The Duke of Ice is a story filled with love and pain, sacrifice and happiness. This story was different from the many historical romances I read because the hero of the story has a rough background even as a Duke. I love reading this novel from Darcy Burke and again, she delivers in the romance genre. I recommend this book to all readers who enjoy a great story of romance.

Nicholas Bateman is known as the Duke of Ice for good reason. After losing just about everyone he ever loved, he has closed off his emotions. He wasn't always that way. Nine years ago he fell hard for Violet Caulfield. Although the feelings were mutual, Violet left him to marry other. So began Nick's descend into being an unfeeling robot, needing no one. Now the Duke of Kilve, he does have one friend, Simon, the Duke of Romsey, otherwise known as Duke of Ruin. Simon is able to convince Nick into attending a house party. Unbeknownst to either of them, the party is hosted by Violet's best friend, with Violet in attendance to lend a helping hand. Just now cold is that first meeting between them? Can they ever be civil to each other? Will Nick stop running away from his feelings? Although this is not my favorite "Untouchable" story, it is still a rather nice one with several innovative twists in the storyline. Simon is a big part of this book so it is a good thing his story is next.

In October 1817 Nicholas “Nick” Bateman tenth Duke of Kilve also known to the ton as the Duke of Ice is used to spending his time alone and in isolation but when his best friend Simon the Duke of Romsey begs Nicholas to escape and go with him to a house party because Simon is interested in marrying again. Nick knows that nothing good can come from going to the house party because of who he is a duke with no heart or emotion so the name he is saddled with fits. The house party though is held by Mrs. Linford best friend of Lady Violet Pendleton and Violet feels that she must go in support of her friend. When the house party commences and is in full swing the guests including Violet is enjoying herself until Nick comes. Violet and Nick have a past which both have been hurt by but want to enjoy the party but can they enjoy the party and find love again or will past hurts keep them apart.
This book by Ms. Darcy Burke is a nice second chance love story filled with quite a bit of emotion easily felt between all of the characters. The story did drag in the middle but I seriously wanted the protagonists to have a happily ever after if that even existed. Also this book might be part of a series but can be read as a standalone. Nick didn’t really impress me as a hero. He was so sarcastic that it was almost backbiting and rude that I really couldn’t abide it. I seriously wanted to shake him because his poor attitude did not cheer for him or make me fall for him. Violet on the other hand did carry the story for me. In as sense I wanted her to end up with Simon instead of Nick despite their history. I just didn’t feel the love that they had for each other sure there was enough lustful physical attraction but that doesn’t build a strong lasting relationship. Still I enjoyed the story and would read more stories in the series I just don’t think I will read this book again.

I went back and forth with liking this book. The story was definitely not a cookie-cutter historical romance, which I appreciated, and both main characters were unique. But little things in the writing jumped out at me and totally took me out of the book. For example, at one point the main character said, "I'll see you later." That sounds like 21st century language, not 19th. So in short, I enjoyed the story, but not the writing.

Book seven of The Untouchable series is filled with tortured attractive men that instantly grabbed my attention. Nicholas Bateman, the Duke of Ice and Simon Hastings, the Duke of Ruin are in this book and both of them are living tragic lives that add just the right amount of deliciousness to this story. It was really hard to choose which one is more exciting but then again that is the fun in reading, you can enjoy both men without committing. Each character was fully developed and the mysteriousness surrounding them is equally fascinating.

Violet like many women of her era is forced into a marriage she didn't want so the main part of this book starts after she is a widow and meets the man she loved again as a mature woman. Filled with emotion on both Violet and Nick's part as they deal with their past and who they are to each other in their present day was handled with finesse and in expressive detail. Violet's character shows a woman who took adversity and came out a better person. I felt it was presented well and it was believable. I like the fact that she was not a bitter person.

Of course there is drama in this book and how this drama is resolved leaves the reader anxiously anticipating the next book to this series which will involve the extremely gorgeous Duke of Ruin.

I give this book 4.5 stars for resolving the storyline in a manner that had a dramatic ending and satisfying results.

I've read better. This had a setting that should have produced a great story but in my opinion, it fell short. Nick uses his pain as an excuse to be a difficult butt! I just couldn't stand him and felt he needed to get knocked down his high horse. He is not the only person to experience pain. I just couldn't root for him.

I received an ARC in exchange for a voluntary and honest review

I absolutely loved this story. I need to go back and read the previous books. Nick and Violet were meant to be together. Can't wait to read Simon's story.

Oh, my! How have I missed the “Untouchables”! The Duke of Ice has insulated himself from heartache by cutting himself off from the world. He could not bear another loss. Forced from her true love into an arranged marriage but now widowed, Violet lives in the happiest times of her life- in the past with her memories of Nick. When a house party brings them together after 8 years and much loss, is it possible Victoria can warm her way back into Nick’s life! Can Nick move past his fear and anger for a second chance?
Ms. Burke has written a wonderful story with memorable characters, a hero you weep for yet want to kick his *$&, and a heroine who just wont give up. I can’t wait for Simon’s story and to catch up with the rest of the Untouchables!

This book was amazing! !! Totally worth ☆☆☆☆☆+ :) I loved it.

Nicholas Bateman, the Duke of Kilve, is a bit of a drama queen. To be fair, he has lost pretty much everyone he ever cared about, but to be convinced that he, personally, is cursed and the cause of death of everyone who might ever get close to him is, shall we say, a touch self-centred.

Fortunately, Lady Violet Pendleton is absolutely not standing for any of his nonsense. Forced by her parents to marry another man (long before Nick inherited his dukedom) and now widowed, she has no intention of letting a second chance of happiness slip through her fingers.

This is the seventh in Darcy Burke’s Untouchables series, and I haven’t read any of the others. Fortunately, this stands very well as a standalone story, though we are introduced to the main character from the next (the Duke of Ruin) so I think the two might be something of a pair. I really enjoyed Nicholas and Violet’s second-chance romance, even though Nick did occasionally need telling to get his head out from where the sun don’t shine!

Five stars for a lovely second-chance Regency romance.

The Duke of Ice (The Untouchables,#7) by Darcy Burke. Secrets and scandals abound in this second chance historical romance. I have read several books by this author and several books of this series. The Duke of Ice is a great addition! A brooding Duke and a lonely widow come together to offer an enjoyable reading experience. Although this is book 7, it can easily be a stand alone read. Nick and Violet have a complex relationship in which they both struggle through the emotional turmoil of their past as well as their present. Not only was the main character interaction entertaining, the secondary characters were exceptional as well. Thank you to Netgalley and Season Publishing for providing a copy to review. I definitely recommend this if you enjoy this genre and any of the Untouchables Series by this author.

Everyone Nick has ever loved he has lost. Living in a self imposed isolation he surrounds himself with no friends or family so he cannot be hurt again. When his only friend encourages him to attend a house party with him he reluctantly goes, not knowing that the only woman he ever loved will be there.

Violet is stunned to see Nick. Now a duke due to tragedy, he truly has earned his nickname as the Duke of Ice. Where is the young man she fell so desperately in love with? Torn apart by her parents schemes she sees an opportunity now to get that second chance at love that they deserve. But can she get past the walls he has built to the man she still loves?

As they begin getting close again, tragedy strikes and Nick does what he does best. He cuts her from his life in order to prevent the pain. Can he come to his senses before it is too late and he loses her forever?

Great read! Love the Untouchables.

Normally the reunited lovers theme is my favorite type of story line but in a first, I never felt this couple should have been given a second chance. When Violet Caulfield was forced to marry according to her parents wishes, her true love, Nicholas Bateman, moved on and became a cold-hearted reclusive man. He also happened to become a Duke, known fittingly as the Duke of Ice.
Violet had a horrible marriage and maybe because of that she saw Nicolas through rose colored glasses. His abandonment of her when she most needed him was unforgivable. She should have went after Simon. I was just as upset with her for her acceptance of his behavior.
I am looking forward to Simon's story as he seemed more of what I think of a hero.

Nick and Violet met and fell in love eight years ago, but were torn apart when she was forced to marry the man her family chose for her. Both have been hurt in the years since they saw each other. When they are brought together for a week at a house party, they realize that they still have feelings for each other. Violet slowly and quietly begins a campaign to win him back. Will she be able to melt his heart? Can he move past his bitterness and fear to have a second chance with Violet?

Rollercoaster ride would be an understatement for this one, especially for our hero. Violet is a strong, caring, and very patient woman. And then there’s Simon. He does everything he can to help bring Nick and Violet together. If he could only find someone to help him shake his Untouchable reputation as the Duke of Ruin.

I received a ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed it and the comments are my own.

Its a buy book. However, arguably this book in my opinion would of been a five star. I should grade it as a 2 and a half, but the writing makes it the most difficult decision to how to grade. Why? Darcy Burke is one of many talented writers that usually captures and keeps my attention. I love her storylines!

Saying that., I loved this story line. I liked the plot, loved all the action and the way the story flowed. I loved her writing it was like being captured and held as a part of the story. All in all it should of been a five star keeper! The heroine as well as the secondary characters are well written and keep you reading. So why the problem to grade the book? THE hero, was in my opinion a natural disaster. I would of dropped him and left. What a snark. I hung on all through the book hoping to start to like him, however by the end I could only tolerate him. I have to admit it is important to me that the hero as well as the heroine are likable in some fashion. In this one, all the characters except for the hero were great! So as much as it goes against everything I know, I am downgrading this based on my own preferences and upgrading it based on the beautiful gift of writing the story itself has! So four stars for this one!
I was given this book in return for an honest review via NetGalley. My opinion is my own and done voluntarily. Regards, Anna Swedenmom

So this is not the first Darcy Burke novel I have read and it certainly will not be that last. I love the Untouchable Series and yes this is book 7 however it is a great stand alone regency book.


Honestly this was one of the most surprising plot lines I have read in historical romance in a long time and it was amazing. I honestly think this is the best Darcy Burke novel I have picked up to date. Our “hero” is quite fitting as the duke of ice with his brutish and almost barbaric behaviors while our “heroine” is resilient and outspoken. The whole story line is full of twists and turns that do not veer too far out of the way but far enough to make you hold your breath. All in all it was an addicting and quick read that I could not wait to finish but never wanted it to end
Characters – 4 had some slight issue with the supporting cast but all over they were well envisioned
Plot – 5 OMG YASS I NEED MORE PLOT LIKE THIS
Addictiveness – 5 Had to finish heart broken when it was done

The Duke of Ice
The Untouchables #7
Darcy Burke
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great historical romance! Author did a great job in keeping my attention. I’m really enjoying this series and can’t wait for the next one to come out.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved the chemistry between these two characters.i was a little slow at first, but it was worth the read.

First of all, I have loved every second of this entire series. I was a little hesitant about this story because thus far all of the characters have been familiar. This book is the first that is largely disconnected to the others. My fear was for nothing, the book was wonderful.

Violet is an admirable heroine. She is strong and resilient, and does not shy away from admitting when she makes a mistake. I absolutely adored her. Violet seemed the type of person with whom I’d like to be friends. She notices and steps in when it looks like someone is in an awkward situation or needs rescuing, and rises to the defense of anyone in need. Yes, I liked her very much.

Nick is a truly broken character. Because of his hurt and fear, he is cold and off putting to everyone. He is a true untouchable. On purpose. Violet has her work cut out for her to thaw this Duke of Ice! But of course, it will be worth it in the end. ❤

My favorite part about this whole story was Simon, Nick’s best friend. He is an enigmatic character with an interesting history. His story is next and I cannot wait to read it!

Two tortured souls meet up after an eight year separation. Violet met Nicholas and fell in love before he became a duke, but her parents disapproved and spirited her off to marry a viscount, someone who made them feel important. Now she's widowed, he's a duke and a widower. Neither wants to remarry,she because she'd had a bad experience, he because he fears loving and losing yet another person. But the heart has its own way of making things right.

I received this as an ARC for a review.