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

Terrified of marrying the cruel older man her father had chosen for her as punishment for helping her twin attempt to elope, Dalinda Baker wed the Duke of Gilford after meeting him only once. Though he was older and widowed, they had a good marriage, and two lovely sons. Now widowed herself, Dalinda is visiting her brother, and meeting her new nephew for the first time when she meets Rhys Armistead, the new Earl of Sheffington. Though born working class, employed as a groom, he was soon found by the aged Earl of Sheffington, who's only son and heir was sickly, and Rhys was next in line. He became educated, and a commission bought for him, which he used to his advantage during the Peninsula War. Returning home, Rhys soon realises he has a large task on his hands, as the previous earl neglected his estate, and his tenants, and Rhys is floundering on what to do. He turns to his army friend, Dez, for help, and when Dez's sister, the beautiful widowed Duchess of Gilford, offers to help too, he can't believe his luck. But it's soon apparent that the chemistry between Dalinda and Rhys is too much to overcome, and after spending a wonderful night together, Rhys feels guilty, thinking that he's too low born for Dalinda. Can she convince him they are perfect together, or will the circumstances of their birth pull them apart?

I'll hold my hands up and say this review is definitely overdue. This was my first approved book by Alexa, but I forgot all about it, and it was only after reading her 6 subsequent books, and checking my NetGalley shelf that I realised this was still unread. I've really enjoyed Alexa's other books, and this was the same. The plot was good, though not a lot really happened. I liked the main characters, and their care for others, even if that was to the detriment of themselves. Both had had difficult childhoods, for different reasons, and it had shaped them for the better. Their chemistry too, was perfect for the book, and I loved the way they came together at Rhys' estate, to help turn it into a flourishing endeavour, fit for an earl, and for the tenants living there. I haven't read the first four books in the series, so probably have missed out on some of the side characters, but all in all, a good book.

This is the fifth book in the Soldiers and Soulmates series, but I thought it was great as a stand-alone. It was well written and easy to read. The characters were charming and the storyline was good. The book kept my attention until the end and was a delightful book to read.

If you love strong, noble, moral characters then you will love this book. There are many sexy scenes in here too but the strength of the characters carry this story. My only critique of this story is that the main characters spent much of the time apart. I wanted to read more banter between them and wished the relationship progressed quicker.

I loved this book so much that I immediately downloaded the first books in the series. Rhys is one of the most compelling heroes ever. A fantastic romance. Loved this one!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Alexa Aston has a beautiful saga with this series. She once again touches the heart with her damaged characters. Watch as she spins a tale of healing and learning to trust again

To Win a Widow by Alexa Aston is number five the Soldiers and Soulmates series where we meet people we have met before, including the widow, the Dowager Duchess of Gilford, named Dalinda. This is a reluctant bridegroom trope but not for the usual reasons. Rhys Armistead, the new Earl of Sheffield, feels in no way ready to assume this life. He had not been born into it but had been adopted out of the stable, when it was discovered that his mother was a distant cousin of the earl. The earl's son, Viscount Raleigh had been not in good health and the earl wanted a spare in case the worst happened. Now it had happened and he had sold his commission and is home to assume the earldom. Through a series of coincidences, he meets Dalinda and she agrees to come and help him get his country house in order as it has been sadly neglected. He is already in love, but she is so far above him socially that he knows there is no hope, plus she is still in mourning for her dead husband, who she obviously had loved very much.

There are several stories here: Dalinda's, Rhys', and theirs. These are two really good characters, somewhat trapped in the mores of their society. It is fun to revisit Dalinda's brother, Dez, Lord Torrington, who had been Rhys' friend in the military; his wife, Anna, who has her own story. The struggle the two of them make fighting their attraction as well as the expectations of the ton, make the casual reader aware if the many difficulties living amongst them presented. It was a good plot, full of interesting characters. A joy to read. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of To Win A Widow by Dragonblade, through Netgalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #towinawidow

From Groom to Earl

Rhys is working at a stable when he finds out he might become an earl. How can a groom’s life change so drastically? You can take the boy out of the stable, but can you take the stable out of the boy? Rhys lets his humble beginnings affect his view of himself. Will Rhys adapt to his new role when he becomes the earl? He falls in love with a widowed duchess, but he does not think he is worthy of her. Can Dalinda change his mind?

I enjoyed Rhys and Dalinda’s story. I especially liked Rhys’s kindness as he helped soldiers after the war. No soldier who serves his country should be left out in the cold, but once they are disabled, many are left to fend for themselves. With the help of Dalinda, Rhys makes his home a shelter for some of them. I loved Dalinda’s efficiency. She is a strong woman who beat the odds. Her late husband rescued her from a miserable existence, and he taught her how to be confident. Dalinda’s help will prove invaluable for Rhys as he establishes himself as an earl, but her task to convince him that he is worthy will be difficult.

What a beautiful romantic tale!
A young stable lad goes from working as a groom, to being sent to London to be educated, to having a commission bought in the military, to being the Earl of Sheffington.
When Rhys is called home to sell his commission and take over his duties as the Earl of Sheffington, he is lost and knows he needs help. He reaches out to his best friend Dez, who has recently become Lord Torrington. Dez introduces him to his sister Dalinda, the Duchess of Gilford.
Rhys and Dalinda are immediately drawn to each other, but Rhys feels that Dalinda is far above him and nothing can come of their feelings toward each other.
Alexa Aston, you have grabbed my heart with the Soldiers ad Soulmates Series. Thank you Alexa for these wonderful stories, please keep them coming.

4.5 stars
This was an engaging read with very likeable characters. Rhys was such an honourable man who had achieved much in his life. He was now the Earl of Sheffington and felt out of his depth. Dalinda was now a widow with two sons, she hadn’t experienced a happy time with her father and older brother. When Rhys and Dalinda met, they felt an instant attraction but Rhys felt unworthy of Dalinda. What I did like about Rhys was that he was quite willing to tell people about his background. He was also willing to accept help from Dalinda, who had experience in running an estate. There is more to this story but I don’t want to give anything away, except to say there were some tear jerking moments with Rhys and Dalinda’s two sons. I have purchased the previous four books in this series and I’ve enjoyed everyone. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I did purchase my own copy for my kindle library.

Working as a groom, Rhys never thought he would one day become the Earl of Sheffington. By a distant connection through his mother and a series of events, he was called home from the war, having to sell out his commission to take over the title and estates. What did he know about that? He would have to spend time with his friend Dez and seek advice.
Dalinda, Dez's sister had been married to a Duke who had passed away leaving her with two young sons but free to live her life. While visiting her twin Dez, she was introduced to Rhys and that moment was to change her life. "She had never been struck physically by a man's presence--until now."
Can I just sigh? Their connection was truly instant. Yes I have to sigh again...
Alexa Aston always creates a story that makes my heart beat faster and this one definately does! I could not wait to find out what would happen to these two and I enjoyed every word!! I have enjoyed this series so much and this was a great addition. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Rhys Armistead is happy with his life. He loves working with horses and for Viscount Mowbray. That life is unexpectedly changed. Rhys learns that he is a distant relative of the Earl of Sheffington, whose only son may or may not survive to succeed him. This life change also allows for a commission in the armed services and the opportunity to continue to care for his mother.
Dalinda Bretton is under house arrest and banished to her bedroom, only to be bartered off to a man of dubious honor. But, Dalinda is given a reprieve. A chance to marry a man who will treat her with respect.
Upon notice that the heir to the Earl has died and that the Earl’s death is imminent, Rhys leaves the service and returns to a very unknown and chaotic life. He didn’t expect to meet a woman he could possibly love. But, does she love him? And will her children accept him?

To Win a Widow by Alexa Aston
Soldiers and Soulmates #5

This is book 5 in the series. Okay as a stand alone novel, but probably better in order as characters are in this story from previous books.

Dalinda is going to be forced to marry a man old enough to be her grandfather, and with terrible manners to boot, all because of 'the incident'. Luckily she is saved from that fate by befriending a handsome widowed duke, who offers for her first. While not a love match, they have a friendship and have 2 children together. The story picks up after she is a widow.

Rhys begins this story as a groom working hard taking care of horses for a nobleman. He is shocked when he is contacted on behalf of an Earl, stating that he is the next closest living relative and must attend school and be ready to take up his place if the current Earl's son passes. He has a commission bought for him and spends a dozen years fighting the war on the Continent before returning to England.

Give this book a try if you like
-soldiers – hero has served plenty of time in the Continent during the war
-class differences - though they aren't 'really' class differences, the hero is very open about his beginnings and doesn't see himself as any more than that, a simple groom that took care of horses
-an experienced heroine - she's been married, widowed and has 2 children
-light to moderate steam - a few kisses and a few full scenes. The scenes aren't long at all and not extremely explicit, though one happens very early in the book.

Sadly this book was NOT my thing. While the beginning was rather interesting getting to know their backgrounds, it was a long time before the characters even meet each other. Over 20% into the book before they even know each other exist in this world. That's a long time. And I could forgive it if there wasn't even more separation further into the story.

The fact that they have just met and barely know each other and then fall into bed with each other was also a turn off for me. I thought the book was going to border on erotica with the way it started like that, but then there is a very, very, very long dry spell. Not even close to erotica. And the scenes aren't extremely long, detailed or explicit really so it didn't even have that going for it. I just totally lost interest. I couldn't see what was drawing them together other than pure physical attraction. Once they had sex the book lost any sexual tension it had. Which wasn't much. :(

A duchess who is a widow and a former groom who is now an earl

I find i quite enjoyed Alexa Aston's book. This is Dalinda's story (whom we've met previously).
Rhys was a groom, went off to the military and is now back, inheriting an earldom.
Dalinda is a mother and a widow.

What I liked? I liked that both Rhys and Dalinda had a backstory.
I liked that they've lived and experienced quite a bit of the world.
That they were interesting characters who I wanted to be together.
I liked Rhys' doubts and that he's a good man.
Recommend.

Rhys Armistead never in his wildest dreams believed that he would become an Earl. He grew up being a groom; when he was selected by the Earl of Sheffington, to become his heir. The Earl had a son that was sickly, and he feared the child would never live long enough to succeed him. Luckily, Rhys’ mother was the Earl’s distant cousin. Being treated as a second son, with no affection, other that an education, he buys Rhys a commission in the Royal Army. Serving a dozen years fighting on the Continent, he is summoned home as the Earl and his son have both passed. How ever was he going to pull off being an Earl, when he knew nothing about his duties. Rhys contacts his best friend, Dez, who is also facing the same unexpected change in his life. Dez brings his twin sister Dalinda, an energetic widow, to help Rhys adjust to his new lifestyle. The only problem is that he feels, socially beneath her and will only consider friendship. What an interesting problem for them to figure out and not ruin what could be a fascinating solution to their lives.

To Win a Widow by Alexa Aston

Do you believe in fate or destiny? This book could be that if you are in the right place at the right time or that you are destined to a certain fate it is what it will be! We all need a feel good book where Evil is out maneuvered by Good! I think that this book is the closest I have seen where Good actually TRUMPS Evil!!! Life sometimes just has so much stacked up against us or seems like it does, the news is full of negativity all the time and Facebook and so many media outlets are negative that we need a shot of a rainbow and if you do not buy any other book in your lifetime but one, make it this one!!!! This is a great feel me GOOD BOOK!!!
Dalinda is almost coerced into marrying a man old enough to being her great grandfather, but a man who could be her almost father, a Duke steps in and saves her. She has two wonderful boys from him and nurses him when he suffers from a bad heart. She stays by his side till the day he dies. Her twin brother goes into the Army by force and meets a man who by chance was a stable boy and is raised out of the stable to be educated because he could possibly one day inherit a dukedom if his cousin should pass away because he is sickly. He gets a commission into the military because it looks like the cousins is going to be able to take over as the Duke which is fine by the stable boy because he really doesn’t want to be a elitist. However, the cousin takes ill and does pass. He gets the Dukedom and meets the widow and they fall in love, but its the things that they do in between that you have to read and understand. The sacrifices that they had to make and the people they end up helping to include wounded soldiers. I make light of the Happily Ever After, but I am telling you it is the middle of the book that is so important for you to read and get the jest of this book. What this woman had to endure from her family to begin with and all the pressures that she had to take up and her own brother endured so much pain. Then Rhys as a stable boy lost his baby sister to a death because they had no money for medicine. The travesty he had to endure and what his mother had to face and the pain and suffering she endured for her children. Life is not a bowl of cherries, but it is what you make of that life that makes you a person. Anyone can sit back and whine and cry, but it is though who suffer in silence and still go about their regular day and do for others that are the true heroes. I know we all have those people in our lives. This book reminds us too Thank them and to do for others. Open up our hearts!!
Alexa Aston as a writer you are good, as a human being you are wonderful to have created such a fantastic book!!!!!
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and I willingly give my thoughts and opinions!

This is book 5 in the Soldiers and Soulmates series.It is the story of Rhys and Dalinda. Both characters were introduced in book 4.
I found this book to be enjoyable. It is a love at first sight story. The sparks fly when these 2 meet.
Dalinda has recently become a widow. She was married to a fine man, who she respected greatly but never loved.
Rhys has unexpectedly become an Earl. Raised as a poor groom, he finds out he is 2nd in line to an Earldom. He is plucked from his life, educated and sent off to serve in the military. When both the Earl and his heir pass away in quick succession, Rhys inherits the title.
His estate is a mess. He needs help but is not sure where to start. Who better to give advice then a recently widowed Duchess.
You see the relationship between the two main characters develop into a love match. Unfortunately Rhys feels himself unworthy of Dalinda. Will their love survive?
This book was good. I did like the side story of helping the wounded soldiers recover from their injuries.
4 stars. I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to review this book.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

A really enjoyable and beautiful romance.

Rhys is now the Earl , but after his life as a soldier and being born into the lower class of society its so hard to get use to.

His best friends sister is the one who helps .
Dalinda in now a Widow with two young boys.
She would love a bigger family and a loving husband.
Maybe Rhys is the one.

I loved that Dalinda got a second chance at a loving relationship, and that her boys were ready to accept it. She’s a tough cookie , not afraid to try for love.

Rhys is a sweet but firm man , always out to please ,but not to be downtrodden.
His greatest enemy is himself, he doesn’t believe he deserves the Duchess.

The book was inspiring in both their relationship and the Hospital storyline.
The boys characters were brilliant, they were very entertaining, and very enjoyable to read about.

I thoroughly loved the story and series.
Alexa pleases my sole with her writing, I’m always satisfied at the end of her books.
Addictive reading.

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

As a young boy Rhys is educated as the possible heir of Sheffington. Three years later, the old Earl buys him a commission in His Majesty's Army to fight the French. Twelve years later, the Earl of Sheffington's son dies and on his own deathbed forces Rhys to sell his commission and return to London.
As the new earl, Rhys feels totally inept and asks for help from his best friend Dez. Introduced to Dez's widowed twin sister, Dalinda, Duchess of Gilford, a spark between them leads to one night of passion. Only one night's not enough. A very smart Duchess who brings order out of chaos, is the one woman Rhys really needs. Full of compassion and love between family, friends and forgotten soldiers. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Will his stubbornness be the end of their scorching chemistry...

My first read in this series was the previous book, a very moving read, so I eagerly awaited the next installment even if it was to be the last one.
I was curious to lear more about Dalinda.
It was nice for a change to read about a match made in hurry that turned in a good marriage of convenience, and while there was no true love between the spouses, they had a good union combining respect and a certain dose of affection.
And this first marriage provided her with more than wealth and education and it also equipped her with the right weapons to be sure of herself and able to move in society without fault.
Rhys began at the opposite side of the fence, a poor boy having to work to provide for his ailing mother. Until a twist of fate put a peer title on his path, and while he was finally allowed a permanent roof, he had to put his mark in the world. And a good soldier then officer he became. But his ultimate challenge came when the potential title becomes his and with it, the trial to restaure what is now his legacy.
Dalinda is good for Rhys, she help him set his path in this new world and she offers him ideas and support in his new adventure. Yet, He pushes her back, unable to see his own worth, still rooted to his old self way.
Their romance is one of maturity and while I did not agree with Rhys, they move into it with consideration and receptivity. Yet, with time, they come to the natural resolution of their instant attraction.
A lovely tale without angst and a lot of empathy.
4.25 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

In this rags-to-riches story, Rhys Armistead discovers that due to an odd quirk of fate, he is the only possible heir to the Earl of Sheffington if the current heir does not survive his youth, resulting in opportunities that would never have otherwise come his way. Content with life in the military, where he has made astounding progress, Rhys never thought he would actually inherit the Sheffington Earldom. Faced with the reality of a crumbling estate, he turns to his best friend and fellow officer Dev, who together with his widowed twin sister, comes to his rescue. Dalinda has had her own heartache and pain, but she too knows the relief of being rescued from an untenable situation. Visiting her twin, she meets up with Rhys and the attraction between them is electric. When Dalinda tries to back out of further contact with Rhys, he is desperate enough to demand that she keep her word to help him, even though he feels that he will never be enough for her. It takes the words of a wise man to make Rhys realise that if he doesn't let go of his insecurities, he may never know the happiness that he could have with Dalinda. This novel is well written and emotive, drawing the reader into the plot as Dalinda and Rhys discover the way to happiness. Although part of a series with characters from previous books appearing in this one too, it is nevertheless a standalone and comes to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.