This was an altogether enjoyable book. The characters had good chemistry and the setting and situation was interesting. Although I have not ready any other books in the series, there seemed to be some depth added to characters and storylines from previous titles. A Rogue to Ruin also avoids the pitfalls I sometime see in regency novels where the author uses language or situations that are gleaned from modern life. The challenge to balance a realistic historical aesthetic combined with a situation and story that appeals to a modern audience is always there, but on the whole, I think Ms. Burke pulled it off. Overall, I would give this book a 3.5 star rating if that were available. My only complaint was that it was a little difficult to get into as a stand alone book. The meet-cute was nice but I wasn't as invested in the h and H as I thought I would be from the outset. That being said it was an easy and enjoyable read.

Yay, after Selina (in A Secret Surrender) and Beatrix (in A Scandalous Bargain), there is now a happy ever after for Raphael.
After the first two parts of the Pretenders series, we still haven't found out whose parents Selina and Raphael's really are and why they where murdered. Rafe is still trying to find their murderers to avenge them. And although he has worked his way out of poverty and thievery, he still feels guilty for all the sins he has committed. And with no title to his name, and a vicious scar on his face, he is no candidate on the Marriage Mart. Not that he feels the need to marry. But when he meets a mysterious lady by chance, he can't keep her out of his head. Unfortunately, or maybe for the best, they didn't exchange names, so Rafe has no way of finding out who she is. But when he has to ask a favour to Anthony Colton, from his life as the Vicar (yes from the Spitfire Society Series), he discovers that Anthony's sister in law, Anne Pemberton, is his mysterious lady.
And even more, he finally finds out who he really is and who has murdered his parents. But in uncovering the truth, he also uncovers more about Anne's family. Somehow, he has to chose whether the price of avenge is too high or not. A wonderful ending to this series, and also very nice how the characters of the Spitfire Society are also making appearances.
Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

This review is Darcy Burke's A Rogue to Ruin, which comes out 2/23/2021.

This book is about Rafe, a self built man who knows little of where he came from. He meets Anne in a bookstore and for weeks in anonymity they continue to meet for outings which would otherwise be impossible for Lady Anne to embark on. Eventually, it is discovered that Rafe's past intertwines with Anne's present and his true identity comes to light. The character Anne is very forthcoming with her feelings for Rafe, while he maintains he is not good enough for her. Our seduction is actually lead by the heroine and not the hero, which was both endearing and hilarious to read.

This book is part of a series and has a huge cast of characters which can get confusing. I do not think it would do well as a standalone. To fully appreciate the emotion of this book, the plight of Rafe and his two sisters, and the incredulity of Rafe discovering his true identity, you need to read the other books in the series.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.

Rake Bowles meets Anne Pemberton in Hatchards bookstore. Keeping their identities secret, they meet once a week to explore East End London. A few weeks later Anne doesn't show up. Their paths cross again. A second chance with complications becomes more complicated when Rake finds out about his past. Anne already loves him and is not going to give up keeping him in her life. When his true identity comes to light, it will be his biggest challenge to not lose her. I think this is my favorite book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

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

Cute enough. Didn’t sizzle. Characters were sweet.

Once again we see the many faces of Rafe, with Earl being the newest one. I liked Rafe's story. It was fun to see how his sisters and their husbands had his back. Plus the way that it combines Anne family and his was delightful.