With her betrothal to a duke in tatters and scandal imminent, Diana Kingman has two choices: live in certain ignominy or flee into obscurity. Diana wants solitude. She never wished to wed in the first place. However, her father will stop at nothing to betroth her to one of the finest titles in the realm…no matter how loathsome the bearer. Escape is Diana’s only option, and she’ll pay any price … price to achieve freedom.
Universally blamed for the death of his wife and unborn child, Simon Hastings doesn’t dispute his guilt over an accident he cannot even remember. He hasn’t had a drink since, nor a moment’s peace. Determined to be a better man, Simon rescues a young woman in need—only to be accused of kidnapping. They must marry to save him from prison. But how can a man haunted by the love he lost and a woman afraid to get too close find happiness together?
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I adore this series full of misfits and damaged souls. Every one makes my heart go out to them. This one especially.
Simon Hasting, Duke of Romsey is Nick, the Duke of Kilve’s best friend since university days. They’ve been stanch supporters of each other as life has made them the outcasts of society. In the previous book Nick has “run off” and married his long lost love Violet leaving behind his fiance Diana Kingman. Simon, “The Duke of Ruin” as he’s been dubbed by society, comes to his friend’s rescue and tells him he’ll make sure Diana will be protected. Scandal will ensue so Simon proposes that Diana “disappear” as her controlling father will make her life a living hell as well as society. Diana agrees as she wants to never be hurt by her father again. Simon has promised to set her up in a new life somewhere where she can find happiness and independence. They travel under alias’ and keep a low profile until forced to stop at a large inn because of a snowstorm. A strange thing happens during the journey, Simon discovers he can love again and Diana finds someone who is everything her father is not.
I love the heart and sensitivity Darcy weaves into every story she tells. These two lost souls spoke to me and I was pulling for them the whole way. There were predictable plot points but Darcy gave us storylines and characters reacting the way I didn’t expect. Thank you for another delightful adventure. I was given an ARC of this story for an honest review.
****4.5 stars****
I have been waiting to read Simon’s story since his character was introduced in The Duke of Ice.
I believe I can safely say that Simon is my favourite Untouchable. His willingness to find the good in everyone despite his own circumstances is an admirable characteristic. Under his care and attention, Diana is allowed to bloom and grow. Bound by circumstances, this couple generate enough heat to warm the cold!
It is heartwarming how Diana takes notice of Simon’s reactions when placed in certain situations. She makes the effort to understand him and in turn, Simon has a calming effect on her. They complement each other very well.
The angst level is low to moderate and the main characters are consistently interesting.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.
Simon, Duke of Romsey is willing to help his best friend Nick, no matter what. So off he goes to London to help his friend with a minor inconvenience, an unwanted betrothed name Diana. Simon hopes to lessen the possible scandal for Diana and he offers to help her escape the scorn of society.
Diana is in total disbelief that this is happening. She knows if she does not escape her household, her father would not be kind to her. He would find fault on why she allowed a “Duke” to abandon her for another. So she does the most impossible thing, runs off with Simon to escape the scandal that is sure to come when everyone finds out she has been thrown over for another.
Simon never expected to be accepted by society again, let alone Diana. But together, they become more aware of their need and want to be together.
Darcy Burke is one my favorite authors. I look forward to her books all the time. I find it complete torture waiting on her next book release. I have been a fan of Darcy Burke since the book “Her Wicked Ways.” This author truly knows how to captivate her reading audience.
I received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have read several books by Darcy Burke, but this is my first in the Untouchables series. I enjoyed it a great deal and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend this awesome book.
I think my favorite character was Simon Hastings, 12th Duke of Romsey. He is willing to help his best friend get out of an engagement but also willing to help the young lady once the engagement is off. He travels incognito, doesn’t use his peerage over people unless he has to. He has his own demons that he has to deal with.
Lady Diana Kingman was raised to be a Duchess. She finds a Duke to marry, but sadly, he has sent his best friend to break it off with her. To avoid her father’s rath, she runs off with Simon to figure out what to do next. You will have to read this story to find out what happens.