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The Pretenders #1
A Secret Surrender
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?
A survivor of the 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.
A survivor of the 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.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2020
428 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
208 books2,280 followersDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
June 18, 2025
“I desperately want to know how your mouth feels beneath mine.” Then his lips were against hers, soft and sure, restoring her breath if not her sanity.
He dragged his thumb gently along the base of her jaw and pulled back slightly to look into her eyes. He was so close, she could see the thin rims of gold edging his tawny irises.
“What does this mean?” she asked, still not completely regaining her breath.
“Whatever we want it to.”
Selina couldn’t quite make sense of anything. So she gave up trying.
Always a good survival strategy: if anything doesn’t make sense, just don’t bother. What you don’t know won't hurt you.
That’s especially true for a woman in a double role, who helps a noble Bow Street Runner to investigate herself. Fortunately, he happily shares every single detail about the investigation with her and also lures her into an affair. Of course, they fall in love, but when her identity is exposed, everything is on the line.
It wasn’t good, it wasn’t bad. It was just meh.
That goes for the story, the romance, the mystery, the characters (both main and supporting), the steam, and also for the writing style (as far as I can tell as a non-native speaker).
Maybe it just wasn’t for me. Either way, I don’t have the slightest interest in the sequels or any other books by this author.
2.5
However, for the bingo players it might be a treasure: you can use it for ’morally grey heroine’, ’presumed dead returns’ (although it’s a supporting character) or ’officer of law VS suspect’.
He dragged his thumb gently along the base of her jaw and pulled back slightly to look into her eyes. He was so close, she could see the thin rims of gold edging his tawny irises.
“What does this mean?” she asked, still not completely regaining her breath.
“Whatever we want it to.”
Selina couldn’t quite make sense of anything. So she gave up trying.
Always a good survival strategy: if anything doesn’t make sense, just don’t bother. What you don’t know won't hurt you.
That’s especially true for a woman in a double role, who helps a noble Bow Street Runner to investigate herself. Fortunately, he happily shares every single detail about the investigation with her and also lures her into an affair. Of course, they fall in love, but when her identity is exposed, everything is on the line.
It wasn’t good, it wasn’t bad. It was just meh.
That goes for the story, the romance, the mystery, the characters (both main and supporting), the steam, and also for the writing style (as far as I can tell as a non-native speaker).
Maybe it just wasn’t for me. Either way, I don’t have the slightest interest in the sequels or any other books by this author.
2.5
However, for the bingo players it might be a treasure: you can use it for ’morally grey heroine’, ’presumed dead returns’ (although it’s a supporting character) or ’officer of law VS suspect’.
August 9, 2020
'A survivor of the 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.'
____________________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
A Secret Surrender is the first book in Darcy Burke's new The Pretenders triology and is a historical romance. It is not a clean romance.
I found the plot to be intruiging. It was a bit strange to see an earl's son working as a Bow Street runner, but I liked the unique twist it lent to the story. Going into this book, I thought that I wasn't really going to like Selina, but she was a lovely bend of compassionate and flawed and I found that I quite liked her character and was invested on her circumstances improving over the course of the book.
I like the idea of Selina starting over and getting a chance at happiness, but I found her transition to be a bit abrupt. I had thought she would have held more information back and only reveal what she absolutely had to, mixing truth with fiction. Given this, I didn't blame Harry for being hesitant to believe in her sudden honesty. I did wish that things hadn't been resoved so quickly between them. She had deceived him in more ways than one and so I had expected more friction before things were resolved. But that also could have just been me, things didn't necessarily feel rushed.
Overall I enjoyed A Secret Surrender and found it to be a good start to a new series, but it has not been my favorite by Darcy Burke. It does seem with this plot that she's trying something new, so I'm looking forward to reading more from the series to learn more about the other characters and see where things so. If you enjoy historical romance and any of Darcy Burke's previous series, then I believe that you will enjoy A Secret Surrender.
_____
I received an eARC of A Secret Surrender from the author, Darcy Burke. This is my honest and voluntary review.
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.'
____________________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
A Secret Surrender is the first book in Darcy Burke's new The Pretenders triology and is a historical romance. It is not a clean romance.
I found the plot to be intruiging. It was a bit strange to see an earl's son working as a Bow Street runner, but I liked the unique twist it lent to the story. Going into this book, I thought that I wasn't really going to like Selina, but she was a lovely bend of compassionate and flawed and I found that I quite liked her character and was invested on her circumstances improving over the course of the book.
I like the idea of Selina starting over and getting a chance at happiness, but I found her transition to be a bit abrupt. I had thought she would have held more information back and only reveal what she absolutely had to, mixing truth with fiction. Given this, I didn't blame Harry for being hesitant to believe in her sudden honesty. I did wish that things hadn't been resoved so quickly between them. She had deceived him in more ways than one and so I had expected more friction before things were resolved. But that also could have just been me, things didn't necessarily feel rushed.
Overall I enjoyed A Secret Surrender and found it to be a good start to a new series, but it has not been my favorite by Darcy Burke. It does seem with this plot that she's trying something new, so I'm looking forward to reading more from the series to learn more about the other characters and see where things so. If you enjoy historical romance and any of Darcy Burke's previous series, then I believe that you will enjoy A Secret Surrender.
_____
I received an eARC of A Secret Surrender from the author, Darcy Burke. This is my honest and voluntary review.
August 4, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Harry Sheffield is second son to the Earl Of Aylesbury , he is not a lover of society’s rules and restrictions, more of your everyday beat cop of the Regency Period.
He’s cool , collected and a bit of a hero in the making, he’s not keen on loosing.
Hates it when a plan doesn’t come together, and it’s always been the same.
His main aim is to find out who the lady is that tells his mothers future and takes her money, and she’s not the only customer.
To his frustration the Lady is illusive and he can’t get anywhere, then he meets Lady Gresham is it possible that she could help .
Little does he know the fortune teller and she are one in the same.
Very entertaining and enjoyable reading.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Harry Sheffield is second son to the Earl Of Aylesbury , he is not a lover of society’s rules and restrictions, more of your everyday beat cop of the Regency Period.
He’s cool , collected and a bit of a hero in the making, he’s not keen on loosing.
Hates it when a plan doesn’t come together, and it’s always been the same.
His main aim is to find out who the lady is that tells his mothers future and takes her money, and she’s not the only customer.
To his frustration the Lady is illusive and he can’t get anywhere, then he meets Lady Gresham is it possible that she could help .
Little does he know the fortune teller and she are one in the same.
Very entertaining and enjoyable reading.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
August 23, 2020
This was such a great story of two survivors. Noah and Jilly melted my heart... They both find healing together a 5 start read
Happy Reading
Lisa
Happy Reading
Lisa
August 1, 2020
A Secret Surrender
The Untouchables: The Pretenders Series #1
Darcy Burke
https://www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans/
Release date 08/07/2020
Publisher Darcy Burke Publishing
Blurb :
A survivor of the 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.
My review :
Will her way of life cost her the love of her life.
I have read some earlier reviews and people say they do not like Selina at the beginning. Sure she is not an easy character to appreciate but I loved her for all her flaws. And flawed she is. Deceptive, cunning, shrewd. So inadequate and defective, she is perfect. She has known most of her life deception and trickery and when once in her life she followed the rules, she paid a dear price. So she went back to her old life and acted as she had to to survive.
Sure she grows a conscience quite late but how could she had held with her livelihood if she thought about the harm she could cause even if she only targeted wealthy dupe.
Harry is the honorable by the book guy, he understands circumstances can push someone on the wrong path, so everyone deceives a chance at being better. So he even changed his professional route from barrister to runner, with the hope to deliver a better justice if he is a the beginning of the journey.
Why he has no place for a spouse in his life, yet Selina intrigues him, she is so unlike any of the other ladies he has come to know.
I loved how Harry with his kindness slowly breaches her defenses, and whatever she does to distance herself from his attack to her broken soul, she can shake him out of her system and because of their chemistry she became aware of her many misdeeds.
Mrs Burke with this first in a new series grants us an amazing tale of seing past someone’s mask and accepting the other what ever its faults.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Untouchables: The Pretenders Series #1
Darcy Burke
https://www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans/
Release date 08/07/2020
Publisher Darcy Burke Publishing
Blurb :
A survivor of the 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.
My review :
Will her way of life cost her the love of her life.
I have read some earlier reviews and people say they do not like Selina at the beginning. Sure she is not an easy character to appreciate but I loved her for all her flaws. And flawed she is. Deceptive, cunning, shrewd. So inadequate and defective, she is perfect. She has known most of her life deception and trickery and when once in her life she followed the rules, she paid a dear price. So she went back to her old life and acted as she had to to survive.
Sure she grows a conscience quite late but how could she had held with her livelihood if she thought about the harm she could cause even if she only targeted wealthy dupe.
Harry is the honorable by the book guy, he understands circumstances can push someone on the wrong path, so everyone deceives a chance at being better. So he even changed his professional route from barrister to runner, with the hope to deliver a better justice if he is a the beginning of the journey.
Why he has no place for a spouse in his life, yet Selina intrigues him, she is so unlike any of the other ladies he has come to know.
I loved how Harry with his kindness slowly breaches her defenses, and whatever she does to distance herself from his attack to her broken soul, she can shake him out of her system and because of their chemistry she became aware of her many misdeeds.
Mrs Burke with this first in a new series grants us an amazing tale of seing past someone’s mask and accepting the other what ever its faults.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
December 17, 2024
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 (I don’t know why I didn’t love this one. Maybe I wanted the characters alone more together. Maybe I was annoyed about the secret keeping. Maybe it was even the writing. It just really didn’t grab me.)
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (There was something missing in these scenes for me. The steam was there (like 3 full scenes or whatever) but they didn’t feel steamy to me. They felt emotionless to me, sadly. Probably just a me thing!)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A touch
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: almost immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, 2 days later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley that I am like 4 years late on (oopsie, sorry I suck)
Why I chose this book: I have wanted to try more Darcy Burke and saw this on NetGalley forever ago and grabbed it
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first of Burke’s Pretender series.
Basic plot:
Harry is determined to prove Madame Sybila is a fraud, and enlists Lady Gresham’s help in uncovering her mystery.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency – 1819
- London setting
- secret identity
- widow heroine
- hero is the son of an Earl and a Bow Street Constable (former barrister)
- lower to mid steam – there’s 3ish full scenes but I felt like they were concentrated in one area of the book
Ages:
- heroine is 29, hero is 31
First line:
Harry Sheffield, constable for Bow Street, opened the door of The Ardent Rose on The Strand near Drury Lane.
My thoughts:
Sadly this book didn’t work for me. And maybe it was because of the secret keeping (this IS the Pretenders series after all) but I just didn’t like any part of it. I didn’t like the heroine and I liked the hero even less. I didn’t like the sex. I didn’t like the plot. I guess I’m just a debbie downer with this one.
I think if you don’t mind secret keeping and you like kind of a dual enemies to lovers/working together trope this would work for you. This is my second Darcy Burke and I haven’t loved either. Hoping to find one I really like!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating: 3.5 stars
Favorite book: The Legend of a Rogue
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 (I don’t know why I didn’t love this one. Maybe I wanted the characters alone more together. Maybe I was annoyed about the secret keeping. Maybe it was even the writing. It just really didn’t grab me.)
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (There was something missing in these scenes for me. The steam was there (like 3 full scenes or whatever) but they didn’t feel steamy to me. They felt emotionless to me, sadly. Probably just a me thing!)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A touch
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: almost immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, 2 days later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley that I am like 4 years late on (oopsie, sorry I suck)
Why I chose this book: I have wanted to try more Darcy Burke and saw this on NetGalley forever ago and grabbed it
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first of Burke’s Pretender series.
Basic plot:
Harry is determined to prove Madame Sybila is a fraud, and enlists Lady Gresham’s help in uncovering her mystery.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency – 1819
- London setting
- secret identity
- widow heroine
- hero is the son of an Earl and a Bow Street Constable (former barrister)
- lower to mid steam – there’s 3ish full scenes but I felt like they were concentrated in one area of the book
Ages:
- heroine is 29, hero is 31
First line:
Harry Sheffield, constable for Bow Street, opened the door of The Ardent Rose on The Strand near Drury Lane.
My thoughts:
Sadly this book didn’t work for me. And maybe it was because of the secret keeping (this IS the Pretenders series after all) but I just didn’t like any part of it. I didn’t like the heroine and I liked the hero even less. I didn’t like the sex. I didn’t like the plot. I guess I’m just a debbie downer with this one.
I think if you don’t mind secret keeping and you like kind of a dual enemies to lovers/working together trope this would work for you. This is my second Darcy Burke and I haven’t loved either. Hoping to find one I really like!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating: 3.5 stars
Favorite book: The Legend of a Rogue
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
August 3, 2020
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.
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.
August 18, 2020
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.**
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.**
September 4, 2020
A Secret Surrender is the first book in the Pretenders series by Darcy Burke. The book is a stand-alone, but some of the characters either had a book or will have one in the future. As the title of the series indicates, some of the main characters will be pretending to be people they are actually not. The heroine, Selina, for example, is pretending to be Madame Sybila a fortune teller. She is trying to raise money in order to give her sister a season and have the basics in life. I don't mind romances where one of the parties is lying about their identity, so I didn't think that I might have a problem with this book.
To be more precise, the problem wasn't Selina's alter ego, but rather her way of making money. You see, she was convincing people to give money to charities through her and the money never went to an actual charity and into her pockets. When Harry went to investigate the charity she was talking about, she had a friend gather up children and pretend to be the ones benefiting from the money. That made Selina instantly unlikable in my book. If she was actually helping people in need even when her own situation was bad, I would have loved her. I get that she had to survive but I couldn't feel any sympathy for her. Harry was a better character and I kept wondering why he couldn't put the pieces together and realize that Madame Sybila and Selina were the same person.
The writing is always good even when the main characters are frustrating. I have to give credit to the author because she set up the series very well and the main characters for the next two books were introduced so the reader can judge if they want to continue with series and these people as the main characters. I formed an opinion about them and I don't think that Selina's sister and I are a good match, so I will probably skip book two, but will return for the third.
To be more precise, the problem wasn't Selina's alter ego, but rather her way of making money. You see, she was convincing people to give money to charities through her and the money never went to an actual charity and into her pockets. When Harry went to investigate the charity she was talking about, she had a friend gather up children and pretend to be the ones benefiting from the money. That made Selina instantly unlikable in my book. If she was actually helping people in need even when her own situation was bad, I would have loved her. I get that she had to survive but I couldn't feel any sympathy for her. Harry was a better character and I kept wondering why he couldn't put the pieces together and realize that Madame Sybila and Selina were the same person.
The writing is always good even when the main characters are frustrating. I have to give credit to the author because she set up the series very well and the main characters for the next two books were introduced so the reader can judge if they want to continue with series and these people as the main characters. I formed an opinion about them and I don't think that Selina's sister and I are a good match, so I will probably skip book two, but will return for the third.
August 5, 2020
Selina Blackwell does what is necessary to make sure she and her sister survive, even if that means masquerading as a fortune teller one minute and a society widow the next. Harry Sheffield does what is necessary to solve a case, even if that includes enlisting a widow to help him thwart a fortune teller he suspects is swindling his mother.
I enjoyed the story, for the most part. I occasionally enjoy historical romances that take place outside of ballrooms so I really liked that aspect of this story. I also loved (finally!) finding out who the Vicar was, even if I guessed it really early on in the story.
I loved Harry. I am all for a way too serious workaholic for a hero. And he definitely was that. And because I loved him, I felt he could’ve done far better than Selina. I know she had a terrible childhood, but lots of people do and they don’t turn out to be jerks. It just seemed like an easy excuse for her to what she wanted to achieve her goals.
I will give A Scandalous Bargain a try because the hero in it sounds interesting even if I didn’t particularly like Beatrix all that much either.
*I received an eARC from Darcy Burke and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the story, for the most part. I occasionally enjoy historical romances that take place outside of ballrooms so I really liked that aspect of this story. I also loved (finally!) finding out who the Vicar was, even if I guessed it really early on in the story.
I loved Harry. I am all for a way too serious workaholic for a hero. And he definitely was that. And because I loved him, I felt he could’ve done far better than Selina. I know she had a terrible childhood, but lots of people do and they don’t turn out to be jerks. It just seemed like an easy excuse for her to what she wanted to achieve her goals.
I will give A Scandalous Bargain a try because the hero in it sounds interesting even if I didn’t particularly like Beatrix all that much either.
*I received an eARC from Darcy Burke and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up.
Growing up on the streets of East London, Selina Blackwell learned to play whatever role was necessary to survive. Her latest disguise is that of a fortune teller whose income she supplements with donations to a supposed home for orphans. But since she needs to chaperone her adopted sister’s London season, Selina also takes on the identity of a respectable widow, Lady Gresham. When a Bow Street Runner takes a keen interest in her endeavors, Selina is left grasping to keep her crimes and her past secret.
Since his mother has developed the habit of visiting the fortune teller Madame Sybila, Bow Street Runner Harry Sheffield has been asked by his father, the Earl of Aylesbury, to investigate the woman’s legitimacy. Since the fortune teller refuses male clients, Harry enlists the beautiful widow, Lady Gresham, to help him. Selina agrees since she can’t turn her nose up at the chance to develop connections to the aristocracy. Harry is too busy with his work to want marriage, but he’s eager to begin an affair with the lovely Selina, until he begins to discover the truth of her as her secrets unravel. Harry finds himself torn between his work, what he knows of crime and criminals, and his feelings for Selina, especially when he learns she has information that could help him solve the case that has haunted him for the past four years. Harry is left to choose between his sense of justice and the one woman to ever stir thoughts of forever in him.
This was quite an interesting story, but it took awhile for me to get into it. This was quite different from Darcy’s other books and, while I loved Harry, I struggled to like Selina. She kept up her lies for too long and missed a lot of perfect opportunities to confide in Harry. Her reasons were somewhat understandable and justifiable up until the end when it became apparent she had someone who would be happy to support her, but she turned this down and continued her crimes out of pride. Nonetheless, I couldn’t hate her, she just didn’t quite live up to where I wanted her to be. After the betrayal he faced, I’m amazed Harry could trust at all and he’s definitely a special hero. I also appreciated that much of this story was Selina figuring out who she truly was beneath her lies and false identities and I liked the idea of her starting anew, honestly with Harry and of him having someone to care for him for a change. I loved the twists and turns of this story and look forward to Beatrix’s and Rafe’s stories now, though I’m most excited by Beatrix’s hero.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Growing up on the streets of East London, Selina Blackwell learned to play whatever role was necessary to survive. Her latest disguise is that of a fortune teller whose income she supplements with donations to a supposed home for orphans. But since she needs to chaperone her adopted sister’s London season, Selina also takes on the identity of a respectable widow, Lady Gresham. When a Bow Street Runner takes a keen interest in her endeavors, Selina is left grasping to keep her crimes and her past secret.
Since his mother has developed the habit of visiting the fortune teller Madame Sybila, Bow Street Runner Harry Sheffield has been asked by his father, the Earl of Aylesbury, to investigate the woman’s legitimacy. Since the fortune teller refuses male clients, Harry enlists the beautiful widow, Lady Gresham, to help him. Selina agrees since she can’t turn her nose up at the chance to develop connections to the aristocracy. Harry is too busy with his work to want marriage, but he’s eager to begin an affair with the lovely Selina, until he begins to discover the truth of her as her secrets unravel. Harry finds himself torn between his work, what he knows of crime and criminals, and his feelings for Selina, especially when he learns she has information that could help him solve the case that has haunted him for the past four years. Harry is left to choose between his sense of justice and the one woman to ever stir thoughts of forever in him.
This was quite an interesting story, but it took awhile for me to get into it. This was quite different from Darcy’s other books and, while I loved Harry, I struggled to like Selina. She kept up her lies for too long and missed a lot of perfect opportunities to confide in Harry. Her reasons were somewhat understandable and justifiable up until the end when it became apparent she had someone who would be happy to support her, but she turned this down and continued her crimes out of pride. Nonetheless, I couldn’t hate her, she just didn’t quite live up to where I wanted her to be. After the betrayal he faced, I’m amazed Harry could trust at all and he’s definitely a special hero. I also appreciated that much of this story was Selina figuring out who she truly was beneath her lies and false identities and I liked the idea of her starting anew, honestly with Harry and of him having someone to care for him for a change. I loved the twists and turns of this story and look forward to Beatrix’s and Rafe’s stories now, though I’m most excited by Beatrix’s hero.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 31, 2020
A survivor of the 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. 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 including his mother, 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.
The first in a new series but it set in the same world as the Spitfire Society & of course the Untouchables, a lovely start to a new series. Another well written book that was a bit darker & grittier than some of the author's other books which for me made it all the more enjoyable. We’ve met Harry before & I loved his story although I did wonder how he & Selina would achieve their HEA. Selina was a complex character, who had done what she had had to, to survive. Strong characters who were very well portrayed, I loved both Selina & Harry who’s attraction was electric but they also confided in each other. The secondary characters also had depth & I look forward to Selina’s siblings’ stories. I must admit I didn’t work out who the true villain was until just before they were revealed. An enthralling read that I found very hard to put down & I loved it.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The first in a new series but it set in the same world as the Spitfire Society & of course the Untouchables, a lovely start to a new series. Another well written book that was a bit darker & grittier than some of the author's other books which for me made it all the more enjoyable. We’ve met Harry before & I loved his story although I did wonder how he & Selina would achieve their HEA. Selina was a complex character, who had done what she had had to, to survive. Strong characters who were very well portrayed, I loved both Selina & Harry who’s attraction was electric but they also confided in each other. The secondary characters also had depth & I look forward to Selina’s siblings’ stories. I must admit I didn’t work out who the true villain was until just before they were revealed. An enthralling read that I found very hard to put down & I loved it.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 1, 2020
3.5 rounded up
Harry Sheffield, younger son of the Earl of Aylesbury and constable for Bow Street, has been tasked by his father to learn all he can about a fortune-teller named Madame Sybila, whom his mother has been visiting. He has tracked her to a perfume shop on the Strand and hopes to get the proof he needs to shut her down. But Madame Sybila surprises him, she refuses to see him and no matter how much he offers, she won’t “read” his cards. She asks him to leave and when he says he will be back, she surprises him by saying Bow Street is not that far.
Selina Blackwell aka Madame Sybila aka Lady Gresham is exactly what Harry thinks she is – a scammer and a fraud. She has had a hard life, orphaned early in life and raised with her brother on the streets of London, then sent to school, where she met another lost child, Beatrix. After years at school, she lost touch with her brother and built a life for herself and Beatrix. She has returned to London as Lady Gresham to introduce Beatrix to society, with the hope that her father – the Duke of Ramsgate – will acknowledge her and offer to support her. She plans to steer clear of Harry, but when she learns he is looking into a fire that killed several people – including her brother – she decides to befriend him to learn who killed her brother and get revenge. But things don’t work out as she plans and she learns that her brother is not dead and happens to be the “Vicar”, the very criminal mastermind that Harry is looking for!
Selina plays a deep game, juggling her many personas and trying to keep herself from falling in love with Harry. Harry is thwarted at every turn in his investigations of Madame Sybila and the Vicar and completely smitten with Lady Gresham. Harry is falling hard for Selina and begins to think of forever, but when the truth comes out, he is shattered and any chance of HEA is gone…or is it?
I thought this was an interesting story, there was a lot going on and was not quite as cohesive as I have come to expect from Ms. Burke. I liked the characters, Harry is to die for, but I was not thrilled that Selina kept lying to Harry for so long, I understand the reasoning, but I still didn’t like it and while I didn’t hate her, I spent a good portion of the book disappointed with her. The book has a bit of everything, intrigue, shocking revelations, secrets, lies, fraud, betrayal, steamy love scenes, a kleptomaniac, a meddling yet loving family, heartache, a very forgiving hero and finally a HEA that seemed impossible.
This is the first book in a new series, but it has ties to the Spitfire Society and you will see some familiar names if you have read that series. And as there were some lingering, unanswered questions in this book, I will be looking forward to the future installments with the hope that they will be resolved in Beatrix and Rafe's stories.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by the publisher.*
Harry Sheffield, younger son of the Earl of Aylesbury and constable for Bow Street, has been tasked by his father to learn all he can about a fortune-teller named Madame Sybila, whom his mother has been visiting. He has tracked her to a perfume shop on the Strand and hopes to get the proof he needs to shut her down. But Madame Sybila surprises him, she refuses to see him and no matter how much he offers, she won’t “read” his cards. She asks him to leave and when he says he will be back, she surprises him by saying Bow Street is not that far.
Selina Blackwell aka Madame Sybila aka Lady Gresham is exactly what Harry thinks she is – a scammer and a fraud. She has had a hard life, orphaned early in life and raised with her brother on the streets of London, then sent to school, where she met another lost child, Beatrix. After years at school, she lost touch with her brother and built a life for herself and Beatrix. She has returned to London as Lady Gresham to introduce Beatrix to society, with the hope that her father – the Duke of Ramsgate – will acknowledge her and offer to support her. She plans to steer clear of Harry, but when she learns he is looking into a fire that killed several people – including her brother – she decides to befriend him to learn who killed her brother and get revenge. But things don’t work out as she plans and she learns that her brother is not dead and happens to be the “Vicar”, the very criminal mastermind that Harry is looking for!
Selina plays a deep game, juggling her many personas and trying to keep herself from falling in love with Harry. Harry is thwarted at every turn in his investigations of Madame Sybila and the Vicar and completely smitten with Lady Gresham. Harry is falling hard for Selina and begins to think of forever, but when the truth comes out, he is shattered and any chance of HEA is gone…or is it?
I thought this was an interesting story, there was a lot going on and was not quite as cohesive as I have come to expect from Ms. Burke. I liked the characters, Harry is to die for, but I was not thrilled that Selina kept lying to Harry for so long, I understand the reasoning, but I still didn’t like it and while I didn’t hate her, I spent a good portion of the book disappointed with her. The book has a bit of everything, intrigue, shocking revelations, secrets, lies, fraud, betrayal, steamy love scenes, a kleptomaniac, a meddling yet loving family, heartache, a very forgiving hero and finally a HEA that seemed impossible.
This is the first book in a new series, but it has ties to the Spitfire Society and you will see some familiar names if you have read that series. And as there were some lingering, unanswered questions in this book, I will be looking forward to the future installments with the hope that they will be resolved in Beatrix and Rafe's stories.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by the publisher.*
July 29, 2020
A Secret Surrender is the first book in The Pretenders series by Darcy Burke and what a perfect start to a new series it is.
Selina Blackwell under the guise of fortune teller Madame Sybila breaks the law and often to support herself and her sister, Beatrix. A sister not by blood but a sister all the same. She also pretends to be a widow and takes on the persona of Lady Gresham in order to be amongst society with the view to introducing her sister and eventually paying for her to have a 'season'.
A not so accidental accident brings Selina to Bow Street runner and aristocrat Harry Sheffield's attention. He has been tasked by his father with investigating Madame Sybilla. His mother has been seeing her and giving money for various good causes to her and his father believes it's all a con. I won't go into details but Harry ends up offering to help Selina get her sister into society as a thank you for any help she can provide him in finding out information about Madame Sybilla.
They end up spending a lot of time together and an attraction between Selina and Harry grows. It might be growing, and it might just be lust, but whatever it is you just know it won't be good when the truth comes to light about who Selina really is. Harry first and foremost is a man of the law, what will he do?
This story was wonderful not least because I really couldn't see how there could be a happy ending for Harry and Selina. Their relationship was so passionate, and their love-making was emotional yet steamy...very well written by the author. I wanted to read the book as quickly as possible to find out if they could indeed have a happy AND believable ending.
Along with the romance I enjoyed the mystery of one of Harry's old cases that he hadn't been able to solve, one with quite the twist which I am certainly not telling you about. Add to that Harry trying to uncover Madame Sybilla and the suspense of what would happen if he did and I was captivated with this story.
It definitely was a perfect start to a new series and I can't wait to read the next books in the series.
Selina Blackwell under the guise of fortune teller Madame Sybila breaks the law and often to support herself and her sister, Beatrix. A sister not by blood but a sister all the same. She also pretends to be a widow and takes on the persona of Lady Gresham in order to be amongst society with the view to introducing her sister and eventually paying for her to have a 'season'.
A not so accidental accident brings Selina to Bow Street runner and aristocrat Harry Sheffield's attention. He has been tasked by his father with investigating Madame Sybilla. His mother has been seeing her and giving money for various good causes to her and his father believes it's all a con. I won't go into details but Harry ends up offering to help Selina get her sister into society as a thank you for any help she can provide him in finding out information about Madame Sybilla.
They end up spending a lot of time together and an attraction between Selina and Harry grows. It might be growing, and it might just be lust, but whatever it is you just know it won't be good when the truth comes to light about who Selina really is. Harry first and foremost is a man of the law, what will he do?
This story was wonderful not least because I really couldn't see how there could be a happy ending for Harry and Selina. Their relationship was so passionate, and their love-making was emotional yet steamy...very well written by the author. I wanted to read the book as quickly as possible to find out if they could indeed have a happy AND believable ending.
Along with the romance I enjoyed the mystery of one of Harry's old cases that he hadn't been able to solve, one with quite the twist which I am certainly not telling you about. Add to that Harry trying to uncover Madame Sybilla and the suspense of what would happen if he did and I was captivated with this story.
It definitely was a perfect start to a new series and I can't wait to read the next books in the series.
August 12, 2020
Lies and Deception!
Lies and deception are definitely not a good combination to base one's life on and this is what Selina learns when she tries to survive using these methods.
So many personas and yet she is such a likable character that Harry, the Bow Street Runner can't help but fall for her as together they unravel and solve a mystery with a very surprising ending.
I just loved how every single thing in this story ties up neatly in the end.
The story is very well written and is an entertaining and enjoyable read!
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and my voluntary review above is unbiased.
Lies and deception are definitely not a good combination to base one's life on and this is what Selina learns when she tries to survive using these methods.
So many personas and yet she is such a likable character that Harry, the Bow Street Runner can't help but fall for her as together they unravel and solve a mystery with a very surprising ending.
I just loved how every single thing in this story ties up neatly in the end.
The story is very well written and is an entertaining and enjoyable read!
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and my voluntary review above is unbiased.
September 2, 2020
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
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
August 7, 2020
I received an ARC of this book as a member of a review crew to read in exchange for a fair review. A Secret Surrender is the first book in Darcy Burke’s exciting new series, The Pretenders. Characters and events in this book relate to her previous series, The Untouchables and the Spitfire Society, but it is not necessary to have read them to enjoy this book. Selina Blackwell has more than one identity, including Madame Sybila, a fortune teller and of Lady Gresham, a widow looking to launch her younger sister into society. She meets Harry Sheffield, the younger son of the Earl of Aylesbury, who is a Bow Street runner when he is investigating Madame Sybila and to protect herself, she convinces him to let her (Lady Gresham) help him in his investigation. What she didn’t expect was that she would fall in love with Harry and things get even more complicated when her sister Beatrix steals some jewels and her dead brother turns out not to be dead, but someone Harry is looking for because of a fire from four years ago where several young women and children died. The twists and turns in this story will have you avidly turning pages and hoping that somehow Selina will get her HEA with Harry. Medium Steam. Publishing Date: July 7, 2020. #ASecretSurrender #DarcyBurke #HistoricalRomance #BowStreetRomance #bookstagram
August 7, 2020
Many secrets, lies, and gritty characters make for a book you can’t put down. I was hooked from the start with their first meeting and the instant attraction between them. This story continues the mystery of “the vicar” from the last book in The Spitfire Society series and it was a twist I never saw coming when it was all revealed.
Selina and Harry are made for each other and everyone can see it, but all the secrets hanging over them could destroy everything between them. I loved how the chemistry between them kept things light and pulled them from darkness when needed. They needed more than an affair and their love helped them find the truth in everything.
Selina has lost her true self over the years after having to do anything to survive and overcome the past. I loved her from the start because she did what she had to but also wanted to make things right and help people. She finally found her true self and the love she deserved.
Harry may come from a completely different upbringing than Selina, but he cares for people and wants justice for a crime that others forgot about. He knew deep down that he couldn’t let her go. I loved him from the start because he cares about those that others don’t seem too.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review.
Selina and Harry are made for each other and everyone can see it, but all the secrets hanging over them could destroy everything between them. I loved how the chemistry between them kept things light and pulled them from darkness when needed. They needed more than an affair and their love helped them find the truth in everything.
Selina has lost her true self over the years after having to do anything to survive and overcome the past. I loved her from the start because she did what she had to but also wanted to make things right and help people. She finally found her true self and the love she deserved.
Harry may come from a completely different upbringing than Selina, but he cares for people and wants justice for a crime that others forgot about. He knew deep down that he couldn’t let her go. I loved him from the start because he cares about those that others don’t seem too.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review.
August 10, 2020
I love a redemption story! (They’re almost as good as second chances, in my opinion.) I really liked the twist that in this book, it’s the heroine in need of redeeming. It gives the story a bit of a Cinderella feel. Selina is fiercely independent and while I liked that about her, I wasn’t as fond of all the lies she needed to tell Harry in order to keep all her secrets safe. Harry is pretty much everything good book boyfriends are made of. He’s noble, honorable, caring, and devoted to his family – who, let’s be honest, are quite the handful. There’s a lot going on in this book. I think it’s just the usual first-in-a-series syndrome where the groundwork for the following books needs to be laid. I didn’t have any troubles following all the different plot points, but I did find the pace a little frenetic at times. I loved getting a peak at the Spitfire society from a different angle and I’m looking forward to seeing what the author has in store for Selina’s siblings.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.
August 21, 2020
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.
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.
September 13, 2020
SEEEE I could have liked this book as I tend to like Darcy's books, but I had problem with this one. Why? well so we meet Selina who is playing a psychic, and my issue with that is that she had seemingly good people giving money to charities that did not exist, and that was my problem. It was that she was doing it to evil people (not saying that is correct) but could have tolerated more. But no she was simply a thief and couldn't respect that. Harry went to investigate her since she had fleeced his mom but there was just something about her. They meet again under different circumstances, but she is keeping the secret that should bring them doom, she is a thief and he is a bow street runner, what to do what to do
August 29, 2020
This new series will be an interesting take on a well-worn genre. Each of the protagonists is pretending to be something they are not. In this case, a woman who's a little bit Artful Dodger and a little Jane Eyre allies with a high-born Bow Street Runner and his matchmaking family. She's got a kleptomaniac adopted sister, a booming business as a phony fortune-teller, and a bunch of shady characters from her past threatening to ruin everything. My main complaint is that one of the most intriguing people from her past is killed off in this novel, and therefore won't be in any future books.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.
August 2, 2020
This was an entertaining read with engaging characters. Harry Sheffield is an excellent Bow Street Runner and his investigations bring him into contact with Selina Blackwell. Selina has a complicated background and although Selina and Harry are every attracted to each other, there are things in Selina’s life that could cause severe problems. I had no idea how things could be resolved. Harry does have a very interfering family but they are looking out for his best interests. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.
August 5, 2020
Selina Blackwell is pretending to be Madame Sybila and Lady Gresham. She was dealt a negative lot in life and spent her younger years immersed in crime while growing up in the bad part of town. After her brother Rafe sent her away to school she met Beatrix. Beatrix is the bastard daughter of the Duke of Ramsgate and has become quite adept at stealing jewelry over the years. Although Beatrix is not her blood sister they struck up a sisterly relationship at school and during the years that followed. Because they have no one to rely on but themselves they resort to thievery and Selina tells fortunes as Madame Sybila. As Lady Gresham, Selina wants to introduce her sister Beatrix into London society. So this is the life they have lived in order to stay safely away from the scumbags of the world, keep food on their table and a roof over their heads.
Harry Sheffield, bow street runner and second son of the Earl of Aylesbury, is investigating fortune teller Madame Sybila. His mother has been seeing Madame Sybila and his father is not happy about it. He thinks she is a charlatan and wants Harry to prove him right.
Harry has literally just ran into Selina as Lady Gresham. She knows he is watching Madame Sybila and is keeping an eye out for him so he does not discover all her secrets. But they are attracted to each other and actually begin a relationship where they are trying to help solve the mystery of the Saffron Hill fire. Selina believes her brother died in the fire and Harry lost a young woman in the fire who he was trying to help.
If you have read any of Darcy Burke recent books you will remember some of the supporting characters that appear in this book. I do have to say I really love the Sheffield family. They tease, they worry, and they love which you can see through their conversations and actions.
I couldn’t get into this one right away, but the further along the story progressed the more I was able to enjoy it more and more. I think this is due to the fact that even though there were few options for these ladies they were still taking advantage of people that they were also befriending at the same time. On the other hand if Selina would have just come out and admitted to her secrets it would have made for a super boring story. Even though it was not my favorite of her books it was still a good read with a little mystery. We all want our happily ever afters and to know that forgiveness for our sins will always be granted. This is part of the reason why we read, to believe in what may never happen in reality. I am not sure what path Beatrix’s life will take, but I am very interested to see who may tame Rafe! I received an ARC of this book and chose to post my review.
Harry Sheffield, bow street runner and second son of the Earl of Aylesbury, is investigating fortune teller Madame Sybila. His mother has been seeing Madame Sybila and his father is not happy about it. He thinks she is a charlatan and wants Harry to prove him right.
Harry has literally just ran into Selina as Lady Gresham. She knows he is watching Madame Sybila and is keeping an eye out for him so he does not discover all her secrets. But they are attracted to each other and actually begin a relationship where they are trying to help solve the mystery of the Saffron Hill fire. Selina believes her brother died in the fire and Harry lost a young woman in the fire who he was trying to help.
If you have read any of Darcy Burke recent books you will remember some of the supporting characters that appear in this book. I do have to say I really love the Sheffield family. They tease, they worry, and they love which you can see through their conversations and actions.
I couldn’t get into this one right away, but the further along the story progressed the more I was able to enjoy it more and more. I think this is due to the fact that even though there were few options for these ladies they were still taking advantage of people that they were also befriending at the same time. On the other hand if Selina would have just come out and admitted to her secrets it would have made for a super boring story. Even though it was not my favorite of her books it was still a good read with a little mystery. We all want our happily ever afters and to know that forgiveness for our sins will always be granted. This is part of the reason why we read, to believe in what may never happen in reality. I am not sure what path Beatrix’s life will take, but I am very interested to see who may tame Rafe! I received an ARC of this book and chose to post my review.
August 7, 2020
A Secret Surrender by Darcy Burke
The Pretenders #1
What would you do to survive? Would you lie, cheat, steal, run cons, do whatever it took to save yourself and someone you cared for as deeply as a sister? Some would and some think they would not and yet…in a situation like that my guess is that a child might do what it took to keep body and soul together. Selina was lucky enough to have a slightly older brother by her side for the early years of her life on the streets and the skills she learned stood her in good stead when she and her friend Beatrix found themselves alone and in need of a way to make a living. We don’t hear much about those years as the book begins when the two women have already made it to London so Beatrix can have a season and make her mark. But will either Selina or Beatrix achieve what they set out to do?
What I liked:
* Selina: savvy, capable, intelligent, willing, and able to do what it took. She didn’t plan to fall in love with Harry but fall in love she did.
* Harry: intelligent, loves to solve puzzles, knows the law, sees in black and white…until he meets Selina and shades of gray appear. He did not plan to fall in love with Selina but fall in love he did.
* Beatrix: a woman with sticky fingers but a heart of gold. I really want to see what happens when her story is told in book two.
* Rafe: Intriguing brother of Selina that I need to know more about – can’t wait to read his story!
* Harry’s family: what a blessing they are and so much fun. I am wondering if perhaps Jeremy, Harry’s twin, might end up married in this series, too.
* Maggie: a bit player but one that was key to the story. I hope she and her brother managed a better life.
* The way Selina managed to make a life for herself and Beatrix – her strength of will was amazing.
* The relationship between Harry and Selina was believable and real and I was hoping they would manage their HEA by the end of the story.
What I did not like:
* That Rafe and Selina had their future stolen from them – do want to know more about how that happened.
* The evil men that were revealed at the end of the book – I was glad they were caught.
* Having to say goodbye to the cast of characters knowing it will be awhile before book two is ready to read.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!
Thank you to NetGalley and Darcy Burke Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The Pretenders #1
What would you do to survive? Would you lie, cheat, steal, run cons, do whatever it took to save yourself and someone you cared for as deeply as a sister? Some would and some think they would not and yet…in a situation like that my guess is that a child might do what it took to keep body and soul together. Selina was lucky enough to have a slightly older brother by her side for the early years of her life on the streets and the skills she learned stood her in good stead when she and her friend Beatrix found themselves alone and in need of a way to make a living. We don’t hear much about those years as the book begins when the two women have already made it to London so Beatrix can have a season and make her mark. But will either Selina or Beatrix achieve what they set out to do?
What I liked:
* Selina: savvy, capable, intelligent, willing, and able to do what it took. She didn’t plan to fall in love with Harry but fall in love she did.
* Harry: intelligent, loves to solve puzzles, knows the law, sees in black and white…until he meets Selina and shades of gray appear. He did not plan to fall in love with Selina but fall in love he did.
* Beatrix: a woman with sticky fingers but a heart of gold. I really want to see what happens when her story is told in book two.
* Rafe: Intriguing brother of Selina that I need to know more about – can’t wait to read his story!
* Harry’s family: what a blessing they are and so much fun. I am wondering if perhaps Jeremy, Harry’s twin, might end up married in this series, too.
* Maggie: a bit player but one that was key to the story. I hope she and her brother managed a better life.
* The way Selina managed to make a life for herself and Beatrix – her strength of will was amazing.
* The relationship between Harry and Selina was believable and real and I was hoping they would manage their HEA by the end of the story.
What I did not like:
* That Rafe and Selina had their future stolen from them – do want to know more about how that happened.
* The evil men that were revealed at the end of the book – I was glad they were caught.
* Having to say goodbye to the cast of characters knowing it will be awhile before book two is ready to read.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!
Thank you to NetGalley and Darcy Burke Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
August 7, 2020
Oh, how I love a good cat and mouse game. A Secret Surrender is full of lies and deception with a big smidge of steam and a whole lot of intrigue. Darcy Burke has a way of writing stories that are fun and interconnect with other series without feeling forced or some formula different book.
Selina Blackwell is on a mission to help her sister from another mister in her late-debut season- for reasons- and to try to reconnect with her estranged-for reasons- actual brother back in London. She has, by necessity, learned to be a chameleon of sorts to survive. In her latest con, she is fronting as a fortune-teller while presenting herself as Lady Gresham to the ton to further her sister's season and presentation into society. But when a Bow Street Runner takes too much of an interest in her business, she has to play a deep, multifaceted game. It's best to keep your enemies close and all that, right? Not because the man trying to send you to prison makes your breath catch and makes your toes curl when he kisses you. No. Never that.
Harry is the younger twin son of the Earl of Aylesbury and a constable for Bow Street. His father has tasked him to investigate a fortune-teller who his mother has been visiting. While trying to further his investigation, Harry runs into and enlists Lady Gresham to aide in his investigation of Madame Sybila and her sure-to-be fraudulent enterprises.
This is the first book in a new series, but there are a few ties to the Spitfire Society with familiar names, activities and even a cross-over with the Vicar and Bow Street activities seen in A Duke Will Never Do. (Which I enjoyed immensely as we worked through all the connections.)
I really enjoyed all the secondary characters, oh how I love nosey siblings, and can't wait for the other Blackwell-ish siblings to have their time. The cat and mouse game was fun. While, I tend to dislike continuous plots of deception amongst love interests, I found this to be enjoyable and Selina really did redeem herself in the end.
Darcy Burke is always a good bet for a fun and enjoyable historical with just the right amount of steam. Can't wait for more!
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Selina Blackwell is on a mission to help her sister from another mister in her late-debut season- for reasons- and to try to reconnect with her estranged-for reasons- actual brother back in London. She has, by necessity, learned to be a chameleon of sorts to survive. In her latest con, she is fronting as a fortune-teller while presenting herself as Lady Gresham to the ton to further her sister's season and presentation into society. But when a Bow Street Runner takes too much of an interest in her business, she has to play a deep, multifaceted game. It's best to keep your enemies close and all that, right? Not because the man trying to send you to prison makes your breath catch and makes your toes curl when he kisses you. No. Never that.
Harry is the younger twin son of the Earl of Aylesbury and a constable for Bow Street. His father has tasked him to investigate a fortune-teller who his mother has been visiting. While trying to further his investigation, Harry runs into and enlists Lady Gresham to aide in his investigation of Madame Sybila and her sure-to-be fraudulent enterprises.
This is the first book in a new series, but there are a few ties to the Spitfire Society with familiar names, activities and even a cross-over with the Vicar and Bow Street activities seen in A Duke Will Never Do. (Which I enjoyed immensely as we worked through all the connections.)
I really enjoyed all the secondary characters, oh how I love nosey siblings, and can't wait for the other Blackwell-ish siblings to have their time. The cat and mouse game was fun. While, I tend to dislike continuous plots of deception amongst love interests, I found this to be enjoyable and Selina really did redeem herself in the end.
Darcy Burke is always a good bet for a fun and enjoyable historical with just the right amount of steam. Can't wait for more!
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
August 10, 2020
Shakespeare’s line about tangled webs and deception was my underlying thought as I read this story. Two characters, obviously attracted to each other, caught in many webs, both of their own making and those created by others. Question on how they could possibly get their HEA and solve the mystery of the fire, kept me turning page after page.
From the opening paragraphs, this story captured my imagination. Harry and Selina are not the typical characters you generally come across in Regency romances. Happily they are the independent focussed characters I’ve come to expect and admire from Darcy Burke’s books. Both of them are forced to re-evaluate their own assumptions with every truth that is revealed.
In an era where even petty crime could get you a one way ticket to the Australian colonies, Harry has a very modern view of criminality. “He’d always believed that criminals weren’t born as criminals. Circumstance played a large part in what people chose to do—what they had to”. I hoped that this was not just platitudes, but was ingrained in his being.
This book is a stand alone, but if you have read other books by Darcy you will
glimpse links to recent books.
(I read this first without the prologue. The addition in the final edit adds to the humanity of Selina.)
From the opening paragraphs, this story captured my imagination. Harry and Selina are not the typical characters you generally come across in Regency romances. Happily they are the independent focussed characters I’ve come to expect and admire from Darcy Burke’s books. Both of them are forced to re-evaluate their own assumptions with every truth that is revealed.
In an era where even petty crime could get you a one way ticket to the Australian colonies, Harry has a very modern view of criminality. “He’d always believed that criminals weren’t born as criminals. Circumstance played a large part in what people chose to do—what they had to”. I hoped that this was not just platitudes, but was ingrained in his being.
This book is a stand alone, but if you have read other books by Darcy you will
glimpse links to recent books.
(I read this first without the prologue. The addition in the final edit adds to the humanity of Selina.)
August 7, 2020
A Secret Surrender
Series: Book 1 in The Pretenders series
Rating: 2 stars
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
Sadly I will have to DNF this story. Unfortunately this story was not for me. I did not find the heroine likeable at all. It was refreshing for once to have a heroine with a unique profession, but Selina, to me, just took advantage of the wrong people. One of those people was Harry Sheffield's family. I understand that her being a con artist in order to survive in those times was very important to her, but it just felt wrong, especially because his family were helping her and sister out move in society. Even Harry was a great guy and was just doing his job, which he loved doing, as a Bow Street Runner.
I just couldn't see them together when he was investigating her for fraud, which she was committing against his own mother.
I do not know how it ends, since I read only up to 40%. Maybe the story does get better, but I just couldn't continue with it.
Series: Book 1 in The Pretenders series
Rating: 2 stars
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
Sadly I will have to DNF this story. Unfortunately this story was not for me. I did not find the heroine likeable at all. It was refreshing for once to have a heroine with a unique profession, but Selina, to me, just took advantage of the wrong people. One of those people was Harry Sheffield's family. I understand that her being a con artist in order to survive in those times was very important to her, but it just felt wrong, especially because his family were helping her and sister out move in society. Even Harry was a great guy and was just doing his job, which he loved doing, as a Bow Street Runner.
I just couldn't see them together when he was investigating her for fraud, which she was committing against his own mother.
I do not know how it ends, since I read only up to 40%. Maybe the story does get better, but I just couldn't continue with it.
August 10, 2020
Bow street runner Harry Sheffield is trying to prove Madame Sybil a fraud. His mother had spent a lot of money with her and his father was concerned. But instead, he runs into Lady Selina Gresham. Selina had several "personas" that she portrays as needed. As Lady Gresham, she is determined to launch her "sister" into society.
There is a lot going on in this story and it kept me riveted to the pages to see what would happen. Harry has been after a criminal for four years, the Vicar and Selina wanted to find the same person and kill him for the murder of her brother. But all is not as it seems.
There are some serious sparks between these two, but will it combust when Harry finds out who Lady Gresham truly is?
Loved this story and cannot wait for more. 4 out of 5 Stars
I'm voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advanced Reader Copy of this story.
There is a lot going on in this story and it kept me riveted to the pages to see what would happen. Harry has been after a criminal for four years, the Vicar and Selina wanted to find the same person and kill him for the murder of her brother. But all is not as it seems.
There are some serious sparks between these two, but will it combust when Harry finds out who Lady Gresham truly is?
Loved this story and cannot wait for more. 4 out of 5 Stars
I'm voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advanced Reader Copy of this story.
August 15, 2020
A Secret Surrender
The Untouchables: The Pretenders
book 1
by Darcy Burke
WOW! I Loved this new series, Darcy Burke really knows how to pull you in to the lives of her characters!
The story flows well with excellent character development. The feelings reflected by her characters are real and hook you into feeling just as they do. The romance and tension is well done love love Harry Sheffield and Selina. Blackwell and all her personas. Plenty of secrets deception lots of intrigue . Look forward to the next instalment in this series.
The Untouchables: The Pretenders
book 1
by Darcy Burke
WOW! I Loved this new series, Darcy Burke really knows how to pull you in to the lives of her characters!
The story flows well with excellent character development. The feelings reflected by her characters are real and hook you into feeling just as they do. The romance and tension is well done love love Harry Sheffield and Selina. Blackwell and all her personas. Plenty of secrets deception lots of intrigue . Look forward to the next instalment in this series.
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