IF THE DUKE DEMANDS is the first book in Anna Harrington's Capturing the Carlisles series. IF THE DUKE DEMANDS opens with mystery, magic, seduction, and a case of mistaken identity at a masquerade ball. After the opening passionate vignette between Miranda and Sebastian, Anna Harrington quickly establishes the relationships that all the characters have with each other, as well as mapping out all the obstacles to Miranda and Sebastian's possible romance. The close relationship that Miranda has had with Sebastian's family for so many years, lends texture to their developing relationship and adds an extra pop to the romance.

Anna Harrington takes a cue from the classic Audrey Hepburn film SABRINA. For as long as she could remember, Miranda Hodgkins has believed herself to be in love with Robert Carlisle. A long-ago kiss when she was a teenager has fueled her dreams of a happily ever after. The reality is that although she may enjoy a certain familiarity with his family, a romance with Robert is problematic. Enter Robert's dashing older brother Sebastian, who has a rake's knowledge of sin and a proper duke's sensibilities. Sebastian and Miranda's unexpected amorous encounter is serendipitous or disastrous -- depending on how you look at it. I like how the attraction between Miranda and Sebastian overwhelms them at times, and how things take a turn toward the sensual whenever they meet.

Miranda and Sebastian both carry around some guilt over the death of a parent. Despite any nagging misplaced feelings of guilt Miranda may feel, she remains true to herself even when she's in disguise as the beguiling temptress named Rose. Sebastian's guilt is a much serious issue because it is emotionally crippling him, directing his life choices, and almost succeeding in keeping him from happiness and true love. I like the way Anna Harrington shows how conflicted Sebastian is over his feelings for Miranda, without having him fall into the "pushing her away for her own good" trap that so many heroes in similar situations do. Sebastian is perplexed, enchanted, and attracted by Miranda's bold and forthright nature. Miranda's honesty and romanticism draws Sebastian like a moth to a flame.

IF THE DUKES DEMANDS has a daring heroine who delights in bedeviling the hero. Miranda and Sebastian have oodles of chemistry, which lead to some very steamy scenes between the two of them. The hero's family helps the reader understand him more, and ends up supporting him more than he would have ever believed. This is the first book I've read by Anna Harrington, but after enjoying IF THE DUKE DEMANDS, I know that it will definitely not be my last.

A Masquerade and the Wrong Brother.....

Miranda Hodgkins is an orphan living with her elderly aunt and uncle on the Carlisle's property has had only one dream since girlhood-marry Robert Carlisle- being the bold troublesome live life to fullest, she decides the way to Robert is seduction. And the masquerade party is just the night to sneak into his chambers. And what a start to her seduction with the most breathtaking ,toe curling, world tilting kiss by non other than THE DUKE of TRENT-SEBASTIAN !

Sebastian can't believe the vixen in his bedchamber on his bed is non other than Miranda Hodgkins just when he decided he could have some fun like the days before his father's death, before he had to become the Duke of Trent and a shadow of himself. Being the head of the family he can't afford scandal his life is very boring, and Miranda just turned that life on its axis with one devastating kiss.

The first book in the Carlisle brothers trilogy is enticing , seductive, and full of witty humour that will have you cheering for Miranda and clobbering Sebastian . She definitely knows how to pull his strings and brings him to the boiling point even though his search for the perfect Duchess and a cold marriage without love is what he thinks he wants but what he really needs is right in front of his face. Will he be able to finally see what he really needs and reach for the love of an unconventional spirited woman? Awesome story that will entice you to finish in one sitting - recommend this to friends and family in a heartbeat ! Another winning story by Anna Harrington!

Received an ARC by the publisher and the author via NetGalley for my honest opinion and in no way compensated.

This was so adorable!! Made my month reading it. :') Thanks to the Publisher for the review copy!!

Miranda has known the Carlisle boys since she was a kid. She was always viewed as the little sister of the group, but now grown up, and wants Robert to see her as the woman she's become. Conventional ways haven't worked, so she takes matters into her own hands by sneaking into his room. Dressed to seduce the man of her dreams, only the man in the room ends up not being Robert, but his older brother, Sebastian. Oh no! What to do??

After agreeing to keep this indiscretion to himself, Sebastian and Miranda agree to help each other find love in the coming season in London. He will help her win Robert's heart, and she will help him find the perfect duchess to do the dukedom proud.

Miranda is full of life! Vivacious, fun, very loving, and liking what London has to offer! She's a sassy thing and Sebastian finds it harder and harder to not notice everything about her. Ever since his father passed and he's felt guilty of not saying goodbye, he's been swamped with obligations. Blinded by the dukedom, Miranda offers him a breath of fresh air and lightens his dark existence. She brings him out of his doldrums! They try to do right by the pact they made, but are inexplicably drawn to each other. They find common ground and although surprising, can not seem to resist tempting the other.

I loved Miranda from the start! She was belle of the ball so to speak and she was loving everything happening to her! Well, she was, until Sebastian made it clear that although he fancies her, she could never be a duchess. She was below his station and with his first priority being the Duke of Trent, he could never entertain marrying her-love be damned!

I liked Sebastian when he wasn't being an ass! He did have feelings for Miranda and is struggling to come to grips with what he wants vs. his obligations. He was in total denial. If he said he needed a proper duchess one more time, I was going to kill him! He was utterly frustrating to say the least! I felt so sad for Miranda as all she wanted was to love Sebastian, and for him to be happy! She tries to show him that he can be the duke and also be the man he was. He felt that was impossible to do. He was slow in coming to the realization he could be both, but he ultimately came around-finally. Miranda should've made him work a bit more for her, but her love was just blinding her that she didn't care. She only wanted him and a HEA she deserved!

If the Duke Demands is book one in the new series Capturing the Carlisles by Anna Harrington, and it was a good start! It has a fun and flirty air which is nice considering London and the Ton can be totally suffocating with their snobbiness and rules! I'll be looking forward to book two, When the Scoundrel Sins about Quinn!

reviewed by Deb

Actually a refreshing romantic read for me. Miranda fancies herself in love with Robert, the middle Carlisle brother, and is intent on seducing him during a masked ball. The only problem is that he swapped masks with his elder brother, the heir to the dukedom, and Miranda finds out her mistake too late. Nearly compromising herself with Sebastian, she is incredibly embarrassed.

Determined to find a dutiful wife among the ton, Sebastian decides to give Miranda, an orphan, a London season. Miranda offers her help in securing Sebastian a bride, as long as he helps her distract Robert from the woman he is courting. As these two are thrown together, however, the passion between them ignites.

Fun read.

Miranda grew up with the Carlisle siblings, living with her aunt and uncle as tenants on the Carlisle family land. Always closest with middle brother Robert, Miranda wants him to see her as more than the girl next door. However, in her efforts to woo Robert, she mistakenly tries to seduce the Duke of Trent, eldest brother Sebastian.

Weight of family obligation and dukedom on his shoulders, Sebastian longs for the carefree life he once lived. But duty comes first, which includes courting and marrying a daughter of a Peer and producing a suitable heir for Trent. Spending the season in London to find the proper duchess, it is Miranda who opens his eyes to joy again, seeing life through her unfettered eyes.

I absolutely adored If the Duke Demands! Sebastian and Miranda are two halves of whole. The conflict of love versus duty plays out perfectly as Sebastian attempts to live up to his father’s legacy. The guilt over missing his father’s death because of his dalliances haunts Sebastian daily and controls his every action. It takes the exuberance and love of a strong woman to help him find the man who died with his father two years ago.

The book grabbed my attention right from the start with its mistaken identity twist, followed by the pact that Sebastian and Miranda create. Not only does this ensure that they will spend alone time together as they plot, the secretive nature of their agreement lends itself to create a strong bond between the pair. This allows them the freedom to open up to one another, sharing things they never would have otherwise. Additionally, it gives Miranda the freedom to be herself and challenge Sebastian’s ambitions and goals. I love that they banter like a couple of equal standing.

As the pair becomes comfortable around one another, their mutual interest deepens and grows. My heart raced as I also became caught up in their passion. Their inappropriate conversation in public at the opera, the stolen kisses… the author does an amazing job building sexual tension and desire, and I found myself completely head-over-heels for this couple. Yet, Sebastian’s misguided intentions and guilt prevent him from completely giving himself to Miranda, even as she risks her heart, surrendering fully.

If the Duke Demands is an absolute delight. Ms. Harrington puts forth solid, strong characters who worked their way into my heart. The story is incredibly entertaining, with the perfect amount of tension, desire, and emotion. As Sebastian works through his guilt and recognizes his true feelings, I found myself equally affected. The author balances humor and deeply emotional scenes making me both laugh and cry. I cannot wait to see what is in store for the remaining Carlisle brothers.

My Rating: A, Loved It

Received in exchange for a honest review.

I haven’t dabbled much in historical romance. Occasionally picking one up because it seems interesting and when this one came available I loved the description. Girl being bold in that era and trying to take control and get the guy. I didn’t expect it to be as entertaining and interesting as it was. The characters, storyline and writing took hold of me and I didn’t even feel I was back in time when Dukes and society played a role in matchmaking.

Here we have Miranda who just grabs your heart from the beginning with her determination and exuberance. She is so kind and sweet. she is also sassy and fun. She loves the people in her village so much and wants to help that sometimes it doesn’t always work as she hoped but her heart is always in the right place. This time her heart is going on the line to try to get the boy she has crushed on for what seems like forever to her to notice her. Again all Miranda’s intentions never turn out how she hoped and she is seducing the wrong brother.

Sebastian is a good guy. Honorable man. When his dad died he took on the weight of the world it seems. He was ashamed for not being there and now he pays the price. the guilt weighs on him and he isn’t truly living his life. The once smiling fun guy is now more serious and less lively. Miranda makes him feel alive but he still fights it due to a promise he made to his dad. A promise he took to heart and is now feeling at war with. Miranda ends up in his room and she gets him to notice her. He does the honorable thing and stops and protects her. But soon he finds that his attraction is there and she is coming to London for the season with them.

Here is where it gets fun. He is looking for a wife that is fit for a duke but is attracted to Miranda. Miranda is trying to get his brother to notice her and recruits Sebastian to help her. Soon she gets to know Sebastian and realizes she likes him. He likes her but feels his dad wouldn’t approve so he fights it. They are so fun together though. She makes him smile and feel free. He talks to her and she listens She is so kind and caring that it bowls him over. So now he is helping her, trying to fight his attraction and find a wife. Soon the attraction can’t be ignored and we get some beautifully intimate moments with them. But he lets his duty come in the way and she lets him get away with it. good thing his mom knows how to set him straight. The ending swoon city Sebastian.

The story is fun and entertaining. We see two people on a journey to find love and happiness. Both didn’t expect to find it with each other and one fights it. we see them come together and be each others support system and how they help free one another from the burdens of society placed upon them. The brothers are a hoot with their antics at times and I look forward to reading their stories next. A fun sweet tender and entertaining romance where the characters endear you from the start, the story grabs you from the beginning and you truly do forget the era you are in and just see the story of a man and woman falling in love despite the obstacles and finding their way to one another.

Sebastian Carlisle, the Duke of Trent, has turned from his rakish ways after the tragic death of his father. He takes his new title seriously but even he can't deny the temptation of a masked seductress in his bedroom.

Miranda Hodgkins is desperate, she realizes the love of her life, Robert Carlisle, is planning to court another woman. Miranda resorts to drastic measures and sneaks into his bedroom hoping he sees her as more than just a childhood friend. The only problem is that she sneaks into the wrong brother's room. The mistake isn't discovered until Sebastian and Miranda share a steamy kiss and then some.

To make the awkward situation better, Sebastian agrees to help Miranda win Robert's heart if she helps him find a suitable bride worthy of being a dutchess (which is the furthest thing from Miranda).

As the London season progresses, so does the opportunities for Sebastian and Miranda to grow closer but is it close enough to overcome so many barriers between them?

I loved this new series by Anna Harrington. It might have helped that the friends-to-lovers storylines is my all time favorite. This one didn't disappoint even when I wanted to reach through the pages and wring Sebastian's stiff neck! Miranda was the perfect heroine. She was a ball of energy with a zest for life and a great sense of humor. She was the perfect counterbalance to bring back the once carefree Sebastian.

I look forward to more from this Carlisle family!

Sebastian’s family was granted a title and vast land and wealth when a former Earl committed treason. All of a sudden, Sebastian and his two younger brothers had a future responsiblity. When Sebastian’s father dies falling off a horse, Sebastian becomes a duke and his days of being irresponsible are over. His two younger brothers however keep the party alive and going, much to Sebastian’s frustration. He feels guilt over the fact he was partying the night his father died, so he makes it his mission to be everything his dad would have wanted him to be. That means finding a wife and producing an heir – and he wants to find the best one, forgetting about passion or love.

“We’ll use the season to conduct a logical, well-reasoned search for a duchess.”

Robert and Quinn looked at each other, then howled with laughter.

Sebastian scowled at them.

Miranda is an orphaned tenant of Sebastian’s family and grew up alongside all three brothers. They played outside as kids and got into fun trouble. Miranda has always had a crush on the middle brother, Robert, but he still sees her as a “kid sister.” To prove she is now a woman, she dons a mask and a flimsy dress and hides inside his room one night, ready to give him the surprise of his life. But when Sebastian walks in and starts fondling her, the fun stops immediately. She had the wrong room (oops) and the wrong brother (double oops). Sebastian is just as shocked as she is, and quickly scurries her out of his room. But he can’t for get the way she felt under him and she can’t forget his kisses.

When Sebastian’s mother invites Miranda to London with her family to sponsor her for the season, Sebastian and Miranda both awkwardly arrive. Miranda still has her heart set on Robert, even though he is fond of someone else, and Sebastian is determined to find a respectable peer to be his bride…but these two have a connection.

This is a cute historical although predictable at every turn. The guiding force running Sebastian’s life is to make up for the fact that he was not around when his father died. The guilt eats at him, so he is determined to do everything “right” to make up for that night. He has his eyes set on marrying a titled woman to be his duchess, not a orphan who gets herself into trouble all the time. From the start though, Sebastian has feelings for Miranda. They go together really nicely in this book. They have good chemistry as Sebastian is somewhat an alpha duke and Miranda is energetic, and a little flighty at times. He finds her antics amusing and she finds his body damn sexy.

But – no matter how much in love Sebastian falls, he refuses to marry Miranda. He warns if they sleep together, she will be ruined with no husband because she does not fit the mold he wants for a wife. Yet he still goes back to her, time and time again. At least he is upfront and honest about it, but knowing his mother was the one in the beginning to warn him to marry for love, not title – it takes his mother at the end to convince him to marry Miranda. The story went along at a fine pace, but a predictable pace. You could tell when they were going to get more physical, then have a fight, then get even closer etc..

It’s cute though – I liked both Sebastian and Miranda. I’ll read about another brother.

Grade: B-

Author Anna Harrington does a great job of setting up the reader's interest in the Carlisle brothers Sebastian, Robert and Quinton in this book 1 of the Capturing the Carlisles series. Each of these sensual men have an entirely different personality that will attract the female readers to want to read their stories.

Sebastian is portrayed in a manner that will make your heart ache for who he was and what he has become since he became a reformed rake. The reader will have compassion for him thus wanting him to find a happy ever after in-spite of his misguided belief system. He comes across as is a very interesting man with a lot of facets to his personality. I enjoyed his understanding and interaction with his rascal brothers as well as how he protects and loves his mother and sister. Even Miranda was not left out from his protection which causes all kinds of havoc in this story that made me laugh and yes even cry.

Miranda is fun and she makes me smile. She is arresting in all senses of the way, loves her life, is confident in who she is and that attribute is very attractive in a female character. Her love for life is portrayed in all aspects of this book and as a reader the overall impression of this book is hope.

For this reason, I give it 4 STARS and am excitingly looking forward to reading When the Scoundrel Sins #2 of this series.

Ok so I know I like the hit people in books over the head, but Sebastian did deserve it later on in the book. *hits him over the head*

Miranda is, how to explain her really, she loves her village, her work, she is lively, and maybe not the most refined. But she was a delightful heroine. Except for when she went into her crush's bedroom *hits her over the head too* That was such a stupid thing to too.

While Sebastian used to be out there, he is now proper and just wants to find a good wife.

They are so good for each other, but she likes his brother and he wants the perfect boring wife. Which made it enjoyable to see them fall in love. Except for that time when I wanted to hit him cos he thought stupid things. Oh stupid men. Which also made me dislike his brothers at one time cos I wanted them to be upset. And see I am rambling, but you will see.

Conclusion;
Enjoyable.

A great read of unrequited love. A young woman's self discovery of love, relationships and marriage. She was looking for love in one place but found it in another. A Great read Highly Recommended.

4.5 stars - This is a new author for me & I really liked this book & would definitely read her again. I loved the leading characters (Miranda's spirit & Sebastian's dedication to his family), the chemistry was sizzling, the writing was good, and the relationship development was really enjoyable.

The first book in The Capturing the Carlisles is a fabulous read.

The book starts off with Sebastian Carlisle coming home from a night of carousing to find out that the father he adored has died in an accident. The guilt will be with him for the rest of his life. While he was in bed with an actress his father was asking for him. Now Sebastian is the new Duke of Trent and he is going to be a man that his father would be proud of. He is going to take care of his mother and his brothers and find a suitable woman to be his Duchess.

Miranda Hodgkins is a neighbor and has known the Carlisles since she came to live with her Aunt and Uncle when her parents died. As a child she and the two youngest boys, Robert and Quinton get into all kind of mischief.

Now Miranda is 21 and has been in love with Robert for years. Of course he has no idea and just sees her as the little girl who was always underfoot when he was young. But she is determined for Robert to see her as a woman who loves him. So she schemes to sneak into his bedroom after the house party ends and seduce him. Once in his bedroom she drapes herself across his bed and waits for him. The last night of the party was a masquerade so they are both wearing masks. When he enters his bedroom and sees a beautiful woman in his bed he does what any good rake would do, seduce her. In the heat of passion she says his name, Robert..that's when the masks come off and she realizes it is Sebastian, the Duke and not his younger brother Robert.

The journey that follows will test their friendship with lust, longing and heartbreak. Will Sebastian marry the perfect woman to be his Duchess knowing that he will not be happy with her. Or will he give in the feelings that have developed between him and Miranda. She makes him laugh, she understands him like no one else but is she Duchess material?

Anna writes a lovely story that is full of beautiful verse. It is witty, will pull at your heart strings and the lovemaking will have you squirming in your seats. I really enjoyed this book. The interaction between Sebastian and Miranda will make you laugh and cry. The progression of their relationship is enthralling and a joy to read. I read this book in one sitting. I highly recommend it to lovers of Historical Romance and cannot wait for the next book in the Series.

Received a complimentary copy for an honest review.

I’ll admit, I was lured in by the pretty cover. And also my efforts to try new authors in search for new and refreshing stories. This one, was a big hit! Being my first read by Anna Harrington and not knowing what to expect, this book was surprisingly endearing. I fell for the characters from the very first moment we see young Miranda trying to sneak in her childhood friends’ bedroom to try and seduce him and fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming his wife. Except she sneaks into the wrong brothers’ room and finds an unexpectedly seductive Sebastian.

They both want different things. Miranda wants the more wild and carefree younger brother, Robert. Sebastian wants a proper lady to fulfill duties as his future Duchess. They are far from what the other expects, and yet they can’t help that sudden connection. The moment they shared pulled away their defenses and left them completely open to the other. I loved how they were so unguarded and free to be who they really were with each other. And it was so much fun to see Sebastian try and leave his stodgy and serious persona aside and indulge in his real desires with Miranda. They couldn’t have been more opposite characters, except they both they right balance for the other. She makes him a little bit less reserved and enjoy life. He centers her.

IF THE DUKE DEMANDS unexpectedly swept me off my feet. I kept turning the pages with excitement and glee. I couldn’t put this book down, it was just sexy, sexy, witty and at times hysterical. All key things I love in my historical romance. I can already anticipate that these will be very sweet and fun books. I love the light hearted feel of the story and I absolutely love the Carlisle family so I can’t wait to continue on reading their escapades. And now definitely a new to me author I’ll be on the lookout for more.

When Miranda Hodgkins lost her parents, she went to live with her aunt and uncle who are land tenants of the local baron. She soon became great friends with the baron's children, and became a fixture in the Carlisle household. As she started to leave childhood behind, she fancied herself in love with Robert Carlisle, the middle brother. Robert, however, still sees Miranda as a little sister, and still calls her by her childhood nickname of "Sprite." When Robert shows marked interest in another woman, Miranda takes desperate steps. She dresses seductively, wears a mask, and waits in Robert's bedroom, intent on showing him that she's now a woman. When she has bewitched him, then she'll remove her mask and reveal her true identity. The only problem is, she ends up in Sebastian's bedroom instead.

Sebastian's life has been filled with guilt, duties, and responsibilities since the death of his father. The unexpected bestowal of a dukedom has changed Sebastian from a carefree rake to a serious man who only lives to serve the dukedom and his family. Yet, when he finds a beautiful young woman in his bed, he can't resist the temptation. He begins to seduce her, until she utters Robert's name, stopping him dead in his tracks. He is horrified when he realizes that it's Miranda, and even more surprised to find that she loves Robert. Of course, he sends her home.

Sebastian (now the Duke of Trent) has decided that it's time he found a suitable bride, and provide an heir for the dukedom. The family will be going to London for the season, and Sebastian's mother has already made arrangements to provide a season for Miranda, who has been like family, and so helpful to her when her husband died. Sebastian, ever conscious of the family's reputation, makes a deal with the exuberant Miranda - if she will behave and not cause any scandal or disgrace to his family, he will help her attract Robert's notice. Miranda is delighted, and agrees, even offering to pick up what gossip and information she can to help Sebastian in his search for a wife.

Since Sebastian's family is sponsoring Miranda, he naturally escorts her to many of the balls and functions. Over the course of the season, the two become very close. Soon they are sharing confidences and risqué comments. They enjoy being in each other's company more than anyone else. Soon they act on the attraction that has been building ever since the night Miranda snuck into his room. They become lovers, though Sebastian makes sure Miranda is aware they have no chance of a future together. When Miranda realizes she truly loves Sebastian, and there is no hope she'll change his mind, she gives up on them and returns home to the country.

I feel that author Anna Harrington has written a masterpiece. Miranda is vibrant, impulsive, giving, passionate, and brave. She takes a gamble on winning Sebastian's heart, which she does, but she can't change his determination. Sebastian has become "Trent, the duke," losing himself in the process. When he's with Miranda, he finds himself again. He finds the joy and fun and happiness that he once felt, yet, he can't run from something in his past that insists he marry a suitable noblewoman, not an orphaned commoner. Miranda and Sebastian are wonderful protagonists, and I fell in love with both of them. IF THE DUKE DEMANDS is written so skillfully and beautifully, that I was on the emotional roller coaster along with them. The heartbreak is so poignant, that it had me in tears. I had to stay up 'til the wee hours to finish this one. I love and highly recommend this steamy and heart wrenching story.

If the Duke Demands features an altruistic and exuberant heroine that will endear herself to most readers, and have you hoping she wins her HEA.

Miranda Hodgkins grew up with the Carlisle family as the orphaned niece of their tenant farmer. Known for being reckless and troublesome, the Carlisle boys still see Miranda as the irksome sprite who followed them around their estate. But when Miranda wants Robert Carlisle (the middle brother) to notice her as a woman, she decides the best course of action is to sneak into his room scantily clad following a masquerade and attempt to seduce him. Her plan was going extremely well, until she realized she was in the wrong brother's room! You really couldn't dislike like Miranda. She genuinely cared about people and wanted to help wherever someone needed... yet trouble seemed to find her no matter her good intentions. She had a bit of a black cloud over her head when it came to accidents and unintended consequences, but she didn't let that affect her joie de vivre. Her positive attitude was contagious and I found my mood improved as I was reading.

Sebastian Carlisle, Duke of Trent is a reformed rake. After their father died, all of the rambunctious and roguish Carlisle brothers had to sober up and take on familial responsibilities, none more so than Sebastian. Now Sebastian is a staid and boring duke, focused on the duties of his new position in life - including finding the perfect duchess and siring an heir. I felt bad for Sebastian. Guilt over losing his father has driven him so far to the side of responsibility that he has forgotten how to be happy. When he finds himself sponsoring the exasperating and vivacious Miranda for a season, he is both drawn to and repelled by her. It wasn't a complication that he desired while he was on the hunt for a wife. But Sebastian has to learn that he deserves happiness before he can see which lovely lady would make him the perfect wife, helpmate and duchess.

This relationship fell into the forbidden romance spectrum. Sebastian's family was awarded a duchy, so he is one of the highest peers in the realm. He believes he will need a wife of excellent breeding, gracious manners and superb hostess abilities. He definitely cannot marry the orphaned niece of his tenant farmer, who most of the ton would view as no better than a barmaid, regardless of her cheerful demeanor. There was a bit of push and pull between these two... they were drawn to one another, but their stations seemed to be an insurmountable obstacle. Harrington did a good job at drawing you into the torment of this situation, particularly from Miranda's point of view. She was such a genuinely good person that you really felt bad for her. I loved the banter, arguing and flirting between Sebastian and Miranda - it was probably the highlight of the story for me.

Capturing the Carlisles is a spinoff of The Secret Life of Scoundrels series. If you are like me and have not read that entire series yet, I would encourage you to read How I Married a Marquess so you get the backstory on the Carlisle family. There were a number of references to Josie (the Carlisle daughter) and other family history and I felt like I was missing something during those parts. Despite that, however, I slogged along just fine through this story without being totally confused. I just would have liked to know that backstory because I like those details as I am reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Forever Grand Central.

I love Anna Harrington's historical romances, but If the Duke Demands is my favorite so far that she's written. The Carlisle brothers are the quintessential alpha heroes especially Sebastian.
Sebastian Carlisle and Miranda Hodgkins make a pact to help each other out during the season in London. Sebastian will help Miranda get his brother Robert's attention and Miranda will help Sebastian find the perfect wife for a Duke, but things soon get a little confusing when their feelings change for one another.

I received a free review copy of this book by NetGalley
Miranda has known the Carlisles nearly all her life, being her favourite Robert. She is in love with him or so she thinks.
Sebastian’s life changed the night his father died. The load on his shoulders is heavy as he doesn’t feel free to behave like a normal man does.
The story is funny and emotional, makes you laugh and cry. The author is good with words describing emotions and feelings. You can really feel the pain, the love, the regret, the sorrow, and the joy along with the characters. It is one of those books you want to finish to know what happens in the end but at the same time, you don’t want to do it because you want to go on reading.
I liked the dialogues between Miranda and Sebastian. I liked the wisdom of Sebastian’s mother. I can hardly wait to read the story of the rest of the Carlisles.