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sarah_moynihan's review against another edition
4.0
'Ten years ago Ivy Breckenridge’s life was ruined. She had to reinvent herself, and now, after painstakingly making her own way in the world, she’s nearly forgotten the dreams of home and family she’d once nurtured. Until one man peers into her soul and awakens every one of her hidden desires. But no matter how good he makes her feel, she can’t trust him—alone by choice is better than alone by necessity.
With a notorious reputation for training married women in the art of passion, Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare, is reviled by some and celebrated by others. He doesn’t allow anyone close enough to see past his charming exterior. When Ivy uncovers the man beneath, the seducer is suddenly the seduced. Enraptured by her mind and spirit, he wants more but revealing his darkest secrets is a price he won’t pay.'
_______________________________
The Duke of Desire is the fourth book in Darcy Burke's The Untouchables series and is a historical romance.
First I must say that I really enjoyed this book and it has been one of my favorites from the series that I've read thus far. I'll be entirely honest and say that I was of two minds when approaching this book. On the one hand, I was looking forward to starting the book because I wanted to learn more about Ivy's backstory after it being hinted an through the last two books. But on the other hand I was dreading reading it because of the cheesy title and accompanying storyline of the suave hero that is god's gift to women. Triapsing about London, teaching women the wonders of satisfying sex, and changing their lives and marriages for the better with the power of his magical dick.
As you can tell it was difficult for me to start the book without a negative mindset, but I've enjoyed her other books, so I pushed my dread aside and kept an open mind. And I'll admit, I did give a few eye rolls when we first met West(Sebastian), but I really came to love his character after Ivy gave him such a set down. After that, he became a much more likeable character to me as he seemed to be more cognizant of how inflated his ego was. I agree with Ivy that the Duke of Debauchery would have been a more apt name for Sebastian.
Ivy was quite standoff-ish and cold when the book begins, but she has a good reason. Given the forshadowing from the previous books, Ivy's backstory was along the lines of what I had expected, but there were other aspects to it that were not quite what I had and I enjoyed reading the reveal and surprises that followed. But I'll say no more because I don't want to give any spoilers.
I maintained a suspension of belief toward West, but he really did grow on me as the book progressed. I found the reasoning behind his rebellion to be a bit of a strange jump, but it worked within the confines of the story and everyone responds differently to things, so why not? He really is a great character once I got past the weird sex therapist thing.
These characters are very well portrayed and things came together perfectly between them. In the end, I really came to love Ivy and West despite my hesitence at the start. The pacing was great although the ending did resolve a bit more easily than I was expecting and so it seemed to feel a bit rushed, but that could have just been me.
I recommend The Untouchables series by Darcy Burke from what I have read so far and I look forward to reading more from this series. Onto book 5 next, The Duke of Defiance.
With a notorious reputation for training married women in the art of passion, Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare, is reviled by some and celebrated by others. He doesn’t allow anyone close enough to see past his charming exterior. When Ivy uncovers the man beneath, the seducer is suddenly the seduced. Enraptured by her mind and spirit, he wants more but revealing his darkest secrets is a price he won’t pay.'
_______________________________
The Duke of Desire is the fourth book in Darcy Burke's The Untouchables series and is a historical romance.
First I must say that I really enjoyed this book and it has been one of my favorites from the series that I've read thus far. I'll be entirely honest and say that I was of two minds when approaching this book. On the one hand, I was looking forward to starting the book because I wanted to learn more about Ivy's backstory after it being hinted an through the last two books. But on the other hand I was dreading reading it because of the cheesy title and accompanying storyline of the suave hero that is god's gift to women. Triapsing about London, teaching women the wonders of satisfying sex, and changing their lives and marriages for the better with the power of his magical dick.
As you can tell it was difficult for me to start the book without a negative mindset, but I've enjoyed her other books, so I pushed my dread aside and kept an open mind. And I'll admit, I did give a few eye rolls when we first met West(Sebastian), but I really came to love his character after Ivy gave him such a set down. After that, he became a much more likeable character to me as he seemed to be more cognizant of how inflated his ego was. I agree with Ivy that the Duke of Debauchery would have been a more apt name for Sebastian.
Ivy was quite standoff-ish and cold when the book begins, but she has a good reason. Given the forshadowing from the previous books, Ivy's backstory was along the lines of what I had expected, but there were other aspects to it that were not quite what I had and I enjoyed reading the reveal and surprises that followed. But I'll say no more because I don't want to give any spoilers.
I maintained a suspension of belief toward West, but he really did grow on me as the book progressed. I found the reasoning behind his rebellion to be a bit of a strange jump, but it worked within the confines of the story and everyone responds differently to things, so why not? He really is a great character once I got past the weird sex therapist thing.
These characters are very well portrayed and things came together perfectly between them. In the end, I really came to love Ivy and West despite my hesitence at the start. The pacing was great although the ending did resolve a bit more easily than I was expecting and so it seemed to feel a bit rushed, but that could have just been me.
I recommend The Untouchables series by Darcy Burke from what I have read so far and I look forward to reading more from this series. Onto book 5 next, The Duke of Defiance.
sarah_moynihan's review against another edition
5.0
'Difficult and defiant as a child, Bran Crowther, Earl of Knighton left England as a young man to pursue independence and adventure. He never expected to inherit the title and when duty calls him home, he still finds Society’s codes constricting and others’ expectations oppressive. Nevertheless, he needs a wife to be a mother to his young daughter, preferably a woman of intelligence and warmth who is, above all, immune to his idiosyncrasies—and to falling in love.
Widow Joanna Shaw isn’t interested in a second marriage, not after the loveless, passionless union she endured. She’d much rather dote on her young niece and nephew since they will likely be the only children in her life...until she meets a precocious girl, in desperate need of a mother. But her father, the so-called Duke of Defiance, is as peculiar as he is handsome, and Jo won’t take another risk with her heart. Their rules, however, are made to be broken, even when the consequences could destroy them both.'
______________________________
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.
The Duke of Defiance is the fifth book in Darcy Burke's The Untouchables series and is a historical romance.
I read this book about six months ago and was so certain that I had reviewed it, but I seem to have imagined doing so. Therefore this review will not be very detailed as I don't want to risk misremembering something and fibbing in my review. I remember that I really loved this oneand that it has been one of my favorites in the series.
Bran is forced to move back to England, a widower and a father, after several years living in Barbados now that he has inherited the title. As a child, he was seen as difficult by his family, never following the expectations set for him. The truth of the matter is though that he really tried, but many of the expectations forced him into a sensory overload, either from the anxiety of being around others or the chafing and restrictive feeling of his clothing.
Joanna, who we met in the first book in the series, is recently widowed and relieved to escape a marriage that left her feeling inadequate and like a failure. She is now living with her sister Nora and her family. Having been unable to bear any children of her own during her marriage, she is happy to dote upon her niece and nephew, but wanting to find her own space and purpose. So when the opportuinty arises to become the governess(I can't remember if she became a governess or nanny, but I think the former) to her niece's dearest friend, she takes it.
Both Bran and Joanna have their own trauma, but there isn't a bunch of inner angst and for the most part they are quite open with each other. so there isn't conflicting arising overly much from that, which I loved. I really sympathized with both characters and when one or the other made perhaps not the best decision for their relationship, I could understand why they had made that choice. The author handled both of these characters hardships remarkably. They were so sweet and great and I adored their story. I will say that Evie and Jo's niece did not come across as 6 year olds in my opinion and there was some weirdness there for me while reading because it didnt seem to line up, but that is my only sticking point. Overall I really loved this story and I will be reading it again at some point.
Widow Joanna Shaw isn’t interested in a second marriage, not after the loveless, passionless union she endured. She’d much rather dote on her young niece and nephew since they will likely be the only children in her life...until she meets a precocious girl, in desperate need of a mother. But her father, the so-called Duke of Defiance, is as peculiar as he is handsome, and Jo won’t take another risk with her heart. Their rules, however, are made to be broken, even when the consequences could destroy them both.'
______________________________
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.
The Duke of Defiance is the fifth book in Darcy Burke's The Untouchables series and is a historical romance.
I read this book about six months ago and was so certain that I had reviewed it, but I seem to have imagined doing so. Therefore this review will not be very detailed as I don't want to risk misremembering something and fibbing in my review. I remember that I really loved this oneand that it has been one of my favorites in the series.
Bran is forced to move back to England, a widower and a father, after several years living in Barbados now that he has inherited the title. As a child, he was seen as difficult by his family, never following the expectations set for him. The truth of the matter is though that he really tried, but many of the expectations forced him into a sensory overload, either from the anxiety of being around others or the chafing and restrictive feeling of his clothing.
Joanna, who we met in the first book in the series, is recently widowed and relieved to escape a marriage that left her feeling inadequate and like a failure. She is now living with her sister Nora and her family. Having been unable to bear any children of her own during her marriage, she is happy to dote upon her niece and nephew, but wanting to find her own space and purpose. So when the opportuinty arises to become the governess(I can't remember if she became a governess or nanny, but I think the former) to her niece's dearest friend, she takes it.
Both Bran and Joanna have their own trauma, but there isn't a bunch of inner angst and for the most part they are quite open with each other. so there isn't conflicting arising overly much from that, which I loved. I really sympathized with both characters and when one or the other made perhaps not the best decision for their relationship, I could understand why they had made that choice. The author handled both of these characters hardships remarkably. They were so sweet and great and I adored their story. I will say that Evie and Jo's niece did not come across as 6 year olds in my opinion and there was some weirdness there for me while reading because it didnt seem to line up, but that is my only sticking point. Overall I really loved this story and I will be reading it again at some point.
ireadgoodbooks's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Miscarriage
ilaurin's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the story of a woman who does not want to marry as she did not have children after 8 years of married life. The hero has idiosyncrasies that makes him a strange person for the ton. Their love story was maybe a bit heavy on the sex but still enjoyable and the 5 years old seemed much older than their years. Despite the flaws, I still enjoyed the read so 4 stars.
winterreader40's review against another edition
5.0
This is Ivy and West's story. I've been dying to find out Ivy's past for the last few books and we finally get to learn her secrets.
West is essentially a sex therapist, which was a unique thing to find in a historical(I thought).
I loved watching these two clash, not necessarily enemies, more 2 very guarded/damaged people, one who feels physical release is enough and one who thinks job fulfillment and friendship are. They're both very charitable and caring people.
All the parents are horrible people, some more impressive at it than others.
I really just wanted to hug some sense into both of them.
West is essentially a sex therapist, which was a unique thing to find in a historical(I thought).
I loved watching these two clash, not necessarily enemies, more 2 very guarded/damaged people, one who feels physical release is enough and one who thinks job fulfillment and friendship are. They're both very charitable and caring people.
All the parents are horrible people, some more impressive at it than others.
I really just wanted to hug some sense into both of them.
winterreader40's review against another edition
5.0
I'm pretty sure we have a neuro-diverse hero here, Bran can’t stand to be touched and clothes are a trial. He also had a lot of anxiety any time he was in the company of strangers or if he was within a crowded space. He had learned to manage them better as an adult but was beaten for it regularly as a child.
So many terrible parents in this series.
Jo is Nora's(book 1) younger sister, she is the barren widow of a 8 year very unhappy marriage, who starts the book living with her sister, but she falls in love with Bran's daughter Evie(who is adorable) and decides to become her governess despite her attraction to Bran.
There is a little bit of super cute parent trapping going on with Evie and her bestfriend Becca for our MC's. I tend to hate kids in romance but this worked for me.
So many terrible parents in this series.
Jo is Nora's(book 1) younger sister, she is the barren widow of a 8 year very unhappy marriage, who starts the book living with her sister, but she falls in love with Bran's daughter Evie(who is adorable) and decides to become her governess despite her attraction to Bran.
There is a little bit of super cute parent trapping going on with Evie and her bestfriend Becca for our MC's. I tend to hate kids in romance but this worked for me.
lareynanoemi's review against another edition
5.0
Once again Darcy Burke has written a novel that shows why she is one of the best historical romance authors. I’ve been a huge fan of this series and Ivy’s story has been one that I have looked forward to learning about the most.
Ivy is intelligent, caring, witty and holding on to the pain of a past that forced her life to change course. After reinventing herself and now has loyal friends and a position as a paid companion. And it is due to her position that she is now at a house party that brings her face to face with the pinnacle of the type of man she is abhorred by, The Duke of Clare or better known as The Duke of Desire.
Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare, takes pride in his hobby of “helping” couples of the ton to find happiness in bed but he too hides a hurtful past. Seeing Ivy at the house party he can see the beauty she tries to conceal but it’s her personality that really draws him in.
While Clare’s hobby did keep me from liking him at the beginning, he certainly hooked me with his wonderful notes to Ivy. And the quotes from his favorite books, sigh………
The Duke of Desire is definitely my favorite book of this series so far. It’s story flows wonderfully and draws the reader in completely. It can be read as a standalone but I would certainly recommend the complete series to readers. This is a 4.5 star read for me only because there is some unfinished business with a certain “gentleman” that I would have loved to seen played out.
Ivy is intelligent, caring, witty and holding on to the pain of a past that forced her life to change course. After reinventing herself and now has loyal friends and a position as a paid companion. And it is due to her position that she is now at a house party that brings her face to face with the pinnacle of the type of man she is abhorred by, The Duke of Clare or better known as The Duke of Desire.
Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare, takes pride in his hobby of “helping” couples of the ton to find happiness in bed but he too hides a hurtful past. Seeing Ivy at the house party he can see the beauty she tries to conceal but it’s her personality that really draws him in.
While Clare’s hobby did keep me from liking him at the beginning, he certainly hooked me with his wonderful notes to Ivy. And the quotes from his favorite books, sigh………
The Duke of Desire is definitely my favorite book of this series so far. It’s story flows wonderfully and draws the reader in completely. It can be read as a standalone but I would certainly recommend the complete series to readers. This is a 4.5 star read for me only because there is some unfinished business with a certain “gentleman” that I would have loved to seen played out.
sassysmutlover's review against another edition
5.0
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review
Just like every book by Darcy I was up to 2 am reading the whole book in one sitting. I loved it from the start because they both were different from what others saw. I was not expecting Ivy's past to come to light the way it or the reasons for the way West acted. I could picture everything as it happened especially a certain scene involving a shirt be removed. I was not expecting his mother and loved when he put her in her place.
Ivy is such a sweet and strong girl. In the other books, I got an idea of what had happened to her but was still shocked at everything that had happened when it was fully told. She needed to be loved and everyone was there for her no matter what.
West most definitely lives up to the name Duke of Desire! He can seduce you just with the way he talks. I was shocked at how he got his reputation and how much of a demand there was for him. He was a rebel when it came to his mother.
I liked getting a glimpse of the Duke of Danger and a couple other characters.
Just like every book by Darcy I was up to 2 am reading the whole book in one sitting. I loved it from the start because they both were different from what others saw. I was not expecting Ivy's past to come to light the way it or the reasons for the way West acted. I could picture everything as it happened especially a certain scene involving a shirt be removed. I was not expecting his mother and loved when he put her in her place.
Ivy is such a sweet and strong girl. In the other books, I got an idea of what had happened to her but was still shocked at everything that had happened when it was fully told. She needed to be loved and everyone was there for her no matter what.
West most definitely lives up to the name Duke of Desire! He can seduce you just with the way he talks. I was shocked at how he got his reputation and how much of a demand there was for him. He was a rebel when it came to his mother.
I liked getting a glimpse of the Duke of Danger and a couple other characters.
sassysmutlover's review against another edition
5.0
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review
Two words book hangover! I couldn't put it down and couldn't stop playing things over in my head. They are a unique couple and I love that there are kids in this one. Both were in positions they never thought they would be in and both had interesting back stories. You could tell there was something there from the start between them just waiting to explode. I loved the reasons they were working together and how the kids were working on a plot together. I didn't see everything about her marriage coming or the letter from his father. The ending was perfect and I was jumping up and down.
Jo will win your heart right away. She had a horrible marriage that she kept to herself, but the way she was with kids was amazing. I loved that she didn't push things on anyone and when she let everything out it was explosive, but needed. She deserved her happy ending.
Bran is a rule breaker and I love it. He clearly loved his daughter and would do anything to make sure she was happy. Once you find out about his childhood you understand him so much and more when his mother comes to visit. I really loved how he said things and that they usually didn't come out right, but it was a cute quirk.
Two words book hangover! I couldn't put it down and couldn't stop playing things over in my head. They are a unique couple and I love that there are kids in this one. Both were in positions they never thought they would be in and both had interesting back stories. You could tell there was something there from the start between them just waiting to explode. I loved the reasons they were working together and how the kids were working on a plot together. I didn't see everything about her marriage coming or the letter from his father. The ending was perfect and I was jumping up and down.
Jo will win your heart right away. She had a horrible marriage that she kept to herself, but the way she was with kids was amazing. I loved that she didn't push things on anyone and when she let everything out it was explosive, but needed. She deserved her happy ending.
Bran is a rule breaker and I love it. He clearly loved his daughter and would do anything to make sure she was happy. Once you find out about his childhood you understand him so much and more when his mother comes to visit. I really loved how he said things and that they usually didn't come out right, but it was a cute quirk.
bibliophile90's review against another edition
4.0
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
The Duke of Defiance is the first book I read by Darcy Burke, but I have a feeling that it won't be my last. I liked it from start 'till finish, and the author did a great job in keeping me interested. I usually either love or DNF a historical romance taking place in England, because I get bored with unnecessary information that in my opinion don't add any value to the story. Development and the interaction between characters are what I find very important, and both Jo and Bran were a great match. There was no crazy drama thrown into the story just for the sake of it. The characters were honest and had a great open communication between them, which I really loved. I also adored Bran's daughter Evie, and I immensely enjoyed reading about her friendship with Jo's niece Becky. These two little girls were the best and so cute.
Both Bran and Jo feel the attraction between them, and it doesn't take long for them to act upon it. The love making between these two was hot and I really enjoyed them. There was no long drawn out hard to get going on, these two characters were adults and acted like one. It was very refreshing and that is why I enjoyed this book so much. The writing was great and the story had a great flow, and I am now intrigued to read the previous books in The Untouchables series. I had the pleasure of meeting some of them in this book and I am intrigued to read about them. The Duke of Defiance is a great historical romance, with an awesome set of characters that really kept me engaged throughout the book.
The Duke of Defiance is the first book I read by Darcy Burke, but I have a feeling that it won't be my last. I liked it from start 'till finish, and the author did a great job in keeping me interested. I usually either love or DNF a historical romance taking place in England, because I get bored with unnecessary information that in my opinion don't add any value to the story. Development and the interaction between characters are what I find very important, and both Jo and Bran were a great match. There was no crazy drama thrown into the story just for the sake of it. The characters were honest and had a great open communication between them, which I really loved. I also adored Bran's daughter Evie, and I immensely enjoyed reading about her friendship with Jo's niece Becky. These two little girls were the best and so cute.
Both Bran and Jo feel the attraction between them, and it doesn't take long for them to act upon it. The love making between these two was hot and I really enjoyed them. There was no long drawn out hard to get going on, these two characters were adults and acted like one. It was very refreshing and that is why I enjoyed this book so much. The writing was great and the story had a great flow, and I am now intrigued to read the previous books in The Untouchables series. I had the pleasure of meeting some of them in this book and I am intrigued to read about them. The Duke of Defiance is a great historical romance, with an awesome set of characters that really kept me engaged throughout the book.