A review by readingwithmerb
The Duke of Deception by Darcy Burke
4.0
Going through terrible experiences with the men in her family, Miss Aquilla Knox has found herself with little interest in marriage. When her father tries to force her into a marriage with an unkind man who is willing to trade land for her, she decides to accept a marriage proposal from Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, also known as the Duke of Deception. However, as time goes on, she finds herself falling deeply for his kindness and generosity, but what are his secrets that have caused his nickname of deception? While Aquilla is trying to figure him out, Ned is trying to care for his brother George, who has a cognitive disability. Ned’s goal is to find a wife who will love and accept George, and Aquila’s kindness and gentle nature seem to be exactly what he is looking for.
This was wholeheartedly and utterly adorable. I don’t think I’ve read a romance that was so feel good. If you enjoyed The Governess Game by Tessa Dare, I definitely recommend this one. The familial elements are very pure and heart warming, and it was beautiful to see Ned create a safe space for Aquilla and George. Seeing how Ned cared for George and planned his future around a good life for him, was so blessed. I only wish that Aquilla and Ned’s relationship had been a bit more romance focused, as many of their scenes together were mostly setting up their lustful chemistry. I also did not like that Ned held George’s identity a secret until well into the marriage, as I feel Aquilla had a right to know about the responsibility she was getting herself into. But at the end of the day, this was incredibly wholesome, and I highly recommend!
This was wholeheartedly and utterly adorable. I don’t think I’ve read a romance that was so feel good. If you enjoyed The Governess Game by Tessa Dare, I definitely recommend this one. The familial elements are very pure and heart warming, and it was beautiful to see Ned create a safe space for Aquilla and George. Seeing how Ned cared for George and planned his future around a good life for him, was so blessed. I only wish that Aquilla and Ned’s relationship had been a bit more romance focused, as many of their scenes together were mostly setting up their lustful chemistry. I also did not like that Ned held George’s identity a secret until well into the marriage, as I feel Aquilla had a right to know about the responsibility she was getting herself into. But at the end of the day, this was incredibly wholesome, and I highly recommend!