Ten years ago Ivy Breckenridge’s life was ruined. She had to reinvent herself, and now, after painstakingly making her own way in the world, she’s nearly forgotten the dreams of home and family she’d once nurtured. Until one man peers into her soul and awakens every one of her hidden desires. But no matter how good he makes her feel, she can’t trust him—alone by choice is better than alone by necessity. With a notorious reputation for training married women in the art of passion, Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare, is reviled by some and celebrated by others. He doesn’t allow anyone close enough to see past his charming exterior. When Ivy uncovers the man beneath, the seducer is suddenly the seduced. Enraptured by her mind and spirit, he wants more but revealing his darkest secrets is a price he won’t pay.
When I started this book, I really wasn’t sure if I was going to like it or not. The premise (at least the hero’s initial story), was a bit different and I wasn’t sure if it would ruin the book as I generally don’t like books where it’s repeatedly pointed out how promiscuous one of the main characters are. However, I’m glad that Ivy’s character made me want to continue reading. I loved the unraveling of both Sebastian and Ivy. Their journey made it hard for me to put down the book until it was done. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from this author.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Ivy has spent the last 10 years remaking herself. Once she dreamed of a husband and children, but when that was cruelly taken away from her she remade herself. Now she is a fiercely independent woman. As a companion to Lady Dunn, she attends all of the social gatherings, but she still is out the fringes of society where no one notices her or can find her secret out.

West is drawn to the red-haired beauty he sees in Ivy. Known for his reputation as the Duke of Desire, he helps married women find happiness in their marriages with their husbands. But for some reason the only one he desires currently is Ivy. Now if he can break through her walls maybe he can show her about desire and daresay love. Because he has found that the only woman he desires and wants for the rest of his life is her, now he just has to convince her to take a chance.

When Ivy's past comes back to haunt her, she finds herself seeking comfort from West. Can she truly trust him with her heart? And what will he think about her, when he finds out her secret?

Great series! Looking forward to the next book.

I LOVED Ivy and West's story!! I fell in love with both Ivy and West from the very beginning and as the story progressed, it just solidified my love for them. They each brought out the best in each other and realized parts of themselves that they had not seen before.

This is definitely one of my favorite's from Burke! I can't wait to read the next in the series!

The Untouchable Series continues with book 4, Ivy's story. Ivy has been a fixture in the other books, a quiet fixture with an unknown past. How did she become a companion, just what is her story. The answers are found by the Duke of Desire. The read is an interesting one that holds the attention as the story unfolds. The characters are complex, and not always what you would expect. Certainty a book worth reading.

So sick of heros who sleep with every female they see. Still I enjoyed this book and this author

Every once in a while, I read a book that surprises me not only in how the characters are projected throughout the story but also the plot to the story. This is one of those books.

Sebastian started out as someone that drew my attention but I wasn't quite in like with his character. As the author developed the story I began to feel compassion for his life, who he was and why he acted as he did. The author gives a clear picture of who this man really is and invites the reader to change their mind about him. There is much more that I would like to say about Sebastian but I find it hard to not give away the story.

Ivy, I really liked this woman right away. I felt drawn to her and how she ended up as a lady's companion. Plus, her adversarial dialog with Sebastian was entertaining and extremely amusing causing me to laugh many times throughout the story. I felt that her character, kindness and forthrightness lead to a very interesting story with added twists.

This story also brings in many secondary characters who not only cause upheaval but open other plot components for added interest for the reader.

I give this 4 stars for the uniqueness of the plot and characters.

This was my first Darcy Burke book but it won't be my last. The cover grabbed my attention and I planned to pick up the others in this series. A new favorite author discovered.

This turned out to be a really sweet romance. West, the Duke of Desire, is somewhat less of a typical rake than his nickname makes him out to be; and Ivy, the heroine, has given up on her dreams after being ruined. Together they find their way to love over the course of a house party and its aftermath. This story has so many of the elements I adore: steadfast older ladies helping things along, strong female friendships, a house party, a cad getting his comeuppance. I've enjoyed the whole series but this may have been my favorite.

I enjoyed this book. Looking forward to read more books from this author. I highly recommend this book to my friends and family.

THE DUKE OF DESIRE is book 4 of The Untouchables series. I read it as a stand-alone without any trouble. The previous books are going on my tbrs (to be read soon) list.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It was just so good. The characters are captivating from the get go. The secondary characters are delightful... I loved Mrs Dunn. The story is sweet, sexy and enthralling.

Rated 4.5!

Ivy Breckenridge cannot deny the appeal of "The Duke Of Desire", Sebastian "West" Westgate, the Duke of Clare, but she personally wants nothing to do with any man. When Ivy catches him eyeing her from across the room,, she goes out of her way to avoid him. Unfortunately, West, just can't take a hint.

Something about Ivy beckons to West's soul. He wants her more than he has ever wanted another. West is determined to break through Ivy's icy exterior and if nothing else offer his services as a friend. Little does West know, that by getting close he may be in danger of baring his own secrets. Find out what happens in THE DUKE OF DESIRE.

I just cannot get enough of author Darcy Burke's highly captivating novels. Her series, THE UNTOUCHABLES is simply spectacular. I love the concept of women intent on spinsterhood finding true love where it is least expected... with the very men they have nicknamed and gossiped amongst one another about. It currently consists of four books, THE FORBIDDEN DUKE, THE DUKE OF DARING, THE DUKE OF DECEPTION and THE DUKE OF DESIRE. THE DUKE OF DESIRE is my favorite and that is due mostly to Ivy's, the heroine, past. Here is a woman scarred by her past, who overcame great obstacles many would not survive. Her determination and strength really won me over. It also does not hurt that the hero, West, a rake among rakes, is willing to go to the lengths he goes to just to make the woman he has come to care for happy. To forego all of his own needs and wants like that is just something to see. West is a man after my own heart! THE DUKE OF DESIRE is a definite keeper and one I am sure to re-read again and again.

There are no words for how much I adore this book. As an avid fan of Burke's, and of this series, I have been waiting for Ivy's story. And what a doozy it is. Ivy and West's romance is everything a romance should be. There was banter and seriousness, playfulness and passion, drama and gorgeous moments of soul-bearing interaction. This is a keeper, a re-reader, and a tell all your friends about it kind of book. I still get goosebumps thinking about this one.

I have so loved others of Burke's titles, but this one was not her best. I didn't find the characters as engaging nor the story as compelling as is the norm for Burke's work.

I was never fully able to engage with the story. I really like Darcy Burke and read, and loved, the entire Ribbon Ridge series, so I did finish this title. That said, as it was a low rating, we have chosen not to feature it on the blog. The first in the series, The Forbidden Duke was a 5 star for me, so I am not really sure where this title went wrong for me. I liked Ivy, but I just never really came to like Sebastian all that much, and when you don;t like the hero, it is tough to enjoy the book.

I appreciate the opportunity to read the title and I am looking forward to Ms. Burke's next title.

Thanks,
Laura

I have read all the title in the series and loved them all. Wasn't sure that I would like the Dukes character at first but really warmed to him. I really wanted to like Ivy but she came across as very bitter ,which was understandable due to her past, but I couldn't quite warm to her. Not one of my favourites by this author.

I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley.

.Publisher's Description:

Ten years ago Ivy Breckenridge’s life was ruined. She had to reinvent herself, and now, after painstakingly making her own way in the world, she’s nearly forgotten the dreams of home and family she’d once nurtured. Until one man peers into her soul and awakens every one of her hidden desires. But no matter how good he makes her feel, she can’t trust him—alone by choice is better than alone by necessity.

With a notorious reputation for training married women in the art of passion, Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare, is reviled by some and celebrated by others. He doesn’t allow anyone close enough to see past his charming exterior. When Ivy uncovers the man beneath, the seducer is suddenly the seduced. Enraptured by her mind and spirit, he wants more but revealing his darkest secrets is a price he won’t pay.

My Thoughts:

This is book number four of this series by Darcy Burke and the third one I have read. The only one I have yet to read is book number one, The Forbidden Duke.
I am not certain how I happened to miss that one but the other ones I have read were very good, and somewhat comical reads.
I enjoyed this read as well and look forward to the subsequent additions to this series still to be released.
This was a quick read that I just couldn't put down.
I gave this book 3.75 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.5 of 5 flames.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I have voluntarily reviewed.

Do I love Darcy Burke's book or do I love them? I mean this story seemed so predictable in the beginning but it wasn't and the developments, bit by bit, were so adorable. I really loved Ivy's background and the way they dealt with it. Well done!

An excellent edition to the series, but it also works as a stand alone. The only thing I would have liked was a little more development of the duke's mother. While I have no doubt that some people can be that evil, I wanted a reason for it.

Ivy has no faith in men and relationships. West the "Duke of Desire" is not so keen on trust, marriage and relationships, either. When they meet, something intangible pulses between them. And, so begins a journey of learning about themselves and each other; a journey that neither could have predicted they would take; a journey their scarred hearts probably would have avoided at all costs. But, once on this journey, neither seems able to not see it through to the end. Past hurts have to be confronted and dealt with. Hearts have to be healed and repaired. Trust has to be found. Forgiveness has to be realized. But, will working through their personal issues bring them closer together or push them apart for good?

This is the second book in the Untouchables series, that I have read, and the stories just keep getting better. I very much would like to go back and read the first two and get caught up with the series. This book CAN be read as a standalone, but it probably is even better if you have read the three previous books in the series as some characters from them make a reappearance.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Darcy Burke Publishing, Inc. in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

Ivy Breckenridge, Lady Dunn's companion has a past that she wants to keep secret.
The Duke of Clare aka 'The Duke of Desire' sees her at a house party and is immediately drawn to her. He flirts outrageously, but she needs her position and rebuffs him, even though he appeals greatly.
When her new friend, Lady Emmaline Forth-Hodges elopes with Lord Townsend, the man her father refused to let court her, Clare offers to follow and head off any scandal that would ensue.
Ivy's back story is told when she runs into the blackguard who 'ruined' her.
The time, places and people are well defined and the descriptions make it easy to picture the tale.
Clare and Ivy grow closer and find their happy-ever-after in the end, after having to work for it.
Erotically sensual historical.