Member Reviews
Alexa Aston is one of my favorite authors and I've received many of her books on NetGalley to read in advance and post a review. I didn't realize that I hadn't posted my reviews on several of her books that I read previously and am rectifying that now. I did not end of downloading this book from NetGalley because I decided to purchase it from Amazon Kindle instead. I love her books so much that I have purchased all of them for my personal library. Highly recommended series are Lawmen of the West and Hollywood Name Game. Deflecting the Duke is the story of Meadow and Wyatt. While I did enjoy this book, it wasn't my favorite. Meadow didn't quite live up to my high standards for an h, but I did really like Wyatt. I give 4 stars.
I can’t say I liked this book. The romance was a bit boring. Wyatt became very pompous and entitled after becoming the Duke. His courting skills seemed very lazy. Then there is the whole pedophilia plot that was truly unnecessary and takes away from the hea for me.
This book should be read in order of the series, as Emery and Miles from the first book play an important part of this story also. This is a love at first sight for both the heroine and the hero, although they really don't realize it. Wyatt is a newly named Duke who thought Meadow would immediately accept his proposal the day after meeting him, but Meadow definitely make him work for his Happily Ever After!
The blackmail plot is a unique storyline, and it should be noted it has to do with pedophilia as that may be a trigger for some. Meadow is a strong heroine and I loved seeing Wyatt and she come to know each other.
I love a good Alexa Aston Regency! Wyatt and Meadow are likable characters and the story intriguing and well-rounded. Another winner. Kudos Alexa!
Thank you Alexa Aston, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.
I love a good regency romance and Alexa Aston didn't disappoint with this sublime book.
Wyatt and Meadows romance is fun light hearted read. The characters are relatable I found.
I liked both main characters although I did find Meadow a little prudish when she found the pornographic images. While she was a virgin, surely she was not ignorant of sex? Then she was surprisingly forward with Wyatt given her innocence. I do think there should be a trigger warning for sensitive readers. I did find that part of the story distasteful (child pornography) which affected my overall enjoyment of the story. I also felt the ending wrapped up too nicely considering what the children had gone through.
I liked this book better than the first in the series. Meadow was a great main character, and the perfect fit for Wyatt, who was brash and gruff when they first met. The power of being duke had gone to his head, and he expected Meadow to fawn over him, and accept his abrupt proposal immediately, but she made him work for it. I liked how the romance developed and felt very realistic. I'm looking forward to the third installment of the series.
I really enjoyed this sweet story about seconds chances and finding love. Brilliantly written with a great storyline, I completely enjoyed Wyatt and Meadow's story. Both are given a second chance at life and never expecting love. Meadow was fierce in her determination and knew what she wanted, Wyatt was just lost. I liked that Emery was such a driving force, truly showing some girl power!
There was a lot of repetition in this book however and not just on the subject of Wyatt's past and then Meadow's past but also with many secondary characters and situations. Many things were repeated in different ways within the same few paragraphs which I felt was nothing more than filler and distracted somewhat because as a reader you already knew it and needed to move past it.
Something else that struck out at me was Wyatt's arrogance. I did not detect any of this from his past, it was even noted by Joan and Emery that this was not of his character- so why was he displaying as such? This wasn't explained and if it was to be inferred, I think it missed. I could come up with assumptions as to why he acted out arrogantly but I am curious as to why it wasn't explained better. This trait actually detracted from the likability of his character and made me think he wasn't right for Meadow after all. I felt a bit more explanation would have helped clear it up.
Overall, fantastic story and highly recommended. Cannot wait to read more of this series. This book can absolutely be read as a standalone.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for a review, but I will for sure be purchasing this for my own collection.
This is my first read of the series, although I had no trouble following along. The subject matter was hard to digest at times, but I found the story very engrossing. Most importantly it was an original idea that I hadn't encountered before, which doesn't happen often in this genre. I'm very much looking forward to reading more from this author.
Wyatt wants to be nothing like his predecessors. To be considered the best and to make up for all the wrongs of those before him.
Willow was sold off to a collector. Only to become one of his collections. When she is finally free she intends to have a real season.
During their fist ball the met only to disagree.
I found this book well written and intriguing. It helped that I had read the first book but not necessary. It did leave me wanting to know more about each boy. Especially the one who became a minister.
I am so enjoying the Dukes Done Wrong Series by Alexa Aston. Who can resist the idea of five young boys disowned by their families for perceived wrong doing. The boys are all sent to the Turner Academy where they bond together like brothers and become their own family.
In this story, Wyatt Stanton resigns his commission on his brothers death, and comes home to take up the commitments of the Duke of Amesbury. Wyatt fires the Butler and the Housekeeper and hires the maid, Joan, to be his Housekeeper. Next is a new wardrobe, and a crash course in the running of his estates. Wyatt then heads to London to look for a wife.
When Wyatt sees Meadow, Lady Selfridge, he wants to propose immediately. What follows is a beautiful love story between two people who were both treated badly by the people that should have loved them the most.
The characters are wonderful, love the chemistry between them. We have a nasty villain as well.
Wonderful story!
This book was so cute. Alexa Aston is fast becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors. I got excited that I was approved for this book since I really enjoyed the first one. Amesbury was an adorable hero and I could tell how much he loved Meadow. The side plot with the paintings actually disgusted me. this book made me love Finch and I really want his book asap
Although my first book by Alexa Aston, it will not be my last. Meadow and Wyatt both have past trauma to work through, but slowly come to the realization that love and commitment may indeed be their future together. This book has good characterization and an interesting plot, and I will be seeking out the author's prior and future works.
I loved the sweet progress of this book
The story starts with a flashbsck and then the groundwork for the rest of the series is put in place - we get to meet the five dukes who were done wrong by their families.
The pace and the flow of this book is hood, any reader wanting to fip their toes in Historical Romance can start with this series !
The series has is about five friends who as boys were banished in disgrace from their home became friends and spies for Wellington next up is Wyatt Stanton and became known as the Turner Terrors. After discovering he’s become the new duke, Duke of Amesbury and his childhood home he was banished Amberwood. He’s angry at the turn of events, but he sets out to find a wife and produce an heir. Widowed Meadow Grant’s father sold her to Lord Selfridge, but now the virgin widow will chose a man to give her the children she desires. A captivating story of the angry soldier and the virgin widow, with the instant attraction you’ll love their dynamics and their story. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the great book.
A Lovely Story
Wyatt and Meadow both had heartbreak in their lives. Could they find healing together? Wyatt did not think he would ever become a duke. Rejected by his family, he had to forge his own path. Now, he must learn to be a duke. He is surprisingly arrogant, but might love humble him?
Meadow is sold into marriage by her father to a much older man. Now, she is back on the marriage mart, looking to find a husband. She wants a family of her choice, and she wants children. At first, she is not sure about Wyatt, but he slowly steals her heart. However, Meadow has a secret that will catch up with her, and there is a villain waiting to pounce. There are a few unexpected surprises. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more about the rest of the Dukes Done Wrong. They all face injustice, but their friendship sees them through the hard times of their childhood.
I've read several Alexa Aston books, but this is my first in her Dukes Done Wrong series. The series follows five friends--all younger sons--who meet at boarding school after each is falsely accused of a crime. This book is about Wyatt, a duke's son, who joined the military after finishing up at school. He sells his commission after he unexpectedly inherits when his older bother dies. He enters Society in the hopes of finding a wife, and at his first ball, he meets Meadow. Meadow is just out of mourning and hopes to meet a new husband.
I'm on the fence about this novel; on one hand, it's the story of a very sweet romance between a reluctant duke and a virgin widow. More than half the book is dedicated to them getting to know each other via the events of a London Season. It's not particularly fascinating, but it is pleasant.
There is, however, a darker thread in the novel that stems from a dubious collection left to Meadow by her late husband. She's to sell the collection, her husband tells her on his deathbed, to a friend of his. Eventually, this friend shows up to claim the collection, opening the door to several triggers that readers should be aware of, most notably (SPOILER ALERT) off-page child sexual abuse. The topic is not minimized, but I can't help feeling as though the issue is treated somewhat unrealistically, with the notion that enough food, warmer clothing, and a steady job are enough to heal from such trauma.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
A lovely story of two people who find happiness with each other despite the world around them. Written in this author’s wonderful style, you can feel Meadow and the Duke falling in love with each other. Add to that the camaraderie between the Terrors and new friendships made with others, and you have another must read story.
"The Tuner Terrors." Five boys that were wrongly accused of misdeeds are each sent away by their families to Turner Academy and become friends for life. Such a unique premise for this series and am really enjoying seeing each boy, now grown up, find his redemption! Alexa is amazing in her storylines, creating characters that come alive as they journey to their happy ever after!
Wyatt, now Duke of Amesbury, was one of those boys. Now, out of school and having done his stint in the army, he takes the title after his brother is killed (good riddance I say!) He goes to London to find a wife.
Meadow, now a widow, had also been manipulated by her father, but now is ready to find true love and be courted.
As these two meet, sparks fly and Wyatt knows she is the one. But there is a secret, danger and a sigh worthy ending that will make you sit back and look forward to the next in the series!!
Five boys accused of horrible acts that did not commit, banished from their homes, and sent to Turner Academy, a school for troubled boys. They become brothers of the heart and are affectionately known as the Turner Terrors.
After serving in the army and as a spy for Wellington, Wyatt has been called home to, of all things, take his place as the Duke of Amesbury. Meadow endured a miserable marriage to a man forty years her senior. She now wants the opportunity for love and a family. Wyatt isn’t looking for a love match, but he must have a bride. Wyatt and Meadow experience a sort of mutual love at first sight at the first ball they attend. That doesn’t mean that everything works out immediately or easily. This is a well-written, entertaining story with some twists, turns, and excitement. The shocking bequest left her by her husband puts Meadow in danger from a pretty nasty (in more ways than one) villain. The characters are written so that you feel you know them. It is interesting to watch the changes in Wyatt and Meadow. They make a great couple. I love that Miles and Emery, and Finch, are here to help out. In this story the second Turner Terror finds love. I quite enjoyed it.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.