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.

It was really meant to be a helpful tool that her brother and brother-in-laws were giving to him in order for him to woo her. She really just wants to go back to the country to her animals. Animals at least are predictable and she doesn’t have to guess what their real intentions are.
He wasn’t serious about courting until her started to get to know her. One little moment in time and he was hooked.
The last of the girls in this family finally make their way to London in this irresistible tale of love, compassion, and misunderstandings. I love the way the author writes this passionate animal lover turned debutante. The added insights to Gunters was just a bonus. This book was just a good as the others in the series just because she was the last girl did not dismiss th writing talent of Alexa Aston.
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.

When a solemn widower chooses the lady least likely...

~ Euphemia & Malcolm ~
She’s the youngest Strong - forward, free and feisty, she’s a tomboy, a little country spitfire who prefers animals over people. But to please her loving mother she agreed to a Season in Town - mostly so she could spend time with her ever-extending family, and maybe make a few friends. A husband? No, that’s not part of her plans.
He’s a starchy untouchable, an aloof duke, a man who’s first marriage was pure business, a man who excelled at everything, yet never had any friends. But he’s also a loving big brother wanting a brilliant first Season for his little sister Ada, and maybe, just maybe, a new wife -one of his choosing this time around.

Malcolm falls hard and fast for Ada’s lively new best friend, but the she doesn’t even give him a chance. Oh, she teases and tempts him, but every overture is cut short. So, he turns to the source - the Strong men - maybe they can help?
Effie is not so easily fooled; her friend’s brother might be handsome - in a quiet stern kind of way - but he’s also a duke looking for a new duchess - and that’s two things she’ll never be! Then again, he’s also kind, caring, very thoughtful and awakening all sorts of fluttery feelings in her heart... One kiss couldn’t hurt, could it?

Their romance is a dance - constantly in motion, back and forth, round and round, and it swept me of my feet! I’m in love with this couple! It’s great chemistry and a passionate tango between heads and hearts with just a splash of steam. It’s a slow burn friends-with-benefits-to-lovers with a dramatic climax and a swoonworthy grand declaration. It’s also a clash of families; his mother very controlling, strict and proper, and the Strongs full of warmth and love.
It’s a wonderful story and sadly the last in this beautiful series - but, I’m still hoping cousin Caleb will get his happily ever after some day 🍀🤞

Well that was a hell of a prologue. At first I thought, Oh no, no no. This is the MMC? This dude has no business being around ANY of the Strong ladies.

But Alexa Aston won me over. Again. Malcolm groveled. As he should. Effie and Malcolm are good together. Just ask Daffy. Good book!!

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

The final title in the Strongs of Shadowcrest series, I adored this one.

Although she’s perfectly content in the countryside with her animals, and helping to run the estate, Effie, the youngest Strong, goes to town with her family in preparation for her first season, which she’s agreed to mostly for the sake of her mother.

A widowered duke, Malcolm is determined to choose his own bride and when he meets his younger sister’s new friend, Effie, he’s taken by her personality, wit, and looks.

As Malcolm and and his sister, Ada, spend more time with the Strongs, they are both determined to come out from under their mother’s thumb and choose their own future partners.

Very enjoyable story, and easily reads as a stand-alone.




Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

While I enjoyed the overall plot and tropes of the book, it could use additional editing. There were quite a few instances of missing punctuation. The “L” in Lady was not always capitalized before the name. The author was verbose. Many instances where the same idea, action, or sentiment were in back-to-back sentences. Historical romance reader s are typically familiar with places such as Whites are, so no need to explain. Use of the same words, such as “Come-out.” Come-out can be used, but can be cumbersome to read. Perhaps use of synonyms would help with flow. Frequently actions were spelled out on the page. Such as all left the carriage and entered the dressmaker’s.

Final book in the series. Tragic prologue for Malcolm where he loses his wife and child during childbirth, but he married a woman his mother picked out and didn’t have a real relationship with her. He decides to do better the next time around. Fast forward a couple years and we have the youngest Strong sister Effie planning her debut into society at the same time as Malcolm’s younger sister is debuting. Effie and Ada become fast friends at the modiste and spend several weeks together before the Season starts, most often chaperoned by Malcolm. He’s impressed by Effie and intends to make her his duchess, but she has no idea of his feelings since he rarely speaks around her and she sees him as an older brother figure. He’s got a lot of courting and wooing to do if he plans to convince Effie of his suit. The best part here is when Effie’s brother and brothers-in-law team up to help Malcolm win Effie’s affections. It was a lovely cap to the series, seeing all the family members so happily wed and supportive of each other.

I absolutely loved this one! THE DUKE’S GUIDE TO WINNING A LADY was a delightful read filled with a big and loving family that I wish I was a part of! At first I did not care for Malcolm, but as the story progressed he evolved into a main character that I could root for. Watching him change and become the man Effie needed was so sweet. I enjoyed watching him fall in love with her. For her part, Effie was a fantastic character with her love of life and all things heart and home. Once I started reading, I could not put this book down. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I’m giving THE DUKE’S GUIDE TO WINNING A LADY the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR & Enjoy!

Tied for my favorite book in this series (along with Drake/the captain and Dinah’s). At first I was so mad at Malcolm and his mother (which I did understand, but still). When Malcolm makes the statement that people were awed by him I felt like reaching into the book and giving him a good shake. I was hoping for redemption for Malcolm and boy did it come in the form of Effie. Love their dynamic. If you take anything away from this story, we all should be free to make our own choices. I don’t care if there is an epilogue or not but the epilogue was so good and satisfying.

Still waiting on an amazing story for Caleb and what about Miss Feathers now that she has come back into the picture??? Just saying.

Malcolm Ware, the widowed Duke of Waterbury, accepted a marriage of convenience the first time around, which caused him much regret. He attends the Season with his sister Ada, who is making her debut into Polite Society, hoping he will find an acceptable duchess. Lady Euphemia Strong comes from a family known for making love matches. The trouble is, Effie doesn’t want to wed at all and is only making her come-out to please her mother. She meets Ada at the dressmakers & they become fast friends, which means she also meets Malcolm & comes to see him as a brother until suddenly she’s not feeling sisterly towards him.
Effie is the youngest of the Strong family & would love to spend her life in the country & even become the steward to an estate, Malcolm is first serious, private & aloof until Effie worms her way into his heart. But he’s at a loss what to do so speaks with her male relation & the guide they draw up lands him in hot water when Effie finds it. The seventh book in this lovely series & whilst it could be easily read on its own I’d recommend reading in order as the Strongs are just that one strong family. I loved both Malcolm & Effie & thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a HEA with all the bumps in the road. I’ve loved the whole series & hope Caleb will have his story
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

This is a fun, entertaining read. Malcolm and Effie are interesting, intriguing, wounded, strong, relatable, entertaining characters. The path to their HEA is fun to read. I enjoyed spending time with these characters. I love that we got to see so much of the characters from the previous books in the series. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.

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

This is such a sweet regency romance! It’s a light read filled with second chances and entertaining and endearing moments.

This is the first book of the series I read but it can be read as a standalone. All the rest of the main characters of the family have an appearance and you get to see a glimpse of their stories as well. Obviously, now I’m curious to learn each one of their own in detail.

The Duke of Waterbury is detached and cold as his father once was. Now a widower, he’s back to the season to be a chaperone to his much younger sister and maybe find a new wife for himself. Little expectations he has about a new duchess, he just wants somebody to give him an heir and be done with it, but what he wasn’t expecting is to find love in her sister’s new and best friend.

Effie Strong is the baby sister of the large family. She accepts to participate in this one season but made clear to all the members of her family that she is happy with her life and is not wiling to sacrifice it for a husband. However, life has something else plan for her.

This book is the perfect read to just unwind and allow yourself to be distracted for a while. The rest of the series are now in my wishlist.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A Dramatic Heartwarming Romance Thats Ends a Wonderful Series
This compelling story starts out on a sad yet intriguing note and then takes us into an emotional story where Malcolm and Effie come together and overcome their insecurities and discover after conquering a few iffy bumps just how wonderful falling in love can be. 
This series of the Strong family and the shipping industry has been extremely enjoyable. It was such a treat to have all of the characters come together one final time to make this a tearful yet a very happy ending.
💖 Excellent Series:

I love this whole series. The Duke's Guide to Winning a Lady is right up there with my favorites. They are so open with each other. They hold nothing back. I think that a friendship that blossoms into something more is always better.

A contrast in family dynamics elicits a yearning in his heart and a compilation of suggestions to win the love of his life caused the worst upheaval. But the bottom line is, the freedom of choice. Love the characters and hope to read .Caleb's story and maybe Miss Feather’s as well.

I received an ARC of this delightful book from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

Malcolm is a Duke with a closed heart. His mother chose his first wife who died in childbirth.
Effie is the last and youngest of the Stron women to make her come out on the marriage mart.
But she loves the country, her animals, and the freedom to be herself totally supported by her family.
Effie is a tantalizing idea of a wife to Malcolm but he needs help.
The men in her family gather to give him ideas.
Love happens as well as fireworks.
Emotional and intriguing story of two people aligning their lives.
Wonderful epilogue to end the Strong series.

4 stars

Looks like the end of the series. Effie is the last of the sisters to get wed. She enjoys working with Caleb the estate manager at her brother's estate. She meets the Duke and finds him cold and unappealling. Malcolm is confused by Effie. He's a widower and his mother is keen to pick his second wife. He realised that the disaster of his first marriage was in part due to his mother's choice. Imogen was beautiful but not his match in character, interest or intelligence. Effie's brother, James and her step father Drake realise that Malcom needs help woeing Efie and so they and her sister/cousins husbands come up with the Guide. Malcolm does use some of these suggestions. There's a secondary romance with Malcolm's sister Ada.
I thought Effie was a bit changeable on what she wanted but this is a romance so all HEA have to be tied up.

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