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Capturing the Carlisles #3
As the Devil Dares
When playing a game of wits, never ever go up against the woman they call the Hellion . . .
LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD...
Whether it's business or pleasure, Lord Robert Carlisle never backs down from a dare. But finding a husband for scandalous Mariah Winslow? It's one challenge he instantly regrets accepting. Even with all his connections—and rakish charms—Robert will have to use every trick in the book to marry off a woman with no dowry and no sense of decorum...no matter how stunningly beautiful she is.
Mariah Winslow has no intention of being a pawn in Lord Robert's game. She knows he agreed to play matchmaker only to secure a partnership in her father's shipping company, a partnership that's rightfully hers. For now, though, she'll dress for the elegant balls he throws and dance with the eligible bachelors he chooses. But she won't be outwitted by the devil himself—no matter how tempting and irresistible she finds him.
LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD...
Whether it's business or pleasure, Lord Robert Carlisle never backs down from a dare. But finding a husband for scandalous Mariah Winslow? It's one challenge he instantly regrets accepting. Even with all his connections—and rakish charms—Robert will have to use every trick in the book to marry off a woman with no dowry and no sense of decorum...no matter how stunningly beautiful she is.
Mariah Winslow has no intention of being a pawn in Lord Robert's game. She knows he agreed to play matchmaker only to secure a partnership in her father's shipping company, a partnership that's rightfully hers. For now, though, she'll dress for the elegant balls he throws and dance with the eligible bachelors he chooses. But she won't be outwitted by the devil himself—no matter how tempting and irresistible she finds him.
341 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 6, 2018
60 people are currently reading
976 people want to read
About the author
Anna Harrington
41 books772 followersI fell in love with historical romances and all things Regency—and especially all those dashing Regency heroes—while living in England, where I spent most of my time studying the Romantic poets, reading Jane Austen, and getting lost all over the English countryside.
When I read my first Regency romance in 2012, I was hooked and longed to create my own independent and spirited heroines and dashing heroes. The best part of writing historical romances is falling into history—to live in the world of Regency England through my characters, with dazzling balls, beautiful dresses, and gorgeous houses that I would otherwise never be able to experience. I love the period’s rich history and find that all those rules of etiquette and propriety can be worked to the heroine’s advantage…if she’s daring enough to seize her dreams.
In addition to earning my degrees in the U.S., I have studied theatre in London, Mexican history in Guadalajara, and Spanish in Ecuador. I am an avid traveler and have enjoyed visiting schools and volunteering with children's organizations in Peru, Ecuador, Thailand, and Mexico, and I have amassed thousands of photos I unleash on unsuspecting friends who dare to ask about my travels.
I love to be outdoors! I've been hiking in Alaska, the Andes, and the Alps, including one week spent dangling off the via ferrata in the Italian Dolomites, and I love whitewater rafting (when I don't fall in!). I earned my pilot’s license at Chicago Midway (To all the controllers in Chicago Center—I greatly apologize for every problem I caused for you and Southwest Airlines), and it is my dream to one-day fly in a hot-air balloon over Africa.
I adore all things chocolate, shamelessly dive into ice cream of any flavor, and guzzle Kona coffee by the gallon. A Doctor Who fanatic (everyone says my house is bigger on the inside), I am a terrible cook who hopes to one day use my oven for something other than shoe storage. When I'm not writing, I like to spend my time trying not to kill the innocent rose bushes in my garden.
When I read my first Regency romance in 2012, I was hooked and longed to create my own independent and spirited heroines and dashing heroes. The best part of writing historical romances is falling into history—to live in the world of Regency England through my characters, with dazzling balls, beautiful dresses, and gorgeous houses that I would otherwise never be able to experience. I love the period’s rich history and find that all those rules of etiquette and propriety can be worked to the heroine’s advantage…if she’s daring enough to seize her dreams.
In addition to earning my degrees in the U.S., I have studied theatre in London, Mexican history in Guadalajara, and Spanish in Ecuador. I am an avid traveler and have enjoyed visiting schools and volunteering with children's organizations in Peru, Ecuador, Thailand, and Mexico, and I have amassed thousands of photos I unleash on unsuspecting friends who dare to ask about my travels.
I love to be outdoors! I've been hiking in Alaska, the Andes, and the Alps, including one week spent dangling off the via ferrata in the Italian Dolomites, and I love whitewater rafting (when I don't fall in!). I earned my pilot’s license at Chicago Midway (To all the controllers in Chicago Center—I greatly apologize for every problem I caused for you and Southwest Airlines), and it is my dream to one-day fly in a hot-air balloon over Africa.
I adore all things chocolate, shamelessly dive into ice cream of any flavor, and guzzle Kona coffee by the gallon. A Doctor Who fanatic (everyone says my house is bigger on the inside), I am a terrible cook who hopes to one day use my oven for something other than shoe storage. When I'm not writing, I like to spend my time trying not to kill the innocent rose bushes in my garden.
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October 12, 2022
RTC
my carrd ❦
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
my carrd ❦
February 28, 2018
Series: Capturing the Carlisles #3
Publication Date: 3/6/18
Hellion meets Hellion and it is off to the races we go. I had a hard time figuring out who I liked better in this book – the hero or the heroine. I finally just decided it was a toss-up because they were both wonderfully engaging characters. As always, Ms. Harrington’s writing was superb and the story was well plotted and didn’t leave us with any loose ends. Well – except – I was left wondering toward the end – which of the outcomes befell Robert’s brothers? Did they pay the innkeeper or did they end of in gaol? They obviously didn’t end up dead. Sorry – I won’t explain – you’ll just have to read it. ** smiles **. I’d also like to see an HEA for Evie, Mariah’s sister – maybe that will be an upcoming book! I loved this quote from Mariah – while she is talking with her sister – “Glass slippers will cut you, Cinderella.”
Robert Carlisle is the middle of the three brothers. Like his brothers, he is an Adonis, tall, blonde, broad of shoulder and handsome as the devil. Also like his brothers, he took the death of his father very, very hard and blamed himself for it. Since that awful night when his father died, Robert has been trying to prove himself to his father by becoming the responsible and successful man his father would be proud of. Robert is also a very, very intelligent man and has made great strides in developing his own fortune. One thing he wants above all others is a partnership in Winslow Shipping, the largest privately owned merchant company in the British Empire. Finally, he has a meeting with Henry Winslow and is offered a partnership – but – there is a caveat to that partnership. Robert must provide Winslow’s oldest daughter with a season AND have her married the end of the season. Robert blanches when he hears that news – after all – Winslow’s daughter is known as The Hellion for a very, very good reason. The Carlisle brothers were the scourge of Mayfair, and the Winslow sisters are their female equivalents.
Mariah Winslow was still very young when her mother died. She adored her mother and for a very long time, she blamed herself for her mother’s death from fever. If only she hadn’t begged her mother to take them to the park on that damp day … But she finally came to realize that it wasn’t her fault. She also adored her father and had followed him around like a little puppy since she was very, very young. Since he loved having her around, he allowed it. That fostered her interest in the company and she learned all she could about the business hoping and praying that someday he’d make her a partner. She loved the business, it was part of her heart and soul and she was better at it than any man she knew – not bragging, just truth. Just imagine her mortification when, after her latest escapade, her father tells her that he’s brought in a partner and that partner will be providing her with a season and that she WILL be married by the end of the season. Crushed, heartbroken and very determined to assure that doesn’t happen, Mariah begins her season. Her favorite thing and her best revenge is to do everything she can to enrage, aggravate, embarrass, etc. Robert – and she is very good at her favorite thing!
These two are on a real roller coaster ride. They want to despise each other – and they are sure that they do – but there is an attraction there. They spend time together and get to know each other and start to admit they actually care – and then betrayal (or not) raises its ugly head.
This is a lovely read with page-turning excitement throughout. You’ll want to read it straight through because you’ll just have to know what happens next. Will she pour mop water over his head? Embarrass him into climbing a tree and getting scratched by a cat? Deliberate spill champagne on his jacket? Who knows – all sorts of shenanigans happen and you won’t be able to keep up with them unless you read the book.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 3/6/18
Hellion meets Hellion and it is off to the races we go. I had a hard time figuring out who I liked better in this book – the hero or the heroine. I finally just decided it was a toss-up because they were both wonderfully engaging characters. As always, Ms. Harrington’s writing was superb and the story was well plotted and didn’t leave us with any loose ends. Well – except – I was left wondering toward the end – which of the outcomes befell Robert’s brothers? Did they pay the innkeeper or did they end of in gaol? They obviously didn’t end up dead. Sorry – I won’t explain – you’ll just have to read it. ** smiles **. I’d also like to see an HEA for Evie, Mariah’s sister – maybe that will be an upcoming book! I loved this quote from Mariah – while she is talking with her sister – “Glass slippers will cut you, Cinderella.”
Robert Carlisle is the middle of the three brothers. Like his brothers, he is an Adonis, tall, blonde, broad of shoulder and handsome as the devil. Also like his brothers, he took the death of his father very, very hard and blamed himself for it. Since that awful night when his father died, Robert has been trying to prove himself to his father by becoming the responsible and successful man his father would be proud of. Robert is also a very, very intelligent man and has made great strides in developing his own fortune. One thing he wants above all others is a partnership in Winslow Shipping, the largest privately owned merchant company in the British Empire. Finally, he has a meeting with Henry Winslow and is offered a partnership – but – there is a caveat to that partnership. Robert must provide Winslow’s oldest daughter with a season AND have her married the end of the season. Robert blanches when he hears that news – after all – Winslow’s daughter is known as The Hellion for a very, very good reason. The Carlisle brothers were the scourge of Mayfair, and the Winslow sisters are their female equivalents.
Mariah Winslow was still very young when her mother died. She adored her mother and for a very long time, she blamed herself for her mother’s death from fever. If only she hadn’t begged her mother to take them to the park on that damp day … But she finally came to realize that it wasn’t her fault. She also adored her father and had followed him around like a little puppy since she was very, very young. Since he loved having her around, he allowed it. That fostered her interest in the company and she learned all she could about the business hoping and praying that someday he’d make her a partner. She loved the business, it was part of her heart and soul and she was better at it than any man she knew – not bragging, just truth. Just imagine her mortification when, after her latest escapade, her father tells her that he’s brought in a partner and that partner will be providing her with a season and that she WILL be married by the end of the season. Crushed, heartbroken and very determined to assure that doesn’t happen, Mariah begins her season. Her favorite thing and her best revenge is to do everything she can to enrage, aggravate, embarrass, etc. Robert – and she is very good at her favorite thing!
These two are on a real roller coaster ride. They want to despise each other – and they are sure that they do – but there is an attraction there. They spend time together and get to know each other and start to admit they actually care – and then betrayal (or not) raises its ugly head.
This is a lovely read with page-turning excitement throughout. You’ll want to read it straight through because you’ll just have to know what happens next. Will she pour mop water over his head? Embarrass him into climbing a tree and getting scratched by a cat? Deliberate spill champagne on his jacket? Who knows – all sorts of shenanigans happen and you won’t be able to keep up with them unless you read the book.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
March 4, 2018
As the Devil Dares by Anna Harrington is book Three in the "Capturing the Carlisles" Series. This is the story of Lord Robert Carlisle and Mariah Winslow. I have read the other books in this series (and Loved them!) but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Robert has been building up his wealth and connections for the past two years his main desire is to be a partner in the Winslow Shipping and Trade. Winslow Shipping and Trade is owned and operated by Henry Winslow, it is one of the biggest Merchant shipping company in Britain. One day while talking to Mr. Winslow about what Robert heard that Mr. Winslow might be expanding shipping routes and adding a partner, Robert learns that Mr. Winslow's daughters are a issue for him. Mr. Winslow goes on to say that his daughters, Mariah and Evelyn are in their seven and fifth season and with the oldest Mariah has a nickname 'The Hellion'. While talking 'The Hellion' was heard to be racing down the street with her sister by her side. Mr. Winslow turns to Robert and reports if Robert can find a respectable Gentleman by the last day of Parliament (about 7 months) to Marry Mariah, that he will give Robert a 20% partnership in his company. That is a deal Robert can't turned down.
Mariah had always had hopes of becoming a partner in her father's business and had no real attention of marrying. But when she learns what her father and Robert are doing she doesn't take it well.
Both Mariah and Robert where characters that you really enjoyed reading about. They had similar issues with a parents death and feeling responsible for it.
I found this book hard to put down! Just Loved it!!
Robert has been building up his wealth and connections for the past two years his main desire is to be a partner in the Winslow Shipping and Trade. Winslow Shipping and Trade is owned and operated by Henry Winslow, it is one of the biggest Merchant shipping company in Britain. One day while talking to Mr. Winslow about what Robert heard that Mr. Winslow might be expanding shipping routes and adding a partner, Robert learns that Mr. Winslow's daughters are a issue for him. Mr. Winslow goes on to say that his daughters, Mariah and Evelyn are in their seven and fifth season and with the oldest Mariah has a nickname 'The Hellion'. While talking 'The Hellion' was heard to be racing down the street with her sister by her side. Mr. Winslow turns to Robert and reports if Robert can find a respectable Gentleman by the last day of Parliament (about 7 months) to Marry Mariah, that he will give Robert a 20% partnership in his company. That is a deal Robert can't turned down.
Mariah had always had hopes of becoming a partner in her father's business and had no real attention of marrying. But when she learns what her father and Robert are doing she doesn't take it well.
Both Mariah and Robert where characters that you really enjoyed reading about. They had similar issues with a parents death and feeling responsible for it.
I found this book hard to put down! Just Loved it!!
October 7, 2019
Fun and witty story.
October 2, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! I think so far it's been my favorite in the series.
March 7, 2018
'Death by kitten!'
An hilarious scene that shows a deft writing skill, alleviating the tensions that permeate 'As the Devil Dare.' Laced with humor, personal anguish and regret are strong undercurrents in this fascinating portrayal of a woman trying to find her place in a man's world and a Lord who blames himself for the death of his father, trying to appease his conscience.
Lord Robert Carlisle is desperate for a partnership in Winslow Shipping Company, desperate to prove himself. Mariah Winslow is equally as desperate to show her father that she can run a business, that she has the wherewithal and intelligence to be a part of the world she loves. Henry Winslow proposes to Carlisle that he will become a partner if he can provide Mariah with a proper season, and marry her off. Mariah dubbed the 'Hellion' by society has a deep seated attachment to an orphanage run by her mother, a place unbeknownst to her has been targeted for development. Carlisle and Mariah are at odds from the beginning and their differing desires are set to collide.
Tension, drama and romance heat up the pages.
A NetGalley ARC
An hilarious scene that shows a deft writing skill, alleviating the tensions that permeate 'As the Devil Dare.' Laced with humor, personal anguish and regret are strong undercurrents in this fascinating portrayal of a woman trying to find her place in a man's world and a Lord who blames himself for the death of his father, trying to appease his conscience.
Lord Robert Carlisle is desperate for a partnership in Winslow Shipping Company, desperate to prove himself. Mariah Winslow is equally as desperate to show her father that she can run a business, that she has the wherewithal and intelligence to be a part of the world she loves. Henry Winslow proposes to Carlisle that he will become a partner if he can provide Mariah with a proper season, and marry her off. Mariah dubbed the 'Hellion' by society has a deep seated attachment to an orphanage run by her mother, a place unbeknownst to her has been targeted for development. Carlisle and Mariah are at odds from the beginning and their differing desires are set to collide.
Tension, drama and romance heat up the pages.
A NetGalley ARC
March 7, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
We are back with the Carlisle brothers. I discovered Anna Harrington last year and have enjoyed the previous two books in this series a lot. The Carlisle brothers were basically big troublemakers who are now finding love and cleaning up their act. In AS THE DEVIL DARES we finally come to Robert Carlisle, the last brother who actually blames himself for the death of his father and has sworn to become a successful businessman to make his father proud of him and how he's changed.
To do that, he's decided he needs to secure a partnership at Winslow Shipping. And Mr. Winslow will grant him that if he can help his eldest daughter marry by the end of the season. Of course, he can't be one of the suitors because he would then loose the partnership. Mariah Winslow is also known for her crazy antics, even having the nickname of Hellion, and she wants nothing more in life than to be given that partnership at her father's company. She doesn't care about balls and dresses, or finding a husband. Her family's legacy and business is her mission in life and Robert Carlisle is now standing in the way of it.
This was a great addition to the series, but it wasn't necessarily my favorite. I liked Robert and Mariah and I thought they were great together! There was an ease to their interactions and I thought they were the perfect match for each other. But at the same time, some of it got a little boring and the pacing dragged a bit. I wish there would've been a little more excitement. This was definitely a very toned down version of Robert and I think some of the fun of the novel was missing.
Nevertheless, this was an entertaining read and I have enjoyed these brothers stories a lot. I'm not sure if there's room for more in this series (maybe Mariah's sister??) but I would definitely continue reading it and I'm looking forward to the next book by Ms. Harrington.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
March 6, 2018
Lord Robert Carlisle harbors tremendous guilt; his way of making amends – by being the best he can be in his personal life but especially in business. An opportunity arises to be the best when he’s offered a partnership in the most prestigious shipping company around. The only caveat – he must find a husband for the widowed owner’s only daughter. An easy task that Robert happily accepts – thinking he can foist the details off on his family with little interaction from him.
Mariah Winslow lives and breathes her father’s shipping company. The only thing that would make her truly happy is a partnership in the company. A husband is definitely not part of the plan. She’s devastated to learn her father has offered a partnership to man in return for his finding her a husband. A task she’s determined he shall fail at.
What Robert hasn’t counted on is his desire to spend time with this spitfire. Mariah hasn’t counted on falling in love with his family. Who will be the winner of this game? And what price are they willing to pay to emerge victorious?
As usual, Anna Harrington has infused her characters with strength and determination, with a touch of vulnerability and a dash of humor. Each book in the Capturing the Carlisles has been fantastic and As the Devil Dares is no exception. Hoping there’s more to come in this entertaining family.
Mariah Winslow lives and breathes her father’s shipping company. The only thing that would make her truly happy is a partnership in the company. A husband is definitely not part of the plan. She’s devastated to learn her father has offered a partnership to man in return for his finding her a husband. A task she’s determined he shall fail at.
What Robert hasn’t counted on is his desire to spend time with this spitfire. Mariah hasn’t counted on falling in love with his family. Who will be the winner of this game? And what price are they willing to pay to emerge victorious?
As usual, Anna Harrington has infused her characters with strength and determination, with a touch of vulnerability and a dash of humor. Each book in the Capturing the Carlisles has been fantastic and As the Devil Dares is no exception. Hoping there’s more to come in this entertaining family.
March 21, 2018
Anna Harrington has made a solid name for herself in historical romance with quality writing and interesting characters. As The Devil Dares, book three in her Capturing the Carlisles series, brought out the fierce competitive side of its hero and heroine, as each sought to achieve success for personal reasons. The unexpected fascination that the leads in this story discovered they had for each other, quickly showed itself to be hampering them from obtaining their individual agendas and pit them against each other.
Wit and angst parlayed well throughout this work as this pair was faced with choices that presented the ultimate quandary of sacrifice for love over ambition. Mariah carried the burden of being misunderstood and underappreciated, as she struggled with the unwanted role of being the compliant woman her father and society expected her to be, even as Robert 's ambition was driven by his own misguided guilt of what he though his deceased father would have expected of him. Ms. Harrington does a great job of remaining true to her characters time period, yet showing them to have aspirations that were forward thinking in spite of the social constraints of their time. The catch and release interactions in this romance will keep readers curious and eager to see what awaits this pair as their attraction plays out. While a slow build up set the stage for this work it was its fast paced ending and character revelations that made this a standout read. Anna Harrington adds another intriguing couple to her growing historical romance repertoire in As The Devil Dares.
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone. *
Wit and angst parlayed well throughout this work as this pair was faced with choices that presented the ultimate quandary of sacrifice for love over ambition. Mariah carried the burden of being misunderstood and underappreciated, as she struggled with the unwanted role of being the compliant woman her father and society expected her to be, even as Robert 's ambition was driven by his own misguided guilt of what he though his deceased father would have expected of him. Ms. Harrington does a great job of remaining true to her characters time period, yet showing them to have aspirations that were forward thinking in spite of the social constraints of their time. The catch and release interactions in this romance will keep readers curious and eager to see what awaits this pair as their attraction plays out. While a slow build up set the stage for this work it was its fast paced ending and character revelations that made this a standout read. Anna Harrington adds another intriguing couple to her growing historical romance repertoire in As The Devil Dares.
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone. *
July 22, 2022
3,5 - Giunta al terzo volume, devo rilevare che questa serie mi stando l'impressione d'essere in calando.
Se il primo volume dedicato ai fratelli Carlisle era stato piacevole, i fratelli successivi risultano deludenti, per non dire odiosi. Esattamente l'opposto dell'eroe maschile che ci si aspetterebbe in questo genere dei romanzi.
Robert, ad esempio, dopo il (solito) periodo dissoluto ha deciso di riciclarsi nel commercio, entrando in affari con il signor Winslow, imprenditore mercantile di successo. Ma, come scopre da subito, quest'ultimo non sa che farsene del (solito) cadetto smidollato, se non per sfruttarne nome e prestigio a proprio vantaggio: quindi Robert otterrà ciò che vuole se organizzerà la presentazione in società e procurerà un buon partito per la figlia Mariah.
Nulla di così sconvolgente: il signor Wilson è un volpone, Robert non si è esattamente spaccato la schiena sinora e certo non vuole fare la gavetta come tutti; sennonché Mariah non è la (solita) erede senza nobili natali da sistemare: è in gamba, ha fiuto imprenditoriale, ha tentato fin da piccola di ritagliarsi un posticino nell'azienda di famiglia.
La sua pecca è solamente la (solita) appartenenza al sesso debole.
E già da qui lo sviluppo ha cominciato a irritarmi, dal padre che non la considera, a Robert che irride i suoi sforzi, considerandola una specie di bisbetica che vuole solo scandalizzare e non si accontenta come tutte le altre.
Nel complesso, c'è uno punto iniziale interessante, annacquato per strada proprio a causa causa di un personaggio maschile borioso e abituato a vincere sempre.
Inoltre, invece di tenere dritta la barra sulla personalità di Mariah, l'autrice riesce a farla avvitare su se stessa, infilando quella che poteva essere una giovane donna dinamica e coraggiosa nella (solita) sfida a resistere al corteggiamento amoroso.
E non capisco perché una ragazza non possa essere determinata e ambiziosa, a prescindere dall'affibbiarle un lato buonista a tutti i costi. Non si può essere ambiziose e basta?
Inutile dire che avrei preso a ceffoni Robert e il padre di lei, che non si sforzano minimamente di comprenderla, perché è lei a restare quella "sbagliata".
Una lettura quindi discreta, a tratti più mal di fegato che svago, almeno per mio gusto.
Se il primo volume dedicato ai fratelli Carlisle era stato piacevole, i fratelli successivi risultano deludenti, per non dire odiosi. Esattamente l'opposto dell'eroe maschile che ci si aspetterebbe in questo genere dei romanzi.
Robert, ad esempio, dopo il (solito) periodo dissoluto ha deciso di riciclarsi nel commercio, entrando in affari con il signor Winslow, imprenditore mercantile di successo. Ma, come scopre da subito, quest'ultimo non sa che farsene del (solito) cadetto smidollato, se non per sfruttarne nome e prestigio a proprio vantaggio: quindi Robert otterrà ciò che vuole se organizzerà la presentazione in società e procurerà un buon partito per la figlia Mariah.
Nulla di così sconvolgente: il signor Wilson è un volpone, Robert non si è esattamente spaccato la schiena sinora e certo non vuole fare la gavetta come tutti; sennonché Mariah non è la (solita) erede senza nobili natali da sistemare: è in gamba, ha fiuto imprenditoriale, ha tentato fin da piccola di ritagliarsi un posticino nell'azienda di famiglia.
La sua pecca è solamente la (solita) appartenenza al sesso debole.
E già da qui lo sviluppo ha cominciato a irritarmi, dal padre che non la considera, a Robert che irride i suoi sforzi, considerandola una specie di bisbetica che vuole solo scandalizzare e non si accontenta come tutte le altre.
Nel complesso, c'è uno punto iniziale interessante, annacquato per strada proprio a causa causa di un personaggio maschile borioso e abituato a vincere sempre.
Inoltre, invece di tenere dritta la barra sulla personalità di Mariah, l'autrice riesce a farla avvitare su se stessa, infilando quella che poteva essere una giovane donna dinamica e coraggiosa nella (solita) sfida a resistere al corteggiamento amoroso.
E non capisco perché una ragazza non possa essere determinata e ambiziosa, a prescindere dall'affibbiarle un lato buonista a tutti i costi. Non si può essere ambiziose e basta?
Inutile dire che avrei preso a ceffoni Robert e il padre di lei, che non si sforzano minimamente di comprenderla, perché è lei a restare quella "sbagliata".
Una lettura quindi discreta, a tratti più mal di fegato che svago, almeno per mio gusto.
April 9, 2018
3.5
Two strong-minded people. They both have clear ambitions. It's time for some verbal sparring and battle of wits. Who will be the first to call a truce or surrender ?
Even if his two brothers found marriage bliss, Robert Carlisle doesn't intend to follow in their footsteps and marry. But his professional aspirations will change all that.
It's not in Mariah Winslow's plan to be a dutiful wife either. She dream to work alongside her father in the shipping family's business and never hide it from him but her father stubbornly refuse to make her a partner and despair that his oldest will ever find a husband that will moderate her audacious behavior.
For Robert, the only chance to redeem himself from his reckless past is to become a successful businessman. That's why when he heard that Henry Winslow was searching for a partner, Robert jumped at the chance to be a part of one of the largest merchant company in the British Empire. But there's a catch... If he wants the partnership, he's gonna have to use his connections to help Henry's daughter find suitors so she can marry. Not happy with the task, Robert still think it shouldn't be that difficult, but that was before meeting the sharp-minded and bold lady. Can he achieve the assignment without losing his mind (or his heart) ? Will Mariah be able to win the partnership that the infuriating man is trying to take away from her ?
As someone who is charmed by kindness and humor, deception is obviously not a favorite trope of mine. That's why I was happily surprised that right from the start, the hero didn't hide from the heroine the deal he made with her father to find her a husband. Mariah was so confident, so sure of what she wanted so she needed a man who would love her for you she was and her nonconformity. Not sure that Robert always fit that because he was too focus on his ambitions that it made him appeared selfish at time, which frustrated me. He had his moments but I don't think he was the most memorable, endearing or exciting hero.
I had more fun reading about the heroine's complicity with her sister and the touching relationship she developed with Robert's mother. It sound like I didn't like this book but that's not it. It just feel like all I can remember is Robert's shortcoming because he didn't have the sensibility of a typical romance hero.
Two strong-minded people. They both have clear ambitions. It's time for some verbal sparring and battle of wits. Who will be the first to call a truce or surrender ?
Even if his two brothers found marriage bliss, Robert Carlisle doesn't intend to follow in their footsteps and marry. But his professional aspirations will change all that.
It's not in Mariah Winslow's plan to be a dutiful wife either. She dream to work alongside her father in the shipping family's business and never hide it from him but her father stubbornly refuse to make her a partner and despair that his oldest will ever find a husband that will moderate her audacious behavior.
For Robert, the only chance to redeem himself from his reckless past is to become a successful businessman. That's why when he heard that Henry Winslow was searching for a partner, Robert jumped at the chance to be a part of one of the largest merchant company in the British Empire. But there's a catch... If he wants the partnership, he's gonna have to use his connections to help Henry's daughter find suitors so she can marry. Not happy with the task, Robert still think it shouldn't be that difficult, but that was before meeting the sharp-minded and bold lady. Can he achieve the assignment without losing his mind (or his heart) ? Will Mariah be able to win the partnership that the infuriating man is trying to take away from her ?
As someone who is charmed by kindness and humor, deception is obviously not a favorite trope of mine. That's why I was happily surprised that right from the start, the hero didn't hide from the heroine the deal he made with her father to find her a husband. Mariah was so confident, so sure of what she wanted so she needed a man who would love her for you she was and her nonconformity. Not sure that Robert always fit that because he was too focus on his ambitions that it made him appeared selfish at time, which frustrated me. He had his moments but I don't think he was the most memorable, endearing or exciting hero.
I had more fun reading about the heroine's complicity with her sister and the touching relationship she developed with Robert's mother. It sound like I didn't like this book but that's not it. It just feel like all I can remember is Robert's shortcoming because he didn't have the sensibility of a typical romance hero.
February 9, 2018
Anna Harrington has quickly become a one click author for me when I need to have my historical romance fix! As the Devil Dares is book three in the Capturing the Carlisles series, and it is Robert and Mariah's story.
Robert is the last Carlisle brother who has yet to marry. He's loving being a single man enjoying what pleasures he may find. He has been laser focused of late on proving himself to his family by succeeding on the business front. When offered a chance to become a partner in Winslow Shipping, he jumps at the chance. Then the stipulations ensue. The biggest being he must help Winslow's oldest daughter, Mariah, with her upcoming season and to find a suitable husband. He accepts the challenge not realizing how difficult it may actually be. Mariah offers suitors no dowry, or options to join the family business. And with her hell-raising antics well known, he has possibly bitten off more than he can chew! She's known as The Hellion for gosh sakes!
Mariah has only ever wanted to sit by her father's side and run the family business. She knows the business inside and out. Unfortunately, her father doesn't think the wharves are where his daughter should be. No, he promised her late mother he would make sure that both their daughters would be proper ladies and find suitable husbands. He has no intention of allowing Mariah to be any formal part of the business.
Robert is forced to escort Mariah to various balls, teas, and soirees throughout the season. The more he accompanies her, the more he wants no one to come calling to court her. No one is good enough for her-except himself of course! I loved Robert! Love literally hit him over the head! He had no idea! I also absolutely loved Mariah and her fiery ways! She was a smart cookie. Most of the ordinary blokes couldn't even hold her interest yet alone talk with her intellectually! She truly was bored with anyone but Robert! He made her blood sizzle! Their banter back and forth was foreplay for these two! Scrumptious!
A delightful and entertaining read! Anna Harrington has a knack with her style of writing. I feel like I am right there witnessing the entire thing! I am so glad I started reading about the Carlisle brothers, as they have been a fun bunch to read about!
Robert is the last Carlisle brother who has yet to marry. He's loving being a single man enjoying what pleasures he may find. He has been laser focused of late on proving himself to his family by succeeding on the business front. When offered a chance to become a partner in Winslow Shipping, he jumps at the chance. Then the stipulations ensue. The biggest being he must help Winslow's oldest daughter, Mariah, with her upcoming season and to find a suitable husband. He accepts the challenge not realizing how difficult it may actually be. Mariah offers suitors no dowry, or options to join the family business. And with her hell-raising antics well known, he has possibly bitten off more than he can chew! She's known as The Hellion for gosh sakes!
Mariah has only ever wanted to sit by her father's side and run the family business. She knows the business inside and out. Unfortunately, her father doesn't think the wharves are where his daughter should be. No, he promised her late mother he would make sure that both their daughters would be proper ladies and find suitable husbands. He has no intention of allowing Mariah to be any formal part of the business.
Robert is forced to escort Mariah to various balls, teas, and soirees throughout the season. The more he accompanies her, the more he wants no one to come calling to court her. No one is good enough for her-except himself of course! I loved Robert! Love literally hit him over the head! He had no idea! I also absolutely loved Mariah and her fiery ways! She was a smart cookie. Most of the ordinary blokes couldn't even hold her interest yet alone talk with her intellectually! She truly was bored with anyone but Robert! He made her blood sizzle! Their banter back and forth was foreplay for these two! Scrumptious!
A delightful and entertaining read! Anna Harrington has a knack with her style of writing. I feel like I am right there witnessing the entire thing! I am so glad I started reading about the Carlisle brothers, as they have been a fun bunch to read about!
March 19, 2018
As the Devil Dares is part of the Capturing the Carlisles series, however you do not need to read the other two books in order to read this one. Just be warned that you will want to read the previous two titles once you meet this family.
Robert is determined to make his father proud, especially because of the events that occurred when his father passed away 2 years earlier. And to do that he HAS to be come partner with Winslow. Winslow wants his two daughters to be "ladys" in order to fulfill the promise he made to their mother. However Winslow's daughters have no desire to be ladys especially Mariah, otherwise known as the Hellion. Robert has to help Mariah have a season that ends in her marriage to an acceptable peer.....but Mariah wants to be her father's partner and not a lady or wife. At least she doesn't think she does.
Now these two have to figure out if winning the war against each other is more important than accepting the love they may find?
I have to say that I love Ms. Harrington's writing. It quickly pulls you into the story and leaves you eager to find out what's going to happen. I often find myself laughing out loud and smiling for no reason. The characters are well written and believable. The story is easy to follow and engaging. Ms. Harrington is becoming one of my top historical authors, as she stays true to the historical characters and ways of speaking without trying to turn them into characters who could be from today. Fans of historical romances with great characters, a wonderful setting, and a story that keeps you entertained and up reading all night need to pick up AS THE DEVIL DARES today! A great romance!!
Robert is determined to make his father proud, especially because of the events that occurred when his father passed away 2 years earlier. And to do that he HAS to be come partner with Winslow. Winslow wants his two daughters to be "ladys" in order to fulfill the promise he made to their mother. However Winslow's daughters have no desire to be ladys especially Mariah, otherwise known as the Hellion. Robert has to help Mariah have a season that ends in her marriage to an acceptable peer.....but Mariah wants to be her father's partner and not a lady or wife. At least she doesn't think she does.
Now these two have to figure out if winning the war against each other is more important than accepting the love they may find?
I have to say that I love Ms. Harrington's writing. It quickly pulls you into the story and leaves you eager to find out what's going to happen. I often find myself laughing out loud and smiling for no reason. The characters are well written and believable. The story is easy to follow and engaging. Ms. Harrington is becoming one of my top historical authors, as she stays true to the historical characters and ways of speaking without trying to turn them into characters who could be from today. Fans of historical romances with great characters, a wonderful setting, and a story that keeps you entertained and up reading all night need to pick up AS THE DEVIL DARES today! A great romance!!
January 16, 2025
This is my 9th book by Anna Harrington. I read book 1 from Secret Life of Scoundrels series back in 2021 but didn't get any more of her books. I read so much that back then I didn't really buy expensive books so I didn't get anymore. Now, If I really like an author, I don't mind and now I can wait until Kindle Rewards Double Points day and eventually earn a free book out it.
So I picked her up again in August, 2024 with book 1 of her new series, Dukes of Darkness and loved it. So I went back and got the rest of the Secret Life of Scoundrels series and loved them. So here we are, with another series by her. Don't take that it took me so long to read as any indication I didn't like it. After being in London all last week and the weather changes I got a sinus infection and have been miserable. So I haven't caught up on my reading as much as I hoped and actually barely read at all. Before London I was 12 books ahead of my goal, now I’m only 1 ahead ☹
I loved Robert and Mariah. I loved their story. I loved their personalities. I loved her compassion for others and love that his compassion grew because of her. Their chemistry was great. I even had tears at the end and I rarely cry at books. I think this has been my favorite so far. I am adding to my favorite reads list for Nov, 2024.
So I picked her up again in August, 2024 with book 1 of her new series, Dukes of Darkness and loved it. So I went back and got the rest of the Secret Life of Scoundrels series and loved them. So here we are, with another series by her. Don't take that it took me so long to read as any indication I didn't like it. After being in London all last week and the weather changes I got a sinus infection and have been miserable. So I haven't caught up on my reading as much as I hoped and actually barely read at all. Before London I was 12 books ahead of my goal, now I’m only 1 ahead ☹
I loved Robert and Mariah. I loved their story. I loved their personalities. I loved her compassion for others and love that his compassion grew because of her. Their chemistry was great. I even had tears at the end and I rarely cry at books. I think this has been my favorite so far. I am adding to my favorite reads list for Nov, 2024.
August 6, 2022
Najbolja iz serijala do sada! Osim meni najdražeg ljubav-mržnja odnosa između glavnih junaka, tu su i neke dublje teme i emocije koje su me ganule do suza. Ukratko - jako napeta i zanimljiva priča s dubinom. Jedva čekam nastavke. 😃
March 8, 2018
3.5 Stars as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-Kz
Robert Carlisle is determined to be a responsible and successful businessman, and to be the man his late father always hoped he would be. Robert’s rakish and dissolute lifestyle as a younger man indirectly led to his father’s death, and guilt has plagued him ever since. Winslow Shipping is the most successful business around, and if Robert could only become partner, he will finally feel that he’s achieved some of the success he so desperately craves. Winslow is willing to have Robert as a partner, but only if he succeeds in a task that seems nearly impossible, finding a husband for his daughter.
Mariah Winslow is now twenty-five, and is dubbed, “The Hellion,” for her outrageous actions that fall just short of causing her to be totally ruined. She has no interest in society, her only desire is to become a part of her father’s business and to continue to support her charity project, Gatewell School for Orphans. When her father puts his foot down and insists that Mariah partake in a real season, under threat of cutting off her allowance, Mariah has no choice but to reluctantly agree. Her anger and disappointment are directed at Robert, whose mother will sponsor her, and who is actively trying to marry her off. It enrages Mariah that her father is considering taking a stranger in as a partner in the family business, while she is soundly rejected.
Neither Robert nor Mariah wants to admit that they are greatly attracted to each other from the get-go, but despite their adversarial positions, they are. I admit that I’m not a fan of enemies-to-lovers stories, and this couple’s bickering and sniping was not something I enjoyed. They went from fighting to falling into each other’s arms, then back to fighting. Mariah, in particular, was a complex and contrary character. She devoted her time and money to her charity, and even worked tirelessly at the school. Then she could turn around and do immature things like purposefully spilling champagne and dumping dirty water on Robert. I’m conflicted about my feelings for this heroine, though I was more sympathetic to Robert, although his actions were not all aboveboard either. There are some touching moments and some wonderful secondary characters, in particular, Mariah’s friend, Whitby, who provides some lovely comical moments. If you enjoy a battle of the sexes, with no holds barred, and a hero and heroine with a steamy chemistry, AS THE DEVIL DARES may just be the read you’re looking for.
Robert Carlisle is determined to be a responsible and successful businessman, and to be the man his late father always hoped he would be. Robert’s rakish and dissolute lifestyle as a younger man indirectly led to his father’s death, and guilt has plagued him ever since. Winslow Shipping is the most successful business around, and if Robert could only become partner, he will finally feel that he’s achieved some of the success he so desperately craves. Winslow is willing to have Robert as a partner, but only if he succeeds in a task that seems nearly impossible, finding a husband for his daughter.
Mariah Winslow is now twenty-five, and is dubbed, “The Hellion,” for her outrageous actions that fall just short of causing her to be totally ruined. She has no interest in society, her only desire is to become a part of her father’s business and to continue to support her charity project, Gatewell School for Orphans. When her father puts his foot down and insists that Mariah partake in a real season, under threat of cutting off her allowance, Mariah has no choice but to reluctantly agree. Her anger and disappointment are directed at Robert, whose mother will sponsor her, and who is actively trying to marry her off. It enrages Mariah that her father is considering taking a stranger in as a partner in the family business, while she is soundly rejected.
Neither Robert nor Mariah wants to admit that they are greatly attracted to each other from the get-go, but despite their adversarial positions, they are. I admit that I’m not a fan of enemies-to-lovers stories, and this couple’s bickering and sniping was not something I enjoyed. They went from fighting to falling into each other’s arms, then back to fighting. Mariah, in particular, was a complex and contrary character. She devoted her time and money to her charity, and even worked tirelessly at the school. Then she could turn around and do immature things like purposefully spilling champagne and dumping dirty water on Robert. I’m conflicted about my feelings for this heroine, though I was more sympathetic to Robert, although his actions were not all aboveboard either. There are some touching moments and some wonderful secondary characters, in particular, Mariah’s friend, Whitby, who provides some lovely comical moments. If you enjoy a battle of the sexes, with no holds barred, and a hero and heroine with a steamy chemistry, AS THE DEVIL DARES may just be the read you’re looking for.
March 6, 2018
Lord Robert Carlisle is so close to making a deal with Henry Winslow of Winslow Shipping & Trade. He has worked two years for this and Winslow is finally ready to make a deal! Robert needs this partnership, he blames himself for his father's death and he needs to succeed so he will feel worthy of his father. He assures Winslow that he is the man for the job, he knows the business, he is unmarried and ready to devote 100% to Winslow Shipping & Trade. Their meeting is interrupted by a commotion outside, they look out the window in time to see a woman racing a phaeton down St. James. Winslow sighs and mutters that is why she is in her seventh season. When Robert asks what he means, Winslow tells him that was his elder daughter Mariah aka the Hellion. He makes Robert an offer, introduce Mariah to society and have her married off to an acceptable gentleman by the close of parliament and Winslow will give him a 20% share of the business. At first Robert is opposed, but 20%!!! He accepts, he will get his mother to help, Mariah is rich and beautiful - how hard could it be to marry her off??
Mariah Winslow loves two things, Winslow Shipping & Trade and the Gatewell School in St. Katharine's. Her greatest wish is to become a partner in her father's business, but to date he has been opposed. She has been pulling stunts and gaining a reputation as a Hellion to get her father's attention. When he calls her into his study to address her latest stunt, she plans to bring up her desire to work with him again. When he tells her he thinks she was right and that he needs a partner, she is elated, believing that he means her, but her joy is deflated when he introduces her to Lord Robert and tells her that he is his choice. And if that isn't bad enough her father gleefully tells her that Lord Robert is going to give her a proper season and find her a husband, just like her mother wanted! She doesn't want to marry, but her father makes it clear, if she doesn't cooperate fully, he will cut her off. She uses her pin money to fund the Gatewell School and would not jeopardize that for anything, because it is her last connection to her mother.
When her father is called out the room, Robert attempts to talk to Mariah, he is surprised that she wants to be a partner in the business, she doesn't want to marry and by her bluntness that her father only wants him for his political connections. He tells her he knows and while he is sure she would be a good partner, he will be better. She assures him that will not happen, because she is not going to be easy to marry off. He scoffs at that, until he learns the truth, she has no dowry, no promise of inheritance and her father will not let a son-in-law join the company. Robert then realizes what a huge task he has agreed to, but he has to succeed. She offers a parting shot, he won't get his partnership and she will not make it easy for him.
Let the games begin! Robert and Mariah enter the social whirl with the help of his mother and she learns a lot about him. She grudgingly begins to like and respect him, but that doesn't stop her from pushing him to the limit of his patience and accidently spilling things on him :) They share a bit about their pasts and a few heated kisses. They grow closer and it is clear that there is something between them, but neither is willing to give up their dreams for love.
When they finally make love Mariah hopes that Robert will choose her and it seems like he will and they might be able to have a future. But when she learns that he is responsible for a project that will destroy that which she holds most dear, she is heartbroken and doesn't give him a chance to explain. He loves her, he will not lose her! But this story is far from over and a misunderstanding leads to an incredibly amusing scene with a brawl and more drinks being dumped on him!
This was an amazing story of love, grief, forgiveness and acceptance. The story flows nicely, has a lot of witty banter, steamy love scenes, a little heartache, a little jealousy, a whiff of betrayal, a wonderful declaration scene and an absolutely beautiful epilogue. This is the third book in the series, but it could definitely be read as a stand alone title with no problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
Mariah Winslow loves two things, Winslow Shipping & Trade and the Gatewell School in St. Katharine's. Her greatest wish is to become a partner in her father's business, but to date he has been opposed. She has been pulling stunts and gaining a reputation as a Hellion to get her father's attention. When he calls her into his study to address her latest stunt, she plans to bring up her desire to work with him again. When he tells her he thinks she was right and that he needs a partner, she is elated, believing that he means her, but her joy is deflated when he introduces her to Lord Robert and tells her that he is his choice. And if that isn't bad enough her father gleefully tells her that Lord Robert is going to give her a proper season and find her a husband, just like her mother wanted! She doesn't want to marry, but her father makes it clear, if she doesn't cooperate fully, he will cut her off. She uses her pin money to fund the Gatewell School and would not jeopardize that for anything, because it is her last connection to her mother.
When her father is called out the room, Robert attempts to talk to Mariah, he is surprised that she wants to be a partner in the business, she doesn't want to marry and by her bluntness that her father only wants him for his political connections. He tells her he knows and while he is sure she would be a good partner, he will be better. She assures him that will not happen, because she is not going to be easy to marry off. He scoffs at that, until he learns the truth, she has no dowry, no promise of inheritance and her father will not let a son-in-law join the company. Robert then realizes what a huge task he has agreed to, but he has to succeed. She offers a parting shot, he won't get his partnership and she will not make it easy for him.
Let the games begin! Robert and Mariah enter the social whirl with the help of his mother and she learns a lot about him. She grudgingly begins to like and respect him, but that doesn't stop her from pushing him to the limit of his patience and accidently spilling things on him :) They share a bit about their pasts and a few heated kisses. They grow closer and it is clear that there is something between them, but neither is willing to give up their dreams for love.
When they finally make love Mariah hopes that Robert will choose her and it seems like he will and they might be able to have a future. But when she learns that he is responsible for a project that will destroy that which she holds most dear, she is heartbroken and doesn't give him a chance to explain. He loves her, he will not lose her! But this story is far from over and a misunderstanding leads to an incredibly amusing scene with a brawl and more drinks being dumped on him!
This was an amazing story of love, grief, forgiveness and acceptance. The story flows nicely, has a lot of witty banter, steamy love scenes, a little heartache, a little jealousy, a whiff of betrayal, a wonderful declaration scene and an absolutely beautiful epilogue. This is the third book in the series, but it could definitely be read as a stand alone title with no problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
January 10, 2018
You can never go wrong reading a book written by the incomparable Anna Harrington! If you love Regency romance, you will absolutely love this book!
Robert Carlisle is the only one of his brothers who hasn't been snatched up in marriage and he is definitely a rake. He wants to prove himself by succeeding in business, so he jumps at the chance to go into a partnership in Winslow Shipping. However, in order to get the partnership, he has to find a proper husband for Winslow's daughter, Mariah, better known as the Hellion for her scandalous escapades.
All Mariah has ever wanted is to go into business with her father. But, he promised her mother that he would make sure that Mariah and her sister, Evelyn, become proper ladies.
Robert doesn't plan to fall in love, but the sparring between him and Mariah leads to just that. Will they be able to put aside their quarreling and find true happiness?
A very enjoyable book, with romance, a wonderful hero and a spitfire of a heroine. Add in a couple of steamy nights between the couple and you have the perfect read! Well done, Ms. Harrington, well done! I love the thought and research that the author puts into her books; you really feel like you are back in the Regency era when you read one of her books!
Robert Carlisle is the only one of his brothers who hasn't been snatched up in marriage and he is definitely a rake. He wants to prove himself by succeeding in business, so he jumps at the chance to go into a partnership in Winslow Shipping. However, in order to get the partnership, he has to find a proper husband for Winslow's daughter, Mariah, better known as the Hellion for her scandalous escapades.
All Mariah has ever wanted is to go into business with her father. But, he promised her mother that he would make sure that Mariah and her sister, Evelyn, become proper ladies.
Robert doesn't plan to fall in love, but the sparring between him and Mariah leads to just that. Will they be able to put aside their quarreling and find true happiness?
A very enjoyable book, with romance, a wonderful hero and a spitfire of a heroine. Add in a couple of steamy nights between the couple and you have the perfect read! Well done, Ms. Harrington, well done! I love the thought and research that the author puts into her books; you really feel like you are back in the Regency era when you read one of her books!
March 6, 2018
As The Devil Dares book three
by Anna Harrington
A clash of wills starts the games between a rogue with a guilty Conscience - Lord Robert Carlisle - and the very scandalous Mariah Winslow who will do anything for her father to notice her and her sharp business mind and make her partner of his shipping empire.
Robert needs this partnership as his way of absolution towards his guilt of his fathers death, since then he’s been trying hard to put the rake in him to rest. What he never expected was the deal he struck with Henry Winslow was THE HELLION! He’s to make her into a lady with his connections find her a husband and the partnership is his easy peasy right?!
What ensues is survival of the fittest, smarts over rakish charm. Mariah has no interest of becoming any mans pawn especially in what is rightfully her inheritance!
With so many misunderstandings a slow burning attraction that will eventually engulf them in flames, a heroine that brings our hero to his knees this is one titillating brilliantly written story. I loved the witty banter between Robert and Mariah and one scene in particular with a kitten and a tree, get ready for this fast paced romp to take your breath away!
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my unbiased opinion.
by Anna Harrington
A clash of wills starts the games between a rogue with a guilty Conscience - Lord Robert Carlisle - and the very scandalous Mariah Winslow who will do anything for her father to notice her and her sharp business mind and make her partner of his shipping empire.
Robert needs this partnership as his way of absolution towards his guilt of his fathers death, since then he’s been trying hard to put the rake in him to rest. What he never expected was the deal he struck with Henry Winslow was THE HELLION! He’s to make her into a lady with his connections find her a husband and the partnership is his easy peasy right?!
What ensues is survival of the fittest, smarts over rakish charm. Mariah has no interest of becoming any mans pawn especially in what is rightfully her inheritance!
With so many misunderstandings a slow burning attraction that will eventually engulf them in flames, a heroine that brings our hero to his knees this is one titillating brilliantly written story. I loved the witty banter between Robert and Mariah and one scene in particular with a kitten and a tree, get ready for this fast paced romp to take your breath away!
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my unbiased opinion.
December 19, 2017
As the Devil Dares is the third book in the series but is also a stand alone story. This is a story about proving to your parents that they did a good job raising you and believing it yourself. Lord Robert was a rake and a scapegrace until the death of his father and is now trying to prove that he is worthy of the Carlisle name. In trying to secure a partnership with a leading shipping company, he agrees to launch Mariah on society and find her a husband. Mariah's only dream is to be a partner in her father's company but because she is a woman, this is a near impossible task. Robert and Mariah are constantly at odds but the sparks that fly between them are also leading to an extraordinary attraction. The more they battle, the more they learn about the other and the reasons behind their goals. A great story with engaging characters that will keep you reading until the very end.
I received this ARC from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
I received this ARC from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
January 7, 2018
Bravo, Bravo for Anna Herrington. This book gets a standing ovation. As The Devil Dares was so great, it is now on my top 10 books read. This is one of Anna’s best writing to date not that her other books aren’t great too but she out did herself on this one. This book has wit, pranks, helping one another, a love for family and friends, a love for a sister, loss of family, an orphanage, determination, challenges, deceit, bickering, needing to prove oneself, a father’s misunderstanding, seeing one another in different ways and of course love. It has everything that I love in a book. The description is so detailed that you really get a visual and the characters come alive. I highly recommend this book, you won’t be disappointed. Travel back to 1823 London with Robert and Mariah as they each seek what the other wants.
March 8, 2019
When I am in the mood for an excellent historical romance I know that I need to look no further then one by Harrington. This new installment to the Carlisle series is no exception. This time we get Robert's story. He is hoping to become a partner in Winslow shipping so he teams up with the owner who gives them the task of helping to properly launch his eldest daughter in society in order to be considered. He accepts which ultimately leads to his downfall as he finds himself challenged by Mariah every time he turns around until he finds himself in love with her. This causes him to have to choose between the business and love. This is a wonderfully written romance that really takes you back to the time period while you follow the love story. Extremely well written and honestly a must read for fans of historical romance. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
December 8, 2017
This is entertaining, romantic and dramatic. Robert is stubborn, determined, obsessed and charming. Mariah is stubborn, bold, kind, caring and sweet. Both Robert and Mariah want a share of Winslow Shipping, Robert to prove himself, Mariah because she loves the company. Robert will do anything to get a share, and Mariah's father will do anything to get her married, so they make a deal, her marriage for a share. But Robert didn't take into consideration that he might actually like Mariah. They fight like cats and dogs until the sparks turn into flames and they combust. It's a thoroughly captivating and enjoyable story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
January 2, 2018
Robert Carlisle needs the partnership in Henry Winslow's shipping firm to prove to himself he is worthy to be a Carlisle. Winslow is willing to give Robert the partnership if Robert manages to steer Winslow's daughter, Mariah, through a successful season, culminating in marriage to an acceptable suitor. There are several problems with this: Mariah is known as the Hellion due to her unladylike antics and has not quite been accepted into gentle society; she is not interested in marriage; she has no dowry; and she wants the partnership that Robert has been offered. A good story interwoven with cross-purposes, misunderstandings, past hurts that have left scars, and secrets. I received this book from the publisher.
December 15, 2017
This has been an amazing series by Anna Harrington and I love the Carlisles so much. This book is about Lord Robert Carlisle, who never backs down from a dare. Now he is trying to find a husband for a scandalous Mariah Winslow. Robert will have a hard time doing this. Mariah Winslow knows Robert agreed to play matchmaker only to get a partnership in her father's shipping company. I love the chemistry between these too and I can not wait to read more books in the future.
April 4, 2018
Anna Harrington does not disappoint. Another amazing read.
June 20, 2019
Oh yes, I loved this book. Loved the storyline and characters. So enjoyable. 5☆
March 13, 2018
Received in exchange for a honest review.
What I like most about this is how Mariah isn’t what you expect for this time era. She goes against the norm and it is this that attracts Robert. that is what i love about this book the most. Robert doesn’t want the typical society girl of his time he wants one that challenges him. One that is smart, independent and doesn’t want to just sit home and go to balls.
Mariah is a smart pretty woman. She has since a child wanted to work with her father only he doesn’t see her that way. He is trying to do what he promised his wife before she died so he takes on Robert on conditions. Robert must find Mariah a husband. Except this doesn’t turn out how either expects and it is a entertaining tale for all who reads.
Robert is strong and kind only he doesn’t always let people see that side. He has guilt over his dad and is trying to prove that isn’t the man he was and trying to be what his father wanted. He wants to show him he can succeed and make him proud. Only his father is gone and you can’t meet the expectations of a ghost. He sets his sights high with Mariah’s family company. So when given the chance to be a partner he agrees to help Mariah find a husband. Little did he know she would be what he needs.
Robert enlists his mom’s help and her and Mariah hit it off instantly. So do Robert and Mariah once they got to know each other. they see they are both trying to live up to expectations that they can’t meet. Mariah is a giving caring woman full of passion and a heart of gold. Robert is the one who pushes her buttons and vice versa. They challenge each other but also help one another as well. She helps Robert heal and see his dad’s death isn’t his fault. Helps him find love and see beyond business. His family helps him see that they don’t blame him either.
That ending was fun and swoonworthy. We see them get their happy ending, Mariah gets her dreams fulfilled and love as well. A entertaining story with two stubborn characters that have attraction up the wazoo. they challenge each other and show each other the way to love, forgiveness and happy ever afters but also are equals and partners in every aspect of the word. A great entertaining story.
What I like most about this is how Mariah isn’t what you expect for this time era. She goes against the norm and it is this that attracts Robert. that is what i love about this book the most. Robert doesn’t want the typical society girl of his time he wants one that challenges him. One that is smart, independent and doesn’t want to just sit home and go to balls.
Mariah is a smart pretty woman. She has since a child wanted to work with her father only he doesn’t see her that way. He is trying to do what he promised his wife before she died so he takes on Robert on conditions. Robert must find Mariah a husband. Except this doesn’t turn out how either expects and it is a entertaining tale for all who reads.
Robert is strong and kind only he doesn’t always let people see that side. He has guilt over his dad and is trying to prove that isn’t the man he was and trying to be what his father wanted. He wants to show him he can succeed and make him proud. Only his father is gone and you can’t meet the expectations of a ghost. He sets his sights high with Mariah’s family company. So when given the chance to be a partner he agrees to help Mariah find a husband. Little did he know she would be what he needs.
Robert enlists his mom’s help and her and Mariah hit it off instantly. So do Robert and Mariah once they got to know each other. they see they are both trying to live up to expectations that they can’t meet. Mariah is a giving caring woman full of passion and a heart of gold. Robert is the one who pushes her buttons and vice versa. They challenge each other but also help one another as well. She helps Robert heal and see his dad’s death isn’t his fault. Helps him find love and see beyond business. His family helps him see that they don’t blame him either.
That ending was fun and swoonworthy. We see them get their happy ending, Mariah gets her dreams fulfilled and love as well. A entertaining story with two stubborn characters that have attraction up the wazoo. they challenge each other and show each other the way to love, forgiveness and happy ever afters but also are equals and partners in every aspect of the word. A great entertaining story.
dnf-at-all
September 25, 2020Even though I stopped at half-way thru.... it wasn't "bad". I just couldn't get into it the way I had hoped. It has been a few weeks now, so I am just going to stop and call it a day.
The characters were ...ok. I felt so much of their animosity was told to us (instead of shown), the bickering that we were shown was very fluffy and not believable. The heroine was such a dare-devil wanna-be and the hero comes off as a self-loathing beta (because of his fathers death) and constantly blames himself for his fathers death. One aspect that I didn't look forward to was how it looked like the heroine would be deceived later in the story and I just wasn't looking for that type of drama.
The characters were ...ok. I felt so much of their animosity was told to us (instead of shown), the bickering that we were shown was very fluffy and not believable. The heroine was such a dare-devil wanna-be and the hero comes off as a self-loathing beta (because of his fathers death) and constantly blames himself for his fathers death. One aspect that I didn't look forward to was how it looked like the heroine would be deceived later in the story and I just wasn't looking for that type of drama.
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