Could a Chance Encounter Lead to Love?

They met at a solicitor's office. He was suddenly a duke; she was the illegitimate daughter of an earl, rejected by the ton on orders of her legitimate half-brother. When they met, Fox asked Delaney to help him to navigate his new role and to assist him with his nieces. She agreed. Fox soon realized he wanted her as his duchess, but she refused. She was happy to have an affair, but she did not want to take on the role of duchess. Would Fox find a way to convince the stubborn lady? What about her business? An earl made the ton stay away from her store, but Delaney now had a duke on her side.

This was an entertaining story. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who like historical romance.

Fashioning the Duke is an amusing, quick read! It is in a series about men who become dukes, unexpectedly, and fall in love with women who are working in some sort of fashion (the pun is slightly intended). In this book, it is indeed a hat designer who is the heroine.
Our FMC has a great name-- Delaney! Love it. And Fox is the MMC (I love any name with an X in it). Their story is good, if one holds reality in suspense, which does not bother me in the least. Fox is absolutely perfect, as is Delaney, she just has to realize that Fox is also perfect for her and for her to get over her misgivings and doubt.
Alexa Aston is always a bit repetitive and there were a lot of places which could have been summarized instead of laid out again and again, but otherwise the story is pretty good. The chemistry and emotion was there, as well. I wish there was a little more conflict-- indeed I was expecting more and instead any conflict was solved at a breakneck's speed. If it was a touch longer I would have been more interested.
I'd give Fashioning the Duke a 3, maybe 3.3 stars. It was amusing for an afternoon's read, but I would like a little more hanging on by the edge of my seat or something. But if you like no angst, very very slight conflict and romances that are bordering on fairy tales, this one is for you!

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

I find Alexa Aston one of those authors who, for me, is an easy and enjoyable read. I like her characters and there is enough drama/tension/suspense/whatever in the storyline to generally keep me drawn in and enjoying the story.

In this one, we have a young industrious woman who was born on the wrong side of the blanket, but cared for by her aristocratic father enough that he helped to raise and educate her and help her establish a career and business. Despite being a bastard, Miss Delaney Colbourne and her father appear to have had a loving relationship where he supported her talents and planned for her future. As such, she was able to build a millinery shop, but that was all destroyed by the petty jealousy of her brother, after he inherited the title and social power when their father died.

Delaney is contemplating selling her building and shop, and retrenching in the town near the estate she inherited when she runs into a Nigel Foxwell at her solicitors. He is there after recently leaving his commission, and attaining the title of Duke of Abington, after the sudden death of his half brother. He never expected to inherit the title and estate, let alone the guardianship of two nieces on the verge of making their come out. From being a career military man, he now must adjust to being part of Society as he takes on his title and will be forced to escort his nieces socially. He needs help and when he meets Delaney he is impressed by her fashion sense, intelligent industriousness, and understanding of Society, and entreats her to help him and his nieces prepare for the Season. As he spends time with her, he is also angered by the injustice served to her, and becomes increasingly attracted to her, and determined to make her his duchess.

Delaney, despite liking Foxwell and his nieces, is aware that she is barely tolerated by fashionable Society because of her birth, and also has a healthy cynicism of Society, with no desire to be a part of it.

Delaney and Fox are likeable characters, with strength and intelligence, who are not willing to be cowed by the dictates of Society or beaten down by them. There are also some cameo appearances by the other characters from preceding books in the series as well, but this can be read as a stand alone book.

An enjoyable historical romance.

3.75 stars out of 5

Ahh I really enjoyed this one, definitely one of my favorites in the series. The romance was really believable and had me smiling and giggling several times

There is something in the HR when a bastard daughter is involved that i have to read it, it's part of my core. Why? Bastards in HR have it hard, but there is something in women on that position getting their happy ending that just makes me so happy. This book isn't the exception and I love it.

I really loved this book. Every character was wonderfully placed and the story made my heart happy! Great as a stand alone or with the other books in the series

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute romance. Though in a series, the characters from previous books were only briefly in the book, and this can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Usually, you see the illegitimate children ostracized. In this case, she was the beloved daughter of an Earl, with the (of course) spiteful half brother. He’s the very much younger brother to a now- deceased Duke, and his sole heir. They both deal with their family issues in different ways, but that seems to pull them together. The slow burn on this was fun- he fell in love first, she thinks she can refuse to love. I wish they talked about how they grew up less, however, because at some points, it felt like they ran out of topics to discuss. Overall, though I did like the book, it was a quick, light read, as neither of the characters were terribly complicated nor the drama overly strong. Fun to read, HEA, but quick.

Major-General Nigel Foxwell finds himself inheriting the title, Duke of Abington, after the death of his half-brother. Not only the that, he becomes guardian to his two nieces, Eliza and Grace, two young ladies on the verge of their come-out. All Nigel has known his adult life is war, he had no idea how to care for these two girls. Delaney is the illegitimate daughter of an earl. While her father was alive, he treated her well and helped set up her millinery store, Delaney's Designs, which many of the ton members frequented. But after his death, her half-brother destroys the good name she has created for herself which results her being shunned by society. Nigel and Delaney meet by chance and he is instantly captivated by her. He begs her to help him with his niece's come-outs, and she agrees. As they spend more time together, their attraction grows, but despite how much Delaney is attracted to him, she is reluctant to give up her independence. But Nigel doesn't give up. He's found his match with Delaney and now he just needs to convince her they belong together.
The romance was beautiful and I couldn't help but root for Nigel the whole time. Delaney was a strong character and I admired her will. The characters were well-developed and likable and I enjoyed following their story. Another lovely addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

3 stars

I liked the premise but the continual reviewing of their back stories got on my nerves. I don't like swearing. IMO it's not charming or interesting. I read that a Major-General was first a rank in the Uk in 1919. I was fed up with the 'gotten' word. It didn't take much imagination to substitute some other phrase. I felt that Fox ended up being as vindictive as the Earl at the end....wouldn't it have been nicer to be the better human. I'm sure Delaney's father, no matter how disappointed he was in his son wouldn't have wanted him to be ostracised. This is book 5 of 8 and looking at the trajectory of the scores I think I might have to opt out of the rest :(

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

Alexa Aston has written another wonderful story about sons that never expected to inherit and become a Duke with all the responsibilities.
On one hand you have an Army Officer that has never known love from his cold unfeeling family, and has made a home and family in the military until he suddenly inherits a Dukedom.
Then there is the bastard daugher of an Earl that was set up in trade with her father's (the Earl) help. Include a nasty, jealous older brother that convinces the ton never to enter her business, even though she is very talented and successful.
Add in two grieving nieces that are due to make their come out in Society. I enjoyed the nieces as their thoughts started out so differently in what they wanted.
Alexa has combined all this to make an enjoyable story that kept my attention, had wonderful characters, and all the components to give a HEA ending.

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

Miss Delaney Colebourne was lucky to have had her father for so long. She may be illegitimate, but her father, the late Earl of Kinnison, always loved her, and helped her set up Delaney's Designs, a millinery store frequented by many of the ton. That is until her half brother destroys her name, and denounces that anyone who shops there will be given the cut direct. Delaney knows she needs a miracle, and soon. Quite literally running into the new Duke of Abington outside her solicitor, Nigel Foxwell begs Delaney to help him with his nieces, and with navigating the ton himself. Fox knows he needs a bride, but he's found his match in Delaney, and now he just has to convince her.

As this series progresses I never know how Alexa will manage to create something new for each of the couples, but she always does. Fox and Delaney were a lovely couple, and I felt really sorry for how Delaney had been punished by her half-brother. She was the daughter of the late Earl of Kinnison, and his mistress, who he had always loved and wished to marry, but he had been forced to marry his proper countess, and his son never let him forget it. As soon as he inherited the title, he set about ruining his half-sister's chances, and was managing quite well until Fox came along. Fox had been at war until he learnt his elder brother had died, and left him the dukedom and guardianship of his teenage nieces. Now back in London, he needs help, and when Delaney literally runs into him, it's perfect. I loved how they worked together and didn't try and railroad each other with their ideas. Fox clearly wanted Delaney, but he knew how important her work was for her, and tried everything to help her, even if they wouldn't be together. A lovely addition to the series - I can't wait for more!

Fashioning the Duke. I loved this book so much. I don’t know who were my favorite characters, Nigel or his Brice’s Eliza and Grace. For sure though they all three gave Delaney a run for her money in all sense of the word. The plot is a unique one that gets all characters motors running for each of their own goals the book, however Nigel’s is a little more risky than his nieces.
Delaney has no interest in finding love. Work and building her business is all that she can focus on. The story is an entertaining romance from beginning to end. The story has realistic events. The dialogue is clear and understanding.
The romance is so sweet and so charming that you can’t help but root for this Duke. I give this story two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book for a voluntary honest review

A true army office becomes a peer he is not prepared for. A half noble woman with a truly wonderful gift decides to help this gentleman get up to speed with his wardrobe. In doing so she also outfits his nieces.
A truly splendid book reconciling trade with peers. I am sure truly happened at least once in history. I enjoyed the way this book evolved. I finally remembered the previous books later in the book. So you will not need to read previous books to enjoy this one.
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.

A wonderful addition to this series from Alexa .
I’ve loved every book she’s written, but it’s funny how some of us just have that extra soft spot if the story includes a Duke. Must be wishful thinking.
A great story that will pull at your heart and make you swoon with joy for this couple as they find their HEA.
Loved it x
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

A career officer is called home when he finds out about the death of his older brother. Now he has to take his place and care for his two nieces... plus make sure they are presented to the Ton. What is he to do.

She is just trying to make a success of her millinery shop, but her when she is being shunned due to her father's heir, she ends up meeting him.

A plan is devised and it might just be these two realize they are perfect for each other!

Another good book in the series! An ex military officer and a shunned milliner make a great match.

I liked how likeable the characters are in this book. Fox is so nice to his nieces and they take to him almost immediately. I like the girls opposite personalities too, one feisty and one more reserved. Delaney always takes the high road. Even after being shunned by her half brother due to being illegitimate, she still agrees to help Fox and his nieces for the season by designing their wardrobe. Even though I loved all the characters, I just wanted more romance.

OK, this book was another teaser too. We saw some characters from other books including the Westfields and Miss Slade. I am so ready for Miss Slade to get her own book. I want more sleuthing!

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

Major-General Nigel Foxwell is the new Duke of Abington. Among his new responsibilities is the guardianship of his two nieces, who are the age to make their debut in Society. In a short amount of time the three of them become a family. Miss Delaney Colebourne is the base-born, and much loved, daughter of an earl. She was a successful milliner until her vindictive half-brother, the new Lord Kinnison, threatened her customers with the cut direct. Fox and Delaney meet at the solicitor’s office. After talking with her, he decided she was the perfect person to help with his niece’s come-outs. Fox is drawn to this remarkable young woman from their meeting. She refuses him for what she believes are good reasons. Fox knows they love each other, but will he be able to convince her to be his duchess? This is a wonderful sweet and spicy romance from beginning to end. Fox and Delaney have intelligence, strength, and compassion. There is an absolutely wonderful cast of secondary characters - Fox’s nieces, Eliza and Grace, Delaney’s staff, the Duke and Duchess of Westfield. Miss Slade, the Bow Street Runner, also makes an appearance. This is a delightful romance that delivers a happy ending not only for Fox and Delaney, but for the family and friends they cared about. A lovely story with a fantastic epilogue.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

She is the I N D E P E N D E N T business woman who has sworn to never fall in love and never marry, whose half brother has destroyed her livelihood. He is the career army officer thrust into unexpected inheritance of the dukedom, and love? He’s never heard of it. They’re both on the peripheral of “Polite Society” trying to navigate their next phase in life, when one chance meeting puts them on a rollercoaster (of love).

There is instant attraction when they meet. Fox, the new Duke of Abington, will utilize Miss Delaney Colebourne’s talents as a milliner and designer to manage the outfitting and preparation of his two nieces entry into the ton. And in addition to that, Fox has decided that he will also have to figure out a way to make Delaney his Duchess. But don’t call it love, because he doesn’t know what that is. And Delaney refuses to depend on a man and will never marry, but does that mean she won’t want a bit of fun?

This is a sweet, feel-good, Regency romance with a little sprinkle of spice. It’s the kind of read that’s perfect for that much needed escapism when you want low-angst, all the things going just right with only a little bit wrong, and high HEA. There are a delightful cast of supporting characters, such as Fox’s nieces, Eliza & Grace, coming out into society, and Delaney’s staff who jump at the chance to design, sew, and hat-make for her once again. Also in support are the Duke and Duchess of Westfield, Daniel and Margaret from book 1 in the series.

Although this is book 5 from the Suddenly a Duke series, you do not need to read them all to enjoy this standalone. I found the somewhat consistent retelling of how Delaney went from born on the wrong side of the blanket to business woman, and how Fox went from ignored spare turned army officer turned unexpected heir a bit repetitive at times but had a fun time reading overall.

4.0⭐️/5
2.0🌶️/5

Delaney has sworn to steer clear of love and will never wed in order to be an I N D E P E N D E N T business woman, but her half brother has destroyed her livelihood.

Fox is the career army officer thrust into unexpected inheritance of the dukedom, and love? He’s never heard of it. They’re both on the peripheral of “Polite Society” trying to navigate their uncertain future when a chance moment puts them on a rollercoaster (of love).

There is instant attraction when they meet. Fox, the new Duke of Abington, will utilize Miss Delaney Colebourne’s talents as a milliner and designer to manage the outfitting and preparation of his two nieces entry into the ton. Fox also (not so secretly) wants Delaney to be his Duchess, and he will have to figure out a way to make Delaney agree. But please don’t call it love, because he doesn’t know what that is.

Delaney adamantly refuses to sign away her freedom in a marriage contract but does that mean she won’t want to indulge in a bit of fun?

This is a sweet, feel-good, Regency period romance with a little sprinkle of spice. It’s the kind of read that’s perfect for that much needed escapism when you want all the things going just right with only a little bit wrong. It’s low-angst, has a bit of insta-love, and a high HEA. I enjoyed the supporting characters, such as Fox’s nieces, Eliza & Grace, and the Duke & Duchess of Westfield, Daniel and Margaret from book 1 in the series.

Although this is book 5 from the Suddenly a Duke series, you do not need to read them all to enjoy this standalone. When new characters are introduced, we are retold several times the tale how “Delaney went from born on the wrong side of the blanket to business woman”, and how “Fox went from ignored spare turned army officer turned unexpected heir” which seemed repetitive but I had a fun time reading Fashioning the Duke overall.

4.0⭐️/5
2.0🌶️/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragon Publishing for this advanced copy. Review and opinions are my own. Review on all platforms in LinkTree

Major-General Nigel Foxwell is now the Duke of Abington and guardian of his two nieces, Eliza and Grace. They are at the age for their come-outs. He has no clue what to do.
A chance meeting at a solicitor's office introduces Fox to the lovely Miss Delaney Colebourne. She has her own set of problems. She is the illegitimate daughter of the deceased Earl of Kinnison. After his death, she is shunned by Polite Society due to her step-brother and his wife's threats and lost her successful business. Fox is already enchanted with Delaney and asks for her help with his nieces' come-out. How can she say no! Sparks fly as Fox and Delaney work together to introduce his nieces. Delaney can't let go of her mother's lessons in love even though she loves Fox. He won't give up until she's his duchess. Soul mates from the beginning, love may not be enough to bring these two together. A must read series with characters not in the norm of Polite Society. One of my favorite tropes to read.
Lots of passion with an open door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

This is a fun, entertaining story, with unique characters. Fox is a swoon worthy hero and perfect for Delaney. He is like a knight in shining armer, although it takes her awhile to notice. Fox and Delaney are captivating, relatable, fun, entertaining characters. Their on page scenes together are fun. They bring out the best of each other and it’s fun to watch them grow into themselves. We get to see a lot of the first couple in the series – which I loved. This is a fun series and a good book.

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