The Strongs of Shadowcrest Series by Alexa Aston

A virgin widow running her own company. A man who returns home after years at sea. An oddly-matched couple—who may not be so incompatible after all . . . James Jones recalls little of his past, only remembering being taken as a young boy and growing up on the Seven Seas. Rising from cabin boy to captain of a ship, a chance encounter with a drunken stranger leads James back to his family, where he discovers he is the heir to the dying Duke of Seaton... moreA virgin widow running her own company. A man who returns home after years at sea. An oddly-matched couple—who may not be so incompatible after all . . . James Jones recalls little of his past, only remembering being taken as a young boy and growing up on the Seven Seas. Rising from cabin boy to captain of a ship, a chance encounter with a drunken stranger leads James back to his family, where he discovers he is the heir to the dying Duke of Seaton.Sophie Grant, daughter of a viscount, never made her come-out, thanks to her father’s bad investments, which were paid off by Josiah Grant, owner of one of the leading shipping lines in Great Britain. As part of the arrangement, the shy Sophie is given to Josiah in marriage. Her new, much older husband helps Sophie to gain confidence in herself by teaching her all about how to run his shipping empire.James, a former captain for one of Grant’s vessels, encounters the now-widowed Sophie and feels a connection with the efficient, intelligent woman. Rebelling against his new role as a leading member of the ton, he despises Polite Society and its expectation that he wed some titled gentleman’s bird-witted daughter—because James is increasingly drawn to the gossiped-about, independent Sophie Grant. Will a newly-minted duke be able to win the heart of a woman who spurns the ton and has built a satisfying life for herself? Each book in The Strongs of Shadowcrest is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.Also you can read free in Kindle Unlimited!The Strongs of ShadowcrestBook #1: The Duke’s Unexpected LoveBook #2: The Perks of Loving a ViscountBook #3: Falling for the MarquessBook #4: The Captain and the DuchessBook #5: Courtship at Shadowcrest (Regency Duet – includes Tempted by the Earl and The Viscount’s Heart)Book #6: The Marquess’ Quest for LoveBook #7: The Duke’s Guide to Winning a Lady less

A man who cherishes his freedom at sea. A woman who fears she will never find her place in Polite Society. Two unlikely people who come together—and find love . . . As a boy, Seth Atwell falls in love with the sea. His uncle, Lord Hopewell, arranges for Seth to become a cabin boy, and over the years, Seth works his way up to the position of captain of a trading vessel... moreA man who cherishes his freedom at sea. A woman who fears she will never find her place in Polite Society. Two unlikely people who come together—and find love . . . As a boy, Seth Atwell falls in love with the sea. His uncle, Lord Hopewell, arranges for Seth to become a cabin boy, and over the years, Seth works his way up to the position of captain of a trading vessel. On a return trip home to England, he is shocked to learn that he is the new Viscount Hopewell—and must give up his seafaring ways.Lady Philippa Strong has a zest for life and is always in motion. Curious about everything, with a love of languages and geography, Pippa doesn’t want to make her come-out with her twin. Though she adores Georgina, Pippa knows when the ton compares the two Strong twins, she will come up lacking.Seth retreats to Hopewood, his country estate, where he encounters his ducal neighbor’s sister. Seth is drawn to Pippa’s free spirit and inquisitive nature, and she agrees to give him riding lessons since he has never been atop a horse. The pair grow close, but friendship is not enough for this viscount. He wants to claim Pippa as his viscountess. Can Seth convince Pippa that friends can become lovers—and that love does not limit a woman’s opportunities? less

A war hero who returns to a title. A lady making her debut into Polite Society. Two people drawn together, yet others think them better apart . . . Second son August Holt is serving as a captain in the Peninsular Wars when he is gravely injured. August loses an eye and also bears a hideous scar running from his brow to his cheek from a saber wound. He returns home in time to speak to his older brother, the Marquess of Edgethorne, on his deathbed... moreA war hero who returns to a title. A lady making her debut into Polite Society. Two people drawn together, yet others think them better apart . . . Second son August Holt is serving as a captain in the Peninsular Wars when he is gravely injured. August loses an eye and also bears a hideous scar running from his brow to his cheek from a saber wound. He returns home in time to speak to his older brother, the Marquess of Edgethorne, on his deathbed. Peter makes August promise to attend the Season the following spring and find a bride.Lady Georgina Strong is ready to make her debut in Polite Society with two of her sisters and two cousins. Yet one after another changes her mind, and at the beginning of the Season, Georgie is the only one left to make her come-out. She has witnessed her twin Pippa wed for love, and Georgie decides she will settle for nothing less—even if it takes more than one Season to find true love.When August and Georgie meet, she is not repelled by his appearance in the least, seeing him for the man he is. The new marquess finds himself attracted to the kindhearted lady, but he views her as a bright star who would be dimmed if they became involved. Instead, he hopes his lofty title and wealth will persuade one of the ton’s wallflowers to agree to marry him. He will insist on separate lives and bury himself in the country, allowing his marchioness to raise their children.Georgie enjoys her Season and the attention of many suitors, but she constantly thinks of Lord Edgethorne, who stirs feelings within her which she is unfamiliar with. She wants not only a man who will love her—but a man who is her partner—and will help raise their children in a loving home. Will the marquess settle for a marriage of convenience, or will he realize marriage with Georgina could see love flourish between them? Each book in The Strongs of Shadowcrest is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order. Also you can read free in Kindle Unlimited!The Strongs of ShadowcrestBook #1: The Duke’s Unexpected LoveBook #2: The Perks of Loving a ViscountBook #3: Falling for the MarquessBook #4: The Captain and the DuchessBook #5: Courtship at Shadowcrest (Regency Duet – includes Tempted by the Earl and The Viscount’s Heart)Book #6: The Marquess’ Quest for LoveBook #7: The Duke’s Guide to Winning a Lady less

A widowed duchess yearning to find love. An orphan who became a sea captain. A powerful, forbidden love which ignites between the pair . . . Dinah Strong, the Dowager Duchess of Seaton, was forced to wed a man much older than herself. Much to his dismay, she gifts him with four daughters, who, along with the two nieces she raises, became the lights in an otherwise dismal life.Now widowed, Dinah decides to participate in the Season, hoping she might be fortunate enough to finally find love... moreA widowed duchess yearning to find love. An orphan who became a sea captain. A powerful, forbidden love which ignites between the pair . . . Dinah Strong, the Dowager Duchess of Seaton, was forced to wed a man much older than herself. Much to his dismay, she gifts him with four daughters, who, along with the two nieces she raises, became the lights in an otherwise dismal life.Now widowed, Dinah decides to participate in the Season, hoping she might be fortunate enough to finally find love. None of the gentlemen appeal to her--because of one man she cannot forgot.Drake Andrews is a man who is everything her late husband was not. The sea captain is bold, daring, and unafraid of taking risks, not to mention his sinfully delicious good looks. Dinah met him briefly before he sailed off on a lengthy voyage, and she finds her thoughts turning to him more and more.Captain Andrews was an orphan raised at sea, and it is the only life he has ever known. He has finally achieved his goal of captaining his own vessel for Neptune Shipping Lines, but he can't seem to get the Dowager Duchess of Seaton out of his mind. His closest friend and former fellow seaman introduced Drake to her just before Drake set sail on his maiden voyage as a captain, and the woman has haunted his dreams every night.Now back in London and between sailing assignments, Drake calls upon the dowager duchess, finding despite their origins, they have much in common. Their growing attraction flames into a torrid affair, with Dinah declaring her wish for them to wed. Will Drake allow obstacles to keep them apart--or will love triumph over Polite Society's expectations for the widowed duchess? *Each book in The Strongs of Shadowcrest is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read free with Kindle Unlimited! The Strongs of Shadowcrest Book #1: The Duke’s Unexpected LoveBook #2: The Perks of Loving a ViscountBook #3: Falling for the MarquessBook #4: The Captain and the DuchessBook #5: Courtship at Shadowcrest (Regency Duet – includes Tempted by the Earl and The Viscount’s Heart)Book #6: The Marquess’ Quest for LoveBook #7: The Duke’s Guide to Winning a Lady less

Courtship at Shadowcrest is a Regency duet that tells the love stories of twins Allegra and Lyric Strong, nieces to James Strong, the Duke of Seaton. Part 1: Tempted by the Earl A cavalier rakehell. A feisty beauty. A powerful love which shakes this pair to their core . . . High-spirted and impulsive, Miss Allegra Strong thinks more with her heart than with her head... moreCourtship at Shadowcrest is a Regency duet that tells the love stories of twins Allegra and Lyric Strong, nieces to James Strong, the Duke of Seaton. Part 1: Tempted by the Earl A cavalier rakehell. A feisty beauty. A powerful love which shakes this pair to their core . . . High-spirted and impulsive, Miss Allegra Strong thinks more with her heart than with her head. She refused her cousin’s offer to pay for her come-out, but the duke’s wife wishes to host a house party at Season’s end for Allegra and her twin. Both girls hope to make love matches with an invited guest.Sterling Ayles, Earl of Carroll, has the blackest reputation among the ton. He is a man who seduces women with both words and actions and can’t understand why he receives an invitation to the house party given by the Duke and Duchess of Seaton. No one refuses a duke and his duchess, though. Sterling journeys to Kent, expecting to enjoy good food and company—with possibly a bit of light flirting—before he returns to his hedonistic life in London.Much to Sterling’s surprise, he is thunderstruck when meeting Allegra Strong. Despite having no desire to don the shackles of marriage, Sterling finds himself offering marriage to Allegra.Can a stubborn beauty who will only marry for love tame the best-known rake in London?-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 2: The Viscount’s Heart A charming rogue. A serene beauty. And a fear which will drive the couple apart . . . Miss Lyric Strong is a nurturing, capable young woman, loyal to her family and her twin sister Allegra. She is thrilled when her ducal cousin informs her of the house party which will be held in Lyric and Allegra’s honor, hoping she will find love as others in her family have done.Lord Blankenship was ignored by his selfish parents, never winning their attention, must less their love. While intelligent and congenial, the handsome rogue has never felt worthy. He is trying to be a better man ever since assuming his title and is ready to find his viscountess.At the Duke of Seaton’s house party, Silas finds the woman he wishes to make his wife and offers for her. Lyric, however, only will wed for love, and Silas cannot bring himself to utter the words Lyric longs to hear. Will Silas find the courage to believe in himself and love—and convince Lyric they can share a life of happiness? * Each book in The Strongs of Shadowcrest is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order or can be read in Kindle Unlimited! The Strongs of Shadowcrest Book #1: The Duke’s Unexpected LoveBook #2: The Perks of Loving a ViscountBook #3: Falling for the MarquessBook #4: The Captain and the DuchessBook #5: Courtship at Shadowcrest (Regency Duet – includes Tempted by the Earl and The Viscount’s Heart)Book #6: The Marquess’ Quest for LoveBook #7: The Duke’s Guide to Winning a Lady less

A woman looking for a love match . . . A soldier home from the war . . . A passion which terrifies the both of them . . . Captain Byron Balfour never expected to inherit the title Marquess of Bridgewater, let alone the weight of responsibility that comes with it. When his beloved brother dies in a phaeton race in Hyde Park, however, Byron sells his army commission and returns to England, ready to uphold the Balfour family legacy... moreA woman looking for a love match . . . A soldier home from the war . . . A passion which terrifies the both of them . . . Captain Byron Balfour never expected to inherit the title Marquess of Bridgewater, let alone the weight of responsibility that comes with it. When his beloved brother dies in a phaeton race in Hyde Park, however, Byron sells his army commission and returns to England, ready to uphold the Balfour family legacy. As he navigates his newfound duties, he meets the enchanting Lady Mirella, a woman who captures his heart and fills him with hope for a future he never thought possible.His brother had been betrothed, though, to their neighbor’s daughter. Byron’s father had always instilled in his sons the importance of fulfilling their obligations and had wanted to join the Balfour family with that of this neighbor, his closest friend. Byron finds himself torn between duty to his family and his desire for true love.Lady Mirella Strong makes her come-out, becoming the darling of Polite Society. Her family is known for making love matches, and Mirella will settle for nothing less. She falls in love with Byron, but he informs her he cannot pursue her because he will soon announce his betrothal to another woman. Crushed, Mirella throws herself into the activities of the Season—but realizes the handsome marquess is the man who holds her heart. Will Byron wed another woman and pine for Mirella the rest of his life, or will he choose love over duty to his family? Find the answer in bestselling author Alexa Aston’s The Marquess’ Quest for Love, Book 6 of The Strongs of Shadowcrest.*Each book in The Strongs of Shadowcrest is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and read in Kindle Unlimited! The Strongs of Shadowcrest Book #1: The Duke’s Unexpected LoveBook #2: The Perks of Loving a ViscountBook #3: Falling for the MarquessBook #4: The Captain and the DuchessBook #5: Courtship at Shadowcrest (Regency Duet – includes Tempted by the Earl and The Viscount’s Heart)Book #6: The Marquess’ Quest for LoveBook #7: The Duke’s Guide to Winning a Lady less

An independent woman making her come-out . . . A widowed duke seeking a second marriage . . . A love match that is meant to be . . . 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 a lady who can be an acceptable duchess and not bore him to tears... moreAn independent woman making her come-out . . . A widowed duke seeking a second marriage . . . A love match that is meant to be . . . 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 a lady who can be an acceptable duchess and not bore him to tears. Always the best at everything he’s attempted and not used to ever hearing no, Malcolm is stunned when Ada’s new friend blithely ignores him.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 hopes to make a friend or two during her Season but when it ends, she plans to return to Shadowcrest, her home in Kent, and revert to wearing breeches and tending to her animals, happily unwed.At first, she looks upon Lady Ada’s brother as a silent, brooding, pesky chaperone—but then she becomes aware of him as a man. Effie falls in love with the handsome duke but knows the life of a duchess is not one meant for her. When she discovers Waterbury has consulted the men in her family—who have drawn up a list of guidelines for the duke to use to win Effie’s heart—she is mortified and appalled. Will Malcolm convince Effie that his love knows no bounds and he accepts her as the tomboy she is, or will the final love match in the Strong family fall flat as these two go their separate ways? *Each book in The Strongs of Shadowcrest is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and read in Kindle Unlimited! The Strongs of Shadowcrest Book #1: The Duke’s Unexpected LoveBook #2: The Perks of Loving a ViscountBook #3: Falling for the MarquessBook #4: The Captain and the DuchessBook #5: Courtship at Shadowcrest (Regency Duet – includes Tempted by the Earl and The Viscount’s Heart)Book #6: The Marquess’ Quest for LoveBook #7: The Duke’s Guide to Winning a Lady less