Nicholas Bateman, the Duke of Kilve has isolated himself since the death of his wife and infant son. His best friend, Simon, Duke of Romsey has received an invitation to a house party. They want the two Untouchable Dukes - Ice and Ruin to attend. Simon convinces Nick to attend the party.

Lady Violet Pendelton always attends her dear friend's house parties. She is stunned when her first love, her true love appears at the party. Violet met Nick when he was a Mister and she was a Miss. They fell madly in love and were planning to get married when her parents made her marry a Viscount. Since that time, Nick has seen a lot of death in his immediate family and believes he is cursed. Violet is shocked that the open, laughing young man she once knew is now the Duke of Ice.

As the house party progresses, Violet slowly starts to draw Nick out of his frozen shell. He even goes to Bath, where she lives, to renew their relationship. But when tragedy strikes Violet, Nick pulls away. He even proposes marriage to one of the young debutants from the house party - a young woman he knows he won't fall in love with. Will Violet find herself the jilted party? Can Nick and Violet finally have their HEA?

This book is an emotional rollercoaster. I thought Violet was an amazing heroine. She was a strong woman that survived a terrible marriage and the loss of several pregnancies. Nick, on the other hand, was ice cold and quite honestly didn't deserve Violet. Yes, he lost his brother during the war, his wife through childbirth, his infant son did not survive and his uncle who raised him passed away before Nick could return home from war.

After the house party, Nick visits Violet at her home in Bath to try and rekindle their past. He wants her, but won't marry her because he believes anyone he loves is cursed to die. Nick even proposes to one of the debutants from the house party because he knows he won't love her.

There were a lot of times I was screaming at Violet to just move on from Nick. Simon, the Duke of Ruin was perfect for her. But no, Violet had to have the Duke of Ice.

I loved the second chance at love plot. Once I started reading the book, I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. It was an amazing book. I just wish Nick was less of a jerk and frozen block of ice. I can not wait until Simon gets his much deserved HEA!!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

I loved Nicholas and Violets story!! Reunion stories are one of my favorites!!

Violet wanted nothing more than to reunite with Nicholas, but he is fighting his own demons including how brokenhearted he was when Violet married another man. I loved watching these two fight for their HEA!!

I can't wait for Simon's, the Duke of Ruin, story!!

Ugh, this review wasn't easy to write. Up to now, I've read all the books in this series and really enjoyed reading them. Somehow this book....well, I can't say that I didn't like it but it took me ages to read it and even though I loved Violet and understood (mostly) where Nicholas and his icy demeanor are coming from, I was annoyed with the book almost as often as I enjoyed reading it.
The action was bit slow, the hard feelings were obviously very hard to let go and I often felt that Violet might have been better off without Nicholas.
I loved Nicholas' friend Simon, the Duke of Ruin, though and I am looking forward to his book very much but somehow the Duke of Ice...well, perhaps there was too much ice involved because I really couldn't get into this book.

I must admit that I was a bit upset because I really loved the other books and have reread several of them already but the Duke of Ice won't be among those, I fear. If you loved the other book in this series you will want to know more about Nicholas and Violet so you will have to read it, of course but if you haven't read any other books by Darcy Burke or in this series before, this book might not be the best place to start.

„The Duke of Ice“ is the 7th novel in the „Untouchable“ series by Darcy Burke. I have read all the others and enjoyed this series from the first book on. I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

First of all it is not important to have read the previous six novels but it gives kind of an insight into the circle of Dukes we are playing with.

This novel kind of starts with a house party the Duke of Ruin wants to attend because even though his nick name is not really positive he wants and needs to find a wive because he is in need of an heir sooner or later. The Duke of Ice, Nicholas Bateman, on the other side is famous because the rumour say, he murdered his wife. But he did not only lose his wife but also his child. He does not care about the ton or society, what everybody else thinks of him, nevertheless he is the Duke of Ice – as cold as Ice. Because of his friend he attends this house party and when he enters, he sees a familiar face – Lady Violet Pendleton.

Violet is a young widow and the best friend of the hostess. She did not know that HE is the Duke of Ice, that he is a duke at all. In their youth they knew each other and fell in love while she stayed with relatives in Bath. They wanted to run away together – a happily ever after. But as soon as her father knew she was married of to Pendleton, whom she could not give an heir. Not even a child. She was pregnant several times but no babe survived.

To see each other again is not easy for either of them because of what happened years ago. Violet had informed Nicholas but he never got the letter, for him she simply vanished though they had those big plans. He is angry with her because later on he lost his brother in the war, inherited a title he never wanted, lost his wife and child – what more could happen? And all because she married a man with a title back then. She does not know about what he has been through because she does not listen to rumours at all.

Nevertheless there is this tension between them. Anger, hope, want. But he is the Duke of Ice and if he gets married again, it should be an unemotional relationship. Nobody he could lose his heart to again. The question is if Violet will be able to melt the ice heart of Nicholas or not.

Darcy did a great job – AGAIN! Those characters are so well developed, the dialogues witty and you can feel Nicholas‘ pain.

Rating: 5 stars!

Darcy is an amazing storyteller! I loved this book and cannot wait to read about Simon the Duke of Ruin!!!!

3.5 stars

Historical romance is a genre I've been neglecting for some time but this blurb really caught my eye. I'm a sucker for second chance romances and I wanted to see if the Duke of Ice would really have a heart of ice so I took a chance. Overall, I'm glad I did. This is part of a series of books but can be enjoyed as a standalone.

The blurb doesn't sugarcoat that this book has its share of sad moments. It was definitely a read that pulled at my emotions at times. The events causing those emotions were perfectly plausible, too. The storyline felt believable to me.

Nick and Violet's time apart was due to circumstances initially beyond their control. Moments of missed opportunity that they make up for later. I understood the change in Nick from the young man Violet knew, and I understood him. I didn't always love him, but I understood him. I just wanted him to find some happiness and I mostly enjoyed his journey to get there.

I will say that one of the supporting characters in the book almost stole the show for me-I almost wanted him to end up with Violet. But the rest of the supporting characters added to this book well in my opinion. The views they held were completely plausible for the period this was set in.

The writing here was solid and again, I thought the plot was plausible. This was a nice dip back into historical romance for me and I will definitely try this author again. I recommend this book.

3.5 Stars

Historical romances are difficult. You have to not only build a believable romance, but you have to do it in such a way that the reader remains interested in the story and the characters, while not being bogged down by the historical portion or left bored due to the lack of sexual encounters...yes, they happen, but it is more often a slow burn for the historical romance trope.

Nicholas and Violet had a past, and a relationship that was broken up by things out of their control. So, seeing one another again after years was both painful and enjoyable in the way that seeing those people you thought were totally gone from your life can be...joyous and heart-wrenching.

I loved the emotion of the book, the push and pull with Nick and Violet, the idea that both of them had reasons not to think that they should be together, but that they wanted to be with one another and figuring out how to make that work.

I loved the house party and the Bath setting, as so often books in England are set in London, so this was a refreshing change.

At the end, events that seem maybe a little far-fetched are what leads them to admitting that they want to be together and I was hoping for more of a character driven rather than plot driven reconciliation, but it worked for me overall.

I enjoyed this title.

Nicholas, Duke of Kilve, was brooding again, alone at home, when his friend Simon, Duke of Romsey, pays him an unexpected visit. Simon has brought an invitation to a house party; while Nick is content to wallow in his solitude, Simon is desperate to go out. Simon’s reputation has never recovered from the malicious gossip since the death of his wife, and has earned him the unsavoury moniker of The Duke of Ruin. If Nick goes to the affair, Simon will be able to accompany him; and Simon does want to remarry, if someone will have him, unlike Nick, THE DUKE OF ICE, who has settled in his lonely widowhood. Nick relents, but tells Simon he will leave as soon as he can. Their hosts, Irving and Hannah Linford invited them because Hannah knows that dukes, even ones with a much tarnished veneer, will give some éclat to her party and elevate her social status. Hannah is also Lady Violet Pendleton’s best friend, but what Hannah didn’t know is that Violet and Nick were once lovers.

Darcy Burke has struck gold again with this seventh instalment of The Untouchables, which can all be read as standalones, and THE DUKE OF ICE is another must-read from this fabulous author. Ms. Burke has created such compelling characters that I never disliked Nick, who is at times truly disagreeable and even rude. I felt sad for him because he has experienced so many painful losses, among them Violet’s marriage to another man. Nick is nearly a hermit, and I wholeheartedly agreed with Simon that he ought to do something about his sorry excuse for a life. Violet didn’t have it much easier, she has never stopped loving Nick, but she doesn’t like THE DUKE OF ICE that he has become. I adored Nick and Violet, as well as the fabulous Simon; all three are coping with their losses as best as they can, but in very different ways, which was one of the many highlights of this book. Even secondary characters are splendid: the terrifying old gossips, Lady Nixon and Mrs. Law; Cassie and Andy; the young Diana, Lavinia, and the terrific and most intriguing Sarah.

The writing is a marvel of smooth elegance, and the dialogues are superb, especially between Simon and Nick. I loved how Darcy Burke utilised the various games and entertainment at the party to advance the plot; the segment featuring the archery contest was particularly well done. Nick’s epiphany left me breathless and teary-eyed, and those moments where the present meets the pasts are brilliant, and so moving. THE DUKE OF ICE is an incredibly emotional story; there was a lot of drama I did not expect, and I dare anyone to stop reading once the second half gets under way, because this is intense! I had barely finished this book that I wanted to read the next one: THE DUKE OF RUIN.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

The Duke of Ice is a troubled man who seems to have lost everything more times than a person should. Although this is a sweet story of second chances, it takes a long time to get there. Just when you think Violet and Nick are going to make it, something else happens to keep them apart. This couple should have been able to grow together, but Violet’s parents made sure to separate them when they were young.

Violet and Nick were both too young when they met for the first time with Violet being controlled by her parents. Through the eight years they were apart, each married someone else and were both widowed, but they truly never forgot each other. Violet did not even know Nick had become a duke and certainly did not know he was the famed Duke of Ice.

The house party given by her friend brought them back together, but that time continued to be difficult for them. Following the house party, they decided to see ‘if they would suit.’ To put it mildly, Nick was an idiot. Yes, he was allowing himself to be ruled by fear of loss, but that still did not excuse his choices. Violet did a good job of making him ‘pay’ for his idiocy.

On a side note, I loved Violet’s servants. They truly cared for her and were part of her ‘family’ in place of her own parents. They had spunk and personality.

This sweet book could be a stand alone, but I enjoyed reading it as part of the series. And, I am looking forward to Simon and Diana’s story.

I really liked this book. It's nice to see "human like" characters. You know...characters that you can relate with. Both Nick and Violet were very likeable. Can't wait for her next book!

Everyone Nicholas has ever loved has died except Violet, although after she left him for another he is not sure that was love. Now a widow and a recluse his friend Simon shows up and persuades him to come to a house party. Violet is there. Will Violet be able to melt the Duke of Ice’s heart? This was a good read with plenty of drama and great characters. I liked it.

I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. I loved it. Nick and Violet both have their issues, however they find a way to come together. If you like steamy and sensual, this is the book for you.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchanged for a fair review. The Duke of Ice is the 7th book in Darcy Burke's Untouchables series but can be read as a stand alone. It is the first book I have read by Burke; even though I own several of her books.
Nicholas Bateman, Duke of Klive, is dragged to a house party by his friend Simon, Duke of Romsey, where he meets an old flame, Violet Pendleton. After so many losses in his life, Nick doesn't want to feel anything for anyone. Yet, his heart is drawn to Violet and what they lost.
Violet has enjoyed he life as a widow; being left alone. She enjoys the freedom without having to answer to anyone. Yet when she meets Nick again, she feels it is fate. However, Nick has been given the nickname Duke of Ice for a reason and she is feels the past might remain in the past.
Burke does a wonderful job keeping the reader engaged. The feeling of all parties, main characters and supporting alike are felt through the whole book. I greatly enjoyed the twist at the end and look forward to The Duke of Romsey's story. #dukeofice #netgalley

The tenth Duke of Kilve lives up to his name as The Duke of Ice, he's bereft of warmth, in personality and reputation. For someone who lost a beloved family, he walks and breathes pain. Nicholas detached himself from human contact, save affable Simon, The Duke of Romsey, his only friend and known to the haute ton as The Duke of Ruin.

Nicholas Bateman, a man without a title, has given his heart to Violet Caulfield, nine years past but she left him to marry a viscount. Now widowed, Lady Violet Pendleton didn't expect to see Nick at a party. Violet was astounded that Nick is now a widowed duke and someone who's become sullen and ill-tempered. She was taken aback with his strong antipathy directed at her. Despite this, it’s evident their ardour hasn’t muted. Violet would very much like a second chance. Nick, however, wouldn't risk another heartache over Violet.

This is a tale of all-consuming passion, between the hero and the heroine and with the tragic circumstances that befall them. Violet is the stronger character here. Her indomitable spirit is admirable despite her heartbreaking losses. Nick's self-imposed seclusion and consequently, the desire to want a wife devoid of emotional attachment is foolhardy. Luckily, his friend Simon pointed out his error and beg Violet to take him back. Nick could have done a bit more grovelling, I think he got off lightly.

Individuals suffer losses in numerous ways. Darcy Burke has written this beautifully, depicting how various characters deal with their life's knocks in different manners to numb their pain.

As with the previous books in this series, I recommend this highly.

I voluntarily read an eGalley from the author. My review is honest and impartial.

The Duke of Ice by Darcy Burke
The Untouchables #7

Young love thwarted
Second chance given
Will it be taken or squandered?

Eight years before this book begins Nick and Violet met and fell in love. With his prospects only being a mister without a title, well, Violet’s parents whisked her away to marry another – and she let them. So, when the two meet at the house party they do know one another but neither is the young, hopeful, easy person they once were. There is attraction. There is conversation and there is a kiss or two shared BUT will there be more?

Nick went to war, lost many of his loved ones and feels “cursed” and unwilling to love again. He is not as easy to approach or as spontaneous or smiling but is his old warm self really gone forever encased in the icy exterior he presents to the world? His friend Simon, Duke of Romsey (or Ruin as some call him) has not given up on him and as a result the two are off to a house party together.

Violet had an unhappy marriage to a man that did not love her and in more than one way abused her. She was happy to be rid of him though unhappy he had to die in order for her to be free. When she sees Nick the feelings of love she never surrendered are reignited and Simon encourages her to try to break through the ice surrounding the man she has continued to love.

The house party has games, events, conversations; young girls on the marriage market, older women that are “mean girls” and the potential for all to get to know one another. The hostess is hopeful that she will be able to provide ‘the’ event that will elevate her social status. The young women and their parents hope for introductions to men that might be suitors of a suitable sort. Nick hopes that rumors about Simon can be squelched and is willing to be there for his friend…just as Simon is there for Nick. After the house party there is a sense of…well…an unsettled sense for both Nick and Violet. Nick is beginning to thaw but has not thawed enough by the end of the party. The two meet again and things improve…until a wrench or two are thrown into the mix and then…misgivings arise and almost thwart true love forever…almost…until good friend Simon arrives to sort of save the day.

At times Nick baffled me. I know he had suffered much but for a smart man he seemed somewhat not-so-smart…or fearful…or…something. Violet seemed to lack the fire to pursue what she really wanted and a bit too accepting of fate. The fact that they found a HEA was satisfying not only to them but to me, too ;)

I am eager to find out what Simon tells Diana and how the two of them manage their HEA and as their story is up next…hope to find out soon!

Thank you to the author who provided me an ARC of this book via NetGalley – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

Nicholas Bateman, the Duke of Kilve and Violet, Lady Pendleton met 8 years ago and fell in love. However, Violet's parents objected to the union because Nick wasn't titled and married her off to Lord Pendelton, a horrible man. Nick suffered unimaginable loss in the intervening 8 years, and ends up as the Duke, but he blames Violet for the beginning of all his bad luck. When she left him without a word, he was devastated and events spiraled out of control after that.

I'm a fan of Ms. Burke, but I have to say that I didn't like Nick very much. Suffering from PTSD and probably depression is a difficult subject to tackle and I understand that, but when Nick did something unconscionable, I no longer was routing for him. I did like Violet although she forgives Nick way too easily and that kind of ruined it for me. I thought she had more backbone and would make him grovel more. While this isn't my favorite book from Ms. Burke, I do enjoy her stories and recommend them to fans of Regency Romance.

This is Nick and Violet story. The beginning was really slow with the house party that took for ever. At some point I thought that it will go on until the end of the book. After the party the story picks up at a nice pace and I thoroughly enjoy Nick and Violet getting reacquainted. I'm looking forward to the Duke of Ruin story.
This ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review that is all my own.

This is Violet and Nick’s story. They were lovers 8 years ago. Her parents made her marry someone else. He became a Duke. They meet many years later at a house party. They are still attracted to each other. He is afraid of loss. He has lost his family, wife and son. There were many twists and turns in their relationship. She has an accident and he runs from her and decides to marry someone else. He finally realizes Violet is the one for him. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Thanks Darcy Burke Publishing and netgalley for this ARC.

This is a great romance not like her other series but still a great Darcy Burke romance. YOu'll want to shout at the hero to just get over it already. Heroine has a lot of patience and great secondary characters.

Darcy Burke is simply a marvelous historical storyteller. Truly enjoyed reading "The Duke of Ice"