**ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Devin Hunt has suffered a brutal attack, leaving him with two missing fingers and the decision to sell out of the British Army and return to England. Julia Birmingham's father has died, leaving her awful half-brother free to kick her out of the family home and hold her finances hostage, thus forcing her to earn her living as a governess and paid companion. When the two of them meet at the Duke of Woodmont's estate, where Julia teaches the Duke's two nephews and Devin has come to stay and lick his wounds, they're immediately attracted to one another - can they see their way forward to a life together?

Fans of Alexa Aston's Second Sons series will absolutely adore this book, particularly getting the chance to spend more time with the Duke and Duchess of Woodmont from Dubious About the Duke (book 5).

The premise was intriguing - the governess has to teach the wounded soldier to relearn how to write, now that he can only use his left hand - and provided the perfect opportunity to watch a relationship develop through specific, personal hardship, as well as a chance to offer strong characterisation. Unfortunately, that particular aspect of the book seemed to wrap up incredibly quickly. Julia (who vacillates throughout the story between incredibly confident and self assured, and then unsure, blushing, and lacking any kind of insight into herself and those around her), tells Devin that he's going to be frustrated and annoyed by the process of re-learning to write, and that it's going to take practice. I would have liked to see this play out on the page, but it was kind of handwaved away. He goes to the schoolroom, she sets him some exercises, and then he goes back to his own room and practices for a bit.

The conflict between them was fairly weak. Julia decides that as a governess with no money she would be an improper wife for someone who's just inherited a title - except, she was brought up as a lady until the age of 18, she has a title, and she has a dowry that her awful half-brother is keeping from her. I'm not a big fan of poor communication to prolong conflict either - but your mileage may vary on this one.

I wish the author hadn't felt the need to info dump quite so much. The lesson explaining the Napoleonic wars at least made sense in context as they were teaching the children together, but Devin explaining to Julia what a special license was, was a bit too much like the author saying to the reader "look, I've done my research!'

A 2.5 star read.

As with most Alexa Aston works, I have really loved this series. And as much as I have loved the previous books this one may be my favorite. I loved Julia right from the beginning and respected her for being able to pick herself up after losing her parents and being treated so poorly by her half-brother. She didn't sit and wallow and wait to be saved. I also liked that she did stand up for herself with Devin and push back when she needed to. As for Devin, I liked him all the more for his ability to see Julia's worth and really understand her as a person. She so clearly needed to have someone see the real and complete person she was. The only part I didn't totally understand was Devin's insistence that he had to learn to write with his left hand - with the fingers he was missing it seemed like he could have continued to use his right hand. Based on the premise of the series I knew it was only a matter of time before Devin inherited his family title. Which brings me to my only other complaint about the story - early on Devin says his father showed more interest in him than his brother because they were so similar (which led to his brother feeling left out) and then later says his father was cruel and terrible to him. The epilogue provides the perfect ending to the series by giving a little peak at how everyone from the previous books is doing.

This is the last book in the series. Alas all good things must come to an end. I have so very much enjoyed this series. This book is no different. I was engaged all the way through to the end. I also REALLY enjoyed the Epilogue. Getting to see where everyone wound up was a special treat. You do not need to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one. But you might want to just because you enjoy the book.
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.

I was delighted with Alexa Aston's Meant for the Marquess. I found the storyline felt fresh and slightly unexpected. I highly recommend this book.

She Held His Heart:
A sad and emotional beginning to this tale along with meeting tyrant to loath and that is just the Prologue where we first meet Julia.
Next, we meet Devin who has just left the army due to a hand injury.
Visiting one of his old army buddies he meets Julia the governess and
two charming children.
A happy gathering of friends and family set the pace for a most intriguing romance story that will capture your heart.
Wonderful characters throughout except for the bad guy of course.
This is part of the Second Sons series but is a standalone read.
I loved the sparks of attraction with a slow burning buildup that
leads to a passionate encounter.
Returning characters from the previous books is a treat.
All in all, a good wholesome story with lots of emotions, heartfelt confessions,
blossoming romance plus the bad guy gets his due.
I enjoyed each book of this series.
Adult Advisory:

Governess Julia meets war scarred soldier Devin after he has to muster out due to his injuries. He thinks his injuries make him less of a man and she thinks her lowered position of a governess makes her less of a catch. Both of them want to deny their feelings they feel for one another. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

Lady Julia Birmingham has been making her own way in the world since her brother inherited. She's very happy as a governess for two little boys.

Major Devin Hunt is struggling to come to terms with the drastic changes in his life since he was attacked.

This historical romance is part of a wonderful series. All the "Second Sons" from the series have faced many changes and they've all found strong, loving women to help them cope. All the characters are lots of fun, even the children.

Really good fun.

I was so happy to readd this part of the Second Sons, series. I thought that the series was done already so it was a delight. Julia is a wonderful person. Everyone who meets her loves her. Kids are good at figuring out some ones character and her charges were enamored. Devin is giving a hard blow, for a time he wallows in self pity. After meeting Julia he has decided to make something of himself no matter how hard it is.
I would recommend this book to anyone who love regency romances. .

I enjoyed this story from beginning to end.

The plot was engaging and entertaining following the last of the Second Sons we have been introduced to. The characters were interesting and Ms. Aston's wonderfully descriptive writing allowed me to care whether or not they got their HEA (and maybe a bit of comeuppance against the bad guy).

The story was appealing and entertaining and like the rest of the series no dark themes and only a minor bit of angst. I also enjoyed getting a peek at how the other couples introduced in previous books were doing.

I would definitely recommend this wonderful addition to the series!

I received this ARC from Dragonblade Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thank you.

#MeantfortheMarquess #NetGalley

The last of the Second Sons Series Book . It was amazing with lot of sweet and sexy times . Our couple is a Major who had to sold his commission after an other soldier caught his two finger and a Lady who had to earn money for a living after the death of both her parents because her half brother kick her out of the only home she knew . Now as the governessJulia to the Duke of Woodmont’s nephews she meets the handsome Devin and for the first time she fills atraction for a man . He doesn't believe he deserve to be loved and only wish to have one kiss with her but when they kiss he can stop at only one . When he asks her to help him learn write with his left hand they spent more time together . What will happen when he finds out that now he is the Marquess of Bedford ?
I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a way to end the Second Sons series!

The characters in this book had a little different background than the previous books. Major Devin Hunt left the army due to injury and loss of a couple fingers and really had no where to go. Julia was kicked out by her half brother afyer her father's death and forced into servitude. Both Julia and Devin found themselves at Win and Sera's Woodbridge home. Julia became a governess and Devin was looking what to do with himself (a steward perhaps?) Poor Devin kept feeling less of a man due to injury.

I liked the romance that seemed to be complicated at times. Being at different stations kept getting in the way, but would love prevail?

This book was a nice wrap up to the series and the epilogue brought back all of the characters in a 5 years down the road type fashion.

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

A lovely conclusion to Ms. Aston's Second Sons of London series. Captain Devin Hunt leaves the army after a losing 2 fingers on his dominant hand. He retreats to the estate of his friend Win (a duke from a previous entry in the series) to determine what to do next. While a second son, Devin does not come home with a title, instead he is searching for what to do with the rest of his life given his estrangement from his older brother.

Devin is surprised to find that Win is married and caring for his two nephews. Also caring for the boys is Julia, the daughter of an earl who was tossed from her home by her older half-brother following the deaths of her parents. Julia has found a sort of contentment in her current station and has no desire to return to the world of the ton. Devin and Julia have an immediate attraction, that seems to flow relatively easily until Devin learns that his erstwhile brother has died and Devin is now a Marquess.

A series of misunderstandings, mostly motivated by love, create obstacles for this couple, but they do eventually get their HEA and the series gets a lovely epilogue for the entirety of the characters. I liked both Julia and Devin so much - lots of strength and willingness to deal with the hands dealt by life. 4 stars.

Thank you to Dragonblade and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

Another super sweet second son book although Devin wasn't part of the group at school he is welcomed into the group in the army. Unlike the other's he remained a second son and left the army due to injury not due to inheriting his title. Julia and Devlin seemed well suited and looked they were going to have an easy love story until he inherits. I loved that Julia's half brother got his comeuppance as well as a lovely epilogue based 5 years on. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A captivating romance between an army major who becomes a Marquess and a lady forced to earn her living. I felt the wonderful attraction between Julia and Devin and enjoyed their getting to know each other. It built into a lovely happy ending.

Meant for the Marquess is a wonderful conclusion to the Second Sons of London historical romance series! Devin is a bit different from the other MMC in the series. Though he is the second son, he has not inherited a title like the others. Released from the military because of an injury that resulted in the loss of fingers, Devin is unsure about his future when he decides to visit Win. Needing time to come up with a plan and work on relearning how to do things with his left hand, Devin finds support from his friends and Julia.

Win was super swoon-worthy in Dubious About the Duke, and I loved him even more in this book. The way he treats the boys and how he talks about them is lovely and heartwarming. When he talks about his brother missing out on knowing his “beautiful boys,” I just about melted. And his unequivocal support of Devin and Julia, as a couple and individually, says so much about his character. And, of course, the tender, loving partnership he has with Sera is relationship goals.

I love Julia, and not because we have similar names. Lol. She is so resilient and kind, and she doesn’t let her past defeat her. Losing her parents and being abandoned by her despicable half-brother (what a rotten man!) could have broken her. Instead, Julia makes a life for herself as a companion and governess. She is intelligent and caring, and she is a wonderful teacher. As a former teacher, I really appreciated how she catered her lessons to the personalities of her students. She thinks outside the box and makes learning interesting, fun, and relevant.

The scenes where Julia and Devin teach the children together were so lovely! They are so good together, and these scenes really show how well Julia and Devin mesh. Theirs is an instant attraction, and it sweetly developed into something much deeper and more profound. There were times in the story when I thought Devin was a little too pushy with Julia, but I think he was so convinced of their love for each other that his actions made sense. Julia is much more reserved and doesn’t like taking risks with her heart and reputation. Plus, neither think they’re good enough for the other, Julia because of her station and Devin because of his maimed hand. Regardless, they have a ton of chemistry and a deep connection. They are both alone even though they’re with other people, and I love that they found each other.

I also really enjoyed all the interesting tidbits of information threaded into conversations, celebrations, and Julia’s lessons with the boys. As Julia was teaching the kids, I was learning new things too. lol It was cool to learn about the origins of Jack o Lanterns, the exiling of Napoleon, the return of British soldiers, the laws around dowries, and more.

The Second Sons of London is a fantastic series, and I’m sad that it’s over! The second sons and their wives are wonderful, and I wish I had a group of friends as special as them. Wonderful, layered characters, passionate romances, and THE BEST friend group/found family made this series unforgettable. Special thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Historical romance in Regency-era England. Book 7 of the Second Sons of London series. After her father’s death, Lady Julia’s older half-brother tossed her out and forced her to find employment. She’s now the governess to the duke’s nephews from Book 5 of the series and has accepted her place as a mere miss and upper servant, never to take her place in Polite Society again. The duke’s army friend, Devin, has appeared at the big house to visit, after having recently been injured and sent home from the army. He’s looking for a purpose now that his military career has ended and learning how to use his left hand after his right was maimed. Devin and Julia meet and are instantly attracted to each other, though neither believe they are worthy of the other’s attentions. I enjoy reading the instant attraction and I love how both characters interacted with the six-year old nephews; however, I disliked how pushy Devin was towards Julia. It all works out in the end (as it often does in these books) and there’s a sweet little epilogue to tie up the entire series.

A Lovely Romantic Read

Lady Julia Birmingham was left homeless on the death of her mother and father. Her half brother threw her out and she had to make a new life for herself as a governess. This is her third position and she’s working for the Duke and Duchess of Woodmont.

Lord Devlin Hunt who had been a Major but due to an injury had to sell his commission as he was no longer able to hold a gun.

Julia now thought herself more of a servant and Devlin scarred with what had happened to him after losing two fingers on his right hand could hardly lift a fork and couldn’t write.

Devlin and Julia felt an instant attraction to each other and although Devlin wanted to get to know her better, she wanted to keep her distance even though when he thoroughly kissed her it set her heart beating faster.
A lovely romantic, heartfelt story about two people who both needed each other and fell in love until he found out he was the new Marquess of Bedford. Julia was totally against the ton and wanted nothing to do with a title but Dev was determined she would be his.

It’s was great to revisit the second sons and their wives and how they were included into Julia and Devlin’s romance. I love a good epilogue and this one was one to remember.

A great ending to the series, well worth a read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was so good! I really am enjoying this series and author.
Contains spoilers.
The heroine in this story (one of a series) is at her father's death bed with her mother. Her half brother from her father's first marriage arrives and her father makes him promise to take care of them, and he does. After her father passes away, her half brother tells them they have to leave the house and find employment in London, that he never considered them family and that her mother was just a strumpet who fooled his father. Her mother distraught, takes too much laudanum, and passes away that night.. The heroine strikes a deal with her half brother: she can bury her mother next to their father and she will leave and not tell anyone in society what he has done. He agrees and that includes keeping her dowry. The heroine leaves for London and finds a job as a companion. She loves her employer, who treats her as more family than her own half brother does. After four years, her employer passes on, and she decides to be a governess. She is working with a family who treats her as a servant, and after 3 years in London, she agrees to be a governess to a family in the country, with two boys who are the natural sons of a duke. The present duke is their uncle.
The hero is a major in the Napoleonic wars. He is in France after Napoleon is imprisoned on St. Helena's Island. The war office is about to retire 300 thousand soldiers because the war is over when he is attacked by a sergeant who was selling government supplies and keeping the money. The sergeant is able to get a sword and even handcuffed, he attacks the hero and cuts off 2 fingers of this right hand and clips his chin. They have to remove his fingers and cauterize, then graft skin over the stubs. His chin is stitched up. Because of the missing fingers, he is unable to shoot a rifle or write. He returns to England and goes to visit his two comrades in arms whose older brothers have died and one is now a duke and the other a viscount. They are cousins who live on neighboring estates. The hero doesn't realize that his friends married twins and he is startled but not surprised by the children his friend is raising, because his friend always does the right thing and is a kind, compassionate duke. The duke offers to have the hero stay indefinitely until he decides what he wants to do. The hero is estranged from his family and can't return home. The duke offers to hire him as a steward, but the hero is worried about the writing. So he asks the governess, that he is attracted to, to help him learn to write and cipher with his left hand. The heroine agrees, but is wary of the attraction building between them.
I liked this book so much!! It was a good story where bad things happen to good people, but the good people prevail in the end. I also like that this story was set in the fall md there is a "All Hallow's Eve" festival. I learned about "Stingy Jack's", which are turnips carved with a face in them with a piece of burning coal so they can be used as lanterns. The story was very well written with likeable characters. I was able to immerse myself in the story. It was definitely a stand alone story and did not depend on prior stories. I give this book 5 stars and recommend reading. I hope you will enjoy as much as I did.

This book is a perfect read when its the midnight hour and your cozy and cuddled in blankets. I finished this book in one sitting, and I know I will be reading it again.