Impossible by Darcy Burke is the fifth book of the Phoenix Club. This book follows Ada and Max.

Ada is an eternal optimist despite suffering immense heartache. She is extremely independent and loves being a bookkeeper for the Phoenix Club. When the owner of the club asks her to help organize his friend’s estate ledgers, she is eager to prove herself capable of the job. But when Ada comes face to face with the unpleasant viscount, she is determined to help bring forth the charming gentleman she knows lies beneath.

Max is immediately annoyed at the arrival of the meddlesome Ada. She reminds him of his difficult past, and feelings he thought he was done with.

Both Ada and Max must work to realize their feelings for each other are worth fighting for.

I adore this book. It manages to juggle romance and heavy subjects in a way that leaves the reader breathless. I love the relationship between Max and Ada and the way they both are fighting their own battles, but together.

Darcy Burke is always good for a cute, sexy, low angst read, and Impossible is no different. Now note, we said "low angst," not "low CW," because this book has a ton of content that might need some warnings. Our hero, Max, has PTSD from his time at war; our heroine, Ada, had an affair with her married former employer. And that's the stuff that doesn't need a spoiler warning. (See below for more detailed CW.)

That said, this is a straightforward, well-written romance otherwise. Ada meets Max when she goes to his house for two weeks to help him get his finances in order. She's a Pollyanna-esque figure, someone who has experienced tragedy in her life but chooses to be optimistic and happy to the extent that she can be annoying to those around her. Indeed, Max at first can't stand to be around her. Soon, though, his annoyance turns to appreciation for her persistence in breaking through his walls. Is it any surprise that they fall into bed and - soon after - in love?

Do note that it's through their relationship with each other that they overcome past trauma. It's definitely "love heals all wounds" but make it "love is better than professional therapy." If that doesn't bother you and you're fine with the CW, this is a great read.

CW: PTSD, rape, murder, abortion, familial abandonment, prostitution, infidelity, violence.

A tortured, wounded hero finds his perfect match in “Impossible”, by Darcy Burke (Zealous Quill Press), a historical romance novel where the Beauty awakes and softens the Beast.
Max is the epitome of the reclusive wounded hero. He hides his physical, psychological and emotional scars and reacts ferociously when someone approaches him.
The pain, guilt, trauma and sense of hopelessness are hard to watch in this character. The surliness of this brooding hero is wonderfully portrayed.
Ada is a great heroine, a lovely person who truly cares about helping others. Her “eternal optimism”, determination and altruism are remarkable.
I also liked her intelligence, practical sense and management skills, which might be confounded with meddling but were somehow funny; we could feel her intentions came from a good place.
The side characters are interesting and a good contribution, too. I enjoyed the friendship, loyalty and affection between them.
I also liked that there’s some healing and comfort for Max regarding his family and not all is lost.
The plot revolves around Max’s recovering from his traumatic experiences and learning to live in society again. For Ada it’s also a relearning process, but her path is less arduous.
Besides the wounded hero trope, what I liked best is the emotional intensity between Max and Ada and how both display vulnerabilities.
I enjoyed the fluidity in the prose and the lively dialogues, too.
I liked the story way better in the beginning, when all the secrets and wounds were yet unveiled.
Some aspects, solutions and language felt anachronistic. Others seemed too easy.

4 1/2 stars bumped up to 5. This series just gets better and better. I love the "wounded warrior/beauty and the beast" trope, and while Darcy Burke does a wonderful job with all of the characters here, MC's Ada and Max are definitely the highlights. Ada is such a determinedly optimistic h, it's impossible not to admire her outlook. Instead of wallowing in misfortunes, she consciously chooses joy. Meanwhile, you feel for Max, with his stubborn dourness and fear of breaking out of his protective shell, built up over the years by heavy guilt. Both characters have had very dark moments in their pasts and must connect with each other to grow emotionally. Ada teaches Max how to live again, while Max helps Ada to forgive herself.

The only negative worth mentioning is that there are Americanisms/fairly modern language that crop up in places. Very rarely were the instances glaring enough to distract me from the storyline.

Impossible works fine as a standalone, if you haven't read the previous books in the series. (There is a character from the previous entry whose past is referenced a few times; it's worthwhile to check out his story in Indecent). This is the most engaging entry in the series yet.

Note: This is not a "sweet and clean" romance. There is quite a bit of spicy bedroom (and elsewhere) action. Steam level: 4. Possible triggers: mention/discussion of rape, murder, abortion. There is also some R-rated language, although it works for the characters and scenes and is not overdone.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review. Thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley.

Persistent optimism works its magic

In this Beauty and the Beast-inspired tale, Ada is sent to help bring order to the chaos that Max has let his estate become. Max is still crawling out from the abyss of grief and pain after his time in the war, so despite his valiant efforts, he just doesn't have enough strength to resist Ada's sunny optimism and her gentle admonishments that he could do better for the people who depend on him.

This is a delightful battle of wills between the two, with hope and love winning out over tragedy and loss. I adored the way Ada was able to relate to Max because of her own losses, allowing her a great deal of patience and compassion for what he's been through. The "mistaken identity" scene was absolutely brilliant as a way to finally spin their relationship in the direction it should go.

Prudence and Bennet are on hand when Max is ready to face the world again, as are Dougal and Lucien. Max's friendship with Lucien was especially poignant and I was so glad to see that included in the HEA. I have loved each of the Phoenix Club romances, and am eagerly awaiting the next in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

A period romance with a difference. Our heroine is a talented bookkeeper who not only sorts out our hero’s estate but sorts him out too with romance building on the way. Darcy Burke’s books are always a bit different and make fun reads.

I really do love a grumpy guy and the woman who brings a new light to his life story. Set historically, in a series I’ve adored, in a forced proximity setting, by an author who I love reading and I happily grabbed at the chance to read an advance copy of Impossible.

Max is home from war and suffering. He lost two family members while he was fighting, and he’s haunted by things he saw, did, and survived. Ada is sent to his estate to assess and figure out how it can best be managed to the betterment of his tenants and himself. Max isn’t company ready and is growly but Ada sticks around and charms him against his will.

I’m a long time fan of Darcy Burke’s and I really feel like she’s writing better than ever. Her tales are always wonderfully enjoyable and Ada and Max’s story is wonderful. Also, as a reader, I’m really enjoying the hotter direction she’s taking in writing love scenes ❤️ The character growth here is terrific and you’re so really rooting for this couple by the end.

I’m looking forward to all the titles that follow in the Phoneix Club series, and I’m especially looking forward to reading Lucien and Evelyn’s story in the future 😍

Another strong book in the Phoenix Club series. Darcy Burke doesn't know to write uninteresting characters! We always buy her for our library.

Ada Treadway finds herself up for a challenge when she is sent to organise the estates of Maximillian Hunt, a viscount. Yet Max is not too pleased by her presence but her cheerful optimism, soon makes his days seem so much less bleak. Whilst Ada has experience love before and been hurt, she realises that her feelings for Max, have grown into more than she had thought possible. Soon, thoughts of never seeing him again, make her realise that her past feelings cannot compare to those she feels for Max.
The 5th book in The Phoenix Club series just adds to this great series. I loved the dialogue between Ada and Max, and found that despite their past hurt, they could enjoy each other's company. This is a stand-alone book, but it was great to see previous characters make an appearance, adding to the complexity of the story

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and Zealous Quill Press. All thoughts and opinion are my own.

I loved this book! I was surprised it had so much packed into one book: PTSD, rape, infidelity, abortion-but don’t let that stop you. This story was told in a way where you really connect with the characters, Ada and Max. They manage to find love and live again despite what they’ve each had to overcome. This is the 5th book in the series but they do not need to be read in order. I will definitely be going back to read the other books!

Wow! This book has a little of everything in it! PTSD, infidelity, a baby, you name it, it is there! I was enthralled to read how this Sunny disposition of the Heroine was going to try and help the GRUMPIEST of men. It was so fun to see her weave her way into his life and heart. I am glad Arrow came back too! There is a twist I didn’t see coming and I think you will enjoy the outcome! Ms Darcy at her finest!

I received this ARC copy for free and these views are my own

Not loving this book, Impossible! Once again Darcy Burke delivers all the love and anguish that makes a true romance. Nothing is harder to overcome than our own feelings of worth. Ada & Max have both been through so much pain in their lives. They cannot help but have self-doubt. After the tragedies of his life, Lord Warfield had shut himself off from the world and ceased to care about anything or anyone. Left with few staff and no direction in his responsibility to the Viscountcy he never thought he’d have, his friend steps in and sends Ava Treadway to see to his books and help him. Ava is the personification of positivity, and eventually wears down Max’s surly demeanor. The evolution of their love does not come easy, but it is a beauty of selfless love. In the end they both find healing in each other. I loved the power of friendship that is so intrinsic of The Phoenix Society. This is a group of friends that have proven that the family you choose can be just as powerful and sometimes more, than the family of birth. I especially loved seeing Glastonbury shine as a friend, even being new in Warfields life, he channeled the Phoenix Society friendship to the tee with his support. He has come such a long way from the gentleman we got to know originally in Intolerable. I cannot wait to continue to Dougal’s story.

Another in the Phoenix club series all about men who believe they aren’t up to scratch, and the women who love them despite their imperfections. The romance developed quickly, yet there was the element of whether the characters would succumb to it, or continue to fight it until the bitter end. This story had a nice balance where despite the will they won’t they, it didn’t feel protracted. If you’ve read others in the series, or by this author, you’ll like these, just beware there are graphic sex scenes of this isn’t something you’re wanting

4 1/2 stars

This was a creative take on Beauty and the Beast. Even though there were many similarities, there were also notable differences. The main character, Ada Treadway has been sent to help the Marquess of Warfield take control of his estate. As a competent bookkeeper, she agrees to help as a favor to her employer who is close friends with Maximillian Hunt. However, when she gets there, it is quite apparent that he doesn't welcome her assistance. The estate is in disrepair and neglect and there are barely enough employees to run it.

Max was never supposed to be the Marquess. He was the second son and only fell into the position when his older brother passed away. When he came home from the war, already heartbroken to find that responsibility has fallen into his lap as well, he's overwhelmed and finds he doesn't care what happens to the estate. What he doesn't consider is what happens to the employees and tenants if he shirks his responsibilities. Ada brings all of this to his attention as she meets the tenants, goes through the books and brings certain needs to his attention.

Along the way, Max and Ada find common ground and even support one another in different ways. He learns where her insecurities and pain come from and she gets a better understanding of what he's been through and how his time overseas in the war damaged him. When it comes time for her to go, will Max be able to let her leave?

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

I loved Impossible, the fifth book in Darcy Burke’s The Phoenix Club series. The characters are great, the story is compelling, and the romance is swoon-worthy! The story follows Ada Treadway, bookkeeper for the Phoenix Club, as she helps Maximillian Hunt, the Marquess of Warfield organize his estate and put everything in order. Unfortunately, Max doesn’t want Ada’s help. A wounded war hero that suffered terrible trauma and tragedy in the war, Max lives in seclusion and acts more beast than man. Ada’s infectious optimism and happy outlook on life irritates the grumpy Max to no end, but soon they begin to look forward to their time together. Can this pair find happiness, and will they reveal the secrets between them?

The Phoenix Club is such a fantastic historical romance series, and I adored Max and Ada’s story. It has total Beauty and the Beast vibes, which I always enjoy. Max is grumpy and growly, and he lives a very solitary life. Ada is full of energy and optimism, much to Max’s chagrin. In many ways, they are opposites, especially when it comes to temperament. But like Beauty and the Beast, the more time this pair spends together, the closer they become, and the. more they see that they are actually quite similar. Both are independent, both have suffered unimaginable loss, and both fear risking their hearts again.

Max is tormented by things that happened in the war, and he feels tremendous guilt and self-hatred because of it. Because of that, he struggles to let people in. He’s let his estate fall into disrepair, he’s not taking care of his tenants, and he is wallowing in his unhappiness and anger. I like that she helps him see that what he’s doing doesn’t just affect him. She also helps him find happiness and hope again, which is lovely. And Max and Ada’s banter is fantastic! The way she teases and antagonizes him, the way he struggles to resist her charms by throwing out seemingly sharp comments that are actually quite funny and charming. She pushes him in a way he desperately needs.

Ada’s story is as compelling and layered as Max’s. She’s such an admirable character, and the fact that she could remain so gregarious and optimistic despite all the terrible things that have happened to her is astounding. She is a resilient person and one of my favorite in the series. And the romance between her and Max is filled with chemistry and passion! I love the way they tease and flirt with each other, how they help each other through their fears, and the way they show each other how much they care. There are so many wonderful scenes, and Max’s professions of love are super swoon-worthy! My word, when this man embraces his feelings, he really lets them show, and I adored every second of it.

The secondary characters are also fantastic, and there are a few surprises with several of the characters from previous books in the series. They all form this close-knit group, and the found family vibes are strong. The Phoenix Club brings them together, and the messages about friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness are poignant. And I love that Lucien has a big role in the story. He is so intriguing, and I can’t wait for his story. Actually, there are two characters whose stories I’m dying to read, and I’m hoping they’ll be the focus of one of the next books. The pair has a history, and I’m eager to learn more about their relationship, what ended it, and if there is a potential reconciliation.

Special thanks to Zealous Quill Press and Darcy Burke for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Impossible is by an author new to me, what a find, I can’t wait to read the previous books and more in this series.
Ada Treadway and Viscount Warfield (Max) are wonderful characters written with depth and emotion.
Ada has had a hard and tragic life which could of caused her complete downfall but with grit, determination and an ability to get the best out of life she is now secure in her personal and working life. She is tasked with helping a friend of her employer,as an accountant she is to help sort out the estate accounts of the Viscount as he has lost all interest in his land or the tenants that farm it.
Max is surly, bad tempered and rude and the last thing he wants is an interfering woman telling him what he needs. Gradually Ada works her magic helping everyone despite Max’s resistance. Their relationship develops slowly both very afraid of their past.
There is a much deeper story here than your usual historical romance, the tragedy, in Ada’s past plus Max’s suffering and loss in the Peninsula War which has led to him having PTSD and depression which is crippling at times.
A story well written, with sparkling and humorous dialogue, a cast of other characters that add much, a page turning satisfying read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

I only recently, probably in the last year started reading Darcy Burke's books, and was excited to read her latest. Darcy Burke creates charming, lovely characters and does a really good job of balancing angst, suspense, sadness and conflict with the good stuff. I received this book as an ARC and I was a little nervous at first because I have a hard time when there is a severely PTSD character. But Darcy Burke does a great job of balance, where there were some emotional parts, but not so much that it overwhelms the book with depressing episodes.
Ada is an optimistic, independent woman, working as a bookkeeper in London. Max is a second son who unexpectedly inherited his title, and a wounded inside and out former officer. Ada works for Max's friend as a bookkeeper, and was sent as a favor to Max's estate to sort out the mess he's let accumulate, as he is mired in misery from fighting in the Napoleonic wars. I loved Ada and Max! Especially together. They way they worked at both of their issues was sweet. This was a really lovely book, and I'd highly recommend. This is my first book in this series and won't be my last.
I received a copy of Impossible as an ARC, all opinions are my own.

I read two Darcy Burke titles earlier this year, one in this series, and really enjoyed both so I was eager for this latest installment of the Phoenix Club.

Orphaned and disappointed in love, Ada Treadway is the optimistic and independent bookkeeper of the Phoenix Club. When the owner enlists her to organize his friend’s estate ledgers, she’s eager to prove her expertise. His friend, the surly Maximillian Hunt, Viscount Warfield, is full of self-loathing and miserable to everyone, even the remains of his loyal staff. The arrival of the meddlesome and positive woman who will put his accounts in order is a nuisance, and she is hoping to complete her task with as little interaction with him as possible.

Ada is cheerful and assertive enough to stand up to Max. I probably would have hit him and left after the first morning. Max is a wounded war hero who never expected to be viscount and Ada is a person who wants to make those around her happy. She doesn’t approach Max with this spirit, though. She seems to know he doesn’t want to be fixed. In fact, he spends a lot of time wishing he had just died in Spain.

Like Burke’s other books, the dialogue between two capable and interesting characters carry the story. Beneath the excellent dialogue is a soldier suffering from grief and ptsd and a people pleaser who was emotionally damaged by her family. They’re both plagued by their regrets.

You don’t need to read the previous books to jump into this story, but it might be helpful to read #4 Indecent about Max’s half-sister. I really enjoyed how Ada’s life choice was portrayed without her having any regret about it.

3.5 stars. I received an arc from
NetGalley

My favorite part of the book is when Max comes to London. Sped the pace of the book up a bit. Ada is good for Max. She is needed and trusted by many. He was so lucky the day that she showed up. I enjoyed reading, Impossible.

Darcy Burke's Phoenix Club series continues with the story of Ada and Max. Ada is tasked by her friend and employer, Lucien, to spend a fortnight getting his reclusive friends estate books in order. Max doesn't want any help. He is perfectly happy letting the estate fall into disrepair. Ada's glass half full personality starts to break down Max's walls. Together they can move past their trauma and create a future.

Burke wrote the quintessential grumpy/sunshine romance. Max is gruff, tortured mentally and physical by war and all in for his heroine. Ada is a bluestocking go getter who works so hard to ensure that the people around her have a better life. She sees Max as a project but doesn't want to fundamentally change who he is. She is understanding and never judges him. This book was just so sweet and funny. I loved the chemistry and being able to catch up with some of the previous Phoenix Club characters. This book tackled some serious subject matter but did so in a way that was heartfelt and endearing without being sad and preachy. It was such a well written and well rounded book.

Darcy Burke proves over and over again that she is a "one click" author for me. I don't even need to read the blurb before I snatch it up. I can't wait for Dougal's book! I still have my fingers crossed for a Lucien and Evie book.

Tropes include: tortured hero, spare turned heir, beauty and the beast, bluestocking heroine, forced proximity, war hero, scarred hero, grumpy/sunshine

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Darcy Burke, and Zealous Quill Press for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
#netgalley #darcyburke #Impossiblebook