“Enchanting…Harrington combines suspenseful mystery and charming romance in this compulsively readable treat.” —Publishers Weekly Starred ReviewAll’s fair in war…and in love… Marcus Braddock, former general and newly appointed Duke of Hampton, is back from war. Now, not only is he surrounded by the utterly unbearable ton, he’s mourning the death of his beloved sister, Elise. Marcus believes … 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 Williams, his sister’s beautiful 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 be the one in need of rescuing…
Praise for Anna Harrington:
“As steamy as it is luscious. My favorite kind of historical!”—GRACE BURROWES, New York Times bestselling author, for Dukes Are Forever
“Harrington has created a richly woven novel, complete with romance, a touch of mystery, and wounded, believable characters.”—Publishers Weekly for Along Came a Rogue
“A touching and tempestuous romance, with all the ingredients Regency fans adore.”—GAELEN FOLEY, New York Times bestselling author, for Dukes Are Forever
“Thoroughly entertaining…seduction and adventure take center stage.”—BookPage for Along Came a Rogue
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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.*
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I was in the mood for a good historical romance and new Harrington novel fit the bill quite nicely. It is the start of new series as well making it an added bonus. We meet Marcus as he has returned after the war a hero being made a Duke as his reward. The death of his sister while he was away haunts him and the search for answers brings him to Danielle who tried to avoid him. Working together as the circumstances require makes it hard to avoid their growing feelings for one another adding a nice complication to the mix. A well written historical romance that makes you fell like you are there at the time along with them making it a perfect choice for fans of the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
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.blogspot.com/2021/06/an-inconvenient-duke-by-anna-harrington.html
Marcus Braddock, Duke of Hampton and former war hero, begins to suspect his sister’s death was not an accident when he finds a mysterious note among her things. Danielle Williams, his sister’s best friend, may have information concerning her death and Marcus is determined to learn every one of her secrets. Feelings develop between these two, but can Danielle trust Marcus with her secrets and more importantly, her heart?
I’m a fan of Ms. Harrington and enjoy her books. “An Inconvenient Duke” is the first book in a new series and introduces a nefarious foe that will be central to all the books in the series. Both Marcus and Danielle have their demons to slay and I wish their relationship was developed a bit more before they declared their love for each other. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
An Inconvenient Duke, book 1 in the Lords of the Armory series was a wonderfully woven steamy regency romance by Anna Harrington. It was an entertaining story with great characters, romance, passion, intrigue and action. Marcus and Danielle were wonderful together, well matched with lots of passion.
This is the first book that I have read from this author, and one of the first books that I was able to request from the public library now that books are available by request and pick up only during the COVID19 plague.
General Marcus Braddock has return from the war in France and was awarded with the title of Duke of Hampton. He only accepted the “honor” for the sake of his sister, Claudia and niece, Pippa and is still mourning the death of his other sister Elise. But while going through her things, he discovers, that he was not told the truth about how she died. He confronts her best friend, Danielle, who has been avoiding him, because of the pain of the loss of her best friend, but also the ladies had a secret- they were helping abused women disappear. But once Marcus starts making inquiries, he puts Dani and his whole family in danger. Dani had a crush on him when she was young girl, and now he sees her as a desirable woman. Marcus is looking for a purpose in his life and discovers Dani has the same desire. Can they find who killed Elise, before death finds them instead?
Vivid descriptions, a wonderful historic background exploring the social issues of the day, and intriguing characters make this an exciting read.
This story dragged for me to the point that I was skipping chapters and read the last few pages of the book when I about one-third of the way through. I liked the beginning with the letters and Marcus and his friends.
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.
Thanks goes the publisher and Net-Galley for the chance to read and review An Inconvenient Duke by Anna Harrington prior to publication. A Regency historical romance with enthralling characters that will steal your heart. My opinions are my and not influenced in any way.
An Inconvenient Duke is the first book in Anna Harrington’s new series, Lords of the Armory. I am excited about this series and look forward to the next book with eager anticipation. Our initial glimpse of the Armory is fascinating. This novel has a great sub-plot that intrigued me and captured my attention, holding it to the end.
Danielle Williams’s character is compelling. She isn’t afraid to defy the mores of the times, to fight for women’s rights. That’s played an important part in this story. Women during the Regency period had very few rights, so I could feel her frustration and understood why she wasn’t eager to wed any man. She’s dedicated to her charities, wanting to help women in abusive situations.
Marcus Braddock is the typical military hero on the surface, but underneath, he has an amazing tender side. He loved his sister and is determined to find the person who killed her. He’s protective of his niece and loves his mother. His respect for females comes through loud and clear. He’s the kind of hero who is easy to love, even when his domineering military attitude comes out.
The love between Danielle and Marcus is tender and sweet. IT grows as they work together to find the killer. Ms. Harrington is a master at building sexual tension, which is one of my favorite aspects of Regency romance I love the most. Although there is discord in the beginning, as the story progresses, they open up to each other and learn to trust one another.
If you enjoy Regency romance with plenty of twists and a mystery to solve, then you will love An Inconvenient Duke as much as I. I look forward to reading the next book in this amazing series. Happy reading!
Oh my goodness you don’t want to miss reading An Inconvenient Duke by Anna Harrington. It is the first book in her new series the Lords of the Armory and definitely worth reading if you love historical romance full of romance, suspense, secrets and murder.
Returning home after retiring from his military career, Marcus finds life as a civilian again challenging and full of societal rules that he must follow especially as a duke, but nothing will stop him from finding out why his sister was murdered and who was responsible.
Danielle has been keeping dangerous secrets for years, but when her best friend is killed and evidence points to murder she now must face the fact that her life is in danger also.
Marcus couldn’t protect his sister, but he will do everything in his power to protect Danielle.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more books in this wonderful series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Historical romantic suspense murder mystery! This wonderful story of an English General newly minted Duke who is struggling to find purpose after the Napoleonic war was a delightful surprise. These two people belonged together, both being rescuers and fighters for the oppressed.
Marcus Braddock was instrumental to Wellington’s victory over Napoleon. As a reward he’s granted the title of Duke which he really isn’t comfortable with. He did it for his sister Claudia and niece Penelope. His beloved sister Elise died 2 years ago and he comes home knowing the story that she broke her neck falling from a horse is not true. He’s determined to discover who murdered her. First he has to talk to her best friend Danielle Williams. She’s been avoiding him since he returned home and he’s determined to get answers.
Danielle Williams has been helping out her friend Claudia and Elise’s daughter Pippa since Elise died. Danielle doesn’t want to talk to Marcus and open old wounds as they are both still grieving. When Marcus makes it happen Danielle discovers it was murder not a horrible accident. Marcus tells her of a letter warning Elise to keep clear of Scepter and that the vanishing was set to happen. Danielle puts together that Elise set up her own secret network like Danielle’s Nightingale for abused women needing escape from those who hurt them. The difference being Elise was trying to save prostitutes while Danielle knew that was too dangerous. Together Danielle and Marcus seek answers to who Scepter is and who killed Elise while falling helplessly in love with each other.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lords of the Armory #1, This is a wonderful first book of the series setting up the characters and the ominous big bad, that I have a feeling is going to be the connection of the series. This is a standalone there is a HEA and all question are answered except for who is the big bad. It’s a fun read with plenty of humor, sexy time, and a nice bit of realism.
Danielle is head of the Nightingale operation, in a time where a husband could be arrested for beating his wife but it wasn’t exactly against the law either and all it did was shine a bad light on the woman. Dani helped those women escape, get new identities and a new life away from their abuser. Dani knew her limits she never messed with the brothels because they were dangerous. Her best friends Elise wanted to help those women and going out on her own she crossed the wrong people and ended up dead.
Marcus Braddock had been away at war , his homecoming gave him a heroes welcome and a Dukedom, the newly christened Duke of Hampton. Marcus believed the story he was told about his sister’s death but upon his return he discovered it was a lie, she had a secret and the only way to find out what it was is to ask her best friend and the woman who told him the lie, Dani. In the time it has been since he last saw her Dani had grown into a stunning woman and his reason for getting close to her multiply one to find out about his sister and two just to be near her and when he finds out her secret he’s determined to protect her too. Tempers flair and passion ignites as Dani and Marcus try to uncover who had Elise killed and save Dani from the same fate.
Overall, a great read. I love how it didn’t take Marcus long to realize he loved Dani. I liked how the Armory came together. It was a well written, nicely paced story and steamy. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Marcus Braddock, Duke of Hampton and former war hero, begins to suspect his sister’s death was not an accident when he finds a mysterious note among her things. Danielle Williams, his sister’s best friend, may have information concerning her death and Marcus is determined to learn every one of her secrets. Feelings develop between these two, but can Danielle trust Marcus with her secrets and more importantly, her heart?
I’m a fan of Ms. Harrington and enjoy her books. “An Inconvenient Duke” is the first book in a new series and introduces a nefarious foe that will be central to all the books in the series. Both Marcus and Danielle have their demons to slay and I wish their relationship was developed a bit more before they declared their love for each other. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
An Inconvenient Duke is a fantastic beginning to what promises to be an exciting new series by Anna Harrington. Retired General Marcus Braddock is now the Duke of Hampton. Upon his return to England, he discovers a letter in sister’s effects that indicates her death was not an accident. Danielle Williams, his sister’s best friend, reluctantly agrees to work together with him to discover the truth. There is an attraction for each other, but there are a lot of secrets and little trust between the two of them. Their story is a fast-paced dangerous adventure. There are secret charities, mystery, intrigue, and romance. Unpredictable and exciting, this story is hard to put down. This is a winner. Highly recommended.
When Marcus retired from the army, he purchased an old Armory and turned it into a place to be alone, exercise, and keep up his skill with weapons. While trying to find out what happened to his sister, he discovered a sinister, apparently traitorous organization called Scepter. He invited a group of former soldiers, friends, to join him in his place of solace. He also encouraged those who are willing to join him in the fight against Scepter. Thus we have the impetus for the Lords of the Armory. I look forward to the other stories in the series.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
5 stars
“Wow, what a great start to Anna’s new series! Thoroughly enjoyed it! Meeting Marcus, is a handsome, strong, and decorated war hero home from the war weary & restless. He reunites with his late sister’s best friend who has secretly loved him since she was a teen.. Danielle is hiding dangerous secrets which she tries to hide from Marcus and the rest of society. When Marcus discovers that his late sister was murdered, he begins to question Danielle to see what she knows. Danielle is shocked to find out that Elise has been murdered & is concerned that others might be in danger. She & Marcus begin to work together to find out what happened. This leads to adventures, dangerous escapades, and falling in love! No spoilers however. Highly recommend as a captivating read! Looking forward to the next book! “
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The start of a new series called Lords of the Armory, I want to read the next book. A well written story with a very good storyline the story flowed smoothly across the pages. The one thing I will say is do not start this book at bedtime, because if you are like me you will not put this book down until it is finished. Marcus Braddock, former general and newly appointed Duke of Hampton and he is looking for answers into the death of his sister Elise. He wants to know what Elise’s best friend Danielle Williams, can tell him. There is suspense, drama, danger, secrets, evil, a villain, intrigue, and romance. I recommend this book. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
Anna has started a new series with intrigue that draws you in. Marcus is a hero that doesn’t know what the future holds and Danielle is a woman who puts herself in danger to help others. Together they find in each other what they always needed. As this story ends it leaves many more stories to come. couldn’t stop reading. I received an advanced reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Anna Harrington ushers in her new Lord’s of the Armory series with An Inconvenient Duke, delivering a story busting at the seams with intrigue and romance that will keep readers blushing and thinking in their seats!
Returning war hero General Marcus Braddock found himself at loose ends when he returned home to deal with his new title of Duke of Hampton and the questions he could not ask regarding his sister’s death in his absence. As a hero Marcus presented just the right amount of angst to not appear broken and an appealing vigor and confidence to bring on genuine giddy excitement from both his heroine and readers alike. His wit was charming and showcased his natural sexiness. Danielle Williams, his deceased sister’s best friend, brought an unexpected interest in a life that had dulled for Marcus. The intelligent and sharp banter between this couple was done exceedingly well by this author and made this work move quickly. Danielle was thoughtfully devised by this writer who was able to not only empower this heroine but also adhere to the social restraints women were held to at the time. Being a heroine is hard enough to carry off but one in a historical romance ups the challenge in staying true to women’s roles in history. Anna Harrington bordered on brilliant in creating a portrayal In Danielle who could appeal to reader’s modern sensibilities even while creating an accurate depiction of an upper class woman in Regency England.
Espionage interwoven with romance complimented each other in the fast paced plot of this work with expertise. Ms. Harrington excels in her subtle inclusion of history in her stories making her audience’s experiences ones that feel authentic to the historic period being shown as she effortlessly blends this information into her story giving her work dimension. With a true understanding of history and human nature this writer presents characters that are based in facts as well as emotionally interesting. She has a remarkable ability to join her leads, emphasizing strengths and weaknesses for perfect matches. In a whirlwind of steamy and clever Anna Harrington managed to create a story in An Inconvenient Duke that was an entertaining page-turner to the very end.
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
I really enjoy Anna Harrington books, and this book is no exception. This is the story of Marcus and Danielle (Dani). Marcus is a General who comes home from war and becomes a Duke. Danielle was friends with Marcus sister who died. Marcus and Danielle both want to figure out what happened to her. Danielle is a strong, independent women who is helping other women. Marcus wants to help her. This story moved along smoothly, and I do not know where the time went because I could not wait to finish it. This book is the 1st in the series Lords of the Armory, I can not wait until the balance of the books come out.
I received an ARC from Netgalley for my honest review.
4 Stars!! This was a really great book! It has mystery, murder, a battle hardened Duke(Marcus), a smart and caring heroine(Danielle), and of course-romance!! It’s the first in a new series and I can’t wait to read the next book! I’d definitely recommend this book!
*I received this book at no charge from the publisher and I voluntarily left a review.*