Could Their Love Survive Their Secrets?

Both Cy and Finola had secrets, so why had Finola become so angry when she found out that Cy was about to become a duke? Well, Finola was burned by a villainous cad at her come-out.

Cy and Finola found love and friendship together. Could Cy convince Finola to give him a chance? He would have a monumental task before him because a part of the problem was that Finola did not think she was good enough to be his duchess. I enjoyed this historical romance with secrets and would recommend it.

A beautifully written book about being yourself. I loved all the characters and the dogs were a perfect fit. A great read!

Such a great book! I really like how both of them overcome their past trauma together. I hope to read the rest of this series soon... and I really encourage you to keep writing like this! I have a great time reading this book!

Lady Finola Honeyfield had a cruel joke played on her at her come out, so she retreated to the country. Sir Roscoe Banfield had taken Lady Finola in as a child when no other family would take her. He provided her a home and a way to support herself. Working alongside Sir Roscoe she started training dogs. Upon his death, Sir Roscoe left his home and dogs to Finola.
Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley is injured in an Army training accident. Cyrus comes home to find his father has been dead for quite a while, and his brother, the current Duke, in poor health. His brother sends him to the hunting lodge to recuperate.
This is an amazing story. The first two chapters are emotional and will tug at your heart.
Finola is a smart, caring individual with the strength to survive all the anguish her life has given her.
Cyrus has some major adjustments to make. Meeting Finola at a critical point in his recuperation greatly helped him.
Bertie added so much sweetness to the story as only a child can. His parents were very brave to send Bertie home with Cyrus when he sold his commission.

This is the seventh installment of the series, Suddenly a Duke. I have really been enjoying the series so far, and this latest addition is no different. Cyrus is forced to return home from the military after sustaining a head wound which left him blind in one eye. When he returns home, he finds his father passed a while ago and his brother, the new duke is in poor health. Finola suffered heartbreak and embarrassment after her come out and in her loneliness she retreats to the country with her beloved dogs. She supports herself as a skilled trainer of springer spaniels. Finola and Cyrus have a chance meeting and become fast friends and it doesn't take long for their friendship to turn into something more. But both are keeping secrets that could affect their growing bond.
Finola and Cyrus had really strong chemistry and the romance between them was sweet. They each needed to heal from their pasts before moving forward, and I enjoyed seeing them both grow. A very lovely story and I am eager to continue the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

4 1/2*STARS*
Lady Fiona Honeyfield has had her share of embarrassment and heartache. Grateful to Sir Roscoe Banfield for giving her a home as a child, she has means to support herself. Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley had no choice but to join the army as a second son. An injury forces him to sell his commission, but he has no hero's welcome. Each holds a secret that could destroy their blooming relationship. This series has some strong independent women, way beyond the norm for the Regency period and men not afraid to love them. Open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Cyprus Cressley has come home from the war seriously wounded. Even at home he's going to find things difficult.

Lady Finola Honeyfield has not had an easy time in life. Now she's settled as a breeder and trainer of springer spaniel hunting dogs.

This is a lovely historical romance with fabulous characters. Including a little boy who gets a lot of life changes for such a young age. The start is exciting and somewhat emotional. Even the four legged characters are fun. Two people who have learned to live without the support of a loving family. Will they find what they need??

This is part of a series but easily read on its own. You will meet a few characters from the previous books in this one, but not enough to spoil their stories if you haven't read them yet.

Great fun.

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

If you can get past the annoyance of characters in the very beginning, this becomes a fun, sweet installment in this series. I liked that characters from previous books made a bigger appearance in this one- it helped to tie the books together better and feel like the fmc had a little support for the future. But honestly? I’m glad we met Cy when he was still in the military, and before he became Duke. I’m also happy we got to see them fall in love before the rise in status, it felt much more real and organic.

When a training accident resulted with the loss of sight in one eye, Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley returns to Melrose, his childhood home. He learns that his father is dead and his brother is the duke. His brother doesn’t want Cy to live in the manor, but allows him the hunting lodge. He and his helper, Bertie, settle into the lodge. Lady Finola Honeyfield had been the butt of a cruel joke at her come-out. She returned to the home she had shared with her guardian and has become a foremost dog trainer. Cy and Finola meet by chance while she is walking some her dogs. They are almost instantly attracted, and he and Finola are soon friends. This is a delightful romance. Cy and Finola are great separately and together. Bertie is adorable. There are secrets that are eventually revealed. Will they handle the problems that arise? A lovely story where two lonely souls find happiness.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I normally love this author, so this story was a bit of a disappointment. The main couple spent too much time apart because one of them was unwilling to forgive what was merely a lie of omission. To make matters worse, the well-being of a young child was directly impacted by the breakup. The heroine seemed to be a bit shellfish and I'd say that she was lucky that the hero was not willing to give up on her.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

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

Losing her parents at such a young age, Lady Finola Honeyfield was lucky to be taken in by her neighbour, who raised her in the country, training springer spaniels. She's only been to London once, but her come out was marred by both a cruel trick played on her by a handsome suitor, and the death of her guardian. Now one of the premier dog trainers across the country, Finola has no need to wed, and has never found herself even interested. But when she meets Cy Cressley, newly returned from war and living in the hunting lodge on the Duke of Margate's estate, Finola begins to wonder if there could be a future between them. But Cy is the heir to the ailing duke, and his injuries have left him with sight loss. Working together, Cy comes to terms with his disability, and dreams of a future with Finola. But they are both keeping secrets from each other, and when Cy's brother dies, it may prove too big a problem to overcome.

I'm always so happy when I see another book by Alexa available to review, and this book was perfect for her fans. Finola and Cy's pasts had been fraught with loss and heartbreak, and they needed to find themselves and heal, before they could be with someone else. I loved the growth in both of the couple, and seeing them as a little makeshift family when Bertie was around, was so joyful. I do wish that they both had been real with each other about who they were, as hiding their titles led to more heartache than either deserved. A lovely story, and I can't wait to read the next in the series!

Training the Duke by Alexa Aston is another in her Suddenly a Duke series. When Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley arrived home to Margate, he was surprised to learn his father had been dead for years, and his brother was now the duke. He was further surprised to see his brother who had gone from heavy to obese, and was unable to move because he was severely afflicted with gout. His brother, as always, wanted nothing to do with him, but did offer him the hunting lodge as residence. He said he would send people to make it habitable and keep it stocked. Cy left for the lodge the next day and was pleased to see the condition it was in. Mrs. Arnold and her staff had made it shine and it would be the perfect home for himself, and the boy he had brought with him, Bertie, Briggs, the son of his batman. Bertie had been sent to help the duke get home since his eyesight had been affected when he had been shot in the head. He had no sight in one eye, and minimal in the other. After several days, Bertie was accosted by a dog, quickly followed by his owner, and trainer, Finola Honeyfield. She had inherited her home after her guardian had died. She had returned home and made his business her own.

The doctor said his sight might return, that it was a hysterical situation, brought on by stress. Finola made him a solution she had used on her dog’s eyes and it immediately improved the situation. At least, his eyes no longer itched and burned. As they spent time together, Cy fell in love with the beautiful young woman who wore men’s clothing when she worked. She was kind and had a lovely sense of humor. She had taken on Bertie as something of an apprentice when she saw his affinity for the animals. Cy was stubborn, but a good man. The story was the one a reader would anticipate after the introductions of the two main characters. What could not have been predicted was the way the romance went: hot, then, very cold. She was not the proper wife for a duke and she knew it. There were twists and turns aplenty. They were both enjoyable characters, and as usual, Aston told a good story, just as readers have come to expect. We re-met some characters we have known it the past, always a bonus! It was a fun and enjoyable read.

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

An other gem in her collections of amazing books . Cy is an Lieutenant-General but a wound in his head lives him almost blind , his right eye can't see and from his left eye his vision is blurred . Now back at England he goes to Melrose his father ducal estate only to learn that his big brother is the new Duke . His brother accepts to let him stay at the hunting cabin in the estate . With him is eight year Bertie the son of his batman which is sebd with him to be of assistant .
Lady Finola Honeyfield is living alone and she is one of England’s trainers of English springer spaniels . When she was eight years old she became orphan and while she had two older married sisters in Scotland they didn't wanted her . Then Sir Roscoe Banfield take her in . From him she learn how to love , breed and train dogs . When she it was the time for her come out she met a handsome Viscount who treated her awful .
While she is training her dogs she meets Cy and Bertie and they become friends , she even suggest to give him some herbs to put on his eye to help him . She is teaching Bertie how to become an animal trainer and also sh allows them to come at her house so Cy can teach Bertie to write and read and do maths .
When they reveal their love for each other they agree to marry as soon as they can but they both haven't told the other that they are titled . Then his brother dies and Cy became the Duke of Margate and she wants nothing to do with him and Bertie . He is not giving up so easily . With the help of Daniel and Pierce he will get the his revenge for the woman he loves . Will she forgive him ?
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

I enjoyed reading the story about two souls that certainly endured their own life challenges. Cy’s challenges are a bit tougher than Fiona’s but the feelings of hurt are just the same. From my interpretation of the story I felt that it was lighthearted after Cy has met with his brother Charles. The scenes between Bertie, Fiona and Cy with the dogs you can really get that feeling from reading the storyline. The characters are wonderful. They are a tremendous part of the fun and entertainment in the story. The romance is pretty sweet. I give this story 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.

Overall I liked the books and the characters. I do feel at times the relationship of Cy and Finola took a backseat to the dog training. The connection between the characters was instant. I liked the story and was glad to see an appearance by Pierce and Nalyssa. I do wish more would have been said about the future. I am now quite curious about Bertie Briggs and would like to know more. I look forward to more books by this author.

Having read previous books in this series, I was happy to receive this one and it did not disappoint. The romance between the main characters built slowly and the inclusion of Bertie Briggs rounded out their personalities and brought warmth and healing to both Cy and Finola. The shameful incident that Finola experienced in the one season she attended is in the past, but she has never forgotten how that night impacted her life. Cy, on the other hand, is a man adrift, battling to adjust to civilian life as well as having to deal with a disability. The meeting with his brother the Duke of Margate does not go well and Cy is relieved to find that he will not be living at the main house on the estate but in the hunting lodge nearby. This brings him in contact with Finola and he and Bertie become instant friends with her and the spaniels she is breeding. Unfortunately, secrets prevail and when events transpire that bring exposure to the truth, trust is broken and both Cy and Finola have to search their hearts. Cy, being a protective man and a warrior at heart, chooses to avenge Finola bringing about both peace and resolution of past pain. The novel comes to a sweet conclusion and even Bertie's dreams come true. I received a copy of this enjoyable romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

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

This is another installment of the Suddenly a Duke series, and while there are appearances/mention of characters from preceding books, this can be read as a stand alone.

Lady Finola Honeyfield is a woman making her own way, alone in the world, trusting dogs far more than people. She was orphaned as a young girl, rejected by her remaining family, alone, until she was taken in by a local bachelor baron, who became her only family and mentor. When she made her debut, she was made the butt of a terrible prank, and that, plus the trauma of losing her mentor and only real family, caused her to retreat to her country estate, where she proceeded to withdraw from society. She turned to breeding and raising her beloved dogs, developing her own successful business and independence, and eschewing her title and any links to Society, other than as that of a successful dog breeder and trainer.

Full disclosure - dogs are a big part of this story - therefore I am more than halfway in love with it already...

One day, when exercising part of her pack, she runs into a stranger and a young boy. Cyrus Cressley is at a loss, after being forced to sell his commission to the army, having been injured and losing his vision. He returned home, the younger, unwanted half brother of the Duke of Margate, and living in the old hunting lodge on the family estate. He is uncertain about his future, and his only friend and companion is the young son of his old batman, sent to keep him company and aid him. When he meets Finola, he hides his own identity, sensing her disdain for the aristocracy, and they forge a friendship and purpose together, teaching his young charge and Finola teaching him how to train dogs. Finola helps him with his site, and find himself, after having lost his place in the army. Their friendship develops into a love and regard for each other, until his brother suddenly passes and Cyrus finds himself suddenly Duke. Finola feels betrayed by his apparent lies about his identity and that she again has been the butt of another aristocrat's joke.

I loved the story of two lonely souls, alone and rejected by Society and their own families, coming out of their shells, and forging a love and friendship together. Throw in the unconditional love of dogs (or any other animals) and you pretty much have caught me and reeled me in fully - I was in love.

4.5 stars - rounded up because of dogs.

Training the Duke is the seventh book in the Suddenly a Duke series. This can be a stand-alone read. There are a few characters from previous books in the series.

Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley has returned home after a head wound leaves him blind in one eye. Cy returns to Melrose to find his father has died several years ago and his brother is now the duke. Cy is disappointed that his brother did not bother to inform him. He asks his brother for a place to stay. The new duke gives him a hunting lodge at the outskirts of the property which hasn't been used for years and makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with him. Cy takes Bertie, his batman's son with him to start a new life.

Lady Finola Honeyfield has had a terrible life after her parents died and her older sisters didn't want anything to do with her. Until she becomes a ward of Sir Roscoe who only has his love of dogs to share. They have a good life together, but he asks her to have one season in London to see if it what see would like. Finola is targeted by a Viscount who humiliates her. She returns home to Sir Roscoe only to find he has died. She picks up the mantle of training the dogs and puts the past behind her.

One of the Honeyfield spaniels escapes and meets Bertie and Cy, and a friendship is born between Cy and Finola, which quickly turns to love. Just when Cy realizes he needs to tell Finola he is the brother of a duke before they marry, his brother dies and Finola learns the truth before he can get to her. Finola feels as if she has been duped again and tells Bertie to tell Cy that she never wants to see either of them again. Will they be able to find their way to each other before it is too late.

This was a wonderful romance. I really liked the characters and the story. It was another wonderful addition to the series.

What a story! Finola was treated so horribly by people, even when she was young, so her faithful relationship was with dogs. The lovely part of this story includes great knowledge of a certain breed of dog and adds so much to the overall plot of the story. Dogs are God's gift of unconditional love and in case you have never had a dog, know that a dog falls in love with it's owner every time it sees the owner! Think about how wonderful it is to fall in love every time you come together. Cy was returning from war and between Finola and Cy, they had to learn that lesson in love all over again. Beautifully written. Love little Bertie

4.75 Stars
Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley is training his men when a stray bullet hits him in the head the wound leaves him blind in one eye and unsuited to lead men into battle. Cy returns to Melrose to find his father long dead and his brother, who is in poor health, the new Duke of Margate. Cy is given use of the hunting lodge on the estate, where he seeks to find his purpose in life. Lady Finola Honeyfield’s come-out was ruined when a very cruel trick was played upon her, leaving her to trust no one but her dogs. She retreats to the country and becomes one of England’s premier trainers of English springer spaniels, having found a way to earn her keep, even as she is lost in loneliness.
Finola has a chance meeting with Cy. Soon, a friendship springs up between them.
The seventh book in this lovely series, it could easily be read on its own. I loved both Cy & Finola the attraction between them was immediate & they both fell hard for each other & a lovely friendship developed, I loved that they fell for the person not the title & both were willing to work. However they both had secrets & of course secrets always are revealed & cause problems. I loved Bertie, Cy’s batman’s son, he was an utter delight, I would have loved for him to have been reunited with his family & for Cy to have found a place for the whole family. I loved how Cy showed how much he loved Finola & how she faced her tormentor. A captivating romance which I devoured in a sitting
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read