilton, but when her brother had died, he kicked she and her mother out of their home with no money. Her mother had committed suicide and Julia had left to become a companion to a truly lovely old lady. Devin had been a second son and was ignored by his parents and brother. He had joined the military and had been fighting Napoleon ever since. He planned to remain the the army until he was attacked by a prisoner and lost two fingers to a stolen sword. Now he was here, at Woodbridge, wearing the only clothing he owned, not knowing what would be next. Things went smoothly and he was set to become the steward at Woodbridge and marry Julia. His plan came to an abrupt halt when he read his brother’s obituary in the newspaper.

Both very likable characters, they were a perfect match. The just had some problems to overcome. Aston just has this knack with both characters and storylines, making them entrancing and one which the reader is able to jump right into. She always writes a romance that readers will enjoy. The problems the lovers encounter seem huge, but are really pretty easily solved. I enjoyed this novel, as I do all of hers.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Meant for the Marquess by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AlexaAston #MeantForTheMarquess

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

This is Book 7 of the Second Sons and the story is about Devin Hunt, who suffers a vicious attack causing a significant disability of his dominant hand, destroying his career and future with the army as he cannot fathom working behind a desk for the remainder of his career... for that matter, he can no longer write or even sign his name.

As he is estranged from his remaining family, his brother, the Marquess of Bedford, he decides to join one of his old comrades, Win Cutler, the Duke of Woodmont, hoping for some companionship and time to figure out his future, not realizing his friend has recently wed. When he arrives, he is enveloped in their home and given a chance to regroup. Win offers him a chance to be his steward for his estate.

In the meantime, Win and Sera have their nephews to raise and educate, and had hired Julia Birmingham as their governess. She is a talented and intelligent woman with a hidden past. She was the Lady Julia Birmingham, daughter of the late Earl of Tilton. She was due to make her come out when she lost her father, and because his heir, her half brother Rodney, reviled her and her other, the second wife of the dead Earl, he ejected them from their home and lives. Her mother could not bear losing her husband and what Rodney threatened her with and she was found dead by her daughter later that day, forcing Julia to lose both her parents and be cast out on her own in the world. Luckily, she is a proud, intelligent woman who developed a steel core and ability to be independent; but one who has learned not to trust men, and because of her brother and what she learned being a servant, most members of Society.

This is all threatened when she meets Lord Devin and finds herself flustered and attracted to him, despite knowing that it would threaten her reputation and future if she means to continue as a governess and earn her way through the world.

Devin works to convince Julia that he is not just a rogue taking advantage of the governess, and he has to overcome his own lack of confidence in himself in light of his perceived disabilities. Then when they do start to see a future together, he finds his brother has died and he is the new Marquess... and will need to take his place in the Society that Julia has decided to she no longer wants any part of.

This started out very dramatically with the background story of what happened to Julia and then how Devin obtained his injuries. I enjoyed the character of Julia and her fortitude building a new life and identity for herself. I also enjoyed the continuation of Win, Sera and their family's story, since they are integral to the story, with Julia being the governess in their household; the boys are very sweet characters.

A generally enjoyable story. Is this the conclusion of the series?

3.5 stars out of 5

The Second Sons of London has been a captivating series so far and this latest installment also follows the same trend. After being brutally attacked in the army and losing two of his fingers, Major Devin Hunt has no choice but to sell his commission and go back home. Being a second son, he needs to find a purpose again and seeks out his friend who had also served with him in the army, the Duke of Woodmont, who offers him a position as the estate steward.
Before her coming out, Julia had lost her parents and her reptile of a half-brother inherited the title and promptly cast her out, forcing her to have to work to survive. She ends up as a governess at the Duke's home, where she meets Devin. Devin asks her to help him with learning to write with his uninjured hand, and as they spend more time together, a beautiful romance blossoms. But then Devin finds out his brother has died and he is the new Marquess of Bedford. Devin must now return to society to fulfill his role, but is Julia willing to return with him?
I'm glad we finally got to see Devin's story, after having him been mentioned previously. I enjoyed the book and thought this to be a lovely finale to the series.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I can't believe this is the last book in the series. 😥
Major Devin Hunt returns to England after being forced to sell his commission. With nothing but the clothes he wears and what he has in his pockets, he has no where to go and no prospects. Arriving at Woodbridge, the home of his friend the Duke of Woodmont, Devin just needs time to decide what to do. Julia Birmingham is the new governess to the Duke of Woodmont's nephews. From their first meeting, sparks fly between Devin and Julia. Both have their own personal issues to overcome, but Devin is determined Julia will be his wife. A strong emotional love story with two new favorite characters. A great premise for a series. I highly recommend for your TBR.
Steam!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

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

Losing two of his fingers was extremely difficult for Major Devin Hunt. Once a decorated soldier, he now has had to retire, and has returned to England as a new man, unsure with what the future holds. When his best friend, Win, offers him a place to stay and recover, Devin hates being dependant on others, but the chance to spend more time with the beautiful governess, Julia, and perhaps become the estate steward, rejuvenates him. Suddenly, though, Devin's brother dies, and he finds himself the new Marquess of Bedford. Will he and Julia be able to navigate their new situation, or is their relationship doomed to failure?

This book was, to me at least, the best way to finish the Second Sons series. Devin has always been a sort of shadowy figure - mentioned but never seen - and I loved the way he really grew throughout the course of the book. One minute he was victorious after Waterloo, then the next, he was facing amputation after an attack from one of his own. Now he really didn't know what to do. All his adult life, he'd been in the military, and with his injuries, he couldn't continue. He really found a home with Win and Sera, and the way his and Julia's relationship grew was perfect for them both. The epilogue too, seeing the seven couples all together, and happy, really managed to tie everything together, and I'm so happy with it all! A great ending to a lovely series.

Meant for the Marquess by Alexa Aston
Second Sons of London #7

Story of a couple trying to find their way in a future much different from the one they thought would be theirs. A solider no longer able to serve and a lady readying for her debut never to have a season. How do they meet? What draws them to one another? What common ground will they find? And will they be able to find a happy future doing what they are meant to do?

What I liked;
* The premise of the story and the potential it held
* That it was able to be read without having read the previous books in the series
* That I could see the Julia and Devin together and that they would suit one another
* The close friendship Devin had with the Duke of Woodmont and his cousin
* The Charlie and Freddie, the young boys Julia was governess to
* That it was an easy-to-read predictable story with a happily ever after for the main characters
* Being glad I did not live in that era when women were without recourse and at the mercy of men
* Escaping into the past for a while today

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* That at times it was a bit slow and repetitive

Did I like this book? Well enough
Would I read more by this author? I might

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

I am sad to see this wonderful series end. Thank you Alexa, I have enjoyed meeting and knowing each one of the second sons and the family bond of support and love they have together.
Devin and Julia each experience loss in their own way, and as they find themselves spending time together, they realize that love the best healer. Love is exactly what they need to heal their hearts.

Devin Hunt, the last of the second sons, has come home to England not to inherit, but to heal from the injury that ended his career. He travels to Win’s estate to recuperate and plan for his future. There he meets Lady Julia Birmingham, governess to Win’s nephews. Julia was forced from her home without when her half-brother inherited her father’s title and estate. These two are made for each other. Things are going beautifully until Devin becomes the Marquess of Bedford. The situation becomes a little tangled, but isn’t hopeless. This story starts with tragedy for both the heroine and the hero, but soon finds the path to a beautiful future. I really like the comeuppance for the villain. Devin is a pretty smart guy. The epilogue shows the future for the Second Sons and their wives and families, and it looks pretty good. Great series! Great read!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

The ending to a wonderful series about a set of friends who served in the military and were all second sons.

Two people find themselves together, each with a different loss, find that love may heal them the most. If only they can let go of differences that in the end, do not matter at all. The heart knows what it wants!

Great reunion with all the characters!

Julia and Devlin will give you a romantic story of falling in love. I thought that this story took the slow romantic road towards love, happiness and marriage. I liked that the young boys were there to help push the two along, however I thought that Sera had more of a helping hand. Julia at times seemed more strict or stressed out about surrendering to Devin. Devins character was more relaxed and open to all changes, even more when it came to the usage of his hand.

4.5 stars

A return to the earlier great stories IMO. Devin is a bit of a rogue but fed up having been let go from the army due to the loss of fingers from his right hand. He's a second son and doesn't get on with Prentis the heir to the estate. He decides to go to see his friends whilst he decides what's next.
Julia is the Hunt family governess. Her step-brother treated her badly and at 17 she had to get herself a job. Previously she'd run the estate and was a much loved daughter.

It's a good romance. Julia helps Devin learn to write again, a skill much needed as he has decided to become an estate manager. He likes her specialist knowledge but at one point realises a marriage is not possible as he thinks she's only a servant. This is a bit stange as his friends have married governess's etc. The romance doesn't go smoothly. I was surprised Julia was working in any case due to the spoiler at the end. I wonder if this is the last book as there seemed to be a longer epilogue?

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

A beautiful conclusion to a charming series. Lord Devin returns wounded from the war and begins to find new direction in his life as a Second Son with the help of Miss. Julia Birmingham, governess of his good friend the Duke of Woodmont. As these two find their way to love and begin to plan a new life changes are thrust upon him again as he inherits the title, Marquess of Bedford after his brothers death. How these two maneuver through apparent class divides and unpredictable life changes makes for a compelling story, ever flowing and changing thus keeping the reader intent. Alexa Aston has successfully created a small bubble of loving families amidst the insincere world of the Ton. The closeness and constance of The Second Sons group is beautiful. I have enjoyed getting to know each of them and will miss this series. The epilogue in this story was a touching conclusion, allowing all of them to come together in a final farewell to readers. A truly beautiful series!

Abandoned and rejected by her only relative, Lady Julia Birmingham is forced to make her own way in the world. After a few ups and downs, she finds herself the governess of two delightful young boys but is only too aware of the fact that her time with them is limited. When Major Devin Hunt comes into the picture, Julia is agitated by his presence and tries to keep her distance from the alluring gentleman. Like Julia, Devin also finds himself having to take on a new career as he can no longer follow the path he has been on, but that requires some intervention, and Julia is just the person to help him. In spending time together, Julia is somewhat prickly and one cannot blame her for not taking Devin seriously. However, the more time they spend together, the stronger the attraction between them grows until the outcome seems inevitable. That is until an unexpected news report crosses the table before Devin. Fortunately, the novel comes to a good conclusion with both Devin and Julia solving each other's problems to bring about a happy compromise. I received a copy of this enjoyable romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Major Devin Hunt has been in the army for a decade he’s attacked by a prisoner & loses two fingers. Unable to fire a gun or even write, he sells his commission and takes refuge with a former fellow officer Win who is now the Duke of Woodmont. Win offers Devin the opportunity to become the estate’s steward and forge a new life. Lady Julia Birmingham loses both her parents just before she makes her come-out. Her half-brother, who never considered her family, banishes Julia from her childhood home and she is forced to earn her living, seven years later becoming the governess to the Duke of Woodmont’s nephews. Devin asks the family governess to help him to learn to write with his left hand, knowing keeping records is an important part of his new position. Their attraction turns into love and Devin is ready to spend his life with Julia—until he suddenly becomes the Marquis of Bedford.
The seventh & final book in the series & a lovely finale, especially the epilogue. The book could be read on its own but Win & Sera as well as Charlie & Freddie feature heavily so I’d recommend reading their story first. I loved both Dev & Julia, both having been treated badly by older brothers. The pair are attracted to each other from their first meeting & this attraction only grows. I loved how they bolstered each other’s confidence & actually talked to each other. I did want to shake the pair of them a few times but common sense & love prevailed. I also loved how Charlie & Freddie has settled & had become two delightful young boys. A lovely ending to a lovely series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

This is such a good series from Alexa Aston, one that has grit and determination running through it, as these young men grow, mature and go from being soldiers to husbands and leaders of their families.

It’s Devin’s turn and his story has a little more angst involved,
both for him struggling with a disability and discharge from his beloved army,
to Julia his love interest and her struggles with her past and brother, to her complex emotions as a servant, governess and his destiny.

It’s full of chemistry passion and a beautiful romance that blossoms on Devin’s friends Win’s Estate.
Loved this one.

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

They were falling in love and headed towards their HEA when life threw them a curve ball. Now, they each have to decide what to do with the possible pitfalls of their new circumstances. They could avoid the obstacles by parting or face whatever comes as one. Excellent read. Lovely characters, specially the boys with some interesting history lessons for the reader.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

Kind of sad, we have come to the conclusion of the Second Sons series. I have loved this series. The men are so dedicated to each other and to their wives and really are just good men. The women who marry them are so intriguing and lovely. I was hoping that Julia would get a story and I think Devin is just the person for her. I wanted to bop him a couple of times for his thinking but he has a good heart. Secrets, secret longings and throw in a new marquess and you have one heck of a story. The epilogue is so good – giving us glimpses of these families in the near future.

"If you truly love me, nothing could change that."

Major Devin Hunt left the military, selling his commission following an incident involving the loss of two fingers on his dominant right hand. As a second son destined for the military, he didn't know what his future would now look like so he went to the country to seek out his friend who he had served with in the army, the Duke of Woodmont.

Lady Julia Birmingham lost her parents prior to her coming out in society. She was forced into working to earn her living after being exiled from from her family home by her despicable half-brother who assumed her father's title. This led to her becoming the governess to the Duke of Woodmont's young nephews and subsequently meeting Lord Devin.

When Devin is presented with the opportunity to become the estate steward for the duke, he asks the governess for help learning to write with his left hand since a large part of his duties and responsibilities would require keeping records with confidently clear and legible writing. Stolen kisses and time spent together result in a potential engagement until Devin discovers his new role as Marquess of Bedford following his older brother's death. Would Julia be willing to rejoin society, a world she where she no longer felt welcome, or would she leave Devin behind forever?

I thought this was a fascinating idea for a story but I was completely disappointed by the execution. I was bored throughout, finding the writing quite repetitious and lacking emotion. I thought the focus would be mostly on Devin making adjustments to learn to function relying on his left hand but his writing seems to have been largely glossed over after a series of basic handwriting exercises.

Lessons discussing the napoleonic wars and global geography were explained in a patronizing way that talked down to the reader and were too verbose to simply recap what the boys were learning. I felt as if the author was trying to teach the reader instead. Even sex was discussed in a didactic fashion beyond that which Julia could have possibly not known with her inexperience. I also found Julia's willingness to indulge in a relationship so easily with Devin to be unlikely to occur in the way that it did and I didn't believe her sudden change of heart.

The story was, however, a meaningful look at valuing one's thoughts and actions over differences in outward appearance while it respectfully addressed Devin's injury. It also stressed the importance of an honest work ethic and looked at the unbalanced roles of women in society. I liked how independent Julia became, taking control of her life and not letting her misfortune destroy her. On the other hand, I found Devin to be uncomfortably persistent at times, especially because it was at odds with his overly strong belief that he would never fall in love due to his injury.

Devin and Julia were two people trying to find their places in the world after unexpected changes occurred. Family issues as well as the families people make with the friends they invite into their lives rose to the forefront, capturing a good cast of characters and the two most adorable little boys, nephews to the duke. The best part about the love between Devin and Julia was the way they truly saw into each other's souls and acted as equal partners in their relationship. Sometimes life detours from its expected path and this book emphasized that the possibility of finding something new and better could arise, potentially leading to the chance of falling in love.

Even though I did not enjoy this book or resonate much with the story, it would still be a good choice for fans of the series as it wraps things up nicely amongst the characters in the epilogue of this series finale. I just expected more from the story, including a more thorough look at Devin relearning his writing and less teachings redirected toward the reader.

"In his kiss, Julia knew she had come home to the life she had always wanted and never thought she could have."

** Special thanks to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available November 16, 2022. **

**ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Devin Hunt has suffered a brutal attack, leaving him with two missing fingers and the decision to sell out of the British Army and return to England. Julia Birmingham's father has died, leaving her awful half-brother free to kick her out of the family home and hold her finances hostage, thus forcing her to earn her living as a governess and paid companion. When the two of them meet at the Duke of Woodmont's estate, where Julia teaches the Duke's two nephews and Devin has come to stay and lick his wounds, they're immediately attracted to one another - can they see their way forward to a life together?

Fans of Alexa Aston's Second Sons series will absolutely adore this book, particularly getting the chance to spend more time with the Duke and Duchess of Woodmont from Dubious About the Duke (book 5).

The premise was intriguing - the governess has to teach the wounded soldier to relearn how to write, now that he can only use his left hand - and provided the perfect opportunity to watch a relationship develop through specific, personal hardship, as well as a chance to offer strong characterisation. Unfortunately, that particular aspect of the book seemed to wrap up incredibly quickly. Julia (who vacillates throughout the story between incredibly confident and self assured, and then unsure, blushing, and lacking any kind of insight into herself and those around her), tells Devin that he's going to be frustrated and annoyed by the process of re-learning to write, and that it's going to take practice. I would have liked to see this play out on the page, but it was kind of handwaved away. He goes to the schoolroom, she sets him some exercises, and then he goes back to his own room and practices for a bit.

The conflict between them was fairly weak. Julia decides that as a governess with no money she would be an improper wife for someone who's just inherited a title - except, she was brought up as a lady until the age of 18, she has a title, and she has a dowry that her awful half-brother is keeping from her. I'm not a big fan of poor communication to prolong conflict either - but your mileage may vary on this one.

I wish the author hadn't felt the need to info dump quite so much. The lesson explaining the Napoleonic wars at least made sense in context as they were teaching the children together, but Devin explaining to Julia what a special license was, was a bit too much like the author saying to the reader "look, I've done my research!'

A 2.5 star read.