I was surprised with this plot! I was noy expecting it, at all. I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end.

This is book nine in the Untouchables series. Although, I liked the characters of Verity and Kit, I didn’t like the premise of the novel on which Kit decides to come back. The storyline felt a little weak and it put me off the romance between the hero and heroine. This book was especially disappointing after reading it after Simon and Diana’s book, The Duke of Ruin. I had adored the previous book and so Verity and Kit’s story was a little bit of a letdown.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

Many wives would be delighted when the husband who has been missing for six years returns. Verity, Duchess of Blackburn, is most definitely not one of them. Rufus was cruel and violent. His return is her worst nightmare. Except… he's changed. So much so, she's wondering if he's actually the man she married at all.

Kit only wants what he was promised. Impersonating a duke could get him hanged… yet even when the opportunity presents, he can't make himself abandon Verity and her son Beau. The lies are beginning to add up, though, and sooner or later, someone's going to figure out he's an impostor.

This is a really lovely story. Verity was obviously tormented during her brief period of marriage, though thankfully not too much of the abuse was spelled out. Kit's honorable nature made them a perfect match once the legal difficulties were resolved.

Though this is the ninth in this series, it stands well alone. Simon and Diana (from The Duke Of Ruin) feature as prominent side characters, but it's not at all necessary to have read that book to thoroughly enjoy this one. Five stars.

This was a fun story.  Verity and Kit were great characters and they carried the plot really well.  I liked the concept; a man pretends to be a duke in order to steal funds to buy a new ship, meets his dead half-brother’s clearly abused widow and her son, and comes to realize that life on land can be home even more so than the sea if you have the right people in it.  Their adventure was enjoyable and entertaining, and I am glad Rufus ended up in fact being dead because, from all accounts, he was a horrible man, and I’m glad that Verity found true happiness with a man who could appreciate her. Beau, her son, was a priceless character, and I think it was definitely him who won Kit’s loyalty and love first. He was just too precious to resist and Kit was no match for him.  The villain and conflict were engaging and fit the story really well. Overall, I really liked this story.  I haven’t read a lot by this author but I definitely wasn’t disappointed.  It has passion, suspense, adventure, humor, and strong characters that all blend into a great love story.

Whenever i request an ARC, I always promise to leave a fair and honest review. This is another instalment of Darcy Burke's Duke of series. They are such amazingly readable tales. This one certainly had a very different story. Well written and worth your time and money.

THE DUKE OF LIES is the ninth instalment in Darcy Burke’s THE UNTOUCHABLES historical romance series. This is Verity Beaumont, and Rufus Beaumont ‘s, Duke of Blackburn ( aka Captain Christopher ‘Kit’ Powell) story line. THE DUKE OF LIES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Verity and Rufus/Kit) THE DUKE OF LIES follows the building relationship between Verity Beaumont, and Rufus Beaumont, the Duke of Blackburn ( aka Captain Christopher ‘Kit’ Powell). Verity Beaumont’s husband has been missing for six and half years. There has been no word, no sightings, and no news about his demise. With the seven year mark quickly approaching, our heroine, along with their six year old son Beau, is hoping to move on with her life when the man in question resurfaces-a changed man similar in appearance but for all intents and purposes not the man she remembers as abusive and mean. What ensues is the ‘rekindling’ romance between Verity and Rufus, and the potential fall-out when the truth is revealed.

Rufus Beaumont has a reputation. Abusive, dark and brutish, Rufus’ disappearance meant a reprieve for everyone he left behind. The man who returned in his absence, is not the same man our heroine remembers, but a kind and gentle man who is willing to begin anew. Physical similarities aside, the man with whom Verity will fall in love is a stranger who is willing to accept everything and more including the love of Verity and her six year old son.

THE DUKE OF LIES is an energetic tale of second chances (of sorts). An uplifting and spirited story line about secrets, lies, romance and love. The premise is captivating and charming; the characters are determined, dynamic and tenacious; the romance is fated and passionate.

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I noticed that I read all the other books in this series and loved every single one.

This time it's about a young duchess whose cruel husband went missing 6 and a half years ago after only six months of marriage on his way to London. Verity is not sad that he is gone because she established a fine routine for herself and their son Beau.
Suddenly one day a man arrives at their tower and he looks like her husband - but he is different. He's taller, his feet are larger and he is nice to Verity.
Who is he?

All the Duke books are great to read but I couldn't put this one aside at all. I absolutely loved it!

2.5 ARC courtesy of Netgalley

My first book by this author, and it will probably be my last. It's pretty short on character development, which is my main draw in romance; those who enjoy flat characters designed mainly as placeholders for the reader to insert herself into the story may like this more.

Verity Beaumont, Duchess of Blackburn, married to escape a domineering father only to find herself wed to a verbally and physically abusive man. Happily for Verity, her beast of a husband disappeared only a few short months after their marriage, and she has lived in peace with their son, who was born after her husband went missing, ever since. The novel opens with the return of Blackburn—or rather, the return of a man who looks, but doesn't at all act, like the former duke. In fact, he acts so kindly that it's a wonder anyone who knew him at all would be at all fooled.

The imposter, Captain Christopher "Kit" Powell, is in fact both the cousin and half-brother of the missing duke. He'd come to Blackburn hoping his biological father would give him money to secure a new ship, as his recently burned to the ground. But when people in town mistake him for the missing duke, he decides to impersonate his brother/cousin, at least long enough to take some funds from the estate that would have been his if he had only been legitimate. But of course he falls for the six-year-old duke-to-be, and then for the duke's wife, and thinks better of his thieving plans.

Verity finally confronts Kit about his identity, and Kit comes clean. She sleeps with him anyway (or perhaps because of it). The two decide to continue the deception, but those who know what happened to the real duke threaten their idyll. An embezzlement plot provides a bit of action, but not much in the way of suspense.

The book includes several of historical inaccuracies/anachronisms, or leaves things unexplained because they wouldn't make sense. For example, we never learn how Kit, who went to sea at 13, ever earned the means to purchase a ship, or to win letters of marque to start a career as a privateer. He also treats everyone he meets as an equal, not how a ship Captain, who maintains authority over a group of men, would be likely to act toward his social inferiors.

The lack of character development really bugged me. We get a lot of Kit telling us how wonderful, how smart, how great Verity is, but we never see her doing anything to show this on the page. She's one of those characters that we're supposed to feel sorry for, and thus like, because she suffered abuse in the past; there's not anything in her own personality or actions that would convince us to care about her. She had no character arc, either. Likewise, Kit has little personality beyond being a cardboard heroic guy, loving Verity and her child for no particular reason besides the fact that he's the hero.

Oh Boy... What a book. This is my favourite in the Untouchables series. I absolutely fell in love with Verity, Kit and Beau. Darcy Burke had a winner with this one. The pace was good, the writing flawless and scorching sex scenes (even though it happened a bit late in the book but it was worth it for the continuation of the story.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received The Duke of Lies by Darcy Burke from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This is the 9th in her Untouchables series but can be read as a stand alone. However, the series is wonderful.
Verity, The Duchess of Blackburn, was raised by a ruthless man and married off to a ruthless man. When her husband, Rufus disappeared 6 and a half years ago, she secretly rejoiced. However, Rufus returns and appears to be a different man. Can Verity trust him and create a bond with this new man?
I always enjoy reading Darcy Burke's stories. They seem to come to life each and every time. However, while I enjoyed the story, it was a bit slow and story moved along an predictable path. Verity was a wonderful character that had remained strong while her husband was gone. Rufus was just too much of a reversal from before he left that I feel it let to the obvious plot of the story.
The relationship that develops between Verity and Rufus however was wonderful and intense with full disclosure as they became closer to one another. While not one of her best stories, still a delightful read and I can't wait for her next book. #TheDukeofLies #NetGalley

Warning: This review contains spoilers.

It’s been six and a half years since the Rufus Beaumont, the Duke of Blackburn disappeared. Verity Beaumont, the Duchess of Blackburn, is incredibly grateful that the man has been absent in her life. While Rufus courted Verity he was all that was kind and caring. The minute they were married she found that it was all a façade. He was a mean, vicious, cruel man and she was happy to have him gone. He left just three months after they married to go to London and then was never heard from again. Verity had gotten pregnant during those three months but the duke never knew of the boy, Beau.

Verity is moving on with her life and taking charge when suddenly Rufus reappears. Verity is terrified but when she talks to the duke he seems like a completely different person. He’s kind, polite, gracious – and he looks different than before – bigger. Rufus says that it’s because he gained muscle on the ship that he was conscripted to, but that doesn’t explain why he’s taller and his feet grew. Verity feels attraction for this man but fears that his kindness will disappear, just as it did before. She suspects that this isn’t really Rufus but does she care? If this man who looks so much like Rufus wants to be the duke and take care of her family she’s more than happy to have him.

Christopher “Kit” Powell is the bastard son of the previous duke, Rufus’s uncle. He was once at Blackburn so he knew enough about it to play it off like he was the duke. He didn’t plan on pretending to be the duke but when he took a room at the local inn they thought he was Blackburn so he decided to give it a go. He was actually a privateer whose ship had burned. He was planning on heading to Blackburn to get money from his father but then found out he was dead. After that revelation he decided to just steal something so that he could buy another ship. Of course he didn’t expect to fall in love with Verity or her son Beau so he’s stuck. What does he do? Move on with his plan to buy a new ship and disappear or stay and pretend to be the duke for the rest of his life?

This book nine in the Untouchables series and though I had only read book one in the series a couple of years ago, I didn’t need to read the other seven books to really enjoy this one. There is a couple of characters from previous books (I’m not sure which books) that are in this story, but their inclusion in the book was minor. This story was easily read as a standalone.

Rufus was the bastard husband and I have to say that I so wanted this new, friendly and kind man to be him – changed. I knew in my heart though that it couldn’t be him because anyone that cruel wouldn’t change that much, no matter what. If he actually had been conscripted he probably would have come out meaner than before, not nicer. So it’s Kit that is the duke and I loved him. He was just such a good man! He loved learning new things, helping people, playing with Beau…the list is endless. I was very happy that Kit and Verity fell in love and that she didn’t give a rat’s ass that he was illegitimate. It was completely a non-issue and I loved that she didn’t care at all.

Verity had lived a hard life. Supposedly her father was cruel as well but the book doesn’t really get into that – we’re just told. He does come on page, however, and he was an ass – I can verify. Lol After having to deal with Rufus when they married I was extremely happy that she found Kit. She deserved happiness and love and I was thrilled when she received it.

The suspense portion of the story, I thought, was well done. I liked how Burke unfolded the story little by little, giving us only bits to keep us interested and reading further. I really enjoyed reading this story and recommend it.

Rating: 4 out of 5

This will post as a guest review on Book Binge.
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Verity has been dominated by men her whole life, first by her father then by her husband, the Duke of Blackbuurn. The latter had disappeared for 6 years, only to suddenly reappear. But there's something very different about him; he's no longer a supercilious, controlling man. When the truth comes out as to who this much kinder, gentler man is, and what really happened to the true duke, he has to prove to Verity and her son that not everything about him is a lie.

~~Reviewed by Monique~~

After eight books, you somewhat expect a series to have grown a little stale, well you better tell that to Darcy Burke, because book 9 of The Untouchables is spectacular! And it even stands perfectly on its own!

Just a few months shy of being declared dead, Rufus Beaumont, Duke of Blackburn, shocks his wife Verity with his unexpected return. Their short marriage had been unbearable for Verity, and she fears for her son Beau’s safety as well as her own. She had been considering marrying again, but all her hopes are dashed with Rufus’ appearance. However, he seems a changed man, but will it last?
My goodness, what a fabulous book! And without giving away any spoilers, well, I can only rave and gush! Darcy Burke has written a highly original and compelling book (again!), and THE DUKE OF LIES is superbly written, and brilliantly plotted. What a gamble this was from the author because THE DUKE OF LIES is a minefield, one little misstep and it all goes downhill. I was almost holding my breath because I feared that it might crumble at some point, but not in the least! Everything is perfect! Apart maybe from a sex scene that was exceedingly long (so long in fact, that I’m not sure if there were one or two scenes; it went on for pages. Still they were exquisitely written, and at the right place and the right time.)

I was so pleased with Verity’s reaction to Rufus’ return. I applauded her calm, her stoicism, her intelligence, how she didn’t rush to conclusions, and I couldn’t wait to see how it would all unfold because this is one intricate plot! I kept wondering how Rufus would react, what would happen next. At first, I thought I had an idea of what had happened, and I was totally wrong – and ecstatic to be wrong! THE DUKE OF LIES is a work of genius! The characters are wonderfully complex, engaging; there is much mystery, and so many, many lies from so many people; I couldn’t wait to see it all uncovered.

Diana and Simon, from the previous books, also feature prominently, and they are as superb as ever. THE DUKE OF LIES was a perilous endeavour for Darcy Burke to undertake, and has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams! I was invested in the story from the beginning; THE DUKE OF LIES is perfectly paced, everything is perfectly timed, the romance is exquisite. Beau comes off as a normal child, Rufus is my kind of hero; he is fabulous, as is Verity, and every character is splendidly crafted, everything is wonderfully done. I am ecstatic and deliriously happy at how THE DUKE OF LIES turned out! Darcy Burke has truly written a masterpiece, five stars are not nearly enough!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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!

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 really enjoyed this story, which I have been looking forward to since meeting Verity in Duke of Ruin.

Can you imagine having your husband come back after thinking him dead for many years? Verity can't believe that just when she is ready to move on with her life, that the man she despises is suddenly back...but he seems to be an entirely different man. Can she trust this change in her husband?

I don't want to give away too much of the story, but you will definitely want to pick this up!!

I don't know what Burke has planned for this series, but I hope there are more books to come as I have throughly enjoyed them!

If you ever saw the 1980s French film, “The Return of Martin Guerre” or the 1990s remake, “Sommersby,” with Richard Gere and Jodie Foster, you’ll recognize the plot device in this historical romance. Verity Beaumont has happily lived almost seven years after the disappearance of her abusive husband. She has devoted herself to raising her son and looks forward to perhaps marrying again. Suddenly, her husband Rufus returns, but he’s quite different. He might look the same, but he is much nicer. Soon she is coming to fall in love with the new guy even though she suspects that he isn’t her original husband. But he’s such an improvement and treats her and her son so kindly that she doesn’t really care who he is.

There’s a bit of a mystery to figure out as to what really happened to her original husband, but I didn’t think it was all that much of a mystery - just enough to pique my interest so I kept reading to see how the author wrapped it all up.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

This is my first book by the author and I have not read a historical in a while. To be 100% honest it was not my cup of tea. It is well written but I did not like teh plot and it was not what I expected it to be and so it was not a storyline I enjoyed. But that is subjective, it is on me, and maybe the description of the book but it is still a good story and it is well written.

I expected it to be a story about a woman and her child whose beloved husband comes back from the grave and reunited but that is not this story. Verity is a very strong woman and her husband has been missing for years and about to be declared dead until he comes back from the grave or from the ocean.

Kit is the bastard to his brother Rufus and they look a lot alike so he pretends to be Rufus because he needs money to fix his ship. I hate sibling romances and I also hate putting one over on a romance partner. Plus Rufus was a mean bastard of a husband so for Verity it was pretty torturous.

That said it is well written, my first time reading this author and I liked the characters, even though I did not like the plot.

This is the 9th book in The Untouchables Series, and Darcy Burke's story-telling skill hasn't waned!
Verity Beaumont, Duchess of Blackburn has been ill-treated by her father then her husband of three months, Rufus, until he disappeared to parts and reasons unknown. Six and a half years later, the Duke of Blackburn, or so he says, reappeared. But Verity has her doubts as to the veracity of his claims and his stories of disappearance. She fears for her well-being, as well as her 6 year old son Beau's safety.

Captain Christopher "Kit" Powell, dubbed himself as the Duke of Lies. He has his own agenda which was thwarted by the beautiful, kind-hearted Duchess and her wonderful son. He planned to take what he thinks belongs to him and depart. But he's fallen in love with Her Grace and her son, and his plans has radically changed in the course of unexpected events.

This is a beautifully written story which started in lies and deception. Darcy Burked has packed a lot into this plot and made it work. The tender family moments, the fight/knife/action scene, the steamy intimacy between Kit and Verity, the extortion, the betrayal, the embezzlement, the gruesome finds, the works in the estate, the ballroom scene, the recurring characters and the menagerie of four-legged and winged creatures!

This is well-written. I urge you to read it.

This is an eGalley copy which I voluntarily read. I reviewed it with honesty and impartiality.

The Duke of Lies hero, Kit, is every woman’s dream. Verity Beaumont does not know that, yet. To Verity, her worst nightmare is happening Her cruel, missing husband has returned home. Unknown to her, rather than her husband, it is his cousin/half-brother Kit or Christopher. We find out later that Kit would have been the duke had he not been born a bastard. Kit was raised by a vicar and his wife. Right now he needs funds to replace his ship. His plan was to ask his father for money to replace his privateer, but his father has passed while he was away.

Verity, as she should be, is worried her life will return the horror that it had been when Rufus and she were first married. Now she has six year old Beau to protect, as well as, herself. Yet, something is not right about her husband. This man who has ‘returned’ is actually a nice person. It takes a while for her to trust his man. She begins to realize her suspicions are true and he is not her husband.

I loved this book. Yes, there are aspects of Somersby in it, but what book doesn’t have aspects of another book. The Duke of Lies is so much better. It has a HEA. These two, Somersby and The Duke of Lies are different enough for the reader to enjoy both.

Darcy Burke’s series The Untouchables is one of my favorites. Each book is unique and different while encompassing past books and characters to keep you in touch with your favorites.