What do you think?
Rate this book
The UnDukes #1
El Duque Imbesable: Una novela romántica de regencia (Duques Imposibles nº 1)
En las primeras horas de la batalla por Waterloo, Alexander Harcourt, duque de Harrowby, queda atrapado bajo un caballo moribundo y gravemente herido. El accidente le ha dejado cicatrices, dolores constantes y una cojera pronunciada.
Eliza Saxton es una inglesa de buena familia que ha aprendido los beneficios del masaje sueco y la calistenia médica en Suecia en el famoso Gymnasium.
El amigo que salvó la vida de Alexander tras el accidente forma parte de la junta directiva del hospital inglés que rechazó a Eliza y sus teorías. Philip Fortescue, marqués de Clavering, cree que las habilidades de Eliza ayudarán a Alexander. Sin embargo, el duque rechaza su ayuda, reacio a permitir que nadie toque su rostro y su cuerpo devastados, menos aún una mujer.
Cambia de opinión cuando su maleducado primo desdeña la idea de que haga el tratamiento. Por cierto, Derrick Peploe será su heredero si él no logra tener un hijo.
Mientras Alexander y Eliza se embarcan en un viaje de curación, descubren que fue un fuego aliado el que mató a su caballo. El descubrimiento de quién disparó el tiro mortal podría poner en peligro la vida de ambos.
Eliza Saxton es una inglesa de buena familia que ha aprendido los beneficios del masaje sueco y la calistenia médica en Suecia en el famoso Gymnasium.
El amigo que salvó la vida de Alexander tras el accidente forma parte de la junta directiva del hospital inglés que rechazó a Eliza y sus teorías. Philip Fortescue, marqués de Clavering, cree que las habilidades de Eliza ayudarán a Alexander. Sin embargo, el duque rechaza su ayuda, reacio a permitir que nadie toque su rostro y su cuerpo devastados, menos aún una mujer.
Cambia de opinión cuando su maleducado primo desdeña la idea de que haga el tratamiento. Por cierto, Derrick Peploe será su heredero si él no logra tener un hijo.
Mientras Alexander y Eliza se embarcan en un viaje de curación, descubren que fue un fuego aliado el que mató a su caballo. El descubrimiento de quién disparó el tiro mortal podría poner en peligro la vida de ambos.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
91 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Anna Markland
238 books252 followersAnna Markland is a Canadian author with a keen interest in genealogy. She writes historical romance about family honor, ancestry and roots. Her novels are intimate love stories filled with passion and adventure. Following a fruitful career in teaching, Anna transformed her love of writing and history into engaging works of fiction. One of the things she enjoys most about writing historical romance is the in-depth research required to provide the reader with an authentic experience.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 26, 2025
3.5⭐️ Beauty and the Beast lite. A quick and low angst read with touches of saucy humor. Exactly what I was looking for and needed.
Quibbles:
-Anachronisms
-43 short Kindle Vella*-type chapters.
*Amazon ended the program in Feb 2025.
Quibbles:
-Anachronisms
-43 short Kindle Vella*-type chapters.
*Amazon ended the program in Feb 2025.
February 24, 2023
I have to say that the writer did a superb job with this story. Alex and Eliza is a couple who worked through the troubles of friends and family to find love. The characters are written so well. Their dialogue reads with such realism. The story is a great page turner for people who love sweet and innocent love matches.
July 5, 2023
This was good.
June 7, 2024
Me costó entrar en la historia, la premisa que un hombre envía a su hija a Suecia a aprender sobre calistenia y masajes, que no usaba corset, que iba a visitar a un Dueque sola sin acompañante, eso no pasaba en la regencia.
February 15, 2023
I absolutely adore a scarred/tortured hero trope and this story is one of the best I've ever read. I've always believed no matter what anyone looks like, they deserve to be loved for who they are. I love the books Anna Markland writes, she really does write from the heart.
Alexander Harcourt, Duke of Harrowby, brutally scarred and suffering unending physical and emotional pain, had my heart as soon as he was introduced in the story. I just wanted to hold him and never let him go!! I also adored Eliza Saxton, the woman who makes him feel like a human again instead of a beast. It was also interesting to learn of Swedish massage and medical calisthenics. One can always tell this author has done her research!!
Very well written, this is a story of hope and love amidst danger and uncertainty that will keep you reading until the very end. I now look forward to Philip and Jenny's story!!
Alexander Harcourt, Duke of Harrowby, brutally scarred and suffering unending physical and emotional pain, had my heart as soon as he was introduced in the story. I just wanted to hold him and never let him go!! I also adored Eliza Saxton, the woman who makes him feel like a human again instead of a beast. It was also interesting to learn of Swedish massage and medical calisthenics. One can always tell this author has done her research!!
Very well written, this is a story of hope and love amidst danger and uncertainty that will keep you reading until the very end. I now look forward to Philip and Jenny's story!!
February 1, 2025
FREE today (January 28, 2025) on Amazon.
February 13, 2023
Unkissable Duke
By Anna Markland
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Alexander Harcourt, Duke of Harrowby, is severely hurt and almost killed in the early hours of the battle of Waterloo. He is pinned under his dying horse until his men and his friend can get his horse off of him. The accident has left him scarred, in constant pain, and limping.
Eliza Saxton is an English woman from a good family who has studied and learned the benefits of Swedish massage and medical calisthenics in Sweden at the famous Gymnasium.
The friend who saved Alexander's life after the accident sits on the board of the English hospital that rejected Eliza and her theories. Philip Fortescue, Marquess of Clavering, truly believes Eliza's skills will help Alexander. However, the Duke refuses her help, reluctant to let anyone touch his scared face and body, especially a woman. But he changes his mind rather quickly when he finds out that his cousin and heir doesn't agree with the idea of further treatment.
Once Alexander meets Eliza and gets over being so stubborn, they embark on a journey of healing and love, but both of them are stunned to find out that someone tried to kill the Duke at the Battle and that that particular person is not finished with them yet.
Wow, Anna Markland has done it again. This book is absolutely brilliant. I enjoyed every aspect of this story. A scared man who's a Duke and a commoner finding love when it was unheard of. The main characters were perfect for each other. Eliza saw through the dukes scares and fell in love with the man underneath while Alexander thought he was an unlovable beast when he wasn't that at all. All in all, if you crave a Regency romance that will get your blood pumping and keep you up reading late into the night, then look no further. This is the book for you.
By Anna Markland
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Alexander Harcourt, Duke of Harrowby, is severely hurt and almost killed in the early hours of the battle of Waterloo. He is pinned under his dying horse until his men and his friend can get his horse off of him. The accident has left him scarred, in constant pain, and limping.
Eliza Saxton is an English woman from a good family who has studied and learned the benefits of Swedish massage and medical calisthenics in Sweden at the famous Gymnasium.
The friend who saved Alexander's life after the accident sits on the board of the English hospital that rejected Eliza and her theories. Philip Fortescue, Marquess of Clavering, truly believes Eliza's skills will help Alexander. However, the Duke refuses her help, reluctant to let anyone touch his scared face and body, especially a woman. But he changes his mind rather quickly when he finds out that his cousin and heir doesn't agree with the idea of further treatment.
Once Alexander meets Eliza and gets over being so stubborn, they embark on a journey of healing and love, but both of them are stunned to find out that someone tried to kill the Duke at the Battle and that that particular person is not finished with them yet.
Wow, Anna Markland has done it again. This book is absolutely brilliant. I enjoyed every aspect of this story. A scared man who's a Duke and a commoner finding love when it was unheard of. The main characters were perfect for each other. Eliza saw through the dukes scares and fell in love with the man underneath while Alexander thought he was an unlovable beast when he wasn't that at all. All in all, if you crave a Regency romance that will get your blood pumping and keep you up reading late into the night, then look no further. This is the book for you.
May 12, 2024
Un historical romance per le vie brevi
Dalla vostra Lyanne Quay! 🙂
Questo genere di romance storico lo definirei “historical romance per le vie brevi”. Vi faccio un esempio esagerato giusto per capirci:
Lui tornò dalla guerra ferito, ma forse ad avergli sparato era stato il cugino, anzi il giorno dopo lo confermò l’attendente di un commilitone e, accidenti, l’infermiera addetta alla sua riabilitazione era davvero una gnocca. Lei entrò e gli sorrise e il cielo si aprì oltre al fatto di provocargli una reazione inconsulta alla virilità , davvero gloriosa. Perchè il duca era, sì, ferito ma aveva un uccello di due chili…
Ecco qua la tecnica di questa autrice: i patemi dovuti all’intreccio durano pochissimo, vengono subito risolti e pagine e pagine vengono dedicate al “quanto m’attizza”.
Il risultato è leggero e non sgradevole, se non ci si fa fermare da dettagli anomali come il fatto che, nel talamo, il duca insegni alla neoduchessa a dire “cazzo” per riferirsi al membro, e al fatto che le persone di umili origini parlino abruzzese.
Nello Yorkshire.
Una scelta di traduzione assai curiosa. Sarebbe bastato l’insert di opportuna frasetta tipo “l’accento dello Yorkshire era talmente marcato da rendere improbabile ogni velleità aristocratica….” invece no… “li pecuri…”
Veb… Leggerò il successivo della serie - che ha valutazioni migliori - per dare una valutazione definitiva. Complessivamente, se siete disperate e, come me, buttate un libro via l’altro, senza trovare niente di meglio, questo romanzo si legge con leggerezza, moderato interesse e una spruzzata di divertimento.
(Per altre mie recensioni vai su Novelbus)
Dalla vostra Lyanne Quay! 🙂
Questo genere di romance storico lo definirei “historical romance per le vie brevi”. Vi faccio un esempio esagerato giusto per capirci:
Lui tornò dalla guerra ferito, ma forse ad avergli sparato era stato il cugino, anzi il giorno dopo lo confermò l’attendente di un commilitone e, accidenti, l’infermiera addetta alla sua riabilitazione era davvero una gnocca. Lei entrò e gli sorrise e il cielo si aprì oltre al fatto di provocargli una reazione inconsulta alla virilità , davvero gloriosa. Perchè il duca era, sì, ferito ma aveva un uccello di due chili…
Ecco qua la tecnica di questa autrice: i patemi dovuti all’intreccio durano pochissimo, vengono subito risolti e pagine e pagine vengono dedicate al “quanto m’attizza”.
Il risultato è leggero e non sgradevole, se non ci si fa fermare da dettagli anomali come il fatto che, nel talamo, il duca insegni alla neoduchessa a dire “cazzo” per riferirsi al membro, e al fatto che le persone di umili origini parlino abruzzese.
Nello Yorkshire.
Una scelta di traduzione assai curiosa. Sarebbe bastato l’insert di opportuna frasetta tipo “l’accento dello Yorkshire era talmente marcato da rendere improbabile ogni velleità aristocratica….” invece no… “li pecuri…”
Veb… Leggerò il successivo della serie - che ha valutazioni migliori - per dare una valutazione definitiva. Complessivamente, se siete disperate e, come me, buttate un libro via l’altro, senza trovare niente di meglio, questo romanzo si legge con leggerezza, moderato interesse e una spruzzata di divertimento.
(Per altre mie recensioni vai su Novelbus)
February 14, 2023
GREAT WAY TO START A NEW SERIES!! Unkissable Duke by Anna Markland is the first in a new series The UnDukes. This Beauty and the Beast story is one of my favorite genre and Anna did not disappoint in this story. She is truly a favorite author of mine. This book was very well written, easy to read, was so sad at times, had a bit of a mystery to it, wonderful characters, had the real feel of the regency era, vivid descriptions and was a great start to a new series. I am so looking forward to the next in this series. This story has a commoner that has learned the art of massage, a duke that is trampled by his horse at Waterloo and is permanently disfigured, a best friend who is wanting to help him recover, trying to help him recover by way of exercise and massage, finding out it was not an accident, a betrothal that turns him down after seeing his disfigurement three years earlier, a father who wants to honor the betrothal 3 yrs later, a fire, greed, an evil heir, not sure of their feelings, not caring what polite society thinks, spreading rumors, helping a friend and falling in love. I am very highly recommending you read this book.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
March 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I could really relate to the main characters Eliza and Alex. They are ready to fight for what they think is important. It is historical fiction as it should be, using real events and inventions, early physiotherapy and plastic surgery as well as new developments in the nation's economy and weaving around it a gentle but powerful love story. There is humour too, in the person of Eliza's mother: Mrs Saxton...of the Dorset Saxtons!!
Anna seems to now feel very comfortable in the Regency period.
The ground is prepared for further stories involving people who at present are only secondary characters and I can't believe we won't hear again about the villain of the piece who just now has conveniently escaped to France.
Anna writes in an easy, fluid style with good dialogue; the story unfolds smoothly. As ever, she deems it necessary to keep us informed about Alex's state of arousal at every opportunity. It was relevant at first to establish his injuries had not unmanned him, but it gets a bit repetitive after that.
I look forward to reading the following instalments in this series.
Anna seems to now feel very comfortable in the Regency period.
The ground is prepared for further stories involving people who at present are only secondary characters and I can't believe we won't hear again about the villain of the piece who just now has conveniently escaped to France.
Anna writes in an easy, fluid style with good dialogue; the story unfolds smoothly. As ever, she deems it necessary to keep us informed about Alex's state of arousal at every opportunity. It was relevant at first to establish his injuries had not unmanned him, but it gets a bit repetitive after that.
I look forward to reading the following instalments in this series.
February 18, 2023
Alexander Harcourt was injured in the battle of Waterloo, he was pinned under his horse, thought of himself as a beast, from the injuries and scars! Alexander Harcourt is the Duke of Harrowby, Eliza Saxton is a common born woman with knowledge about Swedish Massage, from schooling in Sweden, she applied to a hospital board but was rejected by the board! Philip Fortescue is on the board and also is a good friend of Alexander, Philip thought Eliza could help his friend Alexander with his Injuries, but Alexander is bitter and says,no ! Alexander changes his mind and allows Eliza to help him. Anna Markland has written another fantastic book, was a pleasure to read and see the story flow and how Alexander and Eliza love develope,to discover how someone was trying to kill Alexander. Would recommend reading this book, kept me turning the pages.
February 19, 2023
This Book started a new Series by Anna Markland The UnDukes. UnKissable Duke is a Great way to kick it off. A strong and determined commoner women going up against a Duke who has been terribly scarred physically and emotionally by defeated. It begins a battle of the wills. Or does it become something more ?
Eliza Saxton had three sisters , she being the oldest. She was sent to Sweden to study to the art of healing through exercise and massage therapy. Only in England not easy for a woman to get a position.
Alexander Harcourt the Duke of Harrowby had been a Colonel in Waterloo. After a terrible accident that left almost dead and deformed he returns home broken.
Eliza and Alexander have an incredible story. One to capture your heart . This unbelievable Compassionate Tale is so Beautifully told. Love is in the eyes of the beholder !
Eliza Saxton had three sisters , she being the oldest. She was sent to Sweden to study to the art of healing through exercise and massage therapy. Only in England not easy for a woman to get a position.
Alexander Harcourt the Duke of Harrowby had been a Colonel in Waterloo. After a terrible accident that left almost dead and deformed he returns home broken.
Eliza and Alexander have an incredible story. One to capture your heart . This unbelievable Compassionate Tale is so Beautifully told. Love is in the eyes of the beholder !
March 18, 2023
The first in The Undukes series does not disappoint. Unkissable Duke will grab your attention from the moment you begin Alexander Harcourt and Eliza Saxton story. Alexander has scars inside and out from the battle of Waterloo but with Eliza's help he may start to heal. While trying to help Alex with his injuries Eliza and Alex find each other drawn to one another. Will a villain in in background finally accomplish what was started at Waterloo? Anna Markland has given readers a book that is well-written, filled it with a great cast of characters, they hold your attention as their individual personalities become more than just part of the tale they come off the pages and pull you into their story. With setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid that brings the story to life and brings this read together perfectly!
February 17, 2023
Alexander Harcourt, Duke of Harrowby returned from the war with life changing injuries that still bring him terrible pain, and make him feel like a monster.
Elizabeth Saxton whose father believed in giving his daughters a good education. Unfortunately after his death his eldest discovered how much her training had cost the family. Will anyone let her use that training ?
This is a fascinating historical romance. Our characters will face many challenges, both mentally and physically. Our heroine is wonderful, a strong and independent woman. Our hero is incredibly lucky to have a friend who is unafraid to challenge him. An emotional and inspirational story.
We take medical knowledge for granted in these days ,but the era this book is set it was all very different.
I loved it.
Elizabeth Saxton whose father believed in giving his daughters a good education. Unfortunately after his death his eldest discovered how much her training had cost the family. Will anyone let her use that training ?
This is a fascinating historical romance. Our characters will face many challenges, both mentally and physically. Our heroine is wonderful, a strong and independent woman. Our hero is incredibly lucky to have a friend who is unafraid to challenge him. An emotional and inspirational story.
We take medical knowledge for granted in these days ,but the era this book is set it was all very different.
I loved it.
February 21, 2023
Be still my heart... The wounded hero always makes my heart ache, while I love to see their redemption and finding love...
A truly wonderful story, as Anna is famous for, with interesting history thrown in! She knows how to pull us into her work!
Alexander was wounded and scarred from when he was pinned under his horse in battle. In constant pain, his friend who had saved him recommends a young lady he knows about work with him with her knowledge of Swedish massage and medical calisthenics.
Although reluctant at first, he soon finds Eliza's methods begin to help his mind and body. But truths come out and it seems there may be danger ahead.
A journey of healing, trust and finding a true love....
A truly wonderful story, as Anna is famous for, with interesting history thrown in! She knows how to pull us into her work!
Alexander was wounded and scarred from when he was pinned under his horse in battle. In constant pain, his friend who had saved him recommends a young lady he knows about work with him with her knowledge of Swedish massage and medical calisthenics.
Although reluctant at first, he soon finds Eliza's methods begin to help his mind and body. But truths come out and it seems there may be danger ahead.
A journey of healing, trust and finding a true love....
March 5, 2023
Wonderful characters with a new twist on their HEA. Alexander, Duke of Harrowby, was pinned under his horse at Waterloo and he sustained very serious injuries. His best friend, Philip Fortescue, encourages him to try a new treatment due to his constant pain. While Alexander is reluctant at first, he finally agrees.
Eliza Saxton has been trained in a new technique in Swizerland, but there are some hurdles that Alexander and Eliza have to overcome as they work together. Foremost, Eliza is a young unmarried lady who will be touching a Duke. Interesting story twist, and I really enjoyed it. Anna provided some great historical facts along with the story.
Eliza Saxton has been trained in a new technique in Swizerland, but there are some hurdles that Alexander and Eliza have to overcome as they work together. Foremost, Eliza is a young unmarried lady who will be touching a Duke. Interesting story twist, and I really enjoyed it. Anna provided some great historical facts along with the story.
June 16, 2023
I'm honestly not sure what I just read. The number of times the word nipple appeared in this book is rather ridiculous, but not quite as ridiculous as the premise that a common man sent his common daughter to Sweden to learn about calisthenics and massage, despite the word calisthenics not being invented until well after the regency period was over.
Not only that, but all of Regency anything is thrown out the window for this book. She's clearly not wearing any sort of corset throughout this novel, and she just simply stops taking her chaperone with her two visits in to meeting the Duke which is obviously not done either.
Not only that, but all of Regency anything is thrown out the window for this book. She's clearly not wearing any sort of corset throughout this novel, and she just simply stops taking her chaperone with her two visits in to meeting the Duke which is obviously not done either.
August 29, 2023
Sweet Story Where Love Wins
This was a sweet story with some twists. I thought the book was full of good characters, but I do think she was way too nice to the conniving ex-fiancée right after her own wedding. That was a bit much much. I did like and appreciate that their hidden feelings for one another wasn’t dragged on forever. I wasn’t happy with the evil cousin getting away and having to still deal with him in later books. I prefer to have things wrapped up in the original story.
This was a sweet story with some twists. I thought the book was full of good characters, but I do think she was way too nice to the conniving ex-fiancée right after her own wedding. That was a bit much much. I did like and appreciate that their hidden feelings for one another wasn’t dragged on forever. I wasn’t happy with the evil cousin getting away and having to still deal with him in later books. I prefer to have things wrapped up in the original story.
March 5, 2023
Lovely story. I love it when characters go against the norm or expectations of the society rules. She is such a compassionate and strong person and exactly what the Duke needs to melt his grumpy heart and boldly live amongst the naysayers. Realizing what more important, they make a great team and love that they happily embrace love regardless. Can't wait to read the next one. I received a free copy and voluntarily chose to leave this review.
February 15, 2023
It is a well written romance that also has fascinating medical trivia in it. Alexander is moping and drowning his sorrows in brandy. His best friend Phillip brings Eliza to help Alexander out with new techniques. She prods him into the land of the living again, which doesn't make his cousin and heir happy. There are machinations and the destruction of her home, but there is also hope.
February 20, 2023
Filled with lots of information about historical medical advances after Waterloo, this story grabs you from the start. I love the fact that her love for the Duke sees through his disfigurement and gives him not only his strength back, but also his self confidence. The unresolved murder-arson adds a hint of subsequent books to come, and I can hardly wait to read the next installment in the series!
April 26, 2023
A lovely story of a severely injured and disfigured Duke and a woman whose family have found out on the death of her father that they are riddled with debts. However Eliza has studied in Sweden and may be able to help the Duke (Alex)
They work together and he improves as they fall in love but danger still lurks. Really enjoyable read
They work together and he improves as they fall in love but danger still lurks. Really enjoyable read
June 14, 2023
Great Story
Alex and Eliza’s story is unique and very entertaining on so many levels. The characters draw you in and the story lines keep you wanting more. I look forward to the next story in the series which I will start tomorrow.
Alex and Eliza’s story is unique and very entertaining on so many levels. The characters draw you in and the story lines keep you wanting more. I look forward to the next story in the series which I will start tomorrow.
June 19, 2024
Un romance corto y tierno. Me ha encantado. Tengo una debilidad tremenda por los héroes heridos y Alex me fascinaaaaaa. Eliza por otra parte es súper agradable y su sinceridad resulta tanto divertida como entrañable.
October 1, 2024
Un regency romance diverso, in cui la protagonista non è la solita istitutrice ma una terapista specializzata in riabilitazione motoria. Forse la storia procede un po' troppo velocemente, senza intoppi. Lettura leggera, piacevole.
February 18, 2023
Wonderful
February 28, 2023
Alexander Harcourt, Duke of Harrowby was badly wounded in the war and has become a recluse. Urged on by his friend to try a new treatment, he meets Eliza Saxton, a massage and medical calisthenics expert. Loved how these two react to each other and loved to watch the change in Harcourt as the treatments proceed. Their relationship, loyal friends and the intrigue will keep you reading late into the night.
February 27, 2023
Good
This is an exciting and wonderful story. Funny in some places, over all a good afternoon read. Looking forward to the next
This is an exciting and wonderful story. Funny in some places, over all a good afternoon read. Looking forward to the next
March 30, 2023
This was a fun story to read!
A perfect balance between romance, sensuality, plot and character development.
I'm looking forward to the next story in the series!
A perfect balance between romance, sensuality, plot and character development.
I'm looking forward to the next story in the series!
September 20, 2023
Scarred Duke
Alex was injured and had scars outside and inside until he met Eliza. She restored his confidence and eased his pain. A powerful story filled with love and excitement!
Alex was injured and had scars outside and inside until he met Eliza. She restored his confidence and eased his pain. A powerful story filled with love and excitement!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews