After what could only be described as an unhappy childhood, Bran Crowther left England and settled in Barbados where her married, had a daughter, and was happy.  Bran does not want to be in England, and he does not want to be the Earl of Knighton, but he is.  Following her sister’s scandal, Joanna Shaw accepted the first proposal she received and found herself in a miserable, loveless marriage.  She dotes on her niece and nephew, but wants a family of her own and a purpose for her life.  These two meet as a result of a friendship between her niece and his daughter.  They are drawn to each other, but here are a few problems.  Will it be possible to move past these hurdles and find love and a happy life?  Two very smart and precocious five-year-old girls think so.  They see a spark between Bran and Jo, and do their best to fan the flames.  Will it work?

The Untouchables is a wonderful series, and The Duke of Defiance is the best book yet.   This simple and straightforward story proves once again that our heroes are not untouchable, just in need of the right touch. The new characters are great.  Bran is quirky and Evie is intelligent and adorable.  Joanna is just what they need, and they are just what she needs

The Duke of Defiance is another great in the Untouchable series with strong, handsome men and the wallflowers with whom they fall in love.  Darcy Burke brings together a third son who unexpectedly becomes the Earl and Jo, who was ruined along with her sister years earlier.  Her sister Nora’s story with Kendal was the first in the series, The Forbidden Duke, in which Jo was introduced.

Both Bran and Jo are fighting their own demons.  Bran was considered a defiant child by his family.  He grew up with a very difficult relationship with his parents and brothers.  Now, with his father and both brothers dead and he the earl, he struggles with the way they and his mother treated him causing him to leave England for good to make a life in Barbados.  He was considered a ‘defiant’ child.  Jo is struggling with the emotional bullying of her husband, the vicar, who really did not like women.  He just wanted a child, but, apparently, could not do that well do to his proclivities.  Yet, he blamed her for everything.

In addition to their emotional struggles, Bran seemed to have sensory issues causing him to labor with physical human touch and clothing touching his skin.  He experienced some muscle tension that needed frequent massage.  In Barbados, the weather suited him well since clothing was lighter and less needed.  Jo just accepted him as he was, loving him all the more for his needs.

Jo’s niece, Nora’s daughter, became fast friends with Bran’s daughter.  These two friends had a lot to do with bringing Jo and Bran together.  Their frequent ‘play dates’ eventually lead to Jo becoming Evie’s governess in Bran’s home.  Plus, the girls wanted Bran and Jo to marry, contriving reasons for them to be together.

The amazing love that develops between Jo and Bran is gradual, sensual and sweet.  Quickly in their relationship, Bran asked Jo to marry him.  With her decline, he knew he had not handled it well.  You will appreciate the development of their adorable connection.

An important part of the Duke of Defiance is bringing the final book in the series ‘in touch’ with the first book.  Nora and Kendal have been married for several years.  Yet, there was always the question of the somewhat estranged relationship between Jo and Nora.  Nora truly felt responsible for her younger sister not having a season and the possibility of a good marriage.  Thus, the cause of Jo marrying a vicar.  These two stories were so well interconnected allowing the sisters to finally talk about what happened all those years ago.  Jo released her anger and still, they were able to become even closer than before their harsh words.  Nora was able to truly let her sister know she took the blame for everything that happened following the kissing incident.  Having read all of the series allowed that bit of closure that was unexpected.

The Duke of Defiance is truly a standalone book, but I think I enjoyed it all the more for having read the series in succession.  These would be a great series to load into your kindle for a vacation read.  They are not too serious and not to light-hearted, just plain good reading.

I enjoyed reading this book by Darcy Burke, my first by this author, particularly the originality of the Duke of Defiance. Having a peculiar, different hero, with such unusual issues and quirks, was refreshing. 
I was expecting, though, that Bran’s uncommon traits would be somehow more thoroughly developed and explained. I would trade that for the sex scenes, which sounded formulaic and drawn-out.
For these reasons, I enjoyed more the first part of the book, when the character of the hero was being revealed. 
I liked both main characters, as well as the side characters, including two little girls that become best friends right away (but I felt that Evie spoke often as a grown-up and not as a six-year-old child).

This is in my top 3 favorites of recent reads. I have not read any of the previous entries into this series by Darcy Burke, but I am now planning on going back and reading them. This story was so sweet and lovely. Bran, having been dismissed, abandoned, treated cruelly by his family, flees England and finds his way to Barbados. Eventually, he returns, newly minted earl and with a daughter in tow. Joanna Shaw endured 8 years of marriage to a cruel vicar who made it his mission to tell her that she was less of a woman. Their story is told beautifully and they are two broken souls in need of each other. Bran and his "eccentricities" reminded me a lot of my autistic son  with his quirks and it was so refreshing to read a story with a less than perfect hero. Jo did not judge, was unassuming and took Bran for what he was. This was beautiful and I can't wait to read more from this author.

Another great story in the series. Ms Burke once again manages to create such diverse characters. The Duke of Defiance, brings Bran Crowther, the Earl of Knighton back to England, having left his life in Barbados. He initially fled to escape his family but returns when his father and twin older brothers die, leaving him the new Earl. His young daughter, Evie is struggling with the changes but has befriended the daughter of another duke (book 1 in the series). It is this friendship that brings Bran in contact with Jo, the sister-in-law of the duke, and the sparks soon fly. Jo accepts Bran and his defiance of all irrelevant things (many of which he calls his peccadillos) and he, loves her despite her possible infertility. This was a lovely story and it was great to see many of the dukes appear again, if only for a short section of the book.

Oh my, what a marvelous story. Jo is now a widow and has been brow beaten by her husband, she moved in with her sister.  Bran is a third son and never expected to become earl. He had moved to Barbados when he was young and made a success of his life, there.
The story grabbed and kept my attention. The characters were warm, gentle and kind, except for his mother, who had never cared for him. The descriptions were lush and vivid. The plot combined all these elements into an amazing story.  Bran had trouble adjusting to life in England. He liked to wear his shirts loose and no cravats, coats, shoes or socks.  Darcy Burke has out done herself on this book. Her writing as usual, is right on and enchanting as always.

What a beautiful story! Ms. Burke does it again. I fell in love with Bran and felt for Jo. Exceptional read!

I really enjoyed this latest addition to the Untouchables series – which can be read as a standalone perfectly well – and it’s less-than-usual take on a few things. Such as a devoted father and his child, the reasons behind Bran’s defiance and even the truth behind Jo’s marriage. Throw in a bit of household drama and some family troubles and the whole thing made for a great read.

I loved Bran. He had a horrible childhood, constantly tormented by his awful older brothers who used his hypersensitivity to touch as a way to torture him. Made worse by his nasty mother, who refused to even try to understand why Bran didn't want to do certain things like wear clothes and punished him for his defiance. It’s not surprising that he fled England at fifteen and made a new life for himself in Barbados. Most of all I loved how he adored his daughter Evie and never tried to change her less than standard behaviour. They both have their quirks, but their family bond is perfect and the way they cared about each other was wonderful.

Then there was Jo. I really liked her, she is strong and determined and hiding an awful lot unresolved issues caused by the verbal abuse of her deceased husband. Her pain over her barrenness was palpable, especially when everyone else was happily talking about babies. Her relationship with Bran is a little slow to get going, but I loved the way the pair of them connected so easily. He is certainly not the kind of man she’s used to, but she accepts him for exactly who he is, as he accepts her, and together with Evie they make a great family.

Of course it’s all far from plain sailing, what with past emotional issues to overcome, personal quirks to learn and adapt to, plus a few social rules and moral barriers to be broken down. There’s also an obligatory breakdown in communication to cause tension, but it’s done in a believable way, even if some resolutions felt a little too quick and easy.

Overall, though, this was lovely. A strong but wounded heroine, a dutiful but different hero, a cute child, a few servant dramas and plenty of family fun and woes, all with a vaguely historical background that’s more about the sense of the period than fully accurate (too many modern Americanisms). If you’re looking for an easy and enjoyable Regency read, then give this a go. I look forward to seeing what Darcy Burke comes up with next.

There are some really icky Unfortunate Implications of the hero's time in Barbados as a slave owner, the heroine's evil gay late husband, and the idea that really good sex cures sensory processing disorder.

I really really enjoyed this book. All the characters, especially Evie were easy to love. I am so thankful for the epilogue and seeing how happy they indeed were. I wasn't sure what I expected from this title, a bit more of a rogue maybe, but this was much better!!

I really enjoyed this book. Darcy Burke is a wonderful story teller and you can't go wrong with her novels.
This story of Jo and Bran is heart warming, steamy, and never dull. Bran is the reluctant Earl of Knighton; having been born the third son he never imagined he would inherit and isn't prepared for the role. Bran left England as a young man and made a home for himself in Barbados. Now with the passing of his brothers and father he is forced to return with his daughter. 
Jo is a widow, who would love a child of her own; but believes she is unable to have children of her own. Bran offers Jo the position of governess and in her desire to useful she agrees.
I was pulled into this story on an emotional level and entertained from beginning to end. It's a great sunny day read.

Love love love! Fave couple so far. It was just wonderful. I was so sad when I finished it.

I'm still smiling the next day.

Gorgeous story such a brilliant addition to this series.

Wow, that is sheltered. Was she a debutante? 

Ooh, was her husband cheating? 

Matchmaker, matchmaker. 

He's the master of subtle digs. Too bad he doesn't realize he's doing it. 

Men don't have to worry about boobs, that's why. 

Blood tastes yucky, that's for sure, Evie. 

Matthias sounds like a wimp. 

Don't be a pussy, Kerr. She weighs maybe forty pounds! 

His mother was abusive. 

Dead husbands are ever so convenient for excuses. 

If only you could take the same servants with you when you moved continents. 

Foster is a witch. Evie is a child, you moron! 

Do they know about the Tooth Fairy yet? 

He has a steward though, right? 

Ick, this woman. She's actually someone's mother? Bran would have been better off literally raised by wolves. 

I'd change the locks, man. 

It's sad that they're not knowledgeable about reproduction. It takes two to make a baby.

What. The hell? 

Dirty talk in the park? My, my. 

Go hang, Talbot. 

Just giving him a nickname made him catnip for these silly twits. 

Okay, I am so liking his father more than his mother. 

This is very "The Parent Trap". Cute! 

Yikes, way to dump on your poor sister! 

Why do I feel like that was a paid actress? 

I hope the witch is a better grandmother now. 

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Every time I read a Darcy Burke historical, it becomes my favorite. I never expect her to be able to top the previous one, but she always does. Jo and Bran are AMAZING. Their journey to each other is heartbreaking and hilarious by turns. I couldn't put it down. THIS one is my favorite.

I love the Duke series and this was great. Love Ms. Burke characters. How they grow and come to life. Great series. Love the book.

This is my honest and fair review for this ARC.  I LOVE THIS SERIES.  Each Duke is so different than the others.  Their tales are as unique as they (and their Ladies) are.  So well written and you just want to immerse yourself in each story.  I have all so far and can't wait until the next comes out.  You will love them too I am sure.

WOW!!!  Just WOW!!!  This is an awesome romance with a strong, loving father who wants only happiness for his small daughter and a wounded lady who knows she’ll never have the family she so desperately wants.  Both are flawed, but both are also capable of great depths of love.

I was so engrossed with this book that I read it straight through – finishing at about four o’clock in the morning.  I just couldn’t put it down.  It sucked me into the lives of these lovely people and just wouldn’t let me go!  By the way – I have not read the previous books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed the book anyway.  However, the characters were so intriguing that I fully intend to go back and read the first four books.

Bran Crowther left home when he was just old enough to be able to do so.  He didn’t care where he was going, he just bought passage on the first ship leaving.  That ship deposited him in Barbados where he proceeded to create a successful life, acquire a fortune, marry, and produce a beautiful daughter – Evie.  Why would such a young man leave home without caring where he was going?  Well, his family was absolutely awful to him.  His older brothers tormented him constantly, his mother was a vile creature who did nothing but berate him and his father just gave up on him.  Part of the problem is that Bran is much younger than the others and he has some issues.  They label him ‘defiant’, but it would appear that he really had some sort of mental/physical issue.  He couldn’t stand to be touched and clothes were an awful trial.  He also had a lot of anxiety any time he was in the company of strangers or if he was within a crowded space.  Those issues followed him into adulthood, but he had learned to manage them better.  They were much better in Barbados because he was much more relaxed and in a less congested area.  However, when he was forced to return to England to assume a title he didn’t want, those issues threatened to overwhelm him.

Joanna, "Jo", Shaw is the childless widow of a country vicar.  Joanna had always wanted love, marriage, and children, but when her older sister, Nora, created a scandal it destroyed Joanna’s chances of having her own season and making a good marriage.  She only received one offer and that was to a country vicar.  She accepted the offer only to discover that the vicar was a vile mean, hateful, perverted creature who mentally abused her for years.  So, when he finally died, she moved in with her sister Nora, who had brought her life around and was married to a duke.  Jo isn’t sure what she wants to do with her future, but she is sure it won’t include marriage and children.  After all, she could never surrender control of her life to another man, and besides, what man would want to marry her when she was worthless, unattractive and couldn’t provide him with an heir.

Evangelina, “Evie”, is the five-year-old daughter of Bran.  She lost her mother at a very early age and Bran stepped into the role of both parents.  The only home she has ever known is Barbados and England doesn’t compare favorably with the balmy beaches, rich colors, and fragrant scents of Barbados.  She’s adjusting, but she’s not really happy with the idea of never returning to Barbados.  Luckily she meets the daughter of Jo’s sister and they become fast friends.  She also meets Jo and becomes instantly attached to her.  To my thinking, the two little girls act much more mature than any five-year-old that I’ve ever known.  They are writing plays at five – almost six.  I don’t know – I loved the little girls, but they just didn’t ring true to their age to me.

One thing I really liked was that the story wasn’t filled with angsty introspection.  Both of the main characters had issues and both of them went forward with accepting and dealing with those issues.  It was a wonderful story of two flawed people finding acceptance and love with each other.  

The very best thing about this book was the Epilogue – it was absolutely perfect!  I think it should be a law that all historical romance books should have an epilogue!

"I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

Ms. Burke is a talented author and I enjoyed this book immensely. Joanna Shaw endured 8 years of marriage with a miserable man as her husband who did everything in his power to belittle and mentally abuse her. So much so, that Joanna cannot even imagine marrying again. Bran Crowther, Earl of Knighton, left England 15 years ago to get away from his abusive family. With both his brothers' early deaths, Bran is forced to leave the Bahamas and return home bringing his 5 year old with him. He hates everything about the society oppressive England, everything, that is, until he meets Joanna Shaw.

The characters were well-defined from Joanna's lack of confidence in herself to Bran's quirky habits and I was routing for both of them to find the courage to form a bond together. The children in the book were adorable and added a nice touch to the plot. Fair warning: there are some explicit sex scenes in the book, but overall, I think fans of regency romance will thoroughly enjoy this story. One thing that was a little odd is that Bran is not a duke even though the moniker, Duke of Defiance, was thrown out in jest by Joanna's sister. In my opinion, it didn't quite fit the story.

My favorite Untouchable. Just wow! The story is so romantic and the characters are vulnerable and courageous and march to the beat of their own drummer. A very refreshing tale in the romance genre. Loved Bran and Joanna (and Evie). If you want a feel good read, definitely pick up this book.

The Duke of Defiance is the first book I read by Darcy Burke, but I have a feeling that it won't be my last. I liked it from start 'till finish, and the author did a great job in keeping me interested. I usually either love or DNF a historical romance taking place in England, because I get bored with unnecessary information that in my opinion don't add any value to the story. Development and the interaction between characters are what I find very important, and both Jo and Bran were a great match. There was no crazy drama thrown into the story just for the sake of it. The characters were honest and had a great open communication between them, which I really loved. I also adored Bran's daughter Evie, and I immensely enjoyed reading about her friendship with Jo's niece Becky. These two little girls were the best and so cute. 

Both Bran and Jo feel the attraction between them, and it doesn't take long for them to act upon it. The love making between these two was hot and I really enjoyed them. There was no long drawn out hard to get going on, these two characters were adults and acted like one. It was very refreshing and that is why I enjoyed this book so much. The writing was great and the story had a great flow, and I am now intrigued to read the previous books in The Untouchables series. I had the pleasure of meeting some of them in this book and I am intrigued to read about them. The Duke of Defiance is a great historical romance, with an awesome set of characters that really kept me engaged throughout the book.