this was a strong fourth entry in the Dukes of Darkness series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall flow of this book with the rest of the books. The characters were everything that I was looking for and was engaged from the historical romance concept. Anna Harrington has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

This fourth book in The Dukes Of Darkness series was a heartwrenching and well written second chance at love historical romance. It has drama, action, traumatic incidents, intense emotional issues, many twists, and surprising outcomes that are very engaging. The characters were likable, and their chemistry was passionate and strong. I enjoyed the reunion of the four Dukes and their mentor. I highly recommend reading!

I wanted to love this, I really did. I was a historical romance girly long before I was any other type of romance reader. But this was a definite miss for me. I could not get into their love story. It didn't help that it isn't really what I would consider a second chance romance. Maybe that had an inpact on how I felt while reading it. I'm the type of reader, where if I go in expecting one thing and get something completely different, it doesn't usually skew my feeling about the book. But with this one, i dont know. Maybe I just didn't like the hero and heroine and that's why I just couldn't get out of my head with this. I love the author, and this one miss will not make me second guess reading another book from her, but man, did this really disappoint me. The writing was on point, as always, so it wasn't a pain to read, it just wasn't a pleasure.

This Book was provided by NetGalley but all opinions and reviews are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The Devil’s Own Duke" by Anna Harrington is a delightful and captivating read that I wholeheartedly recommend! The story centers around a feisty and strong-willed female protagonist who instantly won my heart. Her character is brilliantly crafted, full of depth and spirit, making her journey through the book both engaging and inspiring.

Anna Harrington does a magnificent job weaving surprises into the story. Just when you think you have it all figured out, she throws in a twist that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to flip to the next page. The surprises are well-paced and seamlessly integrated into the plot, ensuring a thrilling reading experience.

What truly sets this book apart is the sharp and witty dialogue. The exchanges between characters are not only entertaining but also reveal much about their personalities and relationships. This clever and dynamic dialogue breathes life into the story, making the interactions feel real and authentic.

Overall, "The Devil’s Own Duke" is a masterful blend of romance, intrigue, and unexpected turns, brought to life by a strong heroine and captivating conversations. A five-star read that romance enthusiasts will devour!

Anna Harrington concludes her Dukes of Darkness series with The Devil's Own Duke for a story full of love wrapped in guilt and redemption!

Chase Maddox carried the burden of his past with resignation and a deep-seated sadness. This was a hero whose very moral foundation was founded on goodness in a past defined by ambiguity. His denial of his own happiness was painful to watch play out defined by the stoic self-sacrificing mantle he wore.

Sharp witted and realistic Tessa refused to be a victim of her circumstances. Accepting her fate did not mean giving up for her but making the best of her life with what she had available. Her underlying tenacious grit afforded her the ability to fight for what she really wanted including the broken Duke she had secretly given her heart to years earlier when he suddenly reappeared in her life.

This was a story where the characters had to wade through emotional baggage and circumstances that put them at odds with society, each other and what they truly wanted. The longing expressed between Chase and Tessa was unmistakable and left readers pining right along with them. Hardly a moment went by where it was not obvious that this pair were meant to be together. Their easy connection and mutual admiration strengthened as their bond built for a story steeped in romance.

Ms. Harrington always has distinctive standout secondary characters that range from villainous to comical to everything in between. Wonderful dialog and connections round out her works from earnest to witty exchanges. This writer's take on friendships and family makes for some unforgettable interactions.

Anna Harrington is a gift to historical romance with her extraordinarily engaging writing and memorable stories. With a keen knowledge of her portrayals and the history she brings to life this author takes her readers back in time for multidimensional experiences. All of this writer's characters feel approachable even though they live in times other than her readers demonstrating how this author bridges the distance beautifully. As Anna Harrington brings closure and new beginnings in the last book of her Dukes of Darkness series, The Devil's Own, her tormented Duke's trials and tribulations will long remain in readers' hearts!

What a firebomb of a heroine, Tessa, is so strong, despite losing her first and only love, despite being ostracized by society, despite having a sister to care for and despite having to marry for convinience. When Chase, her first love comes back, she tears him apart one brick at a time, to help him heal and fight for her. She's not afraid to call a spade and spade and is terrifyingly outspoken.

Clearly I am fan!!

Chase on the other hand was a bit lukewarm. Yes he botched up his first marriage by marrying for the wrong reasons but he's about to botch up again to get his fairytale by being a coward and running.

The chemistry could have been better if it had not been so entwined in angst and inner torment.

Overall a solid B+

This book absolutely wrecked me, in the best way possible. Chase is the epitome of a tortured hero, drowning in guilt after losing his wife and son. When he returns to England three years later, determined to sell his estate and flee forever, he’s unprepared for Tessa Albright, the woman who’s loved him silently for years. Tessa is sharp, resilient, and done waiting for Chase to notice her, but when they’re forced together to pack up his crumbling estate, the tension between them is palpable. Their chemistry simmers from the first page, and when they finally give in... Let’s just say the sex scenes are *hot.* Harrington doesn’t hold back—these moments are intense, emotional, and blisteringly sensual, blending raw desire with deep vulnerability.

I thought the way Chase and Tessa’s relationship evolves was really well done: they go from unresolved longing to something fiercer and more tender. Chase’s self-loathing is real, but Tessa refuses to let him drown in it. She challenges him, pushes him, and—when he least expects it—forces him to confront the possibility of happiness. The gothic undertones (ghostly whispers, a decaying castle) weren't the most essential part of the story, but I did like what was included. Overall, it's a proper sendoff to this series (read the other ones first!)

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

I really enjoyed this friends to lovers romance that features a troubled hero haunted by his past and a fiery heroine who helps him overcome his demons and brings him redemption. The very well-written plot is emotional, steamy, with unexpected twists, a touch of suspense and some gothic vibes. The characters are endearing and I really liked their natural banter and sharp dialogues in the beginning. Their emotions of angst, grief, guilt, longing and their affection for each other were palpable throughout the book, however I was slightly disappointed because the chemistry between them didn’t really sizzle, except for the love scenes. It felt almost sibling-like. Another character I also liked, is Tessa's feisty little sister, Winnie. The epilogue was a heartwarming conclusion to the series.
Although the book is part of a series, it can also be read as a standalone.

Since his time as a mercenary and the tragic death of his wife and son, Chase Maddox, Duke of Greysmere, has been plagued by grief and guilt. After years of absence, he returns to Cuillin Castle and wants to sell off all his unentailed possessions to start a new life in Spain, free from the ghosts of the past. But first he must make peace with Tessa Albright, his late wife's distant cousin, whom he has neglected and who has always been like a little sister to him, and he asks her for help in closing his family home.
Tessa has always been secretly in love with her cousin's husband and his escape without saying goodbye after the death of his wife and son was painful for her. After the scandal caused by her father's insubordination, the daughter of a general now has to find a husband quickly in order to provide for her little sister and herself.
She gladly accepts Chase's request to help him, but although the two become closer and Tessa is the only person able to ground him, Chase is not prepared to let his plans for the future rest...

Overall, a poignant historical romance novel with a strong heroine, a tortured hero, twists and spice and a good finale to the series 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.

She’ll only marry for love and there’s only one man who will do. He doesn’t feel deserving of anyone’s.

A solid second chance romance that’s well written (if a bit too implausible in places for me), I wasn’t able to see the connection/chemistry between the MC’s, but that’s a me thing.


Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

I loved this book so much! I'm a huge fan of Anna and her books always make me feel deeply moved. Tessa and Chase are beautiful characters. She is so strong and loving and cares a lot about him. He's grieving the death of his son and the woman he could never really love. Together they are going to find a new life full of hope, new beginnings and a few surprises along the way.
I highly recommend this author and this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Another great book in this series. Chase is running from the tragic past of his wife and young son dying. Tessa is running from her father's reputation during battle in which he lost.
Watching them get a second chance was very satisfying. Their relationship was very believable and this story had a very happy ending with a twist along the way.
Thank you to Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

The two main characters in this book are interesting and well developed creating a memorable read.

Chase Maddox, Duke of Greysmere, is a tortured soul and his belief about himself drives most of the storyline causing him to react and get into several very interesting situations with Tessa in his pursuit to help her get married and for him to liquidate his holdings and leave all the tortuous memories behind when he moves out of the country. He seems stuck in his story about himself and there are times I wanted to yell at him and tell him to get over himself and look outward. This part of his character though gives this story it's substance.

Miss Tessa Albright is a great heroine because she sees a problem and works to solve it with a positive outlook. Her empathy allows her to understand what Chase is feeling and her calmness is just want he needs to find forgiveness.

The difference in these two characters allows the reader to become deeply involved in the storyline and wanting them to find their happy ending.

I really love this whole Dukes of Darkness series! Each of their “road to Duke-ness” has been interesting for all the stories, and I particularly love their special friendship that continues throughout each book.

I’m especially fond of the friends to lovers trope and that is in play here with Chase and Tessa. Well, as much as a man and a woman can be friends in their time period that is. The elements that progressed in the plot line kept me turning the pages late into the night. I found this story to have the things I have come to recognize (and love) in Harrington’s writing…dynamic female characters with a strong mind of their own, excellent writing skills that form a well thought out story arc with great dialogue, male camaraderie, and steamy times for the characters. I would highly recommend this for historical readers!

I had a hard time feeling empathy for Chase. Some of the other men in this series did good in the aftermath of their guilt, not Chase. He did not. And he was still gonna run away from his problems. I don’t know how to like a man that is a bad husband and father and the story tried to absolve him of that guilt. To me, that is something you have to own and really move forward from. I think this author just isn’t for me based on this series.

Chase's wife and toddler son perish in a shipwreck. He is so tormented by his guilt at being a terrible husband and father in a marriage that was not a love match, he skips the funeral and leaves for Spain. He returns three years later to close his castle and sell everything possible, with plans to return to Spain for good. His wife's cousin, Tessa, helps him pack up the house. They grow closer as she attempts to show him the good in him. She needs to find a husband to provide for her and her younger sister. With her father's military reputation ruined for cowardice, there are few options. Both of their plans must change when there is a big twist in the plot. Chase's friends from the previous books make an appearance to lend their support. A sad and anguished second chance at love.

A duke who carries a lot guilt and pain. The dowry-less daughter of a disgraced army officer, console each other over the death of his wife and son, her cousin and nephew. Forced to find a husband, she only wants to marry for love. The only man she loves is the duke. It's not easy to convince him t.o open his heart. A heartbreaking journey to love and redemption.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Second chance romances are always my favorites! Tessa Albright has long loved the man that married her cousin, but now she plans to settle for a loveless marriage instead. After her cousin died, Chase Maddox left England . He’d been gone for three years but was now returning to close up the estate and leave for good . Riddled with guilt over his wife and son’s deaths, and plagued with ghosts of the past, he asks his old friend , Tessa to help him with the move. Working together draws them closer. Tessa must somehow make him see that he has always been her’s. Lots of ups and downs and heart wrenching moments in this one. Beautifully written with great dialogue!

While this is the first time I’ve read an Anna Harrington book I have read a lot of regency romance and this book hit all the right notes. I adored Tessa and Chases relationship even with Chase having to sort out his baggage. I enjoyed the plot and while I guessed some of the plot points I enjoyed it and was satisfied with the ending.
I am looking forward to exploring more of Harringtons work and I would definitely recommend this book.

In this historical romance our hero is a duke and a mercenary. After three years trying to recover from a terrible loss, he is home again , but not to stay.
Our heroine is a disgraced soldier's daughter trying to provide for herself and her sister.
A very emotional story with great characters and a surprising twist.
This book is part of a series featuring friends, so each book is a totally different story with a few cameo appearances from the other dukes.
Great fun.

A Tale of Love, Redemption, and Second Chances
Tessa has always loved Chase—but he married her cousin and then disappeared after tragedy struck. Now, three years later, Chase is back from Spain, burdened by guilt and determined not to stay. But Tessa sees a glimmer of hope. Can she convince him to open his heart again—and perhaps stay for good?
Tessa has troubles of her own. Her father, a disgraced general, went to his grave under a cloud of scandal after being accused of causing a lost battle—accusations he never denied. But Chase knew the general and refused to believe he was guilty. Before he returned to Spain, Chase was determined to uncover the truth.
This is a beautifully written Regency romance filled with emotion, longing, and the promise of second chances. With just the right mix of angst, steam, and plot twists, it kept me turning the pages. I highly recommend it to fans of historical romance, and I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.