*****spoilers ****


I love it when we find out early in the story that the rake actually has a heart. Give me a reformed rake any day!!

A great cast of characters. We've got Jess, who's trying to get justice for her sister Amanda. We've got Lucien, who's trying to keep everyone at arm's length so they don't discover his secrets. Phillip-who's Lucien's sweet older brother.

A great story which has a HEA for more than one couple.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Anna Harrington’s Duke of Deceit may be the best book I’ve read this year. Lucien is cold hearted rake, bad to the core to every one. Or so it seems. No one has bothered to look past it until Jessamine St Clair and she didn’t want to see any goodness in his black heart. Lucien is so finely written that you just know he’s going to find a way to hold on to the peace he finds only with Jess. This book is a true love story and you won’t want to put it down until their story is fully told. And Phillip is a joy. I’m not telling more on that, you’ll need to read the book to find out more. I promise it’s worth it! Just pure sweet love with plenty of steam.

The Duke of Deceit by Anna Harrington is book two in The Dukes of Darkness series. If you haven't read book one, to get the full story you may want to read that one before picking this one up as there are references to characters and backstory in this one. That said, you could pick this one up and probably dive in with only these characters if you don't mind missing out a few minor details.

Lucien Grenier, Duke of Crewe, is our mmc and he presents himself to the public as a selfish, wicked, rake. His reputation is important because that is what will keep society away and keep them from discovering his secrets...of which he has plenty. The problem is that recently, weird things have been happening. Rumors have been going around that he has been sponsoring charities and doing good deeds and he needs to figure out who is spreading them because they could ruin everything he has built. And that could not only ruin his reputation but make him lose his dukedom.

Enter Jessamyn St. Claire. She is determined to make Lucien pay...or well - clean up his reputation. Eight months ago he ruined her sister and Jess is going to make sure that Lucien continues to feel the hit to his reputation unless he agrees to marry her sister. But as she continues to dig deeper into his background, Jess discovers that Lucien's reputation is actually not as bad as he plays it up to be in public. He's actually a pretty good man and the more she learns, the more she finds herself drawn to him. Soon it isn't her sister she wants Lucien to marry but she can't help thinking that maybe he's the man for her.

I thought Harrington did a great job of bringing these two characters together and I enjoyed the back and forth they had. I thought it was interesting that Jess would try to force something like this behind her sister's back and think she wouldn't find out but I also thought that despite her reasons why, her sister should have been honest with Jess about who actually ruined her. So many people making decisions for others...you'd think a little conversation could help. But...I digress. Lucien's secret is a pretty big one and when Jess finds out, I thought the choice she gave him was an interesting approach. I'm not sure how I feel about it and I thought she was pretty harsh.

All that to say, I still enjoyed the book. Admittedly I think I have enjoyed Harrington's prior series more than this one so far but I'll still pick up the next ones as I'm curious about the other Dukes.

Love anything written by Anna Harrington and with this continuation of The Dukes of Darkness series she does not disappoint! the Duke of Crewe was a well rounded hero :) and Jess is exactly what he needs! Free Arc from NetGalley for honest review

This book has the kind of crazy jumping off point I love in histrom - Jessamyn thinks Lucien ruined her sister and is determined to rehabilitate his black reputation unless he marries Amanda. It’s so obvious from the start that she is obviously mistaken - and that she and Lucien’s chemistry is going to ruin all her plans. But watching her come to the realization is such a fun ride.

Lucien refusing to admit he had a heart and was a good man was annoying at first, but when you realize that he’s just trying to protect the most important person to him (his brother) everything falls into place. I loved going along with Jess as she pulled back those layers. I thought the third act breakup was a bit of a stretch, but overall, this was a really great book. Lucien and Jess were utterly charming together.

BOOK: DUKE OF DECEIT
AUTHOR: ANNA HARRINGTON
PUB DATE: DECEMBER 2024
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REVIEW: 2.8 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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THINGS I LIKED
1. The last chapters of the book
2. The ending
3. Exploration of a special needs character
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THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
1. The characters. They were silly and annoying for the better parts of the book
2. FMC, Jessamyn, who lusted over the man she impregnated her sister and abandoned her.
3. MMC, Lucien a good man who liked to portray himself as the devil. He said it was because of the family secrets, but they were better ways to that.
4. The FMC's sister, Amanda who would rather be a single mother considering the social settings then instead of telling the man responsible about it. She insisted it would destroy his career. Like?
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I contemplated not finishing the book, and I'm glad I didn't. Yes, I didn't like the beginning. But, the ending was better, and rectified the beginning. I would say you can read it if you can get past the characters.

3.5 Stars
Lucien Grenier, Duke of Crewe, prides himself on his wicked reputation, at least, that’s what he wants everyone to believe. What better way to keep society from discovering his secrets? But when rumours arise that he is doing good deeds for charities, children, reformers, even nuns, he has far more to lose than his wicked reputation; he might just lose his dukedom. Jessamyn St Claire is determined to hit Lucien where it hurts most—his black reputation. He ruined her sister, and now Jess wants retribution. Her plan? To turn Lucien into a perceived respected peer. But as Jess works to rehabilitate his character, she discovers that Lucien’s bad reputation is mere pretence.
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own, Strong characters & a well paced story made for an enjoyable romance. However whilst I like Lucien & could understand his backstory I didn’t necessarily agree with his actions concerning the dukedom. I found Jess grated on me & took things too far for too long & to be honest I couldn’t understand why she would sacrifice her sister. I did love Philip & loved how both Lucien & Jess interacted with him. I didn’t feel the chemistry between Lucien & Jess & he was a saint to take her on! I normally love the author’s book but this was a bit flat for me
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

This book is well written with full fleshed characters. However, I am not a fan of these kinds of plot as the conflict cannot be sustained. The second conflict is extremely similar to the one in the first book of this series. There is also an issue with the titles of some characters as children of Dukes should be referred as lord or lady followed by their name.

Lucien Grenier, Duke of Crewe prides himself on his black reputation and is consistently making it seem worse. He believes the blacker the better to keep everyone from getting too close and learning of his dark secrets.

Jessamyn St Claire is positive it was Lucien who ruined her sister. She is set on cleaning up his reputation to reform him so that he will marry her sister.

Lucien is surprised when the rumors start about all the good deeds he does. When he comforts Jessamyn about her campaign on cleaning up his reputation the war begins. Who will be the winner of the battle??

I really enjoyed Lucien and Jessamyn’s story!! It was fun, entertaining and oh so delightful!! I felt the story flowed and did not drag in any part of it. The secondary characters were wonderful and added to the entertainment of the book. This is a truly a stand alone book as for I did not read the first book yet but I was able to still follow the story line without any trouble. I highly recommend this book!!

This is an absolutely amazing and wonderful story. Phillip is not the main character but he totally steals the show. I am in awe of his characterization. Jess is a feisty young woman. She is determined to bring the Duke of Crewe to heal. Lucian is a Duke who is hiding his true self. As you read through the story it will become how much research the author has put into make this great for the reader. The plot is very interesting and will hold the readers attention from start to finish. The author has created some excellent characters that will stay with the readers long after they have closed the covers of the book. This is a book you will want to own and also get one for a friend.

The Duke of Deceit is the second book in The Dukes of Darkness historical romance series by Anna Harrington. It is a stand-alone read.

Jess learns her sister is carrying the Duke of Crewes child and leaves for Ireland to carry the baby to term abroad and away from scandal. Jess is determined to ruin his cultivated reputation of a despicable rake to a do gooder. She has tried to get him to marry her sister, but he refuses and feels she has no choice but to get to him by pronouncing his good works. The chemistry sparks between them taking them both by surprise. Lucien does have secrets that Jess is determined to uncover. But will she be shocked to find Lucien is not at all the person he pretends to be.

This is a wonderful story that takes twists and turns as it reveals everyone's secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next one in the series.

There are several of Anna’s books that are my top favorites and I am adding this one to the list. I figured out both of the main characters’ secrets but that did not take away the fun of reading how they figure it out. I did find Jessamyn a little too harsh with her machinations but I understand why she did it, family is everything. The standout character is Lucien. His love and commitment to his brother is what a brother’s should be (I was tearing up). The witty banter and tension really steamed up the pages.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Duke of Deceit" and am now an Anna Harrington fan. Although dukes and the Regency have been done a LOT in historical romance, Harrington still delivers a compelling mix of intrigue, romance, and banter that feels fresh. The duke in question, Lucien, cultivates a rakish persona to hide his charitable deeds and protect deeply personal secrets, while bluestocking artist Jessamyn initially seeks revenge for her sister's apparent ruin at Lucien’s hands. It's a fun ride as they learn more about one another--and themselves. There are some steamy scenes, but they are balanced with emotional connection. There is also a depiction of a person with Down syndrome that is thoughtfully written.

Bottom line: If you enjoy witty banter, a swoon-worthy rake with hidden depths, and a dash of Regency intrigue, "The Duke of Deceit" is sure to charm you.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

One alpha male and one strong-willed damsel and that is the gist of Anna Harrington's Regency romance The Duke of Deceit, the second installment in her The Dukes of Darkness series. Harrington's study of the alpha male is grist for crafting a dreamy soul mate to partner with her maiden. The details of her hero's backstory and his family secrets, effectively pulling on the heartstrings, are endearing, holding the reader engaged. In fact, what keeps the reader turning the pages is the multi-dimensional hero, Lucien Grenier, Duke of Crewe.

Grenier has honed a bad boy image for himself, frequenting London's dark side of gambling halls, brothels and illegal fights curated by bookies inside Wapping, London's warehouses. The flip side of his character has him schmoozing with the upper crust of society at fashionable opera houses, ballrooms, and Whitehall Street's houses of government.

Harrington provides detailed demonstrations of Grenier's rakish activities, and how they are designed to conceal his philanthropic endeavors. Duellingly, designed to conceal his disowned brother Phillip from society, whom he quietly looks after in Ealing on the outskirts of London. Harrington shows these aspects in Grenier's character, rather than relying on explaining him to the reader.

Effectively, Harrington smartly shows how Lucien Grenier isn't the duplicitous male that one would expect, being both playboy duke and good-willed benefactor. One of them is false. Though, it takes patience and perseverance on the part of the reader to reach that point in the story whem Grenier actually becomes likable.

To his great misfortune, or perhaps not, Grenier bucks horns with Jessamyn St Claire, who means to coax him into marrying her sister Amanda after finding the two in a compromising position inside a private garden. The situation becomes messy as he refuses to marry Amanda, arguing that Amanda forced him into an arousing kiss and nothing more. Amanda is with child, leading St. Clare to believe Grenier is the father. Only that is not possible.

St. Clare's scheme to ruin Grenier, by paying to make him appear like a model of the English realm, displays him helping abused women and children, funding charities and reform movements that benefit the underserved. All contrary to his public image, which has an irritating effect on the reader. The manipulations become grating on the reader after a long stretch of time, especially since St. Clare must work hard to earn money as an illustrator, and here she is spending her earnings foolishly on manipulating Grenier.

The tide shifts as Grenier gets back at St. Clare by announcing in the London papers that they are engaged. That adds a satifying twist to the tale. It is at this juncture in the story that Grenier becomes very interesting. Slowly, his secrets begin to be unraveled. His older brother is truly the Duke of Crewe, handicapped by a not-yet-named illness, Downs Syndrome. Phillip is shown by Harrington to be unable to take care of himself. Least of all, hold his own in the House of Lords.

How Grenier and St. Clare work to unravel each other's family secrets, and cease allowing their secrets to keep them fearful of being together in front of the society, is very rewarding for the reader. This is one romantic fiction that will enlighten reader's perspective about secrets, and the control they have over one's life.

The Duke of Deceit
Tropes: enemies to lovers; fake rake; Big Secret
Steam level: 3
2nd in the series, works as a standalone. 3 stars

What I liked: the MMC, Lucien, who is a fake rake with a decent sense of humor and a good heart. I appreciated the storyline involving his brother Philip and their relationship, and the relationship the MFC, Jessamyn, has with her aunt. Also, the steam is quite steamy. The author does a nice job with the physical chemistry between the MC’s.

What I’m on the fence about: the premise of Lucian “stealing” the dukedom is pretty flimsy. If his dad had gone to Parliament right after Philip was born Lucien would have legally been named duke on the grounds that Philip was unfit. If at any time Lucian had gone to Parliament as an adult he could have been named duke for this reason. The implication of treason is far-fetched, but so is the idea of Lucian being a “mercenary”as the second son of a duke.

What I didn’t like: Jessamyn. She has a tendency to be TSTL, make baseless/snotty comments, and is generally sanctimonious and self-centered. Once she keeps going back and forth on whether Lucien is a good guy or not despite the evidence she’s amassed (she seems to be basing her judgement on whether he has turned down her advances lately), I was done. And so many times I had to wonder at her motivation in the first half. Why did she want to ensure that her sister marry the "blackhearted” Lucien, who’s supposedly bedded all of the women in the Ton? Why would you want your sister to be trapped in marriage to someone you thought was that terrible and deal with his expected philandering, especially when you and your sister had a despicable father that you had demanded leave when you were kids?

Her sister rightly points out that Jessamyn is manipulative. But her sister wasn’t much better as a character, considering what she did.

In the end, I was only able to finish due to my liking for Lucien and my hope that he got his HEA. But I honestly think he deserved better than Jessamyn.

I've really enjoyed Anna Harrington's books and this is no exception. I liked the twist of trying to make the hero seem like a do-gooder when he was secretly doing so anyway.

Plot was fun - characters were engaging and I read this one in a day!

Thanks for the opportunity to read this early!

I found it a good solid book but quite a slow read. Enjoyable and i love when it was set. Not something I would usually read but glad I did.

The Duke of Deceit is the second book in Anna Harrington’s The Dukes of Darkness series. It follows four friends but each story is stand alone. I have not read book one but did not feel that I missed anything.
Lucien Grenier, Duke of Crewe has deliberately cultivated his reputation as a black hearted selfish rake. He is more than happy to repel society because it is an ideal way to keep anyone from getting close to discovering his secrets. So when rumours start circulating about his good deeds, Lucien must put a stop to them before his reputation is repaired in the eyes of the ton. Jessamyn St. Claire is seeking revenge for her sister's ruin at Lucien's hands. The only way to get the blackguard to do the decent thing is to threaten to rehabilitate his character unless he marries her sister. As she works to reform him, Jess uncovers the truth behind Lucien's facade and realises that he truly has a good heart. But will Lucien’s secrets tear them apart.
I did enjoy this story. Lucien is actually far from the reckless rake he is portrayed. He is genuinely a good man and at first I struggled to understand why he would want to cultivate such a black reputation. When we discover his true reasons why then it is understandable. I did like Jess but I did think she was a bit unrealistic when she gave Lucien the ultimatum at the end (things really could have gone very wrong for him) but luckily this is a romance so it all turned out very well.
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in return for my honest opinion. I loved Lucien and Jess so I'd definitely recommend reading this and am looking forward to the next in the series.

Witty, full of delightful twists between Lucien Grenier, Duke of Crewe, and Jessamyn St Claire. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the interactions between the characters.

The only two drawbacks that negatively reflect on the novel are -
- God’s name is used in vain.
- Jess gave in too easily to Lucien’s seduction, and I felt that the explicit sex description took away from the intrigue and plot.

I would rate The Duke of Deceit by Anna Harrington 4 out of 5.

I hadn't read a concept like this for a Regency/Victorian-era romance yet! The idea of trying to make someone look good who's very much trying to hide behind a black reputation...? Perfection. It's exactly what I needed to break up the Regency romance slump! There are only a few authors that I've found that can break up the minutia of highway men is fine by me!!

An easy read if you're walking into an airport, need a coffee break or just love bodice rippers!