I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately this was a DNF for me. I really tried but with 90 minutes lef the book, I couldn't do it.
The writing style just didn't work for me. The dialog was awkward and dull. The female lead so annoying, boring.

A Second Son Who Becomes Earl

Spencer is a second son who devoted his life to the military. He unexpectedly becomes an earl. He wants to find a wife, but He does not plan to fall in love. A chance encounter with Tessa upsets his plans. He thinks he is rescuing her from a robbery, but she does not think she needs rescuing. In fact, she is upset by the earl’s interference. Instead of being unhappy with the robber, she is vexed with the earl. He does not know what to make of the woman, so he decides to court her. Tessa gives him a run for his money. There is a villain in this story, which adds a bit of suspense to this Regency romance.

It was alright. Not very historically accurate, but I wasn't exactly expecting it to be, so it was fine. The romance was cute and the characters were pretty fleshed out, although they could have used a bit more development.

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

Returning to England following the death's of his father and brother, and learning he is the new Earl of Middlefield, was a shock to Major Spencer Haddock. As a second son, he never expected to inherit, and was sent away to war as a dutiful son. Now Spence knows he needs to restore the estate to its former glory, and find the perfect countess, and beget an heir and a spare, before it's too late. He thinks it'll be easy to attend a few society events, find a wife, and then go their separate ways without too much intimacy or feelings, but when he meets Lady Tessa Foster, and realises that she might be the one for him.

This was a really quick book, and perfect for those who've enjoyed Alexa's other books. Tessa was the daughter of an Earl, and had delayed her come out while caring for her ill parents. Now orphaned, she's staying with family in London, and plans to take part in the Season to find a husband, and start a family, sooner rather than later. She doesn't wish to be a burden on her uncle's family, and has no aims of love, just wanting to be content. When Tessa and Spence meet, it's not the best of first encounters - rather, Spence plans on protecting her from a thief, and she turns around and attacks him, and takes the thief (a girl) home to be her new ladies maid. I loved how the chemistry and relationship between Spence and Tessa progressed naturally, though it was quite a slow burn romance. Tessa took her time in accepting that Spence could be interested in her, but once she did, it was clear they were meant for each other. Tessa's cousins Adalyn and Louisa are definitely bound for their own stories, and I look forward to reading their romances.

alexa aston books always have me hooked. this one was a good one. I like the stories and have me wanting to read more.

Really liked the story line but there was a lot of detail in some scenes that I don’t think was necessary for character development. Spencer and Tessa’s character development was beautifully done!

When military man Spencer unexpectedly becomes an Earl he want to do his duty and find a biddable wife for an arranged marriage. When he attempts to save Tessa and she turns on him he realizes she is the only woman who will do. Great start to new series, Second Sons of London. Keep em coming Alexa!
Thank you Alexa Aston, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

Leaving the military to become the earl is not easy for Spencer Haddock. He just wants a wife to provide the heir and then they can go their separate ways. Tessa is a little older and not wanting a life so simple. Can they find happiness. Spencer finds he wants more when he gets to know Tessa. Thanks NetGalley for the chance to read this story.

Full disclosure: This one was a DNF for me at about 42 percent. I even waited a little (reading several other books) I'm the hopes I could come back to it, but life is just too shortb to read a book that annoys me. Normally, I enjoy this author's books, but I just found myself put off by Tessa. I mean, I fully respect her caring for her parents, but the way she treats she thinks about Spencer is totally uncalled for. He's overbearing, etc., etc. But I just didn't see what she meant. He was a little irritating too (I loathe the "so much I can teach her in bed" hero), but I'm general, he's only guilty of trying to save her from a mugging and then telling her he's interested in courting her.

I toyed with skimming, but again, life's too short and I have other books in my queue. Alexa Aston is generally a good writer, and I know my opinion is in the minority. However, I did receive an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion, so here it is. Thanks!

Spencer Haddock is a second son who meets three other 2nd sons at school. They form a brother pack who all go in the army and serve under the same person. When his father and brother die Spencer resigns his commission and becomes the Earl of Middlefield. Lady Tessa Foster stayed home and nursed her sick parents when she was to come out four years after her father and mother die she is made to leave her house by her father's brother and is take in by her mother's brother she is going to make a come out. Spencer happens to live across the street from Tessa's uncle and attempts to save Tessa from a thief brandishing a knife, Tessa turns and attacks Spencer. Tessa makes the their her new lady's maid. He decides that he wants her for his wife and works to show her they would be great together. I love this book. I just reviewed Educated by the Earl by Alexa Aston. #EducatedbytheEarl #NetGalley
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Spencer was the second son who joined the military, and was forgotten and ignored by his father until his older brother died. When his father died, Spencer returned to England to take up the responsibilities of being the Earl of Middlefield.
Spencer's initial plan was to marry and have a usual ton marriage. However, he then met his neighbor across the street, Lady Tessa Foster, who initially wanted nothing to do with him.
I totally enjoyed this first book in the Second Sons Series, and look forward to reading the next book in April.

I was so excited to start this new series by Ms. Aston and I was not at all disappointed! Tessa and Spencer were definitely two souls that belonged together. Spencer served time in the military and when his father dies he returns home to England and begins his search for a wife. He doesn't have many expectations, as long as she can give him children and produce an heir, they can do what typical ton couples do and go their separate ways. Tessa has had to care for her ill parents and as a result delay her come-out. Now her mourning period has ended, and she is eager to meet society and find a husband and start her family. Spencer and Tessa meet under unique and dangerous circumstances and Spencer realizes she is exactly the kind of wife he wants, not some typical ton miss. Tessa is full of spirit and fire and he is quite taken with her. The pair make an excellent couple and they complement each other well. The chemistry between them was undeniable and I enjoyed the witty banter between them. This was quite an entertaining and enjoyable start to what looks to be a wonderful series! I can't wait to read the next installment!

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Alexa Aston can do no wrong!! Her stories are amazing and each one showcases her exceptional writing talent. This is book one in her new series, Second Sons of London, and she starts the series out with a bang!

First sons inherit all. Third sons are promised to the church. Second sons do their duty and serve in the military—unless fate intervenes and turns their lives upside down.

Welcome to Second Sons of London, a new Regency Historical Romance series by USA Today Bestselling author Alexa Aston, where seven men who are second sons lay claim to fabulous wealth and lofty titles and fulfill their destinies when they find their soulmates.

A dutiful army officer who shuns intimacy. A selfless beauty ready to start living for herself. A chance meeting in the street that leads to love . . .

When Major Spencer Haddock’s father dies, he returns to England as the Earl of Middlefield. He seeks a typical ton marriage, where his wife will provide him with an heir and possibly other children and then they go their separate ways. He intends to find his countess quickly and not waste time at boring social affairs.

Lady Tessa Foster delays her come-out for several years in order to care for her ill parents. Now out of mourning, Tessa is eager to be introduced in Polite Society so she can find a husband and start a family of her own.

When Spence attempts to save Tessa from a thief brandishing a knife, she turns and attacks Spence. He quickly learns that instead of the pliant woman he thought he wanted as his countess, he desires Tessa—a woman of beauty and valor who stands up for herself and those she cherishes.

Can Spence change Tessa’s poor opinion of him and win the heart of the woman he has come to love?

👀❤️

I loved this story! Spencer & Tessa are two characters that demand your full attention … they will forever have a place in my heart. I can’t wait for the next book in the series😍

Tessa is kicked out of her family home by her fathers brother and his wife. Fortunately, her mothers brothers are much more understanding and take her in and treat her as a daughter.
Spencer is not so fortunate in his family. Always treated as an outcast until his brother dies. Now he is trying to find a wife and navigate the season.
Finding a balance can cause problems in hearts as well as the ton.
I found this book compelling and easy to read. It kept my attention throughout. There was one steamy chapter and a few paragraphs before that. But I skipped them as they didn't add or distract from the story. The cover in my opinion does not do the book justice. The title would have fit better with a better picture. This is not a steamy book until after they are engaged. Then just the one part. The education given is not in the bedroom.

I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this story for review; this is my freely given opinion.

This is my first time reading Alexa Aston and I am happy to add more of her to my "to-read" list!

This is the beginning of a series about the (forgotten, neglected, over-looked) second sons. It starts out with Spencer Haddock, the second-born son of the Earl of Middlefield, arriving at his new school. It is obvious from the beginning that he has no connection with his father and brother, who is the favoured heir, and 10 years older than Spencer, so they have no real relationship. His mother died when he was only 2. At the school, he meets other second sons, and they start to build their own family of friends.

Move forward to 1812, and we meet Lady Tessa. She is the daughter of the Earl of Paxton, almost on the shelf, but still not yet made her come out. Unfortunately as she came of age and was about to make her debut, her mother fell ill. As a loving and dutiful daughter, she delayed her come out to care for her ill mother, who unfortunately ended up passing away. Shortly after, her father suffers a severely debilitating stroke, and lingers for a number of years. Her uncle, the heir to the earldom, takes over running the estate, and marries a young ambitious bride, to continue to line. They are more engaged with advancing their interests and awaiting the earldom to come their way, than in being supportive family for Tessa and her ill father. She stays at home to care for her father until he passes, when she is in her 20s. In the opening stages of her grief, she finds out quite viciously from her loving aunt that she is also to be turned out of her home with no care to her future, and the new earl and countess want nothing to do with her. Luckily she has more supportive and loving relatives on her mother's side and she is taken in by her uncle Uxbridge to live with him, his wife, and their daughter, Adalyn, who is like a sister to Tessa.

After sacrificing so many years to being a dutiful daughter, and after her official mourning, Tessa goes to London to make her official debut, at the advanced age of 23-24. She is also coming into her own as an independent, intelligent woman, after years of being a caregiver and giving up her independence, and delaying her hopes and dreams. Their neighbour is the new Earl of Middlefield, Spencer Haddock. He had entered the military to serve, but became the heir after his brother suddenly died. He refused to give up his commission when he became the heir, but was forced to return when his father passed away. He had to learn to manage to earldom, and has decided he needs a wife to continue the line.

He and Tessa meet one day, walking in the morning, when he comes upon her being mugged. He thinks he is coming to her aid, by physically attacking the mugger... but that turns quite sideways rather quickly and he earns her ire instead. But he is impressed by her strength and boldness and endeavours to meet her family and learn more about her. She finds him overbearing, and presumptuous and does not wish to be courted by him, but the more he gets to know her, the more he appreciates her and wants only her to be his wife.

The period of Tessa being a caregiver does not take up a lot of the story, but I was taken by how the author spoke about burden of being a caregiver; it was quite poignant the description of Tessa's shrinking world and the loss of relationships. This resonates with me because it is something that is commonly seen in terms of caregiver fatigue, and loss of friendships and supports for caregivers in the modern day, especially for those caring for loved ones with chronic illness, or enduring illnesses. It really touched something in me. I also enjoyed the contrast in the family relationships. I was glad to see that Tessa was able to have a loving family after being so terribly treated by her uncle and aunt, and that other relations treated her so well. It emphasized the lack of family connectedness Spencer felt, and his yearning to be a part of a family, with her. I also like how he learned to love her for her independence and intelligence and respected that, even though she still read his behaviour as arrogant and overbearing. But one could read it as a his passion for her and desire to be with her (swoon).

I quite enjoyed this story and Spencer and Tessa's rather bumpy road to their HEA. There was some challenges in terms of some male pride and showmanship that ended up with Spencer in a dangerous encounter, but it served to highlight how much Tessa cared for him and how much of a lioness she ultimately can be for those she loves. I can just imagine if someone does or says something against her future children!

4 stars out of 5 for me and I do look forward to reading more about the other second sons! The next story is about the cousin, Adalyn and I do look forward to it!

Summary
Tessa’s father passes way after years of being bedridden and she is off to live with her uncle. She meets their neighbor Spencer, Lord Middlefield and he is smitten. Tessa is adamant that her and Spencer aren’t a match, but Spencer is determined and make Tessa his wife. He realizes the simple, mild mannered wife he thought he wanted will no longer do and he works to convince her that he is worthy of her. Slowly, she comes to realize that Spencer isn’t the person she initially thought he was and realizes she is falling in love with him.

Tropes: War hero, Bluestocking heroine, Marriage mart, Ton society, Virgin heroine

The Plot : Tessa and Spencer are in town for the season to join the Marriage Mart, but under different circumstances. Tessa is done taking care of her dying parents and ready for her come-out to meet a simple man to start a family with. Spencer is looking for a mild-mannered wife to give him heirs and then go their separate ways. But fate has other plans and clearly neither one knows what they NEED. I love a storyline where the hero just falls head or heels in love with the heroine; it just makes my heart soar! Spencer knows he has to convince Tessa of his worth and he certainly does that!

The Heroine : Tessa spent the last five years nursing, first her mother until she passed, and then her father. When her father passes, she is forced from her home. But she is ever the optimist when she moves in with her Uncle and prepares for her debut in society. Tessa is a smart, kind your woman and I was so happy she found her happy ever after!

The Hero : Spencer was basically ignored and raised alone. He is the second son, so he went into the military and only came home after both his older brother and father died and he was to become the Earl. Spencer is just the sweetest ever and I love that he set his cap for Tessa and let her know he wasn’t giving up until he had won her heart.

The Steam : A few steamy scenes but not as much as I usually see in Mrs. Aston’s books.

Stand Out Moment : The picnic in the country when he pleasures her, declares his love and she finally says yes to marry him!

Who Would Like This : Anyone who loves a man who knows what he wants and won’t stop until he has her love in return! Swoon!

Final Thoughts : Another great book by Mrs. Aston who never cease to charm her books into my memories! I am excited to continue with the series!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
💋💋

Spencer and Tessa, maybe one of my favourite couples from a book.
So much of this book made me want to sigh with happiness, maybe it just caught me at the right time, but I felt it was just about perfect.
I can’t wait to read some more of the series, if they are as good as this I’ll be one very happy reader.

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

Sent from my iPhone

Educated by the Earl is a wonderful and enchanting regency romance novel following Lady Tessa and Lord Middlefield. Brought together by chance, the two face obstacles wanting to rip them apart. While their connection grows, will they be able to withstand the trials to be together?

This book was an charming and delightful story. Through the characters eyes we are able to see a world of love and possibility. Their growth and love is admirable; and their story is relatable allowing you to fall in love yourself. It is truly a wonderful book that draws the reader in and makes them want more. I would definitely recommend this to all my fellow romance readers.

Major Spencer Haddock was a second son who was ignored when he was a child, sent away to school, and pretty much forgotten. Now, suddenly, he is the Earl of Middlefield. Lady Tessa Foster has a difficult time the last few years. She delayed her come-out to care for her ailing parents. Spencer and Tessa meet under quite unusual circumstances. Spencer rescues, or he thinks does, from being robbed near her home. Spencer is impressed with her spunk and bravery, smitten at first glance. Her with him, not so much. Not off to the best start, but there is definitely a spark.

This is the first book in a new series about a group of second sons who became friends at school and all joined the army to fight Napoleon. It is a well-written story that is hard to put down. Spencer and Tessa make a great couple. He is a bit socially awkward, smart, loves history, is devoted to his duty and to his friends. She is intelligent, caring, opinionated, and courageous. The romance takes a little time, but watching these two is fun. There are some villains, including a jealous earl determined to do Spencer harm. When the time is right, each of them puts one of the bad guys in his place. A good story, engaging characters, a lovely HEA, and an interesting surprise at the end. I look forward to the next story.

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

London 1813

Now that he had inherited the title he never thought to own, he needed a wife. One that would produce as many children as possible, and he would spend time with them, unlike his childhood growing up. Love was never expected.

She was finally to have her season, after spending years taking care of her father, as he lay ill, and then moving into her uncle's home.

When the unexpected happened and he met his neighbor across the street, "she appeared like Boudica, Queen of the Celtic Tribe...tall and lithe, with golden blond hair and piercing blue eyes."
Oh yes he had met his match!!

The start of this new series it simply fabulous, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the stories!