Verity Beaumont has suffered domineering men most of her life, first with her father and then with her husband. Free from both men, she has finally found peace. Even meeting a kind and hard-working gentleman who just might be the perfect father her young son so desperately needs. But as she dares look to the future, her carefully ordered world is shattered when her dead husband returns.After six … returns.
After six years away, Rufus Beaumont, Duke of Blackburn, returns to claim his place and protect his family. Only, the life he finds is not the life he left, and he must convince his wife that their marriage is worth fighting for, that he’s not the man he was. When the truth about what happened to him leaks out, he must prove that not everything about him, especially his love for her, is a lie.
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What do you know, at the RWA National book signing in Denver, Burrowes gets seated right next to Burke. At a lull in the proceedings, I reached over (as one does) and snagged a copy of Darcy Burke’s “Dukes of Lies,” which was among the books available for signing. I did not want to stop reading! This book has intrigue, romance, a creative premise, plenty of wit, and a great supporting cast. Better still, this is Book 9 in The Untouchables series. Looks like I have some binge reading in my future!
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 could hardly believe what my eyes showed me.
Book #9 in The Untouchables series is phenomenal!!
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A duchess who managed to get rid of the domeneering of her father and husband, who seeks to live quietly in the country house with her 6-year-old son, who soon must be elevated to the title of Duke of Blackburn, since her husband the duke left almost seven years ago to bow to the King, but was never seen again.
How surprised she was when she came home after she had gone out to hire a new steward – because she suspected the current one was stealing her – and meets her husband at the door.
Rufus Beaumont had not only changed physically, but his behavior was of a completely different man.
The reason would be because he spent six years in the hands of hijackers in a ship and was treated as a servant, rather than a duke. He had to learn to do what they were told or he would be killed.
As the days go by, this new husband treats her in a special way, and cherishes the new relationship with the son he did not know.
Rufus wanted to have a new marriage with Verity. She was beautiful, intelligent, a loving mother and made his blood boil.
But Verity’s suspicions about the steward were right, and now Rufus will do the impossible to defend the wife and son he learned to love.
Meanwhile, Verity finds herself caught between the fascination with the new man she meets and the suspicion that he can be cruel again as before. In the midst of it, her heart puzzles her.
Should Verity give a new chance to their marriage? Would Rufus be a better husband and father this time? Or, would the discovery of a secret from the past – linked to a crime – disrupt the couple’s chance to reconcile?
Be prepared!! From the first pages Darcy Burke fascinates us with a plot full of mystery, action.
A novel about second chance that leaves the reader absurdly captive.
MORE THAN 5 STARS
The Duke of Lies by Darcy Burke is book nine in The Untouchables series. This is the story of Verity Beaumon and Rufus Beaumont, Duke of Blackburn. I have read the previous books but feel this can be a standalone book.
Verity went from an abusive father to a husband that seem to be nearing the same attitude towards her. They had only been married a few months when Rufus disappeared. Now in the present day she has a young son and just a short time away from her husband being declared dead. Thinking her freedom and peace are near by she is shocked to see her husband come back home. Rufus might have been a harsh man about town but being taken and having to live through what he did has changed him. Not just physically but mentally too. Wanting to get back what he lost he has to convince Verity he is that changed man….but will this time be their time to find each other.
Really enjoyed this book and seeing how their story would play out!
I can’t get enough of these books in the Untouchable series. Duke of Lies is book 9. I believe that Darcy Burke does a wonderful job bringing her characters together to get to their HEA. I recommend this book. I received an advance readers copy and am voluntarily reviewing the book.
Verity is a Duchess and for the last six or so years she has lived alone with her son, as her husband Rufus simply disappeared. No one knows where or why , but he’s been gone a long while, and the longer he’s gone, the better Verity feels, as Rufus was a real piece of work. But one afternoon, along comes a man on a horse, and “Rufus”,Verity’s long lost, evil spouse has returned.
Rufus is rather tentative, he is kind? He is a bit taller and wider, but he seems to have a reasonable explanation for it. But can Verity believe her eyes or her heart? Verity’s mind and body are betraying her, as both want Rufus as never before, and in a much different, more seductive way.
This is a terrific story filled with intrigue, plot twists, and romance- a page turner that’s difficult to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to romance readers who want some mystery and heat to settle down with a good read.This book is one in a series which just keeps getting better and better. I wouldn’t miss a single one.
I read this as an arc which affected my review in no way at all.
What a web of a story. There were so many twists and turns and lies in this story that were a pleasure to unravel. That there was intense attaction and heat between Verity and Kit just made it that much better. Verity learns that all men are not the same. Kit learns that home is where his heart is. Getting to visit with Diana and Simon was an added bonus. I enjoyed reading this story.
Darcy Burke always excels at creating compelling characters with strong emotions and suspense thrown in to make her stories page turners. Being book 9 of the Untouchables Series, the writing is fresh and intriguing. Having thought her husband dead after leaving for war in the America’s, Verity Beaumont and her young son finally feel life is settling down. She had been under the thumb of her father and then her husband before he left and is determined to find peace. That is until her husband, Rufus shows back up alive.
But Rufus has changed. Having been imprisoned in America during the war, his only thoughts had been to return to England and live a calm life. But he finds Verity skeptical that he has changed so he sets out to convince her that they can have a good life. But he brought back a lot of pain and secrets of what happened to him during the war, and as secrets often do, they come out.
Can Rufus and Verify be happy and find an enduring love? There were so many emotions and the interaction with their son will bring a smile and a heart tug. Yes, my romantic heart could not help but be engaged and I sighed as I turned the last page.
What a wonderful series and although each book can be read as a standalone, I would not miss all the other great stories.
The Duke of Lies is not always pretty. Darcy Burke paints a picture of some of life’s ugliest moments for Verity and Rufus. Yet she finds the value in the experience. For this duo, love is about learning from past mistakes and rebuilding a stronger, equal foundation. Verity is spreading her wings after years of being tied down. She’s learning to use her voice by speaking her mind and listening to her heart. All is going her way until her overbearing past reappears in her present. Rufus, her dead husband returns a changed man. Can they find the strength to give love another try? Life lessons abound in a tale of faith and second chances.
Well, this is Book 9 in The Untouchables Series & it is an outstanding story! I am never disappointed in Darcy’s ability to catch her readers & pull us into the pages of her books. Captain Christopher “Kit” Powell our hero & the Duke of Lies is so lovable, kind, funny, smart & just downright sexy. Verity Beaumont, Duchess of Blackburn is our heroine who has been mistreated her whole life by her father & her deserting husband the Duke of Blackburn, who has been gone almost 7 years. She is a smart, loving mother, kind, lonely & an optimist. Kit & Verity are a wonderful couple with many trials to go through before their HEA & her 6 year old son Beau is a wonderful highlight to the story. There are twists & turns, lies, deception, extortion, embezzlement, fun, emotional moments, romance, love, spice & revisiting many of the past characters from previous books – what more could you ask for in a great read? I was gifted an ARC & I am so happy I was able to tell you how much I enjoyed it!
Verity Beaumont has suffered abusive men most of her life, first with her father and then with her husband. Free from both men, she has finally found peace to enjoy life at Beaumont Castle with her son Beau. After six years away, Rufus Beaumont, Duke of Blackburn, returns to claim his place and family. Verity is shocked & terrified when her husband returns.
This is the ninth book in this wonderful series, I keep thinking that the next book won’t be as good as the previous ones but the author doesn’t disappoint & this book is just awe inspiring. I made the mistake of starting it late at night & only stopped when my eyes were closing, I then read it again the following morning & didn’t put it down until I’d finished it. The characters are so well portrayed that you feel you know them, Beau especially is delightful. The story flows very well & the final few chapters are breathtaking & I was really routing for there to be a HEA. This book could be read on it own but the whole series is too good to miss if you love Regency romances.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lies! Lies! Lies! There are enough lies to build a ladder to the moon. It seems everyone, except our lovely heroine, Verity, and her delightful son, Beau, are filled with lies, betrayals, and secrets. Can you build a life together when the relationship is filled with lies and deceit? Well – You’ll just have to read this finely crafted book to find your answer. This is a marvelously written roller-coaster ride of a book filled with more twists and turns than a Smoky Mountain highway. Just when you think you have one thing figure out – you discover yet another unexpected twist and turn.
Verity Beaumont, Duchess of Blackburn, suffered more in her short time with Rufus Beaumont, Duke of Blackburn, than most people suffer in a lifetime. Then, about three months into their marriage, he just disappeared from the face of the earth. Nobody had any clue what happened to him, where he went or if he’d return. Verity learned she was expecting soon after Rufus disappeared and she lived in fear for herself and her child. After a few years, her fear lessened and she began to relax and build a life for herself and her son.
One lovely afternoon, Verity caught the sound of hoof beats on the drive and looked up to see her worst nightmare. Her husband had returned. How could she protect herself and her son from him? Then he spoke to her in a kind manner. What kind of tricks was he playing on her? He soon told her how he had changed and how he had been kidnapped/conscripted to serve on a ship and how he was a better man. Verity couldn’t believe it – and she certainly didn’t trust him. If he could change from bad to good, then he could also change from good to bad.
You’ll just have to read this tale to see all of the twists for yourself. Also, you should know that you will get a nice visit with Diana and Simon and some of the other Untouchables from the series. Then, there is Beau – you’ll just fall in love with that delightful six-year-old who loves animals and wants to be a good duke someday.
I absolutely loved reading this book, but it is a nightmare to review because you can’t really say much without spoiling things for the reader. Just know that the book is well written, the plot is sensational and you won’t be able to put it down once you start with the first word. I’d say Ms. Burke has outdone herself this time.
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“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.”
There is not many book that can keep my attention from the very first page and all threw the book.
This one held my attention right from the start. With this book it is hard to write too much without giving the book away I know I will be reading this one again very soon
Another satisfying and delightful story from Darcy Burke. Her “Dukes” grab your hearts and you find yourself pulling for them all the way through the book!
Verity Beaumont, Duchess of Blackburn is 6-1/2 years into what she hopes is widowhood. Her blackard of a abusive husband went missing and will be declared dead in 6 months. Freedom is so close from being controlled by men who hurt her, her father and her husband. She’s finally looking to making a future for herself, her 6 year old son, Beau and the dukedom. Then her husband rides up to the manor one evening…Rufus Beaumont is back! His story was he was conscripted on a ship and just escaped. In reality he’s the illegitimate son of Augustus, Rufus’ uncle. Kit’s privateering ship has burned and he’s there to collect what Augustus promised him so he can rebuild. When he’s mistaken for Rufus he goes with it to grab something of value and get on with his life. What he find instead is a strong, lovely widow, an engaging son and a mystery as to who embezzled funds from the estate for the past 6-1/2 years. There are no funds to pay him.
As Darcy crafts this story of deception you find yourself caught up in the journey. Can Kit come clean and tell Verity he’s really Kit? Will he take something of value and steal away leaving Verity and Beau wondering what happened? Will Verity figure out Kit’s not Rufus? Read this engaging story and go on the twisty journey and be delighted for the whole book! Thank you Darcy for the ARC of this book for my honest review. Absolute delight as always.
There is something to be said about time; does it really heal all wounds? All Verity wanted was to be able to live peacefully with her son and be able to make decisions for her family. Her husband’s untimely return definitely put a wrench in her plans.
Darcy Burke weaves a tale of mistakes and chances; taking a chance on your heart, putting your family’s fate in the hands of your long-lost husband, and hoping it won’t cost you.
Verity is elegance personified. Her character has intrigued me since I was introduced to her in The Duke of Ruin. Her counsel and comfort to Diana during the latter’s turmoil impressed me. It takes an extraordinary person to win her heart and the new Rufus seems more than capable. Beau, the son, is such a delightful boy; Verity’s heart lives in him. Beau’s interactions provide a light-hearted change to the story.
The pace of the story is great; there is no dull moment. This series continue to grow with such wonderful characters.
I did not want to put this down. As usual for Darcy Burke’s stories: lots of good dialog. I especially enjoyed reading the interaction between Verity’s young son, Beau, who was such a cutie, and Kit.
Returning from the dead Rufus Beaumont, Duke of Blackburn was just six months shy of officially being declared dead has returned to claim his place at Beaumont Estates. Shocked his wife Verity Beaumont is devastated to have her ruthless husband return home. She’s been controlled all her life by her father and her husband in their short marriage. She begins to notice how much he’s changed while he’s been gone, he’s a kind and thoughtful now, he even take time with the son he just learned he had before he disappeared.
Captain Christopher “Kit” Powell, aka the new Duke of Lies is falling for Verity and her son. He finds the son Beau quite a handful, but loves every minute of time he spends with him and for the Duchess her kindness to her tenants and servants wins his admiration and love. Kit decides he wants this life and to reclaim his rightful place in society then the lies start to unravel. Can Verity trust her heart and her son to this new Duke? Can he trust Verity with the truth before it’s too late? A captivating story filled with intrigue, murder, and romance and a web of lies for them to uncover along the way. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
I’m not sure about this one. My thought through the first third of the book is: this is a lot like that Jodie Foster/Richard Gere movie set at the end of the Civil War (Sommersby, 1993). And I couldn’t see past that thought for the longest time. In a nutshell: Verity and Rufus married. Rufus was a mean SOB. Rufus disappeared. Verity was relieved, but still concerned that Rufus would reappear and turn her life upside-down. Fast forward 6-1/2 years. Verity is getting ready to have Rufus declared dead because he’s been gone so long. One day a man close to his likeness appears in the driveway. “Honey, I’m home.” But is he really Rufus? Verity can’t tell for certain. Where has he been all this time? What does he want from Violet? From the estate? And what’s going on with the estate steward? The account books don’t match up. Can “Rufus” help unravel this mystery when every other word out of his mouth is a lie? Overall, a good story, but not the best in the series.
Love, true love…I know that is a line from a movie but it sums up who I felt about this story. The relationship between Verity and Rufus is mired in lies and hatred. How can Rufus possibly have changed so much? I really liked how as the story progressed so did the relationship between these two individuals. They stand by each other even with the lies and deceit. Love! Oh, and Rufus’ loyalty and devotion to his son is so beautifully written. If you like a story that is not insta-lust, insta-love, then you should read this story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Wow. Kept me intrigued until the end, wondering how the situations would all resolve. Very good story, with romance, mystery, treachery – loved it!