A Haberdasher Turned Duke

It might be exciting and wonderful for some to go from being a clothing dealer to becoming a wealthy duke in an instant. This was not the case for Pierce. He was happy with his life the way it was, thank you very much. Now, he must learn the rules of the ton, and they were many. There was a lady, helping him to navigate the ton with its complexities, and he found himself falling in love with her. However, Nalyssa was surrounded by scandal, and Pierce had a sister that must marry. His family could not afford scandal of any kind. Would he defy convention, or would he follow the ton’s rules and stay away from Nalyssa? Matters of the heart were not his only challenge in his new life. Pierce usurped his half-brother when he took over the dukedom. How did that situation turn out? For the answer, you must pick up this entertaining historical romance.

This is Book 3 of the Suddenly a Duke series. I have enjoyed the previous books so far, and this one also did not disappoint. Pierce has always believed himself to be the illegitimate son of an earl. But when his father passes, he learns that he is rightfully the next Duke of Stoneham. Nalyssa was once upon a time, the toast of the ton, but after her father committed suicide, her reputation is now tainted by the scandal. She now earns her living by training and grooming men who have unexpectedly come into their title, how to fulfill their roles in society. When she takes on Pierce as a client, their attraction to each other is palpable, but Nalyssa knows he must make a good match and doesn't see herself as worthy of him. Neither expected to fall in love, however, society dictates otherwise. But Pierce won't let that stop him from being with the woman he loves.
The story was well-paced with an entertaining and interesting plot and I enjoyed it very much. The characters were well-developed and I enjoyed getting to know them and following their story. This was a delightful read and a wonderful addition to the series. Looking forward to more!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

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

Lady Nalyssa is a woman tainted by family scandal and living on the fringes of Society, despite being well born, the daughter of a peer, and at one point, a vaunted society belle. But she has managed to turn things around for herself, and has turned her assets, such as her manners, poise, knowledge of social norms and expectations, etc. into a business, where she helps to polish those who wish to make a good impression on Society.

Pierce Selkirk's memories of his childhood and the man he finds out later is his father are tainted by anger and bitterness. He and his mother left to find a new life far away and they found success running their own businesses. Then one day, he has the shock of his life when he finds out that his mother was not the man's mistress and he and his sister were not the bastards born of an illicit affair. Just before the prior Duke's death, he decided to right prior wrongs and publicly admit to his hidden marriage to Pierce's mother, making Pierce, a haberdasher, the new Duke of Stoneham.

Because they were raised as commoners, Lady Nalyssa was hired to help teach the Selkirks how to behave to be accepted in Society and overcome the scandal of their situation, especially as the previous duke had married another more socially acceptable bride and had two children with her. The duchess had died, but that leaves his two children who must now suffer the labels of being bastards born of a bigamist relationship.

Oh yes, there is family angst and drama with the angry, bitter Pierce, and the brooding sulking displaced heir.

But also, there is quite a bit of steaming romance as well, and romantic angst. Pierce is a strong willed man with a smouldering sexuality and he definitely is used to being in charge and knowing what he likes and wants. And he wants Nalyssa. He overwhelms her with his obvious desire and sensuality. At first, it came across as arrogance and ego, but then I have to admit he won me over, and I ended up finding him to be hot and yummy. Nalyssa tries to fight it, knowing that he needs to win over Society to truly gain their support of him as a Duke, and she is not an appropriate mate for him, and she cannot afford to lose much more of her reputation by being his mistress. But Pierce is a go-getter and knows how to get what he wants. In case anyone was not clear about the story - HE REALLY WANTS Nalyssa.

It is good to be wanted...

4.25 stars out of 5

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

Discovering that he is in fact the legitimate son of the Duke of Stoneham, rather than a bastard is a surprise to Pierce Selkirk, a store owner in Bristol. Inheriting the title, with his mother now ready to take her place in society as duchess, he knows there's going to be an uphill battle, though his father had considered that before his death, and hired Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne to give the family pointers on how to behave. Arriving at Stonecrest, Pierce and Nalyssa immediately clash heads, but the respect growing between them, and the more time they are comfortable with each other, soon convinces Pierce that yes, he does need to find a duchess, but she's been in front of him all along.

After reading the second book in the series, I decided to get caught up with the published books so far, and dove right into books 3 & 4. I do think this one is my favourite so far, as I just loved the chemistry between Pierce and Nalyssa so much, and the fact that he wasn't really a member of society, and didn't adhere to the silly rules over heritage, etc., but rather merit and worth, made him respect Nalyssa so much more. She was raised as the daughter of an earl, and had had a few seasons but had never chosen a husband before her father lost their wealth, and killed himself. Luckily the new earl, and her cousin, was kind, though not prepared for his role in society, and Nalyssa gave him instructions. Now many who wish to enter the ton hire her to prepare them, and she's grudgingly accepted at society events. Working with Pierce, Amanda, and Penelope will be her biggest task to date, though the most rewarding. Because she had always been in society, she knew that she wasn't really welcomed, and cared about the Selkirks too much to cause them any trouble. Luckily though Pierce wasn't willing to let her go, and he fought tooth and nail for her. We saw the Westfields and Duke of Lindberry again, and the dowager Duchess was instrumental in Pierce and Nalyssa being able to find love once and for all. A lovely addition to the series!

A job to groom the new Duke in the ways of society, but Nalyssa wasn't expecting to fall for him.

Pierce went through his life thinking to be the bastard of the Earl. Pierce and his mother and sister learned to get by through learning skills and running shops, including a haberdashery. Nalyssa takes them under her wing after learning of their new circumstances.

Nalyssa is such a strong willed woman and doesn't think she is worthy of Pierce due to her being shunned by society. Thank goodness he was so persistent.

Even though this book could be read as a stand-alone, it was nice to have a ball from a previous book in a different perspective. The Westfields and Duke of Lindberry make a nice appearance. I hope Pierce and Nalyssa show up in future. Maybe Pierce will show off more of his sewing skills.

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

This book was better than I expected. It was a nice story with many high points.
This review may contain spoilers.
This story started out with the hero's memories from childhood. He was about 9 years old and he loved to fish. His mom was happy to prepare them. He and his mom lived in a small cottage in a village, but were often visited by a man on a fine horse. The hero overheard a discussion where his mother said to stop visiting them. The hero and his mother moved away soon after and his sister was born. His mother ran a million very and when the hero grew up, he owned and operated a haberdashery right next to his mother's shop.
One day a man is visiting his mother. He is a solicitor and is addressing the hero and his mother as, "Your Grace." The man on the fine horse was an earl, who inherited a dukedom. But when the earl and his mother were young, they married in secret. The earl was afraid his abusive father, the duke,  would find out and kill his mother or the the hero.  So, the hero who had always thought he and his sisters were illegitimate, were legitimate children of a duke.
The heroine is a lady of Society who went to London with her father every year for the Season. Her mother had already passed away. The heroine had not decided on a suitor because she did not feel a connection to one yet . During her third Season, her father lost all of their money and committed suicide. Her father's actions caused a scandal and as a result any suitor she did have removed their suit. Her friends and chaperones also shunned. Her saving grace was that her father's heir was a business man and needed some polishing up in order to find an heiress to marry. The heroine and her cousin spent a few months together and she was able to change him into a sophisticated, elegant gentleman lord who secured a happy and rich wife. Other men and their famues would contact her and she would use the society lessons and rules that she learned into a successful business. She was able to keep the house she received from her mother and have 2 servants.
The heroine is contacted by the father of the hero while he is on his deathbed. She promises to help the new duke, the sister, the new dowager duchess move into their positions in society. While the new duke, the hero, was not forced to marry for mo ey, he was expected to marry and produce heirs. The big challenge that the dying Duke demanded was that the heroine help his son, who was raised to be the duke, but is now illegitimate move from heir to bastard commoner. The abusive duke forced his son to marry and produce a family. The dying duke did not love his wife and did not have a good relationship with his children. He had a son, who was expected to become the duke one day, and two daughters. One daughter died from a childhood illness and the second daughter married and permanently moved to Scotland, never wanting to return to London.
At this point, I was not sure which son would be the hero. But, it ended up being the new duke.
What I enjoyed about this story was the plot lines and the age of the main characters and the age gap of the hero and heroine. The hero was a business owner and already had a slightly arrogant attitude. The heroine was not going to back down. I would enjoy reading this book again. It was not over dramatic, it was a smooth read. I recommend reading this book with 5 stars.

Alexa has given us a wonderful glimpse of the unwritten rules and customs of the ton. While I enjoy reading about it, not sure I would enjoy living that way.
I stayed up way too late reading this story. Great characters and enjoyed learning about a haberdashery.
Nalyssa and Pierce had great chemistry. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.

Pierce gave Nalyssa the romance that she was not expecting. The plot was intriguing and very readable. Pierce had an agenda and Nalyssa’s agenda in some ways worked towards that same goal. The story is quite entertaining and pleasing to read. All The characters are enjoyable to read. The story is a nice page turner with some romance that heats up the story. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a a good addition to the series. I liked Nalyssa's no nonsense, straightforward approach. She was perfect for Pierce who was also quite straightforward and accepted Nalyssa even though others did not. The book was interesting throughout with a few unique touches. I look forward to more books from Alexa Aston.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for an honest review.

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Regency romance from Alexa.
Great characters and a good story that keeper me entertained and made me stay up way later than planned just to finish the book.
Enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

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

Pierce Selkirk always thought he was illegitimate, but when the Duke of Stoneham dies, Pierce learns the truth. He is the new duke and must take his place in society with his mother and sister. They need help. Enter Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne. Once a member of upper society, she is known for her business of making a purse out of a sows ear. Easing the duke's family into society won't be easy, but Nalyssa is good at her job. A powerful attraction between she and Pierce is there from the start, but can go nowhere. Or so she thinks. Pierce wants her for his duchess and is willing to do anything to get her to say "YES."
A charming new duke uses seduction and the help of a dowager duchess to change her mind.
Each book in the series features an independent woman seeking her own way in a world quick to judge because they're unconventional. It takes a special man to stand up to Polite Society and make her his own. I recommend putting this series on your TBR.
Some open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun story- both characters were in love with each other early on, and both were stubborn as mules- she wanted him to succeed, and he wanted her. There was no outlandish issue to be solved, just real life expectations and desires.

When the Duke of Stoneham died, he left a confession that identified his true, legitimate, family. Pierce Selkirk, a successful businessman, is thinking of expanding his popular haberdashery, when he learns that not only is he legitimate, he is now the Duke of Stoneham. When he and his family arrive at Stonecrest, they meet Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne who is to teach the everything the three of them need to know to join Polite Society. Nalyssa hasn’t been in Society since her father committed suicide. She has taken care of herself by teaching others, like the Selkirks, to integrate into Society. The family moves quickly to acquire the skills they need. At the same time, Pierce and Nalyssa fall hard for each other. Pierce is determined; Nalyssa is resistant. How will he convince her? His friends suggest a grand gesture. Easy, right? This is an entertaining story with strong characters. The romance growing between Pierce and Alyssa is charming. Amanda and Penelope are delightful. Surprises, twists, trouble, new friends, and a happy ending make this a wonderful addition to the series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Charming, actually. Wasn’t sure I’d like it, but ended up being quite happy. Loved the rags to riches angle, loved the tutor angle, loved her relationship with his whole family, loved the bitter and vengeful half sibling. Did not love: her name, what kind of a name is Nalyssa, especially in the 1810s. Didn’t buy it. Overall good though.

This series is so good and Alexa’s writing is so well done. Each book is a little different from others that I have read (although a couple of the scenarios are the same) and I am really enjoying them. This one deals with a lady who works with those coming into the peerage and helping them fit in. We all know that feeling, right? So far, this is my favorite of the series. Pierce and Nalyssa are so adorable and Alexa really knows how to write her characters with feelings and emotions. Also, Amanda and Penelope are super cute. Pierce’s grand gesture was so fabulous, I actually teared up. Who knew a dress could be the end all. An amazing story.

Polishing the Duke by Alexa Aston is part of a new series: Suddenly a Duke, which is kind of Aston’s speciality, unexpected dukes. Many years ago the earl had not been able to stand up to his father and tell him he had married the love of his life. Instead, he hid her and his child in a cottage and visited now and then. To make his father happy he married another and had several children. Now, after his (second) wife has died he is determined to make it all right. He contacts his barrister and they make a plan. The plan includes hiring Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne. Lady Nalyssa exists on the fringes of the ton. She had been a very successful debutante but had not married before her father committed suicide in the face of his impending bankruptcy. That left her with a scandal and very little money. She took the new Earl of Starling, her father’s replacement, and changed him from a country bumpkin into an earl. And, she recognized she could make this into a business and so she did. A relatively successful one for the past ten years. Now she had new clients: The new Duke of Stoneham, his mother the Duchess, and his sister, who would enter society next year.

This makes one wonder of there was someone filling this capacity really or if people just bumbled along if they inherited a title with no training to go with it. It was an entertaining story of two very stubborn people: Nalyssa and Pierce, the new duke. Their mother, Amanda, had drilled good manners into both of her children, as well as educating them, so the leap wasn’t as far as it might have been. There was the displaced half-brother to deal with, but that was for another day. Their father had left him well-provided for. Pierce was an excellent character, everything a duke should be, including arrogant. Nalyssa had been inundated too long with the rules of the ton and was not willing to see them stretched a bit. She was adamant that he find an appropriate wife, and she was not her. It was a different plot and entertaining. The pacing was good and the reader was ready for it all to come together, although not the way it did. Very clever.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Polishing the Duke by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AlexaAston #PolishingTheDuke

Heartbreak and tragedy lead Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne to the Selkirk family, as they reel from the news that the Duke of Stonecrest has died and that Pierce Selkirk is his official heir. It would seem that the only person who truly mourned the passing of the Duke is Pierce's mother. Regardless of what went before, Pierce is faced with the monumental task of learning how to integrate himself and his family with the ton. It would seem that the only worthwhile thing the late Duke did was to employ Lady Nalyssa to ease their way. Pierce has seen what love did to his mother and wants none of the complications that come from giving his heart, even though he is strongly attracted to Nalyssa, who in turn is facing the scorn of society as a result of the wrong decisions made by her father. Together they take on the season, and in spite of their inner vows, neither Pierce nor Nylassa is able to refrain from the feelings aroused by the other. Fortunately, they find favor with their new friends who cannot help themselves from getting involved, bringing the novel to a tense but romantic conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Well written tale of the divide in the aristocratic classes and the idiosyncrasies of the “ton”.
Nalyssa has been an outcast on the fringes through no fault of her own but by the actions of her father.
Pierce is a self made man running a business when he finds out his life has been a lie and he is now destined to take on a Dukedom. Nalyssa works to help him acclimate to his new duties and falls in love with the man.
Their positions in society are separate but can they overcome the differences to change their lives.
A fun read.

Haberdasher Pierce Selkirk always knew he was the son of an earl. Much to his surprise, he learns he is not illegitimate as he had been led to believe. With his father’s death, he becomes the Duke of Stoneham and must take up responsibilities beyond his comprehension. Lady Nalyssa Shelbourne was the darling of the ton until her gambling father went bankrupt and committed suicide, which cast a shadow upon Nalyssa, and she now earns her living preparing men & sometimes women who have unexpectedly come into a title, training them to take their places in Polite Society. Nalyssa travels to Stonecrest the seat of the Duke of Stoneham, where she meets her next client, a man she is wildly attracted to. Pierce also desires Nalyssa.
The third book in the series & it’s easily read on its own but does feature the characters from the previous two books, especially the delightful Dowager Duchess of Westfield. A story with a difference & Pierce certainly had all his preconceived ideas about his father knocked on their heads. I loved both Pierce & Nalyssa, he’s a self made man who takes to the dukedom like a duck to water, he's confident with some arrogance, caring & gorgeous. Nalyssa whilst a confident, intelligent woman feels unworthy of society. I loved their journey to a HEA & once again burned the midnight oil to finish it – will I never learn to start the author's books early in the day! I loved the lessons in etiquette & who knew a saucer had to be held just so! A lovely romance with lovely chemistry between the couple & an aggrieved half brother
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I'd put this somewhere around the 3.5 star range. For those who have read the previous two books this takes place at the same time as book 2. For those who haven't read any of the books, you can still enjoy this without having read the previous ones (but we do get to see the characters from those books so it might help). Nalyssa is a great leading lady - she's independent, smart, and isn't afraid to tell Pierce when he needs to stop whining. It was amusing how duke-like he already was in attitude so it was just a matter of teaching him the rules of society. The twist involving his legitimacy was interesting - although his father's actions are explained I still didn't understand why he didn't just disappear with Amanda rather than getting himself into the situation of committing bigamy. I liked how easily Nalyssa bonded with Amanda and Penelope - she was so lonely and didn't seem to realize that until she had them in her life. The dowager duchess of Westfield makes another appearance and is just as meddlesome as always (in the best way). Nalyssa's situation is different than that of Fia and Margaret and driven by necessity rather than passion for what she is doing. And it was just as much about Pierce helping Nalyssa get over her fears of rejection as getting her to fall in love with him. The villain of the story has a very good reason for hating our main characters - he was easy to forget once he was out of the picture so it did come as a little bit of a surprise when he did reappear. Very much looking forward to the next book in the series!