This is not just your charming romance, although there is plenty of that as the chemistry between Devlin and Peyton sizzled off the pages! However, there is so much more to this storyline! As Peyton returns, after being presumed dead for ten years, she now is out with a vengeance to seek revenge for her parents deaths and nearly her own. Starting with Devlin, the Duke of Dartmoor, whom she believes responsible, she will do all she can to destroy his life. But what happens when she finds that he didn’t do it, and someone might still be after her? There is mystery and intrigue along with great dialogue and sparring between Devlin and Peyton . A most enjoyable read!

Devlin Raines has not always lived a life he could be proud of, but he is doing his best to be a better man and to undo at least some of the harm his father did. Peyton Chandler was in the carriage when her parents were murdered. She was attacked and pretended to be dead to survive. She believes Devlin was part of the attack on her family and has returned to life and London to make him pay. As the plot progresses and she spends time with him and things change. It seems that much of what Peyton has believed may not be true, and her trust misplaced. This is a great beginning for a new series. It is dark, intense, and emotional. There are misunderstandings, lies, secrets, and betrayal. There is also revelation, forgiveness, and a growing romance. The characters have depth and are engaging. I liked the changes in Peyton as the story unfolds, and the relationship between her and Devlin. An interesting start to what promises to be an exciting series.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

The Duke and the Darkness by Anna Harrington is the first book in The Dukes of Darkness series and a must read if you love steamy historical romances.
Anna Harrington never disappoints. Her historical romances are usually filled with wonderful characters, detailed fashion, historical facts and locations, edge of your seat suspense and of course romance.
Devlin Raines, Duke of Dartmoor has been working tirelessly at righting his father's wrongs and leaving his past life as a mercenary behind, all the while protecting his mother and sisters until someone from the past returns and flings all of his good work into a complete tailspin.
Peyton Chandler is back from the dead to get revenge for the death of her parents and the attack on her ten years ago, but everything she thought she knew about that night was wrong. Now she must rely on Devlin to not only help her find out who was really behind the attack, but also to keep her safe.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books in this series in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

The Duke and the Darkness by Anna Harrington is by an author new to me and it will not be the last of hers I read. The plot was dark, complicated, and enthralling. The two lead characters Devlin Rains, Duke of Dartmoor, and Miss Peyton Chandler, we were compelling and evenly matched. The romance was as intriguing as the mystery. It’s a hit, for sure. Turns out Devlin’s father was a master criminal and an abuser. He stopped abusing Devlin when he was big enough to fight back, but he damaged his daughter’s hearing by hitting her so hard. Devlin had finally had enough when he overheard a conversation between the old duke and his two partners. They were planning to ambush the third partner, Peyton’s father, and “encourage” to keep quiet. Devlin left immediately to stop the tragedy from happening but by the time he arrived, the parents were dead and Peyton was on the verge of being raped. He stopped it and carried her to her home. He heard the next day that she had died in the night. He and his friend, Lucien, the third member of the evil triumvirate, determined that this had to end and the people harmed had to be recompensed, which turned out to not always be possible.

This was a well-written book, plotted tightly with excellent characters. Devlin has friends and they will, no doubt, feature prominently in the next books in the series. Can’t wait! Devlin has cultivated a reputation as a rake, as has his friend, Lucien. Neither of them really were. Devlin’s two sisters are an important part of the story as he is decidedly overprotective. The over protectiveness causes some humorous moments in the story. Peyton has been gutted twice and her energy is flagging. She just wants to get back to her life in France, but first she must catch the violent member of the team and put things as right as she is able. This is a terrific story. Thanks, Anna Harrington, for writing a book that is a little different.

I was invited to read The Duke and the Darkness by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AnneHarrington #TheDukeAndTheDarkness

In historical romance we are used to a little scandal. This one has much more than it's share. The sins of the fathers are responsible for an awful lot of heartache for our characters. There is deadly danger to avoid and revenge to be had. Secrets have a way of surfacing when you think they are dead and buried. Our hero has many secrets, some more dangerous than others. Our heroine needs to uncover the past to hope for a future.
This is a very exciting and steamy story. It's the first in a new series and I can't wait to read the next one.
I loved it.

Amazingly, intriguing and captivating story. Peyton is supposed to be dead but comes back from a horrible experience ten years later to get her revenge on Devlin. Devlin is wonderful, he has spent years trying to protect his family and retain his cool. The banter, tension and developing feelings between the two is stunning. Unique plot with a number of twists and turns. The villain is unexpected as are the connections. Great secondary characters. Can't wait for book #2 in this new series.

Fantastic, Regency Romance

She was going to destroy him, but she discovered that nothing was what it seemed. In this riveting story, revenge and love collide in a spectacular way. This is a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is a Regency romance with mystery, suspense, and plot twists. This author’s books are brilliantly crafted, and this story is no exception. My reviews can never do her books justice. I recommend this book to those who appreciate unputdownable Regency romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Peyton and Devlin kept me turning the pages from the first one until the very last.

This one was definitely not for me - I found it too dark and the plot very predictable. - I guessed the overall “mystery” in the second chapter …

This may be my favorite book by Anna Harrington so far. The Duke and the Darkness felt gritty, there was tension, suspense, mystery and spice - it was the perfect mixture. The overall premise of the book was intriguing, Devlin Raines, Duke of Dartmoor, is a man trying to atone for the sins of his father and Peyton Chandler, is a ghost rising from the ashes and is our for revenge and justice. When the two of these characters meet, the sparks just fly. Their banter is witty, sharp, and poignant.
As this book is the first in the The of Darkness series, the reader is introduced to a number of other characters and threads of different subs-plot, which one can only assume will be highlighted in the other books in this series. And I am so excited to read those books. The way that little bread crumbs have been scattered through this book leaves the reader wanting to know more.
I would highly recommend this book to any who like regency romances with an element of mystery, action, and spice.

Anna Harrington has another winning series starter with the release of "The Duke and the Darkness". She can ALWAYS be counted on to deliver an intriguing story with a well thought out plot and has quickly become a go to author for me. Fall in love with Devlin and Peyton's story as their haunted past reconnects them in the future.

I received a copy from the author, via Dragonblade through Netgalley, and this is my voluntarily and honest review.

This was good! I thought it was a little darker than previous books by Anna Harrington, but it isn't so dark that you would be totally creeped out with it. I loved that Dartmoor and Crewe were trying to right the wrongs of the past and that Peyton got in on that when she learned the truth. I'm soooo looking forward to Crewe's book. And Dartmoor's sister, Margaret. I kind of got the feeling she and one of his other friends might end up together.

When assassins attacked her family’s carriage ten years ago, killing her parents, Miss Peyton Chandler faked her own death to protect herself. Now she’s returned to London to seek revenge against a man she believes was responsible: Devlin Raines, Duke of Dartmoor. Devlin has worked hard to clean up his father’s sins. He thinks he's covered up the past until Peyton-in-disguise sits down next to him at his club.

This is the first book in The Dukes of Darkness series, featuring a friend group dealing with past wrongs. There is an introduction to another Duke, who will likely be book two's hero, but I think the stories are meant to stand up well alone.

Through her last series to now, Harrington has shown that she writes HR with a special spark when the plots sizzle with intrigue. There's a lot of detail at the beginning of this one because the reader needs to catch up to who Devlin and Peyton are and what their history is. The foundational building blocks are important, and the characters are fully fleshed out and sympathetic. Harrington makes the reader care about the romance AND the mysterious subplot without sacrificing either. 4.5 rounded to 5.

Tropes: Class Difference, Presumed Dead, Revenge

Steam: 3

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

The sins of their fathers paved the way in Anna Harrington's The Duke and the Darkness for the exciting debut of her new The Dukes of Darkness series!

If he looks like a rake and acts like a rake he must be unless he is one of Anna Harrington’s swoony heroes with a hidden agenda! Carousing in gaming hells, busting into brothels and meandering around the seven dials at all hours of the night might make you think Devlin Raines, Duke of Dartmoor was hardly an upstanding character. Yet looks and actions can be deceiving for underneath Devlin's irresponsible facade he was anything but. Caring and out to correct the past wrongs of his father this was a hero to give your heart to.

Literally rising from the dead, Peyton Chandler was emotionally scarred by a horrific event in her past and out for revenge making her a woman to be reckoned with. Her mental acumen paired with fighting skills gave her an edge and ruthlessness that was as interesting as it was uncommon. Fiercely loyal to her parents' memory and devoted to her found family, Peyton was a heroine to love but it was her ability to see beyond the obvious and question even her own goals and actions that stood out.

The back and forth of Devlin and Peyton's interactions kept this story spirited. Their sizzle popped and crackled, heating up the pages leaving no doubt of their chemistry! While this couple's physical attraction was there from the start there was a well done build up of their commitment and ultimately their love by this author. An Intriguing secondary cast expanded this work and gave insight into the direction this series was heading.

One of the many reasons to read an Anna Harrington book is she writes smart portrayals that offer more than the superficial. Her writing is engaging and she has a knack for suspenseful subplots that give her works depth. Full of vivid period descriptions and knowledgeable about the time period she is writing about, Anna Harrington historical romance is really as good as the genre gets! Ms. Harrington's sharp and witty character interactions and literary nuances are always something to look forward to when reading one of her works. Prepare to be beguiled and carried away on an unforgettable adventure by the incomparable Anna Harrington's exceptional storytelling in The Duke and the Darkness!

Devlin Raines, Duke of Dartmoor, has worked hard to put his father’s sins and his life as a former mercenary into the past. He’s saved the family’s reputation, kept his mother and sisters safe, and is on the verge of a respectable if loveless marriage. Peyton Chandler is dead to the world. When assassins attacked her family’s carriage ten years ago, killing her parents and attacking her, she faked her own death to stay alive. But now she’s returned to London to seek revenge against the man she believes was responsible…Devlin Raines. Only the more time she spends with him, the more everything she thought was true falls apart.
The start of a new series & a very good starter. I loved the tension between Devlin & Peyton & I loved given their history how their relationship grew & changed. I did find the story to be dark even though the author did incorporate some sweet moments. A well written book with multi layered characters, not my favourite by the author but still an interesting read
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

This is the first book of an intriguing new series by Anna Harrington and it’s really a gorgeous read! I love a mix of mystery, action and romance in my books and Harrington’s books are always perfect this way.
This book starts with a bang, with a mysterious woman out for revenge and a handsome and broody duke who captured my heart from the very beginning. The darkness of the title is indeed present in the story, but it’s not at all overwhelming, and the love story shines its light on it. This is certainly a case of love dispelling darkness in the hearts of the main characters and of those around them. The characters are all well fleshed out and have an undeniable chemistry: Devlin is my kind of hero, tormented and domineering, but with an heart of gold that he tries to hide, while Peyton is strong and vulnerable at the same time and I loved how she faced everything with courage, but without forgetting her humanity.
I was satisfied by the plot even if I guessed it more or less from the beginning, because the important thing for me was the love story. And I can’t wait to read the story of the other characters who made their appearance in the book.
Highly recommended.

What a deep complex story! Peyton's character has such strength and character. No matter what she faces, she keeps moving forward. Dartmoor's character has spent 10 years trying to make reparations for the past while protecting his mother and sisters.

The plot was masterful with twists that were unexpected, but the whole story moved in a wonderfully cohesive way to a happily ever after. This is a book to read as you won't want to miss it if you enjoy Regency romances!

Anna Harrington just keeps getting better. The Duke and the Darkness was a great read historical content scattered throughout. thoroughly enjoyed the hero and heroine. Top 5 read of mine!! Waiting impatiently for the rest of the series. ARC from NetFGalley for honest review. :)

I initially found this novel difficult to get into as Peyton starts her campaign against Devlin, the Duke of Dartmoor. Fortunately, Devlin recognizes that there is more to her actions and tracks Peyton down as well as those who may have exposed him to her machinations. Forcing Peyton to face the truth of events that took place a decade previously, makes her begin to question the facts as she knows them. Hatching a plan to expose a killer puts Peyton and everyone that Devlin holds dear in the crosshairs of a criminal, making the plot very suspenseful. The attraction between Peyton and Devlin advances slowly at first but as they deal with the attacks on them, they quickly find they need one another, especially when they put their plan into action. The novel is a standalone and comes to a good conclusion bringing healing and restoration in its wake. I received a copy of this well-written novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This author’s introduction to her new series, The Dukes of Darkness, is intriguing, interesting, and entertaining. Not only did we meet the Duke featured in this book, but we were also introduced to the dark Dukes who will follow in subsequent books. Each duke has a darkness haunting them and I know it will be great fun to follow them into their HEA.

This book follows Devlin Raines, the Duke of Dartmoor, and Peyton Chandler whose parents were brutally murdered ten years earlier. Devlin is on a mission to set right all of the things his father initiated in his search for greater riches and power and Peyton’s mission is to punish those she holds responsible for the murder of her parents. Though the two barely knew each other ten years ago, their fates are now inextricably entwined. Can they both complete their mission without harm to the other? Must one lose for the other to win?

Peyton was barely sixteen when she accompanied her parents to a soiree hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Dartmoor on the night of her parent’s brutal murder. Little did she understand that she would be forever linked to Devlin, the handsome young man who was barely into his manhood and who barely noticed her. But she remembered him – Oh! Yes! She remembered him and he would pay!

To say that Devlin’s father was a vile, despicable human being would be putting it mildly. The atrocities he inflicted on his family don’t bear speaking of – and those he inflicted on the rest of the world are just as unspeakable. Yet, Devlin inherited none of his vileness and has spent the years since his father’s death trying to make up for the evil his father did. He has come a long way, but he isn’t there yet.

Peyton barely escaped death – and worse – when her parents were murdered. She has one single, profound, irrefutable memory of that night. She knows Devlin was there – he was the man who tried to rape her – and he was the man who saw to her parent’s murder. She remembers – she KNOWS – and she will make him pay with all he holds dear.

I liked Peyton and Devlin and enjoyed watching Peyton exact her revenge – though I felt sorry for Devlin. Their characters were nuanced, layered, complex, and interesting and their backgrounds made their current actions more relatable and understandable. I was excited to watch their relationship grow, but I was concerned for them and how they would handle the information about the past events. Their views were very different and I was curious about how or if they could come to a compromise on which they could both agree.

This story could have been very dark, but the author gracefully blended a spicy romance with some sweet touching moments into the darkness so it was more palatable. The darkness is mostly spoken of rather than shown, but if you are sensitive, this book does contain mention of physical violence, rape, etc.

I didn’t care for Peyton as the MFCs name because it seemed anachronistic to me, but the story was excellently done, the romance was sweet and spicy, and the characters were full and robust. It was an excellent story and I hope you will enjoy it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

UGHHHH!!!

I loved it so much. By far my favorite historical romance I have read this year…maybe ever, honestly. I could not stop reading and finished it in a day. It is written so beautifully, and I was kept on the edge of my seat the entire time. So so so good. If you love historical romances with a bunch of intrigue and mystery…this is for you!

Thank you NetGalley, Dragonblade publishing, and Anna Harrington for the opportunity to read this book before it is released!