A Relentless Rake

Lords of the Armory #4

by Anna Harrington

Bestselling author Anna Harrington brings you a sexy feminist historical romance with:

• An unapologetic rake attempting to cover up his past
• A rule-following heroine unafraid to speak her mind
• Thrilling action and mystery
• Passionate attraction that overrides their deepest resistance

Notorious rake Alexander Sinclair, Earl of St James, takes pride in displaying his sins. When he's tasked by the Home Office with finding the men who attempted to assassinate the prime minister, his hunt leads him to Olivia Everett, a most proper schoolmistress who wants nothing to do with a profligate nobleman like him.

Unknown to her, Olivia's brother, Henry, has been working with the revolutionary group planning to overthrow the government. Shocked and hoping to save her brother, Olivia agrees to help the persuasive earl. But they closer they get to uncovering the villains, the more Alec and Olivia will need to trust each other.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 29, 2022

About the author

I 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.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna Harrington provides readers with a historical fiction tale that includes romance, danger, and suspense in A Relentless Rake, the fourth book in the Lords of the Armory series. Set in London, England in 1817, this novel features Alexander (Alec) Sinclair, Earl of St James, and Olivia Everett, a schoolmistress. Alec and Captain Nate Reed arrive at the Armory for a pre-dawn meeting with Clayton Elliot, the undersecretary for the Home Office. They’re tasked with finding the men who attempted to assassinate the prime minister. A lone clue points to the name Everett. Olivia manages a school for girls and her brother Henry teaches mathematics there along with taking commissions to review architect’s building plans. Is Henry or Olivia working with the revolutionary opposition group?

Known for his gambling, women, and drink, Alec lives his life honestly, and in the last few years, respectably, despite what the gossips say. He’s also intelligent, witty, and somewhat quick to judge others that don’t meet his expectations. Olivia is a proper schoolmistress. She’s brilliant, beautiful, challenging, fearless, and corrects her brother’s equations when he makes errors. Her reputation must be impeccable, or the school will lose its patrons.

This book has a solid plot, with great character depth, extraordinary characters, and a fascinating mystery. The author captured the characters and cultural lifestyles of the times and brought them to life. This beautifully executed story had characters that felt emotionally rich. With some unpredictable moments in the story, it gradually builds momentum until its action-filled conclusion. While the main mystery is solved in this book, there are still several threads that could be used in future books in the series. Along with a couple of steamy scenes, the author weaves in some deep themes related to family, forgiveness, selflessness, selfishness, kindness to those in need, social classes, trust, pride, shame, romance, fear, child abuse, political unrest, and much more.

Overall, this was a moving and memorable novel with some pivotal stressful and emotional moments. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. The Author’s Note provides some interesting tidbits about the historical events occurring during this time.

SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Anna Harrington provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for March 29, 2022.

[Antonella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series: Lords of the Armory #4 it can be read as standalone
Genre: Historical Romance
Trope: different class, opposites attract
Topics: mystery-solving, smart heroine, secret society, crime, damaged hero, hidden identity
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Release Date: March 29, 2022

I discovered this author in 2021, and I am a fan. She writes marvelous historical romance and I definitely recommend her books.
Since, I haven't read previous books in the series there was a little bit of worry would that be an issue, well it wasn't.

I love the banter between these two, and despite the class difference, I felt they were on the same level.

Now until book five comes out, I need to go back and read previous books in the series.

* thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I AM QUESTIONING WHETHER OR NOT TO FINISH THIS SERIES...

Actual rating: 2.5 ⭐

Contains mild spoilers

I am so bummed. The first book in this series knocked me off my feet. But every book since then has been a slow decline. With this book I was thoroughly underwhelmed (dare I even say disappointed with) by the male hero. He was not to my liking. He was judgmental, hypocritical and unrealistic in his expectations. He gets mad at Olivia for keeping a secret - something he himself is doing, BTW - even though he has given her ZERO reason to trust him. Olivia's secret is not of her choosing. It is thrust upon her by society. She doesn't want to keep a secret. But in stead of trying to see things from her POV, Alec writes her off as a deceitful, false woman. His judgment was way too harsh, especially because his reasoning for judging her was flimsy to say the least.

Honestly, I almost quit this book when Alec showed his true colours. And sadly, he doesn't get a good redemption ARC in the end. He doesn't reflect on what he did wrong, doesn't look to himself or admits any wrongdoing. I really don't know whether or not I am going to continue this series...

ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Lords of the Armory #4
Publication Date: 3/29/22
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 329

Oh! My Goodness! The sinister organization, Scepter, is still causing havoc in London. While the men of the Armory and the Home Office are circling closer and closer, they still have absolutely no idea who is leading the organization. It is a peer – they are sure – and a very well-placed one who has recruited spies and operatives at every level of the government and the military. There is even a mole in the Home Office. The current threat is a rumored attempt on the Prime Minister’s life. Can they thwart the threat, protect the prime minister, and maybe, this time, put an end to Scepter?

Alexander (Alec) Sinclair, the Earl of St James, along with his wrong-side-of-the-blanket half-brother Nathaniel Reed are assigned the task of tracking down a mathematician whose name they found on the only piece of evidence they have against Scepter. This mathematician is a schoolmaster whose dearest wish is to have a fellowship in the Royal Society but is he a willing participant in the plot against the prime minister or an innocent dupe.

Alec had a cruel and abusive father and that has left a permanent mark on Alec’s psyche. He detests liars – people who hide who they really are and present an entirely different picture of themselves. When he meets the sister of their suspect, she presents herself as a prim, proper, strait-laced schoolmistress – but is she? Is she in the plot with her brother?

Olivia Everett has a loving and giving heart, but she harbors a deep secret that would ruin her, her brother, and their school should it ever get out. Even though their school is struggling, Olivia keeps taking in charity cases, but resources are thinner and thinner. Her brother, Henry, has always been there to support her and back her. So, when he goes missing for multiple days, she goes looking for him – in the most dangerous part of the city – at midnight. When she is accosted by thugs, a masked man comes to her rescue. Why isn’t she afraid of the masked man?

I absolutely adored both Olivia and Alec and thoroughly believed they were perfect for each other. They both were carrying deep, dark secrets that would only hurt others if they were found out. The attraction was immediate and grew and grew and grew over the course of the book. The chemistry is there and the love comes as surely as the sun each morning. My only wish is that the book didn’t stop where it did. I hate it when a book ends with the proposal and doesn’t carry through with a wedding and possibly some future scenes.

I hope you will give this book a read and that you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexander Sinclair, Earl of St James, is tasked by the Home Office with finding the villains who attempted to assassinate the prime minister. Intel leads him to school mistress Olivia Everett and her brother Henry. Alec believes Olivia's brother has been working on mathematical data for a revolutionary group planning to overthrow the government and needs to unravel the plot before anyone else gets hurt. Will Alec and Olivia be able to trust each other enough to find the truth?

This is book four in the Lords of the Armory series. It features former military heroes, and has an overarching intrigue with pieces that are solved in each individual story. It’s an excellent series for readers that like spies with spice!

I’m a big fan of Anna Harrington and this book is another example of why. She builds compelling stories that draw a reader in, and imperfect characters to love, frustrate, and rout for. Both main characters had baggage and trust issues they were working through. Olivia was intelligent and an overall sympathetic character. Meanwhile, hero Alec, was judge-y and sanctimonious…but I did like his journey and thought he apologized properly.

I loved the author note at the end and the set up for the next book. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.

Tropes: Class Difference, Working Heroine, Spy/Govt Work

Steam: 2

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #ARelentlessRake #NetGalley

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good addition to the series. I love that the H/h spent some time alone. Very scandalous! His sister (and I think his aunt, too) played matchmaker in one or two scenes. There was a make-out session at Vauxhall's that reminded me of a similar scene in book 1 An Inconvenient Duke. I felt that they fell in love too soon, without really knowing each other.

I didn't like the hero's reaction when the heroine revealed her secret that she eloped when she was younger and is no longer a virgin. He has trust issues because of his terrible father.

I honestly did not think that this series was going to be longer than 3 books but here we are in book 4 and book 5 will be released soon, and there might be a sixth book on the way. The ongoing, overarching mystery about Scepter is making me less and less interested in picking up the next books in the series. Fortunately, the mystery didn't really overshadow the romance. I am looking forward to Captain Reed and Baroness Rowland's book.

[Katie Bogdan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I've been slowly making my way through Anna Harrington's Lords of the Armory series in anticipation of reading this ARC and let's just say, it's been more misses for me than hits. However, the book right before this was easily the best one in the series and got me excited for this installment.

A Relentless Rake feels like the start of a secondary series within the world of this series. It's a new set of heroes still fighting the same shadow organization and falling in love with women who may or may not be involved with the bad guys. In this particular installment, we have Alec Sinclair, Earl of St. James, fighting his feelings for feisty schoolteacher and potential Scepter agent Olivia Everett. It's a bit heavy on exposition considering that this is the fourth part in a series, and I could have used more on-page action/adventure but the biggest issues for me was the behavior of the hero and the anti-climatic conclusion to the romance.

I was totally vibing with Alec and his banter and his broodiness and his secrets...until Olivia tells him HER secret and he completely freaks out despite the fact that he is doing the exact same thing. The comparison was so apples and oranges that it felt shoehorned in for the sake of having a conflict and I felt like considering how absolutely rude he was to her about it, he definitely did not grovel enough for forgiveness. Then, when he finally has the chance to overcome his own demons that have been the source of so many issues in the relationship, it is wrapped up partially off-page and then they go on their merry way to their HEA. Alec didn't get enough of a chance to redeem myself for me as a character and so, the enjoyment that I was having was tainted.

I think that the idea for the series is good, but I've found myself wanting more from 3 out of the 4 books in the series. I'll definitely try some of Harrington's other books, but I think it might be time to stop with this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

Alexander Sinclair, the Earl of St. James, has an unapologetically terrible reputation as one of London’s worst rakes. When the Home Office asks him to help find the group of men responsible for an assassination attempt on the prime minister, Alec crosses paths with lovely schoolmistress Olivia Everett who wants absolutely no association with him and his reputation.

Without her knowledge, Olivia’s brother and partner in the school has gotten in over his head working with a group of revolutionaries working to overthrow the government. Disbelieving and shocked, Olivia decides to help the mysterious earl in the hopes of saving her brother, but that means Olivia and Alec will have to learn to trust each other if they hope to reveal the villains and escape with their lives.

This story drew me in almost immediately. I’m a sucker for this sort of intrigue in my romance and Alec was exactly the sort of misunderstood hero I can easily root for. At times I was frustrated with Olivia, the heroine, for just how much she underestimated Alec, but that’s nothing all the other women in his life weren’t already doing, even his own mother. Fortunately, even against her better judgement, Olivia did take the time to hear Alec out and was willing to be honest with him first in order to cement his trust in her and get him to open up in return. That one scene in particular, in which this two are finally stripped down and honest with each other, is one of my favorite scenes I’ve read in some time. The tension between these two was palpable on the page, even when they were still trying to convince themselves they didn’t like each other. I enjoyed the mystery aspect here, especially the fact that Alec was still working to try to help others even with the burdens and brokenness he carried himself. He kept trying to improve and overcome and I loved that. Olivia tried my patience at times with her snappishness towards him, but this was mostly because he was telling her things about her brother that she didn’t want to hear. Alec similarly tried my patience when he initially felt that Olivia had lied to him with malicious intent. This frustration, however, was very much worth it to get to that lovely heart to heart scene that so made this book for me. Both Alec and Olivia had been living their lives tethered by past shames that largely weren’t even their own and it was lovely to see them overcome that darkness together. This was a solid addition to the series, and I’ll look forward to the next installment.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars
Notorious rake Alexander Sinclair, Earl of St James, takes pride in displaying his sins. When he's tasked by the Home Office with finding the men who attempted to assassinate the prime minister, his hunt leads him to Olivia Everett, a most proper schoolmistress who wants nothing to do with a profligate nobleman like him. Unknown to her, Olivia's brother Henry has been working with the revolutionary group planning to overthrow the government. Shocked and hoping to save her brother, Olivia agrees to help the persuasive earl. But the closer they get to finding the villains, the more Alec and Olivia will need to trust each other.
The fourth outing for the Lords of the Armory & it can be read on its own. Another very well written book, which flows effortlessly, the characters are well portrayed & have depth. Alec & his half brother Nathaniel Red are tasked with tracking down Henry Everett, Alec is immediately drawn to Olivia. I really liked both Alec & Olivia, I loved the chemistry between them but my feelings for Alec suffered a wobble when Olivia's secret was revealed, he jumped to hasty conclusions & threatened their burgeoning relationship. Not a good move from him when he had secrets of his own. Apart from this blip I thoroughly enjoyed the book & devoured it in two sittings & now impatiently await the next in the series. I would have liked at least a wedding if not an epilogue, I felt the book ended very abruptly.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[i_hype_romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexander and Olivia have absolutely nothing in common.

He's been tasked by the Crown to uncover an assassination plot. She's a resourceful schoolmistress who keeps the doors of an exclusive boarding school open with the assistance of her mathematician brother.

But Alex is convinced that Olivia's brother is at the heart of the plot to overthrow the government. He's going to be stuck to her closer than her own shadow, watching her every move. Olivia resents his scrutiny. She thinks it's unwarranted because her brother has never given her a reason to doubt his loyalty.

Everyone has secrets. When the one's in Olivia's household come to light, it could ruin her reputation and her future. Now working with the arrogant agent of the crown is the only choice she has, And she has to ignore the inconvenient attraction and temptation to succumb to his kisses.

I loved this addition to the Armory series. Alex was the perfect rakishly cold hero. Utterly resolute in his convictions until he's very decidedly shown the error of his ways. I loved the fact that he was supportive and admiring of the heroine's mind as much as he was entranced by her other charms.

A huge thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this release in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie - One Book More · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Lords of the Armory series follows Olivia Everett, a proper schoolmistress, and Alec Sinclair, the Earl of St. James. When an assassination plot against the prime minister is uncovered, Alec and his half-brother are charged with finding the people attempting the murder. Alec’s investigation leads him to Olivia’s brother. Determined to save her brother and prove his innocence, Olivia works with Alec to figure out who wants the prime minister dead and how her brother is involved. However, neither Olivia nor Alec expected to develop feelings for each other. With so many obstacles in their way, can they have a future together?.

This is such a great addition to the series! Olivia is a smart and capable woman with a lot on her plate. Burdened with responsibility and secrets, Olivia has no time for men, especially a rakish man with a reputation like Alec’s. Alec is so much more than a rake, however, as Olivia quickly learns. He is smart and brave, and his loyalty to his country drives him. Alec, like Olivia, has secrets from his past that burden him and define him, and both have to face these wounds and secrets before they can truly embrace their future. It’s interesting to see how this pair helps to tear down each other’s walls.

Olivia and Alec have fantastic chemistry and a wonderful opposites-attract romance. They have some fabulous banter, which is equally funny, teasing, antagonistic, sexy, and tender. They are from such different worlds, and they face so many obstacles, but their connection is instantaneous. From their first meeting, you can feel the chemistry between them, and that carries throughout the story. Though I didn’t love his initial reaction to and treatment of Olivia when he found out her secret, I did like how hard he worked to earn back her trust and forgiveness. I also like how both characters learned more about themselves and each other and emotionally grew throughout the story. They are both complex and layered characters that complement each other well.

The complex relationship between Alex and his half-brother is another intriguing aspect of the story. They do not have an amicable connection, and their interactions are stilted and awkward. However, I can definitely see a change happening as these brothers work together and get to know each other more. I’m curious to see how this relationship changes and develops as the series progresses.

I love some of the other secondary characters in the story, including Alec’s mother and sister and the young girls in Olivia’s care. And Philip has my heart! He’s such a sweet and eager young man, and I can’t wait to see more of him! His character really brings to light problems that were prevalent during this time, including working conditions, child labor, and more. I like that Harrington continues to highlight important social issues and feel it adds a lot of depth to the story while also enhancing the character development.

In addition to the dynamic characters and messages, Scepter continues to be an evasive and dangerous threat to the characters. The stakes grow ever higher, and with assassination attempts, bombings, murder, and more, Alec and Olivia find themselves in dangerous and life-threatening situations throughout the story. It’s suspenseful and intriguing, and it seems like the lords of the armory are getting closer to revealing Scepter and foiling their plans. I’m curious to see what happens next in this over-arching plot.

I would definitely recommend A Relentless Rake to lovers of historical romance or romantic suspense. It’s a great story with wonderful, layered characters and a swoon-worthy romance. Though it’s part of a series, A Relentless Rake can be read as a standalone. However, some characters from the first books do make appearances in this one. Special thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and the author for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

[Morgan Many Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.45 Stars of ‘I haven’t a witty hook, sorry.’

Goddang, I just am not loving this series and I love Anna Harrington. It is most disconcerting.

Alec and Olivia were a perfect pairing—though their prescribed character tropes were total misnomers here. Alec’s rakish reputation is never substantiated, only eluded to as some distant past persona. Olivia is never the prim, proper, school mistress. She is pragmatic and honest, if a little repressed. But she is very strong from the outset. And when it comes to Alec she never holds back. And its in the moments when our two main characters are together where Harrington’s great talent for writing perfect chemistry is clear. I ate up their scenes together. That said, while I appreciated the risky move of having Alec not be okay with Olivia’s past…. It wasn’t reconciled appropriately for me. The onus was continually put on Olivia. I’d have liked some Hallelujah Moment where Alec went, “I’m such an idiot, I love her, it doesn’t matter!” But that never comes. There is a sort of compromise/adult reconciliation but it was a bit milk-toasty for my taste. Womp Womp.

The continued lack of suspense and mystery, in a series that is supposed (?) to be shrouded in secrecy and unseen threat, is something I find this vexing. Mostly though, I just can’t get behind this premise and I think I’ve finally pinned down why: the narrative that revolutionaries are synonymous with terrorists and vice versa just sits…. Wrong. Icky even. It doesn’t feel right for the period, and just comes off as a modern misunderstanding of what “revolutionaries” means. Like, even in the context of post-Napoleonic Wars it doesn’t really make sense... Yeah, like I said. Screams modern. Which I find jarring and can’t help but fixate on it (in each book in the series). Plus, the flimsy foundation that Scepter is built on combined with the Noble Tory (who are pretty misogynistic, which isn’t unseen in Harrington’s pantheon of heroes) perspective we get…And love? Meh, it is just several puzzle pieces that don’t fit and I get weird juju from. That’s just me though!

Altogether, its a swing and miss (for me). While an Excellent Achievement was not unlocked I will return for Nate Reed’s story, but I mostly want Clayton’s. I want him to marry the Madame (chemistry hints in An Extraordinary Lord). I think this will tick all the boxes for Harrington fans, and for those enjoying the series more than me! Like I said, Alec and Olivia were perfectly matched.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mathematics and terrorism!

Secrets, plots and assassination attempts carve out a story of lost love, despicable family relationships and redemption in this enemy to lover story.
Alexander Sinclair, Earl of St James, rake by night and Home Office investigator by inclination, is searching for connections to a recent attempt on the Prime Minister’s life by the revolutionary group Scepter. That leads him to the Everett School for the Education of Proper Young Ladies and mathematician Henry Everett. It seems though that Everett’s sister Headmistress Olivia is the one with the superior mathematical talent.
Alec and Olivia tangle, in more ways than one. Henry has disappeared and Olivia is frantic with worry. Henry has been rash and secretive, seemingly getting in over his head with his feverish desire to join the ranks of the Royal Society. Alec and Olivia’s forays will become a joint race against time to find out the next development in Scepter’s plot, and to save who and what they can in this Regency thriller.
A clever plot continuing the Lords of the Armoury’s hunt for the terrorist group Scepter.

A Sourcebooks ARC via NetGalley

[Elizabeth McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four of the Lords of the Armory series and definitely my favorite, so far.

Alexander Sinclair, Earl of St James and his half brother Captain Reed are tasked with unraveling the latest Scepter plot. They are trying to assassinate the Prime Minister and the brothers will do anything it takes to stop it.

Olivia Everett runs a school for girls with her brother Henry. Unbeknownst to her, Henry has become involved with the assassination plot. She decides to help the Earl in hopes of saving her brother. This leads to them doing a lot more together than hunting assassins.

I loved this book from start to finish. Olivia and Alec have amazing chemistry. She is a smart and capable heroine and he is sensitive and hurting beneath his rakish exterior. Anna Harrington has outdone herself with this one and I can't wait for more in this series!

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

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a noble in disguise.

Olivia is the head mistress of a school for girls and her brother has been acting suspicious. They run the school together and she "helps" him with commissions for his math and equations in his reports.

The Earl of St James is undercover and keeps running into Olivia making Olivia and her brother suspects in this very large plot.

They both had very hard truths slapped in their face at a young age and their public persona was definitely a mask hiding the trauma and pain that they hid.

Loved how the Earl was protecting his mother from his horrible father but didn't realize how much she knew. She couldn't do anything really unless she wanted to be abused too there was no right choice for any of them.

Was rooting for their hea even though he was a noble and she was working class. Sometimes when there's already so much gossip why not add a little more?😂

Hope that Reed gets a book.


Thank you sourcebookscasa and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

[Susan (susayq ~) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this series! I really had a hard time liking Alec at first. He was kind of smug and I felt like he was a player trying to get his way and secretly caring what others thought even as he denied caring. And his immediate dismissal of Olivia when he learned she was keeping a secret just ticked me off. However, I felt that he softened and changed enough that I am glad they got their HEA.

I have to say, the over-arching plot with Scepter is good! I missed Madame Noir in here. Maybe we will see her again ;)

[Hannah B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨Apparently Alex would NOT be a Britney fan because he clearly hates the ”I’m not that innocent” line.✨

It’s not a huge yes from me. I liked a lot of it but the hero really got on my nerves and I can’t let that shit go. I’m happy I finished it and it definitely wasn’t DNF territory…but the second half didn’t make me feel much besides indignation. Once my good opinion is lost…it takes a lot of groveling and getting messy about it.

✨

Alec was very hypocritical and shamed Olivia for shit he also did. He was like WOW why did you LIE and I’m like BITCH you’ve got influence and power and money. Once you evaluate that privilege in society, come back and say it again with your whole body I dare you. (He barely evaluated that privilege he just *forgave* her! How generous!) He ALSO lied to save his family and their reputations just. like. her. Yes he was projecting and it aligned with his character. No I did not enjoy it from a reader’s perspective…meaning I really didn’t like his character.

Because of all this, I just didn’t like him after this part of the book (I was loving him before) and it’s a problem for me when I don’t like a main character in a romance lol, despite liking other stuff in the book, hence only 3.25⭐️s. I enjoyed the plot, the pacing, and the writing. And if he just would’ve handled her revelation to him better…but alas.

✨

I sympathized with Alec, but the correlation between his father and Olivia just didn’t make sense, no matter how you look at it. They both lied yes but come the fuck on it’s like saying since apples and oranges are both fruit they taste the same. Obviously this “projection” happens a lot in romances and people get hurt, but I like there to be supreme groveling then??? And normally the “crime” of the other character actually is more of a Big Deal and the anger makes sense.

It made sense for him to make the jump to that conclusion…yes…but what she did definitely didn’t warrant that reaction. Make her “crime” worse then but as it stands, he got off way too easily for being an absolute dick to her for zero reason. Obviously his journey was to fall in love with his biggest fear—a liar—but then make her lie worse!

Make her an art thief or bank robber or something else that would actually make sense. Something that personally (even on accident) impacted his life before this…so the deep cut and anger make sense and aren’t so hypocritical. I truly didn’t think her “lie” was going to produce that reaction from him. I didn’t realize that she was a liar until he freaked the fuck out idk😭

He was like do what you want but don’t lieeeeeee about it and that just really sent me. Like no dude you wanted her on your shiny pedestal. He literally said he wanted her to be a saint so she would heal his sins…like that’s why she was so appealing to him…her sterling reputation. He was attracted to her because of the “lie” so him saying the truth would’ve been fine with him is also a ~lie.~

Craving her saintliness and reputation and saying that’s what makes you like her…negates the whole father similarity thing. Because no matter how you write it, what she did was a ❤️sin❤️ lie or no. He shamed her and maybe meant it one way, but it was totally conveyed in Not Fun ways. He sees things literally (a person is good OR bad no in-between) yes, but so do I. He was literally an ass. I can support characters with grey area…with the proper support of the text.

✨

After all that, she cut him a bit but way too soon he was sneaking into her room being like “tell me ALL of your secrets then we can bang” while he revealed NOTHING. He didn’t have to reveal his demons until after they had sex. Therefore, the sex was Not Good for me. I was in the camp of neither one revealing anything they didn’t want to! It was like she was “proving herself” to him which was fucked up. There are circumstances where this makes sense, but her “crime” was literally not bad at ALL and a totally reasonable thing. She was the one lied to and betrayed??

Maybe it would’ve been better if she strung her forgiveness out and made him grovel profusely AND had him admit his secrets before sex…but no dice. Thank god for his sister at least knocking some sense into him. But even then, I don’t fine he truly understood why it was so fucked up of him from the start. He still seemed rather justified and demanded her truth, without offering his own before claiming her body.

✨

In other news, I pulled an ✨oops!…I did it again✨ moment where I didn’t read the summary so I was very ❤️pleasantly❤️ [read: distressed] surprised to find I was reading ANOTHER wastrel of a sibling story. I did like it better here though (after reading Sophie Jordan’s Rake Gets Ravish where the brother got off SO easily) because I felt like he truly paid a solid price for his foolishness. It didn’t end up being too bad for me and I loved how Olivia did stand up against her brother, even if she did consistently blame herself for his stupidity and his consequences.

Olivia was a solid character and I liked her POV chapters and found her to be completely justified for being pissed at Henry and Alec. She did get pushed around a bit more than I like heroines to get in books (just my comfort level) but she persevered like a champ and was pretty bad ass. Also why am I such a lush for scrappy children in historical romance?? I love what they bring to the stories and characters.

✨

The writing was very readable and I read it very quickly. There wasn’t really a third act breakup which was nice and I liked the journey of the mother. I love when a cool and reserved mother can make a turn about. I suppose I liked the ending and it was cute…but I didn’t realize that the villains wouldn’t be captured in this book. I’m pretty sure there will be AT LEAST two more books until the culprits get revealed? I don’t think I’ll stick around that long lol which SUCKS because these villains did a Bad Thing to Olivia and I feel like that should be resolved if this is meant to be a standalone.

**Therefore, I don’t think you should just pick this book up without reading the previous ones, and with the condition you need to read the next ones too.**

And judging the next book based solely off the teaser chapter…I’m not even that interested. Yes I want to know why the heroine did her deeds…but do I want to learn about her trials and tribulations, while also dealing with the hero being committed to his late wife and vehemently opposed to being unfaithful to her? For probably 80% of the book? No not really. Curiosity kills the cat though so who knows…

⭐️⭐️⭐️.25*/5 🌶🌶🌶**/5

*I think this can oscillate between 3.25 and 3.5 but for the sake of Goodreads, I didn’t think this deserved a round-up. I enjoyed a lot of the book but there was never a spark for me and Alec made me too angry.

**The sex was there but not too detailed; it fit the vibes of the book and would’ve been fine for me IF he would’ve either told her his lies too OR not demanded her truth if he wasn’t gonna reciprocate…right before sex! Killed the mood for me.


Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy! All opinions are honest and my own.

[fauve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun, it's the first I've read in this series and I will definitely be reading the others. Our rake hero Alec is tasked with following schoolmistress Olivia in order to obtain information about her brother who might have been part of a devastating explosion. Alec and Olivia's chemistry is intense right from the moment they meet each other.

I really enjoyed both main characters and even enjoyed the secondary characters, which isn't always a given for me. Olivia is so sweet and I love how selfless she is, she would do anything for the girls at her school. Alec was a fun character to explore and while I understand he's suffered at the hands of a liar previously, his tantrum when finding out about Olivia's past did kind of annoy me. This book did a decent job of intriguing me enough to read the next book when it comes out. The only thing about this book that kind of bothered me was the lack of real epilogue, I would have loved to see a little bit of their married life, or even the time leading up to their wedding.

All in all I really enjoyed this book, it's my second Anna Harrington read, and I'm sure I'll be reading much more of her work throughout the year.

[Heather Moll · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is new to me and I was eager for some adventure and mystery in regency England. Secret societies and spies and threats against the government and two people having to work together for a bigger cause—while falling in love— really appealed to me.

Too bad the hero was a sex-shaming jerk. I never believed his redemption and that ruined the romance for me. It’s probably a solid addition to the series, but while Olivia is brave and smart, I never warmed to Alex. One of the reasons he likes her because she appears virtuous and when he learns she’s not he hates her for it. Pot meet kettle.

The decent conspiracy takes second place to a romance that falls flat with a sex-shaming hero who doesn’t do nearly enough groveling or self-reflection before going back to the heroine. The writing was good and I’m curious about Captain Reed, but I struggled to believe Alec’s character arc.

I received an ARC from NetGalley

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up

I was slightly surprised when I read the synopsis of this book - I thought Lords of the Armory will finish in book #4 with Clayton's story, but apparently Anna Harrington introduced two more heroes (that I know so far) before the arc (of the evil organization, Scepter) can be finished.

Alexander Sinclair, Earl of St James, has been tasked to investigate Henry Everett, a schoolteacher and mathematician whose name is written in a paper of a building that has been bombed. But he changed trajectory a little bit, after meeting Henry's sister, Olivia in a dark alley.

Alec saved Olivia (who were in that alley while trying to find her brother) from men attacking her. Then Alec decided that he could find out more about Henry and his intention via his younger sister who is the schoolmistress at Everett's school. Except that Olivia intrigues a different side of him

Olivia is wonderful! She has the best of heart, caring for children, including taking orphans from the streets to her school. She also has a brilliant mind; actually she's the better mathematician compared to her brother. But just like any other brilliant women in that era, they didn't have the opportunity to shine like their male counterpart 😤

Olivia has tried to be proper and prim because the school relies on her reputation. But Olivia keeps a secret of her own, a painful past, that can endanger the school if it comes to light. And I'm bloody angry at Alec, because when finds out about it, he ends up NOT being Olivia's champion in the beginning. Yes, yes, I know Alec, your father is a deceitful bastard, but his lies and betrayals are TOTALLY DIFFERENT TO OLIVIA'S!!! And you also keeps secret from your own mother, you hypocrite! 😠

Other than that, I thought the romance was good. I liked the chemistry between Alec and Olivia; they have attraction and passion. And Olivia has that wild side in her (that she doesn't let out easily) that she is exploring when she's with Alec. Alec is a good male character except for that complaint I have above.

I'm quite intrigued for Alec's half brother Reed's story next



The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was able to read this book early via NetGalley thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca*

I blew through this book in a day because I literally could not stop reading it. It sucked me in from the very beginning and refused to let me go until I'd reached the last page.

As has been the case with the other installments of the Lords of the Armory series, the mystery of what Scepter will do next provided an engaging and tense backbone to a lovely romance. The knowledge that the organization would stop at nothing to achieve their ends kept me reading, because I had to know what they would do next and how it would impact Alec and Olivia.

On the subject of the two romantic leads, I think they may have been one of my favorite couples in the series so far. Their dynamic was alternately funny and crackling with sexual tension. I particularly loved Olivia, with her kind heart and her driving desire to live down a single mistake of her past by doing the best she could in the present. Alec was alternately witty and brooding, an excellent rake hero.

*spoilers ahead*

My main issue with this book was Alec's fixation on the truth, to the point of essentially slut-shaming Olivia for a single mistake. While his qualm was that she had lied to him, it came across that he was upset she had lied specifically about being a virgin which, technically, she hadn't. His rage made sense in the scope of his character, but it still left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. I almost wish he had uncovered some other lie, one that didn't rely so much on Olivia having had sex one time several years before, to fuel his rage - and ultimate character growth. The way things stand, this part of the plot slightly undercut my good opinion of an otherwise great romantic lead.

Still, as my blowing through the book can attest, I really enjoyed this read. I'm very much looking forward to the next installment!

4.25/5

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: After an assassination attempt on the Prime Minster infamous rake Alexander Sinclair is tasked with finding the people responsible and bringing them to justice, by any means necessary. His solitary clue is a charred set of building plans with the name “Everett” which leads him to prim and proper schoolmistress Olivia Everett. Unbeknownst to Olivia her brother Henry is linked to the organization Alec is after. Alec and Olivia must somehow figure out how to work together, and more importantly trust each other, to both save Olivia’s brother and find the organization of revolutionaries set on bringing down the government.

The first thing that struck me about this book is how well developed and interesting the plot is outside of the romance. I always appreciate a book that has a compelling narrative that extends beyond the principal romantic storyline and this absolutely achieved that. The building of tension between Alec and Olivia was incredibly well done, everything felt high stakes from the very beginning which made the payoff all the more satisfying.

I personally prefer regency romance a little on the steamier side, and while this did have a few really great steamy scenes it did leave me wanting a little bit more in that regard. However it more than made up for it with the absolutely swoon worthy romantic moments. And of course the wit and charm you expect from this genre absolutely came through.

Overall a really great regency romance guaranteed to appeal as much to your sense of mystery and adventure as your romantic desires.

Thank you to the publisher and net galley from an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

**e-ARC provided by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.**

This was a lot of fun! I loved the witty banter, the sexual tension, the slow burn romance, and the steam, and the political intrigue was great! I found this book to be very fast-paced - it only took me 2 days to read it - and there were lots of interesting side characters for Olivia and Alec to interact with. This is the fourth book in the Lords of the Armory series but it would also read well as a standalone; I haven't read anything by Anna Harrington and I didn't have any trouble understanding or getting into this book.

Overall I thought it was a great read, however I gave it a 3.5 because I found some of the details of the conflict between Olivia and Alec to be a bit much. I think if we had gotten small details about some of Alec's familial situation before he divulged everything to Olivia then it wouldn't have seemed so over the top and unbelievable, but I thought the conflict between Olivia and Alec was reasonable enough - frustrating as a 21st century woman, but definitely made sense for the time period that the book was set in.

All in all, I would totally read another book by Harrington, and I'll probably read another in this series! :)

[LianaReads blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

My love for historical romance started when I was just a teen and never ceased since then.

Ana Harrington is one of my go to authors in the last years. This fourth instalment of the Lords of the armory series is showing me again why I enjoy her books so much.

The society will always frown upon class differences, but that won’t stop Alex and Olivia from falling in love.

Olivia is a schoolmistress, and Alex is a lord that works for the Home Office.

His traits don’t make him a selfless hero and it really shows how much of a rake he is at all times. Even when proven with truth about her brother, he isn’t apologetic or humble. He is rude and judgemental and even dismissing people at all times. I had lots of doubts that I will actually like him in the end or that he will redeem himself. I’m still on the fence about that, but I also understand that not everyone will show their regrets.

Olivia was a wonderful character, and she saved the day for me with her heart and common sense at all times.

I haven’t read all the books in the series, but I will because I enjoy all the spy thrills mixed with a bit of chemistry and steam.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy

Netgalley arc

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex must find out who is trying to overthrow the government. Led to Olivia, a prim and proper school headmistress, he learns she has secrets of her own. Together they must learn to trust each other to find the culprits and prevent impending disaster. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for my honest review.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very exciting series about a conspiracy by a criminal organization, Scepter, to overthrow the British government. I can't remember if Captain Nathaniel Reed was in the previous books, but here he appears prominently with his half brother. Alexander Sinclair, Earl of St James. Nate is one of their father's bastards (Are there others? None are mentioned) and until now, the Sinclairs have never recognized him, but now he is the hero of Toulouse and the previous Earl, who was a monster is dead. The brothers are coerced to work together to prevent the assassination of Lord Liverpool, the prime minister. Olivia Everett, is a beautiful, brilliant spinster school teacher, who gets pulled into the investigation, when evidence of her brother being involved in the conspiracy. While Alex begins to investigate her, he is drawn to her and vows to keep her save. Is there any future for an Earl and a school teacher? Aside from the brilliant characters, the author provides detailed descriptions of the settings, architectural information and history. Looking forward to the next book- about Nathan and the continued hunt for the head of Scepter.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

London 1817

Another amazing addition to this intriguing series and this time Alexander Sinclair and his half brother are ordered to find out who is trying to kill the Prime Minister

The only clue leads Alec to Olivia and her brother Henry. Unfortunately, Henry has been missing and is out looking for him, when trouble comes her way.

Two people, one driven from his childhood and terrible father and another with her secrets. Trust is a definite issue, but can he help her find her brother?

An adventure filled with a mystery, secrets and a road to an attraction that will not be denied!

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally Captivating! Alexander Sinclair, Earl of St James has a reputation for being a Rake, but the reasons behind that are heartbreaking. Olivia Everett, a most proper schoolmistress has given up on the idea of marriage and concentrates on he girls at her school. Brought together by trouble with Olivia's brother, these opposites certainly do attract. Loved the characters, the story, the intrigue and the romance. In a nutshell - the whole package. Highly recommend.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unapologetic rake attempting to cover up his pastA rule-following heroine unafraid to speak her mind Thrilling action and mystery Passionate attraction that overrides their deepest resistance Notorious rake, Alexander Sinclair, Earl of St James, takes pride in displaying his sins. When he's tasked by the Home Office with finding the men who attempted to assassinate the prime minister, his hunt leads him to Olivia Everett, a most proper schoolmistress who wants nothing to do with a profligate nobleman like him.
Unknown to her, Olivia's brother Henry has been working with the revolutionary group planning to overthrow the government. Shocked and hoping to save her brother, Olivia agrees to help the persuasive earl. But they closer they get to uncovering the villains, the more Alec and Olivia will need to trust each other.
A agent for the crown, Alex means to never fall in love because of his cruel father. Olivia does not mean to fall in love with the very handsome rake but she does.
This is a passionate tale full of misunderstandings and love.
Anna Harrington has written a very good story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is historical romance with a bit of mystery thrown into the over all arc of the series. A secret society pulls off a bombing in London. Alexander Sinclair, Earl of St. James is assigned by the Home Office to find out who is trying to assassinate the prime minister. The only clue leads to Henry Everett who runs a school with his sister Olivia. Alec thinks that Henry is doing the mathematical calculations to cause most damage to structures. But quickly he realizes Olivia is actually the better mathematician. Alex is attracted to the proper school mistress but knows nothing can come of it because he must marry in his class. He also has a huge chip on his shoulder because his father who was immoral but pretended to be pious. I really liked Olivia. She is attracted to Alex and believes her brother is innocent. I disliked how Alex judges Olivia for her past but it fits in with his issues. Overall I enjoyed the story and the romance/mystery. I didn't think there is much progress made in learning who is behind the secret society compared to the last book I read in the series. (3.5 stars) Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.