What I love about Burke's characters is that they're so realistic. These main chrarcters really don't set out to be together but the attraction is so strong that they really can't help it, and as a reader you feel that. I loved all the characters, especially Kendal's step-mother, who seems to be the loveliest and kindest person, especially in Eleanor's life.

I could wax lyrical about everything in this novel, but I'll spare you. Instead I'll tell you why this book should be on your to-read list:
1. It's very different than the regular formulaic novels. The characters have a very good idea of whom the other is, but rather they are more worried about how bad a catch they themselves are.
2. It's a governess/companion story. I know that this doesn't float everyone's boat, but I really do enjoy them and this is one of the best.
3. It's funny. I smiled and laughed quite a lot while reading it. It's an all-round pleasurable experience.
4. The Duke of Kendal. He has practically become a recluse. So much so that he's even gotten a nickname. After years of debauchery he's grown weary of people and completely pulled into himself. But when he sees Eleanor he starts coming out of the shell.

i.e. Put it on your list.

There are good guys and bad guys in The Forbidden Duke by Darcy Burke. The bad guy is Lord Haywood, a Duke who takes advantage of a debutante thereby ruining her reputation, sentencing her to a life of ostracism out in the country while he merely gets a slap on the wrist, allowing him to continue in his rakish ways. Our heroine, Miss Eleanor Lockhart, after nine years of this seclusion, suddenly finds herself with no place to live when her father loses his funds in a risky scheme and is forced to sell their home and move in with his sister. The invite does not include her, nor can she stay with her sibling as her sister's husband, a rector, refuses to house a proven "harlot". Left to her own devices she applies for the role of companion and lands a position with Lady Satterfield, a Countess who doesn't seem to mind Nora's past, blaming it on the vagaries of The Ton. It doesn't take long for Lady Satterfield to realize Miss Lockhart's worth, deciding to give her a second chance by sponsoring her for another season with the express hope that Nora can find a husband who will provide comfort and security. Lady Satterfield, one of the good ones, has a stepson, Titus St John, Duke of Kendal, who she adores. Every year she features a Ball and his Lordship dances the first dance with one favored female partner. Her Ladyship appeals to Kendal to pay particular attention to her housemate to give Nora the opportunity to start out on the right foot. The Duke, always aiming to please his beloved stepmother, agrees despite his reticence to appear in public.

Titus has troubles of his own. A wild one in his youth, he has determined to change his ways, shunning most of society and keeping to himself, thus earning the title, The Forbidden Duke. Feelings of guilt for his part in Nora's ruin (influencing others to run amok) as well as the anguish he caused his now dead father weigh heavily on his conscience. Yet he finds Miss Lockhart a bright light who attracts his attention despite his reticence to get involved with the opposite sex (beyond his carefully selected mistresses). Their lives become entangled as the season progresses and feelings of doubt cloud both their minds as Nora is courted by some likely future husbands. Lady Satterfield stands back and let's events unfold, only wanting what is best for her sweet protégée but also hoping for a happily ever after for her cherished stepson.

There are some highlights of this Regency Romance, including the marvelous cast of secondary characters from the delightful, benevolent hosts, Lady Satterfield and her husband, to the supportive Lady Dunn who also gives a nod of approval to the heroine. I wouldn't be surprised if these individuals turn up in future novels of the Untouchable Series. The major drawback of this particular book is the dry dialogue (although there are a few gems such as the interaction between Titus and his mistress) and the continued repetition of the main characters' reflections including a tendency to repeat the same information in their conversations. This was a short one, only a little over 150 pages (more of a novella), negating any excuse for all the filler. Granted not much happens, but it should have been a sweet little romance. However, there was nothing candy-coated about the steamy sex scene between the two lovers designed to titillate the reader. I just wish the author hadn't taken one of the seemingly nice suitors and turned him into such as cad. There had to be some other way to bring the two love birds together. Still, worth a quick read. Three stars.

A thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Charming! I enjoyed the characters in this “second chance” novel. Eleanor Lockhart makes a minor misstep in the her first season in the unforgiving world of the English ton. The Duke of Kendal had a hand, again minor, in making that misstep her ruin. Can they find a way to happiness? Well, duh! This is a romance novel, after all, and happily ever after is practically guaranteed. This hero and heroine find their path with grace and charm.