A Scandalous Bargain by Darcy Burke
Rating: 4.5 stars
**WARNING: Spoilers below!**
Summary: Tom Devereaux’s wife is beyond the pale.  She drinks too much, gambles too much, has obvious affairs, and bore a child that is not her husband’s (while married to said husband).  She happens to fall off a balcony with a low railing during one of their fights and dies.  Tom is now a widower with a young daughter and suspected of murder (it was clear to all that theirs was not a love match…).
Beatrix Linley is in Tom’s garden the night his wife dies as she is in his tree spying on her father, the Duke who lives next door.  Beatrix is trying to earn her father’s regard even though she is a bastard, and he has paid her no mind for many years.  Beatrix comes to Tom’s aid after his wife fell and they develop a relationship.
I liked Beatrix quite a bit.  She is smart, capable, and goes after what she wants.  While she has an unfortunate habit of stealing things when she is anxious, she does not do it out of malice typically, and she has done it in the past to survive, not live a life of luxury.
Tom is a great hero, too.  He loves his daughter deeply, even though he is not her biological father.  He tried to make the best of his marriage, dumpster fire that it was.  He recognizes that he is not perfect but tries to be better.  
The story focuses on Beatrix and Tom’s relationship, with a strong plot line of the investigation into his wife’s death and Beatrix trying to win her father’s affections.  Both are resolved neatly, but not so neatly that you feel Ms. Burke was trying to rush the ending.  It is a great read if you have read any of Ms. Burke’s other books, too, as many of her characters are mentioned or make appearances in other stories, a trait I adore as you get to see past the character’s own novel.  Also, I loved the epilogue as it ties into the next story (which I have already started reading).  
If you are considering reading this, I would recommend it, especially if you have read any of Ms. Burke’s other novels.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

A very enjoyable read, loved the story line but will note that there is a lot going on at the same time. I didn't read book one so I was unfamiliar with any of the characters but I do feel the book can be read as a stand alone however it might have helped me keep plot points straight if I had read book one. That said, I did find it a bit chaotic with so much happening and trying to keep track of who was who. I also found that Tom and Beatrix although such a sweet love story, fell for each other too quickly, it was far to easy for them to be together. It kinda made the entire build up of her character's back story a mute point with the way he just accepted her and they get on with their tasks. I did find this to be a very well paced and intriguing story. Strong writing and an easy read that took only a few days. 
I do recommend this for a great story line and sweet romance. 
I received an ARC in exchange for a review

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After her mother died, Beatrix Linley was abandoned by her father to a school, and ignored after more. As the illegitimate daughter of a duke, she had been raised in some form of comfort, but at school, was ridiculed for her birth, and only had her friend, Selina Blackwell, to support her. Since then, they have made their way through life, stealing to survive and gain enough in order for Beatrix to have a season as Miss Whitford, the younger sister of the widowed Lady Gresham, so that she can get close to her father, the Duke of Ramsgate, but she's no closer now, and there's only a month or so left of the Season. Stealing away to the home of Lord Rockbourne, the neighbour of Ramsgate, she watches her father from a tree, and overhears an argument between Lord and Lady Rockbourne, in which Thea runs at her husband with a pen knife, and falls to her death from a low balcony. Spotted by Rockbourne in the aftermath, they become friends, and she soon discovers that Tom has been living a life of hell with his now late wife. They think everything is sorted, and once Tom starts to re-enter society, can make their friendship public, but when his mother-in-law starts stirring up a fuss, and claiming her daughters death was murder, it will take all of Tom and Beatrix's wits, and their friends and loved ones, to help them get through to the other side, and possibly be together.

This one was even better than book 1, which I didn't think was possible. I think it was because of the friendship and camaraderie between Beatrix and Tom, and their chemistry and love for each other, that just kept me hooked, and unable to put it down. They just have a connection which is instant, and their start from friends in a difficult situation, to lovers, was a perfect progression. I felt for Beatrix so much too, after being loved by a father who then abandoned her, and ignores her in society, it's hard to imagine that she will be loved by anyone but Selina, but Tom, and his daughter Regan, so obviously do. The whole plot line with Ramsgate was heartbreaking, but it allowed for Tom and Beatrix to meet, and was a catalyst in them getting together. Tom, though, had been tricked into marrying the heartless Dorothea Chamberlain five years ago, and her whole family were wicked. Just weeks before her death, her brother was arrested on his wedding day for extortion, and is due to be transported, so he's well shot of the whole family, but then the mother-in-law decides that she needs to twist the story, claiming he was violent and adulterous - when actually that was her daughter - and ruin his reputation further. Only with Beatrix's new family connections to Harry, can she help, and she does everything she can - even ruin her reputation - to see him go free. I was so invested in their story, and overjoyed at the epilogue, which also helps set the scene for book 3. Another wonderful Regency read.

Action packed, emotionally thrilling roller - coaster adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Was a edge of your seat, highly entertaining journey from beginning to end.

This is a pretty standard regency but some of the starting premises make no sense. A viscount being investigated for murder when his wife is known to be erratic and a lush? A kleptomaniac who spends 10 years stealing but no one recognizes her? If you can get past the plot holes, it's not too bad but it didn't work for me.

I very much enjoyed this book!  I enjoyed the layers to the characters who have chemistry.  I also found the psychological exploration of kleptomania fascinating.  The plot was well paced and there weren't any loose ties at the end.  I very much appreciated the cliffhanger and am looking forward to the next book!
Although you don't need have to have read the first book in the series, it is very well written as well and I highly suggest it!

A delightful romance with colorful characters who meet in a very atypical manner left me feeling very satisfied with this novel - like I was served a fresh idea in a genre that often relies on tropes (which I don'tind - it was just nice to see something less familiar!) It was easy to read and over well before I was ready to say goodbye.  With characteristically wonderful storytelling, I feel like I was treated to an immersive experience that left me feeling fuzzy hearted despite some of the difficult subject matters.

Another Darcy Burke book that l really enjoyed. There was suspense, humour and romance as well as wondering what is going to happen next. I would recommend that you read this book.

I loved the way that Beatrix and Thomas met wasn’t the typical way characters meet in a romance. The way their relationship developed wasn’t a typical one either and seemed very easy and believable. The struggle between the characters to keep their feelings inside was a tension the reader could feel. I really liked this novel and look forward to more from Darcy Burke.

I was introduced to Darcy Burke's books with the series she did with Erica Ridley, the Wicked Dukes Club and have enjoyed every one that I have read. While this is the second book in this series, it is very intertwined with previous series, with many of those characters either showing up here or at least having their names dropped.

This book is about Beatrix, who was abandoned by her father after her mother died. She had very fond memories of her father and could not understand why he abandoned her at a girl's school, where she was bullied and was miserable, except for her friend Selina. The two girls were so unhappy there, that they left, and became sisters of the heart, struggling to survive until they came back to London in the previous book, where Selina found her brother Rafe and love with Harry. Beatrix became a kleptomaniac at the school and those skills helped them to survive, but now it has just become a habit, that she can't kick. She wants to find her father and have him proud of her and starts spying on him from the tree of his neighbor, Thomas Devereaux, Viscount Rockbourne, but sees more than she bargained for when she witnesses Lady Rockbourne try to assault her husband and ends up falling over the balcony, dying. As Beatrix continues to spy on her father, she and Tom becomes friends. But when his mother-in-law accuses him of murder, can Beatrix speak out as his witness without ruining her reputation and hurting Selina and Harry in the process?

Both Beatrix and Tom have weathered the death of their mothers and cruel fathers, without becoming cruel people themselves. I love the way the author developed the characters and created the situation that brought them together. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series about Rafe.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Selina and Beatrix are back!  Selina is marrying Harry, and they both are trying to give up their previous life of crime.  Beatrix is convinced that she can be reunited with her father and while spying on him, witnesses the death of Thomas's wife.

They continue to meet and finally give in to the growing feelings between them even while he has to keep answering to the Bow Street Runners who are investigating his wife's death.

The book was filled with lots of action, intrigue, drama, and romance.  Some secrets are revealed and a new mystery is presented that hopefully will be answered in the next book!

Those Spitfire ladies are such fun to read about and always look forward to the next book!

This is not the story I thought it would be, and I am very excited by that fact. I am in awe that the author took the brave stand to show a man as the victim of domestic violence. To be honest, for as much as I enjoyed the rest of this book, that is the one piece that sticks with me. And it makes me a little proud to be a reader of her work. I liked Beatrix. I liked that we get to see the resolution to most of her family drama. But it’s Thomas who truly captivated my imagination. His reactions. His emotional state. Everything he says and does rings true as the survivor of a psychopathic narcissist. (And really, that’s probably the politest thing I can call his late wife.) The author’s research skills shine through in the way she created his character and handled the situation. Now, with the hope of finding out who their parents were, I’m anxious to get my hands on Rafe’s book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley.

So good, so good, so good. It kept me at the edge of my seat! The H &, H are such good people, who have had so serious trouble in their lives. I never write a spoiler, so I will just tell you to read this story...then you'll be just like me waiting anxiously for the next story cuz I just gotta know who...!

I enjoy every single book Darcy Burke writes. A Scandalous Bargain definitely stands out as an interesting and can't put down edition! It is the second book in her The Untouchables: The Pretenders Series. It will work as a stand alone, but I think you would enjoy it more by reading the first book. 

Beatrix (Linley) Whitford has a colorful background and has come to London for the season in hope of reconnect with her father. Her Father is the Duke of Ramsgate and her mother was his mistress. Beatrix was abandoned after her mother’s death and being sent to a school. I loved getting to read Beatrix’s story. Beatrix peaked my interest in the first book because she steals thing unintentionally (doesn’t even know she is doing it) and I love historical inclusions of characters who are caring for/exploring their mental health. 

We open the book with Beatrix in disguise while spying on her father from the vantage point up a tree. She witnesses a woman next door fall to her death. The woman who fell was Thea, Lady Rockburn.  Lord  Rockburn’s wife was essentially estranged and seeking divorce. 

Beatrix runs to help and meets Lord Rockburn (Thomas). There is something strange in the tone of their meeting... it’s more a meet cute than an omg we just saw someone fall to their death. I was wondering about this until it is addressed later in the book! 

What I love about this series is the mixes of class, work, survival tactics and mental health. So many twists and turns in the story where Beatrix and Selina’s identities could be exposed. Also, there is some delightful falling in love and steamy times! Hope you enjoy too! 

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC.

#AScandalousBargain #DarcyBurke #HistoricalRomance #netgalley

I loved the first book in this series and looked forward to getting to see Beatrix's story, but I found this book to be a little bit of a letdown. It just felt like everything was a little too easy between Beatrix and Tom. It's not that I wanted a story of high drama, but considering everything that happens with these characters from the death of Tom's wife to Beatrix's past to her problems with her father I just felt things should have been a little more difficult for them. I appreciated that Tom didn't shame Beatrix for her past, but it's brushed over so quickly it makes you wonder why certain aspects of the backstory were even mentioned. I'll be curious to see if Beatrix and Selina's schoolmate will make an appearance in the final book of the series (otherwise, again, what was the point of appearing in this book).

4.5 stars

Lovely read.  Part of the Pretenders series but you don't need to have read book 1 to enjoy this one, though in that book you get a glimpse of Beatrix's kleptomania habit.  Tom is out on the balcony when his wife falls off it to her death.  The only witness is up a tree spying on her disappointing father.  They agree a scandalous bargain but eventually things end up coming to light.  The passion is good as is the romance.  This isn't a clean story and realistically Beatrix isn't some simpering virginal type.  There's a continuing mystery about Beatrix's 'siblings' which is intriguing.  I will definitely look out for book 3. 

I'd heartily recommend this work.  I  voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I always really enjoy Darcy's books, and this one didn't disappoint. The plot was well-written and had suspense, murder, intrigue, and romance. The characters had great personalities (especially Beatrix) and I really enjoyed their connection and chemistry. The romance was steamy but sweet and had depth. Their relationship is great and I really enjoyed it. The plot was great and everything helped it to come together and made it truly enjoyable. I  would definitely recommend this and can't wait for more in this series.

With murder, intrigue, thievery and a healthy dose of romance,  this regency novel has it all. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Contains steamy scenes, if that’s not your cup of tea.

When Thomas's wife dies under suspicious circumstances, Beatrix is the only who knows he's innocent of murder. But Beatrix's behavior is not exactly above reproach, making her a poor witness in his defense. Her reputation could be ruined if certain facts come to light. They agree to protect each other's secrets, but at what cost? And what happens when their plan begins to unravel? 

Darcy Burke gets the award for the most innovative "meet cute" of 2020 (at least in my book). This is a high stakes, high emotion story that hooks you from the beginning. I adore the characters in the Pretenders series and can't wait for more! 

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received of this book.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Darcy Burke Publishing for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars rounded up

This was my second historical romance by Darcy Burke and just as with the first, I really enjoyed this too! Although this is the second book in her Pretenders series, and we do encounter characters introduced in the first book (Selina, Harry, Rafe), it can very much be read as a standalone. Were some elements of the story a little improbable and often predictable? Yes, but that honestly didn't stop me from enjoying it. I think if I were more discerning about the time period and how the hero/heroine meet, then I *might* have an issue with it. As it is, I thought it was a unique meet-cute and I enjoyed how their relationship unfolded. It was a fast-paced and entertaining historical romance and exactly what I was looking for when I chose to read this book. 

I found Beatrix and Thomas to be very likeable characters. I appreciated how Beatrix's main goal for her Season wasn't to snag a husband but to reconnect with her father who abandoned her as a child. She has a strong independent streak and she's delightfully sharp-witted. I felt like she complemented Thomas' character very well, as she can really hold her own and she proves it time and again. My heart went out to Thomas because, after a childhood of abuse, all he wanted was a happy and supportive marriage and he got quite the opposite. I adored how much he cared for his daughter and how despite his ex-wife was a terrible person, he still tried to do right by her for his daughter's sake. Their connection was a little surprising at first but I liked how their unlikely friendship grew into romance and it did get pretty steamy between these two! I'd say 4/5 on the steamy scale.

There were some loose ends that I wish had been tied up or better addressed and that's why I didn't rate this higher. For starters, Beatrix's half-sibling completely fell off the radar after it seemed that he'd play a bigger and more supportive role. There was also the issue of Beatrix's compulsive stealing that didn't have a resolution and was kind of brushed over at the end for the HEA.

Overall though, this was an enjoyable romance and a series with characters that I'm looking forward to reading more of! If I'm right in guessing the next book will be about Rafe then I'm really looking forward to it because I'm liking the sound of his story :) I'd recommend this for those who enjoy a fast-paced historical romance with strong heroines, likeable heroes, and a good dose of steamy connection!