This is a first in a new series by Anna Harrington. Many times the first book in a new series introduces many characters and then the storyline gets lost. But I didn't feel that in this book. I felt the storyline ànd the romance were the main focus.
Payton and Devlin. Two wounded souls who were greatly effected by the deeds of their parents. They come together to solve the mystery of who murdered Payton's parents and in doing so, find love.
I look forward to the next book about Crewe.
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I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book

I received this arc copy via NetGalley. This author is a first for me and while I did enjoy the storyline overall after the first few chapters I had a feeling of who the bad bad guys were and I did feel the plot was very predictable. I didn’t really think the main characters had much chemistry or the build up of it.

As the kickoff to a new series by Anna Harrington, I am fully onboard for whatever this series is cooking up for its next installments given how much I enjoyed this first book.

Devlin and Peyton are both unwittingly bonded by a shared traumatic past thanks to their families, and while Devlin has done everything in his power to bury it, Peyton is working to bring the past into the light. Obviously, that kicks these two off onto a collision course that to describe too much of would delve way too far into spoiler-territory. What I can say is that both Devlin and Peyton are really well-rounded and relatable characters, both reacting to trauma in their own ways. Their shared history works very well in establishing why they quickly latch onto each other but also how that both hinders and helps their dynamic.

As for Devlin's friends who will likely be the focal point for the next books in the series, I'm very intrigued to learn more about what is turning them into "the dukes of darkness." Lucien's plotline is set up in the epilogue of this book and it definitely already has me excited to see what's coming up.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have always enjoyed a good historical fiction/romance but this one blew me away. The FMC wasn't incapable or a delicate flower. She was strong, determined, and sure of herself (most times). The MMC supported her in that despite his wants to keep her safe. He never made her feel less than him and treated her with respect. The tension between the two characters was beautifully done as was their character development. The part that I enjoyed the most was the aspect of mercenaries and the underground crime business. That wasn't something I had experienced in historical fiction romances but it was definitely what caught my attention when deciding on which book to read. The spicier scenes were well done and didn't overpower the actual plot of the story. Overall, I'll be recommending this to my followers on socials for a great read and a wonderful break from the typical fantasy/dark romances I normally read.