Lords of the Armory #1, This is a wonderful first book of the series setting up the characters and the ominous big bad, that I have a feeling is going to be the connection of the series. This is a standalone there is a HEA and all question are answered except for who is the big bad. It's a fun read with plenty of humor, sexy time, and a nice bit of realism.

Danielle is head of the Nightingale operation, in a time where a husband could be arrested for beating his wife but it wasn't exactly against the law either and all it did was shine a bad light on the woman. Dani helped those women escape, get new identities and a new life away from their abuser. Dani knew her limits she never messed with the brothels because they were dangerous. Her best friends Elise wanted to help those women and going out on her own she crossed the wrong people and ended up dead.

Marcus Braddock had been away at war , his homecoming gave him a heroes welcome and a Dukedom, the newly christened Duke of Hampton. Marcus believed the story he was told about his sister's death but upon his return he discovered it was a lie, she had a secret and the only way to find out what it was is to ask her best friend and the woman who told him the lie, Dani. In the time it has been since he last saw her Dani had grown into a stunning woman and his reason for getting close to her multiply one to find out about his sister and two just to be near her and when he finds out her secret he's determined to protect her too. Tempers flair and passion ignites as Dani and Marcus try to uncover who had Elise killed and save Dani from the same fate.

Overall, a great read. I love how it didn't take Marcus long to realize he loved Dani. I liked how the Armory came together. It was a well written, nicely paced story and steamy. I look forward to the rest of the series.

I enjoyed this book. It Took me almost two days to finish reading. It kept me hooked!
Great author

Anna Harrington ushers in her new Lord's of the Armory series with An Inconvenient Duke, delivering a story busting at the seams with intrigue and romance that will keep readers blushing and thinking in their seats!

Returning war hero General Marcus Braddock found himself at loose ends when he returned home to deal with his new title of Duke of Hampton and the questions he could not ask regarding his sister's death in his absence. As a hero Marcus presented just the right amount of angst to not appear broken and an appealing vigor and confidence to bring on genuine giddy excitement from both his heroine and readers alike. His wit was charming and showcased his natural sexiness. Danielle Williams, his deceased sister's best friend, brought an unexpected interest in a life that had dulled for Marcus. The intelligent and sharp banter between this couple was done exceedingly well by this author and made this work move quickly. Danielle was thoughtfully devised by this writer who was able to not only empower this heroine but also adhere to the social restraints women were held to at the time. Being a heroine is hard enough to carry off but one in a historical romance ups the challenge in staying true to women's roles in history. Anna Harrington bordered on brilliant in creating a portrayal In Danielle who could appeal to reader’s modern sensibilities even while creating an accurate depiction of an upper class woman in Regency England.

Espionage interwoven with romance complimented each other in the fast paced plot of this work with expertise. Ms. Harrington excels in her subtle inclusion of history in her stories making her audience's experiences ones that feel authentic to the historic period being shown as she effortlessly blends this information into her story giving her work dimension. With a true understanding of history and human nature this writer presents characters that are based in facts as well as emotionally interesting. She has a remarkable ability to join her leads, emphasizing strengths and weaknesses for perfect matches. In a whirlwind of steamy and clever Anna Harrington managed to create a story in An Inconvenient Duke that was an entertaining page-turner to the very end.

I really enjoyed this story. This book had it all, murder, mystery, intrigue, and romance. My favorite character was Marcus Braddock, Duke of Hampton as he was strong, caring, and rational. He cared for both his sister, niece, and Danielle and wanted what was best for each of them before himself. I liked how Marcus and Danielle were able to talk things through and were able to have a very honest relationship, as often the plot of historical romance novels involves secrets and/or miscommunications between the romantic leads. There were also moments that I didn't see coming, which makes me look forward to see what is coming next in the series.

I received a free, advanced copy from the author for my honest review.

Wow, what a great start to Anna’s new series! Thoroughly enjoyed it! Meeting Marcus, is a handsome, strong, and decorated war hero home from the war weary & restless. He reunites with his late sister’s best friend who has secretly loved him since she was a teen.. Danielle is hiding dangerous secrets which she tries to hide from Marcus and the rest of society. When Marcus discovers that his late sister was murdered, he begins to question Danielle to see what she knows. Danielle is shocked to find out that Elise has been murdered & is concerned that others might be in danger. She & Marcus begin to work together to find out what happened. This leads to adventures, dangerous escapades, and falling in love! No spoilers however. Highly recommend as a captivating read! Looking forward to the next book! ❤️

Ive have followed Anna since her first book. Enjoyed them all. I have to say I think this is the best one yet. I think Ive said that to each book. But I really loved this one. The chemistry between Marcus and Danielle was powerful. The secondary characters were delightful especially Aunt Harriet. The intrigue and chemistry kept me from putting the book down. I cant wait to read the next one

A grieving soldier-turned-duke meets a lively crusader in this well-written novel by Anna Harrington. This was the first book of hers I’d read, but it turned out well enough to have me looking for more.

Marcus Braddock is not having an easy time as the newly anointed Duke of Hampton. The former general returned home from war to be granted a dukedom, but life has not been all peace and relaxation in retirement. Not only is Marcus still haunted by images of war, but he’s received a tip suggesting that his sister Elise, who passed away three years earlier while he was abroad, did not die in a simple riding accident. Determined to find answers, Marcus turns his focus to Danielle Williams, Elise’s closest friend, whom he suspects is keeping a secret.

Danielle is, indeed, hiding something from Marcus, but not because she was knowingly involved in Elise’s death. A few years ago, Danielle started the group Nightingale to rescue battered women from abusive homes. Due to their illegal nature, Danielle strives to keep the ‘vanishings’ and her role in them a secret. Elise was also involved with Nightingale shortly before her death, but Danielle never dreamed that the two things were connected... until Marcus suggests foul play.

While it takes them a little while to get their act together, what with Marcus being suspicious and Danielle acting secretive, the pair ultimately end up on the same page and in pursuit of Danielle’s killer together. The investigation has the obvious effect of bringing them closer, until they’re deeply emotionally involved, a sweet aspect to the love story that feels very natural, even as the circumstances force the romance to develop quickly. The fact that Marcus and Danielle have known each other for years definitely helps the romantic development, so that even moments when they jump into more serious conversations don’t feel rushed.

One of those serious conversations is about the future of Nightingale, and it was the main thing which held me back from giving this book a higher grade. As a former general who lost his sister to violent causes, Marcus is all about protecting Danielle, but she stubbornly resists his attempts to shield her from danger. It all comes to a head when he demands that she give up her work with Nightingale... and then abruptly and after a lot of agonizing on Danielle’s part, their standoff ends with her full capitulation.

I actually didn’t have a problem with Danielle’s ultimate decision to give up Nightingale. Having decided to marry Marcus, she’ll soon be raising a family and it wouldn’t make sense to be constantly in danger from criminals or the law. But her turnabout felt too fast somehow, as though it left some feelings unresolved. Maybe it’s just that I expected Marcus to give in and find a way to continue to support the organization, even as it went on without Danielle.

In spite of this minor dissatisfaction, I really did enjoy An Inconvenient Duke. Although it took me a little while to get into it, once I was invested in the characters, the pages flew by.

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A Regency Romantic Suspense Page Turner

I absolutely loved this Regency Romantic suspense. This book has it all: romance, mystery, suspense, and adventure that will keep you turning the pages. Anna Harrington’s books are always delightful. There is never a dull moment. If you enjoy Regency romance with a healthy dose of suspense, you will want to read this book; you won’t be disappointed.

I loved this story between Danielle and Marcus. A man who wants answers and a woman who is worried her secrets will destroy her happiness and future. These are two strong characters who through tragedy find that they need each other. Anna has started a new series and has me wanting on bated breath to read the next book. I couldn’t stop reading. I received an advanced reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

Murder, mystery and loyalty!

I really liked the main protagonists, General Marcus Braddock and Danielle Williams.
Prior to Marcus' return to England from the continent and the defeat of Napoleon, Danielle had written to him to notify him of his sister Elise's death.
The Honorable Danielle Williams, daughter of Baron Mondale, runs the Nightingale pipeline for deserted and battered women, spiriting them away to other parts of the country or the Americas, where abused women are given safe havens.
Marcus, now the Duke of Hampton, has been awarded a dukedom as a reward for his heroic campaigns. Marcus has been trying to talk to Danielle about his sister's death. Dani is avoiding him. She is troubled that he might find out about her secretive enterprise, of which Elise was a part. What Marcus does discover is that Elise was murdered. Dani had "warned Elise to stay away from Scepter.” Now Dani is in a quandary. Had Elise ignored Dani's warnings and tried to help women by herself, taken risks apart from Nightingale, without the proper support?
Marcus and Dani join forces to discover Elise's killer. Their inquiries put both of them in danger but when Dani becomes the target Marcus is enraged. Marcus really is the epitome of an inconvenient duke, inconvenient for Dani and for those who murdered Elise. It's the Duke's strategical thinking and loyal friends, along with Dani's shrewd understandings, that turn the tide at the eleventh hour. Although loose ends are left tantalizing us into future developments, particularly about Scepter.
And it's in this spirit that the armory is born"—The Armory, Where Evil Fears to Tread." A place for ex soldiers, a sanctuary, where these loyal men will, "band together and use [their] skills to shut down Scepter and to help those in need, wherever they might be, no matter the threat."
I found the Inconvenient Duke an enjoyable read despite being is a tad predictable in some instances. I look forward to more in this series. The Duke has some interesting friends!

A Sourcebooks Casablanca ARC via NetGalley

An Inconvenient Duke begins the Lords of the Armory series with a story that will grab your attention from the beginning to the final page. I was quickly drawn into this story not only for the romantic suspense of it but also for the world-building that lays the foundation of the thread involving the Armory fighting against Scepter that will be woven throughout this series. In this opening story, we’ll meet not only Dani and Marcus but the men who will come to see Marcus as their leader in the upcoming fight against an unseen enemy that has no qualms about fighting dirty. So, yes, there is world-building in An Inconvenient Duke, but I expect that in the first story of any series and especially when such a vile villain of an organization is involved.

I liked and respected Dani from the first meeting. She’s a woman far ahead of her time, in an era that saw women as little more than property or bargaining chips for family members, a time when a man (father or husband) could easily beat a woman into submission to the point of death was commonplace. Dani is fighting for those women, freeing them from their abusers as best and as discreetly as she can. What she’s doing is not without risks as she is fully aware.

Marcus is a man to admire, a former general in the battle against Napoleon he’s now home, a newly declared Duke and discovering that his beloved sister’s death was not an accident. He’s a leader, strong yet not afraid to show his softer, protective side to a woman he’s falling for. Unfortunately for Marcus, Dani doesn’t believe she needs, certainly doesn’t want any man’s “protection” as she is quite capable of handling her own affairs – right up until she isn’t. The bantering between Dani and Marcus often gave me amused laughter and definitely knowing smiles throughout this book. They fit well together and that shows.

An Inconvenient Duke will provide you with a really good, solid story, believable characters, vile villains to loathe, a mystery to solve, dangerous moments, and steamy encounters as well. This is a story of two strong, independent, somewhat stubborn people falling in love and facing danger head-on. I loved this opening story of the Lords of the Armory series and I’m definitely keeping an eye out for the release of the next story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This book was an exciting, sensual read. The chemistry between the characters could be felt and amped up my anticipation of them being back in the same place together. I loved Danielle’s character and that she was willing to put her life on the line to save women who were in abusive situations in a time when there was not much they could do as there were no laws against it. I saw parts of myself in her and the hero seemed like the perfect man for her.

An Inconvenient Duke is a fantastic beginning to what promises to be an exciting new series by Anna Harrington. Retired General Marcus Braddock is now the Duke of Hampton. Upon his return to England, he discovers a letter in sister’s effects that indicates her death was not an accident. Danielle Williams, his sister’s best friend, reluctantly agrees to work together with him to discover the truth. There is an attraction for each other, but there are a lot of secrets and little trust between the two of them. Their story is a fast-paced dangerous adventure. There are secret charities, mystery, intrigue, and romance. Unpredictable and exciting, this story is hard to put down. This is a winner. Highly recommended.

When Marcus retired from the army, he purchased an old Armory and turned it into a place to be alone, exercise, and keep up his skill with weapons. While trying to find out what happened to his sister, he discovered a sinister, apparently traitorous organization called Scepter. He invited a group of former soldiers, friends, to join him in his place of solace. He also encouraged those who are willing to join him in the fight against Scepter. Thus we have the impetus for the Lords of the Armory. I look forward to the other stories in the series.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

An intriguing story of murder and mystery, wrapped up in a delightful romance. I really liked these characters and how they were written. Our Hero, the reluctant duke, is so well written, you can feel his displeasure in his circumstances (labeled a hero, rewarded with a title, etc). He’s happy to be home with his family, but misses being a soldier. His discomfort feels real. Our heroine, also very well-written, is strong, and knows her own mind. I liked how she would stand up to the duke, and clearly outlined how difficult it was to be a woman in these times, where women couldn’t own property or even do their own banking. It was a refreshing read as a regency romance, as it wasn’t full of balls and social events to build the romance, but rather following the complex mystery and intrigue lines of the story to build trust and a partnership between them first. Although a touch slow moving for me at times, it was a great book, and I look forward to continuing this new series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my freely given, honest review.

London 1816 What could possibly be inconvenient about a Duke? When he refused to let you be and insisted on speaking to you about the death or your best friend, his sister. Danielle knew he might get too close to finding out her secrets, ones that his sister had participated in and possibly got her killed. What to do? She had no choice when Claudia, Elise's sister, invited her to a party for Marcus, the new Duke of Hampton, having returned from the wars and awarded the title for his bravery. It was also his birthday.
The only reason Marcus had agreed to let his sister throw the party, which he had no use for, was one woman. Danielle Williams, daughter of a Baron and his late sister Elise's dearest friend. The woman he knew lied to him. He had found a letter in Elise's trunk.
Danielle helped batter women escape from their abuser's and Elise helped her as well. She was a strong character that could hold her own but in the end she and Marcus worked together once danger found them!
Marcus was a wonderful hero. Kind of lost since coming back from the war and his regimented life with all the friends he had made. As you read the title will become clear and the entire premise is amazing.
Anna Harrington is one of my favorite authors and when she writes a new story, I automatically want to read it and know it will be fabulous. Her writing is inspiring in that it pulls you into the atmosphere and thoughts of the characters. Prepare to be enthralled because there is a little of everything, suspense, murder, secrets, a terrible villain, danger and a growing attraction that cannot be denied! I cannot wait to read more of this series!! Perfect!

Marcus Braddock, a career soldier who worked his way up to general, has finally returned home. Due to his exemplary service to the crown, he has been awarded a title and property, and is now the newly minted Duke Hampton. Marcus has no use or desire for the title for himself, but he feels that it will be an advantage for his sister and his orphaned niece. While away at war, Marcus was informed that his sister, Elise, died in an accident. As Marcus looks through Elise’s possessions, a task no one else was able to handle, he discovers a letter which indicates that her death may have actually been a murder. And he’s sure her dearest friend, Danielle, is hiding more information than she’s telling.

Danielle Williams was devastated when her dearest friend died. There is no way she can face Marcus, the man she’s had a crush on since she was a young girl, as she’s sure her guilt will show. Danielle and Elise were involved with a secret and dangerous organization known as Nightingale. This organization arranges for battered and endangered women, who have no other alternative, to vanish. They’re provided the transportation and means to establish a new identity and life, somewhere distant from their current one. Elise became overly exuberant in her desire to help, and went outside Nightingale’s protocol. Danielle believes that she crossed the wrong person and it cost Elise her life.

Marcus did not become a general as a fluke. He’s a skilled planner and counter maneuvers Dani’s every attempt to avoid him. Eventually, Dani reveals what she’s involved with, and her fears about what really happened to Elise. Dani and Marcus agree to investigate together. Dani still feels that pull of attraction for Marcus, now more than ever, and he can’t believe how beautiful and poised she’s become. Even though they are fully involved in seeking justice for Elise, they can’t ignore their growing feelings for each other. There is plenty of steam in their relationship, but also a blossoming emotion that just might be love.

Dani is totally dedicated to her cause, and I admire her passion and zeal for it. At the same time, I have to shake my head at the constant risks she took, never believing that she could be in any danger – even after what happened to Elise. Marcus is determined to find Elise’s killer and bring him to justice. He wants to handle this, without putting Dani at any risk. Instead of feeling protected, she feels useless. It seems that their love has come to a screeching halt, as Marcus wants a future with Dani, but not if she insists on continuing with her Nightingale activities. He can’t bear the thought of losing her, and she can’t bear the thought of no longer helping desperate women in need.

The romance in AN INCONVENIENT DUKE is steamy and strong, with a satisfying resolution in this story. Marcus is the kind of hero I love – strong, honorable, and protective, yet not afraid to declare his feelings. The mystery, however, still remains unsolved, and will carry over through the next two books in the series, with stories about Marcus’s two friends. I enjoyed this read, and think it will appeal to readers who enjoy danger and suspense in their historical romance.

The start of a new series called Lords of the Armory, I want to read the next book. A well written story with a very good storyline the story flowed smoothly across the pages. The one thing I will say is do not start this book at bedtime, because if you are like me you will not put this book down until it is finished. Marcus Braddock, former general and newly appointed Duke of Hampton and he is looking for answers into the death of his sister Elise. He wants to know what Elise's best friend Danielle Williams, can tell him. There is suspense, drama, danger, secrets, evil, a villain, intrigue, and romance. I recommend this book. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

The Story in 4 Sentences or Less: Former general Marcus Braddock is back in London and is now a duke but all he can focus on is who murdered his sister Elise. His quest for answers leads him to Danielle, his sister’s best friend and a woman who is keeping many secrets. Danielle has dedicated her life to helping abused women escape their situations through the same charity that her best friend was working with when she died. When Danielle realizes that Marcus isn’t going to give up looking for answers, she reluctantly agrees to work with him to uncover the shocking truth.




Like It? Hate it? Love it? Why? Anna Harrington dives headlong into murder, mystery, and passion with her newest book, An Inconvenient Duke and I was happy to be swept along for the ride!


Marcus is brooding hero but he’s not so broody that he’s no fun. On the contrary, he has a wry sense of humor that he reserves for special occasions and for the people in his inner circle. Marcus has a magnetic personality that draws people to him, he’s charismatic, clever, daring, and dedicated to protecting people without suffocating them. I wasn’t immune to that combination and found myself just a little in love with him in the end. In short, he was the perfect hero for this plot and to kick off a new series.

Danielle was just the right blend of mystery, strength, and compassion that made her easy to like. I loved that the author had already established Dani as a hero to the countless women she saved. She wasn’t some damsel that needed saving or that needed a man to find a purpose in her life, she already had a purpose. Dani was confident about her abilities to save women but she wasn’t reckless about it, she knew she couldn’t save them all and that sometimes the situation was just too dangerous to even attempt, and that added another layer to Dani’s character, it did eat at her that she couldn’t save the women who needed saving the most.


As a couple I thought Marcus and Danielle complimented each other very well. Marcus’ elevated society status and his military connections were great tools in finding out who had murdered his sister Elise, but he wouldn’t have been able to do much without Dani’s underground connections and her ability to put people at ease and get the truth out of them. An added plus was Dani’s gender, she’s constantly underestimated by the men around her which gives her an advantage that Marcus doesn’t have. They made a great team and they recognized one another as an equal partner with similar goals. I think that added to their initial attraction, and because they both wanted to find the truth about Elise, they were able to spend a lot of time in each other’s company and get to know one another.

An Inconvenient Duke held quite the surprise after the mystery, danger, and suspense of the hunt for a killer. The plot kept me interested and entertained from start to finish, and I loved the setup for the series. If the rest of the series has characters like Marcus and Dani, I’ll be one very happy reader indeed.

The Lords of the Armory series is loosely influenced by Marvel’s Avengers and while you can see the influence (if you look hard enough), An Inconvenient Duke is a story all its own.


Click It or Skip It? Click It. It’s the start of what could end up being a beautiful reader/series relationship.

I love Anna Harrington's work, and was looking forward to this release. I enjoy romance novels that have a little more substance to the plot than the path to the HEA, and this book provides that in spades! I find myself drawn to stories relating to the military, so this was a good fit for me in that arena as well. I felt like I got to know the characters well, and am looking forward to seeing what this future series has in store! Marcus' friends are fascinating characters and it will be great to see their stories in future installments! Though I received an ARC, it was provided so I would offer my true thoughts in reviewing the book, and the opinions provided here are solely mine. I highly recommend this author, and this book!

Danielle has been keeping secrets and now her deceased bast friends brother is back in London looking for answers. Will she be able to give him the answers he’s looking for or will she accidentally give him her heart in the bargain!

Marcus Braddock, now the Duke of Hampton has returned from the war as a hero. Yet, this hero can’t rest until he finds out the truth about the mysterious death of his sister that occurred two years ago, while he was at war. The most logical place to start looking for the truth is with his sisters elusive best friend… she seems to know more that she is will to share…

I enjoyed this story at about the half way point… until then I was finding the story a little slow and hard to keep my interest. BUT- as I say, once Marcus and Danielle kick into high gear investigating and romancing this story perked up! I was really glad I heard on until the end, because it was pretty exciting and peeked my interest in the next instalment in this series.

An Inconvenient Duke by Anna Harrington released February 25, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this first chapter from Sourcebooks Casablanca through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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