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The Untouchables #1
The Forbidden Duke
Spinster Miss Eleanor Lockhart is suddenly homeless and employment is her only option. Ruined after succumbing to a scoundrel’s excessive charm nearly a decade ago, she’s lucky to obtain a position as a paid companion and committed to behaving with the utmost propriety. She definitely shouldn’t be in the arms of a man capable of utterly destroying what little remains of her reputation...
Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal, is known as the Forbidden Duke, a mysterious, intimidating figure who enters Society just once each year at his stepmother’s ball. A decade ago, he was a devil-may-care rake until his idle roguery brought about the ruin of Eleanor Lockhart—and his resulting self-imposed isolation. Now she’s back, and she needs his help. But by “saving” her, he may just ruin her life all over again.
Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal, is known as the Forbidden Duke, a mysterious, intimidating figure who enters Society just once each year at his stepmother’s ball. A decade ago, he was a devil-may-care rake until his idle roguery brought about the ruin of Eleanor Lockhart—and his resulting self-imposed isolation. Now she’s back, and she needs his help. But by “saving” her, he may just ruin her life all over again.
156 pages, ebook
First published March 15, 2016
1206 people are currently reading
1693 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
206 books2,279 followersDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.
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, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
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, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 443 reviews
March 11, 2017
He kept his back to her. "I would imagine so after being in London. Young women such as yourself are scrutinized in a horrid fashion."
She joined him at the bookshelf. "So are forbidden dukes. It makes one conclude that London, or rather Society, is the problem."
This was a little shorter (150ish pgs) than the average romance book length and the hero's character suffered a bit because of it. His almost completely removing himself from society seemed more sad and odd than understandable. The reason he does this is because he was a notorious rake when he was younger and now he shrugs off society by just eating alone in his club room and only showing up at his stepmother's ball for one dance. A longer page count could have delved into his character more; I felt we were just left with a completely solitary shell.
Heroine was pleasing to read about, with her having lived through a scandal and now older and wiser. She was enjoyable and refreshing as signs of naivety were completely absent. Although, I will say her eagerness to do scandalous things with the duke felt off because of how society turned its back on her the first time. The sexy library scene felt forced in to meet a requirement for at least one sex scene in a story; I think the book would have been better without it.
My favorite part of this story was actually the relationship between the duke and his step-mother. Heroes are broody and dark more often than not (not complaining) and usually their horrible childhood or dark pasts are the cause for this. It was so refreshing to see this step-parent relationship be so sweet and loving. This intangible bumped my rating from just ok to liked. I'll definitely be continuing on in this series.
She joined him at the bookshelf. "So are forbidden dukes. It makes one conclude that London, or rather Society, is the problem."
This was a little shorter (150ish pgs) than the average romance book length and the hero's character suffered a bit because of it. His almost completely removing himself from society seemed more sad and odd than understandable. The reason he does this is because he was a notorious rake when he was younger and now he shrugs off society by just eating alone in his club room and only showing up at his stepmother's ball for one dance. A longer page count could have delved into his character more; I felt we were just left with a completely solitary shell.
Heroine was pleasing to read about, with her having lived through a scandal and now older and wiser. She was enjoyable and refreshing as signs of naivety were completely absent. Although, I will say her eagerness to do scandalous things with the duke felt off because of how society turned its back on her the first time. The sexy library scene felt forced in to meet a requirement for at least one sex scene in a story; I think the book would have been better without it.
My favorite part of this story was actually the relationship between the duke and his step-mother. Heroes are broody and dark more often than not (not complaining) and usually their horrible childhood or dark pasts are the cause for this. It was so refreshing to see this step-parent relationship be so sweet and loving. This intangible bumped my rating from just ok to liked. I'll definitely be continuing on in this series.
August 18, 2025
This was a cute little Cinderella story with a very unnecessary spicy twist.
Nora made a stupid mistake nine years ago. She kissed a man who then failed to offer for her. They were caught, she was “ruined,” and banished to the countryside with no prospects. Now she is forced to seek employment and becomes a lady’s companion to a countess. As it happens, her employer is the stepmother of Titus – the “forbidden duke,” a reclusive, grumpy, and of course handsome bachelor.
The romance was cute, if a little rushed, and I enjoyed it. I also loved the countess-stepmother; she was a lovable mother figure and added a lot of warmth to the story.
What didn’t work for me was the sex scene. It’s not that the spice itself was bad, but I just don’t believe that a woman whose life had been ruined because of a kiss would agree to have sex without even a promise of marriage. She was smart and likable otherwise, but that choice didn’t make sense, and I don’t like when authors include spice just for the sake of it.
That said, I will definitely read more from this author. The writing was good, and I’m curious about the rest of the series.
Nora made a stupid mistake nine years ago. She kissed a man who then failed to offer for her. They were caught, she was “ruined,” and banished to the countryside with no prospects. Now she is forced to seek employment and becomes a lady’s companion to a countess. As it happens, her employer is the stepmother of Titus – the “forbidden duke,” a reclusive, grumpy, and of course handsome bachelor.
The romance was cute, if a little rushed, and I enjoyed it. I also loved the countess-stepmother; she was a lovable mother figure and added a lot of warmth to the story.
What didn’t work for me was the sex scene. It’s not that the spice itself was bad, but I just don’t believe that a woman whose life had been ruined because of a kiss would agree to have sex without even a promise of marriage. She was smart and likable otherwise, but that choice didn’t make sense, and I don’t like when authors include spice just for the sake of it.
That said, I will definitely read more from this author. The writing was good, and I’m curious about the rest of the series.
March 25, 2017
This was the first time I've tried Darcy Burke and it certainly won't be the last! The Forbidden Duke is a story about two people who made youthful mistakes and have reshaped their adult lives as a result.
Nora has been living in the country for the past nine years because in her first season she was caught kissing a notorious rake who then didn't offer to marry her. She has been forced to return to society as a lady's companion because her father no longer has funds or space to care for her. Therefore, Nora accepts a position as Lady Satterfield's companion. Lady Satterfield is an all around delightful person. She only had a daughter of her own who died when she was young. Recognizing the injustice that Nora endured, Lady Satterfield becomes a fairy godmother of sorts and offers to sponsor Nora for a season to give her a second chance.
The Duke of Kendal used to be a rake and ran with a wild crowd, not caring about the damage that his carelessness caused others. However, upon learning that he was a key instigator in Nora's ruin, he withdraws from society and only attends events held by his stepmother, Lady Satterfield, for the next nine years.
What I liked about this story was how the characters had tempered feelings about love, desire, and marriage. They were both disgusted with the hypocrisy of the ton and were wary of others as they navigated society. Nora is grateful for a second chance of finding a husband and having a family of her own and approaches society with pragmatism, poise, and just a tiny bit of nervousness. Kendal finds himself fascinated with his stepmother's ward and ends up attending additional events to be around her more. Most interestingly is The way Burke develops Kendal's character. Many times, we have aloof dukes because they are socially awkward or supremely arrogant rakes. Not here. Kendal remains aloof not because he is arrogant or awkward, but simply because he is an introverted man who prefers solitary living to meaningless shallow relationships. I don't see this characterization often and I liked how Burke fleshed out Kendal's character without falling into the awkward or arrogant Duke theme.
I thought the development of Kendal and Nora's relationship was nicely done and reflected their regrets of the past, their desires to not make the same mistakes, and their growth into more mature adults. With that said, there still were a few weak points that kept this from being five stars. I'm being deliberately vague in these descriptions to avoid spoilers.First, there is a secondary character who seemed charming and then did something wildly out of character in order to propel the plot to a hasty conclusion. I didn't think it needed to be done and would've preferred the story without the drama. Second, I thought Nora and Kendal's physical relationship went too far early on based on what the two endured and feared. I don't think Kendal would've taken things as far as he did based on his mistakes of the past. This scene could've been intimate without going as far as it did. Finally, the epilogue is used to set up the next books in the series and doesn't focus as strongly on the central characters. This didn't bother me as much since I felt the story of Nora and Kendal was complete, but this may bother many other readers.
Overall, this was a nice, short read with refreshing characters, a wonderful stepmother, and a nice story of second chances. I'd recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy to read and review.
Nora has been living in the country for the past nine years because in her first season she was caught kissing a notorious rake who then didn't offer to marry her. She has been forced to return to society as a lady's companion because her father no longer has funds or space to care for her. Therefore, Nora accepts a position as Lady Satterfield's companion. Lady Satterfield is an all around delightful person. She only had a daughter of her own who died when she was young. Recognizing the injustice that Nora endured, Lady Satterfield becomes a fairy godmother of sorts and offers to sponsor Nora for a season to give her a second chance.
The Duke of Kendal used to be a rake and ran with a wild crowd, not caring about the damage that his carelessness caused others. However, upon learning that he was a key instigator in Nora's ruin, he withdraws from society and only attends events held by his stepmother, Lady Satterfield, for the next nine years.
What I liked about this story was how the characters had tempered feelings about love, desire, and marriage. They were both disgusted with the hypocrisy of the ton and were wary of others as they navigated society. Nora is grateful for a second chance of finding a husband and having a family of her own and approaches society with pragmatism, poise, and just a tiny bit of nervousness. Kendal finds himself fascinated with his stepmother's ward and ends up attending additional events to be around her more. Most interestingly is The way Burke develops Kendal's character. Many times, we have aloof dukes because they are socially awkward or supremely arrogant rakes. Not here. Kendal remains aloof not because he is arrogant or awkward, but simply because he is an introverted man who prefers solitary living to meaningless shallow relationships. I don't see this characterization often and I liked how Burke fleshed out Kendal's character without falling into the awkward or arrogant Duke theme.
I thought the development of Kendal and Nora's relationship was nicely done and reflected their regrets of the past, their desires to not make the same mistakes, and their growth into more mature adults. With that said, there still were a few weak points that kept this from being five stars. I'm being deliberately vague in these descriptions to avoid spoilers.First, there is a secondary character who seemed charming and then did something wildly out of character in order to propel the plot to a hasty conclusion. I didn't think it needed to be done and would've preferred the story without the drama. Second, I thought Nora and Kendal's physical relationship went too far early on based on what the two endured and feared. I don't think Kendal would've taken things as far as he did based on his mistakes of the past. This scene could've been intimate without going as far as it did. Finally, the epilogue is used to set up the next books in the series and doesn't focus as strongly on the central characters. This didn't bother me as much since I felt the story of Nora and Kendal was complete, but this may bother many other readers.
Overall, this was a nice, short read with refreshing characters, a wonderful stepmother, and a nice story of second chances. I'd recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy to read and review.
February 23, 2023
⭐⭐💫
2½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
A little bit “older” heroine (27)
The small parts of the plot that are somewhat original (anti-social hero, good/positive family dynamic between the hero and his step-mother and step-father.)
➖ What I disliked:
The plot and the main characters were underdeveloped and needed more depth.
Too short and rushed plot.
Too low-angst nothing really is a issue/problem.
Most parts of the story are very cliché and formulaic…
The chemistry/romantic build up was too rushed and insta.
2½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
A little bit “older” heroine (27)
The small parts of the plot that are somewhat original (anti-social hero, good/positive family dynamic between the hero and his step-mother and step-father.)
➖ What I disliked:
The plot and the main characters were underdeveloped and needed more depth.
Too short and rushed plot.
Too low-angst nothing really is a issue/problem.
Most parts of the story are very cliché and formulaic…
The chemistry/romantic build up was too rushed and insta.
April 20, 2024
Review from 2017
I've given this a B+ for narration and a C+ for content at AudioGals, so I'll leave it at 4 stars.
The Forbidden Duke is the first book in Darcy Burke’s The Untouchables series, so named because the heroes are all men whose highly elevated positions in society make them unattainable by any but ladies of the highest station and put them most definitely beyond the reach of the heroines... supposedly.
I’ve read and enjoyed a couple of the later books in the series, so when this one popped up at Audible, I thought I’d give it a go; I haven’t read it and narrator Marian Hussey is always reliable.
Eleanor – Nora – Lockhart is twenty-seven and regards herself as being firmly on the shelf. During her second London Season several years earlier, she was found in the arms of a young man she erroneously believed was going to marry her and was forced to return home, her reputation in tatters. She has lived quietly with her father ever since, but now faces the prospect of becoming homeless due to his having lost a large sum of money in a poorly judged investment. They will have to sell their modest home, and while her father is going to go to live with his sister, there is no room for Nora and she has no other option but to seek employment. Fortunately for her, she lands well and truly on her feet first time out, securing a position as companion to the kindly Lady Sattersfield, who is willing to overlook Nora’s past and ruined reputation and give her a second chance.
Lady Sattersfield’s stepson, Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal has acquired the moniker “The Forbidden Duke” owing to the fact that he is something of a recluse and rarely ventures into society. One of those rare occasions is his stepmother’s annual ball, where he dances just once, with a young lady who needs a bit of a ‘leg up’ in society, as his notice will guarantee she has partners for the rest of the ball and throughout the Season. But Kendal wasn’t always a conscientious friend to wallflowers; no, in his younger days he was a terrible rake and ran with a wild crowd of young bucks who were infamous for their exploits with women, their drunken carousing, reckless wagering and high-stakes gaming. It wasn’t until his father’s death, coupled with the discovery that he had unwittingly had a hand in the ruin of an innocent young woman by one of his set that brought him up short and saw him turn his back on his wastrel ways.
But the past has a way of coming back to bite one in the behind when least expected, which happens to Kendal when he attends one of Lady Satterfield’s teas and comes face to face with her new companion. He recognises Nora as the young woman he had encouraged one of his friends to seduce and is deeply ashamed of his part in the affair. He might not have been the man she was caught kissing, but he feels as responsible as if he had been.
It’s not difficult to guess where this is headed, and Ms. Burke makes a good job of developing the relationship between Kendal and Nora, showing him gradually coming out of his shell around her. But there is very little conflict in the story; Kendal’s guilt over his part in Nora’s ruin is dealt with quite quickly – and refreshingly sensibly, I have to admit – and there is an odd last-minute action by a secondary character that didn’t make much sense, but otherwise, it’s a simple, undemanding listen featuring an engaging, if not especially deeply characterised, central couple.
It’s a relatively short listen, too, coming in at around five and a half hours, but I think the characterisation is a casualty of the running time, with Kendal, in particular, suffering as a result of the books’ shorter length. We’re repeatedly reminded that he has chosen to remove himself from society; that he’s aloof and enigmatic, but not enough time is devoted to explaining exactly WHY he’s the way he is. The death of his father is one reason cited, but while I can understand that might have made Kendal a more responsible individual, it doesn’t account for his complete withdrawal from society. We’re asked to believe that his shame at what happened to Nora was another major factor, but I didn’t really buy it.
I also have several reservations about Nora’s situation. In just about every historical romance novel I’ve read in which the heroine is forced to seek employment, she absolutely, positively must have two things – an unblemished reputation and good references. Nora has neither, and frankly I found it unbelievable that the employment agency she approached didn’t show her the door, let alone send her on an actual interview – with the stepmother of a duke no less!
Lady Satterfield is a delightfully enlightened woman and her willingness to give Nora a chance is admirable. There’s no question that she sees Nora as a kind of surrogate daughter, but even so, the fact that she decides to sponsor her for a Season within just a few days of meeting her pretty much put the final nail in the coffin of my already beleaguered sense of plausibility. I’m surprised, actually, because these are the sorts of mistakes I might expect to find being made by a beginner, not someone with several good historical romances already under her belt.
Fortunately, I didn’t have as many issues with the narration as with the story itself, because Marian Hussey acquits herself very well, and will, I hope, remain with the series should Ms. Burke continue with it in audio. Ms. Hussey’s mezzo-range voice is nicely modulated and easy on the ear and her narration is well-paced, clearly enunciated and effectively differentiated; characters are skilfully portrayed according to gender, age and station by the employment of a variety of tone, pitch and timbre. The last time I listened to this narrator, I noted one or two irritating vocal ticks, the most distracting of which was her tendency to add a syllable to the ends of words in dialogue spoken by the male characters by puffing out a breath so that a sentence like “What are you doing?” came out as “What are you doing-AH?” I don’t know if that’s the result of having to sustain a lower pitch for any length of time or just a habit (!), but fortunately, while it’s not been not completely eradicated, it doesn’t happen very often here and seems to be on the way out.
This isn’t my favourite book in the series – that would be the most recent, The Duke of Desire – but The Forbidden Duke passed the time agreeably enough, with Marian Hussey’s accomplished and engaging narration being a considerable asset. The other books in the series boast stronger storylines than this one, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for their release in audio format.
I've given this a B+ for narration and a C+ for content at AudioGals, so I'll leave it at 4 stars.
The Forbidden Duke is the first book in Darcy Burke’s The Untouchables series, so named because the heroes are all men whose highly elevated positions in society make them unattainable by any but ladies of the highest station and put them most definitely beyond the reach of the heroines... supposedly.
I’ve read and enjoyed a couple of the later books in the series, so when this one popped up at Audible, I thought I’d give it a go; I haven’t read it and narrator Marian Hussey is always reliable.
Eleanor – Nora – Lockhart is twenty-seven and regards herself as being firmly on the shelf. During her second London Season several years earlier, she was found in the arms of a young man she erroneously believed was going to marry her and was forced to return home, her reputation in tatters. She has lived quietly with her father ever since, but now faces the prospect of becoming homeless due to his having lost a large sum of money in a poorly judged investment. They will have to sell their modest home, and while her father is going to go to live with his sister, there is no room for Nora and she has no other option but to seek employment. Fortunately for her, she lands well and truly on her feet first time out, securing a position as companion to the kindly Lady Sattersfield, who is willing to overlook Nora’s past and ruined reputation and give her a second chance.
Lady Sattersfield’s stepson, Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal has acquired the moniker “The Forbidden Duke” owing to the fact that he is something of a recluse and rarely ventures into society. One of those rare occasions is his stepmother’s annual ball, where he dances just once, with a young lady who needs a bit of a ‘leg up’ in society, as his notice will guarantee she has partners for the rest of the ball and throughout the Season. But Kendal wasn’t always a conscientious friend to wallflowers; no, in his younger days he was a terrible rake and ran with a wild crowd of young bucks who were infamous for their exploits with women, their drunken carousing, reckless wagering and high-stakes gaming. It wasn’t until his father’s death, coupled with the discovery that he had unwittingly had a hand in the ruin of an innocent young woman by one of his set that brought him up short and saw him turn his back on his wastrel ways.
But the past has a way of coming back to bite one in the behind when least expected, which happens to Kendal when he attends one of Lady Satterfield’s teas and comes face to face with her new companion. He recognises Nora as the young woman he had encouraged one of his friends to seduce and is deeply ashamed of his part in the affair. He might not have been the man she was caught kissing, but he feels as responsible as if he had been.
It’s not difficult to guess where this is headed, and Ms. Burke makes a good job of developing the relationship between Kendal and Nora, showing him gradually coming out of his shell around her. But there is very little conflict in the story; Kendal’s guilt over his part in Nora’s ruin is dealt with quite quickly – and refreshingly sensibly, I have to admit – and there is an odd last-minute action by a secondary character that didn’t make much sense, but otherwise, it’s a simple, undemanding listen featuring an engaging, if not especially deeply characterised, central couple.
It’s a relatively short listen, too, coming in at around five and a half hours, but I think the characterisation is a casualty of the running time, with Kendal, in particular, suffering as a result of the books’ shorter length. We’re repeatedly reminded that he has chosen to remove himself from society; that he’s aloof and enigmatic, but not enough time is devoted to explaining exactly WHY he’s the way he is. The death of his father is one reason cited, but while I can understand that might have made Kendal a more responsible individual, it doesn’t account for his complete withdrawal from society. We’re asked to believe that his shame at what happened to Nora was another major factor, but I didn’t really buy it.
I also have several reservations about Nora’s situation. In just about every historical romance novel I’ve read in which the heroine is forced to seek employment, she absolutely, positively must have two things – an unblemished reputation and good references. Nora has neither, and frankly I found it unbelievable that the employment agency she approached didn’t show her the door, let alone send her on an actual interview – with the stepmother of a duke no less!
Lady Satterfield is a delightfully enlightened woman and her willingness to give Nora a chance is admirable. There’s no question that she sees Nora as a kind of surrogate daughter, but even so, the fact that she decides to sponsor her for a Season within just a few days of meeting her pretty much put the final nail in the coffin of my already beleaguered sense of plausibility. I’m surprised, actually, because these are the sorts of mistakes I might expect to find being made by a beginner, not someone with several good historical romances already under her belt.
Fortunately, I didn’t have as many issues with the narration as with the story itself, because Marian Hussey acquits herself very well, and will, I hope, remain with the series should Ms. Burke continue with it in audio. Ms. Hussey’s mezzo-range voice is nicely modulated and easy on the ear and her narration is well-paced, clearly enunciated and effectively differentiated; characters are skilfully portrayed according to gender, age and station by the employment of a variety of tone, pitch and timbre. The last time I listened to this narrator, I noted one or two irritating vocal ticks, the most distracting of which was her tendency to add a syllable to the ends of words in dialogue spoken by the male characters by puffing out a breath so that a sentence like “What are you doing?” came out as “What are you doing-AH?” I don’t know if that’s the result of having to sustain a lower pitch for any length of time or just a habit (!), but fortunately, while it’s not been not completely eradicated, it doesn’t happen very often here and seems to be on the way out.
This isn’t my favourite book in the series – that would be the most recent, The Duke of Desire – but The Forbidden Duke passed the time agreeably enough, with Marian Hussey’s accomplished and engaging narration being a considerable asset. The other books in the series boast stronger storylines than this one, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for their release in audio format.
July 1, 2022
I liked the writing enough to finish the book but something was missing. They fell in love too fast & with too little issues.
December 12, 2017
This one was was not bad, but not as good as the two HR I've just read!
The story is rather overused: poor destitute, riuned heroine and a stern, conquest a devastatingly handsome Duke!
It's not bad, but I found it rather tepid... Sorry...
The story is rather overused: poor destitute, riuned heroine and a stern, conquest a devastatingly handsome Duke!
It's not bad, but I found it rather tepid... Sorry...
February 7, 2017
The Forbidden Duke is a regency fairytale, only without magic. After nine years 'in exile', Nora is forced to come back to London as a companion. She is very lucky because her employer has decided she should have a second chance. Lady Satterfield is a wonderful character. Fairy godmother role suits her well. And she has a stepson. A duke. Enough said.
The blurb implies that the duke was the reason Nora was ruined. It is true but not the way you'd expect.
The story is short and fun. An okay way to spend an afternoon if you're in the right mood for a Cinderella type of historical romance, minus a horrible stepmother and cleaning.
The blurb implies that the duke was the reason Nora was ruined. It is true but not the way you'd expect.
The story is short and fun. An okay way to spend an afternoon if you're in the right mood for a Cinderella type of historical romance, minus a horrible stepmother and cleaning.
August 23, 2018
3.5 stars
I'm really torn about this book. On one hand it was a nice story and the writing was good. On the other I'm not sure how much I liked it. I never had that fall in love feeling. The characters were likable, but they were missing something visceral in their reactions.
I was left wondering whether this was supposed to be a novella that was too long or a novel that ran short.
I do think the story had great potential and so did the characters. I'm glad I read it. It was a 3.5 star read for me, but I bumped it to the 4 because it really did have everything it needed to be stellar. You can tell the author worked hard at it. It was well edited. The cover design is great. I just needed more story and more heart clenching feels. I needed to know more of what made these two people tick, how their lives developed to the point of the story and then how did they change as a result.
My favorite part was the ending. I did have some good feels in the end. The HEA was satisfying and I so wished their had been more of the charm of the epilogue in the first half. I would recommend this and I'm definitely reading the next one. I'm curious to see how the series develops since it's so well liked. :D
I'm really torn about this book. On one hand it was a nice story and the writing was good. On the other I'm not sure how much I liked it. I never had that fall in love feeling. The characters were likable, but they were missing something visceral in their reactions.
I was left wondering whether this was supposed to be a novella that was too long or a novel that ran short.
I do think the story had great potential and so did the characters. I'm glad I read it. It was a 3.5 star read for me, but I bumped it to the 4 because it really did have everything it needed to be stellar. You can tell the author worked hard at it. It was well edited. The cover design is great. I just needed more story and more heart clenching feels. I needed to know more of what made these two people tick, how their lives developed to the point of the story and then how did they change as a result.
My favorite part was the ending. I did have some good feels in the end. The HEA was satisfying and I so wished their had been more of the charm of the epilogue in the first half. I would recommend this and I'm definitely reading the next one. I'm curious to see how the series develops since it's so well liked. :D
March 8, 2023
I enjoyed this one, just fine... very surprising
As this is my first read by this author, I see myself reading more by her.
Solid historical novel!!
I enjoyed the audiobook narration as well..
“Yes, my brief time in the sun. Only, I don’t need the sun when I have you.”
As this is my first read by this author, I see myself reading more by her.
Solid historical novel!!
I enjoyed the audiobook narration as well..
“Yes, my brief time in the sun. Only, I don’t need the sun when I have you.”
March 31, 2024
3 stars
Nora Lockhart's father has lost his money in a bad scheme and can no longer support, tarnished 27-year-old Nora. Nora becomes a paid companion and decides to have another season. The Forbidden Duke, Titus St. John, spots her at his stepmother's ball and asks her to dance.
Roughly 150 pages long, this book flew by. I wish the characters were more developed and had more of an original plot. There is an epilogue, and it definitely opens up to a book series. This is also a first for me by this author. I might give her another chance.
Nora Lockhart's father has lost his money in a bad scheme and can no longer support, tarnished 27-year-old Nora. Nora becomes a paid companion and decides to have another season. The Forbidden Duke, Titus St. John, spots her at his stepmother's ball and asks her to dance.
Roughly 150 pages long, this book flew by. I wish the characters were more developed and had more of an original plot. There is an epilogue, and it definitely opens up to a book series. This is also a first for me by this author. I might give her another chance.
April 21, 2017
Loved it..
The only book Darcy Burke has on Audible and I certainly hope it’s not the last. This was such a good book. It’s about Nora, who was “ruined” nine years ago when she was caught in the embrace of Lord Haywood, and Lord Haywood was encouraged by Lord Titus St John, who became the Duke of Kendal, to act that rakishly. Titus gave up his rakish ways when his father died but never really got over the guilt he felt over Nora’s ruination. Nora became Titus’s stepmother’s companion, and that’s where the fun started.
There was no insta-love. The love came about throughout the book. It was just so romantic.
There was no stalker, no mystery, no suspense, no murder, BUT it was a really great story. AND it was only 156 pages. AND I don’t feel like I missed a thing. I was told about the beauty of the ballrooms, the colors of the beautiful gowns and what the gentlemen were wearing, without being bogged down with pages and pages of description.
AND, which I LOVE, Nora was beautiful and Titus was gorgeous. My kind of hero and heroine.
There was desire in this story and one awesome sex scene. A romantic sex scene NOT erotic or vulgar.
AS to the narrator: Marian Hussey did an excellent job on all the voices and she read with wonderful emotions.
When I'm happy at the end of a book, it's an excellent story.
The only book Darcy Burke has on Audible and I certainly hope it’s not the last. This was such a good book. It’s about Nora, who was “ruined” nine years ago when she was caught in the embrace of Lord Haywood, and Lord Haywood was encouraged by Lord Titus St John, who became the Duke of Kendal, to act that rakishly. Titus gave up his rakish ways when his father died but never really got over the guilt he felt over Nora’s ruination. Nora became Titus’s stepmother’s companion, and that’s where the fun started.
There was no insta-love. The love came about throughout the book. It was just so romantic.
There was no stalker, no mystery, no suspense, no murder, BUT it was a really great story. AND it was only 156 pages. AND I don’t feel like I missed a thing. I was told about the beauty of the ballrooms, the colors of the beautiful gowns and what the gentlemen were wearing, without being bogged down with pages and pages of description.
AND, which I LOVE, Nora was beautiful and Titus was gorgeous. My kind of hero and heroine.
There was desire in this story and one awesome sex scene. A romantic sex scene NOT erotic or vulgar.
AS to the narrator: Marian Hussey did an excellent job on all the voices and she read with wonderful emotions.
When I'm happy at the end of a book, it's an excellent story.
May 1, 2021
So average 2.5 ❤️💕
July 3, 2022
Since an unfortunate mistake left her ruined almost a decade ago, Miss Eleanor Lockhart has lived the quiet life of a spinster with her father in the country. When her father’s circumstances are reduced and she can no longer live with him, she is forced to seek work as a lady’s companion. When she secures an excellent position, she knows she must take care to behave with exacting propriety, which means she shouldn’t be daydreaming about what she’d like to do with her employer’s stepson, a man who could easily destroy her reputation all over again.
Titus St. John, the Duke of Kendal, has distanced himself from society since his father’s death. He only deigns to appear at his stepmother’s annual season-opening ball and he’s far from the rake he was in his youth. His youthful stupidity helped bring about Nora’s ruin and is a large reason for his keeping a distance between himself and high society now. With Nora back, Titus has a chance to make up for the wrong he did to her, but helping her into the arms of another man is more of a challenge than he expected and he may wind up ruining her chances all over again.
This was a great, light-hearted low angst read. I liked that, although he had a secret that he thought would keep them apart, Titus still wound up taking a risk and seeing if he could have a life with Nora. I love that Nora was able to realize that neither of them was the same naïve, reckless young people they once were and these two were able to move on together in a satisfying way with minimal angst. I really adored Lady Satterfield and her relationship with both Titus and Nora as well. I can definitely tell this is an earlier work, but I enjoyed it as a quick distraction from the real world and found it to be a good comfort read.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Titus St. John, the Duke of Kendal, has distanced himself from society since his father’s death. He only deigns to appear at his stepmother’s annual season-opening ball and he’s far from the rake he was in his youth. His youthful stupidity helped bring about Nora’s ruin and is a large reason for his keeping a distance between himself and high society now. With Nora back, Titus has a chance to make up for the wrong he did to her, but helping her into the arms of another man is more of a challenge than he expected and he may wind up ruining her chances all over again.
This was a great, light-hearted low angst read. I liked that, although he had a secret that he thought would keep them apart, Titus still wound up taking a risk and seeing if he could have a life with Nora. I love that Nora was able to realize that neither of them was the same naïve, reckless young people they once were and these two were able to move on together in a satisfying way with minimal angst. I really adored Lady Satterfield and her relationship with both Titus and Nora as well. I can definitely tell this is an earlier work, but I enjoyed it as a quick distraction from the real world and found it to be a good comfort read.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
April 5, 2020
Eminently forgettable! 2.75*
Sad as both the mcs are likable. But the story lets them down.
So, the h was ruined (by a kiss) 9-10 years ago and is now companion to his beloved stepmother. I like that she's not a retiring miss but throws 'bold' 'inquiring' and 'assessing' looks at the cold, grumpy duke. The om who 'ruined' her is back along with few catty types from all those years ago but not much drama happens.
Lots of anachronistic behavior
Some sweet moments. But, still, it's stretching it too far that she finds such a munificent benefactor (her employer) who is ready to give her a second chance season complete with a wardrobe and a dowry - and the h never objects? The season and dresses can be okay but the dowry?
Sure is a fairytale!
Sad as both the mcs are likable. But the story lets them down.
So, the h was ruined (by a kiss) 9-10 years ago and is now companion to his beloved stepmother. I like that she's not a retiring miss but throws 'bold' 'inquiring' and 'assessing' looks at the cold, grumpy duke. The om who 'ruined' her is back along with few catty types from all those years ago but not much drama happens.
Lots of anachronistic behavior
Some sweet moments. But, still, it's stretching it too far that she finds such a munificent benefactor (her employer) who is ready to give her a second chance season complete with a wardrobe and a dowry - and the h never objects? The season and dresses can be okay but the dowry?
Sure is a fairytale!
March 15, 2020
'Spinster Miss Eleanor Lockhart is suddenly homeless and employment is her only option. Ruined after succumbing to a scoundrel’s excessive charm nearly a decade ago, she’s lucky to obtain a position as a paid companion and committed to behaving with the utmost propriety. She definitely shouldn’t be in the arms of a man capable of utterly destroying what little remains of her reputation...
Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal, is known as the Forbidden Duke, a mysterious, intimidating figure who enters Society just once each year at his stepmother’s ball. A decade ago, he was a devil-may-care rake until his idle roguery brought about the ruin of Eleanor Lockhart—and his resulting self-imposed isolation. Now she’s back, and she needs his help. But by “saving” her, he may just ruin her life all over again.'
______________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
The Forbidden Duke is the first book in Darcy Burke's The Untouchables series.
I felt affronted on Nora's behalf for the way she was cast out by society, forced to rely on an unreliable and selfish father, made to feel forever guilty for ruining her own and younger sister's prospects for great matches, living a lonely and secluded life. All due to an unwise moment alone with a selfish young man who ruined her as a debutante and the ran instead of offering for her.
Titus had made himself into quite the matyr over the intervening years. Which yes, he was in some way connected to her downfall, but he also cannot take responsibilty for someone else's actions The level to which he had been punishing himself as a result of another acting like an ass was a bit unreasonable. His somewhat distant connection to her downfall was a source of conflict for him the entire book. Even though I still think he was putting too much stock in that connection, I was a bit disappointed that when it was revealed to Nora it was so quickly and effortlessly forgiven. I was glad on the one hand because he rightfully should not have to take any blame for another man's actions. But on the other hand, the entire book we read about how he had changed his entire life due to that situation and he couldn't be with her because of it, so it then felt a bit anti-climatic when it was revealed in a dramatic way and then instantly dropped.
The Countess of Satterfield was such a sweet woman, I think she may have been my favorite character here. A bit if a schemer, but only for the benefit of those she cares about. Instead of unduly judging Nora based on years-old gossip, she takes her under her wing and treats her based on the merit of ger character rather than the rumor
I enjoyed and recommend The Forbidden Duke. It's a very short book, more of a novella length and perfect if you're looking for a quick read and a new series to start. I will be continuing on with The Untouchables series and a hope to see glimpses of Nora and Titus along the way.
_____
I would like to thank Darcy Burke for sharing a copy of The Forbidden Duke with me, this is my honest and unbiased review.
Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal, is known as the Forbidden Duke, a mysterious, intimidating figure who enters Society just once each year at his stepmother’s ball. A decade ago, he was a devil-may-care rake until his idle roguery brought about the ruin of Eleanor Lockhart—and his resulting self-imposed isolation. Now she’s back, and she needs his help. But by “saving” her, he may just ruin her life all over again.'
______________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
The Forbidden Duke is the first book in Darcy Burke's The Untouchables series.
I felt affronted on Nora's behalf for the way she was cast out by society, forced to rely on an unreliable and selfish father, made to feel forever guilty for ruining her own and younger sister's prospects for great matches, living a lonely and secluded life. All due to an unwise moment alone with a selfish young man who ruined her as a debutante and the ran instead of offering for her.
Titus had made himself into quite the matyr over the intervening years. Which yes, he was in some way connected to her downfall, but he also cannot take responsibilty for someone else's actions The level to which he had been punishing himself as a result of another acting like an ass was a bit unreasonable. His somewhat distant connection to her downfall was a source of conflict for him the entire book. Even though I still think he was putting too much stock in that connection, I was a bit disappointed that when it was revealed to Nora it was so quickly and effortlessly forgiven. I was glad on the one hand because he rightfully should not have to take any blame for another man's actions. But on the other hand, the entire book we read about how he had changed his entire life due to that situation and he couldn't be with her because of it, so it then felt a bit anti-climatic when it was revealed in a dramatic way and then instantly dropped.
The Countess of Satterfield was such a sweet woman, I think she may have been my favorite character here. A bit if a schemer, but only for the benefit of those she cares about. Instead of unduly judging Nora based on years-old gossip, she takes her under her wing and treats her based on the merit of ger character rather than the rumor
I enjoyed and recommend The Forbidden Duke. It's a very short book, more of a novella length and perfect if you're looking for a quick read and a new series to start. I will be continuing on with The Untouchables series and a hope to see glimpses of Nora and Titus along the way.
_____
I would like to thank Darcy Burke for sharing a copy of The Forbidden Duke with me, this is my honest and unbiased review.
August 21, 2017
Nora was plunged into a scandal in her second season. And because of that, she moved to the countryside. After nine years, she was forced to look for another home as her father went bankrupt. She was hired a companion to a Lady and there was where she met Titus, the Forbidden Duke.
So, Nora had accepted a solitude life and all she wanted was to live in a small cottage with some money to support herself. Of course being a companion was nice as she had roof over her head and food in her belly.
What I do not understand was, how come this girl who was resolved living a wallflower spinster, as she put it, agreed with the Lady to relaunch her. And on top of that, she was attracted to the Duke. And the Duke, who felt guilty of what happened to her nine years ago, was also attracted to her.
Something was amiss here. It's true. People could change. And this is a novella after all. But, instead of having this plot of relaunching her to society and having this suitors, why not make her the wallflower spinster she was supposed to be that of course attracted the Duke who finally confessed his undying love and proposed a marriage.
Take the chance to build their romance. They were like strangers to the end. Having thought of, oh I don't know, how good looking he was and how pretty she was, do not constitute for romance. And their conversation was boring. It's not like they discuss poetry or any other intelligent matter except of what the ton said about him or her.
It could have been good. I rather read Lord and Lady Satterfield's story.
So, Nora had accepted a solitude life and all she wanted was to live in a small cottage with some money to support herself. Of course being a companion was nice as she had roof over her head and food in her belly.
What I do not understand was, how come this girl who was resolved living a wallflower spinster, as she put it, agreed with the Lady to relaunch her. And on top of that, she was attracted to the Duke. And the Duke, who felt guilty of what happened to her nine years ago, was also attracted to her.
Something was amiss here. It's true. People could change. And this is a novella after all. But, instead of having this plot of relaunching her to society and having this suitors, why not make her the wallflower spinster she was supposed to be that of course attracted the Duke who finally confessed his undying love and proposed a marriage.
Take the chance to build their romance. They were like strangers to the end. Having thought of, oh I don't know, how good looking he was and how pretty she was, do not constitute for romance. And their conversation was boring. It's not like they discuss poetry or any other intelligent matter except of what the ton said about him or her.
It could have been good. I rather read Lord and Lady Satterfield's story.
February 7, 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The book is truly amazing as it made me fall in love with the idea of forgiving at once 💞
I loved the idea of getting married at 28 when at 16th century 21 was considered 'old'. Both the protagonists are amazing in their own ways.
Darcy Burke is superb ❤️
The book is truly amazing as it made me fall in love with the idea of forgiving at once 💞
I loved the idea of getting married at 28 when at 16th century 21 was considered 'old'. Both the protagonists are amazing in their own ways.
Darcy Burke is superb ❤️
June 15, 2016
**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Loved this book! It was a perfect intro to the new Untouchables series.
Titus, The Duke of Kendal has been pretty much a recluse since a series of events in his youth caused him to reevaluate his life. He spent most of his youth as a reckless rake and hurt many people. He uses his self imposed exile to atone for the sins of his past. One of those sins is the part he played in the ruin of a young woman - who has been out of society for the past nine years. This young woman reenters his life by chance - as a companion to his step-mother.
Nora was ruined years ago when a rake compromised her and then refused to offer for her. She was sent home in shame and had lived quietly with her father. Her life is turned upside down by the announcement that her father has lost all his money and can no longer support her. He suggests she take a job as a governess or companion.
Nora takes a job as a companion to the Countess of Satterfield, who happens to be Titus's step-mother - she has remarried, but remains close to Titus. The countess is a very kind, generous woman who immediately takes Nora under her wing. She decides that Nora deserves a second chance at life and insists on sponsoring her for the season. She enlists Titus to help her - she asks him to dance the first dance (the only event of the season he ever attends is her ball and he only dances once and then leaves) at her ball with Nora.
Titus and Nora meet for the first time at a tea held by his step-mother. He immediately recognizes her as the girl that was ruined due to his encouragement of one of the young men in his youthful set. Nora doesn't know that Titus encouraged the man that ruined her to take liberties with her, she is enamored by the "Forbidden Duke".
Titus tries to help Nora have a successful season - he really likes her and wants to atone for the past, that is the only reason he has attended events besides his stepmothers ball - at least that's what he tells himself :)
The more time these two spend together - the harder it becomes for either one of them to accept that Nora will marry someone else. Their simmering passion finally comes to head and they give into their desires. Titus leaves and wonders how he can keep her in his life once she knows the whole truth. Nora admits that she is in love with Titus and can't imagine life with any other man. She has enjoyed her season and has two very serious suitors - when one of them prematurely announces that they are betrothed and a stunned Nora doesn't know what to do. Titus has also heard the rumors and rushes to his stepmother's house to find out if this is what Nora wants.
Once there, he asks Nora to marry him, just as she is accepting, the bumbling suitor intrudes and tells her that Titus was party to her ruin and how could she pick him. Nora is shocked, but lets Titus explain and accepts that he is not the same man he was nine years ago. When he declares his love for her, she knows that the past is over and this man is her future.
There is a very sweet epilogue, which gives the reader a glimpse into the future and sets up the new series perfectly. I am really looking forward to this new series and hope to see more of Nora and Titus.
I would highly recommend this book, it is longer than the average novella, but short enough to finish in a few hours. It is well written, perfectly paced, has some steamy love scenes and an epilogue - what more could you want?
Loved this book! It was a perfect intro to the new Untouchables series.
Titus, The Duke of Kendal has been pretty much a recluse since a series of events in his youth caused him to reevaluate his life. He spent most of his youth as a reckless rake and hurt many people. He uses his self imposed exile to atone for the sins of his past. One of those sins is the part he played in the ruin of a young woman - who has been out of society for the past nine years. This young woman reenters his life by chance - as a companion to his step-mother.
Nora was ruined years ago when a rake compromised her and then refused to offer for her. She was sent home in shame and had lived quietly with her father. Her life is turned upside down by the announcement that her father has lost all his money and can no longer support her. He suggests she take a job as a governess or companion.
Nora takes a job as a companion to the Countess of Satterfield, who happens to be Titus's step-mother - she has remarried, but remains close to Titus. The countess is a very kind, generous woman who immediately takes Nora under her wing. She decides that Nora deserves a second chance at life and insists on sponsoring her for the season. She enlists Titus to help her - she asks him to dance the first dance (the only event of the season he ever attends is her ball and he only dances once and then leaves) at her ball with Nora.
Titus and Nora meet for the first time at a tea held by his step-mother. He immediately recognizes her as the girl that was ruined due to his encouragement of one of the young men in his youthful set. Nora doesn't know that Titus encouraged the man that ruined her to take liberties with her, she is enamored by the "Forbidden Duke".
Titus tries to help Nora have a successful season - he really likes her and wants to atone for the past, that is the only reason he has attended events besides his stepmothers ball - at least that's what he tells himself :)
The more time these two spend together - the harder it becomes for either one of them to accept that Nora will marry someone else. Their simmering passion finally comes to head and they give into their desires. Titus leaves and wonders how he can keep her in his life once she knows the whole truth. Nora admits that she is in love with Titus and can't imagine life with any other man. She has enjoyed her season and has two very serious suitors - when one of them prematurely announces that they are betrothed and a stunned Nora doesn't know what to do. Titus has also heard the rumors and rushes to his stepmother's house to find out if this is what Nora wants.
Once there, he asks Nora to marry him, just as she is accepting, the bumbling suitor intrudes and tells her that Titus was party to her ruin and how could she pick him. Nora is shocked, but lets Titus explain and accepts that he is not the same man he was nine years ago. When he declares his love for her, she knows that the past is over and this man is her future.
There is a very sweet epilogue, which gives the reader a glimpse into the future and sets up the new series perfectly. I am really looking forward to this new series and hope to see more of Nora and Titus.
I would highly recommend this book, it is longer than the average novella, but short enough to finish in a few hours. It is well written, perfectly paced, has some steamy love scenes and an epilogue - what more could you want?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really good story that is hard to put down.
Eleanor Lockhart had a encounter with a Rouge about 10 years ago where they were caught kissing. Nora had to leave town but now in the present day she finds that her father has lost all the money and she is pretty much homeless. Nora goes forth to find a job as a companion. Lady Satterfield hires Nora to be her companion but later Lady Satterfield likes her so much she wants to give her a "Season". Nora finds that Titus St. John, fifth Duke of Kendal, the man that she kissed all those years ago is Lady Satterfield step-son, who she has helped raise from an early age. Titus is now trying to live to all things proper and to try to be better than the Rouge he was in his young days. Titus is hardly seen out much to any social functions and has the nickname ' The Forbidden Duke'. But Titus finds himself drawn to Nora and starts to attend the balls and social functions that she goes too.
I hope you enjoy having this book as much as I did!
This was a really good story that is hard to put down.
Eleanor Lockhart had a encounter with a Rouge about 10 years ago where they were caught kissing. Nora had to leave town but now in the present day she finds that her father has lost all the money and she is pretty much homeless. Nora goes forth to find a job as a companion. Lady Satterfield hires Nora to be her companion but later Lady Satterfield likes her so much she wants to give her a "Season". Nora finds that Titus St. John, fifth Duke of Kendal, the man that she kissed all those years ago is Lady Satterfield step-son, who she has helped raise from an early age. Titus is now trying to live to all things proper and to try to be better than the Rouge he was in his young days. Titus is hardly seen out much to any social functions and has the nickname ' The Forbidden Duke'. But Titus finds himself drawn to Nora and starts to attend the balls and social functions that she goes too.
I hope you enjoy having this book as much as I did!
April 22, 2018
Sweet read, with wonderful characters and great storyline. Couldn’t put it down.
June 2, 2020
Je vais donner ici mon avis sur l'ensemble de la série.
C'est une série historique classique qui ne se démarque pas spécialement des autres séries régence. Toutefois, les personnages sont attachants et on apprécie de suivre ces demoiselles et leurs aventures. Quelques déceptions dans le lot, et une série qui s'essouffle sur la fin. En tout cas, elle m'aura fait relire de l'historique régence.
C'est une série historique classique qui ne se démarque pas spécialement des autres séries régence. Toutefois, les personnages sont attachants et on apprécie de suivre ces demoiselles et leurs aventures. Quelques déceptions dans le lot, et une série qui s'essouffle sur la fin. En tout cas, elle m'aura fait relire de l'historique régence.
September 21, 2022
Well this was perfect! I love a good brooding Duke vs. strong female counterpart story! Cheers to Nora and Titus!
May 16, 2018
Perhaps I would've enjoyed this five years ago when I used to read everything I could put my hands on.
This book is extremely cheesy/cliché. I liked the last 10 pages.
This book is extremely cheesy/cliché. I liked the last 10 pages.
March 17, 2016
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
You know, I have to admit that I wasn't expecting to like the book this much. I've read books from this author before, and I usually like and enjoy them. However, I think I like this book the most out of her other works. I think one of the reasons why this book stands out for me is the fact that I love the main characters. The hero used to be a reckless young man who thought of no one but himself and what he wants. The heroine was a forgiving woman whose reputation was ruined indirectly by the hero.
I like the development of both characters. As a reader, I could easily picture how the hero was nine years ago. How ruthless he was, how uncaring. I could also picture the heroine, a young starry-eyed girl who was ripe for the picking and was easily compromised by yet another reckless man. Then, going to to the present, where both characters have changed and grown. I liked reading about the way their feelings for each other developed and deepened with time and proximity.
For a first book, The Forbidden Duke is wonderful enough to get readers intrigued. I, myself, am interested enough in the next installments. I hope that Nora and Titus will still be mentioned then. I would be more than happy to watch out for the next releases.
You know, I have to admit that I wasn't expecting to like the book this much. I've read books from this author before, and I usually like and enjoy them. However, I think I like this book the most out of her other works. I think one of the reasons why this book stands out for me is the fact that I love the main characters. The hero used to be a reckless young man who thought of no one but himself and what he wants. The heroine was a forgiving woman whose reputation was ruined indirectly by the hero.
I like the development of both characters. As a reader, I could easily picture how the hero was nine years ago. How ruthless he was, how uncaring. I could also picture the heroine, a young starry-eyed girl who was ripe for the picking and was easily compromised by yet another reckless man. Then, going to to the present, where both characters have changed and grown. I liked reading about the way their feelings for each other developed and deepened with time and proximity.
For a first book, The Forbidden Duke is wonderful enough to get readers intrigued. I, myself, am interested enough in the next installments. I hope that Nora and Titus will still be mentioned then. I would be more than happy to watch out for the next releases.
dnf
May 6, 2021Another DNF I cannot rate. The recap sounded like this was a winner, but unfortunately not for me. I’m in a very safe mood at the moment and this book wasn’t safe enough for me. The hero was a rake a decade ago and now only takes a new mistress every season. Although it happens all off page, the hero does take on a mistress at a ball the night before he met the heroine and already had sex with her. I must give him credits that he didn’t touch his mistress once meeting the heroine. But still I was turned off by this event and didn’t wish to read on. The recap makes it look like he lives in solitude for almost a decade, but that’s not entirely true because he has mistresses. I guess that if the whole taking on a mistress plot didn’t happen, this wouldn’t have been a DNF for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2017
A nice book. I enjoyed it. The writing was not particularly inspired, the story was not unusual, There wasn't a high degree of conflict, and the characters were pleasant but not exceptional. It was, however, a cohesive story that kept my attention.
This is an honest review provided in exchange for the privilege of reading an ARC of the book.
This is an honest review provided in exchange for the privilege of reading an ARC of the book.
January 25, 2017
This was too short. Way too short. It meant that there was no real conflict, just a whole shit ton of Nora mooning over Titus. And Nora wasn't much beyond that. It was just...blah.
March 8, 2020
I’m going to be upfront, I was convinced this is erotica. I don’t know why, maybe it was the gorgeous (sexy) cover, or maybe I confused it with another book by a different author. Nonetheless, while being slightly confused by the heat level, I soldiered on and finished it.
Well, it wasn’t the most thrilling of reads and there is a certain awkwardness to the prose, but in general it’s pretty decent regency historical romance.
I liked the premise: Eleanor, a suddenly impoverish spinster needs to start employment to support herself as her father and sister don’t seem to want (or can) to help her. She is immediately hired by a quirky widowed Duchess with a handsome, brooding son hailed by the Ton as the Forbidden Duke, one of the Untouchables. There is also an added spice to this as he is the one partially to blame for Eleanor being forced to abandon society after she was involved in a scandal during her first Season. And that’s basically the only source of any tension in the story: how Eleanor will react if she finds out Titus was somewhat involved in her disgrace.
The story, and the romance, progressed pretty quickly. And maybe that’s why it feels a little hollow to me, too rushed to be enjoyable.
I didn’t really connect with either the heroine or the hero, they both seems underdeveloped and sort of one dimensional.
Although, the reason Titus withdrew from the Ton is quite interesting, but his backstory seems brushed off and its potential for an interesting redemption arc wasted.
As for Eleanor, there were moments when I simply didn’t understand her rash behavior.
When discussing historical romances the subject of them being historical accurate or believable when it comes to characters’ (especially heroines’) behavior comes up sometimes. And to be clear, I’m not one to bash stories that seem unbelievable given time periods they take place in, but there’s something awkward to the first (and only) sex scene between the main couple. Or more precisely, the circumstances in which it happens.
So, closely to the end of the book, in a semi-public place, our heroine and hero have sex. Eleanor, as the party that has much more to loose if they are caught, is the one that has the power to allow it to happen, and she does. And it’s fine she is the one controlling the situation, but it’s still weird to me that a character in her position – being payed companion to her lover’s mother – would be so rush to engage in a behavior that can potentially have a disastrous consequences. Especially as she already was involved in a scandal that destroyed her life. Not to mention, after Titus confesses he was somehow involved in aforementioned scandal, she seems not to care that much. As if one of the most important events in her life - that basically defines it from that moment forth – just hasn’t significance anymore.
There could be so much great angst in that story; so much good character development, but it was just brushed off.
I also don’t quite understand what makes Eleanor so special that her scandal weights so heavily on Titus’s conscience. In the book it was mentioned he and his “bros” did the same thing – kiss someone and cause her a scandal – to numerous young women. Maybe Eleanor’s forced withdrew from society was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s (Titus’s) back, I don’t know.
There is just such a lack of depth to those characters and their story.
Maybe if I liked the main couple more I’d be more engaged by the plot and the conflict in it.
Despite all of my complaints, The Forbidden Duke is still an ok book.
I’ll probably read more from Darcy Burke; some of the stories in this series promise to be quite interesting, not to mention those beautiful sexy covers (I know, there’s a whole “don’t judge book by its cover” conversation somewhere here…).
3/5 stars
Well, it wasn’t the most thrilling of reads and there is a certain awkwardness to the prose, but in general it’s pretty decent regency historical romance.
I liked the premise: Eleanor, a suddenly impoverish spinster needs to start employment to support herself as her father and sister don’t seem to want (or can) to help her. She is immediately hired by a quirky widowed Duchess with a handsome, brooding son hailed by the Ton as the Forbidden Duke, one of the Untouchables. There is also an added spice to this as he is the one partially to blame for Eleanor being forced to abandon society after she was involved in a scandal during her first Season. And that’s basically the only source of any tension in the story: how Eleanor will react if she finds out Titus was somewhat involved in her disgrace.
The story, and the romance, progressed pretty quickly. And maybe that’s why it feels a little hollow to me, too rushed to be enjoyable.
I didn’t really connect with either the heroine or the hero, they both seems underdeveloped and sort of one dimensional.
Although, the reason Titus withdrew from the Ton is quite interesting, but his backstory seems brushed off and its potential for an interesting redemption arc wasted.
As for Eleanor, there were moments when I simply didn’t understand her rash behavior.
When discussing historical romances the subject of them being historical accurate or believable when it comes to characters’ (especially heroines’) behavior comes up sometimes. And to be clear, I’m not one to bash stories that seem unbelievable given time periods they take place in, but there’s something awkward to the first (and only) sex scene between the main couple. Or more precisely, the circumstances in which it happens.
So, closely to the end of the book, in a semi-public place, our heroine and hero have sex. Eleanor, as the party that has much more to loose if they are caught, is the one that has the power to allow it to happen, and she does. And it’s fine she is the one controlling the situation, but it’s still weird to me that a character in her position – being payed companion to her lover’s mother – would be so rush to engage in a behavior that can potentially have a disastrous consequences. Especially as she already was involved in a scandal that destroyed her life. Not to mention, after Titus confesses he was somehow involved in aforementioned scandal, she seems not to care that much. As if one of the most important events in her life - that basically defines it from that moment forth – just hasn’t significance anymore.
There could be so much great angst in that story; so much good character development, but it was just brushed off.
I also don’t quite understand what makes Eleanor so special that her scandal weights so heavily on Titus’s conscience. In the book it was mentioned he and his “bros” did the same thing – kiss someone and cause her a scandal – to numerous young women. Maybe Eleanor’s forced withdrew from society was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s (Titus’s) back, I don’t know.
There is just such a lack of depth to those characters and their story.
Maybe if I liked the main couple more I’d be more engaged by the plot and the conflict in it.
Despite all of my complaints, The Forbidden Duke is still an ok book.
I’ll probably read more from Darcy Burke; some of the stories in this series promise to be quite interesting, not to mention those beautiful sexy covers (I know, there’s a whole “don’t judge book by its cover” conversation somewhere here…).
3/5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2018
Yeah! I actually finished a whole book! That's a good sign :) The story was actually shorter than I am used to, at 229 pages. I loved the characters, especially the lady that the heroine goes to be a companion for, and another of the older ladies, Mrs. Dunn. The love story was cute and fun to watch... I think there was enough mention though on why the duke was "the Forbidden Duke". That gets referred to, a lot. I was surprised at the heroines boldness with the hero when they first go at it... I thought after her 9 years exile, she would have been super hesitant to get caught and sent away again for improper behavior. So that seemed too bold, modern and out of place. The heroine also has the habit of speaking to the duke and then immediately apologizing for voicing the question or opinion, as it "was not her place to say so". So a lot of repetition going on, but over all it was a very cute love story and I will definitely check out her other stories.
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