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

Lady detective Shelby Slade is no stranger to dukes, so why is helping Jasper Lincoln, new Duke of Edgehaven, investigate the suspicious circumstances which gave him the title? Once an orphan turned pickpocket, her life was changed when the head of the Bow Street Runners took her under his wing, and gave him a home. So all she wants is to be the best investigator she can be, and the feelings she's forming for the staid clergyman turned duke will only get in her way.

I was waiting for Shelby's book, because the amount of times she had shown up in the series, and made such great friendships with some of the duchesses, she had to have a fantastic romance herself. She meets Jasper when he arrives at Bow Street wanting help investigating his father and two brother's deaths. As the third son, he had accepted his position as a clergyman, and never wanted to become Duke of Edgehaven. So arriving at the family estate following his brother's death in battle, he wants only to grieve with the rest of his family. However, in one night his father and surviving brother all die, and he is left with the Dukedom and guardianship of his young nieces. As he works with Shelby to find out how he came to be in this position, they discover so much more than they could ever have imagined, and grow closer day by day. They really were great for each other, and made the other person better. They supported each other through everything, and the found family element of the story was the icing on the case. A fantastic ending to the Suddenly a Duke series.

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

This appears to be the finally for the series and a secondary character that has popped up in several of the preceding stories is getting her moment in the sun - Shelby Slade, Bow Street's only female Runner. Does anyone here watch Murdoch Mysteries (or the Artful Detective in some countries)? I always pictured Shelby as a secondary character in the show that has showed up a few times - Winnifred "Freddie" Pink - a brave, bold, smart female independent investigator. But that aside, she was a character that intrigued me from the beginning and we get her story here. Warning, it is a heart-wrenching story that starts in her childhood, and details domestic abuse. Shelby is raised in a single mother household, with a rotating group of men, witnessing the poor treatment of her mother, and forced out of her home, and to fend for herself frequently. She was also a target for their ire and abuse at times, ending when she was forced to defend herself against the worst of the lot, and run away from home, ending up alone on the street. She is given a new chance at a better life when she picks the pocket of the right person who offers her a home and new opportunities which lead to her future down the road as a Runner.

That brings us to the "present" day. Shelby is returning from successfully closing another case, when she runs into Jasper Lincoln on his way to Bow Street. He is likewise intrigued by the lady Runner and based on his instincts and first impressions wants her for the job he has in mind. Jasper was lately a clergyman, and third son of the Duke of Edgehaven. However, after a lifetime of hearty, hale, good health, his beloved father had suddenly suffered a great debilitating illness, and died. He had just received word that his second brother had died while serving on the Continent with the army, and just after his father passed, the heir, his eldest brother dies from a fall. This leaves Jasper suddenly the Duke, and feeling ill equipped to deal with his new status, and responsibilities, including his young orphaned nieces, and his cold hearted mother. In his gut, he feels this is not right and thinks to hire Bow Street to investigate.

As Shelby and Jasper investigate, they uncover secrets from the family's past, some unseemly relationships, and a murder mystery that horrifies Jasper and left his youngest niece emotionally scarred and fearful. With Shelby's help, they find out the truth, and help the children and Jasper cope with their losses. Jasper realizes from the beginning that he is attracted to the beautiful, smart Shelby, and falls for her quite quickly. But with their very different backgrounds, and Shelby's work, it may be difficult for Jasper to convince her to step into the shoes of being his duchess.

I love Shelby's story, and the storyline that involves past betrayals, warped family relationships, and the murder plot - there is romance, intrigue, and mystery. But also family closeness and warmth too, with Jasper, Shelby, and the two young girls, as well as the help of some of the other characters from the past books. Very enjoyable to read Shelby and Jasper's story, and learn about Shelby's past, and how she went from being an abandoned child of the streets to a respected successful Runner.

4.5 stars out of 5

Jasper Lincoln is the third son of the Duke and a clergyman, who unexpectedly finds himself inheriting a title he doesn't want after both his brothers and father pass away close together. Our heroine Shelby is the only female agent at Bow Street, orphaned and abandoned at a young age, on her way to becoming a permanent street urchin before being taken in by a Bow Street Agent and his wife. They meet after Jasper asks Shelby's agency to look into the deaths in his family

This is my first novel by Alexa Aston, so I wasn't familiar with the series of which this is the conclusion, but I still found the narrative and side characters easy to follow. From what I understand, Shelby is a recurring character, so I'm sure fans of the series were glad to finally read her story!

What I enjoyed/what to expect:
- Bluestocking heroine with lower-class roots - I found her background to be genuinely compelling and unique. I was rooting for her from the beginning and loved the scenes with her adoptive parents.
- An endearing hero who ends up the unexpected heir. Jasper is the third son who never wanted to be a Duke and was previously a pastor. He was unbelievably sweet not just with the heroine but through his relationship with his father, and especially his scenes with his young nieces who end up his wards. Not to mention the kindness that was shown to the illegitimate niece he takes in and insists on giving a proper title.
- The importance of found/adopted family for both the hero and heroine - I loved the family unit that developed between Jasper, Shelby, and his three nieces.
- The murder mystery subplot was a fun romp. I found the killer to be a little obvious (maybe because I read a lot of thrillers) but the author did a little twist that I wasn't expecting. It was an entertaining addition to the romance.

I enjoyed the references to past protagonists and the friendship that Jasper developed with past characters, even though I have not read any of the previous installments. I imagine someone familiar with the series would be even happier with these scenes.

What kept me from rating this higher:
- There was a little too much info-dumping at the beginning of the novel for exposition. It could have been more naturally incorporated.
- A little too strong on the insta-lust for me, especially considering the personalities of both the hero and heroine who are both level-headed and sensible characters. I would have liked to see a more gradual chemistry develop throughout their investigation.

Thank you to the NetGalley, Dragonblade Publishing and the author for providing with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the eight book in the Suddenly a Duke series. Jasper is happy with his life as a clergyman. But when his brother dies in battle, his father does not take the news well and passes on, and then his other brother dies as well leaving him to become the next duke. But something doesn't seem right about these deaths. Jasper is suspicious and seeks help from Bow Street. Shelby is the only female agent at Bow Street and she is assigned to Jasper's case. We know Shelby from the previous books, but now we finally learn what her story is. She had had a tough childhood which ultimately led her to her present state. As Shelby investigates, she uncovers many secrets that Jasper is unaware of. As her investigation progresses she grows closer to Jasper, but the secrets she uncovers become more and more deadly.
An exciting combination of danger, mystery, and romance! The storyline flowed smoothly and kept my attention from start to finish. A brilliant ending to a great series!
Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.

I really enjoyed the everyday life of this book and rags to riches on both parts. It was wonderfully entertaining and feel good book. So sad to see the end of this series. I would enjoy seeing it continue with other ranks.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

I have been hoping to read Shelby Slade's story ever since she came on scene a few books back and "Investigating the Duke" did not disappoint. Alexa Aston has long been one of my favorites and I think Shelby's story illustrates why. Good character development, real chemistry between Shelby and Jasper, and while I think the villain is somewhat obvious, I was still invested in figuring out how the villain engaged in their dastardly acts. Aston continues to be one of my go-to romance writers.

4.5 stars rounded to 5. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

I have been hoping for Shelby Slade's story ever since she made an appearance in earlier books in this series.
Jasper is a third son that is a vicar who has taken time off to spend time with his family in London. They receive word the middle brother has passed away in the military. His father passes away, and then his older brother falls down a flight of stairs the same night making Jasper the Duke of Edgehaven.
Jasper goes to Bow Street asking them to look into his father's and brother's deaths. Jasper meets Shelby and wants her to handle the investigation.
There are great characters, as well as a twist or two in the story I wasn't expecting.
Thank you Alexa Aston for this fantastic series! I am looking forward to reading your next one.

Shelby Slade has come a long way from her terrible childhood. Our heroine is the only female Bow Street Runner. Her work allows her to see that even the highest in Polite Society can have ugly secrets.
Our hero is the third son of a duke and was quite happy as a clergyman. Jasper Lincon cannot believe the circumstances that have led to him suddenly becoming a Duke.
This historical romance has a lot of surprises for our wonderful characters. Secrets will be uncovered and danger will come from an unexpected source.
This book is part of a series, but each story is totally separate. You will meet a family from a previous book and that will tempt you to read the rest of the series. They are all interesting and entertaining with unusual characters.
Great fun.

I am so glad that Shelby Slade got her own story, although she had to work really hard for her happily ever after! Strange events surrounding the death of the elderly Duke of Edgehaven, raised questions in Jasper Lincoln's mind when he suddenly finds himself the new Duke after the sudden deaths of his father and two brothers. Shelby Slade once again works her case with diligence and due care, and the more she uncovers, the worse the situation gets. Jasper had all the charm of his father, making him a popular vicar in Edgehaven parish. Having taken care of his flock, he values the individuals who made up his congregation and sees beyond wealth and titles to a man or woman's character. His fortuitous meeting with Shelby results in a friendship that evolves into romance as together they uncover layer after layer of deceit. Things get worse before they get better, but the novel does come to a delightful conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Investigating the Duke is the eighth book in the Suddenly a Duke series. This is such a fun series.

This one focuses on Jasper Lincoln and Shelby Slade. Jasper is a third son who is happy being a comfort to his congregation. Jasper receives news of Jude; his next older brother has died in battle. His father has been declining in health for no apparent reason. In the last few months, he has only gotten worse. When he shares the news with his parents, his father takes it extremely hard. His mother on the other hand shows now emotion at all. Jasper finds this odd, but he is not as close to his mother as he is to his father. Jasper sends for his oldest brother and future heir. After his father passes away Jasper needs to let the family know but is told that his older brother has just fallen down the stairs while drunk and is now dead. Jasper goes from being a third son to Duke in a matter of hours.

Jasper suspects there is more to the death of his father and heads to the bow street runners and hires Shelby Slade to investigate.

Shelby Slade had a tough childhood as an orphan on the streets of London. She was rescued by Mr. Franklin, head of the Bow Street runners where she finally has a home and learns the trade of being an investigator. She begins to investigate the illness and the death of Jasper's father. But she finds that there are many more secrets that Jasper does not know that involve his family. As she works closely with him, she sees that he is a good man and becomes drawn to him. The more Shelby investigates the worse the secrets become and the more deadly they are.

I loved this story. I was hoping that we would see more of the secretive Miss Slade. She had been mentioned in previous books in the series, but the character was generally a character in the background. Shelby is a strong no-nonsense personality. I loved watching her character be revealed the more we got into the story.

Jasper, a third son and successful vicar, has come to London for his Christmastide visit with his family. He had no way to know he would not return to his congregation. Shortly after he arrived, tragedy struck. At the time his father died from a lengthy illness, his oldest brother fell down the stairs to his death, and a letter arrived with the news that his other brother had been killed in battle. Suddenly he was the Duke of Edgehaven. Something about these events did not seem completely coincidental. He took his questions to Bow Street where Shelby Slade, the only female Bow Street Runner, was assigned his case. Shelby will pose as his secretary to acquire information. As they work together, they become friends, and much more. This is a great way to end the series. Jasper is an honorable man and a wonderful hero. He is not only the romantic hero, but a hero for his nieces as well. Shelby is smart, independent, and determined. She is just right to be the next unconventional duchess for a sudden duke.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Investigating the Duke by Alexa Aston is number eight in her Suddenly a Duke series, about unlikely dukes and their even more unlikely duchesses. Jasper Lincoln explained to his congregation that he would be gone for several weeks for his annual time with his father. He then traveled to London only to find the old man on the brink of death. He sat with him until the inevitable happened, even summoning a doctor, without much result. As he left the duke’s chambers to inform his mother, she entered with news of her own. His brother, who would have been the new duke, had fallen to his death during a drunken meandering. This was all too much, after learning of his middle brother’s death months ago on the battlefield. The more he thought about it, the more he thought the two deaths in one day more than a coincidence so he traveled to the offices of the Bow Street Runners, to discuss hiring a runner to investigate. There he met Shelby Slade, the only female Runner. They quickly decided she should embed herself in the household as his secretary. Once there, she started investigating immediately and discovered several interesting things. One of which was that the duke’s instincts were correct.

Jasper was born to be a clergyman, less so a duke, although his kind heart would see him in good stead. His immediate attraction to his “secretary” was to be ignored until a more appropriate time. Shelby Slade was a good person and an insightful investigator. She was experienced and had a variety of methods and people on her payroll. From these she learned more and more interesting information. This was a very well-plotted novel and the pacing led the reader through the story at a moderate pace, as it was full of complications. I was able to see part of the solution early on, but not all of it. Interesting how the nobility took care of things once their guilt had been uncovered, hoping to keep from scandal. Ingenious story, likable characters, and a flaunting of tradition made this book a sure winner!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Investigating the Duke by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AlexaAston #InvestigatingTheDuke

A spectacular ending to an endearing series where happiness and love overcome the obstacles to happily ever after. I really enjoy Alexa Aston’s writing and find her stories always keep me hooked until the last page. The characters in this book and throughout the series are well developed and each is matched with their perfect counterpart.

Can’t wait for Aston’s next series I really wish she would create a series surrounding some brooding medieval highlanders set in the highlands. *hint hint* 😉

Overall another 5 star story from Alexa Aston!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from Dragonblade Publishing via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄 @dragonbladepub
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A beautiful conclusion to this series of unbelievable stories. Each book stands alone and tells a special story of a duke and duchess. This last story with Shelby and Jasper takes us on a journey of deceit, murder, mystery and betrayal. Shelby uses her skills as a runner to uncover the death and drama that surrounds Jasper as a new duke. Beautifully crafted with amazing depth to each character. Some interaction with old friends and a look at the underbelly of the ton, the impact of forced marriages and the complexity of that impact on Polite Society. Cheers to one of my favorite authors who always puts her best work out there for all the readers and dreamers

The grand finale of a very thrilling series in which unlikely heirs inherit the title and fall for industrious and exceptional women! All perfectly fine and entertaining to read on their own, but so much more fun when they’re together.

This tale features Shelby Slade who helped many a duke (especially those in the previous books) successfully solve the mysteries surrounding his new title - and Jasper Lincoln, third son to a duke and devoted clergyman.
For a loyal fan of the series it’s really nice to finally learn Shelby’s history, to learn how this clever survivor became London’s one and only female Bow Street Runner. Her love story with Jasper is a struggle between heart and duty - for the both of them, as Jasper is determined to do right by his new flock even if he is completely unprepared for the job at hand. Neither of them ever felt the magnetic pull of love at first sight, and it’s marvellous observing these level-headed MCs navigate their feelings amidst all the mayhem.
Like all the other books in this series, this story is fun, always on the move, adventurous with a dash of mystery, a little steamy and a wonderful emotional rollercoaster that will have you spellbound till the very end!

📚 Returning to his family’s London home for the holidays, Jasper suddenly finds himself inheriting his father’s title and two adorable girls. It all feels to coincidental and in his uncertainty Jasper turns to Bow Street for help. And even though he was planning on finding a wife before all this madness broke lose, he never expected to find her right there.

Shelby is assigned the duke’s case by Bow Street’s boss and coincidentally the man who rescued her off the streets when she was but a little girl. When one of her first discoveries turns out to be an unexpected addition to the family, she unintentionally becomes not only the household’s champion but also that of Jasper’s young wards. But, she has a case to solve and a duke, even one as attentive as Jasper, would never fall for a street urchin like her. Would he?

4 stars

I quite liked this story and having seen Shelby (odd name not very 19th Century england) in the other books was keen for her to get her HEA. This is her and Jasper's story. Jasper was the third son of a Duke currently employed as a vicar. He adored his father and wasn't very keen on his mother, probably because she favoured him and was rude to his brothers and father. Shelby is a bow st Runner and once Jasper's father dies, followed rapidly by his older brother, he senses foul play. There were anomalies I wasn't keen on: Jasper takes in his illegitimate neice and insists she's called Lady Della as everyone will do what a duke says...he's also happy to sleep with a woman without marriage as he hasn't any religious conviction about being a vicar that's just what third sons do. I also thought it was very obvious who was the baddy. Though was disappointed how the acomplices were allowed to get away with their actions. Looks like this is the last of the series bringing back Elijah and his wife from book 4. I've read all but book 6 of the series and don't feel in a hurry to get that one....Sometimes you can have too many Dukes.

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

Jasper Lincoln is happy tending to his congregation he returns to London to spend with his parents & is shocked to see how frail his father has become, news arrives of his brother Jude’s death in battle. Jasper’s father, unable to bear the news slips away. And on that same night, Jasper’s brother, Lord Sutton, drunkenly falls down the stairs, dying instantly, making Jasper a sudden duke. He harbours lingering suspicions about these two deaths and seeks help at Bow Street. Orphan Shelby Slade grew up on the cruel streets of London, surviving as a pickpocket until being rescued by Mr. Franklin, head of the Bow Street runners. Shelby finds her purpose, becoming the only female agent at Bow Street. She is assigned to the Duke of Edgehaven’s case and fights the growing attraction she feels for the solemn clergyman-turned-duke.
The eighth & final book in the series & what a lovely series it has been! I’ve loved Shelby throughout the series & loved getting to know her backstory & for her to have her HEA. I also loved Jasper, a third son who not only loved his family but thought he’d found his true calling in the church. I did work out the mystery but that didn’t detract from the story, plus the mystery played second fiddle to the beautiful romance between Jasper & Shelby. Their attraction was immediate & it grew in leaps & bounds, they were both caring & loving. Jasper melted my heart when he took Della in & embraced her as a family member, he was also delightful with Sylvia & Fanny, as was Shelby. A brilliant ending to the series & the epilogue rounded off the series wonderfully
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Murder, Mystery, Romance:
This is a delightfully intriguing complicated and well-done story that kept my interest to the very end.
I truly enjoyed Shelby and Jasper's characters as we followed them into a mysterious case and a blossoming romance.
It took a while to discover if the deaths they were sleuthing were on purpose or accidents along with their growing attraction.
A very involved story that had a couple of unexpected surprises and a shock that had me giving out loud an "Oh no".
The more I read the more I became more involved in trying to discover if my thoughts of a-who-done-it will come true.
✔Special Mention: This is a stand-alone story but, I was very happy when the author brought into this story some of the previous second dukes and their wives.
 ✔The beginning saga of Shelby's childhood was gripping and yet she turned out to be an amazing person.

Ah, we have come to the end of this series but we get the character we have been waiting to receive a HEA. Shelby Slade, a Bow Street runner investigator extraordinaire. Alexa handled this story with compassion and understanding. I really love how Jasper and Shelby are portrayed as great role models and the love they showed the children. I am not usually a lover of children in books but Alexa as changed my mind. Such a great story, Alexa. Thank you for sharing with us.

This is a good, fun, entertaining, captivating read. Shelby and Jasper are intriguing, entertaining, relatable characters. This story captured my attention from the start and held it until the very end. We’ve seen Shelby a few times in other books in the series and it was such a please to see her get her own love story and with a duke. Their romance is so fitting for this couple. This story was a perfect ending to the series – and for me the best of the series, just edging out Portrait of the Duke. I loved both the romance and the mystery aspect of the story. The secondary characters, particularly Sylvia and Fanny. I also love that another couple from the series was prominent in the story and that we got to see all the couples in the epilogue. This is such a fun, unique series to read and you don’t have to read the books in order – although you will find out about another couple in each story.

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