Educated by the Earl is the first book in Alexa Aston’s new historical romance series, and it follows Spencer Haddock, the Earl of Middleton, and Lady Tessa Foster. Spencer is a disregarded second son who has recently and unexpectedly inherited an earldom. New to London society after a lifetime away from home, first in school and then in the military, Spencer is in search of a wife. Tessa has spent the last years caring for her ill father after the tragic death of her mother. Because of this, Tessa delayed her coming out and is now in London and entering into society. When the pair meets, sparks fly, and Spencer begins to realize that what he initially thought he needed in a wife isn’t actually what he wants. Can he convince Tessa that they are each other’s future?

Tess and Spencer are wonderful characters, and they both have interesting and complex backstories. They are both so strong and intelligent, and they share many interests. However, they are also very different. He’s very methodical and rational, and he is not usually ruled by emotion. He is led by his head, and she is ruled by her heart. However, Spencer’s growing feelings for Tessa change him.

I loved the romance between Tessa and Spencer. Their first meeting is so not what I expected, and Tessa really stands out as a compassionate, brave, and fierce woman. She challenges him and stands up to him, and I think that’s why Spencer finds her so intriguing. Tessa is not as impressed with Spencer as he is with her, and Spencer has to work hard to woo her. Initially, she finds him arrogant and not to her taste, though her feelings change as she spends time with him. All of their interactions are filled with great banter and a lot of sexual chemistry, as Tessa fights her feelings for Spencer, and he methodically tries to win her over with his honor and sincerity.

The secondary characters are really interesting too. I love Tessa’s maid, and I’m eager to learn more about Spencer’s friends and Tessa’s cousins. And the antagonists, though not as fleshed out as some of the other characters, create some intense situations and obstacles for Spencer and Tessa and add a bit of suspense to the story.

I think this is a great start to the Second Sons of London series, and I love that each book is a standalone story that can be read in any order. I would definitely recommend the book to readers of historical romance, and I look forward to continuing the series. Special thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Dragonblade Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

4 stars

I liked this book. It's a strong start to the series.
Spencer, a second son that's inherited the Earldom, returns to London in search of a wife. What he thinks he wants is rapidly altered when he sees Tessa dealing with a knife wielding thief.

He realises that she won't become his unless he allows her a free choice.

It was mainly a clean read though there was one episode of pre-marital passion which I felt was a bit discordant. I have no problem with the passion but I was surprised that Tessa would invite Spencer to her sneak around her Uncle's house and I was surprised that Spencer agreed when previously he'd realised how the servants of most of the big houses know exactly what was going on..

The villian was well described and I wonder if he's out for good or might her return to bother Lady Adalyn, Tessa's cousin and Ev, Spencers friend and hero of the next book.


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

I love both Spencer and Tessa so much, definitely no weak or helpless characters here. The ending seemed a bit rushed/too easy, but otherwise, it was another delightful read from Alexa Alston. I'll definitely be continuing to read the series.

He was a second son of an Earl and been ignored by his father and older brother . When he was 7 years old he met at the school his now called brothers . As second son he had to go to Army . when his father died he became the next Earl . While he was taking his morning walk he came upon a thief trying to rod a lady , but when he caught him the lady started yelling at him . And from that moment he determined to have her as his wife . She is not happy with him and try to avoid him . Will he be able to win her heart ?
I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own

First book for a new series!!!

When starting, I thought 'Oh similar premise as the dukes done wrong' but I was hooked within a few pages
Finished it within half a day - couldn't stop reading it!

Loved Spencer and his Boudica! Both strong and well portrayed. The storyline was good and written well.

Can't wait for Everett & Adalyn's story!!!

Two strong intelligent individuals that had rough times growing up came to experience their first season. Of course they stumble upon eachother and start getting acquainted before the season starts.

I definitely could feel for Spencer growing up as an ignored second son and Tessa missing out on several years to herself in tending to her ill parents. What I liked was both characters having a brave nature and valuing eachother equally including their intelligence. Tessa was definitely way ahead of her time for a female in all of the sharing of history and what she had learned. Of course that is what drew Spencer to her so much.

This book is a slow burn romance. Tessa really spends so much time denying her connection to Spencer and really try to push away his pursuit. The only part I wished had been a little different was how quick Tessa flipped the switch from being difficult to head over heels in love. I would have liked a few more encounters that showed her coming around to Spencer, but leaving a little more suspense open.

Overall, the likeable characters really make this book enjoyable. Even Tessa's cousins are very likeable matchmakers that help move the story forward. This is the first book in the series and I have some guesses where the next book might go given the book ending. I'm excited for the next book!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

He was waiting for his Boudica. She didn’t want to be his Boudica. Well, things do not always work out the way we want. That being said, there was not a lot of angst in this story which I wish it had more of because I do love a good angsty book. So why the higher rating? Because Alexa is a great writer and even though this is not my type of story it is still a great story. The conflict at the end was good and I liked the resolution. I look forward to Spencer’s friends and Tessa’s cousins.

Spencer is a second son and is largely ignored by his father and older brother. When he goes off to school, he befriends a group of other second sons and sets his path for the military. After his father dies (and his brother had died years before), Spencer is now the earl and must find a bride. Tessa has long delayed her come-out after caring for her ill mother and father. She's finally out and looking for a husband. When Spencer sees a Tessa being threatened by a knife on the street, he goes to protect her, but she's more upset by his high-handedness. Spencer is attracted to Tessa's fiery personality and pursues her. She's holding him at bay for awhile, even though she's attracted to him.