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Lords of the Armory #1
An Inconvenient Duke
Marcus Braddock, Duke of Hampton and former general, is back from war and faced with mourning the death of his beloved sister, Elise. Marcus believes his sister's death wasn't an accident and he's determined to learn the truth, starting with Danielle, the beautiful daughter of a baron and his sister's best friend.
Danielle is keeping deadly secrets of her own. She has dedicated her life to a charity that helps abused women―the same charity Elise was working for the night she died. When Danielle's work puts her life in danger, Marcus comes to her rescue. But Danielle may not need rescuing...
Danielle is keeping deadly secrets of her own. She has dedicated her life to a charity that helps abused women―the same charity Elise was working for the night she died. When Danielle's work puts her life in danger, Marcus comes to her rescue. But Danielle may not need rescuing...
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2020
298 people are currently reading
1356 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
June 4, 2021
The synopsis of this one sounded so good, but the actual story didn't actually live up to my expectations. Marcus's sister died and he suspects her best friend, Danielle, of having something to do with it. Danielle and Marcus's sister were part of a secret organization that helps women in abusive and dangerous relationships/occupations get out of the city and start new lives. With such an intricate set up, this wasn't actually all that action-packed or interesting. The relationship was just fine, but it wasn't anything special. None of the characters blew me away and I was just passively listening to the audiobook. While it sounded great, the execution missed the mark for me.
April 9, 2020
2.5 stars
Considering the blurb mentions the heroine has a charity for abused women, I somehow thought that the plot would involve at least one abused woman the heroine tries to help. Nope! And maybe that's weird to want an abused woman storyline to be depicted in the book, but I thought it was more weird to have a plot featuring an abused women charity but then focus solely on the (not abused!) women who are running the charity.
And then there's the ending that made me want to throw things.
Considering the blurb mentions the heroine has a charity for abused women, I somehow thought that the plot would involve at least one abused woman the heroine tries to help. Nope! And maybe that's weird to want an abused woman storyline to be depicted in the book, but I thought it was more weird to have a plot featuring an abused women charity but then focus solely on the (not abused!) women who are running the charity.
And then there's the ending that made me want to throw things.
February 2, 2020
ONLY TOOK ME 4 HOURS TO READ - AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE! ❤
Usually historical romance is predictable but sweet - there's a long way between the ones that break the mold and surprise me. This book actually did it, it surprised me and entertained me greatly. Great characters, great plot, great heroine - great all around!
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Plot: Most historical romances mainly focus on the romantic plot and then throw in a little half-arsed subplot. Not this book - here the romance was strong but so was the subplot! It was engaging, surprising and mysterious and it drew me in.
Dani: Danielle was such a great, strong female lead who stood up for what she believed was right and didn't need no man saving her! I really sympathised with her and her fight for justice.
Women's rights: I absolutely loved that this book focused on women's rights in the Regency era - how women had next to no rights, how they were considered the property of their male relations and how no one intervened, when a husband beat his wife within an inch of her life. In some ways, this is a subject that still needs to be addressed today.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Usually historical romance is predictable but sweet - there's a long way between the ones that break the mold and surprise me. This book actually did it, it surprised me and entertained me greatly. Great characters, great plot, great heroine - great all around!
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Plot: Most historical romances mainly focus on the romantic plot and then throw in a little half-arsed subplot. Not this book - here the romance was strong but so was the subplot! It was engaging, surprising and mysterious and it drew me in.
Dani: Danielle was such a great, strong female lead who stood up for what she believed was right and didn't need no man saving her! I really sympathised with her and her fight for justice.
Women's rights: I absolutely loved that this book focused on women's rights in the Regency era - how women had next to no rights, how they were considered the property of their male relations and how no one intervened, when a husband beat his wife within an inch of her life. In some ways, this is a subject that still needs to be addressed today.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
February 11, 2020
Series: Lords of the Armory #1
Publication Date: 2/25/20
Number of Pages: 384
Anna Harrington’s first entry into this new series is a lovely sensual romance, and an exciting, breath-holding, fast-paced mystery. The characters are relatable and likable and the writing, as always, is excellent.
The Napoleonic wars are over and the soldiers have returned home. The life that awaited them in England wasn’t what they would have thought. The military had no use for them and there were few, if any, jobs available. The war office was slow to pay pensioners and those who remained on the payroll. It was common to see a soldier in his tattered uniform begging on the streets. This treatment of the men who had sacrificed so much for king and country really rankled returning war hero, General Marcus Braddock, newly minted Duke of Hampton. He’d lost so much while he was away at war – and now he felt lost, restless, and unsettled.
With the wars over, there is a new, home-grown menace afoot in England. It is growing in power and influence every day – and its name is Scepter. Nobody knew it even existed until, unwittingly, Elise, sister of Marcus Braddock, stepped into their path and was murdered for it. Once Marcus realizes that Elise was murdered rather than being killed in a riding accident, he will stop at nothing to find her murderer and see him punished.
Elise was Danielle Williams's best friend – closer than sisters. Danielle was bereft at the loss of her best friend and when she learned she’d been murdered she was riddled with guilt.
Marcus is convinced that Danielle (Dani) knows what happened to his sister and he is determined to get the information from her. Danielle has many secrets, but knowing about Elise’s murder isn’t one of them. As she learns more and more, she and Marcus begin to draw closer to each other. Marcus is beside himself when he realizes that Dani is also in danger – because she and Elise were doing similar things. Dani’s passion has been rescuing battered and abused women from the men who have control of them. She’s always very careful and nobody knows that she is involved – or do they?
Fasten your seatbelts for this exciting, romantic ride. It is filled with passion and pain and a delightful HEA. The story sets up the premise for the Armory versus Scepter very nicely and leaves us looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 2/25/20
Number of Pages: 384
Anna Harrington’s first entry into this new series is a lovely sensual romance, and an exciting, breath-holding, fast-paced mystery. The characters are relatable and likable and the writing, as always, is excellent.
The Napoleonic wars are over and the soldiers have returned home. The life that awaited them in England wasn’t what they would have thought. The military had no use for them and there were few, if any, jobs available. The war office was slow to pay pensioners and those who remained on the payroll. It was common to see a soldier in his tattered uniform begging on the streets. This treatment of the men who had sacrificed so much for king and country really rankled returning war hero, General Marcus Braddock, newly minted Duke of Hampton. He’d lost so much while he was away at war – and now he felt lost, restless, and unsettled.
With the wars over, there is a new, home-grown menace afoot in England. It is growing in power and influence every day – and its name is Scepter. Nobody knew it even existed until, unwittingly, Elise, sister of Marcus Braddock, stepped into their path and was murdered for it. Once Marcus realizes that Elise was murdered rather than being killed in a riding accident, he will stop at nothing to find her murderer and see him punished.
Elise was Danielle Williams's best friend – closer than sisters. Danielle was bereft at the loss of her best friend and when she learned she’d been murdered she was riddled with guilt.
Marcus is convinced that Danielle (Dani) knows what happened to his sister and he is determined to get the information from her. Danielle has many secrets, but knowing about Elise’s murder isn’t one of them. As she learns more and more, she and Marcus begin to draw closer to each other. Marcus is beside himself when he realizes that Dani is also in danger – because she and Elise were doing similar things. Dani’s passion has been rescuing battered and abused women from the men who have control of them. She’s always very careful and nobody knows that she is involved – or do they?
Fasten your seatbelts for this exciting, romantic ride. It is filled with passion and pain and a delightful HEA. The story sets up the premise for the Armory versus Scepter very nicely and leaves us looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 7, 2022
This is a new-to-me-author. I went into this book (technically, audiobook) with no expectations and the book turned out to be more enjoyable than I anticipated. It was fast-paced, which I liked because if it was slow, I would have said so in my updates. The mystery caught my interest instantly. I was having fun guessing who had done it as the story progressed. lol. I was hoping for a huge twist,
The downside of this fast-paced story is the love the hero developed for the heroine occurred too soon. Oh, well. The heroine is a friend of the family, so she's had an attraction toward him longer. I like that she wasn't entirely a shy miss when it came to the sensual scenes and that the hero didn't entirely hold back his urges.
The downside of this fast-paced story is the love the hero developed for the heroine occurred too soon. Oh, well. The heroine is a friend of the family, so she's had an attraction toward him longer. I like that she wasn't entirely a shy miss when it came to the sensual scenes and that the hero didn't entirely hold back his urges.
February 21, 2020
The beginning sucked me in but along the way it became easy to put down. I didn't care for the direction of the plot and the characters became irritating.
Every time the hero was called Duke I cringed. The heroine has a great humanitarian network going but she didn't seem very capable. And her reactions to 'betrayal' were dramatic. The hero felt dense and like he only had one reaction.
So this is a story I won't read again.
I read an ARC from Netgalley.
Every time the hero was called Duke I cringed. The heroine has a great humanitarian network going but she didn't seem very capable. And her reactions to 'betrayal' were dramatic. The hero felt dense and like he only had one reaction.
So this is a story I won't read again.
I read an ARC from Netgalley.
May 4, 2020
Brilliant if I may say so…not just for the delicious romance but for the strong mystery element interwoven in the story. Historical romances are one of my favorite genres, every time I feel down or suffering the blues and obviously the lockdown is not helping matters, I always read this genre for the much-needed cheer and ‘happily ever after’
What made An Inconvenient Duke extra special was the heroine Danielle. She is strong and believes in her work of helping abused women at whatever price or danger she puts herself into. The hero, Marcus Braddock, is war returned and decorated and newly titled as the Duke but instead of feeling happy like all men of arms feels the lack of purpose in life. Searching for the reason of his sister’s death gives him that purpose and also make shim fall head over heels in love with Dani.
I loved the engaging story about the lack of rights that women in those times had to suffer but I really wanted a different ending for the charity that Dani runs. It would have been more exciting for an open abuse center rather than closing it down completely. A perfect start to a series and looking forward to stories of Merritt and Pearce and the final reveal of the organization called ‘Scepter’.
What made An Inconvenient Duke extra special was the heroine Danielle. She is strong and believes in her work of helping abused women at whatever price or danger she puts herself into. The hero, Marcus Braddock, is war returned and decorated and newly titled as the Duke but instead of feeling happy like all men of arms feels the lack of purpose in life. Searching for the reason of his sister’s death gives him that purpose and also make shim fall head over heels in love with Dani.
I loved the engaging story about the lack of rights that women in those times had to suffer but I really wanted a different ending for the charity that Dani runs. It would have been more exciting for an open abuse center rather than closing it down completely. A perfect start to a series and looking forward to stories of Merritt and Pearce and the final reveal of the organization called ‘Scepter’.
December 22, 2022
okay but I wanted more connection with the characters
July 29, 2022
Murder, mystery and loyalty!
I really liked the main protagonists, General Marcus Braddock and Danielle Williams.
Prior to Marcus' return to England from the continent and the defeat of Napoleon, Danielle had written to him to notify him of his sister Elise's death.
The Honorable Danielle Williams, daughter of Baron Mondale, runs the Nightingale pipeline for deserted and battered women, spiriting them away to other parts of the country or the Americas, where abused women are given safe havens.
Marcus, now the Duke of Hampton, has been awarded a dukedom as a reward for his heroic campaigns. Marcus has been trying to talk to Danielle about his sister's death. Dani is avoiding him. She is troubled that he might find out about her secretive enterprise, of which Elise was a part. What Marcus does discover is that Elise was murdered. Dani had "warned Elise to stay away from Scepter.” Now Dani is in a quandary. Had Elise ignored Dani's warnings and tried to help women by herself, taken risks apart from Nightingale, without the proper support?
Marcus and Dani join forces to discover Elise's killer. Their inquiries put both of them in danger but when Dani becomes the target Marcus is enraged. Marcus really is the epitome of an inconvenient duke, inconvenient for Dani and for those who murdered Elise. It's the Duke's strategical thinking and loyal friends, along with Dani's shrewd understandings, that turn the tide at the eleventh hour. Although loose ends are left tantalizing us into future developments, particularly about Scepter.
And it's in this spirit that the armory is born"—The Armory, Where Evil Fears to Tread." A place for ex soldiers, a sanctuary, where these loyal men will, "band together and use [their] skills to shut down Scepter and to help those in need, wherever they might be, no matter the threat."
I found the Inconvenient Duke an enjoyable read despite being is a tad predictable in some instances. I look forward to more in this series. The Duke has some interesting friends!
A Sourcebooks Casablanca ARC via NetGalley
I really liked the main protagonists, General Marcus Braddock and Danielle Williams.
Prior to Marcus' return to England from the continent and the defeat of Napoleon, Danielle had written to him to notify him of his sister Elise's death.
The Honorable Danielle Williams, daughter of Baron Mondale, runs the Nightingale pipeline for deserted and battered women, spiriting them away to other parts of the country or the Americas, where abused women are given safe havens.
Marcus, now the Duke of Hampton, has been awarded a dukedom as a reward for his heroic campaigns. Marcus has been trying to talk to Danielle about his sister's death. Dani is avoiding him. She is troubled that he might find out about her secretive enterprise, of which Elise was a part. What Marcus does discover is that Elise was murdered. Dani had "warned Elise to stay away from Scepter.” Now Dani is in a quandary. Had Elise ignored Dani's warnings and tried to help women by herself, taken risks apart from Nightingale, without the proper support?
Marcus and Dani join forces to discover Elise's killer. Their inquiries put both of them in danger but when Dani becomes the target Marcus is enraged. Marcus really is the epitome of an inconvenient duke, inconvenient for Dani and for those who murdered Elise. It's the Duke's strategical thinking and loyal friends, along with Dani's shrewd understandings, that turn the tide at the eleventh hour. Although loose ends are left tantalizing us into future developments, particularly about Scepter.
And it's in this spirit that the armory is born"—The Armory, Where Evil Fears to Tread." A place for ex soldiers, a sanctuary, where these loyal men will, "band together and use [their] skills to shut down Scepter and to help those in need, wherever they might be, no matter the threat."
I found the Inconvenient Duke an enjoyable read despite being is a tad predictable in some instances. I look forward to more in this series. The Duke has some interesting friends!
A Sourcebooks Casablanca ARC via NetGalley
February 3, 2021
War hero and newly minted Duke of Hampton, Marcus Braddock returns home with a different mission: finding out the truth about his sister's death. He believes his sister's best friend, Danielle Williams, is the key to getting answers.
This is the first book in the Lords of the Armory series which focus on a group of friends who served together in the war. The Armory refers to a building that Marcus owns. This is an excellent book with a strong heroine, commanding hero, and intriguing storyline. The investigation into Elise's death brings Marcus and Danielle together and gives them a purpose. They need to trust and work together. After reading several stories with flimsy reasons for a couple to be kept apart, this plot was a welcome change! There's also a great set up for the rest of the series.
Tropes: Best Friend's Brother, Friends to Lovers, Revenge
Eggplant Rating: 3 (three scenes, none in a bed!)
This is the first book in the Lords of the Armory series which focus on a group of friends who served together in the war. The Armory refers to a building that Marcus owns. This is an excellent book with a strong heroine, commanding hero, and intriguing storyline. The investigation into Elise's death brings Marcus and Danielle together and gives them a purpose. They need to trust and work together. After reading several stories with flimsy reasons for a couple to be kept apart, this plot was a welcome change! There's also a great set up for the rest of the series.
Tropes: Best Friend's Brother, Friends to Lovers, Revenge
Eggplant Rating: 3 (three scenes, none in a bed!)
August 15, 2021
Boring! The characters were boring, the “romance“ was boring, the story was boring. The only redeeming factor was Aunt Harriet, she was the only character that had personality. Such a very blah story.
February 20, 2021
This one had a lot of mystery and action but it lacked the romance I craved. Sorry but it's an average book for me which is disappointing because I loved Anna!!
March 17, 2020
General Marcus Braddock, the newly minted Duke of Hampton has finally returned from the war and he wants answers. The main one is what happened to his sister Elise and why did her best friend Danielle Williams lie to him about her death.
Danielle “Dani” Williams is avoiding Marcus, she just can’t bear talking to him about Elise, the grief is still to fresh. But when he corners her at a ball for a dance and demands answers, she is stunned – Elise was murdered? She stands by her story and like him, she too wants answers. He tells her of the note he found in Elise’s things and mentions a “vanishing” and someone called the Scepter – Dani is so shocked she stops dancing; she tells him Elise was a good woman who helped others and that he should let it go.
He can’t let it go and when his sister Claudia announces she is to marry, he sees an opportunity to spend more time with Dani, as close family friends, he will convince Dani and her aunt to help Claudia plan her wedding and hopefully find out what secrets Dani is keeping about Elise’s death.
Dani truly doesn’t know what happened to Elise, but now she has an idea. Dani runs a network called Nightingale to save abused women, like her aunt, women with nowhere to go and no way to run, she helps them leave and start new lives. Elise was a member, but wanted to help prostitutes, but Dani didn’t feel the network could sneak those women away without endangering the members of Nightingale. She now realizes that Elise must have started her own network and decides to seek answers on her own. She is meeting with one of her contacts when out of nowhere Marcus arrives and chases the man off – she is angry, but he is sure the man was going to hurt her. She doesn’t want to believe it, but realizes he is right. She tells him of her work with battered women and that she thinks Elise may have started her own network and it got her killed. They share a kiss and part ways, each reeling from the kiss.
Marcus goes to the Armory – a building he purchased and uses as a retreat/gym. While there he meets with two friends and fellow soldiers, Brandon Pearce, the Earl West and Merritt Ripley a lawyer, he tells them what he has learned and tells them that he is going to ask Clayton Elliot, another solider friend and an undersecretary in the Home Office to help him. He also asks them to keep an eye on Danielle, but downplays his interest in her. But he can’t seem to stay away from her and they begin to work together to find the truth about Elise’s death. But when they get too close, it becomes clear that someone doesn’t want the truth to come out and will stop at nothing to keep their secrets.
I thought this story was well written and paced well. I liked Danielle and Marcus and felt the chemistry between them from their first interaction. I liked that they had known each other for years and had harbored feelings for each other. I did find Danielle’s “network” a bit hard to believe and felt the details regarding it a bit vague. But the story was good and has a little bit of everything, secrets, intrigue, great secondary characters, mystery, murder, steamy love scenes, twists, turns and surprises. This book ends with the villain making a revelation that will presumably carry on throughout the series. But it is well done and doesn’t end this story with a cliffhanger. This is the first book in the series and I am looking forward to next installment.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Danielle “Dani” Williams is avoiding Marcus, she just can’t bear talking to him about Elise, the grief is still to fresh. But when he corners her at a ball for a dance and demands answers, she is stunned – Elise was murdered? She stands by her story and like him, she too wants answers. He tells her of the note he found in Elise’s things and mentions a “vanishing” and someone called the Scepter – Dani is so shocked she stops dancing; she tells him Elise was a good woman who helped others and that he should let it go.
He can’t let it go and when his sister Claudia announces she is to marry, he sees an opportunity to spend more time with Dani, as close family friends, he will convince Dani and her aunt to help Claudia plan her wedding and hopefully find out what secrets Dani is keeping about Elise’s death.
Dani truly doesn’t know what happened to Elise, but now she has an idea. Dani runs a network called Nightingale to save abused women, like her aunt, women with nowhere to go and no way to run, she helps them leave and start new lives. Elise was a member, but wanted to help prostitutes, but Dani didn’t feel the network could sneak those women away without endangering the members of Nightingale. She now realizes that Elise must have started her own network and decides to seek answers on her own. She is meeting with one of her contacts when out of nowhere Marcus arrives and chases the man off – she is angry, but he is sure the man was going to hurt her. She doesn’t want to believe it, but realizes he is right. She tells him of her work with battered women and that she thinks Elise may have started her own network and it got her killed. They share a kiss and part ways, each reeling from the kiss.
Marcus goes to the Armory – a building he purchased and uses as a retreat/gym. While there he meets with two friends and fellow soldiers, Brandon Pearce, the Earl West and Merritt Ripley a lawyer, he tells them what he has learned and tells them that he is going to ask Clayton Elliot, another solider friend and an undersecretary in the Home Office to help him. He also asks them to keep an eye on Danielle, but downplays his interest in her. But he can’t seem to stay away from her and they begin to work together to find the truth about Elise’s death. But when they get too close, it becomes clear that someone doesn’t want the truth to come out and will stop at nothing to keep their secrets.
I thought this story was well written and paced well. I liked Danielle and Marcus and felt the chemistry between them from their first interaction. I liked that they had known each other for years and had harbored feelings for each other. I did find Danielle’s “network” a bit hard to believe and felt the details regarding it a bit vague. But the story was good and has a little bit of everything, secrets, intrigue, great secondary characters, mystery, murder, steamy love scenes, twists, turns and surprises. This book ends with the villain making a revelation that will presumably carry on throughout the series. But it is well done and doesn’t end this story with a cliffhanger. This is the first book in the series and I am looking forward to next installment.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
February 17, 2020
Retired general Marcus Braddock helped defeat Napoleon, and when he returned to London was named a Duke. While he was away, his sister died, leaving her young child an orphan, so her best friend, Danielle, helped the family until Marcus returned. Upon his arrival, he discovered some documents among Elise’s things that leads him to believe she was murdered. Determined to discover the truth, he turns to Dani, who is avoiding him with every attempt.
When they were younger, Danielle was infatuated with Elise’s older brother, Marcus. Now he’s home and determined to bring up the death of her best friend, something she’d rather move past. But when Marcus comes to Dani with evidence that Elise was participating in something covert and dangerous, she decides to help him discover the truth.
An Inconvenient Duke is a delightful historical romance set within a murder mystery. Ms. Harrington’s world centers on a close-knit group of soldiers who haven’t quite figured out how to fit within society now that the war is over. Their leader, Marcus, creates a safe place for himself where he goes to think and work out aggressions, etc., which develops and morphs over the course of this first book, becoming the foundation for the series. Each Lord has his own talents and connections, which helps Marcus and Dani discover the truth of his sister’s death. It also uncovers a seedy organization that will certainly rear its head in the coming books.
Dani is a strong, against-era heroine. She’s created an organization that helps women escape their abusive situations. She is determined and refuses to let Marcus run her life. I loved how confident Dani is and how she won’t settle for anything short of what she deserves. Marcus and Dani share an attraction, and Dani’s spirited nature lights a flame in Marcus. Their romance is a fun journey, both sweet and hot and steamy at times. I appreciate that the pair is on equal footing and works to compromise as they investigate the murder. Theirs is a match-well-made, with equal time for banter and passionate love making.
An Inconvenient Duke is a great start to the Lords of the Armory series. The story is a wonderful blend of mystery and intrigue with an unflappable duke falling in love. The stage is set for what promises to be an entertaining series.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
When they were younger, Danielle was infatuated with Elise’s older brother, Marcus. Now he’s home and determined to bring up the death of her best friend, something she’d rather move past. But when Marcus comes to Dani with evidence that Elise was participating in something covert and dangerous, she decides to help him discover the truth.
An Inconvenient Duke is a delightful historical romance set within a murder mystery. Ms. Harrington’s world centers on a close-knit group of soldiers who haven’t quite figured out how to fit within society now that the war is over. Their leader, Marcus, creates a safe place for himself where he goes to think and work out aggressions, etc., which develops and morphs over the course of this first book, becoming the foundation for the series. Each Lord has his own talents and connections, which helps Marcus and Dani discover the truth of his sister’s death. It also uncovers a seedy organization that will certainly rear its head in the coming books.
Dani is a strong, against-era heroine. She’s created an organization that helps women escape their abusive situations. She is determined and refuses to let Marcus run her life. I loved how confident Dani is and how she won’t settle for anything short of what she deserves. Marcus and Dani share an attraction, and Dani’s spirited nature lights a flame in Marcus. Their romance is a fun journey, both sweet and hot and steamy at times. I appreciate that the pair is on equal footing and works to compromise as they investigate the murder. Theirs is a match-well-made, with equal time for banter and passionate love making.
An Inconvenient Duke is a great start to the Lords of the Armory series. The story is a wonderful blend of mystery and intrigue with an unflappable duke falling in love. The stage is set for what promises to be an entertaining series.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
February 29, 2020
First in a new series, and my first of Ms. Harrington's... and I loved it. Marcus and Danielle are both strong-willed people. And even if I was feeling frustrated with Dani's unwillingness to bend a little, to stop putting herself in danger...
BUT I couldn't help to think how important her works were as well; how many of she helped. I guess it wasn't fair that Marcus could march on because he was a man... though at some way, that's how it's always been. Yes, I enjoyed their argument, and I enjoyed their way to find love with each other.
I loved that would seem to be the full arc of this series. Looking forward to the next book
BUT I couldn't help to think how important her works were as well; how many of she helped. I guess it wasn't fair that Marcus could march on because he was a man... though at some way, that's how it's always been. Yes, I enjoyed their argument, and I enjoyed their way to find love with each other.
I loved that would seem to be the full arc of this series. Looking forward to the next book
February 10, 2023
An Inconvenient Duke, by Anna Harrington. This is a story that was satisfying and entertaining for me. Marcus and Dani’s background story had me up until the late hours waiting to see what next hint, clue or God forbid tragedy that would occur next. All the details and the excitement of the story was more engaging as I continued to read. What was my favorite part and as always was the deep passion that both Marcus and Dani has for one another.
These moments was exceedingly scandalous and naughty at the same time. Marcus and his warrior personification was portrayed so well during these stolen moments with Dani. It’s was Dani’s strong will and determination that held up to Marcus dominate ways. In all I truly enjoyed the book. The story has goal to it where there are soldiers and angels who fight for the innocents today.
I give this book two snaps and a twit. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
These moments was exceedingly scandalous and naughty at the same time. Marcus and his warrior personification was portrayed so well during these stolen moments with Dani. It’s was Dani’s strong will and determination that held up to Marcus dominate ways. In all I truly enjoyed the book. The story has goal to it where there are soldiers and angels who fight for the innocents today.
I give this book two snaps and a twit. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
September 25, 2020
cw: reference to abuse, murder, 2020 protests
I read, and loved, The Double Duchess, so I had high hopes for An Inconvenient Duke. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. I liked Danielle and Marcus; however, I was less enamoured of them as a couple. It doesn't help that there's an action scene every other chapter (and I'm only exaggerating slightly): I know it's difficult to strike a balance between action/suspense and romance, so I appreciated that the novel gave as much attention to the murder mystery as it did to Dani and Marcus. Personally, though, I liked Dani and Marcus best during their waltz and I think the constant intrigue made it difficult for them to (re)connect on that level. As the plot unfolded, physical intimacy seemed to become a shortcut to emotional intimacy more often than I like.
As per usual, I struggled to suspend my disbelief when it came to their sexual relationship. To be clear, I don't mind premarital sex in Regency romance or otherwise: I expect that the historical record can furnish several examples thereof and I understand the desire to bypass the usual protestations (of ruination or marriage) with passion. I still appreciate even a brief nod to the social and cultural norms of the period. I recognize, on the one hand, that Dani nursed an adolescent infatuation with Marcus from age 15 to 25 and spends her free time in tavern, back alleys, etc. to assist victim-survivors of abuse. On the other, Dani does seem roughly as "innocent" as Marcus assumes during their first "on-screen" conversation since she's unfamiliar with French kissing. I therefore didn't expect her blasé attitude when Marcus catches her in a state of undress, to say nothing of their interlude at Vauxhall.
More than anything, An Inconvenient Duke disappointed me because (major spoiler) It's a white feminist fantasy that left me cold.
Courtney Milan commented (in an unrelated thread) on Twitter that authors should take care that they introduce problems small enough for a romance novel to solve. I think was too big for either Dani or Marcus to fix and for me, at least, the romance doesn't make up for it.
I read, and loved, The Double Duchess, so I had high hopes for An Inconvenient Duke. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. I liked Danielle and Marcus; however, I was less enamoured of them as a couple. It doesn't help that there's an action scene every other chapter (and I'm only exaggerating slightly): I know it's difficult to strike a balance between action/suspense and romance, so I appreciated that the novel gave as much attention to the murder mystery as it did to Dani and Marcus. Personally, though, I liked Dani and Marcus best during their waltz and I think the constant intrigue made it difficult for them to (re)connect on that level. As the plot unfolded, physical intimacy seemed to become a shortcut to emotional intimacy more often than I like.
As per usual, I struggled to suspend my disbelief when it came to their sexual relationship. To be clear, I don't mind premarital sex in Regency romance or otherwise: I expect that the historical record can furnish several examples thereof and I understand the desire to bypass the usual protestations (of ruination or marriage) with passion. I still appreciate even a brief nod to the social and cultural norms of the period. I recognize, on the one hand, that Dani nursed an adolescent infatuation with Marcus from age 15 to 25 and spends her free time in tavern, back alleys, etc. to assist victim-survivors of abuse. On the other, Dani does seem roughly as "innocent" as Marcus assumes during their first "on-screen" conversation since she's unfamiliar with French kissing. I therefore didn't expect her blasé attitude when Marcus catches her in a state of undress, to say nothing of their interlude at Vauxhall.
More than anything, An Inconvenient Duke disappointed me because (major spoiler) It's a white feminist fantasy that left me cold.
Courtney Milan commented (in an unrelated thread) on Twitter that authors should take care that they introduce problems small enough for a romance novel to solve. I think was too big for either Dani or Marcus to fix and for me, at least, the romance doesn't make up for it.
June 29, 2021
General Marcus Braddock has finally returned from war and been named Duke of Hampton in recognition of his service. He is still mourning the death of his beloved sister, Elise, two years previously while he was away. As he learns more about the circumstances surrounding Elise’s accident, Marcus begins to suspect it was no accident at all and seeks the truth with ruthless determination, starting with questioning her best friend, Danielle.
Danielle Williams has her own potentially deadly secrets. She has spent the last four years working on her charity, Nightingale, devoted to removing women from abusive situations. When she learns that Elise was working on her own vanishing mission the night she died, Danielle is overwhelmed with guilt. Soon that same work puts Danielle’s own life in danger and Marcus is determined to keep her safe, no matter how much she insists she doesn’t need to be rescued.
I’ve read this series out of order thus far, but I liked this book more than the second book in the series. Marcus made an excellent hero, and I liked the mystery elements at play here. What frustrated me was Danielle and her blind determination to help women, even if it meant she made foolish decisions that resulted in injury or peril for herself or others. She was so determined to be independent that she often failed to stop and think things through, especially if it was Marcus attempting to talk sense into her. Danielle’s intentions were of course very good, but she wound up coming off as naïve much of the time, especially given how she was supposed to have set up this elaborate and complicated network. The resourcefulness required to establish such a system didn’t quite jive with her idealistic characterization. Other than that, I think this was a great story with enough suspense to keep me intrigued and very well-done steamy scenes between our MCs. I liked the way the villain was handled enough to make this story feel complete while simultaneously setting up the villainous element for the rest of the series. Marcus was an excellent lead and Dani a good match for him once she finally saw sense and let him into her world. I look forward to more books set in this storyline.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Danielle Williams has her own potentially deadly secrets. She has spent the last four years working on her charity, Nightingale, devoted to removing women from abusive situations. When she learns that Elise was working on her own vanishing mission the night she died, Danielle is overwhelmed with guilt. Soon that same work puts Danielle’s own life in danger and Marcus is determined to keep her safe, no matter how much she insists she doesn’t need to be rescued.
I’ve read this series out of order thus far, but I liked this book more than the second book in the series. Marcus made an excellent hero, and I liked the mystery elements at play here. What frustrated me was Danielle and her blind determination to help women, even if it meant she made foolish decisions that resulted in injury or peril for herself or others. She was so determined to be independent that she often failed to stop and think things through, especially if it was Marcus attempting to talk sense into her. Danielle’s intentions were of course very good, but she wound up coming off as naïve much of the time, especially given how she was supposed to have set up this elaborate and complicated network. The resourcefulness required to establish such a system didn’t quite jive with her idealistic characterization. Other than that, I think this was a great story with enough suspense to keep me intrigued and very well-done steamy scenes between our MCs. I liked the way the villain was handled enough to make this story feel complete while simultaneously setting up the villainous element for the rest of the series. Marcus was an excellent lead and Dani a good match for him once she finally saw sense and let him into her world. I look forward to more books set in this storyline.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
March 13, 2021
Really liked the set up here, but definitely had a few moments of "okay, please just talk to each other because you are dealing with a dangerous villain here, thanks" towards the end.
October 19, 2020
A SOLID 3.5 STARS!
THIS WAS AN AVERAGE MYSTERY-CRIME-SLIGHT THRILLER - HR FEATURING CHARACTERS THAT YOU'LL NOT HESITATE TO LIKE.
MARCUS is a soldier returned from the war and while abroad, he received a letter from Daniella informing him that his sister Elise has died. What they both didn't know till later is that Elise was murdered and Marcus won't let this rest until he unearths the killer's identity. Of course, this is the reason he pesters Daniella at every turn, at the same time being very attracted to her. Marcus and Daniella has known each other even from the moment she first debuted, but she has always been his sister's friend. The MC's chemistry was quite fluent...it's like you can't miss it and it's also a given thing to happen. Marcus himself is an honorable man, given the title of Duke for his services in the war but like his brothers-in-arms, a soldier returned to civilisation finds it hard to adapt back to the mundane lifestyle where hedonism no longer holds appeal. I rather liked the ending where Marcus turned his armory into a haven for veteran soldiers longing for what camaraderie and solitude they had as brothers sans the war and brutality.
DANIELLA herself is a Florence Nightingale for abused victims of the female variety. Inspired by her aunt Harriet's own demise with her husband, Daniella is determined to offer help to those who need it but, she's also careful not to go beyond her means. This was a caution the late Elise didn't heed and stumbled where she wasn't wanted, thus resulting in her death. Daniella has been avoiding Marcus ever since he returned for the sake of saving him the pain of reliving his sister's recent death. Unfortunately for her, Marcus is accusing her of knowing more about Elise's death. Yes, she may know that Elise was involved in Nightingale's work BUT not the fact that she had been murdered. Along the way, Marcus and Daniella join forces to take down the one responsible for Elise's death. I like how Daniella isn't a pushover and doesn't let Marcus step all over her, insisting on what she believes in, but at the same time she's able to compromise with him for the sake of their love.
OVERALL the characters were mature to be sure. There was no silly drama, and it the plot proceeded with a one-track mind - Marcus and Daniella falling in love whilst finding Elise's killer. This might not be my favourite Anna Harrington, but it was still enjoyable. Who can ever resist a Duke meets Headstrong heroine troupe? I admit it's one of my favourites.
THIS WAS AN AVERAGE MYSTERY-CRIME-SLIGHT THRILLER - HR FEATURING CHARACTERS THAT YOU'LL NOT HESITATE TO LIKE.
MARCUS is a soldier returned from the war and while abroad, he received a letter from Daniella informing him that his sister Elise has died. What they both didn't know till later is that Elise was murdered and Marcus won't let this rest until he unearths the killer's identity. Of course, this is the reason he pesters Daniella at every turn, at the same time being very attracted to her. Marcus and Daniella has known each other even from the moment she first debuted, but she has always been his sister's friend. The MC's chemistry was quite fluent...it's like you can't miss it and it's also a given thing to happen. Marcus himself is an honorable man, given the title of Duke for his services in the war but like his brothers-in-arms, a soldier returned to civilisation finds it hard to adapt back to the mundane lifestyle where hedonism no longer holds appeal. I rather liked the ending where Marcus turned his armory into a haven for veteran soldiers longing for what camaraderie and solitude they had as brothers sans the war and brutality.
DANIELLA herself is a Florence Nightingale for abused victims of the female variety. Inspired by her aunt Harriet's own demise with her husband, Daniella is determined to offer help to those who need it but, she's also careful not to go beyond her means. This was a caution the late Elise didn't heed and stumbled where she wasn't wanted, thus resulting in her death. Daniella has been avoiding Marcus ever since he returned for the sake of saving him the pain of reliving his sister's recent death. Unfortunately for her, Marcus is accusing her of knowing more about Elise's death. Yes, she may know that Elise was involved in Nightingale's work BUT not the fact that she had been murdered. Along the way, Marcus and Daniella join forces to take down the one responsible for Elise's death. I like how Daniella isn't a pushover and doesn't let Marcus step all over her, insisting on what she believes in, but at the same time she's able to compromise with him for the sake of their love.
OVERALL the characters were mature to be sure. There was no silly drama, and it the plot proceeded with a one-track mind - Marcus and Daniella falling in love whilst finding Elise's killer. This might not be my favourite Anna Harrington, but it was still enjoyable. Who can ever resist a Duke meets Headstrong heroine troupe? I admit it's one of my favourites.
April 5, 2020
4 Stars
This was my first book by this author and I really liked the overall writing style and the main characters, but I especially enjoyed the mystery and intrigue. This first book in the Lords of the Armory Series was a complete story with a solid ending, but it did set up the next story(ies) with an overarching mystery and the rallying of a band of retired soldiers who have organized for interpersonal support and to dismantle a dubious and unethical organization.
While I enjoyed the overall story and the main characters, I did struggle with the pacing of the romance. This was the second HR in a row where the romance moved from first meet to declarations of love in a matter days. Well, it might have been a week or so, but it hadn't felt like a natural progression. In spite of the romantic pacing, I enjoyed the overall story, but it's the fantastic mystery and intrigue that had me interested in continuing with the next book.
May 29, 2022
So good
What a good story! And an even better set up for the whole series. I loved that Dani wasn't a simpering wallflower. She was brave and stood up for her beliefs. Marcus was wonderful as well. I can tell this will be a good series.
What a good story! And an even better set up for the whole series. I loved that Dani wasn't a simpering wallflower. She was brave and stood up for her beliefs. Marcus was wonderful as well. I can tell this will be a good series.
November 20, 2020
Solid start to a new series, by an author I haven't read before.
February 13, 2020
Another fantastic book by Anna Harrington. A sexy and thrilling friends to lovers. Marcus comes to back from war to a new title and a different England, even his sister's childhood friend Danielle has changed. Danielle is now a grown woman with secrets she intends to keep but she has loved Marcus since she was a young girl. The murder of Marcus' sister brings them together in a passionate yet thrilling journey to their HEA. Kick ass first book of a new series. Wonderful main character with intriguing secondary characters I cannot wait to read more about. Mix in a devious enemy that looks to run through the series, sign me up!
November 1, 2023
A nice setup that the author did nothing with (in my opinion). I also disliked the ending.
February 24, 2020
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. An Inconvenient Duke is the first book in Anna Harrington’s new series Lords of the Armory.
General Marcus Braddock has returned from Waterloo and to thank him for his service the crown has made him the Duke of Hampton. While looking through his late sisters effects he discovers that her death was not an accident and that she was murdered. He goes searching for the truth and one person he wants to question is her good friend Danielle Williams but Danielle has secrets of her own and carries a great deal of sadness and guilt over the loss of her friend. Lots of melodrama ensues. I have loved every book I’ve read by Anna Harrington except this one. I disliked the heroine, I thought she alternated between whiney and TSTL. It took too long for her to explain why she was doing what she was doing and I was unable to find that willing suspension of disbelief that you need to enjoy a story that is as convoluted as this one. Medium Steam. Publishing Date February 25, 2020 #NetGalley #AnInconvenientDuke #AnnaHarrington #HistoricalRomance #Bookstagram #SourcebooksCasablanca
General Marcus Braddock has returned from Waterloo and to thank him for his service the crown has made him the Duke of Hampton. While looking through his late sisters effects he discovers that her death was not an accident and that she was murdered. He goes searching for the truth and one person he wants to question is her good friend Danielle Williams but Danielle has secrets of her own and carries a great deal of sadness and guilt over the loss of her friend. Lots of melodrama ensues. I have loved every book I’ve read by Anna Harrington except this one. I disliked the heroine, I thought she alternated between whiney and TSTL. It took too long for her to explain why she was doing what she was doing and I was unable to find that willing suspension of disbelief that you need to enjoy a story that is as convoluted as this one. Medium Steam. Publishing Date February 25, 2020 #NetGalley #AnInconvenientDuke #AnnaHarrington #HistoricalRomance #Bookstagram #SourcebooksCasablanca
January 27, 2020
"His unstoppable force had just met her immovable mountain". Marcus Braddock, Duke of Hampton and Danielle Williams, despite a growing attraction, have many secrets to hide from each other. They need to trust and work together. Ms Harrington has given us a treat of intrigue, history and love in this story. Very much looking forward to the continuing series. Highly recommend.
February 25, 2020
I struggled with this book. I am a big fan of this author’s and adored her previous series (the Carlisles), but after reading this book, I’m not sure if this new series is going to be for me. This is a romance with a strong murder mystery element, one that points to a larger, nefarious organization that will be the focus of the series. This book very much felt like it was setting up the larger conspiracy that is to come in future books; the romance was not as central to the plot, or as developed, as I would have liked. The characters’ relationship felt rushed, and their personalities were also underdeveloped. I don’t feel like I know these characters or what motivates their love for each other all that well.
I will definitely read the next book in the series, because I love Anna Harrington and know she is a talented writer. It could be this type of mystery romance just isn’t for me, but would work well for other readers.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I will definitely read the next book in the series, because I love Anna Harrington and know she is a talented writer. It could be this type of mystery romance just isn’t for me, but would work well for other readers.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 4, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and I think Anna Harrington has done a wonderful job of introducing us to the Lords of the Armory with this first book in the series! Taking place in an era when women had no rights, you will meet Danielle who is helping women escape abusive marriages. You will also meet Marcus, a general, who comes home from the war and finds out that his sister did not die from a fall off her horse...she was murdered! Danielle, who was his sisters best friend, ends up helping him try to uncover the truth.
As one clue leads to another, Danielle and Marcus end up not knowing who to trust anymore and the story is filled with on going action that will leave you not wanting to put the book down! Amidst all the danger, they fall in love and passions run deep but the road to HEA is not an easy one. Well written, filled with action and intrigue, now I look forward to the next books in the series.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
As one clue leads to another, Danielle and Marcus end up not knowing who to trust anymore and the story is filled with on going action that will leave you not wanting to put the book down! Amidst all the danger, they fall in love and passions run deep but the road to HEA is not an easy one. Well written, filled with action and intrigue, now I look forward to the next books in the series.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 28, 2020
I think this is a new author for me, I dont remember and I looked to see if I had in fact read anything from her and couldn't find, but anyhoo. I liked the storyline I liked how we meet this man who finds out his sister died, but knew it wasn't from a horse, and he is set on finding out the truth and he does that with his sisters best friend, Danielle. While trying to find out the truth and spending time together they fall in love, which we kind of knew would happen. I liked that in this era that people could not really have cared about woman in abusive marriages there are a group of people who do care and intend on getting to the bottom of things. We didn't get a lot of answers because this is the beginning of a new series, I am not sure if I will continue just yet, because I do have a lot of books that I am interested in, so we shall see.
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
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