Destined for Love by Alexa Aston is story of jealousy that doesn’t prevail. It is a wandering delight of characters you will fall in love with or despise.. It weaves two stories into a great tale. It’s quite delightful.

Book three in Runaway wives series.
Sir Drake is banished from his home when his parents die. He goes to make his own way.
Lady Faylinn, was married to a much older man. Now she is a pregnant widow. Unfortunately, her stepdaughter is jealous and greedy.
In order to survive Sir Drake takes the pregnant widow away.
Adventure, treachery, romance
You see previous characters

Sir Drake Harcourt is a second son kicked out of his home by his brother on the day his father passes away.
Lady Faylinn d'Albert weds a man more than three decades older than her. When he dies she finds herself with child. Her bitter stepdaughter pushes Faylinn down the stairs, attempts to poison her, etc.
Drake and Faylinn flee to Faylinn's brother to protect her life and the life of her unborn child. Drake and Faylinn fall in love on their journey, but realize they cannot act on their love until they know if Faylinn has a girl or a boy.
I loved this story! We have an honorable knight and a beautiful woman desiring love and a HEA!

A journey of the heart for two people who have life bring them unexpected harshness with the deaths of those close to them.

Lady Faylinn married an older man as her father deemed. He was kind to her but his stepdaughter, Sabelina, hated her from the start. When her husband passes away and Faylinn realizes she is with child, Sabelina tries to kill her and starts spreading rumors about Faylinn to turn everyone against her.

Drake Harcourt was the second son of the Earl of Wakefield and his mother. His older half brother Baldwin and his vicious wife had always hated him. When his father dies, and his mother the next day, Baldwin banishes Drake from the castle and land that is his. He ends up Malbowboune Castle, home of Faylinn and when she is in trouble, she turns to him to help her escape.

A journey of these two amazing characters who run for their lives and find themselves falling in love. Of course I fell in love with Drake myself! Courageous, strong and thoughtful, even with all he had gone through. A story not to be missed!!

If you like the synopsis, there’s a good chance you’re destined for a romantic tale you’ll find appealing, folks, since this book travels down that exact same path. It had an honorable knightly manners and feel to it as both this main couple were well mannered, caring, and above reproach. I’d be remiss, however, if I didn’t point out the writing could at times come across a tad robotic and repetitive. For example, the numerous times it is reiterated, using the exact same verbiage, what would happen if Faylinn had a boy instead of a girl each and every time they came across someone of consequence. Perhaps a bit of polishing was in order for the early advanced version I read. I did find myself skimming at times when parts began to feel overly drawn out, as well. Patience must not be my virtue, since I was running a little short of it by the end waiting for this babe to be born. Even though I knew how it would likely turn out.

The gorgeous, classy cover and alpha knight, good guy, protective hero were big pluses with me. Drake was always trying to do the right thing regardless of the circumstances to himself. He always took his own misfortune and family betrayal on the chin, not letting it make him bitter or hold him back. It was nice to see him come out on top by the conclusion. Stepping up to the plate the moment he felt something amiss and vowing to be Faylinn’s protector was verra heroic and swoon worthy indeed.

The set-up and description of Faylinn’s very early on pregnancy with a grandpa age, soon to be deceased husband, well, not so much. Just saying, spare me the brief flashback details please. Knowing Drake was walking around training the soldiers seeing Faylinn on occasion walk by and, well, nothing because they both are honorable people, and she was married, therefore, devoted and vowed to someone else had them casual acquaintances and nothing more at that point.

Characters from previous books do make important cameos here. I felt a little privileged to have already met them before and knew their background history and love interests.

Btw, take note there are a couple of graphic smex scenes late in the book. They definitely do not hijack the story line in any way, however.

Title: Destined for Love, Series: Medieval Wives (Book 3), Author: Alexa Ashton, Pages: 213, stand-alone but part of a series, married off at 17 to father’s MUCH older best friend, lying lethal evil jealous half sister, pregnant widow damsel in distress heroine, alpha protector gentleman hero, some violence, a couple MC smexy scenes. Rating: 3 - 3.5 stars.

Book 1 - Music for My Soul
Book 2 - A Promise of Tomorrow
Book 3 - Destined for Love

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, NetGalley, or PR firm.)

A Perilous Journey

He was banished from his home; she was nearly killed by a mad woman. As Drake helps Faylinn to escape the machinations of her stepdaughter, the two fall in love. Unfortunately, their path won’t be an easy one. If she gives birth to a son, she must marry who the king decrees, separating them forever. Drake and Faylinn’s journey kept me turning the pages, wondering what will happen next. If you like medieval romance with twists, plots, and machinations, you might enjoy this story.

Sir Drake Harcourt was forced out of his home when his parents died is now making his own way and a name for himself as a loyal knight for the Baron and Baroness of Gaynesford. After ten years of marriage Lady Faylinn d’Albert finds her self pregnant and a widow, but her wicked step-daughter pushes her down some stairs she fears is out to kill her and her unborn child. Drake comes to her rescue when he finds her injured and soon finds the lady is in need of a champion when he realizes her life is in danger he takes her to her brother’s estate. A captivating story as the attraction grows between Faylinn and Drake grows as they travel to her brother’s estate in an attempt to keep and her baby safe from harm. Who doesn’t love a knight in shining armor? I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story.

Lady Faylinn d'Albert found out she is pregnant and became a widow on the same day. Her elderly husband was happy to hear the news but would never meet his child. Unfortunately her stepdaughter is furious and lays dangerous plans. To save her own and her baby's life Faylinn must run.
Sir Drake Harcourt was turned out of his home by his brother after the death of their father. Now he must make a life for himself ,maybe he can become a Captain of the guard somewhere.
First though he must protect his liege lord's widow.
A long and dangerous journey is ahead for our characters with only uncertainty at the end of it.
You will be involved in their travels from the first to the last page and enjoy every step. You will meet old friends from other books in the series but you can easily read this and each of the others as stand alone stories.
I loved it.

When their fate is in a the whim of a child to be born ...

I feel like I am running after my list of books to read, and while a bit late, I could not pass the last in this series.
Twin souls, having lost everything but linked in times of need.
Daylong and Drake are victims of their circumstances. He became an outcast of his own home on the day of his father’s passing while she had to run away and leave everything behind when her life is threatened.
Together they form a deep bond but their future is not in their hands, they must hand to others to decide for them.
Both are kind and caring people but in the grand scheme, only their rank count.
It was the period of chivalry and courtly love, as it was what sustained the souls when marriages were only made over wealth and power.
This one is a lovely tale of two persons with hopes and dreams but having to comply to one date or another depending of the outcome.

It was nice to see again the heroes from the previous books, but this one can be perfectly read as a standalone.
4 stars

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

Drake is the second son, of the second wife of the Earl of Wakeland. He is much loved by his parents, but hated by his older half-brother. His life makes an abrupt change upon the death of his parents.
Lady Faylinn was given in marriage by her father to one of his friends-a man many years older than she. The death of her husband leaves her saddened, but also pregnant with his child. There is someone in Mallowbourne that is angry. Angry that she ever arrived there and married the Baron-but also now that they know she is with child.
Drake manages to escape Mallowbourne with Faylinn. He also manages to fall in love with her and she with him. But the evil follows them-even to the involvement of the King of England.
This is my favorite read so far in this series!

This is a very well written story. Sir Drake, thrown out of his home by a hateful half brother, heads to Mallowbourne to serve a wonderful family. There he meets Faylinn d'Albert the wife of the Lord. Lots goes on, including murder attempts on Faylinn's life. I don't like to write a spoiler, so I won't tell you the challenges and struggles that face Drake and Faylinn. What I will say is that these two characters are so honorable. They travel a long road together and in the end, their HEA hinges on nature. I really enjoyed this story and read it in one sitting - because I couldn't put it down! Thank you Ms. Aston for giving us these two very special people.
I did receive a complimentary copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. I honestly LOVE this story.

Destined for Love by Alexa Aston is the newest in her Medieval Runaway Brides series and a worthy entrance it is. Faylinn is Ashby's sister and for ten years has been married to a much older man, Amaury, the Baron of Gaynesford. His time on earth has come to an end just as she discovers she's finally with child, truly a miracle. Her stepdaughter, Sabelina, who has always been standoffish, determines now is the time to act and take it all for herself so she pushes Faylinn down a flight of stairs. Faylinn miraculously survives, with the help of Sir Drake Harcourt who, using the knowledge learned at his mother's knee, nurses her to health. They decide Sabelina is too dangerous and so decide to run to Ashby's estate, where she and the babe will be safe. On the arduous trip, they fall in love. All well and good unless the child is a boy: the new Baron of Gaynesford.

Great to see characters from previous books leading their best lives! The road to happily-ever-after is strewn with boulders that the pair must navigate. Aston kept the barriers up until nearly the last moment with a compelling plot strewn with subplots and many deviations from the straight line from here to there. Faylinn is a pious and practical woman, having all but taken over the running of the baronetcy from her husband. She replaced the steward who had died earlier and a new one not yet found, she supervised the training of the men, and she was chatelaine. Sir Drake knew his place. He was a second son. He was warm and kind and gorgeous to behold, but not worthy of a woman such as Faylinn. The read watched as the relationship grew. Aston put together the words beautifully giving her fans a novel that will not be quickly forgotten. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Destined for Love by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #destinedforlove

A lazy, jealous brother banished Sir Drake Harcourt from his home once their parents died. Drake comes to Mallowbourne, home to the Baron and Baroness of Gaynesford, and makes his mark with superb combat skills and a kind heart. Lady Faylinn d’Albert wed her father’s close friend, a man more than three decades older. After ten years of marriage, her husband dies—and Faylinn finds herself with child. Her bitter stepdaughter shoves Faylinn down the stairs, hoping it will kill her and the babe, so she can offer herself to the king as a bride for the new baron and remain in her beloved home. Drake finds the injured Faylinn and learns of the threat she faces, nursing her with skills learned from his mother, an exceptional healer. On the journey to her brother’s estate, the pair fall in love but their future is uncertain.
This is the third book in the series & my favourite so far. I loved the chemistry between Drake & Faylinn. They were both betrayed by family but were survivors. A well written book that drew me in from the start & I was captivated all the way through. A fast paced engrossing read that I read in two sittings & finished well into the night, I just loved the road to their HEA
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Great read and part of a wonderful series from Alexa.

Faylinn is the wife of an older man, one with a daughter who hates our heroine.
Drake is a knight, a man who is the second son to an Earl, Captain of the Guard and has a horrid elder brother.

These two are both damaged by life and situations and are drawn together by circumstances beyond their control.
They are great together, a chemistry that is brilliant, and a love that is always strong no matter how far they are separated.
It’s a story of passion, romance and perseverance to my mind , in believing in the impossible and in love.

Very enjoyable read

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

I enjoyed this book very much.
It was set in the medieval period.
This book starts out at the hero's family dwelling. His father is an earl and they live in a castle. He is the second son; his older brother is his half-brother and cousin. The earl's first wife died in childbirth and her younger sister, who was a healer, had been sent to help her prior to the birthing. So she stayed to help raise her nephew. She eventually fell in love with her brother-in-law and they married and had the hero. He is the master of the guard, and his mother taught his to heal, but his older brother is a waste of air, and hates them both. But, the brother did marry for the family. Him and his wife hate the hero and his mother. The earl has an attack and when he is brought to his room the hero and his mother care for him until he passes. The brother and his wife already act like he has died and sits at the earls place. The day the earl is buried, the brother tells the hero and his mother they have to leave. The mother is so upset that she takes herbs to put her in a forever sleep to be with the earl. The hero destroys the evidence and leaves after her burial.
The heroine is married to a much older man, in fact she is his third wife. He has a daughter from his second wife, but she has always hated the heroine and has tried to cause problems between her father and the heroine. The heroine has had to take over the estate business because her husband suffering from dementia. But he wakes up one night, lusty, and performs. The husband hires the hero for his estate. The husband suffers an attack and dies, but he is told that the heroine is pregnant before he dies. The daughter goes ballistic, says that the hero slept with the heroine and got her pregnant. But that did not happen. And that is only the first few chapters!!!!!
This book was so good, a real page turner,. I enjoyed the description of the settings. I think the supporting characters made sense. I think the story was well written and cohesive. This book deserves 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Set in medieval England, this novel is suspenseful and romantic as Faylinn and Drake face jealousy and betrayal by both their families. Drake is ousted from his family by a weak charactered brother and his spiteful wife, whilst Faylinn has to deal with her spoilt and entitled step-daughter. Upon the death of her husband, and discovering herself with child, Faylinn is shocked at Sabelina's murderous intentions and with the help of Sir Drake flees for her life. This novel has adventure and moves at a fast pace. As the attraction between Faylinn and Drake grows, so do the threats. I enjoyed this book more than the first two of the series as it seemed to be better researched and the plot is truer to the era. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given and in my own words for this ARC. This is a carryon from another tale. The book had a lot going on and could have had much more depth. It was well written, as it was, however, I thought it was a bit lack lustre. I would like to have seen a bit more.

Book 3 of the Medieval Runaway Wives Series is just as good as the first two! I hope there are more to come!

The Runaway wife is Lady Faylinn, but she is running away from another foe within her life. It’s sad when jealousy can warp a person’s mind to the point that they will attempt to murder another human being who is even pregnant!

Sir Drake is a honorable knight who was banished from his home by an evil half brother who once again let jealousy and others sway them to do things that are not right within the parameters of basic human decency!

Our world today is no different than even back in Medieval times it’s the survival of the fittest.

The journey the author takes us on is one of love and what if’s!? Read the book to discover the dilemma facing this couple and the problems of society places on social standing!

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

Soooo good!! This was such a wonderful story with lovable characters and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what happens. It involves a loyal knight, a widowed and pregnant Baroness, a deranged and dangerous step-daughter and the run to safety.

Sir Drake, a knight that lost his parents on the same day that he was forced to leave his home by a jealous half-brother, is now a loyal knight for the Baron and Baroness of Gaynesford. When the Baron dies, his widow, Lady Faylinn suddenly finds herself fighting for her life and with the help of Drake, he helps her escape to safety. Plenty of adventure follows them as they travel to her brother's estate. At the same time, their attraction to each other heats up but neither knows if they have a future together....it all depends on if she gives birth to a boy or a girl!

This author certainly knows how to write medieval romances and as usual, I was hooked from the first to last page. Loved the epilogue as well, such a heartwarming ending:)

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Destined for love
A very sweet love story with both the characters coming together in mutual want of affection,need and love.Alexa has continued the series with the introduction of Faylinn and Drake and managed to weave all the characters of the previous books in this one very aptly.A story with romance,intrigue and danger it’s a quick,light read and an interesting addition to the Runaway Wives series.