If you are looking for a bodice ripper to that will leave you with a warm, happy, so-glad-I-read-it feeling, then Darcy Burke never fails. I am not saying she has a formula, but I am saying that she always uses her creativity, along with action and adventure to tell her story. This story has likeable, believable characters, who had adventure and liked each other. Her heroine was a sweet, strong spinster and her hero was a man who didn't have long term relationships. As improbable as it may seem, they are attracted to each other. This story was in a series, but I haven't read any others and this story was strong on it's own. This was a complete story with no hanger-ons. When I was done, I really felt that it was worth my time

This was such a great read. I loved reading about Phoebe’s struggle for complete independence in a time when women very, very, very rarely had any. And wanting to be accepted by her parents for her choice not to marry, be financially independent and not need their input and to be a spinster. In a time when women didn’t really get the chance to do so.

I really enjoyed reading about how Phoebe refuses to follow society’s rules; she left her fiance at the alter, isn’t looking for a husband, is a heiress, lives alone, declared herself a spinster, and generally doesn’t really care what anyone has to say about her or her lifestyle. It thought that it was a nice contrast to the main character in the first book in this series, Arabella, who has too look for a husband to become financially stable and to save her family from complete ruin (in Never Have I Ever With a Duke.).

I liked that there was continuation from the first story in this series; from many of the same characters, small plot points being carried over that were expanded on in this story as they directly impacted Graham and Phoebe. I especially enjoyed discovering what happened to Graham’s cousin and the money that he stole (as previously discovered in the first book).

Graham is the kind of guy that could be considered a bit of a fuckboy. He’s a rake that doesn’t care that he’s known for his wild parties and many sexual liaisons, but secretly has a heart of gold that cares about his friends deeply and will do anything to help them. Underneath his rake-ish personality he’s actually a decent guy. Which Phoebe discovers pretty soon after becoming acquainted with him. He never pushes her out of her comfort zone, never pushes himself on her, he notices her boundaries and respects them.

I love it when I get to read about men that know what boundaries are, what respect is and aren’t bothered about being friendzoned. For a decent chunk of this story that’s kind of what happens. Sure, they both find each other attractive but they’re not going to risk their friendship until they both figure out what they want and if the other wants the same thing too.

The steamier scenes are very good, and I felt like they really added something to the story. They weren’t just thrown in just for the sake of having sex scenes in this book. Which I think some Romance stories definitely do, just because it’s kind of expected because of the genre.

But, overall, I did really enjoy reading this book. I really love reading a lot of Darcy Burke’s writing. Plus I love a good Historical Romance book. If you’ve read any of her other books, or enjoy reading Historical Fiction/Romance, then I would recommend reading this book (and series).

The Story in 4 Sentences or Less: Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley is used to being gossiped about, he’s rumored to be a rake, but what he isn’t is a murderer which is what everyone is saying. He didn’t murder his cousin but he’s determined to find out who did and his quest for answers leads him straight to self-declared spinster Phoebe Lennox. After walking out on an unfaithful fiancé, Phoebe has no interest in following the rules of society, she’s an heiress after all. But then she meets Marcus and all her plans for independence are shaken as the two learn more and more about each other, but their budding romance is put to the test as more and more information about the murder come to light.









Like It? Hate it? Love it? Why? I totally missed the first book in this series but that didn’t dull my understanding of A Duke is Never Enough. Of course, this book is another example of modern/contemporary themes being wrapped up and presented as a historical romance but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a fun ride.

I enjoyed both Phoebe and Marcus as lead characters. I did feel like I got a better handle on who Phoebe was and what motivated her as a character than I did with Marcus. Phoebe just felt more fleshed out than Marcus, who didn’t quite move past his title of a rake. I thought Phoebe brought Marcus’ real personality out more but it only happened when he was with her. I liked their relationship and how it started as an attraction tinged friendship and then developed into something more.

The one thing about the book that was a bit of a letdown was the resolution of the mystery subplot. Without revealing too much, I’ll just say that things seemed pretty dire for Marcus at one point but then everything is quite neatly wrapped up and Marcus is a free man in a twist that was rather far fetched for my liking.


Click It or Skip It? Click It. Darcy Burke’s book are an uncomplicated way to pass the time. She shows that a book doesn’t need to be weighed down by unnecessary drama to be fun.

Huge fan of Darcy Burke and this book is one of my favourites I read it in an afternoon as I couldn't put it down.
I loved both characters. A known rake and a spinster. What a great combination! I love spinster stories and this is a great series about those women in society who do not want to marry or at least marry where their families tell them too.
Pheobe and Marcus had incredible chemistry and I loved all of their interactions. Also, this book was steamy. STEAMY. Sooo good! There was discussion about contraceptives which you rarely get in historical romances. Thank you Ms. Burke for including that.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series and more from this great author. My only complaint is that they are not long enough but I will take what I can get.

Darcy Burke brings us another delightful story in her Spitfire Series. This is a fast and fun quick read with well developed characters. Romance, heroes and villains in this recency romp from a talented writer. I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review .

The spinster and the rakehell. Even though this story has an historical setting, the plot feels very contemporary by giving Phoebe the means to be fully independent from Society and The Marriage Mart. Marcus is very much a man of his times, though his best characteristics are pretty timeless: his concern over doing the “right thing”, his desire to look after the people he cares about and those he feels responsible for. I thought both parties were significantly less concerned with propriety than perhaps they should be. That was also part of what felt so ‘out of time’ for me in this story. However, I loved watching these two fall in love. The care and attention Marcus puts into his time with Phoebe to make sure that she’s not frightened in his presence was a delight to witness. I’m already looking forward to seeing what’s next for the Spitfires.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through NetGalley.

A Duke Is Never Enough, by Darcy Burke, is available at booksellers on 2-25-20. Never Enough is book 2 in Ms Burke's The Spitfire Society. The book works well as a standalone so jump right in, you can catch up later and not have missed much at all. The plot is a bit farfetched but I've given 4 stars for all the sass and wit, I loved it. Flirting never has so many double entendre as in Never Enough. Ms Burke has given Marcus & Phoebe a tit-for-tat repertoire that's such fun to read. What I don't understand is the book title. There's no duke, Marcus is a Marquess, and why is one never enough? What's left, Prince?

Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley has a bad boy reputation that's mostly earned. His first meeting with Phoebe Lennox is memorable and he's besotted right away. He has such naughty thoughts about our virgin heroine, a lot of them. Phoebe is a self-proclaimed spinster & charter member of The Spitfire Society. Her reputation is in tatters, she jilted her fiancée, but is lucky enough that she inherited money. She has set herself up to live alone and doesn't like the idea of marriage, she doesn't have to now. You can see where this is going. Our couple has to overcome their suspicion of marriage to get to the HEA. The journey to self-awareness is pleasant and a fun read. I'm looking forward to Anthony & Janes story, he's an awful mess. Jane has her work cut of for her.

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

#DarcyBurke #Netgalley #ADukeIsNeverEnough #TheSpitfireSociety #historicalromance

This is Phoebe Lennox and Marcus Raleigh, the Marquess of Ripley’s story, Book 2 in the Spitfire Society series; a standalone, happily ever after, no cheating, historical romance with lots of sizzle.
How can a man who never makes commitments get together with a woman who has placed a wall up when it comes to men, who has become a self-proclaimed spinster? This unlikely couple find a way to build their relationship, chipping away at each other’s barriers to true happiness, with plenty of sizzle along the way.
This story is well written, with mystery, action, and a sizzling romance. 3.5 stars rounds to 4 stars.
I am looking forward to more in this series.
I received an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

This was another good book by Darcy Burke. I enjoyed reading it and the two main characters are funny together. It had a good storyline keeping me interested. I recommend that it is read .

Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley, cares little for what society thinks of him. His life is grand but when he gets into fisticuffs with his cousin, his life soon changes. He meets a young woman who refuses to give him her name, but he soon discovers her identify as Phoebe Lennox. Phoebe is a financially independent woman despite having jilted her betrothed. Yet just the blossoming friendship between Marcus and Phoebe, begins to be more than they can both imagine, Marcus is accused of murdering his cousin. Can they have a happily ever after?
The friendship and love story between Marcus and Phoebe is well delivered. Combined with plenty of action and suspense, this fast-paced story was quite entertaining, with great character development. Once again, another great story from Darcy Burke.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars

Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley, is a known rake and he does nothing to dissuade anyone of that opinion. When Phoebe Lennox cleans his wound after a fight in the park with his cousin, he wants to spend more time in her company, but he doesn't go around debauching innocents. Phoebe is an independently wealthy spinster who has carved out an enjoyable life for herself, although once she meets Marcus, her life seems lonely. Can these two be friends or are they destined for more?

I'm a fan of Ms. Burke's and love her books. The beginning of this book starts off well. I liked the witty banter between Marcus and Phoebe although after one picnic outing together, Phoebe wants more. I thought Phoebe's character was a little shallow. She supposedly has all this wealth, but nothing is mentioned about her contributing to any charity besides a bet with Marcus early on in the story. She spends her wealth on card parties and expensive paintings. I would have liked her character to be more well rounded and not so much time spent on the sex scenes. I skipped most of those paragraphs to see where the murder mystery subplot was going. I thought that was more interesting. In any event, Marcus and Phoebe do get their HEA. I'm looking forward to reading her friend's Jane's story.

This story is way too much for me. I like the author, and have many of her books. However, this one is too far fetched! There is no way a young lady would have been accepted into any good society living on her own, having no female chaperone living with her, no chaperone going to parties with her, certainly not having any single unmarried male visiting with her alone! Her reputation would be completely shattered to the point no one could save her. My conscience will not allow me to endorse this situation during this time period. If an author wants to write this type of book, they need to change their style to contemporary.
I cannot recommend! Thank you.
carolintallahassee.com

Phoebe Lennox is a wealthy self-declared spinster. She was lucky to have escaped marriage to a philandering fool, and is happy to have a household of her own. Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley, is quite happy with his life as a consummate rake. He is not happy with the trouble Drobbit, his swindling cousin has caused. These two meet in the park just after Marcus has had a very public fight with this cousin. Phoebe helps tend his split lip. Surprise! The spinster and the rake are attracted to each other. As it turns out, they may have more in common than romantic interest. Phoebe’s father is having financial problems that seem to be related to one of Drobbit’s schemes. Before this issue can be resolved, Drobbit is found murdered, and Marcus is a suspect. Did Marcus kill his cousin? Who else could have done it?

This is a fantastic story. The attraction between Marcus and Phoebe is magnetic and the chemistry sizzles. The burgeoning romance between them is marked with charm and humor. The mystery surrounding Drobbit’s murder is captivating, and clues to the killer provided by a most unlikely source. There are surprises right up to the end of the story. The mystery is solved, and the spinster and the rake find something very special. This one is definitely a winner.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

So much fun! I loved the two characters at the center of this story and I loved the way that they fought together to make their HEA come true. It's compelling and bold and I loved every page!

A tantalizing tale that you will fall in love with after the first few pages.
"He adjusted his position so that he could look at her. His dark, seductive gaze bored into hers.
"I wonder if I might kiss you."
Again her body threatened to betray her and move toward him. "No, I shouldn't want that."
"An interesting choice of words." His lips spread into a sly smile.
"I don't want that."
He tipped his head slightly .."I'm not sure that's true.. There will come a day--soon, I'd wager--when you'll ask me to."
Phoebe, proclaimed spinster and proud of being independent had met her match in Marcus, Marquess of Ripley and renowned rake. But he definately stirred something in her. Marcus had thought about her since she had stopped to help him in the park with his head wound. Yes, you will need to see what happened! He thought she was beautiful, but there was something more...
But Marcus has a lot on his mind. He swindling cousin who had been taking money from members of the ton had to be stopped and give restitution to those he had harmed. Unfortunately his cousin suddenly comes up dead and Marcus is the main suspect!
Can he and Phoebe's sizzling attraction sustain as the mystery unfolds about the murder?
Darcy Burke is one of my go to authors because I know everything she writes will entertain and be a keeper!! I am loving this series!!

I thought this book was really charming! The way that the main couple meets is a bit convoluted and the first third of the novel moves very fast, but I feel like that was simply a necessity of the length of the book, which was fairly short. The sex scenes in this feature some great enthusiastic consent and communication, and they were really well done! I like that the steamy stuff had some variety to it.

I also thought the B-plot of this book was interesting, even though it was pretty underdeveloped.

Overall, I was a fan and thought the leads had some pretty good chemistry. It was a very charming romance, though not as charming as the other book by this author that I've read. I'm still definitely interested in reading other books by her.

Phoebe Lennox is a 25 year old self proclaimed spinster after leaving her ex-fiancé at the alter and inheriting a fortune from her aunt. Marcus, Marquess of Ripley, is an infyyamous rake. I love spinster/rake setups but Phoebe is just not old enough to be a true spinster. I wish she was a bit older. True, after being sexually assaulted, she had every right to mistrust men, but the spinster phrase was too much. I did love when she was brave enough to convince Marcus to have an affair with her and I enjoyed their HEA. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. I truly enjoyed reading this book!

Notorious rake Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley is caught fighting with his swindler cousin in Hyde Park when a lovely stranger approaches him to wipe the blood from his face. He finds her beautiful and quite intriguing. Phoebe Lennox has only returned to London. She’s a self-proclaimed independent spinster who doesn’t need is a roguish handsome man in her life or so she thinks. She will not give him her name or her address so a determined Marcus sets out to find her to return her the handkerchief. Marcus and Phoebe quickly become friends neither wanting anything more in their friendship. Secrets are reviled, a romance does blooms and he’s accused of murdering his worthless cousin. A great story of two strongly independent people who will enchant you as their attraction grows and love is denied until it’s almost too late in this sizzling romance. An excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.

I loved Phoebe and Marcus! This story had many familiar elements that I love about historical romance and yet it felt like a breath of fresh air.

The women of The Spitfire Society series seem like people that I could become friends with and the world that Darcy Burke created is such an interesting one. I love the idea of female characters breaking stereotypes thrust upon them within the confines of society, or, on literature level - a genre. So like I mentioned before, this book felt very refreshing and I loved seeing Phoebe being bold in her quest for independence and the right to live the life SHE wanted.

Marcus, who had been a side character in the first installment of this series, was also a nice surprise. I always appreciate a hero who is a goner for his love right from the beginning. More than that, in this story we got to glimpse underneath the rakish surface and see all the layers below. It turned out Marcus was more than a libertine (and a good friend) we'd come to know in "Never Have I Ever With a Duke" and he's noble, loyal and honest as well as generous and considerate. I particularly liked how mindful he was in making sure that Phoebe was comfortable in his presence and that she was okay with everything they were doing.

All in all, I found him extremely likeable.

The romance between Phoebe and Marcus, which started off with a nice meet cute and progressed to (unlikely) friendship (which in turn progressed naturally to an affair), was extremely satisfactory. I thought they had great chemistry and their scenes together were just a delight to read.

To sum up, "A Duke is Never Enough" is a book of good pacing, great female friendships, romance woven with a bit of mystery crime and feels. I cannot wait for the final book of this series and I'll be definitely paying more attention to Darcy Burke's writing from now on - her brand of historical romance fits just right for me.

Phoebe is a self proclaimed spinster who meets a well known rake, Marcus, immediately after he threatened his cousin (with good intentions)! While Phoebe and Marcus grow closer, some of the characters who were initially background characters start to play a larger role in the story. While I don’t have anything against romances, even a Regency romance has to have a plot besides the actual romance, for me to stay interested and enjoy it, and this one did! I’ll be interested to see future books in the series!