Tag Archives: Darcy Burke

TURN ON (Ribbon Ridge 8) by Darcy Burke-review

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TURN ON (Ribbon Ridge 8) by Darcy Burke-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 1, 2025

Cameron Westcott has spent eight years recovering from heartbreak by keeping romantic entanglements casual and simple. He’s never minded being called a manwhore, but after two years immersing himself in his new winery, he might be ready for the next chapter. Especially when he meets a sexy wine distributor—only she says she isn’t interested.

Following a bitter divorce, Brooke Ellis relocated to Ribbon Ridge to rebuild her life. Things will never be the same for her, and she’s coming to terms with that reality when she meets charming, persistent Cam. She can’t imagine a happy ever after given his reputation, but he makes her feel so good.

As the sparks between them intensify, they’re both hesitant to commit for very different reasons. Or are they really just sabotaging their own futures? If they can trust each other—and themselves—they may realize that what they share is too good to let slip away.

•••••

REVIEW: TURN ON is the eighth instalment in Darcy Burke’s contemporary, adult RIBBON RIDGE erotic romance series. This is vintner Cameron Westcott, and wine promoter Brooke Ellis’ story line. TURN ON can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. TURN ON is the start of a new arc in the Ribbon Ridge series, now focusing on the Westcott siblings .

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Cameron and Brooke) TURN ON follows the back and forth, up and down relationship between vintner Cameron Westcott, and wine distributor Brooke Ellis. Cameron Westcott has partnered with the Hayden Archer and the Archer family as a winemaker at West Arch Estates, and a new distributor has come to Ribbon Ridge, Oregon in the hopes of contracting with West Arch Estates. Brooke Ellis is new in Ribbon Ridge, and Cameron is determined to seduce our story line heroine but Cameron’s reputation as a ‘lady’s man’ has preceded his introduction to our story line heroine, and Brooke is determined to keep Cameron at a distance, fearing the loss of a contract and her heart but Brooke has a secret that she believes will be the ultimate test of Cameron’s heart, a test Cameron is about to fail.

The world building follows several paths including the preparation for a new winery, the growing Archer family, and the introduction of Brooke’s extended group of siblings and friends.

The relationship between Brooke and Cameron is one of immediate attraction but a bit of an acrimonious relationship as Cameron doesn’t want to cross a line, and Brooke struggles with falling for a man whose reputation is constantly thrown in her face. Cameron is determined to prove he is worthy of Brooke but Brooke’s secret may be the proverbial straw that breaks their growing love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are numerous and friendly. We are introduced to Cameron’s brothers, Jamie, and Luke Westcott, the vineyard manager ; Brooke’s friends Naomi, and Jana; her sister Rhonda, as well as the return of several of the previous story line couples including many of the Archer siblings and their significant others.

TURN ON is a story of secrets, heartbreak, family and love. The premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is seductive with plenty of ups and downs; the characters are desperate and charismatic.

Reading Order and previous reviews (& new title)
Where The Heart Is (Let Go)
Only In My Dreams (Get Lucky)
Yours To Hold (Sparks Fly)
When Love Happens(Fall Hard)
The Idea of You (Can’t Stop)
Break Free (When We Kiss)
Hold Me

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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A Secret Surrender (The Pretenders #1) by Darcy Burke-Review Tour

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A Secret Surrender (The Pretenders #1) by Darcy Burke-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 7, 2020.

A survivor of the mean streets of London’s East End, Selina Blackwell has learned to be a chameleon, and in her current iteration as a fortune-teller, she’s able to provide a Season for her sister. Only, Madame Sybila can’t be a chaperone, so Selina takes on another identity as the proper Lady Gresham. But when a Bow Street Runner takes too much of an interest in her business, it seems the crimes of her past will finally come to light.

Determined to prove that Madame Sybila is a fraud bent on fleecing London’s elite, Harry Sheffield enlists the help of the alluring Lady Gresham in exchange for introducing her to Society’s best. With his busy career and aspirations for the future, Harry has no time for marriage, but an affair is just right—until he discovers the lady’s disarming secret. Whatever his feelings for her, he can’t ignore who she is and who she’s been. And when she holds the key to the one case he couldn’t solve, he must choose justice or love.

••••••••

REVIEW:A Secret Surrender is a historical romance novel set in London, 1819. If you are familiar with Darcy Burke’s novels and characters, you will remember some of the characters in this novel from previous novels.

This is the story of Harry Sheffield, second son of the Earl of Aylesbury and now a Bow Street constable, and Selina Blackwell, orphan, thief, and swindler. Such an interesting pairing!

The delicate balance of a cat and mouse game as these two meet and begin to fall madly in love is a genius of plot crafting. I won’t give away details, you really must read this for yourself. You won’t regret a minute it. The pace is quick, the details develop slowly, the romance is heartfelt and steamy. I could not see how the author would resolve the conflicts, but she certainly did.

An interesting time period for women and not at all a safe one. The characters are well crafted and charming, except for the villain, he’s definitely not charming. The heartbreak is painful, as it should be. The HEA is unexpected…I didn’t see it coming.

Kudos to Darcy Burke on this marvelous addition to her work.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

Excerpt: Sneak peek at chapter 1

https://www.darcyburke.com/books/the-pretenders/a-secret-surrender/a-secret-surrender-excerpt/

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page,www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

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A Duke Will Never Do by Darcy Burke-a review

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A Duke Will Never Do (The Spitfire Society #3) by Darcy Burke-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 19, 2020

The Spitfire Society… Meet the smart, independent women who’ve decided they don’t need Society’s rules, their families’ expectations, or, most importantly, a husband. But just because they don’t need a man doesn’t mean they might not want one.

After failing on the Marriage Mart, Jane Pemberton has two choices: submit to her parents’ edict to marry their boring neighbor or become a self-declared spinster and take up residence in the official headquarters of the Spitfire Society. It’s really no choice at all, and Jane is eager to embrace her newfound independence. She soon finds an unconscious viscount on her doorstep and nurses him back to health. When he offers to compensate her, she requests payment in the form of private instruction of a scandalous and intimate kind.

Having spiraled into a self-destructive abyss following the murder of his parents, Anthony, Viscount Colton, physically recovers under the care of an alluring spitfire. But it is her charm and flirtatiousness that soothes his soul and arouses his desire—until an extortion scheme forces him to face the sins of his past. Now, to save the woman who’s given him everything he lost and more, he’ll have to pay the ultimate price: his heart.

••••••

REVIEW: Author Darcy Burke has blessed us with another lovely Spitfire Society story. A Duke Will Never Do, is the story of Jane Pemberton and Lord Anthony Colton. It is book three of the series.

If you have never picked up a “Spitfire Society Novel”, and have a love of historical romance, I urge you to do so. Each is written as a standalone, however, it makes sense to begin with novel one. This is a three-book series. If you search Spitfire Society in Amazon, you will easily get the reading order. These are stories of good friends whose lives intersect each other. You learn about each character in previous novels but get the in-depth focus of their lives and problems in their own story. It makes each novel like going home to a group of close friends.

I don’t do spoilers but let me give you the beginning gist of the story and what I like so much about it.

Anthony’s back story is that he was a reckless youth. He had many gambling debts that his father refused to pay off. So, he was led to a crime boss, the Vicar, by a supposed friend. That led to not being able to pay the Vicar. He was supposed to be going to their country property, but he didn’t go. His father and mother made the trip instead and were killed by a highway man. Then he learns that it was the Vicar’s man…he was to have been the target. His guilt eats away at him, he believes he’s responsible for his parent’s death. Drinking is his way of numbing the guilt, causing his reputation to suffer.

Jane’s parents are extremely disappointed in her failing to secure a marriage. They are pushing her beyond reason to marry a neighbor she finds boring and unacceptable. Her friend Phoebe has married a duke and has moved out of her house. When Jane let her know she is declaring her spinsterhood and needs to move out of her parent’s home, Phoebe lends Jane her house. She gives Jane a stipend to care for the staff and keep the house repaired, even a small stipend for Jane’s own income. A very generous gift for the times, but she knows Jane will take good care of her staff and home. However, Jane’s parents will no longer see her, nor will they let her come to her sister’s wedding. One morning, Jane finds a man on her doorstep, beaten and injured. It turns out to be Lord Anthony Colton. She has the butler take him to an upstairs room and decides to care for him there, discretely.

That’s pretty much the setup. How they care for each other, how they heal each other and hurt each other simultaneously is the very heart and soul of this intriguing story. What I love is the way they interact for the period. It’s very eye-opening about the brutality of the times and yet heartwarming in how love can overcome so much. I love the idea of spirited and independent women forming a group, even those who are not in Jane’s circumstances. The writing is professionally done, and the conversations and characters are remarkable. I’m a huge fan of Darcy Burke’s work and this is the last of the series. I personally cannot wait to see where she goes next.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Never Have I Ever
A Duke is Never Enough

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna S

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A Duke is Never Enough by Darcy Burke-a review

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A Duke is Never Enough (Spitfire Society #3) by Darcy Burke-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 25, 2020

Notorious rake Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley, is gracing the gossip pages for a new reason: the rumors he may have murdered his swindling cousin. His quest for answers regarding his cousin’s death leads him to an incomparable self-declared spinster, and he is—for the first time—beguiled beyond reason. Neither is what the other wants, and yet their intense mutual infatuation is inescapable.

After abandoning her philandering betrothed at the altar, Phoebe Lennox fled from London only to return an heiress who refuses to follow the ton’s rules. She won’t risk a relationship of any kind—until she meets the notorious Marquess of Ripley. Swept into his seductive embrace, her resolve falters in the face of a pleasure she never anticipated. But when the truth about Marcus and the murder come to light, Phoebe could lose everything she holds dear, including a love for all time.

••••••••

REVIEW: A Duke is Never Enough is book two of the Spitfire Society by Darcy Burke. This is a wonderful add to her new series.

This is a historical romance and features some characters from the Untouchables series. This is the story of Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley (Rip) and Phoebe Lennox.
Marcus is a bit of a rake. His reputation is a bit more than he deserves, but he has had quite a few ladies in his life. Phoebe, if you remember from previous novels, left her betrothed, Laurence Sainsbury, at the alter and left London. However, her aunt left her a fortune and she declared herself independent and helped form the Spitfire Society. She is a self-proclaimed spinster and not looking for a husband.

When Marcus confronts his cousin, Archibald Drobbit, for swindling people (Graham, the Duke of Halstead from previous novels) a fight ensues and before he runs away, Drobbit throws a rock at Marcus’s head wounding him slightly. This was a public display Marcus hadn’t wanted to have. He rides away on his horse but is bleeding and he stops to clean himself up. A lovely young woman rides up on a horse and helps him. He’s intrigued by her and wants to see her again, but she won’t give him her name. He has the handkerchief she used, and he promises to return it tomorrow. She doubts he can find out who she is that quickly. Bets are made and the adventure begins.

This is a thoroughly intriguing novel with lots of great conversations, adventure, danger, and of course sizzzzzling romance. I don’t do spoilers, and nobody does romance like Darcy Burke! Don’t miss it!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Never Have I Ever
A Duke Is Never Enough

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna

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Never Have I Ever With a Duke (Spitfire Society) by Darcy Burke-review

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Never Have I Ever with a Duke by Darcy Burke-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2019

Meet the smart, independent women who’ve decided they don’t need Society’s rules, their families’ expectations, or, most importantly, a husband. But just because they don’t need a man doesn’t mean they might not want one…

Graham Kinsley is shocked when he inherits a debt-ridden dukedom, and now he has just one month to repay a loan. He needs an heiress—or find a way to recoup the former duke’s losses. When he meets the alluring Arabella, he’s entranced. Unfortunately, she’s as bankrupt as he is, but if they work together they may be able to recover their fortunes. Though if they keep stealing kisses, they may lose their hearts instead.

Arabella Stoke can’t afford an attraction to the penniless duke who has vowed to help rescue her family from financial devastation. She needs to find a wealthy husband before her father succumbs to the stress of losing everything. However, as Graham brings them closer to finding the swindler who stole their money, the war between what they want and what they need may ruin them both.

•••••••••

REVIEW:This is the new series by author Darcy Burke. She has dubbed it The Spitfire Society. In the time period of this series, the women of English society were expected to marry well and not necessarily for love. A couple of women (Phoebe Lennox and Jane Pemberton) who have inherited a great deal of money and have not either chosen to marry or have not found anyone worthy of them, have formed the Spitfire Society. Spinsters who choose not to marry and enjoy a life of independence. They’re wonderful and supportive of their friends but enjoy their independence. They also support the choices of those who choose to marry.

This is the story of Arabella Stoke and Graham Kinsley, Duke of Halstead. It begins in London, March 1819.

Arabella’s father has been swindled and they are destitute. He’s become bedridden and she and her mother have done their best to keep society from finding out they’re bankrupt. It’s imperative that Arabella marry well and quickly. She’s resigned to this, but it is not what she wants. Marrying for wealth is not an easy thing to do in this society.

Graham has recently inherited his Dukedom. The past duke left him a mountain of debts and two huge properties, mortgaged to the hilt. Both families were swindled by the same villain. Each is hiding the fact they are without funds. Graham may survive the issues but marrying a wealthy woman would certainly end his financial problems and he now feels a need to provide an heir.

Many of the characters from “The Wicked Dukes” are featured as well. Graham was David, Earl of St. Ives secretary for years before inheriting his title and the debt he has chosen not to disclose to his friends. Arabella was betrothed to David as well, but the two did not know each other, the marriage was arranged by their fathers while they were children. David fell in love and married another after his father died (if you’ve read The Wicked Dukes series this will be familiar to you, but it’s explained in this book as well). So, Arabella and Graham are in the same circles, but have never met.

Darcy Burke has a real winner to begin this new series. I love the familiarity from the characters and the new situations she’s invented. The characters are totally relatable and endearing. Each character has his/her own unique personality and it’s a real joy to see them interact. The storyline is well written and interesting. The obstacles are realistic, for the times. The conversations are interesting and well done, the romance is sometimes provocative and when appropriate really hot.

Buckle-up Buttercup and grab a copy of this marvelous new series. It’s interesting, romantic, and a lot of fun!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

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One Night of Temptation by Darcy Burke-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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One Night of Temptation (Wicked Dukes Club #6) by Darcy Burke-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 25, 2019

Meet the unforgettable men of London’s most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. Seductively handsome, with charm and wit to spare, one night with these rakes and rogues will never be enough…

Faced with a marriage she can’t abide, Lady Penelope Wakefield takes drastic measures to preserve her freedom. Her brilliant plan is foolproof until a sexy but imperious rector “rescues” her.

Rector Hugh Tarleton has no patience for the Society philanthropists who seek to bestow their pity—and not much else—on his oppressed flock in one of London’s worst neighborhoods. When the daughter of a marquess is kidnapped and brought to the rookery, he vows to protect her, but the temptation to surrender to their mutual desire will certainly ruin them both.

•••••••••

REVIEW: This wickedly wonderful story is another in the Wicked Dukes Club by author Darcy Burke. If you are familiar with this series, you will find it refreshingly romantic with appearances by some of the familiar characters in this very well written series.

This is the story of Lady Penelope Wakefield and Rector Hugh Tarleton.

Lady Penelope is the daughter of the Marquess of Bamber. She’s just turned twenty-one and has not gotten an offer of marriage, so her father has begun the process of bethrothal to the Earl of Findon, a man old enough to be her grandfather. She’s determined to escape her fate, so she hires someone to pretend to kidnap her. She figures if she stays out overnight, she’ll be ruined, and the marriage will be off.

Hugh Tarleton is a rector in St. Giles parish, a rough and tumble area. He’s not exactly the picture of what you think of as a “man of the cloth”. He’s handsome, large build, and very muscled. He’s also gentle, patient, and honorable.

Hugh sees her being kidnapped for real, and steps in to protect her. When she explains her problem and what happened, he decides to help her as much as possible. The more time they spend together, the more they fall in love.

That’s the setup. Of course, there’s much more, but I don’t want to spoil the story for you. Grab a copy and curl up for a wonderful and heart throbbing read. Author Darcy Burke has added this truly marvelous love story to her Wicked Dukes series, you don’t want to miss it!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
One Night for Seduction
One Night of Surrender
One Night of Passion
One Night of Scandal
One Night to Remember
One Night of Temptation

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna S

 

She shot a glance in his direction. “Who is the right person? For you.”
He ignored the desire pooling in his belly. The possibility he’d imagined a moment ago took root. He was incredibly drawn to her, and with each passing moment, the connection between them grew stronger. Did she feel that too? “I would like a wife who, above all, wants to help others, particularly those who are unable to help themselves. She should be intelligent, warmhearted, and, if it’s not too much to ask, in possession of a fine wit.”
“Why would that be too much to ask?”
He shrugged. “I am often told I should laugh more. A wife with a sense of humor would undoubtedly help with that.”
“Who tells you that?” she asked.
“Tom—my curate. My housekeeper. My sisters.”
“Not your brothers?”
“They wouldn’t dare. They laugh less than I do.” He smirked, especially as he tried to think of Gabriel, his eldest brother, so much as chuckling.
“I’m trying to think back, and I don’t recall you laughing today. Maybe a chuckle, but nothing more.”
“I did laugh.” He cocked his head to the side. “You, however, genuinely laughed when we discussed Maisie and Joseph.” The memory of that warm sound teased a smile to his lips.
Her eyes glowed with something that might have been merriment. “It was your sarcasm.”
“Sarcasm was the primary form of humor in my house growing up.”
“Mine didn’t have any humor, sarcastic or otherwise.” She looked toward the window, then shot him a quick look. “That wasn’t sarcasm, by the way, but I can see where you might think it was.”
No, he didn’t think that. She’d drawn a troublesome picture of her family.
He moved the conversation back to where they’d been. “I told you about the wife I’m looking for. What are your requirements for a husband?”
“Kindness.” 


 

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author.

Ready to WIN?

USA Todaybestselling author Darcy Burke and New York Timesbestselling author Erica Ridley are teaming up to bring you a brand new series of six fun, sexy historical romances: the Wicked Dukes Club!

To celebrate, we’re giving away WINNER’S CHOICE of any six (6) books in our backlist: Three (3) from Darcy, and three (3) from Erica in the format of your choice! (Paperback or ebook)

You can have your pick from Darcy Burke’s Untouchables series, Legendary Rogues series, and Secrets & Scandals series, and from Erica Ridley’s Dukes of War series, Rogues to Riches series, or 12 Dukes of Christmas series.

Just enter HERE for your chance to win!

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page,www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

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One Night of Scandal by Darcy Burke-Review & Excerpt Tour

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One Night of Scandal (The Wicked Dukes Club) by Darcy Burke-Review & Excerpt Tour

ONE NIGHT OF SCANDAL
The Wicked Dukes Club #4
by Darcy Burke
Release Date: May 28, 2019
Genre: historical romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Apple

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 28, 2019

Meet the unforgettable men of London’s most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. Seductively handsome, with charm and wit to spare, one night with these rakes and rogues will never be enough…

Jack Barrett is an ambitious member of parliament with no time or desire for a wife. When he catches the Duke of Eastleigh’s sister sneaking inside one of London’s private gentlemen’s clubs, he’s shocked—and dangerously charmed—and assumes the role of protector, only to discover she has the means to destroy him.

Social pariah Lady Viola Fairfax masquerades as a man to pen a column in a popular women’s magazine. When she stumbles upon a brewing scandal that implicates a prominent MP, she seizes the chance to establish herself as a real journalist. However, the infuriating and intoxicating man may not be the radical he’s purported to be, and the more time they spend together, the more she risks the one thing she’s sworn never to do: fall in love.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Another magnificently crafted story of historical romance with the emphasis on romance.

One Night of Scandal is the story of Jack Barrett, wealthy and ambitious member of parliament and Lady Viola Fairfax (sister to the Duke of Eastleigh) a lovely but adventurous and independent woman who masquerades as a man, named Tavistock, to get information for her column in a woman’s magazine.

Once Barrett sees Viola’s disguise, he can’t believe no one else notices that she’s actually a woman. He takes it upon himself to be her protector as she investigates a rumor that a Member of Parliament helped the rebels to attack the prince regent.

The romance builds slowly, and the action is unique and interesting. You’ll love reading the way the author takes you on their adventure through danger and intrigue, while building their attraction and romance. One Night of Scandal is a well-paced and very well-written story in this marvelous series.

Grab a copy of this wonderful book and curl=up with the adventure.

Wicked Dukes Club Reading Order and Previous Reviews
One Night For Seduction
One Night of Surrender
One Night of Passion
One Night of Scandal

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna

Viola’s gaze kept straying to Mr. Barrett, who stood with a few other gentlemen near the table with the bottle of sand. Garbed in a perfectly tailored black coat with black breeches and a midnight-blue waistcoat, he presented an intimidating and alluring figure. She couldn’t seem to stop glancing in his direction.
He didn’t appear to be aware of her presence, not after looking right at her and walking away. Was he purposely ignoring her? It was probably for the best. And yet, she was vaguely annoyed.
“Pardon me,” she murmured before making her way slowly to the table next to the one where Mr. Barrett stood. She picked up a shell and held it to her ear.
“Do you hear the ocean?”
She turned her head to see Mr. Barrett had moved next to her. Not that she’d needed to turn to see who it was—she recognized the deep, seductive timbre of his voice.
Seductive?
“Yes.” She handed him the shell.
He put it to his ear, and a half smile tilted his lips. Viola’s chest tightened in reaction. “It’s magic,” he said before replacing the shell on the table.
“It’s actually the noise from the room gathering in the shell and bouncing back to your ear.” Why had she said that? Magic sounded rather charming.
He chuckled. “I know what it is. But I like to think it’s the ocean. I haven’t been there in some time.”
“I haven’t either.”
“I love its vastness and the never-ending rush of waves over the shore. It makes me think of how complicated and yet simple our world can be.”
“That’s rather contradictory,” she said, picking up a rock that had been smoothed by the waves he spoke of.
“Life is full of contradictions, wouldn’t you say, LadyViola?” He was referring to her disguise as Tavistock. She suppressed the urge to smile.
“It can be, yes. So this is why you couldn’t meet tonight?” she asked quietly.
“Yes. And it seems you weren’t available either.”
She put the rock back down and moved around the table so they could put some distance between themselves and other guests. “I hadn’t planned to come tonight, but then decided it was worth trying to learn anything I could about our…project.”
He nodded twice, slowly. “Yes, our project. We should perhaps develop a strategy for tomorrow night. I will ensure Pennington will be there.”
“Excellent, I do think he is our best hope for delving deeper into things. We need to find out how he heard this rumor.”
“Agreed. He typically likes to talk, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.”
Viola didn’t disagree, but she wouldn’t leave things to chance alone. “And if he’s being closemouthed, we’ll pour ale down his throat until he speaks.”
Mr. Barrett’s dark eyes widened very briefly. “You wish to get him drunk?” He kept his voice low.
Viola lifted a shoulder. “If we must.”
“Diabolical,” he said. “I like it. Tell me, Lady Viola, have you ever been drunk? It seems as though you must have, given your frequent visits to the Wicked Duke.”
“I am careful not to overimbibe. Indeed, I rarely finish an entire mug of Colehaven’s marvelous ale.” She shook her head with regret. “It’s a crime.”
He laughed. “Indeed.”
“To answer your question, yes. I have been drunk.” She narrowed her eyes at him, but not in anger or disgust. “That is not a question you should ask a lady.”
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I should have said, ‘Tell me, Tavistock, have you ever been drunk?’” His eyes glowed with mirth, and she felt herself responding to his good humor.
She angled her head to a saucy tilt. “No.”
“So you’ve been drunk as Lady Viola, not as Tavistock.” He studied her intently, and her toes had the audacity to curl in her slippers. “Fascinating.”
“Only once—just to see what it was like.”
“You are a woman dedicated to investigation, it seems.”
She was more than impressed with his estimation. She was…flattered. “That is an excellent way to describe me.” She tried to think of how she would describe him and wasn’t sure. Not yet. But they’d be spending plenty of time together, probably. Unless they unraveled the entire mystery tomorrow night.
She realized she didn’t particularly want to. It might be fun to be on the hunt with Mr. Barrett.

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page,www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

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Captivating the Scoundrel (Legendary Rogues #4) by Darcy Burke-Review & Excerpt Tour

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Captivating the Scoundrel (Legendary Rogues #4) by Darcy Burke-Review & Excerpt Tour

CAPTIVATING THE SCOUNDREL
Legendary Rogues #4
by Darcy Burke
Release Date: January 29, 2019.
Genre: adult, historical, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 29,2019

Daphne Foliot has always known she’ll be married off to a man who, like her, descended from one of King Arthur’s fabled knights. That doesn’t mean she wants to be, even if it is her beloved father’s wish. Raised without a mother, she owes everything to the man who encouraged and funded her education and supports her dream of becoming the first female member of the Order of the Round Table. But when she suspects her chosen husband is a traitor to the Order, she plans to expose his treachery, regardless of their extraordinary mutual attraction.

Heir to the thirteen treasures of Britain, Gideon Kersey vows to do anything to protect his family’s legacy from a secret society bent on exploiting the items for personal gain, including marry a woman he doesn’t love. Except she ignites a passion he was certain died with his first wife, and when the truth behind the Order’s objectives threatens everything Daphne knows, Gideon must fight to save her—and any future they hope to share.

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REVIEW: Captivating the Scoundrel is a captivating story of ancient artifacts from King Arthur and his round table. It is also a wonderful romance between unlikely lovers. It’s interesting, well written, and extremely hard to put down. It’s set in August of 1819, Glastonbury.

Daphne Foliot is the daughter of Timothy Foliot. Her father is a member of the Order of the Round Table, but he’s a devious and dangerous man. However, she’s not aware of the truly evil man her father is.

Gideon Kersey, Earl of Stratton (almost) is a descendent of Gareth (a knight of King Arthur’s). Gideon has been raised by his father, an immoral man who wanted his son to become like him. Gideon did as his father during his youth but came to understand how immoral and wrong his father was. He changed his lifestyle and searched for a good woman. He met and married Rose. A lovely woman, but she died in a horseback accident, along with their unborn son. Gideon believes he has much to make up for but has some good friends who know the honorable man he is.

Gideon is helping Timothy Foliot find the Thirteen Treasures of King Arthur, but he realizes Timothy is an evil man bent on his own desires. He pretends to help him in order to find protect the treasures. To prove his loyalty to Foliot, Gideon promises to marry his daughter Daphne.

That’s the very basic setup, there is, of course, much more in the details but I don’t do spoilers. This is a story you must read for yourself. If you love building romance, dangerous quests, moves and counter moves this story is for you. It’s well written, exciting, heart warming and heart breaking all at the same time. The road to true love is fraught with many obstacles and they’re well twined together by author Darcy Burke.

Grab a copy and get ready for a wild ride!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

 

Daphne took the opportunity to peruse the bookshelves in case something spectacular leapt out at her—such as the name Anarawd. As if Bowen would keep such a valuable item out in the open or that it would be so clearly labeled.
Instead, what leapt at her was the stoic Earl of Stratton. Well, not leapt, precisely, but he did approach her. “You look as though you’d like to spend the next week in here with Rhys’s books.”
She pivoted toward him. “I would, in fact. I see your interest is similar.” She inclined her head toward the book in his hand. His forefinger was inserted between the pages to keep his place. “What are you reading?”
“Just an old poem.”
“Is that like Cate’s ‘old sword’?” The words fell out of her mouth before she could censor herself. “Pardon me,” she murmured, turning from him and edging away along the bookshelf.
“Are you suggesting this book and Cate’s artifact are more than what we say?”
She shrugged. “I find with antiquarians, you can never be quite certain they speak the truth.” She cast him a cautious look, thinking she should probably stop talking entirely. Better still, she should take her leave before she said something truly regretful.
He surprised her by chuckling. “You are, of course, correct. But this really is just an old poem.” He opened the tome and showed it to her. It was written in Middle English.
“‘Pierce the Ploughman’s Crede,’” she said, recognizing the lines.
“Very good. Tell me, if I pull a random text from the shelf and read a few lines, will you be able to guess what it is?”
That sounded like a terribly fun game. And she wanted to play it—with him. Her heart picked up speed. “Probably.”
“Astonishing,” he whispered. 


 

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page,www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

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