Educated By The Earl

Educated By The Earl

Second Sons of London #1

By Alexa Aston

★★★★☆

🖤🖤🖤🤍🤍

First sons inherit all. Third sons are promised to the church. Second sons do their duty and serve in the military—unless fate intervenes and turns their lives upside down.

A dutiful army officer who shuns intimacy. A selfless beauty ready to start living for herself. A chance meeting in the street that leads to love...

When Major Spencer Haddock’s father dies, he returns to England as the Earl of Middlefield. He seeks a typical ton marriage, where his wife will provide him with an heir and possibly other children and then they go their separate ways. He intends to find his countess quickly and not waste time at boring social affairs.

Lady Tessa Foster delays her come-out for several years in order to care for her ill parents. Now out of mourning, Tessa is eager to be introduced in Polite Society so she can find a husband and start a family of her own.

When Spence attempts to save Tessa from a thief brandishing a knife, she turns and attacks Spence. He quickly learns that instead of the pliant woman he thought he wanted as his countess, he desires Tessa—a woman of beauty and valor who stands up for herself and those she cherishes. 

The Plot

Tessa and Spencer are in town for the season to join the Marriage Mart, but under different circumstances. Tessa is done taking care of her dying parents and ready for her come-out to meet a simple man to start a family with. Spencer is looking for a mild-mannered wife to give him heirs and then go their separate ways. Tessa is adamant that her and Spencer aren’t a match, but Spencer is determined and make Tessa his wife. He realizes the simple, mild mannered wife he thought he wanted will no longer do and he works to convince her that he is worthy of her. Slowly, she comes to realize that Spencer isn’t the person she initially thought he was and realizes she is falling in love with him. But fate has other plans and clearly neither one knows what they NEED. I love a storyline where the hero just falls head or heels in love with the heroine; it just makes my heart soar! Spencer knows he has to convince Tessa of his worth and he certainly does that!

The Heroine

Tessa spent the last five years nursing, first her mother until she passed, and then her father. When her father passes, she is forced from her home. But she is ever the optimist when she moves in with her Uncle and prepares for her debut in society. Tessa is a smart, kind your woman and I was so happy she found her happy ever after!

The Hero

Spencer was basically ignored and raised alone. He is the second son, so he went into the military and only came home after both his older brother and father died and he was to become the Earl. Spencer is just the sweetest ever and I love that he set his cap for Tessa and let her know he wasn’t giving up until he had won her heart.

The Steam

A few steamy scenes but not as much as I usually see in Mrs. Aston’s books.

Stand Out Moment

There is definite sexual energy felt between Sebastian and Olivia throughout the book but only kissing until the end with a steamy bedroom scene.

Who Would Like This

Anyone who loves a man who knows what he wants and won’t stop until he has her love in return! Swoon!

Final Thoughts

Another great book by Mrs. Aston who never cease to charm her books into my memories! I am excited to continue with the series!

Tropes

War hero, Bluestocking heroine, Marriage mart, Ton society, Virgin heroine