My Duty To You

by Alyssa Martin

Born a second son, Aiden Elliot works hard to prove himself and secure a future. Stationed on the Continent during the Napoleonic Wars to achieve that end, his life takes a turn when his older brother dies. As the new heir to the Northumberland Dukedom, Aiden is confronted with the duty of marriage, a vexing prospect, until he meets Lynette.

At twenty-six years old, Lynette Elphinstone would rather embrace spinsterhood than marry for convenience. Influenced by the novels she reads, Lynette is a romantic who yearns for a love match. However, her resolve begins to falter when Aiden shows her that even a marriage of convenience can be lustful. As their relationship unfolds they are faced with the question: is Aiden the love match of Lynette’s dreams or simply using her as the means to fulfill his duty?

Genres: Historical, Romance, Historical Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Marriage Of Convenience, Adult

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2023

About the author

Alyssa Martin adores love stories in every form—from candlelit ballrooms to modern locker rooms. She writes both historical and contemporary romance, inspired by her studies in 18th and 19th century literature. She holds a BA in Education Studies and English Literature, an MA in English Literature, and is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Winchester. Whether she’s writing about rakes or basketball players, she’s always looking for her next book boyfriend.

Connect with Alyssa:

TIKTOK & INSTAGRAM: alyssatheauthor_

FACEBOOK READER GROUP (Fluffy Spice Society)

Reviews

[Neelakshi · Rating 2 out of 5]

The biggest trope of this book was miscommunication and it was so .... frustrating to read the lack of communication and making assumptions over half spoken words.

They both loved each other but he didn't say it because he thought she might not love him back and she didn't say it because she thought he was marrying her for his duty.

Yeah.
It was frustrating me😭
If they only talked about what is on their minds they won't have to go through whatever mental turmoil they went through.

“Aiden . . .” she moaned, slightly louder than she should have.
“Shh, you can’t scream . . . not yet,” he said as his fingers continued to rub her core.
“But . . . Aiden . . .” She tried to keep her voice soft, but her body was aflame, and she felt as though she was going to internally combust.
“I promise, when we’re married, you can scream as loud and as much as you want, but here and now, you must stay quiet,”

Smut was smutting tho.
So yes.

[jam❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is based on the 19th century when a second son of the duke was in haste to find his bride at the end of the upcoming season as he was pressured by the head of the family to marry and produce an heir. The story goes on how they meet; the male lead falls in love at first sight but doesn't know what the hell love is. The couple wanted to be loved and loved each other, but due to miscommunication, limited time, and societal pressures, they couldn't verbalize their love. After marriage, they were still in the figuring phase between duty, lust, and love. O! Lord, their intimacy was wicked. The spicy level was lit 🌶🌶🌶🌶 

But this quote at the end was nothing but the truth.

“What can I say? You men love your gambling and liquor even when you lose or wake with a headache,” Lynette said with a smirk. “Women love books even when they cause us emotional turmoil.”

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. Below are my honest thoughts on this book.

This book is the first in a new series. This book follows the story of second son turned heir Aiden, who needs to find a bride and marry quickly (at his family’s insistence). Aiden spots Lynette at event and is instantly intrigued by her. Aiden believes they could have a happy marriage of convenience, meanwhile Lynette will only marry for love. Aiden and Lynette begin a courtship, and Lynette believed a marriage of convenience with lust involved could be enough for her. Lynette and Aiden both develop feelings of love toward, but are hesitant to confess out of fear of rejection. Of course, they end up revealing those feelings and get their happily ever after.

One of the major tropes in this story was misunderstanding. The misunderstanding is one of my least favorite tropes mostly because as a reader, it is so frustrating. All these problems that Lynette and Aiden faced regarding their feelings of love toward the other could have been mostly avoided if they just had an honest conversation. Lynette making assumptions based on parts of conversations she heard between Aiden and his grandmother, and then drawing completely incorrect conclusions had me wanting to toss my kindle.

Additionally I couldn’t understand why Lynette got so upset that society viewed her marriage as a love match. Yes I know that’s what Lynette wanted most of all in her marriage, but Lynette wasn’t a fresh debutante. She had been out in society, I believe, for 7 years. Lynette just came off as very immature when she was someone who was essentially “on the shelf”. She should have had an understanding at this point about society and its gossip.

Finally, there’s one historical fact that bothers me. In the epilogue Aiden, Lynette and Matilda are discussing Sense and Sensibility. Lynette mentions that she would like to meet the woman who wrote the novel, however Jane Austen was never publicly acknowledged for her writing during her lifetime, and the epilogue takes place in 1812, when Jane Austen was very much alive.

Overall this book wasn’t for me. It took me awhile to get through even though it was reasonably short in length. If the misunderstanding trope is for you though you will probably find it more enjoyable.

[Beverly Manring · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just had the pleasure of finishing this romantic historical fiction...my favorite genre. I loved the characters, especially Aiden & Loretta. and the story that led up to where we began. The dukedom is in peril. The first son had been groomed to inherit the title. He and his wife had been in the First son was married ten years and failed to produce a male heir. He is killed in an accident so they call upon the second son,Aiden who has been working in Switzerland as a diplomat for his country to come home immediately, learn the business and be married by the end of the London season. It is made clear it is his duty to the family to do this. He learns the business really quickly. He is less thrilled about being married. Granny insists it is his duty to produce an heir. He doesn’t see the hurry. Granny drags him to every luncheon and Ball as her escort. As it happens the first luncheon Aiden accidentally runs into Loretta while she is eating a peach from Mrs Paxton’s private garden. It was love at first sight for Aiden. He searched her out at the Paxton Ball that evening, they had dinner together, next day he sent a huge bouquet love ensues. Yes, I would recommend especially if you like historical fiction. I would like to thank the following for allowing me to read and review earlyThe one pitfall which I see in many historical fiction. Their engagement and marriage is based on a misunderstanding. Did he marry her for duty or love. He doesn’t know the best way to tell her that he loves her so he doesn’t but she won’t tell him she loves him either. I would like to thank the following for allowing me to read and review giving my own honest opinion.
#NetGalley
#KingsleyPublishing
#AlyssaMartin
#MyDutyToYouAnAustenGenerationNovel
This is part of a series of books by this author.
Publication Date: August 19,2023
Go and get your copy now!

[R. Luyt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much from start to finish! Alyssa’s talent for storytelling is fantastic. The plot, scenes, and characters are so immersive it’s as if you’re standing right next to them or watching it unfold on a movie screen. I finished this book within two days and I can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to ARC read My Duty to You, I will definitely put up my hand for the sequel.

[Izabelle Abbott · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was mid the whole way through. No enemies to lovers, just two boring people who think they love each other at the end of the book but like even I’m not sure. If the love interest isn’t OBSESSED with the heroine then throw it away. BORED.

[Katie.the.reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened this up yesterday afternoon and literally read it from cover to cover!

This is the story of Lynette, a book lover who is decidedly on the shelf, and Aiden, a second son who is thrust into a life of responsibility and expectations after the death of his older brother. Forced by duty to find a wife before the season is out, Aiden must try to woo Lynette who will only take a love match over spinsterhood.

I am a huge Jane Austen fan and I am a MASSIVE history nerd. I am also an absolute sucker for a regency romance - the more bodices ripped the better 😂

This book had me hooked in from the very first page, the story just races off the mark. The cast of characters was complex and complicated, it felt like an Austen novel! With the marriage mart, inheritance woes and scandalized whispers it felt like a perfect regency romance. Add to that that it was so well contextualized in the period, with accurate terms and colloquialisms, AND an FMC who isn’t a darling debutante but a headstrong woman??? SOLD.

I will now be bumping the rest of the series up my TBR because this was just so dreamy. It was all the best bits of a Jane Austen with the spice and sass of Bridgerton. Delicious.

[Albi (albireadingromance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Duty to You by Alyssa Martin

Settings:
England 1812

Characters:
Aiden Elliot
Lynette Elphinstone
Eleanor
Ferdy
Seymour
Matilda
Rosie
Rowena
Winnie
Kathleen
Lady Keith
Lady Praxton

Tropes:
Marriage of Convenience
Love Match
Hero Falls First
Wallflower
They don't know they both love one another, yet

Goodreads:
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Spice:
🌶 🌶

Review:
This was such a wonderful romance. I really enjoy the marriage of convenience trope, it is one of my favorites. I also enjoy in historicals when an unexpected sibling is jolted to the heir. Lynette was such a loveable heroine. I really liked how this romance blossomed because Lynette let her guard down to Aiden in their first encounter, and they were able to interact with one another without putting on airs. A lovely book, and I can't wait to read more works by Ms. Martin

Content Warnings:
Death of Sibling
Parent in poor health
Death of parent

[avid reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book with the hope of an interesting and exciting regency romance for the ages. However, what I got was a little underwhelming and frankly not so exciting characters. Lynnette and Aidan are basic and one dimensional. I get what the author was trying to say through these characters, take Lynnette’s best friend, Teresa I think her name was she was mention a couple of times and that was it no more of her was said and then, a bunch of other members of the peerage that were not contributing anything to the story. Aidan’s inner monologue was a little tiring as well as Lynnette’s. With just a little more communication this couple would have a better understanding of one another, instead the story drags. There were not glaring errors that I could find and the story is well written.

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

[PlotTrysts · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are several flavors of historical romance. There are the ones that go absolutely bananas, using the historical trappings to evoke a magical place out of time where incredibly bonkers things can happen (e.g. Scandal's Bride, The Earl Takes All, Dara Joy's entire HistRom oeuvre). There are the ones that are heavy on the historical accuracy, giving modern readers an idea of what it might have been like for our ancestors to fall in love (Bookshop Cinderella, Miss Wonderful, Forever Your Rogue). There are the ones that utilize the historical setting as a commentary on contemporary issues (Heartbreaker, A Caribbean Heiress in Paris, Bringing Down the Duke).⁠
⁠
Of the second category, there's a subcatgory of the Austen-inspired books. Many HistRom readers got at least a part of their start in the genre with an assist from Jane Austen. She's the OG romance author, with her outspoken heroines and heroes who fall irrevocably for them. ⁠
⁠
My Duty to You is the first in the Austen Generation series. It's not an Austen retelling; the plot is more HistRom than Austen, with a second son who was never meant to inherit, a meddling grandmama, an on-the-shelf bookworm, and a marriage of convenience. But throughout the text, Lynette reads through Sense and Sensibility, comparing her own travails in love and courtship with those of Elinor and Marianne. ⁠
⁠
We enjoyed this one a lot. At 240 pages, it's a quick read. The pacing is a bit spotty, as the reader moves from courtship to marriage to the post-wedding adjustment period. The conflict took a while to show up, and when it did it was propped up by a lot of miscommunication (never our favorite). This is probably where it felt most like a debut. That said, we never felt like putting it down for another book. ⁠
⁠
If you're a particular fan of the Austen-inspired HistRom, this is a series to look out for.⁠

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[travel_thru_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alyssa Martin is a new to me author and now has a reader for life! I'm not a big reader of historical or current romance novels, but this book was sensational! I couldn't put it down!

"My Duty to You" is a delightful and captivating historical romance novel set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars.

The story follows Aiden Elliot, a hardworking second son who suddenly becomes the heir to the Northumberland Dukedom after the death of his older brother. Faced with the responsibility of marriage, Aiden's path crosses with Lynette Elphinstone, a spirited young woman who dreams of marrying for love rather than for duty.

Alyssa skillfully intertwines the themes of love, duty and societal expectations, creating a compelling story that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. Aiden and Lynette's relationship evolves throughout the book, and the chemistry between them is undeniable.

The historical setting is clearly depicted, and the Alyssa's attention to detail paints a rich picture of the era. Alyssa's words transport readers back in time, immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and customs of the period.

This book left me yearning for more of Lynette and Aiden, I didn't want it to end! I can't for book 2!

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a first time read for me by this author and it definitely won't be my last. A story of a marriage of convenience that unexpectedly develops into something more. Aiden, a military man, never expected to be responsible for the Northumberland Dukedom, but that's exactly what happens when his older brother dies and he inherits everything. Now he is expected to fulfill his duty of providing an heir, and of course that means he needs to find a bride, a prospect he is not looking forward to. That is until he sees Lynette. He believes they could have a comfortable life of convenience with each other. But Lynette wants only to marry for love. They begin to court and an attraction develops between them and Lynette begins to wonder if that will be enough. They both begin to develop real feelings for each other, but can't help but wonder if only duty and lust is driving these feelings. Is there a chance that they could both have true love?
A delightful story and sweet romance that I very much enjoyed and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aiden Elliot has worked hard to prove himself as a second son, fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. Yet when his brother dies, he finds himself the new Duke of Northumberland. He resists fulfilling his duty of marriage until he meets Lynette Elphinstone. Lynette prefers to be a spinster but on meeting Aidan, she wonders whether they could be a love match or whether she is simply a means to providing an heir.
This is a sweet romance between two interesting characters. I particularly enjoyed the character of Lynette who had a mind of her own and embraced the notion of romance between herself and Aidan. I had wished that at times, Aidan had less self-talk as this tended to detract from the flow of the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[KelseyreadsHR · Rating 3 out of 5]

New author to me

This was my first book by this author, having come across it while on social media. The main tropes are marriage of convenience and misunderstanding. While usually a fan of marriage of convenience, I’m not of misunderstanding.

The storyline follows spinster(or soon-to-be) Lynnette in her last London season and Aiden a second son who suddenly finds himself the heir and in need of a wife to fulfill his duty to his future
Dukedom. The main characters marry at about 40% through the book and the rest is a back and forth of why each MC won’t/can’t admit to their true feelings of one another.

In the end, I wasn’t a fan of this book. So much of the story seemed as if I was being told the story instead of experiencing and being immersed in it myself. There are several open door scenes and these were the times I felt most drawn in.

[Twinkly · Rating 2 out of 5]

When the main trope of the book is miscommunication <<<
Even though I saw some of the reviews saying that, I still decided to give it a shot. There's something different when you read a bunch of contemporary romances and then you read a historical romance.
Lynette is a "spinster" aka hasn't been able to get a husband. Aiden is the second son of the duke who has to quickly find a bride after the death of his older brother.
The story is basically Aiden becoming fasinated by Lynette and thinks she's perfect to be his bride. Lynette on the other hand, even though feels a strong attraction to Aiden, is unsure because she wants a marriage filled with love. She tells Aiden that and he tries his best to show her love by courting her. However, when he proposes, he isn't in love with her yet, and Lynette becomes irrational, saying if he doesn't love her yet, how will he love her after marriage (??? HUH???).

"They both loved each other but he didn't say it because he thought she might not love him back and she didn't say it because she thought he was marrying her for his duty." Basically

If only people spoke their minds instead of assuming all the time. This book would've been done sooo fast.

The smut was bussing tho

[Lily Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alyssa Martin is an amazing writer. From the moment I picked up this book, I knew that I would love it, if I didn’t already from the cover and synopses. From swoon worthy Aiden to relatable Lynette, this book had me in bits only to piece me back together again. 10/10 recommend for anyone looking for a regency/Georgian romance that’ll make you laugh at the best of times, cry at the worst, and make you wanting more glimpses Lynette and Aiden (which you do in A Marriage Of Misconceptions!). If you haven’t read it before, believe me when I say that a reread is inevitable (I’ve already done so twice 😂).

[Alex Giles · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.8
This book was easy to read and had well-developed, likeable characters. Lynette was a very relatable characters with her love of reading and desire for romance. Aiden was someone the reader felt sorry for with the loss and change he was experiencing in his life in such a short period of time. Aiden’s gradual realisation of the love he shares for his wife was touching and I found that once I picked this book up I didn’t much want to put it down. Although I enjoyed reading the book, it didn’t evoke any particularly strong emotions within me so I refrained from rating it four stars but I am very excited to read the rest of the series. 📚🤍

[Aliz Dienes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I flew through this book.

This was my first read from Alyssa, but I'm definitely putting the rest of her books on my TBR.

Lynette & Aiden.... they both convinced it's a marriage of convenience... but they love each other, and that's clear to the outsiders. They only need like 250 pages and Granny's meddling, getting lost in the woods in the rain to confess their feelings for each other.
Until then, it's all assumptions and no communication.

I enjoyed this book, and the miscommunication trope isn't that annoying

[W · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I wanted to like this, and the overall vibe was good but it was not executed well. The writing itself was ok but not great, and then the absolute worst case of the misunderstanding trope done wrong, like I could not stand the FMC by the end which was annoying because I wanted to like, like I loved the line where she was like “you might need a wife but I don’t need a husband” like heck yeah and then she turned out the way she did. And the epilogue was so unsatisfying

[Meg Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Aidan Elliot is a dream! And he’s got a f i l t h y mouth and an even filthier mind. I adored Lynette!! this book felt like being in the country on a summer evening with a light breeze blowing you know? Also the era for the book felt very authentic!
Anyway the miscommunication in this book was GIVING and it made for some fantastic moments of angst and heartbreak.and I was frothing at the mouth to have them finally declare their love for each other.

[Serra Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a step outside of my usual read, but the author hooked me in with her videos on social media.

I read it in a day. I usually struggle for the first chapter or two when I start a book, but I felt drawn into the world immediately and loved the romance between the characters.

[Aldara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK! the story follows Aiden who suddenly inheritances the title therefore the responsibilities he never thought he would had to fullfil, like giving an heir, then he meets Loretta and the rest is story.
Is such a good HR, it balances so well everything that a HR needs.

[Hannah Grayson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reminded me of a bridgerton type book. The main reason for the 2 stars is for the miscommunication trope. It took me so long to read this short book because It was so infuriating to read. Also, the spice wasn’t as good as I had hoped.

[Mary Lear-Wroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

If, like me, you love an austen generation romance. With a strong female lead and a man who is just as oblivious as we know most can be... this is for you. This book had the right amount of spice to fluff while still telling a story of finding love in the social season ❤️

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Duty to You: An Austen Generation Novel by Alyssa Martin

Absolutely love this book. Great story, really speaks in depth of inner strength, physically and mentally.
10/10

[Anastasiaadamov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and more angsty than expected.
Loved it and it was just what I needed.
Great amount of romance and drama thrown into the mix.

[Rim Hamdaoui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

[Fizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

If someone is looking for an innocent however hot romance, this is a perfect match. The characters have amazing personalities, the girl has a fantastic personality as well as the prince

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute plot but the miscommunication trope was a nuisance throughout. So many things can be solved if you just talk about it instead of assuming what they’re thinking

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story line

Fast easy read. I enjoyed it.
Again the way things happened in the 1800’s still astound me. But, nevertheless it was a book.