Member Reviews

Loved, loved, loved! He's a yummy Duke, conflicted, harsh yet sweet. She's his perfect match and so immensely likeable.

I love this series. However I was very happy not to have any of the extended 'untouchables' cast in this book, because as much as I like them it's a bit of work remembering all the Dukes and Duchesses! This is absolutely stand alone.

I can't now wait for Simon's book!

Was this review helpful?

If it wasn’t for the hard fact that romance novels must end with a happily ever after, I would have seriously doubted whether Violet and Nick could make it. They have drifted far from their young selves who rashly fell in love and planned to elope. Both have been married, widowed, and endured disappointments in the years they’ve been apart. Nick’s reaction has been to retreat into himself and become the “Duke of Ice”. Violet has resigned herself to a lonely life as a widow. When they meet again, those resolutions are challenged.

Darcy Burke writes a satisfying page-turner of a novel!

Was this review helpful?

Nicholas and Violet led a very sad life till they met again, and from that moment on the book was slowly going worse, which is a lot to say. I don't know why but I didn't connect with either character and their story and the plot twist were even fastidious to me in the end. Maybe the next one is going to be better.

Nicholas e Violet hanno una vita molto triste fino a quando non si incontrano di nuovo e da quel momento il libro peggiora ulteriormente, che é dire tanto. Non so perché, ma non sono mai entrata in sintonia con nessuno dei due personaggi e anche il caos totale del finale mi ha lasciato piuttosto indifferente quando non mi ha innervosito. Magari il prossimo libro sará migliore....

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

Was this review helpful?

I was not sure you could top The Duke of Danger, but yes you can, this book is so emotional and heartbreaking and full of wonderful characters. It is not a light read. There is loss and tragedy but also a reconnection and love. Violet cannot give up on Nick even though he is maudlin and earns his moniker, The Duke of Ice. She lets him progress in the relationship until she cannot take it any longer. You know how that goes, just when he realizes what he giving up, she gives up. But, alas, that is not the end of their story. A wonderful story for this time of year. This series just keeps getting better.

So, what happens when Simon goes after Diana? Looking forward to reading about it.

Was this review helpful?

I won't rehash the story line because you can get that from the book's jacket.
This book was a good read. I enjoyed the author's characterizations of her H and h. The story line was rich and I could hardly wait to see what would happen next, which distinguishes it from many romance novels. The story line was different and entertaining. There were some explicit names for certain anatomical parts in the sex scenes, and a few f-bombs along the way. Although I prefer to use my imagination versus detailed sex scenes, overall fairly well handled by the author. This was the first book I have read. This was the first book I have read by Dar y Burke, but I am looking forward to reading the story of Simon and Diana, characters introduced in this book. Well, written and enjoyable.

Was this review helpful?

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair review. Duke of Ice is the 7th book in Darcy Burke’s The Untouchables series. It can be read as a standalone but the series is very enjoyable so I would recommend reading them all. Nicholas Bateman met Miss Violet Caufield in Bath 8 years ago and they fell passionately in love. Her parents however purchased a title for her and they quickly married her off to Viscount Pendleton. Now Nick is a Duke a title he never expected to inherit and is known as the Duke of Ice and Violet is widowed after a very unhappy marriage. They meet again at a house party the Nick has been dragged to by his good friend Simon the Duke of Romney aka the Duke of Ruin. Will the two star-crossed lovers be able to overcome their difficult pasts and find love once again? I enjoyed reading this story not just for the romance but also the friendships in the book between the two Dukes and Violet and her friend Hannah the hostess of the house party. Steam level medium high, publishing date December 26, 2017.

Was this review helpful?

I always give a fair and honest review in return for any ARC. Darcy Burke writes such fine tales. This one has so much passion. Very good read and I am looking forward to Simon and Diana's story in 2018!

Was this review helpful?

This series just continues to get better and I would put 'The Duke of Ice', top of the list. It is easy to understand how Nicholas Bateman has become the Duke of Ice, believing that all he loves, die. However, he can’t seem to distance himself from the possibility that he still may have feelings for Violet Caulfield. When Nick was still a lowly ‘Mr’, he and Violet had planned to marry; however, Violet’s parents decided to separate them, in order to gain a title for their daughter. Several years later, both widowed, they meet at a party, and must face their feelings head on.
Both characters have been brought to life with such vividness. Nicholas is tormented by the past whilst Violet, is just making do. Their past is revealed gradually, drawing you into their story. This second chance at love, does not transpire slowly, making this book all the more moving. I also can’t wait to read about Nicholas’ friend, the Duke of Ruin, in what I feel will be just a great a story.

I received an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

4.25 STARS!

Mr. Nicholas Bateman once had everything he ever wanted... Until he didn't. It all started 9 years ago when the love of his life, Violet Caulfield, left him to marry a viscount. Since then, an unfortunate set of tragedies occurred and one by one, he lost his uncle, brother, wife and child.

He is now known as the Duke of Ice and has only one friend remaining, Simon, the Duke of Romsey.

Nicholas is happy living a solitary life where he conducts estate business, rides his horse and fishes... That is until Simon coerces him to attend a house party where he comes face to face with Violet. She stirs a whirlwind of emotion and feeling within him - none of it wanted.

Viscountess Violet Caulfield met Nicholas when she was 19 years old. They had a clandestine love affair and Nicholas told her he wished to marry her. Their chance at love was stolen however when her parents found out. They don't believe a "mister" would ever be good enough and decide to marry her to a viscount of their choosing instead. She has been heartbroken ever since.

When she meets Nicholas again, she is shocked to find out he is no longer the affable, charming boy she knew but rather a cold, unfeeling Duke!

Will the passion that simmers between the two of them thaw the Duke of Ice? Or, will he freeze Violet out forever?

Wow. This is a story I wish did not end. It took precedence over almost everything. It is a story of loss, grief and how difficult, but not impossible, it can be to let go of the past and move forward. I loved all the characters and the setting. The story telling pulled me in and never let me go. I felt the
characters joy and sadness and I wanted the best for them.

The book is heart rendering . Seeing Nicholas turn away from love like it's the plague even though he wants it and needs it so desperately is heartbreaking.. However, towards then end, I wanted to strangle him! My god he made me mad!.. But I digress, he is still very much loveable. This is a book you do not want to miss.

Having read this book, I now cannot wait for Simon's book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Darcy Burke publishing for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

The Duke of Ice, was slow at points. A week long house party seems to last months. Once they go home the story picks up. Although for a minute I was beginning to wonder if Nick and Violet would have a happily ever after.

Was this review helpful?