After killing his opponent in a duel, Lionel Maitland, Marquess of Axbridge, is known as the Duke of Danger. Tortured by guilt, he shields himself with a devil-may-care attitude. However, when he kills another man in another duel, he’s beyond redemption, even though it wasn’t his fault. He refuses to smear a dead man’s name, especially when he’s left behind a blameless widow who doesn’t deserve … deserve an even bigger scandal.
Widowed and destitute, Lady Emmaline Townsend must marry the man of her parents’ choosing or beg unsympathetic relatives for support. The only way out is to ask for help from the one man she’s sworn to hate, the man who owes her anything she asks, the man who killed her husband. They strike a devil’s bargain in which passion simmers just beneath the surface. But her dead husband’s transgressions come back to haunt them and threaten their chance at love.
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Oh, my. I think I am in love – with Lionel Maitland, Marquess of Axbridge (Duke of Danger). Yes, he has fought in three duels ending in two deaths, but the duels were fought for honorable reasons. They were fought to avenge the death of his father, to protect a child and to protect a friend and her child. What else was he to do when the miscreants wouldn’t stop, back down or apologize? He always tried everything he could to avoid the duels, but in the end, they couldn’t be stopped. Lionel is really a very sweet, very loving, very loyal, but extraordinarily honorable man. Another thing I liked about him – he came from a very loving family and had a very strong, loving bond with his father. What is not to love?
Lionel is guilt-ridden over the deaths and they haunt him – especially the last one. He’s filled with self-loathing and feels he doesn’t deserve anything good or loving in his life. He is sure anything bad that happens to him is deserved. He is so guilt-ridden that he banishes himself to Ireland after the duel – to pay penance.
The book opens with the scene of the third duel. The opponents are on the field, the path is laid out by the seconds, the count has begun – and – a shot is fired . . . then another . . . .both are wounded . . . one will die . . . . one will suffer. One leaves behind a destitute widow and the other will do all in his power to help her if she will let him.
Eight months later, Emmaline, Lady Townsend is still angry, very, very angry at Lionel. Everything bad in her life over the last few months is because of him. She has planned her revenge very carefully and is ready to execute her plan. However, fate intervenes in the form of her parents. They have arranged a marriage for her to a lecherous older man that she cannot even imagine spending her life with. What will she do? She hurriedly develops a plan because her father is to sign the betrothal contract the next morning and he just told her today. She will force Lionel to marry her – a marriage totally in name only. She will have total autonomy, he will pay the bills and there will be no intimacy of any kind and no children.
I certainly didn’t warm up to Emmaline as quickly as I did to Lionel. She didn’t seem to have a lot of self-awareness and blamed others for her problems – mostly Lionel. She had been feeling pressured, by her parents, to marry. So, she elopes with the handsome man who pays attention to her at a house party. She doesn’t know him at all – she romanticized him – but she married him. Then she was surprised when he wasn’t the man she thought he would be. Well – duh! Then, when her parents are arranging her second marriage she has a knee-jerk reaction. Granted, she had little to no time to plan a real escape from her situation, but, what was her first reaction? She’d make Lionel marry her – because he owed her everything.
Lionel is standing in the way of a very dangerous man and that man is determined to remove Lionel from his path – by any means necessary. Will Lionel survive?
Emmaline and Lionel certainly don’t have a very auspicious beginning to their marriage but, if they work together, they can make it a success. Lionel wants that from the beginning but Emmaline wants nothing to do with Lionel and it takes her much longer to figure out that Lionel isn’t the man she thought he was either – but in a much better way than with her first husband. As she discovers who he is – and it starts with a tiny black kitten with jade green eyes – she comes to respect, admire and, yes, love him. However, love may not be enough for them. Being near Emmaline is a constant reminder to Lionel that he killed her husband. He can’t forget it and sometimes he can’t be near her because of it.
This is a great read – and I certainly recommend it. However, there were a couple of things that niggled at me as I read.
** The author used the word shagged several times. I know the term came into use in this context in the late 1700’s, but it just sounded too modern to me. The author did nothing wrong there – it was all me. I just didn’t care for it.
**When Lionel was challenged to a duel by Sir Duncan, it was Sir Duncan who chose the weapons, time and place. I believe it was the right of the person challenged to choose the weapon, not the challenger.
**When Emmaline has a need to use Lionel’s dueling pistols, she manages to do it in the dark, in the room with a murderer and very quietly. I don’t believe that dueling pistols would have been stored loaded. That would mean that she had to pack, prime and load the pistol in the dark without making a sound. Just doesn’t sound plausible to me.
None of those things kept me from enjoying the story – they just sort of picked at me.
“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
This was a very unique story, I mean how often do you read a regency era book where the heroine marries the man who killed her husband? Well, that is exactly what happens in this book!
Lionel Maitland, the Marquess of Axbridge is a troubled man. He has been dubbed the Duke of Danger because of his unfortunate tendency to fight duels – two of which resulted in the death of his opponent. But what people don’t know is that each duel has stolen a piece of his soul, he is wracked with guilt and is unable to forgive himself – even though neither death was intentional and in both instances, he acted in self defense. The latest death of Geoffrey, Viscount Townsend may be the one that sends Lionel over the edge. When he approaches the widowed Lady Emmaline Townsend and offers her his help, she unleashes her rage on him and he accepts her vitriol as his due.
Emmaline Townsend is in a bind, left penniless after the death of her husband, she was left with no choice but to return to her parents home. Now that her year of mourning is almost up, her parents are pushing for her to remarry. Their choice of a husband is totally unacceptable to Emmaline, so in an impulsive moment, she demands that Lionel marry her with the following conditions, that he pay her late husband’s debts, give her an allowance, agree to let her live her life independently, accept that she hates him and will never, ever be a true wife to him and makes him promise not to fight anymore duels. Lionel agrees, because he feels that he deserves nothing less for the pain he has caused her.
They marry and Lionel bends over backwards to please Emmaline, who is unwilling to let go of her anger and hatred. Honestly, I didn’t like Emmaline for most of this book – I thought she was beastly to Lionel, unjustly so. Yes, he killed her husband and Yes, she doesn’t know the particulars of why they fought the duel or her husbands actions during the duel. But to blame Lionel and to treat him the way she did without knowing all the facts or placing any blame on her late husband, was immature and cruel. I did understand her initial reaction, but this is almost a year later and she is still solely blaming him for all the wrongs in her life. Thankfully, in the latter half of the book, Emmaline starts to thaw and begins to accept that Lionel is an honorable man and that her late husband was not. Once she starts to make an effort to get to know her new husband and to try and let go of her anger, she starts to once again be the loving, kind girl readers met in the book Duke of Desire.
When Lionel’s former lover confronts Emmaline and the truth of the duel with Geoffrey is revealed, Emmaline has to acknowledge her feelings for Lionel and she finally puts her past hurt and anger behind her.
Just as they make peace with each other and it seems like they will have a HEA, an enemy from Geoffrey’s past threatens to tear them apart for good.
I thought this book was well written, it flowed nicely, there were cameos from previous characters, some very steam love scenes (YES!), a bit of angst, an incomparable hero, a surprise revelation, forgiveness and finally a very hard earned HEA.
I happily recommend this book and the entire Untouchables Series. While this is the sixth book in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by the author*
Unique story! The Duke of Danger gets his name undeservedly. The widow of his last “victim” plays upon his guilt to get him to marry her. Her dislike of him is daunting. They find their way through and uncover the real villain.
There is nothing I don’t like about the historical romance.
WOW! Who’d a thunk it? A man who duels with a heart of gold?!? Who regrets his dueling?!? I fell in love with him. You just don’t come across heroes with consciences like that very often, at least not from the very beginning. From there, you’ll need to read, and it’s worth the time.
Book 6 in this series is about 2 character introduced in previous books – Lionel Maitland, Marquess of Axbridge is dubbed the Duke of Danger. Deadly in a duel, he has killed one opponent and maimed another. His attempt to protect a friend from blackmail results in his wounding Geoffrey, Viscount Townsend – after he cheated and fired early. Succumbing to an infection, Geoffrey died, leaving a young widow, Emmaline, debt-ridden and homeless. Returning to England from Ireland after months of exile, Lionel is contacted by Emmaline. She is living again with her parents who are eager to arrange a marriage to an elderly peer to get her off their hands. As the youngest child, she was an unwanted and unexpected surprise to her family. Her impulsive elopement with Geoffrey stemmed from her desire to escape being a burden. She soon realized her error and her relationship with the volatile Geoffrey was strained. Ridden by guilt and self-loathing for his actions, Lionel agrees to her demands of a marriage of convenience – in name only while he settles all debts and she is granted the protection of his name and title. Emmaline soon realizes her unwanted attraction to her new husband. The hate she clings to is at odds with his kindness, loyalty and honor – revealing all is not as it seems. Lionel is a tortured soul who cannot forgive himself for the deaths that haunt him to despair. Can each see beyond their own wounds and learn to forgive themselves, move away from wallowing in misery and accept healing and love? Poignant story of redemption, honor and love!
Book six in The Untouchables series a well written story with a very good storyline the story flowed smoothly across the pages. Lionel Maitland, Marquess of Axbridge killed a man in a duel and is now called the Duke of Danger. Widowed and destitute, Lady Emmaline Townsend needs a favour and as it was her husband that was killed she asks Lionel to marry her. I enjoyed seeing this story come together, and would recommend.
Lionel Maitland, the Marquess of Axbridge, is a tortured man after being involved in 3 duels where two men died. He never meant to fatally wound either man, but that doesn’t matter because the truth is two deaths occurred and are a stain on his conscience. When he finds himself railroaded into marrying the widow of his latest victim, Emmaline Townsend, he prepares himself for a lifetime of hatred from the widow. He accepts her strict conditions for a marriage of convenience only because he believes he deserves to be punished for his actions.
This story is a bit on the dark side where both the hero and heroine are flawed, almost beyond redemption. Lionel is honorable to a fault, but he continues to treat Emmaline with kindness and respect. Emmaline is harder to like in this story until details of her life are slowly revealed by the author. Ms. Burke knows how to weave a story that keeps the reader turning pages until the end. I enjoyed this story and can definitely be read as a stand alone book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Lionel & Emmaline’s Story was Absolutely Wonderful.
What does someone feel when they are constantly being honorable then end up dueling & killing them?
Lionel lives with nothing but guilt every Day. Can he overcome it? Especially after the last duel whose opponent dies from his wound?
Does Emmaline know what she is getting into with the man who killed her Husband?
“Duke of Danger”
The Duke of Danger
Another Wonderful Book by Darcy Burke.
The Untouchables Series Boxset 4-6 is definitely not a disappointment.
After duelling twice & killing the second opponent, Lionel Maitland, Marquis of Axbridge, is known as the Duke of Danger. However he’s tortured by guilt but shields himself with a devil-may-care attitude. However, when he kills Lord Geoffrey Townsend in a third duel, he’s beyond redemption, even though it wasn’t his fault. He refuses to smear a dead man’s name, especially when he’s left behind a blameless widow who doesn’t deserve an even bigger scandal. Widowed and destitute, Lady Emmaline Townsend must marry the man of her parents’ choosing. The only way out is to ask for help from the one man she’s sworn to hate Lionel, who owes her anything she asks for, after all he killed her husband.
Another well written fast paced book that kept my attention all the way through & which I was loathe to put down. Lionel didn’t want to duel but when his honour or the honour of a loved one was called into question he couldn’t back down. He was so caring & loving & definitely deserved true love. I wasn’t sure whether I liked Emmaline to begin with, she hated Lionel (or did she?) so why marry him? I know she laid down some ground rules but I don’t think I could have tied myself to a man I believed had murdered my husband. She did redeem herself in my eyes by the end of the book. Their attraction grow by leaps & bounds & one aspect of their marriage was very satisfying. This is the sixth book of a series & could be read on its own, however if like me you love series then I’d recommend reading from the start as it’s a very good series indeed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lionel Maitland, Marquess of Axbridge punished himself with guilt to the point of sinking into bouts of depression and remorse. What does he have to be built about? Could be the three duels he fought because of his overwhelming sense of honor? Although he did not intend to kill any of his opponents, not the less, two died and one had a lasting disability. Enter Lady Emmaline Townsend, who carries guilt of her own. Guilty for eloping with Geoffrey Townsend, Lionel`s last “victim” and for feeling Lionel did her a favor. Lionel as part of his penance, pays all of Geoffrey`s creditors, promises to do anything she needs. A little time passes and she demands he marry her to save her from a less than desirable marriage her parents arranged. Can they live together, yet apart? Will she be able to stop despising him to see the person inside? This is the sixth book one the Untouchable series. We get to visit and catch with friends from the previous books. Always a plus when I am enjoying a series. Each book can be read separately, but are better if read as intended as a series. I have the next book in the series loaded on my paperwhite, looking forward to reading it as well.
What a joy to read a book that pulls you into the story and keeps you there!
Easy to read and a little different. My only objection was the sex scenes which were a little too much (had to skim some pages). I personally to do like reading about oral sex or such graphic scenes but thats just me.
I loved the way the characters interacted with each other.
It was absolutely delightful to se Emmaline return and get her HEA after all her previous false starts. The friendships that develop between the couples as the come together through adversity and trials is one that binds them for a lifetime. The author is very good at creating these very soul deep crisis that resonate with the reader.
I received this book as an ARC. I found the story between and hero and heroine intriguing as it covered a lot of emotion from hate to eventually love. The story also had some mystery and intrigue to keep you turning the page. I enjoyed this book more than the book 2 The Duke of daring. It is an easy read and well worth the time to sit and relax and enjoy.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I really enjoyed reading The Duke of Danger. The characters (Lionel and Emmaline) were great, the story were excellent, the story line was very good and had a good pace. I highly recommend this one.
This is one of Darcy’s best books. I received this free as an ARC for a review. I would have paid money for this book. Darcy is a master at intense personal struggles and bringing healing love into their lives. I just love it!
Marquess of Axbridge, Lionel Maitland is a man of extreme honor and has now found himself involved in three duels, two of which proved fatal. These deaths haunt him. He experiences deep guilt and bouts of depression because of them. He never intended death for any of them, except the first which was the only survivor. Now he’s left Lady Emmaline Townsend a destitute widow and is determined to aid her in any way possible. Lady Emmaline originally eloped with her husband Geoffrey because she believed she was in love and refused to be in a loveless match set up by her parents. Unfortunately Geoffrey was a cad and left her with mountains of debt. She find herself back home with her less than attentive parents with an arranged marriage to the overly enthusiastic older Sir Duncan Thayer. The rebel in her seeks escape once again and decides Lionel will pay the ultimate price, a celibate arranged marriage to her. And so the adventure begins.
Darcy managed the impossible in this book. She took a grieving widow and managed to turn her hate of Lionel into devoted love. This to me is an amazing feat. The more Emmaline learned about Lionel and his character, the more she liked him. The more she began to see his “demons” that plagued him, the more her heart sought to sooth him and help. Lionel is driven by honor, guilt and unworthiness. He dreams of the love and family he had with his parents. Emmaline never knew that kind of parental love or sacrificial love for another. Wow, just wow, what a story!
Thank you for your patience Darcy for this very late review. I gotta find time to read all the back stories you weave throughout these characters. I can’t wait for The Duke of Ice.
One of the best books I’ve read all year! Oh the feels. Just when I didn’t think this series couldn’t get any better.
Darcy Burke does an amazing job bringing Lionel Maitland, Marquess of Axbridge and Lady Emmaline Townsend together. I was pleasantly surprised at when I remembered who she was. (But at the same time sad at the circumstances) I laughed… and my eyes may have leaked a little. It’s a bit darker than her normal stories but nonetheless amazing. I loved both characters from the beginning as the chemistry is definitely there.
I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment of this series, THE DUKE OF ICE.
I received a copy for my honest review. All opinions are my own.