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The Phoenix Club #1
Improper
Society’s most exclusive invitation...
Welcome to the Phoenix Club, where London’s most audacious, disreputable, and intriguing ladies and gentlemen find scandal, redemption, and second chances.
Dissolute rogue Tobias Powell, Earl of Overton, has just inherited a sheltered, proper young ward for whom he must find a husband. And that is only the start of his problems. His father’s will demands Tobias marry within the next six weeks, or he’ll lose his mother’s house, a treasure so dear that Tobias can’t consider defeat. Surely he can rehabilitate his scandalous reputation, secure a match for his ward, and find the sophisticated woman of his dreams before it’s too late. Except his ward is a hellion who cannot behave. She can, however, make him laugh.
Provincial Miss Fiona Wingate is eager to swap her boring small town for an exciting London Season. Until she realizes her new guardian, a dashing earl, plans for her to wed with the utmost haste. Fiona has no interest in marriage—she’s only just been liberated from her lifelong isolation! But when she causes a near scandal and Tobias comes to the rescue, an unexpected attraction sparks between them. Except romance between a guardian and his ward would be most improper…
Welcome to the Phoenix Club, where London’s most audacious, disreputable, and intriguing ladies and gentlemen find scandal, redemption, and second chances.
Dissolute rogue Tobias Powell, Earl of Overton, has just inherited a sheltered, proper young ward for whom he must find a husband. And that is only the start of his problems. His father’s will demands Tobias marry within the next six weeks, or he’ll lose his mother’s house, a treasure so dear that Tobias can’t consider defeat. Surely he can rehabilitate his scandalous reputation, secure a match for his ward, and find the sophisticated woman of his dreams before it’s too late. Except his ward is a hellion who cannot behave. She can, however, make him laugh.
Provincial Miss Fiona Wingate is eager to swap her boring small town for an exciting London Season. Until she realizes her new guardian, a dashing earl, plans for her to wed with the utmost haste. Fiona has no interest in marriage—she’s only just been liberated from her lifelong isolation! But when she causes a near scandal and Tobias comes to the rescue, an unexpected attraction sparks between them. Except romance between a guardian and his ward would be most improper…
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2021
560 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
206 books2,278 followersDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
May 9, 2021
DIDN'T IMPRESS ME 🤷♀️
In all honesty, I have always felt slightly underwhelmed by Darcy Burke, but usually I have still managed to feel entertained. That was not the case here, sadly. I didn't find very much to like I'm afraid and it just left me disappointed. Only good thing is that it didn't take me too long to read...
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Plot: This book really needed a plot. There was pretty much none. It was so thin and flimsy that this book pretty much felt like a collection of situations that served no higher purpose. I definitely needed a lot more.
Maps: Fiona has a sweet, funny thing with maps - she absolutely loves them. I found it very interesting and original. But it was also just so very thin. We never find out she loves maps. Or what it is she loves about. A handful of times we hear her talk about wanting to look at maps. And then that's it. I really wanted it to be elaborated upon, to have it play some part in the plot or in Fiona's character. But it ended up being just a strange, inconsequential add-on that served no purpose.
Circular: Too much of this book was just repetition. The same conversations, the same thoughts, the same hang-ups (especially on Tobias' part) and it just felt like it went around in circles.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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In all honesty, I have always felt slightly underwhelmed by Darcy Burke, but usually I have still managed to feel entertained. That was not the case here, sadly. I didn't find very much to like I'm afraid and it just left me disappointed. Only good thing is that it didn't take me too long to read...
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Plot: This book really needed a plot. There was pretty much none. It was so thin and flimsy that this book pretty much felt like a collection of situations that served no higher purpose. I definitely needed a lot more.
Maps: Fiona has a sweet, funny thing with maps - she absolutely loves them. I found it very interesting and original. But it was also just so very thin. We never find out she loves maps. Or what it is she loves about. A handful of times we hear her talk about wanting to look at maps. And then that's it. I really wanted it to be elaborated upon, to have it play some part in the plot or in Fiona's character. But it ended up being just a strange, inconsequential add-on that served no purpose.
Circular: Too much of this book was just repetition. The same conversations, the same thoughts, the same hang-ups (especially on Tobias' part) and it just felt like it went around in circles.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Blog Post: 15 Bookworm Problems
April 13, 2023
Oh god, this gave me a headache! Where was the romance? They were perfectly happy living their individual lives in parallel! Slow burn? It burnt my patience to a crisp! Errrgh. I would have ranted more but I am in a jungle with shit range and no laptop.
Read
July 26, 2021It's not bad ..but I'm so bored reading it. I'll pick it up when I'm in a better mood.
Dnf
Dnf
May 11, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
A slow burning romance for the first half, which is great because it gives you chance to discover the characters and family dynamics.
That leads on to a second half that is full of passionate chemistry between our Earl and his country Ward.
Wow do they have a great relationship building.
Really enjoyed reading this and can’t wait for more, looking to be a wonderful series.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
A slow burning romance for the first half, which is great because it gives you chance to discover the characters and family dynamics.
That leads on to a second half that is full of passionate chemistry between our Earl and his country Ward.
Wow do they have a great relationship building.
Really enjoyed reading this and can’t wait for more, looking to be a wonderful series.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
May 26, 2021
'Dissolute rogue Tobias Powell, Earl of Overton, has just inherited a sheltered, proper young ward for whom he must find a husband. And that is only the start of his problems. His father’s will demands Tobias marry within the next six weeks, or he’ll lose his mother’s house, a treasure so dear that Tobias can’t consider defeat. Surely he can rehabilitate his scandalous reputation, secure a match for his ward, and find the sophisticated woman of his dreams before it’s too late. Except his ward is a hellion who cannot behave. She can, however, make him laugh.
Provincial Miss Fiona Wingate is eager to swap her boring small town for an exciting London Season. Until she realizes her new guardian, a dashing earl, plans for her to wed with the utmost haste. Fiona has no interest in marriage—she’s only just been liberated from her lifelong isolation! But when she causes a near scandal and Tobias comes to the rescue, an unexpected attraction sparks between them. Except romance between a guardian and his ward would be most improper…'
______________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
Improper is the first full length book in Darcy Burke's new The Phoenix Club series and is a historical romance.
Fiona is such a sweet character. She's got a touch of boldness and so much naivete about the expectations of an unwed young woman amongst the ton. This is a combination which lands her in a couple sticky situations during her debut and makes her far more trouble than Tobias could ever have expected of his ward. I really loved the mischief she got into with Cassandra. I really liked how much Fiona loved maps, but I wish that had been explored more. It's a big part of her characters early on but that really seemed to fade away as the book progressed, like it wasn't a part of her character anymore.
I liked Tobias but couldn't fully sympathize with him. I felt for him that he was trying to repair his image and turn his life around but was thwarted more than once despite his best efforts and people would automatically assume the worst of him. But at the same time, I wasn't too sympathetic because many of the problems he was facing, bar the deadline to marry, were of his own making. If you spend years working to destory your image and doing whatever you want, I'm not going to be terribly sympathetic when you realize that dramatic choice maybe that wasn't the most mature decision.
Overall I liked it, I just didn't enjoy this book as much as I normally enjoy Darcy Burke's books, but I think that was due to setting the scene with more background. I will be continuing with the series and am looking forward to reading the books about each of Lucien's siblings
_____
I woud like to thank the author, Darcy Burke, for sharing an eARC of Improper with me. This is my honest review.
Provincial Miss Fiona Wingate is eager to swap her boring small town for an exciting London Season. Until she realizes her new guardian, a dashing earl, plans for her to wed with the utmost haste. Fiona has no interest in marriage—she’s only just been liberated from her lifelong isolation! But when she causes a near scandal and Tobias comes to the rescue, an unexpected attraction sparks between them. Except romance between a guardian and his ward would be most improper…'
______________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
Improper is the first full length book in Darcy Burke's new The Phoenix Club series and is a historical romance.
Fiona is such a sweet character. She's got a touch of boldness and so much naivete about the expectations of an unwed young woman amongst the ton. This is a combination which lands her in a couple sticky situations during her debut and makes her far more trouble than Tobias could ever have expected of his ward. I really loved the mischief she got into with Cassandra. I really liked how much Fiona loved maps, but I wish that had been explored more. It's a big part of her characters early on but that really seemed to fade away as the book progressed, like it wasn't a part of her character anymore.
I liked Tobias but couldn't fully sympathize with him. I felt for him that he was trying to repair his image and turn his life around but was thwarted more than once despite his best efforts and people would automatically assume the worst of him. But at the same time, I wasn't too sympathetic because many of the problems he was facing, bar the deadline to marry, were of his own making. If you spend years working to destory your image and doing whatever you want, I'm not going to be terribly sympathetic when you realize that dramatic choice maybe that wasn't the most mature decision.
Overall I liked it, I just didn't enjoy this book as much as I normally enjoy Darcy Burke's books, but I think that was due to setting the scene with more background. I will be continuing with the series and am looking forward to reading the books about each of Lucien's siblings
_____
I woud like to thank the author, Darcy Burke, for sharing an eARC of Improper with me. This is my honest review.
May 11, 2021
Series: The Phoenix Club #1
Publication Date: 5/25/21
Period: Regency - 1815
Number of Pages: 326
** 4-Stars **
Burke very nicely set up the premise for this series in the prequel (Invitation). There, we met the principal players as well as the reason behind the club, how it works, and why it is so very exclusive. In this lovely, well-plotted, witty and well-delivered book, we reacquaint ourselves with Tobias Powell who is now the Earl of Overton since his father died almost three months ago, and we meet his new ward Miss Fiona Wingate. There are some interesting and very likable secondary characters that I very much enjoyed and I’m sure we’ll meet several of them in future books. One I particularly liked was Lady Cassandra because she was always Fiona’s partner in crime – actually, she was the instigator more often than not. I also loved Prudence Lancaster and can’t wait to learn more about her. I thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. Tucket – she was definitely an anomaly, but she was entertaining. Actually, the whole book was filled with little moments of humor that I enjoyed very much.
When Tobias’s very unloving and unkind father died, he left Tobias in a very untenable position. Tobias must marry within ninety days of the old earl’s death or forfeit the one thing that is nearest and dearest to his heart. It was really the only hurt that the old man could give after his death because it was the only unentailed item in the earldom. For the last couple of years, Tobias’s reputation has been much less than stellar, and now he needs to repair it as best he can and manage to find a lady who is willing to marry within just a few weeks. If you add having to prepare for a new ward and seeing to the requirements for her season, Tobias is taxed to the limit. He fully hopes to marry his ward off right away and be done with her so he can concentrate with his own needs – after all, she has a very sizable dowry.
Fiona was raised in a small cottage on her cousin’s property in a very small Shropshire village. She had no friends – hardly any acquaintances either. Her father was a cool and aloof academic her ignored her and her mother has been gone for a long time. The only constant person in her life is Mrs. Tucket, their maid-of-all-work. Fiona knows how lucky she is to be the ward of an earl and to be having a season in London. She’s puzzled about how that came to be, but she’s very grateful. Fiona is one of the most naïve, Pollyannaish people you will ever meet on the page. She has absolutely no clue about anything in society and is thrown in headfirst when she arrives. She is so filled with excitement and enthusiasm that it is hard to contain it – and – well – she doesn’t usually manage to do so. She doesn’t mean to cause trouble for Tobias – she likes him – very much – but he keeps trying to contain her and that is very much like herding cats.
If you are looking for a fun, witty, well-presented story, this might be the one for you. I enjoyed watching Tobias and Fiona come to terms with each other and finding their HEA. I loved both characters and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them. Then, there is Mrs. Tucket – a maid-of-all-work for all of her life. But now, she is a suitable companion for Fiona, she is given a lovely guest room in an earl’s home and is treated as an equal with everyone in the home. She is fully capable of speaking and acting like a lady and is totally comfortable in speaking with a countess or any other titled person. I am quite sure none of that would have happened in reality. I actually loved Mrs. Tucket, but she was just totally period incorrect.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 5/25/21
Period: Regency - 1815
Number of Pages: 326
** 4-Stars **
Burke very nicely set up the premise for this series in the prequel (Invitation). There, we met the principal players as well as the reason behind the club, how it works, and why it is so very exclusive. In this lovely, well-plotted, witty and well-delivered book, we reacquaint ourselves with Tobias Powell who is now the Earl of Overton since his father died almost three months ago, and we meet his new ward Miss Fiona Wingate. There are some interesting and very likable secondary characters that I very much enjoyed and I’m sure we’ll meet several of them in future books. One I particularly liked was Lady Cassandra because she was always Fiona’s partner in crime – actually, she was the instigator more often than not. I also loved Prudence Lancaster and can’t wait to learn more about her. I thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. Tucket – she was definitely an anomaly, but she was entertaining. Actually, the whole book was filled with little moments of humor that I enjoyed very much.
When Tobias’s very unloving and unkind father died, he left Tobias in a very untenable position. Tobias must marry within ninety days of the old earl’s death or forfeit the one thing that is nearest and dearest to his heart. It was really the only hurt that the old man could give after his death because it was the only unentailed item in the earldom. For the last couple of years, Tobias’s reputation has been much less than stellar, and now he needs to repair it as best he can and manage to find a lady who is willing to marry within just a few weeks. If you add having to prepare for a new ward and seeing to the requirements for her season, Tobias is taxed to the limit. He fully hopes to marry his ward off right away and be done with her so he can concentrate with his own needs – after all, she has a very sizable dowry.
Fiona was raised in a small cottage on her cousin’s property in a very small Shropshire village. She had no friends – hardly any acquaintances either. Her father was a cool and aloof academic her ignored her and her mother has been gone for a long time. The only constant person in her life is Mrs. Tucket, their maid-of-all-work. Fiona knows how lucky she is to be the ward of an earl and to be having a season in London. She’s puzzled about how that came to be, but she’s very grateful. Fiona is one of the most naïve, Pollyannaish people you will ever meet on the page. She has absolutely no clue about anything in society and is thrown in headfirst when she arrives. She is so filled with excitement and enthusiasm that it is hard to contain it – and – well – she doesn’t usually manage to do so. She doesn’t mean to cause trouble for Tobias – she likes him – very much – but he keeps trying to contain her and that is very much like herding cats.
If you are looking for a fun, witty, well-presented story, this might be the one for you. I enjoyed watching Tobias and Fiona come to terms with each other and finding their HEA. I loved both characters and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them. Then, there is Mrs. Tucket – a maid-of-all-work for all of her life. But now, she is a suitable companion for Fiona, she is given a lovely guest room in an earl’s home and is treated as an equal with everyone in the home. She is fully capable of speaking and acting like a lady and is totally comfortable in speaking with a countess or any other titled person. I am quite sure none of that would have happened in reality. I actually loved Mrs. Tucket, but she was just totally period incorrect.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 17, 2021
Improper features a delightful romance between an earl trying to reform his reputation and his ward.
Tobias Powell, Earl of Overton, has had nothing but problems since he inherited his title. First he finds out his father's will demands Tobias marry within three months of his father's death or he will lose his mother's house, the place of all of his happy childhood memories. Then he learns he has inherited a ward, a young sheltered woman, along with his title. With less than six week's until his father's deadline for the house, Tobias is sure he'll be able to marry off his ward and then find himself a wife. But Miss Fiona Wingate has no intention of marrying and derails all of Tobias's plans.
Two years ago, Tobias was on the cusp of a betrothal when the woman chose a man of higher rank than Tobias. Since then, Tobias has had a hard time letting anyone else in and has kept his relationships to physical only ones becoming known as a rake in the process. I do recommend reading the prequel novella, Invitation, as you get to see these events firsthand which help you understand Tobias's character. Fiona spent her life in a small village in a family that didn't have a lot of money. She didn't necessarily have a bad life, but her family wasn't one full of affection. Fiona had an unusual interest for a woman, she loves maps, but I enjoyed her clear passion and enthusiasm for it.
Tobias and Fiona's relationship initially starts off as a normal guardian and ward relationship with no impropriety. They both found each other attractive but didn't think of each other as a potential partner. As the two got to know each other, Tobias encouraged Fiona's interests and I liked how he made sure she could experience everything she'd missed out on. Fiona is determined to live life to the fullest while in London and she doesn't want to marry as she believes that would ruin her plan. I liked how much these two frustrated each other with their opposing plans as it led to some great moments between the pair. The change in their relationship to a romantic one did come somewhat out of nowhere but I wasn't bothered by it. Ultimately I was happy with the direction their romance took and thought it was well done.
Overall Improper was an excellent read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a great historical romance.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Tobias Powell, Earl of Overton, has had nothing but problems since he inherited his title. First he finds out his father's will demands Tobias marry within three months of his father's death or he will lose his mother's house, the place of all of his happy childhood memories. Then he learns he has inherited a ward, a young sheltered woman, along with his title. With less than six week's until his father's deadline for the house, Tobias is sure he'll be able to marry off his ward and then find himself a wife. But Miss Fiona Wingate has no intention of marrying and derails all of Tobias's plans.
Two years ago, Tobias was on the cusp of a betrothal when the woman chose a man of higher rank than Tobias. Since then, Tobias has had a hard time letting anyone else in and has kept his relationships to physical only ones becoming known as a rake in the process. I do recommend reading the prequel novella, Invitation, as you get to see these events firsthand which help you understand Tobias's character. Fiona spent her life in a small village in a family that didn't have a lot of money. She didn't necessarily have a bad life, but her family wasn't one full of affection. Fiona had an unusual interest for a woman, she loves maps, but I enjoyed her clear passion and enthusiasm for it.
Tobias and Fiona's relationship initially starts off as a normal guardian and ward relationship with no impropriety. They both found each other attractive but didn't think of each other as a potential partner. As the two got to know each other, Tobias encouraged Fiona's interests and I liked how he made sure she could experience everything she'd missed out on. Fiona is determined to live life to the fullest while in London and she doesn't want to marry as she believes that would ruin her plan. I liked how much these two frustrated each other with their opposing plans as it led to some great moments between the pair. The change in their relationship to a romantic one did come somewhat out of nowhere but I wasn't bothered by it. Ultimately I was happy with the direction their romance took and thought it was well done.
Overall Improper was an excellent read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a great historical romance.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
May 7, 2021
Since having his hopes dashed two years ago, Tobias Powell has been living the life of a debauched rake. Now he’s inherited his father’s title, Earl of Overton, along with a young ward to marry off. Thanks to his father’s machinations, Tobias must also marry within six weeks if he hopes to retain his mother’s house, the only place he could ever truly call home. Now he must repair his damaged reputation, find someone he can love to marry, and find a suitable husband for his ward. Only, his ward seems incapable of proper behavior and he seems to find himself enjoying her company more and more.
Country miss Fiona Wingate is keen on the adventure of finally leaving her sleepy village for a London Season. But when she learns her unexpectedly handsome new guardian plans to marry her without delay, she knows she must disabuse him of that notion. She only just got a small taste of freedom and has no intention of relinquishing it to a husband. But when Fiona causes a bit of a scandal from which Tobias rescues her, a spark of attraction ignites between them. But Tobias knows how improper it would be to court his own ward.
I’m so excited for this new series. I love the idea of this uber exclusive club for those who don’t quite fit in anywhere else. Fiona was very excitable and a little immature at first and understandably so, but I enjoyed her rapid learning and growth. There was an excellent build up of tension between Tobias and Fiona as they developed a true friendship and came to know each other. I loved that she was so determined to stick up for herself and not be forced into anything. Along those lines, I loved that she caused Tobias to reevaluate some of his thinking and assumptions and grow into his own person without the shadow of his contentious relationship with his father. Their realizations of their true feelings were lovely here as well and I enjoyed the supporting characters. I could’ve done without the cringy moments between Tobias and his former mistress, but they did do a great job of illustrating his loyalty to Fiona. I think we’re off to a great start and I look forward to more of this new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Country miss Fiona Wingate is keen on the adventure of finally leaving her sleepy village for a London Season. But when she learns her unexpectedly handsome new guardian plans to marry her without delay, she knows she must disabuse him of that notion. She only just got a small taste of freedom and has no intention of relinquishing it to a husband. But when Fiona causes a bit of a scandal from which Tobias rescues her, a spark of attraction ignites between them. But Tobias knows how improper it would be to court his own ward.
I’m so excited for this new series. I love the idea of this uber exclusive club for those who don’t quite fit in anywhere else. Fiona was very excitable and a little immature at first and understandably so, but I enjoyed her rapid learning and growth. There was an excellent build up of tension between Tobias and Fiona as they developed a true friendship and came to know each other. I loved that she was so determined to stick up for herself and not be forced into anything. Along those lines, I loved that she caused Tobias to reevaluate some of his thinking and assumptions and grow into his own person without the shadow of his contentious relationship with his father. Their realizations of their true feelings were lovely here as well and I enjoyed the supporting characters. I could’ve done without the cringy moments between Tobias and his former mistress, but they did do a great job of illustrating his loyalty to Fiona. I think we’re off to a great start and I look forward to more of this new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
May 7, 2021
Underwhelming
Synopsis:
In accordance with a stipulation in his father's will, Tobias must wed in the next 5 weeks or forfeit inheriting the estate his mother brought into the marriage, one that holds priceless sentimental value.
Tobias has been delaying marriage because he hoped to find a wife he could potentially love, one who embodied wit, kindness, and caring. Instead, to pass the time- romantic he is, waiting for Mrs Right- he'd been whoring around the last two years and developing a reputation. See, Tobias has been crossed in love before by a lady he thought he loved.
But this isn't Lord Overton's only problem brought about by the will of his father; he has also inherited a ward, Miss Fiona Wingate. A panglossian & seemingly naive- though later far too forward for a country miss- orphan from Shorpshire. Tobias must play guardian for her during her first season and endeavors to wash his hands off the responsibility by seeing her wed soon. Oh, and if he fails to marry, his mothers estate goes to her!
Tobias and his three pals are co-owners & leading members of the Phoenix club, an exclusive gentlemen's club that also admits married women and spinsters. Fiona and her new friend Lady Cassandra are obsessed with the idea of sneaking into the Phoenix Club and they take it to incredible heights.
What Charmed:
♡Premiss of a ward and guardian romance sparked my interest.
♡I liked Fiona’s little quirk about cartography, though I felt it should have been developed further.
♡Tobias is cordial right off the bat towards Fiona- a lot of these HR's have the leading man act as a jerk.
What Marred:
✗What is so great or special about the Phoenix Club? Weird that Fiona was so fixated by it, it proved to be quite run of the mill operation.
✗A young ward would have her own establishment, no way would it be proper for her to reside with bachelor who she is not even related to, even with a companion.
✗ 1 dimensional characterizations. The characters don't come alive, they all fell flat.
I had lukewarm sentiments towards all the characters, not a one stood out, and I really did not care one whit about them.
✗ Fiona and Tobias are just void of chemistry.
The Brass Tacks:
I found this arduously slow, I had to really honker down to the point I set a goal to get through 10% a day. I didn't feel enough depth to the characters to come to care about them, and the romance didn’t come off organic, actually rather forced and underwhelming. There was no hero's journey or substantial plot to speak off. Overall, it makes for a staid read.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review. Thank you!
Synopsis:
In accordance with a stipulation in his father's will, Tobias must wed in the next 5 weeks or forfeit inheriting the estate his mother brought into the marriage, one that holds priceless sentimental value.
Tobias has been delaying marriage because he hoped to find a wife he could potentially love, one who embodied wit, kindness, and caring. Instead, to pass the time- romantic he is, waiting for Mrs Right- he'd been whoring around the last two years and developing a reputation. See, Tobias has been crossed in love before by a lady he thought he loved.
But this isn't Lord Overton's only problem brought about by the will of his father; he has also inherited a ward, Miss Fiona Wingate. A panglossian & seemingly naive- though later far too forward for a country miss- orphan from Shorpshire. Tobias must play guardian for her during her first season and endeavors to wash his hands off the responsibility by seeing her wed soon. Oh, and if he fails to marry, his mothers estate goes to her!
Tobias and his three pals are co-owners & leading members of the Phoenix club, an exclusive gentlemen's club that also admits married women and spinsters. Fiona and her new friend Lady Cassandra are obsessed with the idea of sneaking into the Phoenix Club and they take it to incredible heights.
What Charmed:
♡Premiss of a ward and guardian romance sparked my interest.
♡I liked Fiona’s little quirk about cartography, though I felt it should have been developed further.
♡Tobias is cordial right off the bat towards Fiona- a lot of these HR's have the leading man act as a jerk.
What Marred:
✗What is so great or special about the Phoenix Club? Weird that Fiona was so fixated by it, it proved to be quite run of the mill operation.
✗A young ward would have her own establishment, no way would it be proper for her to reside with bachelor who she is not even related to, even with a companion.
✗ 1 dimensional characterizations. The characters don't come alive, they all fell flat.
I had lukewarm sentiments towards all the characters, not a one stood out, and I really did not care one whit about them.
✗ Fiona and Tobias are just void of chemistry.
The Brass Tacks:
I found this arduously slow, I had to really honker down to the point I set a goal to get through 10% a day. I didn't feel enough depth to the characters to come to care about them, and the romance didn’t come off organic, actually rather forced and underwhelming. There was no hero's journey or substantial plot to speak off. Overall, it makes for a staid read.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review. Thank you!
May 19, 2021
Dissolute rogue Tobias Powell now Earl of Overton, his father is still trying to control him from the grave not only must Tobias marry within three months of his father’s death or lose his childhood home which was his beloved mother’s home. Then to add to his problems he’s the guardian to a, proper young ward for whom he must find a husband. Surely he can rehabilitate his scandalous reputation, secure a match for his ward, and find the sophisticated woman of his dreams before it’s too late. Except his ward is a hellion who cannot behave. She can, however, make him laugh.
Provincial Miss Fiona Wingate is eager to swap her boring small town in Shropshire for an exciting London Season. Until she realizes her new guardian, a dashing earl, plans for her to wed with the utmost haste. But when she causes a near scandal and Tobias comes to the rescue, an unexpected attraction sparks between them. Except romance between a guardian and his ward would be most improper.
This is the first in a new series, I would recommend reading the prequel which beautifully sets the scene for this thoroughly entertaining read. I loved not only Tobias & Fiona but also a lovely group of secondary characters & hope some have their stories especially members of the Star Chamber, Cassandra & Prudence. I was also intrigued as to what had Lord Gregory dashing away. The book starts slowly but gives the opportunity to get to know the characters, then the pace racks up & I read the second half in a sitting. I loved how Tobias & Fiona's relationship developed, their road to a HEA was highly entertaining & Fiona’s antics often had me laughing out loud. I'm eagerly awaiting the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Provincial Miss Fiona Wingate is eager to swap her boring small town in Shropshire for an exciting London Season. Until she realizes her new guardian, a dashing earl, plans for her to wed with the utmost haste. But when she causes a near scandal and Tobias comes to the rescue, an unexpected attraction sparks between them. Except romance between a guardian and his ward would be most improper.
This is the first in a new series, I would recommend reading the prequel which beautifully sets the scene for this thoroughly entertaining read. I loved not only Tobias & Fiona but also a lovely group of secondary characters & hope some have their stories especially members of the Star Chamber, Cassandra & Prudence. I was also intrigued as to what had Lord Gregory dashing away. The book starts slowly but gives the opportunity to get to know the characters, then the pace racks up & I read the second half in a sitting. I loved how Tobias & Fiona's relationship developed, their road to a HEA was highly entertaining & Fiona’s antics often had me laughing out loud. I'm eagerly awaiting the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 13, 2021
The story brings up restrictions that woman suffered under during the Regency era of having to marry and having little other recourse. I enjoyed the latter part of the book where the romance between Tobias and Fiona grows. The secondary characters sound interesting and I look forward to their stories. There is a twist to the story as to why Fiona becomes Tobias fathers ward. I had not read the first book .5 so was not familiar with the significance of the "Phoenix Club". Since the series is about this, I would have liked more of a recap of why it is important.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
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December 13, 2021It was a book
May 24, 2021
This book is about an earl, Tobias Overton, who is seen by the society as a rogue because of something that happened in his past. Tobias needs to get married within a few weeks, or else he loses his mother’s house due to a condition in his father’s will. He needs to fix his reputation, try to find a husband for his ward, and get married within the next six weeks. Fiona is his ward, who has grown up in a boring town, and is looking forward to coming to London to have her season. She has no idea that the earl has plans for her to marry as well. But Fiona has no plans of getting married, she’d rather focus on being independent and her interests.
I liked both of the main characters. The synopsis sounds like Tobias is forcing Fiona to get married, but mostly he gives into her wishes throughout the book. He is actually quite a good person, who is under pressure due to his father’s will. On the other hand, I would have loved to have seen more of the independent side of Fiona. The book constantly tells you she wants to be independent and have adventures, but there weren’t enough of them to my taste. Also her love of maps was never explained or explored.
The reason I wanted to pick this up, is because the series focuses on an exclusive club, which instantly reminded me of the Rules of Scoundrels series by Sarah MacLean. I don’t think it lived up to that but what does. It was a fun read, if a bit bland at times. There wasn’t much of a plot and I would have loved to see more of the Phoenix Club. It was never properly explored. I also found it quite weird how a young unmarried woman could live with a bachelor on their own (with servants but still). It’s definitely not historically accurate on how much alone time the two could have constantly. I did laugh out loud a few times and I liked the sweetness of the relationship between Fiona and Tobias. Overall, I had a good time reading this book, but probably won’t remember too much by the time the next book comes out.
I would still recommend this, if you’re a fan of historical romance and you’re looking for something fun, light-hearted and low angst.
I liked both of the main characters. The synopsis sounds like Tobias is forcing Fiona to get married, but mostly he gives into her wishes throughout the book. He is actually quite a good person, who is under pressure due to his father’s will. On the other hand, I would have loved to have seen more of the independent side of Fiona. The book constantly tells you she wants to be independent and have adventures, but there weren’t enough of them to my taste. Also her love of maps was never explained or explored.
The reason I wanted to pick this up, is because the series focuses on an exclusive club, which instantly reminded me of the Rules of Scoundrels series by Sarah MacLean. I don’t think it lived up to that but what does. It was a fun read, if a bit bland at times. There wasn’t much of a plot and I would have loved to see more of the Phoenix Club. It was never properly explored. I also found it quite weird how a young unmarried woman could live with a bachelor on their own (with servants but still). It’s definitely not historically accurate on how much alone time the two could have constantly. I did laugh out loud a few times and I liked the sweetness of the relationship between Fiona and Tobias. Overall, I had a good time reading this book, but probably won’t remember too much by the time the next book comes out.
I would still recommend this, if you’re a fan of historical romance and you’re looking for something fun, light-hearted and low angst.
April 29, 2021
Another wonderful historical romance written by Darcy Burke. I think the title is so perfect for this story because during the Regency era, so many things were "improper", especially for a guardian to fall in love with his ward!!
Fiona is such a darling character and the trouble she keeps finding herself in had me giggling, some of the scenes were so funny!! As for Tobias, he's such a swoon worthy character and although he wants to be a better man and redeem himself from being a rake, Fiona is not making it easy for him! I really loved these two, so perfect together.
I now look forward to the other books in this new series, The Phoenix Club! Darcy Burke knows how to write fun, interesting and exciting stories for her readers.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Fiona is such a darling character and the trouble she keeps finding herself in had me giggling, some of the scenes were so funny!! As for Tobias, he's such a swoon worthy character and although he wants to be a better man and redeem himself from being a rake, Fiona is not making it easy for him! I really loved these two, so perfect together.
I now look forward to the other books in this new series, The Phoenix Club! Darcy Burke knows how to write fun, interesting and exciting stories for her readers.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 13, 2021
2.75 stars
This has...not entirely delivered on the promise of its prequel novella, "Invitation". Good time was being had, albeit sparsely. It felt like attraction level went from 0% to 200% in a blink of time, and then the whole romance felt somewhat inauthentic to me.
But I did love Fiona's friendship with Charlotte and their shenanigans. Some side characters hold a lot of potential and tbh, I'm more interested in their stories than this story.
(like Lucian and Evie, PLEASE LET THEM HAVE A BOOK, I NEED IT, I want ex-lovers turned into business partners turned into lovers again trope, and if there's no trope like that, there should be! also this is a great potential for that "we used to have casual sex / an arrangement and it was good, but we're mostly just friends and nothing else" and then they together again and it's like holy shit! what is THIS? fEeliNgS???!)
Anyway -
Random bu please someone send help to this man (Tobias, the H), he has ZERO game:
“I just realized our names share three letters in common - all vowels. Surely that means something.”
She tipped her head to the side.
“What?”
“I have no idea.”
Tobias and Fiona (three letters in common!) proceed to kiss after that and I just want to know - how on Earth?!
Unless she kissed him to shut him up 🤔 I mean, I had to put down my book for a second there too, his dirty talk was getting out of control, I had to calm myself xD
This has...not entirely delivered on the promise of its prequel novella, "Invitation". Good time was being had, albeit sparsely. It felt like attraction level went from 0% to 200% in a blink of time, and then the whole romance felt somewhat inauthentic to me.
But I did love Fiona's friendship with Charlotte and their shenanigans. Some side characters hold a lot of potential and tbh, I'm more interested in their stories than this story.
(like Lucian and Evie, PLEASE LET THEM HAVE A BOOK, I NEED IT, I want ex-lovers turned into business partners turned into lovers again trope, and if there's no trope like that, there should be! also this is a great potential for that "we used to have casual sex / an arrangement and it was good, but we're mostly just friends and nothing else" and then they together again and it's like holy shit! what is THIS? fEeliNgS???!)
Anyway -
Random bu please someone send help to this man (Tobias, the H), he has ZERO game:
“I just realized our names share three letters in common - all vowels. Surely that means something.”
She tipped her head to the side.
“What?”
“I have no idea.”
Tobias and Fiona (three letters in common!) proceed to kiss after that and I just want to know - how on Earth?!
Unless she kissed him to shut him up 🤔 I mean, I had to put down my book for a second there too, his dirty talk was getting out of control, I had to calm myself xD
May 22, 2021
Release date: May 25
This story was just so very pleasant and enjoyable to read for me. It seemed to have just enough of every aspect I like in a good historical romance book.
This is the first book in The Phoenix Club series so it was great to be starting in a fresh place and new set of characters that have not yet had their own stories. Thankfully for this reason I never seemed lost at any time, but it does also mean you get a lot of information given to you throughout this book which is I’m sure to set up future books in the series.
We first meet our hero Tobias who has now after his fathers death inherited his estates and title as the fifth Earl of Overton. There are requirements in his fathers will, that state if he does not marry within three months of the former earl’s death he will lose the one estate Horethorne, where he grew up with his mother that he feels is his only true home. He also discovers that his father had promised a good friend to take his daughter in as his ward and sponsor her for a season to hopefully make a good match she would not otherwise find living in the country. So Tobias continues on as planned, and his ward shows up and is not what he had expected. He finds he is very curious about and drawn to her.
Fiona is excited for all the new adventures she will have but has no real plan to marry. At this point not realizing that is the point and it is expected she will attract a husband. Pretty quickly it seems Fiona is also noticing an attraction to Tobias as well. But they both keep it to themselves as it would most certainly be seen as forbidden between a ward and a guardian.
There is a build up of atmosphere as we learn more about The Phoenix Club, how they are different (they allow both men and woman into the club) and that they have a very exclusive list of members and potential members. Tobias is a part of the group of people that started the club but that is not known to Fiona until later.
Fiona is fascinated by the extravagance of everything and then as the season begins she attends balls and events to be introduced into society with a chaperone of course and Tobias is often there as well to dance with her, introduce her around. She then meets Cassandra and their friendship reminded me a bit of Eloise Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington from Julia Quinns books. So I am interested to see what these two get up to in the future books.
As the attraction grows between Tobias and Fiona she is given information to assure she will receive Tobias mother’s estate if the current Earl does no t marry soon. As well as her six thousand pound dowry if she does not marry by 25 years old and it is everything she wanted. Freedom and independence, something of her own and not having to be owned by a husband.
I don’t want to spoil anything but it is what I would consider a slow burn romance but has just the right amount of steam to keep it exciting. And the HEA is definitely worth it. I am excited to read the next in The Phoenix Club series Impassioned. Thank you also to NetGalley for the ARC provided for review.
This story was just so very pleasant and enjoyable to read for me. It seemed to have just enough of every aspect I like in a good historical romance book.
This is the first book in The Phoenix Club series so it was great to be starting in a fresh place and new set of characters that have not yet had their own stories. Thankfully for this reason I never seemed lost at any time, but it does also mean you get a lot of information given to you throughout this book which is I’m sure to set up future books in the series.
We first meet our hero Tobias who has now after his fathers death inherited his estates and title as the fifth Earl of Overton. There are requirements in his fathers will, that state if he does not marry within three months of the former earl’s death he will lose the one estate Horethorne, where he grew up with his mother that he feels is his only true home. He also discovers that his father had promised a good friend to take his daughter in as his ward and sponsor her for a season to hopefully make a good match she would not otherwise find living in the country. So Tobias continues on as planned, and his ward shows up and is not what he had expected. He finds he is very curious about and drawn to her.
Fiona is excited for all the new adventures she will have but has no real plan to marry. At this point not realizing that is the point and it is expected she will attract a husband. Pretty quickly it seems Fiona is also noticing an attraction to Tobias as well. But they both keep it to themselves as it would most certainly be seen as forbidden between a ward and a guardian.
There is a build up of atmosphere as we learn more about The Phoenix Club, how they are different (they allow both men and woman into the club) and that they have a very exclusive list of members and potential members. Tobias is a part of the group of people that started the club but that is not known to Fiona until later.
Fiona is fascinated by the extravagance of everything and then as the season begins she attends balls and events to be introduced into society with a chaperone of course and Tobias is often there as well to dance with her, introduce her around. She then meets Cassandra and their friendship reminded me a bit of Eloise Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington from Julia Quinns books. So I am interested to see what these two get up to in the future books.
As the attraction grows between Tobias and Fiona she is given information to assure she will receive Tobias mother’s estate if the current Earl does no t marry soon. As well as her six thousand pound dowry if she does not marry by 25 years old and it is everything she wanted. Freedom and independence, something of her own and not having to be owned by a husband.
I don’t want to spoil anything but it is what I would consider a slow burn romance but has just the right amount of steam to keep it exciting. And the HEA is definitely worth it. I am excited to read the next in The Phoenix Club series Impassioned. Thank you also to NetGalley for the ARC provided for review.
May 25, 2021
I'm not really sure why didn't enjoy this one. When I picked it up, I just wanted an easy read, and I felt like a historical romance would fit that mold. For some reason, I spent most of this counting the pages until it was over.
I really wish there had been more tension between Fiona and Tobias. Sure, we're told that there's a connection between them, but I never felt it. In a romance, the main thing I want is a clear connection that I never want to part from. This was just lackluster, and I honestly didn't care about either character.
I also wish there had been more of a plot. The plot was pretty nonexistent, and this was just worsened because the romance was nothing to root for. The Phoenix Club played a pretty big part of the plot in this one, but I still can't tell you why it was important, or how it was different from any other clubs.
I think this book mainly suffered from a lack of substance and depth. If ideas had been expanded on, this could've been amazing, but instead it got stuck in the mediocre.
Thanks to Netgalley and Darcy Burke for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review
I really wish there had been more tension between Fiona and Tobias. Sure, we're told that there's a connection between them, but I never felt it. In a romance, the main thing I want is a clear connection that I never want to part from. This was just lackluster, and I honestly didn't care about either character.
I also wish there had been more of a plot. The plot was pretty nonexistent, and this was just worsened because the romance was nothing to root for. The Phoenix Club played a pretty big part of the plot in this one, but I still can't tell you why it was important, or how it was different from any other clubs.
I think this book mainly suffered from a lack of substance and depth. If ideas had been expanded on, this could've been amazing, but instead it got stuck in the mediocre.
Thanks to Netgalley and Darcy Burke for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review
January 24, 2023
This is one of my Mad about series books. The h is Fiona Wingate who just became the ward of the Earl of Overton. She is 22 and moved from the country with her elderly companion where she lived in a cottage provided from her cousin. She is anticipating freedom and learning everything about London, the Season and finding more maps. The H is Tobias 30 and must find a bride in three months less now to keep his mother’s house or he will lose it as it was stipulated in his father’s Will.
This was an amusing enjoyable read. I liked the main characters and some of the supporting characters were fun, mysterious and interesting. I look forward to the rest of the Phoenix Clubs romances.
Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This was an amusing enjoyable read. I liked the main characters and some of the supporting characters were fun, mysterious and interesting. I look forward to the rest of the Phoenix Clubs romances.
Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 4, 2021
Love This Series 📚❤️📚
Tobias and Fiona’s book was so good, and I can’t wait for Con’s, which is up next. This series promises to be amazing, with great writing, fantastic characters, and the potential for so many wonderful stories! I’m most interested in what will happen with Lucien and Mrs. Renshaw (would love to see them get their HEA’s... together?) Darcy Burke’s “The Untouchables” series is one of my all-time favorites, and I have a feeling this one is going to be right on top too. Highly recommend!
Tobias and Fiona’s book was so good, and I can’t wait for Con’s, which is up next. This series promises to be amazing, with great writing, fantastic characters, and the potential for so many wonderful stories! I’m most interested in what will happen with Lucien and Mrs. Renshaw (would love to see them get their HEA’s... together?) Darcy Burke’s “The Untouchables” series is one of my all-time favorites, and I have a feeling this one is going to be right on top too. Highly recommend!
May 20, 2021
Tobias Powell, Earl of Overton has a short time to find a wife, or he risks losing the one thing that is dear to him. When he takes Fiona Wingate on as his ward and must present her to society so she can attain her own marriage, his life becomes even more complicated. How can he arrange a marriage for his ward when his feelings for her become improper?
Fiona isn’t interested in marriage but knows she doesn’t have much choice. She never expects to fall in love, especially with her guardian. But as they get to know each other, their growing attraction becomes irritable.
Fiona has a fantastic personality, and I love her sense of humor. She doesn’t take herself, or the silly societal rules, too seriously, which is refreshing. As she is from the country, she lacks the polish and refinement of most of the other characters in the story. This does contribute to her problems and highlights the differences between Fiona and some of her new acquaintances.
Tobias is a rake that is desperate for a wife. He has a lot of baggage, especially in relation to his feelings about his father. Theirs was a complicated and seemingly loveless relationship, and it causes problems for Tobias throughout the story. I like that Tobias finds some resolution in regard to his father. I also like how liberal-minded Tobias is. His feelings about women, spinsterhood, and various other topics are very forward-thinking and show that Tobias is a great match for Fiona, who shares his opinions.
The romance is slow-building and forbidden, which leads to a bit of angst and a lot of sexual tension. Fiona and Tobias have great chemistry, and they get along so well. She is interested in maps, and he does everything he can to support her interest. However, he is so distracted by the pressure to find a wife that he doesn’t see the wonderful woman in front of him for much of the story. Fiona, in turn, does not want to rush into marriage and instead craves the freedom that she’s never had. Because of their stubbornness, their relationship doesn’t even begin to develop until about halfway through the book.
There are several parts of the story that I wish were explored more. For example, I wanted to know more about The Phoenix Club and those who run it. I felt like the club and many of the characters had so much potential but were a bit underdeveloped. That being said, there are other parts that are laugh-out-loud delightful, which made up for some of the slower parts. Also, I have a feeling these characters will be the protagonists in future books, which I’m excited about.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Darcy Burke for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Fiona isn’t interested in marriage but knows she doesn’t have much choice. She never expects to fall in love, especially with her guardian. But as they get to know each other, their growing attraction becomes irritable.
Fiona has a fantastic personality, and I love her sense of humor. She doesn’t take herself, or the silly societal rules, too seriously, which is refreshing. As she is from the country, she lacks the polish and refinement of most of the other characters in the story. This does contribute to her problems and highlights the differences between Fiona and some of her new acquaintances.
Tobias is a rake that is desperate for a wife. He has a lot of baggage, especially in relation to his feelings about his father. Theirs was a complicated and seemingly loveless relationship, and it causes problems for Tobias throughout the story. I like that Tobias finds some resolution in regard to his father. I also like how liberal-minded Tobias is. His feelings about women, spinsterhood, and various other topics are very forward-thinking and show that Tobias is a great match for Fiona, who shares his opinions.
The romance is slow-building and forbidden, which leads to a bit of angst and a lot of sexual tension. Fiona and Tobias have great chemistry, and they get along so well. She is interested in maps, and he does everything he can to support her interest. However, he is so distracted by the pressure to find a wife that he doesn’t see the wonderful woman in front of him for much of the story. Fiona, in turn, does not want to rush into marriage and instead craves the freedom that she’s never had. Because of their stubbornness, their relationship doesn’t even begin to develop until about halfway through the book.
There are several parts of the story that I wish were explored more. For example, I wanted to know more about The Phoenix Club and those who run it. I felt like the club and many of the characters had so much potential but were a bit underdeveloped. That being said, there are other parts that are laugh-out-loud delightful, which made up for some of the slower parts. Also, I have a feeling these characters will be the protagonists in future books, which I’m excited about.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Darcy Burke for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
May 14, 2021
Improper by Darcy Burke
The Phoenix Club #1
Four friends find a reason to create a club that is more elite than some of the well known and sought-after clubs in London. They choose who can join and they are NOT the people society might normally choose. In the prequel the origin of The Phoenix Club is told and in this book the first of the men will find his match. My guess is that there will be at least four books in this series BUT there could be more.
What I liked:
* Fiona Wingate: bright, curious, interested in maps, seeks freedom, daring, a good friend, searching for a place to belong. She is much more than she first appears to be.
* Tobias Powell, fifth Earl of Overton: good friend, educated, wealthy, good listener, sense of humor, focused, has an agenda.
* That Tobias and Fiona had similar family lives that were not filled with paternal love.
* The slow growth of the relationship between Tobias and Fiona.
* Miss Prudence Lancaster: companion to Fiona – would like to know more about her and hope she has a story of her own.
* Cassandra: new friend of Fiona and sister to the owner of The Phoenix Club – wonder who she will end up with.
* Ruark Hannigan, Dougal McNair and Lucien Westbrook: there together with Tobias from the beginning of The Phoenix club – wonder who each will end up with and if each will have a book of his own.
* Evie Renshaw: another woman that deserves a HEA and story of her own…also wonder about Barbara, Tobias ex-mistress.
* Constantine: brother to Lucien and Cassandra – he will have the next book in the series and I do wonder what will happen to shake up and improve his life.
* The reason that Tobias’s father was so interested in taking Fiona on as his ward.
* That both Tobias and Fiona were good people and deserving of their HEA.
* The description of the “court dress” and what happened when Fiona was introduced to the queen.
* Lord Gregory Blakemore: Would like to see who he ends up with and why he was called away from the assembly.
* All of it, really, except…
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing the rules and restrictions placed on women of the time were not easy to live within.
* Having to wait for more books in the series.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
The Phoenix Club #1
Four friends find a reason to create a club that is more elite than some of the well known and sought-after clubs in London. They choose who can join and they are NOT the people society might normally choose. In the prequel the origin of The Phoenix Club is told and in this book the first of the men will find his match. My guess is that there will be at least four books in this series BUT there could be more.
What I liked:
* Fiona Wingate: bright, curious, interested in maps, seeks freedom, daring, a good friend, searching for a place to belong. She is much more than she first appears to be.
* Tobias Powell, fifth Earl of Overton: good friend, educated, wealthy, good listener, sense of humor, focused, has an agenda.
* That Tobias and Fiona had similar family lives that were not filled with paternal love.
* The slow growth of the relationship between Tobias and Fiona.
* Miss Prudence Lancaster: companion to Fiona – would like to know more about her and hope she has a story of her own.
* Cassandra: new friend of Fiona and sister to the owner of The Phoenix Club – wonder who she will end up with.
* Ruark Hannigan, Dougal McNair and Lucien Westbrook: there together with Tobias from the beginning of The Phoenix club – wonder who each will end up with and if each will have a book of his own.
* Evie Renshaw: another woman that deserves a HEA and story of her own…also wonder about Barbara, Tobias ex-mistress.
* Constantine: brother to Lucien and Cassandra – he will have the next book in the series and I do wonder what will happen to shake up and improve his life.
* The reason that Tobias’s father was so interested in taking Fiona on as his ward.
* That both Tobias and Fiona were good people and deserving of their HEA.
* The description of the “court dress” and what happened when Fiona was introduced to the queen.
* Lord Gregory Blakemore: Would like to see who he ends up with and why he was called away from the assembly.
* All of it, really, except…
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing the rules and restrictions placed on women of the time were not easy to live within.
* Having to wait for more books in the series.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
May 8, 2021
Improper is the story of Tobias Powell, Earl of Overton who is a dissolute rogue with a scandalous reputation that has recently inherited his title along with a ward. His father was not loving and basically willed him to marry within 3 months of his death or lose his childhood home. It was his mother’s home that connects him to her and the memories of her love. His ward, Fiona Wingate, is a country miss from a small town who is now thrust into London society. She just wants to see the London sites, live a little, and have some freedom. Marriage does not interest her but with time she has agreed to resign herself to it, eventually.
I read the prequel “The Invitation” first which helped me understand the different characters involved in the Phoenix Club. The club invites men and women who aren’t normally looked at as the cream of the crop and gives them a place to belong. The men and women parts of the club are separate and only come together for assemblies. It has created quite the buzz around town as either the place to be or to those who do not receive an invitation a place that is beneath them and does not fit the rules of society. Tobias is a member but he along with his close friends and the women representing the female portion sit on the “board or committee” that makes club decisions.
While Tobias is searching for his bride and Fiona is being presented to the ton, he turns out to be a caring, compassionate, and understanding man while she is very caring, intelligent, and witty. It takes them a while but they figure out that they really work well together and have a magnetic chemistry. This book is enjoyable and interesting with an hea and gender and sexual equality themes. I am looking forward to the next book about the very serious Aldington and his estranged wife. I received an ARC of this book and chose to post my review.
I read the prequel “The Invitation” first which helped me understand the different characters involved in the Phoenix Club. The club invites men and women who aren’t normally looked at as the cream of the crop and gives them a place to belong. The men and women parts of the club are separate and only come together for assemblies. It has created quite the buzz around town as either the place to be or to those who do not receive an invitation a place that is beneath them and does not fit the rules of society. Tobias is a member but he along with his close friends and the women representing the female portion sit on the “board or committee” that makes club decisions.
While Tobias is searching for his bride and Fiona is being presented to the ton, he turns out to be a caring, compassionate, and understanding man while she is very caring, intelligent, and witty. It takes them a while but they figure out that they really work well together and have a magnetic chemistry. This book is enjoyable and interesting with an hea and gender and sexual equality themes. I am looking forward to the next book about the very serious Aldington and his estranged wife. I received an ARC of this book and chose to post my review.
May 25, 2021
Read to 47% and then started skipping around.
I’ve read and enjoyed several of Darcy’s books and this one sounded good. Sadly, it wasn’t for me.
I liked Fiona and Tobias well enough. They’re both good people, with good intentions, they’re just so bland. I saw no real chemistry between them and that was the biggest struggle. There are loads and loads of characters here and it didn’t seem like we actually got to know anyone.
Plot wise, it was flimsy. Yes, it was a lot of fluff, yet things were introduced without a real reason to advance the story. However, the last few chapters were interesting and I did enjoy the epilogue.
Overall, I just wanted a lot more from this one. I am intrigued at the set up for book 2 and might read it, but I’m not entirely sure.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I’ve read and enjoyed several of Darcy’s books and this one sounded good. Sadly, it wasn’t for me.
I liked Fiona and Tobias well enough. They’re both good people, with good intentions, they’re just so bland. I saw no real chemistry between them and that was the biggest struggle. There are loads and loads of characters here and it didn’t seem like we actually got to know anyone.
Plot wise, it was flimsy. Yes, it was a lot of fluff, yet things were introduced without a real reason to advance the story. However, the last few chapters were interesting and I did enjoy the epilogue.
Overall, I just wanted a lot more from this one. I am intrigued at the set up for book 2 and might read it, but I’m not entirely sure.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
May 26, 2021
Her life was about to change and she could not wait! She was in London and about to start her first season! Now to meet her new guardian, an Earl!
He had just come into his title, but his father had tricked him by writing in his will, for his son to inherit a property he desperately wanted, he would have to marry. The problem was trying to clean up is reputation... But now he had the responsibility of a ward...
Darcy brings her special mix of humor and wonderful characters together to create a this delightful story! The question is, how will this turn out! Will he become enchanted with his ward, or marry her off to someone else?
Great start to a new series and I cannot wait for more!
He had just come into his title, but his father had tricked him by writing in his will, for his son to inherit a property he desperately wanted, he would have to marry. The problem was trying to clean up is reputation... But now he had the responsibility of a ward...
Darcy brings her special mix of humor and wonderful characters together to create a this delightful story! The question is, how will this turn out! Will he become enchanted with his ward, or marry her off to someone else?
Great start to a new series and I cannot wait for more!
May 25, 2021
Tobias Powell has inherited the title of Lord Overton following his father's death. His father's will requires Tobias to marry within three months of his death or forfeit his mother's house, the only place he ever felt of as home. Trying to rebuild his tattered reputation and find a wife is a tall enough order already without adding in a young ward.
Miss Fiona Wingate has led a sheltered life in the country but has been brought to London for a Season by her new guardian in order to find her a suitable husband. Although she has no title, she does have a dowry, and if Tobias fails to marry within the allotted time she will also have his mother's house - although she doesn't know this. As she is new to society Fiona makes several mistakes and gets herself into all sorts of scrapes, none of which help her to find a husband or Tobias to find a bride.
Tobias is co-founder of The Phoenix Club with his closest friends. The club was set up to cater to those who had been overlooked by London Society, because they were poor, or rakes, or women, or Irish, or second sons etc. Less stuffy than the traditional clubs like Whites, The Phoenix Club has a separate half just for married women and spinsters.
I liked this but I didn't love it. I have read at least one other series which centres on a group of men who set up their own gentlemen's gambling club and this felt too samey-samey. Also, Tobias is billed as a dissolute rogue but after the first chapter he seems to be a very kind and proper young man.
However, I am very keen to read the next book in the series which features the club's founder's stuffy older brother Lord Aldington.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Miss Fiona Wingate has led a sheltered life in the country but has been brought to London for a Season by her new guardian in order to find her a suitable husband. Although she has no title, she does have a dowry, and if Tobias fails to marry within the allotted time she will also have his mother's house - although she doesn't know this. As she is new to society Fiona makes several mistakes and gets herself into all sorts of scrapes, none of which help her to find a husband or Tobias to find a bride.
Tobias is co-founder of The Phoenix Club with his closest friends. The club was set up to cater to those who had been overlooked by London Society, because they were poor, or rakes, or women, or Irish, or second sons etc. Less stuffy than the traditional clubs like Whites, The Phoenix Club has a separate half just for married women and spinsters.
I liked this but I didn't love it. I have read at least one other series which centres on a group of men who set up their own gentlemen's gambling club and this felt too samey-samey. Also, Tobias is billed as a dissolute rogue but after the first chapter he seems to be a very kind and proper young man.
However, I am very keen to read the next book in the series which features the club's founder's stuffy older brother Lord Aldington.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
July 19, 2021
This was a different type of romance between a rogue and his new female ward. I found parts of the story romantic and other aspects just seemed a little wrong. I am still not sure why this set up was chosen, was it common for young girls to be sent to live with older males? What about falling for your ward? I just couldn’t get past those aspects in order to fully enjoy their story.
May 26, 2021
The characters in this story are quite intriguing. I feel there is something about Prudence, but I can't put my finger on it. Is she already married, or will she marry someone from the Phoenix Club?
I loved reading this so enjoyable story. 5☆
I loved reading this so enjoyable story. 5☆
June 4, 2021
I like most of the author’s books but this book was boring and occasionally I skipped pages. The main characters had no spark and their intimacy at the end of the book felt rushed and lacks sincerity. Overall the the writing was ok but the story and characters just fell flat.
May 18, 2021
I received a copy from the author; this is my honest review
-I was so glad I read the prequel "Invitation" before reading this book. The same people come back and they all have an history which is explained there. In this book, they moved on to something better.
-Lucian and Mrs. Renshaw are leaving people in want of an invitation left and right and it was hilarious hearing them almost pleading for one.
-Tobias was really thoughtful towards his ward, getting her teachers and a pianoforte, and the rest of it; Fiona just had to think about something and Tobias would provide it.
-Watch out for Mrs. Tucket! She's priceless; I'm still wondering where she learned the language.
-Miss Lancaster wasn't a really good chaperone if Fiona was able to get into that much trouble. Let's see how it goes with Lady Cassandra.
-Fiona thought about missing the "family closeness" a bit too much. Tobias had tried or done that "two years ago" too many times to count. At some point, I thought "We know!!!". It was too much.
-So my eyebrows were up there most of the time. Fiona is too forward for someone who has been secluded and Tobias has a really hard time keeping it in his pants with a mistress or otherwise.
-I didn't feel the connection between the H/h. They had fun a bit and shared a few things in common, like maps, but nothing else.
-Why did Fiona like maps in general that much? We don't know. That's just one quirk that went without details and it's too bad.
-The vocabulary is a mix of English and Scottish. The pace was super slow.
-Unprotected scenes before the wedding. It wasn't that great a scene. The author is much better than this usually.
-I really like it when the author brings us to the next book.
-I was so glad I read the prequel "Invitation" before reading this book. The same people come back and they all have an history which is explained there. In this book, they moved on to something better.
-Lucian and Mrs. Renshaw are leaving people in want of an invitation left and right and it was hilarious hearing them almost pleading for one.
-Tobias was really thoughtful towards his ward, getting her teachers and a pianoforte, and the rest of it; Fiona just had to think about something and Tobias would provide it.
-Watch out for Mrs. Tucket! She's priceless; I'm still wondering where she learned the language.
-Miss Lancaster wasn't a really good chaperone if Fiona was able to get into that much trouble. Let's see how it goes with Lady Cassandra.
-Fiona thought about missing the "family closeness" a bit too much. Tobias had tried or done that "two years ago" too many times to count. At some point, I thought "We know!!!". It was too much.
-So my eyebrows were up there most of the time. Fiona is too forward for someone who has been secluded and Tobias has a really hard time keeping it in his pants with a mistress or otherwise.
-I didn't feel the connection between the H/h. They had fun a bit and shared a few things in common, like maps, but nothing else.
-Why did Fiona like maps in general that much? We don't know. That's just one quirk that went without details and it's too bad.
-The vocabulary is a mix of English and Scottish. The pace was super slow.
-Unprotected scenes before the wedding. It wasn't that great a scene. The author is much better than this usually.
-I really like it when the author brings us to the next book.
May 23, 2021
Improper by Darcy Burke is the first book in her new series about the Phoenix Club. She tends to write books with fun characters, especially women who do not want to follow the mold of what is expected. In this novel, she also introduces us to a private club that is going to be the connecting factor for this series. The private club breaks all the rules because it's for males and females! How Shocking! Tobais is one of the shareholders.
Unfortunately things do not always work out the way The Earl of Overton, Tobias Powell wants them to. His father has died and left him with all the estate and provisions. However, in order for him to maintain the one part of the inheritance that he wants to keep is for him to get married within 3 months of his father's death. Tobias has certainly been a rogue and has gotten in trouble many times. Who in their right mind would want to marry him? He is going to lose the only house where he felt safe as a child to his father’s ward, Fiona Wingate.
After being kept in a small town forever, the chance to go to London for a season is exciting. Fiona Wingate wants to have fun, see things, do things and live life. Instead she is stuck with a guardian who is determined to see her married right off. Fiona has made a couple of new friends and together they seem to find trouble everywhere. Tobias is constantly trying to keep Fiona safe, but she doesn’t make it easy for him at all.
Darcy Burke’s newest book, Improper is a fun slightly scandalous read!
Unfortunately things do not always work out the way The Earl of Overton, Tobias Powell wants them to. His father has died and left him with all the estate and provisions. However, in order for him to maintain the one part of the inheritance that he wants to keep is for him to get married within 3 months of his father's death. Tobias has certainly been a rogue and has gotten in trouble many times. Who in their right mind would want to marry him? He is going to lose the only house where he felt safe as a child to his father’s ward, Fiona Wingate.
After being kept in a small town forever, the chance to go to London for a season is exciting. Fiona Wingate wants to have fun, see things, do things and live life. Instead she is stuck with a guardian who is determined to see her married right off. Fiona has made a couple of new friends and together they seem to find trouble everywhere. Tobias is constantly trying to keep Fiona safe, but she doesn’t make it easy for him at all.
Darcy Burke’s newest book, Improper is a fun slightly scandalous read!
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