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 The Duke and the Darkness was a great read historical content scattered throughout.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!

I was intrigued by this new series and it didn't disappoint. I enjoyed the story and chemistry between Devlin and Peyton. They have a great dynamic, undeniable desire and passion, learning to trust and love each other. I look forward to more from The Dukes of Darkness.

This is a really awesome story with two magnificent characters. Devlin is bedeviled by the things that his father has done in the past. He is a beautifully tortured soul. Peyton is tortured by the missing pieces in her past. She is a fierce and determined young woman. The author does a great job with the plot as the reader turns the page and discovers all the secrets. It is also a very romantic story of how two broken people find love and healing with each other. A lovely story.

This book was everything I was hoping it would be. From the premise, I knew I was going to love this.

Peyton and Devlin's story was captivating from chapter one. I had to know what happened next. Harrington does a fantastic job balancing the dark and light elements of the book. The mystery of who murdered Peyton's family, along with the romance was blended to perfection. I couldn't put the book down.

Both characters are complex with tragic backstories. Devlin is an ex-mercenary and Peyton is hiding her true identity to discover who murdered her parents. Peyton believes Devlin is connected to the plot and their story starts from there. I really enjoyed their dynamic. They had great chemistry, and a powerful emotional connection. I loved how Devlin fell first. We also got a "Who did this to you?" moment which I loved! The spicy scenes were hot and tasteful.

I liked the mystery here. I found it compelling with plenty of twists & turns to keep me guessing.

The Duke and the Darkness is an entertaining action-packed story with a swoon worthy romance. 100% recommend!

An engaging story of a couple who have been left with dark legacies, courtesy of their late fathers. A contrast in how people use their position and power to line their own pockets or use it to improve the lot of others.. The passion and attraction between the main characters are undeniable with supporting characters that are just as intriguing. Looking forward to the stories of the next three mysterious dukes!

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

Devlin encounters a beautiful woman at a gaming hell. He is intrigued until he learns she wants to destroy him. Thinking him responsible for her parent’s death, Peyton is set on revenge. They must work together to find out who is truly responsible. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

This turned out to be an interesting book. The story kept my attention the whole way through by adding characters and little tangent storylines.

Anna Harrington's "The Duke and the Darkness" is a captivating romance that kicks off a promising series.
The MMC, Devlin Raines, a haunted ex-mercenary turned duke, and Peyton Chandler, a woman believed dead who returns seeking revenge. Together, they unravel a mystery involving murder and betrayal, confronting their intertwined pasts and developing unexpected feelings for each other.

Devlin and Peyton are fun to read, they are quite complex characters especially with their shared tragedy. But Boy, They do have CHEMISTRY from the Get-go!

The predictable plot are the highlighted low point but it still kept me engaged AND obviously, I'm eager to see how the series continues to develop with the other 2 book in the series!

Thanks Netgalley for the arc review, all thoughts and opinion are mine!

Dark is the name of the game. Highly charged and emotional. Whew, that was one wild ride. A good revenge story where all of the pieces are not as they seem is page-turning. I could figure out of some it but some I was thrown off. Anna’s writing is so good I couldn’t stop myself from turning the pages. Devlin and Peyton were deal devastating blows and their working together was a soothing balm to each other. A fantastic read.

"When you meet the devil in the darkness, he never gives you his true name."  

The Duke and the Darkness by Anna Harrington is a great start to what promises to be an intriguing series. The story follows Devlin Raines, an ex-mercenary turned duke haunted by his past, and Peyton Chandler, a woman believed to be dead, who returns to London seeking revenge for her parents' murder- a crime she believes Devlin is connected to. As they work together to uncover the truth, they are forced to confront hidden truths and unexpected feelings that challenge everything they thought they knew about the past and each other.

I enjoyed Devlin and Peyton's story. They're both complex and layered characters with rich backstories that make their motivations and actions heartbreaking and understandable. Devlin’s struggle to move beyond his past and Peyton’s drive to uncover the truth created an interesting and compelling dynamic, and I was curious to see how they would resolve their very different views about how to handle the past.  

The romance between Devlin and Peyton is so swoon-worthy, and I love that he falls first. Bound together by tragedy, the pair has undeniable chemistry from the very start. The "Who did this to you?" vibes are fantastic, and the connection between Devlin and Peyton, shaped by their pasts and their present, was powerful, adding a layer of emotional depth that highlighted their deepening feelings.  

Harrington also does a great job of balancing the darker elements of the story with heartwarming moments and spicy scenes. It's an intriguing plot, and though I predicted a couple of things, there were a few unexpected twists that surprised me. The story does delve into some difficult subjects, so I would definitely recommend checking out the content warnings before starting the book.  

Overall, The Duke and the Darkness is another entertaining and swoon-worthy romance by Anna Harrington and an excellent start to her new series. I'm looking forward to seeing how the stories of Devlin's friends will unfold in future books in the series. Special thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

This book was a miss for me, but I can certainly see others enjoying it. So I'm giving 3 out of 5 stars for that.

I didn't care for the main characters at all and didn't think they had real chemistry. Its gard for me to explain why, but I just could not connect with these characters. The plot was super predictable, but that didn't bother me. The writing style was good. So while I couldn't stand the MCs, I'm sure that other people will love reading Devlin and Peyton's story.

Peyton Chandler returns from the dead to London to exact her revenge. After ten years in France, she's ready to destroy Devlin Raines, the Duke of Dartmoor. Using another name, her plan falls into place, only the Devlin she thought she knew, is not the man he really is. It's a game of seduction, secrets and facing her past. Secrets that explain what happened the night her parents were murdered and she was attacked. Revealing her real identity as bait will catch a murderer. Instead of her enemy, Devlin becomes the man she needs to give her peace. A fast paced mystery with twists and turns. Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Tropes: MC out for revenge, scarred MMC, MC's with troubled pasts
Steam level: 3-4
First in a series

3.75 stars. The first chapter of this book does an outstanding job of drawing in the reader; I loved the sharp, sexy banter between the MC's and the fact that the MFC was in control of the situation (even though I wasn't crazy about the anachronistic name Peyton). The first half in general is pretty well paced and reminded me of Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series. The MMC, Devlin (maybe a slightly less anachronistic name) turns out to be a good guy early on--almost too good to be true, to the point that it takes away some of Peyton's thunder, tbh.

Peyton wants to be one of those "modern" Regency MFC's, strong and intelligent and fierce, revered by the awesome MMC, but the plot also calls into question that intelligence. The identity (ies) of the baddie (s) is pretty much telegraphed, even though there's an extra twist toward the end. I strongly dislike mustache-twirling villains, so that didn't help matters. Most of the spice was well done, but one scene toward the end seemed a bit overcooked and threw off the pacing for me. As well, there were sections of overly repetitive dialog during the second half that came across as filler; I wished the sharp wittiness of the early chapters would have re-emerged.

Overall: the first half is strong enough to squeak this up to 4 stars, but with tighter editing, more complex characterization, and a less obvious twist in the plot, this would have been a solid 4-5 stars.

Do the sins of fathers haunt the sons? In this new series (The Dukes of Darkness). we find just how profoundly sins affect those who are left behind. Although Devlin Raine, the Duke of Dartmoor and Lucien Grenier, the Duke of Crewe have committed themselves to ending their fathers' illegal activities and businesses. Unfortunately, the deaths caused can not be undone or can they? Ten years before the murder of the Chandler family was caused by Devlin's father. Now someone is out to ruin Devlin' s life. A mysterious woman out for revenge. Who is she? Has Peyton Chandler come back from the dead and why does she want to ruin Devlin? The reader's attention is grabbed right from chapter 1, and does not let up until the end, leaving her anxious for next in the series. This author's books always seems to have the right mix of great characters, intrigue, danger, romance, and secrets just waiting to be told. I do hope that further books are planned for each of Devlin's friends, Lucien, Chase, and Shay. Enough information was dropped in the reading of this book to peak my interest to discover more about them and uncover their secrets.

Marvelous premise to the start of a new series for the Dukes of Darkness.
Devlin has a multitude of worries pressing on him when a lady twirls into his life upsetting his long held beliefs.
Peyton is a woman on a mission. Together they strike passionate sparks but the past and their future cannot be aligned or can it?
Absorbing read, page turner.