The storyline in this book is the perfect follow-up to The Duke of Ice. We were introduced to Simon, the Duke of Ruin and Diana Kingman, former fiance of Simon's best (and only) friend. When Nick, the Duke of Ice marries for love rather than convenience, Simon reassures Nick that he will be sure Diana does not suffer from scandal. Just now that will proceed, Simon has not planned quite that far. For now offering to take Diana where ever she wants to go to start over is just the beginning. What adventures will the two have as they get to know each other as they travel. Does Diana believe the gossip that Simon pushed his pregnant wife down the stairs to her death? Will Simon ever remember just what happened that night that changed his life and reputation? Will they be able to travel to Diana's cousin without incident or anyone recognizing them? What about the greatest danger of all...spending time together and falling in love? This was a very nice storyline with some unique twists and quite enjoyable to read. This is a great series with wonderful characters who all seem to be connected in some way. Although they are stand-alones, I recommend reading them in order since the prior offering often gives some background for the characters in the next book.

Love this series and The Duke of Ruin is a great addition to it.  I really enjoyed the unique plot and circumstances that ensured the Duke and Diana would fall in love.  I love all the twists and turns this story took and was totally surprised at the "villain".

Duke of Ruin takes place immediately following the events from Duke of Ice.  The book stands alone, but as with most series, having read at least Duke of Ice will enhance the story.  Both Diana and Simon have pretty major roles in the previous book in the series and now it’s their turn to shine.

As Duke of Ruin opens, Simon goes to Diana to tell her that his best friend can’t marry her.  As the blurb states. Diana decides to flee London’s gossip and her father’s wrath and Simon offers to help her in any way he can.  And thus begins a cross country trip between these two relative strangers.

Let’s start with Simon.  His first wife died and Simon was blamed for her death and nicknamed the Duke of Ruin.  He’s been ostracized by society.  While he’s not exactly looking for love, he’s lonely.  He had a kind heart, is a giver,but is also living with guilt that he failed his wife.  Doesn’t feel he deserves happiness.  So, he’s torn that he’s feeling attraction to Diana.

Diana just wants to live a quiet life in the country.  But she’s been groomed to be a duchess and her father will stop and nothing to see it happens.  Diana isn’t a weak woman, but she is hesitant to trust and tends to keep to herself.  But the more time she spends with SImon, she starts to come out of that shell.

The journey both physically and emotionally that Simon and Diana took was enjoyable all around.  I loved the banter between the two as well watching both of them grow.  The sparks flew off the page and I kept turning the pages to see how everything would turn out.

All in all, this was a great read.    Darcy Burke is turning into a must read author for me and I’ve added the earlier books in The Untouchable series to be to-be-read list.  If you’re tired of your historical romances revolving around London ballrooms or house parties, check this one out for a change of pace.

This is book eight in the Untouchables series. I have wanted to know Simon’s story ever since we met him earlier in the series. His back story is heartbreaking and the way he is treated by everyone and most importantly himself just squeezed my heart. It is such a beautifully written story with the perfect ending. Both the characters are complicated and flawed but that made this novel even more intriguing to read. 

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

This was probably my favorite in the Duke series. I loved them all but this stood out for me. Love Ms Burke. Love her writing style.

The Duke I’d Ruin was excellent.  I love a good road trip plot.  I can’t wait for Verity’s story.

An intriguing plot with good solid writing. I really liked the story of Diana and Simon. Simon has had some heartbreak in his past and is scared to love again. Diana is in need of assistance and Simon reluctantly provides it. Truly a good story.

~Reviewed by Monique~~

Miss Diana Kingman had been groomed from birth to marry a duke, and according to her father, any duke would do, except Simon Hastings, the Duke of Romsey – THE DUKE OF RUIN. As Diana is about to marry a duke she doesn’t even love, disaster strikes and Diana’s life is ruined. She has no choice but to flee or face a lifetime of disgrace and disapproval from her autocratic father. Isn’t it ironic that THE DUKE OF RUIN would help her, but after all, he has nothing left to lose. Two years after his beloved wife Miriam’s death, Simon hasn’t recovered from the pain of losing his wife, and he doesn’t remember what happened; he was too drunk. Simon is still shunned by society, the rumours about him having murdered Miriam haven’t abated, and his guilt and shame eat at him every hour of the day. He needs to atone for his past sins, and that’s why he doesn’t hesitate to help Diana; his reputation can hardly suffer any further. THE DUKE OF RUIN begins towards the end of The Duke of Ice, and while it works fine as a standalone, I would strongly encourage readers to read the previous book in order to get the full experience of the complexity of the unfolding drama. And it was sheer torture having to wait for this book!

Diana and Simon are thrown together into an impossible situation; she is terrified at the punishment her father will inflict upon her for irreparably disgracing the family. And Simon, poor Simon, whom everyone but his closest friends abandoned after his wife’s untimely death – even his own mother! Simon and Diana had met briefly at a house party, and if he hadn’t been the infamous DUKE OF RUIN, he would have featured on Diana’s husband shopping list. Simon is the ultimate tortured hero, and for good reason, and how well Ms. Burke conveys his inner pain, his guilt, his sorrow is remarkable; I ached for him. He is so charming, considerate, while his heart and spirit remain utterly broken. Diana has endured a lifetime without freedom, lonely in her gilded cage waiting to be married off to a duke, any duke. She has been resigned to her thankless life because of her terrifying father. In a way, her unfortunate failed wedding is a blessing: while losing everything else, she has gained a modicum of freedom, but she is not one to make mistakes. She doesn’t fly into hysterics, she will find a solution, and in the end, her solution gives Simon hope.

THE DUKE OF RUIN is a marvellously well-crafted story, and Darcy Burke has thought of the minutest detail, which culminates in a spectacular, wonderful, and entirely unexpected ending. Yet, it was exactly how it should have been, and never in a million years would I have seen it coming! The plot is hermetically woven, exceptionally compelling with descriptions that will take your breath away, and an underlying sensuality that will make you wish of finding this kind of love. Simon and Diana have superb backstories, the characters are sublimely fleshed-out, the pace impeccable, the dialogues splendid, and the writing is outstanding. Some plot twists had me gasping, as I felt that Simon and Diana would never find happiness; they had so many hurdles to deal with!

The romance itself is divine, perfect every step of the way; steeped in respect, honesty, communication, and understanding. I had loved Simon before – he always was a fascinating character – but I loved him even more in THE DUKE OF RUIN. How the scandal of Miriam’s death was handled by Ms. Burke is genius itself! Nothing happens by accident or magic in THE DUKE OF RUIN; Darcy Burke chose to explore Simon’s situations in depth, and there was not one big reveal, but the truth came out gradually, giving us shock after shock. The suspense was untenable, and what an ending it was! Brilliant, fantastic, epic – words fail me!

I knew THE DUKE OF RUIN would be fabulous, even if my expectations were sky-high, I knew it would not disappoint because The Untouchables is one of the most amazing series ever, but I was stunned, awed, and elated at how it turned out. How does one write a review that will do justice to a book this extraordinary?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is book eight in the series and another winner from Darcy Burke. I just love this series and look forward to more in the future. It's a great story of finding love unexpectably. The story flows well and will keep you turning the pages.

Ah, back to the Untouchables I love, after hitting a snag with Nick’s story. 

I have loved Simon since he was first introduced. My heart broke for him with the guilt he lived with over his wife’s death.  I was so happy with the choice of heroine’s he was matched with. Diana Kingsman may have been timid most of her life but when she came into her own while escaping her father with the aid of Simon,, it was a thing of beauty! 

I am again enraptured by this series and can’t wait for the next one. I only hope we get another glimpse at this amazing couple.

Book #8  in the series The Untouchables, The Duke of Ruin can be read without knowledge of the previous books (my case), although I got very curious about the series and I'm planning to catch up with the previous books.
Simon Hastings, the Duke of Romsby, tries to help Diana Kingman to avoid a likely scandal, as Diana's fiancé, the Duke of Ice (Book #7 in the Untouchables) has dumped her in order to marry his first love. The best thing for them seems to have Diana go away to her cousin Verity's house, avoiding the rage of Diana's father.
On their way, Simon and Diana have to deal with their fears: Simon, with the guilty of not knowing whether he was responsible for his pregnant wife's death; Diana, with an abusive childhood. Besides, they have to decide if their growing attraction may have future (meaning marriage) and a new chance for both of them.
I enjoyed reading the book, despite some minor problems (as Simon and Diana's trip takes place in a good part of the book, the last 1/3 of the book has to deal with a lot of things that need to be solved in haste) and I'm looking forward to the next instalment of the series - Verity's story (the Duke of Lies).

*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

I waited so patiently for this one!!
Simon, Duke of Romsey, aka Duke of Ruin and Miss Diana Kingman, swoon.

Simon, I just loved him. His heart, his hurt, his devotion to his wife. If there were ever a man who needed a redeeming love, it was this guy.
Diana was perfect. Despite her heinous father she was still able to exhibit compassion and kindness and love.
This was such a sweet, sweet read with some steamy passion thrown in. 

AN ARC of this book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Racy Regency romance with a twist!

A jilted young woman, a scandalous Duke rumoured to have murdered his wife, the Duke's ducal friend turning his back on his fiancé to pursue his one true love, an atrocious father, and a hastily undertaken journey of a week or more. All the ingredients for a rather laughable, yet enjoyable romance. A note of seriousness underlies the playfulness. The tea sipping Duke of Ruin cannot face himself let alone others. He's convinced he killed his wife but is unsure of exactly what happened. He's been running from himself and others ever since. Diana Kingman has had all her choices stolen from her, mostly by her emotionally and physically abusive father (after all women are little more than bartering goods), and now her once fiance is opening her up to even more gossip and abuse. This is the last straw. When Simon Hastings, the Duke of Romsey, aka the Duke of Ice, offers to take her to a safer place to mull over her choices, she accedes and therein our tale begins. I'm not sure if this is a Shakespearean tragedy or a romantic farce. Of course they are drawn to each other and the journey to their HEA ending is filled with all sorts of road blocks and just as many green lights.
An enjoyable, and rather racy romp that sometimes made me blink. Ah well!

A NetGalley ARC

This is a well written, HEA love story between Simon and Diana. It has great flow, romance and intrigue to keep your interest to the end. Some hot scenes for any who like to have sizzle with their romance. 
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest opinion

Simon Hastings, Duke of Romsby, is treated as a pariah in Society because of his supposed role in his first wife's suspicious death. Simon can't remember what happened as he was deep in his cups so he denies nothing. He breathes self-loathing and travels often so as to not spend any time at his ducal seat. When he is tasks with cleaning up his friend's broken proposal to Miss Diana Kingman, Simon plunges into helping the young woman from any scandal with gusto. Diana flees with Simon so she doesn't have to endure her cruel father's wrath at her broken proposal. Can these two help each other while avoiding scandal?

I really enjoyed this story and Ms. Burke has woven another wonderfully entertaining book. She delves into the hidden scars both Simon and Diana have and how they begin to heal each other. I loved Simon--he was kind and caring to Diana and she began to see a man who couldn't have possibly be involved in his first wife's death. It wasn't hard to read this book in one sitting. Readers of regency romances will definitely enjoy this story.

My heart is all warm and gooey after reading this lovely book! 

To be honest I have never read from Darcy Burke before nor was she familiar to me. It so happened that I was in a mood for a historical romance when I stumbled across this gem on Netgalley. The blurb literally piqued my curiosity, I immediately knew I had to read this book. To my utter surprise I ended up loving everything about this book, the story, those characters, and the heart-warming romance was exactly what I needed right now.

The Duke of Ruin is a story of a widower who is accused of murdering his wife and a spinster who is seeking a husband desperately so as to get away from the clutches of her abusive father. 

 Simon Hastings is a social outcast who constantly lives in guilt. It’s been two years since he lost his wife and unborn child, not a day goes by when he doesn’t blame himself for their death. He has no intention of taking another wife, but a playful kiss with a stranger awakens the deeply buried desire to be touched and loved by someone again. 

Diana Kingman was groomed to be a perfect duchess, growing up in a strict household made her detached and guarded. She was betrothed to Duke of Kilve and was certain this marriage would make her father proud of her and bring him a lot of respect in society. However, Duke of Kilve is in love with another woman and pursue her to marry, leaving Simon in charge to break his engagement with Diana. This news should have broken Diana’s heart but deep down she always wanted to marry for love, she is nothing but happy for the couple. On the other hand, she is certain her father will be furious and would blame her for calling off the wedding. 

Simon didn’t want to leave Dianna alone to deal with the mess and the upcoming scandal. Compassionate as he is, he offers to help her escape and get her settled in some place far away from her father’s wrath. Thus, starts a road trip of love, life, and emotional discovery. I love the way their relationship bloomed over time, developing an emotional connection, mutual adoration, trusting and falling in love all the way. 

This was such a delightful read with a well-written storyline you’ll just breeze through. It’s kind of a story that will bring a smile on your face with its heart-melting romance, a definite re-read material! 

FYI, I read it as a standalone even if it’s a part of the series, it still didn’t spoil the experience for me.

*ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review*

*I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review* 

Oh I loved this novel! It's not the usual storyline and I read all the others in this series so far and I cannot say which one is my favorite but this is very high on the list.

Simon's first wife fell down the stairs of their home years ago and he was blamed by society and blamed himself for her death because he is not able to remember how it happened. Everybody sees him as a murderer. On the other side is Diana is to marry a titled man chosen by her father (of course) and she doesn't want to be wed at all ... so she only has one chance ...

Once again, Ms. Darcy Burke has stolen the show with another regency historical fiction. The Duke of Ruin is book 8 in the Untouchables collection, but could definitely be read as a stand alone. 

Before jumping into my review I need to first say a big THANK YOU to netgalley for offering me this ARC. As well as the fact that I volunteered my time to read this book. I have read 3 other works by Darcy Burke and she has yet to disappoint me. 


The meat: This book wastes zero pages before jumping straight into the plot. With main characters Diana, a very young Miss who is newly engaged to The Duke of Ice <the only connection you will see to the Untouchables book 7 -- Duke of Ice, by Darcy Burke>, and Simon who happens to be said Duke's best friend. Diana is quickly informed of an impending social disaster, with her in the center, concerning her now ex-fiance. Simon offers his help to evade any scandal which Diana quickly takes advantage of. Help that requires a long travel where both characters seem to be running away from something. The many days traveling together leads to a growing friendship and more. Simon soon learns of Diana's horrid father and Diana soon learns of Simon's mysterious past. The two soon become each other's advocate and the mystery that unfolds, after the love story, is truely unpredictable to the reader. 

I give this book a 5 out of 5. I love randomly reading romance novels in between my fantasy/young adult books, and Darcy Burke has shown me much reliability for a steamy and enthralling read.  

This book was just recently released on March 27th, 2018. If you are a lover of regency historical fiction than don't waste any time checking it out! 

#darcyburke #dukeofruin #regency #historicalfiction #mystery #romance #theuntouchables

The Duke of Ruin is the eighth instalment in Darcy Burke’s The Untouchables series. I have read one book in this series but it’s not necessary to read them in order. Each stand well on its own. 
This book follows directly after the Duke of Ice, which I have not read. The story begins with Simon, the Duke of Romsby, notifying Diana Kingman that her fiancé has jilted her.  Faced with a scandal not of her making, Diana seeks to escape London and her brutish father. 
Haunted by the death of his wife and unborn child, Simon feels honour bound to help Diana. Faced with threats of kidnapping, Simon cannot bear the thought of more scandal. The two must wed to save each other. 
I am a huge Regency fan and it this point I consider myself an expert on the tropes that authors use. When a story involves a Duke, they normally have a dominant personality. While Simon is no shrinking violet, he is not your typical Duke. He is quick to emphasis that Diana is the one in control. He will follow her choices and give her the freedom to decide her own life. An opportunity she has never had. 
I am exhausted of all the insta-love romances or stories where the relationship is based on lust that are flooding the market now.  In this book Simon and Diana grow fond of one another and start to strongly value each other's well-being and happiness. While lust is certainly a factor in their relationship, they care for each other first and foremost. 
While I would have preferred if the erstwhile fiancé had suffered a little for his careless actions the positives far outweigh the negatives. 
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This series (The Untouchables) just continues to get better as Ms Burke’s writing flows easily, whilst exploring the struggles of both Diana Kingman and Simon Hastings, the Duke of Ruin. This story takes up from flowed effortlessly from the previous book “The Duke of Ice” where Simon must confront Diana to reveal that her fiancé has left her to marry another. In doing so, Diana realises that her father’s anger will turn to violence, so she flees with Simon, only to find herself caught in a compromising situation with him, and forced to marry. Simon is fighting his own demons, believing that he pushed his wife down a staircase, whilst he was drunk. In Diana, he finds himself believing that he has a future again.
Both Diana and Simon are delightful characters who, over a period of a week, find themselves becoming friends. By the time they find themselves at Gretna Green, neither can imagine being without the other. This was such a lovely story of two people who were destined to save each other.
I so look forward to more books in this series. I received a review copy in exchange for my honest review.