If the Duke Demands by Anna Harrington (Capturing the Carlisles #3)
Released: February 28, 2017
Historical Romance
Forever
Reviewed by Mandi
Sebastian’s family was granted a title and vast land and wealth when a former Earl committed treason. All of a sudden, Sebastian and his two younger brothers had a future responsiblity. When Sebastian’s father dies falling off a horse, Sebastian becomes a duke and his days of being irresponsible are over. His two younger brothers however keep the party alive and going, much to Sebastian’s frustration. He feels guilt over the fact he was partying the night his father died, so he makes it his mission to be everything his dad would have wanted him to be. That means finding a wife and producing an heir – and he wants to find the best one, forgetting about passion or love.
“We’ll use the season to conduct a logical, well-reasoned search for a duchess.”
Robert and Quinn looked at each other, then howled with laughter.
Sebastian scowled at them.
Miranda is an orphaned tenant of Sebastian’s family and grew up alongside all three brothers. They played outside as kids and got into fun trouble. Miranda has always had a crush on the middle brother, Robert, but he still sees her as a “kid sister.” To prove she is now a woman, she dons a mask and a flimsy dress and hides inside his room one night, ready to give him the surprise of his life. But when Sebastian walks in and starts fondling her, the fun stops immediately. She had the wrong room (oops) and the wrong brother (double oops). Sebastian is just as shocked as she is, and quickly scurries her out of his room. But he can’t for get the way she felt under him and she can’t forget his kisses.
When Sebastian’s mother invites Miranda to London with her family to sponsor her for the season, Sebastian and Miranda both awkwardly arrive. Miranda still has her heart set on Robert, even though he is fond of someone else, and Sebastian is determined to find a respectable peer to be his bride…but these two have a connection.
This is a cute historical although predictable at every turn. The guiding force running Sebastian’s life is to make up for the fact that he was not around when his father died. The guilt eats at him, so he is determined to do everything “right” to make up for that night. He has his eyes set on marrying a titled woman to be his duchess, not a orphan who gets herself into trouble all the time. From the start though, Sebastian has feelings for Miranda. They go together really nicely in this book. They have good chemistry as Sebastian is somewhat an alpha duke and Miranda is energetic, and a little flighty at times. He finds her antics amusing and she finds his body damn sexy.
But – no matter how much in love Sebastian falls, he refuses to marry Miranda. He warns if they sleep together, she will be ruined with no husband because she does not fit the mold he wants for a wife. Yet he still goes back to her, time and time again. At least he is upfront and honest about it, but knowing his mother was the one in the beginning to warn him to marry for love, not title – it takes his mother at the end to convince him to marry Miranda. The story went along at a fine pace, but a predictable pace. You could tell when they were going to get more physical, then have a fight, then get even closer etc..
It’s cute though – I liked both Sebastian and Miranda. I’ll read about another brother.
Grade: B-
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