I really enjoyed this story, which I have been looking forward to since meeting Verity in Duke of Ruin.

Can you imagine having your husband come back after thinking him dead for many years? Verity can't believe that just when she is ready to move on with her life, that the man she despises is suddenly back...but he seems to be an entirely different man. Can she trust this change in her husband?

I don't want to give away too much of the story, but you will definitely want to pick this up!!

I don't know what Burke has planned for this series, but I hope there are more books to come as I have throughly enjoyed them!

Despite having enjoyed most of this series, I very nearly didn’t pick this up. Because how could Rufus possibly return and make up for treating his wife as badly as Verity had clearly been treated? The early months of her marriage were awful and not at all the makings of a romantic redemption story. So I was extremely wary coming into this book.

I needn’t have worried. Thankfully the story has more than a little in common with an old Lisa Kleypas book, A Stranger in My Arms, which I’ve always liked. In fact this is my favourite of the series so far, and not least because the lies and deception don’t really last. At least not between the main characters.

I loved Verity. She’s been through quite a lot and had to deal with some awful men in her life, but she’s also an excellent mother who is doing everything possible to do well by her son. She’s strong and sensible too, and I loved how she dealt with the upheaval of Rufus’ return.

I loved him too. I didn’t expect to, given everything I thought was going to happen, but thankfully Burke clears things up very quickly and left me free to enjoy the character and the amazing way he transforms Verity’s life. Not to mention that of young Beau. The father-son relationship that develops between them is wonderful, and the way they so quickly formed a family was lovely to read.

Of course things are far from easy, thanks to some secrets and embezzlement. And even though I guessed much of what had gone on, the way it unraveled was pretty unexpected. It might also have been a little too quickly resolved in some ways, but on the whole, it was entertaining and intriguing. It was also great to see more of Diana and Simon from The Duke of Ruin and a few glimpses of other characters we’ve met along the way.

In all, this was a great read, entertaining and romantic, with a hint of mystery thrown in to keep things interesting. I really enjoyed it, especially Kit, and look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next.

If you ever saw the 1980s French film, “The Return of Martin Guerre” or the 1990s remake, “Sommersby,” with Richard Gere and Jodie Foster, you’ll recognize the plot device in this historical romance. Verity Beaumont has happily lived almost seven years after the disappearance of her abusive husband. She has devoted herself to raising her son and looks forward to perhaps marrying again. Suddenly, her husband Rufus returns, but he’s quite different. He might look the same, but he is much nicer. Soon she is coming to fall in love with the new guy even though she suspects that he isn’t her original husband. But he’s such an improvement and treats her and her son so kindly that she doesn’t really care who he is.

There’s a bit of a mystery to figure out as to what really happened to her original husband, but I didn’t think it was all that much of a mystery - just enough to pique my interest so I kept reading to see how the author wrapped it all up.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

This is my first book by the author and I have not read a historical in a while. To be 100% honest it was not my cup of tea. It is well written but I did not like teh plot and it was not what I expected it to be and so it was not a storyline I enjoyed. But that is subjective, it is on me, and maybe the description of the book but it is still a good story and it is well written.

I expected it to be a story about a woman and her child whose beloved husband comes back from the grave and reunited but that is not this story. Verity is a very strong woman and her husband has been missing for years and about to be declared dead until he comes back from the grave or from the ocean.

Kit is the bastard to his brother Rufus and they look a lot alike so he pretends to be Rufus because he needs money to fix his ship. I hate sibling romances and I also hate putting one over on a romance partner. Plus Rufus was a mean bastard of a husband so for Verity it was pretty torturous.

That said it is well written, my first time reading this author and I liked the characters, even though I did not like the plot.

This is the 9th book in The Untouchables Series, and Darcy Burke's story-telling skill hasn't waned!
Verity Beaumont, Duchess of Blackburn has been ill-treated by her father then her husband of three months, Rufus, until he disappeared to parts and reasons unknown. Six and a half years later, the Duke of Blackburn, or so he says, reappeared. But Verity has her doubts as to the veracity of his claims and his stories of disappearance. She fears for her well-being, as well as her 6 year old son Beau's safety.

Captain Christopher "Kit" Powell, dubbed himself as the Duke of Lies. He has his own agenda which was thwarted by the beautiful, kind-hearted Duchess and her wonderful son. He planned to take what he thinks belongs to him and depart. But he's fallen in love with Her Grace and her son, and his plans has radically changed in the course of unexpected events.

This is a beautifully written story which started in lies and deception. Darcy Burked has packed a lot into this plot and made it work. The tender family moments, the fight/knife/action scene, the steamy intimacy between Kit and Verity, the extortion, the betrayal, the embezzlement, the gruesome finds, the works in the estate, the ballroom scene, the recurring characters and the menagerie of four-legged and winged creatures!

This is well-written. I urge you to read it.

This is an eGalley copy which I voluntarily read. I reviewed it with honesty and impartiality.

The Duke of Lies hero, Kit, is every woman’s dream. Verity Beaumont does not know that, yet. To Verity, her worst nightmare is happening Her cruel, missing husband has returned home. Unknown to her, rather than her husband, it is his cousin/half-brother Kit or Christopher. We find out later that Kit would have been the duke had he not been born a bastard. Kit was raised by a vicar and his wife. Right now he needs funds to replace his ship. His plan was to ask his father for money to replace his privateer, but his father has passed while he was away.

Verity, as she should be, is worried her life will return the horror that it had been when Rufus and she were first married. Now she has six year old Beau to protect, as well as, herself. Yet, something is not right about her husband. This man who has ‘returned’ is actually a nice person. It takes a while for her to trust his man. She begins to realize her suspicions are true and he is not her husband.

I loved this book. Yes, there are aspects of Somersby in it, but what book doesn’t have aspects of another book. The Duke of Lies is so much better. It has a HEA. These two, Somersby and The Duke of Lies are different enough for the reader to enjoy both.

Darcy Burke’s series The Untouchables is one of my favorites. Each book is unique and different while encompassing past books and characters to keep you in touch with your favorites.

The Duke of Lies by Darcy Burke
The Untouchables #9

I didn’t want this book to end! I love this series and the addition of this book was a delight to read!

Verity has shaped a life for herself with her young much loved son she loves that will one day be Duke of Blackburn. To say she is happy her husband will soon be declared deceased is an understatement. She is eager to claim a life that has never really been her own as her father has always been more interested in himself than in her and her husband of three months was entirely despicable. Her plans for the future that do NOT include her husband Rufus…and then…who should appear on her doorstep but…Rufus…but…boy has he changed!

As the two get reacquainted she is more and more confused by how nice he is. How generous. How very much changed he seems to be. How could this have happened? Can it be true? And, why would she be attracted to the man she once loathed and wished dead?

Well, I really do not want to give away any of this delightful story beyond saying that I loved Verity, Kit, Beau and the rest of the cast both new and old. I was thrilled at the way the story worked out and am eager to read whatever comes next!

NOTE: As I read I was reminded of the movie Somersby with Richard Gere and Jodie Foster…thankfully the ending of this book was much happier than that movie!

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

5 Stars

I had read and enjoyed some of Darcy’s contemporary books and had no idea that she was writing historical as well, so when I saw her name on NG, I had to request.

I loved Verity and Rufus. I loved her strength and her smarts and her want for things to have changed. Rufus is charming and sensitive. Their chemistry is not instant, which I enjoyed. I was so happy to see their relationship grow out of trust and friendship.

Plot wise, it wasn’t quite what I was expecting, it was better. The truth of what is going on is shared fairly early and it was intriguing to read the layered reveals. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, but I love that Verity and Rufus were always truthful and communicating.

Overall, it was quick and highly and enjoyable read. I’m disappointed that I somehow missed this entire series, but I’m planning on going back to read them.

**Huge thanks to Darcy Burke for providing the arc free of charge**

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair review. Duke of Lies by Darcy Burke is the 9th book in her The Untouchables series. It could be read as a stand-alone but I’ve very much enjoyed the series and suggest reading them all. Verity Beaumont, Duchess of Blackburn has been getting along just fine since her very nasty husband disappeared almost 6 years ago, she is raising her son and taking charge of the dukedom so the last thing she expects is his return claiming that he was impressed and taken onto a privateer’s ship. Rufus Beaumont has returned home a changed man, so much so that Verity is questioning if he is really her husband and if he isn’t who is he and where is her husband? Secrets, lies and a couple of mysteries make this very steamy romance one that will keep you hooked till the last page. Publishing Date May 29, 2018

I read and loved the other books in this series and after having met Verity in the Duke of Ruin's story where she attended....oh, well, did you read it? Otherwise, I'll better not tell more about my first meeting with Verity.
Let's just say that I met and loved her in that book and I was thrilled to find her story in this one. Okay, I wasn't thrilled when I learned more about her marriage and her life with her husband and I really feared for her, when he suddenly reappeared. What an.... yup. That one.

Verity's story had a lot of potential to go wrong or to be too predictable because with certain stories you expect certain things to happen but instead Mrs Burke led me on a merry chase. Whenever I thought that I had finally figured out what had happened and where it would lead us (apart from a happy ending, I take it that we all take that as a given, right?) in the end, something else happened. With some twists and turns and some real villains, Darcy Burke once again kept me on my toes and I couldn't stop reading.

Up to now I've read most of the books in this series and they just keep being amazing! Each couple and its story are unique and convincing, the stories simply draw you in and never fail to entertain.

Always fun to read a Darcy Burke book. Once again she brings us secrets, deceptions and love. She keeps you guessing and wondering what twist is coming next. The characters are delightful and entertaining. It was especially nice to see some of the other dukes and duchess from previous books. Anxiously waiting to see who's next.

I received a copy from the author and from NetGalley; this is my honest review. #TheDukeOfLies #NetGalley
-Romance, mystery, suspense, some fun in between; a good mix.
-I love the way Kit and Verity met; how she was weary of him and he was mesmerized by her.
-I liked how the drama didn't stretched too long (the lies, the real story, etc.).
-I liked how close friends and family can really show how they love you by doing something out of their way to help you.
-I loved how the friendship, respect, and love between Kit and Verity (and even Beau) was gradual, and not force one way or the other.
-I thought it a bit weird they wanted to get married back home instead of in London, right where all their friends were at the present time.
-Funny: At first, I couldn't remember who Verity was, nor Beau, until the menagerie came into the picture!
-Justice prevails!

I do believe that ‘The Duke of Lies’ which is the 9th book in this series, is one of the best year. Darcy Burke goes from strength to strength.
Verity Beaumont’s life takes a very unexpected turn, when her husband, Rufus Beaumont, Duke of Blackburn, suddenly walks back into her life after being absent for the past six years. She has wished him dead (as would any of the readers) given his cruelty to her. The only good thing that he had done was to disappear before her son Beau was born, allowing Beau to believe him ‘a hero’. However, Rufus appears very changed and Verity soon begins to fall in love with the man that she has always believed was someone other than Rufus. This was a great read and had me enthralled until the very end. It was also so good, to see characters from previous books reappear as part of Verity’s circle of friends.
I received an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Another great book by Darcy Burke. I have really enjoyed this entire series. In Duke of lies we have Verity and her son Beau who are happy on their own after Veritys husband went missing six and a half years ago. It was no real loss since he was an abusive ass. Suddenly a man shows up who looks exactly like her missing husband but is a kind person. I’m not a huge fan of this trope and although there was nothing new here I still enjoyed it.

4.5☆
Loved it
Darcy Burke is one of my go-to authors.

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Kit
Part of a series: The Untouchables
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

I totally loved it. Such a wonderful addition to this fantastic series, I think it’s the best book so far, in what is the best historical romance series right now.

The story was a bit unexpected, the characters gorgeous and I loved the ending. It really is a wow book!

What’s it About? Verity, the Duchess of Blackburn has endured domineering and downright abusive men all of her life, her father and then her husband but when her husband disappears soon after they’re married Verity is relieved and feeling more free and at peace than she ever though possible. Until he returns six years later, a very different man that the one Verity married. Rufus Beaumont, Duke of Blackburn wants to claim his place and his family but he is determined not to be the man Verity remembers. Just as it seems that he may have the life he’s always wanted, the truth about him comes out and he finds he has to prove to Verity that not everything about them is a lie.




Overall reaction to the book? I do love the husband-thought-to-be-dead-but-suddenly-comes-back-different theme in romance because it can lead to one of two things: A bad man who has “seen the light” and is determined to fight an uphill battle to win back his wife, or a bad man who doesn’t come back and whose place is taken by an identical relative (twin, cousin, etc) for some reason or another and he ends up falling in love with said bad man’s wife.


The Duke of Lies takes it a bit further by weaving an interesting tale of greed, extortion, murder, and mystery into the romance between Verity and her not so dead husband. Darcy Burke was able to pull off both a mystery and romance in a way that had me up reading late into the night!


Poor Verity, I felt so bad for her at the moment she realized her husband was back from the dead and that her dreams of peace and freedom are going up in smoke. Though she doesn’t outright say it, she was abused by her husband early on in their marriage, verbally and I gather physically sometimes. She was treated little better than a broodmare and then abandoned when her husband decided he wanted to carry on his affairs and gamble and drink. Her relief at his disappearance had her battling some guilt over her thoughts but I liked that she didn’t try to act pious or saintly by feigning worry about the disappearance of a man who was definitely better off dead. Her honest reactions endeared her to me even as she tried to handle her situation with grace and dignity. I could literally feel her need to scream when her husband appeared again. I wouldn’t have blamed her if she had thrown herself on the floor and cried. She wasn’t a hysterical female though she sure had reason to be, and when several bombshells are dropped on her throughout the story, she soldiers onward without the slightest tantrum. I really liked her because of that and because she survived a husband who was a monster for sure.


And then he wasn’t a monster anymore. Yep, the dearly not so departed husband did a complete 360 from the cruel monster Verity remembered to an unsure, respectful, and dare I say caring man who wanted to claim the life that he should have had, and that includes winning over a frightened, and suspicious Verity. There aren’t any flashbacks to Verity’s early days with her husband but from the little hints the author gives, he was something else. This “new” version of him couldn’t be more different. He’s almost in awe of his life, his wife and their son. He is considerate of her needs for once and I really had nothing to compare this guy to because there is a lack of flashbacks and no prologue so it was like getting to know him for the first time.


Here’s the thing about The Duke of Lies though, that huge secret that the duke is carrying around? It’s revealed early on, heck, if you’re paying close enough attention you can guess what it is on your own. At first I was a little disappointed that that bombshell was revealed so early because I love a good intrigue BUT, in the end there was a reason it happened that way and I did see that it gave Verity and her duke time to adjust and build a new relationship that was based on mutual respect, affection, and friendship. Not to mention that these two had to be a strong united front for the crap storm that was coming their way. And it is a BIG crap storm. So big points to Darcy Burke for handling everything not only in a timely manner, but in a way that gave these two characters a chance to fall in love and face conflicts together instead of using it tear them apart and create unnecessary drama. The circumstances were dramatic enough!




Click It or Skip It? Click It. I obviously missed out on what sounds like a good series. I could kick myself because I REALLY want to read the previous books now. Don’t pass up The Duke of Lies though or else you’ll end up kicking yourself.

I received this novel from net galley and the publisher for an honest review. Thank you!!
I have read several novels by Ms. Burke and I enjoyed this one. It brings characters from the previous novel, The Duke of Ruin and focuses on Verity's story. Verity Beaumont suffered from a domineering father and then a husband. When Rufus Beaumont, Duke of Blackburn disappeared, Verity was glad he was out of her and her son's lives. She enjoys her freedom and plans on making sure her son becomes a good man. However, when he reappears over 6 years later, Verity is shocked and fearful of him, yet he looks like her husband, but his mannerisms are unlike him. Rufus says he has changed, that he was imprisoned on a ship against his will, but he has an ulterior motive. Rufus lies to Verity, for he has no intention of staying. However, as he spends time with Beau, "his son", and Verity, "his wife", he longs for more than the sea. He wants to stay with them and be a family. However, Rufus has many secrets. There are a few who know those secrets and will resort to blackmail and extortion to get what they want. Will Rufus come clean to Verity and be the man he knows she deserves and figure out the truth that some are desperate to hide?

This is one lie that is better than the truth. Kit (Rufus) has secrets, some of them are rather shocking. The way that Verity handles the truth is wonderful. I really enjoyed, The Duke of Lies.