I have enjoyed many books from Darcy Burke. This was no exception. Good character development in this book.

The Duke of Defiance, Bran Crowther is really a very reluctant earl. He was the third son with no expectations to inherit. Indeed, he had made a very comfortable living and life in Barbados. With his five year old daughter, Evie in tow he left that happy (except for the death of his wife several years before). Fortunately for both Evie's friendship with the daughter of the "Forbidden Duke's" daughter brings him into contact with Jo, the duchess' sister. Although Bran is a bit of a mess, he is my favorite untouchable so far. He tends to shun the rules and restraints of society. His home with his daughter is a guide for all fathers, loving and always available to listen. Certainly not the norm for the ton. It is his growing relationship with Jo that really humanizes him. There are many issues that cloud this growing love, but can it be resolved? A very nice read. Looking forward to reading more untouchables.

Joanna/Jo ‘s sister Nora came to tell her she was again pregnant. Jo was proud of how she kept her tone free of any anguish or jealousy. Nora had overcome a scandal and was now married to a Duke who adored her they had a beautiful family. Jo was barren. Jo came to live with Nora and her family after her husband died. Jo had been married to a vicar for eight years-Matthias- and had been a good wife until she learned what Matthias had been doing behind her back. Matthias had also treated Jo horribly and had made her feel useless and a waste of his time when Jo didn’t get pregnant. Now Jo refuses to think of Matthias and she doesn’t mean to think ill of the dead. Jo is living with Nora while she decides what to do with her life. Bran had been in Barbados on his sugar plantation for several years. He had a wife who had died of the fever. His daughter-Evie- who was now five, had also got the fever but she had survived. He had been third in line for the title and never thought he would be called back but he had been. Bran had to uproot his life and take his daughter from the only home she had ever known and loved. Jo had come to know her niece- Becky and her nephew Christopher quiet well. Bran’s daughter Evie was at the house playing with Becky. Jo then meets Lord Knighton -Bran- who was Evie’s dad. Evie asked if she could come again and her father said if she was asked and Jo said she was definitely invited. Jo ends up becoming Evie’s teacher. Bran and Jo are attracted to each other but Jo refuses to get involved as Bran will need a male heir and she can’t give him that no matter the feelings she has for him or he for her.
I had mixed feelings about this book. I loved bran and Jo together and their hot chemistry and how they interacted with each other. I did get a little tired of hearing about Matthias and how bad he was. I think evie and Becky and Christopher added to this book. I advise you to read the book in this series in order for a smooth read. I do think both Evie and Brecky acted much older than five years old more like eight to ten. I like that Joe told Bran about her past marriage and what she has went through and that she was barren. This was a little predictable, I do like some surprises - at least a few. I liked that Joanne was practical and down to earth especially after her marriage to Matthias. So as you can see I did have mixed feelings.

Another great story by Darcy Burke. I loved Bran and Jo and especially Evie. Although Evie spoke more like an adult than a child.

Bran, the Earl of Knighton, never expected to be earl. As the 3rd son he should have been able to live his life out as he saw fit. Now he finds himself back in England, where he never meant to be again. He is struggling to fit in, but he must find a way to do so for not only his sake...but his daughter's as well. When he meets the Widow Shaw, he sees a woman who would make him a fine wife and mother for Evie. Now he just has to convince her of it. But when she resists his proposal, he offers her the opportunity to be Evie's governess. After all it will be much easier to convince her when she is under his roof.

Joanna is determined never to marry again. Her first marriage was a disaster from the beginning. She will not be that helpless ever again. When Bran offers marriage, she immediately refuses. When he comes to her a short while later with the opportunity of being a governess she jumps at the chance. She will never have children, but she can be a mother to Evie until Bran finds a wife. As her and Bran become close, she realizes that the time she spends with the family is limited. She cannot stay and watch the family she has come to love become another woman's family.

When tragedy strikes she finds herself drawn to Bran. Now she has to decide if she can risk her heart for a happiness, but at what cost to him?

Great story, heart felt and moving. Looking forward to more Untouchables.

I loved Jo and Bran's story!! We have two individuals that have had bad experiences in their past and know that they have issues from them. It was wonderful to watch Jo and Bran help each other to understand that those issues don't define them and that they can find their HEA.

Added bonus was little Evie!! Loved her!!

Excuse me while I fan myself..... Wow the heat between Widow Joanna Shaw and Bran Crowther, Earl of Knighton is off the charts making this a very sensual romance book. It is much more than that though. It has a developed plot involving a rather picky Earl, a woman not willing to expose her heart and a most often shy but utterly charming little girl, Evie.

This is an enjoyable read full of love, romance and historical detail. The author does a phenomenal job of keeping this book interesting with dialog and intense interaction between the two main characters. Additionally Evie adds a charming perk to the storyline keeping the reader involved in whether or not her father will marry again and who.

Joanna's heartbreak and secret is portrayed in a believable manner and I actually wanted to cry for her. This twist to the story takes it up a notch giving the reader a book full of emotions and understanding for her plight.

I give this 4 stars for making me cry, smile, cheer and fan myself.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
I love historical romance books and this was a really good one.
It's very well written and I loved every second.

I received a ARC from Netgalley for a honest review.
I enjoy reading this story. The second chance in love for both Bran and Jo are good. Both have arrange married before but life make justice for them.

I love this series ;) I am so looking forward to read more books from this author.

I read an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a fair review. The Duke of Defiance is one of a series of books called The Untouchables by Darcy Burke. It can be read as a stand alone but I think once you read it you will want to read the others as well because you meet the characters from the other books in this one and will be intrigued enough to want to read their stories too. The heroine Joanna Shaw is a widow and happily so… her marriage was deeply unhappy and has left her wounded and wondering what to do with the rest of her life. The hero Bran Crowther a third son has unexpectedly become the Earl of Knighton and so been forced to give up the life he created for himself in Barbados to return to England, a world where he never fit in. Bran experiences sensory sensitivity and is finding the demands of life in England to be extremely stressful. Their road to HEA is not without its twists and turns. Once again Darcy Burke has created very relatable characters and a story that will keep you reading past your bedtime.

I was graciously given a copy of Duke of Defiance by Season Publishing and Netgalley for an honest review.

This is my 2nd Darcy Burke novel, and I must say she is moving up my list of must-reads.

Bran, Earl of Knighton has found himself becoming the reluctant earl.
Due to his 'peccadilloes' as young boy, his adversion to touch, large crowds, restrictive and 'itchy' clothing, and certain foods earned him the family moniker 'Bran the Defiant'.
At his earliest chance he fled England with no plans of ever returning. After the unexpected deaths of his 2 older brothers and father within a 4 month time frame, he finds himself back in England with his young daughter.
His daughter quickly befriends a daughter of a Duke, and niece of our heroine, Joanna 'Jo' Shaw.
Joanna has her own past she has to overcome. The widow of a vicar, she endured extreme mental abuse from her deceased husband that still leaves her sacred.
This story was sweet from beginning to end with lots of heartstring tugs. It read so effortlessly.
Burke writes amazing deep characters who are easy to connect with.
I throughly enjoyed this installment.

This is part of the Untouchables series but it can be read as a stand alone. I haven't read the other stories but am definitely curious about them now. The Untouchables are the names that a group of wallflowers give to men that seem out of their reach. Each one is named as a "Duke of" something. In this story, Bran is the third son of an earl who never thought he would inherit. He does though and comes back to England to fulfill is duty. Since he has a history of being "defiant" especially according to his mother, he gets nicknamed the Duke of Defiance. Bran is an interesting character because he's not like other regency heroes that you normally think of. He's a bit shy and awkward which is endearing to his character. He's been gone from England for 15 years so he isn't as formal and isn't one for proprieties. He also has some odd quirks like not liking for anyone to touch him and having preferences for being less clothed/undressed when he is bothered by something. I enjoyed that the story was not your typical romance characters. The story was awkward and cute at the same time. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

'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."

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book five in a series by Darcy Burke. Jo whom we met in the first book is now a widow and out of a horrible marriage and is now in a rut. She meets a man who changes all that. This was a heart warming tale and I loved it! I want to read the next one!

You cannot go wrong with a Darcy Burke story. This is one of my favorite series. She always keeps you engrossed in the story line, captures your attention with the characters and leaves you wanting more more more

****THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS****

Joanna Shaw loves children. Knowing that she will never have any of her own is a heavy burden sometimes, but that's why Joanna spends as much time with her niece and nephew as she can. Joanna is with her niece and her new friend, Evie, when she meets the captivating and handsome Bran, father of young Evie. It is so sad for a child to be so young and without a mother so when Bran asks for help in hiring a nursemaid and governess, Joanna does not hesitate to volunteer her sister's aid.

When her nephew falls ill, Joanna must step in for her sister and help Bran. Joanna senses in Bran a kindred spirit. Although she knows it will be a mistake, Joanna soon finds herself fulfilling the role of governess for Evie. She must do everything possible to keep her feelings from getting in the way, but Joanna discovers how difficult that is going to be. What will happen if she takes a chance on her and Bran?!

I wanted to rate author Darcy Burke's THE DUKE OF DEFIANCE 5 stars, but I just couldn't so I gave it a 4.5 instead. I really hated the way Bran used Joanna. He was only willing to marry her if she was able to carry an heir. I know it is true to their time period and for a man of his title, but for some reason, I just couldn't get past it. I am so glad that Bran had a change of heart and realized Joanna's true worth. I really couldn't have asked for a more satisfying ending. Thanks so much for another beautifully written romance, Ms. Burke.

A very well written story with fun characters and supporting characters that only gave the story a peak.
I love when you in a serie meet characters from other books and hear what have happened in their life. A sort of update.
The children are a bit of age in the description but fits the story. Some of the past are mentioned a lot and I got bored with it. Jo should think of her present and not her past more often. A lot of info that not gave more to the story. Both main characters has a lot to struggle with before they can have their HEA and most of this story caught me and I had to read through it.
But all in all worth the read.

I received a ARC to provide an honest review.

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