Educated by the Earl
Alexa Aston
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🔥

Is there anything more romantic than a man who sees what he wants and goes after it? Educated by the Earl is the first book in the Second Sons of London series and is a delightful cat and mouse story of two people who unintentionally fall in love. Both characters have navigated their share of pain and must find a way to navigate their introduction to polite society and the ton.

Major Spencer Haddock, the newly minted Earl of Middlefield is a war hero and he is on the hunt for a wife. One that he could respect and one that can provide him with a household filled with children. What he is not looking for is a wife that’s looking for intimacy and love.

Tessa Foster is intelligent…and quite the beauty…both in appearance and in spirit, but she is not a pushover. When tragedy strikes her not once, but twice, Tessa puts her life on hold to care for her ailing parents. Once out of mourning, Tess enters the marriage mart to look for a loyal and dependable man to wed…one similar in temperament to her father. When a chance meeting throws her into the path of an arrogant and overbearing man set on making her his, Tess instantly dislikes him. She will not be dictated to by anyone, especially not the devilishly handsome Earl across the street.

Intent on making Tess his, Spencer does everything he can to win her heart.

Overall, this book was entertaining. Spencer was easy to love, and I found myself rooting for him throughout the book. My only criticism is the repetitiveness of Spencer’s story throughout the book. The two main characters were easy to like as well as the supporting characters.

Educating by the Earl is the first book a new series by Alexa Aston. Spencer is a second son who never expected to become the Earl of Middlefield and Tessa is a lady who due to her parents’ illness and deaths is preparing for her come-out this season at the age of 23. Both were looking to find a match with ideas of what they were looking for in a partner. Unfortunately for them, it wasn’t each other, but fortunately for them, their hears knew better.

Alexa Aston wove a beautiful love story of two people out of their comfort zones when dealing with society, coming together to find what neither expected in their marriages – love. Spence unexpectedly inherited his title while serving as a Major in His Majesties arm fighting Napoléon. He is reserved and more comfortable on a battlefield then in a ballroom. Spenser – a fish out of water – so touched me. He’s a strong male who knows what he’s wants and goes after it. While Tessa has the poise and knowledge to navigate the ton and social events, although she prefers the British Museum and lectures. She is kind heart, loyal and has a strong sense of justice. It was fun watching these character exhibit their strengths and grow during the story. The hero and heroine are relatable and had me rooting for them from the start. The secondary characters added light hearted moments and sparks to the story. I am so hoping that some of these characters get their love story in this series. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and seeing where it goes.

Educated by the Earl is a light and fun regency romance by Alexa Aston. I found it to be a quick but entertaining read. I loved the characters and the series storyline of second sons has tons of potential. I'm excited to read the rest in the series.

Lady Tessa spent her prime debutante years caring for her infirmed parents. Now she is ready for the come out she should have had years ago. Major Spencer Haddock is a war hero and second son and has recently inherited the his Viscount title. Their first meeting is, shall we say, eventful!

While love at first sight is not normally my jam, this book flowed so well it kept me interested throughout. After their first meeting, Spencer is hooked and watching him work for Tessa's affection in return makes for a super fun read.

Spencer, the new Earl of Middlefield has come to London for the season, to find a wife. He sees Tessa being robbed by a girl and steps in to help. Tessa thinks he is overbearing and tells him to leave. She hires to girl Abra to be her lady's maid. Spencer likes her spunky attitude and decides that she is the one he wants to marry. This was fabulous read. I loved the storyline. A five-star read! Can't wait for the next book in the series.

Educated by the Earl is by Alexa Aston and is the first in the Second Sons of London series. Spencer Haddock is a second son and is sent away at seven to join other second sons who have been deemed unimportant by their fathers. At school he discovers brothers of his heart and settles in until it is time to join the military fighting on the continent. Tessa Foster had spent the past four years nursing first her dying mother, and then her father, who had collapsed at the gravesite as they buried her mother. Now he, too, had died, and she must leave her home as the new heir and his wife wanted no part of her. Thankfully her mother had two brothers, both of whom would be happy to welcome her into their households. Tessa was a very different kind of woman, which is how she met Spencer. She was speaking with a young woman who was obviously dangerous when Spencer came upon them and tried to rescue her. She let him know, in no uncertain terms, that she was not in need of a rescue, and promptly took the young woman inside and made her into a ladies' maid. She thought Spencer arrogant; he decided she would become his wife.

This was an engaging story, watching Tessa fall in love with Spencer. She made him work at it. Sadly, he had competition and some of it was rude, as well as dangerous. He was worried about her, when he should have been worried about himself. It was her strong will that carried the day. She was a fabulous character. I hope over the years he deserves her. One of the fun things in this story was the direct cut her gave her cousin when he and his wife decided that the betrothed of an earl maybe should not fall below their notice, as she had on her own. The story progressed pretty much as on might assume it would, but the journey was an entertaining one. It was just enough different to stand out. I liked it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Educated by the Earl by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #dragonblade #alexaaston #educatedbytheearl

This book starts with a meet cute like no other.
Thea is immensely annoyed at Spencer’s audacity, and Spencer’s attention is captured by a fiery, intelligent woman with a big heart. From then on the two have a whirlwind of a love story with a few bumps along the way.

If you are looking for a story that is sweet with a hint of spice, has that insta-love factor, and is low angst, then you are in for a treat.

Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing via NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I'm pretty sure I say this just about every time I finish an Alexa Aston novel, but I think this might be my favorite of her books. It draws you in right from the start and the pace is perfect for keeping your interest. I loved both Spencer and Tessa right from the beginning and their scenes together are both sweet and fun. They meet when Spencer thinks he is coming to her rescue, but it's actually Tessa that steps in to save him at the end of the book - it's a nice way for everything to come full circle for them. There were times I wanted to shake some sense into Tessa when she was so adamant about not wanting to encourage Spencer's pursuit of her - how could she not see that he was the perfect man for her?! Luckily Spencer doesn't give up easily and Tessa's cousins weren't willing to let her mess this up. And I loved Spencer just a little more (which I didn't know was possible) when he basically snubs Tessa's uncle and his horrible wife (I wouldn't mind another run in with them later just to see someone stick it to them again - they are just the worst). I'm hoping future books will include love stories for Louisa and Adalyn (I just have a sense that Adalyn and Everett would make a really interesting match, but I'd be fine even if they are not paired together). Also, that little surprise visitor at the end has me so excited for the next book. Overall, this is just a really great book and I strongly recommend it to anyone who loves historical romances!

Lady Tessa Foster missed her coming out. The death of her mother and having to nurse her father during his terminal illness has left her bereft and now, homeless. Fortunately, her aunt and uncle have made arrangements to take her in and to also present her to polite society.
Spencer, the Earl of Middlefield, is acclimating himself to civilian life after his time in the service. He has noticed the beautiful lady who walks every morning and has decided to make her acquaintance. He does and then some, as he makes the attempt to stop a thief from robbing her. Lady Tessa is angry that this man has struck a young girl, even though she had a knife and was attempting to rob her. She immediately hires the girl, Abra, as her lady’s maid.
When he realizes that not only does his mystery woman have the beauty that has captured his eye, but that she is also brave and not afraid to confront him. This is also an issue, as she is angry with him and does not want to become his wife.
Despite the animosity between the two of them, the well-meaning matchmakers and the villains; Tessa and Spencer find their way to a happily ever after.
This is a fun read and the first of a new series.

A thoroughly enjoyable romance and such a great start to the Second Sons of London series. A chance meeting that leads to love, how wonderful this was to read. Spence and Tessa brought me into their story, engaging and entertaining to the end.

First book in a new series about a group of school friends who are all second sons. Spencer, our hero, has returned from the Napoleonic Wars following the death of his elder brother and father. He's now the earl, and needs to marry. Lady Tessa has lost both her parents, having delayed her come-out to care for them. Her cousins Adalyn and Louisa I hope also feature in later books. Both Tessa and Spencer love learning, but get off on the wrong foot. I liked the story, and the two main characters are well suited. So well suited in fact, that the conflict between them never really rang true - I found it difficult to believe the animosity at the beginning. A slightly out-of-nowhere villain at the end also felt a little forced, and the writing in places was a tad clunky.

Overall an enjoyable, quick read - and I'd read the next in series - I'm interested to meet the other second sons!

Spencer Haddock was a second son; not the first or the most cherished. No, his father dearly loved his first son and heir. No time for Spencer. After he outgrew the tutors, off to private school for him. After all, he did not need to teach him anything, the heir would take control. Then to the military, Spencer would go after his education. Spencer often wondered if things would have been different if his mother had lived, but that was a long time ago. Life has a way of working out and it gave him a group of young men that became his blood brothers and loved more than family. Time also has a way of turning things around and soon he found that he was the Earl of Middlefield, and a new life began. Lady Tessa Foster never had her come out as she nursed both her mother and then her father until they passed. She was then told to leave by the new Lord and his callus wife; then thankfully taken in by her uncle. What an interesting and at times sad tale both these individuals lived. Love does find a way into their story and provide us with an interesting read.

Major Spencer Haddock's life was the army and he never expected to become the Earl of Middlefield. Never having been educated to inherit the title, he felt woefully unprepared to assume the duties and enter Polite Society. He meets Lady Tessa Foster when he tries to save her from a knife attack, but turns out Tessa did not welcome his interference. Spencer is taken with the blond beauty and vows to win her love. Now all he had to do was convince Tessa of that because she refused to allow him to court her. Can he win her love?

This was the first book in a new series and it was a good introduction to a group of childhood friends who were all second sons destined for the army. I enjoy Ms. Aston's books. She keeps the plot moving nicely along and I especially liked that Spencer learned that he couldn't just order people around like he was still in the army. Tessa was hard to like at the beginning. What gently born lady hires a thief as her lady's maid on the spot? That was a little unbelievable, but she grew on me as the story unfolded. There were a few twists and turns that kept the book exciting. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Summarily evicted from the only home she has ever known upon the death of her father, Lady Tessa Foster is relieved to find a ready welcome in the home of her uncle with her cousins in London. With the upcoming Season, Tessa is determined to find a husband and have a family of her own. An unexpected attack whilst on an early morning walk brings their neighbor and the new Earl of Middlefield to her rescue and he is astounded to find the young lady turn on him when he thwarts the would-be robber wielding a knife. There and then Spence determines that Lady Tessa is the only woman for him as he recognizes in her a kindred spirit and a woman who has all the makings for his partner in life. Tessa is less than pleased at Spence's optimism and attempts to deter him at every turn. However, as Spence gathers support for his foray into the world of courtship, he discovers that not all is fair in love and war and has his work cut out for him. I enjoyed this well-written romance, which is the first book in a new series that promises to bring adventure, romance, and loyal friends together. I did find myself becoming frustrated at Tessa's hard-headed approach, but fortunately, Spence's persistence pays off and when disaster strikes, he discovers that Tessa is everything he could have hoped for. The novel comes to a happy conclusion, opening a way for the rest of the second sons to find love in a world that is often harsh and cruel. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

4.5 Stars
Spencer Haddock second son of the Earl of Middlefield was seven when he was sent away to school there he met two boys who became close friends, when the three of them went to university they made friends with two others. These five second sons joined the military. 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. 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 Spencer. He quickly learns that instead of the pliant woman he thought he wanted as his countess, he desires Tessa—a woman of beauty and valour who stands up for herself and those she cherishes.
The start of a new series & a thoroughly enjoyable starter. I loved both Spencer & Tessa, he's the strong, valiant soldier who isn't comfortable amongst the ton, she’s the loving, intelligent daughter. The chemistry between the pair sizzles, the complement each other but she thinks him arrogant. He falls hard & fast for Tessa but it takes her time to realise how she feels. There’s a villain who gets his just desserts but I wonder if he may raise his head again! A very well written book which I devoured in two sittings finishing it just into the small hours. I can’t wait to read Ev’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I think that it is Spencer who is getting the education. He knows practically nothing about the Ton. Tessa is very educated. Spencer is able to teach her to listen to what her heart is telling her. I enjoyed reading, Educated by the Earl, very much and would recommend it to all who love historical romance novels.

Spencer, Earl of Middlefield, formerly Major Haddock, is in London for the season to find a wife. Lady Tessa Foster's come out season was delayed due to her father's illness and death. Once in London with her family, Tessa does not expect love for a good marriage. A chance encounter during an attempted robbery, conviences Spencer that Tessa will be his wife. Only Tessa does not think Spencer is the type of husband she wants. He is determined to change her mind and it starts with a kiss. Someone else thinks Tessa should be his, but he will have to go through Spencer first. What a hero! I give him a #10.
I already love this series after just reading this first book. It should be an interesting ride reading each one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Lady Tessa Foster is having her come out into Society a few years late, because she was caring for her parents. Now they have died and she's living with her cousin and her family. The girls grew up together and are great friends. Our heroine is a brave, intelligent and kind woman.
Major Spencer Haddock grew up as a second son, totally ignored by his father. The friends he made in school and in the army have been his family. First his brother and now his father have died and he is Earl of Middlefield.
Our hero is thrust into a life he wasn't prepared for. He's decided to go to the season to find a bride quickly and return to his estate.
This is a historical romance filled with fun and lovely characters. It is the start of a series that I will definitely be reading more of.
Good fun.

I cannot get over how ridiculously swoon-worthy I found the hero of Educated by the Earl -- the first book in Alexa Aston's new Second Sons of London series. Scholarly, a bit socially awkward, more than a bit snarky, devoted, sexy as hell, retired army Major, able to curl the heroine's toes (and other bits) with nothing more than a kiss .... or a glance ....

Yeah. He's basically my actual Other in book form .... but with a title .... that he never intended on having.

It's so hard to write about this one without giving too much away. I wouldn't be able to do it justice, anyway. 

Basically, Spencer has every intention of marrying but no intention of marrying for love until he encounters the headstrong spitfire that is Tessa .... who is even more impressive to him than the Celtic warrior queen Boudica .... and who has no intention of being wooed. At least, not by Spencer in spite of everyone else realizing that they would be perfect for each other. 

Even Tessa's lady's maid, Abra, is smitten and her first encounter with him was when he punched her in the face. 

Really. 

That's how the three of them first met.

So Spencer's greatest allies in winning over Tessa end up being Abra and Tessa's cousins, Adalyn and Louisa. After Tessa's father died and she was put out by his brother, the new Earl of Paxton, and his insipid cow of a teenage bride, Tessa moved in with Adalyn's family .... who happen to live directly across from Spencer during the Season. Watching them all work together to sway Tessa was a joy.

Watching Spencer? Absolutely swoon-worthy.

Educated by the Earl is an absolutely perfect beginning to what I am confident will be one of my favorite series. There will be seven books in total, from the looks of things, and I'm already getting ready to swoon over the second one when it's released in April .... or before if I'm granted another eARC from Dragonblade. 

[ Full teaser post to be published 25 February 2022 at https://wellreadpiratequeen.blogspot.com/2022/02/educated-by-earl-by-alexa-aston-book.html ]

I found this romance difficult going because the so called hero was such an unsympathetic character. In the prologue his unfortunate surname of Haddock, gave me visions of fish every time it was mentioned (which seemed frequent) though here he did seem pleasant and unassuming. As an adult he is full of his own self importance (“My life was the army. I breathed duty and loyalty to my country”). He is overbearing and selfish (She would be curious about Polite Society and want to enjoy the various social events. He would let her. At least for a while). He tells her what music he wants her to play on the pianoforte without ever asking her what she likes. He is condescending re her employment of Abra; has no respect for Tessa’s wishes and thinks of her as his prey. It was easy to see why Tessa didn’t want him to court her! I did however enjoy the last 25% of the book when Spencer seems to improve and I always enjoy an epilogue.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have never read two more determined individuals. Lady Tessa Foster had set aside her season to care for her parents in their illness. Postponing her come-out for 5 year. Now a Lady of 23, she resides with her uncle surrounded by love. But she is determined she wants a quiet, peaceable man who she can live in peace with as her own parents had. Love was not something she thought she needed, but simply respect and care. Lord Spencer Middlefield, grew up as a neglected second son. Having lost his mother young and his brother being 10 yrs older, he never experienced familial love at home. He created a family for himself when he went away to school, bonding with new ‘brothers’ and eventually building a career for himself in the army. When he finds himself the new Earl, he heads to London to find a bride. Content to never have love, but wanting a lady who will give him the children he desires. He vows to love his children and raise them differently than his own upbringing. But he does not believe in romantic love so that need not apply to his bride. But neither of these two can deny their growing attractions.
I loved that Spencer knew his feelings so early on, showing his determination to win Tessa’s heart. Where she saw conceit and pride, I saw devotion and love. He was so sure of himself because he could not imagine a life without her. Their story was one sweet devotion, loyalty and strength. Tessa was truly a warrior in her own right. The story of their meet-cute was such a compelling one as it showed her strength from the start. The intrigue near the end added a new element, that was inevitable. It once again allowed Tessa’s strength of character to shine. She was truly a remarkable heroine.