The Pretenders Series 1-3 Boxed Set

Darcy Burke

Oct 2021 · Zealous Quill Press

About this ebook

Set in the captivating world of The Untouchables, follow the saga of a trio of siblings who excel at being something they’re not. Can a dauntless Bow Street Runner, a devastated viscount, and a disillusioned Society miss unravel their secrets?

Book One: A Secret Surrender

A survivor of London’s mean streets, chameleon Selina Blackwell is playing the roles of fortune-teller and proper Society lady. But when a Bow Street Runner takes too much of an interest in her, it seems the crimes of her past will finally come to light. Harry Sheffield may have feelings for her, but he can’t ignore who she’s been. When he learns she holds the key to the one case he couldn’t solve, he must choose justice or love.

Book Two: A Scandalous Bargain

When Beatrix Linley witnesses a woman’s death, she rushes to help the husband disguise what happened. It was an accident, but it didn’t look like one, and Beatrix knows what it’s like to have to hide damaging secrets. Thomas, Lord Rockbourne, is relieved to have an ally at last, and neither can ignore their smoldering attraction. But soon the scandal and darkness haunting them both comes to light, compelling them to face their demons—and potentially driving them apart forever.

Book Three A Rogue to Ruin

Social pariah Anne Pemberton can’t forget the dashing gentleman she met—or the kiss they shared—before the Season started. Former thief Rafe Blackwell has one goal: to take down the man who murdered his parents. But when Anne seeks to save him—both emotionally and physically—he’ll have to embrace the darkness or risk losing the only light he’s ever known.

Ratings and reviews

This boxed set conveniently collects Darcy Burke’s Regency romance trilogy, The Pretenders. These stories depict a twisty path to romance, from lies, machinations, and mysteries to trust and devotion. Because the books in this series are about three siblings, and their stories are told sequentially, the trilogy is best enjoyed in order. Some of the characters from the related Untouchables and Spitfire Society series also make appearances, but you don’t have to read those stories first to understand what’s happening here. A Secret Surrender This exciting, fast-paced story was a wonderful escape. It was such a pleasure watching the romance develop, and I enjoyed seeing a couple of long-standing mysteries solved. I loved both our main couple and the secondary characters. Clever Harry Sheffield is admirably devoted to his job as a Bow Street Runner and doesn’t think he wants to marry, but he’s also a very kind, compassionate person who makes a delightful romantic lead. Selina Blackwell has been forced into a life of lies and petty crime and doesn’t think she’ll ever find love, but she is independent, smart, resourceful, and a likable heroine as she struggles to attain a respectable life. It was amusing to watch Selina’s machinations trying to keep her secrets from Harry, and then seeing what happens when she finally lets her guard down and allows herself to trust him. A Scandalous Bargain The plot was exciting, and I liked both the main couple and the supporting characters. Beatrix is the first heroine I can recall who is a kleptomaniac. That was an interesting twist. She and Tom both had traumatic childhoods, and each has secrets they consider shameful. It was heartwarming to watch them learn to trust and support each other and accept support from their extended families. A Rogue to Ruin This was a page-turner with an exciting plot, although some heroic deeds and some coincidences required considerable suspension of disbelief. I liked both the main couple and the supporting characters. I was curious about Rafe from the moment his mysterious criminal persona was introduced in previous books, and I enjoyed getting to know him better. Anne was both likable and resourceful; I admired her courage in going after what she wanted. Both have been hurt before, and neither was entirely honest with the other, so they have some challenges to overcome. Note that this book includes violence, discussion of rape, and explicit scenes of premarital sex. As long as such things don’t bother you, I highly recommend this series to historical romance fans. I received an ARC of each individual book from the author and volunteered to provide an honest review.