Educated by the Earl by Alexa Aston (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)

 

Title: Educated by the Earl

Author: Alexa Aston

Publication: 25 February 2022

Format: Kindle eARC via NetGalley

Amazon Description

When Major Spencer Haddock’s father dies, he returns to England as the Earl of Middlefield. He seeks a typical 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.

Ramble-y Teaserish Stuff

I cannot get over how ridiculously swoon-worthy I found the hero of Educated by the Earl -- the first book in Alexa Aston's new Second Sons of London series. Scholarly, a bit socially awkward, more than a bit snarky, devoted, sexy as hell, retired army Major, able to curl the heroine's toes (and other bits) with nothing more than a kiss .... or a glance ....

Yeah. He's basically my actual Other in book form .... but with a title .... that he never intended on having.

It's so hard to write about this one without giving too much away. I wouldn't be able to do it justice, anyway. 

Basically, Spencer has every intention of marrying but no intention of marrying for love until he encounters the headstrong spitfire that is Tessa .... who is even more impressive to him than the Celtic warrior queen Boudica .... and who has no intention of being wooed. At least, not by Spencer in spite of everyone else realizing that they would be perfect for each other. 

Even Tessa's lady's maid, Abra, is smitten and her first encounter with him was when he punched her in the face. 

Really. 

That's how the three of them first met.

So Spencer's greatest allies in winning over Tessa end up being Abra and Tessa's cousins, Adalyn and Louisa. After Tessa's father died and she was put out by his brother, the new Earl of Paxton, and his insipid cow of a teenage bride, Tessa moved in with Adalyn's family .... who happen to live directly across from Spencer during the Season. Watching them all work together to sway Tessa was a joy.

Watching Spencer? Absolutely swoon-worthy.

Educated by the Earl is an absolutely perfect beginning to what I am confident will be one of my favorite series. There will be seven books in total, from the looks of things, and I'm already getting ready to swoon over the second one when it's released in April .... or before if I'm granted another eARC from Dragonblade. 

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As always, Friday 56 (share a blurb from the 56th page or 56% mark) is hosted at Freda's Voice 

& Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader