It's the start of a new series and I loved it! He sitting in Newgate about to hang, has a band of minor criminals and whores who he takes care of and then in walks recently widowed, pregnant vicars daughter.

It's the start of a new series and all the characters are interesting. Rags to Riches, Indeed! I haven't seen the name Althea used before and it's his sister's name. (It was my grandmother's name)

I had all the feels with this couple! She's smart, strong and let's him know it. He's almost a shy, sweet character. They learn a lot by leaning on each other. Can't with for the next one!

Once upon a time there was a banker waiting to be hanged and a young pregnant widow who accompanies her crazy Vicar Papa when he comes to the prison to perform his mission. The banker and the young woman talk and come to like each other. They marry so that the young woman can take care of herself and the baby, his final act of kindness. Wait… Quinn doesn’t die (it could not have been any closer); he is apparently heir to a duchy and is now the Duke of Walden. Jane is not a twice-widowed mother; she is now a duchess.

This is a very entertaining and busy story. Quinn and Jane must learn to handle the responsibilities of their new station while coming to know each other. Jane must also learn to cope with Quinn’s unusual family, which now includes also, not just Jane, but the “staff” Quinn brought out of prison with him. There’s lots to do, so much to learn, including who was behind Quinn’s murder charge and near fatal prison stay.

As I said, this is a busy story written in Grace Burrowes typical engaging and witty style. The characters, from the hero and heroine to loveable Ned, exhibit strength, intelligence, caring and confidence (although a little uncertainty appears at times). Well-written descriptions of the characters, the settings, and the circumstances draw the reader into the story. The story is well paced and has some drama, danger, and mystery mixed with the fun and romance. My One and Only Duke is a great beginning for what promises to be another wonderful series by Grace Burrowes. You don’t want to miss it!

The bonus novella was a treat!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

A wonderful romance and an interesting couple. Quinn is wrongfully convicted of murder and awaiting execution. While in Newgate he's visited by Jane; a pregnant widow who's in the prison accompanying her vicar father and his good works.. Quinn marries her as a good deed before he's hanged - except he doesn't die. Instead he's pardoned and succeeds to a dukedom. Now he has to make his marriage work .while also pursuing whoever framed him for murder. Both the relationship between the hero and heroine and the search for the villain kept me reading so I didn't want to put it down.

In one moment, Quinn is due to be hanged, and opts to help a pregnant widow by marrying her. The next moment he is named a Duke. Not only is he a Duke but he also as a bride. Will they stay together? Will he find out who wanted him dead? Great historical read with plenty of drama and suspense. I really liked Quinn and Jane and the story really draws you in. I loved it!

Description:

From a New York Times bestselling author and one of "the very best in today's regency romance" (Elizabeth Hoyt) comes the story of the unconventional Wentworth family in this charming new series with a Cinderella twist.

One minute, London banker Quinn Wentworth is facing execution. The next, he's declared the long-lost heir to a dukedom. Quinn has fought his way up from the vilest slums, and now he's ready to use every dirty trick he knows to find the enemy who schemed against him.

There was just one tiny problem...Jane Winston, the widowed, pregnant daughter of a meddlesome prison preacher, crosses paths with Quinn in jail. Believing his days are numbered, Quinn offers Jane marriage as a way to guarantee her independence and provide for her child. Neither thinks they'll actually have a future together.

He's a wealthy gutter rat out for vengeance. She's a minister's daughter who must turn a marriage of desperation into a proper ducal union. Are they doomed from the start or destined for a happily-ever-after?

My Thoughts:

This is the first book in a new series by this wonderful author. Grace Burrowes has done it again. She never fails to amaze me with her novels of very correct historical facts and dry wit and charm.
Who on earth would plot the death of London banker Quinn Wentworth? How could this man be responsible for the death of another? He has no way of proving his innocence so he just goes with the flow helping his fellow inmates as best he can until the day of his execution. Only that execution is stayed at the last possible minute with him dangling at the end of a rope only to be cut down just before his inevitable death.

Jane who has married him to give her babe a name now has an unexpected surprise. Her convict husband is now a Duke.

This wonderful story is full of surprising twist and turns and is a delight to read.
I gave this newest Grace Burroughs book 4.85 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a mild sensual rating of 3.5 of 5.0 flames. We know there is intimacy between our couple but the descriptions are not overt.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title to read from the publisher.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which was given freely and without influence from any entities.

This is the first book of a new series from Grace Burrowes and it really starts out quite dramatically. I mean this is a historical romance wherein the hero is destined to be hanged in Newgate for killing a man. With that kind of an introduction a reader is hardpressed to put the book down! Pretty soon the heroine of the story meets our doomed hero and they strike up an odd but comforting friendship in just a short amount of time. I love how the relationship between Jane and Quinn started and developed into something quite deeper. There is a certain amount of mystery and suspense in the storyline that keeps you on edge and the rest of the characters, namely Quinn’s siblings are quite different from the usual ones from Ms. Burrowes other books. Namely, they have a darker side to their character so sometimes their loyalty to Quinn might be put to question by the reader. Still, My One and Only Duke has all the classic elements that has made Ms. Burrowes’ other books lovable but on a slightly different edgier tone. I love it and can’t wait how the other characters story will be like.

Jane and Quinn have an unusual start to their relationship. I found this book a little slow to start; however I also found myself engaged in all of the characters in this book. It did leave me a little frustrated that some loose ends weren't cleared up but hopefully that will come in the next books.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. My One And Only Duke by Grace Burrowes is the first book in what looks to be an excellent new series called Rogues to Riches. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it. Quinn Wentworth a wealthy self made banker is waiting to be executed for a murder he didn’t commit and his execution gets postponed because the executioner is ill, he meets Jane Winston a vicars daughter when she is sent into his cell to wait while her father ministers to the prisoners. Jane a recent widow is expecting a child and her prospects look almost as bleak as Quinn’s . Quinn proposes that they marry as he can provide financially for her and won’t be needing the money himself. Instead of becoming a widow twice over Jane becomes the bride of the new Duke of Walden when Quinn is saved from the hangman at the last possible moment with a royal pardon. Grace Burrowes has written a wonderful story about how these two find their way to HEA from such a desperate beginning and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Medium steam, Publishing Date November 6, 2018 #NetGalley #MyOneAndOnlyDuke

Two very interesting characters are at the start of this new series by Grace Burrowes. Quinn Wentworth is about to be hanged when he meets Jane Winston. This is the set up for a familiar trope. Jane is pregnant and broke. Quinn is about to die and has money. The solution - they marry. Then Quinn is pardoned. What comes next is familiar but very entertaining. Jane has to whip the Wentworth family into shape while Quinn is trying to find out who set him up. Love both Jane and Quinn and look forward to catching glimpses of them in future stories.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

I've read several titles by this author and I don't always enjoy her books. I loved this one. I was hooked from the beginning. She created two really likable characters that I rooted for, despite their flaws. There was also a credible mystery woven throughout the story that had me devouring the book. I was kept guessing as to who was the culprit and I was surprised at the end. This was one of the better books I've read in awhile and I highly recommend it.

There's a reason why Grace Burrowes is a goto for historical romance. She has a way of weaving character development with plot, while hooking us into caring about the characters. My One and Only Duke is the start of a new series (Rogues to Riches) and features Quinn Wentworth and Jane Winston.

Quinn is about to be hanged for a murder he didn't commit. And just as he takes his last breath, he's pardoned by the King, since he is named the long-lost heir to a dukedom.
Jane Winston is a philanthropist, widowed, and pregnant. She visits Quinn and the other prisoners before he is to be hanged. Realizing she is vulnerable without protection, Quinn offers to marry her and provide her with his fortune, so she will be able to raise her child with a name and financial resources.

However, happily - or else we wouldn't have a book - Quinn survives and the marriage is in fact still legal. What starts out as a marriage of convenience of sorts grows into a love match. And along the way, we learn who put Quinn in prison and why, as well as meet Quinn's siblings and cousin, whom will all have their own HEA. I'm a bit bummed this is the first in a series because I now have to wait for the series to finish. However, I can't wait for the next book, which I believe will be his cousin.

Steam Level - 3.5 (1-5)
First in a series
Subgenre: Historical Romance

Guttersnipe makes good and daughter of a wacky vicar finds herself in luck. The guttersnipe is about to revealed as a duke. As he is about to be hanged, he marries the pregnant widowed Jane Winston. He will be her savior. What the heck--he is about to meet his maker and he has more money than Croesus and can help her give her child a good life.
But life is never quite so simple or easy. Quinn is hanged, but it doesn't quite take, and he is restored to his family, fortune and Jane.
The story unfortunately does little more to fill in an interesting plot.

I really liked this book! It's very good start to the series in which we will get to know the Wentworth family. This one is about Quinn, Duke of Walden and Jane, pregnant widow and a preacher's daughter. They meet in a very unconventional way. Quinn is awaiting to be hanged because he's being accused of murder. It's this part of the story that gives the book an element of mystery. As we read the book we slowly learn of why and who placed Quinn in prison. I enjoyed the learning of it bit by bit. We learn at the end of who's responsible. I was quite surprised of the reasons of why this person did it.
The relationship between Quinn and Jane was slow to start. Quinn's determination to find out the truth and get revenge got in the way of getting to know his wife better. There were too many lies being told. He did have a difficult past and felt he didn't deserve to be happy. Therefore he would lose himself in work and revenge plans. Which was a little sad to learn, but I'm glad Jane was able to help him bring out those emotions and that being buried in work was not the way to live happily. His family saw the change and were grateful to Jane. I kind of wish that we would of focused more in making Jane happy and lied less to her. She was very patient and protective of him. I liked that she was the one that took control of the relationship and moved it along.
His family was very interesting set of characters. They all had unique quirks that hopefully we will be able to see in the following books. Jane's father was such a horrible man. I'm glad Jane stood up to him in the end.
I will continue with the rest of the series. The novella by Elizabeth Hoyt at the end was an added bonus. Great one to read too!

This was a very enjoyable, well-written Regency romance. Jane, a widowed, pregnant daughter of a prison preacher, meets Quinn, a London baker who is in Newgate Prison, convicted of manslaughter and about to be executed. He offers to marry her to guarantee her independence and safeguard her child. After their marriage he is saved from execution and declared the long-lost heir to a dukedom. Now they have to find a way to move forward. Quinn has a number of eccentric family members and it was so entertaining to read the events of this story. I loved this book. It is the first in a new series and I can't wait to read the next one.

Grace Burrowes has a new release with a new series just three days from now! I enjoyed the read--definitely unique in its setting with a wonderful writing style taking me into the depths of Newgate prison. See review attached. https://wp.me/p40XtX-3Sh

This happens to be the first book I’ve read from author Grace Burrowes. It seems I’ve been missing some serious talent!

The story began with death or close to. The last days of a man, who apparently is rather a good man for he looks out for those who are less fortunate them himself. Yes, even in Newgate prison. Quinn Wentworth is to be hanged. We know he didn’t do anything to warrant the hanging. He was set up. But Quinn was a man of methodical talent – he took care of those around him first – his sisters, a couple of young boys thrown into Newgate, a couple of prostitutes and then, surprisingly a woman, whose tale you will weep at, Jane Winston. Burrowes paints a dismal picture, smells and all, of Newgate which actually existed and was finally torn down in 1904.

The tale is rather grim and there are many dark moments, but after Quinn’s hanging, events rapidly change. Quinn is a man to be respected. He is certainly a man of wealth and as a banker one of some reputation. However, that being said, there are those who don’t think kindly of him, and the story is one where he must ferret them out. After all, his family and now the extended family may be in danger.

As the story unfolds, we find that Jane Winston, daughter of a man of ‘God’ (that I must use loosely), is made of stern stuff and certainly one with courage, someone to be admired. I enjoyed how Burrowes wove her character and wisdom into a character of strength. A boon to Quinn and much needed to balance out his life.

At the same time, Quinn Wentworth offered much to Jane. She was malnourished, and thought little of who she was. Each of them helped to discover the other.

Quinn has a very curious family. A younger brother who although can walk, prefers to stay in a wheelchair and play the invalid. He also has two sisters who are used to being ostracized in society and have a difficult time when Quinn’s familial circumstances in society change. I was left with the hope the series will continue giving me a chance to know what is really behind Stephen’s act and what choices Quinn’s sisters will have in gaining a footing in society.

All in all, this intriguing story with its depth of emotion, while exposing societal problems of the time gives much to the reader to contemplate and anticipate coming events, waiting for the next of the sequel to be released.

Bonus Material: Elizabeth Hoyt’s Once Upon a Christmas Eve novella was a welcome surprise. This novella is a racey and entertaining read. Adam Rutledge, a viscount gets marooned with his grandmother at a mansion in the county for a couple of weeks while his grandmother’s health improves. A rake, like no other, his reputation precedes him and Lady Margaret is no easy catch! A spitfire and them some.

We find that Adam is more than his reputation. While Lady Margaret comes out with pistols loaded, we find she does have a heart.

My One and Only Duke by Grace Burrowes had a different start to most historical romances. It somehow made Quinn a stronger character with all the adversity he had to overcome. I did not like Jane’s father and wanted him to get over himself. The rest of the characters were quirky, which only made them more interesting.

Quinn Wentworth is going to hang, for a crime he didn’t commit. He is sure of there being no solution, so he offers to marry Jane Winston. She is a preacher’s daughter who is pregnant with a dead husband and a father who constantly berates her. She is determined to raise the baby with love. With a huge turn of events, Quinn is suddenly a Duke. He and his wife Jane must find a way to move forward into uncharted territory.

My One and Only Duke by Grace Burrowes certainly had a couple of interesting elements in the plot line. I liked how it began and then wrapped around and ended. Jane was a great foil for Quinn and realized his need to help his family by keeping them safe, but was going about it in the wrong way. I found the book interesting with the twists and the family. I noted that My One and Only Duke is the first book and look forward to reading the future novels in the Rags to Riches Series. My One and Only Duke by Grace Burrowes was a good read.

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. I enjoyed this rags to riches story about Jane and Quinn. The author goes quite in depth with the characters, which I love. I was surprised, though not disappointed, when the scene were the villain was exposed went very quickly. I can’t wait to see how the rest of this unusual Wentworth family fares in the next book in this new series!

Grace Burrowes writing style brings to life characters in the most amazingly authentic way. She also writes scenarios about adults, having adult relationships, and handling situations in an adult way. Quinn is the perfect entrypoint into the fabulously different Wentworth family. Grace Burrowes has cornered the market on wonderful families - but the Wentworths are quite different from the rest. They are quirky, outspoken, and definitely non-standard.

Jane and Quinn are beautiful together. She turns out to be the key to cage the family was keeping itself in. She is also the key in unlocking Quinn - he has been 100% focused on making life better for his family that he seems to have left himself behind.

Overall - I loved the story, the Wentworth family, and of course the who Grace Burrowes universe.

I was kindly offered an ARC of this - but the opinion is mine. I had already pre-ordered this book (months ago). Thank you Grace Burrowes for writing such wonderful characters and stories!!

A start of a new series by Burrowes. Full of her characteristic wit and unconventional heroes and heroines, if somewhat more light a conclusion than you might think considering where the book starts. Overall I look forward to more books!

Grace Burrowes books show her distinctive voice, humor and warmth, “My One and Only Duke “ is no exception. She is especially good and taking unlovable characters and making the reader love them. A pregnant widow and a prisoner would not make a typical romance novel characters, but in this case they are. While not my favorite novel by this author, it is a strong 4 stars.