Second Sons of London #2
by Alexa Aston
A serious duke who has been shattered by war. An opinionated beauty with no interest in marriage. A kiss that should be wrong but is more than right...Major Everett Wayland is stunned when his brother is murdered, making Ev the Duke of Camden. The shy duke meets a matchmaking beauty of the ton who, while unsuited to be his duchess, promises to help Ev find an appropriate woman to become his wife. Lady Adalyn Porter is not easily intimidated and is a leader in Polite Society, occasionally matching couples together. Her cousin, Tessa, has made a love match and has a new baby, causing Adalyn to rethink her stance on marriage. When she agrees to find a stodgy duke a bride who is dignified and unapproachable, Adalyn has no idea what she’s in for—especially after the dull duke kisses her—and she finds he’s not quite what he seems.
Will Ev convince Addie that she is everything he wants—and didn’t know he needed?
The Plot
I thought the plot was good; I was disappointed that there wasn’t more about Everett’s brothers murder or more conflict with Lord Rosewell or with the betting book with Adalyn's name in it. I was hoping any of those would lead to the climax of the book. The miscommunication or lack of communication trope has always bothered me, even in movies or tv shows, but I won’t judge a book on that score as it’s a personal issue.
Ev smiled gently. “I just do. And I plan to find those places which will bring you the most pleasure, Addie. That is my job as a husband. Everything I do, I do for you.
The Heroine
Adalyn was in no rush to get married; she enjoyed being young, going to parties, the theater and dancing. But watching Tessa get married and have a baby changed something in her and she decided this season she would find a husband. She is known among her friends as a matchmaker and helps members of the ton find a good match. Although she is drawn to Everett, she know they would never suit, especially after his list of qualities he wants in a duchess are opposite of her!
The Hero
Everett Wayland, Duke of Camden, is a second son and was never supposed to be the Duke. But when his brother is murdered, he has to leave the battlefield and return home. He is very shy, reserved, and of course, having been ignored because he wasn’t the heir, he has no idea how polite society works! He wants to find a wife that will give him children and then they can go their separate ways, just like his parents marriage. But once he meets Adalyn, he realizes he does want a faithful wife, many kids and family. Not just an heir and a spare.
I found what I was looking for in you, Addie. You are everything I wanted and didn’t know I needed. I want to hold you forever. Stand by your side and be the joy to your heart. I know I am not the right man for you. That you deserve one much better than I am. But I hope my love for you will convince you that I will do my best to always meet your needs. “My life began that day we met. I would be nothing without you.” He paused, his eyes filling with tears. “Do you think you—”
The Steam
There was one or two steamy scenes, lots of passionate kisses though!
Stand Out Moment
I thought there wedding night was very sweet. Adalyn was truly ignorant about the wedding bed and he was so sweet to her.
Tropes
Regency Era, Steam Warm, Historical Romance, Season/Marriage Mart, Ton Society, Titled Hero, War Hero, Shy/Recluse Hero, Virgin Heroine, Soldiers, Matchmaker, Married in Scandal, Opposites Attract, Sudden Nobility, Miscommunication Issues
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