Book Review: Intolerable by Darcy Burke

The Phoenix Club Book 3

Every three years, like clockwork, Ruark Hannigan, Earl of Wexford loses his heart. Alas, he promised his father he wouldn’t marry until the age of thirty so that he’d be certain in his choice. When his best friend’s sister needs him to pose as a potential suitor to garner attention on the Marriage Mart, he’s the perfect candidate—if only he hadn’t kissed her in secret.

Lady Cassandra Westbrook can’t forget the incident between her and Wexford, and she’s having a devil of a time focusing on finding a husband. The fact that her father intimidates every gentleman has made her quest intolerable, and her two brothers who could help are proving completely worthless. But if she doesn’t settle on someone, her father will arrange an “acceptable” marriage by the end of the Season.

Finally, Cassandra has a chance at courtship, but, frustratingly, it’s not with the impulsive and irresistible Irishman her father detests and she desires. However, when Ruark sees the woman he passionately wants—despite his better judgment—swept into the arms of another man, the prospect of losing her becomes intolerable.

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My Review:

I adored Cassandra! She was that rarest of strong heroines who was able to be both fierce and kind. And I think she was exactly the kind of heroine Ruark needed. Someone without her backbone of steel, and he would have unwittingly walked all over her. Someone without her inherent sense of self worth, and he wouldn't have valued her enough to see the treasure he had found. Someone without her sweetness, and he wouldn't have been tempted long enough to overcome his father's deathbed promise. I spent this book alternating between wanting to smack Ruark upside his head and wanting to hug the stuffing out of him, he so easily managed to both frustrate me and break my heart. I loved his epiphany moment, when he finally realized what all his feelings for Cassandra meant. Now, I’m desperate to find out the truth about Prudence’s disappearance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley.

Other books in the series

Invitation (The Phoenix Club #0.5)

Improper (The Phoenix Club #1)

Impassioned (The Phoenix Club #2)