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Rogues to Riches #7
Never a Duke: a perfectly romantic Regency tale for fans of Bridgerton
A proper lady must choose between society or the untitled gentleman who has stolen her heart in this captivating Regency romance.
Ned Wentworth will be forever grateful to the family that plucked him from the streets and gave him a home, even though polite society still whispers years later about his questionable past. Precisely because of Ned’s connections in low places, Lady Rosalind Kinwood approaches him to help her find a lady’s maid who has disappeared.
Rosalind is too opinionated—and too intelligent—and has frequently suffered judgment at the hands of polite society. Despite her family’s disdain for Ned, Rosalind finds he listens to her and respects her. Then too, his kisses are exquisite. As the investigation of the missing maids becomes more dangerous, both Ned and Rosalind will have to risk everything—including their hearts—if they are to share the happily ever after that Mayfair’s matchmakers have begrudged them both.
Ned Wentworth will be forever grateful to the family that plucked him from the streets and gave him a home, even though polite society still whispers years later about his questionable past. Precisely because of Ned’s connections in low places, Lady Rosalind Kinwood approaches him to help her find a lady’s maid who has disappeared.
Rosalind is too opinionated—and too intelligent—and has frequently suffered judgment at the hands of polite society. Despite her family’s disdain for Ned, Rosalind finds he listens to her and respects her. Then too, his kisses are exquisite. As the investigation of the missing maids becomes more dangerous, both Ned and Rosalind will have to risk everything—including their hearts—if they are to share the happily ever after that Mayfair’s matchmakers have begrudged them both.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2022
313 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
192 books2,914 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
May 2, 2022
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
But Lady Rosalind had sought him out because his native language was Cockney and his home shire was the stews.
We first met Ned when he was a boy in Newgate, helping Quinn Wentworth (My One and Only Duke) survive. If you've read the previous six books in the series, you've seen Quinn and the whole Wentworth family adopt Ned, give him the family name, and have him work up to manager at the Wentworth bank. As this is closing out the Rogues to Riches series, about the Wentworth family, I'm not sure new readers would want to jump in here. The family members all make appearances and have their own separate scenes, usually discussing Ned, readers of the series will enjoy this last look at the family but I can see newbies missing a lot of family dynamics and feeling lost or bored. I enjoyed this last look at the Wentworth family growing, healing, and coming together.
“[...] Is that why you kissed me, because I exchanged some small talk with her and his loathsome lordship?”
“Because you put her in her place,” Rosalind said, “because you got even with Lindy for me, because I can ask you to escort me, and because you read stories to little girls and pine over their lost affections, and because...” Rosalind fell silent, appalled that tears were threatening.
The story starts right away with Ned getting a letter from a mysterious woman asking for him to meet in the park. When he shows up, he sees Lady Rosalind Kinwood, an earl's daughter known for being a bit of a termagant in the ton. She claims her lady's maid is missing and she is worried for her. Ned is in the ton's world, he's invited to events but not truly accepted, with his background gossiped about, Rosalind thinks he's the perfect person to help her search for her maid. Right away, from their first meeting, Rosalind and Ned have that delicate reach and retreat, spark, and yearning for what's behind that glimpse of something more relationship that Burrowes' is so good at. This couple is never loud but have that quiet, underneath those words, emotions are burning quality that make them a subtle treat to read.
As she pulled off her gloves and hauled him closer, her last rational thought was that maybe with Ned Wentworth, she could have more of celebration, and much, much less settling.
The mystery and search is threaded throughout the story, I liked at how at 14% we get a scene with the missing women, as the investigation goes on they find more lady's maids and companions are missing, so the reader is let in a little more of the mystery. This is not quick paced, the searching for the women might feel a little slow at times as the Wentworth family and Ned go through some growing pains with where adult Ned fits in now and the romance between Rosalind and Ned is given soft, tender time through carriage rides and picnics to grow. Around 50% there is already marriage talk between these two but the search for the women and Rosalind's bad tempered father and brothers work to keep the two apart.
He kissed her gloved fingers, and some of the bleakness left his eyes. “You are a marvel, Rosalind Kinwood. A blazing, beautiful marvel.”
You'll feel for Ned when he holds himself a bit apart from the Wentworth family as he can't quite shed the adopted kid feeling and see how Rosalind shares his feelings of feeling apart as she lost her mother young and her father and brothers move from ignoring her, sending her away, using her, and picking on her. I thought the ending, with the reveal and wrap-up of the mystery felt a bit too quick and with the way it was tied with certain characters came off somewhat slapdash. I also felt this with reveals about Ned's family, there were some big emotional moments that were way too rushed and if we're not getting a series spin-off set in Australia, I'll feel even more disappointed in what the point of it all was. Overall, though, I'm so happy Ned got his happily ever after and a heartfelt talk with Quinn that had him more settled in the Wentworth family. This had a kissing scene that made my eyes want to water, a soft vibe with gentle banter and flirting, and a late kidnapping for a touch of danger. I'll miss the Wentworth family but enjoyed this last look at them.
But Lady Rosalind had sought him out because his native language was Cockney and his home shire was the stews.
We first met Ned when he was a boy in Newgate, helping Quinn Wentworth (My One and Only Duke) survive. If you've read the previous six books in the series, you've seen Quinn and the whole Wentworth family adopt Ned, give him the family name, and have him work up to manager at the Wentworth bank. As this is closing out the Rogues to Riches series, about the Wentworth family, I'm not sure new readers would want to jump in here. The family members all make appearances and have their own separate scenes, usually discussing Ned, readers of the series will enjoy this last look at the family but I can see newbies missing a lot of family dynamics and feeling lost or bored. I enjoyed this last look at the Wentworth family growing, healing, and coming together.
“[...] Is that why you kissed me, because I exchanged some small talk with her and his loathsome lordship?”
“Because you put her in her place,” Rosalind said, “because you got even with Lindy for me, because I can ask you to escort me, and because you read stories to little girls and pine over their lost affections, and because...” Rosalind fell silent, appalled that tears were threatening.
The story starts right away with Ned getting a letter from a mysterious woman asking for him to meet in the park. When he shows up, he sees Lady Rosalind Kinwood, an earl's daughter known for being a bit of a termagant in the ton. She claims her lady's maid is missing and she is worried for her. Ned is in the ton's world, he's invited to events but not truly accepted, with his background gossiped about, Rosalind thinks he's the perfect person to help her search for her maid. Right away, from their first meeting, Rosalind and Ned have that delicate reach and retreat, spark, and yearning for what's behind that glimpse of something more relationship that Burrowes' is so good at. This couple is never loud but have that quiet, underneath those words, emotions are burning quality that make them a subtle treat to read.
As she pulled off her gloves and hauled him closer, her last rational thought was that maybe with Ned Wentworth, she could have more of celebration, and much, much less settling.
The mystery and search is threaded throughout the story, I liked at how at 14% we get a scene with the missing women, as the investigation goes on they find more lady's maids and companions are missing, so the reader is let in a little more of the mystery. This is not quick paced, the searching for the women might feel a little slow at times as the Wentworth family and Ned go through some growing pains with where adult Ned fits in now and the romance between Rosalind and Ned is given soft, tender time through carriage rides and picnics to grow. Around 50% there is already marriage talk between these two but the search for the women and Rosalind's bad tempered father and brothers work to keep the two apart.
He kissed her gloved fingers, and some of the bleakness left his eyes. “You are a marvel, Rosalind Kinwood. A blazing, beautiful marvel.”
You'll feel for Ned when he holds himself a bit apart from the Wentworth family as he can't quite shed the adopted kid feeling and see how Rosalind shares his feelings of feeling apart as she lost her mother young and her father and brothers move from ignoring her, sending her away, using her, and picking on her. I thought the ending, with the reveal and wrap-up of the mystery felt a bit too quick and with the way it was tied with certain characters came off somewhat slapdash. I also felt this with reveals about Ned's family, there were some big emotional moments that were way too rushed and if we're not getting a series spin-off set in Australia, I'll feel even more disappointed in what the point of it all was. Overall, though, I'm so happy Ned got his happily ever after and a heartfelt talk with Quinn that had him more settled in the Wentworth family. This had a kissing scene that made my eyes want to water, a soft vibe with gentle banter and flirting, and a late kidnapping for a touch of danger. I'll miss the Wentworth family but enjoyed this last look at them.
May 5, 2022
Never a Duke is a understated love story that deals with incredibly angsty issues. The hero, Ned, is a former child convict who was adopted by a duke. The heroine, Rosalind, is an earl's daughter who has struggled with a stutter and often finds herself on the outskirts of polite society. Rosalind approaches Ned to assist her in finding her lady's maid, who has disappeared. The investigation draws them closer together even as it becomes clear that the disappearance of one woman is only scratching the surface in a human trafficking plot.
The actual relationship development is understated and sweet, as Ned and Rosalind both communicate their wants and needs to each other. They're not exactly sneaking around, but they're also not following the rules of propriety, either. They were incredibly well-suited, as they not only saw the best in each other, but also defended the other party from judgmental outsiders looking in.
The only things we really question are first, how Rosalind knew to approach Ned with her problem. As the book progresses, it appears that they don't know each other well at all, and yet the book opens with her sending him a letter asking for assistance. The other is that the detached writing style, although very helpful when dealing with some of the more difficult aspects of the book, didn't lend itself well to the passionate scenes. That said, it's not a departure for Burrowes, so it wasn't unexpected.
11-Word Summaries:
Laine: If he cares about your kidnapped maids, he's definitely a keeper.
Meg: He’s actually not a duke but he is rich so same-same?
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy of the novel.
The actual relationship development is understated and sweet, as Ned and Rosalind both communicate their wants and needs to each other. They're not exactly sneaking around, but they're also not following the rules of propriety, either. They were incredibly well-suited, as they not only saw the best in each other, but also defended the other party from judgmental outsiders looking in.
The only things we really question are first, how Rosalind knew to approach Ned with her problem. As the book progresses, it appears that they don't know each other well at all, and yet the book opens with her sending him a letter asking for assistance. The other is that the detached writing style, although very helpful when dealing with some of the more difficult aspects of the book, didn't lend itself well to the passionate scenes. That said, it's not a departure for Burrowes, so it wasn't unexpected.
11-Word Summaries:
Laine: If he cares about your kidnapped maids, he's definitely a keeper.
Meg: He’s actually not a duke but he is rich so same-same?
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy of the novel.
April 23, 2022
Barbara’s rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Series: Rogues to Riches
Publication Date: 4/26/22
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 383
I always enjoy Grace Burrowes’ writing style – partially because she chooses wording that makes you feel as if you are actually in that period listening to a real conversation, and she does it without it sounding stilted. The characters are very likable and relatable, and I loved reading the author’s notes telling how she got the inspiration for this story. Sometimes, real-life really is stranger than fiction.
I really, really liked Lady Rosalind Kinwood. She is strong, resilient, intelligent, compassionate, outspoken, and very determined – all without being overpowering. You would think the daughter of an Earl would be spoiled and haughty, but Rosalind isn’t. She hasn’t had the ‘soft’ life most would expect because her father (and brothers) are obnoxious, overbearing, demeaning, and have no clue about how to handle their own money or the estates.
Edward (Ned) Wentworth had his life – as he knew it – snatched from him when he was about eight. His father was press-ganged by the Navy, leaving Ned and his brother to fend for themselves. That is where Ned met the duke and where his life was forever changed for the better. Ned is dedicated to the Wentworth family, dedicated to the bank he manages, loves his found family beyond belief, and believes strongly in justice. Goodness, he is a wonderfully honorable man.
When Rosalind approaches Ned to help her find out what happened to not one, but two of her lady’s maids, Ned accepts and they begin asking questions. It doesn’t take them long to learn that many young, unmarried, attractive, virtuous women have gone missing. The investigation causes Ned and Rosalind to spend time together – and to come to care for each other. Their love grows, but, of course, there are many obstacles in their way – and most of those obstacles are her father and brothers. What can they do to overcome those obstacles? Mmmmm – you’ll just have to read the book to find out.
I absolutely LOVED the solution to the mystery – and the ending of the book was absolutely wonderful. Talk about a feel-good HEA that checks all of the boxes – this was it. It was also wonderful to visit with characters from previous books and see where they are in their lives. I can certainly recommend the book – and the series. I hope you’ll read it and enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Rogues to Riches
Publication Date: 4/26/22
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 383
I always enjoy Grace Burrowes’ writing style – partially because she chooses wording that makes you feel as if you are actually in that period listening to a real conversation, and she does it without it sounding stilted. The characters are very likable and relatable, and I loved reading the author’s notes telling how she got the inspiration for this story. Sometimes, real-life really is stranger than fiction.
I really, really liked Lady Rosalind Kinwood. She is strong, resilient, intelligent, compassionate, outspoken, and very determined – all without being overpowering. You would think the daughter of an Earl would be spoiled and haughty, but Rosalind isn’t. She hasn’t had the ‘soft’ life most would expect because her father (and brothers) are obnoxious, overbearing, demeaning, and have no clue about how to handle their own money or the estates.
Edward (Ned) Wentworth had his life – as he knew it – snatched from him when he was about eight. His father was press-ganged by the Navy, leaving Ned and his brother to fend for themselves. That is where Ned met the duke and where his life was forever changed for the better. Ned is dedicated to the Wentworth family, dedicated to the bank he manages, loves his found family beyond belief, and believes strongly in justice. Goodness, he is a wonderfully honorable man.
When Rosalind approaches Ned to help her find out what happened to not one, but two of her lady’s maids, Ned accepts and they begin asking questions. It doesn’t take them long to learn that many young, unmarried, attractive, virtuous women have gone missing. The investigation causes Ned and Rosalind to spend time together – and to come to care for each other. Their love grows, but, of course, there are many obstacles in their way – and most of those obstacles are her father and brothers. What can they do to overcome those obstacles? Mmmmm – you’ll just have to read the book to find out.
I absolutely LOVED the solution to the mystery – and the ending of the book was absolutely wonderful. Talk about a feel-good HEA that checks all of the boxes – this was it. It was also wonderful to visit with characters from previous books and see where they are in their lives. I can certainly recommend the book – and the series. I hope you’ll read it and enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 16, 2024
Another enjoyable read from Grace Burrowes.
Two good main characters
Lady Rosalind ask Ned Wentworth to help her find her missing maid . This leads to a mystery of other missing maids.
Two good main characters
Lady Rosalind ask Ned Wentworth to help her find her missing maid . This leads to a mystery of other missing maids.
February 8, 2022
"Never a Duke" is the seventh book in this series by Ms. Burrowes. This is the story of Ned Wentworth and Lady Rosalind Kinwood. I was delighted to finally get this chance to read his story. Also, I was sort of on the fence with this book as it was a bit different from the others and had more of a romance suspense genre. Ned was orphaned at an early age and after helping the Duke, he was taken in as part of the family and made a Wentworth. This is learned from previous book in this series, and he has always been in the background. He has tried to fit the role of others…making himself known in the banking business owned by the Wentworth family.
In this story, Lady Rosalind has requested the help of Ned, because of his prior life’s struggles and connections in a world that is unfamiliar and not open to her station. The request is assistance with finding a maid in her employ who has gone missing along with other maids. Ned is an honest hero who has integrity despite trying to rise above the sins of his past, but they still linger in rumors among the ton. Although both characters are likable, interesting, and highly intelligent, all romance went out the window early on when they first meet. It was hard trying to piece any chemistry between them and it felt a bit forced in places. They seem more of a conversational pair than having any type of attraction. I could not see her as a woman fitting Ned’s needs although he found her a breath of fresh air…chalking it up to both being opinionated in the views and somehow understanding each other’s wants and needs in life.
In my opinion, I don’t believe either character sees their own worth and this is drawn out in the story. They are honest souls who communicate well with one another about their feelings which I did like about their relationship. There was not a lot of angst and I so was looking for a steamy romance between Ned and Rosalind but alas, it was not there for me. This series delved into the lives of the Wentworth family who all have come from humble beginnings including their adoptee, Ned. This was a wonderfully written story of two people drawn together by a plot that had mystery, twists, and a surprised ending. A story also of broken individuals finding love and a HEA. Recommend the read. 4.5 Stars
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
In this story, Lady Rosalind has requested the help of Ned, because of his prior life’s struggles and connections in a world that is unfamiliar and not open to her station. The request is assistance with finding a maid in her employ who has gone missing along with other maids. Ned is an honest hero who has integrity despite trying to rise above the sins of his past, but they still linger in rumors among the ton. Although both characters are likable, interesting, and highly intelligent, all romance went out the window early on when they first meet. It was hard trying to piece any chemistry between them and it felt a bit forced in places. They seem more of a conversational pair than having any type of attraction. I could not see her as a woman fitting Ned’s needs although he found her a breath of fresh air…chalking it up to both being opinionated in the views and somehow understanding each other’s wants and needs in life.
In my opinion, I don’t believe either character sees their own worth and this is drawn out in the story. They are honest souls who communicate well with one another about their feelings which I did like about their relationship. There was not a lot of angst and I so was looking for a steamy romance between Ned and Rosalind but alas, it was not there for me. This series delved into the lives of the Wentworth family who all have come from humble beginnings including their adoptee, Ned. This was a wonderfully written story of two people drawn together by a plot that had mystery, twists, and a surprised ending. A story also of broken individuals finding love and a HEA. Recommend the read. 4.5 Stars
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 26, 2022
Title: Never a Duke
Series: Rogues to Riches #7
Author: Grace Burrowes
Release date: April 26, 2022
Cliffhanger: no
Genre: historical romance
I've been wanting to read a Grace Burrowes book for a long time now, so when I saw her latest release up for request, I decided it was finally time to acquaint myself with her work. In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have picked this particular book, but I'm still glad I gave it a go. My biggest mistake was picking the last book in a seven book series. It's not unheard of to read books out of order, but in this particular case it was detrimental to my reading enjoyment. The previous couples had a strong presence in the plot because of the close family dynamic, and at times I felt a little lost when trying to identify everyone and their backstories. I don't feel as if I could fully immerse myself because of that feeling of always trying to catch up. That being said, when the focus was solely on Ned and Rosalind, I enjoyed their sweet romance.
Ned Wentworth is like an adopted family member to the Wentworths. He was orphaned at a young age, lost his only brother, and was sent to prison where he met a dismal fate. Luckily, his life was turned around in the loving fold of the Wentworth family when they saved him, took him in, and gave him a job. They treat him not as an employee, but as one of their own. If anyone dares to besmirch his character, they protect him with passion and love. Of course, he is never fully accepted in their "world" because he wasn't born into it. Despite that, he has learned to excel when it comes to managing the family banking business. He knows all of the dirt on all of the elite families and uses the information to his advantage. He's managed to flourish financially by making smart investments as well as helping the less unfortunate to make a living for himself. His charitable work with widows shows that even though he's achieved the impossible feat of climbing in society, he hasn't forgotten where he came from. He doesn't put on airs or look down his nose at anyone. I loved Ned's humbleness and giving heart. He loves the Wentworths fiercely and puts up with their meddling and (at times) overbearing coddling.
From my point of view as a new reader, I couldn't quite grasp the relationship he had with the family. Although they loved him very much, I found it strange that some seemed to almost resent the fact that he was pulling away from slaving at the bank and finding love. Everyone else had found love and happiness in marriage, and yet, there were discussions over Ned doing the same. As if some found it hard to accept that he would want to leave work to go on a date and start living a more balanced life like them. Then there was the way that they treated him like a child who was coming of age and "leaving the nest" so to speak. I started to wonder how old this man was because you get the feeling that he's a teenager just coming into manhood. That can't be right though, can it? This is just a personal issue because I'm coming into the series at the end, but I had to mention it for those readers who may be thinking of doing the same.
Lady Rosalind was an intelligent heroine whose spirit was being stifled by her family and the nobility. She's shunned and scorned pretty much by everyone which leads her to live a very lonely life. Her brothers are worthless wastes of space, her father uses her as a pawn to con his way out of his debts and then promptly ignores her afterwards. She's bullied by her peers because of her outspokenness and a stuttering problem she had as a child. So when her ladies maids start to disappear she doesn't have any friends or family to confide in. She turns to Ned because she feels as if he may have connections from his youth that may help in gaining information on the women's disappearances. She couldn't have chosen a better person to turn to, because Ned has a savior complex. I say that like it's a bad thing, but he truly has a heart of gold. Ned feels compelled to help the missing women and does everything in his power to help hunt them down before they're gone forever.
The mystery/suspense element was something a little bit different than what you typically find in historical romance. I must admit, I'm not really a huge fan of mystery in my books, but I felt that it didn't overwhelm the central romance of the story which was a good thing for me. I believed in their feelings of love when they started to grow because I understood it. Grace Burrowes spends a significant time delving into each person's personality and why they were drawn to one another. Rosalind isn't used to people valuing her as a person or being genuinely interested in her frank opinions. Ned is the first person who sees both her inner and exterior beauty and isn't afraid to tell her.
He kissed her gloved fingers, and some the bleakness left his eyes. "You are a marvel, Rosalind Kinwood. A blazing, beautiful marvel."
Not only was he not turned off by her candor, he admired the fact that she wasn't like all of the other self-absorbed, vapid women of the aristocracy. His only fear was that he wasn't good enough for her. He may have close ties with Dukes and their families, but her snobbish father could never approve of a man without a lofty name. His hopes of courting her seemed doomed from the start. They both must find a way to overcome opposition to their match once they set their hearts on each other. Ned does get discouraged at one point, but Rosalind quickly sets him straight. She isn't one to go cry in a corner when faced with a challenge and I think that's exactly what makes them such a great pair.
My only other issue was the third person POV. It won't be a struggle for many others, but personally I enjoy first person POV the most as it's the easiest to engage with for me. I did struggle just a little bit in the beginning getting used to the POV and writing style, but after I got in my groove I ended up enjoying the story for the most part. I think if I had been familiar with the earlier books and more acquainted with past characters' nuances, I could have rated this one much higher. So if you're already a fan of the series and enjoy an element of mystery, this could be the perfect book for you.
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April 25, 2022
Ned Wentworth has learned everything needed to move amongst the aristocracy along with his pseudo-family, despite his working-class background and criminal history. These unusual circumstances and slightly dubious background are exactly why Lady Rosalind Kinwood seeks Ned for help when two of her maids go missing in quick succession.
Rosalind has found herself scorned by polite society at every turn, derided for having opinions and daring to voice them, as well as having looks that are deemed to be plain. In Ned she finally finds someone who truly listens to her and wants to hear her opinions. When the search for the missing maids grows dangerous, Rosalind and Ned will have to work very closely together and risk much if they hope to reach for a happy future together, despite all the naysayers they must face.
This book is my new favorite in the series (out of the ones I’ve read, at least). I adored Ned and Rosalind together and I think their characters were both very well developed, and they each came off as characters I could root for and wanted to know more about. I loved that Ned stood up for himself and for Rosalind, but I also loved that she held her ground for herself as well. Her feelings for Ned gave her strength and she refused to settle for anything less than all of him, even if he thought an association with him would cause problems for her. Rosalind knew exactly what she wanted and was ready to meet Ned as a full-fledged partner and that is the kind of heroine I want to read. This story was low on angst, but it still had enough mystery and intrigue to keep me interested with the ongoing question of what happened to the missing maids, while at the same time being very character driven. In short, I loved this book, and James Langton’s narration was just right for the story and helped draw me into the prose while I was doing mundane household chores, so that’s always a bonus. This one is going on the keeper shelf and comes highly recommended from me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and its audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Rosalind has found herself scorned by polite society at every turn, derided for having opinions and daring to voice them, as well as having looks that are deemed to be plain. In Ned she finally finds someone who truly listens to her and wants to hear her opinions. When the search for the missing maids grows dangerous, Rosalind and Ned will have to work very closely together and risk much if they hope to reach for a happy future together, despite all the naysayers they must face.
This book is my new favorite in the series (out of the ones I’ve read, at least). I adored Ned and Rosalind together and I think their characters were both very well developed, and they each came off as characters I could root for and wanted to know more about. I loved that Ned stood up for himself and for Rosalind, but I also loved that she held her ground for herself as well. Her feelings for Ned gave her strength and she refused to settle for anything less than all of him, even if he thought an association with him would cause problems for her. Rosalind knew exactly what she wanted and was ready to meet Ned as a full-fledged partner and that is the kind of heroine I want to read. This story was low on angst, but it still had enough mystery and intrigue to keep me interested with the ongoing question of what happened to the missing maids, while at the same time being very character driven. In short, I loved this book, and James Langton’s narration was just right for the story and helped draw me into the prose while I was doing mundane household chores, so that’s always a bonus. This one is going on the keeper shelf and comes highly recommended from me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and its audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
May 20, 2022
SO... this right here is why I always do my review immediately after finishing the book. Because I can't remember shit. I know what happened, but I don't remember all the feels. Ya know.
So anyway about the book... Poor Neddy... he never felt like he belongs. I do remember I love the part where he finally realized he was part of the Wentworth family.
Rosalind's maid is missing. Actually, her last two Lady's maids just up and disappeared. Then the book goes on of the mystery of the missing maids.
Loved seeing all the Wentworths. Duncan even came to town to show up. You get Ned's backstory. You also find out why Rosalind is so mistreated in her family.
This should be the last book of this series since everyone has their mate now. Wonder what she's going to get up to next. Wonder if Australia is going to show up in the picture as a spin-off... (*Psst that will make more sense if you read the book)
So anyway about the book... Poor Neddy... he never felt like he belongs. I do remember I love the part where he finally realized he was part of the Wentworth family.
Rosalind's maid is missing. Actually, her last two Lady's maids just up and disappeared. Then the book goes on of the mystery of the missing maids.
Loved seeing all the Wentworths. Duncan even came to town to show up. You get Ned's backstory. You also find out why Rosalind is so mistreated in her family.
This should be the last book of this series since everyone has their mate now. Wonder what she's going to get up to next. Wonder if Australia is going to show up in the picture as a spin-off... (*Psst that will make more sense if you read the book)
January 24, 2022
Advance copy from NetGalley
For some reason yesterday—probably for many reasons yesterday—I needed cheering up. So I deviated from my reading plan, my careful list of what I thought I’d read for the month, and bulldozed through this baby. Grace Burrowes is a guaranteed winner for me at this point, and hanging out with the scrappy Wentworth family always gives me a lift.
Ned and Rosalind’s book turned out to be one of my favorites of the series. I thought Rogues to Riches was finished when Stephen’s book came out, and I was delighted to be wrong when I found out the adopted member of the family, young Ned, would get a book too.
Even though the Wentworths all came from humble beginnings, Ned’s experience was still a contrast, and it gave him a different perspective on class, law, and how the country was run. Burrowes did a good job of portaying this through his conversations with Rosalind, and it explained his strong drive to find the missing women.
One of the things I like about these romances is that the characters are usually straightforward about their feelings and team up to solve a problem, rather than being the problem themselves. I loved the minimum of angst in this book, and it was wonderful to see Abigail and Robert supporting Ned in ways the other Wentworths didn’t realize he needed.
The ending was more deliriously happy than I could have imagined, and a couple of the revelations were very sudden. But the level of love I feel for this book is definitely 5 stars’ worth, and Burrowes fans will not be disappointed.
For some reason yesterday—probably for many reasons yesterday—I needed cheering up. So I deviated from my reading plan, my careful list of what I thought I’d read for the month, and bulldozed through this baby. Grace Burrowes is a guaranteed winner for me at this point, and hanging out with the scrappy Wentworth family always gives me a lift.
Ned and Rosalind’s book turned out to be one of my favorites of the series. I thought Rogues to Riches was finished when Stephen’s book came out, and I was delighted to be wrong when I found out the adopted member of the family, young Ned, would get a book too.
Even though the Wentworths all came from humble beginnings, Ned’s experience was still a contrast, and it gave him a different perspective on class, law, and how the country was run. Burrowes did a good job of portaying this through his conversations with Rosalind, and it explained his strong drive to find the missing women.
One of the things I like about these romances is that the characters are usually straightforward about their feelings and team up to solve a problem, rather than being the problem themselves. I loved the minimum of angst in this book, and it was wonderful to see Abigail and Robert supporting Ned in ways the other Wentworths didn’t realize he needed.
The ending was more deliriously happy than I could have imagined, and a couple of the revelations were very sudden. But the level of love I feel for this book is definitely 5 stars’ worth, and Burrowes fans will not be disappointed.
April 28, 2022
3.5 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a good historical fiction romance mystery book. I haven't read many books with these components and it was a nice change of pace. This is book seven in the series. I haven't read any of the previous books but since this is a stand alone story it isn't necessary to read the others. There is also plenty of exposition that explains a lot of the backstory of the characters, so I didn't feel lost.
Ned Wentworth came from the streets and used to pick pockets to survive until he was rescued from prison by a powerful aristocratic family. Since then he's learned to dress, waltz, and express himself as elegantly as any lordling, but he still feels like the same low-born street kid, unworthy of anything good. When Lady Rosalind Kinwood's maid goes missing, she turns to Ned to help her find the missing maid because of his street connections.
Rosalind is smart, strong and expresses her opinion, so naturally she's seen as an oddity in social circles. But Ned values those qualities and actually listens to her, and Rosalind appears to see past Ned's past. As the search for the missing maids becomes more dangerous, Ned and Rosalind risk not only their lives, but their hearts, to solve the mystery.
The author does a great job of building Rosalind and Ned's characters. I really liked how they connected and discussed their problems. One of the things that bugs me about romance books is that some authors tend to use a miscommunication between the parties as a plot point to push the characters into realizing they love each other. This miscommunication always occurs between the couple doesn't bother to actually talk to each other. Here, however, the characters start to realize the depth of their feelings because they are open and honest with each other and talk about what is going on. It's refreshing to read.
The book started out at a good pace but when the mystery took over rather than the romance, it slowed down. There was also a lot of exposition about Ned's past that also screeched the plot to a halt while we read page after page of backstory. This took me out of the story and I had to refocus after those passages ended. There were only a couple spicy scenes in the book, and they were a bit cringy and awkward. The story didn't need them and I ended up skipping over them.
The multitude of minor characters add depth and texture to the story, as well as some much needed levity. Clearly the Wentworth family is a tight-knit group that love each other deeply and support each other, during good and bad. One disadvantage of not reading the previous books, however, was not having a firm grasp on who everyone was and their relationship to each other. This was a minor annoyance, however, and perhaps just my own inability to keep track of everyone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing). All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a good historical fiction romance mystery book. I haven't read many books with these components and it was a nice change of pace. This is book seven in the series. I haven't read any of the previous books but since this is a stand alone story it isn't necessary to read the others. There is also plenty of exposition that explains a lot of the backstory of the characters, so I didn't feel lost.
Ned Wentworth came from the streets and used to pick pockets to survive until he was rescued from prison by a powerful aristocratic family. Since then he's learned to dress, waltz, and express himself as elegantly as any lordling, but he still feels like the same low-born street kid, unworthy of anything good. When Lady Rosalind Kinwood's maid goes missing, she turns to Ned to help her find the missing maid because of his street connections.
Rosalind is smart, strong and expresses her opinion, so naturally she's seen as an oddity in social circles. But Ned values those qualities and actually listens to her, and Rosalind appears to see past Ned's past. As the search for the missing maids becomes more dangerous, Ned and Rosalind risk not only their lives, but their hearts, to solve the mystery.
The author does a great job of building Rosalind and Ned's characters. I really liked how they connected and discussed their problems. One of the things that bugs me about romance books is that some authors tend to use a miscommunication between the parties as a plot point to push the characters into realizing they love each other. This miscommunication always occurs between the couple doesn't bother to actually talk to each other. Here, however, the characters start to realize the depth of their feelings because they are open and honest with each other and talk about what is going on. It's refreshing to read.
The book started out at a good pace but when the mystery took over rather than the romance, it slowed down. There was also a lot of exposition about Ned's past that also screeched the plot to a halt while we read page after page of backstory. This took me out of the story and I had to refocus after those passages ended. There were only a couple spicy scenes in the book, and they were a bit cringy and awkward. The story didn't need them and I ended up skipping over them.
The multitude of minor characters add depth and texture to the story, as well as some much needed levity. Clearly the Wentworth family is a tight-knit group that love each other deeply and support each other, during good and bad. One disadvantage of not reading the previous books, however, was not having a firm grasp on who everyone was and their relationship to each other. This was a minor annoyance, however, and perhaps just my own inability to keep track of everyone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing). All opinions are my own.
January 2, 2022
I really enjoyed Stephen’s book from this series, the only one I’d read and thought I could read Ned’s story without having read any of the others. And I was wrong on that front.
This book has a lot more backstory that it pulls from and made it difficult for me to be in the moment in the book. Complicated relationships with other members of the family that Ned was dealing with that I didn’t fully grasp.
Putting all of that aside and focusing just on the story in this book…I thought the story was slow. I was waiting for the plot to move a bit quicker, but it dragged for me.
I recommend everyone reading the entire series first and I’m not sure how to rate this one because I don’t feel like I was really set up to win with this one.
I’ll go four stars, because the main complaint I had was the pacing and the…bizarre last few chapters, but I think I wouldn’t be put off by the pacing so much if I’d known about all these characters.
…
Maybe 3.5….
This book has a lot more backstory that it pulls from and made it difficult for me to be in the moment in the book. Complicated relationships with other members of the family that Ned was dealing with that I didn’t fully grasp.
Putting all of that aside and focusing just on the story in this book…I thought the story was slow. I was waiting for the plot to move a bit quicker, but it dragged for me.
I recommend everyone reading the entire series first and I’m not sure how to rate this one because I don’t feel like I was really set up to win with this one.
I’ll go four stars, because the main complaint I had was the pacing and the…bizarre last few chapters, but I think I wouldn’t be put off by the pacing so much if I’d known about all these characters.
…
Maybe 3.5….
February 12, 2022
This is the 7th in the Rogues to Riches series but it reads as a standalone. I think reading the previous books would help in getting to know the supporting cast, because they play a large role. Ned’s backstory-currently a banker adopted by a duke’s family who grew up as a street urchin- is established quickly. He meets Lady Rosalind who needs his help to find her second missing maid. She’s hoping Ned’s low connections will come in useful in finding her.
Rosalind has a reputation for being irritable, outspoken, and unlikeable. She can give it as good as she gets it and, to her surprise, Ned can go toe to toe with her. Ned is a beta hero, mild-mannered but competent and confident. They have a rapport but I didn’t feel like they had great chemistry.
The romance needed more build and the mystery progress was too slow for me. Part of the problem is that we were told a lot of what Rosalind was feeling rather than have it shown to us. It was often hard to connect with her and her motivations. Ned’s tragic backstory didn’t come as a surprise, but his family’s resolution seemed completely out of the blue.
It was obvious to me who was behind the abductions, if not the why. By the halfway point I was bored with the slow pace the of mystery. The language is Heyer-esque, with more cant and slang than I enjoy. A few phrases were so off either by fact or feeling and that it drew me out of the story.
“She’s said to be worth ten thousand a year.” Men with an income are worth an amount per year. Women inherit or have a fortune settled on them. If the woman in question here has 10,000 a year, that would mean she has £200,000 invested, earning her %5 a year to get to 10,000 pounds a year. She just has a fortune of 10,000. If this detail is wrong, what else isn’t right?
3.5 stars I received an ARC from NetGalley
Rosalind has a reputation for being irritable, outspoken, and unlikeable. She can give it as good as she gets it and, to her surprise, Ned can go toe to toe with her. Ned is a beta hero, mild-mannered but competent and confident. They have a rapport but I didn’t feel like they had great chemistry.
The romance needed more build and the mystery progress was too slow for me. Part of the problem is that we were told a lot of what Rosalind was feeling rather than have it shown to us. It was often hard to connect with her and her motivations. Ned’s tragic backstory didn’t come as a surprise, but his family’s resolution seemed completely out of the blue.
It was obvious to me who was behind the abductions, if not the why. By the halfway point I was bored with the slow pace the of mystery. The language is Heyer-esque, with more cant and slang than I enjoy. A few phrases were so off either by fact or feeling and that it drew me out of the story.
“She’s said to be worth ten thousand a year.” Men with an income are worth an amount per year. Women inherit or have a fortune settled on them. If the woman in question here has 10,000 a year, that would mean she has £200,000 invested, earning her %5 a year to get to 10,000 pounds a year. She just has a fortune of 10,000. If this detail is wrong, what else isn’t right?
3.5 stars I received an ARC from NetGalley
June 14, 2024
3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this one. I really liked Rosalind and Ned and I enjoyed reading about how their investigation into Rosalind's maids disappearances led to them getting to really know and understand each other and fall in love. Both Ned and Rosalind are not the typical regency romance hero and heroine and I really liked that. RTC.
I really enjoyed this one. I really liked Rosalind and Ned and I enjoyed reading about how their investigation into Rosalind's maids disappearances led to them getting to really know and understand each other and fall in love. Both Ned and Rosalind are not the typical regency romance hero and heroine and I really liked that. RTC.
May 31, 2022
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
As a young boy, Ned helped save a duke in prison and was rescued by him in return. Now fully grown, Ned is a Wentworth and a successful banker, but society still gossips about his past. Lady Rosalind Kinwood requests Ned’s aid precisely because he can move between worlds. Her lady’s maid is missing and no one will take her concerns seriously. As the two look into the disappearance it becomes clear that there’s more to it than they expected. And the longer Ned and Rosalind are around each other, the harder it is for both to deny how very well they’re suited. But love isn’t enough to make a match between an earl’s daughter and a former pickpocket…is it?
Ned Wentworth finally gets a happily ever after of his own in Never a Duke . I’ve adored Ned since he was a brave young boy in the first Rogues to Riches book and was delighted that Grace Burrowes gave Ned his own story.
Ned loves the Wentworth family but he holds himself somewhat apart from them. There are bits of his past he won’t talk about and even parts of his life now he keeps separate. He’s successful as a banker but there’s something missing in his life. Rosalind is the catalyst for Ned coming into his own. From the first, he’s drawn to her. Rosalind is an outsider in her home as well, though unlike the Wentworth family, her father and brothers are cutting and cruel. Ned and Rosalind’s romance is soft and sweet. He sees, admires, values, and is attracted to Rosalind for all that she is. She, in turn, is someone he can lean on, can trust with the most vulnerable parts of himself. There are hidden sweet spots to Ned that just made me smile and sigh. He and Rosalind simply fit and I absolutely adored them together. It was easy to get lost in the pages of Never a Duke because I so enjoyed the romance.
To best enjoy this story, I recommend at the very least reading the first Rogues to Riches book, My One and Only Duke, in order to get a sense of the Wentworth family dynamics. As a fan of the series, I really enjoyed seeing Ned find his place in the Wentworth family. The Wentworths tend to shove their way into each other’s problems and for someone quieter and more reserved like Ned it can be a bit much. But he finds his way and I liked how his family grew to understand him better and was able to show their love and support for him in ways that matched Ned’s personality rather than their own.
The case of the missing lady’s maid is what first brings Rosalind and Ned together and it’s an intriguing one. I won’t spoil what happens, so suffice it to say that the mystery only grows and Burrowes takes readers on a journey from Mayfair to the docks and everywhere in between. The resolution was a bit rushed (along with a few other revelations) at the end. The story would have benefitted greatly from an extra couple of chapters to handle the fallout of the mystery and the information that comes to light during the search. I went back and forth on how to rate Never a Duke because I wanted more from the ending. However, since I adored Rosalind and Ned so much and because I found their love story so satisfying, I can safely say that even with the issues I had I still loved this book. I look forward to revisiting Ned and Rosalind in the near future.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
As a young boy, Ned helped save a duke in prison and was rescued by him in return. Now fully grown, Ned is a Wentworth and a successful banker, but society still gossips about his past. Lady Rosalind Kinwood requests Ned’s aid precisely because he can move between worlds. Her lady’s maid is missing and no one will take her concerns seriously. As the two look into the disappearance it becomes clear that there’s more to it than they expected. And the longer Ned and Rosalind are around each other, the harder it is for both to deny how very well they’re suited. But love isn’t enough to make a match between an earl’s daughter and a former pickpocket…is it?
Ned Wentworth finally gets a happily ever after of his own in Never a Duke . I’ve adored Ned since he was a brave young boy in the first Rogues to Riches book and was delighted that Grace Burrowes gave Ned his own story.
Ned loves the Wentworth family but he holds himself somewhat apart from them. There are bits of his past he won’t talk about and even parts of his life now he keeps separate. He’s successful as a banker but there’s something missing in his life. Rosalind is the catalyst for Ned coming into his own. From the first, he’s drawn to her. Rosalind is an outsider in her home as well, though unlike the Wentworth family, her father and brothers are cutting and cruel. Ned and Rosalind’s romance is soft and sweet. He sees, admires, values, and is attracted to Rosalind for all that she is. She, in turn, is someone he can lean on, can trust with the most vulnerable parts of himself. There are hidden sweet spots to Ned that just made me smile and sigh. He and Rosalind simply fit and I absolutely adored them together. It was easy to get lost in the pages of Never a Duke because I so enjoyed the romance.
To best enjoy this story, I recommend at the very least reading the first Rogues to Riches book, My One and Only Duke, in order to get a sense of the Wentworth family dynamics. As a fan of the series, I really enjoyed seeing Ned find his place in the Wentworth family. The Wentworths tend to shove their way into each other’s problems and for someone quieter and more reserved like Ned it can be a bit much. But he finds his way and I liked how his family grew to understand him better and was able to show their love and support for him in ways that matched Ned’s personality rather than their own.
The case of the missing lady’s maid is what first brings Rosalind and Ned together and it’s an intriguing one. I won’t spoil what happens, so suffice it to say that the mystery only grows and Burrowes takes readers on a journey from Mayfair to the docks and everywhere in between. The resolution was a bit rushed (along with a few other revelations) at the end. The story would have benefitted greatly from an extra couple of chapters to handle the fallout of the mystery and the information that comes to light during the search. I went back and forth on how to rate Never a Duke because I wanted more from the ending. However, since I adored Rosalind and Ned so much and because I found their love story so satisfying, I can safely say that even with the issues I had I still loved this book. I look forward to revisiting Ned and Rosalind in the near future.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
April 29, 2022
Enticing, adventurous, and fun!
Never a Duke is a passionate, compelling tale that sweeps you away to London and into the life of Lady Rosalind Kinwood, an intelligent young woman who embarks on a mission to do whatever it takes to find her missing lady’s maid, even if it means befriending and asking for help from the banker with old friends in low places and a scandalous past of his own, the handsome, dependable Ned Wentworth.
The prose is amusing and light. The characters are protective, independent, and resourceful. And the plot is an arousing combination of family, friendship, secrets, adventure, societal expectations, wicked intentions, devious behaviour, tender moments, and unconditional love.
Overall, Never a Duke is an entertaining, intriguing, satisfying read by Burrowes that was a pleasant surprise with its exceptional character development, swoon-worthy ending, and twisty, action-packed storyline that’s not always seen in this genre.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Never a Duke is a passionate, compelling tale that sweeps you away to London and into the life of Lady Rosalind Kinwood, an intelligent young woman who embarks on a mission to do whatever it takes to find her missing lady’s maid, even if it means befriending and asking for help from the banker with old friends in low places and a scandalous past of his own, the handsome, dependable Ned Wentworth.
The prose is amusing and light. The characters are protective, independent, and resourceful. And the plot is an arousing combination of family, friendship, secrets, adventure, societal expectations, wicked intentions, devious behaviour, tender moments, and unconditional love.
Overall, Never a Duke is an entertaining, intriguing, satisfying read by Burrowes that was a pleasant surprise with its exceptional character development, swoon-worthy ending, and twisty, action-packed storyline that’s not always seen in this genre.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2022
The mystery is compelling. I really love the aspects of the Regency that Burrowes has built her plots on.
Library copy
Library copy
April 13, 2022
This is the 7th in the Rogues to Riches series and I have read a few of them but not all. This one focuses on Ned Wentworth who is a wealthy successful banker and is considered part of the Duke of Walden’s family (but not by birth). He is approached by Lady Rosalind to help find her maids that have gone missing. She is hoping to use his past seedier connections to solve the mystery. This series focuses on people having to overcome obstacles. Rosalind is bullied by her own family for her stuttering as a child and is still belittled. This slow burn romance begins with the friendship between the two.
I found this slower starting but I like both the Rosalind and Ned. I enjoyed learning about them as they opened up to each other. There is some heat but Burrowes is less graphic than some historical romance writers. The mystery wasn’t all that hard to solve but I enjoyed the authors notes at the end describing how she came up with the idea for the story. This can be read as a stand alone, Ned’s backstory is given briefly. But many supporting characters come from other stories in the series. (3.5 stars) Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found this slower starting but I like both the Rosalind and Ned. I enjoyed learning about them as they opened up to each other. There is some heat but Burrowes is less graphic than some historical romance writers. The mystery wasn’t all that hard to solve but I enjoyed the authors notes at the end describing how she came up with the idea for the story. This can be read as a stand alone, Ned’s backstory is given briefly. But many supporting characters come from other stories in the series. (3.5 stars) Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2023
Never A Duke by Grace Burrows is a poignant historical romance that had me hooked from page one. I simply didn’t want this story to end - loved the hero and heroine, the supporting characters were fantastic and I am eager to see if we will get some of their stories.
5 Stars and high recommendation
5 Stars and high recommendation
May 15, 2022
I want to give this book zero stars because Ned Wentworth isn't real and that seems very rude and unfair 🙄🤣
In all seriousness, I loved this book. Loved it. After reading the first book in the series and seeing Ned was going to get a book, I was excited. But I had no idea how much of my heart it would hold
I loved Ned. I love his position in the Wentworth family, love the way he really is the little brother to Quinn and Stephen, love how he also feels like the outsider and struggles to see his name as little more than charity. I love his character arc. Love his moral uprightness, how he stands by his convictions and can't stand to see injustice done. I love Ned Wentworth and would marry him in a heartbeat. I've loved all the men in this series but Ned holds a very special place in heart. Have I mentioned I want to marry this man? Because I want to marry this man
Rosalind was a fantastic heroine. I loved how she's bold and stands by her convictions while also struggling to "be a good girl" and not make too many waves, to not take up too much space. I love her arc of learning to take up space, of being unapologetic in doing so. She's fierce, but in a soft, unassuming way. And I loved her for her
I was confused by Ned's back story in that I felt we were teased with some horrible secret in his past, told quite plainly that is made the Wentworths' childhood look tame, and then it was...sort of what I expected. I wish it had either been a bigger secret or teased less
And Rosalind, we're told had a stammer as a girl and that it's still something she struggles with from time to time but then we never actually see that. It was as if the point was introduced for a plot point and then never truly followed through on. I wished we'd have gotten that representation
All in all this is hands down my favorite book in the series. Without a doubt, no question. It felt very much like coming full circle on the series, especially with Quinn and Stephen's books. It was a good conclusion to everyone's arcs
I love how the author doesn't shy away from letting her characters have areas they need to grow. How we can adore both Quinn and Stephen but also see how their actions can hurt Ned. How even after their story is completed they're still growing, still being held accountable for their actions
I could gush about this book all day. It made me cry real tears, made me laugh, made me giddy, made me angry in all the right ways. It's a good book. Possibly even one of my favorites. I already want to snuggle up with the paperback and revisit all my favorite scenes, highlight all the best lines, and fall even deeper in love with Ned Wentworth
In all seriousness, I loved this book. Loved it. After reading the first book in the series and seeing Ned was going to get a book, I was excited. But I had no idea how much of my heart it would hold
I loved Ned. I love his position in the Wentworth family, love the way he really is the little brother to Quinn and Stephen, love how he also feels like the outsider and struggles to see his name as little more than charity. I love his character arc. Love his moral uprightness, how he stands by his convictions and can't stand to see injustice done. I love Ned Wentworth and would marry him in a heartbeat. I've loved all the men in this series but Ned holds a very special place in heart. Have I mentioned I want to marry this man? Because I want to marry this man
Rosalind was a fantastic heroine. I loved how she's bold and stands by her convictions while also struggling to "be a good girl" and not make too many waves, to not take up too much space. I love her arc of learning to take up space, of being unapologetic in doing so. She's fierce, but in a soft, unassuming way. And I loved her for her
I was confused by Ned's back story in that I felt we were teased with some horrible secret in his past, told quite plainly that is made the Wentworths' childhood look tame, and then it was...sort of what I expected. I wish it had either been a bigger secret or teased less
And Rosalind, we're told had a stammer as a girl and that it's still something she struggles with from time to time but then we never actually see that. It was as if the point was introduced for a plot point and then never truly followed through on. I wished we'd have gotten that representation
All in all this is hands down my favorite book in the series. Without a doubt, no question. It felt very much like coming full circle on the series, especially with Quinn and Stephen's books. It was a good conclusion to everyone's arcs
I love how the author doesn't shy away from letting her characters have areas they need to grow. How we can adore both Quinn and Stephen but also see how their actions can hurt Ned. How even after their story is completed they're still growing, still being held accountable for their actions
I could gush about this book all day. It made me cry real tears, made me laugh, made me giddy, made me angry in all the right ways. It's a good book. Possibly even one of my favorites. I already want to snuggle up with the paperback and revisit all my favorite scenes, highlight all the best lines, and fall even deeper in love with Ned Wentworth
May 2, 2022
4.5 stars as reviewed at Roses Are Blue:
Ned Wentworth is now a well-to-do bank manager for a duke, though he is a former street child who was actually imprisoned for theft. A favor that Ned did for the duke earned him a home, an adopted family, an education, and a career. Ned is mostly content, but not happy. He still carries guilt for believing himself responsible for the death of his brother. When Ned receives a mysterious summons to meet a lady in need of a favor, he is initially intrigued, until he learns the identity of his petitioner.
Lady Rosalind Kinwood is an earl’s daughter who has a reputation of being a direct speaker, and one who won’t tolerate any nonsense. Two of her maids have recently gone missing, both young and pretty, and both quite happy in their positions. Rosalind knows that neither would just have left on their own, and fears foul play. She believes that Ned’s former street connections will allow him to make inquiries in places she could never go. Ned agrees to help, but refuses any compensation. Rosalind decides to pay him by passing along tidbits of gossip about which society ladies are willing to be courted by him, despite his questionable past. Though Ned isn’t actively looking for a bride, he listens to her information, knowing full well that those ladies are interested in his bank balance, not himself.
Ned’s inquiries eventually lead to a treacherous plot, enacted by someone in high places, one involving many more young ladies. The investigation has also thrown Ned and Rosalind into each other’s company, something they both are finding quite enjoyable. Though Ned is no true gentleman, he treats her with dignity and respect, something sadly lacking in the usual society men Rosalind encounters. He listens to her, and even seems to value her opinions, a trait that is far more valuable to Rosalind than a toplofty title. Ned is equally entranced, and soon, kisses and shared secrets ensue. Their attraction grows serious enough to lead to a proposal, only to find Ned being insultingly and unequivocally refused by Rosalind’s loathsome father.
I love these two characters, as both are so vulnerable beneath their outward placid demeanors. While Ned deals with his misplaced guilt, Rosalind endures the snide comments made about her. NEVER A DUKE is a book that I sat down with and just became enveloped in. I love the romance, which was genuine and warm. The mystery had a different twist than what I was expecting, with the villain(s) and their plot hitting close to home. There was also an additional happy surprise which I felt added so much to the HEA. I enjoyed visiting with the extended Wentworth family, and having read all their stories previously made NEVER A DUKE that much more enjoyable, though it can easily be read as a standalone. Grace Burrowes continues to be a favorite author, whose writing creates lovely stories, warm family connections, and characters I know will love each other forever.
Ned Wentworth is now a well-to-do bank manager for a duke, though he is a former street child who was actually imprisoned for theft. A favor that Ned did for the duke earned him a home, an adopted family, an education, and a career. Ned is mostly content, but not happy. He still carries guilt for believing himself responsible for the death of his brother. When Ned receives a mysterious summons to meet a lady in need of a favor, he is initially intrigued, until he learns the identity of his petitioner.
Lady Rosalind Kinwood is an earl’s daughter who has a reputation of being a direct speaker, and one who won’t tolerate any nonsense. Two of her maids have recently gone missing, both young and pretty, and both quite happy in their positions. Rosalind knows that neither would just have left on their own, and fears foul play. She believes that Ned’s former street connections will allow him to make inquiries in places she could never go. Ned agrees to help, but refuses any compensation. Rosalind decides to pay him by passing along tidbits of gossip about which society ladies are willing to be courted by him, despite his questionable past. Though Ned isn’t actively looking for a bride, he listens to her information, knowing full well that those ladies are interested in his bank balance, not himself.
Ned’s inquiries eventually lead to a treacherous plot, enacted by someone in high places, one involving many more young ladies. The investigation has also thrown Ned and Rosalind into each other’s company, something they both are finding quite enjoyable. Though Ned is no true gentleman, he treats her with dignity and respect, something sadly lacking in the usual society men Rosalind encounters. He listens to her, and even seems to value her opinions, a trait that is far more valuable to Rosalind than a toplofty title. Ned is equally entranced, and soon, kisses and shared secrets ensue. Their attraction grows serious enough to lead to a proposal, only to find Ned being insultingly and unequivocally refused by Rosalind’s loathsome father.
I love these two characters, as both are so vulnerable beneath their outward placid demeanors. While Ned deals with his misplaced guilt, Rosalind endures the snide comments made about her. NEVER A DUKE is a book that I sat down with and just became enveloped in. I love the romance, which was genuine and warm. The mystery had a different twist than what I was expecting, with the villain(s) and their plot hitting close to home. There was also an additional happy surprise which I felt added so much to the HEA. I enjoyed visiting with the extended Wentworth family, and having read all their stories previously made NEVER A DUKE that much more enjoyable, though it can easily be read as a standalone. Grace Burrowes continues to be a favorite author, whose writing creates lovely stories, warm family connections, and characters I know will love each other forever.
April 25, 2022
I devoured this book because the romance is on point and the mystery is intriguing and historically interesting.
Ned and Rosalind make a great couple despite seeming too different at the beginning. The way they're open, truly friendly, and communicative before they actually start being romantic with each other is my romantic goodness ideal. Their interactions with their families and how they push each other to be more open with their feelings while at the same time validating everything they feel is such a positive vibe.
I would have loved this for the romance goodness alone, but I can't deny that the great mystery of lady's maids and other respectable, pretty women with no family in the city disappearing pulled me in even harder into the story and really made it a true page-turner. Burrowes plays it with great pacing and an outcome that I did not expect for a second yet piqued my interest in the real history that inspired it.
Overall, it's a historical romance that hits all the best points of the genre with the added goodness of an interesting mystery element. I very, very highly recommend it.
Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the romantic early read!
Ned and Rosalind make a great couple despite seeming too different at the beginning. The way they're open, truly friendly, and communicative before they actually start being romantic with each other is my romantic goodness ideal. Their interactions with their families and how they push each other to be more open with their feelings while at the same time validating everything they feel is such a positive vibe.
I would have loved this for the romance goodness alone, but I can't deny that the great mystery of lady's maids and other respectable, pretty women with no family in the city disappearing pulled me in even harder into the story and really made it a true page-turner. Burrowes plays it with great pacing and an outcome that I did not expect for a second yet piqued my interest in the real history that inspired it.
Overall, it's a historical romance that hits all the best points of the genre with the added goodness of an interesting mystery element. I very, very highly recommend it.
Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the romantic early read!
April 27, 2022
I thought that the book had some very romantic moments between the characters. Some of the verbiage did have me trip a little over my reading skills and diverted my attention away from the story. This had me lose my connection with the story. Simple verbiage in the narrative keeps the readers engaged in the story. I love the romanticism.
The story line or plot that the writer developed for the characters melded together with the characters and gave the readers a enjoyable book to cozy up to.
The story line or plot that the writer developed for the characters melded together with the characters and gave the readers a enjoyable book to cozy up to.
February 1, 2023
Maybe it is more of a 3 star book for me, but certain moments were clearly 4 star worthy. It is the seventh book in a series, and while I never felt like I did not understand the story, there were a lot of people from previous books involved. It was slow going for me, but I liked the main couple enough to want to see them happy.
I listened to the audio book, which helped me over the slow parts.
I listened to the audio book, which helped me over the slow parts.
May 10, 2022
What better way to end the series than with Nedd's story, love the story, the more than deserved overcoming of the main character hooked me from the beginning, and realizing that the same blood doesn't have to run through the veins for a person to be considered family.
October 16, 2023
Sweet H is taken with the h who is very unhappy. She's bullied by her father and brothers, and is mad about the H. There is an evil plot in London and the couple and his family work together to get the baddies. Too many details and and resolution was too tidy. Not my favourite in the series.
Read
May 7, 2024DNF
I read about 60% of the book before I finally gave up. It was so slow and ponderous, I wanted to scream in frustration. I did skim to the end, reading a page here and a page there, so I know what happened, but the author could've arrived at that same ending with half the word count or even less. The story would read much better as a novella.
I read about 60% of the book before I finally gave up. It was so slow and ponderous, I wanted to scream in frustration. I did skim to the end, reading a page here and a page there, so I know what happened, but the author could've arrived at that same ending with half the word count or even less. The story would read much better as a novella.
May 25, 2022
Wonderful Read
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
October 5, 2022
This book was just ok for me. They were supposed to be looking for missing women, but they did more talking than looking.
June 24, 2022
The story of the boy who was rescued from prison along with the oldest Wentworth. He's grown up now but still finding his place, in the world as well as the family. He's asked by an acquaintance to look into her missing maid, and discovers not only a whole rash of pretty women gone missing but that he really likes Lady Rosalind. But he has issues with his past. It's a good read. I liked it a lot.
September 21, 2025
3.5/5
It was good, but I didn’t feel the urge to pick it back up after I’d set it down
It was good, but I didn’t feel the urge to pick it back up after I’d set it down
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