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The Duke’s Guard #16
The Duke's Blade
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2026
About the author
C.H. Admirand
75 books624 followersC.H. was born in Aiken, South Carolina, but her parents moved back to northern New Jersey where she grew up. She believes in fate, destiny, and love at first sight. C.H. fell in love at first sight when she was seventeen. She was married for 41 wonderful years until her husband lost his battle with cancer. Soul mates, their hearts will be joined forever. They have three grown children—one son-in-law, two grandsons, two rescue dogs, and two rescue grand-cats.
Her characters rarely follow the synopsis she outlines for them…but C.H. has learned to listen to her characters! Her heroes will always have a few of her husband’s best qualities: his honesty, his integrity, his compassion for those in need, and his killer broad shoulders. C.H. writes about the things she loves most: Family, her Irish and English Ancestry, Baking, and Gardening.
C.H. is currently spending time in Regency England, writing for Dragonblade Publishing. Book four in her new series, The Lords of Vice, is in her editor’s hands. Pre-Order is live for Dragonblade’s 2021 holiday collections. Her novella, A Promise Kept…A Love Unspoken, will be in Star of Wonder: A Historical Romance Collection #1. She’s currently writing Rescued by the Lyon for The Lyon’s Den, releasing in February 2022. Watch for her new series featuring the fabulous O’Malleys from The Lords of Vice Series!
If you love Historical Western Romance, venture back to the Old West with her bestselling Irish Western Series. Perhaps you’d rather read her Medieval Trilogy: Mo Ghra, Mo Chroi, Go Deo (translation: My Love, My Heart, Forever,) set in 11th Century England.
Is Contemporary Romance more to your taste? Stop by the Circle G Ranch in Pleasure, Texas; the Claddagh Ranch in Emerson, Colorado; or Small Town USA ~ Apple Grove, Ohio ~ to see what the descendants from her historical romances are up to. While you’re at the Apple Grove Diner, be sure to try a slice of Peggy McCormack’s Buttermilk Pie…it snagged injured U.S. Marshal Ben Justiss’ attention and his heart in A Second Chance For Justiss!
C.H. loves to hear from readers! Stop by her website https://www.chadmirand.com and click on the icon to your favorite social media platform to see what she’s up to.
This award-winning multi-published author’s books are available in paperback, hardcover, trade paperback, magazine, e-book, large print, and audio book.
Happy Reading!
C.H. Admirand
Her characters rarely follow the synopsis she outlines for them…but C.H. has learned to listen to her characters! Her heroes will always have a few of her husband’s best qualities: his honesty, his integrity, his compassion for those in need, and his killer broad shoulders. C.H. writes about the things she loves most: Family, her Irish and English Ancestry, Baking, and Gardening.
C.H. is currently spending time in Regency England, writing for Dragonblade Publishing. Book four in her new series, The Lords of Vice, is in her editor’s hands. Pre-Order is live for Dragonblade’s 2021 holiday collections. Her novella, A Promise Kept…A Love Unspoken, will be in Star of Wonder: A Historical Romance Collection #1. She’s currently writing Rescued by the Lyon for The Lyon’s Den, releasing in February 2022. Watch for her new series featuring the fabulous O’Malleys from The Lords of Vice Series!
If you love Historical Western Romance, venture back to the Old West with her bestselling Irish Western Series. Perhaps you’d rather read her Medieval Trilogy: Mo Ghra, Mo Chroi, Go Deo (translation: My Love, My Heart, Forever,) set in 11th Century England.
Is Contemporary Romance more to your taste? Stop by the Circle G Ranch in Pleasure, Texas; the Claddagh Ranch in Emerson, Colorado; or Small Town USA ~ Apple Grove, Ohio ~ to see what the descendants from her historical romances are up to. While you’re at the Apple Grove Diner, be sure to try a slice of Peggy McCormack’s Buttermilk Pie…it snagged injured U.S. Marshal Ben Justiss’ attention and his heart in A Second Chance For Justiss!
C.H. loves to hear from readers! Stop by her website https://www.chadmirand.com and click on the icon to your favorite social media platform to see what she’s up to.
This award-winning multi-published author’s books are available in paperback, hardcover, trade paperback, magazine, e-book, large print, and audio book.
Happy Reading!
C.H. Admirand
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 25, 2026
The Duke’s Blade by C H Admirand is the final book in the Duke’s Guard series although I am holding out hope that Admirand will figure out a way to extend it. This was a terrific book. Fenton Flaherty is the hero. He and one of the O’Malleys are the two guarding the manor house in Cornwall. None of the Duke’s family was in residence. They had barely saved O’Malley from the hangman’s noose recently due to a corrupt crown official. There were still problems with smuggling, and more importantly, wreckers. Wreckers are criminals who lure ships into the rocks, kill any survivors, and steal whatever there was to steal. On this night, one of the wreckers had decided Flaherty needed to go and had shot at him. Flaherty was hit in the shoulder, but seeing no other way out, he raced for the cliff and took a flying leap, hoping he would miss the rocks and land in the water. He did, but the waves pushed him into the rocks, where a very determined young woman, with the help of her father, pulled him out. This was Eileen Doolan, around whom Flaherty had been circling for months. His big mouth had gotten him in trouble, but she was not thinking of that now as she struggled to save him.
This book had a terrific plot with twists and turns most of the characters couldn’t see. O’Malley and his cohorts pulled off a con, hoping to trap the man who had shot at Flaherty, twice. It nearly broke Eileen’s heart when she found out he had been killed, but since no one but her father knew of their betrothal, she tried to behave appropriately. It was a good plot and these people were interesting: Flaherty, strong, protective, and honorable; Eileen, stubborn, loving, and loyal. Terrific read! Admirand had a way of telling a story that draws one into the middle of it bit by bit as the story progresses. I will miss this series.
I was invited to read The Duke’s Blade by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #CHAdmirand #TheDukesBlade
This book had a terrific plot with twists and turns most of the characters couldn’t see. O’Malley and his cohorts pulled off a con, hoping to trap the man who had shot at Flaherty, twice. It nearly broke Eileen’s heart when she found out he had been killed, but since no one but her father knew of their betrothal, she tried to behave appropriately. It was a good plot and these people were interesting: Flaherty, strong, protective, and honorable; Eileen, stubborn, loving, and loyal. Terrific read! Admirand had a way of telling a story that draws one into the middle of it bit by bit as the story progresses. I will miss this series.
I was invited to read The Duke’s Blade by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #CHAdmirand #TheDukesBlade
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fenton Flaherty has no intention of marrying until sees the raven-haired, curvaceous, blue-eyed beauty serving ale in the tavern. He pours on the legendary Flaherty charm. She ignores him, smiling at one of the wreckers. Stunned by the snub, he speaks without thinking, inadvertently impugning her honour. Smuggler’s daughter Eileen Doonan doesn’t know how to react to Flaherty’s charm. On the beach during a thunderstorm, while aiding her father, she glances up to see a man running for his life and watches him jump off the cliffs into the sea. When he surfaces and smashes face-first into the rocks, she dives into the storm-tossed waves to rescue him. Between the rumours, and his worry that someone will see her on the beach with her clothing plastered to her body, her father insists Flaherty marry her to save her reputation. At first she refuses, until Flaherty apologizes with a kiss that burns hotter than their passionate dislike for one another. A kiss that changes everything! But a sharpshooter lies in wait for him, and news of Flaherty’s disappearance changes to the news that he has been shot and feared dead!
The sixteenth & final book in the series & a fitting finale. I’ve loved the Irishmen of the Duke’s guard & Fenton is no exception. He’s an honourable, strong, loyal man but was thrown by Eileen & his famous charm deserted him & he kept speaking begore his brain was in gear & consequently put his size 14’s in it. I loved the feisty, intelligent, brave Eileen who was lacking in self esteem but Fenton made her feel beautiful. I loved the ruse the guard pulled to capture the wreckers. A lovely love story which I thoroughly enjoyed & rounded off by a brilliant extended epilogue
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The sixteenth & final book in the series & a fitting finale. I’ve loved the Irishmen of the Duke’s guard & Fenton is no exception. He’s an honourable, strong, loyal man but was thrown by Eileen & his famous charm deserted him & he kept speaking begore his brain was in gear & consequently put his size 14’s in it. I loved the feisty, intelligent, brave Eileen who was lacking in self esteem but Fenton made her feel beautiful. I loved the ruse the guard pulled to capture the wreckers. A lovely love story which I thoroughly enjoyed & rounded off by a brilliant extended epilogue
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Whew this one packs a wallop! We have Fenton Flaherty the youngest of the brothers all sworn protectors for the Duke of Windmere.
Flaherty and O’Malley kept an eye on the smuggling operation. While exploring the cave Fenton is shot from the back (by a coward) he literally dives off a cliff and he is rescued by the very woman who haunts his dreams rescues him!
Eileen Doonan a beautiful voluptuous lass that haunts his dreams! Eileen is sharp tongued and very obstinate so when Flaherty tells her the men are dangerous she smiles at one anyway! That starts a whole heap of trouble!
Flaherty teasing her every time he steps into the Mermaid’s Glass tavern gives men an impression that she is a loose woman!
Her dad says not only has she rescued him and he sees her half naked. But Eileen says it will take more than a request for her hand he better earn it! But the smugglers are not through as Flaherty fights to regain his health he is again shot this time it is almost fatal! He and a few very close to him know the truth!
He means to draw out the man who keeps shooting him and the whole gang to the hangman’s noose!
Eileen is devastated wishing she had said yes to this handsome Irishman when she had a chance! But there comes another twist and turn no one saw coming! It is nonstop adventure to see if these two will ever make it to the altar!
I love the 8 year then 10 year glimpse into the future! I love seeing also a brief glimpse into O’Malley and his brood and how they all grow up!
What surprised me was how Tremayne acted toward Eileen knowing she was betrothed to Flaherty!? Hmmm I hope him and his group start a new series!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion from Netgalley!
Flaherty and O’Malley kept an eye on the smuggling operation. While exploring the cave Fenton is shot from the back (by a coward) he literally dives off a cliff and he is rescued by the very woman who haunts his dreams rescues him!
Eileen Doonan a beautiful voluptuous lass that haunts his dreams! Eileen is sharp tongued and very obstinate so when Flaherty tells her the men are dangerous she smiles at one anyway! That starts a whole heap of trouble!
Flaherty teasing her every time he steps into the Mermaid’s Glass tavern gives men an impression that she is a loose woman!
Her dad says not only has she rescued him and he sees her half naked. But Eileen says it will take more than a request for her hand he better earn it! But the smugglers are not through as Flaherty fights to regain his health he is again shot this time it is almost fatal! He and a few very close to him know the truth!
He means to draw out the man who keeps shooting him and the whole gang to the hangman’s noose!
Eileen is devastated wishing she had said yes to this handsome Irishman when she had a chance! But there comes another twist and turn no one saw coming! It is nonstop adventure to see if these two will ever make it to the altar!
I love the 8 year then 10 year glimpse into the future! I love seeing also a brief glimpse into O’Malley and his brood and how they all grow up!
What surprised me was how Tremayne acted toward Eileen knowing she was betrothed to Flaherty!? Hmmm I hope him and his group start a new series!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion from Netgalley!
May 29, 2026
So this is a historical romance with a whole lot of action—more “coastal adventure” than “Regency ballroom.” You’re dropped right into the middle of a big cast and a messy conflict involving the Duke’s men, a French ship offshore, smugglers, wreckers, and the local townspeople. Because it’s part of an ongoing series with a lot of pre-established relationships, it took me a little while to figure out who was who and where everyone’s loyalties lay.
The plot has a ton of momentum and plenty of twists: fake-outs, lies, revenge, and constant forward motion. The setting and vibe feel pirate-adjacent (even without literal sword fights), and the Irish lingo and interconnected families add a lot of flavor—though it can take a minute to settle into if you’re not used to that style of dialogue.
Romance-wise, it’s enemies-to-lovers with a would-be marriage of convenience—until they fall hard for each other. The love story is central, but it’s not the only thing driving the book, which I really appreciated.
Overall, I’d recommend this to readers who want their historical romance with a side of action and danger, plus a strong sense of found-family loyalty and high-stakes plotting.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.
The plot has a ton of momentum and plenty of twists: fake-outs, lies, revenge, and constant forward motion. The setting and vibe feel pirate-adjacent (even without literal sword fights), and the Irish lingo and interconnected families add a lot of flavor—though it can take a minute to settle into if you’re not used to that style of dialogue.
Romance-wise, it’s enemies-to-lovers with a would-be marriage of convenience—until they fall hard for each other. The love story is central, but it’s not the only thing driving the book, which I really appreciated.
Overall, I’d recommend this to readers who want their historical romance with a side of action and danger, plus a strong sense of found-family loyalty and high-stakes plotting.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.
May 28, 2026
3.5 STARS -ROUNDED UP
This is the final story of a 16 book series. Some parts were repetitive in this story’s especially about the h’s figure. I think I’ve read all the books in the series. Maybe that’s why some of the last ones just seem to have names changed and same premise.
I can’t improve on the blurb, so just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. The two fall hard and some of their banter was funny. Loved the relationship the H had with his brothers and the h with her dad.
No cheating, you’d enjoy this more if at least read some of the earlier books, HEA, lovemaking within marraige-bedroom door less than 1/2 way opened. Some violence, and suspense. The family always sent money home to Ireland and I was hoping to meet the mother. In the earlier books, they always talked about her words of wisdom.
The ending was very satisfying. After you invest so much time reading a series you want to see it end on a high note and this one certainly did. I really enjoyed the epilogue giving us a look at their future 8 years ahead and then 10 years, I thought it was unique! (ljb)
This is the final story of a 16 book series. Some parts were repetitive in this story’s especially about the h’s figure. I think I’ve read all the books in the series. Maybe that’s why some of the last ones just seem to have names changed and same premise.
I can’t improve on the blurb, so just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. The two fall hard and some of their banter was funny. Loved the relationship the H had with his brothers and the h with her dad.
No cheating, you’d enjoy this more if at least read some of the earlier books, HEA, lovemaking within marraige-bedroom door less than 1/2 way opened. Some violence, and suspense. The family always sent money home to Ireland and I was hoping to meet the mother. In the earlier books, they always talked about her words of wisdom.
The ending was very satisfying. After you invest so much time reading a series you want to see it end on a high note and this one certainly did. I really enjoyed the epilogue giving us a look at their future 8 years ahead and then 10 years, I thought it was unique! (ljb)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley. This the last book in the series and as good as every other book in the series. This is the youngest of the Flaherty brothers and the only one of the cousins not married. Fenton is out on patrol when he finds someone shooting at him from behind. He takes a leap over the cliff into the sea. Eileen is out by the ea and sees him. With the tide's help she pulls him in and her dad comes along to help her time him to their cottage. He has a bullet hole from the back to front and a slice in the forehead. Her Dad tells him right away he expects a wedding between his daughter and Fenton. As he is returning to his home a shoot comes again and his scalp has been hit enough to knock him out. They decide to keep it quiet he is still alive. To catch the man shooting at him they decide to hold a wake. They decide not to tell Eileen he is alive. They have the wake and catch the guy. Then they have a wedding with the special license the Duke sent. Much to happen yet.
May 24, 2026
The last of the cousin’s get his story…..a wonderful last story of 16 men all vowed to protect the Duke and his extended family . Fenton’s pride causes grief for Eileen, the very woman he adores from afar. Their fiery nature is a sight to behold, with wonderful banner, sigh worthy chemistry, adventure, danger and love all wrapped into one. I loved Fenton’s protectiveness and Eileen’s independent streak. The scene where all the Flaherty brothers come together was rather funny, especially how they teased Fenton while he could do nothing about it! The epilogues are always fun, especially to see what the future holds for them all. It is rather sad to see this series end will miss each and every character.
I received this story for free and these are my own views.
I received this story for free and these are my own views.
May 27, 2026
Fenton's HEA
Stubborn Fenton more than meets his match in feisty Eileen. Although why she risked life and limb to save him after he was shit, jumped off of a cliff to escape his pursuers, and almost knocked senseless in the raging sea is the stuff of love stories. If you like love that can stand up to misunderstandings, headstrong heroes, and determined heroines, along with danger and close family thrown in, then you'll enjoy this edition of The Duke's Guard. You'll enjoy it more if you start at the beginning which will introduce you to this honorable and intriguing band of brothers and cousins who guard well and love deeply.
Stubborn Fenton more than meets his match in feisty Eileen. Although why she risked life and limb to save him after he was shit, jumped off of a cliff to escape his pursuers, and almost knocked senseless in the raging sea is the stuff of love stories. If you like love that can stand up to misunderstandings, headstrong heroes, and determined heroines, along with danger and close family thrown in, then you'll enjoy this edition of The Duke's Guard. You'll enjoy it more if you start at the beginning which will introduce you to this honorable and intriguing band of brothers and cousins who guard well and love deeply.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved Fenton even though sometimes his mouth opens before his brain kicks in and it can cause trouble. Eileen is a great match for him. The story is well written, full of romance and danger. I love that it has an Epilogue and especially the Extended Epilogue. It’s a great story worth reading. I hate that this is the last story of the Duke’s Guard, wish the author could find another cousin or two. For the last book, the cover is exceptional.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2026
This historical romance is part of a series that concerns the sixteen members of the Duke's bodyguards. They are all related, either brothers or cousins. Apart from telling you they are big handsome Irish men who have sworn to protect the Duke and the extended family with their lives, I won't spoil your reading by telling you more about them.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading ever book in the series. Each one is different and very exciting. Our heroine this time is a very brave woman.
I loved it.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading ever book in the series. Each one is different and very exciting. Our heroine this time is a very brave woman.
I loved it.
May 24, 2026
Excellent!
Another excellent Duke’s Guard book! The characters are great. The plot is great. They kept me turning pages until I finished the book. I’m sad that this is the last book in the series. Every book has been excellent! So if you are looking for something to read, definitely give this series a try.
Another excellent Duke’s Guard book! The characters are great. The plot is great. They kept me turning pages until I finished the book. I’m sad that this is the last book in the series. Every book has been excellent! So if you are looking for something to read, definitely give this series a try.
May 24, 2026
praise for a great book!
I dearly loved Eileen and Fenton’s story!
C.H. Has a wonderful way of telling a story that keeps you entertained all the way through.
If this is a new to you book I encourage you to read the full series.
She’s an author I read and reread.
I dearly loved Eileen and Fenton’s story!
C.H. Has a wonderful way of telling a story that keeps you entertained all the way through.
If this is a new to you book I encourage you to read the full series.
She’s an author I read and reread.
May 27, 2026
This was the first book that I have read in this series and I enjoyed it such that I need to go to the beginning now
It is fast and furious lots of drama and a bit of romance , misunderstandings and kissing and makeups.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy
It is fast and furious lots of drama and a bit of romance , misunderstandings and kissing and makeups.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2026
The Dukes blade
As always a lovely yarn about the Irish guarding the Dukes family and friends. Thoroughly enjoyed a good story with strong men and feisty women.
As always a lovely yarn about the Irish guarding the Dukes family and friends. Thoroughly enjoyed a good story with strong men and feisty women.
June 2, 2026
What a finish to this series! As always, these Irishmen draw you into their world and keep your heart. The tale is full of heart stopping moments and action keeping you riveted until the end. Only the knowledge that a new series will come with some of the secondary characters keeps me from regretting the ending of this one.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews