3.75 stars

Yay! Our 2nd Pretender, Beatrix, gets her happily ever after. Darcy Burke never fails to entertain.

Beatrix stumbles upon an unfortunate accident and death while scandalously hidden in a tree spying on her father, the Duke of Ramsgate. She is not a stranger to the tree or of overhearing the very loud quarrels of the garden's owners. Actually, she has developed quite the little crush on the master of the garden and feels more than a little empathy towards the man who is constantly berated by his wife.

Through a series of unfortunate acts, Thomas Deveraux, the Viscount Rockbourne finds himself suddenly a widower, discovers a witness to the act that no one can know about due to her potential ruin, and has attracted the unwanted attention of bow street in regards to his now late wife's untimely death. Furthering that, he finds his garden spy is actually quite enchanting and quite the breath of fresh air after the past 5 years of marriage.

A Scandalous Bargain was quite entertaining in the murder mystery aspect of what will happen now with the late wife's tales from beyond the grave and Tom's mother in laws machinations. I absolutely loved the tie ins from the Spitfire Society and from the last book's (A Secret Surrender) main plot. (The villain from the last book is the brother to the now late Viscountess, lies, deceptions from the last book further into this one, etc...) I did start to get a little bored towards the middle but I am suffering from a gigantic case of the blahs lately, so it was probably just me.

I love the discovery/remembering of Rafe and all the potential possibilities for discovering where Selina and Rafe came from. Wouldn't it also be wonderful if it had a connection with Beatrix's mother? Nah, probably too much of a stretch. I am hooked on this series and cannot wait for Rafe's book- A Rogue to Ruin to come out!

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Sensational, secret-filled romance!

We met Thomas in 'A Duke Will Never Do' and instantly felt sympathy for him as he discovers he was tricked into marrying the termagant, Thea.  Then we get to know Beatrix in her sister's story, 'A Secret Surrender' and learn a little of her secrets.  Now, the drama unfolding brings these two together as they strike a bargain to protect each other's secrets.  

Only two people know the truth behind Thea's death, but greater secrets must be protected even when they hamper the resulting investigation.  In this whirlwind story, the importance of trust and family are put to the test again and again.

I really enjoyed getting Beatrix's backstory and watching the culmination of her years-long quest unfold, even when it doesn't go exactly to plan.  Thomas is a wonderfully strong character, a man whose inner goodness has saved him from a horrible situation.  Together, these two have chemistry for days and an innate sense of their connection right from the start.  

The plot has all the ups and downs, twists and turns a reader could want.  We even get some hints about more revelations to come in the next book, and I for one can't wait to read it.  Selena and Harry are strong secondary characters here, as is Harry's family, so if you've read their story you absolutely don't want to miss this one.  Thomas and Beatrix's HEA is deliciously satisfying, making this one of my favorite Darcy Burke stories.  I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This is another great addition in the series ‘The Pretenders’. Beatrix Linley, whilst spying on her father, stumbles across Thomas Devereaux (Lord Rockbourne) in an argument with his wife. On witnessing the death of Thomas’ wife, Beatrix finds herself entangled in his life. As their friendship begins to blossom, scandal and past secrets threaten to drive them apart. 
Whilst this is part of a series, the relationship between Beatrix and her sister, Selina (Book 1) is made apparent and is seamlessly interwoven into the board. Their relationship is also part of what makes this such a great read. I enjoyed the characters of Thomas and Beatrix, who despite their troubles, almost throw their past behind them, in order to start afresh with their friendship and then their beautiful romance.
This is a series that continues to blossom, and I look forward to reading Rafe, the brother of Selina and Beatrix, whilst discovering more of their childhood.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I received an ARC in exchange for a review containing my honest thoughts about the book.

Overall rating: ★★★★☆

Pros: strong character profiles, stepping away from genre tropes, consensual sex scenes

Cons: low stakes, anachronisms

A Scandalous Bargain is the second book in Darcy Burke's The Pretenders series. I haven't read the first Pretenders book, unlike other reviewers; if you're wondering if you can pick up here, you absolutely can. Burke spends just enough time referring to the plot and circumstances of the previous book that a new reader would have no problem figuring out what's going on.

This entry revolves around two characters (as is often the case in Regency romance novels): Beatrix Linley and Thomas Devereaux. Beatrix is the illegitimate daughter of Duke of Ramsgate, and she wants nothing more than for the London ton- and more importantly, her father- to accept her as one of their own. Thomas is a peer himself, trapped in an abusive marriage. On the night that Beatrix and Thomas meet, Thomas's wife dies. Rumor surrounds the tragedy, with plenty of people believing that Thomas had reason to kill his unpleasant, unfaithful wife.

Unfortunately, the only witness to the event, Beatrix, is unable to step forward with the truth. She and her family would be ruined if she announced that she was at the scene of the accident. As Bow Street investigators and a lifelong dream close in on Thomas and Beatrix respectively, a tender and honest romance blossoms between the two.

I've never read a book by Darcy Burke, so this was my first impression of the author. Immediately, I found her characters interesting and engaging; even Viscountess Rockbourne- Thomas's late wife- existed throughout the book, and every mention of her painted a deeper profile of a real person instead of a two dimensional specter. Beatrix steps away from being a wilting, naïve debutante, and Thomas doesn't fall into the easy mold of roguish English lord. Beatrix has had sex in the past; Thomas doesn't care, and at no point does the meta narrative make Beatrix seem as if she needs redemption from her past. Thomas is a father, and his daughter is a central point of the story. Gossip is relevant to the story, and not a device to create unnecessary misery. If you're interested in a romance novel that doesn't lean into everything already done, Burke does an excellent job of not relying on tropes. 

However, some people may not enjoy the more modern turns of phrase and narrative voice that the author uses. If you're a stickler for absolute period accuracy, you may have a bone to pick with the way characters sometimes flaunt societal conventions at the time. I, on the other hand, honestly found it refreshing-- especially the sex scenes. I tend to avoid erotic scenes in romance novels because of dubious consent, cheesiness, and terrible language (of which has made me hate the words "tool" and "member"). Burke emphasized consent, set up a safe environment for both characters, and furthered the plot within the scenes. I read them, and enjoyed them, which is a first for me.

Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book. It doesn't do anything miraculous for the genre, but if you're tired of the same-old, then give it- and the first Pretenders book- a try!

The second book by this author that I've read and it certainly won't be the last. Again definitely on the spicy side, so not for those who don't enjoy such stories, but this didn't put me off although I do prefer "sweet" stories. Beatrix's back story, the illegitimate daughter of a Duke's mistress, and the way she tries to overcome this plus Thomas's loveless marriage really struck a cord with me and I ended up really enjoying this story, hence my 5* score.
I have read one other story previously by this author, plus another one to follow, so will have to start purchasing all her other books.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Another enjoyable read by Ms. Burke! Another pair has the opportunity to find a happily ever after after both having been through so much. Beatrix was sent away after her mother died, not wanted by her father, for she is illegitimate. Beatrix wants her father's love and it set to prove to him he is a daughter to be proud of. There is a little problem...Beatrix has a habit of stealing things without realizing it, which makes her a good thief. She has lied about many things, but upon meeting Tom, things begin to change. Tom was in a horrid marriage, one that he was manipulated into. Now he is being accused of murder and the only witness is Beatrix, whom he will not allow her to say anything since it would ruin her reputation. Rather, it begins as a friendship between the two and grows into more. But Tom has no desire to marry again and Beatrix has lied about her identity. With pressure coming from Bow Street about the death of Tom's wife, Beatrix will have to choose between her reputation and love.
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Everyone is keeping secrets. Thomas was there when his wife fell off the balcony. Beatrix is the illegitimate daughter of a duke. Beatrix has a nervous habit of stealing that she is unaware she is doing. When everything starts to come out, they must turn to each other for support. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Darcy Burke Publishing for my honest review.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect from A Scandalous Bargain, except that I was intrigued to find out Beatrix’s story after getting to know her a bit in the previous book.

 I was intrigued to learn more about her, how she hopes to prove herself to her father, who abandoned her. I found her a lot more sympathetic than the first book suggested, where she seemed somewhat unlikable at times.

I also was engaged in Thomas’ story arc, as he’s had a miserable marriage and his wife died in mysterious circumstances. It was great to see these two come together and find a spark in each other, in spite of their past baggage. 

However, something I continue to struggle with is Darcy Burke’s attempts to add suspense to her books. I always feel like there’s so much potential, but they never go the extra mile to be suspenseful, resulting in it feeling somewhat underwhelming, especially as Thomas and Beatrix first meet over his dead wife’s body. 

I feel like a lot of my issues stem from my complicated relationship with romantic suspense and cozy mysteries  (I love a good bloody murder mystery, so both make no sense to me at times), and the fact that the book is not primarily billed as romantic suspense also suggests that the light touches of suspense were not meant to be prominent. I think if this is not an issue for you, and you’re a historical romance fan, you’ll enjoy this.

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review 

Both sweet and sexy, this author just keeps getting better and better! Looking forward to the next one

This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given and in my own words, for this ARC.  I have read each of the books in this series.  They can be read as stand alone but gosh they are even better when you recognise all of the characters from story to story!  Each of the characters are so unique and so UN-TON like.  The stories are delightful.

Will her past and his present tear them apart ...

After reading Selina’s story, I was intrigued by Beatrix as there were more to her than what left the eyes. 
And the opening scene was quite a big leap in this story. Like the plunge the hero’s wife took from their balcony. Like the jump Beatrix made to reach him. Like the step Thomas took to connect with this stranger. Like the hop they did together in trusting one another.
Theirs is a tale of faith and trust.
Beatrix had to adapt to her life’s circumstances for the last decade and a half. It cemented her relationship with Selina, while they are not sisters by blood, they became by heart. 
They made choices and took actions they are not always proud about, but they did it to survive as life is very unfair to the weakest and even worse if they are females.
But with Thomas, she felt an instant connection, so much she shares scraps of her past with him, something she never has done before. But the timing is so wrong, she is on a mission, one does not include love. But she would gladly befriend this kind and caring man, one who is honest about his flaws.
Thomas had lost every illusions he had about his wife, and now even from the grave, she continues to threaten his peace. And while her death is a tragedy, it put on his path an unexpected miss, one who jumps fences, fights footpad, crashes toes when she wants to deflect suitors, is kind to his daughter, makes him smile.
While reawakening feelings he buried, she rises his curiosity. He wants more from her, even if he feels he should not, he is in mourning, left more damaged by his nightmarish marriage than before.
Yet while fighting their attraction, they reveal more to one another than to anyone else. It depends their friendship to move to more, but when their security is in distress, they will have to chose between renown and sentiments.
4.5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Beatrice and Thomas's story is a fascinating one. It is filled with trying times and love.
The characters are interesting and loveable. The storyline is fantastic.
Darcy Burke has done it again.

I admit I wasn’t quite sure what to make of this book when I first started it as it’s unlike a lot of light Regency reads I’ve had in the past. The language and cursing for one, as well as some of the societal norms in the book were very modern, which took me out of the narrative a bit. But it was a cute light story tying into a larger Regency-verse and is apparently the first book in its own trilogy, although it can stand alone. No regrets downloading this one!
#AScandalousBargain #NetGalley