The Forbidden Duke

The Untouchables, Book 1

By: Darcy Burke

Narrated by: Marian Hussey

Length: 5 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Spinster Miss Eleanor Lockhart is suddenly homeless and employment is her only option. Ruined after succumbing to a scoundrel's excessive charm nearly a decade ago, she's lucky to obtain a position as a paid companion and committed to behaving with the utmost propriety. She definitely shouldn't be in the arms of a man capable of utterly destroying what little remains of her reputation.

Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal, is known as the Forbidden Duke, a mysterious, intimidating figure who enters society just once each year at his stepmother's ball. A decade ago, he was a devil-may-care rake until his idle roguery brought about the ruin of Eleanor Lockhart - and his resulting self-imposed isolation. Now she's back, and she needs his help. But by saving her, he may just ruin her life all over again.

©2016 Darcy Burke (P)2017 Darcy Burke

Fairytale romance!

Loved the story! Dashing hero and a strong heroine! Marian Hussey did a superb job bringing this story to life......she is such a good storyteller😍

Romance is still alive.

Loved this book. It was a very well written story. Lighthearted and a good ending. Could have heard more about some of the other characters but storyline was good.

very sweet story

a little short but it was right what I was in the mood for. very sweet story!

something new

I really enjoyed this book. Not the same as the variations of Pride and Prejudice however this was just as good totally enjoyed it.

Back in the Ballroom!

The Forbidden Duke by Darcy Burke (Audiobook)
Narrated by: Marian Hussey
Series: The Untouchables, Book 1

3 Stars - This was my first historical by Darcy Burke. I found the writing good, and I enjoyed the setting of a girl having a season. I haven’t read one of these in a while and it was nice to be back in the ballroom, so to speak. Titus and Eleanor had good chemistry together, and were overall well rounded characters.

This was also my first time listening to Marian Hussey. I felt she did a great job narrating. I would happily listen to her again.

~Paragraphs and Petticoats ~

Awesome read and Awesome narration..

The only book Darcy Burke has on Audible and I certainly hope it’s not the last. This was such a good book. It’s about Nora, who was “ruined” nine years ago when she was caught in the embrace of Lord Haywood, and Lord Haywood was encouraged by Lord Titus St John, who became the Duke of Kendal, to act that rakishly. Titus gave up his rakish ways when his father died but never really got over the guilt he felt over Nora’s ruination. Nora became Titus’s stepmother’s companion, and that’s where the fun started.

There was no insta-love. The love came about throughout the book. It was just so romantic.

There was no stalker, no mystery, no suspense, no murder, BUT it was a really great story. AND it was only 156 pages. AND I don’t feel like I missed a thing. I was told about the beauty of the ballrooms, the colors of the beautiful gowns and what the gentlemen were wearing, without being bogged down with pages and pages of description.

AND, which I LOVE, because I'm shallow, Nora was beautiful and Titus was gorgeous.
My kind of hero and heroine.

There was desire in this story and one awesome sex scene. A romantic sex scene NOT erotic or vulgar.

AS to the narrator: Marian Hussey did an excellent job on all the voices and she read with wonderful emotions.

I hope to see more of Darcy Burke's books on audible very soon.

was just ok

I found this to be a very hard start, choosing to not finish the story.

Very entertaining

I really enjoyed The Forbidden Duke. it was well written and well performed. The idea of the ruined debutante and the formidable rake of a Duke was well developed and moved fluidly to the well deserved obligatory HEA! I recommend the book and audio book, they make a great pair!

Solid Book

This book was enjoyable in that it didn’t have false or weak drama thrown in. It made for a relaxing read. Negatives are that there wasn’t enough of a romantic vibe built in for my taste (and very little physical relations) as well as a lack of character development of the main guy. I finished it though and I gave it 5 stars so eh I guess I’m not really complaining.

okay

I like the story but it seemed lacking in some areas. Our heronie doesn't come across as very strong or independent, she doesn't come across as meek or timid either, she is just there. But she has this sudden turn into bold independence one night in the library with our Hero that is just a little odd. Afterwards it just kinds jumps to this and then to that, then the end. I think more story could have been developed. About to read the next book, that seems to have jumped ahead 5 years, again odd.