What do you think?
Rate this book
The Phoenix Club #7
Impeccable
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.
Former courtesan and pretend widow Evangeline Renshaw is happy with her reinvented life as a patroness of the Phoenix Club. She doesn’t need or want a husband or a lover…until she meets the devastatingly charming and surprisingly virtuous Lord Gregory Blakemore. He’d like to court her, but he’ll have to settle for a short, thrilling affair instead.
After the death of his father and the marriage of his older brother, Lord Gregory can finally focus on what he wants: a government appointment. However, the enchanting Evie makes him desire intimacy for the first time, and now he wants her most of all. Their entanglement is supposed to be temporary, but he can’t let her go.
As Gregory reveals himself to Evie, she wonders if she might finally share the truth of her past. Unfortunately, there are those who seek to ruin her carefully crafted second chance. To protect Gregory’s dreams, she must sacrifice the only love she’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.
Former courtesan and pretend widow Evangeline Renshaw is happy with her reinvented life as a patroness of the Phoenix Club. She doesn’t need or want a husband or a lover…until she meets the devastatingly charming and surprisingly virtuous Lord Gregory Blakemore. He’d like to court her, but he’ll have to settle for a short, thrilling affair instead.
After the death of his father and the marriage of his older brother, Lord Gregory can finally focus on what he wants: a government appointment. However, the enchanting Evie makes him desire intimacy for the first time, and now he wants her most of all. Their entanglement is supposed to be temporary, but he can’t let her go.
As Gregory reveals himself to Evie, she wonders if she might finally share the truth of her past. Unfortunately, there are those who seek to ruin her carefully crafted second chance. To protect Gregory’s dreams, she must sacrifice the only love she’s ever known.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2022
About the author
Darcy Burke
133 books2,183 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
October 21, 2022
We've really been enjoying Darcy Burke's Phoenix Club series, and Impeccable continues the trend. This book really checked some of our personal boxes: Mrs. Evie Renshawe is a retired courtesan masquerading as a respectable widow. She falls for Lord Gregory Blakemore, second son of a marquess and (more importantly for this romance) virgin hero.
He's pretty much a perfect cinnamon roll: their meet cute involves rescuing a puppy caught in some briars, and he falls hard and quickly. He soon asks her for flirting lessons, which turn into kissing lessons, which turn into more. Evie is the one keeping him at an emotional distance, since she knows her disreputable past could tank both his career aspirations and her own profession as co-manager of the Phoenix Club. But who can resist a sweet, gooey cinnamon roll? Not Evie, and not us.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
He's pretty much a perfect cinnamon roll: their meet cute involves rescuing a puppy caught in some briars, and he falls hard and quickly. He soon asks her for flirting lessons, which turn into kissing lessons, which turn into more. Evie is the one keeping him at an emotional distance, since she knows her disreputable past could tank both his career aspirations and her own profession as co-manager of the Phoenix Club. But who can resist a sweet, gooey cinnamon roll? Not Evie, and not us.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
October 27, 2022
‘Former courtesan and pretend widow Evangeline Renshaw is happy with her reinvented life as a patroness of the Phoenix Club. She doesn’t need or want a husband or a lover…until she meets the devastatingly charming and surprisingly virtuous Lord Gregory Blakemore. He’d like to court her, but he’ll have to settle for a short, thrilling affair instead.
After the death of his father and the marriage of his older brother, Lord Gregory can finally focus on what he wants: a government appointment. However, the enchanting Evie makes him desire intimacy for the first time, and now he wants her most of all. Their entanglement is supposed to be temporary, but he can’t let her go.
As Gregory reveals himself to Evie, she wonders if she might finally share the truth of her past. Unfortunately, there are those who seek to ruin her carefully crafted second chance. To protect Gregory’s dreams, she must sacrifice the only love she’s ever known.’
_____________________
Impeccable is the seventh book in Darcy Burke’s The Phoenix Club series and is a historical romance.
Evie is a bit cynical and guarded and Gregory is an optimistic little cinnamon roll of a human and I enjoyed reading about them both. They met by chance one morning in the country when in the hedgerow bordering their family properties. I’m really glad they had Ash to bring them together in the beginning because without that puppy, I don’t think Evie would have given Gregory the time of day to get to know each other. For much of the book their relationship is fairly one-sided and I was a bit frustrated with Evie at times that. She just kept getting in her own way. I also feel like maybe Evie could have done more after pushing him away so much.
I appreciated how the villains of this story were handled, it felt very realistic in that there was resolution but it wasn’t a huge victory for our main characters. In a lot of books there will be a dramatic triumph for the heroes of the story and it can feel a bit like a soapbox and mic drop moment, but this felt spot on and believable. However I also wouldn’t say no to them having to face some deeper repercussions in the next book because I found them just awful.
I’ve really enjoyed this series so far and am a little sad to see it coming to an end, but there’s still one more book left to enjoy. Lucien’s book is next and I’m looking forward to seeing how he’ll handle having the tables turned on him. I recommend the series.
_____
I would like to thank the author, Darcy Burke, for sharing an eARC of her book, Impeccable with me. This is my honest review.
After the death of his father and the marriage of his older brother, Lord Gregory can finally focus on what he wants: a government appointment. However, the enchanting Evie makes him desire intimacy for the first time, and now he wants her most of all. Their entanglement is supposed to be temporary, but he can’t let her go.
As Gregory reveals himself to Evie, she wonders if she might finally share the truth of her past. Unfortunately, there are those who seek to ruin her carefully crafted second chance. To protect Gregory’s dreams, she must sacrifice the only love she’s ever known.’
_____________________
Impeccable is the seventh book in Darcy Burke’s The Phoenix Club series and is a historical romance.
Evie is a bit cynical and guarded and Gregory is an optimistic little cinnamon roll of a human and I enjoyed reading about them both. They met by chance one morning in the country when in the hedgerow bordering their family properties. I’m really glad they had Ash to bring them together in the beginning because without that puppy, I don’t think Evie would have given Gregory the time of day to get to know each other. For much of the book their relationship is fairly one-sided and I was a bit frustrated with Evie at times that. She just kept getting in her own way. I also feel like maybe Evie could have done more after pushing him away so much.
I appreciated how the villains of this story were handled, it felt very realistic in that there was resolution but it wasn’t a huge victory for our main characters. In a lot of books there will be a dramatic triumph for the heroes of the story and it can feel a bit like a soapbox and mic drop moment, but this felt spot on and believable. However I also wouldn’t say no to them having to face some deeper repercussions in the next book because I found them just awful.
I’ve really enjoyed this series so far and am a little sad to see it coming to an end, but there’s still one more book left to enjoy. Lucien’s book is next and I’m looking forward to seeing how he’ll handle having the tables turned on him. I recommend the series.
_____
I would like to thank the author, Darcy Burke, for sharing an eARC of her book, Impeccable with me. This is my honest review.
October 18, 2022
Impeccable is the story of Evie Renshaw, former courtesan and patroness of the Phoenix Club. In a lovely meet cute, Evie and Lord Gregory Blakemore rescue a dog, which connects them for future meetings. Gregory is immediately taken by Evie, but Evie, who is quite content with her life and independence, is only willing to have a short affair. But when feelings start to grow for both Gregory and Evie, can the couple have more than just a short love affair? Can this former courtesan with secrets have a future with a man eager to work in the government?
I’ve been eager to read Evie’s story ever since she was introduced early in The Phoenix Club series. Her past was always alluded to, and Impeccable delves into her history. What happened when she was a young child deeply affected Evie and the rest of her family, and the loss she went through is heartbreaking. However, her resilience, determination, and drive to provide for herself persevered.
I love Gregory too! He is kind, caring, and a wonderful match for Evie. Gregory is at a crossroads in his life and is torn between his wants and a promise he made to his now-deceased father. He is uncertain about his future and the path that’s been set out for him, and I think meeting Evie and her friends shows Gregory that he can have happiness and he deserves to be loved. He is so different from his brother and his wife, who are manipulative and conniving. I like that Gregory becomes more sure of himself and his future, and I also love Evie’s role in his growth. They bring out the best in each other and help each other see they have value. They also show each other that the past doesn’t have to define them.
Gregory is innocent and naïve when it comes to courting and sex. Luckily, Evie is experienced and agrees to show him how to flirt and love. The lessons in flirting are sweet and filled with sexual tension, and their lessons in love are steamy!! They have explosive chemistry, and the mix between sweet and steamy is balanced well.
Another character I have to mention is Ash, Gregory and Evie’s dog. He’s so sweet and playful, and his shenanigans are what brought the couple together. There are some really fun and equally sweet scenes with Ash, and he’s a wonderful canine companion.
I also like that the story delved more into Lucien, his relationship with his father, and the Phoenix Club. I was surprised at some of the things we learned about Lucien’s father in this book, and I’m curious how that will play into their strained relationship. I’ve also been curious to learn about the Phoenix Club and its mysterious patrons. After some of the surprise revelations in this book, I NEED the next and final book in the series! Plus, it’s Lucien’s story, and I’ve been dying for him to find happiness, especially when he’s facilitated so much happiness with others!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Zealous Quill Press for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
I’ve been eager to read Evie’s story ever since she was introduced early in The Phoenix Club series. Her past was always alluded to, and Impeccable delves into her history. What happened when she was a young child deeply affected Evie and the rest of her family, and the loss she went through is heartbreaking. However, her resilience, determination, and drive to provide for herself persevered.
I love Gregory too! He is kind, caring, and a wonderful match for Evie. Gregory is at a crossroads in his life and is torn between his wants and a promise he made to his now-deceased father. He is uncertain about his future and the path that’s been set out for him, and I think meeting Evie and her friends shows Gregory that he can have happiness and he deserves to be loved. He is so different from his brother and his wife, who are manipulative and conniving. I like that Gregory becomes more sure of himself and his future, and I also love Evie’s role in his growth. They bring out the best in each other and help each other see they have value. They also show each other that the past doesn’t have to define them.
Gregory is innocent and naïve when it comes to courting and sex. Luckily, Evie is experienced and agrees to show him how to flirt and love. The lessons in flirting are sweet and filled with sexual tension, and their lessons in love are steamy!! They have explosive chemistry, and the mix between sweet and steamy is balanced well.
Another character I have to mention is Ash, Gregory and Evie’s dog. He’s so sweet and playful, and his shenanigans are what brought the couple together. There are some really fun and equally sweet scenes with Ash, and he’s a wonderful canine companion.
I also like that the story delved more into Lucien, his relationship with his father, and the Phoenix Club. I was surprised at some of the things we learned about Lucien’s father in this book, and I’m curious how that will play into their strained relationship. I’ve also been curious to learn about the Phoenix Club and its mysterious patrons. After some of the surprise revelations in this book, I NEED the next and final book in the series! Plus, it’s Lucien’s story, and I’ve been dying for him to find happiness, especially when he’s facilitated so much happiness with others!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Zealous Quill Press for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
November 26, 2022
Finally Evie, the patroness of the Phoenix Club and former courtesan, gets her happily ever after. Evie has been such an important part of the whole series. It was nice to have her front and center.
While visiting her sister she has an adorable meet-cute involving a puppy with Lord Gregory, who happens to be visiting his brother, the new Marquess.
This book started off so cute and I really loved that Gregory was a virgin While Evie was the one with more experience. That was a nice change of pace. But I had a hard time connecting to them as a couple and it felt like to many of their interactions centered around the Ash, the dog. Overall it was just okay.
I am very much looking forward to Lucien's story and the conclusion of the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While visiting her sister she has an adorable meet-cute involving a puppy with Lord Gregory, who happens to be visiting his brother, the new Marquess.
This book started off so cute and I really loved that Gregory was a virgin While Evie was the one with more experience. That was a nice change of pace. But I had a hard time connecting to them as a couple and it felt like to many of their interactions centered around the Ash, the dog. Overall it was just okay.
I am very much looking forward to Lucien's story and the conclusion of the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 18, 2023
7th in the Phoenix Club series. The h Evie Renshaw Lucien's partner of the Ladies Club and the H Lord Gregory Blakemore. They both met in Oxfordshire during the Christmas holidays. Lord Gregory had courted Fiona Countess of Overton in the first book. His father recently died and his parents wanted him to become a Bishop. Gregory and Evie met through a puppy stuck in a hedgerow. They were enchanted with one another and started a secret affair. Evie had reinvented herself with Lucien's help two years ago. She and her sister who she was visiting in Oxfordshire were both former courtesans. Lucien was Evie's last protector. He and her sister were the only one's who knew. She and her sister and husband were invited to Witney House, Lord Gregory's brother's home for a Christmas party. One of the men there recognized Evie from her former life and told Lord Gregory's brother who ended up announcing it to the newspaper to spite Gregory and Evie for not being admitted to the Phoenix Club.
Evie broke off her affair with Gregory but after a few week she relented and the affair was back on again. Gregory did ask her to marry him. She thought it through and decided to accept after he assured her she could keep her own money. Lord Witney used to help men from France Aristo's reunite with their familes and after he passed the Duke of Evesham took over. He helped unite Evie and Heloise her sister with their father.
Lucien was informed by Evie and Gregory that his father helped reunite her father with her. This made Lucien upset and suspicious of his father. He went to ask his dad for money as the club wasn't doing as well and found out his father knew all about the Foreign office running the club from behind the scenes. Lucien wanted to buy out Lady Pickering or Oliver Kent but his dad said he wouldn't be able to.
#1 Tobias Powell, the Earl of Overton and Fiona
#2 Constantine (Lucien and Cassandra's brother) and Sabrina
#3 Ruarke Earl of Wexford and Cassandra
#4 Bennet, Viscount Glastonbury and Prudence ( first cousin to Constantine, Lucien and Cassandra)
#5 Maximillian Hunt Viscount Warfield and Ada Treadway (bookeeper and Prudence and Evie's bestfriend)
#6 Dougal MacNair Viscount Fallin and Jessamine Goodfellow both spies for the Foreign Office
#7 Lord Gregory Blakemore and Evie Renshaw (Evie former mistress of Lucien's and BFF with Ada)
#8 Lord Lucien Westbrook (the spare) and Kate Shaughnessy (Ruarke's sister)
Evie broke off her affair with Gregory but after a few week she relented and the affair was back on again. Gregory did ask her to marry him. She thought it through and decided to accept after he assured her she could keep her own money. Lord Witney used to help men from France Aristo's reunite with their familes and after he passed the Duke of Evesham took over. He helped unite Evie and Heloise her sister with their father.
Lucien was informed by Evie and Gregory that his father helped reunite her father with her. This made Lucien upset and suspicious of his father. He went to ask his dad for money as the club wasn't doing as well and found out his father knew all about the Foreign office running the club from behind the scenes. Lucien wanted to buy out Lady Pickering or Oliver Kent but his dad said he wouldn't be able to.
#1 Tobias Powell, the Earl of Overton and Fiona
#2 Constantine (Lucien and Cassandra's brother) and Sabrina
#3 Ruarke Earl of Wexford and Cassandra
#4 Bennet, Viscount Glastonbury and Prudence ( first cousin to Constantine, Lucien and Cassandra)
#5 Maximillian Hunt Viscount Warfield and Ada Treadway (bookeeper and Prudence and Evie's bestfriend)
#6 Dougal MacNair Viscount Fallin and Jessamine Goodfellow both spies for the Foreign Office
#7 Lord Gregory Blakemore and Evie Renshaw (Evie former mistress of Lucien's and BFF with Ada)
#8 Lord Lucien Westbrook (the spare) and Kate Shaughnessy (Ruarke's sister)
October 21, 2022
Evangeline Renshaw is happy with the life she’s built since abandoning her role as a courtesan and reinventing herself with a new identity as a respectable widow. She has an important role as a patroness of the Phoenix Club and is content with her life, not desirous or a husband or love, until she meets the irresistibly charming Lord Gregory Blakemore. He wants to court her in earnest, but she’s only willing to allow him an affair with a predetermined end date.
Since the recent passing of his father and his brother’s marriage, Lord Gregory is finally able to turn his focus to the path he wants for himself, an appointment in the government. But when he meets Evie, he finds himself desiring something deeper with a woman for the first time ever, and she becomes a priority for him though she insists their affair must be temporary.
Gregory finds he can’t let Evie go so easily and as he reveals more and more of himself to her, she wonders if she could ever feel safe enough to reveal her true self to him. Unfortunately, the choice may be taken from her as others seek to ruin the life she’s built for herself and she may have to flee and reinvent herself all over again.
I must say I do have a few mixed feelings about this book. Though I loved the ending, I did spend quite a bit of the story feeling rather cross with Evie for the way she treated Gregory. The writing at the beginning of the book did feel rather stilted and explicit mentions of characters’ race rather than more nuanced character descriptions were a bit of a distraction from the flow and detracted from the story a bit since they were added with little finesse and felt random. Once the flow got back on track, I was able to get back into the story, but it did undermine the escapism of reading slightly. I was also a bit disappointed by Evie. Having loved her so much as a secondary character throughout the series, it was off-putting to find her to be so unlikable, at least at first, as a main character and she was very much in the way of her own happiness.
Evie and Gregory had an adorable meet cute with the puppy and I thought that was a nice touch. It’s also a good thing Gregory had the puppy or Evie wouldn’t have given him the time of day. I loved that we got a virgin hero who may have needed some instruction in the bedroom at first, but in the end, he was the one teaching experienced Evie how to love and have a real partnership. Gregory was just this sweet, precious baby of a character and it was immediately obvious that Evie was going to hurt him badly, so I spent much of my reading dreading that for him. On the flip side, I have to give Gregory kudos for bravely giving so much of himself to a relationship that he only hoped would go somewhere, despite every indication that it wouldn’t. So, hence my mixed feelings because I loved his bravery and optimism juxtaposed with her fear, but it was also incredibly frustrating to see him continuously giving so much that she just did not reciprocate. The relationship just felt so one-sided that I had a hard time getting over it. For instance, after a month of separation when Evie sees Gregory again, she doesn’t even greet him, fawning over the dog instead. That said, it was interesting to have the heroine in the position of learning how to love because we usually get heroes who need to learn this. Still, it made me cringe that Evie seemed so embarrassed by Gregory and that she never considered his feelings about anything to do with their relationship, instead focusing her concerns inwardly and on what others might say. Yet the colder she is to him, the sweeter Gregory was to her. This sort of thing is why I sometimes started think I may not be satisfied here and that she didn’t deserve him when she took him for granted so much. Fortunately, in the end I loved seeing Evie open up to Gregory and create a true marriage of equal partners with him, but their relationship up to that point definitely felt very one-sided. She did eventually recognize that she was standing in the way of her own happiness and missing out on so much because of her fears and I was glad to see her finally able to set those aside and be more of the kind, helpful Evie I liked so much in the previous books. I wanted the villainous element here to get their comeuppance, but I remain hopeful that will be forthcoming in the next book. I still find Evie’s close friendship with Lucien to be a bit odd given their previous sexual relationship, but I can’t wait for his story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Since the recent passing of his father and his brother’s marriage, Lord Gregory is finally able to turn his focus to the path he wants for himself, an appointment in the government. But when he meets Evie, he finds himself desiring something deeper with a woman for the first time ever, and she becomes a priority for him though she insists their affair must be temporary.
Gregory finds he can’t let Evie go so easily and as he reveals more and more of himself to her, she wonders if she could ever feel safe enough to reveal her true self to him. Unfortunately, the choice may be taken from her as others seek to ruin the life she’s built for herself and she may have to flee and reinvent herself all over again.
I must say I do have a few mixed feelings about this book. Though I loved the ending, I did spend quite a bit of the story feeling rather cross with Evie for the way she treated Gregory. The writing at the beginning of the book did feel rather stilted and explicit mentions of characters’ race rather than more nuanced character descriptions were a bit of a distraction from the flow and detracted from the story a bit since they were added with little finesse and felt random. Once the flow got back on track, I was able to get back into the story, but it did undermine the escapism of reading slightly. I was also a bit disappointed by Evie. Having loved her so much as a secondary character throughout the series, it was off-putting to find her to be so unlikable, at least at first, as a main character and she was very much in the way of her own happiness.
Evie and Gregory had an adorable meet cute with the puppy and I thought that was a nice touch. It’s also a good thing Gregory had the puppy or Evie wouldn’t have given him the time of day. I loved that we got a virgin hero who may have needed some instruction in the bedroom at first, but in the end, he was the one teaching experienced Evie how to love and have a real partnership. Gregory was just this sweet, precious baby of a character and it was immediately obvious that Evie was going to hurt him badly, so I spent much of my reading dreading that for him. On the flip side, I have to give Gregory kudos for bravely giving so much of himself to a relationship that he only hoped would go somewhere, despite every indication that it wouldn’t. So, hence my mixed feelings because I loved his bravery and optimism juxtaposed with her fear, but it was also incredibly frustrating to see him continuously giving so much that she just did not reciprocate. The relationship just felt so one-sided that I had a hard time getting over it. For instance, after a month of separation when Evie sees Gregory again, she doesn’t even greet him, fawning over the dog instead. That said, it was interesting to have the heroine in the position of learning how to love because we usually get heroes who need to learn this. Still, it made me cringe that Evie seemed so embarrassed by Gregory and that she never considered his feelings about anything to do with their relationship, instead focusing her concerns inwardly and on what others might say. Yet the colder she is to him, the sweeter Gregory was to her. This sort of thing is why I sometimes started think I may not be satisfied here and that she didn’t deserve him when she took him for granted so much. Fortunately, in the end I loved seeing Evie open up to Gregory and create a true marriage of equal partners with him, but their relationship up to that point definitely felt very one-sided. She did eventually recognize that she was standing in the way of her own happiness and missing out on so much because of her fears and I was glad to see her finally able to set those aside and be more of the kind, helpful Evie I liked so much in the previous books. I wanted the villainous element here to get their comeuppance, but I remain hopeful that will be forthcoming in the next book. I still find Evie’s close friendship with Lucien to be a bit odd given their previous sexual relationship, but I can’t wait for his story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
October 14, 2022
I’ve been in a slump with both fiction and nonfiction, so when I saw another Phoenix Club from Darcy Burke, I knew it would solve my problem. This romance stands alone, but with all of the Phoenix Club drama, it’s good to have a previous book or two under your belt.
I had thought Evie was older than 25 since it’s 1815 and she fled the Terror. Apparently she was a baby when they left… but she would have been 4 in 1794? Anyway, I went in expecting an older heroine’s story. She’s afraid of the truth of her past ruining everything she’s built since her desperate courtesan days. Gregory is patient, considerate, direct, not arrogant, and he’s good with animals. An almost too perfect cinnamon roll.
I enjoyed the gender flips here. The male MC is/was celibate. He’s optimistic and she’s the cynical one. Evie clung to her independence for a long time, but I wish we saw more of why that was so important to her, and saw it for ourselves earlier in the story
Tapping my foot to read Lucien’s story and see what happens to the club.
I received an arc from NetGalley
I had thought Evie was older than 25 since it’s 1815 and she fled the Terror. Apparently she was a baby when they left… but she would have been 4 in 1794? Anyway, I went in expecting an older heroine’s story. She’s afraid of the truth of her past ruining everything she’s built since her desperate courtesan days. Gregory is patient, considerate, direct, not arrogant, and he’s good with animals. An almost too perfect cinnamon roll.
I enjoyed the gender flips here. The male MC is/was celibate. He’s optimistic and she’s the cynical one. Evie clung to her independence for a long time, but I wish we saw more of why that was so important to her, and saw it for ourselves earlier in the story
Tapping my foot to read Lucien’s story and see what happens to the club.
I received an arc from NetGalley
October 11, 2022
Hands up, I admit it I have loved most of this series and was so looking forward to Evie's and Lucien's stories, would go so far as to hope they were one book, not two.
What I really liked the reference back to previous characters from the series, and I loved the cross reference to the Sirens Retreat series.I
I loved many things about Gregory: the perfect hero, strong and noble, loves animals, rich or at least comfortably well off, not to mention willing to change the course of his life, and overlook Evie's past, and forgive it as she'd fled from the Terror in France as a child. Maybe that's why I can't quite give this book 5*. Our hero is too good to be true, he can even become friends with his lady's last protector. It doesn't feel quite right. Oh and I wanted something horrid to happen to his horrid brother and sister in law. Petty of me I know maybe it will happen in the next book.
I didn't quite warm to Evie at the start of the book, although have liked her in previous books in the series, so odd she didn't rise to be a favourite heroine, I'd thought her older than portrayed in this book.
The Phoenix Club has been central to the whole series, and the possible falling apart of it detracts from my enjoyment of the book - although secretly I'm sure Lucien can save the day.
Having said all that, maybe not that coherently, I would recommend reading this book, sets up a fitting end to a great series.
What I really liked the reference back to previous characters from the series, and I loved the cross reference to the Sirens Retreat series.I
I loved many things about Gregory: the perfect hero, strong and noble, loves animals, rich or at least comfortably well off, not to mention willing to change the course of his life, and overlook Evie's past, and forgive it as she'd fled from the Terror in France as a child. Maybe that's why I can't quite give this book 5*. Our hero is too good to be true, he can even become friends with his lady's last protector. It doesn't feel quite right. Oh and I wanted something horrid to happen to his horrid brother and sister in law. Petty of me I know maybe it will happen in the next book.
I didn't quite warm to Evie at the start of the book, although have liked her in previous books in the series, so odd she didn't rise to be a favourite heroine, I'd thought her older than portrayed in this book.
The Phoenix Club has been central to the whole series, and the possible falling apart of it detracts from my enjoyment of the book - although secretly I'm sure Lucien can save the day.
Having said all that, maybe not that coherently, I would recommend reading this book, sets up a fitting end to a great series.
October 20, 2022
When a precocious puppy brings this pair together, neither of their worlds will ever be the same again. We’ve finally reached the point in the series where I get the two books I’ve been impatiently waiting for since the beginning. We start with Evie’s story, and it did not disappoint. I was distressed by how little Evie was used to getting by with, particularly in terms of happiness, courtesy, or consideration. In a lot of ways, Gregory was just as self-sacrificing of his wants and desires to what the people around him determined should be his lot. Will these two be willing to risk everything to experience happiness together? I loved everything this story reveals to us about the Phoenix Club and the people that populate it. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book to find out the rest of the story.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.
October 20, 2022
Another great addition to this series, and this time it is Evie's story!
She is not exactly what she appears, but has tried to maintain a respectable face to everyone.
A chance meeting with Gregory over the rescue of a puppy (simply adorable) bring these two unlikely people together. He is so sweet and very attracted to Evie.
She wants to stay to herself, but sometimes, there is not use! Love finds a way...
She is not exactly what she appears, but has tried to maintain a respectable face to everyone.
A chance meeting with Gregory over the rescue of a puppy (simply adorable) bring these two unlikely people together. He is so sweet and very attracted to Evie.
She wants to stay to herself, but sometimes, there is not use! Love finds a way...
October 16, 2022
Evie’s story was unexpected, Lord Gregory a surprise, and their romance a delight. Ash’s role in the relationship is a really interesting addition that gives readers the feeling that the three of them are a family, even before Evie realizes it. Lots of political intrigue, the prerequisite harpy and wagging tongues make for a bit of a roller coaster story with a few really nice twists.
December 14, 2022
I’m starting a petition to have more puppies written into historical romance books. Rescuing a puppy stuck in a hedge was one of my favorite meet cutes! The pairing took me a little longer to warm up to than I’d hoped, but I ended up really enjoying them together. I was shocked by how early the steam was but it worked for the plot. Unfortunately, the MMC was too perfect and everything was a little too easily wrapped up. The ending had me more excited to pick up the next book and I needed an epilogue for the MCs.
Steam: 🔥🔥
Thank you Zealous Quill Press for the advance reader copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
Steam: 🔥🔥
Thank you Zealous Quill Press for the advance reader copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
October 17, 2022
Eviscerating a sandstorm to find your true self or risk a life only half lived!
Finally, Evie gets her happily ever after and it was well worth waiting for!!
From our first introduction in the prelude, Evie has been a core player in this series. One (alongside Lucien) that I have desperately and wholeheartedly wanted a happy fulfilled future for - one that she so richly deserves. Evie's intelligence, resilience and bravery, to forge a better life for herself, has had me prepared to mentally throw punches and fight so fearlessly in her corner since the beginning - literally praying for her success - and I couldn't be happier she found it in such a considerate, sexy... in all his endearingly awkward charm... 'Mr Cheerful' himself, Gregory, her perfect match.
Full of optimism and generously attentive, Gregory, from the first page sparks an undeniable allure and fascination in Evie, making her pine with longing and tingle with desire, as she fights so keenly to maintain her protective walls and keep them from crumbling.
However, there is nothing like instant puppy love to bring a couple together and, in jointly, rescuing one such adorable puppy in Ash you know it's going to so delightfully and enjoyably mark the beginning of something special and figuratively upset the apple cart of everything that came before, as it brings two such kind, caring and deliciously passionate souls together. Instantly, heightening my interest and love for where this tale is going from the get go.
Then, when you delve deeper and Burke adds in the encroaching equivalent of a social hangman's noose - in the form of arrogant and selfserving manipulators and a clandestine identity (that you know will eventually and heartbreakingly need to be exposed) - as she rips secrets apart and jeopardises the sweet allure and blissful promise of an all consuming love... that if only given the chance, could flourish and burn so statisfyingly bright... is thrown into doubt and thus threatened by a past with the potential to not just seed hopelessness but kill romance dead, then I'm not just hooked and nervously eager to see how this story will unfold, yet emotionally - with everything crossed, tears welling, fully commited - invested, in its rocky journey to a hopefully happy destination!
Overall this was a great read to get lost in as you become entangled in a tale of two interlaced halves. The first draws you in with the sweetness of a romance, where Evie's attraction unsettles her whilst Gregory's curiosity and desire to explore the unknown territory of the flirtatious and carnally intimate is seductive. Unbeknowningly drawing her in with his awkward endearing innocence and caring core as he pulls you in too and intensifies and heats up their attraction as it simmers quietly with a captivating chemistry. Whilst her vulnerabilities and fears - of loosing the security of her hard worn independence and being distained for her choices and judged for her past - rise to the surface to so cruelly and repeatly pull them apart. But with one adorable, playful puppy, lapping at their heels and with the ability to melt their hearts, will he have the power and provide the glue to keep bringing them magnetically back together?
Whereas, the second thread delves deeper into the true meaning and reason for the Phoenix Club and lays down the groundwork, as we see the fixer Lucien for the first time struggling to hold it together, as he fights to keep the dream of his club's true purpose alive. With some very tantalising twists and surprises along the way, this tale even finds the time to whet your appetite in anticipation for what promises to be an explosive series finale. I can't wait! A great book from a fabulous series!
Finally, Evie gets her happily ever after and it was well worth waiting for!!
From our first introduction in the prelude, Evie has been a core player in this series. One (alongside Lucien) that I have desperately and wholeheartedly wanted a happy fulfilled future for - one that she so richly deserves. Evie's intelligence, resilience and bravery, to forge a better life for herself, has had me prepared to mentally throw punches and fight so fearlessly in her corner since the beginning - literally praying for her success - and I couldn't be happier she found it in such a considerate, sexy... in all his endearingly awkward charm... 'Mr Cheerful' himself, Gregory, her perfect match.
Full of optimism and generously attentive, Gregory, from the first page sparks an undeniable allure and fascination in Evie, making her pine with longing and tingle with desire, as she fights so keenly to maintain her protective walls and keep them from crumbling.
However, there is nothing like instant puppy love to bring a couple together and, in jointly, rescuing one such adorable puppy in Ash you know it's going to so delightfully and enjoyably mark the beginning of something special and figuratively upset the apple cart of everything that came before, as it brings two such kind, caring and deliciously passionate souls together. Instantly, heightening my interest and love for where this tale is going from the get go.
Then, when you delve deeper and Burke adds in the encroaching equivalent of a social hangman's noose - in the form of arrogant and selfserving manipulators and a clandestine identity (that you know will eventually and heartbreakingly need to be exposed) - as she rips secrets apart and jeopardises the sweet allure and blissful promise of an all consuming love... that if only given the chance, could flourish and burn so statisfyingly bright... is thrown into doubt and thus threatened by a past with the potential to not just seed hopelessness but kill romance dead, then I'm not just hooked and nervously eager to see how this story will unfold, yet emotionally - with everything crossed, tears welling, fully commited - invested, in its rocky journey to a hopefully happy destination!
Overall this was a great read to get lost in as you become entangled in a tale of two interlaced halves. The first draws you in with the sweetness of a romance, where Evie's attraction unsettles her whilst Gregory's curiosity and desire to explore the unknown territory of the flirtatious and carnally intimate is seductive. Unbeknowningly drawing her in with his awkward endearing innocence and caring core as he pulls you in too and intensifies and heats up their attraction as it simmers quietly with a captivating chemistry. Whilst her vulnerabilities and fears - of loosing the security of her hard worn independence and being distained for her choices and judged for her past - rise to the surface to so cruelly and repeatly pull them apart. But with one adorable, playful puppy, lapping at their heels and with the ability to melt their hearts, will he have the power and provide the glue to keep bringing them magnetically back together?
Whereas, the second thread delves deeper into the true meaning and reason for the Phoenix Club and lays down the groundwork, as we see the fixer Lucien for the first time struggling to hold it together, as he fights to keep the dream of his club's true purpose alive. With some very tantalising twists and surprises along the way, this tale even finds the time to whet your appetite in anticipation for what promises to be an explosive series finale. I can't wait! A great book from a fabulous series!
October 17, 2022
4.5 Stars
Former courtesan and pretend widow Evangeline Renshaw is happy with her reinvented life as a patroness of the Phoenix Club. She doesn’t need or want a husband or a lover until she meets the devastatingly charming and surprisingly virtuous Lord Gregory Blakemore. He’d like to court her, but he’ll have to settle for a short, thrilling affair instead. After the death of his father and the marriage of his older brother, Lord Gregory can finally focus on what he wants: a government appointment, rather than the bishop his father wanted him to attain. However, the enchanting Evie makes him desire intimacy for the first time, and now he wants her most of all. Unfortunately, there are those who seek to ruin her carefully crafted second chance. To protect Gregory’s dreams, she must sacrifice the only love she’s ever known.
This is the seventh book in the series & another hard to put down read, in fact it was well after 2am when I finished it. I’ve been intrigued by Evie throughout the series & thoroughly enjoyed her story. I also loved Gregory, who was everything you want in a hero, caring, loyal & toe curlingly gorgeous. I loved the chemistry between the pair & how their feelings grew & changed. I also loved that he was the virgin who was always cheerful whereas as Evie an ex courtesan was the cynical one. I really disliked Gregory’s brother & sister in law & SO wanted them to have their comeuppance. Lucien’s father also surprised me & I'm eagerly awaiting how that resolves itself. A well written, engrossing read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Former courtesan and pretend widow Evangeline Renshaw is happy with her reinvented life as a patroness of the Phoenix Club. She doesn’t need or want a husband or a lover until she meets the devastatingly charming and surprisingly virtuous Lord Gregory Blakemore. He’d like to court her, but he’ll have to settle for a short, thrilling affair instead. After the death of his father and the marriage of his older brother, Lord Gregory can finally focus on what he wants: a government appointment, rather than the bishop his father wanted him to attain. However, the enchanting Evie makes him desire intimacy for the first time, and now he wants her most of all. Unfortunately, there are those who seek to ruin her carefully crafted second chance. To protect Gregory’s dreams, she must sacrifice the only love she’s ever known.
This is the seventh book in the series & another hard to put down read, in fact it was well after 2am when I finished it. I’ve been intrigued by Evie throughout the series & thoroughly enjoyed her story. I also loved Gregory, who was everything you want in a hero, caring, loyal & toe curlingly gorgeous. I loved the chemistry between the pair & how their feelings grew & changed. I also loved that he was the virgin who was always cheerful whereas as Evie an ex courtesan was the cynical one. I really disliked Gregory’s brother & sister in law & SO wanted them to have their comeuppance. Lucien’s father also surprised me & I'm eagerly awaiting how that resolves itself. A well written, engrossing read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 16, 2022
I always enjoy Darcy Burke as a writer, and this is an enjoyable, sexy entry in The Phoenix Club series. Gregory is a swoon-worthy hero; I loved how kind and giving he is of himself toward the other characters, especially Evie. Unlike the rakish type in most romances, he's fairly inexperienced in physical intimacy. Their relationship provides a complete 180 from the usual "man introduces young virgin to sex" scenario, since Evie is a former courtesan who has been hiding her past from society. She's been hiding her heart as well, which causes her to second guess any kind of affair with Gregory. When they do give in to their attraction, the chemistry is something special. I think these scenes might be the spiciest in the series!
Why four stars? I found my attention straying when the focus moved from Evie and Gregory's developing bond to Phoenix Club politics, and so much of the ending focused on Evie's past and Lucien's relationship with his father that the HEA seemed a bit of an afterthought. From about the midway point Evie was ultra-focused on their furbaby Ash, (yes, he's adorable, but still), Club concerns, and her sexual needs, and rather dismissive of poor Gregory's feelings. Also, the scene with Lucien was just awkward. I felt at that point that Evie needed to say and do more to show her love for Gregory, when he'd done everything he could to let her know his stance.
Still, everything ends on a sweet, steamy, note, and I'm looking forward to the final entry in this series, in which Lucien will finally get his own book.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own. Thank you to Darcy Burke, Zealous Quill Press, and Net Galley for this opportunity.
Why four stars? I found my attention straying when the focus moved from Evie and Gregory's developing bond to Phoenix Club politics, and so much of the ending focused on Evie's past and Lucien's relationship with his father that the HEA seemed a bit of an afterthought. From about the midway point Evie was ultra-focused on their furbaby Ash, (yes, he's adorable, but still), Club concerns, and her sexual needs, and rather dismissive of poor Gregory's feelings. Also, the scene with Lucien was just awkward. I felt at that point that Evie needed to say and do more to show her love for Gregory, when he'd done everything he could to let her know his stance.
Still, everything ends on a sweet, steamy, note, and I'm looking forward to the final entry in this series, in which Lucien will finally get his own book.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own. Thank you to Darcy Burke, Zealous Quill Press, and Net Galley for this opportunity.
October 19, 2022
I am such a fan of Darcy Burke's writing. The last two books of the Phoenix Club series were my most anticipated. I had been hoping that Evie and Lucian would end up together but Darcy knows best and she picked a hero that really compliments Evie. Gregory and Evie meet trying to rescue a puppy from a bush. They continue to meet and form a friendship. Gregory cannot help but be drawn to Evie. He's lived his life celibate because he's never felt a strong connection with anyone. He asks Evie to give him flirting lessons that evolve into a relationship. Evie tries to keep Gregory at arms length because she has a secret that could not only ruin her new life but the Phoenix Club as well.
We got glimpses of Evie's personality during the prior books. I was surprised to learn that Evie was only 25. I really expected her to be older from what we learned of her in prior books. Gregory was a total cinnamon roll.: patient, kind, considerate, and always the optimist. He has a very strained relationship with his older brother and his new wife. I enjoyed getting to see Gregory making a found family with Evie and her friends at the club. It's been an ongoing secret about the voting patrons of the Phoenix Club. We finally learn who those secret patrons are. I'm not sure how I feel about the twist but I'm excited to see how it plays out in Lucian's book!
Thank you to Darcy Burke, NetGalley and Zealous Quill Press for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
#netgalley #darcyburke #impeccablebook #zealousquillpress
We got glimpses of Evie's personality during the prior books. I was surprised to learn that Evie was only 25. I really expected her to be older from what we learned of her in prior books. Gregory was a total cinnamon roll.: patient, kind, considerate, and always the optimist. He has a very strained relationship with his older brother and his new wife. I enjoyed getting to see Gregory making a found family with Evie and her friends at the club. It's been an ongoing secret about the voting patrons of the Phoenix Club. We finally learn who those secret patrons are. I'm not sure how I feel about the twist but I'm excited to see how it plays out in Lucian's book!
Thank you to Darcy Burke, NetGalley and Zealous Quill Press for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
#netgalley #darcyburke #impeccablebook #zealousquillpress
October 16, 2022
Former courtesan and pretend widow Evangeline Renshaw is happy with her reinvented life as a patroness of the Phoenix Club. She doesn’t need or want a husband or a lover…until she meets the devastatingly charming and surprisingly virtuous Lord Gregory Blakemore. He’d like to court her, but he’ll have to settle for a short, thrilling affair instead.
After the death of his father and the marriage of his older brother, Lord Gregory can finally focus on what he wants: a government appointment. However, the enchanting Evie makes him desire intimacy for the first time, and now he wants her most of all. Their entanglement is supposed to be temporary, but he can’t let her go.
As Gregory reveals himself to Evie, she wonders if she might finally share the truth of her past. Unfortunately, there are those who seek to ruin her carefully crafted second chance. To protect Gregory’s dreams, she must sacrifice the only love she’s ever known.
Gregory and Evie are meant to be together. The Phoenix Club is a club where all sorts of people meet. It was the place where Gregory and Evie met. Along with their dog they overcome all odds.
I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily
After the death of his father and the marriage of his older brother, Lord Gregory can finally focus on what he wants: a government appointment. However, the enchanting Evie makes him desire intimacy for the first time, and now he wants her most of all. Their entanglement is supposed to be temporary, but he can’t let her go.
As Gregory reveals himself to Evie, she wonders if she might finally share the truth of her past. Unfortunately, there are those who seek to ruin her carefully crafted second chance. To protect Gregory’s dreams, she must sacrifice the only love she’s ever known.
Gregory and Evie are meant to be together. The Phoenix Club is a club where all sorts of people meet. It was the place where Gregory and Evie met. Along with their dog they overcome all odds.
I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily
October 23, 2022
Wow, this was a story worth waiting for ! I have wondered about Evie story thru the entire series.
I thought for it would be about Lucien as they have a past and endearing friendship. But Darcy has done one better with Evie's story. Mrs. Evangeline (Evie) has been a Hugh part of all the stories.
She works with Lucien in The Phoenix Club. Evie has had a hard life and much sorrow; she has done what she needed to survive. Now she has a new life she loves and great friends. While at the county house of Heloise and Alfred Creghton, she finds a puppy in need of help. Where she meets Gregory Blackmore again. He is also a member of the Phoenix Club. He is visiting his brother, Cliff and his new wife, as his father just passed leaving the title to his brother. Both Cliff and her are ton snobs, both are selfish thinking only of themselves and their wants and needs. Ugh. Gregory could not be less like his brother they are night and day. Gregory always sees the good in everyone. As Evie and Gregory both can't understand the immediate attraction to the other. Evie has never been tongue tied around men!!
She knows how to work them and how to handle them till now. Poor Gregory is over his head with the beautiful lady. As they give in to their passion, a deal is made for a short affair period. One can never count on the ways of the heart and love. There are many secrets and people who will try everything to hurt them and those around them. Will their love see them though with the help of Ash, the cuties puppy every...or will the evil underhanded one win ?? You need to get a copy now and get started reading. You will not be able to stop, this is a fast-paced story with lots of passion, steam, heartache, understanding and love. I can't wait for Lucien's story now; he has helped so many. Will he ever get his happy ever after ?? Who will be there for him ??
I received and ARC and wish to thank the author. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
I thought for it would be about Lucien as they have a past and endearing friendship. But Darcy has done one better with Evie's story. Mrs. Evangeline (Evie) has been a Hugh part of all the stories.
She works with Lucien in The Phoenix Club. Evie has had a hard life and much sorrow; she has done what she needed to survive. Now she has a new life she loves and great friends. While at the county house of Heloise and Alfred Creghton, she finds a puppy in need of help. Where she meets Gregory Blackmore again. He is also a member of the Phoenix Club. He is visiting his brother, Cliff and his new wife, as his father just passed leaving the title to his brother. Both Cliff and her are ton snobs, both are selfish thinking only of themselves and their wants and needs. Ugh. Gregory could not be less like his brother they are night and day. Gregory always sees the good in everyone. As Evie and Gregory both can't understand the immediate attraction to the other. Evie has never been tongue tied around men!!
She knows how to work them and how to handle them till now. Poor Gregory is over his head with the beautiful lady. As they give in to their passion, a deal is made for a short affair period. One can never count on the ways of the heart and love. There are many secrets and people who will try everything to hurt them and those around them. Will their love see them though with the help of Ash, the cuties puppy every...or will the evil underhanded one win ?? You need to get a copy now and get started reading. You will not be able to stop, this is a fast-paced story with lots of passion, steam, heartache, understanding and love. I can't wait for Lucien's story now; he has helped so many. Will he ever get his happy ever after ?? Who will be there for him ??
I received and ARC and wish to thank the author. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
October 23, 2022
This is the seventh and penultimate full novel in Darcy Burke's Phoenix Club series of Regency historical romance. Although the previous books introduce these characters, it’s not necessary to read them first to enjoy this book. I do recommend reading the entire series in order though for maximum enjoyment watching the various relationships (romantic and otherwise) evolve. These last two novels in particular will be richer if you’ve read the previous books, including the prequel.
Evie Renshaw, manager and patroness of the Phoenix Club, has worked hard to move beyond past hardships and reinvent herself as a successful, respected widow. She does not want to lose her independence or risk having her secrets revealed. When she meets Lord Gregory Blakemore, she has a difficult time allowing herself to get close to him. Gregory is grieving the loss of his father and trying to determine what sort of life he wants, but when he meets Evie, he knows he wants her in it.
Gregory is such a sweet, romantic hero, and I admired Evie’s determination and resilience. I loved how rescuing a puppy brings these two together. This is a very exciting story because of all of the obstacles these two have to overcome, as well as difficulties at the Phoenix Club and with Gregory’s pursuit of a government position. There was perhaps a bit too much steam for my preference, but I loved all of the complicated relationships and suspense. I can’t wait to see what happens in Lucian’s book!
Note that this book includes infrequent swearing and frequent explicit premarital sex scenes. As long as such things don’t bother you, I recommend this book and the entire series to historical romance fans.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and volunteered to provide an honest review.
Evie Renshaw, manager and patroness of the Phoenix Club, has worked hard to move beyond past hardships and reinvent herself as a successful, respected widow. She does not want to lose her independence or risk having her secrets revealed. When she meets Lord Gregory Blakemore, she has a difficult time allowing herself to get close to him. Gregory is grieving the loss of his father and trying to determine what sort of life he wants, but when he meets Evie, he knows he wants her in it.
Gregory is such a sweet, romantic hero, and I admired Evie’s determination and resilience. I loved how rescuing a puppy brings these two together. This is a very exciting story because of all of the obstacles these two have to overcome, as well as difficulties at the Phoenix Club and with Gregory’s pursuit of a government position. There was perhaps a bit too much steam for my preference, but I loved all of the complicated relationships and suspense. I can’t wait to see what happens in Lucian’s book!
Note that this book includes infrequent swearing and frequent explicit premarital sex scenes. As long as such things don’t bother you, I recommend this book and the entire series to historical romance fans.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and volunteered to provide an honest review.
October 10, 2022
I have enjoyed this series a great deal.
Impeccable was fun to read, but as much as I liked Gregory’s character, he was just toooo nice. I found him to be a bit annoying when he never got angry (and there was plenty for him to get angry about). Evie’s character was good. From the previous books, I thought she was much older. It was also enjoyable to bring back other characters. Ash was a good addition. I didn’t like the ending regarding the Phoenix Club. The fact that 1 of the silent partners is the British Govt, doesn’t sit well. I am very much looking forward to Lucien’s story and hope that he finds a way to fix this.
I gave this novel 4 stars because this storyline lacked some of the “umph” the others had. It almost felt like a filler before Lucien’s story. I still recommend reading it because I like the characters.
Impeccable was fun to read, but as much as I liked Gregory’s character, he was just toooo nice. I found him to be a bit annoying when he never got angry (and there was plenty for him to get angry about). Evie’s character was good. From the previous books, I thought she was much older. It was also enjoyable to bring back other characters. Ash was a good addition. I didn’t like the ending regarding the Phoenix Club. The fact that 1 of the silent partners is the British Govt, doesn’t sit well. I am very much looking forward to Lucien’s story and hope that he finds a way to fix this.
I gave this novel 4 stars because this storyline lacked some of the “umph” the others had. It almost felt like a filler before Lucien’s story. I still recommend reading it because I like the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2022
Fascinating, intriguing romance!
I've been waiting for Evie's book since I read Invitation, the series prequel. I have absolutely adored every book in this series, but I've especially loved getting to know Evie throughout each of them. Now it's her turn, and what a story it turns out to be! Evie is a strong, independent woman who has had to reinvent herself more than once as she struggled to create a life of security and serenity within the very stringent confines of Society's rules. The attentions of the very dashing Lord Gregory threaten to unravel everything she's built, but her attraction to him is well worth the risk.
Gregory is a classic Good Guy, a cinnamon roll hero who fiercely protects those he loves and isn't afraid to stand up to any threat, even those from within his own family. He's a second son still trying to find his own path in life after the recent death of his father, but once the adorable puppy, Ash, brings him together with Evie, he immediately knows where his heart's future lies.
Evie and Gregory are so perfect together, and their strength in each other carries them through the revelation of all her secrets. I was astonished and thrilled to see that the outcome of that revelation had unintended but very joyous consequences that made all the sacrifices worthwhile. Their HEA couldn't have been sweeter.
This book focuses much more on the history and structure of the Phoenix Club and involves Lucien on a level we haven't seen before. It opens up quite a few questions about the establishment as well as Lucien and his family before leaving us with a bit of an intro into the series' last book that will deliver Lucien's own HEA. I can't wait to wrap up this fascinating series, and highly recommend it for anyone who loves historical romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I've been waiting for Evie's book since I read Invitation, the series prequel. I have absolutely adored every book in this series, but I've especially loved getting to know Evie throughout each of them. Now it's her turn, and what a story it turns out to be! Evie is a strong, independent woman who has had to reinvent herself more than once as she struggled to create a life of security and serenity within the very stringent confines of Society's rules. The attentions of the very dashing Lord Gregory threaten to unravel everything she's built, but her attraction to him is well worth the risk.
Gregory is a classic Good Guy, a cinnamon roll hero who fiercely protects those he loves and isn't afraid to stand up to any threat, even those from within his own family. He's a second son still trying to find his own path in life after the recent death of his father, but once the adorable puppy, Ash, brings him together with Evie, he immediately knows where his heart's future lies.
Evie and Gregory are so perfect together, and their strength in each other carries them through the revelation of all her secrets. I was astonished and thrilled to see that the outcome of that revelation had unintended but very joyous consequences that made all the sacrifices worthwhile. Their HEA couldn't have been sweeter.
This book focuses much more on the history and structure of the Phoenix Club and involves Lucien on a level we haven't seen before. It opens up quite a few questions about the establishment as well as Lucien and his family before leaving us with a bit of an intro into the series' last book that will deliver Lucien's own HEA. I can't wait to wrap up this fascinating series, and highly recommend it for anyone who loves historical romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
October 21, 2022
Gregory, Gregory, Gregory.
I have a new book boyfriend, lol. I don't think I have ever experienced such an optimistic virgin hero before Gregory. He was covered in sunshine and rainbows most of the time. He was agreeable to everyone around him, even his miserable brother and the pest of a sister-in-law didn't irritate him much. I was over his sibling and his wife's selfish behavior since their first appearance.
I must admit that I enjoy reading about Gregory's finding his voice and himself, As his non-traditional relationship begins with the odd meeting with Mrs. Renshaw aka Evie, It spearheads this side of him that surprises him because he suppressed sexual feelings for so long. Anyway, their meet-cute in the hedges should have been a sign that this was going to be a unique partnership. When Gregory took ownership of the dog to see more of Evie, I think he was also looking for someone or thing to care for since losing his father.
When Evie finally agreed to assist Gregory in his situation, I knew Evie was developing feelings something for him. During their first rendezvous in the cottage, they were so passionate and thoughtful. Evie was gentle and kind with him but it was her firmness in her guidance that I noticed. I know initially, she was quite determined just to have the timely affair with Gregory but you can't be around some like Gregory and not want more. I believe what she experienced with Gregory was nothing like her other situations in the club. It had to mature into something more serious. Right?
I do wish I read the other books in the series because I was a bit confused and the Phoenix Club. So, I will now have to read the other books in this series.
I just reviewed Impeccable by Darcy Burke. #Impeccable #NetGalley
I have a new book boyfriend, lol. I don't think I have ever experienced such an optimistic virgin hero before Gregory. He was covered in sunshine and rainbows most of the time. He was agreeable to everyone around him, even his miserable brother and the pest of a sister-in-law didn't irritate him much. I was over his sibling and his wife's selfish behavior since their first appearance.
I must admit that I enjoy reading about Gregory's finding his voice and himself, As his non-traditional relationship begins with the odd meeting with Mrs. Renshaw aka Evie, It spearheads this side of him that surprises him because he suppressed sexual feelings for so long. Anyway, their meet-cute in the hedges should have been a sign that this was going to be a unique partnership. When Gregory took ownership of the dog to see more of Evie, I think he was also looking for someone or thing to care for since losing his father.
When Evie finally agreed to assist Gregory in his situation, I knew Evie was developing feelings something for him. During their first rendezvous in the cottage, they were so passionate and thoughtful. Evie was gentle and kind with him but it was her firmness in her guidance that I noticed. I know initially, she was quite determined just to have the timely affair with Gregory but you can't be around some like Gregory and not want more. I believe what she experienced with Gregory was nothing like her other situations in the club. It had to mature into something more serious. Right?
I do wish I read the other books in the series because I was a bit confused and the Phoenix Club. So, I will now have to read the other books in this series.
I just reviewed Impeccable by Darcy Burke. #Impeccable #NetGalley
October 19, 2022
I'm waiting for Evie's book from the prequel, at that moment when Lucien tells her that he wants to open a club and offers her a main position
.
Evie and Lucien are the characters I most want to read about, they're so genuine and perfect, bound by a strong frienship, confident, accomplices and willing to help anyone who needs it regardless of their status in society
.
.
Evie used to be one of the most sought after courtesans but three years ago she ended her agreement with Lord Lucien and it took her a time to change her appearance and return to London with a new identity. Evie Renshaw widow and patron of London's most exclusive club 'The Phoenix Club' run by a secret group of high society people and her dear friend Lord Lucien
.
She could never imagine the turn her life would take when she stopped in a corner after heard a soft whimper from a puppy near her sister house, and a man offered to help her rescue him
.
.
Gregory is the perfect hero of the story, the positive sunshine to her grumpy, negative side. Evie's story is sad and full of misfortune that makes her always put her rules before her feelings, but Gregory has no problem following her rules and being there for her
.
As always Darcy Burke writes plots that leave me hanging at the bottom of each paragraph, the turns are so original and developments so perfect that even if you know what type of ending you are going to, it never ceases to amaze you
.
And I can't wait to read the next book, Lucien's story is going to be amazing
.
.
.
Thanks to Darcy Burke and Zealous Quill Press for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion
.
.
Evie and Lucien are the characters I most want to read about, they're so genuine and perfect, bound by a strong frienship, confident, accomplices and willing to help anyone who needs it regardless of their status in society
.
.
Evie used to be one of the most sought after courtesans but three years ago she ended her agreement with Lord Lucien and it took her a time to change her appearance and return to London with a new identity. Evie Renshaw widow and patron of London's most exclusive club 'The Phoenix Club' run by a secret group of high society people and her dear friend Lord Lucien
.
She could never imagine the turn her life would take when she stopped in a corner after heard a soft whimper from a puppy near her sister house, and a man offered to help her rescue him
.
.
Gregory is the perfect hero of the story, the positive sunshine to her grumpy, negative side. Evie's story is sad and full of misfortune that makes her always put her rules before her feelings, but Gregory has no problem following her rules and being there for her
.
As always Darcy Burke writes plots that leave me hanging at the bottom of each paragraph, the turns are so original and developments so perfect that even if you know what type of ending you are going to, it never ceases to amaze you
.
And I can't wait to read the next book, Lucien's story is going to be amazing
.
.
.
Thanks to Darcy Burke and Zealous Quill Press for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion
.
October 21, 2022
I always love reading Darcy Burke’s books, especially the Phoenix Club series. This is the long awaited story of Evie. A former Courtesan, who has reinvented herself as a widow and helps Lucien run the Phoenix Club. We learn more about Evie and her past, surprisingly she is only 25 years old. She came across as much older in previous books. I also was disappointed that Lucien wasn’t her love interest, but there is a story about those two. Also mentioning several times that the characters are white was annoying. During that time period it is fairly obvious that they would be white.
Spending the Christmas holiday with her sister, Evie goes for a walk and hears whimpering and finds a puppy tangled up in a bush. Calling for help Lord Gregory comes to save the pup. Of course who can’t help but fall in love with such a sweet little face and Ash, the puppy has worked his way into their hearts. And Gregory is taken by the beauty before him.
Gregory is the second son, but yet was his father favorite. With his passing Gregory has many decisions to make, and honoring his father’s wish that he seeks a career he had chosen and not really what Gregory wants. Gregory seemed to perfect, which made him a bit unrealistic.
The storyline was good but it leads into a cliffhanger for Lucien story. Now that I can’t wait to read. I enjoyed the previous books more……3.5 stars rounding up. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley
#Impeccable
Spending the Christmas holiday with her sister, Evie goes for a walk and hears whimpering and finds a puppy tangled up in a bush. Calling for help Lord Gregory comes to save the pup. Of course who can’t help but fall in love with such a sweet little face and Ash, the puppy has worked his way into their hearts. And Gregory is taken by the beauty before him.
Gregory is the second son, but yet was his father favorite. With his passing Gregory has many decisions to make, and honoring his father’s wish that he seeks a career he had chosen and not really what Gregory wants. Gregory seemed to perfect, which made him a bit unrealistic.
The storyline was good but it leads into a cliffhanger for Lucien story. Now that I can’t wait to read. I enjoyed the previous books more……3.5 stars rounding up. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley
#Impeccable
October 16, 2022
Every book in this series is my favorite until I read the next one & Impeccable is my new favorite. The author has such talent in drawing you into the story to the point you hurt, laugh, cry and love along with the characters.
Mrs. Evie Renshaw has been a part of this series from the beginning. She had left London as Mirabelle Renault courtesan and returned a few months later with her new name, new wardrobe, no cosmetics to raise from the ashes and take a second chance on a new life as a patroness of The Phoenix Club, where she has grown into a strong and respected woman in the club. Her sister, also a former courtesan, which was something they were forced to do to put food on the table, had recently married a well-off tradesman and it left Evie feeling a little lonely for companionship.
Lord Gregory Blakemore is the second son of a duke who was always pushed by his parents to become a part of the church. He went along with their wishes to please them but always enjoyed law and architecture. Now that his father died, his self-centered brother & his over-achieving wife are wreaking havoc on everything they touch. Gregory decided to become a member of the Phoenix Club to mingle with people out of main society. He is an eternal optimist, kind, understanding, loves animals, honorable - just an all-around perfect gentleman.
Evie & Gregory meet when he runs across her trying to rescue a puppy tangled in sticks - their attraction to the pup, Evie named him Ash, is only the beginning of the attraction between one another. What an awesome love story - an optimist, a cynic and an adorable puppy that they shared ownership; Gregory forgives her past, promises a wonderful future and she is finally convinced. I already am so excited to find out what Lucien does to save The Phoenix Club in the next book. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Mrs. Evie Renshaw has been a part of this series from the beginning. She had left London as Mirabelle Renault courtesan and returned a few months later with her new name, new wardrobe, no cosmetics to raise from the ashes and take a second chance on a new life as a patroness of The Phoenix Club, where she has grown into a strong and respected woman in the club. Her sister, also a former courtesan, which was something they were forced to do to put food on the table, had recently married a well-off tradesman and it left Evie feeling a little lonely for companionship.
Lord Gregory Blakemore is the second son of a duke who was always pushed by his parents to become a part of the church. He went along with their wishes to please them but always enjoyed law and architecture. Now that his father died, his self-centered brother & his over-achieving wife are wreaking havoc on everything they touch. Gregory decided to become a member of the Phoenix Club to mingle with people out of main society. He is an eternal optimist, kind, understanding, loves animals, honorable - just an all-around perfect gentleman.
Evie & Gregory meet when he runs across her trying to rescue a puppy tangled in sticks - their attraction to the pup, Evie named him Ash, is only the beginning of the attraction between one another. What an awesome love story - an optimist, a cynic and an adorable puppy that they shared ownership; Gregory forgives her past, promises a wonderful future and she is finally convinced. I already am so excited to find out what Lucien does to save The Phoenix Club in the next book. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
October 27, 2022
Hard to believe this is my 45th book by Darcy Burke. She is one of my favorites. She is a great writer, has great stories and well written sex scenes.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved these characters and thoroughly enjoyed reading their story. I loved their personalities. I enjoyed their interactions and the sex was really well written. I am really loving this series.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved these characters and thoroughly enjoyed reading their story. I loved their personalities. I enjoyed their interactions and the sex was really well written. I am really loving this series.
I would definitely recommend this book.
October 16, 2022
Thank you netgalley for providing me with ARC of this book.
Impeccable is the seventh installment in the Phoenix club series. For me it’s the first one I’ve read in the series, and it’s a good stand alone novel. I’ve read the Untouchable series before and I just love Darcy Burke’s writing
Evie Renshaw is an independent woman who pretends to be widow. She used to be a courtesan for Lord Lucien, owner of the Phoenix club. He helps her with her new identity and hires her as a patroness for said club.
Lord Gregory Blakemore has just lost his father and is living with his brother and new wife.
One day both of them find a dog stuck in the hedge which the border for the estates of their siblings. The attraction is immediate and a romance ensues.
Gregory was such a good cinnamon roll character. I loved that he was a virgin, simply because he was on the way of becoming a bishop and he hadn’t found a woman attractive enough to try and get into bed with. He knows very quickly he wants to marry Evie and that he loves her.
Evie on the other hand likes her independence. She has had to work for it her entire life and if she marries all of that hard work would be for nothing. I loved how she taught Gregory how to flirt and how to have sex.
They both try to keep their relationship secret, but of course that won’t work. I loved the conflict in this and that it was external. I kept finding myself thinking in which direction it was going which kept me on edge.
The dog was also a lovely addition to this story.
The friendship between Evie and Lucien was so lovely and I found myself thoroughly fascinated with this character. Then I learned that his story is still to come. I’m very excited to read that!
All in all this was a lovely read and I will definitely read the rest of the books of this series!
Impeccable is the seventh installment in the Phoenix club series. For me it’s the first one I’ve read in the series, and it’s a good stand alone novel. I’ve read the Untouchable series before and I just love Darcy Burke’s writing
Evie Renshaw is an independent woman who pretends to be widow. She used to be a courtesan for Lord Lucien, owner of the Phoenix club. He helps her with her new identity and hires her as a patroness for said club.
Lord Gregory Blakemore has just lost his father and is living with his brother and new wife.
One day both of them find a dog stuck in the hedge which the border for the estates of their siblings. The attraction is immediate and a romance ensues.
Gregory was such a good cinnamon roll character. I loved that he was a virgin, simply because he was on the way of becoming a bishop and he hadn’t found a woman attractive enough to try and get into bed with. He knows very quickly he wants to marry Evie and that he loves her.
Evie on the other hand likes her independence. She has had to work for it her entire life and if she marries all of that hard work would be for nothing. I loved how she taught Gregory how to flirt and how to have sex.
They both try to keep their relationship secret, but of course that won’t work. I loved the conflict in this and that it was external. I kept finding myself thinking in which direction it was going which kept me on edge.
The dog was also a lovely addition to this story.
The friendship between Evie and Lucien was so lovely and I found myself thoroughly fascinated with this character. Then I learned that his story is still to come. I’m very excited to read that!
All in all this was a lovely read and I will definitely read the rest of the books of this series!
October 15, 2022
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
The only book in this series I have not read is the first, so I had not met Gregory's character until now. I loved him right from start. He's pretty much as close to perfect as a person could be - he's patient, supportive, and eternally optimistic. I've really liked Evie in the previous books and was so happy to get to know more of her history and see her get the happy ending she had helped other women gain. I got a little frustrated with her when she didn't see how Gregory complemented her so well. You knew he was going to find out about her past and her history with Lucien, the surprise came in how he handled it. In so many books she would have had to seek out his forgiveness, but here he made it clear to her that he was only hurt that she hadn't trusted him with the information herself. My favorite part in book was when Gregory stated that his father would have loved Evie after Lucien's father tried to make him feel bad about his relationship with her. The twist involving her father was unexpected, as was the role Lucien's father played in the entire situation. I'm very much looking forward to getting Lucien's story and see how the whole series wraps up in the next book!
The only book in this series I have not read is the first, so I had not met Gregory's character until now. I loved him right from start. He's pretty much as close to perfect as a person could be - he's patient, supportive, and eternally optimistic. I've really liked Evie in the previous books and was so happy to get to know more of her history and see her get the happy ending she had helped other women gain. I got a little frustrated with her when she didn't see how Gregory complemented her so well. You knew he was going to find out about her past and her history with Lucien, the surprise came in how he handled it. In so many books she would have had to seek out his forgiveness, but here he made it clear to her that he was only hurt that she hadn't trusted him with the information herself. My favorite part in book was when Gregory stated that his father would have loved Evie after Lucien's father tried to make him feel bad about his relationship with her. The twist involving her father was unexpected, as was the role Lucien's father played in the entire situation. I'm very much looking forward to getting Lucien's story and see how the whole series wraps up in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2022
Evie’s long awaited story did not disappoint! A former courtesan who managed one half of the Phoenix Club, Evie had reinvented herself into a truly singular lady. She had her friends, her work, her independence… she thought herself content and guarded that against all else. Until she met a puppy, and learned what all she was missing. Lord Gregory is all that Evie deserves and more. I found myself falling for him as quickly as the puppy. Their love story is filled with an adorable familial quality as they bond over the raising of their found puppy. I loved how Gregory used the puppy to get into Evie’s heart. Never has a woman fought so hard against love, but Gregory’s steadfast determination and optimism was the perfect counteraction. I was thrilled to see her and Lucien’s friendship as a strong side story, and the greatest surprise of all, his father. I cannot wait to see that relationship come to a head in Lucien’s story. I hate that we are nearing the end of The Phoenix Club, these characters have burrowed deep in my heart. I am hopeful that maybe Evie’s future plans can lead into a spinoff where these characters can reunite. A truly fabulous story, filled with an adorable love, strong passion and endless support of friendship. The love of friendship and the ‘found’ family is truly the underlying current throughout this series and it is beautiful.
October 17, 2022
mpeccable, by Darcy Burke. Well I was very pleased at how Evie’s story has turned out. The writer did a wonderful job of bringing all the major characters within this series to this book. While reading the book I liked how flowed easily from page to page. Not only was the reunion of old and new characters brought excitement to the story, but it was the very scandalous stolen moments between Evie and Gregory. I love that name Gregory, it is so fitting for his character. I enjoyed that he has so much compassion, patience, and love for Evie and the people around him. The entertainment of the love affair between Evie and Gregory was very entertaining. I loved that the writer moved her writing regarding the intimate love scenes yo another level. These scenes offered me some sizzle and ow that’s hot! Ash was somewhat of a rake himself. For a character who had no lines in the book, he certainly made an impact with the neighbors. The book was a thrill to read. Until next time my fellow readers read on!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews