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Wicked Dukes Society #6
Duke with a Deception
From USA Today bestselling author Scarlett Scott comes a steamy, emotional happily ever after between a cynical rake and the forbidden sister of his best friend...
The Duke of Kingham delights in doing bad deeds. Which is why no one is more surprised than King when he decides to do a very good deed in marrying his best friend’s sister. Lady Verity Saunders suffered a traumatic blow to the head that left her with partial amnesia and the persistent delusion that King is the love of her life, her fiancé.
Never mind that her real betrothed died ten years ago and she’s been mourning him ever since. Or that King is a heartless rake who vowed he’d never wed. The jaded, grumpy former bachelor is now husband to a do-gooder lady whose disposition is brighter than summer sunshine.
But when their marriage of convenience slowly burns into an unrivaled passion, King finds himself falling for the wife he didn’t want. Until Verity’s memory returns and she’s devastated to realize she’s been living a lie.
Heat level: Scorching hot! Don't say you weren't warned.
Don't miss the Wicked Dukes Society series:
Book 1 Duke with a Reputation
Book 2 Duke with a Debt
Book 3 Duke with a Secret
Book 4 Duke with a Lie
Book 5 Duke with a Duchess
Book 6 Duke with a Deception
Book 7 Duke with a Desire
The Duke of Kingham delights in doing bad deeds. Which is why no one is more surprised than King when he decides to do a very good deed in marrying his best friend’s sister. Lady Verity Saunders suffered a traumatic blow to the head that left her with partial amnesia and the persistent delusion that King is the love of her life, her fiancé.
Never mind that her real betrothed died ten years ago and she’s been mourning him ever since. Or that King is a heartless rake who vowed he’d never wed. The jaded, grumpy former bachelor is now husband to a do-gooder lady whose disposition is brighter than summer sunshine.
But when their marriage of convenience slowly burns into an unrivaled passion, King finds himself falling for the wife he didn’t want. Until Verity’s memory returns and she’s devastated to realize she’s been living a lie.
Heat level: Scorching hot! Don't say you weren't warned.
Don't miss the Wicked Dukes Society series:
Book 1 Duke with a Reputation
Book 2 Duke with a Debt
Book 3 Duke with a Secret
Book 4 Duke with a Lie
Book 5 Duke with a Duchess
Book 6 Duke with a Deception
Book 7 Duke with a Desire
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2026
About the author
Scarlett Scott
137 books1,627 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 24, 2026
3.5 Can you have two loves? ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
(The answer is yes, of course you can.) ❤️
This had something. It was reaching for a shelf stocked with emotion and tension, and it almost got there. The beginning felt a little rushed though, and I had questions that took a while to get answered, but by Chapter 7, my emotions were locked in.
The premise:
Verity, 26, is the survivor of a terrible fire. King, 34, came to her rescue. He has always loved her, watching her from afar while she lived in self imposed mourning for the man she lost.
Ten years earlier, Verity’s beloved Leo died. She was only 16, but she decided that he was the only man she would ever love. She wears his locket every day and has resigned herself to becoming a spinster.
King, meanwhile, is a very debauched Duke who has suffered tremendous grief of his own, all carefully hidden behind his suave, carefree exterior.
When Verity wakes after the fire, she has partial amnesia. Leo has been completely erased from her memory and, in his place, is King.
She believes they have been engaged for ten years and are about to be married.
King knows this isn’t true.
And yet he takes advantage of it.
He wanted her. And perhaps she would never get her memories back. So he continues the deception and marries her.
Most of the book is them settling into their marriage, and honestly, the emotional development between them was lovely. They genuinely fall in love, and they have a really beautiful relationship. ❤️
But there is a pretty enormous elephant in the room:
Before the amnesia, Verity never wanted another man. Leo was the man she loved, and she had deliberately chosen a life without anyone else.
So King deceived her knowing she loved another man.
His justification is that he loved her, too, and he couldn’t stand to watch her wither away for the rest of her life.
And I actually understood the emotional dilemma.
But then Verity gets her memories back…
And everything blows up.
Because now she knows King deceived her. She remembers the man she thought she would love forever. So what does her marriage actually mean now?
Does she choose the life she has built with King, or the love she spent ten years mourning?
The romance arc worked, but there were a few things holding this back from being great.
First, there was a little too much sex. I would have happily traded one or two of those scenes for higher stakes, more conflict, or more development of the central emotional dilemma.
Verity also felt underdeveloped compared to King. He completely stole the show. I wanted more from her beyond being the woman who had spent ten years mourning Leo.
I also needed more explanation for why Verity mourned him for ten years when he died when she was sixteen. Her attachment to him is the foundation of the entire conflict, yet I never completely understood it.
At times, her obsession with him felt less like epic lost love and more like something psychologically unhealthy and the book didn’t quite do enough to bridge that gap.
I also kept picturing Verity from Poldark, which was extremely distracting.
Overall, this was sweet, emotional and had real potential. The bones of the story were there, and the marriage/romance development was genuinely lovely. I just wanted more tension, more depth, and higher stakes around the Leo/King conflict.
Should you read it?
It definitely has potential and is one of SC’s better books. If it’s free? Yes.
Chance of divorce: 10%
I don’t know Verity well enough to trust her yet.
(The answer is yes, of course you can.) ❤️
This had something. It was reaching for a shelf stocked with emotion and tension, and it almost got there. The beginning felt a little rushed though, and I had questions that took a while to get answered, but by Chapter 7, my emotions were locked in.
The premise:
Verity, 26, is the survivor of a terrible fire. King, 34, came to her rescue. He has always loved her, watching her from afar while she lived in self imposed mourning for the man she lost.
Ten years earlier, Verity’s beloved Leo died. She was only 16, but she decided that he was the only man she would ever love. She wears his locket every day and has resigned herself to becoming a spinster.
King, meanwhile, is a very debauched Duke who has suffered tremendous grief of his own, all carefully hidden behind his suave, carefree exterior.
When Verity wakes after the fire, she has partial amnesia. Leo has been completely erased from her memory and, in his place, is King.
She believes they have been engaged for ten years and are about to be married.
King knows this isn’t true.
And yet he takes advantage of it.
He wanted her. And perhaps she would never get her memories back. So he continues the deception and marries her.
Most of the book is them settling into their marriage, and honestly, the emotional development between them was lovely. They genuinely fall in love, and they have a really beautiful relationship. ❤️
But there is a pretty enormous elephant in the room:
Before the amnesia, Verity never wanted another man. Leo was the man she loved, and she had deliberately chosen a life without anyone else.
So King deceived her knowing she loved another man.
His justification is that he loved her, too, and he couldn’t stand to watch her wither away for the rest of her life.
And I actually understood the emotional dilemma.
But then Verity gets her memories back…
And everything blows up.
Because now she knows King deceived her. She remembers the man she thought she would love forever. So what does her marriage actually mean now?
Does she choose the life she has built with King, or the love she spent ten years mourning?
The romance arc worked, but there were a few things holding this back from being great.
First, there was a little too much sex. I would have happily traded one or two of those scenes for higher stakes, more conflict, or more development of the central emotional dilemma.
Verity also felt underdeveloped compared to King. He completely stole the show. I wanted more from her beyond being the woman who had spent ten years mourning Leo.
I also needed more explanation for why Verity mourned him for ten years when he died when she was sixteen. Her attachment to him is the foundation of the entire conflict, yet I never completely understood it.
At times, her obsession with him felt less like epic lost love and more like something psychologically unhealthy and the book didn’t quite do enough to bridge that gap.
I also kept picturing Verity from Poldark, which was extremely distracting.
Overall, this was sweet, emotional and had real potential. The bones of the story were there, and the marriage/romance development was genuinely lovely. I just wanted more tension, more depth, and higher stakes around the Leo/King conflict.
Should you read it?
It definitely has potential and is one of SC’s better books. If it’s free? Yes.
Chance of divorce: 10%
I don’t know Verity well enough to trust her yet.
May 18, 2026
I usually enjoy Scarlett’s books and it was King’s turn and I was looking forward to it…
… I’m honestly conflicted about this book because the beginning completely hooked me. After King rescues Verity and realizes she believes he is her long-dead betrothed, I understood exactly why he seized the opportunity. He’s a jaded, damaged rake who has lived through immense pain, and Verity represents something good and pure that he desperately wants for himself. Watching him slowly soften and change because of her was actually compelling, and for a while I thought this was going to be one of my favorite Scarlett Scott books.
But somewhere along the way, the emotional logic of the story stopped working for me.
The biggest issue was the handling of Leo’s memory and Verity’s reaction once the truth came out. If Leo had died recently—one year, two years, even five years earlier—I could absolutely understand her devastation and anger. But this was TEN years later. By the time her memories returned, Verity and King had built a real marriage, he had confessed his love, and she had loved him in return. So when she essentially acts as though those feelings meant nothing and insists she never loved him, it felt unnecessarily cruel and emotionally disproportionate to what the story had spent the entire book building.
And then there was the behavior of Riverdale and Sybil, which honestly frustrated me even more. Yes, Riverdale being angry makes sense because romances love the “best friend’s sister breaks the bro-code.” But the constant attempts from both of them to trigger Verity’s memories before and after the marriage crossed a line for me. Sybil giving Verity Leo’s letters felt especially deceitful.
Because what exactly was the endgame here?
They wanted her to remember Leo so badly, but—then what? Leave her husband? Spend the rest of her life mourning a man who had been dead for a decade? Meanwhile, Riverdale and Sybil get to return to their own happy marriage after detonating hers.
That’s where the story lost me. The conflict stopped feeling organic and started feeling manufactured purely to create angst. The book spent so much time redeeming King and building a genuine love story between him and Verity, only to treat Leo’s memory more important than the real relationship Verity had actually built with her husband.
The first half of the book was strong, and the anticipation and buildup to King’s story throughout the series was brilliantly done. King himself was a compelling hero, and Verity felt like the perfect heroine for him. What I appreciated most was that she wasn’t written as a naïve, wide-eyed innocent meant solely to redeem the hardened rake. She matched him emotionally, intellectually, and sensually, meeting his worldliness with curiosity rather than fear or judgment, which made their chemistry feel balanced and believable.
That’s why the emotional payoff ultimately didn’t land for me. The third-act conflict felt forced, excessive, and ultimately unfair to the romance the story had spent so much time carefully building.
… I’m honestly conflicted about this book because the beginning completely hooked me. After King rescues Verity and realizes she believes he is her long-dead betrothed, I understood exactly why he seized the opportunity. He’s a jaded, damaged rake who has lived through immense pain, and Verity represents something good and pure that he desperately wants for himself. Watching him slowly soften and change because of her was actually compelling, and for a while I thought this was going to be one of my favorite Scarlett Scott books.
But somewhere along the way, the emotional logic of the story stopped working for me.
The biggest issue was the handling of Leo’s memory and Verity’s reaction once the truth came out. If Leo had died recently—one year, two years, even five years earlier—I could absolutely understand her devastation and anger. But this was TEN years later. By the time her memories returned, Verity and King had built a real marriage, he had confessed his love, and she had loved him in return. So when she essentially acts as though those feelings meant nothing and insists she never loved him, it felt unnecessarily cruel and emotionally disproportionate to what the story had spent the entire book building.
And then there was the behavior of Riverdale and Sybil, which honestly frustrated me even more. Yes, Riverdale being angry makes sense because romances love the “best friend’s sister breaks the bro-code.” But the constant attempts from both of them to trigger Verity’s memories before and after the marriage crossed a line for me. Sybil giving Verity Leo’s letters felt especially deceitful.
Because what exactly was the endgame here?
They wanted her to remember Leo so badly, but—then what? Leave her husband? Spend the rest of her life mourning a man who had been dead for a decade? Meanwhile, Riverdale and Sybil get to return to their own happy marriage after detonating hers.
That’s where the story lost me. The conflict stopped feeling organic and started feeling manufactured purely to create angst. The book spent so much time redeeming King and building a genuine love story between him and Verity, only to treat Leo’s memory more important than the real relationship Verity had actually built with her husband.
The first half of the book was strong, and the anticipation and buildup to King’s story throughout the series was brilliantly done. King himself was a compelling hero, and Verity felt like the perfect heroine for him. What I appreciated most was that she wasn’t written as a naïve, wide-eyed innocent meant solely to redeem the hardened rake. She matched him emotionally, intellectually, and sensually, meeting his worldliness with curiosity rather than fear or judgment, which made their chemistry feel balanced and believable.
That’s why the emotional payoff ultimately didn’t land for me. The third-act conflict felt forced, excessive, and ultimately unfair to the romance the story had spent so much time carefully building.
May 18, 2026
this had allllllll the good stuff
King’s transformation from rake to Anything-for-Her husband was absolutely sweet and sexy and romantic. I loved this crazy amnesiac plot!!
King’s transformation from rake to Anything-for-Her husband was absolutely sweet and sexy and romantic. I loved this crazy amnesiac plot!!
May 21, 2026
This is my 84th book by Scarlett Scott. She is definitely one of my top favorite authors. I have been reading her since 2016. I love her stories and her writing and she writes such damn good, yummy, hot sex scenes. I know I will always get a good read from her. I have LOVED this series though. I have book 3 and 4 on my favorites read list, especially Book 4. It was fantastic. So excited about this one.
What can I say...I loved Verity and King. I love when a very wicked bad boy is brought to his knees, especially by a virgin. :) HAHA! I loved their personalities and their storyline. I loved that they fucked like rabbits, anywhere and everywhere. I loved them together. Just so damn good. Emma was cute as a button and a great addition. I average over 350 books a year and rarely cry at any but this one...wow tears were flowing on this one. Even though this was a long paged book, I wanted to keep reading more from these two. I am definitely adding this to my favorite books read list for May, 2026.
What can I say...I loved Verity and King. I love when a very wicked bad boy is brought to his knees, especially by a virgin. :) HAHA! I loved their personalities and their storyline. I loved that they fucked like rabbits, anywhere and everywhere. I loved them together. Just so damn good. Emma was cute as a button and a great addition. I average over 350 books a year and rarely cry at any but this one...wow tears were flowing on this one. Even though this was a long paged book, I wanted to keep reading more from these two. I am definitely adding this to my favorite books read list for May, 2026.
May 18, 2026
I wanted this book to end so I could get to King and Verity’s HEA (because that HAD to happen) but I also did NOT want this book to end and say goodbye to these wonderful characters and this series (but is it the end, hmmm).
I have loved King since book one of the series so I was so excited to finally read his story! But at first, I wasn’t so sure I liked him anymore (morally grey hero anyone?) but as the story unfolded and you get to know King from a completely different viewpoint, I realized I liked him even more then before!
I fell deeper and deeper down the oh so amazing rabbit hole, what with Verity’s amnesia, her brother severing ties with King because of King’s treatment of Verity, needing to find someone new to take over the Wicked Duke Society (because all the Dukes are now married) and other plot points, the pages flew by and the angst rose with each new chapter!
I could NOT put this book down and between the angst, the spicy heat 🔥🔥, the redemption, the memory finally coming back and the swoon-worthy, breathtaking HEA this story is so incredibly satisfying and awww-mazing that a re-read is in order!!
Well done Scarlett!! ♥️
I have loved King since book one of the series so I was so excited to finally read his story! But at first, I wasn’t so sure I liked him anymore (morally grey hero anyone?) but as the story unfolded and you get to know King from a completely different viewpoint, I realized I liked him even more then before!
I fell deeper and deeper down the oh so amazing rabbit hole, what with Verity’s amnesia, her brother severing ties with King because of King’s treatment of Verity, needing to find someone new to take over the Wicked Duke Society (because all the Dukes are now married) and other plot points, the pages flew by and the angst rose with each new chapter!
I could NOT put this book down and between the angst, the spicy heat 🔥🔥, the redemption, the memory finally coming back and the swoon-worthy, breathtaking HEA this story is so incredibly satisfying and awww-mazing that a re-read is in order!!
Well done Scarlett!! ♥️
May 18, 2026
If you love emotionally layered historical romance with a delicious grumpy-sunshine dynamic, this book delivers exactly that. Scarlett Scott creates a deeply tender and addictive romance between a cynical duke who never intended to marry and a heroine whose vulnerability and warmth slowly dismantle every wall he’s built around himself.
King is the perfect reluctant hero—brooding, morally gray, and absolutely convinced he’s incapable of love. Watching him go from marrying Verity out of deception to falling helplessly in love with her is incredibly satisfying. Verity shines as the emotional heart of the story. Despite her memory loss and heartbreak, she remains compassionate, hopeful, and impossible not to root for.
The premise could have felt overly dramatic in less capable hands, but the emotional tension is handled beautifully. The slow-burn passion, forced proximity, and heartbreaking question of what happens when the truth returns, all keep the pages turning. Their chemistry is intense, but it’s the emotional intimacy that truly stands out.
Angsty, steamy, and full of aching tenderness, this is a compelling marriage of deception romance with a hero who falls hardest of all. Perfect for readers who adore wounded rakes, protective dukes, and love stories where healing and forgiveness take center stage.
Received an advance copy from the author
King is the perfect reluctant hero—brooding, morally gray, and absolutely convinced he’s incapable of love. Watching him go from marrying Verity out of deception to falling helplessly in love with her is incredibly satisfying. Verity shines as the emotional heart of the story. Despite her memory loss and heartbreak, she remains compassionate, hopeful, and impossible not to root for.
The premise could have felt overly dramatic in less capable hands, but the emotional tension is handled beautifully. The slow-burn passion, forced proximity, and heartbreaking question of what happens when the truth returns, all keep the pages turning. Their chemistry is intense, but it’s the emotional intimacy that truly stands out.
Angsty, steamy, and full of aching tenderness, this is a compelling marriage of deception romance with a hero who falls hardest of all. Perfect for readers who adore wounded rakes, protective dukes, and love stories where healing and forgiveness take center stage.
Received an advance copy from the author
October 26, 2026
I absolutely loved King and Verity’s story. She has been mourning her deceased fiancée for 10 years. He has no one but his wicked Dukes as friends. When Verity is knocked unconscious during a fire at the Orphanage, King runs in to save her and young Emma.
As she recovers Verity believes she is engaged to King and wonders when they will marry. King is shocked by her revelation and goes along with what Verity believes. Of course Verity’s brother is furious and wants nothing more to do with King.
He and Verity marry and she continues to have snippets of memories that she believes are of King. King is hoping she never remembers but knows he needs to tell her the truth before she actually remembers it isn’t him she loves but her dead Lord Leo.
Such a wonderful read with heartbreak and then a forever Love.
As she recovers Verity believes she is engaged to King and wonders when they will marry. King is shocked by her revelation and goes along with what Verity believes. Of course Verity’s brother is furious and wants nothing more to do with King.
He and Verity marry and she continues to have snippets of memories that she believes are of King. King is hoping she never remembers but knows he needs to tell her the truth before she actually remembers it isn’t him she loves but her dead Lord Leo.
Such a wonderful read with heartbreak and then a forever Love.
August 23, 2026
Oh King!
King and Verity were so great. Verity was the epitome of kindness, while King was selfish (until he wasn’t 😉). I love how King continued to tell himself he was just selfish and cold hearted when it was apparent he was falling for Verity since the last book! Verity’s memory loss was sad to walk through with her, but it was such a fulfilling ride. And watching King fall head over heels for Verity was just perfect.
My only qualm is that we didn’t learn more about King’s potions.
Other than that, this was a beautiful and brilliant story.
King and Verity were so great. Verity was the epitome of kindness, while King was selfish (until he wasn’t 😉). I love how King continued to tell himself he was just selfish and cold hearted when it was apparent he was falling for Verity since the last book! Verity’s memory loss was sad to walk through with her, but it was such a fulfilling ride. And watching King fall head over heels for Verity was just perfect.
My only qualm is that we didn’t learn more about King’s potions.
Other than that, this was a beautiful and brilliant story.
May 18, 2026
This is going to be my favorite book of Scarlett Scott. I had an idea how King and Verity’s relationship was going to flourish but I loved that it was more than that. Why King is the way that he is, and why he chose to Verity knowing the risk. Loved it.
This was well written and different from other amnesia character stories.
Can’t wait for the next one.
This was well written and different from other amnesia character stories.
Can’t wait for the next one.
June 16, 2026
I’ve been WAITING for this book since the last book ended. Variety and King (Kingham) are meant to be. Even with her memory issues they are perfect match together.
Bring Emma into family truly gave me the happily ever after I was looking for verity.
If you like spice NO ONE does it quit like Scarlett Scott. 😉🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Bring Emma into family truly gave me the happily ever after I was looking for verity.
If you like spice NO ONE does it quit like Scarlett Scott. 😉🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2026
I’m so conflicted about this book…I liked King and his Diabolical plan and even his grovelling but the pace was soooo slow and storyline so predictable that I lost interest a lot and you could really skip at least 5 chapters and not miss anything significant. I just wish King had a stronger storyline.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scarlett Scott has once again strutted into the room, dropped her fan, & said, "Let me show you how it’s done." And oh, she did!
King, our resident wicked rake, reprobate, & walking bad decision in perfectly tailored trousers - finally meets his match in Verity, the sweet, grieving, sister who has sworn off marriage harder than you swear off short books with no character development. Naturally, fate responds by her being inside a burning orphanage & King running in to save her (which NO one would every believe this action from him). Verity's injuries from the fire resulted in a head injury with amnesia & King's rescue resulted in a deception so audacious it should come with a warning label.
Let’s talk about the steam - this book isn’t just "off the charts"- it snapped the chart in half, tossed it in the fire, & then made it out against the flames. King & Verity have chemistry that could fog up carriage windows from three streets away.
This is easily one of the best in the Wicked Dukes Society - yes, yes, I say that every time, but this time I mean it. King and Verity’s story is touching, scorching, with some really tearful scenes, & it's impossible to put down unless you need to dunk your Kindle in ice water. I would be remiss in not mentioning, Emma, the adorable six‑year‑old orphan who marched in, stole my heart - I melted, & considered adopting a fictional child - it was an emotional journey. So, now we wait (impatiently, dramatically, fanning ourselves) for Apollo and Ophelia’s age‑gap inferno in Duke with a Desire. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
King, our resident wicked rake, reprobate, & walking bad decision in perfectly tailored trousers - finally meets his match in Verity, the sweet, grieving, sister who has sworn off marriage harder than you swear off short books with no character development. Naturally, fate responds by her being inside a burning orphanage & King running in to save her (which NO one would every believe this action from him). Verity's injuries from the fire resulted in a head injury with amnesia & King's rescue resulted in a deception so audacious it should come with a warning label.
Let’s talk about the steam - this book isn’t just "off the charts"- it snapped the chart in half, tossed it in the fire, & then made it out against the flames. King & Verity have chemistry that could fog up carriage windows from three streets away.
This is easily one of the best in the Wicked Dukes Society - yes, yes, I say that every time, but this time I mean it. King and Verity’s story is touching, scorching, with some really tearful scenes, & it's impossible to put down unless you need to dunk your Kindle in ice water. I would be remiss in not mentioning, Emma, the adorable six‑year‑old orphan who marched in, stole my heart - I melted, & considered adopting a fictional child - it was an emotional journey. So, now we wait (impatiently, dramatically, fanning ourselves) for Apollo and Ophelia’s age‑gap inferno in Duke with a Desire. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well, Duke with a Deception has now become my favorite of this awesome series. Kingham has been an intriguing character from the very first book. I couldn't wait to read his story and, oh my. In the previous book, King saves Verity, the sister of his friend and fellow wicked duke, Riverdale, from a burning orphanage. No one had ever considered King the hero type. At. All. He's been the biggest rake and possibly the darkest of the wicked dukes. While he'd admired Verity as a person, he knew she was forbidden to him in every way possible. Verity lost her love ten years ago and has been mourning him ever since. That is, until she was knocked in the head in the fire. Now her memory of him is gone along with so many of her more recent memories. Suddenly, she's declared that King is her fiancé. King can't bring himself to correct her when she looks at him with such adoration and warmth. He's drawn to it like a moth to flame and decides to go along with the deception and claim her for himself. Riverdale doesn't believe the lie of their engagement and breaks off their friendship. Poor Verity is adamant in her dedication to King and the relationship she thinks they have. King knows it's bound to go sideways for him when her memories ultimately return. Scarlett does a wonderful job of showing him transform surrounded by the positive force of her love, warmth, and optimism that he's lacked his entire life. When the inevitable happens, I was just crushed for King even though he'd brought it upon himself. Verity's character could have felt like a gullible goof, but she comes across as genuine. I really rooted for them to reach their HEA.
Review of advance copy
When last reading about Lady Verity and King, Duke of Kingham, it was in the book Duke With a Duchess. Lady Verity was saved by King from the fire at the orphanage but with her memory loss she was still confused that King was her long lost love. King goes to visit Verity to see how she is doing, she is very happy to see him. As they are talking she mentions to King that she is going to let everyone know about their upcoming marriage. King is totally confused about the getting married part and really doesn’t know what to say. Verity is adamant about getting married so King decides to go along with her and they set the wedding date. I loved that part of the book as I wasn’t sure how their story was going to unfold.
Now onto the book Duke With a Deception, they are happily married and King truly cares for Verity. Romantically they are perfect together and Verity still feels that King is her long lost love and is very happy with their marriage and loves her life.
Little Emma joins them as she is from the orphanage and Verity has fallen in love with her. Emma is a real delight and she adds some fun times to their story.
Of course there was always the threat of Verity regaining her memory, but things are going so well King is not ready to tell Verity the truth, that he is not her true love.
As a reader we realize something is bound to happen when Verity does get her memory back but Scarlett Scott handled that part of the book beautifully, with a little sadness then pure joy. We know that King, Verity and Emma were going to have the life they all deserved.
There is a great epilogue and I loved reading that to see a little bit into the future with the family.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Now onto the book Duke With a Deception, they are happily married and King truly cares for Verity. Romantically they are perfect together and Verity still feels that King is her long lost love and is very happy with their marriage and loves her life.
Little Emma joins them as she is from the orphanage and Verity has fallen in love with her. Emma is a real delight and she adds some fun times to their story.
Of course there was always the threat of Verity regaining her memory, but things are going so well King is not ready to tell Verity the truth, that he is not her true love.
As a reader we realize something is bound to happen when Verity does get her memory back but Scarlett Scott handled that part of the book beautifully, with a little sadness then pure joy. We know that King, Verity and Emma were going to have the life they all deserved.
There is a great epilogue and I loved reading that to see a little bit into the future with the family.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
May 29, 2026
Lady Verity Saunders thought she has been secretly betrothed to Peregrine Castelyn, the Duke of Kingham after her rescued her from a fire after the orphanage she volunteered at burned, causing her minor burns and a head injury resulting in some memory loss. King knew that Verity was confusing him with her deceased love, Lord Leopold, but he didn't want to confuse her memories further, so he allowed her to continuing thinking they were in love. When she asked when they will be married, he allows her to plan the wedding and they marry. Their marriage caused a rift between King and one of his best friends, The Duke of Riverdale, Verity's brother. King had guilt about keeping the truth of their true relationship from Verity and as his feelings from her became real, he knew he would have to tell her the truth all the while hoping she may never recall her grief over Leo's death and her desire never to marry. Of course Verity recalls her memory before King could confess the truth about their marriage to her and they separate. King, who had tragic relationships with his parents has never known love, only mistreatment and death, realized he missed Verity and Emma, the orphan who Verity became attached with and wanted to become part of their family. Fortunately both Verity and King realize that despite all of the deception, they fell in love with each other and did not want to live apart. A spicy edition to the Wicked Duke's Society which also features love, loss of love and mourning, and a second chance for two unlikely partners to find a love they weren't expecting.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Duke of Kingham delights in doing bad deeds. Which is why no one is more surprised than King when he decides to do a very good deed in marrying his best friend’s sister. Lady Verity Saunders suffered a traumatic blow to the head when King rescued her from a fire, that left her with partial amnesia and the persistent delusion that King is the love of her life, her fiancé. Never mind that her real betrothed died ten years ago and she’s been mourning him ever since. The jaded, grumpy former bachelor is now husband to a do-gooder lady whose disposition is brighter than summer sunshine.
The sixth book in the series & the story I’ve been waiting for. I’ve loved King throughout the series, he's the bad boy of the rakish Dukes. Verity was the perfect foil for him. She’s his angel. They are like chalk & cheese but are hugely compatible in the bedroom. Things are going well – too well, King has fallen hard but then Verity regains her memory & things go pear shaped. Another unputdownable book from the author, she never ever disappoints & this is one of her best. Wonderful characters, steam, well paced & a six year old who will steal your heart. An emotional read & I look forward to a new era in the Wicked Dukes Society
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The sixth book in the series & the story I’ve been waiting for. I’ve loved King throughout the series, he's the bad boy of the rakish Dukes. Verity was the perfect foil for him. She’s his angel. They are like chalk & cheese but are hugely compatible in the bedroom. Things are going well – too well, King has fallen hard but then Verity regains her memory & things go pear shaped. Another unputdownable book from the author, she never ever disappoints & this is one of her best. Wonderful characters, steam, well paced & a six year old who will steal your heart. An emotional read & I look forward to a new era in the Wicked Dukes Society
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scarlett Scott continues to deliver the best books.
The Duke Of Kingham is biggest rake and the most selfish wicked rake in London, he doesn't like kids and he definitely doesn't believe in love. But that all changes when his best friend's sister comes into his life at a ball and he sees her crying over a fiance that's been gone for 10 years and he wants that kind of affection for himself.. especially from her..
Verity has been through so much from losing her memories due to accident from a fire at an orphanage where she risked her own life to losing her fiance.. and now she's married to the biggest rake in London whom she thinks is that same fiance.. however when she sees discovers everything about his past and sees him with the same little girl she risked her life for, she sees him in a whole new light..
The King who swore to never fall in love not only falls in love with a beautiful woman he can't resist but he falls under the spell of beautiful little girl who he swore he would never let stay in his home..
Scarlett really put out all of the feelings with this story from years of joy, to tears of sadness to rage, and to happiness.. and of course steam!
Definitely make sure you have a box of tissues when you read this one.
I enjoyed seeing the fact we will have a Lady in the next book!
The Duke Of Kingham is biggest rake and the most selfish wicked rake in London, he doesn't like kids and he definitely doesn't believe in love. But that all changes when his best friend's sister comes into his life at a ball and he sees her crying over a fiance that's been gone for 10 years and he wants that kind of affection for himself.. especially from her..
Verity has been through so much from losing her memories due to accident from a fire at an orphanage where she risked her own life to losing her fiance.. and now she's married to the biggest rake in London whom she thinks is that same fiance.. however when she sees discovers everything about his past and sees him with the same little girl she risked her life for, she sees him in a whole new light..
The King who swore to never fall in love not only falls in love with a beautiful woman he can't resist but he falls under the spell of beautiful little girl who he swore he would never let stay in his home..
Scarlett really put out all of the feelings with this story from years of joy, to tears of sadness to rage, and to happiness.. and of course steam!
Definitely make sure you have a box of tissues when you read this one.
I enjoyed seeing the fact we will have a Lady in the next book!
May 19, 2026
Scarlett Scott has done it again and unbelievably with even more wit and charm than the 5 previous books!
I have been desperate for King’s turn in the limelight since the first book, and this did not disappoint!
At the end of book 5, King saved Lady Verity from the fire at the Foundling Home, losing her memory after having been struck by a falling beam, forgetting her deceased former beau that she’s been mourning for a decade.
Instead, she conflates her memories of Leo with her recollections of King saving her, now believing them to be engaged after a lengthy courtship.
King is a sybarite, a profligate rake, content to never settle down. Yet something about Verity calls to his soul, and he willingly steps into the role Verity believes he holds in her life, marrying her despite her faulty memories and mistaken beliefs.
The story that ensues is a beautiful take on the miscommunication and mistaken identity tropes, and King’s grief and despair when Variety regains her memory and leaves him is poignant and beautiful.
I’m also thrilled that the Wicked Dukes will continue after this story with the next one being an age gap romance, involving a widowed marchioness and the younger brother of one of her closest friends. Just from the snippets alone, I have little doubt it will be another brilliant story!
I have been desperate for King’s turn in the limelight since the first book, and this did not disappoint!
At the end of book 5, King saved Lady Verity from the fire at the Foundling Home, losing her memory after having been struck by a falling beam, forgetting her deceased former beau that she’s been mourning for a decade.
Instead, she conflates her memories of Leo with her recollections of King saving her, now believing them to be engaged after a lengthy courtship.
King is a sybarite, a profligate rake, content to never settle down. Yet something about Verity calls to his soul, and he willingly steps into the role Verity believes he holds in her life, marrying her despite her faulty memories and mistaken beliefs.
The story that ensues is a beautiful take on the miscommunication and mistaken identity tropes, and King’s grief and despair when Variety regains her memory and leaves him is poignant and beautiful.
I’m also thrilled that the Wicked Dukes will continue after this story with the next one being an age gap romance, involving a widowed marchioness and the younger brother of one of her closest friends. Just from the snippets alone, I have little doubt it will be another brilliant story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
King the Duke of Kingham is a selfish scoundrel. King and Lady Verity had become casual friends after he discovered her crying over her old love who had died ten years ago. King had also lost his beloved dog which bonded them in their losses. The one good deed is his life is rescuing his best friend Riverdale’s sister Verity from a fire.
After the fire, Verity confused King with her old love in her mind and she transferred her devotion to him. King decided he wanted this love and devotion so went forward with a wedding despite protests from Riverdale.
Steamy fun in their marriage and getting to know each other sizzles on the pages.
King falls in love but he fears her reaction if she should ever remember he is not the man she mourned for ten years. She wears a locket from her love and King cannot bear to look at it as it reminds him of his deception. She longs to hear words of love from him and a few fleeing memories taunt her.
The author leads us in a tale of love filled with high moments and angst coloring their happiness.
It draws you in and won’t let go until you finish.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
After the fire, Verity confused King with her old love in her mind and she transferred her devotion to him. King decided he wanted this love and devotion so went forward with a wedding despite protests from Riverdale.
Steamy fun in their marriage and getting to know each other sizzles on the pages.
King falls in love but he fears her reaction if she should ever remember he is not the man she mourned for ten years. She wears a locket from her love and King cannot bear to look at it as it reminds him of his deception. She longs to hear words of love from him and a few fleeing memories taunt her.
The author leads us in a tale of love filled with high moments and angst coloring their happiness.
It draws you in and won’t let go until you finish.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
May 26, 2026
After suffering a head injury in an orphanage fire, Lady Verity Saunders is left with partial amnesia and the mistaken notion that the Duke of Kingham is her fiancé. King is a rake who vowed he’d never wed, but he's decided he wants Verity as his own. Can their love survive the return of Verity's memory?
This is the sixth book in the Wicked Dukes Society series. I would recommend reading at least the previous story, featuring Verity's brother, as Verity's accident occurs during that book.
I've enjoyed every book in this series and this one was no exception. I did rate it as only four stars just because I wish the amnesia/miscommunication had been resolved sooner. While the third act and ending work well and their reconciliation is poignant, I felt like I was waiting for "the axe to fall" for too much of the story. (That's a personal preference). I am glad to see that the Society will be continuing and that King wasn't the end, hurray!
Tropes: Amnesia, Best Friend's Sister/Brother's Best Friend, Hero Falls First
Steam: 5+
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the sixth book in the Wicked Dukes Society series. I would recommend reading at least the previous story, featuring Verity's brother, as Verity's accident occurs during that book.
I've enjoyed every book in this series and this one was no exception. I did rate it as only four stars just because I wish the amnesia/miscommunication had been resolved sooner. While the third act and ending work well and their reconciliation is poignant, I felt like I was waiting for "the axe to fall" for too much of the story. (That's a personal preference). I am glad to see that the Society will be continuing and that King wasn't the end, hurray!
Tropes: Amnesia, Best Friend's Sister/Brother's Best Friend, Hero Falls First
Steam: 5+
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
July 2, 2026
There were some things I enjoyed about this book but also had some serious issues.
I just felt there were too many sex scenes. 24% in and already two explicit sex scenes. I get that they're newly married but it just felt like most of their bonding was sexual.
We later see King discover his real feelings behind what he did but for at least the first half, we see that he just wants to marry her because he likes the attention and he can "mold her" and that just felt very icky to me.
When she regains her memories I actually thought her reaction was spot on for the most part. Yes, it was a bit over the top for her to be so mad about her lost love of over 10 years ago. But her reaction to his LYING to her was totally realistic. If someone lies to you, especially something big, it is totally reasonable to question everything they have said. And I think she deserved time and space but it felt a bit too dramatic for drama's sake in how the narrative unfolded.
I have not read the prior books but this one was interesting enough for me to consider going back and starting the series from the beginning.
I just felt there were too many sex scenes. 24% in and already two explicit sex scenes. I get that they're newly married but it just felt like most of their bonding was sexual.
We later see King discover his real feelings behind what he did but for at least the first half, we see that he just wants to marry her because he likes the attention and he can "mold her" and that just felt very icky to me.
When she regains her memories I actually thought her reaction was spot on for the most part. Yes, it was a bit over the top for her to be so mad about her lost love of over 10 years ago. But her reaction to his LYING to her was totally realistic. If someone lies to you, especially something big, it is totally reasonable to question everything they have said. And I think she deserved time and space but it felt a bit too dramatic for drama's sake in how the narrative unfolded.
I have not read the prior books but this one was interesting enough for me to consider going back and starting the series from the beginning.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fabulous series this is the wicked dukes society is truly wicked .
Just when you think there could be no one more wicked we have King a truly wicked rake a reprobate charming , handsome and a self professed bachelor .
Verity a beautiful kind hearted sister of one of the wicked dukes who is still grieving over a lost love of 10 years vowing never to marry .
An awful fire at the orphanage and the dashing king who saves her is the start of his wicked deception after verity has no memory after a bump on her head.
This is I have to say ,( as I love all these reprobates ) my favourite in the series even though I say this about each one .
It is touching , romantic and completely off the steam chart ,that you can not help falling in love them ,the story is just so good you will find it difficult to put down even if you need to cool off for a bit .
As always Scarlett captures every emotion in her stories that’s why we keep coming back for more love this very steamy and wicked love story , I’m grateful for receiving it as an ARC ….and now i need to go a cool off .
Just when you think there could be no one more wicked we have King a truly wicked rake a reprobate charming , handsome and a self professed bachelor .
Verity a beautiful kind hearted sister of one of the wicked dukes who is still grieving over a lost love of 10 years vowing never to marry .
An awful fire at the orphanage and the dashing king who saves her is the start of his wicked deception after verity has no memory after a bump on her head.
This is I have to say ,( as I love all these reprobates ) my favourite in the series even though I say this about each one .
It is touching , romantic and completely off the steam chart ,that you can not help falling in love them ,the story is just so good you will find it difficult to put down even if you need to cool off for a bit .
As always Scarlett captures every emotion in her stories that’s why we keep coming back for more love this very steamy and wicked love story , I’m grateful for receiving it as an ARC ….and now i need to go a cool off .
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! This was the story in the series I was most wanting from the first page Kingham appeared on in book 1. In my reviews I strive not to reveal spoilers so I don't ruin the reading plesure of the stories. The wait was worth it. It is now one of my faves to re-read multiple times. I believe this Scarlett Scott's most emotional ride yet. When King first interacted with Verity in a previous book, it just seemed she would be the best elixir for our beloved rake. Then our little Miss Emma would be the perfect healing for his loss we didn't know he had. I am so thrilled we got Miss Emma's HEA as well. Reformed rakes do make the best husbands and papas. Brava Scarlett! Thank you for giving us the best story for your fans most beloved King. Truely King of our hearts! AND thank you for continuing the "Society" we have come to love so much. Can't wait to see more. Highly recommend this series and everything this author writes!!!
May 18, 2026
Lady Verity Sanders is rescued from a fire by King, the Duke of Kingham, and cannot recall parts of her memory. Verity had been in mourning for her deceased fiancee for 10 years and after the fire, Verity confuses King with her fiancee and proclaims her love for him. King knows it's wrong but he goes along with her wishes and they marry. Unfortunately for King, his infamous reputation precedes him and Everett, the Duke of Riverdale and Verity's brother, is suspicious of King's intentions toward his sister. King is heartbroken and devastated when Verity eventually regains her memory as he has fallen hard for her. Will Verity forgive King for not telling her the truth?
Verity and King’s chemistry is undeniable and very steamy. I absolutely loved this well-written, page-turning, passion-filled romance filled with angst, witty banter, an adorable little girl named Emma and so much more. Loved the Epilogue! Highly recommend!
Verity and King’s chemistry is undeniable and very steamy. I absolutely loved this well-written, page-turning, passion-filled romance filled with angst, witty banter, an adorable little girl named Emma and so much more. Loved the Epilogue! Highly recommend!
May 19, 2026
A Wicked Duke & His Angel
There’s so much to love about King & Verity’s story. ❤️ King is a wicked rake who finds his match in his friend’s sister. When King comes upon Verity upset at a ball and still grieving for her late betrothal even after ten years, something resonated in him and then he rescues her from a burning Children’s Orphanage. An injured Verity then thinks King is her former fiancé and they are soon to be married. King lets her believe it. As they approach their wedding King falls for her sunny disposition and their slow burn turns into something King (& Verity) wants to last forever. 🔥🔥
Don’t worry if you haven’t read the first six books in the series, it can standalone. You will then want to read the other books in Scarlet’s Wicked Dukes Society (WDS) because they are just as great. I’m so glad the WDS is continuing and am looking forward to Ophelia & Apollo’s story.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
There’s so much to love about King & Verity’s story. ❤️ King is a wicked rake who finds his match in his friend’s sister. When King comes upon Verity upset at a ball and still grieving for her late betrothal even after ten years, something resonated in him and then he rescues her from a burning Children’s Orphanage. An injured Verity then thinks King is her former fiancé and they are soon to be married. King lets her believe it. As they approach their wedding King falls for her sunny disposition and their slow burn turns into something King (& Verity) wants to last forever. 🔥🔥
Don’t worry if you haven’t read the first six books in the series, it can standalone. You will then want to read the other books in Scarlet’s Wicked Dukes Society (WDS) because they are just as great. I’m so glad the WDS is continuing and am looking forward to Ophelia & Apollo’s story.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
May 20, 2026
I loved the unusual premise: Verity's love for her long-dead beau transfers to King when she gets amnesia in the orphanage fire that King rescues her from. Verity believes she and King are engaged and he goes with it, first out of amusement, but soon because he's deeply in love and unable to let her go. The two are very spicy together. Verity is a great heroine, full of love and empathy, sensual and sexually adventurous; her main issue is the misguided determination to throw her life away after the early loss of her fiancé. King had a terrible childhood and never knew love, which is why he finds Verity's unabashed adoration so alluring, even though he knows it is not for him. The relationship enables them both to grow: King learns to open his heart, and Verity realizes she can and does love again. The final reckoning (and everyone's suffering) is very satisfying to read, with King being deliciously pathetic in his heartbroken state. Great book, and I love the cover!
June 16, 2026
When “Duke with a Duchess” ended, Lady Verity Saunders had been rescued from a fire by the Duke of Kingham, the last remaining founding member of the Wicked Dukes Society, and a close friend of Lady Verity’s brother. Verity had suffered amnesia and awoke believing King to be her betrothed. To everyone’s great surprise, King agrees and goes along for the ride.
In Scarlett Scott’s latest, Duke with a Deception, Verity and King tie the knot. Despite his eternal bachelor status, King quickly falls in love with his new wife. Even so, he worries Verity’s memory will return and expose his deception, which could easily destroy his marriage.
Together, Verity and King are explosive. While their chemistry jumps off the page, we also see King transform into a caring and supportive partner as well as a better man who loves his wife deeply. This book was a perfect combination of steaminess, romance, and at times, heartbreak.
In Scarlett Scott’s latest, Duke with a Deception, Verity and King tie the knot. Despite his eternal bachelor status, King quickly falls in love with his new wife. Even so, he worries Verity’s memory will return and expose his deception, which could easily destroy his marriage.
Together, Verity and King are explosive. While their chemistry jumps off the page, we also see King transform into a caring and supportive partner as well as a better man who loves his wife deeply. This book was a perfect combination of steaminess, romance, and at times, heartbreak.
May 19, 2026
I really loved this installment- I think it's actually my favourite in the series. I've loved King the entire way through the series and I've been really looking forward to seeing him meet his match. Though he starts off a little underhanded in order to marry Verity, it was clear he just had to have her. Verity was interesting because it was almost like she got a chance to start fresh after spending so much time in mourning. I really thought her and King fitted so well together and had an adult relationship in comparison to the relationship she had with Lord Leopold. I think the more King got to know her, the deeper he fell. I also loved the side characters in this book - Emma is fantastic and such a cute addition to the story. I'm looking forward to the new series centering on Ophelia - we only got a small glimpse at her, but I'm excited for what comes next!
May 30, 2026
absolutely loved it…
And once again, Scarlett delivered. I have to say, the wait was definitely worth it. Kingham and Verity’s story did not disappoint. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, and emotional all at once.
If there’s one takeaway from this book, it’s this: never lie it will always come back to bite you in the ass lol.
Kingham was absolutely perfect for Verity. The way he showered her with praise and compliments had me kicking my feet. And another lesson this book reinforced? Sometimes it’s okay to take time apart to figure out who you are and what you truly want… but two weeks is definitely the maximum 😂
I honestly thought this would be the end of the Wicked Dukes Society, but that surprise snippet proved otherwise. And I have to say, I’m very excited to see what comes next. 📚✨💛
And once again, Scarlett delivered. I have to say, the wait was definitely worth it. Kingham and Verity’s story did not disappoint. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, and emotional all at once.
If there’s one takeaway from this book, it’s this: never lie it will always come back to bite you in the ass lol.
Kingham was absolutely perfect for Verity. The way he showered her with praise and compliments had me kicking my feet. And another lesson this book reinforced? Sometimes it’s okay to take time apart to figure out who you are and what you truly want… but two weeks is definitely the maximum 😂
I honestly thought this would be the end of the Wicked Dukes Society, but that surprise snippet proved otherwise. And I have to say, I’m very excited to see what comes next. 📚✨💛
October 1, 2026
Oh, how the mighty have fallen! Duke With a Deception by Scarlett Scott shows just how much falling in love can bring the debonair Duke of Kingham to his knees.
Ms. Scott is one of the best at writing stories that pack an emotional punch. King is a complicated hero with a bit of moral grayness. He feels a bit conflicted about letting Verity believe that he was her beloved fiancé, but ultimately decides to go along with it. The drama unfolds as he allows himself to be vulnerable with Verity.
That being said, Miss Emma and Samuel added some laugh out loud moments that were some of my favorites. It takes skill to write engaging children and pets into romances, and Ms. Scott has it in spades.
I read the teaser for Lady Ophelia and Apollo’s story, and I can’t wait! I enjoy a good age gap romance.
I received an ARC. The opinions expressed above are my own.
Ms. Scott is one of the best at writing stories that pack an emotional punch. King is a complicated hero with a bit of moral grayness. He feels a bit conflicted about letting Verity believe that he was her beloved fiancé, but ultimately decides to go along with it. The drama unfolds as he allows himself to be vulnerable with Verity.
That being said, Miss Emma and Samuel added some laugh out loud moments that were some of my favorites. It takes skill to write engaging children and pets into romances, and Ms. Scott has it in spades.
I read the teaser for Lady Ophelia and Apollo’s story, and I can’t wait! I enjoy a good age gap romance.
I received an ARC. The opinions expressed above are my own.
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