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The Untouchables #5
The Duke of Defiance
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.
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.
198 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2017
532 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
212 books2,282 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 163 reviews
February 26, 2023
⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
A little bit “older” heroine (31)
Good chemistry and romantic build up.
Intriguing and interesting characters (especially the hero.)
Neurodiverse character.
Interesting secondary characters.
The heroes devotion to his daughter.
Deals with infertility issues. (rather uncommon in historical romance.)
➖ What I disliked:
The underlying/unspoken bitterness and resentment between the sisters was dragged on too long and some parts of that issue did not feel very well thought out.
The children did not come across as they were 5-6 year olds (they were too precocious.)
The heroes awful mother that got no real comeuppance.
Somewhat parts were a little bit disjointed and the ending was abrupt/weird and left some things unanswered/unresolved.
The heroine deals with infertility issues…. Or does she ? (this is not really answered/resolved.)
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
A little bit “older” heroine (31)
Good chemistry and romantic build up.
Intriguing and interesting characters (especially the hero.)
Neurodiverse character.
Interesting secondary characters.
The heroes devotion to his daughter.
Deals with infertility issues. (rather uncommon in historical romance.)
➖ What I disliked:
The underlying/unspoken bitterness and resentment between the sisters was dragged on too long and some parts of that issue did not feel very well thought out.
The children did not come across as they were 5-6 year olds (they were too precocious.)
The heroes awful mother that got no real comeuppance.
Somewhat parts were a little bit disjointed and the ending was abrupt/weird and left some things unanswered/unresolved.
The heroine deals with infertility issues…. Or does she ? (this is not really answered/resolved.)
August 15, 2020
1.5 stars. This was so boring and long-winded- I slogged on to the end because many readers like this author, but I am afraid she is not for me. Wooden characters and unrealistic plot for an HR. Not an author I will seek out in the future.
June 14, 2021
'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.
June 24, 2017
Darcy Burke has claimed a spot on my favorite authors list. Her Untouchables series has been awesome and I eagerly await her next novel, book cover and blurb unseen. I just trust the book will be great because she wrote it.
The Duke of Defiance was a welcome escape. Within the first 20% of the novel, Burke had created layered characters with interesting quirks that I wanted to know more about. Jo carries some private pain where she blames her sister, husband, and herself for her failed marriage and lack of children. She is at a point in her widowhood where she wants to live again but is unsure of what path to take. Bran is a quiet man who deeply loves his young daughter, but is reluctant to join London society now that he is the Earl. He dislikes clothing, crowds, and small spaces and prefers to live to the beat of his own drum which goes against all of society's rules.
These two characters were fun to read about and the children in the story added a lot of detail. Also, Jo's sister Nora is the heroine from the very first book in this series and it was fun to see more of her again. Jo and Bran misunderstand each other on their first meeting and I liked seeing the push and pull between them as Bran said things that sounded offensive but was attracted at the same time. It was fun seeing the juxtaposition between the dialogue and inner thoughts. As the story progressed and Bran and Jo are continually brought together, the sparks really fly and Burke cleverly shows how each character's quirks serves as a foil for the other. These two were different from the norm but perfect for each other.
While I enjoyed this story very much, there were a few areas that kept this from being a full 5 star read for me. First, I didn't think the children, while sweet, were depicted as the correct age. They are said to be 5 years old, but they acted more like 8-10 years old to me. The number of mentions of Jo's first husband and how awful he was became repetitive--I was disappointed how often Jo thought of him in comparison to Bran, especially when they were together intimately. Finally, there were a few aspects of both Bran and Jo that I didn't feel were fully explored. In Bran's case, I didn't fully understand his dislike for clothes or how his relationship with his family got so bad. For Jo, there were moments when she was angry with her sister, but it was inconsistent and seemed to then vanish after one scene.
Minor quibbles aside, this was a lovely story that took place away from many society events. It focused more on family and what it means to make a house a home. It was a slower paced story that is almost entirely character driven, but one I stayed fully engaged in and enjoyed. This was not quite as strong as Duke of Deception or Duke of Desire, but was still lovely and one I heartily recommend. If you haven't tried this series, do so, every book thus far I have given 4 or 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy from the author to read and provide an honest review.
The Duke of Defiance was a welcome escape. Within the first 20% of the novel, Burke had created layered characters with interesting quirks that I wanted to know more about. Jo carries some private pain where she blames her sister, husband, and herself for her failed marriage and lack of children. She is at a point in her widowhood where she wants to live again but is unsure of what path to take. Bran is a quiet man who deeply loves his young daughter, but is reluctant to join London society now that he is the Earl. He dislikes clothing, crowds, and small spaces and prefers to live to the beat of his own drum which goes against all of society's rules.
These two characters were fun to read about and the children in the story added a lot of detail. Also, Jo's sister Nora is the heroine from the very first book in this series and it was fun to see more of her again. Jo and Bran misunderstand each other on their first meeting and I liked seeing the push and pull between them as Bran said things that sounded offensive but was attracted at the same time. It was fun seeing the juxtaposition between the dialogue and inner thoughts. As the story progressed and Bran and Jo are continually brought together, the sparks really fly and Burke cleverly shows how each character's quirks serves as a foil for the other. These two were different from the norm but perfect for each other.
While I enjoyed this story very much, there were a few areas that kept this from being a full 5 star read for me. First, I didn't think the children, while sweet, were depicted as the correct age. They are said to be 5 years old, but they acted more like 8-10 years old to me. The number of mentions of Jo's first husband and how awful he was became repetitive--I was disappointed how often Jo thought of him in comparison to Bran, especially when they were together intimately. Finally, there were a few aspects of both Bran and Jo that I didn't feel were fully explored. In Bran's case, I didn't fully understand his dislike for clothes or how his relationship with his family got so bad. For Jo, there were moments when she was angry with her sister, but it was inconsistent and seemed to then vanish after one scene.
Minor quibbles aside, this was a lovely story that took place away from many society events. It focused more on family and what it means to make a house a home. It was a slower paced story that is almost entirely character driven, but one I stayed fully engaged in and enjoyed. This was not quite as strong as Duke of Deception or Duke of Desire, but was still lovely and one I heartily recommend. If you haven't tried this series, do so, every book thus far I have given 4 or 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy from the author to read and provide an honest review.
June 18, 2017
**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.
June 18, 2017
Series: The Untouchables #5
Publication Date: June 27, 2017
WOW!!! Just WOW!!! This is an awesome romance with a strong, loving father who wants only happiness for his small daughter and a wounded lady who knows she’ll never have the family she so desperately wants. Both are flawed, but both are also capable of great depths of love.
I was so engrossed with this book that I read it straight through – finishing at about four o’clock in the morning. I just couldn’t put it down. It sucked me into the lives of these lovely people and just wouldn’t let me go! By the way – I have not read the previous books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed the book anyway. However, the characters were so intriguing that I fully intend to go back and read the first four books.
Bran Crowther left home when he was just old enough to be able to do so. He didn’t care where he was going, he just bought passage on the first ship leaving. That ship deposited him in Barbados where he proceeded to create a successful life, acquire a fortune, marry, and produce a beautiful daughter – Evie. Why would such a young man leave home without caring where he was going? Well, his family was absolutely awful to him. His older brothers tormented him constantly, his mother was a vile creature who did nothing but berate him and his father just gave up on him. Part of the problem is that Bran is much younger than the others and he has some issues. They label him ‘defiant’, but it would appear that he really had some sort of mental/physical issue. He couldn’t stand to be touched and clothes were an awful 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. Those issues followed him into adulthood, but he had learned to manage them better. They were much better in Barbados because he was much more relaxed and in a less congested area. However, when he was forced to return to England to assume a title he didn’t want, those issues threatened to overwhelm him.
Joanna, "Jo", Shaw is the childless widow of a country vicar. Joanna had always wanted love, marriage and children, but when her older sister, Nora, created a scandal it destroyed Joanna’s chances of having her own season and making a good marriage. She only received one offer and that was to a country vicar. She accepted the offer only to discover that the vicar was a vile mean, hateful, perverted creature who mentally abused her for years. So, when he finally died, she moved in with her sister Nora, who had brought her life around and was married to a duke. Jo isn’t sure what she wants to do with her future, but she is sure it won’t include marriage and children. After all, she could never surrender control of her life to another man, and besides, what man would want to marry her when she was worthless, unattractive and couldn’t provide him with an heir.
Evangelina, “Evie”, is the five year old daughter of Bran. She lost her mother at a very early age and Bran stepped into the role of both parents. The only home she has ever known is Barbados and England doesn’t compare favorably with the balmy beaches, rich colors, and fragrant scents of Barbados. She’s adjusting, but she’s not really happy with the idea of never returning to Barbados. Luckily she meets the daughter of Jo’s sister and they become fast friends. She also meets Jo and becomes instantly attached to her. To my thinking, the two little girls act much more mature than any five-year-old that I’ve ever known. They are writing plays at five – almost six. I don’t know – I loved the little girls, but they just didn’t ring true to their age to me.
One thing I really liked was that the story wasn’t filled with angsty introspection. Both of the main characters had issues and both of them went forward with accepting and dealing with those issues. It was a wonderful story of two flawed people finding acceptance and love with each other.
The very best thing about this book was the Epilogue – it was absolutely perfect! I think it should be a law that all historical romance books should have an epilogue!
"I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: June 27, 2017
WOW!!! Just WOW!!! This is an awesome romance with a strong, loving father who wants only happiness for his small daughter and a wounded lady who knows she’ll never have the family she so desperately wants. Both are flawed, but both are also capable of great depths of love.
I was so engrossed with this book that I read it straight through – finishing at about four o’clock in the morning. I just couldn’t put it down. It sucked me into the lives of these lovely people and just wouldn’t let me go! By the way – I have not read the previous books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed the book anyway. However, the characters were so intriguing that I fully intend to go back and read the first four books.
Bran Crowther left home when he was just old enough to be able to do so. He didn’t care where he was going, he just bought passage on the first ship leaving. That ship deposited him in Barbados where he proceeded to create a successful life, acquire a fortune, marry, and produce a beautiful daughter – Evie. Why would such a young man leave home without caring where he was going? Well, his family was absolutely awful to him. His older brothers tormented him constantly, his mother was a vile creature who did nothing but berate him and his father just gave up on him. Part of the problem is that Bran is much younger than the others and he has some issues. They label him ‘defiant’, but it would appear that he really had some sort of mental/physical issue. He couldn’t stand to be touched and clothes were an awful 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. Those issues followed him into adulthood, but he had learned to manage them better. They were much better in Barbados because he was much more relaxed and in a less congested area. However, when he was forced to return to England to assume a title he didn’t want, those issues threatened to overwhelm him.
Joanna, "Jo", Shaw is the childless widow of a country vicar. Joanna had always wanted love, marriage and children, but when her older sister, Nora, created a scandal it destroyed Joanna’s chances of having her own season and making a good marriage. She only received one offer and that was to a country vicar. She accepted the offer only to discover that the vicar was a vile mean, hateful, perverted creature who mentally abused her for years. So, when he finally died, she moved in with her sister Nora, who had brought her life around and was married to a duke. Jo isn’t sure what she wants to do with her future, but she is sure it won’t include marriage and children. After all, she could never surrender control of her life to another man, and besides, what man would want to marry her when she was worthless, unattractive and couldn’t provide him with an heir.
Evangelina, “Evie”, is the five year old daughter of Bran. She lost her mother at a very early age and Bran stepped into the role of both parents. The only home she has ever known is Barbados and England doesn’t compare favorably with the balmy beaches, rich colors, and fragrant scents of Barbados. She’s adjusting, but she’s not really happy with the idea of never returning to Barbados. Luckily she meets the daughter of Jo’s sister and they become fast friends. She also meets Jo and becomes instantly attached to her. To my thinking, the two little girls act much more mature than any five-year-old that I’ve ever known. They are writing plays at five – almost six. I don’t know – I loved the little girls, but they just didn’t ring true to their age to me.
One thing I really liked was that the story wasn’t filled with angsty introspection. Both of the main characters had issues and both of them went forward with accepting and dealing with those issues. It was a wonderful story of two flawed people finding acceptance and love with each other.
The very best thing about this book was the Epilogue – it was absolutely perfect! I think it should be a law that all historical romance books should have an epilogue!
"I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
July 1, 2017
I haven’t read all the books in Darcy Burke’s
The Untouchables
series, but I’ve enjoyed those I have read and can confidently say that each book works as a standalone. The Duke of Defiance features a new central couple and briefly re-introduces readers to the “Untouchables”, gentlemen so named by their heroines because their lofty positions in society meant they were well beyond their touch. Although as things have turned out, they obviously weren’t 😉
Mrs. Joanna Shaw is the widowed sister of Nora, the Duchess of Kendal, who was the heroine of book one, The Forbidden Duke. Joanna – Jo – was unhappily married to a country clergyman for around eight years, and is now living with Nora while she decides what she wants to do with the rest of her life. At thirty-one, she is still lovely and her position as the sister of a duchess gives her a certain cachet in society – but she is not sure if she wants to remarry. Her late husband’s emotional cruelty has naturally soured her view of the institution, and her inability to conceive a child during eight years of marriage makes her a less attractive prospect as a wife.
Bran Crowther, the Earl of Knighton was a third son who never expected to inherit his father’s title. But the recent deaths of his two elder brothers necessitates his return to England from the successful life he had built for himself in Barbados, and he and his five-year-old daughter, Evie, are finding it difficult to adjust. Fortunately, however, Evie has found a good friend in Becky, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Kendal, and when Bran arrives to collect Evie from a play date, he meets Mrs. Shaw and is immediately struck by her wit and good sense, as well as by her beauty.
Bran and Jo are attracted to each other, and their interactions are nicely judged and generally very honest. They are initially brought together when Nora offers to help Bran to find a new nurse for Evie and then has to send Jo in her stead. Bran is pleased to discover that Jo's views fit with his own, and also finds her comments about the dos and don'ts of London society very helpful as he tries to settle into his new life. When he – and Evie – practically beg Jo to become Evie's governess, she finds she cannot refuse, even as she knows that being in close proximity to Bran day after day is not a good idea. But she has come to love Evie as she is coming to love the girl's father, and agrees to a trial period, trying not to think about what will happen when Bran eventually takes a wife who will be able to give him more children and, most importantly, an heir.
Jo's concern about her lack of fertility is the main source of conflict in the romance, and it's one I'm not particularly fond of. The women in such stories always blame themselves without any reason to do so other than that they're women and therefore the fault must lie with them! Bran at least has the sense to suggest that it might not be Jo's fault, but she is naturally very sensitive about it, and isn't prepared to let him take the risk that she won't be able to give him any more children. Her belief is not helped by the insecurities about her womanliness fostered in her by her late husband, but it's nonetheless a plot point that always makes me roll my eyes.
Bran is a no-nonsense sort of person, and his years of living away from the strictures of London society have made him careless of convention and proper behaviour. He thinks nothing of allowing Evie to go without shoes when they are at home – to the intense disapproval of some of his starchier servants – or of divesting himself of cravat and coat in front of Jo, when it is certainly not the done thing to 'disrobe' in front of a lady. (Not that Jo minds, of course😉) When he describes how clothes make him "itchy" and then explains how, as a child, his mother regarded him as defiant because he refused to wear clothing or eat what he was given; how he could never sit still or remain in bed all night, I thought Ms. Burke may have been setting him up as someone with a condition such as ADHD or on the Autistic Spectrum, but this is never made clear. Jo comes to recognise and accept Bran's quirks, but other than having been brought up by an extremely harsh, unforgiving mother and a father who didn’t bother with his third son, we're not really given much of an explanation for them, and for the most part they are just glossed over. There's an implication that Evie, too, has anxiety issues, but these are handled in more or less the same way.
And on the subject of Evie, much of the time she comes across as much older than the five years of age she is supposed to be. At one point, she tells her father: "I was certain you might be falling in love" - which sounds more like a teenager, for instance, and she reads as more of a plot-moppet than a real child. Children are hard to write well (Grace Burrowes is one of the very few romance authors who is able to get it right) and I'm afraid Ms. Burke has missed the mark. She’s also way off the mark when it comes to the master/servant relationship that should exist between Bran and Jo. He pretty much treats her as the mistress of the house as soon as she sets foot in it, assigning her a bedchamber in the family wing, a maid of her own, and insisting upon her eating meals with him, to name just a few things no over governess would have been granted. I get that Bran is supposed to be unfamiliar with society customs but Jo should know better and allows Bran to wave aside her very weak protests.
As I said at the beginning of this review, the book does work as a standalone, but information about previous characters and situations is given in obvious info-dumps, rather than evolving naturally; and while the good-natured teasing between the four heroes of the previous books is one of the best things about the this one, it felt like overkill for all four of them to just happen to be around in order to meet Bran.
While the writing is strong and the love scenes are sensual, The Duke of Defiance is, sadly one of the weaker entries in this series. I do plan to read more by Darcy Burke, but I'm going to chalk this one up as a misfire.
Mrs. Joanna Shaw is the widowed sister of Nora, the Duchess of Kendal, who was the heroine of book one, The Forbidden Duke. Joanna – Jo – was unhappily married to a country clergyman for around eight years, and is now living with Nora while she decides what she wants to do with the rest of her life. At thirty-one, she is still lovely and her position as the sister of a duchess gives her a certain cachet in society – but she is not sure if she wants to remarry. Her late husband’s emotional cruelty has naturally soured her view of the institution, and her inability to conceive a child during eight years of marriage makes her a less attractive prospect as a wife.
Bran Crowther, the Earl of Knighton was a third son who never expected to inherit his father’s title. But the recent deaths of his two elder brothers necessitates his return to England from the successful life he had built for himself in Barbados, and he and his five-year-old daughter, Evie, are finding it difficult to adjust. Fortunately, however, Evie has found a good friend in Becky, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Kendal, and when Bran arrives to collect Evie from a play date, he meets Mrs. Shaw and is immediately struck by her wit and good sense, as well as by her beauty.
Bran and Jo are attracted to each other, and their interactions are nicely judged and generally very honest. They are initially brought together when Nora offers to help Bran to find a new nurse for Evie and then has to send Jo in her stead. Bran is pleased to discover that Jo's views fit with his own, and also finds her comments about the dos and don'ts of London society very helpful as he tries to settle into his new life. When he – and Evie – practically beg Jo to become Evie's governess, she finds she cannot refuse, even as she knows that being in close proximity to Bran day after day is not a good idea. But she has come to love Evie as she is coming to love the girl's father, and agrees to a trial period, trying not to think about what will happen when Bran eventually takes a wife who will be able to give him more children and, most importantly, an heir.
Jo's concern about her lack of fertility is the main source of conflict in the romance, and it's one I'm not particularly fond of. The women in such stories always blame themselves without any reason to do so other than that they're women and therefore the fault must lie with them! Bran at least has the sense to suggest that it might not be Jo's fault, but she is naturally very sensitive about it, and isn't prepared to let him take the risk that she won't be able to give him any more children. Her belief is not helped by the insecurities about her womanliness fostered in her by her late husband, but it's nonetheless a plot point that always makes me roll my eyes.
Bran is a no-nonsense sort of person, and his years of living away from the strictures of London society have made him careless of convention and proper behaviour. He thinks nothing of allowing Evie to go without shoes when they are at home – to the intense disapproval of some of his starchier servants – or of divesting himself of cravat and coat in front of Jo, when it is certainly not the done thing to 'disrobe' in front of a lady. (Not that Jo minds, of course😉) When he describes how clothes make him "itchy" and then explains how, as a child, his mother regarded him as defiant because he refused to wear clothing or eat what he was given; how he could never sit still or remain in bed all night, I thought Ms. Burke may have been setting him up as someone with a condition such as ADHD or on the Autistic Spectrum, but this is never made clear. Jo comes to recognise and accept Bran's quirks, but other than having been brought up by an extremely harsh, unforgiving mother and a father who didn’t bother with his third son, we're not really given much of an explanation for them, and for the most part they are just glossed over. There's an implication that Evie, too, has anxiety issues, but these are handled in more or less the same way.
And on the subject of Evie, much of the time she comes across as much older than the five years of age she is supposed to be. At one point, she tells her father: "I was certain you might be falling in love" - which sounds more like a teenager, for instance, and she reads as more of a plot-moppet than a real child. Children are hard to write well (Grace Burrowes is one of the very few romance authors who is able to get it right) and I'm afraid Ms. Burke has missed the mark. She’s also way off the mark when it comes to the master/servant relationship that should exist between Bran and Jo. He pretty much treats her as the mistress of the house as soon as she sets foot in it, assigning her a bedchamber in the family wing, a maid of her own, and insisting upon her eating meals with him, to name just a few things no over governess would have been granted. I get that Bran is supposed to be unfamiliar with society customs but Jo should know better and allows Bran to wave aside her very weak protests.
As I said at the beginning of this review, the book does work as a standalone, but information about previous characters and situations is given in obvious info-dumps, rather than evolving naturally; and while the good-natured teasing between the four heroes of the previous books is one of the best things about the this one, it felt like overkill for all four of them to just happen to be around in order to meet Bran.
While the writing is strong and the love scenes are sensual, The Duke of Defiance is, sadly one of the weaker entries in this series. I do plan to read more by Darcy Burke, but I'm going to chalk this one up as a misfire.
July 13, 2024
Kobo + Mad About Series Challenge 2024 HRBC. Historical Romance. Tropes: Regency Romance, Widow/Widower, Extended Family and Friends, Single Parent w/Children.
MC's h Joanna Shaw, widow and sister of Nora (Duchess of Kendal) & H Earl of Knighton, Bran widower with daughter Evie.
******************************************************************************
Review I Liked: I haven’t read all the books in Darcy Burke’s The Untouchables series, but I’ve enjoyed those I have read and can confidently say that each book works as a standalone. The Duke of Defiance features a new central couple and briefly re-introduces readers to the “Untouchables”, gentlemen so named by their heroines because their lofty positions in society meant they were well beyond their touch. Although as things have turned out, they obviously weren’t 😉
Mrs. Joanna Shaw is the widowed sister of Nora, the Duchess of Kendal, who was the heroine of book one, The Forbidden Duke. Joanna – Jo – was unhappily married to a country clergyman for around eight years, and is now living with Nora while she decides what she wants to do with the rest of her life. At thirty-one, she is still lovely and her position as the sister of a duchess gives her a certain cachet in society – but she is not sure if she wants to remarry. Her late husband’s emotional cruelty has naturally soured her view of the institution, and her inability to conceive a child during eight years of marriage makes her a less attractive prospect as a wife.
Bran Crowther, the Earl of Knighton was a third son who never expected to inherit his father’s title. But the recent deaths of his two elder brothers necessitates his return to England from the successful life he had built for himself in Barbados, and he and his five-year-old daughter, Evie, are finding it difficult to adjust. Fortunately, however, Evie has found a good friend in Becky, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Kendal, and when Bran arrives to collect Evie from a play date, he meets Mrs. Shaw and is immediately struck by her wit and good sense, as well as by her beauty.
Bran and Jo are attracted to each other, and their interactions are nicely judged and generally very honest. They are initially brought together when Nora offers to help Bran to find a new nurse for Evie and then has to send Jo in her stead. Bran is pleased to discover that Jo's views fit with his own, and also finds her comments about the dos and don'ts of London society very helpful as he tries to settle into his new life. When he – and Evie – practically beg Jo to become Evie's governess, she finds she cannot refuse, even as she knows that being in close proximity to Bran day after day is not a good idea. But she has come to love Evie as she is coming to love the girl's father, and agrees to a trial period, trying not to think about what will happen when Bran eventually takes a wife who will be able to give him more children and, most importantly, an heir.
Jo's concern about her lack of fertility is the main source of conflict in the romance, and it's one I'm not particularly fond of. The women in such stories always blame themselves without any reason to do so other than that they're women and therefore the fault must lie with them! Bran at least has the sense to suggest that it might not be Jo's fault, but she is naturally very sensitive about it, and isn't prepared to let him take the risk that she won't be able to give him any more children. Her belief is not helped by the insecurities about her womanliness fostered in her by her late husband, but it's nonetheless a plot point that always makes me roll my eyes.
Bran is a no-nonsense sort of person, and his years of living away from the strictures of London society have made him careless of convention and proper behaviour. He thinks nothing of allowing Evie to go without shoes when they are at home – to the intense disapproval of some of his starchier servants – or of divesting himself of cravat and coat in front of Jo, when it is certainly not the done thing to 'disrobe' in front of a lady. (Not that Jo minds, of course😉) When he describes how clothes make him "itchy" and then explains how, as a child, his mother regarded him as defiant because he refused to wear clothing or eat what he was given; how he could never sit still or remain in bed all night, I thought Ms. Burke may have been setting him up as someone with a condition such as ADHD or on the Autistic Spectrum, but this is never made clear. Jo comes to recognise and accept Bran's quirks, but other than having been brought up by an extremely harsh, unforgiving mother and a father who didn’t bother with his third son, we're not really given much of an explanation for them, and for the most part they are just glossed over. There's an implication that Evie, too, has anxiety issues, but these are handled in more or less the same way.
And on the subject of Evie, much of the time she comes across as much older than the five years of age she is supposed to be. At one point, she tells her father: "I was certain you might be falling in love" - which sounds more like a teenager, for instance, and she reads as more of a plot-moppet than a real child. Children are hard to write well (Grace Burrowes is one of the very few romance authors who is able to get it right) and I'm afraid Ms. Burke has missed the mark. She’s also way off the mark when it comes to the master/servant relationship that should exist between Bran and Jo. He pretty much treats her as the mistress of the house as soon as she sets foot in it, assigning her a bedchamber in the family wing, a maid of her own, and insisting upon her eating meals with him, to name just a few things no over governess would have been granted. I get that Bran is supposed to be unfamiliar with society customs but Jo should know better and allows Bran to wave aside her very weak protests.
As I said at the beginning of this review, the book does work as a standalone, but information about previous characters and situations is given in obvious info-dumps, rather than evolving naturally; and while the good-natured teasing between the four heroes of the previous books is one of the best things about the this one, it felt like overkill for all four of them to just happen to be around in order to meet Bran.
While the writing is strong and the love scenes are sensual, The Duke of Defiance is, sadly one of the weaker entries in this series. I do plan to read more by Darcy Burke, but I'm going to chalk this one up as a misfire.
MC's h Joanna Shaw, widow and sister of Nora (Duchess of Kendal) & H Earl of Knighton, Bran widower with daughter Evie.
******************************************************************************
Review I Liked: I haven’t read all the books in Darcy Burke’s The Untouchables series, but I’ve enjoyed those I have read and can confidently say that each book works as a standalone. The Duke of Defiance features a new central couple and briefly re-introduces readers to the “Untouchables”, gentlemen so named by their heroines because their lofty positions in society meant they were well beyond their touch. Although as things have turned out, they obviously weren’t 😉
Mrs. Joanna Shaw is the widowed sister of Nora, the Duchess of Kendal, who was the heroine of book one, The Forbidden Duke. Joanna – Jo – was unhappily married to a country clergyman for around eight years, and is now living with Nora while she decides what she wants to do with the rest of her life. At thirty-one, she is still lovely and her position as the sister of a duchess gives her a certain cachet in society – but she is not sure if she wants to remarry. Her late husband’s emotional cruelty has naturally soured her view of the institution, and her inability to conceive a child during eight years of marriage makes her a less attractive prospect as a wife.
Bran Crowther, the Earl of Knighton was a third son who never expected to inherit his father’s title. But the recent deaths of his two elder brothers necessitates his return to England from the successful life he had built for himself in Barbados, and he and his five-year-old daughter, Evie, are finding it difficult to adjust. Fortunately, however, Evie has found a good friend in Becky, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Kendal, and when Bran arrives to collect Evie from a play date, he meets Mrs. Shaw and is immediately struck by her wit and good sense, as well as by her beauty.
Bran and Jo are attracted to each other, and their interactions are nicely judged and generally very honest. They are initially brought together when Nora offers to help Bran to find a new nurse for Evie and then has to send Jo in her stead. Bran is pleased to discover that Jo's views fit with his own, and also finds her comments about the dos and don'ts of London society very helpful as he tries to settle into his new life. When he – and Evie – practically beg Jo to become Evie's governess, she finds she cannot refuse, even as she knows that being in close proximity to Bran day after day is not a good idea. But she has come to love Evie as she is coming to love the girl's father, and agrees to a trial period, trying not to think about what will happen when Bran eventually takes a wife who will be able to give him more children and, most importantly, an heir.
Jo's concern about her lack of fertility is the main source of conflict in the romance, and it's one I'm not particularly fond of. The women in such stories always blame themselves without any reason to do so other than that they're women and therefore the fault must lie with them! Bran at least has the sense to suggest that it might not be Jo's fault, but she is naturally very sensitive about it, and isn't prepared to let him take the risk that she won't be able to give him any more children. Her belief is not helped by the insecurities about her womanliness fostered in her by her late husband, but it's nonetheless a plot point that always makes me roll my eyes.
Bran is a no-nonsense sort of person, and his years of living away from the strictures of London society have made him careless of convention and proper behaviour. He thinks nothing of allowing Evie to go without shoes when they are at home – to the intense disapproval of some of his starchier servants – or of divesting himself of cravat and coat in front of Jo, when it is certainly not the done thing to 'disrobe' in front of a lady. (Not that Jo minds, of course😉) When he describes how clothes make him "itchy" and then explains how, as a child, his mother regarded him as defiant because he refused to wear clothing or eat what he was given; how he could never sit still or remain in bed all night, I thought Ms. Burke may have been setting him up as someone with a condition such as ADHD or on the Autistic Spectrum, but this is never made clear. Jo comes to recognise and accept Bran's quirks, but other than having been brought up by an extremely harsh, unforgiving mother and a father who didn’t bother with his third son, we're not really given much of an explanation for them, and for the most part they are just glossed over. There's an implication that Evie, too, has anxiety issues, but these are handled in more or less the same way.
And on the subject of Evie, much of the time she comes across as much older than the five years of age she is supposed to be. At one point, she tells her father: "I was certain you might be falling in love" - which sounds more like a teenager, for instance, and she reads as more of a plot-moppet than a real child. Children are hard to write well (Grace Burrowes is one of the very few romance authors who is able to get it right) and I'm afraid Ms. Burke has missed the mark. She’s also way off the mark when it comes to the master/servant relationship that should exist between Bran and Jo. He pretty much treats her as the mistress of the house as soon as she sets foot in it, assigning her a bedchamber in the family wing, a maid of her own, and insisting upon her eating meals with him, to name just a few things no over governess would have been granted. I get that Bran is supposed to be unfamiliar with society customs but Jo should know better and allows Bran to wave aside her very weak protests.
As I said at the beginning of this review, the book does work as a standalone, but information about previous characters and situations is given in obvious info-dumps, rather than evolving naturally; and while the good-natured teasing between the four heroes of the previous books is one of the best things about the this one, it felt like overkill for all four of them to just happen to be around in order to meet Bran.
While the writing is strong and the love scenes are sensual, The Duke of Defiance is, sadly one of the weaker entries in this series. I do plan to read more by Darcy Burke, but I'm going to chalk this one up as a misfire.
August 23, 2018
3.5/5 Stars.
After reading the 10th book for an ARC, I liked Burke's writing enough to read other's that interested me. This was one that stood out - probably because it had a hero who has a child. I'm a sucker for those, don't judge me.
Bran, our hero, has recently returned to England; widowed and father of 5 year old force of nature Evie. He spent over 15 years in Barbados doing whatever white men did in Barbados then, but then the two males that came before him decided to screw with their youngest defiant brother and basically die. Unwittingly, and unwillingly he was now an Earl, and despised it. He hires widowed Joanna as his daughter's governess and from there starts our story. Joanna has just escaped her horrifying marraige, and has some serious issues about self-worth.
The romance is sweet and heartwarming. There were more steamy scenes than I was anticipating, not that I'm complaining. They're all quite tame in nature so nothing out of the box. I personally enjoy Burke's writing style; it's easy, impactful and has a lighter tone to it. Even while dealing with highly emotional topics her writing remaings quite breezy. While I'm not complaining about that, I feel like in topics like in this book, it can perhaps dampen the intended impact.
What I found quite interesting is the take this book gives us on how women and their sexual needs and sides were supressed. Joanna has spent years thinking she isn't good enough, that no man would enjoy bedsport with her. Of course, it has to do with the lack of exposure and basic rampant sexism - but I liked how Bran works to bring her out of that shell, and gives her the freedoom to feel whatever she wishes to feel. I like the slight modern tinge to Burke's hero's.
If I had an issues it'd the following:
1. I'm sure Bran is shown to have ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), and while we get some insights into how he has fared in a world that simply considers him peculiar. I would have liked some more fleshed out storyline for this, simply to give him some depth. I'm not 100% in love with this hero as well, he doesn't do anything ridiculous but some of his charactersitics irked me at the last few chapters.
2. The rushed ending. While the epilogue and last chapter give us some information, it's obvious our MC's need to talk to have their HEA. And were just told that they spoke in depth, rather than letting us experience that chat.
Not a bad book, I did enjoy it. A quick read as well. So I'll be continuing with the next book!
After reading the 10th book for an ARC, I liked Burke's writing enough to read other's that interested me. This was one that stood out - probably because it had a hero who has a child. I'm a sucker for those, don't judge me.
Bran, our hero, has recently returned to England; widowed and father of 5 year old force of nature Evie. He spent over 15 years in Barbados doing whatever white men did in Barbados then, but then the two males that came before him decided to screw with their youngest defiant brother and basically die. Unwittingly, and unwillingly he was now an Earl, and despised it. He hires widowed Joanna as his daughter's governess and from there starts our story. Joanna has just escaped her horrifying marraige, and has some serious issues about self-worth.
The romance is sweet and heartwarming. There were more steamy scenes than I was anticipating, not that I'm complaining. They're all quite tame in nature so nothing out of the box. I personally enjoy Burke's writing style; it's easy, impactful and has a lighter tone to it. Even while dealing with highly emotional topics her writing remaings quite breezy. While I'm not complaining about that, I feel like in topics like in this book, it can perhaps dampen the intended impact.
What I found quite interesting is the take this book gives us on how women and their sexual needs and sides were supressed. Joanna has spent years thinking she isn't good enough, that no man would enjoy bedsport with her. Of course, it has to do with the lack of exposure and basic rampant sexism - but I liked how Bran works to bring her out of that shell, and gives her the freedoom to feel whatever she wishes to feel. I like the slight modern tinge to Burke's hero's.
If I had an issues it'd the following:
1. I'm sure Bran is shown to have ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), and while we get some insights into how he has fared in a world that simply considers him peculiar. I would have liked some more fleshed out storyline for this, simply to give him some depth. I'm not 100% in love with this hero as well, he doesn't do anything ridiculous but some of his charactersitics irked me at the last few chapters.
2. The rushed ending. While the epilogue and last chapter give us some information, it's obvious our MC's need to talk to have their HEA. And were just told that they spoke in depth, rather than letting us experience that chat.
Not a bad book, I did enjoy it. A quick read as well. So I'll be continuing with the next book!
June 21, 2017
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
I enjoyed reading this book by Darcy Burke, my first by this author, particularly the originality of the Duke of Defiance. Having a peculiar, different hero, with such unusual issues and quirks, was refreshing.
I was expecting, though, that Bran’s uncommon traits would be somehow more thoroughly developed and explained. I would trade that for the sex scenes, which sounded formulaic and drawn-out.
For these reasons, I enjoyed more the first part of the book, when the character of the hero was being revealed.
I liked both main characters, as well as the side characters, including two little girls that become best friends right away (but I felt that Evie spoke often as a grown-up and not as a six-year-old child).
I'm grateful to the author and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
I enjoyed reading this book by Darcy Burke, my first by this author, particularly the originality of the Duke of Defiance. Having a peculiar, different hero, with such unusual issues and quirks, was refreshing.
I was expecting, though, that Bran’s uncommon traits would be somehow more thoroughly developed and explained. I would trade that for the sex scenes, which sounded formulaic and drawn-out.
For these reasons, I enjoyed more the first part of the book, when the character of the hero was being revealed.
I liked both main characters, as well as the side characters, including two little girls that become best friends right away (but I felt that Evie spoke often as a grown-up and not as a six-year-old child).
I'm grateful to the author and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
June 14, 2017
What fascinates me most is Ms. Burke's ability to always surprise her readers. Not allowing herself to be pigeonholed means the skies the limit for this talented author. No matter the genre, she keeps the romance fresh, the tales intriguing and hearts aflame with her creative mind and powerful stories. Bran and Joanna are only the latest in a long line of exciting heroes and captivating heroines. The Duke of Defiance is an adorable tale that speaks of hope, courage and second chances in the face of some heartbreaking obstacles. It took the innocence of a child to help these wanderers find their way home.
July 31, 2017
Three and a half stars.
The latest in the Untouchables series.
Bran Crowther was the third son, never expected to inherit and moved to Barbados to get away from his (frankly) vile family. When his two older brothers died, followed swiftly by his father he became the Earl of Knighton and was forced to return to England along with his six year old daughter Evie. Bran has some social issues which are never fully articulated but he feels awkward with strangers and finds clothing constrictive. As the new Earl it is his duty to marry and produce an heir.
Joanna Shaw is the sister of the Duchess of Clare. Forced to accept an offer of marriage from a St Ives vicar after her sister Nora's disgrace, Jo suffered an unpleasant marriage to an unkind man and cannot regret his subsequent death. Now living with her sister and her children, Jo is contemplating her future; after several years of marriage she has come to the conclusion that she is barren and so re-marriage, even if she wanted to, seems out of the question.
Although Knighton makes a few unfortunate remarks to Jo she soon becomes accustomed to his little oddities and they become friends, bonding over Evie. In fact, they get on so well that Bran asks Jo to marry him, but knowing his need for an heir she refuses. However, she feels happy to accept the role of Evie's governess. As Jo and Bran become closer can they overcome his need for an heir and her barrenness?
I liked this book but there were lots of "issues" which didn't really go anywhere like Bran's relationship with his brothers, his mother, the reasons for his social awkwardness etc.
The latest in the Untouchables series.
Bran Crowther was the third son, never expected to inherit and moved to Barbados to get away from his (frankly) vile family. When his two older brothers died, followed swiftly by his father he became the Earl of Knighton and was forced to return to England along with his six year old daughter Evie. Bran has some social issues which are never fully articulated but he feels awkward with strangers and finds clothing constrictive. As the new Earl it is his duty to marry and produce an heir.
Joanna Shaw is the sister of the Duchess of Clare. Forced to accept an offer of marriage from a St Ives vicar after her sister Nora's disgrace, Jo suffered an unpleasant marriage to an unkind man and cannot regret his subsequent death. Now living with her sister and her children, Jo is contemplating her future; after several years of marriage she has come to the conclusion that she is barren and so re-marriage, even if she wanted to, seems out of the question.
Although Knighton makes a few unfortunate remarks to Jo she soon becomes accustomed to his little oddities and they become friends, bonding over Evie. In fact, they get on so well that Bran asks Jo to marry him, but knowing his need for an heir she refuses. However, she feels happy to accept the role of Evie's governess. As Jo and Bran become closer can they overcome his need for an heir and her barrenness?
I liked this book but there were lots of "issues" which didn't really go anywhere like Bran's relationship with his brothers, his mother, the reasons for his social awkwardness etc.
February 2, 2018
So, book 5, The Duke of Defiance, and I really enjoyed. I liked that Bran not only didn’t like being touched all that much but he absolutely hated his coat, waistcoat and cravat and took them off as often as he could. One gets so used to gentlemen being dressed so stuffily all the time it was nice reading about someone who undressed as much as Bran did.
It was also about Joanna (Jo) who was married to a vicar for 8 years and he blamed everything that was wrong with their sex life on her, even when she caught him in bed with another man Matthias blamed that on Jo too. Anyway, she and Matthias assumed she was barren when he never got her pregnant, but that wasn’t the case.
This was a good story but maybe a little too much sex for me. Three bedroom scenes is really too much, unless it’s a 400 page book.
As to the narration: Marian Hussey was simply incredible. The voices and the emotions with which she read were awesome.
June 29, 2017
A pleasing read!-__4 1/2 stars
Quite a beautiful story about a man who doesn't fit into the role thrust upon him and a woman betrayed by choices thrust upon her.
Bran Crowther, Earl of Knighton can't stand to be back in England. Indeed he figuratively and literally is chafed by the burden. He fled the constrictions and oppressiveness of England and his family at a young age. He found himself in Barbados. Now duty has called him back. Dubbed a defiant child by his mother, Bran is touted as the Defiant Duke.
Joanna Shaw now had freedom from a doomed marriage but what will she do? There is a definite attraction between Jo and Bran. Bran needs an heir and Jo's eight year marriage resulted in no children.
These two hurt souls come together healing each other, although with some mishaps on the way.
A NetGalley ARC
Quite a beautiful story about a man who doesn't fit into the role thrust upon him and a woman betrayed by choices thrust upon her.
Bran Crowther, Earl of Knighton can't stand to be back in England. Indeed he figuratively and literally is chafed by the burden. He fled the constrictions and oppressiveness of England and his family at a young age. He found himself in Barbados. Now duty has called him back. Dubbed a defiant child by his mother, Bran is touted as the Defiant Duke.
Joanna Shaw now had freedom from a doomed marriage but what will she do? There is a definite attraction between Jo and Bran. Bran needs an heir and Jo's eight year marriage resulted in no children.
These two hurt souls come together healing each other, although with some mishaps on the way.
A NetGalley ARC
October 4, 2020
After the passing of her cruel and uncaring husband, widow Joanna Shaw is not looking for a new husband, but finds herself envious of her sister having children. Her sister's daughter is friends with the daughter of the Earl of Knighton, Bran Crowther, and when Bran gets to know Joanna, decides she would make a wonderful governess. But when the two begin to fall passionately in love, it is Joanna's infertility that makes her believe she could not make him happy.
This story was pretty sweet. Obviously it covers infertility, so be cautious of this going in (I spent the entire book worried this would be handled terribly, but I thought it was done well). This is definitely a romance I recommend for people who love found family romance, particularly historical governess ones. I liked that this story also focused heavily on Joanna's journey, and seeing her grow into such a strong and open young women was really rewarding. Bran was also interesting, particularly with his backstory and life in Barbados, and how he detested returning to England to take on the Earldom. The sexual interactions between the two progressed a bit too quickly for my reading tastes, but it was still sweet and pulled at my heart strings. I took a .5 star off for a scene that was a little fuzzy with the consent, so keep that in mind.
The Untouchables rating order:
The Duke of Deception ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
The Duke of Desire ✯ ✯ ✯.5
The Duke of Daring ✯ ✯ ✯.5
The Duke of Defiance ✯ ✯ ✯
The Forbidden Duke ✯ ✯ ✯
This story was pretty sweet. Obviously it covers infertility, so be cautious of this going in (I spent the entire book worried this would be handled terribly, but I thought it was done well). This is definitely a romance I recommend for people who love found family romance, particularly historical governess ones. I liked that this story also focused heavily on Joanna's journey, and seeing her grow into such a strong and open young women was really rewarding. Bran was also interesting, particularly with his backstory and life in Barbados, and how he detested returning to England to take on the Earldom. The sexual interactions between the two progressed a bit too quickly for my reading tastes, but it was still sweet and pulled at my heart strings. I took a .5 star off for a scene that was a little fuzzy with the consent, so keep that in mind.
The Untouchables rating order:
The Duke of Deception ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
The Duke of Desire ✯ ✯ ✯.5
The Duke of Daring ✯ ✯ ✯.5
The Duke of Defiance ✯ ✯ ✯
The Forbidden Duke ✯ ✯ ✯
May 4, 2018
Another great read in this series.
June 27, 2017
4.5 stars
This is the story of Joanna Shaw (sister of Nora aka the Forbidden Duchess) and Bran Crowther, the Earl of Knighton aka the Duke of Defiance.
Bran has lived the last 15 years in Barbados, ever since he left England and never looked back. As the third son of an earl, he never expected to inherit and had no desire to. He never really fit into his family and was dubbed defiant by his mother. He was happy in Barbados, he married, had a daughter, became widowed, made a fortune and never planned to return to England.
Joanna Shaw is now living with her sister Nora, Duchess of Kendal. She is widowed too, but her marriage was far different than Bran's. Jo married her husband after Nora was ruined, he husband was very unkind and it only got worse over the years when it became obvious that Jo was barren. Now that he is dead, Jo is not sure what to do with her life. She meets Bran when he comes to the house to pick up his daughter Evie. He asks Nora for help choosing a nurse for Evie and she agrees to assist him. But when the day comes for the interviews, she is unable to make it and sends Jo in her place.
Bran is a very unusual man, I suspect that he suffers (and always has) from an Anxiety disorder, he can't stand crowds, hates wearing clothes, is particular about what he eats and needs massages to control his anxiety. Jo is fascinated by him, he is unlike any man she has ever known. They form a friendship of sorts and when they meet again at a ball, they share a dance and a kiss. Bran has feelings for Jo that he never had for his late wife and he feels comfortable with her. After their kiss, he impulsively proposes. Jo is shocked by her reaction to Bran, but knowing she is barren, she declines his proposal.
Days later, Bran is in need of help again and seeks out Joanna. This time he asks her to be Evie's governess. Jo tells him she will consider it, but when he returns with Evie, she agrees.
Jo really is the perfect woman for Bran, and as much as she loves Evie and is coming to love Bran, she cannot marry him because he needs an heir and she cannot give him one. When Bran approaches Jo about their attraction, she finally tells him the whole truth of her marriage. Bran is outraged on her behalf and asks her to consider an affair with him. Jo is skeptical, but she does embark on a very heated affair with him and has hope for the first time in years that she may actually be able to conceive.
When her hopes are dashed, she ends their affair, knowing that he will have to marry and she can't bear to watch that happen. As usual, Bran does not handle the news correctly and lets Jo go.
This was an interesting tale, it touched on several painful issues, anxiety disorders and infertility. I could feel Joanna's pain and anger and Bran's anxiety was palpable. I applaud Ms. Burke for her handling and portrayal of these very delicate subjects. The writing was spot on, the story flowed well, there were some amusing moments, great secondary characters, very steamy love scenes and a very sweet ending.
While this book is part of the Untouchables series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the next "Untouchable"!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC provided to me by the author for the purpose of review*
This is the story of Joanna Shaw (sister of Nora aka the Forbidden Duchess) and Bran Crowther, the Earl of Knighton aka the Duke of Defiance.
Bran has lived the last 15 years in Barbados, ever since he left England and never looked back. As the third son of an earl, he never expected to inherit and had no desire to. He never really fit into his family and was dubbed defiant by his mother. He was happy in Barbados, he married, had a daughter, became widowed, made a fortune and never planned to return to England.
Joanna Shaw is now living with her sister Nora, Duchess of Kendal. She is widowed too, but her marriage was far different than Bran's. Jo married her husband after Nora was ruined, he husband was very unkind and it only got worse over the years when it became obvious that Jo was barren. Now that he is dead, Jo is not sure what to do with her life. She meets Bran when he comes to the house to pick up his daughter Evie. He asks Nora for help choosing a nurse for Evie and she agrees to assist him. But when the day comes for the interviews, she is unable to make it and sends Jo in her place.
Bran is a very unusual man, I suspect that he suffers (and always has) from an Anxiety disorder, he can't stand crowds, hates wearing clothes, is particular about what he eats and needs massages to control his anxiety. Jo is fascinated by him, he is unlike any man she has ever known. They form a friendship of sorts and when they meet again at a ball, they share a dance and a kiss. Bran has feelings for Jo that he never had for his late wife and he feels comfortable with her. After their kiss, he impulsively proposes. Jo is shocked by her reaction to Bran, but knowing she is barren, she declines his proposal.
Days later, Bran is in need of help again and seeks out Joanna. This time he asks her to be Evie's governess. Jo tells him she will consider it, but when he returns with Evie, she agrees.
Jo really is the perfect woman for Bran, and as much as she loves Evie and is coming to love Bran, she cannot marry him because he needs an heir and she cannot give him one. When Bran approaches Jo about their attraction, she finally tells him the whole truth of her marriage. Bran is outraged on her behalf and asks her to consider an affair with him. Jo is skeptical, but she does embark on a very heated affair with him and has hope for the first time in years that she may actually be able to conceive.
When her hopes are dashed, she ends their affair, knowing that he will have to marry and she can't bear to watch that happen. As usual, Bran does not handle the news correctly and lets Jo go.
This was an interesting tale, it touched on several painful issues, anxiety disorders and infertility. I could feel Joanna's pain and anger and Bran's anxiety was palpable. I applaud Ms. Burke for her handling and portrayal of these very delicate subjects. The writing was spot on, the story flowed well, there were some amusing moments, great secondary characters, very steamy love scenes and a very sweet ending.
While this book is part of the Untouchables series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the next "Untouchable"!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC provided to me by the author for the purpose of review*
July 2, 2017
'The Duke of Defiance" by Darcy Burke is book Five in "The Untouchables" series. This is the story of Bran and Joanna, "Jo". I have read the other books in this series but feel this can easily be a standalone book. Although Jo's sister story was covered in the first book in this series.
Bran left home at an early age to get away from his abusive family. Bran made a life that included a wife and an young daughter. But now he is back with his young daughter after losing his wife and now inheriting a Title.
Jo had to marry the first and only man to ask her after her sister caused a scandal that took her options away. Now after the abusive and loveless marriage she has sworn off doing so again. Jo is happy to just be around her sister's children.
But when Jo meets little Evie who is Bran's daughter its hard not to fall for her.
Ms. Burke has written some really heartfelt subjects and her Romance Books are ones that you just can't put down!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Bran left home at an early age to get away from his abusive family. Bran made a life that included a wife and an young daughter. But now he is back with his young daughter after losing his wife and now inheriting a Title.
Jo had to marry the first and only man to ask her after her sister caused a scandal that took her options away. Now after the abusive and loveless marriage she has sworn off doing so again. Jo is happy to just be around her sister's children.
But when Jo meets little Evie who is Bran's daughter its hard not to fall for her.
Ms. Burke has written some really heartfelt subjects and her Romance Books are ones that you just can't put down!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
http://booklikes.com/blog
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
https://plus.google.com/+SissyHicks
https://www.pinterest.com/u2soapsrus/
July 3, 2017
Jo and Bram might be my favorite couple in this series :)
I loved Bram's idiosyncrasies and his devotion to his daughter--they definitely helped to make him one of the more unique heroes out there. (Though I kept hoping we'd find out something more about why he was that way--even just an author's note. I'm guessing with the anti-touch tendencies and the way he tensed up in social situations that he's somewhere on the autism spectrum, maybe? Either way, his need to get out of restrictive clothing ASAP led to some--ahem--interesting moments for him...and Jo ;))
Jo just broke my heart with her awful first marriage and conviction that she couldn't have children because she hadn't yet, which was her main argument for why they couldn't be together. Kudos to Bram for pointing out it wasn't necessarily her "fault" that she hadn't; it made for both a frustrating and heartbreaking reason for keeping them apart.
All while not keeping them apart, of course, because yeah. They were all kinds of together when they weren't supposed to be. ;)
Evie was a fun character, even though towards the end she sometimes acted just a little bit too mature for her age, she was still all kinds of adorable.
It was fun seeing what is going on with the rest of the Untouchables and their wives, though this book could also stand on its own if needed.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I loved Bram's idiosyncrasies and his devotion to his daughter--they definitely helped to make him one of the more unique heroes out there. (Though I kept hoping we'd find out something more about why he was that way--even just an author's note. I'm guessing with the anti-touch tendencies and the way he tensed up in social situations that he's somewhere on the autism spectrum, maybe? Either way, his need to get out of restrictive clothing ASAP led to some--ahem--interesting moments for him...and Jo ;))
Jo just broke my heart with her awful first marriage and conviction that she couldn't have children because she hadn't yet, which was her main argument for why they couldn't be together. Kudos to Bram for pointing out it wasn't necessarily her "fault" that she hadn't; it made for both a frustrating and heartbreaking reason for keeping them apart.
All while not keeping them apart, of course, because yeah. They were all kinds of together when they weren't supposed to be. ;)
Evie was a fun character, even though towards the end she sometimes acted just a little bit too mature for her age, she was still all kinds of adorable.
It was fun seeing what is going on with the rest of the Untouchables and their wives, though this book could also stand on its own if needed.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 22, 2018
I absolutely Love The Duke of Defiance. It was the story of the Bran the New Earl of Knighton and Joanna Shaw widow of a reprobate Vicar and sister to The Duchess of Kendal.
Bran and his 5 year old daughter Evie have left there home in Barbados to come and live in England because his two eldest brothers have died in a boating accident and his father has also died. Living on a island is nothing like living as a Titled Lord In England. Bran and Evie must learn to live by the strict standards of the Aristocracy.
Joanna Shaw is now free after a horrid marriage of 8 years her reprobate husband has been dead for a year and now she can come out of morning. She meets Evie through her 5 year old niece Becky. The two little girls are just marvelous to read through out the story and the best of friends. It seems to me that children make a story more real. Joanna is the sister of Nora The Duchess of Kendal who we met a few books back in her and the Duke of Kendal's story The Forbidden Duke.
The growing romance and family between Bran and Joanna was just beautifully written and the love both of them have for Evie is just frosting on the cake. At times what the couple endured in there past lives was sad there coming together and building a family was just great storytelling. The Duke of the Defiance is one of the best books in The Untouchable series although all of the books have been really great. I am really Happy I decided to continue reading this series.
Bran and his 5 year old daughter Evie have left there home in Barbados to come and live in England because his two eldest brothers have died in a boating accident and his father has also died. Living on a island is nothing like living as a Titled Lord In England. Bran and Evie must learn to live by the strict standards of the Aristocracy.
Joanna Shaw is now free after a horrid marriage of 8 years her reprobate husband has been dead for a year and now she can come out of morning. She meets Evie through her 5 year old niece Becky. The two little girls are just marvelous to read through out the story and the best of friends. It seems to me that children make a story more real. Joanna is the sister of Nora The Duchess of Kendal who we met a few books back in her and the Duke of Kendal's story The Forbidden Duke.
The growing romance and family between Bran and Joanna was just beautifully written and the love both of them have for Evie is just frosting on the cake. At times what the couple endured in there past lives was sad there coming together and building a family was just great storytelling. The Duke of the Defiance is one of the best books in The Untouchable series although all of the books have been really great. I am really Happy I decided to continue reading this series.
January 27, 2025
This book wasn't bad ... but it also wasn't exactly good either.
For one thing, the title is a bit of a misnomer. The main hero, Bran, isn't a Duke at all, but an Earl. Apparently, the wives of all the peerage gave their husbands these nicknames ... hence the titles of the books(?).
I thought that was immediately dumb. Bran meets all these guys in one big clump and they all start calling each other by them, like, "Haha, I'm called the Forbidden Duke (book 1)" and then someone else piped up with, "It's better than being called The Duke of Desire (book 4)" and then, "Haha. Our wives were all best friends and wallflowers. They gave us all these. I'm called The Duke of Daring (book 2)."
I mean, come ON! Seriously? I just thought that it was a little desperate. Then, to make the moniker for Bran, they KEEP writing that Bran's mom always called him Bran the Defiant. And that somehow leads to his nickname. It's the title of the book. Ugh.
Now, I did enjoy how the author wrote the main heroine Joanna. She had been married for 8 years to a man who treated her kinda awful. Then, because she wasn't able to get pregnant, the guy blamed HER, which was kinda typical of the time period. It really did make her quite timid around trusting Bran and his interest in her. So that was what I enjoyed was her learning that he wasn't a bad guy.
I also really liked Bran's daughter Evie. She was such a cute little matchmaker with her best friend, Becky. They were a fun pair to follow through the story. Plus, her constant, steadfast love for Jo was so cute. She had picked Jo to be her new mom from the beginning.
Despite all those plusses though, this was still mostly lukewarm, mediocre, lackluster. It was ... fine. I guess. But I just didn't care for it enough.
For one thing, the title is a bit of a misnomer. The main hero, Bran, isn't a Duke at all, but an Earl. Apparently, the wives of all the peerage gave their husbands these nicknames ... hence the titles of the books(?).
I thought that was immediately dumb. Bran meets all these guys in one big clump and they all start calling each other by them, like, "Haha, I'm called the Forbidden Duke (book 1)" and then someone else piped up with, "It's better than being called The Duke of Desire (book 4)" and then, "Haha. Our wives were all best friends and wallflowers. They gave us all these. I'm called The Duke of Daring (book 2)."
I mean, come ON! Seriously? I just thought that it was a little desperate. Then, to make the moniker for Bran, they KEEP writing that Bran's mom always called him Bran the Defiant. And that somehow leads to his nickname. It's the title of the book. Ugh.
Now, I did enjoy how the author wrote the main heroine Joanna. She had been married for 8 years to a man who treated her kinda awful. Then, because she wasn't able to get pregnant, the guy blamed HER, which was kinda typical of the time period. It really did make her quite timid around trusting Bran and his interest in her. So that was what I enjoyed was her learning that he wasn't a bad guy.
I also really liked Bran's daughter Evie. She was such a cute little matchmaker with her best friend, Becky. They were a fun pair to follow through the story. Plus, her constant, steadfast love for Jo was so cute. She had picked Jo to be her new mom from the beginning.
Despite all those plusses though, this was still mostly lukewarm, mediocre, lackluster. It was ... fine. I guess. But I just didn't care for it enough.
June 24, 2017
Another fantastic addition to this series!
I just love these books. This is the second standalone I've read, and I can't wait to go back and read them all!!
In this story, I really enjoyed Jo. I felt she was realistic (for as much as I know about the time period, which isn't a lot, but I really liked her!), and I especially liked how she had a very unfortunate past and she actually told Bran about it. None of this "I'll just have to keep my secret until the end of the book for a big reveal" sort of thing.
Bran was awesome! True to his nickname, he did as he pleased. Period. And boy, he did NOT mess around when it came to his daughter. She was his number one priority and it was really endearing to read how he made that principle his life's mission.
For as sweet as this book was, HOLY SMOKES was there some hotness in there! Jo and Bran couldn't be together in the public eye, so they had to sneak in their alone time, and boy, was there some steam in those stolen moments!
All in all, I love this series and can't wait to read more books by Darcy!
(I received a copy of this book in consideration of an honest review)
I just love these books. This is the second standalone I've read, and I can't wait to go back and read them all!!
In this story, I really enjoyed Jo. I felt she was realistic (for as much as I know about the time period, which isn't a lot, but I really liked her!), and I especially liked how she had a very unfortunate past and she actually told Bran about it. None of this "I'll just have to keep my secret until the end of the book for a big reveal" sort of thing.
Bran was awesome! True to his nickname, he did as he pleased. Period. And boy, he did NOT mess around when it came to his daughter. She was his number one priority and it was really endearing to read how he made that principle his life's mission.
For as sweet as this book was, HOLY SMOKES was there some hotness in there! Jo and Bran couldn't be together in the public eye, so they had to sneak in their alone time, and boy, was there some steam in those stolen moments!
All in all, I love this series and can't wait to read more books by Darcy!
(I received a copy of this book in consideration of an honest review)
July 23, 2017
A BUY BUY BUY BOOK!
One of the things I have come to expect from this author is the unexpected!. I must say I adore the way she writes her characters and plot lines. They are indescribably unique in some aspects of the story. Now for the review of this wonderful book. Having read the others in this series, I was and am continually surprised that the series just gets better. It seems that there is always a new element and the overall outcome is fantastic. I sincerely liked this story and did not stop until I was finished reading from the beginning to the end. It seemed like time flew and when it came to the end I was wishing for more already. The hero is a romantic gentle but manly man. The heroine a strong but incredibly feminine woman. Each aspect of their characters including the children thrown into the story was wonderful!
So for a great read. Buy this book! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom
One of the things I have come to expect from this author is the unexpected!. I must say I adore the way she writes her characters and plot lines. They are indescribably unique in some aspects of the story. Now for the review of this wonderful book. Having read the others in this series, I was and am continually surprised that the series just gets better. It seems that there is always a new element and the overall outcome is fantastic. I sincerely liked this story and did not stop until I was finished reading from the beginning to the end. It seemed like time flew and when it came to the end I was wishing for more already. The hero is a romantic gentle but manly man. The heroine a strong but incredibly feminine woman. Each aspect of their characters including the children thrown into the story was wonderful!
So for a great read. Buy this book! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom
July 21, 2021
Joanna Shaw and Bran Crowther
And Bran's daughter Evie.
Beautiful cover.
I really loved this book and all of the characters.
The only flaw was making Joanna's first husband gay and abusive to her. In my experience gay men love women and have women they are close to and dependent on even if they have a husband or lover. So that was unrealistic and problematic for me. I took off a star for that.
And Bran's daughter Evie.
Beautiful cover.
I really loved this book and all of the characters.
The only flaw was making Joanna's first husband gay and abusive to her. In my experience gay men love women and have women they are close to and dependent on even if they have a husband or lover. So that was unrealistic and problematic for me. I took off a star for that.
June 18, 2017
My favorite Untouchable. Just wow! The story is so romantic and the characters are vulnerable and courageous and march to the beat of their own drummer. A very refreshing tale in the romance genre. Loved Bran and Joanna (and Evie). If you want a feel good read, definitely pick up this book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
October 10, 2018
DNF'd at: 177
CW: questionable consent, abuse, poor treatment of character w/ a mental illness.
I don't even know where to begin. This book started off decent enough, then it was a bit uncomfortable, till finally it was downright terrible. I would give this book less than half a star if I could. Jo & maybe the children (Evie & Beckie) were the only characters I cared about; we'll get to Bran in a bit. On top of that this book had no plot, was incredibly predictable, & there was no antagonist to speak of. Unless you count Jo's emotional damage she got from her possibly gay, dickwad of a first husband then NOPE! The only main problem(s) seemed to be Frat boy Bran (as I started referring to him as) getting married, having an heir, & hiring staff.
Sidenote: It's never specified what is causing Bran to have these quote "acts of defiance". My best guess upon googling/personal experience I can assume he has some form of autism or maybe asperger's? That in it of itself is interesting considering the time this story takes place; but this is in no ways justifies the way he treats Jo or anyone else. So buckle up.
My #1 problem with this book was how Jo's emotional journey was handled & how she was made to ignore her obvious mental health problems (like Bran's mother did to him). Whereas Bran is not forced to change, his quote "quirks" are shrugged off, & Jo just has to learn to accept them. It's very clear from the get go that Matthais was not winning husband of the year. He belittled, scorned, & bashed Jo's looks/character in anyway he could for the entirety of their marriage. This caused Jo to have anxiety, especially in reference to sex. She struggles to accept compliments, to feel she will ever be good enough, & many other mental health problems. Which is understandable. As a person who's gone through emotional/mental abuse as well it's an everyday battle to realize & accept there are people who love & care for you & that you do matter.
Frat Boy Bran shows on MULTIPLE occasions that he doesn't understand what Jo is dealing with internally & thus doesn't care how his actions or words will affect her. Pretty much repeating the cycle of abuse he received at the hands of his mother & brothers.
Here's a few examples:
-Pg. 149 (compliments her)
Jo: "I don't know what to say to that"
FBB: "That's just it. You don't have to say anything. Accept who you are."
aka-"Just except the damn compliment woman, what's wrong with you?"
-Pg 164 to 165 Upon Bran entering Jo's bedchambers he asks her to have sex... to which she refuses MULTIPLE TIMES!! (his reasoning is to "prove" she's not barren & he knows she likes him so lets fuck!)
Jo: "No" "I can't... You won't enjoy it." "You need to leave" (<---Frat Boy responds to this by saying "I would too enjoy it!" & then proceeds to grab her hand & pull her towards him)
SHE SAID NO. IT'S CALLED CONSENT YOU PIECE OF SHIT!
-Pg 166 (Jo starts to tremble because she's being forced to perform an act that has caused her distress in the past.)
FBB: "Have you any reason not to trust me?"
Jo: "It's too...horrifying"
I'm not even gonna get into his long spiel explaining away her worries, fears, & FUCKING TRAUMA is unjustified. To summarize he says "Durrr sex is great, it's your husband's fault for not being able to show you how great sex is. I'll show you how great sex is tho, then all your trauma will disappear because orgasms erase past sexual fears. Fun fact. So stop being afraid, cause I'm better than him."
-Pg. 170 (about to have sex after pressuring her into it)
FBB: "I'll take it personally if you don't enjoy the hell out of this."
FUCK YOU DUDE. Do I need to explain how fucking disgusting this is?!
-Pg. 174 (Bran has just fingered her & in response she's now about to give him a hj)
Jo: "Exploring. You've done much to dispel my anxiety & my fears"
Ummmm what? So all Jo needed to "cure" her trauma of performing sexual acts & emotional abuse at the hands of her deceased husband was a good orgasm from this dickwad. I am so pissed right now I could scream, but it's 5am.
I think I've given enough examples. There are more that I have from skim reading but I honestly don't want to think about this absolutely atrocious book for the rest of my life. Jo deserved so much better, & mental illness is not something that can be cured by having sex with a hot guy. The More You Know!
CW: questionable consent, abuse, poor treatment of character w/ a mental illness.
I don't even know where to begin. This book started off decent enough, then it was a bit uncomfortable, till finally it was downright terrible. I would give this book less than half a star if I could. Jo & maybe the children (Evie & Beckie) were the only characters I cared about; we'll get to Bran in a bit. On top of that this book had no plot, was incredibly predictable, & there was no antagonist to speak of. Unless you count Jo's emotional damage she got from her possibly gay, dickwad of a first husband then NOPE! The only main problem(s) seemed to be Frat boy Bran (as I started referring to him as) getting married, having an heir, & hiring staff.
Sidenote: It's never specified what is causing Bran to have these quote "acts of defiance". My best guess upon googling/personal experience I can assume he has some form of autism or maybe asperger's? That in it of itself is interesting considering the time this story takes place; but this is in no ways justifies the way he treats Jo or anyone else. So buckle up.
My #1 problem with this book was how Jo's emotional journey was handled & how she was made to ignore her obvious mental health problems (like Bran's mother did to him). Whereas Bran is not forced to change, his quote "quirks" are shrugged off, & Jo just has to learn to accept them. It's very clear from the get go that Matthais was not winning husband of the year. He belittled, scorned, & bashed Jo's looks/character in anyway he could for the entirety of their marriage. This caused Jo to have anxiety, especially in reference to sex. She struggles to accept compliments, to feel she will ever be good enough, & many other mental health problems. Which is understandable. As a person who's gone through emotional/mental abuse as well it's an everyday battle to realize & accept there are people who love & care for you & that you do matter.
Frat Boy Bran shows on MULTIPLE occasions that he doesn't understand what Jo is dealing with internally & thus doesn't care how his actions or words will affect her. Pretty much repeating the cycle of abuse he received at the hands of his mother & brothers.
Here's a few examples:
-Pg. 149 (compliments her)
Jo: "I don't know what to say to that"
FBB: "That's just it. You don't have to say anything. Accept who you are."
aka-"Just except the damn compliment woman, what's wrong with you?"
-Pg 164 to 165 Upon Bran entering Jo's bedchambers he asks her to have sex... to which she refuses MULTIPLE TIMES!! (his reasoning is to "prove" she's not barren & he knows she likes him so lets fuck!)
Jo: "No" "I can't... You won't enjoy it." "You need to leave" (<---Frat Boy responds to this by saying "I would too enjoy it!" & then proceeds to grab her hand & pull her towards him)
SHE SAID NO. IT'S CALLED CONSENT YOU PIECE OF SHIT!
-Pg 166 (Jo starts to tremble because she's being forced to perform an act that has caused her distress in the past.)
FBB: "Have you any reason not to trust me?"
Jo: "It's too...horrifying"
I'm not even gonna get into his long spiel explaining away her worries, fears, & FUCKING TRAUMA is unjustified. To summarize he says "Durrr sex is great, it's your husband's fault for not being able to show you how great sex is. I'll show you how great sex is tho, then all your trauma will disappear because orgasms erase past sexual fears. Fun fact. So stop being afraid, cause I'm better than him."
-Pg. 170 (about to have sex after pressuring her into it)
FBB: "I'll take it personally if you don't enjoy the hell out of this."
FUCK YOU DUDE. Do I need to explain how fucking disgusting this is?!
-Pg. 174 (Bran has just fingered her & in response she's now about to give him a hj)
Jo: "Exploring. You've done much to dispel my anxiety & my fears"
Ummmm what? So all Jo needed to "cure" her trauma of performing sexual acts & emotional abuse at the hands of her deceased husband was a good orgasm from this dickwad. I am so pissed right now I could scream, but it's 5am.
I think I've given enough examples. There are more that I have from skim reading but I honestly don't want to think about this absolutely atrocious book for the rest of my life. Jo deserved so much better, & mental illness is not something that can be cured by having sex with a hot guy. The More You Know!
July 6, 2017
The Duke of Defiance is the fifth book in The Untouchables series by Darcy Burke. Although part of a series it can easily be read as a stand alone book. But, if you are anything like me, you will want to read all the others as well after reading this one!
Bran Crowther a third son to his parents, was brought up always being made to feel that his life was of little consequence. His brothers bullied him relentlessly, and his parents weren't much better. Eventually he had enough and he just bought passage on the nearest ship at dock not caring where he ended up, anywhere was better than England. He ended up in Barbados where he made his fortune owning a sugar plantation. He married and had a beautiful daughter, and despite losing his wife to the fever, he was content with his life. It was with horror that he is told that his brothers and father have all died and that he has to return to England and take up his place as the new Earl of Knighton. It's the very last thing he wants to do, but it's his duty, so he packs up his home and moves back to England with his young daughter.
Joanna Shaw is a widow, her husband, a vicar, treated her abominably, and made her feel useless and a waste of his time when she couldn't fall pregnant over 8 years of marriage. It was no small relief when he died and she could escape to her sister Nora. Nora has 2 children and another on the way. Jo dotes on her niece and nephew and although she feels guilty living with her sister and her husband, feeling like she should be finding a place of her own, she's not too motivated because she loves being with the children.
Nora's daughter Becky has made a new friend and they are as thick as thieves. Both little girls are 5 years old, the other little girl being Bran's daughter, Evie. He is so grateful that the girls get on because it is helping Evie settle into life in England. She's been terribly homesick, especially after having to leave her 'nanny' behind. On one occasion when Bran picks Evie up from Nora's, he meets Jo. At first sight he thinks her quite dull, especially as she is wearing drab mourning clothes. But the more he sees her, the more he realises that she is a very beautiful woman, both inside and out. Evie loves her, and for now he accepts that he very much lusts after her. He needs a new nanny, a new governess, and a new mother for Evie. All things point to him asking Jo to be the latter. After a passionate kiss, he does ask her to marry him and is upset when she turns him down. He needs an heir, and she knows she can't provide him with one and she tells him that. Eventually she decides she does need to be part of Evie's life, so she agrees to become her governess.
There are some very passionate moments for Bran and Jo, and despite not wanting to, each of them find themselves falling in love. It can't go anywhere, Bran must do his duty, but oh the ecstasy they find in each others arms and beds. It's all so perfect, but Jo knows that one day Bran must find a Duchess, and her heart will be broken. Maybe she needs to cut and run before she has to witness that happening. Losing both him and Evie will be more than she can take.
This story was so beautifully written, and it hooked me from page one. I couldn't put the book down and just had to read it in one sitting even though it meant reading into the wee hours of the morning. I loved how both Jo and Bran had such a hard time in their pasts, and how each helped the other overcome the bad memories. I loved reading about Evie and Becky and what great friends they are. I will admit that at times the children seemed much older than their 5 years, unbelievably so, but it didn't stop me loving reading about their antics. As for the best part of the book.....the way it ended, well I won't give spoilers, suffice to say, I put the book down with a big smile on my face. Now I have to read all the other books in the series because if they are all as good as this one then I will have many more late nights to come!
Bran Crowther a third son to his parents, was brought up always being made to feel that his life was of little consequence. His brothers bullied him relentlessly, and his parents weren't much better. Eventually he had enough and he just bought passage on the nearest ship at dock not caring where he ended up, anywhere was better than England. He ended up in Barbados where he made his fortune owning a sugar plantation. He married and had a beautiful daughter, and despite losing his wife to the fever, he was content with his life. It was with horror that he is told that his brothers and father have all died and that he has to return to England and take up his place as the new Earl of Knighton. It's the very last thing he wants to do, but it's his duty, so he packs up his home and moves back to England with his young daughter.
Joanna Shaw is a widow, her husband, a vicar, treated her abominably, and made her feel useless and a waste of his time when she couldn't fall pregnant over 8 years of marriage. It was no small relief when he died and she could escape to her sister Nora. Nora has 2 children and another on the way. Jo dotes on her niece and nephew and although she feels guilty living with her sister and her husband, feeling like she should be finding a place of her own, she's not too motivated because she loves being with the children.
Nora's daughter Becky has made a new friend and they are as thick as thieves. Both little girls are 5 years old, the other little girl being Bran's daughter, Evie. He is so grateful that the girls get on because it is helping Evie settle into life in England. She's been terribly homesick, especially after having to leave her 'nanny' behind. On one occasion when Bran picks Evie up from Nora's, he meets Jo. At first sight he thinks her quite dull, especially as she is wearing drab mourning clothes. But the more he sees her, the more he realises that she is a very beautiful woman, both inside and out. Evie loves her, and for now he accepts that he very much lusts after her. He needs a new nanny, a new governess, and a new mother for Evie. All things point to him asking Jo to be the latter. After a passionate kiss, he does ask her to marry him and is upset when she turns him down. He needs an heir, and she knows she can't provide him with one and she tells him that. Eventually she decides she does need to be part of Evie's life, so she agrees to become her governess.
There are some very passionate moments for Bran and Jo, and despite not wanting to, each of them find themselves falling in love. It can't go anywhere, Bran must do his duty, but oh the ecstasy they find in each others arms and beds. It's all so perfect, but Jo knows that one day Bran must find a Duchess, and her heart will be broken. Maybe she needs to cut and run before she has to witness that happening. Losing both him and Evie will be more than she can take.
This story was so beautifully written, and it hooked me from page one. I couldn't put the book down and just had to read it in one sitting even though it meant reading into the wee hours of the morning. I loved how both Jo and Bran had such a hard time in their pasts, and how each helped the other overcome the bad memories. I loved reading about Evie and Becky and what great friends they are. I will admit that at times the children seemed much older than their 5 years, unbelievably so, but it didn't stop me loving reading about their antics. As for the best part of the book.....the way it ended, well I won't give spoilers, suffice to say, I put the book down with a big smile on my face. Now I have to read all the other books in the series because if they are all as good as this one then I will have many more late nights to come!
July 15, 2017
This was my first introduction to the writing of Darcy Burke and I greatly enjoyed it! I found it very easy to relate to the characters and the story had great passion, angst, and a sweet ending.
Joanna Shaw is a widow currently residing with the family of her sister, after having endured an extremely unhappy marriage. Bran is a widower recently returned from Barbados with his 5 year old daughter in tow, after learning that he has inherited his family title following the death of his two older brothers. Jo's niece Becky, and Bran's daughter Evie strike up a close friendship since the two families live just down the road from each other. This brings Bran and Jo in frequent contact with each other and the sparks begin to fly. Bran knows very little about setting up a household and the proper care of his daughter. This is where Jo steps in to lend a hand, ending with her becoming Evie's governess. Both Bran and Evie are out of their element since leaving Barbados, and Jo helps both to acclimate to the strictures of England.
There is quite a bit of angst in this novel, between the two main characters. Bran proposes multiple times to Jo, but she refuses due to her belief that she is barren. She comes to this conclusion due to the fact that she was married for seven years and could not produce a child for her husband. Bran tries to convince her that this could be entirely her deceased husband, but she has been damaged by the verbal abuse she suffered in her unhappy marriage. In her mind, Jo could not in good conscience accept Bran's proposal, knowing that one of his main duties would be to produce an heir, which she could not do if she was barren. So, Bran suggests that they carry on an affair, which ends up bringing them even closer together. In the end, they both realize they have fallen in love and Bran begs Jo to marry him, saying he doesn't care if she is barren, and she finally agrees.
The passion between Jo and Bran was hot, hot, hot! Bran has a quirk where he didn't like to wear too much clothing, as it made his skin itch. When he lived in Barbados, things weren't so rigid, and he had no need to wear restrictive or layered clothing. That was not the case in England, and what cracked me up the most, was Bran disrobing at the most inappropriate times. Take for example the clip below:
"Feeling as constricted as he had in the ballroom, he shrugged out of his coat and draped it over his arm.
“Are you disrobing again?” she asked.
“You can hear that?”
“I’m afraid so. But since I can’t see you, it really doesn’t signify.”
He chuckled, pleased with her logic. “As it happens, I’d already untied my cravat before I arrived here.”
“I can’t even manage to feign shock.” Now her voice held a lilt of humor, as if she were smiling.
He laughed again, and a cool, early spring breeze wafted over him. How he missed the warmth of Barbados.
“Will you tell me about it?” she asked.
Had he said that out loud—about Barbados? Apparently so. “I could stand here all night and not manage to tell you everything.”
“Then just tell me something.”
He closed his eyes and summoned his home. “The colors there are like nothing you’ve ever seen—the blue-green water, the white-gold sand, colors that not even the rainbow can do justice to.”
“It sounds beautiful.” Her voice was soft, almost reverent. “How did you decide to go there?”
He opened his eyes but still couldn’t see her. “That was where the ship was headed. I didn’t care where I was going, so long as it wasn’t here.”
“You must have been terribly miserable.” She sounded as if she’d moved a bit closer.
“I wasn’t needed here.” Or wanted, really. His entire family had encouraged him to buy a commission or perhaps take a vicarage. He’d considered both ideas, but after his brothers had spread that vicious rumor, he’d simply walked on the first ship leaving England. And he’d never looked back.
“And now?” Her question whispered over him, lulling him with its sweet curiosity.
“Now, I’m the earl. I’m needed.”
“And your brothers are gone.”
He exhaled, as if realizing for the first time that they really were gone. That he could perhaps be here and be happy. Or at least not miserable. Still, it wasn’t home. Not yet. “I miss the blazing sun.”
“Especially right now, I’d wager.”
He heard a tremor in her voice. “Wait, are you chilled? Where are you?” He reached out with his free hand and touched her.
Stepping forward—it didn’t take much to reach her—he settled his coat on her shoulders. “Better?” he asked.
“Yes, thank you.”
He didn’t take his hands away. “Why did you come out here?”
“I—”
He heard the hesitation in her voice and felt a shiver in her body. He didn’t think that was from the night air. “You can tell me. If you want.”
“I felt…overwhelmed. As if I couldn’t breathe. I just needed to get out.”
God, he’d felt like that his entire life. “I was never able to sit still when I was younger. Or wear clothing. I often felt like I wanted to crawl out of my very skin. I used to scratch myself raw.”
“That sounds horrid. How did you stop?”
“I don’t know. Leaving here helped.”
“And now that you’re back? Things aren’t as bad as they were?”
No, he supposed they weren’t. Just as he had a few moments ago, when she’d pointed out that his brothers were indeed gone, he felt a lightness. Because of her."
The one minor issue I had with this story was the age of the two girls. They seemed very advanced for being 5-6 and instead seemed closer to 8-10. Evie and Becky never spoke like small children and some of the subjects were pretty complex for a child of that age group to understand. They also wrote plays and sewed doll clothes which seems like something children a little older would do. Despite this, they were wonderful to read about and more often than not, they stole the show and everyone's hearts!
To all my fellow historical romance novel lovers, you will love following the story of Bran and Jo, as they navigate through their trials and tribulations, to find true love with each other. The epilogue is always my favorite part of the book, and this was one of the best! Go grab your copy of The Duke of Defiance by Darcy Burke today.
Joanna Shaw is a widow currently residing with the family of her sister, after having endured an extremely unhappy marriage. Bran is a widower recently returned from Barbados with his 5 year old daughter in tow, after learning that he has inherited his family title following the death of his two older brothers. Jo's niece Becky, and Bran's daughter Evie strike up a close friendship since the two families live just down the road from each other. This brings Bran and Jo in frequent contact with each other and the sparks begin to fly. Bran knows very little about setting up a household and the proper care of his daughter. This is where Jo steps in to lend a hand, ending with her becoming Evie's governess. Both Bran and Evie are out of their element since leaving Barbados, and Jo helps both to acclimate to the strictures of England.
There is quite a bit of angst in this novel, between the two main characters. Bran proposes multiple times to Jo, but she refuses due to her belief that she is barren. She comes to this conclusion due to the fact that she was married for seven years and could not produce a child for her husband. Bran tries to convince her that this could be entirely her deceased husband, but she has been damaged by the verbal abuse she suffered in her unhappy marriage. In her mind, Jo could not in good conscience accept Bran's proposal, knowing that one of his main duties would be to produce an heir, which she could not do if she was barren. So, Bran suggests that they carry on an affair, which ends up bringing them even closer together. In the end, they both realize they have fallen in love and Bran begs Jo to marry him, saying he doesn't care if she is barren, and she finally agrees.
The passion between Jo and Bran was hot, hot, hot! Bran has a quirk where he didn't like to wear too much clothing, as it made his skin itch. When he lived in Barbados, things weren't so rigid, and he had no need to wear restrictive or layered clothing. That was not the case in England, and what cracked me up the most, was Bran disrobing at the most inappropriate times. Take for example the clip below:
"Feeling as constricted as he had in the ballroom, he shrugged out of his coat and draped it over his arm.
“Are you disrobing again?” she asked.
“You can hear that?”
“I’m afraid so. But since I can’t see you, it really doesn’t signify.”
He chuckled, pleased with her logic. “As it happens, I’d already untied my cravat before I arrived here.”
“I can’t even manage to feign shock.” Now her voice held a lilt of humor, as if she were smiling.
He laughed again, and a cool, early spring breeze wafted over him. How he missed the warmth of Barbados.
“Will you tell me about it?” she asked.
Had he said that out loud—about Barbados? Apparently so. “I could stand here all night and not manage to tell you everything.”
“Then just tell me something.”
He closed his eyes and summoned his home. “The colors there are like nothing you’ve ever seen—the blue-green water, the white-gold sand, colors that not even the rainbow can do justice to.”
“It sounds beautiful.” Her voice was soft, almost reverent. “How did you decide to go there?”
He opened his eyes but still couldn’t see her. “That was where the ship was headed. I didn’t care where I was going, so long as it wasn’t here.”
“You must have been terribly miserable.” She sounded as if she’d moved a bit closer.
“I wasn’t needed here.” Or wanted, really. His entire family had encouraged him to buy a commission or perhaps take a vicarage. He’d considered both ideas, but after his brothers had spread that vicious rumor, he’d simply walked on the first ship leaving England. And he’d never looked back.
“And now?” Her question whispered over him, lulling him with its sweet curiosity.
“Now, I’m the earl. I’m needed.”
“And your brothers are gone.”
He exhaled, as if realizing for the first time that they really were gone. That he could perhaps be here and be happy. Or at least not miserable. Still, it wasn’t home. Not yet. “I miss the blazing sun.”
“Especially right now, I’d wager.”
He heard a tremor in her voice. “Wait, are you chilled? Where are you?” He reached out with his free hand and touched her.
Stepping forward—it didn’t take much to reach her—he settled his coat on her shoulders. “Better?” he asked.
“Yes, thank you.”
He didn’t take his hands away. “Why did you come out here?”
“I—”
He heard the hesitation in her voice and felt a shiver in her body. He didn’t think that was from the night air. “You can tell me. If you want.”
“I felt…overwhelmed. As if I couldn’t breathe. I just needed to get out.”
God, he’d felt like that his entire life. “I was never able to sit still when I was younger. Or wear clothing. I often felt like I wanted to crawl out of my very skin. I used to scratch myself raw.”
“That sounds horrid. How did you stop?”
“I don’t know. Leaving here helped.”
“And now that you’re back? Things aren’t as bad as they were?”
No, he supposed they weren’t. Just as he had a few moments ago, when she’d pointed out that his brothers were indeed gone, he felt a lightness. Because of her."
The one minor issue I had with this story was the age of the two girls. They seemed very advanced for being 5-6 and instead seemed closer to 8-10. Evie and Becky never spoke like small children and some of the subjects were pretty complex for a child of that age group to understand. They also wrote plays and sewed doll clothes which seems like something children a little older would do. Despite this, they were wonderful to read about and more often than not, they stole the show and everyone's hearts!
To all my fellow historical romance novel lovers, you will love following the story of Bran and Jo, as they navigate through their trials and tribulations, to find true love with each other. The epilogue is always my favorite part of the book, and this was one of the best! Go grab your copy of The Duke of Defiance by Darcy Burke today.
July 17, 2017
These untouchable books could have been called Lord of ... instead of duke of... when half the characters aren't even dukes!
that fact kept bothering me throughout the whole book.
I wish the writer would get a better understanding of how Society worked in those days.... because her romance is developed quite nicely.
that fact kept bothering me throughout the whole book.
I wish the writer would get a better understanding of how Society worked in those days.... because her romance is developed quite nicely.
September 20, 2018
Not my cup of tea...
Think I have read most of the good HRs and currently struggling to find decent reads. This was a miss for me. Don’t think I will be reading any more of this author.
Think I have read most of the good HRs and currently struggling to find decent reads. This was a miss for me. Don’t think I will be reading any more of this author.
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