Nice plot, good characters, not my taste. ( )

ARC Review: If The Duke Demands (Capturing the Carlisles) by Anna Harrington

An act of boldness begins a dance of scandal in Anna Harrington's, If The Duke Demands. The one time Miranda acts on her attraction to her life long crush, she ends up in the arms of his brother. Talk about embarrassing. One bold decision ends up being just the thing Sebastian and Miranda need. An awkward situation leads to a simple pact. He needs a wife. She wants his brother. What could possibly go wrong? Everything. Especially when the heart becomes involved. If the Duke Demands turn out to be a tempting bundle of humorous sass with some spicy seduction. ( )

--Want to know if the whole series is worth reading? Read my overall review of the whole series at seriesousbookreviews.com! Spoiler Free!

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**

Honestly, I had butterflies in my stomach from start to finish, it was that good of a story!

I loved everything about this book! It was absolute perfection!

First, the romance trope used here of is one of my favourites! I love when two people realize that they are totally made for each other when trying to win the attentions of someone else. It creates such a stronger connection between them and that is definitely the case here. These two were GREAT for each other and I loved watching them discover that. They have one of the strongest emotional relationships I've ever had the pleasure of reading (and they knew it!). A new favourite couple for sure!

I also loved the plot. The pacing of this novel was fantastic! There was never a dull moment. If I wasn't swooning from Sebastian, I was laughing at their banter and the antics. This book was as much fun as it was sweet and touching. It's just a beautiful story from start to end and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

If The Duke Demands reminded me why I love historical romances. Swoon-worthy heroes; strong-willed, intelligent heroines and brimming sexual tension from the start. I'm definitely going to be picking up Harrington's previous works ASAP!

Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!

Full Review: http://wp.me/p7hLUw-1Zf
Actual Rating: 5/5 (more like 10/5) ( )

This is the first book in Anna Harrington’s new regency series Capturing the Carlisle’s, about three Carlisle brothers, rakes who become respectable after family tragedy, and the first story pairs Miranda Hodgkins and the eldest brother, Sebastian Carlisle.

I am torn about this story because there are aspects of it that I liked and then there are some that just rubbed me the wrong way.

The first thing that I couldn’t wrap my head around is Miranda’s actions to seduce a man she adored since her childhood. I never got over the fact that she thought this could work.

As for Sebastian, it took me awhile to warm up to him, and in the end I did, but when these two were together, I only saw sparks. I just didn’t feel them. Their attraction for each other took forever to be accepted by the two and I wished it didn’t take that long.

What I did like a lot is the setting, secondary characters and humor.

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
( )

The Carlisles are back…and England will never be the same! Known as the “Scourge of Mayfair,” the infamous brothers enjoy nothing more than having a good time and striking fear into the hearts of marriage-minded mamas. But when the three brothers cross paths with three very special women, they’ve finally met their matches–in more ways than one.”
“If The Duke Demands” is an exciting premise to a brand new series by Anna Harrington, “Capturing the Carlisles”. What a delightful, fun, romp through Regency England!
This is the story of Miranda Hodgkins and Sebastian, the Duke of Trent. Miranda, sneaks into what she believes his Robert Carlisle’s bedchamber, with seduction on her mind, instead after the mask comes off, she finds Robert’s formidable older brother, Sebastian. Oops, yes, Miranda, wrong brother! Miranda is horrified to find in her haste to capture Robert, she finds Sebastian instead. What’s a girl to do? Shocked to find Miranda in his bed, Sebastian offers her a way out of scandal, if she will find him a suitable and perfect wife, he will help her win his brother’s heart. We all know is to be a terrible mistake!
The closer Sebastian gets to Miranda, the more he wishes to keep her for his own. Can these two perfect people, find their HEA in each other’s arms?
Well written, with likeable, funny and engaging characters. The plot is absolutely a delight to read, with twists and turns, witty dialog, and a perfect match. Miranda has such a lovable personality, she brings so much to this story. She has a zest for life, is witty, smart, loyal and dreaming for the prospect for love. Sebastian, on the other hand is a bit stodgy, he wishes to be proper, honorable, honest, loyal and has a wounded soul. Together, they prove opposites do attract.
I found myself laughing out loud at moments, teary at others, especially, when Sebastian reveals his concerns and his past. He is trying to be the man he believes his father wanted him to be, before his father’s death, he has a lot of guilt.
Fun, romp through Regency England with side trip through, life’s ups and downs, the struggles of life, and the demands of being a Duke and the challenges of falling in love.
Historical Romance fans are sure to adore, “If The Duke Demands”. It has everything a romance reader finds exciting and not oppressive or mind boggling. Simple put, a romance you will wish to re-read over and over again.
An absolute delight to read! I read in one setting, once I got started reading, I was glued to the pages of Sebastian and Miranda’s story. Great job, Anna Harrington! I can’t wait to read the Carlisles’ next grand adventure! A definite must read!!
** There is a preview of her next book, “When the Scoundrel Sins”, included at the back of “If The Duke Demands”, which shows that the next book will be about, Quinton Carlisle, youngest brother to the Duke of Trent and Annabelle Greene’s story**
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR ( )