3.5 stars

I wanted to like this book more. I read the free prequel: Invitation which sets up the premise of the Phoenix Club and introduces us to some of the characters. Lucien, the owner, Tobias his friend, Evie, the housekeeper, Ada the book keeper and another couple of unconventional lords.

This book is about Tobias. He wanted to marry and was about to ask his chosen lady for her hand, when he found another had beaten him to it. Tobias's would be fiancee then humiliates him. Tobias's father was disappointed especially as Tobias then took to very rakish behaviour. In the will, the father states that Tobias's favourite estate will be given to his ward, Fiona if Tobias doesn't wed within six weeks. Tobias's poor reputation makes this a tough ask. I liked Fiona, she really wasn't looking for a husband, she wanted to explore London and experience a city life having been cooped up in the country. Tobias kept important things secret and though he solved the mystery of why his father had taken Fiona under his wing I felt he hadn't really redeemed himself much before he starts to cavort with Fiona. I was rooting for Fiona to take the independance option.

There are some amusing antics in this book and I will continue to pursue this series. I eagerly await Evie, Lucien and Cassandra's stories.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tobias Powell, Earl of Overton has spent the last two years cultivating his scandalously rakish reputation. But with his fathers’ recent death he has just a few weeks to rehabilitate it and wed or else lose his beloved childhood home. He also suddenly finds himself guardian of a country girl, Fiona Wingate, someone he didn’t know existed.

The romance between Tobias and Fiona is a little more slow-build than the usual love at first sight lightning bolt popular in many regency romances. Whilst they both see the other is attractive they build up a friendship and rapport before it becomes something else. Both characters are likeable and are nicely fleshed out. There’s a couple of Americanisms I find jarring, but this is often the case with these kinds of novels. Overall an enjoyable regency romance.

Absolutely loved it! I couldn't keep it down, When the new Earl inherits an ward he isn't exactly sure why- but he's got to see that she's wed. But he must wed in three month or loose his mother's estate that he loves dearly. Boy is he in a pickle! Fiona, is a girl from a country and has no idea why she is so lucky to get an invitation to go to London and have a season! How wonderful although she's not ready for marriage she's anxious to see so much London. I think they the downside for her were the rules she had to follow- unwed girls really couldn't do much at all! Boy did that disappoint her.Some how her adventures get the best of her, and she ends up in a scandalous position with her guardian. I'll leave the rest for you to read. I couldn't keep it down and finished it in less than three days! Five stars, Darcy Burke doesn't disappoint. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Tobias needs to marry and quickly, and Fiona his new ward fresh from the country, has to be guided through society, her naivety is a joy at times, as she finds out how she is expected to behave. I really enjoyed the relationship with Casandra and Fiona as they both lead each other astray, to the chagrin of Tobias. Romance develops as Fiona and Tobias spend time together and they discover their feelings for each other but it’s not until his grandmother arrives that they act on them. I would recommend this book and look forward to reading the next instalment of The Phoenix Club and it’s members

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review

Really wanted to like this one because it was so different, but I could have used a little more old fashioned romance

Improper by Darcy Burke is a happy novel. A pick me up for the grey times and a lovely companion for sitting reading in the sun. Good characters and a broad cast which will, I hope, be called upon for later novels. Thank you to the Author and Netgalley for a fun read.

A very cute and fun book. The heroine, Fiona was a gem from the beginning. Tobias took a little time to warm up to for me. This is likely because the reader was made aware of Fiona's interest but Tobias didn't seem affected by Fiona as quickly as expected.
The story held my interest and the other characters introduced seemed compelling.
My one complaint is that the heat level seems to keep dwindling with each new series.
Overall, worth the time spent reading. 3 1\2 stars