The Duke’s Guide to Winning a Lady by Alexa Aston is the last of her Strongs of Shadowcrest series, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I have read the entire series and this, like the rest does not disappoint. The characters are engaging, the chemistry is great, and you get a real sense of the characters as they interact together and form bonds.

Malcome Ware, The Duke of Waterbury is a young widower having lost his wife and daughter very soon after marriage. He did not select his wife but left it up to his mother to find someone suitable for him. This time round, he is aware he needs to find another wife and decides to take things in hand. Along with his need to get a new duchess, his younger sister is making her debut into society and needs to find a suitable husband.

It is here that Lady Ada, the duke's sister, and Lady Euphemia Strong ("Effie") meet for the first time at the modest. Effie and Ada hit it off and become fast friends. Her usual escort as she goes to the various outings prior to the commencement of the season is with the duke himself and this is where he gets a better understanding of Effie and all that she is.

While initially shocked at Effie's behaviour and the things she says and does, along with her warm and loving family, the duke forms a wonderful bond with Effie’s brother and brothers-in-law who take it upon themselves to give him some pointers to win her over. This story kept me interested in the couple from start to finish and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.

Thanks NetGalley for this read. The Duke of Waterbury was married and his wife died in childbirth. He was bored with her and never got to know her. His sister is having her coming out and he'll be there for her. Lady Euphemia is not interested in her coming out but she will do it for her mother. When Effie has some interest in the duke but no interest in being a duchess, can he change her mind now that he is interested?

Effie Strong is having her first Season and is excited to attend the balls, luncheons, musicals, and making new friends. Her first friend is Lady Ada, whose brother is Malcolm Ware, Duke of Waterbury.
As Malcolm and Effie spend time together, Marlcolm realizes he wants Effie for his Duchess, while Effie feels she is not Duchess material. Effie loves to wear breaches, spending time helping her cousin who is Steward at Shadowcrest, and taking care of her animals. Not at all the qualities for a Duchess.
This is the last book in the wonderful Strong series. If you haven't read all of the books, I encourage you to do so.

While this seems like the last book in a series that I haven’t read, I enjoyed the story and characters. This could absolutely be read as a standalone book. Lady Effie is the youngest of the Strong family siblings and is a country girl at heart. In Regency England, especially among the nobility, a young woman is expected to marry “well” and behave according to a very restrictive code. Effie is fun-loving, smart, astute and from a family where the females are respected and encouraged to not be restricted to what is expected of them. She doesn’t want to marry and be controlled by a husband and she absolutely doesn’t want to conform/perform in “polite society”. Malcolm, the Duke of Ware was married at a very young to the “right” kind of young lady who was picked by his very status conscious mother, and he didn’t care about. In fact, he felt nothing when the duchess died in childbirth. He patterned himself after his distant and emotionless father and the very unloving marriage of his parents. Five years after the death of his wife, Malcolm is back in London for the Season to debut his younger sister and fulfill his duty to find another wife and produce an heir. Effie and Malcolm, these two polar opposites, collide and maybe they are exactly the person that each one needs.

Effie Strong is having her first season. Yes, she's excited to attend balls, musicals and making new friends. Looking for a husband?
"NO." She meets her first new friend, Lady Ada, and they bond very quickly. Effie encourages Ada to be more open and stand up for herself. She is unaware, Ada's brother, Malcolm, the Duke of Waterbury, is also taking some of Effie's advice for himself. Winning Effie to be his duchess isn't going to be easy, but he gets a list from surprising sources as his guide to win the lady. It's all good, how can it go wrong? It's a battle of two hearts that belong together. Welcome to the Strong family, they make their own world and it's beautiful chaos!
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is the 7th book in the series but I think the first I have read. It can be read as a stand alone, as I did but might be better to have read the previous stories as the family are quick close and involved in each others lives. This was an enjoyable read light and full with second chances and entertaining and endearing moments. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Duke's Guide to Winning a Lady by Alexa Aston is the seventh book in the series called The Strongs of Shadowcrest. The Strongs of Shadowcrest are a family who sticks together and marries for love, both not always true for the titled families of the tonne. Each book in this series can be read as stand-alones, but together they share a story of love and hope for true love.

This particular novel focuses on Lady Effie and Malcolm (Lady Euphemia Strong and Malcolm Ware, the widowed Duke of Waterbury). Lady Euphemia is the youngest of the Strong women and definitely the most outspoken. She prefers the country to the city. She wears breeches at home, rides daily and helps Caleb run Shadowcrest with all the animals and tenants. She knows she only wants to marry for love. Her whole family might be originals, but she is the most of all. One of the first people she meets is Ada and they seem to be immediate bosom pals.

Malcolm married the woman his mother chose and her death in childbirth had him reassess what he wanted in a marriage. He decides to check over various women while helping his sister with her coming out (and override their snobbish mother). Interestingly, his sister's new pal pays no attention to him and that is the woman he wants. In speaking with the men in Effie’s family he received a lot of guidance and decided to follow it.

Effie is not easily swayed, especially as she does not want to be a duchess! I loved the story and found myself cheering for them. I loved how they were all swoony for each other. The Duke’s Guide to Winning a Lady by Alexa Aston was a great read.

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

This is book 7 of the series and this is the story of the youngest Strong, Effie, finding her love story with Malcolm Ware, a cold, widowed duke, seeking a second marriage after the death of his first wife in childbirth. Malcolm is the very opposite of the Strongs, having been raised in a family that prioritized status, and appearance over love. His first marriage was one of convenience, organized by his mother, with the two of them barely knowing each other or spending time together, and the examples of marriage he has observed have been cold and calculating, devoid of affection, such as that of his family.

They meet when Effie and his sister, both out for the Season together, and Malcolm learns much about his own life and wants when he is struck by the gross differences between his family and upbringing, versus that of the Strong family. Effie and her family present to Malcolm not only a different idea of what family is, but how relationships with love, respect, and partnership can be strengths and fulfilling as well. They also upend his previous notions of the role of women in family, business, and Society. There is a sharp contrast between the Strongs, and the women of the family, and how he was raised and his mother's perception of what is acceptable for women.

As they spend time together, Effie and his sister become fast friends, and Malcolm likewise develops a strong attraction for Effie, desiring for her to become his wife. But he presents a stoic, quiet facade, and Effie does not see him as more than her friend's brother, at first. Besides, Effie has no intentions of marrying, not unless she can find a great love for herself. If not, she aspired to be independent and use the knowledge she learned from Caleb, her cousin and steward for the Strongs, to manage an estate herself, and be her generation's beloved spinster aunt.

This probably can be read as a stand alone, but considering how close knit the Strongs are, and how they become embroiled in matchmaking between Malcolm and Effie, it is better to have read the previous stories as well.

An enjoyable addition to the Strong family series, but I cannot accept this is the end, because I feel Aunt Mattie and Caleb need to find happiness and love in their lives as well.

3.75 stars out of 5

The duke and the tomboy....

I really enjoyed this book, another in the Strong series..,
Effie is a tomboy and only making her debut to appease her mom. But her real plan is to ditch the ballgowns and back to her animals and breeches.

Malcom is a duke with all that entails. He's looking for a second marriage. He had decent arch for duke-y duke to willing to bend his duke ways to accommodate Effie into his life.
Recommend.

The Duke’s Guide to Winning a Lady by Alexa Aston is the last of her Strongs of Shadowcrest series, which have all been excellent. This one features Lady Euphemia, Effie, the last of the bunch and the one that doesn’t want to marry at all. She is going through the season for her mother, more than anything, and the knowledge that she will see her sisters and their families. Well, it turns out that didn’t happen, but she did make a friend, Lady Ada Ware. Ada was the younger sister of the Duke of Waterbury, who was a reserved young man, not prone to conversation. Malcolm, as it turned out, was looking for a wife. He had had one, of his mother’s choosing, but they had had nothing in common. She was afraid of him, Ada said. She had died in childbirth, as had his child. He didn’t really care, although he knew he should. Now, he would choose his own bride and as much as he liked Lady Effie, she was not an appropriate duchess.

As Malcolm got to know her, he discovered she would be the perfect duchess He also discovered that he loved her, odd, as he had never loved anyone except Ada in his life. But, she saw him as a brother. What did he do to change her mind? This made for a rollicking good journey through what he considered a courtship. She did not, although she had grown to love him as well. Fun book, as are all of Aston’s. Terrific characters, from a unique and interesting family, full of independent women. Lots of looks at people we’ve met before. The plot is an old trope with a fun new twist to it. The pacing was perfect, and for a while it looked like it might not happen. But, we romance readers always know the ending, don’t we? Fun book. Terrific series!

I was invited to read The Duke’s Guide to Winning a Lady by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AlexaAston #TheDukesGuideToWinningALady

I recently had the pleasure of reading "The Duke’s Guide to Winning a Lady" by Alexa Aston, and I must say, it was an absolute delight. Despite being the seventh book in a series, it was a standalone read that I found thoroughly entertaining. The author's skilful depiction of the great chemistry and passion between the two main characters captivated me from the very first page, making it difficult for me to put the book down. The premise of an independent woman making her debut and a widowed duke seeking a second marriage was compelling and added depth to the storyline. I'd like to extend my gratitude to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book honestly.

Tragically awful. This books was a word salad of long winded conversations that had little to do with anything. And the premise was so incredibly dumb. There was no chemistry between the two characters at all and the only way they actually started to like each other was when he forced her to kiss him. Ummmm no thank you. Not to mention how obnoxiously perfect the Strong family was at all times. It was unrealistic. The dowager Waterbury was so confusing because she talked trash about the main character, her son, and her daughter and then all of a sudden she’s the best mother ever and was only testing her son to make sure his intentions were pure when there was literally no indication of her being more than a one dimensional character from the beginning. Don’t waste your time with any of these books, I beg you.

We are joining the last of the Shadowcrest girls for this historical romance. Because the girls were all brought up as sisters, the series is much better read in order. Each book has got it's own story though and they are all fun.
Our heroine this time has agreed to have a "season" just to please her mama. She would much rather help around the estate and not marry.
Our hero is a widowed duke who has always withheld emotion even in his marriage. The only person he loves is his sister who is having her season this year.
I have read each of the books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. We get strong independent women and loving families.
Great fun.

Effie is getting ready for her first season and is not excited about it. Luckily she meets another deb (Ada) and her brother before the season starts. The girls become fast friends and decide to help find Ada's brother a wife. Of course things don't go according to plan.
Read this book! It was really good! Entertaining throughout. Would like to see Ada get a story.

This was well written and original. It began with a tragedy and a harsh way of life and turned into an entertaining, interesting love story. The characters were delightful, charming, and a bit strong-willed. I was very engaged with how the romance could happen and how it would come about. I really enjoyed the beautiful love that was found and the wonderful happiness for everyone. I highly recommend reading!

This was a great seventh book in the strongs of shadowcrest series, it had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the historical setting. The romance was written well and enjoyed how strong the bond was. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed from the previous entries. Alexa Aston has a great writing style and hope to read more from them.

Another great Strong story! I really love this family, their bonds and dynamics. This time it is about the youngest sibling Effie, who is a wonderful character: outspoken, lively, intelligent and compassionate, and Malcom who is aloof and distant. The slow burning romance is very well written and has opposites attract and friend‘s sibling tropes, witty dialogue and banter, LOL moments a some steam. The series is slowly coming to an end, but I hope Caleb gets his own story as well. The book can be read as a standalone, but since readers meet the rest of the Strongs in the book, I recommend starting the series at the beginning.

Lady Euphemia "Effie", the youngest of the Strong siblings, is a little tomboy. Unlike her sisters and cousins, she never wanted to spend a season in London or marry, but to please her mother and perhaps befriend other young ladies, she agrees to make her debut, although she has no intention of finding a husband. She‘d prefer to stay at Shadowcrest forever and assist her cousin Caleb run the estate. By chance, she meets Lady Ada, her haughty mother and Ada’s reserved brother Malcom Ware, Duke of Waterbury, and befriends her, much to the displeasure of Ada's mother.

Throughout his life, Malcom Ware, Duke of Waterbury, had no close relationship or friendship with other people and was brought up to be reserved and detached. Not even the death of his wife and child at birth affected him. Only the happiness of his younger, shy sister Ada, who is now making her debut, is close to his heart. Malcolm wants to leave the choice of a husband to her and he also wants to find a new wife himself, but this time without his mother's interference.
The more Malcom and Ada spend time with Effie, the more Ada blossoms and he also feels more and more attracted to Effie, even if she does not fulfil the ideal he originally had of his future wife. But frustratingly, Effie doesn't see him as a man, but as an older brother. He receives unexpected support from Effie's in-laws, who write him „The Duke’s Guide To Winning A Lady“ to help him win Effie's heart...

An enjoyable read with humor and lots of endearing characters that will leave you with a smile! I‘m happy to recommend it!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

What an exciting story and the characters are outstanding.Anyone will truly appreciate and enjoy this book.I certainly did so will you.

I have been waiting for Effie's story as I knew she would be unconventional and remain true to herself. With the promise of her family ringing in her ears, Effie agrees to one season in order to please her mother. As much as Effie enjoys Ada's company and their growing friendship, she does not expect the effect that her brother Malcolm, the Duke of Waterbury, would have on her. Effie is the first woman Malcolm has met who is not impressed by his title and stature in society. He quickly realizes that if he is going to win her hand, he too has to take the unconventional route. Unfortunately, that landed him in hot water with Effie. Just when he thinks he will have to give up on the beautiful woman who challenges him at every turn, Malcolm finds he has an unexpected ally who encourages him to go after Effie and tell her his true feelings. The novel comes to a lovely conclusion, bringing the Strong family together once again. I received a copy of this enjoyable romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

My heart is breaking because this is the last book in this series. 😢. It's Euphemia turn, she is the youngest,Strong and more at peace with the country than society. Wishing for a quiet existence, she only agreed to a season to be with family. Enter Malcolm,.a duke without friends, who falls for Euphemism. But she's not interested in him or ever becoming a duchess. This is a fun story filled with the amazing family, their bond, loyalty and desire for each to find love. Superb writing, engaging and everything you would expect from this author.