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The Untouchables #3
The Duke of Deception
After five years on the Marriage Mart, Miss Aquilla Knox is ready for spinsterhood until a benefactress steps in to help her secure a husband. Only Aquilla doesn’t actually want to marry—her failure is entirely on purpose. When the earl she’s nicknamed the Duke of Deception sets his sights on her, she refuses to be drawn in by her attraction to him. If there’s one thing she knows it’s that a gentleman is never what he seems.
Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, has a reputation for courting young misses and dropping them without a second thought. This has earned him a reputation for deceit, a description he can’t refute because he does in fact, harbor secrets and will do anything—deceive anyone—to ensure they don’t come to light. As he comes to know the charming Miss Knox, his resolve is tested. However, trust comes at a price and Ned won’t pay with his heart.
Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, has a reputation for courting young misses and dropping them without a second thought. This has earned him a reputation for deceit, a description he can’t refute because he does in fact, harbor secrets and will do anything—deceive anyone—to ensure they don’t come to light. As he comes to know the charming Miss Knox, his resolve is tested. However, trust comes at a price and Ned won’t pay with his heart.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
351 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
206 books2,278 followersDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
May 10, 2018
Ned bent down and kissed his brother’s cheek. “Lemon cakes,”he whispered.
George’s eyes remained closed, but his lips curved into a familiar, beloved smile. “Lemon cakes. Yes, Ned. Lemon cakes.”
Those had been their favorite sweet. Cook, who’d passed long ago, had made them twice a week and always ensured Ned and George had the first batch while they were still warm. “Lemon cakes”had been something they’d uttered to each other as a gesture of comfort. A sort of “I love you”for boys who wouldn’t dare say such a thing to each other.
Lemon cakes. This got me.
Anyway, good but not wowing. The sex scenes read a bit contemporary, they do hold off until the latter second half of book. Except for the beautiful lemon cakes scene not really anything new or memorable. Hero's brother George was the most I got emotional about, hero and heroine had more of a sedate romance and chemistry; I personally like a bit more spark.
George’s eyes remained closed, but his lips curved into a familiar, beloved smile. “Lemon cakes. Yes, Ned. Lemon cakes.”
Those had been their favorite sweet. Cook, who’d passed long ago, had made them twice a week and always ensured Ned and George had the first batch while they were still warm. “Lemon cakes”had been something they’d uttered to each other as a gesture of comfort. A sort of “I love you”for boys who wouldn’t dare say such a thing to each other.
Lemon cakes. This got me.
Anyway, good but not wowing. The sex scenes read a bit contemporary, they do hold off until the latter second half of book. Except for the beautiful lemon cakes scene not really anything new or memorable. Hero's brother George was the most I got emotional about, hero and heroine had more of a sedate romance and chemistry; I personally like a bit more spark.
March 1, 2023
⭐⭐
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Rather interesting secondary character. (The heroes brother)
➖ What I disliked:
Flat and bland main characters.
Thin and lackluster plot.
Anachronistic.
The romantic build up was lacking/unconvincing.
The chemistry was rushed and tame.
Verbose.
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Rather interesting secondary character. (The heroes brother)
➖ What I disliked:
Flat and bland main characters.
Thin and lackluster plot.
Anachronistic.
The romantic build up was lacking/unconvincing.
The chemistry was rushed and tame.
Verbose.
November 15, 2016
'The Duke of Deception' by Darcy Burke is the third book in "The Untouchables" series. I have read and loved all the book in this series but I do feel this can be a standalone book. This is the story of Miss Aquilla Knox and Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton. This might just be my favorite book in the series. Ned & Aquilla both have things that have happened in their lives that make them who they are today...and what they both are trying to to. Ned does want to get married but is finding the wife he needs is not so easy when he puts them to the test. Aquilla doesn't want to be married due to her history and thinks this can be the last time she has to go through 'The Marriage Mart'. But things end up changing for both of them...and they find that maybe their is someone for them.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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February 5, 2017
I've given this a B at AAR.
Darcy Burke’s The Duke of Deception is the third book in her current Untouchables series – the gentlemen so named by their ladies because their difference in social station puts the men well above their touch. The hero of this book is not a duke at all, however – the moniker is chosen merely to be alliterative – but he does have a reputation for, if not deceit exactly, then not always being above board.
Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, has, over the years, shown interest in a number of eligible young ladies but has never followed through with an offer of marriage. He is no lothario or jilt and genuinely wants a wife, but his family circumstances are difficult and he therefore has to be very careful about his choice. So he has unofficially courted several women, hoping to find one that would meet his exacting criteria – to no avail. This behaviour has not endeared him to the marriage-minded mamas and hopeful papas of the ton, although the real deception he is practicing is something far more serious.
Having witnessed the abuse, both verbal and physical, meted out to her mother by her father over the many years of their marriage, Miss Aquilla Knox is determined never to put herself into a man’s power. She knows that the only value her father places on her is her potential as a bride for some rich, well-connected man, so she has been allowed several London seasons during which to find a suitable husband. For this current season – her fifth – Aquilla is being sponsored by her dear friend, Lady Sattersfield, and can’t help feeling guilty because she has no intention of getting married and plans instead to find a position as a companion. It’s an unequal choice to be sure, especially given that companions were subject to the whims of their employer and could be badly treated – but Aquilla has seen her own mother treated far worse, so her decision makes sense to some degree.
Instead of doing all the things a young lady should do in order to attract a husband, Aquilla does the exact opposite and has earned herself a reputation as a scatterbrained chatterbox, thus ensuring that she has not received a single offer of marriage, a state which she intends to maintain until the end of the Season. Until, that is, she is caught in a rainstorm one evening and has to ask a gentleman for help so she can re-enter the house at which she is a guest. The gentleman duly assists, making sure that Aquilla is not noticed returning to the house. She is grateful for his kindness and his concern for her reputation, and surprised to realise that the gentleman is none other than the Duke of Deception himself – the Earl of Sutton.
Edward – or Ned, as he is known by those close to him – has realised that the latest potential bride on his list is not going to meet his requirements, and knows he is going to endure censure once again when he does not come up to scratch. But Aquilla’s gentle good-humour, her confidence and the flashes of wit she displays – even when soaked through – intrigue and attract him and he starts to wonder whether she might not be what he is looking for.
Aquilla also feels the spark between them, but is determined to adhere to her plan of finding a position rather than a husband. But when her father announces that he has arranged for her to marry Lord Lindsell, a man she dislikes and knows will not treat her kindly, Aquilla is horrified, knowing too well that her father’s decision is based on greed and that she has no chance of changing his mind.
Ned is similarly concerned because he is strongly attracted to Aquilla and had hoped for more time to get to know her. But time is no longer on his side. He knows of Lindsell’s reputation and knows Aquilla dislikes the man, so Ned does the only thing he can think of – the thing he has never done before but desperately wants to do now – and asks her to marry him.
Aquilla and Ned embark upon their marriage with optimism, but each of them is keeping secrets from the other, Ned about the reasons for his frequently aborted courtships and Aquilla about her reasons for not wanting to marry at all. Ned is a truly decent man who is trying to do the best for his family and his best by his new wife, and unfortunately, makes some poor decisions in the belief that his choices will prove to have been the best for everyone in the long run. The thing is, while it’s easy for the reader to see that these decisions are going to cause more problems than they solve, Ned’s desire to do right by everyone is very easy to relate to and his actions actually feel quite realistic. The difficulties Ned’s actions begin to create in his new marriage are compounded by the fact that Aquilla has not yet told him about her upbringing and how it has affected her ability to trust others – especially men. Fortunately, however, Ms. Burke doesn’t drag this out with a long series of misunderstandings – although there is an event about three-quarters of the way through the book which seems overly contrived and which stretched my credulity somewhat.
Otherwise, Duke of Deception is an enjoyable, well-paced story that, while fairly short, is not lacking in depth or insight. Ned and Aquilla are an engaging, well-matched couple – strong, caring and compassionate; and their romance is developed in such a way that it’s easy to believe that they will continue to be happy together long after the book is ended. The relationship between Ned and his brother is often heart-breaking – I teared up at one point – and I could completely sympathise with Ned’s frustration at the way he has been forced to put his life on hold through no fault of his own, and then at his guilt for feeling that way. The detail concerning the treatment of the mentally ill at this time makes an interesting background to the story, and further shows Ned to advantage in his abhorrence of the conditions and treatments endured by those who were institutionalised and his determination to take care of his own.
I haven’t read the previous books – although I will probably pick them up at some point – but while this is the third in a series, and there are cameo appearances by some of the characters who have appeared previously, the novels are loosely connected and can be read as standalones.
Darcy Burke’s The Duke of Deception is the third book in her current Untouchables series – the gentlemen so named by their ladies because their difference in social station puts the men well above their touch. The hero of this book is not a duke at all, however – the moniker is chosen merely to be alliterative – but he does have a reputation for, if not deceit exactly, then not always being above board.
Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, has, over the years, shown interest in a number of eligible young ladies but has never followed through with an offer of marriage. He is no lothario or jilt and genuinely wants a wife, but his family circumstances are difficult and he therefore has to be very careful about his choice. So he has unofficially courted several women, hoping to find one that would meet his exacting criteria – to no avail. This behaviour has not endeared him to the marriage-minded mamas and hopeful papas of the ton, although the real deception he is practicing is something far more serious.
Having witnessed the abuse, both verbal and physical, meted out to her mother by her father over the many years of their marriage, Miss Aquilla Knox is determined never to put herself into a man’s power. She knows that the only value her father places on her is her potential as a bride for some rich, well-connected man, so she has been allowed several London seasons during which to find a suitable husband. For this current season – her fifth – Aquilla is being sponsored by her dear friend, Lady Sattersfield, and can’t help feeling guilty because she has no intention of getting married and plans instead to find a position as a companion. It’s an unequal choice to be sure, especially given that companions were subject to the whims of their employer and could be badly treated – but Aquilla has seen her own mother treated far worse, so her decision makes sense to some degree.
Instead of doing all the things a young lady should do in order to attract a husband, Aquilla does the exact opposite and has earned herself a reputation as a scatterbrained chatterbox, thus ensuring that she has not received a single offer of marriage, a state which she intends to maintain until the end of the Season. Until, that is, she is caught in a rainstorm one evening and has to ask a gentleman for help so she can re-enter the house at which she is a guest. The gentleman duly assists, making sure that Aquilla is not noticed returning to the house. She is grateful for his kindness and his concern for her reputation, and surprised to realise that the gentleman is none other than the Duke of Deception himself – the Earl of Sutton.
Edward – or Ned, as he is known by those close to him – has realised that the latest potential bride on his list is not going to meet his requirements, and knows he is going to endure censure once again when he does not come up to scratch. But Aquilla’s gentle good-humour, her confidence and the flashes of wit she displays – even when soaked through – intrigue and attract him and he starts to wonder whether she might not be what he is looking for.
Aquilla also feels the spark between them, but is determined to adhere to her plan of finding a position rather than a husband. But when her father announces that he has arranged for her to marry Lord Lindsell, a man she dislikes and knows will not treat her kindly, Aquilla is horrified, knowing too well that her father’s decision is based on greed and that she has no chance of changing his mind.
Ned is similarly concerned because he is strongly attracted to Aquilla and had hoped for more time to get to know her. But time is no longer on his side. He knows of Lindsell’s reputation and knows Aquilla dislikes the man, so Ned does the only thing he can think of – the thing he has never done before but desperately wants to do now – and asks her to marry him.
Aquilla and Ned embark upon their marriage with optimism, but each of them is keeping secrets from the other, Ned about the reasons for his frequently aborted courtships and Aquilla about her reasons for not wanting to marry at all. Ned is a truly decent man who is trying to do the best for his family and his best by his new wife, and unfortunately, makes some poor decisions in the belief that his choices will prove to have been the best for everyone in the long run. The thing is, while it’s easy for the reader to see that these decisions are going to cause more problems than they solve, Ned’s desire to do right by everyone is very easy to relate to and his actions actually feel quite realistic. The difficulties Ned’s actions begin to create in his new marriage are compounded by the fact that Aquilla has not yet told him about her upbringing and how it has affected her ability to trust others – especially men. Fortunately, however, Ms. Burke doesn’t drag this out with a long series of misunderstandings – although there is an event about three-quarters of the way through the book which seems overly contrived and which stretched my credulity somewhat.
Otherwise, Duke of Deception is an enjoyable, well-paced story that, while fairly short, is not lacking in depth or insight. Ned and Aquilla are an engaging, well-matched couple – strong, caring and compassionate; and their romance is developed in such a way that it’s easy to believe that they will continue to be happy together long after the book is ended. The relationship between Ned and his brother is often heart-breaking – I teared up at one point – and I could completely sympathise with Ned’s frustration at the way he has been forced to put his life on hold through no fault of his own, and then at his guilt for feeling that way. The detail concerning the treatment of the mentally ill at this time makes an interesting background to the story, and further shows Ned to advantage in his abhorrence of the conditions and treatments endured by those who were institutionalised and his determination to take care of his own.
I haven’t read the previous books – although I will probably pick them up at some point – but while this is the third in a series, and there are cameo appearances by some of the characters who have appeared previously, the novels are loosely connected and can be read as standalones.
February 27, 2017
The Duke of Deception is the third book in Darcy Burke's newest historical romance series, The Untouchables. While I've read and enjoyed every book in the series and think that the reading experience is enhanced by having read them in order, I believe the books are loosely connected enough that each could be read as a stand alone.
In this story, I finally got to learn more about Aquilla Knox. She was always a bubbly character and I enjoyed her sly humor and sunny disposition in the other books of this series. Of all the wallflowers, she seemed to be the only one who actually wanted to get married! In this book, I found out that was not the case. Aquilla had secrets of her own that I did not expect. The hero, Ned, the Earl of Sutton, has a reputation for courting ladies and then moving on before making a proposal. This lack of commitment is why the wallflowers dubbed him the Duke of Deception. There is a reason for this reticence and it was a powerful one that made me instantly empathize with Ned. In this book, both characters are keeping painful secrets and I enjoyed reading their story as the layers were revealed. For such a short novel, there were a lot of layers!
Ned meets Aquilla when circumstances force her to request his assistance after she is locked out of a ball and caught in a rainstorm, ruining her gown. From their first meeting, there is a spark, and Ned finds himself irresistibly drawn to Aquilla in a way he's never been drawn to another woman. Their conversations are funny and I enjoyed the easy camaraderie the two had, despite the dark spots in their lives. It was like they were two puzzle pieces that belonged together and they were happier together (my favorite match-up). Even during the intimate scenes, there was talking and laughter. It wasn't very "hot," but it felt more real because of the humor and the constancy of the characters' personalities even once they were alone. I appreciated this. Nowadays, many sex scenes could be cut and pasted into any novel and that would work. Not the case here--the scene clearly belonged to Aquilla and Ned, which made it sweet and memorable.
This story dives into some interesting domestic issues, including mental illness and domestic abuse. I did not expect this going in, but I appreciated the surprising depth. Ned and Aquilla both have deep wells of compassion and kindness and the dark issues they faced allowed me as a reader to see that. Burke doesn't dwell on the issues endlessly though and the story remains light--I liked how the experiences of Aquilla and Ned tell the story instead of Burke using the narration to preach about an issue. It made for a richer story and characters that were fully developed.
There is some misunderstanding in this story, but I thought it made sense and it wasn't dragged out. I felt that each secret was revealed naturally and I didn't get frustrated. There is only one instance 3/4 of the way through that didn't quite feel right to me. It didn't fit with what I had seen throughout the story and it seemed forced to propel the story along more quickly. I am not an expert though in the intricacies of the issue that Burke tackled so I can't be sure. This was just my opinion.
In a nutshell, aside from one quibble 3/4 of the way through the book, this was delightful and well-paced story with layered, likable characters and a sweet love story that I'd highly recommend. 4.5 stars. I am definitely looking forward to the next one, The Duke of Desire.
Complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
In this story, I finally got to learn more about Aquilla Knox. She was always a bubbly character and I enjoyed her sly humor and sunny disposition in the other books of this series. Of all the wallflowers, she seemed to be the only one who actually wanted to get married! In this book, I found out that was not the case. Aquilla had secrets of her own that I did not expect. The hero, Ned, the Earl of Sutton, has a reputation for courting ladies and then moving on before making a proposal. This lack of commitment is why the wallflowers dubbed him the Duke of Deception. There is a reason for this reticence and it was a powerful one that made me instantly empathize with Ned. In this book, both characters are keeping painful secrets and I enjoyed reading their story as the layers were revealed. For such a short novel, there were a lot of layers!
Ned meets Aquilla when circumstances force her to request his assistance after she is locked out of a ball and caught in a rainstorm, ruining her gown. From their first meeting, there is a spark, and Ned finds himself irresistibly drawn to Aquilla in a way he's never been drawn to another woman. Their conversations are funny and I enjoyed the easy camaraderie the two had, despite the dark spots in their lives. It was like they were two puzzle pieces that belonged together and they were happier together (my favorite match-up). Even during the intimate scenes, there was talking and laughter. It wasn't very "hot," but it felt more real because of the humor and the constancy of the characters' personalities even once they were alone. I appreciated this. Nowadays, many sex scenes could be cut and pasted into any novel and that would work. Not the case here--the scene clearly belonged to Aquilla and Ned, which made it sweet and memorable.
This story dives into some interesting domestic issues, including mental illness and domestic abuse. I did not expect this going in, but I appreciated the surprising depth. Ned and Aquilla both have deep wells of compassion and kindness and the dark issues they faced allowed me as a reader to see that. Burke doesn't dwell on the issues endlessly though and the story remains light--I liked how the experiences of Aquilla and Ned tell the story instead of Burke using the narration to preach about an issue. It made for a richer story and characters that were fully developed.
There is some misunderstanding in this story, but I thought it made sense and it wasn't dragged out. I felt that each secret was revealed naturally and I didn't get frustrated. There is only one instance 3/4 of the way through that didn't quite feel right to me. It didn't fit with what I had seen throughout the story and it seemed forced to propel the story along more quickly. I am not an expert though in the intricacies of the issue that Burke tackled so I can't be sure. This was just my opinion.
In a nutshell, aside from one quibble 3/4 of the way through the book, this was delightful and well-paced story with layered, likable characters and a sweet love story that I'd highly recommend. 4.5 stars. I am definitely looking forward to the next one, The Duke of Desire.
Complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2020
'Ten years ago Ivy Breckenridge’s life was ruined. She had to reinvent herself, and now, after painstakingly making her own way in the world, she’s nearly forgotten the dreams of home and family she’d once nurtured. Until one man peers into her soul and awakens every one of her hidden desires. But no matter how good he makes her feel, she can’t trust him—alone by choice is better than alone by necessity.
With a notorious reputation for training married women in the art of passion, Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare, is reviled by some and celebrated by others. He doesn’t allow anyone close enough to see past his charming exterior. When Ivy uncovers the man beneath, the seducer is suddenly the seduced. Enraptured by her mind and spirit, he wants more but revealing his darkest secrets is a price he won’t pay.'
__________________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
The Duke of Deception is the third book in Darcy Burke's The Untouchables series and is a historical romance.
First and foremost I want to mention what bothered me to get it out of the way. I'm disappointed that Aquilla's wants for her life seem to have so completely changed from the last book. In The Duke of Daring Aquilla is the only member of her friend group who seems to truly hope for and be actively seeking a marriage and even tries persuading Lucy into keeping an open mind about marriage on more than one occasion. But here in The Duke of Deception Aquilla is actively avoiding marrige like her two dear friends and even contemplates on how she could be the 'duchess of deception' "since she'd spent four and a half Seasons seeking a husband with no intent to actually marry." Now I can understand wanting to pretend to be seeking a husband to stay with the Satterfields and away from her family life, but pushing a dear friend toward marriage if she truly finds it so awful? That seems quite out of character and I don't respect her deceiving her closest and most trusted friends.
Due to that, I was pretty annoyed with Aquilla early on in this book and didn't feel very sympathetic to her character when she continued to keep the truth of her intentions from those that cared about her. I understood her reasoning, but they would have supported her and so her stressing over it seemed needless to me and disrespectful to those important to her. But when she began leveling with those around her, I did began to respect her character more.
I understood Ned's reasoning behind keeping important information from Aquilla, he was trying to pretect his family from censure and attack from the ton. The safest way to do that was to keep that information back until he knew he could place trust in the person he was going to spend his life with, everything was checked out there for me. But he kept the information for longer than he should have, just have the difficult conversation! I will say though that the way George was portrayed seemed a bit off to me. Especially the way things came about when he met Aquilla and the events following directly thereafter.
I'm looking forward to learning about Ivy's backstory in the next book, The Duke of Desire. I recommend this series, especially if you really love a series.; there are twelve books in this series, The Untouchables, so there's plenty to enjoy.
With a notorious reputation for training married women in the art of passion, Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare, is reviled by some and celebrated by others. He doesn’t allow anyone close enough to see past his charming exterior. When Ivy uncovers the man beneath, the seducer is suddenly the seduced. Enraptured by her mind and spirit, he wants more but revealing his darkest secrets is a price he won’t pay.'
__________________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
The Duke of Deception is the third book in Darcy Burke's The Untouchables series and is a historical romance.
First and foremost I want to mention what bothered me to get it out of the way. I'm disappointed that Aquilla's wants for her life seem to have so completely changed from the last book. In The Duke of Daring Aquilla is the only member of her friend group who seems to truly hope for and be actively seeking a marriage and even tries persuading Lucy into keeping an open mind about marriage on more than one occasion. But here in The Duke of Deception Aquilla is actively avoiding marrige like her two dear friends and even contemplates on how she could be the 'duchess of deception' "since she'd spent four and a half Seasons seeking a husband with no intent to actually marry." Now I can understand wanting to pretend to be seeking a husband to stay with the Satterfields and away from her family life, but pushing a dear friend toward marriage if she truly finds it so awful? That seems quite out of character and I don't respect her deceiving her closest and most trusted friends.
Due to that, I was pretty annoyed with Aquilla early on in this book and didn't feel very sympathetic to her character when she continued to keep the truth of her intentions from those that cared about her. I understood her reasoning, but they would have supported her and so her stressing over it seemed needless to me and disrespectful to those important to her. But when she began leveling with those around her, I did began to respect her character more.
I understood Ned's reasoning behind keeping important information from Aquilla, he was trying to pretect his family from censure and attack from the ton. The safest way to do that was to keep that information back until he knew he could place trust in the person he was going to spend his life with, everything was checked out there for me. But he kept the information for longer than he should have, just have the difficult conversation! I will say though that the way George was portrayed seemed a bit off to me. Especially the way things came about when he met Aquilla and the events following directly thereafter.
I'm looking forward to learning about Ivy's backstory in the next book, The Duke of Desire. I recommend this series, especially if you really love a series.; there are twelve books in this series, The Untouchables, so there's plenty to enjoy.
Read
November 9, 2017Oh I give up. I made it to almost 80% and I just can't get into the story. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this one (really, this author can write really great stories!), I'm just really not in the mood for all this drama . I applaud the author for tackling such heavy issues, but unfortunately I can't deal with this right now. So no rating, since this dnf is all on me.
did-not-finish
February 9, 2021DNF @ 50%
The MCs are one dimension and I'm bored. I stop listening a few days ago and I don't even remember the MC's names. This is my 2nd DNF from Darcy Burke and the only book I have finished from her was a disappointing 2 star. Many of the GR friends like her and her books have good reviews and high ratings. This is a "its me not you" situation so please ignore my review.
The MCs are one dimension and I'm bored. I stop listening a few days ago and I don't even remember the MC's names. This is my 2nd DNF from Darcy Burke and the only book I have finished from her was a disappointing 2 star. Many of the GR friends like her and her books have good reviews and high ratings. This is a "its me not you" situation so please ignore my review.
May 6, 2024
Kobo+. Mad About Series Challenge 2024 HRBC. The 3rd book in the Untouchables series. The MC’s h Aquila Knox daughter of a Baron,25 and sponsored by Lady Sattersfield for her 5 th season. H Earl of Sutton, Ned 29 with the nickname Duke of Deception given by Aquila, Lucy and Ivy and Nora. Aquila is hoping to never be married and wishes to become a companion like Ivy. Ned is looking for the perfect wife so she can be around his brother George who is a secret as he is insane. He has been looking for 5 years. Ned meets Aquila in the rain at a ball and their story begins there.
Review I liked:Darcy Burke’s The Duke of Deception is the third book in her current Untouchables series – the gentlemen so named by their ladies because their difference in social station puts the men well above their touch. The hero of this book is not a duke at all, however – the moniker is chosen merely to be alliterative – but he does have a reputation for, if not deceit exactly, then not always being above board.
Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, has, over the years, shown interest in a number of eligible young ladies but has never followed through with an offer of marriage. He is no lothario or jilt and genuinely wants a wife, but his family circumstances are difficult and he therefore has to be very careful about his choice. So he has unofficially courted several women, hoping to find one that would meet his exacting criteria – to no avail. This behaviour has not endeared him to the marriage-minded mamas and hopeful papas of the ton, although the real deception he is practicing is something far more serious.
Having witnessed the abuse, both verbal and physical, meted out to her mother by her father over the many years of their marriage, Miss Aquilla Knox is determined never to put herself into a man’s power. She knows that the only value her father places on her is her potential as a bride for some rich, well-connected man, so she has been allowed several London seasons during which to find a suitable husband. For this current season – her fifth – Aquilla is being sponsored by her dear friend, Lady Sattersfield, and can’t help feeling guilty because she has no intention of getting married and plans instead to find a position as a companion. It’s an unequal choice to be sure, especially given that companions were subject to the whims of their employer and could be badly treated – but Aquilla has seen her own mother treated far worse, so her decision makes sense to some degree.
Instead of doing all the things a young lady should do in order to attract a husband, Aquilla does the exact opposite and has earned herself a reputation as a scatterbrained chatterbox, thus ensuring that she has not received a single offer of marriage, a state which she intends to maintain until the end of the Season. Until, that is, she is caught in a rainstorm one evening and has to ask a gentleman for help so she can re-enter the house at which she is a guest. The gentleman duly assists, making sure that Aquilla is not noticed returning to the house. She is grateful for his kindness and his concern for her reputation, and surprised to realise that the gentleman is none other than the Duke of Deception himself – the Earl of Sutton.
Edward – or Ned, as he is known by those close to him – has realised that the latest potential bride on his list is not going to meet his requirements, and knows he is going to endure censure once again when he does not come up to scratch. But Aquilla’s gentle good-humour, her confidence and the flashes of wit she displays – even when soaked through – intrigue and attract him and he starts to wonder whether she might not be what he is looking for.
Aquilla also feels the spark between them, but is determined to adhere to her plan of finding a position rather than a husband. But when her father announces that he has arranged for her to marry Lord Lindsell, a man she dislikes and knows will not treat her kindly, Aquilla is horrified, knowing too well that her father’s decision is based on greed and that she has no chance of changing his mind.
Ned is similarly concerned because he is strongly attracted to Aquilla and had hoped for more time to get to know her. But time is no longer on his side. He knows of Lindsell’s reputation and knows Aquilla dislikes the man, so Ned does the only thing he can think of – the thing he has never done before but desperately wants to do now – and asks her to marry him.
Aquilla and Ned embark upon their marriage with optimism, but each of them is keeping secrets from the other, Ned about the reasons for his frequently aborted courtships and Aquilla about her reasons for not wanting to marry at all. Ned is a truly decent man who is trying to do the best for his family and his best by his new wife, and unfortunately, makes some poor decisions in the belief that his choices will prove to have been the best for everyone in the long run. The thing is, while it’s easy for the reader to see that these decisions are going to cause more problems than they solve, Ned’s desire to do right by everyone is very easy to relate to and his actions actually feel quite realistic. The difficulties Ned’s actions begin to create in his new marriage are compounded by the fact that Aquilla has not yet told him about her upbringing and how it has affected her ability to trust others – especially men. Fortunately, however, Ms. Burke doesn’t drag this out with a long series of misunderstandings – although there is an event about three-quarters of the way through the book which seems overly contrived and which stretched my credulity somewhat.
Otherwise, Duke of Deception is an enjoyable, well-paced story that, while fairly short, is not lacking in depth or insight. Ned and Aquilla are an engaging, well-matched couple – strong, caring and compassionate; and their romance is developed in such a way that it’s easy to believe that they will continue to be happy together long after the book is ended. The relationship between Ned and his brother is often heart-breaking – I teared up at one point – and I could completely sympathise with Ned’s frustration at the way he has been forced to put his life on hold through no fault of his own, and then at his guilt for feeling that way. The detail concerning the treatment of the mentally ill at this time makes an interesting background to the story, and further shows Ned to advantage in his abhorrence of the conditions and treatments endured by those who were institutionalised and his determination to take care of his own.
Review I liked:Darcy Burke’s The Duke of Deception is the third book in her current Untouchables series – the gentlemen so named by their ladies because their difference in social station puts the men well above their touch. The hero of this book is not a duke at all, however – the moniker is chosen merely to be alliterative – but he does have a reputation for, if not deceit exactly, then not always being above board.
Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, has, over the years, shown interest in a number of eligible young ladies but has never followed through with an offer of marriage. He is no lothario or jilt and genuinely wants a wife, but his family circumstances are difficult and he therefore has to be very careful about his choice. So he has unofficially courted several women, hoping to find one that would meet his exacting criteria – to no avail. This behaviour has not endeared him to the marriage-minded mamas and hopeful papas of the ton, although the real deception he is practicing is something far more serious.
Having witnessed the abuse, both verbal and physical, meted out to her mother by her father over the many years of their marriage, Miss Aquilla Knox is determined never to put herself into a man’s power. She knows that the only value her father places on her is her potential as a bride for some rich, well-connected man, so she has been allowed several London seasons during which to find a suitable husband. For this current season – her fifth – Aquilla is being sponsored by her dear friend, Lady Sattersfield, and can’t help feeling guilty because she has no intention of getting married and plans instead to find a position as a companion. It’s an unequal choice to be sure, especially given that companions were subject to the whims of their employer and could be badly treated – but Aquilla has seen her own mother treated far worse, so her decision makes sense to some degree.
Instead of doing all the things a young lady should do in order to attract a husband, Aquilla does the exact opposite and has earned herself a reputation as a scatterbrained chatterbox, thus ensuring that she has not received a single offer of marriage, a state which she intends to maintain until the end of the Season. Until, that is, she is caught in a rainstorm one evening and has to ask a gentleman for help so she can re-enter the house at which she is a guest. The gentleman duly assists, making sure that Aquilla is not noticed returning to the house. She is grateful for his kindness and his concern for her reputation, and surprised to realise that the gentleman is none other than the Duke of Deception himself – the Earl of Sutton.
Edward – or Ned, as he is known by those close to him – has realised that the latest potential bride on his list is not going to meet his requirements, and knows he is going to endure censure once again when he does not come up to scratch. But Aquilla’s gentle good-humour, her confidence and the flashes of wit she displays – even when soaked through – intrigue and attract him and he starts to wonder whether she might not be what he is looking for.
Aquilla also feels the spark between them, but is determined to adhere to her plan of finding a position rather than a husband. But when her father announces that he has arranged for her to marry Lord Lindsell, a man she dislikes and knows will not treat her kindly, Aquilla is horrified, knowing too well that her father’s decision is based on greed and that she has no chance of changing his mind.
Ned is similarly concerned because he is strongly attracted to Aquilla and had hoped for more time to get to know her. But time is no longer on his side. He knows of Lindsell’s reputation and knows Aquilla dislikes the man, so Ned does the only thing he can think of – the thing he has never done before but desperately wants to do now – and asks her to marry him.
Aquilla and Ned embark upon their marriage with optimism, but each of them is keeping secrets from the other, Ned about the reasons for his frequently aborted courtships and Aquilla about her reasons for not wanting to marry at all. Ned is a truly decent man who is trying to do the best for his family and his best by his new wife, and unfortunately, makes some poor decisions in the belief that his choices will prove to have been the best for everyone in the long run. The thing is, while it’s easy for the reader to see that these decisions are going to cause more problems than they solve, Ned’s desire to do right by everyone is very easy to relate to and his actions actually feel quite realistic. The difficulties Ned’s actions begin to create in his new marriage are compounded by the fact that Aquilla has not yet told him about her upbringing and how it has affected her ability to trust others – especially men. Fortunately, however, Ms. Burke doesn’t drag this out with a long series of misunderstandings – although there is an event about three-quarters of the way through the book which seems overly contrived and which stretched my credulity somewhat.
Otherwise, Duke of Deception is an enjoyable, well-paced story that, while fairly short, is not lacking in depth or insight. Ned and Aquilla are an engaging, well-matched couple – strong, caring and compassionate; and their romance is developed in such a way that it’s easy to believe that they will continue to be happy together long after the book is ended. The relationship between Ned and his brother is often heart-breaking – I teared up at one point – and I could completely sympathise with Ned’s frustration at the way he has been forced to put his life on hold through no fault of his own, and then at his guilt for feeling that way. The detail concerning the treatment of the mentally ill at this time makes an interesting background to the story, and further shows Ned to advantage in his abhorrence of the conditions and treatments endured by those who were institutionalised and his determination to take care of his own.
November 15, 2016
*I received an eARC of this book from the author, I am voluntarily leaving my honest review**
I liked this book and up until a certain point, I felt like it was a 5 star read. Unfortunately, a scene towards the end of the book just derailed the entire story for me.
I loved Ned & Aquilla - they both are likable people with dark secrets. Ned might be one of the most honorable heroes I have ever read!
The chemistry between them is apparent right from the start of the book and I found the story to be both heartfelt and believable (until the aforementioned scene). I totally understood Ned's reasons for "deceiving" Aquilla.
The writing was wonderful, the story moves along at a nice pace, the love scenes are steamy and I found myself invested in Ned and Aquilla's HEA. This book touches on some delicate subjects and I think the author did a fabulous job with Aquilla's secret and even Ned's, but the portrayal of George was just off the mark in my opinion.
I would happily recommend this series and I am really looking forward to Ivy's story!!
I liked this book and up until a certain point, I felt like it was a 5 star read. Unfortunately, a scene towards the end of the book just derailed the entire story for me.
I loved Ned & Aquilla - they both are likable people with dark secrets. Ned might be one of the most honorable heroes I have ever read!
The chemistry between them is apparent right from the start of the book and I found the story to be both heartfelt and believable (until the aforementioned scene). I totally understood Ned's reasons for "deceiving" Aquilla.
The writing was wonderful, the story moves along at a nice pace, the love scenes are steamy and I found myself invested in Ned and Aquilla's HEA. This book touches on some delicate subjects and I think the author did a fabulous job with Aquilla's secret and even Ned's, but the portrayal of George was just off the mark in my opinion.
I would happily recommend this series and I am really looking forward to Ivy's story!!
April 8, 2018
2.5
With that title you'd expect the deception would be more serious. What you get is a hero very dedicated to his family and a heroine who got very lucky. There's not real obstacle they have to go through and any misunderstandings they have are over ion a couple of pages.
I would have liked her own family got sorted out in the end but you can't have everything.
Overall, an okay story.
With that title you'd expect the deception would be more serious. What you get is a hero very dedicated to his family and a heroine who got very lucky. There's not real obstacle they have to go through and any misunderstandings they have are over ion a couple of pages.
I would have liked her own family got sorted out in the end but you can't have everything.
Overall, an okay story.
August 18, 2017
Of the three Untouchables books I’ve listened to and read this was my favorite one. Darcy Burke handled the insanity of George very well, and the subject of Bedlam. I liked every character in this book: Aunt Susannah, Lord and Lady Satterfield, and it was nice to visit with Nora, Ivy and Lucy. Lindsell, on the other hand was a drunk and totally insane with his thinking.
I can see why Ned was called the Duke of Deception. Because he had so much to hide and he really did have to find the perfect wife. He had to find a wife that he could tell the truth to and would keep his secrets. Aquilla was the perfect heroine for him. Where she got the caring nature and sweetness from was beyond me. Her family was sooo unfeeling and her father and brother were mean brutes.
There was explicit sex in this book, explicit but not dirty as in some books, definitely NOT erotic. And there was no swearing.
As for the narration: Marian Hussy did a great job with voices and emotions. She has become one of my favorite narrators.
December 1, 2016
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Few writers in the Historical-Romance genre dare to tackle the really tough issues. Darcy Burke is bucking the trend here in The Duke of Deception. Most of the time when serious issues such as mental illness and spousal abuse are addressed, they are presented as issues of the lower classes, not something that touches the heroes and heroines of the Ton directly. Both Aquilla and Ned are captives of the rules and restrictions of their positions in Society, yet manage to find ways to honestly connect and revel their true needs and wants to each other.
Miss Aquilla Knox is in her fifth Season on the Marriage Mart and has made plans to make it her last. No, she is not interested in finding a husband, she plans to become a companion. She wants to live independently and has her reasons for not wanting to ever be married.
Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, is in the market for a wife. Due to his family circumstances, not just any woman will do for this position and he has developed a way of weeding out any that don't measure up. This has earned him the "Duke of Deception" moniker bestowed on him by Aquilla and her friends for leading many a young woman on. A chance encounter with Aquilla and he is intrigued. She is sure that he is just looking for another prospect.
It is a wonderful story with humor of how these two navigate the social mores. They finally come to honestly share their feelings and to a true understanding of what the other really needs in a partner for life. 3 1/2-Stars
Few writers in the Historical-Romance genre dare to tackle the really tough issues. Darcy Burke is bucking the trend here in The Duke of Deception. Most of the time when serious issues such as mental illness and spousal abuse are addressed, they are presented as issues of the lower classes, not something that touches the heroes and heroines of the Ton directly. Both Aquilla and Ned are captives of the rules and restrictions of their positions in Society, yet manage to find ways to honestly connect and revel their true needs and wants to each other.
Miss Aquilla Knox is in her fifth Season on the Marriage Mart and has made plans to make it her last. No, she is not interested in finding a husband, she plans to become a companion. She wants to live independently and has her reasons for not wanting to ever be married.
Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, is in the market for a wife. Due to his family circumstances, not just any woman will do for this position and he has developed a way of weeding out any that don't measure up. This has earned him the "Duke of Deception" moniker bestowed on him by Aquilla and her friends for leading many a young woman on. A chance encounter with Aquilla and he is intrigued. She is sure that he is just looking for another prospect.
It is a wonderful story with humor of how these two navigate the social mores. They finally come to honestly share their feelings and to a true understanding of what the other really needs in a partner for life. 3 1/2-Stars
May 19, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this light hearted. funny and engaging story. Edward Bishop the 9th Earl of Sutton know as Ned, is keeping a secret and it is not the secret the Ton thinks it is. Ned has been wife hunting and these young ladies he is considering must pass a few test he and his Aunt Susannah has conjured up. So far only one has made it to the final stage all the other young ladies have failed his test. Therefore it appears to the Ton that Ned leads the ladies on and drops them without proposing. Until he meets a young Miss Aquilla Knox who has been locked outside in the pouring rain on a patio at a dinner party they bought are attending.
The sparks fly between Ned and Aquilla and they are a lovely couple. Both of then are kind, compassionate and loving. They were fun to read. They had pretty sensual relationship. The sex scene were well and tastefully done. The secondary characters were lovely too.
I like the way Darcy Burke handle the mental illness of Ned's brother George. It was sad but nicely written.
I just wish that Aquilla's father and brother had gotten some kind of punishment for there cruel treatment of there wives. They were abusive men and this should have been handled in some manner in the storyline.
The sparks fly between Ned and Aquilla and they are a lovely couple. Both of then are kind, compassionate and loving. They were fun to read. They had pretty sensual relationship. The sex scene were well and tastefully done. The secondary characters were lovely too.
I like the way Darcy Burke handle the mental illness of Ned's brother George. It was sad but nicely written.
I just wish that Aquilla's father and brother had gotten some kind of punishment for there cruel treatment of there wives. They were abusive men and this should have been handled in some manner in the storyline.
November 27, 2025
This couple didn’t really do it for me. I don’t even like their names, Aquilla and Ned. Hers so weird and his so boring. The plot felt kind of all over the place and the climax wasn’t really very strong. It would have been enough to deal with his situation without her family drama as well. The story tries to deal with both issues but didn’t do justice to either mental illness or spousal abuse. I loved the relationship between the brothers but at the same time so unrealistic. I know people who have mentally ill family members living at home (because these days there are no mental institutions, though there should be) and those real stories are not clean and comfortable like this one, not even with the medications that are available today. The ill person invariably ends up in jail or living on the streets self medicating. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for the families of the mentally ill back then, particularly as ignorance created stigma and fear against entire families. But I think Jane Eyre is a better example of what might have happened than this story. Anyway, didn’t hate it, but I don’t love it either.
September 7, 2025
His secret-keeping was exasperating, but there was less drama than I expected, and ultimately I enjoyed this, so four stars.
RTC maybe, but now I’m VERY curious about Ivy’s book…
RTC maybe, but now I’m VERY curious about Ivy’s book…
February 15, 2021
3.5 Stars
November 10, 2016
After five years on the Marriage Mart, Miss Aquilla Knox is ready for spinsterhood until Lady Satterfield steps in to help her secure a husband. Only Aquilla doesn’t actually want to marry—her failure is entirely on purpose, as she goes out of her way to appear a chatterbox & scatterbrained.
Then she gets caught in a downpour when trying to sneak to the retiring room via the garden. She’s let into the house by Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton & they are attracted to each other. However she & her friends have nicknamed him as the Duke of Deception. Ned is looking for a wife but she MUST meet his rigourous requirements & he sets his sights on Aquilla, she refuses to be drawn in by her attraction to him. If there’s one thing she knows from her family it’s that a gentleman is never what he seems.
Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, has a reputation for courting young misses and dropping them without a second thought. This has earned him a reputation for deceit, a description he can’t refute because he does in fact, harbour secrets and will do anything—deceive anyone—to ensure they don’t come to light.
Another enjoyable book in the Untouchables series, this could well be a stand alone book but if like me you enjoy series then I’d recommend reading the first two books in the series, it was good to catch up with Lucy, Andrew, Nora & Titus.
The attraction between Ned & Aquilla is there from the beginning & builds throughout the book. It’s a story that tells something of the treatment or non-treatment that was available for mental health patients. Both of them had their secrets, which they eventually reveal but these secrets have formed their lives for so long that it’s hard for them to be open about them, which of course leads to misunderstandings. So it’s not a smooth path to their HEA
I look forward to Ivy’s story
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Then she gets caught in a downpour when trying to sneak to the retiring room via the garden. She’s let into the house by Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton & they are attracted to each other. However she & her friends have nicknamed him as the Duke of Deception. Ned is looking for a wife but she MUST meet his rigourous requirements & he sets his sights on Aquilla, she refuses to be drawn in by her attraction to him. If there’s one thing she knows from her family it’s that a gentleman is never what he seems.
Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, has a reputation for courting young misses and dropping them without a second thought. This has earned him a reputation for deceit, a description he can’t refute because he does in fact, harbour secrets and will do anything—deceive anyone—to ensure they don’t come to light.
Another enjoyable book in the Untouchables series, this could well be a stand alone book but if like me you enjoy series then I’d recommend reading the first two books in the series, it was good to catch up with Lucy, Andrew, Nora & Titus.
The attraction between Ned & Aquilla is there from the beginning & builds throughout the book. It’s a story that tells something of the treatment or non-treatment that was available for mental health patients. Both of them had their secrets, which they eventually reveal but these secrets have formed their lives for so long that it’s hard for them to be open about them, which of course leads to misunderstandings. So it’s not a smooth path to their HEA
I look forward to Ivy’s story
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
September 14, 2020
Going through terrible experiences with the men in her family, Miss Aquilla Knox has found herself with little interest in marriage. When her father tries to force her into a marriage with an unkind man who is willing to trade land for her, she decides to accept a marriage proposal from Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, also known as the Duke of Deception. However, as time goes on, she finds herself falling deeply for his kindness and generosity, but what are his secrets that have caused his nickname of deception? While Aquilla is trying to figure him out, Ned is trying to care for his brother George, who has a cognitive disability. Ned’s goal is to find a wife who will love and accept George, and Aquila’s kindness and gentle nature seem to be exactly what he is looking for.
This was wholeheartedly and utterly adorable. I don’t think I’ve read a romance that was so feel good. If you enjoyed The Governess Game by Tessa Dare, I definitely recommend this one. The familial elements are very pure and heart warming, and it was beautiful to see Ned create a safe space for Aquilla and George. Seeing how Ned cared for George and planned his future around a good life for him, was so blessed. I only wish that Aquilla and Ned’s relationship had been a bit more romance focused, as many of their scenes together were mostly setting up their lustful chemistry. I also did not like that Ned held George’s identity a secret until well into the marriage, as I feel Aquilla had a right to know about the responsibility she was getting herself into. But at the end of the day, this was incredibly wholesome, and I highly recommend!
This was wholeheartedly and utterly adorable. I don’t think I’ve read a romance that was so feel good. If you enjoyed The Governess Game by Tessa Dare, I definitely recommend this one. The familial elements are very pure and heart warming, and it was beautiful to see Ned create a safe space for Aquilla and George. Seeing how Ned cared for George and planned his future around a good life for him, was so blessed. I only wish that Aquilla and Ned’s relationship had been a bit more romance focused, as many of their scenes together were mostly setting up their lustful chemistry. I also did not like that Ned held George’s identity a secret until well into the marriage, as I feel Aquilla had a right to know about the responsibility she was getting herself into. But at the end of the day, this was incredibly wholesome, and I highly recommend!
August 29, 2017
This was a decent story. Great narration by Marian Hussey (audible review)
I liked Ned and Aquilla together, they made a good match and had genuine chemistry. There is a one very long sex scene with a lot of talking during it, but very well written. Not erotica not rated G.
The story line and plot was okay. I think there could have been more with the brother and then the end seemed rushed. Not much else really that happened.
As for the narration, it was brilliant! I love Marian Hussey. She does a superb job on all the voices, and the men sound like men. She reads with emotion and has a great reading voice.
I liked Ned and Aquilla together, they made a good match and had genuine chemistry. There is a one very long sex scene with a lot of talking during it, but very well written. Not erotica not rated G.
The story line and plot was okay. I think there could have been more with the brother and then the end seemed rushed. Not much else really that happened.
As for the narration, it was brilliant! I love Marian Hussey. She does a superb job on all the voices, and the men sound like men. She reads with emotion and has a great reading voice.
March 26, 2025
2.5 rounded up to 3.
Love the story, not so much the writing.
Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to give up on this author (well, I'm going to read book 4 but that's because I want to know more about the FMC in that book, but after that I'm stopping the series). While I've enjoyed the general stories of the first 3 books in the Untouchables series, and I did get interested and invested in the characters (particularly the MMC's brother in this story), but there have been so many anachronisms, that I just can't ignore it anymore. I'm usually pretty forgiving in historical romances about some more modern themes and thoughts, but sometimes even I have to draw a line somewhere.
Love the story, not so much the writing.
Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to give up on this author (well, I'm going to read book 4 but that's because I want to know more about the FMC in that book, but after that I'm stopping the series). While I've enjoyed the general stories of the first 3 books in the Untouchables series, and I did get interested and invested in the characters (particularly the MMC's brother in this story), but there have been so many anachronisms, that I just can't ignore it anymore. I'm usually pretty forgiving in historical romances about some more modern themes and thoughts, but sometimes even I have to draw a line somewhere.
January 11, 2025
Despite this hitting all the good feels, I was ready to write this off when his mentally ill brother began exhibiting violence. I didn't like that it started perpetuating the false narrative of mental illness equating to violence.
Luckily, that wasn't the outcome. The violence was in self-defense or to inanimate objects. The character was treated with the utmost empathy.
Also, her believing some random villager was a bit lazy, in my opinion? But story has to story, I guess.
Other than that, the relationship was written very tenderly and playfully. I really enjoyed them.
Luckily, that wasn't the outcome. The violence was in self-defense or to inanimate objects. The character was treated with the utmost empathy.
Also, her believing some random villager was a bit lazy, in my opinion? But story has to story, I guess.
Other than that, the relationship was written very tenderly and playfully. I really enjoyed them.
September 18, 2017
2.5 stars. This book was a little up and down for me. In the end it just seems kinda silly. The endless insecurities, the secrets kept for way too long.
I'm left feeling Meh.
I'm left feeling Meh.
January 27, 2025
I enjoyed it very much.
April 26, 2018
Very enjoyable. Can’t get enough of this series!
August 27, 2017
I enjoyed this story. Just the right amount of action and intimacy without far fetched plots. Nicely done.
September 8, 2018
Favorite
I absolutely loved this book most so far in this series. The connection between the characters was charming. The love was well written and honest.
I absolutely loved this book most so far in this series. The connection between the characters was charming. The love was well written and honest.
November 13, 2016
Another fantastic read in The Untouchables series! In the first two books The Forbidden Duke and The Duke of Daring, I was happy to read a Regency Era Romance where the heroine wasn’t a vapid woman, constantly falling in and out of love with the same man. And Darcy Burke has written yet another romance without an insipid heroine.
When Aquilla first meets Edward, she is very frank with him, and even tells him that she and her friends call him the Duke of Deception. While this make him a little leary, since he really does have a big secret he is hiding, he also finds her refreshing and intriguing.
While Aquilla also enjoyed the exchange, she doesn’t want to get married because of the horrible relationship her parents have, so she puts Edward out of her mind. But they keep running into each other.
Although their courtship is very brief, and Aquilla had not wanted to get married, she readily accepts her new life, including his love for her, and sex for the first time. This is one of the reasons I really enjoy this series. There is no constant wishy-washy, does he love me/do I love him, that can get very tedious if played out too long. As I have come to expect from Burke’s books, the sex scenes are very hot. And their first time together was very sweet, with a wonderful touch of humor.
As for the secret that Edward is keeping, it’s a good one, that I don’t want to spoil here. But I will say that it shows a part of Regency life that was very real, and that I haven’t often seen in other romance books.
I highly recommend this one, and while it can be read as a stand alone, you really should start with the first book since the same characters appear across the books. And make sure to check out Burke’s other series; Secrets and Scandals, The Ribbon Ridge Series, and the shoot off of that series, Love on the Vine.
When Aquilla first meets Edward, she is very frank with him, and even tells him that she and her friends call him the Duke of Deception. While this make him a little leary, since he really does have a big secret he is hiding, he also finds her refreshing and intriguing.
While Aquilla also enjoyed the exchange, she doesn’t want to get married because of the horrible relationship her parents have, so she puts Edward out of her mind. But they keep running into each other.
Although their courtship is very brief, and Aquilla had not wanted to get married, she readily accepts her new life, including his love for her, and sex for the first time. This is one of the reasons I really enjoy this series. There is no constant wishy-washy, does he love me/do I love him, that can get very tedious if played out too long. As I have come to expect from Burke’s books, the sex scenes are very hot. And their first time together was very sweet, with a wonderful touch of humor.
As for the secret that Edward is keeping, it’s a good one, that I don’t want to spoil here. But I will say that it shows a part of Regency life that was very real, and that I haven’t often seen in other romance books.
I highly recommend this one, and while it can be read as a stand alone, you really should start with the first book since the same characters appear across the books. And make sure to check out Burke’s other series; Secrets and Scandals, The Ribbon Ridge Series, and the shoot off of that series, Love on the Vine.
November 15, 2016
Two people. Two secrets. Both desperately trying to keep their own secret hidden. Can a relationship work with these secrets between them?
Edward Bishop’s, Earl of Sutton, life is built on a secret; a secret that he must learn to share when he takes a wife; which makes his wife hunt a carefully planned hunt. The stages of this hunt have him courting young women but they all have ultimately failed at some stage where Edward dumps them, earning him a reputation as a deceiver. Until he meets the one woman who may be his ideal wife. As per his usual plan he sets about the stages of getting to know this woman when circumstances change and he needs to speed things along will he make the worst mistake of his life or will it be the best thing that ever happened?
Miss Aquilla Knox is a fraud. After several seasons she has decided she’d rather remain a spinster; of course her family situation plays a huge part in that decision. Both these facts she has kept hidden even from her closest friends. When an unfortunate encounter brings her into the sight of The Duke of Deception will her ruse of running suitors off work on him? Or, even knowing that men are not what they present, will she fall under his spell? Can she overlook the atmosphere of her upbringing and learn to trust?
A heartbreaking tale, written by the very talented Darcy Burke, of two people who have to basically make their own way while harboring secrets. One whose secret could destroy everything he’s worked to accomplish and one who is ashamed of hers.
Ms. Burke’s tale had my heartbreaking for both Edward (for the heart wrenching secret he’s had to carry for most of his life) and Aquilla (for the hard lessons she’s learned and how it has shaped her outlook on love). This story is one of those that will stick with you long after you have finished reading.
Edward Bishop’s, Earl of Sutton, life is built on a secret; a secret that he must learn to share when he takes a wife; which makes his wife hunt a carefully planned hunt. The stages of this hunt have him courting young women but they all have ultimately failed at some stage where Edward dumps them, earning him a reputation as a deceiver. Until he meets the one woman who may be his ideal wife. As per his usual plan he sets about the stages of getting to know this woman when circumstances change and he needs to speed things along will he make the worst mistake of his life or will it be the best thing that ever happened?
Miss Aquilla Knox is a fraud. After several seasons she has decided she’d rather remain a spinster; of course her family situation plays a huge part in that decision. Both these facts she has kept hidden even from her closest friends. When an unfortunate encounter brings her into the sight of The Duke of Deception will her ruse of running suitors off work on him? Or, even knowing that men are not what they present, will she fall under his spell? Can she overlook the atmosphere of her upbringing and learn to trust?
A heartbreaking tale, written by the very talented Darcy Burke, of two people who have to basically make their own way while harboring secrets. One whose secret could destroy everything he’s worked to accomplish and one who is ashamed of hers.
Ms. Burke’s tale had my heartbreaking for both Edward (for the heart wrenching secret he’s had to carry for most of his life) and Aquilla (for the hard lessons she’s learned and how it has shaped her outlook on love). This story is one of those that will stick with you long after you have finished reading.
February 5, 2017
A relationship between Edward Bishop and Aquilla Knoxs escalate quickly when he finds her in the rain. Aquilla is more worried about finding work than a husband. Edward is interested in marriage but believes he has yet to find the girl who can pass a test of trust.
This test includes trips to a hospital. In the hallway, Edward purposes to Aquilla. His brother, however, doesn't take the idea of Edward taking a wife too well.
There were many twists that surprised me. These twists added to the enjoyment of the book. The interaction bewteen the Duke of Sutton and the Baron Lindsell was very intriguing.
This is the second regency romance novel by Darcy Burk I have read. It is also the third book in her "Untouchables" series. While "The Duke of Deception" can be read without reading the first two, I recommend that completing the first two books.
This test includes trips to a hospital. In the hallway, Edward purposes to Aquilla. His brother, however, doesn't take the idea of Edward taking a wife too well.
There were many twists that surprised me. These twists added to the enjoyment of the book. The interaction bewteen the Duke of Sutton and the Baron Lindsell was very intriguing.
This is the second regency romance novel by Darcy Burk I have read. It is also the third book in her "Untouchables" series. While "The Duke of Deception" can be read without reading the first two, I recommend that completing the first two books.
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