Setting the tone for the rest of the series to come, this beautiful romance had me enthralled from start to finish. Lady Margaret Townsend is cut from a different mold than her Regency contemporaries. She speaks her mind and at the age of fourteen, going on fifteen, she had already determined the course that her life would take. It is at this juncture that she first meets Daniel Judson, who later becomes the Duke of Westfield, and warns him against wasting his time on her sister as he would not meet her requirements for a husband. Even at that point in time, Daniel finds himself intrigued by the cheeky young girl, little realizing what an impact he had on her. It is a full decade later when Daniel again sees Lady Margaret and he discovers that his initial interest is still warranted. Dealing with her sister's vanity and jealousy, Margaret has to tread a fine line if she wants to continue living in her sister's household, but ultimately she gains the freedom to explore the desire of her heart. The relationship between Margaret and Daniel is fated, but not without its turmoil and upsets. It takes wise words from his grandmother for Daniel to understand the way to Margaret's heart bringing the novel comes to a romantic and heartwarming conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This was a great start to a series. Margaret is the little sister to a very selfish, beautiful sister living in the shadow. She has gone through some heartbreak and is ready to live the life she's always pictured. Margaret meets the man of her dreams but knows there isn't a future with him. Or is there? Read this fantastic story and find out!!

I enjoyed this series starter by Alexa Aston. The love story between Margaret and Daniel wasn’t as predictable as I had expected it to be, and it really worked for me, although sometimes I got incredibly frustrated with our main characters. This book does have some open door love scenes, so it won’t be for everybody. Overall this was an entertaining love story. Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Alexa Aston is one of my favorites and I love the opportunity to join her at the start of a new series. Here, Lady Margaret Townsend is finally making her debut, several years older than most debs and a world more mature. Having suffered constant insults from both her now-deceased mother and the older sister with whom she now lives, Margaret has made a plan for her life that includes gaining access to her dowry and making a name for herself as a portrait artist. Marriage is not on the agenda.

Daniel Judson, the Duke of Westfield, on the other hand, does have marriage on his agenda, though he is willing to turn the entire decision over to his mother. At least until he sees Lady Margaret again. At their first meeting 10 years ago, her cheek and impudence made a big impression on him. Seeing her all grown up but still with the same fabulous yet slightly maddening personality, Daniel is determined to make her his, even as she is equally determined to remain only her own.

This delightful book does not have a lot of intrigue or high drama. There are misunderstandings and miscommunications, but the angst between the characters is heavily internal. Daniel learns that he loves Margaret as she is, not as who he might want her to be. And Margaret gains enough confidence to trust in that love and return it in equal measure. Slightly steamy and just a nice way to while away some romantic hours.

4.5 stars, rounded to 5. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for an ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

Daniel Judson, the Duke of Westfield, changed from a carefree young rogue into a sober duke once faced with a mountain of responsibilities after he assumed his grandfather’s title. After seeing both his sisters wed, Daniel knows it is finally time for him to take a wife. Lady Margaret Townsend’s come-out was delayed by the ill health and subsequent deaths of her parents. Now an ancient four and twenty, she makes her debut into Polite Society, not to find a husband but to secure important social connections within the ton in order to acquire commissions to paint their portraits, a dream she has long held. Daniel & Margaret met briefly ten years before, sparks flew & neither forgot the encounter. Their second introduction at the inaugural ball of the Season leaves Daniel certain he has found his duchess, while Margaret is confused by the never-known feelings stirring within her but she’s determined not to marry.
The first in a new series & another lovely series starter. I loved both Daniel & Margaret, the chemistry between them sizzled but it was their verbal banter, which was the icing on the cake. I also loved the Dowager Duchess but totally disliked Dolley – I would have loved to see her reaction to Daniel's lovely proposal. I love the author's books & this was another page turner for me, I even forgave some Americanisms as I was caught up in the story & loved their journey to a HEA. A well written engrossing read, which once again ticked all the boxes for me
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Daniel and Margaret are a lot of fun, which makes for a good book. They are both witty, so you get delightful banter that’s a lot of fun. Their first meeting is adorable. There’s a lot of drama that keeps them apart for 10 years but that stars align and they meet again, and it’s on! But at the time, he’s looking for a convenient duchess and she’s looking for a career. But love has its own plans.

There isn’t a lot of conflict here, mostly miscommunication. But that still causes them to dance around their feelings and how good they are for each other. Add the most annoying family member ever (who has officially become my most hated fictional character) and you’ll see why Daniel and Margaret aren’t able to just come together from the beginning, or easily once they do reconnect.

This is definitely going to be a cute and fun little series. It’s a quick read—I did it in an afternoon. It’s a light series, with some good steamy parts. I fell in love with Daniel and his grandmother. And Margaret was a great character—she didn’t suffer the typical heroine issues we see in so many historical romances, so she seemed very believable.

Solid 4-¼ star start to a series! I cannot wait for the next book!

There were some words that were not used In the UK or in the era such as tarpaulin and there aren't blocks like in the US. I did however like the character's of Margaret, Daniel and Daniel's grandmother and found the book an interesting well written read and am looking forward to the next book in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Portrait of the Duke
Suddenly a Duke #1
Alexa Aston
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Daniel Judson used to be a carefree young rogue until he became a Duke. That's when he was faced with many responsibilities after his grandfather passed away. He makes sure he does the right thing by making sure his sisters are wed to good men but knows that it's finally time for him to take a wife and provide a ducal heir.

Lady Margaret Townsend didn't have her come out when she should have as it was delayed by the ill health, and then sadly, the death of both of her parents. Now it's time to finally make her debut into polite society at the age of twenty-four. However, she's not looking for a husband as most ladies of rank do. She wants to secure important social connections among the ton in order to acquire commissions to paint their portraits as she is very talented, and it's a dream she has had for as long as she can remember.

Daniel and Margaret met ten years prior when her sister made her debut and sparks flew. This time, when he meets her again, Daniel knows he has found his duchess, while Margaret is confused by the new feelings he has stirred within her.

Can a Duke convince a headstrong lady that she can have both marriage and her art? Or will she be too stubborn and set on her chosen path to see she really can have the best of both worlds?

Oh my gosh, Alexa Aston has just boggled my mind. I knew this author was good at writing Regency Era books, but this is a masterpiece. I devoured this book like a starving lunatic. I couldn't get enough, and I still want more. From the first word until the last word, I was mesmerized. The main characters were absolutely fabulous. I loved the fact that Ms. Aston made her heroine almost six feet tall instead of the usual tiny little perfect dolls that writers tend to use.
She also spoke up for herself and knew what she wanted. As for our hero, the duke, he was perfect because he loved his duchess for who she was, and he let her shine. All in all, this is one of the best Regency Era books I have ever read, and I can't wait to read the rest of this series. Ms. Aston, you have certainly left one heck of an impression on me.

A beautiful well written story!

Daniel and Margaret had met ten years ago and he had never forgotten her. Daniel had looked for her at balls when he knew she was of age but she never appeared now it was time for him to do his duty and find a wife. He was hoping to catch sight of Margaret this season and he wasn’t disappointed when he came upon her.

Margaret was a talented painter, Daniel’s grandmother wanted her to paint her to bring her talent to the ton and it would also give Daniel a reason to see more of her. He knew he wanted her to be his Duchess but persuading Margaret was another thing.

A romantic, witty, passionate story sure to please! I loved the banter between them. Margaret was a no nonsense type of person and Daniel was an arrogant but caring Duke. I do enjoy Alexa’s stories and this one was a page turner and well worth a read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In the beginning of the book Daniel, refers to Margaret as "cheeky". I thought it funny that she used the same phrase to describe him later in the book. They do make a pair. She doesn't care what people think of her hair, height and plain looks as long as they like her painting. Daniel didn't expect to become a Duke. He does enjoy some of the privileges that come along with the title. I enjoyed reading, Portrait of the Duke.

I enjoyed reading this book, it is filled with action and emotions, the interaction between the characters is wonderful. I can't wait for more from this author.

An incredible story of a woman who knew what she wanted and went to achieve it. Strong, talented, she makes her own decision about her life. He fell in love with her but has to learn his love was not meant to limit her but to free her to attain her potential. Lovely characters, but includes a self centred and jealous sibling who is used to being the center of attraction.

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

Is It All About Art or Can Love Win?
This is one of those stories you hate to see end. I was completely engrossed as I followed
 Margaret an independent want to be artist and Daniel the duke as they challenged each other
 throughout the story. Each having emotionally abusive childhoods and struggled to overcome many
disheartening situations on their way of finding a true love match with each other.
A darn good story filled with desirous passion that set the pages smoldering a few times.
Heartfelt confessions that I shed a few tears over, many laughs, a few shocking situations a
fantastic heartwarming. marriage proposal like no other.
The dukes gran was a jewel of a character. Margarets sister Dolley had my teeth clenching.
I would give this story more than 5 stars if I could.
Adult Advisory
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion.

I'm a big Alexa Aston fan and always have high expectations for her books. I'm so used to her series having the connections between the characters for each book established at the beginning (usually having served together or grown up together) that it was interesting to this book just focus on and talk about the main characters. I really liked the independent streak and self confidence of Margaret. She's an easy character to root for. Daniel's east to root for as well because he immediately appreciates Margaret for who she is. It was interesting that both of them grew up in families where their parents and grandparents hated their spouses - it certainly made it easy to understand why they weren't sure love was something they could find. And then Dolley's marriage not exactly being the picture of marital bliss only seemed to confirm for Margaret that it was unlikely to find a love in a marriage. Thankfully Daniel's grandmother quickly took Margaret under her wing and gave her the support she needed to pursue her dreams and pushed Daniel to make things right after things went wrong with Margaret. On that note, I felt so bad for Daniel when Margaret rejected him - it was clear his words came from a place of hurt. Of course had he told Margaret he loved her he may have avoided the whole argument to begin with. As for Margaret I understood her reluctance to put herself in a situation in which she may have to give up her art, but I wish she could have taken a chance and told Daniel how she felt rather than making him feel as though he had been used. The proposal scene was one I have come to expect from Alexa Aston and completely satisfactory.

I did read the excerpt from book 2 and it seems to start on quite a depressing note, but I liked the little bit we see of North in this book that I want to know more about what happens with him.

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 1 of the Suddenly a Duke series. We start with an adorable prologue with an outspoken teenager warning away one of her spoiled sister’s suitors and letting him know that he isn’t a real contender being merely a viscount. Despite the age-gap and both of their youths, there’s a spark of chemistry between them. Ten years later, Lady Margaret is finally ready to make her debut after caring for her ill-mother, mourning her death, and mourning her father’s death. However, Margaret has no intention to marry, but to build a business painting portraits. Our young viscount, Daniel, is now a duke looking to marry this Season. He’d sought out Margaret in previous years, but she was nowhere to be found. As he sees her in the present, there’s an existing connection between their grandmothers who had been friends in their youth. Daniel’s grandmother is the best wingwoman around, making sure to keep Margaret close by, and supporting her art. This was a relatively low-angst book with an instant attraction between our main characters. There’s the petty spoiled sister in the background, but she doesn’t interfere too badly. Great book if you’re looking for an easy read and a good time.

4 stars

A reasonable start to a new series. Margaret is living with her sister and brother-in-law. She knows that if she gets to 25 she can use her dowry to go and live alone. She wants to be a portrait artist. Years ago she met Daniel and put him off offering for her sister. Her sister and Mother really disliked Margaret as she was tall and red headed. Daniel is fascinated by Margaret and encouraged by his Grandmother, who thinks Margaret will be the idea duchess sets out to seduce her. There were some americanisms. In the Uk there aren't blocks like in the US. Margaret seemed to be able to wander around unchaperoned which I didn't think fitted the era. Tarpaulin was popular in the 20th century, perhaps Margaret could have used old Holland covers? A few names seemed unusual Norrie and Dolley? Margaret assautted the hero twice, was it really true love? Daniel comes over as arrogant and controlling in some instanced, We meet the hero of the next book who seems quite cute.

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

A new series from Alexa Aston . It is an amazing book . Margaret is a tall and has red hair 24 years old lady . She doesn't want to get married but want to be an artist , she wants to paint the portraits of the Lords and Ladies . So she has to make her come out at the age of 24 to make her name talked between them . When she was 15 she briefly met a young Lord and tried to talked him out of courtshiping her sister . Now 9 years later they meet again and he is a Duke . His grandmama used to be best friend with her gradmama so they became friends . When the Dowager Duchess asks Margaret to paint her portrait she realises this is her chance to become widely known . Between her and Daniel there is passion , but she is certain that no husband will let her persuade her passion . Will Daniel want his Duchess also be a painter ? What will she choose at the end ?
I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own .

Counting the days till she can move out of her sister’s home, spinster Margaret plans to paint portraits of the ton for a living. Daniel has never forgotten the red headed young girl he met many years ago. He is looking for a bride to be his duchess. As attracted as they are to each other, neither decides the other is suitable. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

A new series from Alexa and it starts off with a portrayal of a love that is hard-worked for and so satisfying. Alexa writes her characters with such depth and hope. Truly, these characters are ones we cheer for to realize that love is everything. Daniel and Margaret endure heartache and hatred but come out on the other side with a relationship that is so special and precious. Oh, and Grandmama is a hoot and I loved her way of slyly putting down those who were not nice. I love these feel-good stories.

I am definitely excited for this new series due to strong independent female main characters and the first book definitely delivered!

Margaret found herself living with her married older sister and not coming out into society until an older age. She didn't exactly fit in or get along either her sister or mother when she was younger. She is tall with firery red hair and loves to paint. Margaret first meets Daniel when she was about fifteen and ends up painting him after they speak their minds with eachother. Fast forward a decade and they run into eachother again.

What I really like about this book is Margaret really loving her art and not settling for just finding a man instead. I am amazed at her ability to just sketch and then go back and create the painting in her own time. Sparks fly between Daniel and Margaret and Margaret doesn't think she can have both her art and a marriage. Of course some secret trysts keep the romance exciting and keep reader's wanting more.

I really like Daniel's grandmother in this book. She is just overly kind (commissions a portrait from Margaret to help her gain notoriety) and knows when to tell it how it is. She loves her grandson and helps assure on how good of a man he is.

If the other books in the series are as good as this one, I will probably read them straight through as well!

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