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The Pretenders
When the rakish young Baron Reeve of Ormsby loses his shirt in a horse race, he asks his conservative uncle, the Lord Bradford, to give him access to his inheritance. The Lord agrees--if the young Baron will marry to add some stability to his life. Reeve enlists his childhood pal, Deborah, to "marry" him with the understanding that they will call off the wedding before the actual day arrives. They also promise to never, ever fall in love. But some promises were made to be broken.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1999
About the author
Joan Wolf
102 books368 followersJoan Wolf is a USA TODAY bestselling American writer, whose acclaimed Regency romances have earned her national recognition as a master of the genre. Her many historical and contemporary romances, some of which have been chosen as Literary Guild selections, have been highly praised by reviewers and authors alike.
Joan was born in 1951 and she grew up in the Bronx, New York. A former English teacher, she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Mercy College and Master in English and Comparative Literature at Hunter College. An avid rider and horse owner, Joan lives in Connecticut with her husband Joe and two grown children, Jay and Pam.
Joan was born in 1951 and she grew up in the Bronx, New York. A former English teacher, she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Mercy College and Master in English and Comparative Literature at Hunter College. An avid rider and horse owner, Joan lives in Connecticut with her husband Joe and two grown children, Jay and Pam.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 14, 2025
The first half of this book was absolutely lovely. As a friends-to-lovers story, it nailed the camaraderie and easy connection between the couple, making their journey feel warm and genuine. I enjoyed experiencing their dynamic as it naturally evolved into something deeper.
However, the second half took a sharp turn into melodrama, descending into a whirlwind of chaos with attempted rape, suicide, and murder all crammed in. Talk about over-the-top! It felt like the story lost its earlier charm in favour of sheer shock value.
Was I entertained? Hell, yes. Despite the crazy shift in tone, the wild twists kept me glued to the pages, even if they were a bit much. The first half was strong enough to carry the book for me, and I’d land this one at 3.5 stars overall. While not perfect, it’s still a memorable read, and fans of older historical romance might just love the ride.
However, the second half took a sharp turn into melodrama, descending into a whirlwind of chaos with attempted rape, suicide, and murder all crammed in. Talk about over-the-top! It felt like the story lost its earlier charm in favour of sheer shock value.
Was I entertained? Hell, yes. Despite the crazy shift in tone, the wild twists kept me glued to the pages, even if they were a bit much. The first half was strong enough to carry the book for me, and I’d land this one at 3.5 stars overall. While not perfect, it’s still a memorable read, and fans of older historical romance might just love the ride.
July 1, 2015
Truly enjoyed this engaging romance involving a pretend engagement that leads to lasting love for two childhood best friends. The hero and heroine are extremely likable, drawn together by a love for horses, the outdoors, and family troubles. The writing is concise, but emotionally involving. A Keeper for me!
July 2, 2015
Why do so many romance novels feel the need to add the draaaaaammmmma at the end? I liked how this one threw in just to make it more dramatic.
Also this is in first person! Which threw me off!
I did like the premise of the book and how it was handled, the sort of super-casual fake engagement when neither one had secret feeeeelings for the other beforehand. At least, not that they were conscious of. And that
Buuuut I just thought I'd like it better than I did, so it ended up a bit of a disappointment. Really, I think if I'd just known it was in first person, it would've helped. I don't have a problem with first, but I don't expect it in historicals.
Also this is in first person! Which threw me off!
I did like the premise of the book and how it was handled, the sort of super-casual fake engagement when neither one had secret feeeeelings for the other beforehand. At least, not that they were conscious of. And that
Buuuut I just thought I'd like it better than I did, so it ended up a bit of a disappointment. Really, I think if I'd just known it was in first person, it would've helped. I don't have a problem with first, but I don't expect it in historicals.
March 27, 2023
the writing was very superficial and the pacing of the story was off.
June 28, 2021
Oh my goodness! The Pretenders is the epitome of a romance book. You just have to trust me on this. A Best Book for me is when the hero and heroine demonstrate to a reader what love is and how it feels. The writing style was fluent, articulate and chatty. There are several characters that were well developed and relatable. There were many vivid settings throughout the story. The length of the scenes and the speed at which the author distributed the story made for a perfect pace. I highly recommend this story to go on readers’ “to be read” list. It’s going on my keeper shelf. The hero, Reeve , is going on my book boyfriend list. The synopsis was the perfect commercial which gave me the highlights and caught my interest and attention. The plot was exciting, emotional with unexpected series of events. My review is just a bit of why The Pretenders is my new favorite book.
The heroine, Deborah, was my ideal heroine. She was independent, smart, responsible, caring, and loyal with a bit of rebelliousness. She was the hero, Reeve’s, best friend.
Reeve had similar characteristics, however he had an irresponsible streak as a result from some unfair set of circumstances. These unfair set of circumstances were what drove Deborah and Reeve together into their scheme. A scheme that had me laughing and shaking my head with a smile. This and much more will make more sense once the book is read. Therefore, without giving out spoilers, all I can suggest is to pick up this book and start reading.
There is a great deal of enjoyable depth to this book. Many layers, and plot twists. I have no choice but to be vague because I refuse to spoil anything. What I enjoyed most was seeing the transition between Deb and Reeve from childhood friends to something more. The chemistry between them was undeniable. The epilogue was exquisitely beautiful.
If you are looking for a heart touching romance book then this is an excellent possibility. I, for one, highly recommend The Pretenders by Joan Wolf.
The heroine, Deborah, was my ideal heroine. She was independent, smart, responsible, caring, and loyal with a bit of rebelliousness. She was the hero, Reeve’s, best friend.
Reeve had similar characteristics, however he had an irresponsible streak as a result from some unfair set of circumstances. These unfair set of circumstances were what drove Deborah and Reeve together into their scheme. A scheme that had me laughing and shaking my head with a smile. This and much more will make more sense once the book is read. Therefore, without giving out spoilers, all I can suggest is to pick up this book and start reading.
There is a great deal of enjoyable depth to this book. Many layers, and plot twists. I have no choice but to be vague because I refuse to spoil anything. What I enjoyed most was seeing the transition between Deb and Reeve from childhood friends to something more. The chemistry between them was undeniable. The epilogue was exquisitely beautiful.
If you are looking for a heart touching romance book then this is an excellent possibility. I, for one, highly recommend The Pretenders by Joan Wolf.
July 15, 2017
There's so little to say about this book : it was very bland in all aspects and not entertaining at all, i couldn't get invested in the story as everything could be predicted from miles away. It really feel like there was no effort put in this book except for grammar.
There is nothing that makes this story remarkable whatsoever. You'll get what you except and maybe even less. Would not recommend.
There is nothing that makes this story remarkable whatsoever. You'll get what you except and maybe even less. Would not recommend.
July 21, 2015
Loved the fake betrothal turned real. Loved the friends to lovers.
Did not love the multiple rape attempts. Was not prepared for how rapey it was.
(And that's on me, because it's an older book, I should have been.)
Did not love the multiple rape attempts. Was not prepared for how rapey it was.
(And that's on me, because it's an older book, I should have been.)
August 20, 2023
Scritto in prima persona: un gran rischio per l'autore, che deve mostrarsi in grado di seguire l'evoluzione del personaggio narrante e di rendere la complessità di un carattere.
Ma JW svolge il compito con pieno successo, lasciandoti con l'impressione (così rara in questo tipo di romanzi) di conoscere intimamente la protagonista e, attraverso lei, gli altri personaggi della storia.
Forse è la prima volta che attribuisco il massimo virtuale di quattro stelle a questa autrice (cinque spettano solo ai grandi capolavori della letteratura mondiale, e naturalmente non è questo il caso), ma le considero pienamente meritate.
Ma JW svolge il compito con pieno successo, lasciandoti con l'impressione (così rara in questo tipo di romanzi) di conoscere intimamente la protagonista e, attraverso lei, gli altri personaggi della storia.
Forse è la prima volta che attribuisco il massimo virtuale di quattro stelle a questa autrice (cinque spettano solo ai grandi capolavori della letteratura mondiale, e naturalmente non è questo il caso), ma le considero pienamente meritate.
September 16, 2022
Like Golden Girl, a good premise that subsequently suffers from bonkers plot developments in the second half.
June 22, 2024
This had more family drama than a Tyler Perry movie, and it was freakishly unnecessary to the plot and wholly unfair to the characters. Also, predictable and rape-y. Also, bad guys going unpunished. Also, it just was bleh.
August 6, 2017
Reeve tries to drown himself right after he comes back from honeymoon. How irresponsible! I couldn't understand why he shows his 'guilty' this way.
November 19, 2018
3.5 stars
I enjoy Joan Wolf's regencies. Not one of my favorites of her but still good. I caught this one on audio and the audio book narrator, Karen Cass, was excellent.
I enjoy Joan Wolf's regencies. Not one of my favorites of her but still good. I caught this one on audio and the audio book narrator, Karen Cass, was excellent.
March 4, 2019
Oh What a tangled web we weave when we try to deceive! Good Story. I enjoyed it.
July 25, 2019
A nice sweeet romance.
August 25, 2019
Listened to the audiobook and the narrator was quiet good. The story was ok. The romantic relationship development between two friends was missing however.
September 21, 2021
Okay, like the other Joan Wolf book I've read, The English Bride, there are so many reasons (see: the hero) that I shouldn't like this book that much--but instead, I love it (even moreso than The English Bride) and have already reread it more than once. For those who are sensitive, there is an attempted rape in this book and references to a past rape.
I've had this on my to-read list but have been unable to pursue it, as it was unavailable on Kindle for several years. The premise is one of my all-time favorite: childhood friends to lovers.
Deb is the daughter of a deceased baron, living with her mother in genteel poverty, thanks to Nefarious Relatives. Reeve, OTOH, is really the Earl of Cambridge, but still under the guardianship of his uncle. They've grown up as good friends, almost brother and sister. Which is why, when Reeve's guardian tells him he won't bail him out of his latest predicament unless he marries, Reeve looks to Deb for a fake engagement, hoping this will be enough to get his uncle to hand over the pounds. She's ultimately bribed into agreement by the promise of a new horse, and they also convince her malleable mother to agree to the situation.
Of course, once they go off to London, and Deb and her mom get a new wardrobe, Reeve's Eyes are Opened to the fact that Deb is a beautiful tall blonde, albeit one with unfashionably muscular arms and a less than ample bosom. His uncle meets and approves, while her mother agrees to a country house party where Deb will meet Reeve's extended family (who are mostly quite charming, with some notable exceptions). Of course, once they're there, the uncle fairly quickly cottons to their plot and more or less forces their hand to actually marry. Neither, it must be said, are entirely disappointed at this turn of events.
The conflict at this point becomes Reeve's crazed cousin, who believes that because of Reeve's Traumatic Past, Reeve's uncle and then himself will inherit the estate. When Reeve marries and seemingly disproves these hopes, combined with their longstanding animosity, things get rather out of hand.
There are SOOOOO many problems with this book. Reeve is incredibly immature, and while Deb "understands" that this is because his uncle hasn't trusted him with managing his own money and estate, I was completely on the side of the uncle here. Then, one of crazed cousin's acts is the attempted rape of Deb, which is very dramatic and traumatic in the moment, but which she gets over quite quickly. This is a quibble, and possibly there's a reasonable explanation, but the uncle is a paternal relative (presumable the brother of the previous earl) and Reeve's current heir, but somehow he has a title of his own? I'm sure there's some rare scenario where that could occur, but yeah.
The plot is crazy, half the characters are weirdos, but what can I say, the writing is good?
I've had this on my to-read list but have been unable to pursue it, as it was unavailable on Kindle for several years. The premise is one of my all-time favorite: childhood friends to lovers.
Deb is the daughter of a deceased baron, living with her mother in genteel poverty, thanks to Nefarious Relatives. Reeve, OTOH, is really the Earl of Cambridge, but still under the guardianship of his uncle. They've grown up as good friends, almost brother and sister. Which is why, when Reeve's guardian tells him he won't bail him out of his latest predicament unless he marries, Reeve looks to Deb for a fake engagement, hoping this will be enough to get his uncle to hand over the pounds. She's ultimately bribed into agreement by the promise of a new horse, and they also convince her malleable mother to agree to the situation.
Of course, once they go off to London, and Deb and her mom get a new wardrobe, Reeve's Eyes are Opened to the fact that Deb is a beautiful tall blonde, albeit one with unfashionably muscular arms and a less than ample bosom. His uncle meets and approves, while her mother agrees to a country house party where Deb will meet Reeve's extended family (who are mostly quite charming, with some notable exceptions). Of course, once they're there, the uncle fairly quickly cottons to their plot and more or less forces their hand to actually marry. Neither, it must be said, are entirely disappointed at this turn of events.
The conflict at this point becomes Reeve's crazed cousin, who believes that because of Reeve's Traumatic Past, Reeve's uncle and then himself will inherit the estate. When Reeve marries and seemingly disproves these hopes, combined with their longstanding animosity, things get rather out of hand.
There are SOOOOO many problems with this book. Reeve is incredibly immature, and while Deb "understands" that this is because his uncle hasn't trusted him with managing his own money and estate, I was completely on the side of the uncle here. Then, one of crazed cousin's acts is the attempted rape of Deb, which is very dramatic and traumatic in the moment, but which she gets over quite quickly. This is a quibble, and possibly there's a reasonable explanation, but the uncle is a paternal relative (presumable the brother of the previous earl) and Reeve's current heir, but somehow he has a title of his own? I'm sure there's some rare scenario where that could occur, but yeah.
The plot is crazy, half the characters are weirdos, but what can I say, the writing is good?
June 24, 2012
This is the first book I've read by this Author and although I really liked it so far none of her other books "speak to me". However, she is no longer writing this Genre although they all seem to be available from places like Amazon. Anyway, the premise is that two people of opposite gender who are best friends marry in order for him to receive his inheritance. Neither is really interested in marriage at this point in life but when Reeve proposes the idea to Deborah she agrees. As one might expect they come to realize that not only are they friends but each finds the other attractive and of course by the end of the book they come to realize they not only like each other but love each other so of course HEA ending.
If you haven't read anything by this Author I suggest trying this one. The idea of best friends is what struck me the most. There was one thing that really bugged me though. Deborah hated both her Uncle John and her Half-Brother Richard. When we finally learn what happened and what is going on it seems her dislike of Uncle John is justified but not of Richard. Her Mother seemed to not really care and Deborah never bothered to find out as she got older, just made assumptions which in the case of Richard turned out to be unjustified since he had been lied to.
If you haven't read anything by this Author I suggest trying this one. The idea of best friends is what struck me the most. There was one thing that really bugged me though. Deborah hated both her Uncle John and her Half-Brother Richard. When we finally learn what happened and what is going on it seems her dislike of Uncle John is justified but not of Richard. Her Mother seemed to not really care and Deborah never bothered to find out as she got older, just made assumptions which in the case of Richard turned out to be unjustified since he had been lied to.
July 5, 2015
A young man fighting for the right to control his wealth elicits the help from a friend.
Deb and Reeve had known each other since she was three, they were best friends. Reeve had his wealth held in trust until he was twenty six, but he needed his money sooner in order to pay for horse training fees and betting wagers, so he asked Deb to pretend to be his fiancee to satisfy his cousin and trustee, Lord Bradford stipulation that a marriage would indicate responsibility worthy enough to release at least half of his inheritance. Of course, the best laid plans of mice and men, etc, etc, etc! When throw into the mix a lost brother, a spiteful uncle as well as a murderous cousin, the couple had a lot on their plate to digest and deal with! But the main truth is that love survives all.
Deb and Reeve had known each other since she was three, they were best friends. Reeve had his wealth held in trust until he was twenty six, but he needed his money sooner in order to pay for horse training fees and betting wagers, so he asked Deb to pretend to be his fiancee to satisfy his cousin and trustee, Lord Bradford stipulation that a marriage would indicate responsibility worthy enough to release at least half of his inheritance. Of course, the best laid plans of mice and men, etc, etc, etc! When throw into the mix a lost brother, a spiteful uncle as well as a murderous cousin, the couple had a lot on their plate to digest and deal with! But the main truth is that love survives all.
March 18, 2015
Deborah and Reeves, childhood friends have to be in a pretended engagement so his uncle give him his heritage, in pretending and to be his fiancee Deborah find herself falling in love with Reeve .
- I was falling in love with him, and I was going to marry him. I said out loud, “God, what a disaster.” Reeve was not marrying me because he loved me. He was marrying me to get control of his inheritance. He had made that perfectly plain. -
-Do you know how frightened I was when I learned that you were missing?” he asked huskily. “I’m sorry,” I said. His lips slid along my cheek. “No matter what may have happened in the past, Deb, we have each other now. And that’s what counts.” I tipped my head back to look up at him. “Do you mean that?” “Yes,” he said, and his lips moved to capture mine.
- I was falling in love with him, and I was going to marry him. I said out loud, “God, what a disaster.” Reeve was not marrying me because he loved me. He was marrying me to get control of his inheritance. He had made that perfectly plain. -
-Do you know how frightened I was when I learned that you were missing?” he asked huskily. “I’m sorry,” I said. His lips slid along my cheek. “No matter what may have happened in the past, Deb, we have each other now. And that’s what counts.” I tipped my head back to look up at him. “Do you mean that?” “Yes,” he said, and his lips moved to capture mine.
July 26, 2015
This was a fun book, a friends to lovers, pretend engagement romance. One of the things I enjoyed was that, even though it was a Regency setting, the characters seemed very down to earth. The hero needs to be engaged to get control of his inheritance, the heroine, who has been his friend since early childhood, lives in genteel poverty. It is to the advantage of both to undertake the pretense. Then, as happens, they marry, fall in love, and then face peril. I just really liked how open and honest these two were with each other and very much enjoyed watching them change and grow through their relationship. There were a few things that seemed unlikely to me and some of the attitudes/speech seemed a little modern. But, in all, a fun book and one I did enjoy/
July 29, 2016
My grade: B. I used to love Joan Wolf's Signet Regencies. Her longer books were not always as consistent. This one, which I hadn't read, is much like those old Signets. I've noted that her reviews are not always the best, but I've always loved her books and her writing. This one was as enjoyable as any. Many of her plots have similarities, as did this one. Reeve and Deb were best childhood friends. Reeve is rich, Deb is poor. Once married they discovered love and passion in abundance. Their lives are threatened by a relative who lusts after Reeve's title. And all ends well. Very predictable, but there's just something about Wolf's books that I thoroughly enjoy.
August 14, 2015
I love Deb.
I liked Reeve.
And the intimate scenes were ooooh inducing.
Not cos of too many details, but because of the sweetness and the rightness of it.
Deb comes across as a smart bold young woman.
Not the usual silly heroine who drools after the handsome hero and forgets everything when she is around him.
Deb and Reeve comes together under pretense and soon it turns intense.
I liked how Joan built up the romance, showing the innocence of Deb without making her look like a fool.
Robert was a silly insertion - like someone put into a plot just to make the story work.
Overall, this is a very nice historical romance.
I liked Reeve.
And the intimate scenes were ooooh inducing.
Not cos of too many details, but because of the sweetness and the rightness of it.
Deb comes across as a smart bold young woman.
Not the usual silly heroine who drools after the handsome hero and forgets everything when she is around him.
Deb and Reeve comes together under pretense and soon it turns intense.
I liked how Joan built up the romance, showing the innocence of Deb without making her look like a fool.
Robert was a silly insertion - like someone put into a plot just to make the story work.
Overall, this is a very nice historical romance.
July 14, 2015
2.5 stars. So this book sort of switches plots mid-stream. It starts out being a story about childhood friends who enter an engagement of convenience, but then takes a turn for the dark that I don't think served it terribly well. "So, cool, we're in love now. By the way, did I mention that I'M CRAZY?" "Well, did I mention that your cousin IS A RAPIST?" On the other hand, I cannot claim that I was bored.
December 4, 2011
This was an engaging and absolutely wonderful story. It has become one of my new favorites. The Pretenders is written in the first person, which didn't bother me as it seemed as if I was conversing with a good friend. I utterly loved Deb and Reeve as well as Bernard and Maria. I was also amused at the arrogance of youth.
January 22, 2015
Great book and well spent few hours of my day. I withheld a star because it was predictable, Deb failed to get any simpathy from me when she kept with her know-it-all and judgemental attitude over Bernard and his reasons for acting as he acted. The hero was selfish and immature in acting out. But the love felt genuine and Deb redemed herself by the end of the book. Fascinating read, all in all.
March 27, 2011
I loved this book when I read it years ago. It's a very sexy romance. Joan Wolf never disappoints me ever. I believe her books are out of print now and you have to get them at the library or used online.
November 22, 2014
Very enjoyable story
I have very much enjoyed this story. It was a delight to read.
I am glad to have discovered Joan Wolt for myself , she writes some very good Books . I highly recommend her and every Book I have read so far was great.
I have very much enjoyed this story. It was a delight to read.
I am glad to have discovered Joan Wolt for myself , she writes some very good Books . I highly recommend her and every Book I have read so far was great.
November 6, 2018
Joan Wolf has long been one of my favorite authors. I love a well written Romance novel and I have been waiting for this one to become available on Kindle because it completes my collection of the books she has written in the Regency genre. And like the others, this one does not disappoint.
July 6, 2015
A fun bit of fluff. Reading this reminds me that I liked this author in h.s., and makes me wonder why I didn't read more of her (my library may not have had many?)
Note: references to rape and scenes of attempted rape
Note: references to rape and scenes of attempted rape
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews