Cover Image: The Duke of Distraction

The Duke of Distraction

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Miss Sarah Colton takes joy making her own hats which everyone even adores. Sarah even will match her unique creations with her outfits too. One fine day Sarah and her friends are enjoying watching the afternoon races and even placing bets on them. The Earl of Ware, Felix Havers runs the races and is also a very close friend of Sarah’s brother who notices that Sarah seems to win a lot at the races too. Luckily, Sarah’s mother lets her attend the races because of the many men that go and could be possible marriageable prospects. Secretly, though Sarah plans to make enough money to open her own millinery shop. Sarah doesn’t want to ever marry despite her parent’s plan to wed her to Felix. Felix and Sarah aren’t interested in marriage but will help each other anyway. When tragedy strikes Sarah and her brother hard, Felix is there to comfort them both and can’t help his feelings toward Sarah either. Sarah also realizes how much she really cares for Felix but too many obstacles could stand in the way of true love.
What a delightfully charming historical romance that is such a joy to read! Yes, this might be part of a series but can be read alone without any problems. Even though the book jumps around and feels at times not very smooth; the story isn’t that hard to follow or to get immersed into it. Luckily, there are many different elements and some good plot twists to keep it interesting too. The tale is nicely written, and the characters are even easy to visualize. Ms. Darcy Burke really knows how to entice you to read this story even with some sad points it doesn’t really bog the book down either. Sarah, the creative feisty heroine seems like she would be a lot of fun. Also, it would be so much fun to try some of her wonderful hats. At first Felix doesn’t seem too interesting, but as we read more into the story then many different aspects of his character make him a very deep introspective caring guy. I do look forward to reading more books in the series too.

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I wanted to like this book so much but I honestly think that I would have liked it more if the pace didn’t seem so slow, it took me about 3 months to finish this and by the time I did I just wanted it to be over.

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I loved this book! The main characters had such great chemistry, and the secondary characters were so fun and added such texture to the plot. I cannot wait to read more in this series.

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An absolutely gorgeous romance, and one of my favourites of this series. I loved Felix and Sarah, and thought that they were well fleshed-out from the small appearances they'd made in previous books. I particularly liked that Felix had such different layers to him - it was really rewarding to see Sarah getting him to open up and work through his emotional trauma, instead of just pretending everything was fine. His role as 'the one who helps others' was sweet, but he was definitely deflecting attention away from himself by doing it, and it takes Sarah to point that out. I am a big fan of relationships that grow naturally from strong, stable friendships, and this one is really well done. A very enjoyable read.

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Felix Havers, Earl of Ward and Miss Sarah Colton have appeared in previous books in this series. Sarah's brother is Felix's best friend. Neither Sarah not Felix have any plans to marry, though for different reasons. Sarah is a talented hat designer and wants to open a millinery shop. However, her parents have a different opinion and demand she marry. She enlists Felix's help to find a husband, but that also means that they must spend more time together bringing them closer together. Felix is the master of distraction and entertainment. This is very evident when there is a tragedy in the Colton family. Felix will do almost anything to distract Sarah and her brother from their sorrow. Why does Felix feel he needs to entertain everyone? Does he never think of himself and what he needs? What made him this way? Will he and Sarah ever act on their mutual attraction. I really liked these characters when they appeared in the previous books. This is a nicely told story that wraps up the series. In fact the epilogue is a who's who of all the characters from the rest of the books in the series. I really like when an author wraps up a series in this way. It gives the reader another chance to visit with old friends.

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“The Duke of Distraction” by Darcy Burke is the 12th book in “The Untouchable” series.

Although the 12th in the series, the story still allows someone (who has randomly joined the series) like me to follow the tale with ease.

Of course the main focuses is the characters of the story, Namely the Earl of Ware, Felix Havers and Miss Sarah Colton.

Felix is set in never to love and marry due to his past. While Sarah resides herself to spinsterhood. She on the other hand has a plan to open a millinery and be able to support herself.

Her parents have alternative ideas and insist she needs to marry. Felix being a good friend to Sarah’s brother, offers to help her in seeking out a husband.

The story flows well, and brings back prior series couples back with no issues - which I’m sure fans of the series adored the follow ups of these characters.

There was a dark twist in the story at the point in which the power couple feelings change towards each other. This in itself was heart wrenching.

4 star

[** I received a copy of “The Duke of Distraction” by Darcy Burke via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Thank you to publishers and Netgallery for the opportunity to review this book.]

#TheDukeOfDistraction #NetGalley

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The Felix, Earl of Ware, acts as guide to Miss Cotton as she seeks a husband afer the murder of her parents. She was being pressured to marry, he is attracted to her but does not want marriage. Let the romantic games begin in the Duke of Distraction by Darcy Burke..

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After witnessing how love embittered his uncle and broke his father, Felix Havers, Earl of Ware vows never to love. He conceals his emotions behind a wall of wit and charm, and is celebrated as the master of entertainments—parties, picnics, races. When his best friend’s wallflower sister needs to find a husband, he promises to make her the toast of London... without losing his heart. Miss Sarah Colton has given up on the pursuit of marriage. When her parents learn she intends to open a millinery shop, they give her an ultimatum: choose a husband or they’ll do it for her. She accepts Felix’s help, never imagining their scheme will ignite a mutual attraction neither of them dare indulge. But when tragedy strikes, can they heal each other or will the demons of Felix’s past consume them both?
This was a well written book. I liked both characters a lot. I liked following them through their journey to a happy ending. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

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This is a true friends-to-lovers Regency romance. The hero and heroine are actually simply good lifelong friends who have no romantic interest in each other at the start of the book. They are both atypical Regency characters; at the beginning, he is genuinely an unreformed and unrepentant rogue, and she is a lady who wants to open a millinery shop to feature her creations and truly has no desire to wed. (I love how he was so supportive about this, even helping her look for a shop.) They are both shocked and appalled when her parents state that they should marry each other. The heroine is mortified that her parents would do such a thing. Instead, Felix decides to help Sarah find a husband by creating events, like a private horse race and house party, where he can invite eligible gentlemen. What will Felix do as he does find himself growing more and more attracted to Sarah? Will Sarah stand firm in her desire for spinsterhood?

Some Regencies and other books I’ve read lately have lacked a certain “je ne sais quois.” However, right away with this book, I felt drawn in by an author who knows how to propel a story forward with solid characterization and plot twists I didn’t fully see coming. I was intrigued to see how this particular set of definitely “just friends” was going to proceed to love. I felt like I could trust the author just to take me where she needed to go in terms of both character and plot, and I was not disappointed. Both of the main characters were fun at the start with their independence and unusual ways. When tragedy struck, and as the romance bloomed, both characters showed depth, generosity, and patience (though in different ways). Felix is definitely a swoon-worthy hero despite his roguishness which belies a tender heart and a genuinely good soul. It took tragedy to draw him out and patience to see that through. An emotional read at times—but those are my favorite kind!

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A lovely romance.

Friends who stand with each other through thick and thin are rare. And when friendship turns into a realtionship, it is a bonus - literally we are choosing our own family.

A delightful romance, with emotional scenes and heartwarming feelings.

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Another Duke in the series and just as entertaining as the others. We have Sarah and Felix's books and I hope you have been following series to know who these two are and also because some of the characters of the previous books were included. Sarah has known Felix all her life since he was her brothers best friend. Sarah's parents were on a mission to get her married and ended up humiliating her in front of Felix by asking him to marry her, yeah a little out there he was against it since he is never going to marry even though you would think he would need an heir but he has a cousin that he plans to pass that off to. Sarah would like to get married but only for love and she already has plans to support herself in the even that she does not find herself a love, however tragedy strikes having her and Felix closer than ever and dealing with feelings that they never had before..Now we need Anthony's story. Sarah did frustrate me at times...

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Reviewed by Barbara:
The final book in the Untouchables series presents us with the much-anticipated story of Felix and Sarah. Felix is the best friend of Sarah’s brother Anthony and they have all known each other their whole lives. The story is well-written and stays on-point, but is, well, just a bit on the lackluster side. As I read, I kept expecting something to happen, but it never did. What we have is a straight-forward, friends-to-lovers story with little angst, no danger, no villain and no real excitement. This is a lovely story, but I think it could have benefitted from a prologue depicting Felix’s childhood and the things his father did because I think I learned those things far too late in the book.

Felix Havers, Earl of Ware, Duke of Distraction, has arranged a series of races over the last couple of books and they are featured in this book as well. They are fun and competitive and I enjoyed the competition and the participants.

Miss Sarah Colton’s parents think it is time she is married and they are tired of her single status. Her mother declares that she will marry and soon! Then, of all things, to Sarah’s great humiliation, they ask Felix if he’d marry her. Both Felix and Sarah are aghast and both immediately shout “NO”. Sarah has nothing against marriage, it is just that IF she marries, she wants to marry for love. In the meantime, she is making plans for her future as a spinster. She wants to open a millinery shop and she has all of the plans in place – she has the manager lined up (so she isn’t associated with trade) and she has almost enough money. Betting on the winners in Felix’s races have definitely contributed to her funds – all she needs is a location.

When Sarah’s parents ask Felix to marry Sarah, he can’t believe it. Everyone knows he will NEVER, EVER marry under any circumstances. However, he does volunteer to help Sarah find someone she can love and marry. He sets out with single-minded focus and assures that she meets a number of eligible and appropriate bachelors. Then, when they cancel the races in town, he decides to move the races to the estate of the Marquess of Northam – they’ll make it into a two- or three-day event and Felix will invite even more eligible bachelors. All goes as planned until there is a snafu in a kissing game Felix planned. Sarah is supposed to end up kissing Viscount Blakesley, but a mix-up occurs and she ends up kissing Felix. Sparks fly and fireworks explode for both of them. Then, when they discover who they kissed, they are appalled, dismayed, shocked – and they both decide that they’ll just forget that it happened. Right! We all know how that will go.

Then, the unthinkable happens and it throws both Sarah and Anthony into the deepest depths of despair. Their parents were murdered on their way to Oaklands, their country estate. They were going there to oversee some repairs that Anthony was supposed to have handled but postponed for a few days. Anthony blames himself and takes to drinking – all day every day. Felix visits every day and tries to help, but nothing seems to move either Anthony or Sarah. So, after about a month, Felix shows up one day and announces that they are going with him to his country estate, Stag’s Court.

The time at Stag’s Court throws Sarah and Felix into close proximity and both find themselves unable to forget that kiss they’d shared. They end up sharing more and more kisses – and more. Sarah realizes that she’d be happy being married to Felix quite early on, but Felix is adamant that he will not marry. We don’t really find out why until almost the last page and then it is sort of glossed over and we hear nothing of the mental abuse he must have suffered from his uncle. I would have preferred to understand Felix much earlier on in the book.

There is a wonderful epilogue that brings all of the characters from the earlier books together at a ball given by Lady Eugenia Satterfield. We get to see them in all of their happiness and – expecting – states.

I enjoyed the book and I think you will too. While this is the final book of the Untouchables series, be on the lookout for a new spinoff series, Untouchables: Spitfire Society, coming soon.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Felix Havers, Earl of Ware, and Sarah Colton’s story is the 12th book in the Untouchables Series; this is a standalone, no cheating, happily ever after romance with some sizzle.
Love is found when one least expects it, that is the case between Felix and Sarah. The paths they choose ultimately leads them to each other and their true feelings for each other.
A beautifully written story with love and growing feeling.
I received a copy of this story through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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actually enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.
Yes, it was predictable but in the very best way. The villain was clear from the outset and, although there was mention of previous heroines, it didn't matter that I hadn't read the previous books in the series.
I did call the majority of the "big reveals" before they happened but it didn't take away my enjoyment and I still couldn't put it down.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
I was sad to see that this story was the last book in The Untouchables series. I liked this story but I am not sure wether it was knowing that it was the last book in the series or that the story and characters just did not catch my attention as well as the last eleven books did. I will always love a Darcy Burke book though so to all readers who hate to see a series end read this book as well as the other eleven books in this series and enjoy them all as Darcy Burke writes a great historical romance.

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10 Show more
Review Sarah Colton has no objections to marriage. She does, however, object to marriage without love. So as spinsterhood approaches, she begins to plan.

Felix Havers, her brother's best friend and a dear friend of her own, is more than happy to help her out - either by introducing her to eligible bachelors or by searching for a location for Sarah's secret hat shop. What he's not willing to do is marry her himself. He has no plans to marry at all.

The good: Sarah and Felix's relationship is very, very sweet. I worried at first that the transition from friends to lovers wouldn't be believable, but it really worked for me.

The characters were also lovely people. Felix is a genuinely nice man. He fits the trope of tortured hero, but he never takes his issues out on other people. On the contrary, he's always trying to make them happy.

The bad: I found the book to be a little boring and uneven for me - there was nearly no tension or angst in the first half, and an overabundance of both in the second. I felt no urge to keep reading when I had to put the book down.

The Duke of Distraction is part of a series, but I've only read this installment, and except for the epilogue, I had no trouble catching up.

[I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review]

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Oooo did I enjoy this book! It was so engrossing that I read it in one sitting. Characters from other books were represented even other series got incorporated in the epilogue.

I found the H and h to be very relatable cjarachters and the chemistry between them was wonderful. I really felt like I was part of the cast in this book. I sure hope there are more to this series. I really want to hear about the brother in the future!

This is a book for mature readers as the heat index was way up there so probably not for teens or people who want “clean” reads.

I received a free copy of the book from Netgalley and am volunteering my opinions on this delightful story.

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This is an enjoyable read, Felix the Earl of Ware enjoys great entertainment and entertaining people. Sarah just wanted to open a Milliners shop but is being pressured by her parents into marriage. Sarah has always been friends with Felix as he was her brothers best friend. This is a really fun great read, with characters you can engage with, you really route for them to realise they can become more then friends if they will just succumb their feelings. It’s a great light read, very enjoyable.

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Heat Factor: So very steamy.
Character Chemistry: It’ll getcha.
Plot: Lady enlists her brother’s best gentleman friend to help her find a husband she’ll love (and who will support her budding millinery business)--Gentleman swears he’ll never marry. WHAT COULD GO WRONG.
Overall: Really expected this one to fall into the same predictable trope, but it was surprisingly fresh.

Sarah, our heroine, wants two things: to marry for love and to open her own secret millinery shop. Her parents just want her to marry, so they suggest she marry her brother’s best friend, Felix. He has, sadly, sworn off marriage and so offers to help her find a husband. (If this plot sounds familiar, that’s because it’s been done a time or two.) Along the way there’s a carriage racing situation, a house party with closet kissing games, two deaths, a sexy grotto, whispers of highwaymen, an uncle grasping at the title...it’s jam packed. I wondered why, but then realized it’s the last of 12 books in a series, so I figure it’s probably a little like the youngest kid in a family who ends up with three middle names. It’s your last chance, so you squeeze in what you can.

Honestly, the chemistry between Sarah and Felix carry this book--he so genuinely admires and supports her, and he’s just about always saying exactly the right thing--so when they accidentally end up having about the steamiest hook up in a closet during a house party, you’re already 100% in to them getting carried away. It’s just cute. I will say that the conclusion of this house party causes a sharp plot twist that ends up feeling like the author took two separate ideas and mashed them together, because nothing about the beginning of the book feels like anything at the end of the book. For example, Sarah seems like a pretty chill, put-together and rational person at the outset of the story, but then after she gets a taste of Felix she pursues him aggressively, and with very little of the sense you came to expect from her. It certainly didn’t throw me off, but I also noticed.

The only other thing was that the epilogue really only works if you’ve read the other books in the series because it pulls together all these characters you’ve never heard of. But don’t worry about it, because at one point Sarah and Felix make deliciously questionable choices in a grotto where there are normal, innocent people wandering around and you won’t be suffering through that scene, my friend.


I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

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This was cute! I unfortunately hadn't read the previous books in the series prior to this one so there were some characters and plot points which were confusing. All in all it was cute and avoided the instant love trap.

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