Love Blooms With The Duke

by Alexa Aston

Book #6

I did not realize this was a series and feel I am missing out on sp much as I have not read the previous books. With in a few chapters soany people have died. A little over the top that was. I had a hard time getting I to the story tho I loved the characters, was a slow read and may be because I felt lost at times but I did enjoy the book.

What Happens When a Duke Falls in Love with a Governess with Scandal in Her Past?

This story started with a tragedy or two. Both Xander and Willa had devastating tragedies in their past. Xander became duke by losing his three brothers. Suddenly, he was guardian to his two nieces and desperately needed a governess. He found Willa by chance.

Willa’s parents once worked in the theater, and she, too, had tragedy in her past. Hers was a scandalous one. As Willa fell in love with Xander and his nieces, could that scandalous past get in her way? Xander was once a rake. His tragedies forced him to reform. For the sake of his nieces, he wanted no scandal attached to his name. What would happen once he found out about the scandal in Willa’s past? Could their love survive her secret? I recommend this entertaining story to lovers of historical romance with secrets and class differences.

Thanks NetGalley for an interesting story. Willa's family was all about the theater and just as much drama at home as at the theater. Alexander was the fourth son and what to do, his father thought of him as the murderer so he just made himself known as a rake. Suddenly he becomes the Duke and has the responsibility of two nieces he never met. Willa's Mother comes home and finds her husband with one of the actresses and after she shoots him, she kills herself. Willa has to overcome that so she applies as a governess and Xander shows up needing a governess. She falls in love right away with the two nieces who are needing love and attention. Xander does not want Alexa Aston is full of good story ideas.

Dukes are my kryptonite and this book was no exception. The cover hints at the steam and it was a captivating book.

I had this frequent tendency of requesting books without checking if they are series or stand alone, this is the fifth book a series, so i was a little missed on the story, but once i caught on it, it was so easy to read. it had me from beginning to end.

Another delightful Suddenly A Duke story. A little graphic in parts but a love story I'll never forget.

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

This is book 6 of the series, but definitely can be read as a stand alone. This one starts out in the past, showing a bit of the FMC's family life before the "current day" of the novel. She is the child of a fractious, unstable home, with her parents being an actress and playwright who both appear to be emotionally immature and narcissitic individuals, and forcing Willa to essentially raise herself, and learn rather willy nilly. Because of her unconventional upbringing, she learned to manage a household, and developed a variety of interests, including gardening, a penchant for languages, and also a variety of things related to the theatre. But because of the tempestuous nature of her upbringing, she was also exposed to the instability of the theatre life and relationships. Her home life was suddenly and abruptly ended in massive scandal related to her father's infidelity and her mother's unstable jealousy.

Willa luckily was taken in and raised to adulthood by members of the theatre, but had no desire to be a part of it when she became an adult. Instead, she sought to put that part of past behind her and sought employment as a companion and governess. However, that also lead to disappointment as various men in her areas of employment sought to take advantage of Willa over the years. This, and what she observed of relationships over the years gave her a less than stellar impression of men and marriage. She finds herself out of work, without a reference, and ends up at her agency frustrated and angered by the owner who blames her for her circumstances, despite the fact that she was the victim of the abuse of men, not the instigator.

Xander Hughes is a gadabout youngest 4th son, who never expected to inherit. He is known as a charming rake, with no expectations of being more But because of a mish mash of unexpected occurrences, he suddenly finds himself the Duke of Brockbank and the guardian of 2 very young, neglected nieces, orphaned and alone except for him. He suddenly fears the wright of responsibilities and makes a turn about of his life, and wanting to provide stability and a family to his nieces, and do right to his title, and estate. But his nieces are running wild and running off the governesses he has hired, and at his wits end he takes off to London and at the agency he grabs onto Willa as the next governess to his wild nieces.

Willa and her unconventional ways of teaching help her to connect to the lonely girls, and she helps Xander connect with them and become a family. Xander starts to relish his role as uncle, and Duke, and knows that he wants Willa to be his Duchess. But Willa is afraid that her scandalous past will be a barrier to her wedding a Duke, as it will be an unscalable barrier to her being accepted by Society and be a taint on the girls when they need to make their come outs in the future.

I quite enjoyed the differing social status trope, and the storyline of Willa's unconventional childhood and family and how she overcame essentially what was terrible childhood neglect bordering on abuse. I did feel that there would be quite a bit of hypocrisy if Xander were to judge Willa on her background considering his own previously rakish behaviour and associations with the theatre world, considering how she distanced herself from that history. But this was an enjoyable romance and I quite enjoyed the growing family relationships, considering both of them suffered a lack of family connections in their past, and both those girls also suffered a lack of family connection too. It was a lovely that the HEA was for the FMC/MMC but also a familial HEA too.

4 stars out of 5

This is the sixth book of the series and was as intriguing and entertaining as the previous books. Willa has had an unconventional upbringing and her past is tainted by scandal. Her parents belonged to the world of theatre, but she wants nothing to do with that life. Instead, she decides to support herself with more respectable employment such as a companion or governess. Xander is a rogue of the worst sort and he suddenly finds himself with the responsibility of the Brockbank dukedom and two nieces he has never met. Despite his rakish past, he resolves to become the respectable duke and see to all his responsibilities, one of which includes hiring a governess for his nieces. Xander hires Willa, hoping the girls will not drive her away as they have the past ones. As Willa settles in and she begins to genuinely care for the girls as they do her, she also begins to care deeply about Xander. He also begins to develop feelings for Willa. Things progress and there is even a marriage proposal. Willa wants to marry Xander with all her heart, but she fears her scandalous past may just get in the way and prevent her happiness.
The story was very entertaining. Xander and Willa were wonderful characters and I enjoyed getting to know them and following their story. They made a wonderful little family with Cecily and Lucy, which was sweet to see. I liked how Xander really straightened up his ways and became the responsible duke and uncle the girls needed him to be. A lovely story and great addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I loved the book. Simply put. The writing as usual was absolutely awesome. I enjoyed the creativity of the characters. I was most excited about reading Willa’s character who is amazing in this book by the way. How she comes on scene at such a young age with so much maturity of herself without the help of her parents. And by the way what kind of a house did she grow up in?! It was like a house filled with monkeys. Then the most sweetest man any person you could meet. Ugh my heart certainly went out to him. Xander is a man who rises above all the troubles to be a hero to two precious, very lively young ladies. The know how to wrangle their uncle/ dad. The book was exceptionally terrific. A wonderful read. I definitely look forward to the next read. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Another Enjoyable Historical Romance from Alexa Aston, Love Blooms with the Duke, the sixth book in the “Suddenly a Duke series” - A series I have greatly enjoyed! Aston is a masterful storyteller and she creates stories that completely capture your attention and draw the reader into the world she creates.

This is the story of a fourth son, Xander Hughes, who never thought he would be a Duke, nor did he ever want the title and responsibility, instead he is happy with his life as a gentleman of leisure that indulges in all lascivious activities. So when he suddenly loses his father and his older brothers - he finds himself abruptly thrust into the role of the Duke of Brockbank and the guardian to two nieces he has never met. He knows his life will never be the same; however he decides he can’t do it all on his own and decides to find a governess to care for his two nieces.

Willa Fennimore has not had an easy life. Her parents died when she was fifteen in a scandalous manner. She began working as a governess as a means of survival and building a life. She doesn’t have the best of luck with the households she has worked in and while attempting to secure new charges she is inadvertently introduced to Xander.

While there is nothing shocking about the plot the story is entertaining and easy to enjoy. I enjoyed watching Xander grow as a character and the subtle ways Willa helps him along.

Overall 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 3 Flames 🔥🔥🔥

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from Dragonblade Publishing via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄 @dragonbladepub
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Love blooms with the duke is book 6 in suddenly a duke, a series that I have really enjoyed this far and I was very excited to get an arc of this book.
The book started out really good and I enjoyed both the hero and the heroine. The problem I had was that it got almost an happy ending at 50% and the third act breakup only lasted a few pages, and I could not believe that the hero suddenly changed his mind, he went from angry to groveling in half an page.
I still enjoyed most of the book, but not a new favorite.
3,5⭐️

Both Willa Fennimore and Xander Hughes, the Duke of Brockbank have had difficult childhoods but it is also the thing that ties them together. When Xander, the forgotten forth son of the Duke of Brockbank loses all his siblings and his sister-in-law, in one fell swoop, he is the new Duke of Brockbank, something nobody would have predicted. Added to his shock come two little girls Lady Cecily and Lady Lucy who have also lost both parents and are meeting Uncle Xander for the first time in their lives. Having chased every governess they have had to date, Xander, at his wits end rides to London to hire yet another governess in the hope that this one will work. Enter Willa, with her own tragic story, who helps Xander with Cecily and Lucy and brings a level of peace and calm to the household. It does not hurt that Xander and Willa have a crazy attraction to each other.

Loved the story and enjoyed reading it. Hope this review helps you decide to read this as it is a sweet read. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This book starts with numerous deaths for both our hero and heroine. Hers at a young age many years before the story is set. Neither of them have had a normal loving family to grow up in. They come from very different levels of society, but they do have a lot in common.

This is a historical romance and not really sad at all despite the deaths . Our hero is thrown in at the deep end of a totally different life than he ever expected to have. The journey they take is both entertaining and emotional. This is part of a series but each book is totally separate with only cameo appearances from characters featured in the other books.

Good fun.

Willa Fennimore’ is the daughter to London s most notably scandalous couple. She moves on with her lives making the most.
Xander Hughes was a notorious rake and then disaster strikes and he has to become respectable. Withe the help of Fennimore and his two nieces he is determined.
Wonderful way to pass a weekend getting involved in a delightfully scandalous tale.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.

I enjoyed the story of Xander and Willa. I love that Xander grew so much and even embraced his new responsibilities. Willa was a delight and really knew how to connect with the children helped their path forward. It was a lovely story of a family coming together.

For different reasons, many men and women find themselves marrying into a ready-made family, and in some ways, this novel lays out a path showing one how to navigate the pitfalls they may encounter. Xander suddenly finds himself the Duke of Brockbank, never having had an inkling of what lay before him. Thus, when he discovers the hurdles he has to overcome in managing estates and being the sole guardian to two little girls who are grieving, he has an epiphany, bringing him to his senses. As the sisters, Cecily and Lucy, continue to upend his household, Xander is forced to seek the services of a governess who can bring them under control. Stumbling upon Willa, who has had to be the adult in her family from a young age, he discovers a woman with wisdom beyond her years. As Willa makes inroads into the tangled relationships in the Duke's household, she wins over not only the two young girls but their uncle as well. Unfortunately, Willa is keeping her own secrets and when the truth comes out it is explosive, setting Xander back on his heels. Fortunately, lessons learned in acceptance and forgiveness bring this sweet romance to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This is a fun, entertaining, good read. Xander and Willa are intriguing, relatable, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance and on page interactions. Willa’s teaching methods are likely unusual for the time, but they were fun to read and showed so much about the characters involved. I enjoyed Cecily and Lucy and what they brought to the story. The children are sweet, entertaining and relatable. They added sparks to the story. I love that we got to see another couple from the series. The epilogue was perfect for this story and couple.

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

Xander Hughes, the 4th son of the Duke of Brockbank, never expected to inherit the title of Duke. Upon the death of his father and brothers, he also became Guardian of two young nieces who had the ability to get rid of governesses very quickly.
Willa Fennimore has been a companion and governess the last ten years as she tries to build her own life away from the theater world and her parents deaths. Willa's parents had been very successful in the theater world.
Xander goes to an employment agency to find another governess and hires Willa. Willa has very unconventional teaching ideas, and quickly wins the girls trust and love. Xander falls under her spell as well.
Willia has doubts about Xander as she has heard about his past as a rake. However, Xander is caring and attentive to his nieces, and involved with the duties he has inherited.
Wonderful book Alexa Aston. Looking forward to the next book, Training the Duke.

The day Xander Hughes returned home for his father’s funeral isn’t just a bad day. It gives bad days a new meaning. By the end of the day, he had lost most of his family and becomes the Duke of Brockbank and the guardian of his two young nieces. Willa Fennimore grew up in a theater family. Her parents were a playwright and an actress. She now wishes to be independent and make her own way in life as a companion or a governess. Xander is desperate to find a governess to handle his nieces, and running into her at an agency, hires her on the spot. Her understanding and unconventional learning methods soon win over the girls and their uncle. Can Will and Xander find a future together? Will Society accept Willa as a duchess? Things seem to be going well until Xander learns of her past, and her parents. What will happen now? Cecily and Lucy are precocious, sweet, and in need of love. They are also smart enough to keep their uncle from making a huge mistake. This is an intriguing story with drama, tragedy, emotion, misunderstanding, second chances, and happy endings. A great addition to the series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Love Blooms with the Duke is the sixth book in the Suddenly a Duke series. Alexa Aston is one of new favorite authors. I love her writing and how she weaves the storyline that pulls you in for an endearing love story.

A fourth son is never expected to become a duke and is able to do anything he wants. Xander Hughes is one of London's most notorious rakes. He returns home for the funeral of his father where Xander has never been welcome. His father has blamed him for the death of his mother who died while giving birth to him and called him a murderer. His older brothers have had no use for him being much older than him. Circumstances claim the lives of all of his older brothers and the mother of his two nieces. Xander instantly becomes the new duke and realizes he must secure a governess for them as soon as possible, so he can go back to his old life.

Willa Fennimore has not had an easy life. Her parents died when she was fifteen in a scandalous manner. Willa doesn't find their death's unusual since they led scandalous lives themselves. But she was able to put the past behind her and become a governess. Although unsuccessful not of her own making since the previous two head of the households tried to have their way with her. She is once again looking for employment when a man runs into the employment office to demand a governess right now, takes one look at her and says Willa will do! Once Xander agrees that he will behave himself she agrees to be the new governess.

The house settles together nicely as the girls begin to behave and care for Willa. Xander notices the change in the girls and is happy, but he starts to rethink going back to his rakish ways as he also has fallen under Willa's spell.

Xander offers marriage to Willa, and she accepts but she has not told Xander about her notorious background involving her parents. Another person beats her to it and the hopes and dreams she had for the future seem to be over. Will the innocence of a child be enough to change the sad ending to a happy one.

This was a very entertaining love story. Willa, in spite of her horrible parents and upbringing is smart, strong and very mature. I really loved her character. Xander was a typical rake and not necessarily a good role model for the girls, but he didn't have the guidance and love that he yearned for. I really enjoyed watching Willa's level headedness help Xander and the two girls become better people than they were destined to become.