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The Untouchables #10
The Duke of Seduction
Lady Lavinia Gillingham prefers rocks and dirt to marriage. Her passion is science, and she’s determined to marry if—and only if—she finds a man who supports her interests and intellect. So far, she’s managed to avoid attention on the Marriage Mart, but when the Duke of Seduction pens anonymous letters singing her praises, she suddenly become the toast of the ton and matrimony seems imminent.
William Beckett, Marquess of Northam possesses the reputation of a rake, but is secretly a romantic. Spurned at sixteen, he doesn’t expect to feel the sting of Cupid’s bow a second time, and yet he’s able to woo the coldest of hearts with the anonymous words he publishes. As the Duke of Seduction, he uses his skill to help Lavinia, never anticipating she has no desire for assistance. While Lavinia is pursued by several suitors, Beck is the one who is seduced when he learns that love can strike twice...
William Beckett, Marquess of Northam possesses the reputation of a rake, but is secretly a romantic. Spurned at sixteen, he doesn’t expect to feel the sting of Cupid’s bow a second time, and yet he’s able to woo the coldest of hearts with the anonymous words he publishes. As the Duke of Seduction, he uses his skill to help Lavinia, never anticipating she has no desire for assistance. While Lavinia is pursued by several suitors, Beck is the one who is seduced when he learns that love can strike twice...
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2018
346 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
208 books2,280 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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August 5, 2018❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
The words upon the page ring clear,
And pictures in my head appear,
The ending is written, the book in production
Will Lavinia fall for The Duke of Seduction .
I had to give it a go , and believe me it’s not easy , our author has not only given us a wonderful book and further addition to the series ,but has also give us some stunning verse to begin each chapter .
I loved this book , even if your not a fan of poetry you have to admire those can write it , not me obviously , and the verse in this book is very good .
Lavinia and Becks story is great , she’s a wallflower and even though she want to marry , she hasn’t found the right person yet.
Beck is a musician a poet and a Marqess and seems to have some tendency toward depression, he’s still trying to cope with the loss of his sister from years earlier.
Can she help him and in return find the one man to make her happy .
A perfect story to continue this brilliant series .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋💋
The words upon the page ring clear,
And pictures in my head appear,
The ending is written, the book in production
Will Lavinia fall for The Duke of Seduction .
I had to give it a go , and believe me it’s not easy , our author has not only given us a wonderful book and further addition to the series ,but has also give us some stunning verse to begin each chapter .
I loved this book , even if your not a fan of poetry you have to admire those can write it , not me obviously , and the verse in this book is very good .
Lavinia and Becks story is great , she’s a wallflower and even though she want to marry , she hasn’t found the right person yet.
Beck is a musician a poet and a Marqess and seems to have some tendency toward depression, he’s still trying to cope with the loss of his sister from years earlier.
Can she help him and in return find the one man to make her happy .
A perfect story to continue this brilliant series .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
August 7, 2018
Series: The Untouchables #10
Publication Date: 8/21/18
What a delightfully, refreshingly different addition to the Untouchables series. It is lighter and more humorous than the previous books in the series. It is excellently written and I loved both the hero and the heroine.
William Beckett, Marquess of Northam is a very private man. He shares very little of himself with anybody except his butler and his best friend Lord Ware. Beck sometimes has black moods and will secrete himself away for a day or so – playing music and writing. Really, Beck’s standoffish personality is just to hide this big bowl of romantic mush. I know – I loved him!
Beck had a teenage love who was older than he was – and she spurned him. He was so hurt, he never thought – never even looked for love again. He couldn’t stand seeing all of these lovely, unappreciated young ladies hugging the walls at all of the balls, so he decided he’d help them by becoming The Duke of Seduction. He’d write poems about a particular young lady – nothing intimate – just enough to catch attention for them - and they'd be published in the newspaper. Two of his first four young ladies are already engaged. He’s really feeling good about what he’s done for them. They’d be really grateful to him if they only knew . . . . or not.
Lady Lavinia Gillingham is one of my favorite heroines. She is very intelligent, steadfast, level-headed, kind, generous and funny. She is a bluestocking geologist but unlike many heroines we read about in books, she wanted to marry – she just wanted to marry for love – someone who appreciated and supported her intelligence. So, when the Duke of Seduction wrote a poem about her, she was incensed. If she could just find out who he was, she’d give him a piece of her mind! Imagine, bringing all of that unwelcome attention down on her and now her parents were pushing her to marry. She’d really love to skewer that self-proclaimed Duke! The man was a menace, and Lavinia meant to unmask him.
From their delightful first encounter in Lord Evenrude’s library, their interactions were both funny and serious. He couldn’t believe some of the things that just came tumbling out of his mouth – he didn’t share those things with anybody. He’s also helping her find a husband since he brought so much unwanted attention.
While the book is filled with humorous quips and encounters, I liked this encounter from a scene where they are hiding behind some curtains during a hide-and-seek game.
“Are you going to, then?” she asked, her breasts grazing his chest as she edged herself against him. “Kiss me.”
“By God, I think I am.”
“Oh, good”
There is a mystery in this book and the solution to that mystery is my only problem with the book. First, it was just too quick – I mean the whole book leads up to it and then it was over before you could blink your eyes. Second, all I’ll say is that peers were tried in the House of Lords rather than a court – and – if somebody ingests too much of something you provide them, you didn’t murder them if they die.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 8/21/18
What a delightfully, refreshingly different addition to the Untouchables series. It is lighter and more humorous than the previous books in the series. It is excellently written and I loved both the hero and the heroine.
William Beckett, Marquess of Northam is a very private man. He shares very little of himself with anybody except his butler and his best friend Lord Ware. Beck sometimes has black moods and will secrete himself away for a day or so – playing music and writing. Really, Beck’s standoffish personality is just to hide this big bowl of romantic mush. I know – I loved him!
Beck had a teenage love who was older than he was – and she spurned him. He was so hurt, he never thought – never even looked for love again. He couldn’t stand seeing all of these lovely, unappreciated young ladies hugging the walls at all of the balls, so he decided he’d help them by becoming The Duke of Seduction. He’d write poems about a particular young lady – nothing intimate – just enough to catch attention for them - and they'd be published in the newspaper. Two of his first four young ladies are already engaged. He’s really feeling good about what he’s done for them. They’d be really grateful to him if they only knew . . . . or not.
Lady Lavinia Gillingham is one of my favorite heroines. She is very intelligent, steadfast, level-headed, kind, generous and funny. She is a bluestocking geologist but unlike many heroines we read about in books, she wanted to marry – she just wanted to marry for love – someone who appreciated and supported her intelligence. So, when the Duke of Seduction wrote a poem about her, she was incensed. If she could just find out who he was, she’d give him a piece of her mind! Imagine, bringing all of that unwelcome attention down on her and now her parents were pushing her to marry. She’d really love to skewer that self-proclaimed Duke! The man was a menace, and Lavinia meant to unmask him.
From their delightful first encounter in Lord Evenrude’s library, their interactions were both funny and serious. He couldn’t believe some of the things that just came tumbling out of his mouth – he didn’t share those things with anybody. He’s also helping her find a husband since he brought so much unwanted attention.
While the book is filled with humorous quips and encounters, I liked this encounter from a scene where they are hiding behind some curtains during a hide-and-seek game.
“Are you going to, then?” she asked, her breasts grazing his chest as she edged herself against him. “Kiss me.”
“By God, I think I am.”
“Oh, good”
There is a mystery in this book and the solution to that mystery is my only problem with the book. First, it was just too quick – I mean the whole book leads up to it and then it was over before you could blink your eyes. Second, all I’ll say is that peers were tried in the House of Lords rather than a court – and – if somebody ingests too much of something you provide them, you didn’t murder them if they die.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
January 21, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Tall/tallish heroine.
Rather interesting main characters.
Good romantic build up and chemistry.
Somewhat of a slow burn.
(First friends/friendship then lovers)
Self-educated/self-taught geologist heroine.
Poet/musician (anonymous) hero.
Kind of silly but interesting plot.
The hints of a “mystery”.
Mental health rep ( hero seems like he is bipolar or/and has some sort of depression)
➖ What I disliked:
The heroines awful parents…..especially her mother.
(Among other things how they treated and “managed” the heroine and disrespected her privacy…. But also the thing with her spectacles and not allowing her to wear them in public even-though she had really bad eyesight without them.)
The heroine is unrealistically naive/innocent and also too ignorant about her own body…. Despite her being a woman that is supposed to be intelligent and inquisitive/curious but also self-educated.
Nobody is that clueless/ignorant about their own body…. Willfully ignorant maybe because of the virtue/chastity obsession during that time period/era.... But still not that naive and clueless even for that time period/era.
There were some little parts of the story that dragged.
That the heroine did not stand up for herself or rebel more when it came to her parents… especially her mother…. She did do little things here and there to rebel… and she had no problem being strong towards/with the hero and others… but was too much of a yes person when it came to her parents (especially her mother) even for that time period/era.
4 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Tall/tallish heroine.
Rather interesting main characters.
Good romantic build up and chemistry.
Somewhat of a slow burn.
(First friends/friendship then lovers)
Self-educated/self-taught geologist heroine.
Poet/musician (anonymous) hero.
Kind of silly but interesting plot.
The hints of a “mystery”.
Mental health rep ( hero seems like he is bipolar or/and has some sort of depression)
➖ What I disliked:
The heroines awful parents…..especially her mother.
(Among other things how they treated and “managed” the heroine and disrespected her privacy…. But also the thing with her spectacles and not allowing her to wear them in public even-though she had really bad eyesight without them.)
The heroine is unrealistically naive/innocent and also too ignorant about her own body…. Despite her being a woman that is supposed to be intelligent and inquisitive/curious but also self-educated.
Nobody is that clueless/ignorant about their own body…. Willfully ignorant maybe because of the virtue/chastity obsession during that time period/era.... But still not that naive and clueless even for that time period/era.
There were some little parts of the story that dragged.
That the heroine did not stand up for herself or rebel more when it came to her parents… especially her mother…. She did do little things here and there to rebel… and she had no problem being strong towards/with the hero and others… but was too much of a yes person when it came to her parents (especially her mother) even for that time period/era.
August 16, 2018
4 very surprised/5 stars.
I received this book from Netgalley and Darcy Burke Publishing for an honest review. This does not in any way affect my opinion of the book and it's characters.
When I picked up this book I was quite unsure of what to expect, I know for sure that I did not think I'd enjoy this as much as I have. I read through the book in about two days and could have done it much faster if this pesky thing called my job didn't come in between. This is the 10th book in Darcy Burke's The Untouchables series, and the first I've read. Though I am extremely intrigued to read the previous books now.
Lavinia is a bluestocking wallflower wishing she could spend her days examining rocks, talking about stratification and reading gealogy books. Instead, she is thrown steadily into the marraige mart - and at one point the author makes a comparision of the marraige mart to a vegetable market, where women are on display for sale like delectable produce, and I couldn't agree more. She has no wish to marry, knowing that a husband who not only appreciates her love for science but also encourages it will be near impossible to find. You know where we're going from here.
William Beckett, fondly known as Beck (because why not?) is rake extraordinaire - and our MC's meet for the first time when he mistakes her for his paramour in the dark and kisses her - but he's a poet and musician at heart. Under the guise of the "Duke of Seduction" he pens beautiful poems about young unmarried misses on the marraige mart, giving them the push they need. Only, in the case of Lavinia, the poem he writes for her is a bit like pushing her off the cliff into shark infested waters. From here builds the love story of our couple.
You instantly connect to them, and I was definitely down the "kiss-now" rabbit hole by their second interaction. They balance each other out wonderfully. I do believe Beck is shown to have shades of Bi-polar or something of the sort, and personally I'd wish if that was a little more fleshed out. That would perhaps be one of the few misgivings I have about the book.
The writing is very easy to read, and flows smoothly. It has a very light tone to it, and while I enjoy my deep, gritty books, once in a while I want a light, fun, swoon-y read. And Darcy Burke's combination of romance and humor made for a perfect read. The book was much wittier than I expected, and I could sense undertones of a Julia Quinn-esque style. There are some points however where I did cringe at a line or two (Like when Beck tell Lavinia that "he feels deeply") but it didn't puncture the experience one bit. I even managed to laugh it off.
What I did however truly, truly, truly truly admire was the absolute lack of melodrama or theatrics from either of the characters. There weren't any unnecessary plot points simply for the sake of drama, neither did we get a typical roadblock in the HEA. Whatever conflicts that arose were because of the characters as individuals, and not interfering third parties. I do truly enjoy that reprieve from the dramatics. Also, another thing I admired is the departure from cliche tropes. The author has gone for straight up emotion and character driven romance, and not pure circumstance and I admire that. It might feel a bit campy at times, but it definitely did not deter me from enjoying this book.
Also, the small little back story mystery had such a plot twist that I was shocked. Shocked, I tell you. Or maybe I was so involved in the love story that I didn't give it much thought!
If you're looking for a sweet, heartwarming HR to curl up with then this will definitely be a good choice.
I received this book from Netgalley and Darcy Burke Publishing for an honest review. This does not in any way affect my opinion of the book and it's characters.
When I picked up this book I was quite unsure of what to expect, I know for sure that I did not think I'd enjoy this as much as I have. I read through the book in about two days and could have done it much faster if this pesky thing called my job didn't come in between. This is the 10th book in Darcy Burke's The Untouchables series, and the first I've read. Though I am extremely intrigued to read the previous books now.
Lavinia is a bluestocking wallflower wishing she could spend her days examining rocks, talking about stratification and reading gealogy books. Instead, she is thrown steadily into the marraige mart - and at one point the author makes a comparision of the marraige mart to a vegetable market, where women are on display for sale like delectable produce, and I couldn't agree more. She has no wish to marry, knowing that a husband who not only appreciates her love for science but also encourages it will be near impossible to find. You know where we're going from here.
William Beckett, fondly known as Beck (because why not?) is rake extraordinaire - and our MC's meet for the first time when he mistakes her for his paramour in the dark and kisses her - but he's a poet and musician at heart. Under the guise of the "Duke of Seduction" he pens beautiful poems about young unmarried misses on the marraige mart, giving them the push they need. Only, in the case of Lavinia, the poem he writes for her is a bit like pushing her off the cliff into shark infested waters. From here builds the love story of our couple.
You instantly connect to them, and I was definitely down the "kiss-now" rabbit hole by their second interaction. They balance each other out wonderfully. I do believe Beck is shown to have shades of Bi-polar or something of the sort, and personally I'd wish if that was a little more fleshed out. That would perhaps be one of the few misgivings I have about the book.
The writing is very easy to read, and flows smoothly. It has a very light tone to it, and while I enjoy my deep, gritty books, once in a while I want a light, fun, swoon-y read. And Darcy Burke's combination of romance and humor made for a perfect read. The book was much wittier than I expected, and I could sense undertones of a Julia Quinn-esque style. There are some points however where I did cringe at a line or two (Like when Beck tell Lavinia that "he feels deeply") but it didn't puncture the experience one bit. I even managed to laugh it off.
What I did however truly, truly, truly truly admire was the absolute lack of melodrama or theatrics from either of the characters. There weren't any unnecessary plot points simply for the sake of drama, neither did we get a typical roadblock in the HEA. Whatever conflicts that arose were because of the characters as individuals, and not interfering third parties. I do truly enjoy that reprieve from the dramatics. Also, another thing I admired is the departure from cliche tropes. The author has gone for straight up emotion and character driven romance, and not pure circumstance and I admire that. It might feel a bit campy at times, but it definitely did not deter me from enjoying this book.
Also, the small little back story mystery had such a plot twist that I was shocked. Shocked, I tell you. Or maybe I was so involved in the love story that I didn't give it much thought!
If you're looking for a sweet, heartwarming HR to curl up with then this will definitely be a good choice.
August 11, 2018
I had enjoyed the previous book in this series and was eager to read this one.
I really liked Lavinia and Beck. It was sort of refreshing to see them enjoy something different {her: geology and him: music} and I liked that they both supported the other in those interests. There were a couple of Lavinia’s friends I liked and I am hoping they get their own stories.
Plot wise, it did get a little repetitive. My main complaint is that I didn’t see the leap from like to love. They did talk often, but not for long periods of time. It seemed like they just didn’t know each other well. And while the plot thread about Beck’s sister fit, to me it sort of felt like adding drama and conflict for no reason other than to have it.
Overall, I did enjoy these characters and this story and especially the epilogue. I will definitely be reading the next one.
**Huge thanks to Darcy Burke for providing the arc free of charge**
I really liked Lavinia and Beck. It was sort of refreshing to see them enjoy something different {her: geology and him: music} and I liked that they both supported the other in those interests. There were a couple of Lavinia’s friends I liked and I am hoping they get their own stories.
Plot wise, it did get a little repetitive. My main complaint is that I didn’t see the leap from like to love. They did talk often, but not for long periods of time. It seemed like they just didn’t know each other well. And while the plot thread about Beck’s sister fit, to me it sort of felt like adding drama and conflict for no reason other than to have it.
Overall, I did enjoy these characters and this story and especially the epilogue. I will definitely be reading the next one.
**Huge thanks to Darcy Burke for providing the arc free of charge**
August 19, 2018
THE DUKE OF SEDUCTION by Darcy Burke is book 10 in The Untouchables series. This is the story of Lavinia Gillingham and William 'Beck' Beckett, Marquess of Northam. I have read the previous books (and loved them) but feel this can be a standalone book if you choose to do so.
Beck when he was younger fell in love with an older women who didn't return those feelings and it hurt him allot. So much so that he has taken to not give his heart out again but lives somewhat to himself but he sees enough of the ladies who hang in corners with no one interested in them. So even though he doesn't want to test love again he still has a romantic side that ends up going under the name of 'Duke of Seduction' pens anonymous letters about the women he feels could use his 'help'. Which had lead to a few being engaged and really seen to by the town instead of wallflowers of sorts. Beck takes on Lavinia who ends up with so much attention but for her this isn't what she wants. Lavinia is a bluestocking who does want to marry someday but only to someone who loves her and she loves them....but with this Duke of Seduction interference she is being the object of everything but what she wants.
I am such a fan of Ms. Burke and this book just proved again why I always look for her books...just loved it! Could not put it down until I finished it.
Beck when he was younger fell in love with an older women who didn't return those feelings and it hurt him allot. So much so that he has taken to not give his heart out again but lives somewhat to himself but he sees enough of the ladies who hang in corners with no one interested in them. So even though he doesn't want to test love again he still has a romantic side that ends up going under the name of 'Duke of Seduction' pens anonymous letters about the women he feels could use his 'help'. Which had lead to a few being engaged and really seen to by the town instead of wallflowers of sorts. Beck takes on Lavinia who ends up with so much attention but for her this isn't what she wants. Lavinia is a bluestocking who does want to marry someday but only to someone who loves her and she loves them....but with this Duke of Seduction interference she is being the object of everything but what she wants.
I am such a fan of Ms. Burke and this book just proved again why I always look for her books...just loved it! Could not put it down until I finished it.
August 10, 2018
A reversal of roles paves the way for an intriguing opposites attract romance. The Duke of Seduction is my favorite Darcy Burke novel to date. In a world full of complications the answers can prove to be quite simple. He's a free spirit. William has a love them, then leave them reputation that hides a sensitive heart. He dreams of a forever love. A soulmate to own his heart and share his life. When his perfect woman turns out to be a cryptic puzzle. He's determined to learn more. Lavinia is a woman on a mission. She knows what she wants and will buck the odds to get it. Will her passion for science blind her to the acceptance she's always craved? The Duke of Seduction enchants because it's not just a romance. Lavinia and William are seeking their own place in a world of stereotypes. With charm and emotion, Burke uses humor and heart to deliver a powerful message about the benefits of being true to self, no matter what. Reality meets fiction.
October 27, 2023
This was a surprise. I haven’t really been reading Burke lately since she was getting a bit heavy on the sex scenes and not as much plot but this one despite the lame title sounded kind of fun so when there was a deal I bought it to give her another try.
This book was still light on plot but was really strong on the character development. How these two developed feelings for each other was awesome to read. She really captured all the subtle things well and I reveled in it!
Some of the drama with the hero was different too. I think he had either a mild form of bipolar or some sort of melancholy/depression which was relieved through music and writing. Not something you often see and it made that story a little richer.
A slow to start (I hate meet ups that are set up around a hero meeting a married women for sex but stumbles on the heroine instead)—I was glad the hero seemed to own up to the fact that this was not okay and started cleaning up his life but it was a distasteful initial impression. That aside, everything else about the story was fun and I liked the new characters I got to meet that were in the leads’ orbit.
I’ll check out reviews for the other books and consider whether I’ll continue more.
This book was still light on plot but was really strong on the character development. How these two developed feelings for each other was awesome to read. She really captured all the subtle things well and I reveled in it!
Some of the drama with the hero was different too. I think he had either a mild form of bipolar or some sort of melancholy/depression which was relieved through music and writing. Not something you often see and it made that story a little richer.
A slow to start (I hate meet ups that are set up around a hero meeting a married women for sex but stumbles on the heroine instead)—I was glad the hero seemed to own up to the fact that this was not okay and started cleaning up his life but it was a distasteful initial impression. That aside, everything else about the story was fun and I liked the new characters I got to meet that were in the leads’ orbit.
I’ll check out reviews for the other books and consider whether I’ll continue more.
August 21, 2018
In a world where wallflowers are ignored, the Duke of Seduction strives to improve their chances of making good matches.
William Beckett, Marquess of Northam, has long hidden his romantic side. Now, after a devastating family death, Beck uses his talents to ensure the spotlight shines on those girls that society shuns. Until he meets a certain lady makes him question whether he’s helping or hurting their chances of happily ever after.
Lady Lavinia Gillingham doesn’t mind her status as a wallflower; she’d rather spend her time with her friends there than be paid court by men who will not appreciate her love of science. Until she meets a devilishly handsome man and the Duke of Seduction targets her as his next wallflower to help.
Darcy Burke writes another superb story! Beck’s range of emotions jump off the pages as does Lavinia’s frustration with the secretive Duke of Seduction and her parents. Ms. Burke’s inclusion of characters from previous books feels like a homecoming while providing the reader with a little history that ties the stories together.
William Beckett, Marquess of Northam, has long hidden his romantic side. Now, after a devastating family death, Beck uses his talents to ensure the spotlight shines on those girls that society shuns. Until he meets a certain lady makes him question whether he’s helping or hurting their chances of happily ever after.
Lady Lavinia Gillingham doesn’t mind her status as a wallflower; she’d rather spend her time with her friends there than be paid court by men who will not appreciate her love of science. Until she meets a devilishly handsome man and the Duke of Seduction targets her as his next wallflower to help.
Darcy Burke writes another superb story! Beck’s range of emotions jump off the pages as does Lavinia’s frustration with the secretive Duke of Seduction and her parents. Ms. Burke’s inclusion of characters from previous books feels like a homecoming while providing the reader with a little history that ties the stories together.
February 7, 2021
*3.25 HISTORICAL STARS*
I started reading this because I missed Bridgerton and while this satisfied my craving somewhat, it wasn't nearly as good.
I loved the setting with the whole anonymous Duke of Seduction scheme, but I feel like the mystery aspect was a bit lacking. This can also be because this was my first historical romance ever, but the insta-love felt a bit forced to me as well.
While I loved Beck and Lavinia as individual characters, I didn't necessarily love them together.
I started reading this because I missed Bridgerton and while this satisfied my craving somewhat, it wasn't nearly as good.
I loved the setting with the whole anonymous Duke of Seduction scheme, but I feel like the mystery aspect was a bit lacking. This can also be because this was my first historical romance ever, but the insta-love felt a bit forced to me as well.
While I loved Beck and Lavinia as individual characters, I didn't necessarily love them together.
August 19, 2018
The Duke of Presumption!!
I really liked both lead characters in this addition to the Untouchables. But then I adore those women who are somewhat different to the empty headed Marriage Mart parade. Lady Lavinia Gillingham is a foreword thinking, intelligent woman who apart from being enamoured by the geological, wants to govern her own life. So far she has been able to eschew the Marriage Mart.
William Beckett (Beck), Marquess of Northam, rake at large, hides the pain of a sister scorned by society, by taking up the cause of such wallflowers and derided young woman. He anonymously writes poems about them, catapulting them into the eyes of society. And the fickle ton, being the rapacious and untrustworthy construct it is, rushes towards the light shining on these young woman. They instantly become marriageable. Grr!
So when this attention is turned on Lavinia she is NOT HAPPY!
As she espouses to a rather shocked and chagrined Beck,
"He writes poems about ladies he seems to think require assistance on the Marriage Mart. It’s incredibly presumptuous. And pompous. And many other words that end in ‘ous,’ I’m sure.” "
She becomes determined to expose the culprit just as she is reacquainted with Beck, long a friend of her brother's. Beck of course has not even considered that some young woman mightn't want to be forced into an eligible marriage. That they might want something more, or even different.
The premise that Duke would write poems to aid a woman's marriageability was to my mind slim but worked for this story, given what I've already said about the 'ton'. And of course the tension rises as Beck and Lavinia become attracted to each other whilst the chasm of Beck's alter ego yawns between them.
A NetGalley ARC
I really liked both lead characters in this addition to the Untouchables. But then I adore those women who are somewhat different to the empty headed Marriage Mart parade. Lady Lavinia Gillingham is a foreword thinking, intelligent woman who apart from being enamoured by the geological, wants to govern her own life. So far she has been able to eschew the Marriage Mart.
William Beckett (Beck), Marquess of Northam, rake at large, hides the pain of a sister scorned by society, by taking up the cause of such wallflowers and derided young woman. He anonymously writes poems about them, catapulting them into the eyes of society. And the fickle ton, being the rapacious and untrustworthy construct it is, rushes towards the light shining on these young woman. They instantly become marriageable. Grr!
So when this attention is turned on Lavinia she is NOT HAPPY!
As she espouses to a rather shocked and chagrined Beck,
"He writes poems about ladies he seems to think require assistance on the Marriage Mart. It’s incredibly presumptuous. And pompous. And many other words that end in ‘ous,’ I’m sure.” "
She becomes determined to expose the culprit just as she is reacquainted with Beck, long a friend of her brother's. Beck of course has not even considered that some young woman mightn't want to be forced into an eligible marriage. That they might want something more, or even different.
The premise that Duke would write poems to aid a woman's marriageability was to my mind slim but worked for this story, given what I've already said about the 'ton'. And of course the tension rises as Beck and Lavinia become attracted to each other whilst the chasm of Beck's alter ego yawns between them.
A NetGalley ARC
December 10, 2018
The Duke of Seduction is Book 10 of Darcy Burke’s Untouchables series, but don’t worry if you picked up this one first. You can read them in any order, even though previous characters do make occasional appearances. Each story stands perfectly well alone.
The Duke in this one is actually a Marquess to be precise, but he has an alter ego - one who pens poems dedicated to young ladies in a popular newspaper. The young ladies he praises are usually the unnoticed gems, sometimes actively wallflowers, and his notice propels them to sudden fame among the Ton. Thus far, three have made successful matches.
Now, he’s unexpectedly turned his sights on Lady Lavinia Gillingham, who couldn’t be more furious about it. More interested in geology than flirting, the last thing she wants is a bunch of useless dandies dancing attention on her. The only kind of husband she might be interested in is one who shares her scientific bent, or at the very least will permit her freedom to pursue her own interests.
Beck, Marquess of Northam, meant well. After accidentally offending Lavinia, he just wants to see her happy, but on realizing he’s actually complicated her life he has to try and help. The more time he spends with this intelligent young lady, however, the more he realizes he’s falling head over heels!
I adored Beck so much! A musician and a poet, he hides his sensitive side from everyone, but felt safe enough around Lavinia to let her see his hidden depths, and she can’t really help falling for the rake with the heart of an artist. I thought they made a lovely couple; his respect and admiration for her practically shone out of the book.
This is the third I’ve read in this series, after Duke of Ice and Duke of Lies, and it’s the third I’m going to give five stars to. Darcy Burke doesn’t seem to be able to write a bad book. If you love historical romance and you’re not already reading her, do yourself a favour and add her to your TBR shelf.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGallley.
The Duke in this one is actually a Marquess to be precise, but he has an alter ego - one who pens poems dedicated to young ladies in a popular newspaper. The young ladies he praises are usually the unnoticed gems, sometimes actively wallflowers, and his notice propels them to sudden fame among the Ton. Thus far, three have made successful matches.
Now, he’s unexpectedly turned his sights on Lady Lavinia Gillingham, who couldn’t be more furious about it. More interested in geology than flirting, the last thing she wants is a bunch of useless dandies dancing attention on her. The only kind of husband she might be interested in is one who shares her scientific bent, or at the very least will permit her freedom to pursue her own interests.
Beck, Marquess of Northam, meant well. After accidentally offending Lavinia, he just wants to see her happy, but on realizing he’s actually complicated her life he has to try and help. The more time he spends with this intelligent young lady, however, the more he realizes he’s falling head over heels!
I adored Beck so much! A musician and a poet, he hides his sensitive side from everyone, but felt safe enough around Lavinia to let her see his hidden depths, and she can’t really help falling for the rake with the heart of an artist. I thought they made a lovely couple; his respect and admiration for her practically shone out of the book.
This is the third I’ve read in this series, after Duke of Ice and Duke of Lies, and it’s the third I’m going to give five stars to. Darcy Burke doesn’t seem to be able to write a bad book. If you love historical romance and you’re not already reading her, do yourself a favour and add her to your TBR shelf.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGallley.
August 20, 2018
William Beckett, the Marquess of Northam meets Lady Lavinia Gillingham when he mistakes her for his current lover. Intrigued by her, he askes a friend her name and wonders why she is not married. Northam has a tender heart, he believes in love, but thinks his one and only chance was lost years ago, he also lost his beloved sister and now uses his talent for writing to anonymously "help" young ladies he believes are being overlooked. He writes poems about the lady and has them published in the paper - he believes he is helping these girls by forcing the ton to "see" them. And after meeting Lavinia, his muse is screaming for him to write about her.
Lavinia is not pleased to learn that she has become the Duke of Seduction's latest subject, she doesn't want the attention and will only marry a man that will support her geological studies. She is determined to learn the identity of the "Duke of Seduction" and stop him from interfering!!
Through the course of her investigation, she becomes acquainted with Northam and rants to him about the Duke of Seduction - when she says she is going to write a letter to the paper, he offers to deliver it to the editor and he defend the "Duke" - angry, she demands the letter back and Northam knows it is time to come clean - he confesses that he is the Duke of Seduction and Lavinia learns about his sister, they come to an agreement, she will help him find women who actually want his help and he will help her find a suitor that will accept and support her desire to study geology.
This was a lovely story that while it had some darker moments, was not nearly as dark as the last few books. There is a lot of emotion, some amusing moments, secrets, betrayal, blackmail, surprising revelations and a very hard earned HEA. I will agree with other reviewers that the ending was rushed and perhaps improbable - but I was so elated that Eleanor, the Duchess of Kendal (The Forbidden Duke) finally got some closure that I really didn't care! This is the tenth book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone title, however, you might enjoy the ending more if you have read at least the first book, The Forbidden Duke.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*
Lavinia is not pleased to learn that she has become the Duke of Seduction's latest subject, she doesn't want the attention and will only marry a man that will support her geological studies. She is determined to learn the identity of the "Duke of Seduction" and stop him from interfering!!
Through the course of her investigation, she becomes acquainted with Northam and rants to him about the Duke of Seduction - when she says she is going to write a letter to the paper, he offers to deliver it to the editor and he defend the "Duke" - angry, she demands the letter back and Northam knows it is time to come clean - he confesses that he is the Duke of Seduction and Lavinia learns about his sister, they come to an agreement, she will help him find women who actually want his help and he will help her find a suitor that will accept and support her desire to study geology.
This was a lovely story that while it had some darker moments, was not nearly as dark as the last few books. There is a lot of emotion, some amusing moments, secrets, betrayal, blackmail, surprising revelations and a very hard earned HEA. I will agree with other reviewers that the ending was rushed and perhaps improbable - but I was so elated that Eleanor, the Duchess of Kendal (The Forbidden Duke) finally got some closure that I really didn't care! This is the tenth book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone title, however, you might enjoy the ending more if you have read at least the first book, The Forbidden Duke.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*
August 9, 2018
Publisher's Description:
Lady Lavinia Gillingham prefers rocks and dirt to marriage. Her passion is science, and she’s determined to marry if—and only if—she finds a man who supports her interests and intellect. So far, she’s managed to avoid attention on the Marriage Mart, but when the Duke of Seduction pens anonymous letters singing her praises, she suddenly become the toast of the ton and matrimony seems imminent.
William Beckett, Marquess of Northam possesses the reputation of a rake, but is secretly a romantic. Spurned at sixteen, he doesn’t expect to feel the sting of Cupid’s bow a second time, and yet he’s able to woo the coldest of hearts with the anonymous words he publishes. As the Duke of Seduction, he uses his skill to help Lavinia, never anticipating she has no desire for assistance. While Lavinia is pursued by several suitors, Beck is the one who is seduced when he learns that love can strike twice...
My Thoughts:
Darcy Burke never fails to engage and amuse this reader. Each one of these books in the Untouchables series are expertly crafted stories that draw the reader in from page one and never let go.
Lavinia much prefers rocks, dirt and scientific pursuits to those considered ladylike. If and when she marries it will be to a man who supports her endeavors and loves her in spite of them.
The teenage spurned Marquess, William Beckett is a secret romantic who writes poetry in an effort to try to help wallflowers find their True Love and Happily Ever After. He never expects one of his endeavors to backfire and catch him in it's clutches. He is also an accomplished musician. His love of these artistic pursuits is a well kept secrets.
Now that he has been caught in his own matrimonial endeavor will he still try to find another man for the woman he wants for himself?
I gave this newest Untouchables book 4.85 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames. The intimacy between our hero and heroine is an essential part of this well developed plot.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the author via BookFunnel to read in advance. This in no way affected my opinion of this engaging title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Lady Lavinia Gillingham prefers rocks and dirt to marriage. Her passion is science, and she’s determined to marry if—and only if—she finds a man who supports her interests and intellect. So far, she’s managed to avoid attention on the Marriage Mart, but when the Duke of Seduction pens anonymous letters singing her praises, she suddenly become the toast of the ton and matrimony seems imminent.
William Beckett, Marquess of Northam possesses the reputation of a rake, but is secretly a romantic. Spurned at sixteen, he doesn’t expect to feel the sting of Cupid’s bow a second time, and yet he’s able to woo the coldest of hearts with the anonymous words he publishes. As the Duke of Seduction, he uses his skill to help Lavinia, never anticipating she has no desire for assistance. While Lavinia is pursued by several suitors, Beck is the one who is seduced when he learns that love can strike twice...
My Thoughts:
Darcy Burke never fails to engage and amuse this reader. Each one of these books in the Untouchables series are expertly crafted stories that draw the reader in from page one and never let go.
Lavinia much prefers rocks, dirt and scientific pursuits to those considered ladylike. If and when she marries it will be to a man who supports her endeavors and loves her in spite of them.
The teenage spurned Marquess, William Beckett is a secret romantic who writes poetry in an effort to try to help wallflowers find their True Love and Happily Ever After. He never expects one of his endeavors to backfire and catch him in it's clutches. He is also an accomplished musician. His love of these artistic pursuits is a well kept secrets.
Now that he has been caught in his own matrimonial endeavor will he still try to find another man for the woman he wants for himself?
I gave this newest Untouchables book 4.85 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames. The intimacy between our hero and heroine is an essential part of this well developed plot.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the author via BookFunnel to read in advance. This in no way affected my opinion of this engaging title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
August 3, 2018
Thanks to Darcy Burke the author for Kindly Providing me with an ARC of The Duke of Seduction!!
I loved this story from the first page to the very last page. This is a great Romance story between William Beckett/Beck The Marquis of Northam and Lady Lavinia Gillingham only daughter of the Earl of Balcombe.
Beck writes poetry that is published in the newspaper about Wallflowers and Spinster, with hope that these will garner young men to notice these lovely young ladies. Beck has a sad and personal reason for helping them. But sometimes his help goes array. Lady Lavinia isn't keen on being married off to just any sort of peer or gentlemen. She wants a man of intellect who would love her for her intelligence. These two H/H paths collide. Leading them into a wonderfully written friendship, courtship and finally a Great Love.
This is a real feel good story that leaves you feeling happy and smiling inside. The readers will love Beck and Lavinia. They also, have a lively cast of secondary characters with there own stories too come. I can't wait for November to read Fanny's story The Duke of Wishes!!
I Highly Recommend The Duke of Seduction to all lovers of Historical Romance you won't be disappointed!!
I loved this story from the first page to the very last page. This is a great Romance story between William Beckett/Beck The Marquis of Northam and Lady Lavinia Gillingham only daughter of the Earl of Balcombe.
Beck writes poetry that is published in the newspaper about Wallflowers and Spinster, with hope that these will garner young men to notice these lovely young ladies. Beck has a sad and personal reason for helping them. But sometimes his help goes array. Lady Lavinia isn't keen on being married off to just any sort of peer or gentlemen. She wants a man of intellect who would love her for her intelligence. These two H/H paths collide. Leading them into a wonderfully written friendship, courtship and finally a Great Love.
This is a real feel good story that leaves you feeling happy and smiling inside. The readers will love Beck and Lavinia. They also, have a lively cast of secondary characters with there own stories too come. I can't wait for November to read Fanny's story The Duke of Wishes!!
I Highly Recommend The Duke of Seduction to all lovers of Historical Romance you won't be disappointed!!
July 14, 2019
This was a bit silly, tbh.
We first meet the hero when our heroine is hiding in a library and the hero arrives for a tryst with a married woman with whom he has been having an affair. So he jumps into the douche category for me, and I am wondering how this will pan out.
The heroine has an amateur interest in geology, specifically rocks, and the hero is intrigued. Really? Suddenly he questions his usual use of libraries (for adulterous liaisons, it seems), all because the wallflower was actually reading a book. And a scientific one, at that.
In the course of this rather strange tale, we find out the hero is , thereby boosting said wallflowers' matrimonial prospects. Anonymously, of course.
(BTW that is a Hungarian Vizsla pup- I have one at home!!)
It was all a bit strange, and the inconsistent characterisation drove me nuts. I think I will be leaving the author at this point. But she is very popular, so maybe it's just me.
We first meet the hero when our heroine is hiding in a library and the hero arrives for a tryst with a married woman with whom he has been having an affair. So he jumps into the douche category for me, and I am wondering how this will pan out.
The heroine has an amateur interest in geology, specifically rocks, and the hero is intrigued. Really? Suddenly he questions his usual use of libraries (for adulterous liaisons, it seems), all because the wallflower was actually reading a book. And a scientific one, at that.
In the course of this rather strange tale, we find out the hero is , thereby boosting said wallflowers' matrimonial prospects. Anonymously, of course.
(BTW that is a Hungarian Vizsla pup- I have one at home!!)
It was all a bit strange, and the inconsistent characterisation drove me nuts. I think I will be leaving the author at this point. But she is very popular, so maybe it's just me.
August 12, 2018
Sigh.... What an emotional, perfect story full of characters with such feelings and emotions that you do not know what to expect next. Beautiful poetry at the start of each chapter that was brilliant for the storyline.
A hero, William Beckett, Marquess of Northam who suffers from depression and dark moods, mainly due to the death of his sister years ago and a failed romance when he was very young. He has so much depth though because he can play the guitar beautifully (I think this is a first in a story I have read) and is actually a great poet.
Lady Lavinia Gillingham has been out in the marriage mart and her parents are pressing her to pick a husband and marry. But she prefers her geological studies more than the idle pursuits of the ton and tries to remain a wallflower to ward off any boring men. But she is thrown into the spotlight as she is named in the paper with the "Duke of Seduction" going on about how wonderful she is!!
When she meets Beck in a surprising situation, she has a hard time forgetting him as they keep running into each other. Can she help him from his darkness and he help her find her perfect match?
I truly loved Beck and Lavinia and was so anxious as I turned each page to see what would happen. Although part of a series, this can be read as a stand alone. But why would you want to do that? Darcy Burke has woven a magical series that only has me anxious for the next story and I cannot wait!!!
A hero, William Beckett, Marquess of Northam who suffers from depression and dark moods, mainly due to the death of his sister years ago and a failed romance when he was very young. He has so much depth though because he can play the guitar beautifully (I think this is a first in a story I have read) and is actually a great poet.
Lady Lavinia Gillingham has been out in the marriage mart and her parents are pressing her to pick a husband and marry. But she prefers her geological studies more than the idle pursuits of the ton and tries to remain a wallflower to ward off any boring men. But she is thrown into the spotlight as she is named in the paper with the "Duke of Seduction" going on about how wonderful she is!!
When she meets Beck in a surprising situation, she has a hard time forgetting him as they keep running into each other. Can she help him from his darkness and he help her find her perfect match?
I truly loved Beck and Lavinia and was so anxious as I turned each page to see what would happen. Although part of a series, this can be read as a stand alone. But why would you want to do that? Darcy Burke has woven a magical series that only has me anxious for the next story and I cannot wait!!!
August 28, 2018
Overall the book was good, but the hero was a little too beta male for my tastes. He is a wine drinker while I want my man to drink beer. I could see him walking around with no shoes, sleeves pulled over and a button or two undone. He will seduce you by singing while playing his acoustic guitar. I don't want to be offensive to anyone, but that's how I picture him. Maybe his poetry is at fault here. He just didn't do it for me. Lavinia is closer to my taste as a heroine and I liked her. She didn't like that the Duke of seduction wrote a poem for her and she did her best to find him and tell him to stop. She is supposed to be into geology, but we don't really see her doing something that would indicate that she is overly active in the geology department, other than reading books about it. The book wasn't perfect and I felt like the quality wasn't as good as the first books in the series, but it wasn't that bad it I believe that 3.5 stars are fair for this book.
April 12, 2025
Kobo+. HRBC Mad About Series Challenge 2024. Tropes: Regency Romance, Romance/Mystery, Disguise, Disabled MC( suffers from melancholy), Bluestocking/Spinster/Wallflower
MC's H William Beckett (Beck)Marquess of Northam, Poet and Rakehell(Duke of Seduction) & L Lavinia Gillingham daughter of the Earl and Countess of Balcombe Bluestocking Wallflower.
Most Romantic of the Books in this series so far. Quotes below. I gave this book a 5 star rating.
*********
Couples & Books
1 Forbidden Duke: Nora Lambert & Titus Kendal (Duke) (son and daughter)
2 The Duke of Daring: Lucinda Parnell & Andrew Wentworth, Earl of Dartford
3 The Duke of Deception: Aquila Knox & Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton
4 The Duke of Desire: Ivy Breckenridge & Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare
5 The Duke of Defiance: Joanna Shaw & Bran Crowther, Earl of Knighton (daughter Evie)
6 The Duke of Danger: L. Emmaline Townsend & Lionel Maitland, Marquess of Axbridge
7 The Duke of Ice: Violet Pendleton (nee Caulfield) & Nick Bateman, Duke of Kilve (son Maurice)
8 The Duke of Ruin: Diana Kingman & Simon Hastings, Duke of Romsey(widower)
9The Duke of Lies: Verity & Rufus, Duke and Duchess of Blackburn (Christopher Powell, (Kit)) (son Beau,6)
10 The Duke of Seduction:Lady Lavinia Gillingham & William Beckett, Marquess of Northam
11 The Duke of Kisses:
12 The Duke of Distraction:
****************************
Other Characters in this book:
Sarah Colton (Lavinia's best friend) & sister to Anthony Colton (friends with both Beck and Felix)
Frances Snowden(sister to Duchess of Clare)
Felix Havers, Earl of Ware - Beck's best friend
Diana & Simon Hastings, Duke/Duchess Romsey (Bk. #8)
Violet & Nick Bateman, Duke/Duchess Kilve (Bk. #7)
Nora & Titus Kendal, Duke/Duchess Kendal (Bk. #1)
*********************************************
*Quotes*
“Did you know my sister and her friends came up with those names in the beginning? They regret it a bit since it seems to have run amok. Now there’s a Duke of Every Single Thing. Or so it seems. Take this Duke of Seduction fellow
As to the Duke of Seduction, I probably know as much as you. He writes those gorgeous poems in the Morning Chronicle, and so far, two of the four women he’s written about have avoided spinsterhood and either been married or betrothed.”
“I believe the number will be three,” Sarah said. “My mother informed me this evening that Miss Lennox is on the verge of becoming betrothed as well.”
Lady Lavinia…Gillingham. Her father was an earl. And Beck had been closeted alone with her. Hell, he’d kissed her bloody neck
“I believe she’s Sarah’s bluestocking friend. Anthony says she’s terribly smart and likely would’ve bested him at school.”
Because she deserved notice. She was intelligent and beautiful, and she was a wallflower. She ought to have her pick of gentlemen. And Beck would see that she did
“He’s written a poem to Lavinia.” Mother thrust the paper toward her husband as she turned an ecstatic grin to Lavinia. “An Ode to Lady Lavinia Gillingham.”
“Who?” her father asked gruffly, taking the newspaper and eyeing the text.
“The Duke of Seduction
She walks soft, her steps kiss the sand.
Her copper hair glows in each strand.
She speaks sure, with wisdom and wit,
To her charm, I wholly submit.
-From An Ode to Lady Lavinia Gillingham
by The Duke of Seduction
My objective is to get him to stop, and publicly calling him out will be far more effective than sending him a note asking him to cease.” She shook her head, then froze again, widening her eyes as she stared at this man she had to admit she didn’t know very well. “Were you even going to deliver my letter?” She held her hand out. “Give it back.”
“I’d rather not.”
“Why not?”
“Because you don’t need to send it.” He exhaled, his gaze settling firmly—and apologetically on hers. “I’m the Duke of Seduction.”
I could perhaps identify some young women who require a bit of assistance to elevate their visibility.”
He wasn’t quite sure he was hearing her correctly. “You’d help me?”
“Why not? You were so very eager to help me. Even if it wasn’t well thought out.”
“That’s quite magnanimous of you.” He purposely used a sardonic tone. “Perhaps I can return the favor by helping you in a way that would actually help you. What if I encouraged the right gentlemen in your direction?”
“What do you mean, the ‘right’ gentlemen?”
“Men you might find interesting
wit were gold, her purse boundless.
If humor air, her world groundless.
If grace were rain, she’d fill the seas.
Her love’s warmth the cold heart unfreeze.
-From A Song for Lady Lavinia Gillingham
by The Duke of Seduction
“Don’t you know how different you are, Lavinia? How precious and wonderful? I never loved any of them.”
Joy loosed inside her and spread. “You love me?”More than anything. More than music. More than words. More than my life.”
Nothing he said could have meant more to her. She felt very foolish for her jealousy. “I’m a petty woman, aren’t I?”
“You’re entitled to any emotion you feel—and I shall do my best to answer your concerns. But know this, Lavinia: I love you. I love you.”
“Oh, Beck, I love you too.” Her heart felt as if it would burst.
Man has no wit greater than her,
No judgment made, no slight or slur.
She is holy! Her words are might,
Yet silken, like sound taking flight.
-From An Ode to Lady Lavinia Gillingham
by The Duke of Seduction
******************************************************************************
MC's H William Beckett (Beck)Marquess of Northam, Poet and Rakehell(Duke of Seduction) & L Lavinia Gillingham daughter of the Earl and Countess of Balcombe Bluestocking Wallflower.
Most Romantic of the Books in this series so far. Quotes below. I gave this book a 5 star rating.
*********
Couples & Books
1 Forbidden Duke: Nora Lambert & Titus Kendal (Duke) (son and daughter)
2 The Duke of Daring: Lucinda Parnell & Andrew Wentworth, Earl of Dartford
3 The Duke of Deception: Aquila Knox & Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton
4 The Duke of Desire: Ivy Breckenridge & Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare
5 The Duke of Defiance: Joanna Shaw & Bran Crowther, Earl of Knighton (daughter Evie)
6 The Duke of Danger: L. Emmaline Townsend & Lionel Maitland, Marquess of Axbridge
7 The Duke of Ice: Violet Pendleton (nee Caulfield) & Nick Bateman, Duke of Kilve (son Maurice)
8 The Duke of Ruin: Diana Kingman & Simon Hastings, Duke of Romsey(widower)
9The Duke of Lies: Verity & Rufus, Duke and Duchess of Blackburn (Christopher Powell, (Kit)) (son Beau,6)
10 The Duke of Seduction:Lady Lavinia Gillingham & William Beckett, Marquess of Northam
11 The Duke of Kisses:
12 The Duke of Distraction:
****************************
Other Characters in this book:
Sarah Colton (Lavinia's best friend) & sister to Anthony Colton (friends with both Beck and Felix)
Frances Snowden(sister to Duchess of Clare)
Felix Havers, Earl of Ware - Beck's best friend
Diana & Simon Hastings, Duke/Duchess Romsey (Bk. #8)
Violet & Nick Bateman, Duke/Duchess Kilve (Bk. #7)
Nora & Titus Kendal, Duke/Duchess Kendal (Bk. #1)
*********************************************
*Quotes*
“Did you know my sister and her friends came up with those names in the beginning? They regret it a bit since it seems to have run amok. Now there’s a Duke of Every Single Thing. Or so it seems. Take this Duke of Seduction fellow
As to the Duke of Seduction, I probably know as much as you. He writes those gorgeous poems in the Morning Chronicle, and so far, two of the four women he’s written about have avoided spinsterhood and either been married or betrothed.”
“I believe the number will be three,” Sarah said. “My mother informed me this evening that Miss Lennox is on the verge of becoming betrothed as well.”
Lady Lavinia…Gillingham. Her father was an earl. And Beck had been closeted alone with her. Hell, he’d kissed her bloody neck
“I believe she’s Sarah’s bluestocking friend. Anthony says she’s terribly smart and likely would’ve bested him at school.”
Because she deserved notice. She was intelligent and beautiful, and she was a wallflower. She ought to have her pick of gentlemen. And Beck would see that she did
“He’s written a poem to Lavinia.” Mother thrust the paper toward her husband as she turned an ecstatic grin to Lavinia. “An Ode to Lady Lavinia Gillingham.”
“Who?” her father asked gruffly, taking the newspaper and eyeing the text.
“The Duke of Seduction
She walks soft, her steps kiss the sand.
Her copper hair glows in each strand.
She speaks sure, with wisdom and wit,
To her charm, I wholly submit.
-From An Ode to Lady Lavinia Gillingham
by The Duke of Seduction
My objective is to get him to stop, and publicly calling him out will be far more effective than sending him a note asking him to cease.” She shook her head, then froze again, widening her eyes as she stared at this man she had to admit she didn’t know very well. “Were you even going to deliver my letter?” She held her hand out. “Give it back.”
“I’d rather not.”
“Why not?”
“Because you don’t need to send it.” He exhaled, his gaze settling firmly—and apologetically on hers. “I’m the Duke of Seduction.”
I could perhaps identify some young women who require a bit of assistance to elevate their visibility.”
He wasn’t quite sure he was hearing her correctly. “You’d help me?”
“Why not? You were so very eager to help me. Even if it wasn’t well thought out.”
“That’s quite magnanimous of you.” He purposely used a sardonic tone. “Perhaps I can return the favor by helping you in a way that would actually help you. What if I encouraged the right gentlemen in your direction?”
“What do you mean, the ‘right’ gentlemen?”
“Men you might find interesting
wit were gold, her purse boundless.
If humor air, her world groundless.
If grace were rain, she’d fill the seas.
Her love’s warmth the cold heart unfreeze.
-From A Song for Lady Lavinia Gillingham
by The Duke of Seduction
“Don’t you know how different you are, Lavinia? How precious and wonderful? I never loved any of them.”
Joy loosed inside her and spread. “You love me?”More than anything. More than music. More than words. More than my life.”
Nothing he said could have meant more to her. She felt very foolish for her jealousy. “I’m a petty woman, aren’t I?”
“You’re entitled to any emotion you feel—and I shall do my best to answer your concerns. But know this, Lavinia: I love you. I love you.”
“Oh, Beck, I love you too.” Her heart felt as if it would burst.
Man has no wit greater than her,
No judgment made, no slight or slur.
She is holy! Her words are might,
Yet silken, like sound taking flight.
-From An Ode to Lady Lavinia Gillingham
by The Duke of Seduction
******************************************************************************
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2018
Darcy is a master. Every book in this series just gets better and better. This story had every single one of my favorite HR elements. The Heroine was a bluestocking, a scientist. The Hero, a reformed rake was a poet. Their friendship and relationship were unlikely, but perfect.
The plot was engaging, the story well written and appropriately “swoony”. There were many little bits of the story that I loved. I even laughed out loud in some places. This was my favorite sort of story, and Lavinia is my favorite sort of heroine. I very much enjoyed Beck and his very well written struggle with depression.
This story was a breath of fresh air, and I wholeheartedly recommend it, and indeed the entire series, to all historical romance lovers.
The plot was engaging, the story well written and appropriately “swoony”. There were many little bits of the story that I loved. I even laughed out loud in some places. This was my favorite sort of story, and Lavinia is my favorite sort of heroine. I very much enjoyed Beck and his very well written struggle with depression.
This story was a breath of fresh air, and I wholeheartedly recommend it, and indeed the entire series, to all historical romance lovers.
August 11, 2018
It was amazing novel and it contains mestry and romance and humor.
The hero who wrote about wallflower and spinster to help them. The heroine want a man who loves her for her intelligent.
This is a real feel good story that leaves you feeling happy and smiling inside. The readers will love Beck and Lavinia. l can not wait to read the writer next novel
The hero who wrote about wallflower and spinster to help them. The heroine want a man who loves her for her intelligent.
This is a real feel good story that leaves you feeling happy and smiling inside. The readers will love Beck and Lavinia. l can not wait to read the writer next novel
August 31, 2018
From their first unplanned meeting Lavinia cannot keep wondering about the marquess. With her parents pressuring her to marry and not be so picky, she engages Northam to help her meet gentlemen, who would not mind her interest in geology. As in other stories employing this scheme, the results are a bit predictable.
This was a quick, comfortable read, though it is not my favorite of the series.
I read an advance copy and voluntarily post my review.
This was a quick, comfortable read, though it is not my favorite of the series.
I read an advance copy and voluntarily post my review.
August 9, 2018
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you!
Ms. Burke does it once again with this novel in her Untouchables series. I enjoyed the novel and enjoy some of the characters she brings into the story from her previous novels in the series. This had the romance and a twist in the plot that I did not expect to see, which added to the story.
Lady Lavinia Gillingham enjoys science and has no interest in marriage. She is very intelligent, which is not something to boast about as a woman during this time period. However, some me are open minded. However, when the Duke of Seduction writes a poem about her in the paper, all bets are off. William Beckett, Marquess of Northam, is a rake, but enjoys music and feels very deeply. He uses the Duke of Seduction to try and help women who are in the shadows, due to events from his past. He is trying to help women, but some prefer their current state of unmarried bliss. Lavinia and Beck become more entangled with each other and both are attracted to the other. Beck is intrigued by Lavinia, but after his own experiences, does not believe he can love again. He becomes jealous when Lavinia has several suitors and tries to keep his distance, but Lavinia becomes the seducer. I cannot wait to read the next novel in the series!
Merged review:
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you!
Ms. Burke does it once again with this novel in her Untouchables series. I enjoyed the novel and enjoy some of the characters she brings into the story from her previous novels in the series. This had the romance and a twist in the plot that I did not expect to see, which added to the story.
Lady Lavinia Gillingham enjoys science and has no interest in marriage. She is very intelligent, which is not something to boast about as a woman during this time period. However, some me are open minded. However, when the Duke of Seduction writes a poem about her in the paper, all bets are off. William Beckett, Marquess of Northam, is a rake, but enjoys music and feels very deeply. He uses the Duke of Seduction to try and help women who are in the shadows, due to events from his past. He is trying to help women, but some prefer their current state of unmarried bliss. Lavinia and Beck become more entangled with each other and both are attracted to the other. Beck is intrigued by Lavinia, but after his own experiences, does not believe he can love again. He becomes jealous when Lavinia has several suitors and tries to keep his distance, but Lavinia becomes the seducer. I cannot wait to read the next novel in the series!
Ms. Burke does it once again with this novel in her Untouchables series. I enjoyed the novel and enjoy some of the characters she brings into the story from her previous novels in the series. This had the romance and a twist in the plot that I did not expect to see, which added to the story.
Lady Lavinia Gillingham enjoys science and has no interest in marriage. She is very intelligent, which is not something to boast about as a woman during this time period. However, some me are open minded. However, when the Duke of Seduction writes a poem about her in the paper, all bets are off. William Beckett, Marquess of Northam, is a rake, but enjoys music and feels very deeply. He uses the Duke of Seduction to try and help women who are in the shadows, due to events from his past. He is trying to help women, but some prefer their current state of unmarried bliss. Lavinia and Beck become more entangled with each other and both are attracted to the other. Beck is intrigued by Lavinia, but after his own experiences, does not believe he can love again. He becomes jealous when Lavinia has several suitors and tries to keep his distance, but Lavinia becomes the seducer. I cannot wait to read the next novel in the series!
Merged review:
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you!
Ms. Burke does it once again with this novel in her Untouchables series. I enjoyed the novel and enjoy some of the characters she brings into the story from her previous novels in the series. This had the romance and a twist in the plot that I did not expect to see, which added to the story.
Lady Lavinia Gillingham enjoys science and has no interest in marriage. She is very intelligent, which is not something to boast about as a woman during this time period. However, some me are open minded. However, when the Duke of Seduction writes a poem about her in the paper, all bets are off. William Beckett, Marquess of Northam, is a rake, but enjoys music and feels very deeply. He uses the Duke of Seduction to try and help women who are in the shadows, due to events from his past. He is trying to help women, but some prefer their current state of unmarried bliss. Lavinia and Beck become more entangled with each other and both are attracted to the other. Beck is intrigued by Lavinia, but after his own experiences, does not believe he can love again. He becomes jealous when Lavinia has several suitors and tries to keep his distance, but Lavinia becomes the seducer. I cannot wait to read the next novel in the series!
August 15, 2018
William Beckett, Marquess of Northam, “Beck” to his friends, is an unrepentant rake, he is also a poet and a musician. He has endeavoured to use his literary skills to help the young women of the ton, so they don’t suffer as his late sister Helen did. His poems praising the largely ignored young ladies on the Marriage Mart appear anonymously in the Morning Chronicle under the pen name of THE DUKE OF SEDUCTION. Lady Lavinia Gillingham is one of those wallflowers; she is captivated by rocks and fossils, and she will only marry a man who will allow her to pursue her interest, or else she will remain a spinster. Until the day when a poem about her shows up in the newspaper and Lavinia suddenly becomes the toast of the ton. Lavinia’s mother is overjoyed, Lavinia infinitely less so.
What a gorgeous, lovely, tender, beautiful romance! If all rakes were like Beck, reading about them would be so much more pleasant. He is charming, a bit mercurial, and he really respects women, even more so after meeting Lavinia. It was nice to see a male protagonist, and a rake to boot, who truly understood the plight of women. Lavinia, for once, in her scientific endeavours is entirely credible; her intellectual pursuits are not exaggerated, and I loved her for being a sunny – yet sensible – presence. The romance that blooms between her and Beck and something to behold: unrushed, sweet, and initially based on mutual respect and a common cause. It’s rare to see a romance that feels so genuine; there was no doubt that Lavinia and Beck belonged together, and to watch them realise it in a realistic timeframe.
There is a subplot about Helen, it is superbly done, very exciting; it includes some startling plot twists, and also leads to tremendous character development. However, I could have done without yet another sex-against-the-wall episode: this is a particular pet peeve of mine, as I never see it as romantic; I simply don’t see the appeal, and I felt it was superfluous. THE DUKE OF SEDUCTION is a story that unfolds in a mostly quiet tone, the writing is gorgeous, and Lavinia and Beck’s chemistry is palpable from the very first time they meet. It is a very beautiful story, and probably the most romantic in this magnificent series, which even at book #10 has lost none of its charm, potency, and relevance. Long live The Untouchables!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a gorgeous, lovely, tender, beautiful romance! If all rakes were like Beck, reading about them would be so much more pleasant. He is charming, a bit mercurial, and he really respects women, even more so after meeting Lavinia. It was nice to see a male protagonist, and a rake to boot, who truly understood the plight of women. Lavinia, for once, in her scientific endeavours is entirely credible; her intellectual pursuits are not exaggerated, and I loved her for being a sunny – yet sensible – presence. The romance that blooms between her and Beck and something to behold: unrushed, sweet, and initially based on mutual respect and a common cause. It’s rare to see a romance that feels so genuine; there was no doubt that Lavinia and Beck belonged together, and to watch them realise it in a realistic timeframe.
There is a subplot about Helen, it is superbly done, very exciting; it includes some startling plot twists, and also leads to tremendous character development. However, I could have done without yet another sex-against-the-wall episode: this is a particular pet peeve of mine, as I never see it as romantic; I simply don’t see the appeal, and I felt it was superfluous. THE DUKE OF SEDUCTION is a story that unfolds in a mostly quiet tone, the writing is gorgeous, and Lavinia and Beck’s chemistry is palpable from the very first time they meet. It is a very beautiful story, and probably the most romantic in this magnificent series, which even at book #10 has lost none of its charm, potency, and relevance. Long live The Untouchables!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 12, 2018
I received a free ARC from Netgalley.
This historical romance is a sweet, slow build of attraction that ends up with pages of spiciness. There is a little mystery, a little mental illness, a blackmail, and the blossoming of character.
I read a lot of historical romance and was surprised that the hero plays guitar. And then so does a debutante. I don't recall some other things being of that time, such as carriages being called vehicles and someone saying they messed up and a some modern profanity.
A pleasant read that builds a light tension up, makes you think all is well, and then crashes it down to start over.
Adult content
This historical romance is a sweet, slow build of attraction that ends up with pages of spiciness. There is a little mystery, a little mental illness, a blackmail, and the blossoming of character.
I read a lot of historical romance and was surprised that the hero plays guitar. And then so does a debutante. I don't recall some other things being of that time, such as carriages being called vehicles and someone saying they messed up and a some modern profanity.
A pleasant read that builds a light tension up, makes you think all is well, and then crashes it down to start over.
Adult content
August 10, 2018
The Duke of Seduction is the tenth book in The Untouchables series by Darcy Burke. It can easily be read as a standalone story.
Lady Lavinia Gillingham is more than happy with her life as it is. She's single, she loves anything to do with geology, and she really doesn't want to get married. Unfortunately, her parents despair at the way she is and are pretty much at the end of their tether. If she doesn't accept a man of her own choosing by the end of the season they will most likely choose one for her.
William Beckett, Marquess of Northam has never gotten over his sister's death. She suffered at the hands of 'society', and Beck has never forgotten the struggle she had both with some nasty women, and with attracting possible suitors' attention. Keeping that in mind he has started writing poems for a newspaper under the pen name of The Duke of Seduction in order to help other women like his sister. In order to help bring them into the light, he writes beautiful things about a particular wallflower and of the 4 that he has already brought to society's attention 2 are happily married with a third on the way to church! He is thrilled that he has helped to bring some happiness.
An inadvertent meeting with Lavinia in a library during a ball sees him kissing her neck from behind, thinking she was somebody else. She, of course, is angry with him, but he still ends up being very impressed with her he decides the next poem he writes will be for her. Lavinia is the perfect example of a wallflower who he is sure with a little help from him (anonymously, of course) will have her choice of men from whom to court.
He is horrified to learn that she is fuming rather than thankful for the anonymous help. Not knowing that Beck is the Duke of Seduction she has no qualms about telling him how angry she is about the arrogance of the 'Duke' for assuming she wants help to find a husband. She loves her life as it is and now she has to put up with unwanted attention.
Circumstances see Beck and Lavinia spending time with each other and it isn't long before they start having feelings towards each other, lustful at first, but possibly even more. Lavinia is the light in what could be a very dark world for Beck.
Although the romance developing between them is captivating, I was also engrossed in Beck's attempt at finding out more about his sister's death. He believes she committed suicide and is determined to find and bring retribution on the people behind driving her to that state of mind. Beck might be thought of as a rake, but he was the perfect hero, caring, protective, and helpful even if at times that help wasn't appreciated. Seeing him try to help Lavinia even when he starts to have feelings for her himself was so sweet to read. He was so torn, bless him.
The outcome of Beck's investigations into his sister's death was a shock, not what I was expecting at all. At first, I was in two minds about whether I was happy or not about how that part of the story concluded. But I am happy to say that given some thought I do believe that I was. I enjoyed the whole story and happily recommend it. I rate this book 4.5 stars!
Lady Lavinia Gillingham is more than happy with her life as it is. She's single, she loves anything to do with geology, and she really doesn't want to get married. Unfortunately, her parents despair at the way she is and are pretty much at the end of their tether. If she doesn't accept a man of her own choosing by the end of the season they will most likely choose one for her.
William Beckett, Marquess of Northam has never gotten over his sister's death. She suffered at the hands of 'society', and Beck has never forgotten the struggle she had both with some nasty women, and with attracting possible suitors' attention. Keeping that in mind he has started writing poems for a newspaper under the pen name of The Duke of Seduction in order to help other women like his sister. In order to help bring them into the light, he writes beautiful things about a particular wallflower and of the 4 that he has already brought to society's attention 2 are happily married with a third on the way to church! He is thrilled that he has helped to bring some happiness.
An inadvertent meeting with Lavinia in a library during a ball sees him kissing her neck from behind, thinking she was somebody else. She, of course, is angry with him, but he still ends up being very impressed with her he decides the next poem he writes will be for her. Lavinia is the perfect example of a wallflower who he is sure with a little help from him (anonymously, of course) will have her choice of men from whom to court.
He is horrified to learn that she is fuming rather than thankful for the anonymous help. Not knowing that Beck is the Duke of Seduction she has no qualms about telling him how angry she is about the arrogance of the 'Duke' for assuming she wants help to find a husband. She loves her life as it is and now she has to put up with unwanted attention.
Circumstances see Beck and Lavinia spending time with each other and it isn't long before they start having feelings towards each other, lustful at first, but possibly even more. Lavinia is the light in what could be a very dark world for Beck.
Although the romance developing between them is captivating, I was also engrossed in Beck's attempt at finding out more about his sister's death. He believes she committed suicide and is determined to find and bring retribution on the people behind driving her to that state of mind. Beck might be thought of as a rake, but he was the perfect hero, caring, protective, and helpful even if at times that help wasn't appreciated. Seeing him try to help Lavinia even when he starts to have feelings for her himself was so sweet to read. He was so torn, bless him.
The outcome of Beck's investigations into his sister's death was a shock, not what I was expecting at all. At first, I was in two minds about whether I was happy or not about how that part of the story concluded. But I am happy to say that given some thought I do believe that I was. I enjoyed the whole story and happily recommend it. I rate this book 4.5 stars!
August 17, 2018
The Duke of Seduction by Darcy Burke
The Untouchables #10
Lavinia’s parents want her married by or before the end of the season. She must make the best appearance even if it means being unable to completely see all around her since they won’t let her wear glasses in public. Lavinia is not really interested in marriage but may acquiesce if the right person shows up. Her real interest is in geology and earth formations and fossils and such. She has some friends to hang out with so who needs a man she doesn’t love to be wed to?
William “Beck” Beckett, Marquess of Northam is a rake and doesn’t care who knows it. He does keep hidden his penchant for writing poetry and music and playing the guitar, though. His life has dark periods and light ones and he is surprised when Lavinia seems to bring light into his life even though he is definitely not interested in marriage. (While I read I wondered if Beck was afflicted with depression or manic-depressive disorder…guess I will never know).
Lavinia and Beck set up a friendship of sorts even though society rather frowns on friendships between unmarried people of the opposite sex. Over time, even though Beck has said he will find a husband suitable for Lavinia, he begins to see that perhaps he would rather be with her than have someone else at her side.
This book has a slow growing romance, parents who want what they think is best for their daughter, a man who has lost his sister and wants to know why and who might have influenced her death, society with gossips and friends and balls and walks in the park, the revealing of why Beck’s sister really died and a slow growing relationship that leads to a HEA for Lavinia and Beck.
What I Liked:
* Lavinia’s strength
* Beck’s poetry and music
* The growing relationship between the two that seemed equal in more ways than one
* The friends of both
* Gage the Butler – will he have a romance of his own and if so, with whom?
* The comeuppance of the dastard
* The fact that at the end I wanted to read another book in the series
What I didn’t like:
* Hmmm…can’t really think of anything ;)
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The Untouchables #10
Lavinia’s parents want her married by or before the end of the season. She must make the best appearance even if it means being unable to completely see all around her since they won’t let her wear glasses in public. Lavinia is not really interested in marriage but may acquiesce if the right person shows up. Her real interest is in geology and earth formations and fossils and such. She has some friends to hang out with so who needs a man she doesn’t love to be wed to?
William “Beck” Beckett, Marquess of Northam is a rake and doesn’t care who knows it. He does keep hidden his penchant for writing poetry and music and playing the guitar, though. His life has dark periods and light ones and he is surprised when Lavinia seems to bring light into his life even though he is definitely not interested in marriage. (While I read I wondered if Beck was afflicted with depression or manic-depressive disorder…guess I will never know).
Lavinia and Beck set up a friendship of sorts even though society rather frowns on friendships between unmarried people of the opposite sex. Over time, even though Beck has said he will find a husband suitable for Lavinia, he begins to see that perhaps he would rather be with her than have someone else at her side.
This book has a slow growing romance, parents who want what they think is best for their daughter, a man who has lost his sister and wants to know why and who might have influenced her death, society with gossips and friends and balls and walks in the park, the revealing of why Beck’s sister really died and a slow growing relationship that leads to a HEA for Lavinia and Beck.
What I Liked:
* Lavinia’s strength
* Beck’s poetry and music
* The growing relationship between the two that seemed equal in more ways than one
* The friends of both
* Gage the Butler – will he have a romance of his own and if so, with whom?
* The comeuppance of the dastard
* The fact that at the end I wanted to read another book in the series
What I didn’t like:
* Hmmm…can’t really think of anything ;)
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
February 23, 2019
I was curious about since I read about her in The Duke Of Kisses and The Duke Of Distraction. I know I’m quite reading this series backwards.
It was a cute tale of enemies to friends to lovers, there was no instant lust, but a slow process of getting to know the other and little by little become attracted to another.
Lady Lavinia Gillingham finds herself under the spotlights when the Duke Of Seduction décides she needed a little nudge to attract men’s eyes on the marriage mart. Something she never asked for as she is rather happy to be left alone, not liking to be scrutinized as the bluestocking she is. She is not against marriage, but will only agree to it if she is accepted for who she is by her future husband. Easier said than done.
William Beckett or Beck, the Marquess Of Northam hides behind a rakish facade a tortured soul, finding solace in music and poetry. Because his sister was burned years ago by London’s ton, he now tries to help some too easily overlooked young ladies to find their way and maybe love among society.
He just never thought his help might not be welcomed.
Mrs Darcy Burke wrote a slow burn romance with two main characters revealing bit by bit their hopes, their dreams and what they expect from life. There is no big angsty moments, as they are able to communicate and discuss even when some turns of events could have misled them. So soon, they become friends and gradually they see in another more than they might wish, needing the other for more than an usual friendship.
I do loved them both, even if Lavinia is no vindicative woman, she knows what she wants and doesn’t, she is also not shy to tell it and speaks her mind. Beck is a more tortured one, hiding to write or compose music when he is unsettled but in Lavinia’s presence, he feels less burdened.
One more great read by Darcy Burke.
It was a cute tale of enemies to friends to lovers, there was no instant lust, but a slow process of getting to know the other and little by little become attracted to another.
Lady Lavinia Gillingham finds herself under the spotlights when the Duke Of Seduction décides she needed a little nudge to attract men’s eyes on the marriage mart. Something she never asked for as she is rather happy to be left alone, not liking to be scrutinized as the bluestocking she is. She is not against marriage, but will only agree to it if she is accepted for who she is by her future husband. Easier said than done.
William Beckett or Beck, the Marquess Of Northam hides behind a rakish facade a tortured soul, finding solace in music and poetry. Because his sister was burned years ago by London’s ton, he now tries to help some too easily overlooked young ladies to find their way and maybe love among society.
He just never thought his help might not be welcomed.
Mrs Darcy Burke wrote a slow burn romance with two main characters revealing bit by bit their hopes, their dreams and what they expect from life. There is no big angsty moments, as they are able to communicate and discuss even when some turns of events could have misled them. So soon, they become friends and gradually they see in another more than they might wish, needing the other for more than an usual friendship.
I do loved them both, even if Lavinia is no vindicative woman, she knows what she wants and doesn’t, she is also not shy to tell it and speaks her mind. Beck is a more tortured one, hiding to write or compose music when he is unsettled but in Lavinia’s presence, he feels less burdened.
One more great read by Darcy Burke.
August 13, 2018
Lady Lavinia Gillingham prefers rocks and dirt to marriage. Her passion is science, and she’s determined to marry only if she finds a man who supports her interests and intellect. So far, she’s managed to avoid attention on the Marriage Mart, but when the Duke of Seduction pens anonymous poems singing her praises, she suddenly become the toast of the ton and matrimony seems imminent. William Beckett, Marquess of Northam possesses the reputation of a rake but is secretly a romantic. Spurned at sixteen and knowing his sister was victimized by Society, he uses music and poetry to fill the void in his soul. As the Duke of Seduction, he uses his skill to help young women find marriage. However he never anticipated that some of his choices have no desire for assistance.
This is the tenth book in the series & it could be read on its own but seriously why would you when the whole series is so very very good. The characters have plenty of depth & I really liked Lavinia & Beck, she’s very passionate about science & likes to sneak away at balls to the library to read scientific books, he suffers from black moods & at times his depression threatens to swamp him. The pair first meet in a library & from then onwards their meetings abound with both humorous & serious interchanges, it’s obvious to the reader that they are perfect for each other & that they are falling in love but it takes them some time to realise. The gift of some fossils was so touching & after that I couldn’t put it down. The secondary characters are also delightful & there are several friends who I would like to see have their HEAs. Another engrossing enthralling read & I hope the series conitues to grow
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the tenth book in the series & it could be read on its own but seriously why would you when the whole series is so very very good. The characters have plenty of depth & I really liked Lavinia & Beck, she’s very passionate about science & likes to sneak away at balls to the library to read scientific books, he suffers from black moods & at times his depression threatens to swamp him. The pair first meet in a library & from then onwards their meetings abound with both humorous & serious interchanges, it’s obvious to the reader that they are perfect for each other & that they are falling in love but it takes them some time to realise. The gift of some fossils was so touching & after that I couldn’t put it down. The secondary characters are also delightful & there are several friends who I would like to see have their HEAs. Another engrossing enthralling read & I hope the series conitues to grow
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 8, 2018
The power of love can give us the bravery to face and conquer fears. True friends will be there for you no matter what and often know you better than you do. This book is about all of this and so much more. "Forgiveness, it seemed, wasn't something you granted to someone, but a gift you gave yourself. Once Beck had done that, he'd felt free." Epilogue, page 199, The Duke of Seduction.
William "Beck"ett, Marquess of Northam, has a romantic heart even if he buries it deep. It breaks through with the anonymous poems he publishes in the paper to aid in the notice of worthy wallflowers in the ton's "Marriage Market". No one knows he is "The Duke of Seduction" except his publisher friend and the true and valuable butler Gage. The world knows him as a "rake" and has no plans to marry after his heart was crushed at 16. He pens these poems and some of the ladies go on to make advantageous marriages. Some though are not so happy to be thrust into the spotlight. Lady Lavinia Gillingham is one of those. Her passion is the very unladylike area of geology and digging in the dirt. Her parents, mother especially, are determined to marry her off in her now 4th season. Lavinia is perfectly happy to wait for love to happen. Lavinia and Beck strike up a unlikely friendship because of a case of mistaken identity.
This was such an unconventional story in so many ways. It fit the characters. Beck has such a dark and tormented personality at times. Lavinia just wants to be loved and seen for who she is. Beck doesn't mean to fall in love with her and he doesn't recognize that he has. Thanks to his true friends, Felix, Earl of Ware an old school chum, and Gage his dear, dear butler he sees it almost too late. Every one of Darcy's stories are powerful and have lessons on what is really valuable in life. Thank you Darcy for the opportunity to review this latest edition of these aptly named Untouchables.
William "Beck"ett, Marquess of Northam, has a romantic heart even if he buries it deep. It breaks through with the anonymous poems he publishes in the paper to aid in the notice of worthy wallflowers in the ton's "Marriage Market". No one knows he is "The Duke of Seduction" except his publisher friend and the true and valuable butler Gage. The world knows him as a "rake" and has no plans to marry after his heart was crushed at 16. He pens these poems and some of the ladies go on to make advantageous marriages. Some though are not so happy to be thrust into the spotlight. Lady Lavinia Gillingham is one of those. Her passion is the very unladylike area of geology and digging in the dirt. Her parents, mother especially, are determined to marry her off in her now 4th season. Lavinia is perfectly happy to wait for love to happen. Lavinia and Beck strike up a unlikely friendship because of a case of mistaken identity.
This was such an unconventional story in so many ways. It fit the characters. Beck has such a dark and tormented personality at times. Lavinia just wants to be loved and seen for who she is. Beck doesn't mean to fall in love with her and he doesn't recognize that he has. Thanks to his true friends, Felix, Earl of Ware an old school chum, and Gage his dear, dear butler he sees it almost too late. Every one of Darcy's stories are powerful and have lessons on what is really valuable in life. Thank you Darcy for the opportunity to review this latest edition of these aptly named Untouchables.
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