The Duke of Desire (The Untouchables, #4) by Darcy Burke

Mar 20, 2017 Caz rated it really liked it

Shelves: aar, arc, romance-1800-1850, 4-and-5-star-books

I've given this a B+ at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars.

The Duke of Desire, the fourth book in Darcy Burke’s series, The Untouchables , is quite possibly my favourite of them all so far. I will admit that when I read the blurb, I was doubtful. After all, the idea that the eponymous duke is a kind of Regency Era sex-therapist who helps couples to liven up their love lives by sleeping with the wives and helping them to learn to find and give pleasure – is certainly most unusual, not to mention unlikely. ...more

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Mar 28, 2017 Sissy's Romance Book Review rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017-read, 5-star, arc-author-publisher, own-arc-author, own-gift, series, trt

The Duke of Desire 'The Duke of Desire' by Darcy Burke is book Four in the "The Untouchables" series. This is the story of Ivy Breckenridge and Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare. I have read the other books in this series but feel this is easily a standalone book.Ivy has settled into be a companion while her close friends have married and started a family. Ivy has issue with men and at first it would seem hard to get past. West has a reputation of 'helping' married women by sleeping with them. S ...more

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Mar 25, 2017 Becca rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc-complimentary-copy, kindle, favorites, on-my-shelf

The Duke of Desire is Darcy Burke's fourth installment in The Untouchables series. I had never read Burke's books before discovering this series and now I am going to her backlist and adding all her books to my TBR pile and eagerly anticipating every new installment in what has turned out to be a new favorite series for me.

For those of you who have been following this series, The Duke of Desire has a slightly different feel. As the title implies, there is more sex in this one, but both character The Duke of Desire is Darcy Burke's fourth installment in The Untouchables series. I had never read Burke's books before discovering this series and now I am going to her backlist and adding all her books to my TBR pile and eagerly anticipating every new installment in what has turned out to be a new favorite series for me.

For those of you who have been following this series, The Duke of Desire has a slightly different feel. As the title implies, there is more sex in this one, but both characters has have many layers that surprised me. When I first started this novel, my first thought was "this is weird." Not what you'd expect me to say since I gave this 5 stars eh? Well, let me explain. The first impression of the hero was a bit off-putting for me. He is a man who sleeps with married women to help them "discover pleasure" with their husbands. What? Now, I don't approve of this personally, but in the hero's mind, it was his way of helping others. He would only participate if he had the husbands' approval also. When I was reading, I kept thinking "what the heck is this ?" The hero is like an 19th century sex therapist for married couples. Now, don't be put off by this. KEEP READING. While I was put off by this in the beginning, by the end I was singing "Burke is a genius" and "this is marvelous."

To avoid spoilers, I'm not going to tell you why the Duke, West, behaved the way he did. All I'm going to say was that he was the perfect match for the heroine, Ivy Breckenridge. Ivy. Wow, she had so much more depth and resilience than I realized. She comes across as prickly and pessimistic at the beginning, but West's persistent, gentle pursuit melted her resistance and turned her into the hopeful, strong woman I always knew she was from when I first met her early in the series. Each of these books in this series have always surprised me. I love how in each book, there are secrets about each character that are revealed that make me love them more. Nora, Aquilla, Lucy, and Ivy all had burdens to bear, and Burke did a brilliant job in each book delving into those struggles and then creating heroes that perfectly matched them.

This book is primarily character-driven. Ivy has shadows from her past that come back to haunt her, and the duke has emotional needs that he hasn't quite figured out how to meet. With each other though, all the pieces start falling into place and it makes for a shockingly romantic story that I did not anticipate. There are really sexy sex scenes in this book, but there are also powerful emotional scenes that are even more romantic here as you reveal all of the layers within each character.

Overall, this book surprised me. Initially, the hero seems to be all about sex and the heroine seems to be a man-hater. However, Burke once again surprised me with the depth of characterization, and I adored the ending and want to go back and read this again. If you haven't read this series before, I recommend you start earlier than this book. While it can primarily be read as a stand-alone, there are explanations of how the heroine met her friends and where all the "Duke of___" naming came about that isn't fully explained here and may be confusing to those new to the series. Also, all the other books in this series have been really good and you wouldn't want to miss them anyway. For those who have been reading this series, this is yet another installment you don't want to miss. Burke has landed on my auto-buy list with this one.

An excellent, unexpected, and deeply romantic story. 5 stars.

Thank you to the author for an ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own. ...more

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Apr 10, 2017 Sieravonne rated it it was ok

Shelves: darcy-burke, 0-i-find-it-daft

I just find it stupid that a man needs to make a demonstration (by bedding a married woman) so that he could help the woman and her husband have a happy marriage via reaching mutual pleasure. He didn't need to engage the act with those women, he simply can teach their husbands on how to pleasure their wives.

I am a bit disappointed because I was really looking forward to this book but it was a let down.

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Apr 13, 2017 Saral rated it liked it

2.5 stars.
One thing that kept bothering me throughout the book:
How could he have slept with all those women and not gotten an STD?
I thought they had french letters back then?

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Oct 03, 2017 Trish R. rated it liked it

I didn’t like this book nearly as much as I did the others. I just can’t get that West sleeps with sooo many women so he can teach them how to get more pleasure with their husbands and then to teach their husbands how to give and get their own pleasure AND, as West says, “because I like sex” and I like helping people. It was all too much! And, then, he tells Ivy he can “change her life” by making love to HER. He thought a lot of his own prowess. I had to skip the pages where he told Ivy what, an ...more

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Mar 24, 2017 Isha Coleman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads

I love reading Darcy Burke. Her stories whether contemporary or historical are masterpieces that blend a bit of classic romance with a smidgen of modern day wisdom. What I find hard is reviewing without exposing too much.

My personal title for The Duke of Desire is "So Speaks the Heart". Why? Ivy and Sebastian needed to learn to see past the subterfuge and listen to that inner voice that sees inside to the heart. Their connection was bigger than them both. They could have it all, if they opened ...more

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Mar 30, 2017 ~Mandi~ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mandi-s-challenge

4.5

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Apr 01, 2017 Dot Salvagin rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: romance readers

Here is a yummy romance not to be missed. We have a Regency style sex-therapist in the guise of the Duke of Clare, and yes that sounds a bit strange but trust me it all works in the hands of this terrific author. Then we have a ladies’ companion, Ivy, who has a scandalous past but is totally charmed by the Duke.
This is the first book I have read in this series and I was not lost. Characters from the previous books make appearances but all is well explained. However I do wish to read their stori ...more

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Mar 21, 2017 Tracy Emro rated it really liked it

Shelves: for-review

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC provided to me by the author*

3.5 stars rounded up

I liked this book, but I did not love it. I just couldn't connect with Ivy, she was too bitter and at times too hostile for me to really like her. The more I read about her backstory, the more I wanted to like her, but it just never happened for me.

West on the other hand was almost perfect - I loved him, even though I found his affairs to be disconcerting, he isn't a traditional rake - he is a self *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC provided to me by the author*

3.5 stars rounded up

I liked this book, but I did not love it. I just couldn't connect with Ivy, she was too bitter and at times too hostile for me to really like her. The more I read about her backstory, the more I wanted to like her, but it just never happened for me.

West on the other hand was almost perfect - I loved him, even though I found his affairs to be disconcerting, he isn't a traditional rake - he is a self styled Regency era Sex Therapist - he sleeps with other men's wives for two reasons, one he likes to help people (ok?) and two because he really likes sex (that is more believable). At least this is what he tells people, but by the end of the book, the reader realizes that there is a lot more to it than that.

West meets Ivy at a house party, he is in between affairs and is intrigued by her. Ivy on the other hand wants nothing to do with West and repeatedly and forcefully tells him to leave her alone. Lucky for her, West isn't willing to walk away. The more she pushes him away, the more he is pulled back to her.

When West intervenes and helps a young woman at the house party that Ivy considers a friend and offers to help the local workhouse find a new schoolmistress, Ivy reluctantly begins to like West. When the house party ends, Ivy figures her association with West is over. She is going to Bath with her employer and he is going back to London.

So when West shows up in Bath, Ivy is more than a little taken aback and if she is honest with herself, a little thrilled. She doesn't believe anything can come of their "friendship" and she is still trying to push him away. But when the past Ivy has tried so hard to put behind her comes calling - West is the hero she needs.

As I said, I liked the book, the storyline was unique (I can honestly say that I have NEVER read about a hero like West), the love scenes were steamy (however, the first one seemed more instructional than sexy, which reminded me of West's "occupation" and therefore was a bit off putting), the secondary characters were great, the villain was well done, the story flowed well, was really well written and there is a very sweet epilogue. ...more

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Mar 19, 2017 Maria Dariotis rated it it was amazing

Ivy Breckinridge has a secret that if revealed will ruin her life and she can't afford to start over again-not after everything she's been through. Dreams of love and family are not for her.
Sebastian Westgate is the Duke of Clare he has only one passion and that's to bring pleasure to women and teach them the art of sexual satisfaction. But there's more to him than the facade of a philander. Until he meets the very intriguing Ivy who challenges him and he so loves a challenge, until she puts hi ...more

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Mar 28, 2017 eyes.2c rated it liked it

Shelves: regency-romance, netgalley

Hidden desires!

3.5 stars.

Ivy Breckenridge is a woman with secrets. When she and Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare, or rather, the Duke of Desire, so named by Ivy and her friends, meet at a house party something zings. (Really, these house parties seem to be designed, in novels at least, to be hot beds of gossip and extra martial, or not so extra marital, intrigue.)
I really liked West and Ivy. Ivy on the outside is a blue stocking who holds her feelings in check, for good reason as we painfully d ...more

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Mar 20, 2017 Romance Novel Giveaways Lauren Seiberling rated it it was amazing

I really loved this book!!!

I'll admit that I'm not that educated on the time period, and I felt West's "occupation" was a bit odd, but I appreciated that it was sort of a "measuring stick" to show how he changed when he met Ivy.

I felt lots of emotions for Ivy, and I liked her independence. Her insistence on keeping things proper made the tension between she and West absolutely delicious, and when they were alone together, even in passing, sparks. Lotsa sparks. I especially loved the Blind Man's ...more

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Mar 22, 2018 Kari Maass rated it really liked it

I love the untouchables!

Ivy is s lady’s companion. At a House party, she meets West, The Duke of Clare or the Duke of Desire as she nicknamed him. She and her friends named him the fourth untouchable. West performs a service to the the married ladies by instructing them in the arts of pleasure, for themselves and their husbands. Until he meets Ivy. All he can think about is bringing her joy and happiness. It is what he does after all. He soon discovers that she brings him joy and happiness. How ...more

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Nov 04, 2017 Christy Carlyle rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017-tbr-challenge, regency-historical-romance

I love Darcy's characters. They're richly layered and likeable. Relatable, even when it's a handsome duke who basically offers sex ed. There was a great element of will they-won't they here. Sure, it's a component of every romance, but the dance of possibilities and building attraction is done particularly here. Also, as a English lit lover, I enjoyed the Goldsmith book/quotes/chats between the hero and heroine. Bonding over literature? I'm here for it! Always.

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Mar 24, 2017 Dee Deacon Foster rated it it was amazing

The folly of falling in love and the subsequent ruination keeps one in the shadows. The opportunity to infuriate one’s Mother keeps the other in the ton’s limelight. Neither want anything to do with love or marriage.

Ivy Breckenridge is quite content with her life as a lady’s companion. The position affords her the opportunity to remain in the shadows, a place she’s most comfortable with since having attention ruined her life many years ago and forces her to keep a secret even from her dearest fr The folly of falling in love and the subsequent ruination keeps one in the shadows. The opportunity to infuriate one’s Mother keeps the other in the ton’s limelight. Neither want anything to do with love or marriage.

Ivy Breckenridge is quite content with her life as a lady’s companion. The position affords her the opportunity to remain in the shadows, a place she’s most comfortable with since having attention ruined her life many years ago and forces her to keep a secret even from her dearest friends. Though her friends want her to share the bliss they have come to know as married women Ivy adamantly refuses to have anything to do with love or marriage. When she catches the eye of The Duke of Desire will she stick with her vow? And what happens if her secret comes out? Can she reinvent herself all over again?

Deemed an Untouchable (those who are out of reach for wallflowers) with the nickname of The Duke of Desire, Sebastian Westgate “West”, the Duke of Clare, does his best to vex his mother, the woman who made his childhood miserable, the woman who can’t seem to love him. Affairs with married women and the gossip it elicits is certainly one way to drive the woman mad. Another way – vowing never to marry and letting the Dukedom fall to a cousin. A seemingly innocent house party just may have West reconsidering his decision – IF he can get the lady to agree.

There are so many parts of this story that I love! Ivy – brought to the lowest of lows she has survived and even thrived in her life. West – has a high opinion of himself but you soon see the selflessness within him and the hurt he carries. Ivy’s actions towards someone from her past (you go girl!). West’s reaction to his Mother when she infiltrates his home (though he should have physically tossed her out on her ear). West’s conversations with the husbands (two former Untouchables) of Ivy’s two best friends had me laughing out loud. Last but not least (okay – there are many more I could list but why ruin the fun for everyone) the marriage proposal had me wanting to smack West upside the head and shake sense into Ivy.

I adore Darcy Burke’s books and this one is no exception! Ms. Burke writes book four in The Untouchable series, The Duke of Desire, in a way that it can be read as a stand-alone. However, I highly suggest adding the others to your to-be-read pile - you won’t be disappointed. Now patiently waiting (cue drumming fingers on table) to see which Untouchable falls next. ...more

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May 21, 2018 Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" rated it liked it

I really have mixed feelings about The Duke of Desire. Dukes just didn't act like this in public and didn't freely talk about having intercourse with married lady's of the Ton. My feelings are mixed because there is another side to Sebastian Westgate Duke of Clare. He is gentle, kind and considerate. He does not judge and doesn't seem to be proud of anything other then talking about his sexual prose with married women.

Ivy Breckendridge employed as an Ladies Companion, would not have so freely ta ...more

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Apr 03, 2017 Kelly The Sassy Book Lover rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-all-time-favorites

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review

Just like every book by Darcy I was up to 2 am reading the whole book in one sitting. I loved it from the start because they both were different from what others saw. I was not expecting Ivy's past to come to light the way it or the reasons for the way West acted. I could picture everything as it happened especially a certain scene involving a shirt be removed. I was not expecting his mother and loved when he put her in her place ...more

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Mar 05, 2018 Maggie Whitworth rated it really liked it

This book is a real addictive read

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Mar 22, 2017 Book Gannet rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-star-review, regency-romance

I found this a thoroughly enjoyable, sumptuous Regency read with a strong-willed heroine and a surprisingly caring hero (considering his reputation). Neither are quite what they seem and I loved the slow, steady way in which they transformed each other as the book progressed. It’s a slow and delicious seduction that drew me in right from the start.

Ivy has no intentions of ever marrying, and she has excellent reasons for this. She may seem cold to some, unimportant to many, but she’s worked hard I found this a thoroughly enjoyable, sumptuous Regency read with a strong-willed heroine and a surprisingly caring hero (considering his reputation). Neither are quite what they seem and I loved the slow, steady way in which they transformed each other as the book progressed. It’s a slow and delicious seduction that drew me in right from the start.

Ivy has no intentions of ever marrying, and she has excellent reasons for this. She may seem cold to some, unimportant to many, but she’s worked hard to turn herself into the perfect, boring lady’s companion, despite her beauty. But as has been shown in the previous books in this series, she’s also capable of great loyalty and there is far more to her than the facade she presents.

I liked her. She’s strong and intelligent, more repressed than cold. Her past is terrible in many ways, but the way in which she rebuilt her life was admirable. I really wanted her to find happiness, even when I wasn’t certain how she possibly could. This did leave me feeling like a few things were brushed aside a little too swiftly towards the end, but I mostly didn’t mind too much.

Because West was worth it. He is certainly a curious character, a rake with a reputation for sleeping with married women – and it’s not a lie. Which makes a change. Yet he’s not a cad, he’s almost a Regency sex therapist. I’m not entirely convinced about the believability of his helpful nature and how grateful everyone apparently is afterwards, but it was certainly different. And it let him be a sexy rogue without being an actual reprobate, so that was good.

I liked how he saw past Ivy’s walls and coaxed her out, pushing her up to a certain point but never taking things too far. He has his own issues with his past – mostly his mother – but his heroic rescuer streak made up for any of his less good qualities. And then there was that walk… *swoon* He’s an amazingly supportive hero, making him an excellent match for Ivy’s more independent qualities. I loved the two of them together.

The tale is mostly split between a country house party and the social interactions of Bath, across the autumn (not fall!), complete with an array of interesting entertainments and activities to keep things interesting. And although couples from earlier books in this series do make some appearances, it stands alone well enough, while hinting at the next few heroes yet to come.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. The story is romantic, the characters are likeable and have wonderful chemistry and seemed perfect for each other, all wrapped up in a lovely Regency setting. I think this was possibly my favourite Darcy Burke book yet – I can’t wait to read the next one.

(ARC provided by the author via NetGalley.) ...more

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Mar 22, 2017 Janet rated it it was amazing

Ten years ago Ivy Breckenridge’s life was ruined. She had to reinvent herself, and after painstakingly making her own way in the world, she’s now a lady’s companion. She attends a house party with Lady Dunn & meets The Duke of Clare a man who 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, she can’t trust any man, alone by choice is better than alone by necessity.
With a notorious reputation for training married ...more

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Mar 24, 2017 Debra Martin rated it really liked it

After Ivy Breckenridge's life is ruined when she was a green girl, she has reinvented herself as a companion and does her utmost to be proper in every situation. She has finally found some peace after surviving a horrific time on her own and she's vowed never to marry or let a man rule her or her emotions again. Sebastian Westgate has been nicknamed the Duke of Desire for his numerous affairs. He's a rake and once he sets his sights on Ivy, he's the one to be disappointed by her lack of interest ...more

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Mar 21, 2017 Ira rated it really liked it

"The Duke of Desire" is the forth book in the series - and I loved it just as much as I loved the other books!

Well, I was a bit miffed at our hero, the Duke of Desi...,pardon, Duke of Clare's in the beginning because he was very insistent and very seductive and, well, let's face that fact once more, right: seduction was fine in those times - if you didn't happen to be a woman, then it just meant that you were completely and utterly ruined.

Unfortunately Ivy Breckenridge is a woman - and one who ...more

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Mar 30, 2017 Jen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star, arc, histoical, owned, sta, reviewed

West and Ivy are both against marriage for their own personal reasons that we learn about as they get to know each other. He is known for his many affairs with married women, so his nickname fits him quite well. But there is so much more to him and the reasons he does what he does - until he meets Ivy at least. Ivy's past has colored her view on men like West, and at first does what she can to avoid him, but little by little, he wears her down. I love the friendship that develops along with the ...more

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Oct 06, 2017 Melanie rated it really liked it

This is the fourth book in The Untouchables series, and I believe the most fun out of the four, and the reason for it was the hero.Now, that said, I have to warn you that in reading this story, you need to suspend your imagination waaaaaay up high, and only then you’ll be able to enjoy it.

I truly liked both Ivy and West from the start, but by the end of the story as their characters grew and their stories came to light, I loved them and their happily after was worth the road they traveled togeth ...more

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Sep 17, 2017 Corrine rated it really liked it

4.25 stars. I didn't love it as much as Lucy's story and I was kind of disappointed how easily Ivy's issues with Clare and men of his ilk were resolved, but this was still a good, fast read.

(I will say I couldn't help but roll my eyes over the reason behind Clare's debauchery. Andrew and Ned had FAR more believable and understandable reasons behind their reputations.)

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Apr 28, 2018 Susan rated it it was amazing

Certainly a different kind of Duke. Loved West and Ivy’s story. ❤ ...more

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Nov 19, 2017 A.M. rated it it was ok

Shelves: e-books, i-own

The Duke of Desire is some kind of Regency sex therapist.
Yeah…I know. As a concept, it didn’t work for me.
It’s a ridiculous premise, but Clare also takes on the sex education of a couple by fucking the wife. Then lecturing the husband when he steps away from the marital bed as a supposed benefit to both. I mean couldn’t he just tell/teach the man what to do without touching the wife? Without adding in that he’s a Duke. Primogeniture is always the antagonist in Regency romance. His heirs matter. ...more

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Apr 10, 2017 Eva rated it it was amazing

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!

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Oct 20, 2017 Carol Bisig rated it really liked it

.

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Feb 06, 2017 Nicole rated it really liked it

I received this book from net galley for an honest review. Thank you!!

I have read this series from the first novel and it is a wonderful series. The author, Darcy Burke, does a good job with the characters and the plot. Even though each story is it own, it still brings back some of the characters from the previous books in the series. Each story builds on the other.
Ivy Breckenridge was ruined ten years ago by a man who promised her marriage and then left her. She was forced to leave her family a ...more

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Apr 06, 2017 Becky rated it it was amazing

OMG, I knew I was going to love Ivy's story--I've been dying to find out what her backstory was for three books now--but how much I loved it still managed to take me by surprise.

Because, Ivy. And West. Seriously, they're right up there in my top ten favorite couples. Heck, they're probably in the top five.

Ivy's been a mystery for the whole series--she was befriended by the other wallflowers at the start of book one ( The Forbidden Duke ) but most of her life before and after that point remained OMG, I knew I was going to love Ivy's story--I've been dying to find out what her backstory was for three books now--but how much I loved it still managed to take me by surprise.

Because, Ivy. And West. Seriously, they're right up there in my top ten favorite couples. Heck, they're probably in the top five.

Ivy's been a mystery for the whole series--she was befriended by the other wallflowers at the start of book one ( The Forbidden Duke ) but most of her life before and after that point remained a mystery, even to Nora, Lucy, and Aquilla. We knew there was something big and tragic there--everything about her screamed huge secrets--but it wasn't until she got her own book that we found out what they were. And how appropriate is it that the Duke of Desire (though she lobbied hard for Debauchery or Depravity) become her hero?

So. Appropriate.

And whoa, Ms. Burke did a great job of making a guy who at first seemed like a total sleezeball (I would have been right there with Ivy once upon a time, casting my vote for Debauchery as well) into such an amazingly great guy. I mean, I am still shuddering when I think too hard about it, because no condoms (didn't they have French letters yet? Because, scary...) but overall his reasons behind and for doing what he'd been doing up until Ivy were so much better than I ever could have come up with. But then he met Ivy, so...sigh.

I was a bit distressed when I realized that this book meant that all four of the original heroines had their HEAs, but was thrilled to hear that a book five (the hero is connected to a secondary character here) is in the works (and that West's best friend also has a "Duke" moniker courtesy of the girls, so surely he'll get a book too, soon?) because I am absolutely not ready to leave the world of the Untouchables behind!

The Duke of Desire would work fine as a standalone, though if you (like me!) have read the other series books and been dying for Ivy to get her HEA, this one will be all the more satisfying for you.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. ...more

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Mar 20, 2017 Amy rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017, 4-stars, review-books

Such an interesting Historical Romance. As most of you know, I’m still pretty new to this genre. But, I must say, it really is nice to mix up genres every once and a while.

The Duke of Desire was an intriguing read. I loved the writing style and found the plot of the story to be really interesting. West had the most interesting job, teaching married women the art of passion and love making. While his job was totally unconventional, I loved discovering that there was more to this man that what mee ...more

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Mar 19, 2017 Kim Vanravenswaay rated it it was amazing

Another great name for West world be, the Duke of Rescues. He is constantly rescuing someone. Whether it's a couples sex life, or a damsel in distress. Ivy was very surprised to see what a kind man West really was.
West is awed by Ivy the first moment he sees her. And then he takes the time to get to know her. He has a lot of female friends, but they only become friends after having a session with their husbands and West. So it is quite new for him to start out as friends.
The Duke of Desire, is a ...more

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Mar 23, 2017 Angela rated it really liked it

I have read all of the books in this series and this one is my favorite story. I loved Ivy even though her story is tragic. She is a strong woman and you know she will pull through. I liked West, however I was uncomfortable with his “service”. I am not a prude but it did not sit well with me. That being said, West did change and I liked how he would not give up on Ivy. This is a very emotional story that was beautifully written.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley ...more

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Mar 21, 2017 Barbara rated it really liked it

Shelves: e-book, historical-romance

I absolutely adored the hero of this story! ::sigh::

Review to follow

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Mar 30, 2017 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it really liked it

Shelves: historial-fiction, historical-mystery, historical-romance, regency-england, regency, darcy-burke, complimentary-copy, sexy, the-untouchables-series

THE DUKE OF DESIRE by Darcy Burke is another great Historical Romance in her "The Untouchables" series. While, book 4, it can be read as a stand alone. This is the story of Ivy Breckenridge and Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare, known as the Duke of passion. Passionate, sexy, dangerous to your heart, secrets, hidden desires, resilience, and the power of finding a true love.

A powerful, emotional story, were the characters have many depths and emotional baggage. Sebastian at first doesn't seem muc ...more

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Mar 26, 2017 AC Authors rated it it was amazing

I have an affinity for historical romance books, but it does occasionally leave a distasteful lingering feeling of offense. Historically speaking, you can’t expect to find feminism in regency romances, but that’s exactly what some of today’s historical romance writers are doing, and I’m pleased to discover that Darcy Burke is among that list. Part of the appeal is character outrage when the dainty female who was raised to find a husband and have his heirs turns out to be a witty, intelligent, an ...more

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Apr 06, 2017 BCD Book Review - Rachel & Jen rated it really liked it

Shelves: dual-pov, fun, historical-romance, sweet, royality

Amount of sex 2 / 5
How explicit 2 / 5
Romance 5 / 5
Overall: 4 / 5

Review: Oh the Duke of Desire (or the Duke of Clare, West as he is know by his friends) will make you swoon!

While The Duke of Clare (West) has a scandalous reputation is a man with a heart and a mission. He is involved with married women to teach them the art of love, with their husband's permission (if not instance).

Ivy is a independent woman who believes in helping others that society has forgotten. Ivy is also a woman with a secr ...more

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Apr 11, 2017 Tuyetmai rated it it was amazing

Companion Ivy Breckenridge is a woman with a mysterious past, even to her closest friends. As the final member of the League of Invincibles to be unmarried, her friends want her to find the same happiness they has all found. Ivy still finds comfort and safety in her unmarried state and finds marriage deplorable.

The Duke of Desire, Sebastian Westgate, is a notorious rake with a penchant for affairs with married women. He enjoys the ladies and helps them with their marriages.

Both Westgate and Ivy ...more

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Apr 16, 2017 Brenda rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed

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 p ...more

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Apr 10, 2017 Noemi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical

Once again Darcy Burke has written a novel that shows why she is one of the best historical romance authors. I’ve been a huge fan of this series and Ivy’s story has been one that I have looked forward to learning about the most.

Ivy is intelligent, caring, witty and holding on to the pain of a past that forced her life to change course. After reinventing herself and now has loyal friends and a position as a paid companion. And it is due to her position that she is now at a house party that brings ...more

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Apr 06, 2017 Jimnlori rated it it was amazing

I love this series by Darcy Burke! The Duke of Desire is the fourth book in this series.
Ivy Breckenridge's past forced her to reinvent herself as a ladies companion for her survival. She and her best friends always said that they would never fall in love or marry. Their lives could be full without them ever depending on a man, but her friends soon find men that they can trust and love leaving Ivy alone in her strength and solitude. Meeting the Duke of Desire at a house party and spending time w ...more

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Apr 02, 2017 Debbie Glenn Brown rated it really liked it

Ivy Breckenridge life was destroyed ten years ago. She’s had to make it on her own in the cold cruel world now as a paid ladies companion. She has no desire to marry, she’s forgotten her dreams of marring and having a family. Sebastian Westgate “West”, the Duke of Clare has been deemed an Untouchable by Ivy and her friends gave him the nickname of The Duke of Desire. He guards his life and doesn’t allow anyone close enough to see past his charming exterior. He encounters Ivy at a house party whe ...more

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Sep 24, 2018 Angel Hatfield rated it it was amazing

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 Westg ...more

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Feb 24, 2018 Diane rated it really liked it

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 h ...more

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