Duke and DuplicityThe Duke of Ranleigh is lonely. He’s also bored out of his mind. Tired of the same people at the same parties and the same women all hoping to become his duchess, he knows something has to change. Though he’d die before he admitted it, Ranleigh has a romantic heart and is looking for the one … the woman who will make his jaded soul sing and fill the void in his life.‘Archie’ … in his life.
‘Archie’ Archibald has a secret, a secret Archie’s new friend the duke doesn’t know.
For Archie is no cheeky young buck as Ranleigh believes … but a girl. She swore she’d never deceive anyone about her identity again but finds herself thrust into Ranleigh’s world, and his confidence, before she has the chance to tell him the truth.
Far worse, and far more dangerous, Archie is falling for him.
Archie must make a choice, reveal all and risk ruin – staking her hopes on the possibility the duke could return her feelings – or keep her peace and disappear from his life.
Little does Archie realise … her secret might not be as safe as she supposed.
The latest addition to the acclaimed Rogues & Gentlemen series from Emma V Leech, the multi-award-winning Amazon Top 100 romance writer. Author of fan favourites such as Flaming June and Last Man in London, both listed in the 20 ‘Romance Reads You Can’t Miss’ in the Amazon Kindle Storyteller Awards 2018.
**** Warning: This book contains all manner of cheek and duplicity, some mild perspiration and perhaps even some rather descriptive sex scenes. We are, however, very pleased to highlight that this book – and series – is in no way verging on erotica. ****
The Rogues & Gentlemen series can be enjoyed as stand-alone novels or as part of the wider series. If the full series appeals, the suggested – but by no means essential – reading order would be:
•Book 1: The Rogue
•Book 2: The Earl’s Temptation
•Book 3: Scandal’s Daughter
•Book 4: The Devil May Care
•Book 5: Nearly Ruining Mr Russell
•Book 6: One Wicked Winter
•Book 7: To Tame a Savage Heart
•Book 8: Persuading Patience
•Book 9: The Last Man in London
•Book 10: Flaming June
•Book 11: Charity and The Devil
•Book 12: A Slight Indiscretion
•Book 13: The Corinthian Duke
•Book 14: The Blackest of Hearts
•Book 15: Duke and Duplicity
Happy reading! And please do leave a review if you can – it would mean the world to hear what you enjoyed most about the book.
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Archie is delightful and very amiable to be around. Down to the last coins, Archie saves a Duke from losing his watch. The Duke of Ranleigh offers his friendship and help. He has money and power, but Is very lonely. In meeting Archie he finds a wonderful companion, except Archie is troubled and has secrets. Ranleigh wants to help, but Archie won’t say what’s wrong and keeps running away. A persistent Duke leaves no stone unturned. Then Ranleigh sees what he missed before and doesn’t care that Archie is different. His love is put to the taste when he learns a darker secret. A touching, beautiful love story. I fell for the Duke!!!
This was a fun and different story from the beginning – I found so much entertainment, understanding and love throughout the book.
The Duke of Ranleigh has sown his oats, he’s lonely and wants a wife and an heir but he wants to find love and someone who will understand him. He is tired of London; the same balls, the same people, the same women and young debutantes hoping to be his duchess.
Jennifer “Archie” Archibald is running from her home with a secret – a young woman can’t travel alone so she must dress as a gentleman. She meets the duke when she warns him of a pickpocket – he thinks she is a young man and before she can tell him the truth; she finds herself in his world and they become friends. The worst thing was that he still thinks she is a cheeky young man and she is falling in love with him.
Archie knows she must completely break away from him or take a chance of ruin by telling him the truth, in hopes he may care for her and forgive her deceit. Does Archie keep her identity and her secret that caused her to run from home or is there a chance it could work out?
I highly recommend this book and Emma Leech has characters that pull you into their lives and a story that makes you laugh, love and hope for a HEA!
This is a spectacular book covering a multitude of societal norms and taboos. This is the first book I have read from Emma V. Leech and I loved it. I foresee me reading more of her books in the future. The lead female character, (Jennifer Archibald) Archie is a unique and progressive person for her time. Her friends were as unique as she was. They all loved her and were willing to do whatever it took to protect her. Archie had secrets. At first, I was a little disappointed by the fact that her gender was revealed at the beginning of the story. But there was more to Archie that she kept hidden from everyone even her closest friends. She meets Guy de Warenne, the Duke of Ranleigh, quite by accident. They hit it off and the Duke invited her to join him on the trip back to London. They spent several days together traveling in his coach. Archie felt drawn to Ranleigh but feared her secret would destroy whatever friendship they had. They kept crossing paths for several months. Archie was heartsick. She was head over heels in love with Ranleigh, but knew she had to stay away from him or risk exposure. Every time Archie would escape Ranleigh’s company he would pursue her. She was terrified. Eventually Archie decided to put such a distance between them that it would be folly for Ranleigh to follow her. But just before she left, leaving Ranleigh behind for good, he appeared again. After spending more time with Archie, Ranleigh tried to get her to open up and trust him. He had the niggling feeling that there was something still off. Then he figured it out, but decided to keep it to himself till she revealed it on her own. He loved her and wanted her to trust him desperately. She finally revealed herself to him. After that they came to grips of their mutual love. Archie still feared of Ranleigh being ostracized by society that she refused to marry him. But Archie still had a secret that no one knew and she felt so threatened by it that she was willing to let Ranleigh go. Finally, Archie confessed and you will never guess what she was hiding. It was such a shock to me. I know if you like Regency novels that are unique with different angles and perspectives you will totally become immersed in this dramatic story. It is so worth the time to read. You will not be disappointed.