Burke is a talented writer who weaves a good story. Jess and Dougal are strong, well-developed characters, who are easy to fall for. Both are smart, witty, intelligent and determined. Dougal is a seasoned crown agent whose career is winding down and Jess is gifted at solving ciphers who wants nothing more than to be a spinster. Their banter and chemistry come across and heat the page. I really liked Dougal’s relationship with his father and how it was portrayed.

I wanted more from their “mission” than what we got. It wasn’t bad, I was just expecting something different. I didn’t connect with Jess’s reason for wanting to be a spinster. For me this wasn’t a bad book, I just didn’t connect with it in the way I wanted/hoped for.

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

My least favourite of this series as far as romance goes it just felt a bit flat. There was really one decent sex scene, and almost no lead up to it, we got plenty of pining but that was it. However it was saved for me by the mystery/ trainee spy side of things as I do love a dose of mystery or spying and the possible spies where just such ridiculous character's it added an element of fun. Can't wait for Lucien and Evie's stories though. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Phoenix Club does not disappoint! These characters feel like long lost friends, you can’t wait to be in their company. I found myself eager to return every time I closed the book. Dougal McNair is now Viscount Fallin, after the loss of his brother and knowing his father is ill and he will soon become Earl, he knows his time as a spy must end. But not before one final mission, he is accompanied by Jessamine Goodfellow, a new recruit for her puzzle solving skills. They must pose as husband & wife, but life imitates art as they are both drawn by their irresistible attraction to each other.
Their journey is a beautiful tale as they have the opportunity that lacks in society, the ability to see if they truly suit outside of societal interactions. I enjoyed this break from the normal. They fit together seamlessly in all aspects of their assignment and their life. Their passions were strong and their love undeniable. I especially enjoyed spending time with Dougals family. The conversation with his Da brought me to tears. His love for his son is inspiring. A beautiful addition to the well-loved Phoenix Club saga.

Thoroughly captivating!

I loved Jess and Dougal together! There's so much going on in this book, and it all worked seamlessly. Jess learns to be a spy on the same mission that Dougal is having to accept no longer being a spy. Their fake marriage was the perfect cover story, and I absolutely adored the Chesmores.

The character of Dougal, the biracial third son of an earl, was exceedingly well written with layers that I only began to understand. So many roles he had to play; some due to his chosen profession while others were due to his unusual place in society. And through it all, Jess was the only one who could really understand his true self. She is a singular character herself, a woman who knows what she wants yet still willing to examine the reasons behind her decisions when necessary. Just a beautiful love story, start to finish.

There are secrets kept and secrets revealed, lots of steamy scenes and even a little bit of voyeurism. There was one plot thread that was inexplicably dropped, so I'm thinking it was a red herring in the overall mystery.

Through it all we have Lucien in the background, helping where needed - as he does - and reminding us of what a fascinating character he is. I hope the author is saving his story for last, because I'm really enjoying the build-up in each book. This is a terrific series, and each book is a true gem. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I have loved the Phoenix Club series from the beginning but this one just didn't seem to fit. The chemistry and romance weren't there as much as the first three, for sure, which are still books I readily recommend to others. These most recent three not so much and this one I struggled to even get to the halfway point on.

I think this might be my favorite book in the series. It's got a little romance, a little intrigue, a little mystery, a little bit of humor...basically everything you want in a good book. And to top it all off the characters are well developed and interesting. A loved how Jessamine pretty much just went with all the crazy things happening in her life and took on the challenges as they came. And how could you not love a guy like Dougal who was willing to help Jessamine (after some initial skepticism about have a partner) rather than telling her to just let him take care of everything. Jessamine and Dougal turned out to be a great team both with their mission and their relationship. The Chesmores provide some great comic relief and I came to really like them as the story went on. The scene at the engagement ball was one of my favorites in the entire book. The scenes with Dougal and his family were also really well written and added another layer to Dougal. I am definitely excited to get Evie's story in the next book.

3.5 stars

Not a bad story but I do have problems with the Bridgeton/Diversity compared with Historical rigour dilemna. The earl accepts Dougal as his son even though he was the child of the countess and in those times I'm sure Dougal would have been treated poorly for that aspect alone but if I put my sceptism aside it's the tale of a trainee crptographer and the more experienced spy checking out some suspect people. In the course of this house party they grow closer and begin a sexual relationship.

I've read most of the series and doing so does help in placing the characters. I'm keen to read Evie and Lucien's books otherwise I might have skipped the rest.

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Irresistible is a perfect combination of intrigue and passion. This romance captivated me due to its impeccable storytelling. The characters were culturally diverse and multifaceted. Dougal and Jess jumped from the page and demanded my attention.

This is firstly a spy romance. Dougal is a seasoned spy for the Foreign Office, and Jess is a recruit. The couple are thrown together as a married couple and the sizzling passion builds at a fever pitch. Dougal is an intense, complicated character. He is secretive and mysterious. I loved Dougal’s relationship with his relatives and how culturally diverse families can unite with love and acceptance. Jess is independent yet apprehensive. Her excitement for her new occupation is endearing. I loved Jess’s willingness to learn and her dedication.

Irresistible is the sixth book in The Phoenix Club series. The plot was eye-catching and kept me locked to the page. I love a good spy romance, and this one didn’t disappoint! The speed of the story slowed down a little at the last third of story but soon picked up the pace again. Darcy Burke has created a passionate, captivating read that you’ll enjoy late into the night! I heartily endorse this entire series. Irresistible is a thrilling, emotional story that is inclusive, entertaining, and sexy!

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

This is a fake marriage scheme with spies!
Darcy Burke always delivers with her Phoenix Club series. I've read a few now and have yet to be disappointed.
I really loved the characters in Irresistible. The heroine is clever and independent while the viscount is dealing with trying to solve his brother's death. These two are in very different places in their lives but they work! What can I say, sometimes opposites attract.
The story flows quickly and I never felt bored.

Jess and Douglas are total strangers. He is an experienced spy and she an amazing code breaker. Their partnership is cute, tinged with frustration at first but they grow to appreciate and like each other. The plot is a bit mad at times, complete with a badly cocked gun going off and the most atrocious of pet names, however satisfying. The chivalry isn’t over powering and Jess incredibly likeable.

This was a sweet and fun read. I really liked Dougal and Jess. Their friendship and eventual romance felt effortless and they were such a cute couple.

I especially loved Dougal's arc and the depiction of his close relationship with his family.

This was a slow burn and the action in the story mainly revolves around interpersonal relationships between the first and secondary characters.

I would recommend this book if you are looking for a low angst story that has some unique and eclectic characters, and is low on steam and action.

3.5 stars rounded up

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced eARC of this book thanks to Zealous Quill Press via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#Irresistible #NetGalley

Irresistible by Darcy Burke is the latest in the Phoenix Club series (#6). The series is written in such a way that it is possible to read each novel as a stand alone. In this particular novel we meet Jessamine Goodfellow and Dougal MacNair, Viscount Fallin. They both seem to be determined to follow their own path and not succumb to marriage.

Jessamine is working on becoming a spinster and determined that she can continue to grow in her learning. She loves working out cyphers and puzzles and has recently been working on decoding messages for an older gentleman. It seems the cyphers were a test and Jessamine was approached to work as a ‘spy’ for the government. She is paired with Dougal to investigate a couple.

Dougal’s oldest brother recently died which leaves him the heir and therefore must consider how his life is going to change, after he finishes this investigation. He is paired with Jessamine to spy on a couple who are suspected spies for the French. The problem is that Jessamine and Dougal are supposed to be married and desperately in love with each other.

They work together to uncover the puzzle but find the close quarters difficult to handle and when the mission is all done, then what happens next.

I enjoy the series. I love how it is all wrapped around the Phoenix Club and how Lucien seems to be the lynch pin in each of the stories. It was an interesting read that I quite enjoyed. Irresistible by Darcy Burke is an irresistible read.

As usual Darcy Burke has written a fun, sexy, low-angst romance. In Irresistible, Dougal and Jessamine pose as husband and wife for the Foreign Office to investigate a married couple who just might be spies. Not only do we get some of the most fun romance tropes - only one bed, fake relationship, spying and codebreaking, learning to shoot - we also have a hilariously lovey-dovey comedic relationship in the pair under investigation. Watching Dougal and Jessamine interact with the saccharine (yet decidedly earthy) Chesmores is a delight.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

Will her already mapped out future stand against a promise of more …

If not for the author’s newsletter, I would still be certain this book was to be released next week.

Like the previous book, the Phoenix club serves only a link between the characters, so this story very much stands alone.
I liked how the author brought together two people who should never have meet and how she crafted Dougal’s background to explain his present circumstances.
My only reservation is with his unconventional appearance, why was he selected for this specific mission when he really stands out by his remarkable looks.

He is a man who makes his own path, his choices are his alone and with his change of status, he is now lost as to step into shoes he never expected to wear. To spy he knows how to do that, but the heir of a title, a pretend spouse, those are new challenges. So much, he struggles to discern what he instantly felt for Jess upon their first meeting.
Lust he thought it was.

Jess has thwarted her mother’s matchmaking efforts for years, unable to forgive them their deception when she fell in love for the first time. Since she has decided spinsterhood is to be her future. So when her talent at solving riddles leads to deciphering coded missives, then the offer of her mission, she hopes it is the beginning of a new adventure, the first in her new life. If only her partner was not so irresistible.

It was entertaining to watch the seasoned spy teaches the newbie, yet also falling for her while she widens her own abilities and discovers her limitations. The couple they are sent to investigate is fun and sweet, as are Dougal’s relatives.
I loved they did not fall into the easy trap of miscommunications and misjudged angst, as even if I felt like the story dragged a bit, they are sensible persons able to discern when and where they were wrong.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 hot

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Darcy Burke has another superhit on her hands with the 6th book, "Irresistible" from The Phoenix Club series. I received an ARC from Netgalley and all opinions and thoughts are my own. This book lives up to it's name and was really irresistible to put down.
Dougal MacNair is now heir to the Earl of Stirling after the death of his older brother. It is a position he never wanted as his working for the Foreign Office as a spy has fulfilled his many desires. Giving up this job for the job he doesn't want but must, has him torn between his duties. Jessamine Goodfellow has no desire to wed; she wishes to remain a spinster and be independent. She is a genius at solving puzzles and in the decryption of codes. Approached to work by the Foreign Office, she ends up partnering Dougal, pretending to be married to him in order to determine if a certain couple could possibly be French spies. Ms. Burke has outdone herself with the mystery and suspense in this story. The attraction, the magnetic pull, and the electrifying connection the two main characters has is outstanding. I absolutely loved this unique story of the angst one feels when faced with previous views on issues and the reality of actually facing and living those same issues.

Jess and Dougal are working as spies for the crown. They have to pretend to be married. They are tasked with investigating a couple who are thought to be French spies. The chemistry between them is making it hard for them not to wish for it to be real.

The book is well written. The author did a great job of incorporating people of color. They did exist in regency England. The heroine was a strong intelligent woman who could solve cyphers. The hero gave four years of his life for the crown. He was thrust into the roll of viscount because of his brother’s death. He has many layers. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I enjoyed Irresistible, it was a fun read (as Darcy’s books usually are). I have not yet read the previous books in this series, but had no problem following the story. Jessamine and Dougal were well developed characters, and their reasons for not wanting to marry and the subsequent change in their feelings as they got to know each other better was believable. The plot was fun, with a little mystery, not much danger. I do plan to read the rest of this series soon. I voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book from NetGalley, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was delightful! The sex was fire! The writing was excellent. I found the story engaging. There were many twists. I enjoyed it. The writing felt a bit different for Darcy Burke, but in a good way. 
I laughed, I cried, it moved me. I loved the home office elements. I can't wait for Lucien's book!! Highly recommend!

Another Darcy Burke which as is usual, a good read which is filled with romance and the inevitable happy ending.

She didn't want to marry ever but she changed her mind once she met Dougal.
Jessamine Goodfellow has spent six Seasons avoiding the parson’s trap, and spinsterhood is finally within her grasp. A brilliant scholar, she longs for adventure and new experiences, things her family frowns upon. Presented with the opportunity to use her puzzle-solving talent on a secret mission for the Foreign Office, Jess eagerly accepts. Even when it means posing as the wife of a scorchingly attractive Scotsman who she must also covertly investigate as a possible double agent.
Lord Dougal MacNair, the new Viscount Fallin, has always completed his assignments for the Foreign Office alone. Now he’s saddled with an overly enthusiastic amateur partner. She possesses a remarkable intellect, but something about her isn’t quite right, and after two failed missions, Dougal is certain someone is working against him. Battling their secret suspicions, Dougal and Jess dive deep into their cover as a married couple, which arouses temptations they find irresistible. Danger is all around them, but it’s their hearts that may be the most imperiled.
This book by Darcy Burke is incredible!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.