I loved The Duke's Only Desire by Anna Harrington. I am a huge fan of Harrington and this book was just what I needed. For all my historical romance fans who love a scarred hero who believes he can never love this is going to be your ultimate cozy read. Find love again through the complicated past and emotional ups and downs with Sophie and Shay.

Thank you so much for the early read. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this captivating "Beauty and the Beast" story with the added scarred hero, marriage of convenience and forbidden love tropes. The very well-written plot is emotional and filled with heart-warming moments, a villain, intrigue, blackmail, suspense and spicy love scenes. Shay and Sophie are endearing characters who have been in love before, but circumstances have kept them apart. The chemistry between them and their feelings were palpable and I loved how they supported and loved each other despite all their difficulties and insecurities.

Sophie Winter was promised by contract to the heir of the Duke of Malvern as a child, but it was not John but his brother Seamus "Shay" Douglass with whom she fell in love, but John died on the eve of their wedding and Shay broke off contact with her.
Shay never wanted to become the Duke of Malvern, but a quarrel between him and his brother John over Sophie, with whom he was secretly in love, escalated, resulting in John's death and Shay's disfigurement. Since then he has blamed himself for his brother's death and lives a life as a recluse on his country estate in Yorkshire. Years later, when Shay learns that Sophie is about to marry a dangerous fortune hunter, he intervenes and uses the old contract to force her to marry him in order to protect her. He plans to have a marriage of convenience with her, because Sophie is his desire, his weakness and the living proof of his guilt. And then there's his scheming uncle, who publicly accuses him of murdering his brother in order to strip him of his title...

I‘m happy to recommend this captivating read and look forward to Chase‘s story!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

The Duke's Only Desire by Anna Harrington is book three in The Dukes of Darkness series. If you haven't read the first two books, I think you can still read this one on it's own but there are some crossover characters (the Dukes) that do show up across the stories.

In this book, our Duke is Shay Douglass. Originally the second son, Shay was destined to be a soldier and when his older brother, John, was betrothed to Lady Sophie Winter, John was angered by it but Shay was drawn to her and eventually over the years, fell in love with her. Unfortunately, their love could never be...until a fire changed everything for both of them. Feeling cursed by that night and facing accusations that he murdered his own brother to claim the dukedom, Shay isolates himself at his estate determined to live his days in exile and never see Sophie again. It was a solid plan until he heard that Sophie plans to announce her engagement to someone he knows will destroy her.

Lady Sophie Winter was excited to announce her engagement but when the Duke of Malvern (Shay) shows up after ten years of absence and decides he is going to enforce the original betrothal contract, she doesn't know what to think when he was the one who decided they were never going to see each other after the fire. As they are now tied together in marriage (per Shay - it will be in name only), Sophie is determined to figure out what happened to push Shay away ten years earlier and what has now prompted him to show back up in her life.

I enjoyed this installment of the series. It was great to have the backstory for Shay and John and be able to understand the catalyst to Shay's exile ultimately leading to Sophie and Shay's marriage. There's a good villain story embedded within Shay's family via his uncle and his desire for the title and it was great to see these characters rebuild their friendship and love for each other. If you're looking for a second chance historical romance trope, you might consider picking this one up.

I really loved this third book of the series! I have a penchant for a scarred hero who feels undeserving of love and Shay really touched my heart. I adored Sophie, because she is strong and resilient and doesn’t surrender when Shay stubbornly refuses to acknowledge his own worth and their love. I also loved the touch of adventure in the book. Definitely the best so far!

This book was a little bit of a surprise for this series because it veered off from the formula of the previous two books, which is partly why I liked it so much more. I especially liked how these two characters had a well-developed backstory that spanned many years. Although I was not a fan of the way Shay went about saving Sophie from what would have surely been a miserable engagement/marriage, I was glad that he was able to convince her and her father that a marriage to him was the better choice. The truth was that Shay was far too insecure to approach Sophie in a more traditional (less a-hole) way for fear that she would reject him. One of my favorite parts was Sophie's relationship with Miss Danvies - it was nice to see her develop a supportive female friendship. And without Miss Danvies who knows how long it would have taken our two main characters to really start communicating with one another. I wouldn't mind a short story of the romance between Miss Danvies and Mr. Cross that is hinted at in the epilogue here. There is, of course, a villain looking to take out our hero which adds an additional obstacle for the main couple. I actually liked how that part ended up playing out, especially due to the fact that Sophie had the chance to start to fight back before having Shay swoop in to the rescue. I always appreciate a heroine who doesn't sit around waiting to be saved. There are a few quick scenes/mentions of the characters introduced in the previous books which worked well because their stories didn't quite fit in with the events of this book. But it was a nice to reminded that they were all there for one another when they were needed the most. This books was more in line with what I have come to expect from Anna Harringon. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

This is part of a series and I’ve read the previous book but didn’t realize it until well in to the book. So please read it even if you haven’t read the one before and know that it’s just as amazing as a standalone. Sophie and Shay fell in love very young but knew they could never be together as Sophie was to marry Shay’s brother. The marriage never happened but their love was doomed. Fate always has its own plans and they do end up marrying. There are so many plot twists that makes it hard to -it this one down. Shay is so protective and loving but refuses to acknowledge that love to Sophie. And to say that Sophie knows exactly what she wants and determined to get it is an understatement. Great read with just the right amount of angst and drama. Anna Harrington at her absolute best!

Lady Sophie Winter and Shay Douglass fell in love the moment they met. Yet she was contracted for marriage to his older brother John, and, as a second son, Shay had been destined for a soldier's life. When a tragic fire kills John, Shay disappears, refusing to see Sophie again. Shay has been accused of murdering his own brother to claim the dukedom—and his brother's fiancée—for himself. Yet ten years later, on the night that Sophie plans to announce her engagement, Shay returns to enforce the old marriage contract that weds her to the Duke of Malvern...to him. Forced unwillingly into a marriage to the man who irreparably shattered her heart, Sophie must find a way to finally exorcise the ghosts of their pasts and heal the scars that still torture both of them, or forever end all hope for love.
Another great book in this series. I enjoyed seeing how this romance played out and thought that the transition from their wedding day to their return to love was well delivered. It was refreshing to not agonise for endless chapters over their differences. Shay and Sophie are two wonderful characters, and their love for each other is obvious. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Second-Chance, Regency Romance

He would kill for her, but did he? Shay was accused of killing his brother so he could inherit his title and fiancée. If this was the case, why did he disappear from her life for years, only to show up on the night of her engagement to resurrect a contract she thought was long dead? Why did he want to marry her after he broke her heart all those years ago?

This book grabbed me from the very first page. It was no surprise, as this author is excellent at weaving a spell that keeps you reading. This is a lovely book I recommend to those who enjoy historical romance. I wish I could give it more than five stars. I very much look forward to what this author writes next.

Overall I really do enjoy this series and this book didn’t disappoint. There were parts that seemed longer than they needed to be but overall it was a really nice love story

My rating 3.5 ⭐️

I enjoyed reading, The Duke's Only Desire. It was refreshing to read about a man that loves a lady so deeply and ask for nothing in return. Also very inspiring. Sophie is someone that is easy to love, She is not afraid to get her hands dirty in the dirt or helping others.

This historical romance is part of a series that revolves around a group of friends, so it's easy to read them separately. The hero this time is badly scarred and has shut himself away until someone from his past needs him to step forward. Our heroine was betrothed as child, but the man died, so she is free to marry who she chooses.
Her life is about to be turned upside down. There is danger and adventure ahead for her as well as a very emotional time. The story kept me interested all the way through. The characters are strong, and loving with a lot of history between them. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Good fun.

I loved Sophie and Shay. The storyline of how they loved each other from afar over the years was excellent. He was afraid to really love her and she was going to show him that it was safe to do so. He wasn't really a bad guy deep down at all, he just needed Sophie to help him explore his feelings and memories.

This almost was a five star book until the last quarter of it. I think it amounted to unnecessary drama and confusion.

Thank you to netgalley for the book. Opinions are my own.

This has been an amazing series so far and if anything this romance is even more enticing as Shay and Lady Sophie battle with their desires while searching out the truth about the death of Shay's brother. The suspense that winds its way through the plot keeps one on tenterhooks, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Fortunately, Shay has friends who are closer than brothers to him, and with their help more than one plot is uncovered, finally bringing about justice for a vile perpetrator, while Shay and Sophie get exactly what they deserve. I love the main characters in this novel, the attraction that grew into friendship over a number of years, and the connection that held them together in spite of the horrifying death of Shay's brother. I received a copy of this well-written and suspenseful novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

His brother's intended...

They are so star crossed. Shay and Sophie fell in love ten years ago, but Sophie was his elder brother's intended. They tragedy struck over and over for both Shay and Sophie. He inherited the title but there was suspicion around him. Sophie finally starts to move on a decade later, only for Shay to swoop in and puts the marriage contract into play, Can these two heal the wounds?
Recommend.

A completely engaging story of two people who have faced one challenge after another and have been given a second/third opportunity. Sophie and Shay have known each other for years and written to each other for years. Events took place that caused them to stop writing until about five years had passed. The story is high intensity, twists, turns, villain and steam. Fast paced, amazing and one you won't want to put down. I loved Sophia's strength, forthrightness and determination to find peace and happiness. Shay is one of those people that comes across hard but is truly a teddy bear underneath.

let me atart by saying that i thoroughly enjoyed this book. the angst and relationship building along with their past and the combined yearning made this book phenomenal, i absolutely loved that sophie didnt allow shay to pull away. it was refreshing to see her fight for their happiness.

Anna Harrington delivers an emotional and fast-paced historical romance in The Duke's Only Desire, weaving together love, loss, and redemption. Sophie and Shay’s journey is filled with heartbreak, longing, and undeniable passion. Their childhood connection, torn apart by tragedy and guilt, adds interest to their reunion. That's especially true when Shay unexpectedly claims her hand in marriage.

I loved Sophie’s strength and determination. She refuses to let Shay push her away, fighting for their marriage and proving time and again that he is worthy of love. Shay, burdened by guilt and scars both inside and out, is a brooding yet honorable hero. Their chemistry is undeniable. The added layer of suspense, with a villain threatening their happiness, kept the tension high and made their bond even stronger. Harrington balances romance and intrigue beautifully, making this more than just a love story. If you enjoy second-chance romances with emotionally complex characters and a touch of danger, this is a great pick!

This is the third instalment in Anna Harrington’s Dukes of Darkness series, but can be read as a standalone.

The Duke’s Only Desire follows the story of Shay and Sophie, who fell in love when they were younger but Sophie was promised to Shay’s brother. This is a period marriage of convenience story and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Sophie was such a strong character, she knew what she wanted and treated everyone with such kindness and respect, regardless of their status. Shay carried so much guilt and shame, and really thought of himself as beast undeserving of love. Sophie never gave up on Shay and showed him what he really was. I was rooting for them the entire time I was reading!

This was another hit, and I can’t wait to see what Anna Harrington comes out with next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

This captivating tale of second-chance romance and historical fiction will enthrall readers who delight in stories of redemption and resilience. The tumultuous love story of Sophie and Shay, a couple tragically separated by circumstance and the whims of fate, tugs at the heartstrings as they navigate a world that seems determined to keep them apart. Yet, amidst the heartache and trials, a glimmer of hope emerges, offering them an unexpected opportunity to rediscover their love and mend the wounds of the past.

As fans of historical fiction delve into the rich tapestry of the era, they will be transported to a time where societal expectations and historical events shape the lives of the protagonists. The intricacies of the historical setting add depth and complexity to the narrative, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that Sophie and Shay face as they strive to find their way back to each other. The evocative descriptions and meticulous research will immerse readers in the sights, sounds, and social dynamics of the period, making the story all the more vivid and compelling.

The themes of redemption and second chances resonate throughout the novel, reminding readers that even in the darkest of times, hope can prevail. As Sophie and Shay confront their past mistakes and seek forgiveness, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Their resilience in the face of adversity inspires readers to believe in the power of love and the possibility of healing.

The captivating prose and well-developed characters will draw readers into the story, making them invested in the outcome of Sophie and Shay's relationship. The emotional depth and authenticity of their experiences will resonate with fans of romance, who will find themselves rooting for the couple to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way. The novel's exploration of love, loss, and redemption will stay with readers long after they turn the final page, leaving them with a renewed appreciation for the enduring power of the human spirit.

An emotional story! Seamus has so much pain. Sophie has been used as a pawn for most of her life. Both of their ran away from their marriages. This truly a deep, emotional story the you won't want to put down!