I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
This is the 3rd book in the Phoenix Club Series by Darcy Burke. It can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading in order, as the characters from the first 2 books are also in this one.
This is a sweet, angsty love story. Cassandra and Ruark, the Earl of Wexford, one of her brother's friends and business partners in the Phoenix Club have an incident that happened in a previous book that wasn't addressed until this one. Cassandra asks Ruark to pretend to be a suitor, to help get her father, the Duke off her back. He has told her if she doesn't marry by the end of the season, he will pick a husband for her. Ruark reluctantly agrees, and her father hates him. Ruark made a childhood promise to his dying father that he would not marry until he was thirty, which is in 3 years and has no plans to break that promise.
The chemistry between the 2 is wonderful. Every time Ruark pulls back, he runs into Cassandra again and finally realizes that she is the one for him.
I highly recommend this book, and the entire series.

"Intolerable" is set in victorian London, following Lady Cassandra and Lord Wexford on the marriage mart, finding their way from friends to potentially more than that, if only he wasn’t Lady Cassandra’s brothers best friend.

I felt that the book was pretty much what I expected it to be, a lighthearted, victorian romance story. However, the first chapter started fairly rocky, which then put me off for a while. The writing and world building gets better throughout the book, however there are some inconsistencies in the way of dialogue writing, as for the most part the author follows the language of the time but not always and of character driven plots. Characters forgive to easily, get too easily annoyed, lack of communication causing the majority of the problems which are then irrelevant after a few chapters.

Overall it was an enjoyable book to read without having to think or concentrate, the romance was sweet and it has some lovely moments between characters in story and dialogue. Perfect book for anyone looking for an easy winter read.

I enjoyed this friends to lovers story. Cassandra is surrounded by people: her father, brothers, servants and high society, but she feels so alone. Since her mother died when she was a girl, her father is stiff and unemotional. He's decided its time she marries. Cassandra dreams of marrying for love, but the only man she has any feelings for is her brother's best friend, and someone who is set to not marry yet.

Ruark lost his father when he was a boy (Cassandra and Ruark bond over the loss of a parent at a young age). His father regretted marrying his mother, so he made Ruark promise as a lad to not marry until he was at least 30 so he'd know his mind and ensure he was really in love and not just feeling lust or infatuation for the woman. He has feelings for Cassandra but is scared they won't last as they did not with previous women he thought he loved.

Eventually Ruark figures it out and they find their HEA. The end felt maybe just a tiny bit rushed, with things being tied up in a neat bow a little too easily for my taste, but I really enjoyed this book. If you think the story line sounds interesting, I recommend it!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Special thanks to Zealous Quill Press for providing an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars rounded up!

Intolerable was another very enjoyable addition to the Phoenix Club series! I was excited for Cass and Ruark's story after we see a brief interaction between them in the previous book and I wasn't disappointed by this forbidden older brother's best friend romance! 😍

Cass was such a wonderful character and probably my favourite Burke heroine to date! She's compassionate, smart and strong-willed and I loved seeing how her relationships with her family and with Ruark evolved. My heart kind of broke for her as she admitted her fears of being introduced to society without her mother, plus she had a pretty lonely upbringing with a father changed by mourning and two distant older brothers. I loved that she stood up for herself, especially with them, and proved how much strength she has. As much as I loved seeing the brothers try to atone and be part of her life again, I would've loved to see even more of the changed sibling dynamic, though I suppose we'll get more of that with Lucian's story (whenever that comes)?! I have to admit that while I wasn't at all a fan of daddy Westbrook (lol) in the last book, and though he still had his moments in this book, I found myself sympathising with him more. He just doesn't want his children to be hurt and although he goes about it in asinine and dictatorial ways, he does have good intentions. I'm glad that Cass was able to get through to him and showed him the error of his ways though!

Despite knowing that Ruark is "forbidden" on several fronts (from her father it's because he's Irish, and from her brother, because he doesn't want to see Cass hurt by Ruark as he knows Ruark's reputation), there's an undeniable attraction between them! The tension was almost palpable as they fought to keep away from each other while simultaneously being unable to stop themselves from seeking the other out at every opportunity, and I absolutely loved it!

Ruark was an... interesting hero. He made a promise to his father when he was on his death bed and in his grief and desire to do right by him, I can understand why he took it so to heart and even misconstrued what his father meant. I did like Ruark for the most part—he's a happy-go-lucky kind of guy and he does have a good heart although he's very quick to "fall in love" (or lust). However, I felt he did start stringing Cass along at some point and wanted to "have his cake and eat it too", which I wasn't a fan of and it made me feel she deserved better. Thankfully Cass felt the same way and made him see that! In the end, he obviously managed to pull his head out of his arse and did right by Cass. I thought Burke built up their chemistry wonderfully and I'm so glad that despite all the roadblocks they did get a HEA!

Overall, this was a sweet (although sometimes frustrating) romance between two tender-hearted characters. There was cheeky banter, sizzling chemistry and side characters you will also come to love! I'm not sure whose story will be next although I think it's going to be Prudence's especially with that little curve ball Burke throws at us 😂 I haven't really formed any particular attachment to her character but I am curious to know what happened, so I'm looking forward to it!

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I was so excited when I saw that Ruark and Cass were going to have their book! There were two stories happening at the same time and the first book was one of the couples that were caught together in a compromising position. The next book was the married couple - the brother who wanders into the situation, and the final couple is Ruark and Cass who were also in a compromising position but managed to sneak away and avoided getting caught.

The first two couples have had their story and their HEA so now we find Cass being pressured into finding a husband and she just is not ready to make that decision and asks Ruark to help her throw her father off with him acting like a suitor.

Lots of drama ensues and Ruark and Cass fight the attraction until they can't. Add her brother who practically orders Ruark to stay away from his sister, and there is plenty of action going on!

I'm a sucker for the brothers best friend trope, so I really enjoyed this book. Cass knows her mind and gets wants, which is Ruark. The chemistry between the two is spot on.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley for preview and this is my freely given review.

Anyone remember the Jack Black/Gwyneth Paltrow movie from the early 2000s, Shallow Hal? The one where Gwyneth wears a fat suit? Anyways, Jack Black has this obsession with only dating certain kinds of women because of a death bed statement by his father when he was an impressionable youth. One presumes his father was either delirious or being a bit of a jerk when he essentially makes Jack Black/Hal promise to only date hot chicks. This movie kept sticking to my head when I was reading this next iteration of The Phoenix Club series. It was not a great movie - let's not even go into the part about Paltrow in a fat suit...

Anyways, this third book in the series focuses on Cassandra, daughter of the Duke of Evesham, and baby sister to Lucian, founder of the Phoenix Club, and Constantine, hero/protagonist of book #2, and best friend of Fiona, the heroine/protagonist of book #1. She is in her first season, at the age of 22, and her father, the cold, and autocratic Duke, is determined she should marry ASAP. She, and the Earl of Wexford, Ruark Hannigan, develop an attraction when he catches her hiding at the Phoenix Club, after sneaking in with Fiona (harkening back to an incident in book 1). He has vowed to not marry until at least the age of 30, and is 27 at the time, based on a vow he made to his father as his father was dying. Apparently his father wed at 21, passionately in love with his mother, but apparently fell out of love with her and regretted it, and wanted his son to avoid making that mistake. As such, Ruark is confused about love and feels that he has fallen in love in the past, but has easily fallen out of love, leaving broken hearts behind. Lucian doesn't want his sister to be hurt by Ruark's apparent fickleness.

However, the Duke is extremely intimidating and this has prevented Cassandra from gaining any suiters, so Ruark agreed to show some interest in her to try to show other men that Cassandra and the Duke are approachable. The Duke, when Ruark calls upon them, shows an extreme prejudice towards Ruark, because of his background and his family, and makes it clear to Cassandra that he is unacceptable as a suiter. However, the ruse does work, and more suiters approach Cassandra. However, neither of them can forget their attraction to each other, and you know what they say about forbidden fruit.

I did not love this third novel as much as I enjoyed Impassioned. I really enjoyed the relationship of Sabrina and Constantine, but did not feel an emotional connection with Cassandra and Ruark. Maybe, again, because of that reminder of Shallow Hal, and how it colours the story line for me.

What saved it for me was the development of the secondary characters. I am intrigued by Prudence Lancaster and the aura of secrecy and mystery around her. Through the last couple of books, we find out more about the Duke, and the loss of his wife, the mother of Cassandra, Lucian, and Constantine, and he becomes fleshed out as more than just a cold, autocratic peer. I found myself actually hoping that maybe at some point he can have a happy ending himself, as it was obvious that he felt the loss of his life deeply, as well as affect his children and his relationships with them. I am also curious about what the future holds for Lucian, and Evie Renshaw (and I presume MacNair with have a story at some point? Also, I hope to hear more about Ruark's sister, Kat, who was introduced, as she seems to be a perfect candidate for the Phoenix Club, and quite fascinating in how she does not fit into the typical mold of a Regency lady.

So this is a 3 out of 5 stars for me.

I thought that this was an excellent story and another fantastic book from Darcy Burke!

The characters were strong and really well developed with some great interaction between them – I really enjoyed getting to know them as the book progressed – it was a lovely slow burn romance.

I flew through the pages, it was very well written and it had a great flow to it – I found it to be a really addictive read and a book that I did not want to put down.

It was a romantic, heartfelt and sexy read – and I loved it!

It is 5 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended!

I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.

Intolerable is the book 3 in The Phoenix Club series. Cass and Ruark have a almost visible attraction going on. They spend a lot of time trying to ignore each other and forget about stolen kisses. Ruark is pretty messed up thanks to a long ago promise not to marry until he was 30. It's driving him crazy and he spends most of the book going back & forth between honoring the promise and courting Cass. That she is his best friends sister makes the tension even stronger. They're a cute couple in a cute story and it was a pleasant read. Now I want to know exactly what happened to the Cass's companion.

#DarcyBurke #Intolerable #ThePhoenixClub # ZealousQuillPress #historicalromance.

This was an ARC given to me by Net Galley. This was a fun period romp. The story was equal parts romantic and funny. I was not expecting it to be as smutty as it was, but I still enjoyed it. A fun read with a very bizarre title? I’m not sure what the title had to do with anything. But, if you like period romance with a side of fake dating, you’ll enjoy this.

I received a review copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I don't know if it's because I've only read this one entry in the series, but I found the chemistry and connection between the MCs sadly lacking. Both Cassandra and Ruark seem to have such shallow motivations for their actions, that it really made this a flimsy plot for me. Because I had such trouble feeling engaged by the pair, this one dragged on for me. I got about 50% of the way through and just skimmed to the end.

I really hated that after about 3 kisses, Cassandra decides she's in love and that's all she needs to be with Ruark -- no commitment from him necessary. The book had all your historical romance hallmarks, I just don't feel like they were implemented well. Aside from a conversation about fears, I don't feel the two MCs connected in an deep or emotional way.

Intolerable is just an okay read. It wasn't so terrible I stopped reading, but I did make myself finish the book hoping I'd find something redeemable--I didn't find that.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have read several books from this author in the past and I have loved them all. So I had high hopes for this book. And it definitely lived up to those high hopes.

The Earl of Wexford has a problem that every three years he falls in love with someone new. This time he is wondering if it is real or not. Lady Charlotte's brother knows about his problem and is trying to keep them apart. It is not working though. Charlotte is worried her father wants her married this season even if he has to find the husband for her. This becomes a real muddle for them. Thank you NetGalley for offering this story. Fun story and love the author.

So sorry but I just cannot get into it 😪
The writing is good, but the storyline is not keeping my attention. It is definitely a me problem.

Thanky ou to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC!

#Intolerable #NetGalley #Fiction #Historical Romance
Intolerable is the third book in the Phoenix Club series by Darcy Burke. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Lady Cassandra Westbrook, a young, beautiful, intelligent and daring woman, was pressurised by her father the Duke of Evesham, to choose a young, eligible man to marry her before the end of the season or else she has to marry the person whomever he chooses.
Cassandra doesn't wish to marry anybody, she wants to marry for love. The problem is that because of her bad-tempered father, no young man has the courage to court her. So she asks her brother's close friend Ruark Hannigan, the Earl of Wexford to pretend to court her so that other suitors will be encouraged to court her. During their pretence, they keep thinking about their previous kissing accident which they promised to forget and not to tell anyone. Sparks files between them and they fall for each other. Casandra's father never accepts Ruark as a suitor for his daughter.
Every three years, like clockwork, Ruark fell in love in different woman. When he was six years old, he made a deathbed promise to his father that he will not marry until he reach thirty years old, to make sure that he married for love, not for lust. When he realised that he has feelings for Cassandra, he kept a distance between them. He doubted that whether she is the one for him. Will his love fade? He cared too much for her. But the prospect of losing his lover to another man becomes intolerable. The rest of the story tells how they fight for each other. After many twists and turns, they will find their happily ever after.

Ruark Hannigan, the Earl of Wexford seems to fall in and out of love with regularity. Even his father made him promise not to marry until the age of thirty so that he’d be certain in his choice. Yet when Lady Cassandra Westbrook, his best friend’s sister, asks him to pose as a potential suitor, to help her on the Marriage Mart, he’s not sure if he is suitable, having kissed her in secret and unable to forget it. Cassandra realises that her father deems Ruark an unsuitable suitor but, she is captivated by him. Knowing of his promise to his father, she can’t help but hope his mind will change and he, himself, wonders whether he can afford to lose her.
Intolerable is the third book the series ‘The Phoenix Club’ by Darcy Burke series but this is a standalone book.
The chemistry between Cassandra and Ruark is clearly evident from the start and does not fade despite Cassandra’s father and brothers, giving out their opinions. I must admit that I did find Lucien’s protests quite unusual, especially given their strong friendship. However, the friendship between Cassandra and Ruark, was essential to the story making the development of a strong romance all the more believable. Their witty banter certainly helped this story and made the romance, all the more enjoyable.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

London 1815
Her fate was sealed, although she had not idea... It only took one kiss, one that could not be forgotten!

She was determined to pick her own husband, and not let her father choose as he had threatened. Of course it did hot help that her father was so intimidating and could run off a potential match in a second. She asked her brother's good friend to dance with her and pretend interest, hoping it would spur other gentlemen to pursue her.

He had vowed not to marry until her turned thirty and he was still a couple of years away.. But when she had approached him, he decided he would help her. But how could he quit dwelling on that kiss?

A delightful journey to finding true love, even when it seems impossible!

Ruark Hannigan, the Earl of Wexford, has not had any luck in finding love. Many times he thought he was in love but he quickly realizes he was not really in love. He promises his father that he will not marry until he is thirty. This will help him to be sure he really loves his wife. Ruark is a member of the Phoenix Club and a good friend to the owner Lucien. Cassandra Westbrook is the daughter of the Duke of Evesham. One afternoon she sneaks into her brother Lucien’s club and accidentally finds herself in a closet with Ruark. He thinks she is a maid and kisses her. Now neither one of them cannot forget the kiss. Unfortunately Ruark cannot marry Cassandra because of his promise. Ruark also feels he must stay away from Lucien’s sister. Ruark and Cassandra have a great deal of chemistry. They are amazing together. Cassandra knows she is in love but will Ruark realize he is truly in love before it is too late. This was a fun story to read. I enjoyed their unusual courtship. Ruark is charming and protective. Ruark and Cassandra are passionate and their story flows. I enjoyed revisiting characters from earlier books. I look forward to the next book in the Phoenix Club. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Very disappointed with Intolerable. I made the mistake of thinking I could read it as a stand alone, and not read the previous installments of the Phoenix club series but I was wrong. I felt like I was missing a whole lot of exposition from the start. It's like it just jumped into the middle of the story on page one. A very unoriginal story at that. It's like a really bad version of Julia Quinns The Duke and I.
I've read a couple of Darcy Burke's books, so I know she can do better.

Intolerable is the third book in the Phoenix Club series and tells the much awaited story of Cassandra, Phoenix Club owner’s sister and his best friend and founding member, the Earl of Wexford.

Wexford is a rogue and has made a vow not to marry for at least another 3 years… so why does he keep kissing his best friends sister every time they are alone?!?

This book had all the secret angst of forbidden attraction between these two as they sneak around while also trying to deny their true feelings for each other. Sparks fly all over the page and in many different contexts in this fun read!!

After seeing these two as supporting characters in the past two books, I felt a real kinship with them and found myself totally invested in their relationship. We found and Cassandra both drove me nuts at times with their stubbornness, but that’s to be expected when you’re rooting for your friends to finally see the light and make a go of their relationship!

I think I’m becoming as addicted to the Phoenix Club as it’s members!

Intolerable by Darcy Burke was released October 19th, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#Intolerable #DarcyBurke #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads