In Never Deceive a Duke ,we meet Gareth Lloyd, a 'self-made' businessman who is co-owner of a successful shipping enterprise. Much to his acute dismay, he is informed he is now the new Duke of Warneham, the last one having died unexpectedly and in suspicious manner, leaving no heirs. Gareth is entirely resistant to this, but is forced to return to the ancestral home to claim his title.

Upon arrival, he encounters the widowed duchess, Antonia, who is under suspicion of having murdered her husband, the man who literally destroyed Gareth's life when he was only twelve years old. They are prepared to dislike each other, even as a passion born of desperation brings them together. Slowly they begin to trust each other to share the terrible traumas each has experienced: Antonia with the loss of two children along with her good for nothing first husband, and Gareth, as he attempts to overcome memories of the degrading hell he endured after being turned over to an English Press Gang by the old duke. And just as slowly, they discover a love that transcends anything either has ever known- and a rampant desire which can not be denied.

In the meantime, Gareth is having the 'murder' investigated by his so-called valet, who eventually digs deeply enough to discover the truth- a convoluted story of jealousy, envy, and yes, murder.

In this tale, Liz Carlyle demonstrates her ability to spin a completely engrossing tale of romance against a historical backdrop. She seamlessly weaves Gareth's memories into the fabric of the present, increasing the intensity and ugliness with each, so that the reader is drawn into the confusing downward spiral of his childhood, shining a glaring light on the reasons he has for hating the former duke, and everything associated with him. Ms. Carlyle deftly portrays him as a man with a well-earned bitterness, who has somehow l maintained a level of humanity and the ability to care deeply for others.

Likewise, Antonia has suffered mightily at the hands of others, although not as dramatically as Gareth, and is tormented with guilt about her inadvertent role in the death of her children. As was frequently the case, Antonia is thought to be mad because she feels the loss so deeply, and not having the same options as a man, is promptly bartered off to another man, the old duke, for her breeding capacity. It is little wonder that she wants only the small freedoms allowed a widow, or that she has so effectively shut herself off from all emotions. Again, Ms. Carlyle does a superb job of relaying the sense of hopelessness with which Antonia lives.

The secondary characters are equally fascinating, from the servants to Gareth's brother-in-law (who is apparently the central figure of the next book in this trilogy)
It must be noted that, as is the case with all Ms. Carlyle's books, Never Deceive a Duke is rife with sensuality, and Gareth is all that is sexy personified. 5 Angels & a Recommended Read

Reviewed by: Lynn