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The Phoenix Club #4
Indecent
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.
If Bennet St. James, the Viscount Glastonbury, doesn’t find a bride with a sizeable dowry, he’ll be in the poorhouse along with his interminable number of female relatives—all of whom he loves but are a drain on the negative fortune his father left when he died of a broken pocketbook. Desperate, he hatches a scheme to snare an heiress only to be foiled by a most vexing and alluring—and unfortunately equally destitute—paid companion.
Lady’s companion Prudence Lancaster is single-minded about finding her mother and filling in the missing pieces of her life. But a villainous viscount interrupts her plans, and his surprising charm and understanding tempts her in the most indecent ways. Soon, she’s dreaming of the future instead of wallowing in the past.
But when Bennet shares a dark secret, her hopes are dashed. For he won’t break the promise he made to his family, even if it means losing the greatest love he’s ever known.
Welcome to the Phoenix Club, where London’s most audacious, disreputable, and intriguing ladies and gentlemen find scandal, redemption, and second chances.
If Bennet St. James, the Viscount Glastonbury, doesn’t find a bride with a sizeable dowry, he’ll be in the poorhouse along with his interminable number of female relatives—all of whom he loves but are a drain on the negative fortune his father left when he died of a broken pocketbook. Desperate, he hatches a scheme to snare an heiress only to be foiled by a most vexing and alluring—and unfortunately equally destitute—paid companion.
Lady’s companion Prudence Lancaster is single-minded about finding her mother and filling in the missing pieces of her life. But a villainous viscount interrupts her plans, and his surprising charm and understanding tempts her in the most indecent ways. Soon, she’s dreaming of the future instead of wallowing in the past.
But when Bennet shares a dark secret, her hopes are dashed. For he won’t break the promise he made to his family, even if it means losing the greatest love he’s ever known.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2022
286 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
207 books2,279 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 163 reviews
January 24, 2022
All good romance readers know that despite the problematic elements (Stockholm Syndrome, anyone?), a kidnapping is a great place to start a love story. In Indecent, Bennet tries to kidnap Lady Cassandra only to end up with her companion, Prudence. To add insult to injury, the two get stuck together at a small inn while they deal with bad weather and carriage malfunctions. To no reader's surprise, the two fall in love during their period of forced proximity... but Bennet needs an heiress, Prudence has no money, and they both have secrets in their pasts.
Refreshingly, Prudence's reputation is never used as a reason for their relationship development. The way the couple works together feels authentic, and even though what brings them together isn't our favorite plot device, their reactions didn't feel out of character. Indecent continues Darcy Burke's MO of decent people who fall in love with each other and try to make it work.
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy of the novel.
Refreshingly, Prudence's reputation is never used as a reason for their relationship development. The way the couple works together feels authentic, and even though what brings them together isn't our favorite plot device, their reactions didn't feel out of character. Indecent continues Darcy Burke's MO of decent people who fall in love with each other and try to make it work.
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy of the novel.
January 30, 2022
‘If Bennet St. James, the Viscount Glastonbury, doesn’t find a bride with a sizeable dowry, he’ll be in the poorhouse along with his interminable number of female relatives—all of whom he loves but are a drain on the negative fortune his father left when he died of a broken pocketbook. Desperate, he hatches a scheme to snare an heiress only to be foiled by a most vexing and alluring—and unfortunately equally destitute—paid companion.
Lady’s companion Prudence Lancaster is single-minded about finding her mother and filling in the missing pieces of her life. But a villainous viscount interrupts her plans, and his surprising charm and understanding tempts her in the most indecent ways. Soon, she’s dreaming of the future instead of wallowing in the past.
But when Bennet shares a dark secret, her hopes are dashed. For he won’t break the promise he made to his family, even if it means losing the greatest love he’s ever known.’
______________
Indecent is the fourth book in Darcy Burke’s The Phoenix Club series and is a historical romance.
Starting this book, Bennet is the villain, both from his actions in the previous book and his very unwise and impetuous decision at the start of this book. I was inclined not to like him at all, but that didn’t last very long. He is quite sweet and has really been left in a tough position. He is inclined to act rashly and that is his major flaw because for the most part he is so considerate to those around him. But his incredibly rash decision at the opening of the book really made it so he could not be fully redeemed. I get that he believed Cassandra to be in favor of marriage with him, but that was not at all the way to go about it and how about you ask her her thoughts before setting your plan in action.
Despite his flaws though, he is very devoted to his family and that made him a good match for Prudence, as she had a deficit of family to lean on and people she felt she could fully trust. Both Prudence and Bennet have kept their cards close to their chests, with a limited support system, which I think was a big factor in why they went so well together. Bennet was certainly more forthcoming than Prudence, although he did have a few missteps along the way. Prudence took a bit longer before she felt secure in trusting Bennet and even then it wasn’t entirely her choice, circumstances forced her to show her hand earlier than she would have preferred. I enjoyed learning more about her character, as she has been quite an enigma through the last few books.
I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series so far and I am looking forward to reading Ada’s story in the next book and seeing how she breaks through Warfield’s walls.
_____
I would like to thank the author, Darcy Burke, for sharing an eARC of her book Indecent with me. This is my honest review.
Lady’s companion Prudence Lancaster is single-minded about finding her mother and filling in the missing pieces of her life. But a villainous viscount interrupts her plans, and his surprising charm and understanding tempts her in the most indecent ways. Soon, she’s dreaming of the future instead of wallowing in the past.
But when Bennet shares a dark secret, her hopes are dashed. For he won’t break the promise he made to his family, even if it means losing the greatest love he’s ever known.’
______________
Indecent is the fourth book in Darcy Burke’s The Phoenix Club series and is a historical romance.
Starting this book, Bennet is the villain, both from his actions in the previous book and his very unwise and impetuous decision at the start of this book. I was inclined not to like him at all, but that didn’t last very long. He is quite sweet and has really been left in a tough position. He is inclined to act rashly and that is his major flaw because for the most part he is so considerate to those around him. But his incredibly rash decision at the opening of the book really made it so he could not be fully redeemed. I get that he believed Cassandra to be in favor of marriage with him, but that was not at all the way to go about it and how about you ask her her thoughts before setting your plan in action.
Despite his flaws though, he is very devoted to his family and that made him a good match for Prudence, as she had a deficit of family to lean on and people she felt she could fully trust. Both Prudence and Bennet have kept their cards close to their chests, with a limited support system, which I think was a big factor in why they went so well together. Bennet was certainly more forthcoming than Prudence, although he did have a few missteps along the way. Prudence took a bit longer before she felt secure in trusting Bennet and even then it wasn’t entirely her choice, circumstances forced her to show her hand earlier than she would have preferred. I enjoyed learning more about her character, as she has been quite an enigma through the last few books.
I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series so far and I am looking forward to reading Ada’s story in the next book and seeing how she breaks through Warfield’s walls.
_____
I would like to thank the author, Darcy Burke, for sharing an eARC of her book Indecent with me. This is my honest review.
January 19, 2022
Thanks to his father’s lack of self-control, Bennet St. James, Viscount Glastonbury is struggling to take care of his family and those who depend on his estate. He loves his family dearly, but they are an immense drain on Bennet and have necessitated his marriage to an heiress. He’s grown increasingly desperate, and his best idea is to kidnap an heiress, only to find that he’s detained her beautiful, annoyingly intriguing, unfortunately penniless, paid companion.
Prudence Lancaster has used her role as paid companion to high society ladies to aid her efforts to find her birth mother and learn the truth about her origins. When her life is disrupted by an unscrupulous viscount, she’s amazed to find herself tempted by his unlikely charm and easy acceptance. Soon he has her longing to look toward the future, rather than obsessing over her past.
But Bennet is keeping darker secrets close to his chest, shattering Prudence’s hopes for their future since he won’t betray his family, even if it means losing the love of his life.
Bennet is something of a villain in the previous book of this series and his redemption arc in this story is on point. He and Prudence both had so much emotional depth and complex character development throughout the story that I loved. I adored these two together and their maturity and willingness to openly communicate, after a somewhat rocky road as they learned to trust one another, was delightful to read. Prudence had spent her life tamping down her emotions and pretending not to have any while Bennet seemed to feel entirely too much and struggled to regulate his surfeit of emotion. Those factors wouldn’t seem to make a good combination and yet these two worked so very well as a couple. I loved that Bennet and Prudence faced challenges and adversity together, allowing them to strengthen their relationship rather than draw them apart. The familial devotion shown to Prudence and by Bennet was an excellent addition to this story as well and I loved that both main characters showed depth by reevaluating and altering their hopes and dreams for their lives. I’m very happy the angst was kept to a minimum here, there was a good deal of steam and chemistry between the characters, and the plot is just what I want from a romance. I loved this book, and I can’t wait to read Ada’s story next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Prudence Lancaster has used her role as paid companion to high society ladies to aid her efforts to find her birth mother and learn the truth about her origins. When her life is disrupted by an unscrupulous viscount, she’s amazed to find herself tempted by his unlikely charm and easy acceptance. Soon he has her longing to look toward the future, rather than obsessing over her past.
But Bennet is keeping darker secrets close to his chest, shattering Prudence’s hopes for their future since he won’t betray his family, even if it means losing the love of his life.
Bennet is something of a villain in the previous book of this series and his redemption arc in this story is on point. He and Prudence both had so much emotional depth and complex character development throughout the story that I loved. I adored these two together and their maturity and willingness to openly communicate, after a somewhat rocky road as they learned to trust one another, was delightful to read. Prudence had spent her life tamping down her emotions and pretending not to have any while Bennet seemed to feel entirely too much and struggled to regulate his surfeit of emotion. Those factors wouldn’t seem to make a good combination and yet these two worked so very well as a couple. I loved that Bennet and Prudence faced challenges and adversity together, allowing them to strengthen their relationship rather than draw them apart. The familial devotion shown to Prudence and by Bennet was an excellent addition to this story as well and I loved that both main characters showed depth by reevaluating and altering their hopes and dreams for their lives. I’m very happy the angst was kept to a minimum here, there was a good deal of steam and chemistry between the characters, and the plot is just what I want from a romance. I loved this book, and I can’t wait to read Ada’s story next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
January 24, 2022
If Bennet St. James, the Viscount Glastonbury, doesn’t find a bride with a sizeable dowry, he’ll be in the poorhouse along with his plethora of female relatives, all of whom he loves but are a drain on the nearly bankrupt estate his father left when he died. Desperate, he hatches a scheme to snare an heiress only to be foiled by a most vexing and alluring and unfortunately equally destitute paid companion. Lady’s companion Prudence Lancaster is single-minded about finding her mother and filling in the missing pieces of her life. But then she’s kidnapped, when bad weather forces Bennet & Prudence to remain at the inn sparks start to fly.
This is the fourth book in this wonderful series & yes it could be read on its own but to fully appreciate I’d definitely recommend reading the previous book, plus if you love series then start from the beginning. I thoroughly disliked Bennet & wondered how on earth he could be redeemed or even if I wanted him to be. I’d really liked Prudence but she’d stayed in the background . The pair didn’t get off to the best of starts, to say the least. However Bennet was so contrite & so apologetic that Prudence started to forgive him. I was drawn in from the start & a few hours later smiling at the ending – yes I read it in a sitting & loved it. The characters are wonderful & the pace flowed effortlessly. Bennet & Prudence's journey had surprises plus twists & turns & it certainly wasn't easy but it made for a very good engrossing read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the fourth book in this wonderful series & yes it could be read on its own but to fully appreciate I’d definitely recommend reading the previous book, plus if you love series then start from the beginning. I thoroughly disliked Bennet & wondered how on earth he could be redeemed or even if I wanted him to be. I’d really liked Prudence but she’d stayed in the background . The pair didn’t get off to the best of starts, to say the least. However Bennet was so contrite & so apologetic that Prudence started to forgive him. I was drawn in from the start & a few hours later smiling at the ending – yes I read it in a sitting & loved it. The characters are wonderful & the pace flowed effortlessly. Bennet & Prudence's journey had surprises plus twists & turns & it certainly wasn't easy but it made for a very good engrossing read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 16, 2022
I really loved this book and the journey Bennett and Pru took to their HEA. Bennet was desperate for money to care for his relatives, pay his father's debts and take care of his estate. He needed an heiress but he got a paid companion. Pru had shoved her feelings so far down so she didn't feel the loneliness that was her life. She was also searching for her birth mother for answers. These two come together when Bennet kidnaps the wrong woman.
I love how Pru saw beneath the surface and didn't hold Bennett's actions against him too long. She came to know that all he cared about was keeping his family afloat and not about money to spend on gambling or stuff. Bennett saw beneath Pru's icy exterior to the warm, loving woman she always was.
I have not read the previous books but the secondary characters were also great and really helped the MC's find their happiness.
I received and eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I love how Pru saw beneath the surface and didn't hold Bennett's actions against him too long. She came to know that all he cared about was keeping his family afloat and not about money to spend on gambling or stuff. Bennett saw beneath Pru's icy exterior to the warm, loving woman she always was.
I have not read the previous books but the secondary characters were also great and really helped the MC's find their happiness.
I received and eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 25, 2022
An exciting journey to finding love that takes a lot of twist and turns, but is so worth every step!
Really excited to find out what happened to dear Prudence at the end of the last story that left us wondering... of course it could be no other than Bennett, Viscount Glastonbury, that has abducted her!
A case of nabbing the heiress, only to find out he got the lady's companion instead! What to do?
A series of mishaps strands them together, and as they get to know each other, it seems they
might actually like each other.. okay maybe more, but it does not seem meant to be!
I adore Darcy's stories and she always leaves me with a smile and a sigh. Just cannot wait to see what happens next in this delightful series!
Really excited to find out what happened to dear Prudence at the end of the last story that left us wondering... of course it could be no other than Bennett, Viscount Glastonbury, that has abducted her!
A case of nabbing the heiress, only to find out he got the lady's companion instead! What to do?
A series of mishaps strands them together, and as they get to know each other, it seems they
might actually like each other.. okay maybe more, but it does not seem meant to be!
I adore Darcy's stories and she always leaves me with a smile and a sigh. Just cannot wait to see what happens next in this delightful series!
January 12, 2022
Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: The Phoenix Club #4
Publication Date: 1/25/22
Period: Regency - London
The end of the last book, Intolerable, left us scratching our heads and wondering what was going on with lady’s companion Prudence Lancaster. When Charlotte and Ruark arrived at the inn to collect Prudence, they found an empty room and a note from Prudence. The note said she’d eloped. Since Prudence was quiet and secretive about her personal life, they assumed it was possible and left for the beginning of their HEA. But …
Prudence endures hours of pain and discomfort from being trussed up, head covered, and bouncing on the floor of an old coach. When the villains finally drag her into a room at an inn and remove her head covering, she realizes her abductor is none other than Bennet St. James, Viscount Glastonbury. WHAT! He is as stunned as she is because she is NOT the woman he’d paid the thugs to abduct. No, he’d expected to see Lady Charlotte and to convince her to elope with him. Now what?
After Prudence gives Bennet a thorough dressing down and he totally expresses his sorrow and mortification at being part of such a heinous act – and he continues to apologize ad nauseum, she finally begins to believe he is truly remorseful.
Bennet is an exceedingly desperate man. He and his estate are destitute and he has a plethora of much-loved older family members to support. If he cannot come up with the wherewithal to pay his father’s debts and get the estate operating profitably, those very eccentric old ladies will have no place to live nor anyone to care for them. Lady Cassandra and he had met and liked each other and she had even intimated she was amenable to his suit – but – when her father told him that his suit wouldn’t be welcome, Bennet thought it was just from the father and that Charlotte would still be amenable. That is why he had her abducted – and he certainly didn’t intend for any lady to be treated as those thugs had treated Prudence.
Bennet and Prudence concoct a plan to get her back to London before she is missed too much. If they handle it right, they can get her back without her reputation being damaged and she can continue to work as a lady’s companion. Fate, however, has other plans for these two. A storm rages for days preventing travel at all – and it also causes a tree to fall on the inn’s stables – where Bennet’s carriage is stored. The carriage is left beyond repair – and he certainly doesn’t have the money to replace it.
Through all of the trials of the storm, Bennet and Prudence come to truly like each other – and more. However, they each know they will have to become strangers after they return to London. Bennet absolutely must marry an heiress and as a lady’s companion, Prudence wouldn’t be in the company of a peer. Things seem bleak indeed.
After they return, Prudence is welcomed back into her former life and Bennet continues to seek an heiress for a wife. Then there are some shocking discoveries made and life changes. Can the two of them make a go of it? Can Bennet resolve himself to accept his new family situation? Will Prudence be welcomed into either of her new families?
I thoroughly enjoyed the read, but just could never come to respect Bennet for his choices. I am sure we’ll see more of what happens with Bennet and Prudence in the next book, Intolerable, because that book features Ada Treadway (Prudence’s best friend) and Maximillian Hunt, Marquess of Warfield (Prudence’s half-brother).
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: The Phoenix Club #4
Publication Date: 1/25/22
Period: Regency - London
The end of the last book, Intolerable, left us scratching our heads and wondering what was going on with lady’s companion Prudence Lancaster. When Charlotte and Ruark arrived at the inn to collect Prudence, they found an empty room and a note from Prudence. The note said she’d eloped. Since Prudence was quiet and secretive about her personal life, they assumed it was possible and left for the beginning of their HEA. But …
Prudence endures hours of pain and discomfort from being trussed up, head covered, and bouncing on the floor of an old coach. When the villains finally drag her into a room at an inn and remove her head covering, she realizes her abductor is none other than Bennet St. James, Viscount Glastonbury. WHAT! He is as stunned as she is because she is NOT the woman he’d paid the thugs to abduct. No, he’d expected to see Lady Charlotte and to convince her to elope with him. Now what?
After Prudence gives Bennet a thorough dressing down and he totally expresses his sorrow and mortification at being part of such a heinous act – and he continues to apologize ad nauseum, she finally begins to believe he is truly remorseful.
Bennet is an exceedingly desperate man. He and his estate are destitute and he has a plethora of much-loved older family members to support. If he cannot come up with the wherewithal to pay his father’s debts and get the estate operating profitably, those very eccentric old ladies will have no place to live nor anyone to care for them. Lady Cassandra and he had met and liked each other and she had even intimated she was amenable to his suit – but – when her father told him that his suit wouldn’t be welcome, Bennet thought it was just from the father and that Charlotte would still be amenable. That is why he had her abducted – and he certainly didn’t intend for any lady to be treated as those thugs had treated Prudence.
Bennet and Prudence concoct a plan to get her back to London before she is missed too much. If they handle it right, they can get her back without her reputation being damaged and she can continue to work as a lady’s companion. Fate, however, has other plans for these two. A storm rages for days preventing travel at all – and it also causes a tree to fall on the inn’s stables – where Bennet’s carriage is stored. The carriage is left beyond repair – and he certainly doesn’t have the money to replace it.
Through all of the trials of the storm, Bennet and Prudence come to truly like each other – and more. However, they each know they will have to become strangers after they return to London. Bennet absolutely must marry an heiress and as a lady’s companion, Prudence wouldn’t be in the company of a peer. Things seem bleak indeed.
After they return, Prudence is welcomed back into her former life and Bennet continues to seek an heiress for a wife. Then there are some shocking discoveries made and life changes. Can the two of them make a go of it? Can Bennet resolve himself to accept his new family situation? Will Prudence be welcomed into either of her new families?
I thoroughly enjoyed the read, but just could never come to respect Bennet for his choices. I am sure we’ll see more of what happens with Bennet and Prudence in the next book, Intolerable, because that book features Ada Treadway (Prudence’s best friend) and Maximillian Hunt, Marquess of Warfield (Prudence’s half-brother).
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 3, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up
January 26, 2022
Perfection. Exquisite. Charming. These are the first words that come to mind when attempting to describe this story! If you are unfamiliar with this series, “Indecent” is the fourth book in Darcy Burke’s “Phoenix Club Series” and I think this series just gets better and better! Although I highly recommend the entire series, technically this story can be enjoyed as a standalone. This story is the perfect blend of several tropes including— opposite’s attract, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, fake relationship to real, spinster finds love, and noble loves a commoner— all blended masterfully together with a few extra surprises along the way! I enjoyed every word!! 😍
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.
If Bennet St. James, the Viscount Glastonbury, doesn’t find a bride with a sizeable dowry, he’ll be in the poorhouse along with his interminable number of female relatives—all of whom he loves but are a drain on the negative fortune his father left when he died of a broken pocketbook. Desperate, he hatches a scheme to snare an heiress only to be foiled by a most vexing and alluring—and unfortunately equally destitute—paid companion.
Lady’s companion Prudence Lancaster is single-minded about finding her mother and filling in the missing pieces of her life. But a villainous viscount interrupts her plans, and his surprising charm and understanding tempts her in the most indecent ways. Soon, she’s dreaming of the future instead of wallowing in the past.
But when Bennet shares a dark secret, her hopes are dashed. For he won’t break the promise he made to his family, even if it means losing the greatest love he’s ever known.
The MCs in this story are very well developed and realistically flawed — each of them grow as the story progresses. The supporting characters continue to be amazing, including those from previous books and those introduced during this story. I loved them all … even the squirrels 🐿
The chemistry between Bennet & Prudence is hot 😍🔥 and their passion adds to the overall story but doesn’t take over the plot.
I really can’t wait for the next book and hope the author continues the series at least until Lucien gets his happily ever after!!
Overall 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 — a high recommendation for this book & series ❤️
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.
If Bennet St. James, the Viscount Glastonbury, doesn’t find a bride with a sizeable dowry, he’ll be in the poorhouse along with his interminable number of female relatives—all of whom he loves but are a drain on the negative fortune his father left when he died of a broken pocketbook. Desperate, he hatches a scheme to snare an heiress only to be foiled by a most vexing and alluring—and unfortunately equally destitute—paid companion.
Lady’s companion Prudence Lancaster is single-minded about finding her mother and filling in the missing pieces of her life. But a villainous viscount interrupts her plans, and his surprising charm and understanding tempts her in the most indecent ways. Soon, she’s dreaming of the future instead of wallowing in the past.
But when Bennet shares a dark secret, her hopes are dashed. For he won’t break the promise he made to his family, even if it means losing the greatest love he’s ever known.
The MCs in this story are very well developed and realistically flawed — each of them grow as the story progresses. The supporting characters continue to be amazing, including those from previous books and those introduced during this story. I loved them all … even the squirrels 🐿
The chemistry between Bennet & Prudence is hot 😍🔥 and their passion adds to the overall story but doesn’t take over the plot.
I really can’t wait for the next book and hope the author continues the series at least until Lucien gets his happily ever after!!
Overall 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 — a high recommendation for this book & series ❤️
April 18, 2022
I absolutely adore this series and thing each installment just gets better and better! Darcy Burke has definitely become an auto buy author for me. I find her writing to be compelling, well paced, delightfully plotted and filled with characters that are fun and engaging. This is the forth installment in The Phoenix Club series and it was a wonderful addition, and definitely a new favorite in the series for me.
Indecent starts off with a bang with Prudence, a lady's companion, being kidnapped by Bennet, a viscount who is in dire strains and in need of money to restore his estate. Burke takes this accidental kidnapping of the wrong woman into a trope filled exploration of character discovery. I was swept away in this forced proximity, only one bed, rained in romance. The first half of this novel is spent with Pru and Ben trapped in a small inn due to in-climate weather as well as carriage repairs. They both are able to take this time to really get to see each other in a new light and they learn to respect each other as their attraction to each other grows.
Prudence is a lovely heroine, she has spent the last few novels acting as lady's companion to two other women in the series, she is hardworking, independent, and so strong. In this novel we discover the secrets of her past and watching her journey is so heartwarming and delightful. Bennet is also such a caring man, yes he might start his relationship off on the wrong foot with Pru, but we quickly realize that his intensions are good and he has many people who rely on him and he just wants to keep his family and estate above water. I love watching these two together, they have a really lovely sizzling chemistry and Burke does a fantastic job bringing their relationship to a head. I found this novel to have a wonderful level of steam, especially for a historical romance, and watching these two trust each other with their bodies is really beautiful.
I so highly recommend not only this book, but this series as a whole. I find that this series is best consumed in order. Burke has built up a world of men and women who are friends, who support each other and she does a wonderful job building these relationships throughout the novels.
Thank you to Darcy Burke and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Indecent starts off with a bang with Prudence, a lady's companion, being kidnapped by Bennet, a viscount who is in dire strains and in need of money to restore his estate. Burke takes this accidental kidnapping of the wrong woman into a trope filled exploration of character discovery. I was swept away in this forced proximity, only one bed, rained in romance. The first half of this novel is spent with Pru and Ben trapped in a small inn due to in-climate weather as well as carriage repairs. They both are able to take this time to really get to see each other in a new light and they learn to respect each other as their attraction to each other grows.
Prudence is a lovely heroine, she has spent the last few novels acting as lady's companion to two other women in the series, she is hardworking, independent, and so strong. In this novel we discover the secrets of her past and watching her journey is so heartwarming and delightful. Bennet is also such a caring man, yes he might start his relationship off on the wrong foot with Pru, but we quickly realize that his intensions are good and he has many people who rely on him and he just wants to keep his family and estate above water. I love watching these two together, they have a really lovely sizzling chemistry and Burke does a fantastic job bringing their relationship to a head. I found this novel to have a wonderful level of steam, especially for a historical romance, and watching these two trust each other with their bodies is really beautiful.
I so highly recommend not only this book, but this series as a whole. I find that this series is best consumed in order. Burke has built up a world of men and women who are friends, who support each other and she does a wonderful job building these relationships throughout the novels.
Thank you to Darcy Burke and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 19, 2022
Indecent, by Darcy Burke. BRAVO! ( clap, clap ) BRAVO! I without a doubt, absolutely freaking loved this book. I have to give a big YAY, for Pru.
She finally has her man. Prudence character was amazing in this book. The elegance and class she bestowed on Mrs. Merryfield was a graceful slap in the face for the haute ton to witness first hand. I found Bennetts character very charming, censure, protective and caring. As usual, the writer did a spectacular job with creating a love story that was quite scandalous, but positively enchanting and utterly romantic.
This story has left me recounting about all the fun, exciting entertaining and the juicy, hot sensual parts of the book. I could go on tell you how I thought that the writer did a wonderful job with providing details and descriptions to the story. I could also say that the dialogue and conversations among the characters was magnificent. I loved how the topics among the characters was clear and fluent. I was able understand what the characters were referring to and I was able to follow the story line.
Did I say that I found the entertainment a delight? Well let me say it again the entertainment was delightfully fantastic. It was a smash hit. The entertainment held my attention as I was chomping at the bit, trying to figure out who was the culprit that spilled the details in the end. I could tell you these things all day, but you already know that this writer knows her stuff.
So, let me leave you with this, I give this book two snaps and a, Aunt Fiona! The Duke doesn’t want to sniff your pressed flowers. Aunt Minerva, stop trying to get the Duke to kiss your squirrels! Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
She finally has her man. Prudence character was amazing in this book. The elegance and class she bestowed on Mrs. Merryfield was a graceful slap in the face for the haute ton to witness first hand. I found Bennetts character very charming, censure, protective and caring. As usual, the writer did a spectacular job with creating a love story that was quite scandalous, but positively enchanting and utterly romantic.
This story has left me recounting about all the fun, exciting entertaining and the juicy, hot sensual parts of the book. I could go on tell you how I thought that the writer did a wonderful job with providing details and descriptions to the story. I could also say that the dialogue and conversations among the characters was magnificent. I loved how the topics among the characters was clear and fluent. I was able understand what the characters were referring to and I was able to follow the story line.
Did I say that I found the entertainment a delight? Well let me say it again the entertainment was delightfully fantastic. It was a smash hit. The entertainment held my attention as I was chomping at the bit, trying to figure out who was the culprit that spilled the details in the end. I could tell you these things all day, but you already know that this writer knows her stuff.
So, let me leave you with this, I give this book two snaps and a, Aunt Fiona! The Duke doesn’t want to sniff your pressed flowers. Aunt Minerva, stop trying to get the Duke to kiss your squirrels! Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
January 18, 2022
If Bennet St. James, the Viscount Glastonbury, doesn’t find a bride with a sizeable dowry, he’ll be in the poorhouse along with his interminable number of female relatives—all of whom he loves but are a drain on the negative fortune his father left when he died of a broken pocketbook. Desperate, he hatches a scheme to snare an heiress only to be foiled by a most vexing and alluring—and unfortunately equally destitute—paid companion.
Prudence Lancaster is single-minded about finding her mother and filling in the missing pieces of her life. But a villainous viscount interrupts her plans, and his surprising charm and understanding tempts her in the most indecent ways. Soon, she’s dreaming of the future instead of wallowing in the past. But when Bennet shares a dark secret, her hopes are dashed. For he won’t break the promise he made to his family, even if it means losing the greatest love he’s ever known.
If Bennet falls in love and marries he is frightened that the problems of his aunts might be inherited.
Prudence feels like she has trapped him into the marriage.
Will Bennet and Prudence find the way to each other?
Darcy Burke has written another winner!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Prudence Lancaster is single-minded about finding her mother and filling in the missing pieces of her life. But a villainous viscount interrupts her plans, and his surprising charm and understanding tempts her in the most indecent ways. Soon, she’s dreaming of the future instead of wallowing in the past. But when Bennet shares a dark secret, her hopes are dashed. For he won’t break the promise he made to his family, even if it means losing the greatest love he’s ever known.
If Bennet falls in love and marries he is frightened that the problems of his aunts might be inherited.
Prudence feels like she has trapped him into the marriage.
Will Bennet and Prudence find the way to each other?
Darcy Burke has written another winner!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
February 8, 2022
This is the third Darcy Burke book I have read in this series and I'm afraid it will be the last. I really enjoyed the first book, disliked the second, and was hoping this would turn out more like the first, but alas.
The writing is stilted and awkward and the characters feel uneven. This is a huge point for me and often a make-or-break issue.
I really don't like that Bennet keeps thinking about this "dark secret" in his family's past. It's clearly a form of mental illness -- perhaps bipolar disorder -- and I realize mental illness wasn't well-understood in this period but the way it's treated here feels a bit like a caricature and not respectful.
Also, this whole setup is weird. Bennet is a nice guy -- the text says this often -- but also he hires thugs to kidnap someone to force her to marry him? And he feels bad afterward when they kidnap the wrong person but he also just sorta blames that family dark secret and doesn't take responsibility for it? It's like "oh no I made a terrible impulsive decision -- I guess it was this dark curse and I'm doomed and how long will I have my sanity oh no???"
The "attraction" between them feels very forced in the beginning. I don't know if that continues because I bailed on the book at around 20% which is long enough to know if I'm going to like something.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Zealous Quill Press for providing an e-arc for review.
The writing is stilted and awkward and the characters feel uneven. This is a huge point for me and often a make-or-break issue.
I really don't like that Bennet keeps thinking about this "dark secret" in his family's past. It's clearly a form of mental illness -- perhaps bipolar disorder -- and I realize mental illness wasn't well-understood in this period but the way it's treated here feels a bit like a caricature and not respectful.
Also, this whole setup is weird. Bennet is a nice guy -- the text says this often -- but also he hires thugs to kidnap someone to force her to marry him? And he feels bad afterward when they kidnap the wrong person but he also just sorta blames that family dark secret and doesn't take responsibility for it? It's like "oh no I made a terrible impulsive decision -- I guess it was this dark curse and I'm doomed and how long will I have my sanity oh no???"
The "attraction" between them feels very forced in the beginning. I don't know if that continues because I bailed on the book at around 20% which is long enough to know if I'm going to like something.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Zealous Quill Press for providing an e-arc for review.
February 11, 2023
The 4 th in the Phoenix Club series. The h is Prudence Lancaster (24) and the H is Bennet St. James, Viscount Glastonbury ( kidnapped Prudence) aka Villainous Viscount to Prudence) Madness runs in his family. 1815
Book1~ Fiona and Tobias
Book 2 -Constantine and Sabrina
Book 3 - Ruarke and Cassandra
Book 4 - Bennet and Prudence ( Cassandra Aunt Constance is Prudence’s natural mother. Pru was adopted by a teacher and his wife.) Her natural father was Viscount Warfield but he died. Her brother is a friend to Lucien but is known as a Beast. Ada Prudence’s best friend is going there to fix his books in the next story- Beauty and the Beast. Impossible.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book1~ Fiona and Tobias
Book 2 -Constantine and Sabrina
Book 3 - Ruarke and Cassandra
Book 4 - Bennet and Prudence ( Cassandra Aunt Constance is Prudence’s natural mother. Pru was adopted by a teacher and his wife.) Her natural father was Viscount Warfield but he died. Her brother is a friend to Lucien but is known as a Beast. Ada Prudence’s best friend is going there to fix his books in the next story- Beauty and the Beast. Impossible.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 31, 2022
Indecent is book four of The Phoenix Club series and we are finally getting Prudence's story. She's been in the background since book one a a Lady's companion and it's great to have her front and center. Prudence has formally been a bit secretive about her past and now we get to find out what she's been hiding.
The story begins when she is mistakenly kidnapped by Bennett St. James, Viscount Glastonbury. He wasn't very likable in the previous book, but ultimately I feel like he does redeem himself.
This was a good addition to the series. I will definitely be continuing with it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story begins when she is mistakenly kidnapped by Bennett St. James, Viscount Glastonbury. He wasn't very likable in the previous book, but ultimately I feel like he does redeem himself.
This was a good addition to the series. I will definitely be continuing with it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 16, 2022
Wow, straight into the first page - Prudence, a companion, has been snatched. Hands, feet and mouth bound. At this point I'm thinking the wrong girl has been taken. This story is wonderful. I didn't want to, but I had to stop reading at 3.30 a.m. to get some sleep. I loved all the characters, especially Prudence, Bennet, and his funny aunties. Loved the story. A marvellous 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 21, 2022
This was a free ebook from NetGalley for preview and this is my freely given review. Thanks NetGalley.
This is the fourth book in the Phoenix Club series by Darcy Burke and is the story of Prudence, companion to the heroines of book 1 and book 3, Fiona and Cassandra, and Bennet, Viscount Glastonbury.
Prudence was always a bit of an enigma, a quiet background character in the prior books, quiet and mysterious. Lucien helped her out by finding her jobs as a companion to two debutantes, including his sister. She seemed to be quietly observant, and did not interfere too much. But not a lot was known about her background. In this book, we find out the secrets Prudence is hiding, and why.
Bennet St. James was one of Cassandra's suitors, from Intolerable, book 3. He is a handsome Viscount, who unfortunately inherited a title and estate in horrible debt because of his father's mismanagement. It also sounded like he inherited a large household of dependents too. He is just barely managing to keep things together, and it sounds like he is just about to drown in the River Tick, unless he manages to marry an heiress. Hence his courtship of Cassandra... and if you read book 3, you would know pretty much how successful he was there.
In one last effort of desperation, he engages in a reckless act to elope with Cassandra, which leads us to the beginning of this book... he hires thugs to break into the inn that Cassandra and Prudence were staying to kidnap Cassandra so he can elope with her. But Prudence had switched places with her charge and the thugs kidnap her instead. She is furious and he is incredibly sorry for his ill thought out actions, and the harm he may have caused her.
Due to a variety of mishaps and ill-luck, Prudence and Bennet end up staying together at an out of the way farmhouse/inn for the better part of a week. During the course of that week, he tries to make things up to her, and she ends up forgiving him, as they become closer and friendlier.
Unfortunately she is neither an heiress, nor his social equal, and he still needs a large cash infusion for his family to survive, via an heiress's dowry.
They decide to part as friends, and leave the past behind them as she goes back to being a companion, and he seeks his fortune. But, that would not be all that romantic an HEA would it?
Anyways, no spoilers, as there are some quite interesting little twists here, especially involving other relationships, and both these characters backgrounds. But I enjoyed finding out more about what makes Prudence tick and this story definitely fleshed out Bennet a bit more, as he seemed a rather one dimensional character in the last book. I definitely felt some empathy for his character, and his fears for the future. His family history and manifestations of their illness was interesting to read. I had a friend years back who had family like that. One would have this urge to stock up and collect food stuffs, but ironically, they did not cook and often ordered take out. One thing I got into a habit of doing when I visited was to clean out their fridge because fruit and veggies were rotting in it. I remember counting 49 bags of sugar one day - in the guest room.
Anyways, digressing...
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. The conflict in social status, the fleshing out of two prior background character's backgrounds and personalities, the teasing out of relationships and other characters. I don't remember a lot of Ada being mentioned before in the prior novels, but enjoy the set up to book 5, which will be Ada's story, and that of Lucien's friend, the Marquess of Warfield (though it was interesting that his father was referred to as the Viscount of Warfield a couple of times here - error, or am I missing something?).
4 out of 5 stars for me.
I am very much so looking forward to book 5, and wondering how Ada's personal history will fit into that story... again, no spoilers.
Also wondering if the Duke, and his sister will have more details added to their characters as time goes on, or their own stories. The more I read about the patriarch, the Duke, the more I rather am starting to like and feel empathy for him.
This is the fourth book in the Phoenix Club series by Darcy Burke and is the story of Prudence, companion to the heroines of book 1 and book 3, Fiona and Cassandra, and Bennet, Viscount Glastonbury.
Prudence was always a bit of an enigma, a quiet background character in the prior books, quiet and mysterious. Lucien helped her out by finding her jobs as a companion to two debutantes, including his sister. She seemed to be quietly observant, and did not interfere too much. But not a lot was known about her background. In this book, we find out the secrets Prudence is hiding, and why.
Bennet St. James was one of Cassandra's suitors, from Intolerable, book 3. He is a handsome Viscount, who unfortunately inherited a title and estate in horrible debt because of his father's mismanagement. It also sounded like he inherited a large household of dependents too. He is just barely managing to keep things together, and it sounds like he is just about to drown in the River Tick, unless he manages to marry an heiress. Hence his courtship of Cassandra... and if you read book 3, you would know pretty much how successful he was there.
In one last effort of desperation, he engages in a reckless act to elope with Cassandra, which leads us to the beginning of this book... he hires thugs to break into the inn that Cassandra and Prudence were staying to kidnap Cassandra so he can elope with her. But Prudence had switched places with her charge and the thugs kidnap her instead. She is furious and he is incredibly sorry for his ill thought out actions, and the harm he may have caused her.
Due to a variety of mishaps and ill-luck, Prudence and Bennet end up staying together at an out of the way farmhouse/inn for the better part of a week. During the course of that week, he tries to make things up to her, and she ends up forgiving him, as they become closer and friendlier.
Unfortunately she is neither an heiress, nor his social equal, and he still needs a large cash infusion for his family to survive, via an heiress's dowry.
They decide to part as friends, and leave the past behind them as she goes back to being a companion, and he seeks his fortune. But, that would not be all that romantic an HEA would it?
Anyways, no spoilers, as there are some quite interesting little twists here, especially involving other relationships, and both these characters backgrounds. But I enjoyed finding out more about what makes Prudence tick and this story definitely fleshed out Bennet a bit more, as he seemed a rather one dimensional character in the last book. I definitely felt some empathy for his character, and his fears for the future. His family history and manifestations of their illness was interesting to read. I had a friend years back who had family like that. One would have this urge to stock up and collect food stuffs, but ironically, they did not cook and often ordered take out. One thing I got into a habit of doing when I visited was to clean out their fridge because fruit and veggies were rotting in it. I remember counting 49 bags of sugar one day - in the guest room.
Anyways, digressing...
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. The conflict in social status, the fleshing out of two prior background character's backgrounds and personalities, the teasing out of relationships and other characters. I don't remember a lot of Ada being mentioned before in the prior novels, but enjoy the set up to book 5, which will be Ada's story, and that of Lucien's friend, the Marquess of Warfield (though it was interesting that his father was referred to as the Viscount of Warfield a couple of times here - error, or am I missing something?).
4 out of 5 stars for me.
I am very much so looking forward to book 5, and wondering how Ada's personal history will fit into that story... again, no spoilers.
Also wondering if the Duke, and his sister will have more details added to their characters as time goes on, or their own stories. The more I read about the patriarch, the Duke, the more I rather am starting to like and feel empathy for him.
January 26, 2022
For me it took me a while to warm to Bennet. His decisions and actions really leave a lot to be desired. Pru shows a lot of fortitude, but it’s all the secrets that make this couple take so long to get to their HEA. I like that the ending is realistic and leaves the reader waiting to see if they appear in the next book, just so you can get a glimpse of what more transpires with this couple.
January 17, 2022
This is the fourth book of the Phoenix Club series and definitely my favorite so far, together with Impassioned. I was intrigued by the end of the previous book and looked forward to seeing what Cassandra’s companion was up to… And I found out immediately at the start, poor girl! Well, but maybe Prudence is not to be pitied so much after all, because Viscount Glanstonbury is surprisingly one of the sweetest and most endearing male characters that I found in an historical romance book so far. He wasn’t exactly a pleasant character in the previous book, so we have Darcy Burke’s writing skills to thank for the utterly believable change that we see in him and the thoroughly pleasant experience of getting to know him better. And Pru is a treat as well! Seemingly cold and unemotional, she’s hiding a passionate nature that I enjoyed watching come to light. I picked up this ARC with great expectations and every one of them was fulfilled: I couldn’t put it down until I finished reading! Five stars will never be enough! (As an afterthought I’d like to add that the cover is perfect: the people on it actually match the description of the main characters and this not always the case in these books!)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 18, 2022
I was so excited to read Prudence’s story, as she has been a secondary character in all of the books in the series. She has a complicated past which becomes even more complicated as she finds out the truth of her parentage. Prudence is strong and resilient, and I love that she slowly lets down her walls and embraces her feelings. I also love how supportive her friends are. She is surrounded by a strong and loyal group of people who are more like family than friends, and their unequivocal support of her shows how respected and loved Prudence is.
Bennet wasn’t the most likable character in the last book, and I was curious to learn more about him and see how he could redeem himself. He totally did. His story is compelling, and there is definitely more to him than meets the eye. He has a lot of responsibility and is burdened by the financial mess his father left. Like Prudence, he doesn’t have a lot of choice in his life, and he often acts out of duty than of desire. Though he does several unsavory things, he has a strong sense of duty to his family, and he shows regret and growth throughout the story, which endeared me to him.
Prudence and Bennet have a great forbidden romance. Since he takes her against her will, they start off as enemies, but the dynamics of their relationship quickly change. Both characters work so hard to emotionally close themselves off and protect themselves, yet that changes when they are together. They have a special bond, and their chemistry is fantastic. However, they have a difficult path filled with secrets, lies, lack of communication, complicated family and social situations, and more. It’s interesting to see how they work through everything.
Of course, I was delighted to see the major characters from the other books in the series had secondary roles in this book. I loved learning what the other characters were up to and how they influenced the growing relationship between Bennet and Prudence. The Phoenix Club also continues to be a place that connects all of the characters, which is fantastic. And Bennet’s aunts are fantastic additions to the story. I love how these women, who are often considered mentally unhealthy and less than, are some of the wisest people in the story. They offer Bennet and Prudence such sound advice and observations, and they are so fun and funny. Their perspective is refreshing, especially as they help Bennet deal with his fears and help him win over Prudence.
I thought this was a great addition to The Phoenix Club series! The characters and story are great, and the romance is lovely. The next romance is hinted at in this book, and I’m super excited to read it. I also can’t wait to have more of Lucien’s story. I find his character so intriguing, and a bit mysterious, and the more I see of him, the more I want to know!! Thanks so much to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Bennet wasn’t the most likable character in the last book, and I was curious to learn more about him and see how he could redeem himself. He totally did. His story is compelling, and there is definitely more to him than meets the eye. He has a lot of responsibility and is burdened by the financial mess his father left. Like Prudence, he doesn’t have a lot of choice in his life, and he often acts out of duty than of desire. Though he does several unsavory things, he has a strong sense of duty to his family, and he shows regret and growth throughout the story, which endeared me to him.
Prudence and Bennet have a great forbidden romance. Since he takes her against her will, they start off as enemies, but the dynamics of their relationship quickly change. Both characters work so hard to emotionally close themselves off and protect themselves, yet that changes when they are together. They have a special bond, and their chemistry is fantastic. However, they have a difficult path filled with secrets, lies, lack of communication, complicated family and social situations, and more. It’s interesting to see how they work through everything.
Of course, I was delighted to see the major characters from the other books in the series had secondary roles in this book. I loved learning what the other characters were up to and how they influenced the growing relationship between Bennet and Prudence. The Phoenix Club also continues to be a place that connects all of the characters, which is fantastic. And Bennet’s aunts are fantastic additions to the story. I love how these women, who are often considered mentally unhealthy and less than, are some of the wisest people in the story. They offer Bennet and Prudence such sound advice and observations, and they are so fun and funny. Their perspective is refreshing, especially as they help Bennet deal with his fears and help him win over Prudence.
I thought this was a great addition to The Phoenix Club series! The characters and story are great, and the romance is lovely. The next romance is hinted at in this book, and I’m super excited to read it. I also can’t wait to have more of Lucien’s story. I find his character so intriguing, and a bit mysterious, and the more I see of him, the more I want to know!! Thanks so much to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
January 9, 2022
4th Instalment in the Phoenix Club series. This one slightly less centred on the club than the others
This book picks up where the last book in the series finishes although works well as a standalone novel, as the situation is briefly replayed at the start.
Companion Prudence Lancaster finds herself with a sack over her head and tied up in a carriage travelling swiftly away from the inn she was due to lodge at, after attending a boxing bout with her charge Lady Cassandra Westbrook. She finds herself ignominiously lifted out of the carriage and dumped on the floor, and hears a familiar voice paying off the people who abducted her. Untied she realises that the person who arranged for her abduction is none other than one of Lady Cassandra’s former suitors.
Viscount Glastonbury, Bennet St James is dismayed when the young lady he’s arranged to be abducted is not the heiress Lady Cassandra, but her companion, the very attractive Miss Lancaster. His family is on the edge of bankruptcy so he needs to wed an heiress, but doesn’t want children. He wants to return Prudence to her home quickly but the weather and circumstances change and they’re trapped at an inn for a week, where they both find themselves joining in the management at the inn.
Prudence and Bennet find themselves attracted to each other, but both know there is no future for them together, when Prudence returns to London alone, he finds himself missing her, but knows he needs to find a wealthy bride to allow him to continue supporting his family.
I’ve loved this series so far, and this is perhaps my least favourite of them all, although the next 2 look very promising. Why is it my least favourite? Not sure I equate a man who would abduct a young lady as my hero. Having said that the characters are great, and I enjoyed the writing and look forward to the next in the series.
This book picks up where the last book in the series finishes although works well as a standalone novel, as the situation is briefly replayed at the start.
Companion Prudence Lancaster finds herself with a sack over her head and tied up in a carriage travelling swiftly away from the inn she was due to lodge at, after attending a boxing bout with her charge Lady Cassandra Westbrook. She finds herself ignominiously lifted out of the carriage and dumped on the floor, and hears a familiar voice paying off the people who abducted her. Untied she realises that the person who arranged for her abduction is none other than one of Lady Cassandra’s former suitors.
Viscount Glastonbury, Bennet St James is dismayed when the young lady he’s arranged to be abducted is not the heiress Lady Cassandra, but her companion, the very attractive Miss Lancaster. His family is on the edge of bankruptcy so he needs to wed an heiress, but doesn’t want children. He wants to return Prudence to her home quickly but the weather and circumstances change and they’re trapped at an inn for a week, where they both find themselves joining in the management at the inn.
Prudence and Bennet find themselves attracted to each other, but both know there is no future for them together, when Prudence returns to London alone, he finds himself missing her, but knows he needs to find a wealthy bride to allow him to continue supporting his family.
I’ve loved this series so far, and this is perhaps my least favourite of them all, although the next 2 look very promising. Why is it my least favourite? Not sure I equate a man who would abduct a young lady as my hero. Having said that the characters are great, and I enjoyed the writing and look forward to the next in the series.
January 21, 2022
Indecent by Darcy Burke
The Phoenix Club #4
I do so LOVE these series that I fall into, finish a book, and cannot wait for the continuation of. Each story is a standalone BUT…the characters as so wonderful I can’t wait to return to them to see what will happen next.
What I liked:
* The return to the Phoenix Club and tweaking brain cells to remember why it “became” and remembering why I want to find out, I hope…eventually, who Lucien will end up with…I hope I am right!
* Remembering the fight and what precluded it (not in this book) and why Prudence ended up kidnapped
* Bennett: beleaguered aristocrat with a heavy debt, a good man, carries a heavy burden, interesting, caring, willing to do what it takes, harassed by heritage…hoping he can find a way forward and a way forward for his family.
* Prudence: adopted, illegitimate, wise, curious, intelligent, and intriguing…never overstepped her status but…her status was more than she realized.
* Bennet’s Eccentric family…and trying to figure out the genetic/whatever reasons they are the way they are…
* The links to past books in the series – loved those books and characters in them
* That the rumor creator toward the end was exposed BUT am thinking that person could do with a book to themselves if they are worthy
* The idea of family…and that it is there sometimes when we least expect it
* All of it really…could continue but will just say…it is definitely worth reading although…
What I didn’t like:
* The pressure of society
* Some of the people unwilling to see beyond their noses
* The pressure/weight of the situations that both Bennett and Prudence found themselves in
* Having to wait for book five
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
The Phoenix Club #4
I do so LOVE these series that I fall into, finish a book, and cannot wait for the continuation of. Each story is a standalone BUT…the characters as so wonderful I can’t wait to return to them to see what will happen next.
What I liked:
* The return to the Phoenix Club and tweaking brain cells to remember why it “became” and remembering why I want to find out, I hope…eventually, who Lucien will end up with…I hope I am right!
* Remembering the fight and what precluded it (not in this book) and why Prudence ended up kidnapped
* Bennett: beleaguered aristocrat with a heavy debt, a good man, carries a heavy burden, interesting, caring, willing to do what it takes, harassed by heritage…hoping he can find a way forward and a way forward for his family.
* Prudence: adopted, illegitimate, wise, curious, intelligent, and intriguing…never overstepped her status but…her status was more than she realized.
* Bennet’s Eccentric family…and trying to figure out the genetic/whatever reasons they are the way they are…
* The links to past books in the series – loved those books and characters in them
* That the rumor creator toward the end was exposed BUT am thinking that person could do with a book to themselves if they are worthy
* The idea of family…and that it is there sometimes when we least expect it
* All of it really…could continue but will just say…it is definitely worth reading although…
What I didn’t like:
* The pressure of society
* Some of the people unwilling to see beyond their noses
* The pressure/weight of the situations that both Bennett and Prudence found themselves in
* Having to wait for book five
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
January 24, 2022
Bennet St. James, the Viscount Glastonbury, is in deep financial trouble thanks to his father gambling away the estate's future. He needs to marry an heiress and fast before he loses everything. He plans a desperate kidnapping plot, but when things go sideways, he's left with an even bigger mess. Miss Prudence Lancaster is kidnapped out of her bed instead of the heiress and when she finds out who's behind the plot, she must do everything she can to escape. With a horrific thunderstorm raging outside, Prudence is stuck at an out of the way inn with the viscount. Can she reconcile her growing feelings for Bennet while being furious for the situation he's landed them both in?
This was another enjoyable story from Ms. Burke. I could understand Bennet's desperation trying to save his family from destitution, but he soon realizes how wrong he was to hatch the kidnapping plot in the first place especially as he gets to know Pru better. He realizes there's so much more to her than her quiet and reserve personality, but she's a penniless companion and he cannot marry her even if he wanted to, besides the fact that he's hiding a devastating family secret. I really liked Pru. She was a strong woman who had been dealt some serious blows in her young life, but she carries on with her head held high. I loved the plot twist as Pru finds out who she really is. This couple had a rocky path to their HEA, but love does triumph in the end. Can't wait to read Ada's story.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
This was another enjoyable story from Ms. Burke. I could understand Bennet's desperation trying to save his family from destitution, but he soon realizes how wrong he was to hatch the kidnapping plot in the first place especially as he gets to know Pru better. He realizes there's so much more to her than her quiet and reserve personality, but she's a penniless companion and he cannot marry her even if he wanted to, besides the fact that he's hiding a devastating family secret. I really liked Pru. She was a strong woman who had been dealt some serious blows in her young life, but she carries on with her head held high. I loved the plot twist as Pru finds out who she really is. This couple had a rocky path to their HEA, but love does triumph in the end. Can't wait to read Ada's story.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
February 13, 2022
From Rags to Romance
Indecent opens with a satisfying scene in which our kidnapped heroine, Prudence, displays she has a very fine backbone as she verbally defenestrates her kidnapper, who has accidentally plundered the wrong woman. Indeed, Prudence says everything I as a reader was hoping she would and does everything short of physical harm (the only tiny disappointment in a great first chapter; I was hoping she would kick him where it hurts, because he certainly seems to deserve it, at least initially).
Darcy Burke's magic, of course, is that within the span of a few dozen pages both Pru and the reader will have forgiven the truly repentant Bennet, penniless Viscount of Glastonbury, who really does seem to have committed kidnapping out of sheer desperation rather than a rakish or evil streak.
Indecent takes the "forced proximity" trope to an interesting extreme. For the first third of the novel, we are trapped with Prudence and Bennet at the inn, due to all manner of misfortune, from rain to violent trees. While they are eventually extricated from the inn, this sequence leaves the reader convinced of Pru and Bennet's ultimate suitability for one another. The love they share is, as the adorable innkeeper's wife keeps saying, so plain to see, whether they see it yet or not.
It was a nice surprise when the story wound up having more intrigue and minor mysteries than I had anticipated! As the fourth book in a series, I found it very easy to enjoy without having read any of the others though it did leave me wanting to go back and "meet" characters like the intriguing Lucien from the start. My first Darcy Burke but won't be my last!
One Sentence Summary: A very realistic romance with convincing chemistry and complex characters
Steam Level: Steamy
Indecent opens with a satisfying scene in which our kidnapped heroine, Prudence, displays she has a very fine backbone as she verbally defenestrates her kidnapper, who has accidentally plundered the wrong woman. Indeed, Prudence says everything I as a reader was hoping she would and does everything short of physical harm (the only tiny disappointment in a great first chapter; I was hoping she would kick him where it hurts, because he certainly seems to deserve it, at least initially).
Darcy Burke's magic, of course, is that within the span of a few dozen pages both Pru and the reader will have forgiven the truly repentant Bennet, penniless Viscount of Glastonbury, who really does seem to have committed kidnapping out of sheer desperation rather than a rakish or evil streak.
Indecent takes the "forced proximity" trope to an interesting extreme. For the first third of the novel, we are trapped with Prudence and Bennet at the inn, due to all manner of misfortune, from rain to violent trees. While they are eventually extricated from the inn, this sequence leaves the reader convinced of Pru and Bennet's ultimate suitability for one another. The love they share is, as the adorable innkeeper's wife keeps saying, so plain to see, whether they see it yet or not.
It was a nice surprise when the story wound up having more intrigue and minor mysteries than I had anticipated! As the fourth book in a series, I found it very easy to enjoy without having read any of the others though it did leave me wanting to go back and "meet" characters like the intriguing Lucien from the start. My first Darcy Burke but won't be my last!
One Sentence Summary: A very realistic romance with convincing chemistry and complex characters
Steam Level: Steamy
February 14, 2022
The interactions between Bennet and Prudence were fun and electric, and I was rooting for them all the way.
Indecent is the fourth book in The Phoenix Club series by Darcy Burke. Bennet St. James has a lot of relatives depending on him and estates to keep afloat, and he needs buckets full of money to make it happen. His only hope is to marry an heiress. And since time is running out, Bennet decides to just abduct the lucky lady and convince her to marry him. As luck would have it, he steals the wrong lady and ends up with Prudence, companion to his original target, Lady Cassandra. Bad weather forces them to spend time together in a small inn where they are the only customers.
Bennet didn’t leave a good impression behind in the previous book, Intolerable, and he doesn’t start off too well in this one either. He certainly surprised the socks off me in this book. Bennet gave new meaning to the word “solicitous”. He took extra good care of Prudence to make up for the fact that he had kidnapped her.
Prudence knew what she wanted and she wasn’t afraid to ask for it. A few interesting surprises sprung up along the way to spice things up. I loved Bennet’s crazy family. He never abandoned them, no matter what, and they supported him right back.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than its predecessor.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 18, 2022
The opening chapter captured me, no pun intended, and I liked Prudence right away. The idiot viscount was going to need to do a lot of groveling.
I loved how straightforward Prudence was and how dialog heavy this story was. A kidnapping plot gone wrong could have been strung out with misunderstandings but these two talked from the get go and we had a nice intro to Prudence and Bennet without any heavy info dumps. These two share a bond after what happens as well as an honesty between them that makes them fall hard and fast but it’s entirely believable.
Their forced proximity was enough to spark an interest, but family secrets and personal insecurities get in the way of the financially desperate viscount and the lonely companion finding their inevitable HEA.
I’m always a fan of books where I can believe the LI have an attraction and then it lays the ground for me to believe they have something more. I love how much page time they have together even as the have to overcome their own shame and show a little if that resilience they both have. I haven’t read the other books in this series but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the cast of supporting characters.
I received and ARC from NetGalley
January 23, 2022
I had no idea how the author was going to make this work, but I was desperate to see how she would accomplish it. Likewise, I did not have the faintest clue how much else was going on below the surface and behind the scenes in Prudence and Bennett's worlds. Their chemistry wasn't immediately evident, and theirs is a slower burn romance. I think there are a couple reasons for that, and they make perfect sense within the story. They start out being sort of enemies, yet their forced proximity during the storm conditions made them open up to one another more than they had to nearly anyone else in their lives. Also, both Prudence and Bennett are striving to control their emotions with every fiber of their being. However, eventually their emotional connection overwhelmed their natural reserve to break through the restraint they're both holding on their emotions. I love that this book has given at least a ‘happy for now’ ending to everyone involved in this story. And, the hints that have been dropped about what may happen in the next one have made me very curious to see how that matchup will play out.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.
January 25, 2022
Indecent is the first book I’ve read by Darcy Burke. It won't be the last. I have a penchant for Regency Romance novels, and this novel suited me to a T.
If you start with a desperate hero who must marry an heiress to save his family and add in a witty heroine with secrets of her own, you have an excellent base for this story.
The author combined several tropes to perfection. Kidnapping, mistaken identity, stranded together, enemies to lovers all fit the description of this story.
I enjoyed the bits of humor sprinkled throughout the tale. Characters from earlier books play an essential role in the main character's plans for a happy-ever-after. I can't wait to go back and read the entire Phoenix Club series.
The plot twists keep readers turning the pages to discover the family secrets that will either keep our lovers together or force them apart.
Indecent is a fast, enjoyable read perfect for fans of Regency-era romance with a hint of spice and a well-written storyline.
I received a copy of the book for a blog tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
If you start with a desperate hero who must marry an heiress to save his family and add in a witty heroine with secrets of her own, you have an excellent base for this story.
The author combined several tropes to perfection. Kidnapping, mistaken identity, stranded together, enemies to lovers all fit the description of this story.
I enjoyed the bits of humor sprinkled throughout the tale. Characters from earlier books play an essential role in the main character's plans for a happy-ever-after. I can't wait to go back and read the entire Phoenix Club series.
The plot twists keep readers turning the pages to discover the family secrets that will either keep our lovers together or force them apart.
Indecent is a fast, enjoyable read perfect for fans of Regency-era romance with a hint of spice and a well-written storyline.
I received a copy of the book for a blog tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
January 27, 2022
Bennett, Viscount of Glastonbury, is broke - and full of female relatives to support - thanks to his father's mismanagement of money. He urgently needs to marry an heiress. For this, in the act of desperation, he prefers to kidnap an heiress rather than court her properly.
However, Bennet ends up kidnapping a paid companion, Prudence.
Prudence works and is in the middle of Ton trying to find her birth mother. But she finds herself literally trapped in the arms of a kidnapper.
To make matters worse, they can't go back to their homes because bad weather messes everything up. They find themselves trapped in an inn.
The time they spend together awakens feelings they shouldn't have... love won't solve the problem each one brings, will it?
4 stars
However, Bennet ends up kidnapping a paid companion, Prudence.
Prudence works and is in the middle of Ton trying to find her birth mother. But she finds herself literally trapped in the arms of a kidnapper.
To make matters worse, they can't go back to their homes because bad weather messes everything up. They find themselves trapped in an inn.
The time they spend together awakens feelings they shouldn't have... love won't solve the problem each one brings, will it?
4 stars
February 14, 2022
This is a stay up until 3am, unputdownable, delicious story.
The characters! The story! *chefs kiss* Perfection! This story spectacularly wraps the series. I cannot recommend it enough. Darcy Burke is, as always, amazing. Indecent is an emotional roller coaster! There are so many unexpected twists.
Darcy never disappoints, but this one was over the top. I have thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this series. It is a "read the whole thing in a weekend" kind of series. A perfect way to spend a Valentine's day. :)
The characters! The story! *chefs kiss* Perfection! This story spectacularly wraps the series. I cannot recommend it enough. Darcy Burke is, as always, amazing. Indecent is an emotional roller coaster! There are so many unexpected twists.
Darcy never disappoints, but this one was over the top. I have thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this series. It is a "read the whole thing in a weekend" kind of series. A perfect way to spend a Valentine's day. :)
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