Series: The Pretenders, #3
Traits & Tropes: hidden identity; wrong side of the tracks hero
Publication Date: 02.23.21
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London, England, 1819
Heat Level: 3.5/5
Rating: 5 stars!
Anne Pemberton’s season was considered a smashing success up until her betrothed was arrested for extortion on their wedding day. Now tarnished by scandal, her thoughts are consumed with the man she spent several afternoons exploring London with before the start of the season. They never shared their true identities, but they came to know each other well and Anne can’t stop thinking about their kisses or the palpable connection they shared.
Raised a thief on the streets of East London, Rafe Blackwell has reinvented himself as Raphael Bowles, a respectable and wealthy gentleman. He’s spent most of the last several years trying to jog his memories and determine his and his sister’s true origins and now that he knows who he was truly meant to be, he’s dedicated to seeing justice served against the man who murdered his parents and stole his future and birthright. When he is brought back into Anne’s orbit, this time with a real introduction, their connection is still strong, but he’s determined to keep her at arm’s length. Rafe never wants to put himself in a position where he could be hurt again, but Anne won’t be so easily discouraged. She’s determined to save him, even from himself. She recognizes and accepts the darker side of him, but he’ll have to face it too or lose his newfound light.
I devoured this book and I absolutely loved it. This was far and away the best book of the series and I adored the odd pairing of Anne and Rafe. There is such a gap between them in terms of age and experience, but Anne is in no way left behind; she’s made of stronger stuff than anyone expected and her open-hearted ability to believe in Rafe and accept his weaknesses along with his strength was just what he needed. Without her he wouldn’t have been able to reclaim his rightful place and after being so used to being in control, he has no idea how to deal with the very out of control feelings she inspires in him. It was delightful how hard he fought and how tenacious Anne was, refusing to leave each time he tried to push her away. It was a clear attempt at self-preservation on Rafe’s part, but Anne was having none of it and was utterly patient and steadfast in the face of his reticence and fear. Eventually, of course, Rafe let down his walls for her to reveal a fierce and abiding devotion. That was oh so satisfying. I also enjoyed the appearances from past main characters and the close and accepting relationship Anne had with her sister, Jane. This story examined so many aspects of acceptance and family as Rafe and Anne both sought that stability and found it with each other after having their foundations rocked. This book ticked all my boxes, and I loved the dynamic established between Anne and Rafe.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3010287481
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3660934857
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