This book had me transfixed, it was so good. I love the chemistry between the two main characters and the pacing of the story was well done and I read this book in one day.

The only thing was that things wrapped up way too fast and what George did was not believable giving his history. But even with the fast ending, I loved this book so much.

Darcy once again gave herself an impossible storyline and an adventure to a happily ever after. I am amazed she pulled this one off. We have two penniless people seeing a marriage to spouse who has a fortune to save their families and they fall in love. How can they manage to marry and be together? This story is how this author masterfully wove the threads together so they would be happy.

We've met Graham Kinsley in previous stories as the secretary for David the Earl of St. Ives. He is from a disinherited arm of the family and was shocked to find himself the only survivor to take over as Duke of Halstead. Unfortunately the estate is broke and Brixton Park's mortgage is past due. Because his long ago great-something grandfather designed Brixton Park so it means a lot to him. He hears about heiress Miss Phoebe Lennox from the Countess of St. Ives and pays a call on her. Phoebe isn't interested in marriage having set up the spinster "Spitfire Society" with her friend Miss Jane Pemberton. They set out to help him find a rich wife. He has a run in with Phoebe's neighbor Miss Arabella Stoke when her mother's dog runs off at the park. They meet again at her neighbor Phoebe's.

Arabella doesn't wish to marry but her father lost all the family's fortune with some bad investments. They discover the previous Duke and her father both fell victim to Piers Tibbord a swindler disguised as in investor. Later in the story we find out who he really is. Together they plan how to find this man and get their respective funds back falling in love while they do it, knowing they can never be together. And so we have the adventure set to find our happily ever after. It was such a great love story.

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

I liked this book and up until a certain point, I felt like it was a 5 star read. Unfortunately, a scene towards the end of the book just derailed the entire story for me.

I loved Ned & Aquilla - they both are likable people with dark secrets. Ned might be one of the most honorable heroes I have ever read!

The chemistry between them is apparent right from the start of the book and I found the story to be both heartfelt and believable (until the aforementioned scene). I totally understood Ned's reasons for "deceiving" Aquilla.

The writing was wonderful, the story moves along at a nice pace, the love scenes are steamy and I found myself invested in Ned and Aquilla's HEA. This book touches on some delicate subjects and I think the author did a fabulous job with Aquilla's secret and even Ned's, but the portrayal of George was just off the mark in my opinion.

I would happily recommend this series and I am really looking forward to Ivy's story!!

Aquilla has spent 5 years on the Marriage Mart. While most people consider her a failure she finds it an astounding success. She has never really wanted to marry and went out of her way to sabotage any would be suitor. When she is offered assistance by an Untouchable, she finds herself quite comfortable in his presence. He would never look at her.

Ned, the Earl of Sutton, has a reputation. He courts young ladies only to drop them before proposing marriage, but he has a good reason. If anyone were to find out about his brother his family would be ruined. When he meets Aquilla he finds himself drawn to the open and honest young woman. But can she pass his requirements for a wife? Can he trust her with not only his heart, but his secret as well?

Great story! I love the series and cannot wait for more Untouchables.

This story follows two very secretive people on a journey as they inadvertently discover love and trust...but will it last?
The hero, Edward Bishop, also called Ned, is the current Earl of Sutton. He has worked up a wicked reputation for courting young ladies and then dumping then shortly after, and therefore dubbed 'The Duke of Deception'. Well, he has his reasons, in which, only one can uncover.
Aquilla Knox has secrets of her own. She is sworn to spinsterhood and refuses to marry. But one fateful encounter with The Duke of Deception puts a target on her back from the infamous Earl. Aquilla and Ned's story is a dark one, but I thought it was compelling enough to continue. There was a lot of emotional distress and distrust from both characters, which made the book somewhat of a frustrating read. But, when they both figured out what truly mattered, I enjoyed it. I do like the fact that the author brought up mental illness and domestic abuse because it is a serious issue that many people can relate to. It's not often told in historical romances and for that, I give the author major points. This book touched on real points, making it so much more realistic and lively.
I would recommend this book to those romance readers who do not mind a bit of darkness to their stories.

I really love this series and I am looking forward to the rest. This was a great book

There were many twists that surprised me. These twists added to the enjoyment of the book. The interaction bewteen the Duke of Sutton and the Baron Lindsell was very intriguing.

This is the second regency romance novel by Darcy Burk I have read. It is also the third book in her "Untouchables" series. While "The Duke of Deception" can be read without reading the first two, I recommend that completing the first two books.

This is s the third book in the Untouchables series by Darcy Burke. I have enjoyed each book greatly, this series gets better with each book. So far this one is my favorite of the series. It may be because Aquilla Knox has been my favorite of her group of friends. She is naturally cheerful and optimistic in spite of her family. She has intelligence, showing it with a keen sense of humor. Edward Bishop (Ned), the ninth earl of Sutton is nicknamed the Duke of Deception by Aquilla's group, due to his matter of wife searching. He looks over the possible matches, spends time with them, but has never proposed marriage. What is he looking for? Well, as it turns out both Aquilla and Ned have secrets. Aquilla's secret prevents her from wanting to marry. Ned's secret has him looking for the perfect, special woman.. When these two find each other, will their secrets keep them from finding happiness? Or will they be able to confide in each other, able to accept their deepest concerns? This is a thoroughly pleasurable read, well worth reading. Only one more book left in the series, I will be sorry to leave these characters behind.

The Untouchable series has had some very unique hero's, this one is no exception. Just when she decides to leave the marriage mart Aquilla Knox meets Edward of the Earl of Sutton. He's been putting young misses through their paces to see if he can trust them. He has a secret he must keep. He has earned the reputation of the Duke of Deception and Aquilla doesn't trust that he's going to follow through on his courtship.

This one was a great story. Truly enjoyable.

Aquilla Knox is still unmarried after five London seasons, largely because she’s developed a way of deterring prospective husbands. She doesn’t want to marry - she’s seen what marriage can be – but a fifth season in London gives her the chance to get away from home. Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, is in need of a wife, but no one has yet fulfilled his list of requirements. He needs someone who can keep a secret. To be honest neither secret is desperately painful, but the two prospective partners are kept dancing around each other in an amusing way.

The Duke of Deception is a nice historical romance featuring nice characters, a fact that is kind of refreshing. Obviously there is something troubling Ned and Aquilla; they both have family that complicates their views on marriage. However, both Ned and Aquilla are characters that are compelling for their relative normal-ness and general niceness.

While I did enjoy the novel, I ultimately felt that it was a bit forgettable, perhaps because the characters were so average. If you like your historical romance with minimal drama, at least in terms of each of the main characters acceptance of the other, than this one will likely appeal.