Deflecting the Duke by Alexa Aston is the second in her new series, Dukes Done Wrong. This series is about the men who have grown from boys exiled from their families for perceived wrong-doing, mostly the sin of not being the first born son. They wee all sent to Turner Academy, a place for incorrigibles, which some boys were, and became fast friends. They were raised with love and respect, went to university, and made something of themselves. This story is about Wyatt Stanton, Duke of Amesbury. He has cashed out of the military and is home to assume his duties, after her older brother fell down the steps in a drunken stupor, and died of a broken neck. He has plenty and has set about finding people to help him do it: the maid, Joan, who was his supporter when he was a child and is now a widow. She is the new housekeeper. Next he needs to see to a wardrobe, and meet his friend, Miles, another of the Turner Terrors. After Emery sees to a basic education regarding the running of an estate, they are off to London, to the Season, where he hopes to find a bride. Emery tries to assist but Wyatt is stubborn, and can't conceive of a duke, him, who doesn't get what he wants.

He found her, Meadow, Lady Selfridge, and wants to offer for her the first time he meets her. Thankfully he didn't, but he plans to the very next day, despite Emery's warnings. Emery was right. Things get off to a slow start. Their whole relationship is set wrong by a secret Meadow possesses. Actually, her late husband's secret. It threatens everything. Wyatt is a good man despite stepping out on the wrong foot. He will become an excellent duke. Meadow deserves a wonderful life after being sold to Lord Selfridge and locked up on his estate for six years. She is now with her cousin and after seeing the state of her marriage, wants more for herself. Could it be Wyatt? This is a wonderful premise and a good book. Meadow strings Wyatt along to repay his impulsiveness; all along believing her is the one for her. Aston has done a wonderful job with this lovely romance, with a little bit of thriller thrown in. I highly recommend you read it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Deflecting the Duke by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #deflectingthe duke

As Lady Selfridge, Meadow had been pampered and ignored by her elderly husband. Once he had collected her, he stored her at his country estate. She was happy, she loved the tenants and the sentiment was returned. But now that her husband had passed, she was at a loss. No longer able to stay, she has decided to go to London and seek another husband. But, she still has that one secret given to her by the late Lord Selfridge.
Wyatt, now the Duke of Amesbury, is in London-in search of the perfect wife to create those perfect children for him. He just didn’t expect to meet her so soon. For Meadow, this man was as welcome as a bull in a china shop, as he wanted her and didn’t want to take time to woo her. The two finally begin to talk, Wyatt realizes that Emery was correct and he begins to woo Meadow. But, that secret will and does come back to haunt Meadow.
This was a great second book in the series and it was fun to revisit Emery and Miles.

This is a great second book for the series! It has great characters and a story that is different enough from the first book that I didn't feel like I was just reading the same basic plot over again. I also thought that the danger posed to Meadow was more developed and interesting than what occurred with Emery and Miles in the first book.

One thing that the author does so well in all of her books is create characters with substance, especially the women. Because of the time period in which the stories take place there are some limitations on how independent a woman can be without creating too many anachronisms, but I feel this author makes them just forward thinking enough that these women could have really existed. This is so true with Meadow - she knows what she is looking for in a husband and life and she is not willing to settle for anything less than what she wants. I liked that she initially turns down Wyatt because he was acting like a spoiled entitled jackass. She makes him work for her affection without it feeling like she was stringing him along or playing games.

I was surprised that Wyatt acted the way he did shortly after becoming the duke considering how much he hated his father and brother and the way they treated others - and after having righted the wrong that had been done to Joan. I did enjoy the moment when Emery could have done a little 'told you so' dance but ultimately felt that her point had been made for her. I did like that Wyatt stopped just expecting Meadow to just be happy that a duke took notice of her and actually started to court her and get to know her. It made their bond and relationship stronger and set a good foundation for their eventual marriage. It was also the reason he didn't allow her to run away from her problems and helped her to face them.

The drama at the end with Kibbard felt less forced than other "damsel in distress" plotlines and showed just how tough Meadow could be when she needed to. It also set up the chance for Meadow and Wyatt to work together rather than needing to save one another.

It was nice to see the characters of Miles, Emery, and Finch again and to have them actually be a part of the story rather than just little cameos/check-ins. I hope to see all of these characters again in the next book in the series.

Deflecting The Duke 🌸

Out: August 24th! (Book available on Kindle Unlimited)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
Steam: 🌶🌶/5 ( a few scenes with some description)

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

No Spoiler Review 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

This is the second Book in The Dukes Done Wrong series! I loved the first one in this series, so I was excited to read this one.
This is my fourth book I’ve read by Alexa Aston so I knew it was going to be good!

This series follows 5 friends that as kids were blamed for crimes they didn’t do. Second sons that were cast out of their family and sent to a private school. They became fast friends and call themselves “The Turner Terrors”. This book is about Wyatt.

Wyatt is thrust into the dukedom after his brother dies. (Must like the first book with Miles). He plans on finding a wife right away, not caring about a love match. The female main character is Meadow, she was sold for a gambling debt by her father to wed an older man. They were married in name only, she’s still a virgin and now a widow. She also is looking for a husband, not caring about a love match.

Meadow is a strong female lead and I very much liked reading from her perspective.
Wyatt is a little stubborn at first but he’s super sweet with Meadow. I enjoyed the courting so much and found myself interested throughout this book. Love that Emery and Miles play a big role in the book helping Wyatt find a match. (Loved their characters in the first book of this series)

This book also had a lot of action and it kept me interested throughout! I can’t wait to read the next books in this series!

A few steamy moments throughout that were well written! Overall it was a cute, enjoyable and short historical romance read! It made my heart so happy reading this!

Trigger Warnings: Sexual Assault, talks of child abuse.

This is the second book of a very interesting series, Dukes Done Wrong, that follows the lives of five boys who were unjustly wronged, accused of terrible things they never committed and sent to a sort of correcting school where they met and became fast friends.
The plot of this second book seemed quite simple at the beginning: our main characters, Wyatt and Meadow, want to marry and have children, but they don’t want to find love because they think it will bring too much unwanted complications to their life. They are both looking for a marriage of convenience. It is not to be, of course… The hero and heroine are quite attractive and well characterized, even if I found Wyatt much too arrogant despite his good heart and maybe a little… exaggerated in his ways. Meadow is very naïve in regard to love and passion, very inexperienced, but has a strong character.
But at some point there’s an unexpected turn in the story which makes it even more interesting. Something comes out which could potentially ruin their blossoming love… No spoilers, of course, but it has to do with the strange litographs that Meadows finds at the beginning of the book and which spark a good side story. I look forward to the following books with the stories of the other boys. I think the most interesting one will be that of the Vicar… All in all, four very deserved stars.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Duke with a wicked reputation and a widow looking to enjoy herself meet at the Marriage Mart...💍

Wyatt never expected to be the Duke of Amesbury. He was banished from home long ago for burning down a barn, but he was falsely accused. Away at war, he stopped caring what society thought of him. Until he becomes the new Duke, and he realizes that he must find a wife💍. When he meets Meadow, a widow who was neglected by her much-older husband, he decides that only she will do.

At first Wyatt is high-handed and assumes that if he selects her, then Meadow would of course agree to be his wife. He is not necessarily that likeable at the beginning of the story. Conversely, Meadow is sassy and strong female character who demands better💁🏼‍♀️. This time around, she gets to choose who to marry, and insists that she deserves some fun and to be courted💐.

Wyatt realizes he will have to play her game if he wants to win her, but he doesn’t realize that he will fall for her too. As he actually starts to court her, they constantly banter, building them chemistry throughout the book. As soon as he gets off his high horse, Wyatt becomes much more charming and it’s easy to see why Meadow falls for him💕.

This was a fun and a little bit steamy🔥; the perfect recipe for a fun historical/regency romance! If you enjoy the genre, then I definitely recommend checking out this book!

✨Thank you to Netgalley and Dragon Blade Publishing for a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.✨

It didn't take long for this spare to assume the proud demeanor of a duke after he unexpectedly inherited. It wasn't truly who he was though thank goodness, and when he pulls that behavior with the woman he intends to make his wife, she reminds him that he needs a dose of reality, namely, her consent. Which she refused. This leads to a beautiful courtship with a fun chase and the love story, as well as the other simmering plot going on, is wonderful to read. As a side note, I do wish Finch would find the right bride! #netgalley #deflectingtheduke

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the first book and in the series and so was excited for this ARC. While not as great as the first one, it is enjoyable. There isn't really a major conflict keeping Wyatt and Meadow apart.

Wyatt is an arrogant duke at the beginning even through he was never supposed be a duke. But he gets better.

Meadow was just kind of there. She wanted to be a mother and that was her entire goal. Nothing earth shattering.

The villain was inconsequential and quickly dealt with.

Overall, was a pretty good book.

Wyatt Stanton is the new Duke of Amesbury after his brother's accident. Selling his commission in His Majesty's Army, he is not happy at being a Duke. Soon he is on his way to London to find a wife, arrogance and all. A piece of cake, right? Now a widow, Meadow, Lady Selfridge, is looking for a new husband. This time it is her choice to find one and marry for love. Wyatt meets Meadow at a ball and decides to propose the next day. Not so fast! Meadow is not sure he is the right one, she wants to be courted. When Meadow's life is threatened, Wyatt makes his move. A quick courtship with steamy hot sex. Another Turner Terror finds his match.
I love this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Deflecting the Duke, by Alexa Aston. At the beginning of the book the intense drama was great. I was really engaged in the story. I found my heart going out to Wyatt. I was happy to see when he was older he was able to rely on old friends. I love how the book reads with a smooth flow to it.
This helps with the pace of the story. I love that the writer placed the age of Meadow at twenty five. That was great. I love that this is a happy ending love story that was filled with so much romance.

I love this new series, Dukes Done Wrong. This second installment, Deflecting the Duke, is romantic, witty, dramatic and relevant. In this story Wyatt Stanton is accused of burning down a stable full of horses as a young boy. He is sent to Turner Academy where he meets four other young men and they become the Turner Terrors. Wyatt goes off to war where he becomes a spy for Wellington but is called home when his brother and father passes away. As the Duke of Amesbury he knows he needs a duchess and children.

Meadow Selfridge was sold to her husband shortly after her first season began to pay her father's gambling debts. Once her husband acquired her, he promptly forgot about her. Now she is a widow and she wants a real husband and children. The Duke of Amesbury has set his sights on her but Meadow doesn't plan to make it easy for him.

This is a witty and romantic book but the author works in some very important topics. I love how she adresses such important issues as child pornography and exploitation in her novels. Alexa Aston doesn't just write an incredible story, she takes a stand against injustice. I wish more people would stand up for what is right. Way to go Alexa! This is an incredibly touching story and I can't wait for the next installment.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Enjoyable and entertaining read that never fails to keep your mind turning.

Very good characters and wonderful chemistry between them.

I loved every page of this book, Wyatt and Meadow are so sweet I fell a little in love with both of them, I can’t wait for Finch’s book, what did he do?
It’s going to be brilliant.

Also we still have the two at war to come home.
Alexa has a gift for story telling, and you can guarantee, whatever the case, they will be awesome .

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

This is a beautiful romance, with heart-stopping suspense and two wrongs that do make a right. I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing novel as two people who have been victims of their families' maliciousness, find their paths crossing and bringing hope and healing for the future. Wyatt, Duke of Amesbury has put his evil brother's mechanicians behind him, but the rumors still follow him. Sent to Turner Academy for troublesome boys, Wyatt's father did not realize that he was in fact doing his son a favor, as he found in the walls of the school all the nurturing, friendship, and education that he would need for a successful life. Meadow Grant, on the other hand, is sold as a thing of beauty to her husband, who died leaving in her hands a poisonous legacy. Although Meadow initially thwarts Wyatt's advances, when she needs help, he is the one person who can protect her. In some ways, Meadow is emotionally more mature than Wyatt, but what he lacks in experience he quickly learns as the people around him guide him, and even chastise him when he steps out of line. The plot comes to a beautiful conclusion, with justice being served. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

After being sent away from his home as a boy, Wyatt Stanton made the Army his life serving as a spy in the war. Now he has inherited the title of Duke of Amesbury, something he never expected to happen. He knows how short life can be so decides he needs to marry and get an heir soon.

Lady Meadow Sterling was just possession to her husband. Once he bought her from her gambler father, he ignored her. Now as a widow it's time to make her own decisions.

Our heroine's legacy from her husband is going to place her in grave danger. Our hero is impulsive and a little arrogant, but with a bit of help from his friends can change many lives.

A very entertaining, slightly sexy historical romance. The characters are great fun, some of whom you might have met in the previous book in this series. You can read this on it's own but it will tempt you to read the rest.

Great fun

Wyatt Stanton second son to the Duke of Amesbury was wrongly accused of burning down the stables when he was ten & banished to the Turner Academy where he made friends with four other also wrongly accused boys. He served as a spy for Wellington until he receives word of his brother’s death. Reluctantly, he returns to England as the Duke of Amesbury and to Amberwood, a place he once loved . Meadow Grant’s father sold her to Lord Selfridge so he could pay his gambling debts. Selfridge collects beautiful things, and Meadow is the most beautiful girl of the Season. Once he possessed her, Selfridge lost interest and moved on to other things. Now a widow, the resilient Meadow is ready to make her own choice this time and find a husband who yearns for children as much as she does. Though attracted to the Duke of Amesbury, he is far too arrogant and conceited for her tastes, even if he does kiss well. Wyatt is immediately attracted to the beautiful and more mature Lady Selfridge who fits his idea of a suitable duchess.
This is the second book in the series & could be read on its own. There is something about the author’s books, which totally captivate me & I find once I start one I can’t put it down, this book was no exception & it was after 3am when I finished it. I loved Meadow who was a strong woman determined to be herself, I loved how she stood up to Kibbard also how she didn’t fall at Wyatt's feet but made him court her. I had mixed feelings about Wyatt, basically I loved him but sometimes I wanted to shake him as he was occasionally so arrogant, I loved how Meadow & Emery brought him down a peg or two. I loved the attraction between the pair & how their relationship grew & deepened. There is a dark side to the book which could be a trigger for some people. A well written, engrossing read which I loved, roll on the rest of the series especially Finch’s story as he intrigues me
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Alexa Aston knows how to write, and that is a fact. The story flows really well and it is engaging despite not being the most original story.
However, I did not love this book as much as her previous ones and this is due to the characters.
Both Wyatt and Meadow felt very flat and not particularly interesting as characters. Wyatt in particular, goes trough a series of changes that could be qualified as character development, however every step of this "evolution" felt very sudden and without a real reason to prompt it and therefore it does not feel real. His attitude at the beginning of "I don't want to be a duke/I am a Duke now so I can do whatever I want" was very weird and the change between the two position is very sudden and confusing.
All in all, is an engaging, easy historical romance, very well written. I just didn't vibe with the characters.

*thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

4 stars

A quick read. This is the second book in the series and the author explains in the prologue about the other boys in the Turners Terrors. Miles and Emery fom book attend this one. I wasn't that struck on the hero and heroine's names, I thought they sounded too modern but then wikipedia tells me that Wyatt as a surname goes back to medieval times.

Wyatt was banished over his elder brother's crimes. That crime was rape so could be a trigger for some readers. Meadow was sold to an old man by her gambler father. The old man was a collector and his predilictions darkens the story.

Meadow at the beginning doesn't rate Wyatt as she's looking for a kind man to build a family and doesn't realise that Wyatt would like the same thing.

I'm enjoying this series and keen to find out more about Finch another of the Terrors.

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

Engaging, steamy and a well woven story with strong and well developed characters. Wyatt and Meadow drew me in from the first and they are definitely kindred spirits deserving of a lovely happy ending. Alexa Aston does a wonderful job in the Dukes Done Wrong series, an original back story with plenty of romance and adventure to keep you wanting more.

This is the second book in the series, and I'm still in love with all the boys/ men.

I have been waiting for this book, I fell in love with the series right off the bat and have to know each of the five boys stories. This one is about Wyatt, who was a spy during the war along with being a second son, and how he became a duke searching for his duchess. Meadow is a widow who was not in a love match at all for her first marriage and is looking forward to being courted and finding a man to share her dreams with. I loved that both characters are strong but show more feelings than the normal 'ton' people. I was so happy that the characters from the first book were also included, I love Emery and was happy to read more of her story. A great all around read, and looking forward to the next in the series.

You go girl! I love it when the heroine makes the hero work for it. Oh no, Wyatt did not just pull the “I’m a duke card”. Really though he is a very kind and fun loving guy. He is one of the Turner Terrors and those guys are such a close knit group that would do anything for the other. The chemistry between Wyatt and Meadow is off the charts. You know every time they are in a room, the room will be heating up. Meadow does not care about titles, she was in a loveless marriage and wants love and children. Even though Wyatt does not care about love he does want children. Well, his “no love” thinking is about to turn on its heels. There is a secondary plot involving naughty and disgusting lithographs that turns a little dark but I am okay with that because the resolution is so amazing wonderful. I won’t give it away but let me just say that Wyatt and Meadow with the help of their friends make lives wonderful for others. It is definitely an ahhh story. Alexa has become one my favorite authors. She is such a good storyteller. This is one of my favorites of her stories (that I have read). I absolutely loved this book.