This is Book 2 of The Strongs of Shadowcrest series. Seth's first love has always been the sea. He practically grew up on it going from cabin boy to making his way up to captain. But the time has come for him to give up his seafaring ways when he becomes the new Viscount of Hopewell. Being more interested in life and learning all it has to offer, Pippa is not interested in a come out. When Seth meets her, he is captivated by her energy and free spirit. Living on the sea his whole life, he doesn't know how to ride. Pippa agrees to teach him, and in the process they begin to grow close and Seth begins to see Pippa as something more.
The build-up of their romance was sweet and exciting and it was great to watch them grow closer and realize their feelings for each other. The story was well-written and charming and the characters were well-developed and I enjoyed following their story. A lovely addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Another good book in this series with a man learning to take his place as a peer after years at sea.

Even though you could read this book as a stand-alone, I like that our main female lead is the half sister of our sea captain from the first book. Oh and is she strong, spirited, and determined to not marry.

Seth and Pippa meet through being new neighbors and there is a instant connection (even with Pippa not really acting like a lady). Seth turns in his sea legs for some sore riding legs during his horseback riding lessons from Pippa and finds love along the way.

This book takes falling in love with the boy next door to a new level. He sure is cute in trying to figure it all out, jealousy and all.

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

Alexa Aston does it again. I don’t know what she puts in her books, but I always enjoy them so much. I have never given her books a bad rating and I don’t think I will.
I already love the Strong family so much after two books and can’t wait for Dinah’s book and the other daughters. I also enjoyed learning more about horses and riding

Could Friendship Turn into Love?

Young women are excited about a London season, but Pippa does not want one. She is not a conventional miss.

Seth never thought he would become a viscount. He was content to be a sea captain. However, his father and uncle die suddenly, and he became a viscount in the blink of an eye.

A gift connected Pippa and Seth. The unconventional lady had befriended his uncle and went fishing with him. He left her his fishing rod. This gift was what connected them. Could this connection turn to more? This viscount had never ridden a horse, so Pippa decided to teach him. As the two got to know one another, friendship developed, and soon, their feelings became deeper. Can Seth convince Pippa to take a chance on love?

Seth Atwell doesn't want to be a viscount. The sea has been his home for twenty years. It doesn't take long for him to realize being a viscount is not that different from being the captain of a ship. It certainly helps to change his mind when he meets the young lady who would make his perfect viscountess, Lady Philippa Strong. Only she's not interested in getting married. Seth just has to persuade her to change her mind starting with kisses. Pippa is surprisingly strong for an eighteen year old. She isn't afraid to stand up for herself. Fortunately, Seth admires her for being that way. A little conflict that works itself out very quickly. Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

The continuing saga of the Seaton house family picks up with the young Lady Pippa. Pippa meets up with a young Captain Seth Atwell who makes his mission to stay far away from London and the Nobility as much as he can. Who knew that certain unexpected life changing moments who bring him back home. I like how the story was written and interpreted. The story was interesting to me in the most fun and expressive way. The story was based around two young people who wants to have fun and joy in their life. Although I feed that Pippa being at the age of eighteen was not mature enough for certain adult situations. Situations that require a woman making decisions that are of the utmost importance to both people. If the woman was twenty four or older certain scenes can relate or engage with the reader more. Perhaps the writer can gloss over the young ladies age or simply not address her age at all. Other parts of the book did keen me engaged with the story.

OK, I must start with the epilogue. The epilogue!!! What in the name of all spoilers was that? This is my first Alexa Aston book, so I don't know if she usually does that or not. I just was floored by the epilogue.
Back to the book! Pippa is an unconventional woman who wears breaches, loves the outdoors and doesn't want to get married. Seth is a captain of a ship who has just found out he inherited a title. They become neighbors. I really love a nice guy in romance. But he may actually have been a little too nice and I was slightly annoyed by his insta - love. I appreciated that Pippa had her own interests and was so knowledgeable on many topics. The writing was great. I just think that epilogue clear plumb made a coherent, intelligent review of this book fly right out of my head.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

I honestly have a lot of mixed feelings about this book.

Initially, I liked the romance that spurred out of the friendship between Pippa and Seth. I even really liked Pippa and Seth as individual characters. Pippa was an extremely headstrong woman who liked to rebel against the customs within high society (wearing men’s attire, not wanting to make her come out during the season, etc.). Meanwhile, Seth was an adventurous former captain of a ship turned viscount. These major points of both of their personalities seemed to blur as the story continued, making them seem like almost shells of the characters we were introduced to.

The build-up to their relationship was really fun to read, but it all dissolved when Seth decided to propose in order so he could basically speed-run the chance to have sex with Pippa. While this is posed as a chivalrous act, it just reads as… gross. After the proposal, the book felt like a drag. Especially when the misunderstanding between Pippa and Seth comes into play — it seemed just unnecessary, especially with how quickly they make amends. It’s almost like even Pippa knew how stupid she was at that moment.

I really wish I had enjoyed this book all the way through because I enjoyed the author’s writing aside from the pacing and the loss of character voice.

One final note: I hope there is a future novel about Pippa’s mother eventually finding love again, she deserves it.

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

This continues the story of the Strong family by giving us the story of Lady Phillipa Strong, the half sister of James from book 1. She has returned to Shadowcrest, the Strong's beloved country estate and her family is planning on the comeout of her, her sister, and other older females in the family. But Lady Phillipa dreads the Season and wants to avoid it. She is afraid she is not as popular, beautiful, or as accomplished as her sister, and prefers to ride, wear breeches and shirts, hunt, and fish, which may make her an oddity in the eyes of the Ton. She manages to convince her mother, James and Sophie to avoid being presented, and stay behind at Shadowcrest. Phillipa is convinced that she wants to stay unmarried and keep her freedom.

Seth Atwell has been at sea for the past 20 years, since he was a child. He was always fascinated by travel and geography, and did not want to follow his father's footsteps to become a clerk in a law office. When his uncle, the reclusive Lord Hopewell, a Viscount, discovers his wish to go to sea, he helps the young boy achieve this dream by arranging for him to join a voyage on a ship under Strong Shipping, one of his investments. Seth spends the next many years learning to sail and making his way up to being a captain, and living the life he wanted. This suddenly changes when he finds out that his uncles have passed away suddenly and his father has inherited the title. He is summoned by his father as he is now heir apparent. This is an unlooked for future for Seth and he wants to avoid the future his father plans for him as heir, but before he can find a way to avoid his new fate, it falls in his lap faster than he expects.

Seth travels to Hopewood, his country estate, resolved to take up his new title and responsibilities, giving up his life at sea. Hopewood neighbours Shadowcrest and he meets Phillipa as she wanders near their shared border. She and the former Viscount, his uncle, were friends and shared a love of books and fishing. Seth is attracted to and intrigued by Phillipa, and when he meets the Strongs, is embraced by the family, sharing so much with James, and willing to learn from them about his new role and estate management. As Seth gets to know Phillipa more, he becomes more attracted to her and falls in love. He inveigles Phillipa to teach the salty seaman in him to learn to ride a horse, something he has never done before, and because she is so familiar with the area, help him learn about his tenants and estate. But he learns of her desire to avoid marriage and the marriage mart and while he tries to get closer to her, he keeps his feelings under wraps until he is more certain of how she feels. Phillipa, being an innocent, is very confused by Seth's attraction to her and the feelings of desire that he invokes in her.

This is a very sweet story and mirrors the first book quite a bit in terms of Seth and Jame's shared background and changes in fortune. I generally liked the story, but did not find that there was as much tension and drama in this one as book 1. But it was a lovely sweet and warm love story, and I liked the epilogue set in the future and giving hints to HEAs for other Strongs as well.

3.75 stars out of 5

Seth Atwell went to sea when he was eight years old with the support of his uncle, Viscount Hopewell. He loved it and worked his way up to be the captain of a trading ship. On his recent return to England, he is shocked to learn that both his uncle and father have died suddenly, and he is now Viscount Hopewell. Lady Phillipa Strong, sister to the Duke of Seaton, is not the typical Society Miss. She loves the outdoors, riding, fishing, geography, and languages. She cares nothing for embroidery, dancing, or other debutante activities. When Seth decides to stay at his country estate for a while to learn about being a viscount, he is tasked with taking Pippa a gift his uncle left her. These two are immediately attracted. Seth loves Pippa’s outlook and spirit. When he tells her he has never been atop a horse, she offers to give him lessons. During this time, they become friends, the perfect place to start. This is a heartwarming straightforward love story. There’s no villain or angst. There are a couple of misinterpreted occurrences, but these are easily explained. I really enjoyed the support the Strong family gave this lovely couple. The story has a well-done plot, a host of likable characters, a happy and surprising ending. A charming addition to the series. I look forward to the next one.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

*I did receive this eARC from NetGalley*

This story is about Seth and Pippa. Seth is a seamen who soon learns that he is the new Viscount. He moves into this giant house next door to Pippa's family. They hang out more and more and start to develop feelings for each other, but circumstances keep getting in the way and they refuse to tell each other. They have to decide whether this potential romance could bloom or is ultimately set to fail.

This book was good! It was a quick, light read. I liked that though it was a historical fiction, it was not heard to read like some are. I also liked that it was the second in a series and I did not feel like I missed out by not reading the first one. Towards the end, it did feel like I was being force fed that there was going to be a book about her mother finding love again (not confirmed, but a hunch from reading). I also did not like that it felt like insta-love. They had met two times and then suddenly they have secret feelings for each other? I understand that the times were different back then, but like on both occasions they barely talked to each other. I also did not understand the "fight" at the end. Kissing on the cheek is way different than kissing on the mouth. It was like Pippa was just looking for a way to not marry Seth. Another thing I liked was that it showed like the everyday life of them falling in love. Some might say that it was too much detail, but I liked the horseback riding lessons when it showed the average conversation between them. It humanized them and made them seem like an actual relationship in my head.

This is the second in a series, but it stands well enough on its own.

The story centers around Lady Philippa Strong (Pippa) - a society miss who is anything but interested in making her debut - and Lord Seth Hopewell - the sailor who never expected to inherit. Together they form an unlikely friendship that eventually turns deeper.

It was a fast read, and I enjoyed it very much. There are more books coming, and I am interested to see how these two come along.

This is the second book in a series. You could easily read it on its own, but once you meet the family involved in it you'll probably want to go and read the first one as well.
We have unusual characters that didn't expect the lives they have now. They are easy to fall in love with. Adventures for all. I think the hero from the first book is very glad to get another man at his table. All those women are enough to drive anyone to distraction.
Great fun.

Seth is the newest Viscount Atwell...

Seth is a young man who has spent two decades at sea. He loves being on the sea and is a captain of one of Strong shipping's ships (book one). Seth has had a MUCh different experience at sea than the Strong heir did. I really liked Seth and I really liked Pippa, who was half a twin and about to make her debut.
This is a really great series and I can recommend it.

Every once in a while it’s so very nice to read a swoonworthy old school romance with only a whiff of drama, and this one delivered it so wonderfully well with the signature Alexa Aston dash of steam to celebrate their happily ever after!

An uncomplicated and utterly charming romcom : two young people reluctant to enter the social whirl, meet because of Felix the fishing rod and fall in love…

Lady Philippa doesn’t feel she’s ready for her season, even if her twin sister is. She’s wild and free at heart, and much prefers roaming the countryside on her horse or fishing in her family’s lake. A lake that borders the Viscount Hopewell’s estate - a recluse but wise older man she’d come to consider a friend. Sadly her dear friend died, but… she never expected his heir to be quite so young and handsome.
After two decades at sea, Seth returns home to learn his father died the day before, making him the new Viscount Hopewell. Something he never thought would happen since his father had been a fourth son. He soon discovers running an estate is much like running a ship, yet Seth has much to learn. Lucky for him his neighbour, a duke, is also a retired sea captain and more than willing to share his wisdom and his estate manager. And to his great delight, the man’s spirited sister is willing to teach him how to ride.
Pippa and Seth become fast friends and deeper feelings are not far behind.

Add a little uncertainty, some competition, stolen kisses, two minor misunderstandings, a big loving family, a bit of jealousy on both parts, a lot of yearning and a few sizzling experiments, and you get this tender and funny love story! A wonderful read all around, and the perfect story if you just want to sit down and relax with a big goofy smile!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Historical fiction regency romance is set in the English countryside of two neighboring estates. Sweet dual perspectives enhance the experience in this slow-burn romance—quant with a dash of bold femininity. What happens if the son of a fourth son unexpectedly inherits a title and all that comes with it?
Pippa and Seth complement each other; the duo skirts the norm of high society. Pippa is a bit of a “tom-boy” who struggles to retain a life of some independence yet longs to be fulfilled. As a Sea Captain, Seth is the romanticized idea of suddenly being thrust into Viscountcy.
Can Pippa retain her independence and agree to a love match? Is Seth patient enough to wait and not push Pippa but open her heart to choose him? This is a comfy read for a day when you want a feel-good moment. It’s steady with some realistic ups and downs. Absolutely charming. 3.8/5 stars.

Sponsored ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

Lady Phillipa is super independent and determined to live life on her own terms. Seth has traveled a lot and now is set to settle down until he meets Phillipa. A fun story where he falls first and she runs him around in circles until she falls. The second of a wonderful series, that can stand alone. This author never fails to deliver outstanding stories that take our hearts and minds on a journey into a time filled with beauty, poverty, steam, class differences and so much more. As one of my favorite authors, I make sure never to miss an opportunity to read her work.

Family, Shipping, Charming Romance:
The story was delightful with charismatic, passionate characters that kept the story moving a clipper pace.
The story revolves around Seth (the new viscount) the Lady Pippa and the two-shipping company's we read about in book one, but this book can be a standalone story with familiar characters.
I enjoyed this lighthearted story that had many interesting conversations, delightful riding lessons, jealousy, along with a whizz bang of a shocking declaration. A super enjoyable epilogue that put a smile on my face. The story couldn't have had a better HEA
📣Special Mention: To the sailor's superstition's that were hilarious
.

The romance feels instant and rushed, with little real conflict or depth. The cast of characters has real potential, but there's a lot of telling instead of showing. Overall, it feels like a bit of a letdown; there was real potential in the "two outsider meet" premise and the familial bonds, but it all worked out so quickly. The third act "breakup" is silly and out of character, and does not engage the reader's emotions.

First let me say that in Alexa’s stories, at least the ones I have read which have been a lot, the guy always falls first and tries to keep things together. I like that and in this book even though the guy falls first there is at least some angst and misunderstanding. Don’t get me wrong, I am okay with the falling first, but I am thankful for the angst. I thought there could have been more. I know a lot of people like low or no angst but as I get older I want all of the turmoil you can throw at me. I don’t feel this one was as good as the last book but maybe it is just a fluke.

I am still waiting, anxiously, for Drake Andrews’ book. He is not in this one but he was such hero material in the last book.

3.5 rounded up to 4 because Alexa writing is superb.