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 … 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.
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The Forbidden Duke, by Darcy Burke, I found to be a lovely sweet romantic love story set during the London seasonal time. Darcy takes her readers on a romantic journey with Eleanor and Titus. Darcy focused so much of the book on these two as they come to terms with what they needed in their life and to heck with other people thought. I enjoy the simplicity of Darcy’s writing. She gives a story that’s not filled with theatrics or grandstanding.
After all this is a love story. For me as a reader I really love getting caught in the romance between Titus and Eleanor. Theirs was a courtship that grew at a steady pace, that brought happiness and joy to them both. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Okay… so this is light fluffy fanciful reading. BUT I LOVED IT. The pace was smoothly moderate, there were no plot holes nor any hiccups. The segues between scenes were seamless. Everything made sense and there were no loose ends. I loved the characters. So kind, so thoughtful, generous and giving. Even the cretin in the story played his part well. What can I say? It is a quick read but oh so romantic. (swoon) If you have extra time, give this book a twirl. I promise it will endear itself to you.
Very much enjoyed this story. Romantic.
Mostly sweet story (with one graphic scene) about well-mannered Miss Eleanor Lockhart, who had the misfortune in her second season of believing and meeting a rake unchaperoned, during which time they shared a kiss. The man did not honor her with a marriage proposal, leaving her to return to her country home in disgrace. Nine years later, her father can no longer support her so she accepts a paid position. She meets and intrigues Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal, known as the Forbidden Duke. As a former rake, he feels responsible for her unfair fall from grace because of his influence on the man who had duped and compromised her. Having secluded himself from the ton nine years ago, Titus gives Eleanor some attention, while trying to convince himself he has no need for a wife and wouldn’t deserve Eleanor, anyway, despite the growing attraction. I liked the characters and the dialogue, but I downgraded it a little for lack of excitement.
Wonderful second chance love story!
I have to say this story was inspiring. To have a second chance to redo a period in your life. I have often asked myself would I have done something different if I could? I never answer myself.
Here we have Miss Eleanor Lockhart, who now has to find employment since her father now has no way to support either of them. She has lived contentedly in the country these past nine years after one mistake that she was shocked to see was not as she was less to believe.
Now she is the companion to Lady Satterfield. She finds peace and enjoys helping Lady Satterfield. Now, Lady Satterfield’s step-son is none other than Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal, formerly in his younger days, Marquess of Ravenglass.
When Kendal finds out it is the woman he inadvertently helped ruin nine years ago he agrees to his stepmother’s request that Nora be who he dances with at her annual ball. This dance elevates the chosen girl in society’s eyes and he likes to think he is correcting a grievous error.
Now with Nora he wants to help more but the more he gets to know her the more he likes what he finds. Nora on the Other hand is overwhelmed by all the attention. Last Satterfield has decided that Nora deserves a second chance at having a season and declared to sponsor her.
As Titus realizes his feelings are stronger he wants to let Nora have the chance at happiness but wants it with him. The obstacle is his part non years ago in her ruination. Would she be able to forgive him?
Nora is finding she does not want the full ton experiences as she thought as she gets closer to Titus. Now she has to decide as she has two other prospects to see where it could go but though she keeps comparing them to Tutus.
What is a brooding, dashing, aloof bachelor to do when he loses his heart? A second chance spinster gets the dream of a do-over but can it turn out better or worse? Will dreams and wishes come true or will history repeat itself?
You will just have to read this inspiring book with courageous characters. I enjoyed the extended epilogue but wished it was the one in the book and the one in the book should have been the extended epilogue. But either way your romp in the season and back to the country will have you entertained
Titus and Nora are glorious together!
Oh, how I love a good reformed rake story! Titus has a lot to make up for from the days of his misspent youth, starting with the debt he owes to his mother’s new companion. Nora was banished from polite society years ago after a scandalous kiss with a man who was no gentleman, and when her father can no longer provide for her, she finds her options very limited.
Nora is a heroic young woman, one who faces life head-on without making enemies along the way. Her gracious heart serves her well as she transitions to her new life, and I found her optimism truly inspiring. Titus can’t resist the light she brings to his darkness, and I loved watching him fall in love with her and how that process helped him become his better self.
After having first read The Bachelor Earl, I really enjoyed seeing Genie and Edmund settled into their HEA. Each book is its own standalone romance, but the way the satellite characters are woven into the story enriches each story. I loved the scene with Nora at the end, where she explains the use of the Untouchables term and the related nicknames, which namedrops the characters from the next few books in this series, all of which are now on my TBR.
This story has everything you want in a Regency romance, and I highly recommend anything by this author.
Eleanor (Nora) Lockhart left London 9 years ago in ruin – caught in an embrace with a rake who never intended to fulfill his promises. Now she is abandoned by her father who because of his financial disaster seeks shelter with his married sister. Nora is forced to seek employment, but with her scandalous past – which she refuses to lie about – what are her chances?? Fate finally smiles down on Nora in the form of Lady Satterfield. She is aware of her past and hires her as her companion. But then she decides to sponsor Nora to give her the chance of her dream. Her stepson, Titus, Duke of Kendal – the ton calls him “The Forbidden Duke” – avoids society, except for his beloved family. When he meets Nora, he is shocked for he indirectly caused her ruin. Although he tries to keep his distance, Titus is drawn to Nora’s strength, courage and gentleness. Nora cannot help but compare him to her other suitors, but he is what she calls an “Untouchable” – so far above her in society. even to speak to! Can they overcome the gossip of society and prove forgiveness and love open the door to joy! Entertaining story of how good people spread their happiness.
After his encouragement of a friend lead to the downfall of a lady, Titus changed his rakish lifestyle and became reclusive. However his stepmother’s new companion draws him like a moth to a flame. Will he be singed when Nora finds out the truth about the past? Enjoyable though I’m not sure that Nora would have risked her reputation for a second time, hence the loss of a star.
Enjoyed this book very much. Look forward to more by Darcy Burke.
Second chances at a happy ever after don’t come around every day. For spinster Miss Eleanor Lockhart, suddenly homeless and in need of a situation, it is like a fairy tale come true when her new employer decides to re-launch her into society. Eleanor lost her chance for happiness as a young girl when a rogue ruined her and left her to take the brunt of society’s punishment. Ten years later, the leader of the gang of rakes and rogues, now reformed, has been commissioned by his stepmother to assist Eleanor in becoming the angel of the ton.
Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal, is the Forbidden Duke. After years of debauchery, he changed to become the man his father would be proud of, unfortunately, it was too late for Miss Eleanor’s reputation. What started out as a favor for his beloved stepmother quickly turns to something more. Who is saving whom in this lovely Cinderella story of second chances?
Darcy Burke does an excellent job of showing weakness without making her characters weak. We all have our flaws, but we do not have to be defined by them. This was definitely a story I would listen to over and over again, and a series I want to read in its entirety.
I Love reading Darcy Burke’s Books.
And she didn’t disappoint me with this Book.
I actually read this Book in the “The Untouchables” Series Books 1-3.
Her writing is always refreshing.
Tituss & Eleanor are Wonderful Characters who both did things that put them in the position they are in.
Tituss feels he needs to help Eleanor since he is the 1 who helped ruin her, as he falling in love with her.
Eleanor is surprised that her Campaign is giving her a second chance to have a season & how Titus is being not only friendly she can’t help but have feelings for him.
I loved this book! The characters were interesting and realistic. I couldn’t put it down. It had a good story line and was well written.
I was interested the whole way through. And Darcy Burke’s books are not riddled with errors in punctuation or grammar. There is nothing worse than reading a book and seeing errors that detract from reading the story! Thank you Darcy for a great read!
Miss Eleanor Lockhart has got to find somewhere to live and an income since her father list everything. She destroyed her chances of marriage years ago by allowing a rake a kiss and being ruined. Hopefully she can be a lady’s companion.
Titus St. John the Duke of Kendal regrets the way he and his friends behaved years ago. He now stays away from society and concentrates on his lands and family.
A lovely romance that gives everyone hope for a second chance. All the characters are a lot of fun and learn what is really important in life and what is not.
This is the begining of a fabulous series. Each book can be read alone.
I loved it.
The Forbidden Duke dances with no one but his mother and only at her ball. Then he leaves. His mother asks him to dance with Nora, his mother’s paid companion, to make her popular with the gentry. This turns his world upside down. Great read.
Forbidden Desires!
A compromised young lady comes back to town and is kindly sponsored by an elderly lady who is stepmom to The Forbidden Duke. Ooo! It sounds exciting! Interesting! And much, much more!
This story doesn’t disappoint and Darcy Burke tells it as only she can with wonderful characters who are, each one, interesting and our two main ones will keep you turning the pages to the very end with all their indecisions, decisions, romancing and goings on.
It has a delightful and very unexpected ending and so many twists and turns that I was never very sure exactly how it would end but I loved every second of it.
I realized I had this book in my Kindle library and never read it – I am mad at myself for taking so long to read this book because I really enjoyed it. Great story-great author!!!
Titus and Nora caught my interest, although I feared for her as she kept getting nearly into the type of situation that ruined her years ago. Fortunately, Titus had grown so much in the years since they had met that it all works out.
Good story, and I loved the characters. The story really outlines what one moment, and gossip, can do.
Although, I found this book unrealistic, I am going to recommend it. The lead female made several unwise choices, but in the end she made the right choice. This was a small romantic story that had it’s moments.