This is the story of Selina and Harry. Harry, the second son of an earl, longs for purpose in life and therefore has become a bow street runner. He finds fulfillment in helping people and solving crimes. One such crime that his father asks he look into is a fortune teller, Madame Sybilia, whom his mother and other society ladies see often (and donate money to, of course).

Selina is the infamous Madame Sybilia, but you wouldn't know it based on a French accent and a heavy black veil. She has not lived the comfortable life Harry has and has to find other means to support herself and her sister (who isn't a blood relation, but as close as two sisters could be) as she launches her into Society. To everyone else, she is Lady Gresham, a widow, whereas a select few know her true identity and what tricks she is up to. She is quite interested in keeping Harry close as she learns he is investigating her, as well as a fire that Selina believes killed her older brother.

The story is engaging in the same way many of Ms Burke's book are. I gave this a four-star rating because I enjoyed the plot, the banter between characters and the steam between the hero and heroine. Personally, I would have enjoyed a slightly longer book as the ending felt marginally rushed and tied up too neatly, too quickly, for my liking. These are complex characters and while a happy ending is guaranteed, I would have liked more pages dedicated to getting there instead of everything just magically working out in short order. I recommend this book if you're looking for a fun read and a view into the underworld within London.

Darcy Burke never fails to disappoint. Her characters are well written and fleshed out. I love books about siblings and the ladies they fall for, so this was right up my alley! I recommend to any historical romance readers looking for a few fun hours to escape!

.Set in the 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?
The introduction to a new series this book which is one of those books that includes a previous series.

At an early age, Selina Blackwell learned to be a chameleon in order to survive. No stranger to fraud, deception, and deceit, Selina plays the roles of both the dubious Madame Sylbia and Lady Gresham. When Madame Sylbia catches the attention of Harry Sheffield, the second son (younger twin) of the Earl of Aylesbury and a Bow Street Runner, the sins of her past and present finally catch up with her. Their interactions and the mutual attraction will determine her future.

It was refreshing to read a Regency novel without being inundated with fancy balls and a petty “scandal” where two characters are caught unattended in a dimly lit library. No, in A Secret Surrender, the author Darcy Burke raises the stakes and goes all in.
Selina is as deceptive as they come, and in this case, her choices are quite understandable, although not enviable. Harry has a strong sense of justice that deviates from the idealized concept of justice. When it comes to Selina, Harry must then redirect his moral compass for love’s sake.

The characters and story were very engaging, although the last portion of the story came to some far-reaching conclusions in order to wrap things up neatly. Harry’s choices, in the end, weren’t ideal, but they were understandable. It will be interesting to see what happens with Rafe.

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Selina just wants stability for her sister. Her role as Madame Sybil, fortune teller extraordinaire, is a necessity because it provides them with the funds to launch a debut. But a Bow Street runner is convinced it's all a sham and a way to fleece the unsuspecting- including his mother.

Harry Sheffield makes it his mission to uncover Madame Sybil's deception. He is beguiled by Selina, sans her Madame Sybil veil, and when he realizes they are one and the same chaos ensues.

A fast paced Regency romp and comedy of errors sure to be enjoyed by fans of historical romance.

This is a fascinating, sweet and romantic story. Selina must masquerade as a fortune teller in order to support herself and Beatrix, the woman she calls her sister, and to launch Beatrix into society. Harry is a Bow Street Runner who is looking for the person who set a fire 4 years before, and is also looking into the fortune teller his father insists is taking advantage of his mother. Harry and Selina first meet when she intefers with his ability to chase a child pickpocket. When she learns that he's been looking for the man who started the fire that killed her brother, she has two reasons to stick close to him. After meeting Harry and beginning to have feelings for him, she starts to detest the life she must live. And even though both Harry and Selina insist that they're not interested in marriage, both begin to picture a future together. They both end up learning some shocking things about the past, and who is responsible for which crime. Harry is a dedicated, fair and kind gentleman. Selina is a strong, independent and caring woman. And the supporting characters are intriguing.

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

I normally like Darcy Burke but this is not one of my favorites. I just could not get into liking the the character of Selina or Lady Gresham or whatever name she called herself on any given day. I am going to say do yourself a favor and pass on this one.

There was a lot going on in this story. Harry and his drive to be a self made man. Selina had a troubled childhood, and was limited by the social theories of the time that severely curtailed a woman's ability to support herself. She is forced to support herself as a con artist, but has her own strange moral compass and mixed feelings about it. They both had a charming mix of chosen family and family family. Watching Selina and Harry learn how to trust each other was lovely. It was The characters did a lot of growing and learning, and forgiving. Ms. Burke crafted a rich and emotional story.
* II received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed A Secret Surrender by Darcy Burke. It is the first in a new series, The Pretenders. I always love that the first in series works well as a stand alone. There are some connections to Burke’s other “Untouchables” novels but you do not have to have read those books to enjoy this one.
I love reading historicals that aren't all about Dukes and the upper classes. Here we have Harry Sheffield, a Bow Street Runner from an upper class family. Harry has a passion for justice and for truly helping people. Selina has a few identities including a medium and Lady Gresham. Selina survived the cruel world of London poverty and was sent away to a finishing school by her brother, Rafe. Now she is back using her two identities to provide a Season for her "sister." 
What I loved about this novel is the characters. Each MC has a web of family that also adds so much to the story. Looking forward to the next in series!. I love that Selina is a woman who climbed her way out of poverty and is fighting to survive. While Harry is trying to protect his family and others from fraud. What results from their meeting is a passionate romance with witty banter and so much heart, What makes this novel even more exciting is the urgency. We know that Selina's transgressions could be discovered at any moment and it adds a fast paced urgency to the story. Burke writes their relationship in such a way that I never felt uncomfortable about the use of deceit.
I’ve read a few books by Darcy Burke and each book just gets better and better. Burke is a great historical writer and you are guaranteed a solid good read each time. 
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review. 
#ASecretSurrender #DarcyBurke #ThePretenders #TheUntouchables #HistoricalRomance #RegencyRomance #NetGalley

3.5 Stars

A Secret Surrender was a great start to a new historical romance series that's set in the same world as two of the author's other series.

Selina Blackwell grew up on London's streets and has learned to adapt to any situation that comes her way. In the hopes of providing her sister a Season she becomes Madame Sybila, a fortune-teller visited by London's elite, and Lady Gresham, a proper chaperone for her sister. But when Bow Street Runner Harry Sheffield takes an interest in her business, Selina worries her secrets are about to be exposed. Determined to out Madame Sybila as a fraud, Harry enlists the help of Lady Gresham not realizing they are one and the same.

Selina and Harry's relationship gets off to a slow start but they're both immediately attracted to one another. Initially Selina's plan was to get close to Harry so she could monitor his investigation into her dealings as Madame Sybila, but she quickly finds that she actually likes him as a person. While Selina helps Harry with his investigation, the pair develop a nice friendship with tons of teasing and flirting. The chemistry between them is fantastic and the physical scenes are steamy and well done. My only real complaint about the relationship was that I didn't like how long it took for Selina to come clean about her identity as Madame Sybila. I understand why she would be hesitant to reveal her secrets, but I didn't like the constant lying and deception. Once she does reveal the truth I liked the way the situation played out between them, I just wish is had happened sooner.

In addition to his investigation into Madame Sybila, Harry is also looking into a criminal known as the Vicar and a fire that occurred four years prior to the story which killed a number of people, including innocents. This storyline had a few twists with a great suspenseful scene near the end of the book. I enjoyed watching Harry work this case, but I will say it definitely takes a backseat to the Madame Sybila storyline. I didn't love the final reveal of who was ultimately behind everything as it came a bit out of left field, but the rest of the plotline was interesting.

Overall, a few issues aside, A Secret Surrender was an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, A Scandalous Bargain, when it releases later this year.

I always forget how much I enjoy Darcy Burke's books. I am a historical junkie, but really love how she keeps us in the same world. This is the start of a new series, but has tiny mentions and overlap of characters from previous books. It took me a bit to get in to it and remember where I left off, but once the story got going, it was fantastic.

Thank you, Darcy, for letting me read and enjoy it!

Another great read by a talented author I really enjoyed reading it and will definitely read more and recommend reading it

An amazing read!
A Secret Surrender has one of the most diverse characters from all walks of society. A sweet love story. I can't wait to find out how Beautrix's and Rafe's stories end

I received an ARC of "A Secret Surrender" by the fantastic Darcy Burke and Netgalley. This is the first book in her new series of The Pretenders. Selina Blackwell and Harry Sheffield meet under the guise of an investigation and the mutual immediate attraction is magnetic. They both then learn to love and trust, as well as deal with their demons from the past. A dangerous liason that may have dire consequences to their happiness. A great read.

This is the third book I have read of Darcy Burke, and I am slowly becoming entrapped with her style of writing and the brilliant characters.

“A Secret Surrender” is the first book in a new series and I can’t wait for the next in the series.

Selina and Harry’s story was heart warming and I was completely captivated.

Selina was living a double life, or a triple life - Madam Sybila (fortune teller), Lady Gresham (widower) and Selina - to substance Beatrix and herself.

Harry left a life of a barrister to become a runner for Bow Street. Their paths crossed when he was investigating Madam Sybila and a possible suspicion of money swindling from her clientele.

They were from completely different sides, but were completely fascinated by each other. Opposites attract!

The book had a number of lovely twists and keeps one of their toes.

Book Rating: 4

[** I received a copy of “The Secret Surrender” (The Pretenders #1) by Darcy Burke via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Thank you to publishers and Netgallery for the opportunity to review this book.]

#TheSecretSurrender #NetGalley

I've become quite a fan of Darcy Burke's since I first discovered her earlier this year. After reading A Secret Surrender I am beyond excited for this new series. I loved all the characters and can't wait to see where the stories go from here. As for Secret Surrender, I really enjoyed Harry and Selina's relationship and the complexity at its core. Neither Selina nor Harry is a simple or completely predictable character, but they're not so weighed down by their histories and backstories that they become martyrs or whiners. You can understand why Selina makes the choices she does and can't just give up her lifestyle at the drop of a hat. At the same time you can understand why Harry is able to see the gray areas of life rather than everything being strictly black or white (especially given his occupation). I believe what Ms. Burke does better in this novel than most romance writers is allow Harry to be hurt by and upset with Selina without seeming like an unforgiving jerk. He has every right to be upset and to feel betrayed and it would make sense that he would need time to work out his feelings for her. I hope that in one of the future books we find out that Selina did take steps to start a charity for homeless children. I found Harry's family to be a nice bit of comic relief to balance some of the more serious parts of the story. And as I said before, I am very much looking forward to reading Beatrix and Rafe's stories in future books.

Wow, just wow! Selina and Harry's story is so good. I never write a review with spoilers, and I won't with A Secret Surrender! Selina is a fabulous character, formed by her very tough childhood and all the challenges that she faced. She is without family, other than another interesting character, her adopted sister Beatrix. Then we meet Harry, the son of an Earl who prefers to work for a living. He is so different from most of the ton! Ms Burke brings them together with a great plot and you will worry about how it's all going to end up! I found myself heartbroken for both of our main characters and quite concerned that they could never be together. Get this book and enjoy!

Can't wait for the rest of The Pretenders series!

I simply can't get enough of Darcy Burke's books. Each of them is unique. Each one has wonderful characters but A Secret Surrender was brilliant. The villain in this story was a woman. Either known as Madame Sybila the fortune-teller or Lady Gresham the widow of deceased husband Sir Barnabus Gresham. Or simply Selina. Which one of them was real though?

Harry Sheffield the Runner of Bow Street has been looking into the fortune-teller his mother happend to take liking of. He was convinced that Madame Sybile has been swindling the rich of their money from the very beginning and donating their money to a charity, but was it real or was she draining her clients dry?
Maybe not all seems as one would think!

A four year old case with little to no hints or evidence causes these characters to join forces together. Could they possibly discover answers or evidence that leads to the real perpetrator?

These two are so very different but yet pulled to each other, maybe inappropriate by society standards but attracted no less.

In this book not everything is as it seems to be, the whole story is full of twists. Can secrets be uncovered and wrongs righted?

Harry Sheffield is the second son of the Earl of Aylesbury. He was also a Bow Street Runner. He has three sisters and of course, his older brother (Viscount Northwood). They were all married and had children. His brother was single. He had invited Lady Gresham and her sister, Miss Beatrix Whitford.
Lady Gresham has many ladies personas that she uses to make her living and provide for Beatrix. Madame Sybilia is a fortune teller, while Lady Gresham is a lady and she is Selina Blackwell. At a very young age, she and her brother had lost their parents. She was accosted in a tavern while serving customers. Her brother sent her to a seminary school to protect her. This is where she met Beatrix, who was being picked on by the other girls. She took care of her and they loved each other like true sisters.
It was a lovely story. His family was large, they loved each other, and sometimes there was a bit of chaos but it was with love. The tale is how they met, she and Harry. What kind of work he does and the kind of things he looks into. While she tries to keep them fed and try to quiet Beatrix's cleptomania. She and Harry tease each other throughout the book and it is so sweet. I loved it for all its wonderful Qualities and the fun they had together. Not all was fun. They had some scary moments but managed to persevere. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.