Great emotional story with a few twist and turns, slightly predictable but because it's well written it can be forgiven. I loved the characters they were fabulous and had a wonderful chemistry
Glad I read this.

I received an early copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

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.

Darcy Burke never tells us exactly why Simon, the Duke of Romsey owes Nick, the Duke of Kilve, such an impossibly large favor. But there must be a very good reason for Simon to take off across country with Nick’s jilted fiancé. I, personally, am always willing to suspend belief in the name of historical romance, so off Diana and Simon take across country, sharing the intimacy of Simon’s carriage by day, and the added intimacy of shared bedrooms at night. There is no question where this is all headed, of course, and Burke takes us to the inevitable sexual (er) climax fairly quickly. All the elements are here for a pleasurable, light read.

At the end of the Duke of Ice book and Nick the Duke of Klive had left his best friend Simon to clean up a huge mess of Nick’s making. Diana Kingman betrothal to the Duke of Klive is in tatters and imminent danger of causing a scandal until Simon Hastings the Duke of Romney comes and offered her a choice. Diana seems cold and aloof, but she really isn’t she’s been abused all her life by her abusive father, she’s extremely worried about how he’ll react when he finds out about her brothel is broken. Simon arrives giving her options, run away and go wherever she wants. She could start a new life using an anonymous name where her father cannot find her, he’ll take her wherever she wants to go to escape her father and the scandal.
Ever since Simon’s wife died and he was blamed for her death he’s been known as the Duke of Ruin, poor Simon doesn’t remember how his wife died so he can’t defend himself and blames himself too for her and his unborn child’s death. Simon has no plans to remarry, but as he gets to know Diana she drawn to her. Diana has never known love and she doesn’t if she’s capable of falling in love. Diana and Simon are perfect for each other, we see the sexual tension building and the trust between the growing as they travel together. Theirs is a gradual love story that blossoms into the love they both deserve. They meet challenges head on, her father, his mother, their emotional rollercoaster and they become stronger in the process. Loved this book with Diana and Simon, so glad to see Simon get his HEA!!!
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.

received an ARC of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair review. The Duke of Ruin I enjoyed the book and recommend reading it

Simon Hastings, the Duke of Romsey, was publicly reviled for the tragic death of his wife and unborn child. Simon did nothing to dispel the vile rumour as he was trifle foxed to recall the dreadful incident, thus earning him the moniker, The Duke of Ruin. He eschewed all forms of intoxicants but peace is utterly elusive. His own family turned their backs on him.

Diana Kingman has been groomed to be a Duchess but Nick, her betrothed, has absconded to marry another! Simon, Nick's friend has offered himself to assist Diana in her predicament, and even proposed to marry her!

Simon and Diana had gone on an equally poignant and wonderful journey of self-discovery. Their mutual attraction deepened as they appreciate each other's wit, kindness and sensuality. Their sweet intimacy as a precursor to their scorching passion was written by Darcy Burke in absolute perfection.

Simon is immensely affable despite the guilt he carries in his heart. Diana is gorgeous and gracious inspite of her loathsome father. They equitably deserve their happy-ever-after.

Superb story with the right dose of steam. I highly recommend.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader's copy. This is my impartial review. All opinions are mine.

After being unable to finish a different regency romance, this was a wonderful change! It's the first book I've read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last! I love this sub-genre, but sometimes I hit a streak of poorly written novels with shoddy characterization and think that maybe I need to move on, then I'm lucky enough to happen upon a gem like The Duke of Ruin that re-establishes my faith and optimism. I raced through this over the weekend due to the heartily entertaining story-line and endearing characters.

I hesitate to use internet slang, but I have to say it - the main couple, Diana and Simon, were just precious cinnamon rolls, too pure for this world! Diana is absolutely the best kind of romance heroine I love reading about; she's fully-realized, is intelligent and poised, has her own ambitions and goals, knows her own mind but isn't too proud to accept help from others who are more capable, has great compassion and generosity of spirit but isn't an unrealistic saint. I roll my eyes at heroines who never entertain an unkind thought or righteous anger, but Diana assuaged those fears right from the start:

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"Miss Kingman, this needn't be the end of the world."

"Of course not, but it's quite a disaster. My family will be a laughingstock. My father will be furious."

"You're likely right. But if you cry off, it will be much better, don't you agree?"

"Better than being abandoned? I suppose so, but isn't that rather like comparing breaking one's arm to breaking one's leg? They're both highly undesirable."
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She has every right to be furious with the hero of the previous novel who was engaged to her, but fell in love with his old flame and didn't even have the decency to tell Diana in person that he's planning to throw her over to marry another woman. Enter Simon, who is the most considerate, charming and swoon-worthy hero I've read about in a long time!

Simon's first wife died under mysterious circumstances for which he was blamed, and while this isn't an uncommon theme in romances, what is unusual to me is how the trope has been turned on its head - normally the hero would turn hard and cynical, and the heroine would be forced to deal with his cruel demeanor and stand her ground to melt his icy heart. But his adversity has actually made Simon more gentle and kind to those who don't shun him; he's ostracized by society at large, but when he's around younger peers who aren't scandalized by him, he is charming company, and when he travels incognito as Mr Byrd, he is similarly warm and caring with the common country folk. 

His feelings of guilt over his wife's death don't compel Simon to lash out at everyone, but instead to do penance:

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"Why do you want to help me?"

"I always try to help people. They seldom allow me to do so, but I always try."
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What a lovely change from the alpha asshole cliche I encounter all too often! Simon starts off doing whatever he can to help extricate Diana from this mess out of his love for his friend, then because he wants to do the right thing as he can see how terrified she is of her father and read between the lines to realize the truth about her abusive household. He is willing to offer Diana marriage if that will solve her problem or whisk her away to wherever she chooses so she can start over with his help. Simon emphasizes over and over again throughout the story that it is always her choice and she is always free to change her mind and he will accommodate her. <3 Such a great hero!

I was extremely happy with the development of the friendship between their characters and how we see them grow fond of one another and start to strongly value each other's well-being and happiness. A lot of times what ruins a book for me is when the linchpin of the relationship is mere lust and we aren't shown the foundation for a fulfilling long-term relationship, but Simon and Diana just melted my heart with how earnestly they cared for each other and showed it in small gestures like her drinking tea with him instead of alcoholic beverages on offer so he didn't stand out, and him being the epitome of chivalry by acting as her maid while they traveled together, helping her undress and unlacing her corset without taking advantage of the situation.

The road-trip trope was well-executed and never grew repetitive, but was used to great effect by deepening the relationship between the main couple and showing us more about Simon's character (such as the small detail of him being thoughtful enough to include some books for Diana's entertainment). I loved the platonic bed-sharing and the delightful tension and chemistry simmering between our leads!

I was less enamored of the way Nick (the erstwhile fiance) got off scot-free when he had been such a thoughtless ass; of course I don't think he should be resigned to a contractual marriage while pining for his true love, but he handled matters abominably and should've been humbled a little. I also was a little disappointed at the way the dead wife mystery was wrapped up so neatly, because it seemed like we were never going to find out what really happened and that was poetic to me because a lot of times that's just how real life plays out, you don't get all the answers and neat closure, and it seemed too convenient how it was tied up with a bow with no real effort. However, these were only minor niggles and didn't impact much at all on my enjoyment of the story. 

Overall, The Duke of Ruin was a delightfully fast-paced read with a great deal more heart and emotion than expected; it subverted the usual tropes in surprising ways and left me feeling content and cheerful when I finished the last page. What more can you ask for! :)

The Duke of Ruin by Darcy Burke
The Untouchables #8

Loving this series – haven’t read all of it but every book I have read has left me satisfied with the story read but eager to read the next when it comes out.

In the previous book The Duke of Ice jilts Diana Kingman for the woman he has always loved. Well, that puts Diana in a pickle so when The Duke of Ruin, bearer of the jilting news, offers to help her in any way…she takes him up on it. Why would she trust Simon? Well, her father is NOT a man she wants to face when the news that she is no longer betrothed is revealed.

So, Simon and Diana head north to her cousin’s home knowing that they will have days and nights on the road before reaching their destination. Simon has experienced true love and great loss. He is guarding his heart but really is attracted to Diana. The attraction is mutual as Diana finds Simon handsome and so much more than his reputation. The time on the road provides information to the reader and to the couple. I have to say that I admire both hero and heroine and would love to spend time getting to know them. I liked the resolution to the situation, the mystery about Simon’s deceased wife that is revealed and the fact that both the Duke of Ice and the Duke of Ruin end up with the happily ever after that they both deserve…and that they end up with such wonderful women! Oh, I love the openness of Diana, the gentleness Simon shows and the romance that develops between them…what a delightful book this was for me to read last night!

Now…who is next in this wonderful series? I can hardly wait to find out!

Thank you to the author who bequeathed me an ARC through NetGalley – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

I really enjoyed Simon and Diana's story. I appreciated how their vulnerabilities were portrayed, and how they supported each other through those vulnerabilities. It was lovely to see them fall in love. The book was also interspersed with some great steamy scenes. Recommended!

To be fair with my review I have to admit that I love Darcy Burke and look forward to her books to the point that I probably have a biased opinion before even starting her newest book. She's my go-to author. I have never read anything by her that I was disappointed with. In fact, it makes me sad to finish one of her books because I have to wait for another.
Now for the Duke of Ruin....
The Hero, Simon, had survived a horrible tragedy and was plagued by the ton's horrible treatment of him. He was an honorable gentleman with a kind heart. By the end of the first chapter his true nature had come shining through. When Diana, the heroine, was jilted by her fiance Simon stepped in to help her. He offered her his support, friendship and any solution she wanted. If she hadn't fallen in love with him I would have wondered why.
Their story was sometimes funny and sometimes sad. I rooted for them more than most book couples.
The Duke of Ruin was a really enjoyable book with an amazing cast of characters. It's definitely five star quality.

Simon, the Duke of Ruin gets his story. Simon is lost and lonely but determined to help his best friend any way possible. Diana Kingman is destined to cause a scandal. She is determined to get away from her father by any means necessary as we've seen in previous books of this series.

Darcy Burke takes you on an adventure with little twists and turns followed by a shocker of an ending. The story is well written, entertaining and exciting. All of the characters draw you in, the tug at your heartstrings especially the H & h.

Once again a fabulous story. Looking out for the next one

I received The Duke of Ruin by Darcy Burke from NetGalley in exchange for a far review. This is the 8th book in her Untouchables Series and a continuation from Book 7, The Duke of Ice. While it can be read as a stand-alone, the first chapter might be confusing without reading Book 7.
Simon Hastings, Duke of Romsey, volunteers to tell Diana Kingman that his best friend is jilting her. With her in distress, Simon offers to help Diana flee London. But, when they are recognized on their trip to obscurity, Diana and Simon's choices are limited to just one; marriage.
Both Simon and Diana are battling demons and yet, they are both just nice people. But more than that, they want to help each other. As they travel, their feelings for each other begin to grow. But, when it comes time to marry, both feel they are not good enough for the other. Once, they head home to face Simon's past, they work past those feeling to love.
I enjoyed reading this book, but I also enjoy reading all of Darcy Burke's books. She engages the reader and their senses. The slow burn of the story is wonderfully timed and plays well with the characters of the book. You can sense that neither Simon nor Diana would “jump into bed”. I can’t wait for the next book! #TheDukeOfRuin #NetGalley

This story was lovely. The characters, the story, the dialogue, all of it was lovely. I read the entire thing in one sitting. I just couldn't wait to see what would happen next.

I think I've been waiting forever to find out exactly what happened with Simon's wife, so I was thrilled to read his story and finally find out. I thought the way in which it was revealed was wonderful. Simon is the sweetest, most gentle hero in this entire series thus far. I adore him.

Diana definitely deserves a hero as wonderful as Simon. Her life has been very difficult, and after Nick's callous treatment in his own story (Don't get me wrong, I was cheering for Nick and Violet the whole time) I was concerned for her. She deserves a happily ever after. Poor Diana was dreadfully mistreated by her cruel father. She needed rescuing, and Simon was the perfect one to do it.

Now all I can do is wait for Verity's story! *ah!*

I do wish that the person who writes the description blurb for the book would read it first. Diana’s father is a cruel man who abused her throughout her childhood and into her young adulthood. He most definitely wants her to be betrothed to a “decent” duke and would be appalled at any suggestion she marry a duke who is “loathsome”. Diana needs to escape because she is breaking her betrothal to the Duke of Kilve because he loves another, and her father will be outraged and punish her severely.

Along comes Simon, Duke of Romsey, Kilve’s best friend. Simon is called the Duke of Ruin by society because he is believed to have murdered his wife. He agrees to help Diana runaway to her cousin’s in order for her to figure out her future. He does this because of Kilve’s guilt over the broken betrothal. He is not interested in marrying and he is distraught over his wife’s death, which he can’t remember because he was drunk at the time.

This road-trip trope is entertaining and well written. It is a standalone book although we were introduced to Simon and Diana in Kilve’s book, THE DUKE OF ICE, so it was nice to see them hoping for their own HEA. I can recommend this book to ALL romance readers for a most enjoyable read. You may also want to read the other books in the Untouchable series.

The Untouchables Series:

#1 - The Forbidden Duke
#2 - The Duke of Daring
#3 - The Duke of Deception
#4 - The Duke of Desire
#5 - The Duke of Defiance
#6 - The Duke of Danger
#7 - The Duke of Ice
#8 - The Duke of Ruin
#9 - The Duke of Lies
#10 - Coming soon!

Wow Ms Burke is totally does it again! Wonderful series that just keeps getting better.

These are two wonderful characters who embark on a road trip. The historical insights were great.

I thought it was a fabulous read. I found myself totally invested in their future and Really rooted for real happiness for them.

I absolutely loved Diana and Simon's story!! When reading The Duke of Ice, my heart was aching for Simon. I was so glad to see that his story was next. Diana is his perfect mate!

After losing his wife, Simon has turned around his life and given up drinking. He blames himself for her death, as do others, but has made the best of his situation. He does a favor for his best friend and never imagined that it would get him married!!

Diana is trying to get away from her horrible father. She just wants to disappear and enjoy the rest of her life. With Simon's help, she gets away, but circumstances demand that they marry. Can this unlikely duo turn their unplanned marriage into one of mutual love and understanding?

I'm so excited for the next book in the story! It will feature Diana's cousin Verity. Just when she is ready to move on with her life, her husband returns from the dead! How exciting!! Look for Verity's story in May.

I personally asked to be able to read and give a fair and honest review for this ARC. I always watch for certain authors. Darcy Burke is one of those. I was slightly disappointed in this book. All the parts were here for a great read. The story line, the characters, the setting....however, I found it a bit less than I thought it could be. There just didn't seem to be as much as there could have been. A good book but in my opinion, not a great book.

We meet up with Simon and Diana as they run away to begin a journey of redemption. The images of their ride and local inns ring vivid in your mind. It is like you are a part of their wonderful journey through the characters they meet and the little jaunts they participate in over the days. Simon and Diana are both dealing with emotional matters and lean on each other for support and eventually love. Emotions run high when Simon realizes he can love again and let’s Diana into his heart. Diana fortunately has a knight in shining armor when Simon fights for her against her tyrannical father. Another fantastic story full of love and redemption.

The Duke of Ruin, started out where the Duke of Ice ends. I think it would be helpful to read the Duke of Ice, there is quite a bit of references made from it.
Simon is hurting and hides it well. Diana is desperate to leave her father's house for good that she'll do whatever it takes. Simon decided to help her, not knowing that she's the one that will be able to heal his broken heart.