From the USA Today bestselling author of The Untouchables series comes your next Regency obsession: The Spitfire Society… Meet the smart, independent women who’ve decided they don’t need Society’s rules, their families’ expectations, or, most importantly, a husband. But just because they don’t need a man doesn’t mean they might not want one.Notorious rake Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley, is … Ripley, is gracing the gossip pages for a new reason: the rumors he may have murdered his swindling cousin. His quest for answers regarding his cousin’s death leads him to an incomparable self-declared spinster, and he is—for the first time—beguiled beyond reason. Neither is what the other wants, and yet their intense mutual infatuation is inescapable.
After abandoning her philandering betrothed at the altar, Phoebe Lennox fled from London only to return an heiress who refuses to follow the ton’s rules. She won’t risk a relationship of any kind—until she meets the scandalous Marquess of Ripley. Swept into his seductive embrace, her resolve falters in the face of a pleasure she never anticipated. But when the truth about Marcus and the murder come to light, Phoebe could lose everything she holds dear, including a love for all time.
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Burke never ceases to leave me dazzled. With intriguing adventure and heartstopping romance, Phoebe and Marcus set fire to the senses in their quest to seduce away your heart. Marcus is a playboy shadowed by mystery. Phoebe is a spitfire with a wandering heart and the spirit to make all her dreams come true. When the firecracker meets the heartbreaker is when the temptation begins. Sparks fly, passion awaits and danger could consume it all. A Duke is Never Enough left me speechless. (4.5 stars)
Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley, is happy – very happy – with his life. He is a totally unrepentant rake. He has a few good friends and as many bedmates as he wants – and he doesn’t spend more than a night with any of them. He doesn’t keep a mistress because – well – even that is a commitment of sorts. Then, he confronts his only relative, a cousin who has been defrauding people, in the middle of Hyde Park where there are many, many witnesses. Fisticuffs ensue and Marcus ends up bleeding. As he pauses in a quiet area to wipe the blood from his face, he is approached by a young woman who offers to tend his wound. She’s beautiful! He is intrigued, but she won’t give him her name or where she lives. Since she used her handkerchief to tend his wound, he takes it and promises to have it laundered, and he promises to return it to her on the morrow.
Phoebe Lennox is a lovely young woman who owns her own home, makes her own investments, lives alone, and handles her own money. She also jilted her betrothed at the altar without complete social ruin. She is a totally independent woman and a self-declared spinster who has no intention of ever needing a man in her life. (Yes, I know most of those things were impossible for women in that period – some even unlawful.) As she was riding in Hyde Park one day, she saw a man get injured in an altercation and went to assist him. He was none other than the notorious rake, Marcus Raleigh. She tended his wounds, declined his request for a kiss, and refused to tell him her name and location. He told her he’d find her and return her handkerchief to her on the morrow – but she was sure that wouldn’t happen – he couldn’t find her – how could he.
Well, never fear, the intrepid Marcus is so good that he showed up at her home that very afternoon. It didn’t take long for them to become friends and appreciate that neither of them desired a romantic relationship, but friendship was a good thing. Many things happened as they got to know each other and secrets were revealed. Marcus was also trying to find his cousin to stop his larcenous activities. When the cousin turned up dead, Marcus was the top suspect – and he wasn’t defending himself. Why not?
It is a steamy story with a hard-won HEA. I loved Marcus from page one, but Phoebe didn’t resonate as well. I came to like her, but not love her. I loved the story. It was well-written, nicely paced, and well-plotted – but it is another example of what is really a contemporary, politically correct story dressed up in period clothes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Marcus Raleigh, the Marquess of Ripley is no stranger to scandal, an unrepentant rake he doesn’t really care what society thinks of him and his sexual escapades, but when it becomes clear that his cousin is running an investment scam and is cheating people, he will not stand by and let his family name be dragged through the mud. He confronts his cousin in Hyde Park and a physical altercation ensues which leaves him with a cut when his cousin throws a rock at him before running away and if that was not bad enough, the entire scene is witnessed by many members of the ton. Angry that he let his emotions get the better of him, Marcus rides away and finds a secluded place to collect himself and tend his wound. But his solace is interrupted by the arrival of a woman, a woman who tends his wound and flirts, yet will not give him her name. Intrigued by her, he vows to find her, she just laughs and rides away.
Phoebe Lennox is a spinster by choice, she jilted her fiancé at the altar on their wedding day and has reveled in her ruination, thanks to a fortune left to her by her aunt, Phoebe has the means to live as an independent woman. She defies accepted societal protocols and has moved out of her parents home and lives alone. After her experience with her former betrothed, Phoebe has pretty much sworn off men and has no desire to marry. So much to her surprise, her interaction with Marcus in the park sparked something in her – something she thought was long dead – desire. She tells herself that she is better off without a man and especially a man with a reputation like Marcus’ , but even telling herself all this isn’t enough to douse her interest in him, so it is a good thing she didn’t tell him who she is, because nothing good could come from it.
But Marcus is resourceful and finds her by showing his friend Colton a drawing he did of her and learns her name and where she lives. He walks to her neighborhood and by chance spots her entering her house. He surprises her by paying a call and flirting outrageously with her. She is impressed that he found her, but shuts him down when he suggests a kiss. He is not deterred and proposes a wager – that she will ask him for a kiss – if he loses he will donate to her favorite charity. She agrees and is sure she will win. Later Marcus meets with a runner to find his wayward cousin and hopes that he can be found before he scams anyone else. He then turns his attention to planning a masked ball for his friend Graham and his soon-to-be bride, a ball he hopes will give him the opportunity to explore his attraction to Miss Phoebe Lennox.
He and Phoebe embark on a friendship, which transitions to lovers and just when it seems like things might be heading in a more permanent direction and HEA could be in their future, Marcus’ cousin turns up dead and Marcus is the prime suspect. Marcus believes he knows who the killer is and will not fight his arrest to protect them. But Marcus’ misguided attempt to be noble may very well cost him not only his HEA but it could cost his him life!
This was a very well written, fast paced, entertaining story with likeable characters, steamy love scenes and an ending that was more than a little surprising. I loved Marcus, he really is a rake with a heart of gold. I had a harder time warming up to Phoebe’s character, she seemed like a 21st century woman transported back in time to Regency England – I am not picking on Ms. Burke, this kind of characterization is unfortunately is becoming the norm in this genre, sigh. Overall, I enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to reading Jane’s story!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
Entertaining, intriguing, and romantic, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. When Marcus, Marquess of Ripley meets Phoebe Lennox, it is under unusual circumstances. His interest is piqued and the way in which she left him, has Marcus stepping outside of his comfort zone. After tracking her down, Marcus and Phoebe enter into a wager, which results in them developing a friendship, which is another first for Marcus. However, Phoebe is not the only matter on his mind, and discovering the whereabouts of his conniving cousin, Marcus is horrified to realize that Phoebe’s family may become one of his victims. I love both the main characters in this book and the relationship that develops between them becomes the basis of a true romance. However, when Marcus’ cousin is murdered and he implicated, it would appear that their time together is may be curtailed. The novel does, however, end on a happy and successful note. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
The enchanting love story of a self-proclaimed spinster, Miss Phoebe Lennox and a rake, Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley. Phoebe earned the wrath of society when she leaves her fiancee at the altar, after she became aware of his philandering, cruelty and violence. The head of the Spitfire Society, Phoebe leaves London and lives with her aunt, who leaves her inheritance to Phoebe upon her death. Now wealthy and independent, Phoebe finally has the only power over her life and that does not include a husband. Marcus followed his father’s advice to never have emotions and live for the present. He is determined to have his cousin stop his embezzling money from members of the ton and causing them ruin. At one confrontation, Marcus is hit by a rock thrown by his cousin. Bleeding he leaves the park and is confronted with Phoebe’s kindness in tending to his wound. Attracted by her beauty, Marcus wagers her that she will kiss him within 2 weeks. Phoebe accepts the challenge since she knows first hand that any kiss (courtesy of her former betrothed) was not something she wished to experience again. But Marcus is nothing like him and soon she is captivated by his charm and surprised by his caring and gentleness. Marcus whose liaisons are for one night only, finds himself thinking of Phoebe constantly. A kiss leads to an affair that is short lived when Marcus is arrested for the murder of his cousin. Phoebe is shocked to learn this was the reason Marcus ended their affair and realizes she has fallen deeply in love with him – and is willing to fight to prove his innocence. Marcus is terrified of his inability to think of nothing but Phoebe and all the emotions she invokes – fearful of a future without her intelligence, kindness, wit and passion. Danger brings them closer – and together they discover the murderer and life’s most precious gift – Love! Wonderful story of knowing yourself, mystery, friendship, passion and love!
This book was so fun to read. I always enjoy this author and how she makes the banter so enjoyable between the characters. The added drama of the missing person/murder mystery and the twists and turns certainly gave it more meat. I also just loved how tender Marcus was with Phoebe after everything. It was so heartwarming and beautiful it truly made me melt. Just a great read. #adukeisneverenough #netgalley
A Duke is Never Enough is a really lovely historical romance. It’s very unique in that the main characters are actively trying to become friends. Eventually they have an affair but neither is looking for love or marriage. Usually when a historical has the main characters as friends they’ve known each other since childhood. I really enjoyed how refreshing Marcus and Phoebe’s friendship was. There was little angst in the story which worked because it allowed time for the friendship to deepen. I also enjoyed the depth that was given to how women were treated during this time period. This is not a clean romance. There are sex scenes which are very well written. This is a great book for when you want a break from the heavily agnsty historical romances. Five out of five stars.
I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The second book in the Spitfire Society series, has engaging characters, including some from the first book and from other books by the author. Burke never disappoints in characters, plots and lively banter. It can be read as a standalone, but then you miss Arabella’s story.
Wealthy Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley, is an unrepentant rake, but an honorable man. The same can not be said for his cousin, Archibald Drobbit, who has been running a investment scam and has cheated many people, including some of Marcus’s friends. He tracks him down and confronts him in the park, and when his back is turned, the scoundrel throws a rock at Marcus’s head. Among the witnesses is Phoebe Lennox, who comes to his aid. She is infamous herself, after leaving her aggressive, repulsive and philandering fiance at the altar. After the scandal, she had left London to stay with her great-aunt Maria, became her aunt’s heir and returned as a wealthy and self-declared spinster. She and her two friends Jane and Arabella, formed the Spitfire CLub, meeting at Phoebe’s fashionable home in Cavendish Square.
Marcus and Phoebe develop a unusual friendship. Phoebe is the first woman who has ever left him wanting more and Phoebe had never had a male friend. But their friendship is put to the test, not only by society but a murder.
While Phoebe’s repulsion to men is explain, aside from Marcus’s father drumming into him to have no attachments, without any family or heirs, there is no explanation, why he did not feel compelled to find a wife. That is the only con to the story. I am looking forward to reading about Jane in the next Spitfire book.
I read an ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
A Duke is Never Enough is a super sexy historical romance featuring an unconventional female and a rogue. Phoebe Lennox, member of the Spitfire Society and self declared spinster, comes to the aide of rake Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley. Bleeding after battling his scoundrelly cousin, Marcus is intrigued by the lady who is bold enough to be seen with him. Breaking society’s rules, the pair become friends and Marcus begins to teach Phoebe all about passion. The highly sensual story is peppered with danger and suspense for an entertaining read. This story is perfect for readers that like their HEA full of heat. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.
A DUKE IS NEVER ENOUGH is the second book in the Spitfire Society series. Though part of a series, it will stand on its own.
This is definitely a romance, but there is also a touch of mystery and danger as Marcus searches for his missing cousin and the money the cousin has been defrauding from the gentlemen of the ton.
Marcus is a rake. He drinks. He partakes in the pleasures of available women, including those in the brothels. He is friends with the madam of one of the best of those brothels. Some might not like him for those traits, after all that’s what happens to a rake. They are often not accepted into the parlors of polite families. Those families don’t know that he also is generous to those around him. That he is kind and helpful.
Phoebe intends to be a spinster. She doesn’t have to depend on a man. Though it is hard to believe the ton would still accept her after jilting her fiancé at the altar, after all her own parents didn’t, that is literary license.
I thoroughly enjoyed their story together. I loved the way they worked together, loved together, and laughed together.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via NetGalley, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: A DUKE IS NEVER ENOUGH
Series: The Spitfire Society #2
Author: Darcy Burke
Publisher: Darcy Burke
Publish Date: 02.25.2020
Category /Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Darcy Burke
The sexual tension is definitely obvious whenever Phoebe and Marcus are together. So it comes as no surprise when they begin an affair. A man of honor, Marcus is also dealing with his cousin’s shady investment of other people’s money. When Marcus is accused of his cousin’s murder, he stops the affair, except Phoebe won’t let him go. A non-stop riveting romance. This novella is in the anthology ROMANCING THE PAST.
ARC Provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Here we go. Darcy Burke amazed me with her book, A Duke is Never Enough. The book gripped me from the beginning with the instant passion that sparks between Marcus and Phoebe. Wow! The love scenes were very steamy and hot!
The details and the imagination that went into the writing of those scenes put me right in the room with them. I felt naughty just reading them. I was excited to read more of it though. I wanted more of those scenes through out the book. The introduction of different characters was great.
You didn’t lose the interest of the book as this happened. The crime and mystery played a great part int the book. Both the romance and crime/ mystery played well hand and hand. The book had an easy flow and didn’t bore me one bit. My only wish though is that scenes of the book could have taken place in other rooms rather then predominantly in Phoebe’s garden room.
My fellow readers, this book has my recommendation as a must read.
So we are back at the Ton, I so know that I could not have lived around that time I would have been gossipped about so much. Anywho so we meet Phoebe and I have to say, I liked her, she stood up for herself and left her stupid fiance not caring that the Ton would criticize or gossip or whatever it is that they would do. But luckily for her she ends up getting money from an aunt and can now return and live how she wants. Good for her! Then we have Marcus, who also did not care or would succumb to the ton, only thing that bugged me was all the time he spent in the brothels, I don’t understand how these people didn’t get a lot of STD’s, well I guess we don’t for the books we read. So these two meet, Marcus is determined to confront his cousin on swindling people, so you have to give it to him to be honorable enough to care. As they spend time together there feelings on never wanted a relationship starts changing, Marcus’s way sooner than Phoebe..Who will be next?, Doesn’t matter I will be reading it.
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author…(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
Action packed, emotionally thrilling and engaging adventure filled with exciting charters, witty banter, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Was a great read from beginning to end and so hard to put down. Really enjoyed this exciting journey!
I knew I was going to love Marcus’s story and he met his match in Phoebe. Neither one of them cares about the ton’s rules or has a desire to marry until they meet. I loved how they started out making wagers and becoming friends, but anyone that saw them knew it was more. From the moment they met, there was heat between them and I knew they wouldn’t be able to fight it. I love when couples go into things not wanting to get attached because when they fall in love they fall hard.
The story of his cousin’s death will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what will happen and when. I wasn’t sure who the killer was until it was revealed. Marcus learned people care about him as much as he cares about them.
Phoebe doesn’t want anything to do with marriage after what happened with her ex. But Marcus opens her eyes to how things should be and piques her interest. I loved her from the start with how independent she was and that she helped him.
Marcus avoids relationships, but something about Phoebe draws him in and he can’t stay away. I loved him from the start because you could tell he wasn’t what the ton thought he was. He cared about people around him more than he realized.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review.
A Duke is Never Enough by Darcy Burke is the second book in her Spitfire Society series.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
It’s London, 1819. Very few women own property. Young girls are supposed to listen to their parents and marry who they are told to marry. But do they? If men are wealthy and titled, they can get away with almost anything. Or can they?
Very rich Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley, is not a happy camper. His estranged cousin is causing all kinds of trouble and swindling people out of money. Even worse, he’s picked on Ripley’s friends. When Ripley tries to be reasonable with Drobbit, they get into a fight. Leaving the fight before things get too bad, Ripley realizes he’s bleeding and stops in a secluded area. He is surprised when a single, young woman, without a chaperon, stops to help.
Phoebe Lennox isn’t a normal young woman any more than Marcus Raleigh is a normal wealthy, titled man. She is wealthy and a self proclaimed spinster. He is supposed to be a rake, but he doesn’t have a mistress or a kept woman. With a cast of unique characters, missing money, a murder, and erotic romance, the author keeps the reader completely involved in this novel!
I look forward to the next book in the series and hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!
I’m loving this series by Darcy Burke! A Duke is Never Enough is the second book in The Spitfire Society series and definitely worth reading if you love historical romances with heroines who are forces to be reckoned with and the heroes who fall in love with them.
Marcus Raleigh and Phoebe Lennox neither want a serious relationship, but their mutual attraction is making that very difficult and when truths become known they have the potential to cause Phoebe to lose everything she holds dear.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more books in this wonderful series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
This is the next book in the Spitfire Society and I was looking forward to reading it. As usual, I was not disappointed. It is different from the usual ton romances as Phoebe is a confirmed spinster with her own finances in hand and Marcus just doesn’t want to get married. But of course, fate has different ideas. I enjoyed the way the back story continued from Never Have I Ever with a Duke. There was a fair bit of sex in this book and as usual, this reviewer skipped it and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. Although this follows on from the last book it can be read alone. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.
A Duke is Never Enough by Darcy Burke
The Spitfire Society #2
Marcus Raleigh, Marquess or Ripley, is furious with his cousin for fleecing men of their money through a bogus investment scheme. When he confronts Drobbit there is a scuffle that sees spinster Phoebe Lennox coming to staunch the blood. The two are attracted but neither has any intention of ever marrying and so they eventually decide to be friends…but…there is potential for more…if they get their ducks in a row.
What I liked:
* Phoebe’s intellect, independent spirit and willingness to pursue what she feels is best for herself
* Marcus’s warmth, sense of right and wrong and the spark and sizzle he and Phoebe brought to the story
* The way the mystery of who killed Drobbit is revealed
* Wondering if women really had the freedom in 1819 that Phoebe had in this story
What I did not like:
* Sainsbury…for more than one reason
* Drobbit…though I wondered if he might have been redeemable if he had lived
* Pretty much what I was meant not to like 😉
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the Author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars ( )
flag CathyGeha
Phoebe Lennox is an independent young women, and wealthy too thanks to an inheritance from an aunt, and a member of a group of like minded ladies who call themselves the Spitfire Society. They each have decided the the rules of the haute ton in England are not all that they wish to live up to, and they will live as they choose. That in itself is daring in their day.
Phoebe lives in her own home, and has decided to live her life as a spinster, much to the dismay of her parents. Recently she was nearly married, almost at the altar, but decided it best not to go through with the marriage. Her fiancé was not everything she’d hoped he’d be, in fact he was not a gentleman at all.
Phoebe, while at the city park one morning, comes to the aid of a notorious rake, Marcus Raleigh, the Marquess of Ripley. He had been in a brawl and she helped clean blood from his brow. When Marcus asked her for her name, she refused him, and his pursuit began in earnest. Marcus decided to find out on his own and he bet Phoebe he could do so.
Usually Marcus stayed a night or two with a certain type, widows,professionals, not spinsters. But Phoebe was somehow different, and the two begin a friendship, of sorts. All the while, Marcus is searching for answers in a series of crimes that may involve an extended family member, and could harm Phoebe’s family.
This is a wonderful story, with romance, heat, and just enough mystery to keep the pages turning. The banter between the two had me laughing at points, the two main characters were interesting, and the additional players were colorful as well. I am looking forward to Jane’s story next!