After witnessing how love embittered his uncle and broke his father, Felix Havers, Earl of Ware vows never to love. He conceals his emotions behind a wall of wit and charm, and is celebrated as the master of entertainments—parties, picnics, races. When his best friend’s wallflower sister needs to find a husband, he promises to make her the toast of London… without losing his heart.Miss Sarah … heart.
Miss Sarah Colton has given up on the pursuit of marriage. When her parents learn she intends to open a millinery shop, they give her an ultimatum: choose a husband or they’ll do it for her. She accepts Felix’s help, never imagining their scheme will ignite a mutual attraction neither of them dare indulge. But when tragedy strikes, can they heal each other or will the demons of Felix’s past consume them both?
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I have never smiled reading a book a much as I have with this one. These two just make you smile from the start with how made for each other they are. They are alike in many ways and see in each other what others don’t. That spark was was always there waiting and it ignited with one game at a party. These two can’t keep their hands off of each other.
I was so unprepared for what happened with her parents that I almost dropped my Kindle. The emotions and aftereffects really came off the pages. Felix was there to help no matter what. When Anthony burst through the door I actually spoke out loud with what I was thinking. The ending was perfect and everyone was finally happy.
Sarah is full of sass and will not be told what to do by anyone. I loved her right away with her plans to open the shop and how she talked with Felix about it. She saw that there was more to him and was determined to help him and give to him like he did everyone else.
Felix is happy when he is making others happy and doesn’t know how to let others do the same for him. He made me smile at every turn and broke my heart when everything about his past came out. But it didn’t ruin him like he thought.
I was worried about Anthony and that something would happen to him and hope he finds happiness.
copy provided for an honest and voluntary review.
Huge, Dynamite 5 Stars for The Duke of Distraction by Darcy Burke. Her Untouchables series just gets better and better, really some of the best storytelling of all time! I absolutely love this trope, a marriage of convenience! Felix Havers, the Earl of Ware never wants love or marriage in his life, but he allows himself to enter into a marriage of convenience with his best friends wallflower sister, Sarah Colton. Neither wants marriage or love, Sarah has her heart set on owning a millinery shop while Felix dreads love after seeing how his father and uncle fared in the game of love. However, neither of them can deny the growing attraction between them and soon their hearts speak louder than their needs. Will they be able to resist the call of love? or will the end up a true marriage of love and passion?
Darcy Burke never disappoints, her storytelling is just so magical and filled with passion. You will just fall in love with the characters and the world she creates! I highly recommend this book and the whole series!
Loved it! I truly enjoyed the sweet and spiciness of this story. I love Felix and Sarah’s personalities. Felix wants everyone around him to be happy and have a good time. He works hard to cheer up those around him and never asks for anything in return. Sarah is self-assured and wants to own her own shop. She must overcome tragedy to create the life she has always envisioned, but with Felix’s help she can. I enjoyed the unique twist in which their love begins.
This year I promised myself to try a few different genres and romance tropes. This is how I found myself reading historical romances. Which is how I found myself reading The Duke of Distraction by Darby Burke. When researching writers, Darcy came up repeatedly and I am glad I decided to read this book.
We meet Felix Havers, Earl of Ware and Sarah Colton in this book. I should mention that though this is a series, this is the first I read and enjoyed it without feeling lost. Felix has vowed to never marry. He has seen what love has done to the men in his family and he declares it will never happen to him. Even so, Felix was a good man and very likable.
Sarah Colton decides to open a shop, since she does not believe she will marry. She wants to be able to support herself, but her parents have a very different idea. So when they give her no other choice, she decides to take Felix’s help to find her suitable husband. As Felix is her brother’s friend, they have known each other for a long time and enjoy a good friendship.
What I loved about The Duke of Distraction is the slow burn build-up for Felix and Sarah. They already shared a good, strong friendship and we see them slowly advance to more. They were great characters and their story was so sweet. This was a good foray into historical romances and look forward to reading more from this author.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
3.5 rounded up.
I have loved the Untouchables Series and have looked forward to Sarah and Felix’s story since meeting them in the Duke of Seduction. Felix Havers, the Earl of Ware is such a likeable character, but apparently, I misjudged his motivations, this story is completely different than I expected and I am still reeling and trying to come to grips with the events and revelations found within this book’s pages!
Felix Havers and Sarah Colton have known each other for years, they are friends and share an almost platonic type of relationship. Felix looks out for Sarah and is the first one to sign her dance card – he likes her and thinks of her as family. So when her parents press her to marry and suggest that Felix would be a good match – they both revolt. But then Felix does what he does best and offers to help Sarah find love or at least help her become independent. Sarah is not opposed to marriage, but wants love and if she can’t find that, she would like to open a millinery and design hats, in a perfect world she would do both! So when Felix learns of her dreams and offers to help her achieve them, she readily accepts.
The horse races he arranged in the previous book are ready to wrap up in this story, but when one of the participants has an accident, it seems like he will have to cancel the finals – but then an idea takes hold – he can finish the races AND help Sarah find love – he will just move the races to the Marquess of Northam’s estate and throw a house party with hand picked guests for Sarah’s perusal!
The house party is a success, and when a kissing game goes awry, Felix and Sarah share a kiss, things between them begin to change, but before they can really consider what that may mean – tragedy strikes and hurls Sarah and her brother Anthony into despair. Desperate to help them, Felix whisks them away to his estate. Where they all must come to terms with their loss and grief.
I thought this was an interesting story and Felix and Sarah are incredibly likeable leads and I don’t doubt their love, but it was not the grand passion I had hoped for, it was more of a very gentle transition from friends to lovers. The book was well written and flowed well, but it lacked the action and spark between the H/h that I have come to expect from Ms. Burke. There is lots of emotion, some heated love scenes, cameos from the other “Untouchables”, the definite possibility of Anthony getting his own story and an epilogue was the highlight of the book for me, that has me excited for the spin-off series. So overall, I liked the book, but it wasn’t what I had hoped for as an end to the series.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me.
Felix Havers, Earl of Ware, has been friends with Anthony Colton and his sister Sarah. Sarah’s parents have been pushing her to marry, but Sarah wants to only marry for love. When Felix offers to play matchmaker for Sarah, she accepts. During a kissing game at Ware’s manor, Felix and Sarah share a steamy kiss and their relationship begins to change. When tragedy strikes for Anthony and Sarah, Felix makes it his mission to lift their grief.
I kept waiting for this book to get exciting, but it never did. There is a slow build up to the romance between Felix and Sarah and nothing much else happens. Anthony objects to Felix kissing his sister, but that’s the biggest obstacle in the story. I’ve read other books in this series, but I still found the epilogue confusing. I read so many books that I didn’t remember all the characters from previous books and to have them all show up in the epilogue didn’t make sense to me. I only wanted to see what happened with Felix and Sarah. While the book is well-written, it is not one of my favorites.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review and was not obligated to leave a review.
He Distracts, She Entraps!
I actually felt quite sorry for Felix Havers because he didn’t stand a chance once Sarah Colton decided she liked the way she felt when he was around her now which was quite different to the way she had felt while they were growing up.
He, of course, denies how he feels until he just can’t anymore and gives in to her persuasive actions.
A beautifully written story with wonderful and very likable characters who had me entranced by their story from beginning to end and I loved every second of it.
Marion Hussey does a fabulous narration with quite believable voices and she has enhanced the story very nicely.
I listened to an audiobook copy and my unbiased review of it is given voluntarily.
Felix Havers, Earl of Ward and Miss Sarah Colton have appeared in previous books in this series. Sarah’s brother is Felix’s best friend. Neither Sarah not Felix have any plans to marry, though for different reasons. Sarah is a talented hat designer and wants to open a millinery shop. However, her parents have a different opinion and demand she marry. She enlists Felix’s help to find a husband, but that also means that they must spend more time together bringing them closer together. Felix is the master of distraction and entertainment. This is very evident when there is a tragedy in the Colton family. Felix will do almost anything to distract Sarah and her brother from their sorrow. Why does Felix feel he needs to entertain everyone? Does he never think of himself and what he needs? What made him this way? Will he and Sarah ever act on their mutual attraction. I really liked these characters when they appeared in the previous books. This is a nicely told story that wraps up the series. In fact the epilogue is a who’s who of all the characters from the rest of the books in the series. I really like when an author wraps up a series in this way. It gives the reader another chance to visit with old friends. I received this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review.
Another Duke in the series and just as entertaining as the others. We have Sarah and Felix’s books and I hope you have been following series to know who these two are and also because some of the characters of the previous books were included. Sarah has known Felix all her life since he was her brothers best friend. Sarah’s parents were on a mission to get her married and ended up humiliating her in front of Felix by asking him to marry her, yeah a little out there he was against it since he is never going to marry even though you would think he would need an heir but he has a cousin that he plans to pass that off to. Sarah would like to get married but only for love and she already has plans to support herself in the even that she does not find herself a love, however tragedy strikes having her and Felix closer than ever and dealing with feelings that they never had before..Now we need Anthony’s story. Sarah did frustrate me at times…
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinion
I loved the main characters Sarah and Felix. Sarah is talented and she knows the direction she wants her life to take. Sarah is close to her parents and her older brother Anthony. She knows what it is to be loved and have close friends. She also longs for a marriage full of love. Her parents want to arrange a marriage with Anthony’s best friend, Felix. Felix is a confirmed bachelor who is adamant to never fall in love and never, ever marry. Felix is like family to Anthony and Sarah. They all grew up together. Naturally, Sarah’s parents think the match is sound. Sarah has a secret that will ensure her future if she fails to marry. She knows if her parents were to find out they would disapprove and have her married forthwith. On the other hand, Felix is a gregarious gentleman. He is charming, witty and utterly irresistible. He is also a renowned rake. He never fails to bring entertainment to his friends. He enjoys it. It gives him great pleasure to see others happy from his actions. Sadly, Felix has trained himself to suppress his feelings. He harbors something dark within him that keeps him from ever getting emotionally close to anyone. He thinks no one ever notices how he avoids anyone ever getting to really know him and get close to him. At a house party, something happens between Sarah and Felix that irrevocable changes the way they see each other. From this point on, nothing is off limits. Tragedy strikes Sarah and Anthony. Felix is there to support them as best as he can. During this time, Sarah begins to explore her feelings and finds herself becoming more aware of Felix than ever before. Felix fights his confusing feelings for Sarah. Felix’s uncle tries to keep Sarah from Felix. The uncle does not want Felix to marry. His son will inherit when Felix does not produce an heir. So many secrets, so many conflicts, so many emotions. I enjoyed reading this book. It is moderately paced and extremely engaging. I was not bored. I do recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 stars Excellent regency romance. The blurb gives readers a good idea of what the story is about. Felix, Anthony and Sarah are close friends. I very much enjoyed the main characters especially since they all grew up together. Suddenly the relationships change drastically after a horrible tragedy. Ms. Burke does a wonderful job developing the story line, characters and angst to keep readers involved till the very end. I received a complementary copy of this book but chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Burke especially in this series.
I love this series! I just can’t say enough about it and this story is no different.
The Duke of Distraction, the twelfth book in The Untouchables series by Darcy Burke is wonderful! If you love historical romances you definitely won’t be disappointed with Felix and Sarah’s love story.
Felix Havers vows not only to not marry, but also to never fall in love and up until he offers to help Sarah find a husband he has done a great job of keeping his emotions concealed.
Sarah Colton has given up finding a husband and wants to open her own millinery shop, but her parents have given her an ultimatum to find a husband or they will. Sarah wants to marry for love and if that isn’t an option than she doesn’t want anything to do with it. She is relieved when Felix offers to help, but soon their fun and games lead them to a mutual attraction neither one of them expected. Before they are able to explore their mutual attraction tragedy strikes and emotions that have been kept buried have the possibility to destroy their relationship before it even gets started.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
The Duke of Distraction
The Untouchables book 12
by Darcy Burke
Sarah Colton has known that she’s destined to be a spinster, her passion is to open a milliners shop and design hats, but her parents have other plans and that is marriage. She decides to ask help in finding someone before her parents find someone she doesn’t want. And who best to help her with her dilemma than Felix Havers.
Felix Havers has vowed never to fall in love and marry, it only brings heart ache. After the death of his mother in childbirth his father was never the same.
Circumstances bring Sarah and Felix together and the chemistry skyrocketed. A slow burn romance begins and they realize that love truly has captured their hearts. Darcy Burke has outdone herself in the final Untouchables she brought the whole gang together for the final goodbye. Vividly described, witty dialogue with humor and sizzling steamy love scenes. This was a FANTASTIC series ending!
I highly recommend this whole series you will not be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
This is a romantic story of friends to lovers, frustration, sadness, joy, love and healing. Ms Burke has an art of writing story that tugs at the heart strings. I loved the way there was suspense, waiting to see how these best friends would find each other. There was also a mystery to why Felix was the way he was. I enjoyed the way the story flowed smoothly from friends to lovers. There was a fair bit of sex but this reviewer skipped it as usual and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. I received this book as an ARC.
Felix the Earl of Ware has been best friends with Anthony Colton for a long time. His Sarah Colton has given up on the pursuit of marriage and has been saving to open up a millinery shop to make her hats, but her parents have other ideas. Felix and Sarah are ambushed by her parents wanting the two to marry, it seems the perfect match, but not to Felix and Sarah. Felix is Anthony’s best friend and feels he can help Sarah find the perfect husband, a man she can love, but along the way they find themselves intrigued and slowly fall for each other. Felix is the master of adventure and Sarah is ready for the next grand adventure. They are perfect together, now how to convince them what they share is worth fighting for and grab happiness in the least expected place in each other. This my honest opinion and review after I read the book.
*** ARC Received for Honest Review ***
5 stars
I’ve said before that historical romances are my guilty pleasure. So when I do read them, they seem to always be by Darcy Burke because she never lets me down. Duke of Distraction is just as good as the very first Untouchable book I read.
I love the long-time friends, unexpected love aspect to this one. Darcy has a way of pulling you in and keeping each and every story fresh, new, and unexpected. The writing is always top notch; the love stories are fun and keep you wanting more. Don’t miss any of this series. (Review by Terri “Jane”)
A very good 4 1/2 star read!
When I was asked to review an advance reader copy of The Duke of Distraction, I gladly jumped at the opportunity. The only Untouchables I had read, included in a boxed set, was The Forbidden Duke and I remember I loved it. I can honestly say I found just as much enjoyment in reading The Duke of Distraction.
Sarah has known Felix, her brother’s long-time friend, for many years. They have in common the fact that they both wish to remain unwed. Sarah would like to open a milliner’s shop (run by someone else to protect the family’s name), as she is talented in creating beautiful hats. Being almost on the spinster’s shelf, her parents are pressuring her to marry. Felix, the Earl of Ware vowed long ago not to wed having seen the effects love, or the lack of, had on his father and uncle’s marriages. He would rather maintain his status as the ton’s master of entertainment instead of succumbing to love as had many of his friends.
Having read a few books in her other historical romance series, I feel Darcy Burke does a credible job of portraying her characters and engaging her readers’ interest in them and the story taking place. I never questioned the reason why Sarah had a reluctance to marry, but the reason for Felix’s was initially vague to me. Once the reason was fully revealed, I could understand his reluctance and why he was the consummate party planner, bon vivant, and kept his heart insulated from deep entanglements. For me, the slow-growing feelings and eventual romance between Sarah and Felix was so sweet with just the right amount of spiciness. The added bonus of an enjoyable epilogue to The Duke of Distraction was the icing on the cake. So very much, that I plan to acquire or check out from the library the other works in The Untouchables series. I must find out more about those other Untouchables.
The Untouchables series has been an amazing collection and this last story is about Felix and Sarah. Felix appeared in many of the other books and but no much was said about his history. He is just so darn lovable and always seemed to be helping others. But it comes out what he has endured and why he never wants to marry. Sarah has know Felix forever because he is her brother Anthony’s best friend. He has always been there to dance with her and just a lot of fun.
When her parents insist she find a husband, Felix is there to help her. Oh yes, not to marry her as her parents suggest! Unexpectedly, they wind up at a house party he plans and hopes to find her a match. But when they are having a fun game with everyone, they end up kissing, and oh that sets a new awareness in motion!
There is a tragedy and some strong emotions that come out and these two slowly try to come to terms with their feelings. I can honestly say it touched my heart at some places and I could only cheer these two on to find their happy ending. What a memorable series by Darcy Burke who knows just how to pull all the elements together for the perfect historical romances I love to read.
OMG !! I can’t believe The Untouchables has reached its last book, and once again, we fell in love with the improbability of this romance.
Felix Havers, Earl of Ware, didn’t want to know about falling in love. Not because he did not believe in this feeling. Maybe he believed too much. But after seeing how love destroyed people so close to him, he decided it would be safer just to have fun without giving in to his heart.
Sarah Colton, once considered a wallflower by society, and friend of Felix’s sister, found herself obliged by her parents to find a husband.
She just wanted to be an independent woman, and of course, a husband would only disrupt her.
When she decides to accept Felix’s help in finding a husband, they did not expect what they feared the most could happen right there between them.
How to deny such attraction, especially in the face of a tragedy?
4,5 stars
I love a friends to lovers story. Felix does not want to get married and though he does everything he can to be the fun guy, he does not let his emotions show. When he accidentally kisses his best friends sister, Sarah during a kissing game in a dark closet he is surprised by his reaction. Sarah is not sure she will ever marry, so why not have some fun. The flirting, the kisses and touches in private shake them to their core even knowing marriage is out of the question. Until her brother catches them in a compromising position. Marriage is now expected but Sarah needs to break through Felix’s walks around his heart. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.