A great start to a new series from one of my favorite authors!

The beginning of this book broke my heart, but definitely drew me into the story. I loved Miles right from the start and was rooting for him throughout the entire story. Because I only wanted the best for him as an adult I was so glad that I loved Emery just as much. It is always great to see romance novels with a strong, smart woman at the center of them. I could certainly understand why Miles was immediately drawn to her. I especially liked how Miles and Emery bonded while working together, whether it was while birthing a colt or reviewing the estate. Miles's determination to make Emery see how great they could be together and ignoring what society will think of such a match made me like him even more. I was glad that he and his mother came to a little bit of an understanding by the end, even if they will never be very close.

The only part of the book I didn't really like was the part toward the end with Haddoway. It didn't really feel necessary and certainly didn't move the plot forward. Other than that this was a pretty perfect book. I'm very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

I love period romances. I love the politics of titles and the formality of it all. Everyone seems so prim and proper and I just revel in all of the details. I especially love when the highborn falls in love with a commoner. It's just so romantic, hence my pleasure at reading Discouraging the Duke by Alexa Aston.

Miles is the middle born son of the Duke of Winslow. His father could care less for him and favors his heir, Ralph, who is a terribly bad seed. His mother favors Tony, the youngest son, leaving Miles without love, affection, and really any kind of positive relationship at all, except for the love of his little brother Tony. When Ralph kills Tony and Miles is blamed, Miles is shipped off to a school for troubled boys and eventually makes his way to the army, where he excels until he learns his father and brother have both passed and he is now the Duke of Winslow. He returns to his childhood home to find the estate in great shape thanks to Miss Emery Jenson, the daughter of his steward. She's knowledgeable, confident, and captivates Miles immediately. He's taken with her and convinced she's to be his duchess. She is loving, and he's convinced she would make an amazing mother. Miles isn't interested in being the same kind of duke he grew up with and he definitely doesn't want the same kind of duchess. The only problem is Emery. Will she be convinced that Miles is doing the right thing in pursuing her?

I enjoyed this so much. It reminded me a lot of The Chase Family series by Lauren Royal, which I enjoyed immensely. There's romance, intrigue, and a few surprises along the way to keep things interesting. Even when I thought I knew what would happy, Aston kept me guessing.

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

When he turned 10, Miles Notley, second son of the Duke of Winslow, expected to have a fantastic birthday, especially with his little brother, Tony. But, it soon turned to devastation when his eldest brother, Ralph, shot and killed Tony, and laid the blame on Miles. Ralph, as the heir and golden child, was immediately believed, and so Miles was exiled to the Turner School, along with 4 other second sons, who had all been blamed for crimes by their elder brother, and exiled in similar ways. Dubbing themselves the Terrors, they became a family, and even now, four of them serve in the Peninsula for the King's army. But Miles is soon dispatched home following the deaths of his father and brother, as the new Duke of Winslow. He arrives home to find Wildwood in the capable hands of the estate steward and housekeeper, the Jenson's, as well as their beautiful daughter, Emery, who seems to be the glue holding the place together. But Emery is hiding a secret - her father is unwell, and with his mind gradually going, she's taking on more and more responsibility, to the extent that she is the steward, in all but name. Thinking that the new Duke will only stay at Wildwood for a couple of weeks, before heading to London to find a bride at the upcoming season, she in for a shock when the military man who appears in front of her states he's there to stay, and to discover more about the estate. Miles soon realises that Emery is everything he could ever want, and the perfect duchess to manage the estate and tenants, and he'll stop at nothing to make her see the truth of it all, and agree to marry him.

I loved this book! I recently ready Alexa's Dukes of Distinction series, and when I saw she had a new series coming, and the first book was available to review, I jumped at the chance to read it. Discouraging the Duke was the perfect introduction to the new Dukes Done Wrong series, and definitely whet the appetite for more. Both of the main characters were flawed, and had secrets, but they were strong, and capable, and truly cared about others, and more importantly, about each other. Because of his banishment, Miles barely knows anything about the estate, or his people, and the first thing he does when he returns is get rid of the old butler, who'd always hated him, and sent his mother to live at the Dower House, where she couldn't interfere in his running of his estate. He is happy to see that some of the old retainers and tenants he remembers from childhood are still around, and he promotes Thomas, the footman who was always kind to him, to butler. This, and his other actions, really endears him to the residents of Wildwood, and when he gets closer to Emery, who is universally loved by all, he's well on his way to being a fantastic Duke, much unlike his brother and father before him.

Emery's been on the estate for over ten years, and helped to nurse the old duke in his ill health, before his death. When his eldest son inherited, Ralph came on to Emery, and she hit him, and thought she'd have to flee the estate from his rage. Luckily for her, he died from a drunken horse accident, and she was safe to help her parents run the estate. But keeping the truth of just what she did from Miles was hard, especially as her father was declining so rapidly. Her feelings for Miles, too, weren't helping. She was more than attracted to him, and it was clear he reciprocated the feelings, but they were from very different stations in life. He's a duke, and she's the daughter of his housekeeper and estate manager, albeit an estate manager who's father was a viscount. There couldn't be anything that came from the relationship, at least in Emery's eyes, but for Miles, who's life had never been 'normal', he cared more about those who were kind, and caring, and strong, like Emery, to care what the ton might say if she was his Duchess. He had no intentions of going to London, to take part in all the society balls and events, and wanted to be at home, with the woman he loved, and with his people. They truly were perfect for each other, and there were so many touching moments in the the book, it was easy to pick it up, and read in one sitting. I can't wait for book 2!

Wow. The start of this story actually did make me feel so sad for our hero. He took the blame for something his vile older brother did and was sent away to school for troublemakers, never to return home. I could just see that ten year old boy looking back at his room!

Luckily for him though, he was to room with four other young boys, all unjustly accused of different wrongdoings, and they became the best of friends! Loved this premise which will make for a great series!

She and her father had taken over running the estate, and when the old Duke and his oldest son died, she was anxious in the hope the second son was better than both of them.

When he got the news he was now the new Duke, after having gotten through school and the military, he really did not want to go back. But luckily she was there and well... You will just have to see!

Alexa always pulls me into her stories quickly and is totally amazing. Whether she is writing historical, contemporary, western.. she always writes stories of characters that grab you and pull at your heart!!

A good series starter! I really love an independent woman and this one is smart and driven with a beautiful heart. When our tragic hero comes into the picture things have been pretty hard going with past dukes, so he has to conquer those opinions people have based on that and also based on lies of his past. Nothing a happily ever after can't fix! #netgalley #discouragingtheduke

Alexa Aston has written a book in the series Dukes Gone Wrong called Discouraging the Duke. It is the first book of hers I've read. Its a very thought grabbing book.. interesting.. These books do not need to be read in order unless you wish to as they are written in such a way that they are independent. The hero is treated terribly by his parents after an incident perpetuated by his older brother. He is thus sent to a school far away where he meets other boys with like situations as his. They become the Turner Terrors.The hero and heroine work through the class distinction between them and find their HEA. I encourage you to read this book and the others in this series as I enjoyed it very much.

Accused of a horrible act he did not commit, Miles Notley is banished from his home and family. He grows up and is educated at Turner Academy where he meets four other boys in similar situations. It turns out that the Academy becomes their home, the staff, their friends and family, and the boys the Turner Terrors. Four of them join the army to fight the French and one becomes a vicar. Miles has been called home to, of all things, take his place as the Duke of Winslow.

Miles comes home determined to be a good duke and do his best for those who live and work on the estate. When he arrives, he finds that Emery Jensen, daughter of his steward and housekeeper, has been helping run the estate and is very good at it. Miles and Emery are a fantastic couple, smart, caring, and honorable. Emery is sure they should not be together because of the difference in the stations, but Miles will do his best to convince her otherwise. This emotional story is fairly fast-paced and has a couple of trouble spots, Miles’s mother and a sleezy Baron. There are also some wonderful surprises. A story that touches your heart. Characters you want to hug. A great read and a great start to the series.

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

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Love Alexa’s books, this series is going to be just as good as the others wonderful hits in her library.

Duke Done Wrong series has some brilliant characters, like our hero Miles, who through this book were learn of what took him to a school for unwanted boys who belonged to the upperclass, there he meets Wyatt, Aaron, Donovan, & Finch who become life long friends.
All look set to have brilliant storylines, of their pasts and futures.

I’m so looking forward to reading more, and finding out the boy’s stories .

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

Sent from my iPhone

Alexa Aston is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and I was thrilled when I saw this first book in her new series Dukes Done Wrong on NetGalley. I immediately requested an advanced copy for review on NetGalley (because I hate to wait for the actual publication date!) and place my Pre-Order immediately with Amazon. Once again, Alexa delivers. This book is really good and it is a steal right now at $.99! Grab it while you can at this price!

A quick note on the books I have read by Alexa Aston, the series I started with was the Hollywood Heartbreakers series, which I think might be her only contemporary one. I loved every one of these books. I do have favorites, but all are good. Then I moved to her Dukes of Distinction series (which I also loved.) I cannot wait to continue this series and find out what else happens to the Terrors! Highly recommended!

Miles Notley is a second son and protector of his younger brother, Tony. Their tormentor is none other than Ralph-the firstborn and destined to become the Duke of Winslow. However, no one can predict the anger and depravity of the heir apparent, when he attempts to shoot Miles and misses. What follows is the banishment of Miles from his home and family for life.
Emery Jenson and her parents have enjoyed their time at Wildwood. Her mother as Head Housekeeper and her father as Steward. There is sadness as the Duke is infirmed and not expected to live much longer. When his death occurs, they find themselves at the mercy of a very depraved young Duke.
Through circumstance, Miles is summoned home-to Wildwood. He meets and immediately falls in love with Emery. She is not immune, but realizes that she cannot marry that high above her station. Their story of a happily ever after is beautiful and healing for both Emery and Miles.

Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫/5 Stars
Steam: 🌶🌶/5 (some steamy scenes with a bit of description)

No Spoiler Review 👇🏻

This is the first book of the new Dukes Done Wrong series. I’ve read a few books by Alexa Aston so I knew I had to read this one. This might be my new favourite book by this author!

This book starts off pretty heavy. From the first few pages it had me feeling so many emotions.

I really like the plot of these second sons meeting at a school for troubled boys. They were sent away for things they didn’t do and become friends. I know I already want to read the whole series, and each book about each Duke.

Miles finds himself the new Duke after his brother passes.

Emery the main female character, her parents are the lead housekeeper and steward of the dukes household. She is very independent and a strong female lead! I really liked her character!!

I enjoyed the alternating narration from these characters in this book. It’s well written and kept me very entertained throughout. I loved the main characters chemistry and romance! It made my heart happy.

If you are looking for an awesome, cute, short historical romance read, with a bit of steam I highly recommend this one!

(Also I love the purple cover!! 😍)

Honestly, the best thing that could have happened to Miles was to be sent away as a child. Away from uncaring parents, and a bully brother, he had the chance to grow up a decent man.

Now suddenly he's the Duke of Winslow. Unlike his dad and brother, he's actually nice and cares about his estates and their tenants. Thus meeting Emery, a capable, lovely young woman, who he falls for pretty much immediately.

The story is extremely fast-paced. I liked that the Duke didn't waste any time turning things over at Wildwood. I even liked how easily he fell for Emery and skewed tradition.

What I did find lacking was some drama. The story started off extremely strong, but the further we got along the more light-hearted it became. Everything was a little bit too perfect, including the characters. I prefer them to be more flawed.

There was some drama added at the end, though it felt forced. Added and solved in the same chapter.

I still enjoyed the book though, it was a light-hearted and fun read.

*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Discouraging The duke was my forst Alexa Aston book and I just know that she is a new favourite. I loved her writing and The banter between The characters. I enjoyed this alot Even tho The plot were not 5 stars. The characters made up for what the plot missed. I loved that The hero was so determined to have The girl, but did not wanna force her

I really enjoy Alexa Aston's writing style. She writes really quick well-rounded reads with detailed prologues that happen before the H/h meet. You really get to see the whole history of each character.

Miles Notley, the second son of the Duke of Winslow is sent away and banned from home after being blamed for the death of his younger brother. At the Turner Academy, he meets other sons of the aristocracy that have been wrongly accused of crimes. After making a name for himself in the army, he returns home when his father and heir to the dukedom die.

Miles is just a really likable character overall, he has a lot of integrity and it shows in every scene and interaction with other characters. Emery Jenson is the steward and housekeeper's daughter and helps her parents run the estate. Both are unconventional and a perfect match which Miles is quick to realize, while Emery needs a bit more convincing. A nice love story between two likable characters!

The premise of this series has a lot of promise and I am eager to read the rest. We get an introduction to the other Turner's Terrors and I am looking forward to Wyatt's and Finch's stories!

A lovely story with two very strong characters. It's a atory about a dysfunctional family that casts out their 10 year old child and what happens to this young man. Well written.

Discouraging the Duke is the first book in a new series from Alexa Aston. Five young boys accused of crimes they did not commit, sent away to a school for troubled boys, where they became family. Miles is the second son of a duke, after the death of his younger brother, he is sent away in punishment. Many years later he returns to the family home, as the duke after the unexpected deaths of his father and older brother.

Emery came to Wildwood after Miles was sent away, the daughter of the Steward and the Housekeeper. Her father's health is failing, she takes on many of his responsibilities in an effort to hide this fact from the Duke. Losing this job means losing their home.

Starting this book from the perspective of a child was... a choice. It wasn't something I enjoyed, I much prefer when the deep dark secret is something the reader learns at the same time as the heroine.

The writing style seemed very young compared to previous books I've read by this author.

I enjoyed the story for what it was. The characters were fine, I wasn't really all that attached to them. There was problem with showing and not telling. The characters just told you exactly what they were thinking and what they wanted.

*Thank you to the publisher for this eARC.

Accused of something they never did. Five boys banished from their homes in disgrace, to the place where they find the brothers of their heart—and build new family ties that will last a lifetime. The Turner Terrors are now grown up, four are serving in the Peninsular Wars & the fifth is a vicar.
Miles Notley returns home as the new Duke of Winslow after being sent away for accidentally killing his younger brother Tony when he was ten years old, an act his older brother Ralph committed—and denied. Miles has no idea how to run an estate, much less be a duke. Emery Jenson came to Wildwood ten years ago with her parents, hired to be the estate’s steward and housekeeper. She has taken on more responsibility as her father’s mind grows weak and now runs the ducal country seat. When the new duke shows up, she schemes to hide her father’s deficiencies, believing the Duke of Winslow won’t remain long since the Season is in full swing but Miles isn’t going anywhere. He becomes captivated not only by Emery’s charm and confidence but admires her skills in making Wildwood a profitable estate. Miles decides no one but Emery can be his duchess.
The first in a new series & another page turner by the author. I was taken on a roller coaster of emotions, my heart went out to all five young boys so unjustly treated by their families & they all have me routing for them. The characters had strength & depth, I loved Miles who was the most down to earth Duke who won every ones respect & love, he fell for Emery hard & fast & strove to win her. Emery was a delight, intelligent, caring & loyal. Their road to a HEA wasn’t easy nor straightforward but it did make for an engrossing read & once again it was 3am before I turned the final page. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Miles Notley never expected to become Duke of Winslow and when he returns home from the war he's in for a surprise. Emery, the stewart's daughter is actually the one managing the duchy because her father is failing. He greatly admires her. That admiration turns to something more and he wants Emery to become his duchess but she feels there is too much difference in their station in life. Can Miles convince her that he cares nothing for her rank and that he wants to marry her?

I was on the fence about this book whether to rate it 3 or 4 stars. I would have preferred a 3.5 rating because I thought the opening chapters about Miles's childhood were very well done and gave a great foundation for each of his "Terror" friends. It did take quite a bit into the book to get to adult Miles though. I liked Miles. He cares about his tenants and servants and treats everyone well. Emery was a interesting character. I liked that she was smart and could run the duchy keeping it profitable by herself. The romance between Miles and Emery was a little too rushed especially on Miles's part. Upon meeting her, he immediately knew he wanted to marry her. I would have preferred a bit more slow-burn type of romance for them. The villain came way too late in the book to really have the impact it should. It would have been better for the story if he had been woven in sooner. That plot twist helped explain his mother's behavior.

I liked the idea of the "Terrors" and look forward to reading more of their stories.

My third book from this author and I had pretty high hopes and thankfully I was not let down. I really liked that you get a lot of backstories to the male character. I think the author does this really well, you both get an insight in this book, and it makes you curious for future books. It really feels like you get a lot of setups. I also likes that people get what they deserve, so I had a very good time regarding that to. I also really like the sweetness in the story. It really gave a good balance of sweetness and chemistry between the couple. I really like the different worlds trope and I think it was really well done. I really look forward to the rest of the series, the author seems to like to do very connected series and I really like that fact.

So, if you think the synopsis sounds interesting, I really think you should read this!

The premise of this series sounds so good. Five young boys who were “done wrong” and of course come back better than ever. While I loved the basis of this story, the story itself was kind of slow and the love story was way too fast. Both Miles and Emery are lovely people. I felt for Miles. His story is so heartbreaking. I also really liked that he was not wishy washy with his mother and butler. Alexa’s writing is superb and I do enjoy reading her stories.