While this book appears to be apart of a series it easily stands alone. The narrative starts of like many other historical romances but takes an unexpected turn explores quite a harrowing theme of abuse f woman and the lack of legal rights that was a part of this period which I think was a brave move by the author. The center relationships deals with trauma, healing and forgiveness (including self forgiveness). The characters were well written and had a chemistry, I felt the author's portrayal of the hero's journey was particularly good and likable with some depth. I did however feel that it was too short and that the themes it dealt with like trauma could have been explored more as the characters changed so quickly due to the quick pace of the novel. The ending was a tiny bit on the melodramatic side but added a sense of adventure. I wanted to know more about some of the secondary characters such as the brother, which appears to be the next book in the series and her maid which Im afraid does not have her own book. I think many people would enjoy the book as long as the were not triggered by the themes and a reference to rape.

Lady Samantha Wallace gave up her dream to marry her brother’s best friend George the Duke of Colebourne. He scattered her heart and she moved on to another man. Now widowed after a disastrous relationship with her husband and his family she encounters the Duke of Charm aka George. He’s become quite the rogue, but he knows he’s missing important part of life, love, family and happiness and he sees Sam as the one woman to tame him. A captivating story of how life changes and we need to grab happiness when we’ve been given a second chance at love. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent story.

Lady Samantha Wallace loves her brother’ s best friend. Besides her brother Weston; George, the Duke of Coulbourne, has been a constant in her life. As she grew up George was becoming more than a friend in her eyes. But George could only see her as a sister and decided to marry a young woman who would fill the role of a wife without becoming emotionally involved. This hurt Sam so badly that she hastily married a nice young man, that she thought she could live with. However, things never seem to work out for any of them. I love the characters; the plot is not the usual romantic theme. Alexa Aston has provided an aspect to this adventure that keeps you wondering whatever could happen next. What an enjoyable read and I found that I could not put the book down. Hoping the next book in this series is just as entertaining as the first two have been. Thank, Alexa.

Samantha Wallace grew up following her brother and his best friend, George, the Duke of Colebourne. At eighteen, in love with George, Samantha's desire is for him to see her grown up and propose marriage. George proposes to someone else. Heartbroken she sets her sights on the first propect she sees and quickly marries him. Once Viscount Haskett takes her to Durham, her life becomes one of despair and a living hell. After Hasketts death, Samantha becomes a prisoner. Escaping to her brother's home, she vows to never marry and let anyone control her life. Diverted in her escape, she joins a neighbor's house party unaware that George and her brother are attending. George is known as the Duke of Charm and her brother the Duke of Disrepute. Both are considered loveable and outlandish rogues bedding various women, betting, drinking, etc. .George decides to change his life and Samantha is the one he wants, but she has other ideas. It's pain from the beginning for all three and heartbreaking to read. Some steamy sex and later in the book a little humor. I can't say this was an easy read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Sometimes who you need is right there in front of you. But it would take heartache and a lot of years for George, the Duke of Colleboune and Lady Samantha Wallace to come back together.

Sam had loved George, her brother's best friend for so long. Her only hope was that he would realize she had grown up once he saw her as she came out into society. Unfortunately he still viewed her as a little sister and announced his engagement to another. He was to be jilted.

Once Sam realized she would never have him, she married almost the first man she thought would be suitable. Oh yes, that was a mistake!

Now years later, after George became known as the Duke of Charm due to his many conquests and Sam, having gone through unimaginable treatment, come back together, is there hope?

As usual, Alexa weaves her magic and a story unfolds to win the heart! Cannot wait for The Duke of Disrepute and his story!

Samantha Wallace has loved George Moore as long as she can remember. When he announces he will marry another, she is devastated and chooses another man as her husband. Well, as fate would have it, George is jilted at the altar and joins her brother in a five-year attempt to drown their sorrows in a sea of debauchery. During the same five years, Samantha endured a lonely and miserable marriage, the loss of a baby, and horrible abuse at the hands of her now dead husband. That’s a truly sad tale, but it isn’t the whole story. This is a story of love lost and love found. Circumstances find Samantha and George at the house party hosted by Alexander and Phoebe, The Duke and Duchess of Windham. George has grown tired of being the Duke of Charm, and decided that turning from Samantha years ago was a mistake. He has discovered that he loves her. Is it too late to make those mistakes right? Can he convince Samantha to marry him when all she wants (she thinks) is to be a merry widow?

This is a complex story with interesting characters who have experienced the unhappier side of life. Disappointment, rejection, regret, debauchery, deceit, abuse, murder(s), kidnapping, rescue, redemption, forgiveness, and a marvelous happily ever after; it’s all in here and it makes a fantastic story. George and Samantha belong together. Their HEA make take a lot of work, but it is within reach. The house party is the perfect setting. The friends, old and new, are fun, and just what Samantha and George need. There is one (maybe two) insane villain. An emotional rollercoaster, this one is a fine addition to the Dukes of Distinction and a must read.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

4 stars

Some of these stories have quite dark elements to them. I think there should have been more punishment for the way the villain treated the heroine's maid, Lucy, but I suppose it was typical of the time George, the hero realises that he should have proposed to his best friends sister., Samantha. The heroine is a widow who has been badly treated by her in-laws and at long last realises that she wants some fun. The house party means that she gets to have passionate time with George. These scenes are well written and I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

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

Left at the altar, George vows to never allow another woman to make a fool of him. Sam had warned him-Samantha, Lady Samantha Wallace, the sister of his best friend. Samantha was heartbroken when the man she loved announced his betrothal to another woman. She marries in haste and seriously repents, although not in leisure. Now a widow, she vows to never marry and to escape her captors.
George has spent the last few years as the “Duke of Charm”, bedding women and then leaving them, according to his rules. He has now matured enough to know that there is more to life what he is currently living. Finding the beautiful widow, Samantha, at the country estate of Andrew and Pheobe, he vows to win her hand and the rest of her for life.
But has she really escaped the evil ones?

I just didn't enjoy this book. I didn't feel any of the chemistry that other readers noted between George and Samantha. I felt the turnaround for George from I think of you as a sister but I haven't seen you or showed any interest in your life for three years so now I would like to consider you for a wife was ridiculous. The whole book didn't work for me.

Duke of Charm by Alexa Aston is a cute story in the fairly new Dukes of Distinction series. Two men, friends all of their lives, are left at the altar on the same day, one literally. George and Weston, both dukes. Weston was Lady Samantha's brother and George was the man she had been in love with since childhood. Once George was engaged and the wedding was set, there was nothing for Sam to hope for so she married Viscount Haskell. He was nice enough. She thought they would be happy and so they were for a short while. They left London to live at his family's estate where she discovered her was a totally different man when he was near his mother. She got pregnant and thought she would at least have a child to love, but she miscarried at five months and rarely saw her husband after that. The viscount had gone with his cousin to set him up in Cambridge where he would attend university. Sadly he was murder by robbers and Percy brought him home in a coffin. She changed into black and mourned him for a year, as society dictated. Meanwhile, her brother and George had been as debauched as possible for those years she had spent away. Bedding any willing woman and gambling and drinking everywhere they went. She had only heard rumors. On the last day of her mourning period, she announced to her in-laws that she was leaving, and they announced that she was not and promptly locked her in her room where she was beaten and denied food, among other atrocities. She was to marry the dreaded Percy in two years when he was finished with university. George and Weston continued with the debauchery.

This was an entertaining story with interesting characters and situations. You can always count on Aston for a good read. Sam faced so many obstacles and yet she was able to climb over each one as it was presented. Her maid, Lucy, was a willing partner in her adventures and a loyal as loyal could be. George finally came to his senses and realized that the life he was leading was not the one he wanted and swore to become a better man. Weston had no such revelation. They were both funny characters, and since George was really the nicer of the two, he became known as the Duke of Charm. By the time Sam found him again she had determined that she would never marry again. She would never put herself under the control of another man or in-laws. The chase was fun. The happily-ever-after, more difficult to reach. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Duke of Charm by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #dukeofcharm

Very sweet, romantic story!

Samantha loves her brother's best friend, but can't summon the courage to tell him. George thinks of her as just a little sister, and he's determined to marry a woman who will fill the role without becoming emotionally involved. Since he's never seen a healthy, loving marriage he has no idea that one is even an option. Fast forward a few years, and he's been jilted at the altar while Sam has married a "nice young man" whose recent murder leaves her trapped by his horrible family.

Samantha and George run into each other right after she makes her escape, and seeing Sam again convinces George that it's time to hang up his charming, bed-hopping lifestyle and settle down with the woman he should have chosen all along. For her part, however, Samantha is determined to never again find herself at the mercy of any man, especially in the confines of marriage.

I loved how the Duke of Charm learns that his charm isn't going to work when it matters most. I could really sympathize with Sam's determination, and applauded her me-first approach to securing her future.

These two have a somewhat predictable courtship, significantly shortened by their long history (he's known her since she was born) and undeniable emotional connection. They do have one final showdown with her past to contend with before everything can be set to rights. Not only do they get a victorious HEA, but a many-years-later epilogue as well.

Most frustrating was her brother, Weston, who comes across as a truly insensitive cad, which only whets my appetite for his story. Phoebe and Andrew are also on board (from the earlier book) and it was such a joy to visit with these familiar friends. I highly recommend this story if you like a lot of sweet with your steamy romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Lady Samantha Wallace has been in love since childhood with her brother’s best friend, the Duke of Colebourne, but George only sees her as a little sister. She weds a viscount who is George’s opposite, only to find herself trapped in a miserable marriage. When she becomes a widow, she is held against her will and finally escapes, vowing to live life her own way and never be controlled again.

George is jilted at the altar and becomes one of London’s most scandalous rakes, bedding women left and right. After years of being the Duke of Charm, though, George is tired of his meaningless existence and decides he is ready for a change—which includes finding Sam, who is now a widow, and asking her to be his duchess.

Fate brings George and Samantha together at a house party, where their desire for one another ignites in a torrid encounter. Yet Samantha refuses to wed George. Determined to learn Sam’s secrets and make her his, George will do whatever it takes to fight for the woman he’s always loved in secret.

This is book is a part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this book it was fun and engaging and kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next.

I will definitely go back and read the first book in the series.

4.5 Stars
Lady Samantha Wallace has been in love since childhood with her brother Weston’s best friend, George the Duke of Colebourne, but he only sees her as a little sister. Sam is devastated when George announces his engagement so she weds Viscount Haskett who is George’s opposite, only to find herself trapped in a miserable marriage. When she becomes a widow, she is held against her will and finally escapes, vowing to live life her own way and never be controlled again. George & Weston are both jilted and become scandalous rakes, bedding women left and right. After years of being the Duke of Charm, though, George is tired of his meaningless existence and decides he is ready for a change—which includes finding Sam. Fate brings George and Samantha together at the Duke of Windham’s house party, where their desire for one another ignites in a torrid encounter. Yet Samantha refuses to wed George.
This is the second book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own characters do overlap. Once again the author has written a page turning engrossing read, which I devoured. Strong characters of depth & a fast paced story had me reading it in two sittings. I loved George the rake who wanted to settle down & realised who he’s loved all along. I also loved Sam, my heart bled for the way she’d been treated & rejoiced for her strength in running away & her determination to be her own person. The chemistry between the pair sizzled & I loved the road to their HEA. I can't wait for the next book, which will answer what happened to West, although the epilogue of the first book gives a clue! I do have one question though did Peter, the groom, manage to get away?
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This book is a twist on the common brother's best friend and the player turned romantic tropes. What I loved about this is that unlike usual where the man only remembers how they felt, or even realizes, when they see them again, here George makes that discovery on his own. The plot was good and like any good book, and life, a few bumps along the road. The writing was good and Samantha was a strong and relatable character. My only issue is that I wish we had seen more of Samantha's brother, he does have his own book coming soon but I would have loved to see a little more of him in this one. Overall a good book, with great characters, and great writing.


Thank you for the opportunity to review!

Review Posted Today March 9th:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3878930981

We first met the Duke of Colebourne in The Duke of Renown and he struck a spark with me then. Known as the Duke of Charm, his ability to draw the ladies in with charm is legendary, but his affairs have become stale and meaningless. When his best friend the Duke of Treadwell puts his life in danger, George has no recourse other than to get him out of London. On the way to the Duke of Windham's house party, George tells Weston that he is finished with his dissolute lifestyle and is looking not only to change his ways but to get married. He also tells Weston that he plans on asking his sister Samantha for her hand, as she has become a widow and is free. George does not take into account the fact that Samatha has had a miserable marriage and when the mourning period after her husband's death is up, she is ill-treated and imprisoned in her own room. Finding Samantha at the house party seems a bonus at first until George starts to realise that Samantha is hurting and deeply wounded, and courting her is not going to be an easy task, especially as she is mistrustful of his reputation. This novel is well written and although lighthearted on the surface, the underlying trauma suffered by both Samantha and George at the hands of others, influences their reactions. I found it difficult to put this book down once I started reading it. I was completely drawn into the plot and found it difficult to close the book when I came to the end. I loved the main characters, Samantha's strength of character and her ability to prepare for her escape, and George's gentleness with her, especially once he realises that she needs a gentle approach. I received a copy of this romance through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

I loved this story…that is all! Okay, so not really. I have only read a few of Alexa’s stories and wonder why I had not been introduced to this talented author sooner. The Duke of Charm is a great tale of kind of role reversal. He realizes he has been in love with Sam after carousing around for years but she married and wants to play around a bit. How to convince her to marry him? Well, you will need to read the story. George and Sam’s journey to a happily ever after is not an easy one. Their chemistry is off the charts. Just look at them on the cover. Oh, and the ending and epilogue are amazing. Tears, my friend, tears.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A fun, enticing read. Full of rich characters, vivid backdrops, and edge of your seat storyline. A heartfelt story of unrequited love and second chance romance.

Samantha Wallace was hopelessly in love with George, the Duke Of Colebourne. Being spurned leads to bad choices and heartbreak. The young, innocent Samantha is forged in fires of terror, turning her into a completely different person. I loved how Samantha changed so dramatically. She goes from naïve to battle-worn. The Phoenix that rises is strong and vibrant. Her strength through her trials was awe-inspiring. I loved her spirit and grit.

George was betrayed and became an infamous rogue. In retrospect, he sees his shortcomings when it comes to Samantha. Although the worse sort of wastrel, I felt George could be redeemed. He had a gentleness of spirit even through his wayward actions.

The couple goes through so many trials, but these trials turn them into better individuals. I could feel the love between the couple. The steamy passion was tangible. Their chemistry together set the pages on fire. The secondary characters were well-formed, from new and old friends to evil villains.

The storyline takes you through several years. Although a lot was going on simultaneously with different characters, I did not get lost. It was a page-turner moving at a rapid fire pace. The love story was complicated and made for excellent reading. The backdrops, from beautiful balls to terrorizing houses to enchanting house parties, were exquisite in the description.

I truly enjoyed this book. It stood out, carving a unique telling of an original storyline. This author is one to watch! The book is a solid installment to an enchanting series. It was tragic at times and inspiring at others. A rollercoaster of a story!

I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing. This is my honest, voluntary review.

Lady Samantha Wallace has been in love with George, the Duke of Colebourne and her brother’s best friend since they were all children. In the midst of her first Season, she decides that she will reveal her feelings to George, but before she can do so, George announces his engagement as does her brother. So, Samantha decides to take her future in her own hands and marries a man who she believes will make her happy even though she does not love him. Yet soon after her marriage, all is in tatters with George’s fiancée leaving him at the altar and her brother deciding not to marry. As a result, the two male friends find themselves leading a life of disrepute whilst Samantha is left in a cold marriage. When her husband dies, she finds herself trapped inside her husband’s home, by his dictatorial mother. When she meets George again, Samantha wonders whether they will ever be the same again.
This is the second book in the series and whilst I thorough enjoyed both books, I found that the Duke of Charm, did have a few flaws that I couldn’t overlook. George states that he has always loved Samantha and tried to distance himself due to his relationship with her brother, but this was not so evident at the start of the book. I did enjoy Sam and George as a couple but found George was a bit exaggerated in his feelings, given his past. I also found the absence of Samantha’s brother, from the 2nd half of the book, difficult to understand given his importance to both Samantha and George. Overall, this was an enjoyable romance with all the necessary ingredients for a historical romance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

George, the Duke of Colebourne, is best friends with West and his sister Lady Samantha Wallace and has always had a fondness her, but when his feelings for her turn more serious, he runs away and proposes to another woman. Samantha has been in love with George for as long as she can remember and is crushed when he tells her, he's set to marry another. To hide her disappointment she marries another and that sets in motion a chain of events that will change her life. Five years later they are thrown together at a house party, but Samantha is no longer the naive young woman she once was and is determined to never marry again. Can George convince her that he's changed and wants to dedicate his life to her now?

I really enjoyed this story. Ms. Aston does a brilliant job of teasing out the details of Samantha's unhappy marriage, but Samantha is no wilting wallflower and through her own determination, she flees her inlaw's home in the north. George aka the Duke of Charm was indeed a charming rogue and it takes him years to realize he's been in love with Samantha all along. I enjoyed Samantha's refusal to immediately fall under George's spell. Of course, they end up with their own HEA and I enjoyed the epilogue years in the future. My only little criticism is that there was no mention of her brother West once he leaves the house party. I understand he'll get his own book, but would have loved even a 1-sentence tease of what was to come.

Very good story of love lost, and found. Sam is a great character, she experienced so much before happiness. George is a darling, Sam's childhood friend. So much goes wrong for these two...well written. I hope you enjoy it!