Miranda has had a crush on Robert Carlisle since they were little. However now Robert has fallen for another she decides to take a chance and seduce at the family’s masquerade ball only to end up in the arms of Robert’s older brother. This is a fun fast paced and very romantic read. I loved it.

Poor Miranda is under the misconception that so many girls are: If I sleep with him, he will realize he loves me. So, she sets out to seduce her crush since childhood, Robert Carlisle, certain that if they sleep together he will want to marry her. But, she ends up in the wrong room... and the wrong bed... the one belonging to the eldest Carlisle brother, Sebastian!

Sebastian needs to marry and produce an heir, and soon. So, he and Miranda strike a deal to help each other. Sebastian will help Miranda gain Robert's attention and affection, and she will help find Sebastian a suitable wife from the eligible daughters of the ton. But, the more Miranda and Seb work to pair each other with someone else, the more fate conspires to draw them to each other.

This story was delightful and charming with vivid characters and a plot that draws you in from the beginning and keeps your attention captured, until the romantic, emotional and touching end. (YES, I cried!)

I love Anna Harrington's writing, and this book is just one more 5 star masterpiece to add to my Harrington collection. I can't wait to read the next one in the Carlisle series!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.

I should be used to (historical romance) heroes being careless and somewhat a*holish, right? I've read so many historical romances and still some things make me furious. Soooo.....even though I really liked this book and I absolutely loved Miranda Rose and I even liked Sebastian (sometimes), I could have kicked and yelled at our beloved hero - a lot. After having dried my tears, of course.

Actually, I guess it is not terribly bad that I reacted that way as it shows that the book didn't leave me unmoved. Quite the opposite, truth be told.
The story itself was sweet, in some parts a bit far-fetched but it was the same for How I married a Marquess, the first book by Anna Harrington that I've read. I fell in love with the Carlisles and Anna Harrington's books there and If the Duke demands confirms this feeling. I really love those wonderful, well developed, warm characters, their enthusiasm and their love for life and those around them.
I also loved the story with its twists and turns - and I'll never be able to read Hamlet again without missing those pirates. You know - every good story needs at least some scene with pirates in it, doesn't it?

A nice and fun read, with some tears and some ranting to boot , I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to other stories about the Carlisles and their world.

Let the heart rule!

3.5 stars
Smitten by her childhood friend, Miranda Hodgkins determines that she will do all she can to entice Robert Carlisle into marrying her. Unfortunately she finds that her planned seduction is off kilter when she ends up in the bedroom of Robert's brother, Sebastian, the Duke of Trent. Startled to find that the beautiful masked woman 'Rose' reclining seductively across his bed is little Miranda, the determined playmate of his youth, Sebastian promises to do all he can to help Miranda win Robert's heart ... and along the way Sebastian loses his!
But that gives no joy. Sebastian is the Duke and must marry someone who can be his duchess. Certainly not the 'harum scarum' hoyden Miranda. No, what Sebastian needs is someone born to the task.
Meanwhile, Miranda must face the truth--that Robert's heart is given to someone else.
And where is her's now residing?
A charming read with a tried and true plot.

A NetGalley ARC
(February 2017)

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

After reading How I Married a Marquess, I totally a book about the brothers. They sounded like men about the town. They were getting into scrapes and I was like, "I need more of them." I was excited to hear they were getting their own books, but had to wait. Now the wait is over and her comes Sebastian Carlisle, the Duke of Trent. Now he use to run around town chasing everything and anything until is his father died. After that took on the mantle of the Dukedom to heart, and along the way lost himself.

Now Miranda Hodgkins has been a family friend since coming to live with her aunt and uncle. A rambunctious child growing up, she was a the perfect friend to the Carlisle. On top of that she has a huge crush on the middle Carlisle, Robert. This is where it gets a little crazy and good. Basically, Robert plans to start courting Diana Morgan, and this is Miranda's last chance to tell him how she feels and show that she would be the perfect lady for him. She comes up with a convoluted plan that gets her in trouble. This is where Sebastian and Miranda come together; he helps her get Robert's attention while she helps him find the perfect wife. Sounds like a splendid plan. However, lines are cross and things change.

You know what I had fun with this story. If the Duke Demands was definitely entertaining and I couldn't put the book down. I love that you watch Miranda go from country bumpkin to a mature young lady, but the stodgy Duke has to get over his ideals of what the perfect wife should be. It was fun to see Sebastian to go from wild and crazy to stodgy to finding the perfect balance. However, it wasn't easy for him. I can't wait for more from these brothers. The younger ones definitely sound like a hoot. I'm going to be perfectly honest, I'm hoping Robert doesn't marry Diana. I'm secretly hoping for that she runs away with another guy. Anyway, those are my thoughts.

My Favorite Lines:
"Congratulation," she told him icily. "You've become a true peer. Just as arrogant and cold-hearted as the rest of them."

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

Mayfair London - 1820

Sebastian Carlisle is arriving at is home, Park Place, just as dawn is breaking. He knows that his family does not approve of his cavorting around with loose women. He is shocked to find his brother, Quinn, waiting for him with the sad news that his father has died. As the oldest, Sebastian is filled with guilt that he was not home when is family needed him. He vows to put his family first now that he is the Duke of Trent.

Islingham, Lincolnshire - 1822

Miranda Hodgkins is attending a masked ball at Chestnut Hill in honor of Elizabeth Carlisle’s birthday. She lives on her aunt and uncle’s farm near Chestnut Hill. They took her in when her parents passed away. After the ball has ended, Miranda decided to return to the Carlisle home to declare her love for Robert Carlisle and give him her innocence. They have been childhood friends. She had tipped a footman to tell her which was Robert’s room and there she awaits him dressed in a scandalous dress and masked. When a man enters still masked from the ball, she tells him her name is Rose and she proceeds to seduce him. But when she calls him Robert, he removes his mask to reveal himself as Sebastian. Confessing her intentions to him, he tells her that Robert will be escorting Diana Morgan in London this season. Sebastian apologizes for touching her and suggests she might be happy with someone from the village. Translated, she knows he is kindly letting her know she is just a country girl and not someone to marry a peer. Miranda is humiliated from the whole experience but Sebastian agrees to keep it a secret.

Now that Sebastian is the Duke, the family is making plans for the London season where Sebastian will also attend Parliament. His mother, Elizabeth, will stay in London with her daughter and husband leaving Park Place for Sebastian and his brothers. When Sebastian announces that he has decided to search for a wife during the season, the family is surprised. He declares that his duchess must be highborn and befitting the title. His mother lovingly cautions him to be sure the woman he chooses is one he truly loves.

As they are discussing their plans for the season, Sebastian is shocked when his mother says she will be sponsoring Miranda in London. Elizabeth feels that with all of the hard work that Miranda has put into managing the local orphanage, she should be treated to a season.

Miranda is enjoying every minute of her time in London. Robert has set his sights on a young lady which hurts Miranda but she hides her hurt. Sebastian knows she is hurting and his compassion brings them closer together.

I loved these characters. The entire Carlisle family is wonderful and each character is well created. I enjoyed this book as well as all of Anna Harrington’s books. Do read this story. You will love it!

Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A scintillating romance, Anna Harrington’s If the Duke Demands was a refreshing and wonderful historical romance novel. I fell into the pages from the very beginning and neglected most of the world while I was inside it. While Harrington’s writing fit well in this genre, her style felt new and alluring. It had the kind of electricity that kept the pages turning from her characterization to the ever-growing romance.

I loved the slow burn between our main characters. It was beautifully penned–allowing for their connection to slowly take root and bring the sexual awareness with it until it reached its peak. The sexual and emotional tension in this story was absolutely addictive. I wanted moremoremore of them, wherever and however. Not only that, but the deeper, emotional connection they forged made it much more enticing. Miranda was spirited and easily charmed by life’s wonders and she complemented the rooted seriousness of the Duke so very well.

I don’t read a lot of this genre mainly because it can get a bit easy to get bogged down by the historical aspect, but this story uprooted me along with it. It was sexy and fun, and I found myself deeply loving both characters. Harrington made me feel the ups and downs with them which truly brought the story to life. With it’s unabashed sexiness and wild heroine, I can say that I absolutely loved If the Duke Demands.

Thanks Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and netgalley for this ARC.

Fun, loving, and wild at times, this romance makes a great first in this series. Can't wait to read the two brothers love stories next.

Publisher's Description:

A LESSON IN SEDUCTION . . .
Miranda Hodgkins has only ever wanted one thing: to marry Robert Carlisle. And she simply can't wait a moment longer. During the Carlisle family masquerade ball, Miranda boldly sneaks into his bedchamber with seduction on her mind. Soon she's swept into rock-hard arms for the most breathtaking kiss of her life. But when the masks come off, she's horrified to find herself face-to-face with Sebastian, the Duke of Trent-Robert's formidable older brother.

Shocked to find Miranda in his bed, Sebastian quickly offers her a deal to avoid scandal: He'll help her win his brother's heart if she'll find him the perfect wife. But what begins as a simple negotiation soon spirals out of control. For the longer this reformed rake tries to make a match for Miranda, the more he wants to keep her all to himself.

My Thoughts:

Anna Harrington is a new to me author being previously unfamiliar with her books.

I admit to being skeptical with the start of this story but it grew more enjoyable by the chapter.
Our heroine had been a childhood friend and companion to our hero and his siblings. She was more of an age with the younger family members so was intimidated by the eldest.
Our hero had a reputation for holding company with unsuitable females. After his father's sudden death he has lived a different life and is no longer thought of as a rake and a man who kept company with other men's wives and otherwise unsuitable women.

After a mistaken attempt at the seduction by Miranda of the middle son, Robert turns into an embarrassing encounter with Sebastian, the eldest brother, she strikes a deal with Sebastian and gets an invitation to go to London for a season she would otherwise not have.
I fell head over heels in love with the characters in this book, both primary and secondary. I look forward to the continuation of this series and will check out the shelves for additional titles by this author.

I gave this story 4.5 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization. The sensual rating deserves 4.5 of 5 flames. The sensuality is very compelling and somewhat sweetly written in this very well written and characterized book.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I voluntarily reviewed.

There's nothing that soothes this readers soul more than a regency romance. Since I don't read them near as often as I used to (once it was all I read), I'm absolutely gleeful when I find a new to me author. In this case Anna Harrington has risen to the top. It took no more than the first chapter to hook me and If the Duke Demands ranks as one of my favorites. For one thing, it was a unputdownable read. I started in the late morning and finished mid afternoon. Secondly, more than once I bawled my eyes out. This story has all the elements of a romance read that I crave; unrequited love, an endearing heroine, a slightly reformed rake, and well the list goes on and on.

The story opens in the countryside and with Miranda, our heroine, suffering from a lapse good judgement. As the ward of a tenant and neighbor to the Carlisles, she been around the family most of her life. It's not a huge surprise when they offer to gift and host her debut season on the ton. But the events that transpire are all about the deal she's made with Sebastian Carlisle, the Duke of Trent.

Miranda is one of the most delightful characters I've ever come across. Her "exuberant" personality and generous nature makes her a standout, one of the seasons most talked about debutantes. Her goal is simply to obtain Robert Carlisles' attention. Sebastian is spending the season helping Miranda gain Roberts' favor and finding a suitable duchess. His dilemma is that he soon finds his own growing affection for this spirited young women and it transforms who he is.

It's no huge surprise where the story-line goes but it's Anna Harrington's story-telling that makes this read a grande romance. As Miranda learns about the social rules of the 'ton their alliance turns into friendship, and the growing connection between "Lord Panther" and "Lady Rose" becomes palpable. We get the story from both of their perspectives and while I enjoy witnessing Sebastian trying to apply reasoning to his ducal duty and his feelings for Miranda, it's being in Miranda's head that is breathtaking. She's sweet, charming and witty and doing her best to understand the rules while remaining true to herself.

There was just something in this story that captured my heart. While I found tears steaming my face quite a few times, I also felt the joy of young love and hope. And Miranda's spirited take on most all things left me giggling too. I cannot recommend this 5 star read enough.

First off I want to say that I don't think I have read any other books by Anna Harrington but now I want to read all the books she has written.

If The Duke demands is funny at some parts, angsty and steamy. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

If you are looking for a good historical romance, I do highly recommend this book.

I give this 5 out of 5

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.

The Carlisle boys knew her as a child, she was like a little sister, but Miranda is all grown up now and she wants Robert Carlisle to see her as a woman, not the little girl she used to be. What better way to show him than to creep into his chambers in an alluring costume and seduce the man of her dreams? But even the best laid plans can go awry, but Miranda NEVER expected to enter the wrong chamber and find herself being kissed by the Duke of Trent, Robert’s older brother, Sebastian. Can you say awkward?

After vowing silence, Sebastian and Miranda make a pact, if he will help her to win Roberts heart, she will help him find a suitable young woman to be his Duchess during the Season in London. Sebastian has no thoughts of romance, only duty to his title. Miranda wants to be cherished by the man of her dreams. Can these two play cupid for each other and be successful or will they discover that as unlikely a pair as they may be, they fit together like a hand and glove?

Settle in as commoner Miranda takes London and a certain Duke by storm with her fresh beauty, charming wit and even her less than poised behavior as Cupid steps in where amateurs should never go and makes a surprising match for love!

Anna Harrington has taken the starch out of the stuffy London Aristocrats and sweetened their world with some well-place humor, a feisty commoner on a mission and a Duke trying to do what he thinks someone else would want. IF THE DUKE DEMANDS is historical romance as it should be!

Nothing says perfect couple like total denial and blindness to the facts. Miranda is wonderful, full of love, life and a woman who knows how to laugh, give of herself and stiffen her resolve when on a mission. She is also vulnerable and self-deprecating with a slice of sass. Sebastian had his shorts in such a bind, poor man, he was like a ship caught in a whirlpool of obligation, appearances and loneliness. I swear, if I heard him say he needed a proper duchess one more time, I was going to scream! Thank heavens when he let his guard down, he was perfectly human and a little unsure of himself!

Anna Harrington’s style handling historical romance with a carefree an FUN attitude was a delight!

I received this ARC edition from Forever Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Capturing the Carlisles - Book 1
Publisher: Forever (February 28, 2017)
Publication Date: February 28, 2017
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 368 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

If the Duke Demands, the first book in Anna Harrington's new regency series, Capturing the Carlisle’s, centers on Miranda Hodgkins who has set out to win the man she has loved since childhood, Robert Carlisle. With a reputation for being unconventional Miranda devises a plan to seduce her elusive love interest only to find herself in the bed of the wrong Carlisle brother! Former rake Sebastian Carlisle has spent the last two years reforming himself to be the man he thinks his father would have wanted him to be when he unexpectedly finds himself a Duke. Bound by a deal to secure each of their interest Miranda and Sebastian find that you cannot always foresee what is meant to be.

Writers like Anna Harrington are why I read historical romance. Beautifully plotted and superbly articulated this book was virtually impossible to put down to the very end. Sebastian and Miranda fit together endearingly as flaws became the very attributes admired. The awakening of the leads to their attraction to each other by this writer was made special and unique as each discovery they dealt with brought out a myriad of emotions ranging from denial to wonderment. Anna Harrington's wit and sensitivity flourished in this work and her homage to fellow artists such as Shakespeare, Milton and Mozart added a charming layer to a fine novel. A story of acceptance, love and taking chances, If the Duke Demands is a book to be read and re-read because it is just that magical!

For as long as she can remember, Miranda has been in love with her next door neighbor, Robert Carlisle the middle brother of the rakish Carlisle trio. So when the opportunity presents itself to show Robert that she’s the perfect woman for him, Miranda take it…even if it means sneaking into his bedroom. What Miranda didn’t plan on was a steamy encounter with Robert’ brother, Sebastian, the Duke of Trent.

A Carlisle brother through and through, Sebastian has always been a bit of a rogue. However, upon his father’s death and with the weight of the dukedom resting on his shoulders, Sebastian learned to curb his desires, at the expense of his happiness.

Despite the unexpected connection between them, Miranda and Sebastian agree to help each other find the perfect spouse. But what happens when it starts to look more and more like the perfect spouse might be…each other?

Oh, wow, Ms. Harrington, you have made me a fan! I always love a good historical romance and this one did not disappoint. If the Duke Demands is a spinoff of Ms. Harrington’s Secret Life of Scoundrels series, focusing on the Carlisle brothers. The sole Carlisle sister, Josie, got her happily ever after in a previous novel, How I Married a Marquess.

This book had a Pride and Prejudice-esque quality about it in that it focuses on how first impressions may not always be the right ones and that people are ultimately a product of their experiences. Miranda views Seb as the stuffy, older Carlisle and, at times, that is an accurate description of Seb, but only because he has had to face some awful guilt following his father’s death.

“Robert didn’t understand the pressure he was under—no one understood. He was a new duke whom most claimed was an upstart who didn’t deserve to be granted the title in the first place, whom every member of the quality would be watching like a hawk this season to see if he had the mettle to be a leader in the Lords and the presence to be socially acceptable. He could never take a single step nor make any decision without considering the ramifications of its outcome on his family, the tenants, all the estate workers and villagers…and most importantly, on his father’s legacy. He could no longer be carefree and blithely happy the way his brothers could. No matter how much he longed to be.”
The only time Seb allowed himself a reprieve to laugh and be his true self was around Miranda. Despite his affinity for Miranda, it took a lot of persuading by her in addition to some meddling by his siblings and his mother (gasp!) for him to see that it might just be okay to be happy.

The secondary characters were equally as entertaining as Seb and Miranda. Seeing the Carlisle brothers together, it is no wonder that they wreak havoc among the ton in London. I will say I found Robert to be slightly immature and sometimes he just grated on my nerves so I will be interested to see how Ms. Harrington allows him to develop in his own book.

All in all, this is a worthwhile read, especially for fans of Julia Quinn. It is very reminiscent of the Bridgerton series but with a little more heat.

~ Megan

Will also post on blog next week.

Not a huge fan of Regency's lately, but Miranda and Sebastian's story was a solid, enjoyable read. This was my first book by Harrington and she did not disappoint. The characters were strong and well thought out. I really recommend this book!

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!

I am voluntarily submitting my review after receiving a NetGalley ARC edition of this eBook.

If the Duke Demands is a well written, fast paced book with lots of witty banter, intelligent quips, mad-cap hijinks and burning sexual tension. As the boom progresses, an unconventional romance blooms between the main characters. As this love developed, I found myself morning and more enthralled with their story and ended up reading the last 3\4 of the novel in one sitting because i was simply unable to put it down. I have read a few of Anna Harrington's works, and this one is definitely my favorite one so far!