The Duke’s Lance the twelfth installment of The Duke's Guard series and is a charming mix of romance, drama, and just enough danger to keep things exciting. When Helen Langley arrives at Wyndmere Hall with a bruise on her cheek and secrets in her past, the last thing she expects is a sudden marriage proposal from the Duke’s loyal and very handsome guard, O’Malley. But that’s exactly what she gets—and it sets the stage for a slow-burn romance full of tension, heart, and high stakes.

Helen is strong, smart, and guarded, while O’Malley is the kind of protective hero you can't help but root for. Their connection is instant, but Helen’s past—and the danger still following her—makes things a lot more complicated. Even after she turns him down, O’Malley never gives up, and honestly, that loyalty is what makes him shine.

With kidnappings, secrets, and a villain who won’t let go, this story moves fast but still gives plenty of time for emotions to build. The setting, the suspense, and the sweet (yet intense) romance all come together for a really enjoyable read. If you like historical romance with a bit of action and a lot of heart, this one’s for you.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

C.H. Admirand has a strong writing style for this type of book, I was invested in the historical romance going on. It was a strong twelfth entry in the Duke's Guard series and had that same element that I enjoyed from the previous entries in this series. I was engaged with the characters and how their story was told, it uses the romance element perfectly and thought the historical element worked overall.

If you’re looking for an earnest, protective Highlander-type hero who wears his heart on his sleeve, Eamon O’Malley delivers. This Regency romance has all the hallmarks of the genre: insta-love, dangerous kidnappings, and a brooding villain. But while the premise is fun, the dialogue got a bit cringey for my taste. Helen’s stubborn independence and tragic past make her an interesting heroine, but her repeated rejections of Eamon’s advances grow tiresome, especially when his persistence borders on overbearing. Eamon’s unwavering devotion to Helen is admirable, but his constant narration—delivered in a thick, phonetically written brogue—can feel more comical than swoon-worthy. For example: "I've yet to prepare ye for me loving, lass." But there is a bit of adventure to balance out the awkward love scenes. Eamon also chats a bit to God, which some readers will enjoy and others not so much. This book is fairly late in the series, so I'll be checking out earlier works by the author to see if they're more my speed!

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I’m enamored with this amazing author. Best story I’ve read in quite a while. Can’t wait to read more of her work.
You will not be disappointed..
Highly recommend ❣️

Helen has worked as Emily’s maid for many years. She has decided to leave her job and move to a new job now that Emily has married. She quickly finds a new position and obtains an interview. Things don’t work out the way she hoped and she finds herself in danger. Eamon took one look at Helen and knows that she is his one true love. Sadly he doesn’t know how to express his feelings to her. When she leaves for her job interview, he follows. It’s a good thing he’s there because Helen needs a lot of help.
Helen is a woman of her time. She has no family and no connections so she lives her life as a maid. She is content with her lot in life but she wants to gain good employment in a good household. Helen’s experience encountering snobbery was good. It also set up the bad guys to be able to do their bad guy thing. I was hoping Helen would find her place separate from Eamon but instead her future depends on following Eamon. Eamon is a simple character. He is one of the Duke’s Men. He knows Helen is his one true love. He has a big family he loves. He is a born protector. In the end, they are a couple determined to make a go of it.
This is truly an insta love story. He is all in from the first look but Helen is suspicious. This story is a study in class snobbery. I thought that was the best part of the story. This is not my favorite in the series. I usually enjoy books from this author so I am going to say that I will read more from this author in the future.

The Duke’s Lance (Book 12 of The Duke’s Guard) by C.H. Admirand. Historical, Regency Romance

Helen Langley is a companion with a scandalous past. She accompanied her mistress, the duke’s ward, Emily Montrose, heiress, and now wife to Aiden Garahan, to Wyndmere Hall after a dangerous journey from London. Wait…Question after question. What scandalous past? Why ward to the duke? Was Emily’s father pushed to his death? Why? Who? Why a dangerous journey, why bruises? OK, I gotta read more…

After only locking eyes with winsome, ebony-haired lass with the violet faery-eyes, Eamon O’Malley, the broad-shouldered, green-eyed, handsome giant hears a voice whispered in his heart, “Mine!” He later overhears a conversation with Helen and Emily and offers Helen marriage. Just like a man to assume that is a proposal.

The character descriptions paint a clear picture in my mind. The storey had cute romance, plenty of action, lovable and relatable characters. I recommend this series very much.

This is the first book I read in the series. I didn’t realize at the time because the description of the book was what caught my interest. While reading this book there were assumptions that I had to made and will be going back to read in order to see if I am correct. Most books are read with assumptions or things that are “read between the lines” not everything needs to be spelled out. In my opinion thats what drags a book along. Especially if it is in every book along the line. Thank you for peeking my interest to look for other books in the series. Sorry for any misspelling, I don’t have a publicist.

4.5 out of 5.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

More of the Duke's guard...

This time, its Eamon O'Malley...who is big but not the brightest. He likes the look of Helen and wants to marry her, but he only puts Helen off this his off handed lack of a proposal. Helen is set on moving forward and possibly becoming a paid companion in the Borderlands. That's all fine and good, until Helen is kidnapped not once but twice and that was just a bit too much, on top of the other trouble in her past and on the recent journey with her mistress.

Book 12 of this great series is all about Aiden. He is charged with being the escort for the Duke's ward and her companion, Helen. I love this series as it is always wrapped up with strong men who have seriously gentle/loving hearts. Helen's past is an issue that she fears will always prevent her from obtaining a husband, so she's made her peace with being a companion.

The beauty of this series is the closeness as well as the interaction that takes place between all the Duke's guards. Additionally, the Duke, himself, is very protective of his people, family and friends. So the depth of emotions, loyalty and friendship shine brightly in every story.

really need to stop trying more books in this series before they really aren’t for me and get everting I see an arc, I somehow hit that request / read now button 🤦‍♀️ I think if you read the series from the beginning and every book in the series in order, you will probably enjoy this more. There are way too many O’malley’s for me to keep track of and I get very confused . I also find there is way too much dialogue between the men amongst themselves , and between the women . And a lot of it just seems to recalling previous books . Others love this series so give it a chance . I suggest at staring at the beginning of the series 1 that may have made me like it more and I am just gonna stop trying !
My rating ⭐️⭐️💫

I do appreciate the publisher who’s def given me many chances with this series. !

This historical romance is part of a series. Each book could be read on its own, but they are all linked by the families they are guarding.

There is a nasty villain who has caused problems in several of the books in the series. Even from prison, he is still doing it. Consequently, there is danger to face. But that gives our hero his chance to shine.

Our heroine has had a lot of hardship in her past and struggles with feeling unworthy.

We get plenty of excitement with our fabulous characters.

Great fun.

This twelfth book in The Duke's Gaurds series is an exciting, heartwarming, and well written historical romance. It is full of drama, action, danger, kidnapping, intrigue, suspense, mystery, lots of vengeance, so many emotional issues, and twists that were very entertaining. I enjoyed the humor, wit, throughout that kept me constantly chuckling. The bond between family and loved ones is very beautiful and heartfelt. Their chemistry and growth between one another were very engaging. The ending was lovely, and the epilogue was absolutely perfect. I highly recommend reading!

Eoman O’Malleys turn to be stricken by Cupid’s bow!

The girl whose gaze he locked onto and a voice whispered in his heart, “Mine”, is the companion to Emily Montrose, heiress, and now wife to Aiden Garahan.
Helen Langley has secrets and fears. When she’s abducted whilst returning from seeking a position as a companion to the Dower Duchess of Flemington (and that’s another “saved just in time” episode) it’s O’Malley who finds her and this time he’s not letting her go!
Another episode in my guilty pleasures read of the Duke’s Guard series.

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Another sweet and fast-paced romance about one of the Duke's guards! This time the focus is on the very likable, honorable and protective Eamon O'Malley, who falls in love at first sight with the brave, feisty Helen. The story is very well written and full of action, suspense, humor and a bit of steam. As with the previous books, I love the bond and the interactions between the guards and the Duke of Wyndmere's extended family, and the witty banter and bickering between the guards always makes me smile. As the plot builds on previous events, I recommend reading the series in order, at the very least „The Duke’s Defender“.

Helen Langley grew up on the streets of London before she was taken in by Lord Montrose and became the maid and companion of his daughter Emily, with whom she has since formed a friendship and had to overcome dangerous situations together. But now Emily, the Duke of Wyndmere’s ward, is married to one of the Duke‘s guards and Helen feels superfluous. So she decides to look for a new employment.
Eamon O’Malley, the Duke’s Lance, has been in love with Helen from the first moment he saw her, but when he proposes to her, she rejects him and sets off for her new position. However, it soon becomes clear that Helen is in danger and Eamon travels after her to protect her...

All in all, a lighthearted romance with lots of endearing characters, action and wit that I am happy to recommend!

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

The romance, wit, and action one has come to expect from this author are once again evident in this enjoyable and fast-paced novel. When it comes to the Duke's Guard, the brothers and cousins, of which there are numerous, have all fallen instantly in love with the women who become the answer to all their dreams. O'Malley is smitten the moment he makes eye contact with Emily, but she does her best to avoid him as she is carrying a burden from the past, which makes her feel unworthy of his interest. However, when he has to repeatedly come to her rescue, she finally gives in and accepts that he is her future. The novel, a copy of which I received as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, comes to an entertaining and happy conclusion. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I really like this book it was a great tale with good characters and settings. I received a review copy from NetGalley but the views and opinions expressed herein are my own.

A delightful story of Helen and Eamon while continuing the overarching storyline. Helen's character is filled with a lack of worth because of her past. She feels she is a burden instead of seeing herself as someone worthy, strong and lovable. Eamon is strength personified. He trusts himself, know what he wants, and works to achieve his dreams. The epilogue was truly amusing!

Helen Langley Eamon captures O’Malley’s heart when she steps down from the carriage at Wyndmere Hall, she’s accompanied her mistress, the duke’s ward Emily, after a perilous journey from London. The broad-shouldered, green-eyed, handsome giant barely knows her, yet offers her marriage. Helen cannot accept O’Malley’s offer, her past could ruin their future! O’Malley is willing to wait when she leaves for the Borderlands intent on securing a position as a companion. But danger is following her.
This is the twelfth book in the series & closely follows on from the last book. I really liked both Eamon & Helen, he falls hard & fast for her, she’s attracted to him but fears her past will ruin everything. There’s sizzling chemistry but their journey to a HEA isn’t easy as Helen’s job as a companion isn’t all it seems & leads to a troubling time for her but O’Malley’s protectiveness goes into overdrive as he rushes to save her. Their journey is fraught with danger but the Guard & the Duke’s family close ranks & do everything to help. A well written book which I thoroughly enjoyed, different from the others as no explosive climax. I loved the ending & also Flaherty’s numerous assertions that he won’t fall like the others – famous last words!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

3.5*
I enjoyed the romance element of this story but found the villainous plot convoluted and confusing. I was left with so many unanswered questions and not for the first time in this series felt unsure of how all the pieces fitted together.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book picks up shortly after <i>The Duke's Defender</i>. In that book, Aiden Garahan escorts the Duke's ward, Emily, and her companion, Helen, to Wyndmere Hall. Aiden fell in love with Emily and married her, and they now live in a cottage at Wyndmere Hall. Helen is no longer needed as Emily's companion and has been helping the staff in order to feel useful. Helen stated her intention to take a companion position to an elderly woman. Her friends attempt to dissuade her, telling her to marry someone there. She's stunned to hear Eamon O'Malley's answer to her question of who on earth would marry her.

"That would be me, lass." Eamon, willingly following in his brothers' and cousins' footsteps, fell for Helen the moment he saw her. The sight of her injuries aroused his protective instincts. Unfortunately, convincing the stubborn and independent Helen is a challenge, and Eamon resigns himself to wait for her to fulfill her companion duties. When word reaches Wyndmere Hall of trouble at Helen's destination, Eamon rushes to her rescue. The Duke's reaction when he found out was fantastic - you don't mess with the people the Duke considers his! He also comes through in a big way for Eamon.

I ached for Helen and everything she experienced. The elderly employer was a bitter, vicious woman whose actions were inexcusable. Helen's situation worsened after the dowager ejected her from the house, alone and on foot. Helen couldn't catch a break at all. Past trouble catches up with her, threatening her life. The action kept me glued to the pages as I awaited the outcome. It definitely lived up to my expectations.

I loved seeing Eamon and Helen's relationship develop. His feelings for her run bone deep as he knows she is the one for him. He is loyal and protective and determined to marry her. Helen loves him too but believes he would turn away if he knew her past. I loved Eamon's steadfast determination to win his lady and how his patience pays off. I loved seeing Helen finally accept that her past is just another part of her that makes her who she is and that Eamon loves all of her. The epilogue was fantastic. I loved the peek at their future, and Eamon's conversations with God made me laugh out loud.

As always, I loved the interactions among the members of the Duke's Guard. Eamon endures a fair amount of teasing from the others because of his focus on Helen. The morning after the wedding was hilarious. I also love the relationships between the noble ladies and the women who work for them. The warmth and caring erase the class distinctions. I loved the scene where the married ladies gave Helen "the talk," especially when they sent for the brandy and the Irish whiskey. In this book, Eamon and his cousin, Dillon Flaherty, interact a lot. With his vocal insistence that he won't be falling for any woman, I suspect he is the next one to eat his words.

Thank you NetGalley. I just love this series. This story is about Helen who arrived at the Duke's home with Emily. Now that Emily is married Helen thinks she isn't needed so she'll find a position up near the border. She leaves while Eamon O'Malley is away and he is interested in Helen. The Widow she went to see did not work out well. Eamon went after her and his cousin met him up there. They had to rescue Helen twice from being kidnapped. It was quite a trip and Eamon had to convince Helen he loved her and she should not leave him again.