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 Westgate, Duke of Clare, is reviled by some and celebrated by others. He doesn’t allow anyone close enough to see past his charming exterior. When Ivy uncovers the man beneath, the seducer is suddenly the seduced. Enraptured by her mind and spirit, he wants more but revealing his darkest secrets is a price he won’t pay.
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Good fun read.
Another wonderful story in this series about Miss Ivy Breckenridge, paid companion to Lady Dunn. Beautiful and determined never to trust a man again, this life style suits Ivy. Now that her two trusted friends are wed – to “Untouchables” – Ivy feels the loneliness of her life. At a house party, she meets Sebastian Westgate (West), Duke of Clare or as they dubbed him “Duke of Desire”. His life seems an open book, noted for his affairs with married women, but all is not as it seems. As he tries to explain to Ivy, he enriches their marriages. The key to understanding West lies in his childhood and his cold, abusive mother. Ivy’s betrayal came 10 years earlier and was left alone at 17 after her family abandoned her. Can two wounded souls find healing in their attraction? Ivy walks a thin line for no one knows better how gossip can tear her life apart. A poignant story of how a young girl did not wallow in self-pity but was determined to survive the adversities life brought her. Yet she still remained a loving heart as her friendship with Nora, Lucy & Aquilla showed. Her courage and strength are admirable as well as her dedication to help those less fortunate. These qualities attracted West and their love healed all the hurts of the past, enabling a joyful future. Enchanting story of love & devotion!!
I have been reading the books in this series and now know about Aquilla and Lucy. It was the mysterious Ivy Breckenridge I was always curious about. Now her story is one that I shall never forget. At seventeen an event caused her life to crash and burn. She rose from the ashes and was reborn. She became a Phoenix. She survived such horrible circumstances. Her life is an inspiration. This story held me in such suspense and terror for what was happening. This is a page turner, a must read and I highly recommend it.
“Duke of Desire”
Sebastian (West) & Ivy’s Story is Absolutely Wonderful.
I couldn’t put the Book down or stop turning page after page.
West meets his match with Ivy. Being used to having people approach him & Ivy turning him away at every turn.
Can The Duke of Desire win Ivy’s Trust & Heart?
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 women in the art of passion, Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare, is reviled by some and celebrated by others. Ivy & her friends have given West the nickname of The Duke of Desire although Ivy thought the Duke of Debauchery would have been better. He doesn’t allow anyone close enough to see past his charming exterior. When Ivy uncovers the man beneath, the seducer is suddenly the seduced. Enraptured by her mind and spirit, he wants more but revealing his darkest secrets is a price he won’t pay.
West is toe curlingly gorgeous, yes he’s arrogant but not the pleasure seeking Duke he wants the world to see, there’s SO much more to him. The scene where he tells Ivy what he’d like to do to her is so, so hot I’m surprised my kindle didn’t combust! Ivy is happy that her friends have found happiness but she can’t change her past & the life changing mistake she made when she was seventeen. The attraction between the pair is obvious from the start even though Ivy fights it & West wonders what’s so different about Ivy.
Again I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the characters are well portrayed & the pace doesn’t lag at all & I was loathe to put it down
This is the fourth in the series but could be a standalone read. I look forward to more Untouchable stories
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
What a delightful story of disreputable Duke that refuses to marry and an on the shelf spinster/wallflower. It was fun watching Sebastian fall.
Sebastian Westgate, the Duke of Clare, dubbed The Duke of Passion by Ivy Breckenridge and her circle of friends. West is rebelling against his mother and his duties to marry and produce an heir. Instead he’s discretely taken up training married ladies of the ton in the art of eros in order to improve their lives and their marriages. He’s remarkable good at it much to his mother’s embarrassment. Ivy Breckenridge was “ruined” at a young age and has remade herself into a Lady’s Companion. She’s a wallflower at social events she accompanies her various employers to. Her circle of friends have dubbed several eligible gentlemen as Untouchables as they are so above their reach.
I have to say I’ve fallen in love with these ladies. They are delightful, intelligent, creative and resourceful. I could me being part of their group if I lived in this world. West is such a likeable character and my heart went out to him. He helps people whenever they cross his path. He’s so good at covering up his hurt. I really enjoyed his journey falling hard for Ivy without realizing it. Darcy crafts the most ingenious and delightful stories. I never tire of them. Thank you Darcy for suggesting I go back and read this story before I dived into The Duke of Kisses for Fanny’s story.
This was a Cinderella story. Ivy was wound tightly because she didn’t want to be hurt again and Wes wanted to live each day to the fullest. Their lives collide and become a kaleidoscope of brilliant color. They are able to fill the holes in each other’s lives and find their happily ever after.
A solid good time read!
Great story line and character development. Enjoyed very much.