Darcy Burke's "The Duke of Lies" takes you on a captivating journey through Regency romance, earning a solid four stars from me. Verity Beaumont's life takes an unexpected turn when her supposedly deceased husband, Rufus Beaumont, Duke of Blackburn, makes a dramatic return. The long held family secrets, juicy drama, and the tangled web of a fake relationship add layers of excitement to the plot, making it a page-turner. Verity's journey from a life plagued by domineering men to finding solace in a potential new love is both heartwarming and relatable. While it didn't quite hit the 5-star mark for me, "The Duke of Lies" a thoroughly enjoyable addition to The Untouchables series.

Knocked it out of the park! I love a 'return from the dead hero, and it had the bonus of 'enemies to lovers', so consider me happy—fewer points for the precocious son.

I love this trope, but I hesitate to read it because it's usually handled poorly and/or in a way I hate. Burke, however, did such a beautiful job! She created nuanced characters and actually pulled off the plot in a semi-believable way. She even incorporated Verity's son Beau in a non-contrived way; he felt like a character, not a plot device or a vehicle for Verity and Kit's romance or character development. This definitely makes my "reread one day" shelf.

Verity Beaumont was one of my favorite characters from the previous book in this series (Duke of Ruin). She is an intelligent, kind woman who has survived an abusive husband. When he disappeared six years ago, Verity could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Now he is back. How will he react to a son he never knew? Will be still be the nasty person he was six years ago? And where was he for six years? However, early on we learn that Rufus is actually an imposter, an illegitimate cousin who looks enough like the duke to be mistaken for him even by his wife. Personality wise, Kit is almost Rufus's opposite. Beau, the son, wholeheartedly except Kit as his father. Verity is more tentative, not trusting the big difference in "Rufus". I could not help but think of the movie, Somersby. While I read, I hoped that this book would not end like the movie. Although this is book #9 in the Untouchables series, it quickly became my favorite and Kit my favorite hero. I was happy to see Simon, the Duke of Ruin and his wife, Diana figure prominently in this book since they were my favorites before Kit and Verity. This series just gets better and better with each offering. A warning, once you start reading you will not want to put it down until you are done.

This is a fun book about people learning to trust and find love. While there are a few things the reader must accept and not delve too deeply into, the rich writing and emotional content more than satisfy the reader. Well worth reading.

I am a sucker for this kind of trope (mistaken/false identities are my favorite)--what else can I say? This was fun! I enjoyed.

Verity was picking up the pieces of her life when he missing husband finally returned home. After such a long absence she sees the subtle differences of the man her husband had become. So many differences and shocked how he treats others around him leaves her absolutely breathless. Could she fall in love with her husband or is he someone she would never have expected. Great story on how assuming a role can change your life forever.

Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.

Why? Why do I read books where the entire thing is based on Lies. For cryin' out loud, "Lies" is in the dang title!!! But against my better judgment, I requested this book. And you know what? I'm actually glad I did!!

I liked how strong Verity was from the start of the book. Her awful husband has been missing for years and she's been capably handling the estate since then. She takes great care of her sob, Beau. In fact, he's pretty much her reason for living. When confronted with a man who claims to be her husband, I found her reaction to be very realistic. She was terrified but she really didn't show any fear. And I, personally, kind of love that because I'm a "fake it till you make it" kind of gal. There really wasn't anything that I disliked about about Verity at all. Okay, maybe she needed a slightly stringer hand with her kid but since that wasn't really a central part of the book, it didn't bother me too much.

Kit was pretty awesome. He shows up with bad intentions. And I didn't really like that he jumped in and started making decisions like he owned the place. But once I knew more about him and about what he was there for, it made more sense. And then, once I got to know him as the book continued, I really loved him. His feelings for Verity grew and grew and since I liked Verity so much.... I had to like him too. I liked how he sort of took responsibility for the things he'd done and did his best to do the right thing at all times.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I had not read any of the previous books in this series (this was Book 9) but I felt like I could pick up immediately what was going on. Of course, it helped that there weren't a ton of characters showing up from previous books in scenes that really mattered. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and the pacing. I felt totally immersed in the book from the start. I've read this author before and this book was just as good as the other ones I've read. I would recommend this book to historical romance fans, any day of any week. It's a good, solid entry in the genre.

Another great book, by Darcy Burke. I enjoyed the Characters from this book. Thanks to Netgalley for this free copy. My opinion is my own.

Great historical romance series. I have loved each of the stories. The Untouchables is the first series I have read by Darcy Burke. And I am so glad I took the opportunity to find a new author. I love how easily she draws you into her stories and how she pulls previous characters into each new story.
I love the brotherhood she has created in this series and can’t wait to see each of them fall in love.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Verity Beaumont has suffered domineering men most of her life, first with her father and then with her husband. Free from both of them, she has finally found peace. Even meeting a kind and hard-working gentleman who just might be the perfect father her young son so desperately needs. But as she dares look to the future, her carefully ordered world is shattered when her dead husband returns.

After six years away, Rufus Beaumont, Duke of Blackburn, returns to claim his place and protect his family. Only, the life he finds is not the life he left, and he must convince his wife that their marriage is worth fighting for, that he’s not the man he was. When the truth about what happened to him leaks out, he must prove that not everything about him, especially his love for her, is a lie.
Enjoyed this book, was pleasantly pleased to have the plot device of a husband returned from the dead as a changed man not be overdone, and the situation addressed before I expected..
Kit, the H , had not initially intended to try to take the Dukes place, but took advantage when he was mistaken for the Duke. He was quite likeable, especially as he took on the role of father for the young son.
As Verity came to know him better, then began to feel attracted to him, I felt the story progressed well. And the romance was well developed.
I received a free arc in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this story that revolves around the duke, Rufus snd hid return to his home after being gone over 6 and a half years. His wife is leery of him because of his gentleness. The book is well written and the storyline is well thought out. One of my favorite characters in Beau, age 6, and all of the mischief he gets into. There are several surprises in the book and it is a great read that I would highly recommend.

Darcy Burke knows how to write the character of a hero and the Duke of Blackburn May be my favorite yet.

The surprise is that his wife, Verity Beaumont, would only describe the husband who disappeared for over 6 as a villian. Really anyone who knew Rufus Blackburn would say the same.

Just when Verity thought her and her son could move on with a new life, the Duke returns.

The build to the romance was slow but there was a lot of trust that the hero had to earn. This was my favorite part of the story, seeing how much this now stranger to the family, had to show what being a husband and father really looked like.

Definitely my favorite hero of the series and I am so glad he was paired with Verity and her adorable son!

Verity and Rufus, and their connection, was interesting and compelling. They are the main reason why I enjoyed the story.The plot was ok and it was fast paced.Verity Beaumont has suffered domineering men most of her life, first with her father and then with her husband. Free from both men, she meets a nice, kind and hard-working gentleman who just might be the perfect father her young son so desperately needs. But as she dares look to the future, her world is shattered when her dead husband returns.

Verity Beaumont has finally come to the decision that her son could use a male figure in his life. After all, her husband has been gone almost seven years and at this point, he surely must be dead. It's not as if Verity misses him. Her husband was one of the cruelest men she knew, and she is determined that her son never suffer like she did at the hands of his late father. Imagine Verity's shock when her husband she has long believed dead returns home.

Captain Christopher "Kit" Powell, is an illegitamite relative of the late Duke of Blackburn, Verity's late husband. When he learns the duke has been missing for so long, Kit sees an opportunity to get some of the riches that were all but promised to him by his father. All he has to do is pass himself off as Verity's husband. What Kit has not foreseen is that playing the role of the Duke of Blackburn might be such a struggle. Not only was the man and out and out bully, but he has an innocent young son and a beautiful wife. Kit quickly comes to love both Verity and her son. What will happen when Verity learns the truth? Will Kit be able to leave them behind?

I give the latest addition to author Darcy Burke's UNTOUCHABLES series, THE DUKE OF LIES, a solid 4.5 out of 5 star rating! Verity has had her spirit broken once, and she is not about to go through that again. Not only does she have herself to think of, but she also has her son. Almost from the beginning, she realizes that Kit cannot possibly be her late husband and as time goes on, she begins to fall for Kit. Verity has a hard time opening up, but Kit is the balm she needs to heal her soul. Kit and Verity make a beautiful match. Kit is also perfect daddy material as you can see that he truly loves Verity's son and treats him as if he's his own from the start; it's enough to melt your heart. THE DUKE OF LIES is another heart-warming installment in the UNTOUCHABLES series. Fans of Ms. Burke will not want to miss it.

I enjoy reading Ms. Burke's books, but the description for this one regarding the hero is totally off the mark. I was expecting a different story than the one she actually told. I did like the plot, but I figured out early on what the twist was. Not my favorite Darcy Burke book.

The duke is indeed lying. About a lot and important things, but his lie about the most important thing is this book is revealed to the reader from the very first part that's told from his point of view. It bugs me that I cannot say anything because the blurb doesn't reveal the truth and neither can I.I was wondering how could the author explain Rufus's past behavior and make us fall for that man and came up with 100 different scenarios, but only one of them came close to the truth. Another thing is Verity and the "hard-working gentleman who just might be the perfect father her young son so desperately needs". There isn't one. I thought that Verity would have found someone, but as it turns out the thought of marrying Thomas only passed her mind once. I was glad that we didn't have a suitor fighting for Verity's heart because it would only have caused friction.

The book was good and the relationship between the two main characters was better. I liked the main and the secondary characters and Beau acted as a kid his age should act. He was still adorable and I understand why he wanted a baby goat. I want one too! Overall, the book was enjoyable and I had a good time reading it, so I would recommend it.

This is the second book by Darcy Burke that I have read and I liked this one even more than I did the first. I will say that for me it dragged a bit toward the end but that is my opinion. I liked the main characters and felt they were well developed. I can't really think of a lot to say for this one except I truly enjoyed the story and will be getting the other books in this series. It definitely can be a stand alone novel but I want to read all the other eight in The Untouchables. The sign of a good book to me is one that I don't want to put down after I start it and this definitely qualified. I recommend this book.

This is a standalone, HEA, love story filled with mystery, intrigue, action, and learning to trust and love again.
The love story between the Duke of Blackburn and Verity was well developed, romantic and steamy. The supporting characters were both believable, likable or not (villains never are). The author masterfully maneuvered the hero out of his dilemma in a plausible manner with a few twists and turns along the way. I look forward to the next in this series.
I received this book through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Truths and untruths!

The return of a dead husband after six years is a hard thing, especially as the man who disappeared was not pleasant. The man who returns is the complete opposite. What happened to Rufus Beaumont, Duke of Blackburn, in those intervening years to change him so?
Verity has to somehow take this on board without risking her son, or Rufus' displeasure. Although on the surface that appears to be a thing of the past.
Verity finds herself in a difficult place. How to trust that the monster who left her will not be hidden somewhere inside this new aspect of Rufus. What is the true face of the man she called husband?
Plots, plans and dark deeds are afoot. Rufus has to use all his ingenuity to prove himself to Verity and his son. But will he be exposed? And will Verity accept him when the truth comes out?

A NetGalley ARC