From USA Today Bestselling author Darcy Burke, your next Regency obsession: The Pretenders! Set in Burke’s popular world of The Untouchables, indulge in the saga of a trio of siblings who excel at being something they’re not. Can a dauntless Bow Street Runner, a devastated viscount, and a disillusioned Society miss unravel their secrets?Book One: A Secret SurrenderA survivor of the mean streets … mean streets of London’s East End, Selina Blackwell has learned to be a chameleon, and in her current iteration as a fortune-teller, she’s able to provide a Season for her sister. Only, Madame Sybila can’t be a chaperone, so Selina takes on another identity as the proper Lady Gresham. But when a Bow Street Runner takes too much of an interest in her business, it seems the crimes of her past will finally come to light.
Determined to prove that Madame Sybila is a fraud bent on fleecing London’s elite, Harry Sheffield enlists the help of the alluring Lady Gresham in exchange for introducing her to Society’s best. With his busy career and aspirations for the future, Harry has no time for marriage, but an affair is just right—until he discovers the lady’s disarming secret. Whatever his feelings for her, he can’t ignore who she is and who she’s been. And when she holds the key to the one case he couldn’t solve, he must choose justice or love.
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In this delightful start to a new historical romance series, Burke gives us strong characters to root for, a plot brimming with suspense and intrigue, and a passionate romance. Not to be missed.
Series: The Pretenders #1
Publication Date: 8/7/20
Number of Pages: 294
WOW! This new series has certainly gotten off to a steamy start! In a book that is filled with gritty characters, larceny, deception, secrets, and lies, Harry Sheffield stands out as everything a hero should be. The writing is excellent, the plot is tight and well-executed, and, as I already mentioned there is plenty of magnetism between the male and female leads.
Harry Sheffield is the younger twin son of the Earl of Aylesbury. Harry has a strong sense of justice that doesn’t exactly conform to the rest of ton society. He trained as a barrister, but that just didn’t satisfy him so he became a constable for Bow Street – and he loves it. When his father asks him to look into Madame Sybila, a fortune-teller Harry’s mother has been seeing, Harry jumps right on it. Nobody takes advantage of his family – especially his mother. He pays a visit to Madame Sybila (without telling her he works for Bow Street), but she won’t perform a reading for him – nor will she answer his questions. She does, however, slyly let him know she knows who he is and where he works. He leaves but lets her know they aren’t done yet and he’ll be back.
Selina Blackwell/Madame Sybila/Lady Gresham has had so many identities and has told so many lies in her lifetime that she has no idea who the real Selina is nor what the truth really is. She’s tired of it all and would love to be able to quit – and maybe she can once this last scam is finished. She created the character of Lady Gresham in order to infiltrate society and launch her ‘sister’ with a season, and she created the character of Lady Sybila in order to earn the money to pay for the season. Once that is done, she hopes to have the money to ‘retire’ from ‘the life’ and leave London.
When Harry meets Lady Gresham, he’s intrigued. His family has been trying to marry him off, but he just hasn’t been interested and hasn’t met anyone he thought he’d like to spend his life with. However, as he sees Selina more and more often, he really becomes intrigued by her. Then he comes to love her – even though he doesn’t realize it for quite some time. He thinks an affair will be sufficient – RIGHT!
Selina had a horrible childhood and there were few options in her life. She survived the best way she could – by running scams, lying, and cheating. I understand that – but – I had a bit of a hard time coming to really like her. Maybe it was because I thought her dishonesty with Harry went on too long. I had sympathy for her because it seemed as if she were damned if she did and damned if she didn’t. I just liked Harry so much that I hated to see the pain he went through when all of the secrets came out. Then, when Harry suffered a friend’s betrayal – and Selina’s friend was killed – there was more heartbreak for Harry. I’m amazed he could find it in his heart to love Selina – much less trust her.
I’m looking forward to the next books in the series when we should meet the father of Selina’s ‘sister’ – and maybe even more about Selina’s brother. I’d like to learn more about Selina and Rafe’s parents and how they came to die. I’m curious to see if that plays any part in Rafe’s book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Love this new series from Darcy Burke! I wasn’t sure how you could spin off from the Spitfire Society, but she did, and it is amazing. I love the chemistry between Lady Gresham and Harry Sheffield. They perfectly balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses. I found their story to be creative and interesting. I am loving the idea behind The Pretenders and cannot wait for the other books!
I loved the two main characters Harry and Selina. Through the writing, I could see the attraction growing between the two. I would like to have read more descriptive attractions about the two. One example, how Harry pantaloons grew instinct tight every time that he caught site of Selina. The same for Selina, describe how she finds that her body is drawn to him.
I found the plot of the book a good one, but perhaps written differently. Maybe bring action for the plot to the forefront of the book. How it’s always good to introduce characters and provide a background for them. This should be a brief introduction and then move on to the suspense or romance of the book. I love Darcy Burke’s books and look forward to reading her next book.
I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
An unconventional love story between a Constable for Bow Street and a woman who is desperate to ease her “sister” into London society. A fortune-teller and a thief, Selina plays a game constantly hiding from Harry who she really is. In his search for a murderer, their paths continue to cross. Eventually Selina reveals all to Harry because she loves him. Can Harry go with what his heart wants him to do? Great start to the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
This story is such an exciting start to a brand new series by Darcy Burke. I enjoyed the plot and the characters were quite fascinating. Selina and Harry go through quite a lot before they can reach their HEA!
One can do very desperate things when one is trying to survive and such is Selina’s life. Her disguises, her lies, her illegal activities soon catch up to her when Harry, a Bow Street Runner, comes into her life. Little does he know that the person he’s investigating is Selina herself! When feelings start to complicate things and knowing that once he learns the truth about her, he will never forgive her, Selina knows things have to change but a few twists and turns don’t make it easy! Quite the entertaining story!!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Selina Blackwell is a survivor – orphaned along with her older brother, Rafe, she has no memory of parents, only protection by Rafe. Sold to a criminal preying on children, they learned to survive in London by stealing in a society that cared nothing for exploitation of innocents. Rafe finally sends 11 year old Selina to a ladies school for her safety. 18 years later, Selina has learned the cruelty of the world and trusts no one. Once again, along with her “sister” Beatrix (illegitimate daughter of a duke she met in school). they do what they know and must do to survive – don personas and steal from the rich. Back in London for a season for Beatrix, Selina, “Lady Gresham”, a widow, also is the famous society fortune teller, Madam Sybila. Her mission, aside from settling Beatrix, is to find who set a fire that killed Rafe. Instead she meets Harry Sheffield, younger son of an earl, and Bow Street Runner. He is investigating Madam Sybila since his mother is a client. Their accidental meeting is instant attraction. As the plot unfolds, Selina for the first time dreams of a life opposite of what she has – a life of trust, security and love, not lies and theft just to survive. But the consequences of her lies, her past shadowed by stealing will kill any feeling justice-seeking Harry has. Even though the loss of his trust is guaranteed, Selina cannot continue her pretense. Will her truth be a reality check on the righteous Harry? An enticing and engrossing story of how society created its own problems because of its lack of compassion and mercy and ruled by greed and power. Love is capable of great understanding and can conquer adversities when true! There is an overlap from previous series, THE SPITFIRES which makes this tale more enjoyable – Ms. Burke spins a web of suspense, intrigue and awe!!
These two books had something for everyone. Very entertaining with the plot twist and turns. Characters were strong, honorable, human and lovable.
I couldn’t put it down it was so entertaining.
A Secret Surrender by Darcy Burke is the first book in The Pretenders series and you definitely don’t want to miss reading it if you love historical romances with a little mystery added to them.
Selina Blackwell has had do what it takes in order to survive the mean streets of London and that includes deceiving those that she cares for, but meeting and falling in love with Harry Sheffield makes her want to change all of that.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more books in this wonderful new series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
A con artist posing as a fortune teller. An earl’s son working as a Bow Street Runner. A delicious forbidden romance!u2060 u2060
As an orphan, Selina was forced to work for a crime lord, but she’s now trying to start a new life. Harry is investigating her alter ego Madame Sybila, a veiled fortune teller who speaks with a French accent. If he discovers the truth, it could mean prison and the end to everything she’s worked for. She walks a tightrope between two worlds, keeping him close in her identity as Lady Gresham so she can keep him as far as possible from Sybila and her crimes.u2060
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This story immediately pulled me in. It’s suspenseful and engrossing. The characters are interesting, well-drawn, and charming.
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Overall, this was a very entertaining read. I recommend it to anyone who likes Regency romance. The author is an excellent storyteller. u2060
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Thanks, Darcy Burke Publishing, for the NetGalley ARC.u2060
First book in a new series that can easily be read as a stand alone.
I love to read about unusual jobs or out of the norm heroes or heroines, and this book has it all in spades.
A pretender indeed, Lady Gresham is a survivor that has gone through a lot in her life and will stop at nothing to live the life she wants.
Harry, an earl that hates loosing and doesn’t care much about the society rules, sets his mind in finding out who is the illusive woman that makes her money from frivolous games and learned speeches.
Full of suspense and great banter, this novel is a great historical romance with two characters that will go head first to stand their ground, but that ground is coming apart when love and lust make an appearance in their heart.
Another great story by Darcy Burke!
Absolutely loved this book, and so anxious to continue this wonderful new series! Amazing characters always from this author.
Darcy Burke creates wonderful, appealing characters, lively dialogue, and intriguing conflict that keeps the reader engaged from the first page to the last. While this is the first in a new series, there are always “guest appearances” from book in other series. This one is connected to the Spitfire series.
Harry Sheffield is the second son, by a few minutes, of an Earl. He was a barrister, but found it boring so became a constable for Bow Street. His father requested that he investigate a Madame Sybila, a fortune teller, who his mother has been seeing. That is how he meets Selina Blackwell, who is Madame Sybila, in disguise. Deception is the way she has been able to support herself and her young friend after she and her brother had been orphaned and brought to London by a charlatan. Her brother had managed to sent her to a boarding school where she befriended Beatrix, but after being raped while she was working as a governess, she collected Beatrix, brought her to London and is helping her find her father. She believes her brother, Rafe, was murdered by “the Vicar”, who appeared in some of the other books. When she learns that Harry is investigating The Vicar, she offers to help and they become quite close. They both have lots of surprises and danger in store for them. But as always, there is a HEA.
I had hoped that Harry would have surprised Selina by investigating the identity and what happened to Selina’s parents, which seems very mysterious. Perhaps in a future book?
I read an ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my voluntary and unbiased review.
COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN
A SECRET SURRENDER is the first book in the Pretenders series. Though set in the world of The Untouchables, it is not necessary to have read that series. On the other hand, I would recommend reading The Pretenders in the order of release since we are following Selina and her siblings.
I love Harry Sheffield. He is a second son to Earl the Aylesbury, but instead of taking a commission with the army or a position with the clergy he chose to become a barrister. When that didn’t suit him, he chose to become a constable working with the Bow Street Runners. He’s a workaholic with a quick mind, a compassionate heart, and a forward-thinking ideology.
Selina has had a tough life from the time she was toddler. Luckily, she had an older brother and a family “uncle” who helped her reach maturity, but then she was truly on her own. Living by her wits in an age when women weren’t much more than chattel requires her to live beyond what most of us would consider to be our conscience. She’s a complex character with a complicated background that built my admiration.
I didn’t know how Selina was going to ever get Harry to trust her with all that lies that had to be told. How could she reveal the truth? How could he forgive her? I couldn’t put this book down until I knew how this was all resolved and I loved ever twist, turn, and fraud.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via NetGalley, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: A SECRET SURRENDER
Series: The Untouchables: The Pretenders #1
Category /Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect
Received from: Darcy Burke (as an ARC gifted copy)
I’m always excited when I see the potential for a criminal romanced by a lawman (a constable in this case)! Selina is a con-woman trying to support herself and her best friend while they work towards their respective goals.
Harry, a straight-laced gentleman that works for Bow Street, was an interesting character. While technically a part of the ton, unlike most second-born sons, Harry skips over purchasing a commission or becoming a man of the cloth and chooses to work within the justice system. I loved seeing his rigid ways upended by the enigmatic Selina.
As enjoyable as I find the concept, I think I just didn’t connect with the characters enough for this romance to really blow me away. Harry was the easiest to understand, but Selina baffled me almost as much as she did Harry. Some of the scenes felt rushed and incomplete as they spent time together. Their first kiss came out of the blue and I ended up rereading the lead up twice to see if I missed something that would turn the conversation from relatively mundane to this searing passion. It’s definitely a bummer because I love stolen moments at a soiree. The pacing issue also extended to a mystery surrounding Selina. I can’t share much without a spoiler, but I do think that big reveal could have had more impact. That said, maybe my lack of connection to Selina muted that emotional punch for me. As odd as the pacing felt early in the book after Harry discovered the truth regarding Selina’s other identity everything seemed to click together.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the criminal/inspector aspect of the relationship and the obstacles that created for the couple. When considered separately, I enjoyed Selina and Harry but something was missing from their relationship for me. So while I enjoyed the book, it just missed the mark just a bit for me to truly rave about it. I’m really looking forward to Beatrix’s romance in the next book though!
CW: References to a past sexual assault
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Fortune teller, widowed countess, or street urchin grown up. Only Selina knows what she has done and needs to do to survive. Which is to not get tangled up with a Bow Street Runner. Harry is a younger son of a Duke. He could take the easy way in life and rely on his charm and good looks (which he has a plenty), but he wants to do something meaningful with his life. When Harry asks Lady Gresham—the widow—to help him uncover the secrets of Madame Sybila—the fortune teller—in exchange for helping her “sister’s” entrée into Society (also a Pretender; read the next in the series to learn more), the knot just get more tangled up. Is Selina running a long con? Will Harry arrest her? Or will these two surrender to love?
What a great start to a new series with A Secret Surrender, The Pretenders #1.
Selina was a survivor and has learnt from an early age not too trust anyone until she comes up against and starts working with Harry Sheffield, the Bow Street Runner who also happens to be after her alter-ego. Lots of deceit along the way, trust and hearts broken. Very well written, page turner to get to that happily ever after.
Can’t wait for the next book with Beatrix!
I really enjoyed A Secret Surrender by Darcy Burke. It is the first in a new series, The Pretenders. I always love that the first in series works well as a stand alone. There are some connections to Burke’s other “Untouchables” novels but you do not have to have read those books to enjoy this one.
I love reading historicals that aren’t all about Dukes and the upper classes. Here we have Harry Sheffield, a Bow Street Runner from an upper class family. Harry has a passion for justice and for truly helping people. Selina has a few identities including a medium and Lady Gresham. Selina survived the cruel world of London poverty and was sent away to a finishing school by her brother, Rafe. Now she is back using her two identities to provide a Season for her “sister.”
What I loved about this novel is the characters. Each MC has a web of family that also adds so much to the story. Looking forward to the next in series!. I love that Selina is a woman who climbed her way out of poverty and is fighting to survive. While Harry is trying to protect his family and others from fraud. What results from their meeting is a passionate romance with witty banter and so much heart, What makes this novel even more exciting is the urgency. We know that Selina’s transgressions could be discovered at any moment and it adds a fast paced urgency to the story. Burke writes their relationship in such a way that I never felt uncomfortable about the use of deceit.
I’ve read a few books by Darcy Burke and each book just gets better and better. Burke is a great historical writer and you are guaranteed a solid good read each time.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.
#ASecretSurrender #DarcyBurke #ThePretenders #TheUntouchables #HistoricalRomance #RegencyRomance #NetGalley
3.5 Stars
A Secret Surrender was a great start to a new historical romance series that’s set in the same world as two of the author’s other series.
Selina Blackwell grew up on London’s streets and has learned to adapt to any situation that comes her way. In the hopes of providing her sister a Season she becomes Madame Sybila, a fortune-teller visited by London’s elite, and Lady Gresham, a proper chaperone for her sister. But when Bow Street Runner Harry Sheffield takes an interest in her business, Selina worries her secrets are about to be exposed. Determined to out Madame Sybila as a fraud, Harry enlists the help of Lady Gresham not realizing they are one and the same.
Selina and Harry’s relationship gets off to a slow start but they’re both immediately attracted to one another. Initially Selina’s plan was to get close to Harry so she could monitor his investigation into her dealings as Madame Sybila, but she quickly finds that she actually likes him as a person. While Selina helps Harry with his investigation, the pair develop a nice friendship with tons of teasing and flirting. The chemistry between them is fantastic and the physical scenes are steamy and well done. My only real complaint about the relationship was that I didn’t like how long it took for Selina to come clean about her identity as Madame Sybila. I understand why she would be hesitant to reveal her secrets, but I didn’t like the constant lying and deception. Once she does reveal the truth I liked the way the situation played out between them, I just wish is had happened sooner.
In addition to his investigation into Madame Sybila, Harry is also looking into a criminal known as the Vicar and a fire that occurred four years prior to the story which killed a number of people, including innocents. This storyline had a few twists with a great suspenseful scene near the end of the book. I enjoyed watching Harry work this case, but I will say it definitely takes a backseat to the Madame Sybila storyline. I didn’t love the final reveal of who was ultimately behind everything as it came a bit out of left field, but the rest of the plotline was interesting.
Overall, a few issues aside, A Secret Surrender was an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, A Scandalous Bargain, when it releases later this year.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**