My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Matilda Wakefield is on the run. She is in grave danger. She happened to be found in an area that is infested by poachers and when she runs into Duncan Wentworth not only does he save her life, but she almost takes his. After all, being on the run has placed her in further danger so she doesn’t know what harm he could possibly bring to her.

Duncan immediately sees that this woman needs help. Duncan is actually in need. His estate is in a bad way. A former schoolteacher, he found out that things are really really bad and he needs a lot of assistance. He quickly learns how smart Matilda is and what she can do to help him. What’s more is that his protective nature is almost sidelined by his attraction to her. Will she be able to trust him enough to tell him her secrets?

Matilda has very good reason for hiding what she is doing. But when she learns about Duncan Is that he is unlike many of the people she has has known. Not only is he extremely attentive, and attractive, he may actually be able to help. But then she wonders if she draws close to him will the danger that she exudes stretch out to him.

In the second book in the Rogues to Riches series by Grace Burrowes, we meet another member of the Wentworth family. In the first book of the series we met Quinn and how he met and married Jane. Now Duncan has a chance at love but it definitely will not come easy. Duncan and Matilda are a great team. They are both extremely intelligent, work well together and play well together I really enjoyed the story because I wanted so much for Matilda to find the safety that she so well deserved, as well as seeing Daniel find happiness after his past has been explored in the story.

Inasmuch as Duncan and Matilda, as well as Quinn and Jane are really wonderful characters, this review would be incomplete without mentioning Stephen, Duncan‘s cousin and Quinn‘s brother.0 Steven was instrumental in what transpired and holds a lot of promises in the story here.

Just as there were very likable characters in the story as we learn why Matilda ran, or at least part of the reason why, we find a character who is not so likable. That took this historical romance and gave this story an element of intrigue that was quite interesting and had me turning pages so fast that before I knew it I was 91% into the book. I devoured this book and I look forward to the next book in the series, which is Forever and a Duke, and is slated for release in November.

Many thanks to Forever for this ARC to review in exchange for an honest opinion.

Duncan Wentworth and Miss Maddie seem like an unlikely couple. I loved their meeting and how Duncan gradually won Maddie over. Of course there is much more to the story as Maddie has secrets. To add to the muddle the secret Maddie thinks she knows is not the real secret. A great addition with danger, tension and betrayal along with romance.

When a Duchess Says I Do is the second book in Grace Burrowes’ Rogues to Riches series featuring the Wentworth family. Duncan Wentworth is unhappily settling into life in Berkshire at an estate owned by his cousin Quinn Wentworth, the Duke of Walden. For years, Duncan tutored Quinn’s younger brother, Stephen, but now that Stephen is grown, Quinn and his duchess fear that Duncan is lonely and in need of direction. And so they set Duncan up on an estate in Berkshire where Quinn makes him a deal - make the estate profitable in one year and Quinn will take the management of the estate back and Duncan can leave England and happily return to tutoring on the Continent. But if it’s not profitable at the end of the year, the estate stays in Duncan’s hands - whether he wants it or not.The story opens with Duncan confronting two poachers on his land. A struggle ensues and he is momentarily thrown off balance by the thieves. A pistol-waving woman appears, the miscreants run off and Duncan and his rescuer release the snared rabbit. Duncan recognizes a lady in distress when he sees one – well-made cloak with frayed hems, missing buttons, no gloves - and feels honor-bound to help out. He insists she return home him for a meal.A meal! Well, that is probably the only thing Matilda Wakefield can’t resist at that moment. She has been hiding in Duncan’s gatehouse, living off old apples and scraps from the garden, and although it goes against her better judgement, she joins Duncan for lunch. Duncan suspects that she may be the reason he’d seen smoke coming from the gatehouse the previous night and instructs a footman to investigate. When the footman returns during the repast with Matilda’s meager belonging, it’s clear she’s in a dire situation and that Duncan’s aid is needed.After much debate, Matilda agrees to stay on for a while as Duncan’s secretary, transcribing his travelogues from his journeys with Stephen. Matilda, sneaking rolls into her pocket during lunch, plans to stay for only a very short while - she is on the run and does not feel safe staying in one place.. She plans to placate Duncan by agreeing to stay, but intends to be gone after a few days at the most.Duncan and Matilda fall into a routine of sorts - she transcribing his journals, he working on the estate books - all the while slowly circling each other. They are both intelligent people beginning to enjoy each other’s company enormously - much to Matilda’s chagrin. Now is not the time for romantic entanglements and she really needs to leave. But snowstorms and a warm bed keep delaying her departure. Duncan, too, is hesitant to engage his heart. There is a mystery to Duncan Wentworth and a history with damsels-in-distress.What follows is a slow building attraction based on camaraderie, respect and physical appeal. These two are drawn to each other’s minds and hot for each other’s bodies, but as the relationship develops, there are questions continually bubbling under the surface. Who is Matilda? What is she running from? What is she protecting Duncan from? Will she be there in the morning? In fact, the question, ‘What is Matilda running from?’ is almost like another character in the book, influencing her every move and shadowing her time with Duncan.When a Duchess Says I Do is an engrossing read. The underlying mystery of the book is well laid-out and although we are given intriguing scenes with potential antagonists, I was undecided who the true villain was until more than three-quarters of the way through. Matilda and Duncan’s love story is mature and satisfying in the way of a good Mary Balogh book, a romance between two adults who have loved and suffered and who want to protect each other at all costs. Matilda and Duncan enjoy matching wits on the chessboard and I enjoyed the way Ms. Burrowes sprinkled chess references throughout the story. My only issue with the book was that I didn’t feel quite satisfied when the reason for Matilda’s flight was exposed. I felt like she could have confronted one of the potential villains right away and got the answers she sought. But that did not keep it from being an entertaining story.I love it when an author throws in characters from prior novels and Ms. Burrowes does a little bit here with mentions of Percival Windham, and I enjoyed catching up with the other unconventional Wentworths. Is it better to read the previous book, My One and Only Duke, beforehand? Yes, especially if you plan to read on in the series. Necessary? No, the story can stand on its own. I’m also a sucker for a book series that follows an entire family, especially one with so many ‘bookworthy’ characters!Fans of Ms. Burrowes and readers who enjoy mature, building romances with a bit of mystery thrown in, will enjoy When A Duchess Says I Do. I certainly did!~ Evelyn NorthBuy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/KoboVisit our Amazon Storefront

~~Reviewed by Amy~~

My favorite genre is historical romance. I adore all the historical details, courtship rules, and social mores. But sometimes I want more than just the love and romance that takes place in a London ballroom. I need a little adventure and suspense. Characters out of their element facing more jeopardy than just societal consequences. It enhances the relationship as they learn to trust each other and work against obstacles. In Grace Burrowes’ second book of her Rogues to Riches story, danger and passion intersect, and for Duncan and Matilda, there’s nothing like the threat of losing someone to make you realize how much you love and need them.

Matilda Wakefield, Dowager Duchess of Bosendorf, had played many roles in her life. Chess playing daughter of art dealer Thomas Wakefield and widow of an eccentric nobleman. Now she was in a role totally foreign to her, a woman on the run. Evidently, her father dealt in more than art and now Matilda had been inadvertently embroiled in his schemes. Matilda found herself on the run to protect her father and being pursued by the man purporting to be her betrothed. Brightwell, a ducal holding where Matilda had formed some of her best memories, was deserted now, the duke long gone. It seemed the perfect place to run to until she could flee England altogether. But when she runs right into Duncan Wentworth’s arms, she finds escape is the last thing she wants to do.

As cousin to Quinn Wentworth, Duke of Walden, Duncan was sent to Brightwell to fix what became a shambles of an estate years ago. The lot of factors and stewards Quinn had inherited from the previous duke were driving the estate deeply into debt. While he missed his travels, which always put distance between him and his past, he didn’t mind being isolated at the crumbling estate with minimal staff. He thrived in solitude. Quinn gave him a year to set the estate to rights. Duncan planned on biding his time and then continue his travels. But he didn’t plan on Matilda Wakefield. And he didn’t plan on falling in love.

It was obvious to Duncan from the start that Matilda was afraid. Either she was the victim of wrong doing or was witness to it. Despite the fact that she was on her own and living on scraps, he could tell by the way she carried herself she was a woman of privilege. Decency compelled him to offer aid. So Duncan found himself hiring Matilda to work as his literary assistant and transcribe his travel journals. As the days passed, a relationship formed. Not only did Matilda help in settling the house to rights but she excelled in turning his cramped scribblings into legible coherent prose. She was also a worthy and enjoyable chess opponent. Duncan liked Matilda’s calmness and lack of airs. It had been a long time since he’d noticed a woman, and he definitely noticed Matilda. He wanted her to stay. For her sake and for his. Matilda had noticed Duncan too. He was a gentleman. A good man. He was adept at catching her in her lies yet she trusted him. Daily she resolved to leave but each night she put off her departure. Brightwell offered shelter, food, and warmth, but Duncan Wentworth was the most tempting reason to stay. But no matter the feelings she was having for him, she couldn’t involve him in her troubles or he could be implicated. Guilty by association. Just as in chess, the queen must protect her king.

Like the first book in this series, When A Duchess Says I Do is a story with wit, romance, and endearing characters. Readers will fall in love with the Wentworth family, and Matilda makes the perfect addition. Both Duncan and Matilda were such tender-hearted, loyal people. They deserved each other. Someone who would put the other first in their life. Matilda risked her very life to protect a father who didn’t deserve her loyalty. She was even willing to give up her own happiness to protect Duncan. Duncan had lost much in his life. Grief and disappointment in those he’d trusted still haunted him. He kept a friendly distance from people but had great affection and loyalty to his family. Duncan had taught Quinn to read and devoted years to Stephen. He’d been both friend and teacher to Stephen saving him from slipping further into the melancholy that plagued him. His devotion to Matilda and keeping her safe was foremost in his mind. I loved watching their relationship develop. The slow revelation of past events and suspense and mystery surrounding Matilda’s suitor and her father only added to the excitement of the story. I adore this unconventional, quirky Wentworth family and look forward to seeing what’s in store for them next.

Grace Burrowes just keeps getting better and better! I didn't think I could love any of her characters as much as I love the Windhams, but then she created the Wentworth family and I fell in love all over again. "When a Duchess Says I Do," the second book of the Rogues to Riches series, features Duncan Wentworth, cousin of book #1's hero Quinn Wentworth, the Duke of Walden, and Matilda Wakefield, a mysterious woman Duncan encounters in the woods of the estate Quinn has tasked him with returning to profitability within a year. It's clear to Duncan that Matilda is on the run from something and needs his help, so after she helps him to escape trouble with poachers in the woods, he invites her back to his home for luncheon and persuades her to stay on to help him prepare notes from his travels on the Continent for publication. As the two work together and get to know each other, their relationship deepens and feelings for each other grow. Eventually, Matilda begins to trust Duncan and tells him the truth about why she is in hiding, despite her fears that he will come to harm as a result of her secrets. When Matilda is discovered and she is forced to return to London as a virtual prisoner, Duncan must turn to his cousins for help in rescuing his lady love.

"When a Duchess Says I Do" featured an entertaining and engaging plot that hooked me from page one in addition to well-developed and very likeable characters. Duncan and Matilda made a terrific couple and it was easy to root for them to find happiness, both individually and together. I also enjoyed catching up with Jane and Quinn, the lead characters from book #1 of this series, and getting to know Stephen Wentworth, Quinn's younger brother, a bit better. I hope there are plans for Stephen to get his own book down the road, although the next book featuring the Duke of Elsmore and Mrs. Hatfield, the auditor of Quinn's bank, looks like it will be interesting as well.

I look forward to reading and enjoying whatever Ms. Burrowes plans to write next!

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love Grace Burrowes for her historical romances and I am pleased that she has created a new series. "When a Duchess Says I Do" is the second story in the Wentworth series. The Wentworths so far seem to be unique in that they are a self-made batch of aristocracy. This means that the characters are diverse and interesting. This particular story is the story of Duncan Wentworth. He's an absent-minded professor type whose family is trying to encourage him to get his head out his books. Duncan's cousin, the Duke, asks him to help the family out by taking a year to try and sort out the problems at a failing estate. Duncan wants nothing to do with it but can not refuse his duty to assist his cousin the Duke.
Matilda is a widowed Duchess who finds herself on the run and trying to live incognito. She got caught up in a web of espionage and fearing for her own safety and that of her father she flees before she can be questioned about what she knows. She's also trying to out run a very ardent suitor, Colonel Atticus. Colonel Atticus is relentless in his pursuit of her and no one is quite sure whether it's out of love, obsession or some other reason entirely. Matilda finds shelter and a protector with Duncan Wentworth and soon the sparks are flying between these two highly intelligent people. I liked that their love was a slow burn that started out with their respect for one another's intellect. It wasn't love at first sight but it became a very enduring and deep love once it took root.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

one thing you can always count on from grace burrowes is a solid historical romance. when a duchess says i do finds a widowed matilda wakefield seeking refuge on duncan wentworth's land, he can't stop himself from helping a lady out. even if she looks like a proper mess.

she's running from people who would make her life impossible, and as such as she isn't interested in involving duncan in her problems (she can actually solve them on her own thank you very much) he's so understanding and kind and swoony it's hard to ignore him. plus he plays chess and she's the only person able to read his horrendous handwriting. and maybe she's just more to him than a pretty face.

**when a duchess says i do will publish on april 2, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/grand central publishing (forever) in exchange for my honest review.

I have read and enjoyed books by this author previously and really enjoyed Book 1 in this series with the banker turned prisoner turned duke story line so I was eagerly anticipating this story. While the characters are deep and fully fleshed out with their needs, desires and frailties I found the romance a bit understated and the story a bit overstated.Widowed duchess Mathilda runs away from home and hides away in the woods of the estate that Duncan Wentworth is in the process of restoring. When she comes to Duncan's rescue and prevents him being shot and killed by poachers he recognizes her nobility and her poor forlorn state and brings her in to his home. With Mathilda constantly on the verge of running away and Duncan finding reasons to keep her at the estate it makes for an interesting pull and push.
The villain is detestable but not truly villainous and the other characters add a nice touch of color to the story. It does make your head spin a bit with all the different points of view involved here included Mathilda's father's staff. While I enjoyed the Chess games and how Mathilda uses chess as the means to evaluate people and yet despite having all the answers fails so miserably with the man she almost allows to marry her even if he did appeal to her emotional needs.
The story just moved to slowly for me and there are many aspects that I just did not find believable. A sophisticated, well traveled woman, a Duchess at that runs away from her father's home and shelters in the cold, starving and sleeping in haystacks even if it does set her up for a perfect meeting with Duncan. Duncan has his own share of complimentary baggage from the last time he went out on a limb to help a woman and almost lost everything including his faith in himself.
I like the two of them together and how Duncan stands up for Mathilda and gives her the one thing she craves above all: a home.

I did find this book was ok. I liked the characters but I found the plot not the greatest. It took me some time to read this one .

I enjoyed this story very much, it's loaded with intrigue and mystery, as well as romance. One thing I can say, we need more men like Duncan Wentworth in this world! What a wonderful hero he makes, so honourable and trustworthy.

Duncan meets Matilda Wakefield in a quite unconventional way and his life is forever changed because of her. She refuses to tell him who she really is but he knows that she is running away from something or someone. He takes her in and with lots of patience, he gets her to trust him but knows that she may run away again at any time. Their romance is what I like to call a "slow burn" but when they do finally get together, it's a beautiful thing:)

I enjoyed seeing characters from the 1st book....Quinn, Jane, Stephen....what a family!!

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Heat Factor: It’s nice and respectful
Character Chemistry: He’s the protector, she doesn’t really want protection, but she kinda needs it...
Plot: Just don’t overthink it
Overall: A comfy read

Generally speaking, I find reading Grace Burrowes to be the literary equivalent of wrapping yourself in a blanket and snuggling on the couch, and this story was just that. I was in the midst of reading a book that was making me absolutely crazy, and I realized that this book was actually scheduled to be released earlier. What a relief, to have an excuse to read something that was well constructed and coherently written.

Duncan Wentworth, the not-impoverished-but-not-outrageously-wealthy cousin of the Duke of Walden (book 1), is strolling through his estate's woods when he comes upon some poachers behaving badly. He is rescued (although he probably doesn't need to be rescued, but it works for his story, so we'll go with it) by a small, fierce, starving woman prepared to shoot said poachers. He immediately deduces she's been hiding in the abandoned gatehouse and basically insists that she accompany him home because he has to thank her for saving his life. His whole objective is rescuing a damsel in distress because he doesn't want to be at his estate and she's interesting, so he convinces her to work as his amanuensis so she can be safe and fed. Also, did I mention she’s interesting?

Matilda Wakefield is a lady on the run because she found herself in an impossible situation. It's so bad she can't tell anyone about it. She's starving because it turns out she has absolutely no skills to keep her employed in any domestic service capacity. She does speak multiple languages and is well-traveled, so a position as Duncan's amanuensis is well suited to her. She likes food and shelter and all those other things she hasn't had for months while she's been on the run, but staying puts both herself and Duncan in danger. What is this danger? From whom, exactly, is she running? Difficult to say. All of this is slowly revealed.

Duncan is an alpha hero, but he's not bodice-ripper alpha. He’s the sort of alpha who’s so manly he doesn’t need to be possessive or make use of his fists (although he certainly could). He's almost outrageously respectful. Won't even kiss Matilda without explicit, verbal permission, even after they've started a little canoodling. He was orphaned and grew up in his vicar uncle's home, and upon reaching adulthood, he was ordained himself. Unfortunately, as an unbendingly moral and logical individual, he struggled with the utter lack of upright behavior of his superiors and rage quit. We see this aspect of Duncan a few times, in particular when clergy do not behave in an ethical or moral way. There is also a moment early in the story, while Matilda and Duncan are still getting to know each other, that Duncan becomes enraged (but you'd only know it because his voice is slightly more clipped than usual) because the doctor, who should be relied on to help those in need, refuses to come see the estate's black housekeeper when she falls ill. We can trust Duncan, you see, and he is smart enough and strong enough that Matilda should trust him with her secret, too. He will rescue our damsel in distress not because she's incapable, but because we can all use a little help from our friends.

Our heroine is no wilting flower. She's smart and proud. She doesn't resort to theft even when she's starving and winter is coming (at least, doesn't resort to theft other than squatting in abandoned outbuildings on a neglected estate). She's on the run not on her own behalf, but to save others. Naturally she is also a gently bred lady and a chess genius, so her station and wits match Duncan’s. I feel I’m not saying enough about her, but I don’t want to spoil the story. She’s a good egg.

The plot relies on Matilda’s problem being so heinous it seems not fixable. But of course, because it’s a romance, it has to be fixable. The result is...fine. It’s a bad thing...as long as it’s actually real. Does Matilda actually use her chess super powers to consider all angles? Ehhh... I'm not a huge fan of plots that rely on people making decisions without all the facts because they refuse to talk to other people, but Burrowes sets up this one pretty well, so I'll (mostly) give it a pass. Just don't ask yourself too many questions when you get to the end.

If you're looking for a romance with a little adventure but not full-blown romantic suspense, a little angst but not full-blown angst, a little sex but not let-me-spell-it-out-for-you-every-twenty-pages sex, and a plot you can enjoy but might not want to examine too closely, this is a very good choice. As I said, snuggle up in a blanket.

Review also posted at The Smut Report.

This was a new to me author and I really liked the premise.

I loved Matilda and Duncan. They're both bright and tired of being lonely and I really enjoyed reading their relationship slowly grow. I was absolutely here for everything that had to do with Stephen and I really hope he gets his own book. Quinn and Jane were delightful and I'm probably going to go back to the first book to see if it's theirs.

Plot wise, it was okay. I didn't really care for the movement of the story using so many POVs {even though it made sense} and wasn't invested in the spy thread. All I wanted was everything that had to do with Duncan and/or Matilda, so I found myself skimming some of the chapters that had alternate narrators.

Overall, it was a quick read with characters that had me rooting for them at the very beginning. I am definitely interested in the next book.

**Huge thanks to Forever for providing the arc free of charge**

Funny, romantic and sweet with just a dash of political intrigue this story kept me completely engrossed. I enjoyed every word and can't wait for the next book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read that is populated with wonderfully complex, likable and very relatable characters. The writing, of course, is excellent and the plot is well delivered. I had a hard time buying the actual scenario of the plot, but I enjoyed the story anyway.

Duncan Wentworth is the sweetest, most honorable, really, really good man I have read in a long while. He’s totally selfless and helps his family and friends no matter the circumstances, yet he is totally unaware of the high esteem in which they all hold him. He just sees himself as a poor relation. His cousin Quinn, Duke of Walden, has sent Quinn to the Brightwell estate to set it to rights. Brightwell has fallen into disarray since the last duke died and Quinn wants to give it to Duncan – who doesn’t want it. So, Duncan isn’t happy, but he’ll do his very best to do what Quinn wants. Little does he know that things will soon take a turn toward the bright side.

Matilda Wakefield, Duchess of Bosendorf, is a widow who has spent most of her life traveling around the continent with her art dealer father. She’d always wanted a home – a permanent address – and that was why she had married her German duke. Now that he is gone, she is living in London with her father. Well – she had spent all of her life thinking her father was an art dealer, but now she isn’t so sure. She found evidence that he might be a spy for a foreign government – and – her want-to-be fiancé, Colonel Lord Parker, saw her with the document. She can’t take a chance on Parker turning her father in as a traitor, so she takes off with basically nothing except the incriminating document – including no money.

After being on the run for months – just barely surviving, emaciated and half-starved, she ends up on the grounds of Brightwell – just in time to rescue a very handsome man from two poachers. She doesn’t dare tell him who she is or anything about herself, but the offer of a warm fire and a warm meal entice her to at least go to the house with him for a short time.

Duncan knows there is more to the woman that she is admitting. He recognizes the signs and knows that she is afraid and needs help. Something he is only too willing to give. She doesn’t trust him or anyone else – and plans to leave as soon as she can – but, that leaving seems to keep stretching out. They grow closer and closer – and then the villain strikes. Can Duncan save Matilda? If he can, it won’t be easy.

I adored the supporting characters. My favorite was Stephen Wentworth and I cannot wait for him to get his book. He was a genius and a lovely young man who was constantly chafing against his physical limitations and I will absolutely love seeing him get his HEA.

While Matilda’s husband was deceased, she was not the Dowager Duchess. For her to be the Dowager, she would have had to have had a son, grandson, step-son who was the new Duke and also had a wife – otherwise, she was still just the Duchess. This book was also an example of perhaps the author getting stuck on a particular letter for names – we have Walden, Wakefield, and Wentworth.

I certainly enjoyed the story and I hope you will as well.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Duncan and Matilda's story!

Duncan and Matilda meet when she saves his life after being attached by poachers. He can tell she is a woman in need and offers her a job on his estate. As they spend time together, their mutual attraction grows. But Matilda is running from something and is afraid to get Duncan involved. But Duncan can't let the woman he is falling in love with deal with her problems alone. Will they be able to survive Matilda's trouble to get their HEA?

I really liked these two together. When I first met Duncan in My One and Only Duke, I didn't know if he was a good guy or a bad one. He might have been trying to sabotage his cousin's life, but by the end of the story, I really liked him. After what he has gone through, I throughly enjoyed watching him get his HEA!

I'm so excited for the next book in the series, which features Wrexham, the Duke of Elsmore!!

As usual, Grace Burrowes never fails to please. Elegant language, great plot, full of emotion and good historical detail. Perfect read.

Book two in the new series finds us with the cousin who was in charge of teaching Stephen in book 1. He was a reclusive character that clearly had a troubled past.  He now finds himself in charge of an estate he wants nothing to do with because of Quinn's wife's, Jane, need to take care of everyone.  They think by giving him something to be responsible for, he will settle down and be happy.  He hates the responsibility and wants to travel, not settle down. He just has to last 1 year with the estate and he will then be free once again to wander. He doesn't expect to be threatened in his own woods by poachers or be rescued by a wisp of the woman who clearly is need of help and several good meals. Matilda is on the run and in hiding from her fiance and father.  She needs to keep moving, but Duncan's offer of wages, a roof, and regular meals is hard to pass up, especially with winter setting in.  During the course of her stay, secrets are revealed, passions flair, and unlikely love blooms.  Their story was enjoyable. Duncan was an interesting character and I enjoyed watching him win over Matilda.  The plot was slow at times, but I did like this book better than book 1, My One and Only Duke, which I had a hard time connecting with. Overall, enjoyable, and I definitely am looking forward to Stephen's book. His character fascinates me and I look forward to his story.

Another hit by Grace Burrowes! Her romances always seem to carry a more heart than others. Her female protagonists always have agency, and the complications for her relationships always have weight. This novel is no exception. Duncan and Maddie are a delight, and I'm excited to see more in this series.

*3.5 stars*

I enjoyed the character, writing style, and the romance, but the plot... yeah, it wasn't my bag.

When a Duchess Says I Do was my first read from Grace Burrowes, but I would read her again any time, any place. Her writing was competent and professional, and I'm sure she has already written some stories that could be favorites of mine. However, When a Duchess Says I Do was a bit too stressful and far-fetched for me.

When I read a story with a big mystery element, where a lot of details are left out until the end to keep us readers in the dark, I get a feeling of impatience or stress. That's what happened when I read this story. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, for something horrible to happen. I don't like that anticipation, but I recognize that that is something that is 100% just my tastes. I found myself rushing through certain sections and dreading to pick the story up again in others, which is why it took me over a week to finish a fairly regular length book.

Aside from that, and the fact that the actual plot was a bit confusing and unlikely-sounding, I really enjoyed these characters and the romance. I like a woman who is *not* a virgin in historical romance, and I liked Matilda's practicality and confidence. She was a strong, self-reliant woman, and I enjoyed her as a character very much. I also liked the reserved and moral Duncan, who resonated with me quite a bit.

The story was entertaining, and it made me want to read more in this series, but I still didn't mesh well with the mystery that ran throughout the book. However, fans of reads that are a bit more suspenseful (and who don't mind many, many POVs) will enjoy this one.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

I usually enjoy Grace Burrowes, but this novel did not appeal to me. I cannot even identify whether it was the story line or the characters that I did not care for the most. I was disappointed in this Burrowes novel.