'If the Duke Demands' by Anna Harrington is book One in the "Capturing the Carlisles" series. This is the story of Miranda and Sebastian. Miranda thinks she is in love with Robert, who is Sebastian brother. Miranda has known Sebastian and his family since she was young girl. Which to Miranda it makes them think of her as a young girl still. But she is 21 years old and she wants Robert to notice her as a women. But Robert is looking to court someone else so Miranda tries to sneak into his room at night to show him that she is a women. But she accidentally goes into Sebastian room and at first neither one knows who the other but that doesn't last long. Once they realize who the other one is they break away and swear to never mention this to anyone. But the next day they do settle on a pack to help each other out with the up and coming season. Sebastian is going to be looking for a wife to be his Duchess and he has very high standards for this wife who will fit what he needs. Miranda has offered to help him with this if Sebastian help with getting his brother to notice that she is a grown women. But along the way, they find what they thought they wanted wasn't what their hearts actually wanted.
Ms. Harrington is one of my favorite authors. I love how she takes you into their story. I felt so sad for Miranda and sometimes Sebastian did make me made with his attitude.... but he came through for me in the end. There are some books you just wish you could rate more than 5 stars and for me this is one of those books!! Loved it! "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

If the Duke Demands is a historical romance novel written by Anna Harrington. It is the first novel in the Capturing the Carlisles trilogy. I have not read any of Harrington’s other books, but Regency stories are my favorite genre, and I am always excited to discover new authors.

Miranda Hodgkins has a plan to capture the attention of Robert Carlisle: she’ll sneak into his room after a masquerade ball and show him exactly what she thinks of him. The plan goes awry when she sneaks into Sebastian Carlisle’s room instead. Sebastian is Robert’s older brother, and the Duke of Trent. Fortunately for both of them, the encounter is limited to little more than a kiss before identities are revealed, but not brief enough to leave a lasting impression.

As it turns out, Sebastian’s mother wants to sponsor Miranda for a Season in London. This is rather unexpected, as Miranda is the orphaned niece of tenant farmers on the Trent estate, but she is a dear sweet girl and a loyal friend of the family.

Sebastian agrees to help Miranda capture Robert’s attention if she helps him find a wife. But of course, as soon as the Season begins, they both realize that they can’t stop thinking about each other.

If the Duke Demands provides a nice balance between light-hearted and angsty. Sebastian was rather wild in his younger days, but inheriting the title has proven to be a sobering experience. He needs to reconcile his genuine feelings for Miranda with the notion that he needs to pick a wife with an aristocratic background. Sebastian is so devoted to his title that he is willing to put aside his own happiness, and there was just so much angst about the decision.

I would absolutely recommend If the Duke Demands. Miranda is a delightful heroine who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to push boundaries. She is very clever, and I definitely agree with her: Hamlet needs a pirate scene. I also enjoyed the opportunity to acquaint myself with Sebastian’s wild brothers who will appear in the other two books in the Capturing the Carlisles trilogy. I am looking forward to those books, as well as catching up on Harrington’s other books as well!

I found Anna Harrington’s “If the Duke Demands” while scouring netgalley for new books to read. She is an author that is new to me and I liked the idea that this was the first in a series (more on that later). The cover is beautiful – I love yellow and blue – and I was in the mood for a traditional historical romance. I requested the book and received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

And, honestly, I loved it. This is everything that drew me into historical romance in the first place. The writing is top notch. Even with the story is a familiar one – the Cinderella storyline is obvious (just watch what he does with her shoes!) – it was as if I was reading an historical romance for the first time. I attribute that almost entirely to the author’s ability to convey the enthusiasm and verve that the heroine, Miranda, brings to her first experience in society. Everything is new and exciting and she revels in it. Her excitement over common settings and experiences in a book set about the Georgian or Regency era Ton such as her first ball, first opera, and first trip to Vauxhall Gardens makes it feel like it is MY first trip there as a reader. In addition to bringing this excitement and joy at the experience, Miranda is also smart, witty, and loyal to her friends and family. As a reader, I found her to be charming. Sebastian is all that you would want in a hero – honorable, honest, loyal, and mildly tortured. He and Miranda strike up an alliance to help each other find spouses, only to fall in love themselves. He also has to reconcile his wants as a man with his duties as a Duke, which was torturing enough to make me teary. I haven’t been teary at the hands of a paperback in YEARS! While that is hardly a new plot line for historical romances, this one felt fresh and exciting, rather than tired and boring.

As for the book, it is meant to be the first book in a series. However, I quickly realized that there must be more to Josie and Thomas and looked it up only to realize this is a spin-off from another series. That being said, it worked perfectly well as a stand-alone book and only makes me want to read more by the author. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the story goes! The secondary characters each work in their own way. Though, I confess I would have preferred Miranda’s initial infatuation to be with Quinton over Robert. I found him to be much more likable and can’t wait to read his story.

So, if you’re feeling a little bored or tired from a slew of rather interchangeable historical romances, I strongly recommend giving this one a whirl. Miranda’s verve and excitement may be just what you need to reignite your love of historical romances. I know it certainly worked for me!

I was given this ARC in return for an honest review. Shakespeare can always use some extra scenes but be careful where your imagination takes you. Delightful tale.

What I liked: If the Duke Demands is a sweet and romantic novel that's only a bit sad. I always love the books that start with the characters trying to help each other find their perfect spouse. This was especially sweet.
What I didn't like: The only thing I didn't enjoy was the descriptive steam. It was too much for me. Actually, if it hadn't been for that, this would be a top pick for me. I really loved Miranda.

Oh how I wanted to rate this so much higher, but I just couldn’t after the way that it ended. The book starts off good, and I mean really good. The two main characters are charming and seem to actually have some good chemistry. The physical tension between the two of them is hard to ignore and builds up at a steady rate throughout the novel. Sebastian was a total dreamboat and I was really digging the story up until the halfway point. What went wrong?

It was a couple of things. The first thing that started to nag at me was how repetitive certain plot points started to get, namely Sebastian’s difficulties being chained to his position as duke and how burdened he was by it. The first couple of times it is mentioned was fine, but the monologues constantly remind you of it. At first I thought this was just an amateurish way of trying to build plot, until later I realized the reason why I was getting it drilled into my head. It was so I could feel pity for our darling duke as he utterly destroys the heroine and drags her emotionally through the dirt.

What bothered me about the conflict surrounding Sebastian’s perceived duty to his family and the issue of rank is how insulting it all is to Miranda. I get the social hierarchy issue, but once one party decides that the other is not good enough for a relationship, but is still perfectly fine using that other person to fuck, well.. That’s just a major buzz kill to me. It’s a respect thing, and to me he was using her. Which is also where the repetitiveness of the storytelling really started to get grating. One night of using someone and telling them how they can never be more wasn’t enough, Sebastian follows Miranda around in public and pushes her into another night of passionate sex only to reiterate over and over again how she isn’t good enough to marry. Once his bad behavior became public knowledge, he treats her like an embarrassment. This killed it for me.

The ending was predictable after that point. I already knew who would have to come and talk sense into Sebastian to make him feel better about everything. I knew that there would be a big apology and a happy ending. It is your typical Cinderella story where a common girl catches the attention of an aristocrat. It’s fine for these sorts of stories to be a little predictable, but it ended up feeling kind of empty to me. If the utter selfishness of the dreamy duke wasn’t enough to cool down the heat, the epilogue stamped the remaining embers into ash. I'm sorry, but the name thing I just found a little bit uncomfortable and not very romantic.

Enough of my complaints though. Despite my difficulties with the second half of the novel, it still managed to keep my attention and I devoured the book quickly. Even during the frustrating parts there were moments where I genuinely chuckled and the first half of the novel was a pleasure to read. The supporting cast was also quite good and found that I really liked the Carlisles.

As to the question of the rest of the series, I am interested enough in the other two Carlisle brothers that I would definitely consider reading the other books when they are eventually released. The first was a swing and a miss for me, but I am optimistic that the other two could be better.

I loved this story. The characters came alive. And the ending was the best. Anna Harrington is turning into one of my favorite authors.

Funny and cute story of how a mix-up gone wrong ended up being so right! Look forward to reading more books by this author.

This is a mix of childhood friends to lovers, love for the wrong brother, and the Cinderella story. If you have read many historical romance before, you're familiar with this formula: Common girl fell in love with an aristocrat, said aristocrat loved her back but need to find suitable wife from peer, etc etc; or variation of such. That's the gist of the story here.

Though first in a series, If the Duke Demands connected with earlier series of the author's with couple of characters from that series made some appearance here. But worry not, this is my first Anna Harrington book and I didn't have trouble following the story.

Miranda and Sebastian were amusing enough characters, their unexpected attraction hilarious and inevitable to happen. Though I did question Miranda's persistence in chasing the wrong brother when I didn't see much good in Robert throughout the book. In fact, I found the other two Carlisle brothers to be rather callous and self-centered here! Contrary to repeatedly notion the siblings were close to one another - and to Miranda - I don't see much proof of that in this book!

The Duke himself was one bullheaded martyr set to sabotage his own happiness in the long run. While I could understand his personal feeling, after a while it began to grate on my nerves. His inner struggle felt prolonged and exhausting to read. That said, the tête-á-tête with a parent close to last chapter of the book raised up my point of the story a little.

For a new to me author, this is a lukewarm introduction for me. Considering how unimpressed I am with the remaining Carlisle brothers, I'm gonna wait and see whether to read the next installment of this series; time will tell.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a good story, even if Miranda seems a bit immature at times, but it is a lot of fun.

This is the first book in many months that I struggled to put down. I started this book around 10:30 or 11 pm, thinking I would just read a chapter or two before I went to sleep... before I knew it 4 am rolled around and I begrudgingly (after having reached 50% of the book), went to sleep. As soon as I woke up I started reading again and didn't stop until I finished (I was lucky that it was my day off). It has become extremely rare, particularly in the past few years, for me to sacrifice sleep for a novel, but this one was worth it.

This is the first book in a new series, and it sets a great tone, I am desperate for the second book (Particularly after reading the teaser from the end of this book). Unlike many of the newer historical romances, this one did not have a secondary plot like spies, pirates, murder, etc. This one was entirely about the romance, which I love. The main characters, Sebastian and Miranda, were very lovable, sweet characters that kept me enthralled in their intense attraction for one another.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book, honestly I believe it would be a good starter book for those getting into historical romances.

Miranda Hodgkins is an orphan, living with her aunt and uncle in a small village. She grew up alongside the Carlisle boys, knowing them even before their family was elevated to an earldom and eventually a dukedom. For the past 15 years, she has loved the middle brother, Robert. But lately, he's been paying particular attention to another girl, Miranda is invisible to him. So she's come up with a plan to get him to notice her; sneak into his bed and seduce him. It's all going well until she moans his name... and discovers that the man she's in bed with is his brother Sebastian, the Duke.
Sebastian is astonished that the seductive masked woman who introduced herself as Rose is actually his brother's childhood friend. He's even more astonished when he finds himself agreeing to bring her to London with the family so that she can have a Season. And making a deal with her that, if he can help her land Robert, she will help him find a wife. Of course, fate has different plans in store for them.
There is always a lot of world building in the first of a series and that can take away from some of the story. I also didn't love either the ending of this book nor Sebastian's interminable brooding (dear God, there was so much brooding) but am very excited to read Quint's book when it comes out.

Three stars
This book comes out February 28

We met Sebastian Carlisle in How the Duke Stole Christmas. For a young man, Sebastian was old acting and rather stody. The reasons for this were understandably not revealed in the Christmas novella, but were fully disclosed in this novel. Miranda Hodgkins was also featured in the novella and is half of the couple in the novel. She is as full of life as Sebastian is dull. However, she is able to see how much he needs joy in his life. It was wonderful to watch how Sebastian was transformed from an unhappy person with the weight of the dukedom on his shoulders to a man willing to accept his responsibilities but with a good dose of happiness. Although I tend to prefer a storyline with more intrigue and danger, I really enjoyed this read. It was a good continuation of the previously mentioned novella. I look forward to reading Quinn's story next.

“Was that how all the Carlisle men saw her? As a silly country gel destined to marry a boring vicar or farmer and spend her life polishing church pews or chasing pigs on a farm?”

Miranda has crushed on her country neighbor, Robert Carlisle, since they were little and he gifted her with a kiss. Her problem? She’s all grown up now, but he’s entranced with another woman. Her solution? Why, dress in a fine and provocative gown, splay on his bed with her masked face, where they’ll make love before she declares herself and her heart. Too bad she ends up in bed with the wrong brother.

Sebastian feels the weight of the dukedom on his shoulders. He’s determined to marry his perfect duchess. That isn’t Miranda with her bold maneuverings and her love of Milton and Shakespeare. No, the part of him that glories in her passion and intelligence is not the same Sebastian he is now.

They strike a bargain: Miranda will help him find a suitable wife if he’ll help Miranda ensnare Robert. But damned if Sebastian doesn’t fall for her in the meantime.

This is a solid historical romance with all its humorous barbs and battles and just the right amount of passion. Miranda is a blend of bold, but shy and innocent, yet brave. She flowers under Sebastian’s attention, and she really needs someone to see her. Especially when all her attempts to capture Robert’s attention fail. It’s her wake up call. Does she want the man she’s loved for years, or the one she’s just starting to know?

The best part is how Miranda’s passion and exuberance ignites the Sebastian he has tried so hard to subdue. But when they’re one-on-one, shrouded in an opera box or alone in the gardens, the devilish rogue comes out to play. It made for some scorching scenes.

“Does the opera stir your blood?”

He stared at her profile in the shadows, his gut tightening at the raw pull of her, and confessed, “You stir my blood, Miranda.”

But about halfway through, the pacing stalls out. Miranda always seems to be embarrassed, and she would make a decision regarding Sebastian only to flounder at the last minute. It made her seem wishy-washy, and I wanted her to stand up and tell him to sod off or realize he doesn’t want a straight-laced bride. He wants her.

It would have also helped the pacing in Sebastian’s inner turmoil. Sebastian brings up Miranda’s station and upbringing too often, and while I can sympathize with Sebastian’s past, I didn’t think it was significant enough for him to hold off as long as he did. The back and forth became repetitive and a good editing would have rounded out the story better.

If the Duke Demands is a great start to this series, and I can imagine the books for the other Carlisle brothers will involve more hijinks! This is a quick, fun read that offers lots of laughs and the feel-good moments I expect in a historical romance.

This book had everything I look for in a romance book: witty dialogue, laugh out loud moments, sexual chemistry, tension and those emotional moments that have you reaching for a tissue. Anna Harrington packed this book with all of that and such a great hero and heroine combination that I was sad to get to the last page.

Sebastian and Miranda may have known each other for years and Miranda may have thought it was Sebastian's brother Robert that she wanted, but it was obvious from the very beginning neither of them knew what they were in for. Miranda challenged Sebastian. Made him forget about all his rules. Taught him how to laugh again. She may not have set out to do all those things, but at each interaction, you saw a much younger Sebastian. One who hadn't let the pressure of his title weigh on him. Miranda may have figured her feeling out for Sebastian faster than he did for her, but it was clear as the story unfolded nothing would make these two happier than pushing and teasing each other for the rest of their lives.

I look forward to more from Anna Harrington and this series.

Oh! My! Goodness! I absolutely, positively LOVED this book. Anna Harrington has done it again with the first book in a new series. We first met the Carlisle brothers in Harrington's book - How I Married A Marquess - whose heroine was Josie Carlisle.

This book is steamy, angsty, funny, loving -- what more could you ask for!!! I stayed up all night and read it straight through -- just couldn't put it down. I LOVED the banter between Sebastian and Miranda (Rose)!

Sebastian Carlisle is the Duke of Trent. He ascended to the title upon the death of his father about two years prior and he carries a lot of guilt because he feels that he never measured up in his fathers eyes AND he was in a place and activity (when his father died) that his father would have strongly disapproved. That one event has colored everything he's done since he's become the duke. He's lost all joy in his life and adheres only to duty -- and that is duty as he THINKS his father would have wanted it to be. You really like Sebastian from the beginning -- you just can't help it. You sometimes think he's a complete idiot, but extreme guilt can sometimes make you act like a complete idiot.

Miranda Hodgkins grew up with the Carlisles and was close friends with Josie even though their social status is very, very, very different. Miranda was orphaned at a young age and then came to live with her aunt and uncle who were childless. They treated her well, but since they had no children they had no idea how to cope with her. So -- she spent as much time with the Carlisles as she could because they were such a close, caring, loving family. Miranda's aunt and uncle were tenant farmers on the Carlisle estate. Miranda always feels she has to help everyone because she was so young and couldn't help her parents when they had the fever. However -- she's jubilant and loves life with her whole being.

Miranda THINKS she's in love with Robert (Sebastian's brother) and decides to make a play for him because she's fearful he's going to court another woman. She makes a huge OOPS and ends up in Sebastian's bedroom. Luckily - they both discover her mistake before things go too far.

Everybody in the Carlisle family loves Miranda, but they all think of her as an additional sibling and their mother thinks of her as another daughter. Sebastian's mother has begun to recover somewhat from the loss of her husband and Sebastian will do anything to help her in doing that. So, when she wants to give Miranda a season in London, he agrees to it. He and Miranda make a pact. He'll help her with Robert and she'll help him with his 'duchess hunt' since he's announced his intention to wed before August. Well -- you can imagine the close proximity they will have in London -- and the attraction is already there. They fight it, of course, but they can't win and we all know it.

I can't wait for the next book. I sort of thought it would be Robert's story since he was sort of courting someone throughout this book, but -- the preview of the next book included with this one shows that the next one will be about Quinton. The preview of it sounds really good too!!!!

"I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

Definitely a buy buy buy book. Now I have another author to follow and look forward to reading. I was definitely caught up in this story and the characters were very well written. I got a little irritated at some of the stubborn mind sets but that is real life and just made it all the more interesting. I love the passion and romance and sweetness. I enjoyed the plot and the story. I really look forward to see what else will come out of this series. So buy and sit and enjoy! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Regards, Anna Swedenmom

Great book. Had me hooked from page one. Miranda is a very high spirited woman and loved her story! Can't wait for the next book.

I was given an ARC for a fair and honest review

If the Duke Demands by Anna Harrington, who is a new to me author. Now it's no secret that I love anything to due with Duke so this book already had that going for it . But the instant I read that "Lady Rose" had snuck into "Lord Panther's" bed I knew instantly this was going to be a good book.
Miranda Hodgkins is basically the girl next door to the three Carlisle brothers Sebastian Duke of Trent, his brother Robert and his Brother Quin. Miranda is in love Robert who she sees starting to take interest in someone else, but she wants him to know she loves him and to prove it she sneaks into his bed during a party only it's not his bed but his brother The Duke his brother Sebastian. Sebastian has come into his title because his father died from a riding accident and since he has been a stickler for all things proper. So when he finds a masked woman in his bed, he cannot resist her until she calls out his brother's name. Sebastian is shocked to find out the woman who makes his blood boil is Miranda someone he only thought of as troublesome and who is now very grown up. While this does pose a problem for him since he is all hot and bothered by her . Sebastian figures that since he has to go to london for the season to find a wife he will be rid of her, and his pants feelings.

However His mother is taking Miranda with them for a Season and for all she has done for the family since his father died.The Duke ends up blackmailing her into behaving while agreeing to help her win his brother's attention. Because we all know how well that is going to work, right? The book is however slightly predicable, and there is slight back and forth (repeatedly) on She's not proper but I lover her, she wont make a good duchess but I can't live without her, but the heat and sexual tension make up for it. As do Robert and Quin they are in my opinion seriously funny and I cannot wait to read Quin's story. The way they interact remind me of the Bridgertons....sigh .which just won me over completely