I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher for an honest opinion.
Darcy Burke has added another wonderful story to her Untouchables series. This is number 8 and the series could go on forever and I would not be disappointed at all. This story is Simon Hastings HEA. Simon has felt the need to in form the very lovely Diana Kingman that her fiancee is no longer going to be able to marry her as he has fallen in love with another. Diana is sure that her brutal father will try and still force the marriage so she asks for aid in escaping to go to see a friend of hers  There is a Gretna marriage to save her reputation and they return to Simon's estate which is a holds a very tragic mystery as Simon's wife who was with child had fallen down the stairs to her death. Who was responsible? Was it the wife who fell? Was she pushed? The mystery is finally solved and Diana and Simon finally get their HEA. I like this book very much as it seemed to have a gothic mystery feel to it.
 I recommend this book  and give it 5 stars.

An absolutely delightful historical romance, The Duke of Ruin is the eighth novel in Darcy Burke’s Unforgettables Series. Having never read anything from this author, or this series for that matter, I was immediately drawn in by the characters. Not only are they tangible and hilarious, their chemistry is evident from the moment they interact and their romance just made sense. The storyline itself may not be anything earth shattering but it is interesting nonetheless. Burke is a talented writer with an easy style that she uses to weave a romantic tale of second chances. The Duke of Ruin has everything you could ask for in a historical romance. From its dynamic characters to heartwarming romance, Burke series should be on your TBR shelf.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair review. The Duke of Ruin is the 8th book in Darcy Burke’s The Untouchables Series. It can be read as a stand alone but I would suggest at the very least reading book 7 The Duke of Ice because these two books are closely entwined. Simon Hastings the 12th Duke of Romsey is known as The Duke of Ruin because his pregnant wife died of a fall down the stairs and since he cannot remember what happened as he was quite drunk he blames himself and is considered to be a pariah.  Diana Kingman was to marry Simons best friend  the Duke of Kilve, however he has been reunited with his first love and Simon has come to inform her that the marriage is off. This is not going to go over well with Diana’s particularly nasty father so Simon offers to help her out in any way and together they set off to visit Diana’s cousin while she ponders her future. Scandal ensues when they are recognized and a trip to Greta Green is the solution they chose. I don’t want to give away too much of the story but mysteries are solved, secrets revealed and the nasty villains get their comeuppance.  Quite steamy, very enjoyable, available now  #TheDukeOfRuin #NetGalley

Simon Hastings, The Duke of Ruin, is a generous, kind, likable, young, man.  We first met him and Diana in The Duke of Ice as friends to Nicholas Bateman.  This is a stand-alone book, but would be great read in the series.

Simon and Diana, already friends, begins with Simon sent to warn Diana that Nicholas is leaving to marry Violet, a woman he has long loved.  Simon offers to help Diana in any way he can to ease her broken betrothal with Nicholas.  Diana is more concerned with what her father will say and do than she is about losing Nicholas.  

Affable Simon, who was believed to have been responsible for the death of his first wife, does everything he can to atone for that tragedy.  He goes out of his way to help others.  He even offers to marry Diana in place of Nicholas.  Diana had only asked Nicholas to marry her so she could escape her cruel father.  She declines, but accepts his help to leave London.

So, off they head with Diana leaving her father a misleading note about her location.  Along the journey to Diana’s cousin’s home, these two begin to fall in love, but neither is quite aware of it.  Their romance is somewhat sensual at times, with more sensual moments to come.  

As they become closer, Simon begins to go through the cycle of mourning his deceased wife.  He cannot believe how Diana understands him so well. Diana seems to be everything Simon would want in a wife, but he struggles with his wife’s death.  

There is so much good in The Duke of Ruin.  Both Diana and Simon have their issues, but they strengthen each other in so many ways.  Simon begins to see how things can and should be through almost losing Diana, too.  This is a great next in the series!  Cannot wait to see what happens for Verity.

Great emotional story with a few twist and turns, slightly predictable but because it's well written it can be forgiven.  I loved the characters they were fabulous and had a wonderful chemistry
Glad I read this.

I received an early copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

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 him 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 received an ARC of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's.

Simon, Duke of Romsey is willing to help his best friend Nick, no matter what. So off he goes to London to help his friend with a minor inconvenience, an unwanted betrothed name Diana. Simon hopes to lessen the possible scandal for Diana and he offers to help her escape the scorn of society. 

Diana is in total disbelief that this is happening. She knows if she does not escape her household, her father would not be kind to her. He would find fault on why she allowed a “Duke” to abandon her for another. So she does the most impossible thing, runs off with Simon to escape the scandal that is sure to come when everyone finds out she has been thrown over for another. 

Simon never expected to be accepted by society again, let alone Diana. But together, they become more aware of their need and want to be together. 

Darcy Burke is one my favorite authors. I look forward to her books all the time. I find it complete torture waiting on her next book release. I have been a fan of Darcy Burke since the book “Her Wicked Ways.” This author truly knows how to captivate her reading audience.

Darcy Burke never tells us exactly why Simon, the Duke of Romsey owes Nick, the Duke of Kilve, such an impossibly large favor.  But there must be a very good reason for Simon to take off across country with Nick’s jilted fiancé.  I, personally, am always willing to suspend belief in the name of historical romance, so off Diana and Simon take across country, sharing the intimacy of Simon’s carriage by day, and the added intimacy of shared bedrooms at night.  There is no question where this is all headed, of course, and Burke takes us to the inevitable sexual (er) climax fairly quickly.  All the elements are here for a pleasurable, light read.

At the end of the Duke of Ice book and Nick the Duke of Klive had left his best friend Simon to clean up a huge mess of Nick’s making.  Diana Kingman betrothal to the Duke of Klive is in tatters and imminent danger of causing a scandal until Simon Hastings the Duke of Romney comes and offered her a choice. Diana seems cold and aloof, but she really isn’t she’s been abused all her life by her abusive father, she’s extremely worried about how he’ll react when he finds out about her brothel is broken. Simon arrives giving her options, run away and go wherever she wants. She could start a new life using an anonymous name where her father cannot find her, he’ll take her wherever she wants to go to escape her father and the scandal.
Ever since Simon’s wife died and he was blamed for her death he’s been known as the Duke of Ruin, poor Simon doesn’t remember how his wife died so he can’t defend himself and blames himself too for her and his unborn child’s death. Simon has no plans to remarry, but as he gets to know Diana she drawn to her. Diana has never known love and she doesn’t if she’s capable of falling in love.  Diana and Simon are perfect for each other, we see the sexual tension building and the trust between the growing as they travel together. Theirs is a gradual love story that blossoms into the love they both deserve. They meet challenges head on, her father, his mother, their emotional rollercoaster and they become stronger in the process. Loved this book with Diana and Simon, so glad to see Simon get his HEA!!!
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

received an ARC of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair review. The Duke of Ruin I enjoyed the  book and recommend reading it

I really enjoyed this historical romance. It was fast paced but I enjoyed that I could read it quickly. The storyline was a good one and I enjoyed the characters!

Simon Hastings, the Duke of Romsey, was publicly reviled for the tragic death of his wife and unborn child. Simon did nothing to dispel the vile rumour as he was trifle foxed to recall the dreadful incident, thus earning him the moniker, The Duke of Ruin. He eschewed all forms of intoxicants but peace is utterly elusive. His own family turned their backs on him. 

Diana Kingman has been groomed to be a Duchess but Nick, her betrothed, has absconded to marry another! Simon, Nick's friend has offered himself to assist Diana in her predicament, and even proposed to marry her!

Simon and Diana had gone on an equally poignant and wonderful journey of self-discovery. Their mutual attraction deepened as they appreciate each other's wit, kindness and sensuality. Their sweet intimacy as a precursor to their scorching passion was written by Darcy Burke in absolute perfection.

Simon is immensely affable despite the guilt he carries in his heart. Diana is gorgeous and gracious inspite of her loathsome father. They equitably deserve their happy-ever-after.

Superb story with the right dose of steam. I highly recommend.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader's copy. This is my impartial review. All opinions are mine.

After being unable to finish a different regency romance, this was a wonderful change! It's the first book I've read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last! I love this sub-genre, but sometimes I hit a streak of poorly written novels with shoddy characterization and think that maybe I need to move on, then I'm lucky enough to happen upon a gem like The Duke of Ruin that re-establishes my faith and optimism. I raced through this over the weekend due to the heartily entertaining story-line and endearing characters.

I hesitate to use internet slang, but I have to say it - the main couple, Diana and Simon, were just precious cinnamon rolls, too pure for this world! Diana is absolutely the best kind of romance heroine I love reading about; she's fully-realized, is intelligent and poised, has her own ambitions and goals, knows her own mind but isn't too proud to accept help from others who are more capable, has great compassion and generosity of spirit but isn't an unrealistic saint. I roll my eyes at heroines who never entertain an unkind thought or righteous anger, but Diana assuaged those fears right from the start:

---
---
"Miss Kingman, this needn't be the end of the world."

"Of course not, but it's quite a disaster. My family will be a laughingstock. My father will be furious."

"You're likely right. But if you cry off, it will be much better, don't you agree?"

"Better than being abandoned? I suppose so, but isn't that rather like comparing breaking one's arm to breaking one's leg? They're both highly undesirable."
---
---

She has every right to be furious with the hero of the previous novel who was engaged to her, but fell in love with his old flame and didn't even have the decency to tell Diana in person that he's planning to throw her over to marry another woman. Enter Simon, who is the most considerate, charming and swoon-worthy hero I've read about in a long time!

Simon's first wife died under mysterious circumstances for which he was blamed, and while this isn't an uncommon theme in romances, what is unusual to me is how the trope has been turned on its head - normally the hero would turn hard and cynical, and the heroine would be forced to deal with his cruel demeanor and stand her ground to melt his icy heart. But his adversity has actually made Simon more gentle and kind to those who don't shun him; he's ostracized by society at large, but when he's around younger peers who aren't scandalized by him, he is charming company, and when he travels incognito as Mr Byrd, he is similarly warm and caring with the common country folk. 

His feelings of guilt over his wife's death don't compel Simon to lash out at everyone, but instead to do penance:

---
---
"Why do you want to help me?"

"I always try to help people. They seldom allow me to do so, but I always try."
---
---

What a lovely change from the alpha asshole cliche I encounter all too often! Simon starts off doing whatever he can to help extricate Diana from this mess out of his love for his friend, then because he wants to do the right thing as he can see how terrified she is of her father and read between the lines to realize the truth about her abusive household. He is willing to offer Diana marriage if that will solve her problem or whisk her away to wherever she chooses so she can start over with his help. Simon emphasizes over and over again throughout the story that it is always her choice and she is always free to change her mind and he will accommodate her. <3 Such a great hero!

I was extremely happy with the development of the friendship between their characters and how we see them grow fond of one another and start to strongly value each other's well-being and happiness. A lot of times what ruins a book for me is when the linchpin of the relationship is mere lust and we aren't shown the foundation for a fulfilling long-term relationship, but Simon and Diana just melted my heart with how earnestly they cared for each other and showed it in small gestures like her drinking tea with him instead of alcoholic beverages on offer so he didn't stand out, and him being the epitome of chivalry by acting as her maid while they traveled together, helping her undress and unlacing her corset without taking advantage of the situation.

The road-trip trope was well-executed and never grew repetitive, but was used to great effect by deepening the relationship between the main couple and showing us more about Simon's character (such as the small detail of him being thoughtful enough to include some books for Diana's entertainment). I loved the platonic bed-sharing and the delightful tension and chemistry simmering between our leads!

I was less enamored of the way Nick (the erstwhile fiance) got off scot-free when he had been such a thoughtless ass; of course I don't think he should be resigned to a contractual marriage while pining for his true love, but he handled matters abominably and should've been humbled a little. I also was a little disappointed at the way the dead wife mystery was wrapped up so neatly, because it seemed like we were never going to find out what really happened and that was poetic to me because a lot of times that's just how real life plays out, you don't get all the answers and neat closure, and it seemed too convenient how it was tied up with a bow with no real effort. However, these were only minor niggles and didn't impact much at all on my enjoyment of the story. 

Overall, The Duke of Ruin was a delightfully fast-paced read with a great deal more heart and emotion than expected; it subverted the usual tropes in surprising ways and left me feeling content and cheerful when I finished the last page. What more can you ask for! :)

The Duke of Ruin by Darcy Burke
The Untouchables #8

Loving this series – haven’t read all of it but every book I have read has left me satisfied with the story read but eager to read the next when it comes out. 

In the previous book The Duke of Ice jilts Diana Kingman for the woman he has always loved. Well, that puts Diana in a pickle so when The Duke of Ruin, bearer of the jilting news, offers to help her in any way…she takes him up on it. Why would she trust Simon? Well, her father is NOT a man she wants to face when the news that she is no longer betrothed is revealed. 

So, Simon and Diana head north to her cousin’s home knowing that they will have days and nights on the road before reaching their destination. Simon has experienced true love and great loss. He is guarding his heart but really is attracted to Diana. The attraction is mutual as Diana finds Simon handsome and so much more than his reputation. The time on the road provides information to the reader and to the couple. I have to say that I admire both hero and heroine and would love to spend time getting to know them. I liked the resolution to the situation, the mystery about Simon’s deceased wife that is revealed and the fact that both the Duke of Ice and the Duke of Ruin end up with the happily ever after that they both deserve…and that they end up with such wonderful women! Oh, I love the openness of Diana, the gentleness Simon shows and the romance that develops between them…what a delightful book this was for me to read last night!

Now…who is next in this wonderful series? I can hardly wait to find out! 

Thank you to the author who bequeathed me an ARC through NetGalley – This is my honest review. 

4-5 Stars

OMG! I rarely get this excited about a title but WOW! Ms. Burke saved the best for last in her Untouchables series. Simon, the Duke of Ruin (all I could picture was Tom Hiddleston as Simon) was my fav! A story of true redemption for both parties. I just downloaded this morning and was not been able to put it down.  Just get it and read it! 
Simon, the Duke of Ruin. His name made society Mama’s clutch their debutants to their chest. He was a murderer and should not be allowed in polite society.  He could not remember. He was drunk and the next thing he knew his pregnant wife was laying at the bottom of the stairs..dead. He deserved to be shunned and guilt would be his constant companion.
Jilted...for love. Diana Kingman was weary. Here she had worked out the perfect betrothal, a business arrangement, only to be thrown over for love. Her father would blame her and marry her off to the first old Duke he could find.  What was she to do?
Simon new his friend Nick was miserable so He sent off to his true love and promised to help Miss Kingman avoid a scandal over their broken betrothal. Nick was ever one to help if only Miss Kingman would allow such aid from the Duke of Ruin.
Seeing no other way out and to escape her brutish Father, Diana accepts Simon’s offer and off they go into an uncertain future. Can Diana give up her thoughts of anonymity and independence? Can Simon lower his walls and give Love a second try? 
Read on, dear friends, read on!

I really enjoyed Simon and Diana's story. I appreciated how their vulnerabilities were portrayed, and how they supported each other through those vulnerabilities. It was lovely to see them fall in love. The book was also interspersed with some great steamy scenes. Recommended!

3.5 stars.

Despite not enjoying the last book in this series (The Duke of Ice), I really wanted to read Simon’s story because Simon is lovely. He’s got a serious tragedy in his past and is carrying a whole heap of guilt around with him, but he’s also generous and charming and really wants to help others – which is how he entangles himself in Diana’s life. Even though Diana is not as instantly likeable as Simon, she is definitely in need of a rescue and the pair of them make a fun couple as they dash off into the unknown.

There’s a definite sense of naivety about them as they set off north expecting to simply deposit Diana with her cousin before shifting her into a whole new life without much thought for details. Simon is eager to help in anyway he can, while Diana just wants to get away from her father. So far, so understandable. The road trip is actually pretty sweet as they get to know each other better and grow closer.

Not that it lasts, of course, because the path to romance never runs smooth. There are troubles, some worse than others, and many sleepless nights wondering what to do. Peril rises, many miles are travelled, and a bossy cousin makes an appearance (because how else would this series continue without introducing someone new?). But the bond between Simon and Diana remains pretty strong throughout. They’re good for each other. Simon is supportive of Diana without being controlling, and she in turn has faith in him. It’s lovely.

I was less fond of the way things turned towards the end. Yes, it was something that needed to be cleared up, but I felt that certain things were thrown into the plot in highly unsubtle ways and I would have liked Diana to have taken a more active role rather than simply tripping over the answers. Maybe less time on the road, more time investigating might have been nice. Mostly it just feels tacked onto the end just to make sure the HEA is extra secure.

Overall, though, I enjoyed this. Simon is lovely and Diana is a good match for him. There’s plenty of heat, a nice amount of getting to know each other and, despite all the travel, it didn’t drag too much. In all, a good continuation of the series.

To be fair with my review I have to admit that I love Darcy Burke and look forward to her books to the point that I probably have a biased opinion before even starting her newest book. She's my go-to author. I have never read anything by her that I was disappointed with. In fact, it makes me sad to finish one of her books because I have to wait for another. 
Now for the Duke of Ruin....
The Hero, Simon, had survived a horrible tragedy and was plagued by the ton's horrible treatment of him. He was an honorable gentleman with a kind heart. By the end of the first chapter his true nature had come shining through. When Diana,  the heroine, was jilted by her fiance Simon stepped in to help her.  He offered her his support, friendship and any solution she wanted. If she hadn't fallen in love with him I would have wondered why.
Their story was sometimes funny and sometimes sad. I rooted for them more than most book couples. 
The Duke of Ruin was a really enjoyable book with an amazing cast of characters. It's definitely five star quality.

Simon, the Duke of Ruin gets his story. Simon is lost and lonely but determined to help his best friend any way possible. Diana Kingman is destined to cause a scandal. She is determined to get away from her father by any means necessary as we've seen in previous books of this series. 

Darcy Burke takes you on an adventure with little twists and turns followed by a shocker of an ending. The story is well written, entertaining and exciting. All of the characters draw you in, the tug at your heartstrings especially the H & h.

Once again a fabulous story. Looking out for the next one

I received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

I have read several books by Darcy Burke, but this is my first in the Untouchables series. I enjoyed it a great deal and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend this awesome book.

I think my favorite character was Simon Hastings, 12th Duke of Romsey.  He is willing to help his best friend get out of an engagement but also willing to help the young lady once the engagement is off. He travels incognito, doesn't use his peerage over people unless he has to. He has his own demons that he has to deal with.

Lady Diana Kingman was raised to be a Duchess. She finds a Duke to marry, but sadly, he has sent his best friend to break it off with her. To avoid her father's rath, she runs off with Simon to figure out what to do next. You will have to read this story to find out what happens.