Duke meets governess… and I was hooked. This had all the best tropes—friends to lovers, hero falls first, slow burn tension, and those Cinderella vibes that make you swoon. Val was such a charming rake learning to step up as duke, and Eden was the kind of strong, independent heroine you root for instantly. Their friendship felt real, their chemistry built perfectly, and when it turned into more? I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. If you love protective heroes and across-the-social-divide romances, this one absolutely delivers.

A duke falls for a governess taking him by surprise. The governess tries to avoid the duke fearing for her reputation and losing her position. Her feelings are in turmoil. A governess, even the daughter of a Viscount, can't marry a duke. But a duke in love won't give up. Another entertaining book in the series with four young ladies and their mothers encouraging the match.
Very heated descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

I enjoyed this book overall. I appreciated that it was not overly complicated or melodramatic on the romance front. That said, I really wish there was more. The romance felt rushed, and there often wasn’t a lot of explanation or emotion behind their actions. I also felt like the prologue was really unnecessary, as it did not give you more than is alluded to throughout the book. The only thing keeping me from rating this book higher was the overly repetitive nature of the character’s thoughts. We get it.

Miss Eden Snow, the only child of Viscount Brownley and his beloved wife until an unfortunate accident killed him instantly and left both Eden and her mother with not much to cling to as the new Viscount took control of the estate and the title. To add to her sorrow, her mother dies five months after her beloved husband, leaving Eden to fend for herself. She secures a job as a governess to two young girls only to be molested by her employer. Luckily for her, his wife is aware of her husband’s behaviour and immediately writes to her mother asking her to find another position for Eden. It is here that she is placed in the home of Lady Traywick and her lovely daughters that she thrives and becomes part of the family.

Valentinian Worthington, the new Duke of Millbrooke, inherits the estates and title upon the death of his father. As his now grieving mother seems unconsolable, he sends for her good friend, Lady Traywick, and her daughters who in turn bring Eden with them. Both Val and Eden are attracted to each other, although following Eden’s unfortunate incident with her former employer, she is more than a little prickly.

It takes a very patient, loving Val to help her see that he is indeed in love with her. The two get their HEA a little longer than I would have liked. All in a lovely story that I enjoyed, if found a little frustrating at times.

I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.

I loved reading the story of Val, and Eden romance.
As always lots of interesting characters and passing references to other family members there stories already told and I can't wait for the next family member to find their one true love

Tragic backstory for Eden who’s mother is paralyzed after a horse riding incident when she was young, plus the sudden death of her father when she is on the cusp of making her debut. She ends up as a governess to two young ladies, but definitely wary of her circumstances. Val is the newly inherited duke who is learning his responsibilities after the sudden death of his father. His aunt is keeping his mother company during her mourning period and sends for her daughter and their governess to stay. Val is instantly smitten with Eden, but she wants to maintain her distance due to their stations. Lucky for her, he’s only got honorable intentions. Loved this romance.

I’m giving Val a huge amount of credit in dealing with Eden. Lighten up a little bit woman. Prickly is not the word. A stick up the butt. I enjoyed the story with family. It was wonderfully written. Yes it would have been exciting with Con there. The book is entertaining as well as warm and cozy. I found most characters to be engaging and acceptable to the plot. What helped this become a page turner is the narrative. The romance between Val and Eden was a slooooooow burner. Their romance was extremely drawn out. I appreciate the writer had both characters of a mature age. It made the courtship of the two more interesting, cute, charming, somewhat full-filling, but missing other elements of a fresh starting romance. Until next time this is: Read Them/ Review Them Gal. Read on!

I absolutely enjoyed An Unforseen Kiss by Alexa Aston and read it in one sitting!

This is book 4 of Captivating Kisses. I adored it and I feel it can be absolutely be read as a standalone.

Our FMC Eden lost both her parents and was ejected out of her family home by her awful cousin.

Removed from her societal standing she has not much choice but to work as a governess. Luckily, after a bad experience she is blessed with the chance to guide Lady Traywick's daughters.

Our MMC Val has recently acquired a new title after the death of his father. Now a Duke, he takes his responsibilities seriously.

When his cousins visit with their governess he is immediately taken by Eden. She's so beautiful, smart, capable and has a way with horses. She also wants nothing to do with him.

As they spend time together a friendship blooms and Val can not help falling... hard!

I loved the forbidden aspect and pining on both parts.

I just couldn't put it down! Will definitely be delving into more books by this new to me author!

Many thanks to Netgalley and author for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts.

Eden's dreams of a future came crashing down, even before she had a chance to experience them. Aware that in the absence of an heir, her despicable cousin would show them no mercy should something happen to her father, and it was therefore imperative that Eden make a good match as quickly as possible during her first season. Unfortunately, fate intervened, and Eden and her mother's worst nightmares became a reality. There were times when I felt that Eden was being unnecessarily stubborn, then I came to realize that, given her plight, she was only too aware that if her means of support was removed, the alternative was too horrible to think about. Eden's employer and her charges visit a bereaved family for the summer, taking Eden with them. There, despite her protestations, she is drawn into the family's fold. While they might wish to treat her as an equal, Eden resists crossing boundaries, concerned that she could lose her reputation. Val, the Duke of Millbrooke, is a lovely, cheerful character who wants nothing more than to get to know Eden a little better, and it frustrates him that she holds rigidly to her principles. It is only after Val distances himself from Eden to visit his holdings, he discovers that absence makes the heart grow fonder, bringing the novel to a sweet conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

You will meet characters from previous books in this historical romance, because the series covers a large family of cousins. That will not spoil any of the other books for you. This time it's the hero who is part of the family. He has unexpectedly inherited his title. Now with the rest of his family to care for, he has a lot to learn.
Our heroine lost her parents before she entered society. Now she needs to earn a living as a governess. That can be perilous for a young lady.
There are a lot of fabulous characters in this story. The girls are a delight and I can't wait to read their stories.
It would be lovely if all families were as supportive as this one.
A light hearted and happy tale that will make you smile.
Great fun

The fourth book in the Captivating Kisses series by Alexa Aston was NOT my cup of tea. As much as I tried, I couldn't bring myself up to finish An Unforeseen Kiss, and it took me a while. I didn't find myself connecting with either of the main characters and they didn't seem relatable at all. Of all the things, I was more invested in Con, Val's cousin, than anything else. To me, this book had no soul. It was like the author had a cutout for the story and she had to work with that, without truly wanting to. I didn't enjoy the book, I couldn't get into it and in the end, there wasn't a moment when I was happy with what I was reading.

He falls first...

Eden is the daughter of a viscount whose life changed upon the death of first her father and then her mother (both due to horses, apparently, her parents should have stayed away from horses). Seven years after their deaths, she ends up as a governess and is staying with a new duke and his extended family.

Val is a new duke, with his own father's death. He knows nothing of running a dukedom, nothing what so ever. He spent his 25 years enjoying himself way too much. But at 25, he is ready to wed and wants a close family and does not need to wed an heiress, as he feared.

What I liked - and there was a lot to like:
He falls first.
Eden and Val are both 25, they both have lived experiences and they are both decent sorts, Eden more so than Val.
Recommend.

I absolutely adored this book! It was such a cozy, delightful slow burn with charming characters, a sweet romance, and just enough bumps in the road to keep things interesting, without any unnecessary angst.

Val completely stole my heart. I loved that he fell first and couldn’t seem to stay away from Eden. The fact that he never let class differences get in the way and saw Eden for who she was made him all the more endearing.

Eden’s journey really touched me. Everything she went through, from losing her parents to facing unfair treatment as a governess, was written with so much care and emotion. Her fears and hesitations felt real and earned, and I appreciated how the author let her grow at her own pace.

The friendship-to-love arc between Val and Eden was so well done. They genuinely got to know each other, and their bond felt strong and believable. The slow pace worked here, it gave the relationship space to bloom naturally, and the payoff was beautiful.

Also, I have to mention the cousins! All four of them were absolutely adorable! I could practically feel their energy jumping off the page. Alexa Aston’s writing style is comforting and full of heart, never overwhelming, but still rich in character and emotion.

No over-the-top drama, just a heartfelt, uplifting romance with a lovely happily ever after. A truly enjoyable journey!

My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Miss Eden Snow the daughter of Viscount Brownley and only child after the death of both of her parents must seek employment and work as a governess to the two daughters of Lady Traywick . When the family visiting the family of the Duke of Millbrooke she is coming with them . The Duke is Valentinian Worthington who is new to the role but is trying to do his best . When he meets Eden he realizes that he found in her maybe his future Duchess .They become fast friends but she always knows her place as a governess . Will Val make her realize that not all men are the same and he truly is the one for her ?
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publisher as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

Oh, I have been waiting for Val's story and I wasn't disappointed at all. He is charming and such a cinnamon roll guy. Eden, has experienced such sadness in her life, yet she remains strong and positive. She's understandable weary of being treated differently and Val does everything he can to relieve her anxiety. As always so beautifully written! The story can stand alone and bring you joy. The entire series, I think 10 books is all about a uniquely amazing set of family members, so why would you want to miss even one. I wouldn't! Can't wait for more.

Val is such a fun fellow! I have enjoyed him in other books in this series. I love how he is portrayed. His warmth, his love of family, and his openness are so appealing. As Eden enters his life and his home it is impossible to imagine how they would not suit each other. This is a well written, feel good story!

Mutual attraction is instant, but there’s no future for a governess and a duke, is there?

Eden & Val
Losing her parents shortly before her debut changed everything for this capable and clever beauty, but her sheltered upbringing didn’t protect her from her first employer’s lecherous intentions. Now safe and happy, tucked away in the Lake District, she’s a little wary when she’s tasked to accompany her two charges to Kent for an extended stay with their cousin, a duke. Charming or not, it’s safer to raise her walls and keep her distance.
He’s the fish-out-of-water fresh duke and former man of leisure – not by choice, but because his cold controlling father kept him away – forced to take up all responsibility after his sire’s sudden demise. Somehow he grew up to be a kind and caring man, a man ready to change the definitions of family and a man now in urgent need of a duchess. A daunting prospect given his title – even more so with his aunt’s intriguing governess around.

This was a sweet and engaging frenemies-to-lovers country romance with a few heated kisses and a deliciously steamy wedding night. He went all out 😉
I really enjoyed the dynamics between this large cast of found family, both old and new.
A household full of surprising women and an absent best friend made Val the somewhat lonely rooster in this henhouse. Eden’s position as neither a servant, nor a member of the family, even thought she’s very much loved and appreciated, made her just as lonely. And that’s exactly where they connect. I loved how Val patiently, but with great charm and determination, wore down Eden’s resistance and firmly nestled himself in her heart.
No major drama, just a beautiful slow burn, and yes, there’s a few hiccups, but time and space work their magic in the end.
A captivating, low-angst, relaxing read and I’m definitely looking forward for the next books in this series!

An UnForeseen Kiss by Alexa Aston is the fourth in her Captivating Kisses series. Eden Snow had always been happy. True, her mother had had an accident early on and been paralyzed and consigned to her bed, but her father loved her and was faithful the entire time. They ate many dinners with her mother in her bedroom. Then tragedy struck and her father was dead. It was the responsibility of the heir to take care of her and her mother, but she was nervous. Her mother passed only a few months later and the worst happened. She was ordered to vacate the dower house. She was on her own. She found a position as a governess but the master of the house tried to make undue demands on her and when she refused she was dismissed. The master’s wife arrived at her chamber with some money and an address. She knew her husband’s proclivities and was trying to make up. The address was for someone who helped her with a new position, in a house where she was safe. Valeninian Worthington was the Duke of Millbrooke, newly risen to the position. His mother was devastated at the death of his father and so he asked the friend who had been staying with her to remain longer. She accepted but the proviso was that she bring her daughters and their governess to his home. She didn’t care to be without them any longer.

Val was an honorable man. Eden know that but she had thoughts that were less than honorable toward him. The more he got to know her, the more he thought her the perfect candidate to be his duchess. She was a daughter of the nobility after all. His mother, after a revealing conversation, suggested he visit some of his other properties to see if the distance would make a difference. It did; it made her all the more compelling. This was a pleasant read, full of romantic tension as well as practical intentions. Eden was beyond capable, navigating both his twin sisters and her own charges. She took his place in organizing the fete and did it well. Good characters, a slightly different plot. One can always count on Alexa Aston to deliver an entertaining story.

I was invited to read An Unforeseen Kiss by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AlexaAston #AnUnforeseenKiss

I have been looking forward to Val's book since the series started. I have always enjoyed Alexa Aston's books and really love how she wrote Val and Eden's story.

*received as an ARC

Valentinian (Val) Worthington is a carefree charmer who finds himself the Duke of Millbrooke after his father’s sudden death. The lighthearted bachelor must quickly assume his responsibilities as head of the family, caring for his widowed mother and two younger sisters, also he must learn to run the dukedom. Miss Eden Snow lost her father in a riding accident, and her mother’s death followed shortly thereafter. The new Viscount Brownley orders her off his estate, and she becomes a governess happy employed, spending the past five years educating Lady Traywick’s daughters, Verina and Justina. Accompanying her charges to visit their cousin, a duke, Eden hopes to escape the duke’s notice, but Val is drawn to the attractive, intelligent woman.
The fourth book in this series about a group of cousins. I really thought Val & Con would be the last to have their stories, as they are the two charmers who are also very protective of their siblings & cousins. So I was surprised to read Val’s story so early in the series – I’m certainly not complaining! I’ve loved Val in the earlier books & I loved not only how he was determined to do his best for the dukedom but how he didn’t put on any airs & graces. He thanked his servants & treated them really well. I also loved Eden, one strong woman who had a very happy childhood but then went through a difficult patch. I also loved how she wasn’t afraid to butt heads with Val. Another well written delightful romance which once again I read straight through finishing it at silly o’clock
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own