I will read any book by Darcy Burke.

This was a fantastic start to a new series. I love Bow Street Runner books so this was perfect for me.

Thoroughly enjoyed this story. The different roles that Selina has to play and Harry trying to figure her out. I enjoyed their interactions immensely.

Looking forward to more from the series.

***May contain Spoilers***


East London 1801

Selina Blackwell is a barmaid. Samuel Partridge is her boss. Selina's older bother is Rafe. The man she served alcohol to is old enough to be her father, and is filthy with bloodshot eyes and a crooked nose. He clasped Selina's arm and pulled her back to the table. Though she wanted to jerk away, Selina knew better than to cause trouble. Her brother always told her to follow directions, stay quiet, and hopefully escape notice. Selina is only eleven. Selina didn't remember her mother or father, but she'd been just two when they'd died. Rafe had been five, so he recalled small things, like the color of their mother's hair and the kindness of their father's voice. Selina only knew the man who'd claimed to be their uncle. He'd turned her and Rafe over to Partridge several years ago and disappeared. The man grabbed her bicep and pulled her toward him until she was crushed against his chest. Blowing out a fetid breath that made her gag, he lowered his head. Sweat broke out on her nape and back as she reached for the bottled on the table. She didn't think as her hand closed around the neck, and she smashed it against his head. The glass shattered and noxious alcohol splashed over both of them. Instead of letting her go, he shoved her backward groaning as one hand went to his head. Off balance, Selina staggered as she tried to maintain footing. The wall was just behind her. She was trapped. Except for the window, which was to her left. She glanced out past the crack that ran from one corner of the pane to the other. It was a long drop to the cobblestones below. The man moved toward her, his gaze menacing. He tells her to back up against the wall and calls her a whore, and to lift her skirts. Her vision blurred. There was no one there to save her--no Rafe, none of the other children who might help her. Just this man who would take her and do as he pleased. She'd die before she let him do that. She shot another look at the window. Perhaps the fall would kill her. That would surely be better than the life she was living. No more hunger, no more fear, no more being forced to steal and scheme. She asked to open a window. He asks if it's so she can scream for help. She tells him she'd like some air because he smells bad. He slaps her and demands that she get up against the wall. He reached for her, but she bend and dashed under his outstretched arms. She probably wasn't going to make it, but if she didn't try. . . She let out a sob. His hand grasped the back of her gown, pulling the fabric so that it rent down her back. Terror exploded inside her. She shrieked. He held onto the garment, but she reached wildly for the tabletop. If only she could find the knife. The man pushed her so that she bent over the table then stood behind her, pinning her so she couldn't move her lower half. Frantic, she put her hands out in the hope of finding anything to use against him. He tells her, "No, ye don't." He scattered the dishes from the table but not before she clasped the fork. Her palms were slick with sweat, but she closed her hand around the metal and stabbed him hard in the arm below the edge of his rolled-up sleeve. He yowled and jumped back, the fork sticking from his flesh. She dove for the rickety chair and swung it up then crashed it against him. The chair broke, and he fell back, teetering. Then his balance gave out. So did the window. The glass, already badly cracked, broke and he fell. Selina raced to the window and watched as his arms and legs flailed before he hit the cobblestones with a horrid snap. Dark blood oozed from the back of his head. Selina froze as the door behind her opened. Before she could turn, comforting hands were on her shoulders. She began to shake. Rafe finally comes to her rescue. He sends her away to school. He had been saving money for her. The school is a ladies' seminary. She has a chance at becoming a governess.

London, April 1817

Harry Sheffield, constable for Bow Street, opened the door of the Ardent Rose on The Strand near Drury Lane. He'd been told he would find Madame Sybila at a perfume shop in this area, and since he didn't know of any others, this had to be the place. He's there to have his fortune read. He is the son of her client, Lady Aylesbury. In reality, he wanted to see what rubbish she was--successfully, apparently--selling to kindhearted trusting women like his mother. She doesn't provide services for men. His family wants him to marry. Harry's father, the Earl of Aylesbury, had been pressing him to wed for some time, now. It wasn't that Harry didn't want to; it was that he hadn't met anyone who remotely interested him as a wife. But then he was far too engrossed in his work, a fact his father and sisters--pointed out at every possible opportunity. He wanted to see what Madame Sybila could do, how she'd twisted this occupation into something that had captured the attention of women who ought to know better than to trust someone like her. Women like his mother. Harry accepted that he'd learned all he could today. He'd have to find someone--a woman--to visit her and report back to him on precisely what Madame Sybila did. In addition to reading fortunes, she was rumored to sell tonics for a variety of purposes, though he didn't think his mother had purchased any. If she had, he would have investigated it already. Whether tonics or false futures, Harry had no doubt everything Madame Sybila did was fraudulent. Women like her would be better served on the stage, performing their act for precisely what it was meant to be--entertainment. Instead, she preyed on the innocent and easily charmed, giving them false hope and impossible dreams, perhaps even causing them to lose things that were very dear to them. His mother hadn't lost a great deal yet, just whatever sum she'd paid for the fortune-teller's "services" and perhaps a donation to the mysterious charity. Father had asked her to reconsider this "hobby", and when she'd refused, he'd asked Harry to look into Madame Sybila. She tells him to go. He tells her he may come back. She tells him she would expect nothing less. Disappointment curled through him, and not because he hadn't found evidence of a crime. Madame Sybila had surprised him. Twice. She wasn't at all what he'd expected, and that was a bloody feat. As a constable, he knew many people of all walks of life. It was one of the things he liked best about his job. How had the fortune-teller bloody known he worked for Bow Street? He goes to the Brown Bear and sees John Remington at the tavern. A decade or so older than Harry's 31 years, Remy was, in Harry's opinion, the best constable Bow Street had to offer. The other constable, Clive Dearborn, a younger man who'd come to Bow Street perhaps three months prior, nodded. Remy had just come from Blackfriars. He heard the Vicar might be lending money out of St. Dunstan-in-the-West again. Dearborn asked who the Vicar is. Harry tells him that he's an arsonist and a murderer who has yet to pay for his crimes. Dearborn asked how that is. Remy says that Harry was referring to a fire four years ago that destroyed a flash house on Saffron Hill and killed several people inside, including the leader of a large gang of thieves. Harry hated that no one had paid for the deaths of several children and young women. The Vicar started the fire, so he could take over the gang. He wasn't arrested and tried for the crime because they couldn't find him. They don't even know what he looks like. The fire had been one of Harry's first investigations after becoming a constable. That it remained unsolved had always unsettled him. It wasn't that there weren't other unsolved cases, but this one was different. He'd established an informer in the Saffron Hill neighborhood, a sweet young woman who'd been hoping to change her life. Harry had been trying to help her. Then she'd died in that fire. Harry's going to pay a visit to St. Dunstan-in-the-West. The Vicar's as guarded as ever. Harry was going to catch him. Dearborn asks if he'll actually be convicted because it's a four year old crime. Harry used to be a barrister. He'll ensure he has the evidence necessary for a conviction. He wanted to get out on the street and ensure justice. It wasn't that he hadn't liked being a barrister. He'd just found it. . . boring. He'd considered purchasing a commission and going to war, but his father had convinced him to stay and make a difference at home. They knew it was arson--the circumstances of how it started are documented. Every person they interviewed said the Vicar started the fire. No one could provide a consistent description of the Vicar. They didn't see him. They just reported they knew it was him meaning they were probably repeating a rumor. He'd find out precisely what Madame Sybila was up to, and then he'd shut her down before she could do real harm to his mother or anyone else. Mrs. Kinnon is the owner of the Ardent Rose perfumery. Is Selina Blackwell Madame Sybila? Selina suspected Harry Sheffield was shrewder than most. She'd expected him to return, though maybe not as quickly as the day after he'd come to see her, and was grateful to have friends looking out for her. It was a strange feeling after so many years of just her and Beatrix, a luxury really. Mr. Sheffield was not what she'd presumed. And that made him even more dangerous than she'd originally thought. A person she couldn't anticipate meant higher risk. She'd prefer to avoid Mr. Sheffield completely, but it didn't seem that would be possible given his attention toward Madame Sybila. Which meant she'd have to return the favor and keep a close watch on him. He believes that children must be taught, and that isn't their fault. They can also be taught to be law abiding citizens. Since meeting Harry Sheffield the day before, Selina had made inquiries about him. She'd been surprised to learn he was the son of an earl, and as such, he was likely used to a bevy of footmen. The fact that he was a Bow Street Runner only added to his enigmatic aura--another reason she couldn't afford to lower her guard around him. Especially, since he was also the son of one of her clients. That made Selina wonder if she'd somehow upset Lady Aylesbury so that she'd asked her son to investigate. Selina found that surprising since the countess was one of her most charming clients and always seemed quite happy after their meetings. It was imperative she carry on like a respectable lady, and if she had to employ a groom needlessly follow her around in order to sell the lie, she would. She'd do whatever it took to ensure Beatrix accomplished her goal of conquering London. Two days later, Selina strolled along Mount Street, her gaze covertly taking in every aspect of the imposing house that belonged to Sheffield's father, the Earl of Aylesbury. The Palladian-faced structure was wider than those on either side, and Selina glimpsed the lavish window hangings in what was probably their formal drawing room on the first floor. She imagined Sheffield growing up in such a place and again wondered how he'd ended up chasing criminals. As a second son, shouldn't he have been an officer in the army or a rector on the path to perhaps becoming a bishop. She didn't pause as she continued toward Berkely Square. Today was simply a reconnaissance mission. She didn't plan to stand across from the house--or from Sheffield's house on Rupert Street which she'd walked past earlier--as Sheffield had done again the day before, situating himself in front of Somerset House once more so he could watch The Ardent Rose. What did he think about Madame Sybila never emerging from the perfumery? Because Selina never, ever entered or left in costume, nor did she use the front entrance to the shop. Perhaps he would next try to watch the alley. He was becoming a nuisance. Selina had been so wrapped up in her thoughts that she hadn't seen her quarry coming straight for her. Anger--at herself--churned in her gut. She was never this careless. Forget nuisance, Sheffield was rapidly becoming a bloody menace. Harry invited Selina and her younger sister to a soiree his parents are hosting. He tells Selina that he's thinking about an old investigation where he wasn't able to bring the perpetrator to justice. Recent developments have brought it to the forefront of his mind. It was a tragedy, and the man behind it is out there still committing crimes. He wasn't able to catch him four years ago right after he became a constable. He started a fire in Saffron Hill, burning down a house owned by an infamous criminal just so he could take over the man's organization. More than twelve people died in the fire, including children. Selina wants to find the Vicar. She is going to consider how to obtain more information from Harry Sheffield about the "vicar" and the fire in Saffron Hill. Harry Sheffield is a very important person. He was also intriguing and found herself liking him. Beatrix knew everything Selina did about the Bow Street Runner. They were as good as sisters, having met at Mrs. Goodwin's Ladies' Seminary when Selina was thirteen and Beatrix just ten. Beatrix's mother had recently died and her father had sent her to the school without even telling her in person. That her father was a duke and Beatrix a bastard hadn't ever mattered to Beatrix--until she'd arrived at the seminary, where the other girls had made sure it had mattered. Selina had taken Beatrix under her wing, and they'd formed a bond that persisted. Selina tells Beatrix that she knows who started the fire in Saffron Hill. She tells Beatrix that it was a crime Sheffield wasn't able to solve. Selina's brother died in that fire. They have an ulterior motive for going to the Earl of Aylesbury's soiree. Selina is out for revenge on her brother's killer. Harry needs to learn what Madame Sybila does during her appointments. He supposed it was possible she wasn't up to anything fraudulent, but he wasn't going to wait for her to cheat his mother or one of her friends to know for certain. Harry had visited St. Dunstan-in-the-West and asked to see the Vicar only to be told there was no person by that name, just the actual vicar of the church. So Harry had watched the church for hours at a time--and seen nothing. He'd also asked around Blackfriars and learned that there was still no one willing to discuss the Vicar, let alone give a description of what he looked like. The man either paid people well or inspired a deep loyalty. Harry asks Lady Gresham to visit Madame Sybila to see what she can find out. At least four of Madame Sybila's clients were at the Aylesbury soiree, Selina had just "met" Lady Rockbourne, whom she'd seen five or six times in the last month. Petite, with pale blonde hair and light blue eyes, she looked like an angel. However, she had the disposition of a demon. Her appointments with Madame Sybila were full of complaints about her husband and her lust for another man with whom she hoped to begin an affair. It was a situation in which Selina strove not to provide an answer but to guide the client, in this case Lady Rockbourne, to reach her own decision. She was fairly certain the viscountess had engaged in the liaison, and having met Lord Rockbourne earlier, Selina hoped she would have the chance to counsel the woman to be faithful to be faithful to her husband. The viscount had been charming and witty, and Selina didn't like thinking of the woman's betrayal. Which was odd given that Selina betrayed people all the time. The hypocrisy stung, particularly in the case of Mr. Sheffield, whom she liked very much. He reminded her of Sir Barnabus Gresham, the man whom she'd tried to swindle, but who had found her out and still allowed her to "borrow" his name. She'd grown to like him and regretted her efforts to cheat him. Then he'd been kind and unbelievably generous. That had happened 18 months ago, and since then, Selina had been slowly losing her ability to remain detached from her marks. However, she didn't know how to support herself and Beatrix without their schemes. Hopefully, Beatrix would secure her father's support, and Selina would earn enough money during the Season to give up this life and live modestly somewhere. Legitimacy and security were so very close. So far, Selina hadn't been able to find the Vicar. She'd gone to the church the other day--in disguise in case Sheffield had been around--and requested a meeting, only to be told he wasn't available and that she shouldn't return. Of course she would return and planned to do so tomorrow to attend church. During the service, she would endeavor to search the building. At the very least, she hoped to encounter someone who could help her find the Vicar, if not at the church, then somewhere else. Harry and Selina are at the Home for Wayward Children looking for Mr. Winter. Harry tells Selina that Madame Sybila deduced he was from Bow Street. He thinks she expects him to investigate her and her fraudulent charity. Harry reconsiders his thoughts on the charity. It seems to be a legitimate business. He thinks they all might be paid actors. They are being paid to portray a home for children. Beatrix advises Selina to tell Harry why she wanted to find the Vicar. Selina says it would be too risky because she would have to explain how her brother had gotten involved with the gang of criminals in the first place, exposing Beatrix and Selina needlessly. Beatrix stole a valuable emerald necklace from Lady Aylesbury during the soiree. Selina had become even more attentive about her surroundings since meeting Harry a week ago. Which was how she knew with certainty that she was being followed. She'd suspected someone was trailing her on Friday, but had convinced herself she'd been mistaken. Had Mr. Sheffield worked out the truth? Did he know she was Madame Sybila? Perhaps he and other Runners were even now closing in. She was being followed by her brother, Rafe, who was thought to be dead. Her brother is the Vicar. He didn't start the fire at the flash house. Harry goes to his father and tells him that Madame Sybila's charity seems to be a legitimate business. He says that doesn't mean Madame Sybila isn't executing some other fraud. There was still the matter of the tonics. Harry meant to obtain her offerings to determine if they were anything other than water or something equally innocuous. Lady Gresham and Miss Whitford show up at his father's surprising them. Nathaniel Hayes and Harry's other brother-in-law, Sir Kenneth are discussing the need for greater governance regarding child labor. Limiting hours and ages for those working only in cotton mills is not enough. Harry invites Lady Gresham to dinner. Harry and Selina share an intimate kiss and embrace. Harry is at the tavern with his constable buddies about finding the Vicar. He's decided to go back to Saffron Hill to investigate the fire and ask about the Vicar. Dearborn offers to help. Harry goes to meet Madame Sybila again. She is booked all day so he tries to bribe his way in to see her. The shopkeeper informs Harry that she and Madame Sybila have a business arrangement. Harry visits Lady Gresham's house, and he ends up having to wait for her. He came to invite Lady Gresham and Miss Whitford to Spring Hollow, a pleasure garden in Clerkenwell. He wants to go in the evening so they can see the fireworks. He's inviting both of them to help Miss Whitford see London. Lady Gresham shows up. He says an informant asked to meet him in Spring Hollow because he might have information about the fire. Harry and Selina share a passionate kiss. Harry had lost a woman in the fire four years ago. Selina had to find another way to earn money so they could make it through the Season. Harry picks Selina and her sister the following evening. Harry had been force to ride on top of the coach with the coachman due to space. Harry jumped down upon their arrival and paid the entrance fee to the gardens for their entire party. Beatrix steals a bracelet. Selina's brother owns the gardens. Beatrix begs off and wants to go home. Rafe offers to take her and Selina home. One of Rafe's men was going to share information he learned with Harry Sheffield. The denizens of Saffron Hill were told to say the Vicar set the fire. Harry will undoubtedly search for the person who told everyone to lie. Selina tells Rafe to continue to investigate. The sooner he clears the Vicar's name, the better, though she thinks he should kill him. He tells her where she can get a fair price for the bracelet Beatrix stole. Selina tells Rafe that she should expect an invitation to something from Lord and Lady Aylesbury. Selina says that Mrs. Hayes--Rachel--will surely want to further investigate him. Harry goes to an inn where Selina stayed as Madame Sybila. Harry had talked to the informer about the fire at Saffron Hill. He had refused to give Harry his name. He'd said the fire in Saffron Hill hadn't been started by the Vicar, but that everyone had been told to say that it was. When Harry had questioned him for more information, the man had been frustratingly ignorant. He didn't know who had told everyone to say it was the Vicar, nor could he say who had started the fire. He also couldn't provide a description of the Vicar. And of course, he wouldn't say how he knew this information or why he'd chosen to give it to Harry. The entire encounter had left Harry feeling annoyed and more than a bit skeptical. The proprietor of the cobbler's shop had been one of the witnesses who'd reported seeing the Vicar leave the flash house. He went along with everyone else because they said the Vicar had set the fire. Harry says to the cobbler to direct him to someone else who will tell him something. Otherwise he may bring him to Bow Street for interrogation. Mr. Gregson, the cobbler, tells Harry that it wasn't the Vicar, that he doesn't even know who he is. He tells Harry that Frost is in charge of the area, now. Though he didn't say what he wanted, it was clear to Harry: he wanted Harry to go away and never return to his shop. Mr. Gregson tells Harry he can talk to Maggie, that she was in the building when the fire occurred. Harry asks when the fire occurred. Harry asks Maggie if he can ask her about the fire that happened across the street at the flash house. She was trying to wash her brother's face when the fire started. She doesn't know where it started or who started it. She says everyone says it was the Vicar. She didn't see him. She says that he worked Partridge, that they all did. Her brother works for Frost. Selina went to her brother's receiver shop in Shoe Lane and fenced the bracelet Beatrix had stolen for a very good price. The day before Selina had needed to use an excuse that Madame Sybila wasn't feeling well--so that she could attend a meeting of the Spitfire Society at a new friend's house. A small group of forward-thinking women, the society existed for the purpose of celebrating womanhood and independence, whatever that meant. They also hoped to do something meaningful for women, but that hadn't been explored as the meeting had been cut short due to some sort of fracas involving a kitten. Selina looked forward to their next meeting with an eye toward starting a charity that would support women. This could be the answer she'd been looking for--a way to sustain herself without having to be Madame Sybila or steal and fence. It also had the added benefit of being a real charity that would help women and perhaps children, too. Harry sees Selina as she is coming out of Luther's on Ivy Lane. She tells him she was delivering another donation. Harry came to keep an eye on things because he was not yet convinced of their legitimacy. Selina tells Harry he should tell his father to conduct his own investigations. She suggests that he should accompany Harry's mother on Friday. Harry tells Selina he has new information about the fire, that he met with the informer and that he told Harry everyone in Saffron Hill was told to say the Vicar had started the fire. They think Frost is the one who did this and that he's probably head of the gang there now. If Frost became the leader after Partridge was killed in the fire, he may know something. And he definitely had something to gain from Partridge dying. Selina asks Harry if she can help with his investigation in any way. Harry invites Selina to go for a riding lesson. She accepts his proposal to have an affair. Selina and Harry go to his house. Harry had tried to help Mercy--who died in the fire. She was trying to change her life. He'd just found a seamstress who'd agreed to take her on as an apprentice. Harry and Selina share a passionate kiss. Harry took her hand and led her up the backstairs to the first floor. His chamber was at the rear of the small house--smaller even than hers. The room provoked a sense of comfort along with passion. He made her feel more relaxed than anyone in a very long time, maybe forever. While at the same time, he kept her on edge, both because of who he was and because of the attraction that smoldered between them. They have passionate sexual relations. Harry had said he'd arrange Selina's riding lesson for the morning in the park. He fetched her in his gig and drove them to Hyde Park. After the ride, Harry takes Selina home. He has a rousing conversation with his father, and then goes back to visit Selina. Selina is posing as Madame Sybila and arranged to meet Lady Aylesbury and her friends at the Home for Wayward Children. That had allowed her to get into her costume at the home and then await their arrival. Selina asks Luther about what Harry had told her because Luther's real last name was Frost. Selina is going out for the first time as Madame Sybila. She asks Luther what business he has in Saffron Hill. She asks him if he took over Partridge's interests. Theresa comes in drunk and almost spills the beans about Selina, so she has to knock her down to shut her up. Luther promised Selina that he would take care of her. He takes that seriously. Selina releases him from that promise. She didn't need anybody. She hadn't needed anybody for a very long time. For the first time--with Harry--she wanted somebody. Remy and Dearborn are joined by Harry at a table at the Brown Bear. Dearborn and Remy are working on a string of robberies in Mayfair at prominent households. Nearly all the robberies are happening while events are going on at the victims' houses. Remy heard a rumor that the Vicar's no longer going to lend money. Harry thinks Frost may have started the fire at Saffron Hill. Harry spoke with Thorpe at Hatton Garden, and he confirmed Frost is in charge of Saffron Hill. Frost doesn't own any flash houses, just receiver shops. He doesn't press children into his gang. Though he makes it enticing to work for him. Rafe sent a coach to fetch Selina to his new house on Upper Brook Street. An imposing structure with a grand Palladian facade, it was beyond anything Selina could have imagined. Selina is going to shut down all her operations: Madame Sybila, the Home for Wayward Children, and Beatrix's stealing. Selina wanted more riding lessons, she wanted to read his treatise about the trial of Sir Thomas Overbury. She wanted to spend time with Harry's family and feel as though she were a part of something more than herself. Selina and Harry share another passionate sex session. Harry is snooping in Madame Sybila's closet when he is caught by Mrs. Kinnon. Mrs. Kinnon tells Harry that Madame Sybila's gone to take care of a sick family member away from London. Mrs. Kinnon tells Mr. Sheffield that she doesn't know when or if Madame Sybila will be back. Mr. Sheffield automatically interprets that Madame Sybila is a fraud. He hoped he was wrong and that Madame Sybila truly had left town to care for someone. But instinct told him he was not. Harry arrived at Ivy Lane; he turned to look at the Home for Wayward Children. The misspelled sign was gone from the window. Harry went to the door and knocked. He was surprised when someone answered. It wasn't Mr. or Mrs. Winter or a child. An older man with a bald head and a big belly greeted him. Harry tells him there used to be a Home for Wayward Children there last week, and asks him where the Winters are. The old man said that they moved on and said they said they had too many children for the house. Harry asks him where they went. The man said he didn't ask. Harry said that he must know that the home they were running for children was a fraud. The man blinked and acted as though he was surprised to hear it, but Harry knew better. Harry tells the man to come to the Magistrates' Court to answer questions. Harry pressed his advantage. Harry tells the old man he could answer Harry's questions there. The man tells him he didn't know it was a fraud. He tells Harry a friend asked him to do a favor. He says Josie lived in Whitechapel, but she doesn't anymore. Harry tells the old man if he thinks of where Josie might be or where the Winters might have gone to come to Bow Street and tell Harry. Harry tells the old man that they preyed on innocent people, lying to them and stealing their money. That they'd used the plight of children to run their scam made Harry sick. The old man looked stricken. He swears he didn't know. He thought they were helping those children in earnest. There was no way the fortune-teller had left town and the Winters had decided to move on at the same time. Harry didn't believe in such coincidence. Harry tells the man to tell him his name and everything else he knows about the Winters and his friend Josie. Innes, the man who owned the house on Ivy Lane, hadn't given him much to go on. He could only remember Josie's name from when they were young--before she was married. Since he didn't know where she currently resided, Harry had little hope of finding her. He'd probably have better luck finding the Winters. Maybe. He considered asking his friend, the Marquess of Ripley, to draw their portraits from Harry's descriptions. But Ripley was a newlywed, and Harry wouldn't trouble him. The coach let him out on the corner of Queen Anne Street. It was a short walk to Selina's house where he knocked on the door. He expected to see the housekeeper and was surprised when Selina answered. Her eyes instantly lit with pleasure. It was that look, along with the subtle curve of her mouth, that drove him forward. He kissed and embraced Selina. He tells Selina after their love-making session that Madame Sybila was a fraud and is gone. He tells her the Home for Wayward Children is gone. He says she stole from his mother and her friends. He tells her that Madame Sybila stole from her. He tells her that the shopkeeper at The Ardent Rose said she left town to take care of family, and the man who owned the house on Ivy Lane said the Winters moved on with their children. He didn't believe any of it. Selina tells Harry about how she had to steal to eat when she was a young girl. She finally comes out and tells him that she is Madame Sybila. She tells him the whole truth. He tells her he wants an accounting for all the jewelry she sold at pawn shops. He wants to know when and where the jewelry was sold. Harry is extremely angry at her and leaves slamming the door. She tells Beatrix that she told Harry the truth. She is going to buy back and return all the jewelry. She is also going to return all the donations. Harry receives all the jewelry that was sold at the pawn shops at his office from Selina. He comes to a tavern which he immediately recognizes as a flash house. Theresa (aka Mrs. Winter) is working there as a prostitute. He asks her who she is and why she was pretending to run a charity for children. Then, he asks her who Mr. Winter is. She tells him that Luther was a friend who paid her to pretend to be his wife. She calls Selina a bitch because according to her Selina used Luther who's in love with her; he paid Theresa to do a job, but she doesn't think Selina paid him. Harry was particularly concerned about the children and where they were now. Theresa said those who had parents were back with them. Theresa supposed Selina paid them, or so Luther said. Harry asked about the ones without parents. Theresa said she didn't know about them. She said one of the girls lives a few doors over, that she stays with a friend. Harry asks her if Luther is in love with Selina. He assumes that everything between him and Selina had been a lie. Then Harry starts to think Selina is with Luther. Theresa tells him that Selina and Luther had known each other since they were children. He's always loved her, but she doesn't love him back. Theresa says Selina used Luther. Harry asks where he can find Mr. Winter. Theresa tells Harry that Mr. Winter's not even his name. He has to look for Luther Frost. Harry asks her where he can find Mr. Frost. He asks if he lives in that neighborhood. Theresa tells him Mr. Frost comes into the tavern from time to time. That's how she met him a few years back. She hasn't seen him since they finished the job. It was just over a week ago that Harry had heard about Bow Street investigating the robberies in Mayfair. He tells Theresa if she sees Frost or knows where he can find him, to send word to Bow Street. He gave her some money. He says he'll pay her more if her information leads him to find him. Theresa tells him to ask the fortune-teller, that she'd probably know where to find him. Selina and Beatrix had feigned illness to avoid the engagements they'd committed to since Selina had told Harry the truth. Tired of waiting to see what Harry might do, they'd gone to a Spitfire Society meeting, which had turned out to be beneficial. They'd made a new friend, Lady Satterfield, who would be a useful ally to Beatrix in her quest to impress her father. Selina was still worried that Harry would arrest her and Beatrix, though Beatrix continued to insist that he would have done so already if that was his intent. Mrs. Vining announces to Selina that Mr. Sheffield was there. He asks her where he can find Luther Frost. She tells him he moves around a bit, but she visited him on Peter Street near Saffron Hill. He tells her that he hasn't been there in some time. Harry asks her where else he can look for Luther Frost. She suggests he look somewhere in Cheapside. Harry and his men have looked for him there too, and they have people watching those places. Luther's disappeared and Harry needs to speak with him. Selina asks Harry why he needs to find Luther if he doesn't plan to arrest her. Harry tells her it has nothing to do with her unless she was somehow involved with the fire on Saffron Hill four years ago. She tells him she had nothing to do with the fire. She wasn't even in London and hadn't been there since she was eleven. She knew he was looking for Frost and hadn't told him she had a relationship with him. She asks him how could she without divulging who she was. He asks her if she's still lying. She assures him that she isn't lying. She really doesn't know where he is. He tells her that he knows Luther's in love with her, and asks her if she loves him in return. She says no. She tells Harry that she loves him. She opens up to him about her past. She still hasn't told Harry that her brother and the Vicar were the same person. Maggie from Saffron Hill shows up to see Harry. She tells him she needs her brother to stop being a thief, that he's going to get caught and end up on a convict ship. She tells Harry that Frost and the boys--like her brother--have a place to hide. It's an alley off Chick Lane. Harry asks her what her brother's name is. She tells him it is Elias Dwight. Harry has to catch up on paperwork, so Remy offers to go check out the lead on Luther Frost. Selina sends Harry a message at Bow Street about where to find Frost and says she'll meet Harry there this evening. Selina goes to Chick Lane. Luther comes behind her and asks her what she's doing there. She tells her she was looking for him. He tells her she shouldn't be there, that it's not the safest of places. He asks her if she needs another favor. She tells him no, that she needs to understand what happened four years ago, when her brother supposedly died. He tells her that Rafe made him promise not to tell her. She asks him if he started the fire. She asks him to tell her about the fire. He says Partridge was a menace, that Rafe wasn't the only one who wanted him dead. He knew Rafe was going to kill him. Luther says he had a chance to improve his lot so he took it. A gentleman of influence asked Luther to kill Partridge by starting a fire. Selina asks Luther why he would start a fire that would kill innocents if he knew Partridge was going to be dead already. He tells her the Runner paid him a hefty sum to burn it down. She asks why? He tells her because he wanted him to take over Partridge's territory. Partridge refused to pay him a protection fee, and Luther had no problem doing so. The fire also covered Rafe's act. He was also Harry's friend. Now, he was collecting payments from Luther. He was utterly corrupt. Luther and Remy get into a scuffle because Selina knows everything. Remy says he really didn't want to kill Luther, that he was a good soldier. He thinks Selina is a prostitute. She tells him that Harry will be there at any moment. He asks her if she knows Harry to which she nods in affirmation. He tells her that Harry sent him instead. He knocked her gun out of her hand before she could fire, sending it skidding across the table. He intends to rape and kill her. Maggie tells Harry that she recognized Remy. She tells him that Remy was the man who told them to say the Vicar started the fire. Her brother says that Remy visits Mr. Frost. Harry tells Maggie he needs to get to Chick Lane right away. He tells the clerk that he has to take care of the paperwork later. He tells the clerk to put the girl in his office and to give her tea and some cookies. He arrives at the Duck and Swan in Chick Lane and rushed into the tavern. He tells a prostitute he's looking for Luther Frost or a woman who might be with him. He gives her a coin, and she points to a door Selina went through. He rushes in and sees Remy towering over Selina, his hand clutching her arm. Remy asks Harry what he's doing there. Harry tells him he came to meet Selina. She tells Harry that Remy killed Luther.d Harry asks Remy what happened. Selina tells him that Remy paid Luther to start the fire. Remy and Harry get into a scuffle over the gun Harry's holding. Selina tells Remy to get off of Harry. She is holding her pistol. Harry tells Selina to go, that he can take care of everything. Remy managed to knock Harry's pistol away, sending it sliding across the floor. Selina yells that Remy has a knife. Harry grabbed Remy's wrist just before the knife came down. The blade was still precariously close to his chest. Selina hit Remy with a pitcher. Harry is going to bind Remy's hands. He asks Selina if she is all right. He tells her that she's safe now. He says he needs someone to run to Bow Street quickly, and that he'll pay ten shillings. A boy says that he'll do it. Harry tells him he'll pay him five now and he'll get five more when he returns with at least two constables, and to tell them that he needs assistance and a cart. He tells the boy to hurry. Harry asks Selina what happened. She tells him. Harry sends Selina home to protect her. He'll catch up to her later. Harry shows up at Selina's house. Beatrix apologizes for stealing. Harry and Selina profess their love for each other. Remy will be charged with Frost's murder. Selina asked Harry if he took care of Luther. Harry says he did and asks if there is family to notify. She says no, but she'll tell those who need to know. She finally tells Harry that her brother is the Vicar. She tells Harry she didn't know at first. When she returned to London two months ago, she learned her brother had died in the fire on Saffron Hill that the Vicar had supposedly started. When she met Harry, and he was looking for the Vicar, she thought he could help her find him. She's horrified to admit she wanted revenge. She tells him she needed to keep him close--because of his interest in Madame Sybila. She's learning to be honest with herself as well as everyone else. The truth is that she liked him from the start. And she was attracted to him. From the moment he saved her from falling face-first into the pavement. She tells Harry the Vicar is retired, and that all her brother's business dealings are entirely legitimate. He had told her he was transferring the last of his pawn shops next week. She asks Harry not to arrest her brother. Harry asks Selina to be his wife. He announces his engagement at a dinner at his parents' house.

I received this advanced reader copy for free in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the action, suspense, and the romance in this story. I enjoyed this book. I rate this as a four star read. Very well-done.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Wow, what a non-stop drama filled with romance and intrigue! Harry is looking into several things as a constable and most of them have to do with Selina - which he does not realize. So, you wonder how he will be able to get over the fact the she has lied and misled him during the time that they are together.

Can't wait to read about Beatrix as she is a fun character and it seems like her story will be equally involved and interesting!

I loved how you see little bits from previous stories of the spitfire ladies!

Darcy Burke creates wonderful, appealing characters, lively dialogue, and intriguing conflict that keeps the reader engaged from the first page to the last. While this is the first in a new series, there are always "guest appearances" from book in other series. This one is connected to the Spitfire series.

Harry Sheffield is the second son, by a few minutes, of an Earl. He was a barrister, but found it boring so became a constable for Bow Street. His father requested that he investigate a Madame Sybila, a fortune teller, who his mother has been seeing. That is how he meets Selina Blackwell, who is Madame Sybila, in disguise. Deception is the way she has been able to support herself and her young friend after she and her brother had been orphaned and brought to London by a charlatan. Her brother had managed to sent her to a boarding school where she befriended Beatrix, but after being raped while she was working as a governess, she collected Beatrix, brought her to London and is helping her find her father. She believes her brother, Rafe, was murdered by "the Vicar", who appeared in some of the other books. When she learns that Harry is investigating The Vicar, she offers to help and they become quite close. They both have lots of surprises and danger in store for them. But as always, there is a HEA.

I had hoped that Harry would have surprised Selina by investigating the identity and what happened to Selina's parents, which seems very mysterious. Perhaps in a future book?

I read an ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my voluntary and unbiased review.

A wonderful romance story. Really enjoyed reading Harry and Selinas journey through this story.

It was definitely a lively take for a historical romance story but enjoyable none the less.

It was all resolved a little too neatly too quickly for my liking but I can see its allure as well.

Definitely a good start to a new series.

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is my first book by this author. I saw Courtney Milan had mentioned her in one of her book acknowledgements, so I was happy to see this available on NetGalley.

The story is similar to one I just read about a lady with a secret identity, lost brother and a Bow St Runner... I seem to be reading a lot of twin books. (I just read TWO books where the heroes were dyslexic. Bringing my lifetime total to 2!)

This book is the first in a series, but exists in, like, an 18-book universe. That is dedicated! It reads fine as a standalone, but be aware that every character in this story probably has a whole novel about them, so there is a ton of backstory.

Ok, the plot- Selina is a grifter with a heart of gold. She pretends to be a fortune teller for rich old ladies and convinces them to donate to her fake charity. Harry is a Bow Street Runner whose mother is one of the rich old ladies. He is investigating the Selina, who also moonlights as fake Lady Gresham, a pretty young widow with whom Harry falls in love. Add to this mix Selina's kleptomaniac fake sister and a bunch of missing jewels, and a criminal mastermind who has eluded Harry for 4 years, and it's an action packed story.

Each character in the story felt very 3-D, they had a history and flaws and their vulnerability with one another (reluctant at times) was believable and lovely to see develop. I enjoyed the families depicted in the book as well. Harry's family is open and warm and loud, whereas Selina's is not. Both, however, are supportive and loving in their myriad ways.

There are two things that rubbed me the wrong way. First, I kinda hate when one characters lies to the other for most of the book. I can accept this trope under certain circumstances, but this resolution didn't work for me (SMALL SPOLIER) Like, if she was so desperate for money, how was she able to return it all? Just sayin!

The other thing, and this is both more and less annoying, is that every man in this book just assumed the fortune-teller was a sham and actively defrauding the old ladies. First, where's the harm? and second, everyone just assumes women are liars and irks the bejesus out of me. This part is handled fairly well by the author, with a few characters pointing out there is no harm in the fortune teller, but I would have liked one darn person to say something about the fact that part of the assumption was due to her being a woman. Yes, I am ignoring that she is, in fact, a fraud.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the rest of the Pretenders... annnnnd maybe hitting that 18-book backstory!

#NetGalley #ASecretSurrender

It doesnt support or open after I download the pdf version of it. It's also not showing in my shelf in netgalley and I cant open it to read

Please look into the issue and if you can send me the pdf in my mail ID- taniagungunsarkar@gmail.com

I cant read the book from here. Please look into the issue

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

Historical romance and a slightly unbelievable rags to riches story. Good characters who are not typical to the time.

4.5 stars -This is an engaging romance about a heroine Selina Blackwell, who has many incarnations including: fortune teller (Madame Sybila) and widow (Lady Gresham). Her hero is Harry Sheffield an accomplished bow street runner and sone of a nobleman.

Sheffield is falling in love with Lady Gresham, suspicious of Madam Sybila, and completely unaware that they are both aliases of Selina.

He’s the most understanding nobleman she’s even met. Her secrets and familial connections are just dangerous enough to ruin everything. Witnessing the story unfold and the love blossom was a real treat!

Darcy Burke is my go to author for historical romance and A Secret Surrender encapsulates every reason why. I would read this book again and I would buy it for a friend looking to get into historical romance.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I found myself falling in love with main characters Selina and Harry. I love how strong and sure Selina was and Harry was very sweet. I loved how their relationship developed and felt the chemistry between them. I also adored most of the side characters, in particular Beatrix and Harry's 3 sisters.

This book was very well written and it moved at just the right pace to keep me wanting to continue reading. I was so invested in the story that I read the entire thing in 1 day because I couldn't put it down.

The only thing that stopped me from being able to give this book a full 5 stars was that a few things that happened throughout the book seemed to be a little bit too convenient to help the plot move forward but it was still a really great historical romance story and I will definitely look to read more from this author in the future.

I'm always excited when I see the potential for a criminal romanced by a lawman (a constable in this case)! Selina is a con-woman trying to support herself and her best friend while they work towards their respective goals.

Harry, a straight-laced gentleman that works for Bow Street, was an interesting character. While technically a part of the ton, unlike most second-born sons, Harry skips over purchasing a commission or becoming a man of the cloth and chooses to work within the justice system. I loved seeing his rigid ways upended by the enigmatic Selina.

As enjoyable as I find the concept, I think I just didn't connect with the characters enough for this romance to really blow me away. Harry was the easiest to understand, but Selina baffled me almost as much as she did Harry. Some of the scenes felt rushed and incomplete as they spent time together. Their first kiss came out of the blue and I ended up rereading the lead up twice to see if I missed something that would turn the conversation from relatively mundane to this searing passion. It's definitely a bummer because I love stolen moments at a soiree. The pacing issue also extended to a mystery surrounding Selina. I can't share much without a spoiler, but I do think that big reveal could have had more impact. That said, maybe my lack of connection to Selina muted that emotional punch for me. As odd as the pacing felt early in the book after Harry discovered the truth regarding Selina's other identity everything seemed to click together.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the criminal/inspector aspect of the relationship and the obstacles that created for the couple. When considered separately, I enjoyed Selina and Harry but something was missing from their relationship for me. So while I enjoyed the book, it just missed the mark just a bit for me to truly rave about it. I'm really looking forward to Beatrix's romance in the next book though!

CW: References to a past sexual assault

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 — A woman pretending to be a lady while pretending <i>not</i> to be a fortune teller is pretending to not be attracted to the exact wrong man: a Bow Street Runner investigating one of her alter egos.

See more on my <a href="http://instagram.com/historyandharlots/">Instagram</a> & <a href="https://historyandharlots.blogspot.com/">blog</a>

—

This is my first book from Darcy Burke, and is the first in a new series from her (The Pretenders). This book centers around Selina, a chameleon who tricks and lies to get what she needs to survive. She pretends to be Madame Sybila, a fortune teller, by day, fleecing aristocrat clients with tarot card readings and fake donations to a charity; and by night (and other times of day) she is Lady Gresham, a baronet's widow in London with her sister Beatrix for Beatrix's Season.

There was a lot of potential with this book, and I did enjoy Darcy's writing and character building. But to me, it suffered from far too much plot. Maybe it was my fault for jumping into this expecting a historical romance, when this book is more attempting at mystery and intrigue than a romance. I don't love mysteries, because to me the mystery has to be done really well for it to work within the confines of both a historical setting and a romance novel. There were so many twists in this book, so many layers of deceit and deception, that some of the shock value was lost on me.

Selina meets Harry Sheffield, the second son of an earl and a Bow Street Runner, in both of her personas: as Madame Sybila (as he wants to prove she's a trickster who's guilty of fraud) and as Lady Gresham (who he finds himself attracted to for her practical and straight forward personality). Harry is compelling and likable... I liked the dynamic of him and his meddling family, the fact that he was an earl's son but chose to work. On the other hand while Selina is likable at times, I think we're made to feel sympathetic for her for all she's been through — that because of her past, it makes her lies appropriate or necessary. I couldn't buy into that. I felt sympathy for her and her past but it didn't excuse the lies and scheming to me. (I couldn't have forgiven her as Harry had.)

The book was tiring at times. One plot jump or surprise after another. <spoiler>The Vicar is responsible for some big fire that happened years ago. Harry is pursuing the Vicar. Selina's brother was killed in the fire! Wait - Rafe is alive! He's the Vicar. He didn't tell Selina because... I'm not really sure, still. Mrs. Winter is terrible at keeping up appearances for the charity house. Luther is in love with Selina. The Vicar <i>wasn't</i> responsible for the fire?? Luther is Mr. Frost? Mr. Frost isn't the evil one?? Betrayal within Bow Street?!</spoiler> The cherry on top was the multi-page mansplaining of motivation and plot and betrayals.

A Secret Surrender is a book about a con artist and Bow Street Runner. I've read books by Darcy Burke.and I usually enjoy them; This is her typical writing style as all of her books. But for some reason I cannot seem to connect to the characters. I think the problem is that I'm indifference to Selina's character. Otherwise it was an ok book.

A Secret Surrender is the first book in The Pretenders series by Darcy Burke and I'm definitely looking forward to picking up the next one to see how this series moves forward.

This story involves Selina Blackwell, someone who has learned to do whatever she needs to in order to survive. When Selina returns to London to give her sister a Season, she does so in the form of Lady Gresham. The thing about Selina is that she also needs to make money to support them so she is also a fortune teller known as Madame Sybila and she draws the interest of a Bow Street Runner, Harry Sheffield, who's father happens to be an Earl...and not fully supportive of his wife's patronage of the fortune teller. Based on his father's nudging, Harry starts to investigate Madame Sybila and things begin to get interesting.

Selina has a lot of secrets but as she begins to form a relationship with Harry as Lady Gresham, she has to figure out what is most important to her. Not only is she trying to maintain secrets and multiple personalities but the brother she thought was dead just happens to be someone Harry is interested in tracking down. I enjoyed how these characters' relationship was built and thought Burke did a great job of keeping the core of the story at the front of mind.

The secondary characters were all interesting and I will definitely grab the next book in this series to see where Burke takes it. If you're looking for an engaging historical romance, check this one out!

Historical romance is one of my favorites, especially when the women are portraited as independent, fiery and feisty. And Darcy Burke has done this perfectly in A Secret Surrender. Selina Blackwell has survived orphanage and hardships in her early years. Together with her thieving sister, she uses several aliases to survive in society. One of them is being fortune teller Lady Sybila.
Harry Sheffield doesn't like that his mother is being swindled out of her money by a fortune teller. When he needs a bait, he turns to the mysterious and witty lady Gresham. Little does he know that she and Lady Sybila are the same person. Selina isn't proud of all the lies and personas she has used to survive. But she will not end up at the poverty house again, ever. Not even, when the honest and attractive Bow Street runner Harry is hot on her heels. But will she give up on her chance of love, to ensure her sister will establish her name in society?
Find out for yourself in this wonderful story of lies, cheating, surviving the odds and doing the right thing. Maybe the world isn't as black and white as Harry thinks. And maybe Selina can learn that besides all the shades of grey there is a much more colorful world. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Although, I loved the storyline, it was a very slow moving story and difficult to get into. I get the reason why Selina started on the path that she did but it was like there was no remorse for cheating and robbing so many people blind. That bothered me a little about her character and also how Harry kind of just glossed over their crimes. That part of the storyline just didn't work for me. I really loved Harry's character and liked his integrity and honesty. So it was difficult to see him just move past that part of Selina. It feels a little unrealistic considering all that Harry stands for and I felt like it was written to wrap the story into a HEA.

This is the first book in "The Pretenders" series. There are some characters from a previous series, "Untouchables" that we meet again in this book, that I really enjoyed. I am interested to see what happens with Rafe in the upcoming books.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

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.

I've read several books by this author before and I really loved them. So I had very high expectations going into reading this book. And it definitely lived up to my expectations. I was hooked from the very first page. I would highly recommend this book, or any other book by this author!