An utterly charming tale! As my first Grace Burrowes novel, I adored her manner of speech immensely. So many quirky phrases and quips that add a light-hearted flair to the mystery and intrigue of this novel. Every character had such depth and back story to make it thoroughly compelling. The mystery of the missing maids kept you on your toes to completion. I can honestly say I was caught completely unaware as to the source of these misdeeds. It is not often that I am left befuddled, there is normally at least some clue. But this one surprised me.
I can understand how easily Rosalind fell for Ned, he is the perfect blend of gentleman and misfit. Lending him an air of vulnerability and modesty, while still being a complete charmer, I highly recommend Never A Duke, an entertaining and intriguing read.

This was a well-written, entertaining Regency romance. It was clever, steamy and fast-paced. It held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is #7 in the Rogues to Riches series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author. This author is a "must read" for me.

Another great read from Grace Burrowes! She's one of the first authors I look for when I need a good read. This is her 7th book in the Rogues to Riches series and I've been awaiting Ned's book for quite a while! I didn't feel it was necessary to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one however - so start anywhere you want!

Ned has been in the background of several other novels in this series, helping out his adoptive family the Wentworth's. When he was young, he was taken in by the Wentworth's and attempts to help them and their businesses in every way he can - It's clear that he doesn't know his own worth and continues to try and prove he's someone to keep around. Something I tend to love in a book hero!

Rosalind isn't much different, having grown up in a house filled with men who have no idea how to treat a daughter or sister, let alone their own estate finances. You'd assume the daughter of the Earl would be a snob, but given the life she's grown up in, she's anything but. In fact, she asks for Ned's help after two of her lady's maids have gone missing, something you wouldn't expect from a selfish Earl's daughter. Given Ned's background and understanding of the city's underbelly, he's the right person for the job.

I really enjoyed the mystery in this novel and the ending...! Top notch! I was pleasantly surprised. I also really appreciated the subject of the mystery, usually the maids and household help are side characters at best, and there's not much focus on them, so this was a nice little change. One thing that made me knock off a star was the romance between Ned and Rosalind, it was very communication heavy - not a bad thing - but they almost seemed to make better friends than anything else. There was no real steam in this novel, but it was still extremely good!

All opinions are my own and freely given.

I love when a book surprises you. Especially when they make you want to jump down a rabbit hole and gather more information.

This book was more than a historical romance, the mystery story arc really grabbed me and I could not put it down until they had solved it.

I’m always a fan of a non titles main character, finding their backstory, learning how they became who they are.

I really enjoyed how Rosalind and Ned did not beat around the bush with their feelings, and for the most part, were very up front with their pasts (there’s always a secret or two to be discovered later in the book).

Oh goodness, Ned. He was absolutely delightful. I love how he got his HEA in more ways than one.

This book was a great way to end the series, I enjoyed seeing some of my favorite couples again, and I loved that the author allowed us to see their thoughts for a few chapters/paragraphs as well!

Ned Wentworth was adopted by a duke a young boy and he works in the family bank. He is a honest, likeable character. He is often the subject of cruel gossip due to his humble and difficult childhood. This background is why Lady Rosalind Kinwood, the daughter of an earl, asks him to help her look for her maids who have gone missing. She is known for being too opinionated and very intelligent— two qualities never applauded in a lady of good society. Like Ned, she has been the subject of cruel gossip. Despite her family not approving of Ned, due to his humble background, Rosalind finds that he listens to her and takes her concern seriously about the missing maids.

The mystery part of the book gave it an added twist to solve, as Rosalind and Ned work towards their HEA.

I just reviewed Never a Duke by Grace Burrowes. #NeveraDuke #NetGalley

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!

Insight into the 2 main characters was very well written. Overall I enjoyed the story but some parts felt over written with excess details. The only reason I was able to keep reading was to see the character development and how the story ended.

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.

This book was difficult for a number of reasons.

To begin with, while I will agree with what others have said in that this could technically be read as a standalone, I do not recommend doing so. Heck, I read a lot of the prior novels and while I was familiar with the background characters, there were still so many of them that I was constantly getting them confused. And while I understand the concept of meddling families, I had to agree with Rosalind that there were times when Ned's came across as condescending towards him, even though I'm sure they didn't mean to be that way. On the whole, it made the Duchesses seem less as I remembered them from the prior books and more catty. And while I understand it was the author's intent to make Rosalind's father and brothers as nasty as possible, their behavior was so over the top that I found myself rolling my eyes numerous times and wanting their scenes to be over with as quickly as possible especially due to the fact that they often didn't make much sense to begin with.

When you look strictly at the relationship between Ned and Rosalind, there were times when I thought they were sweet and could see their connection, and other times when I didn't see that connection as being anything more than platonic. I also had to laugh at the fact that they chose to make love for the first time in a public park (although a secluded area of one, but still).

The story-line on the whole was a bit too slow for me, with the kidnapping and the romance both taking up entirely too much space on the page. Even when Rosalind was taken, I didn't feel as though there was a sense of urgency or danger (although that could be due in part to the fact that I had a pretty good idea of just who was behind the missing maids anyway). I could also have done without the surprise revelation where Ned was concerned. It just seemed utterly impossible and I felt took more away from the story than actually added to it.

However, I will admit that I enjoyed watching the culprits get what was coming to them, and the way Rosalind was able to stand up to them with the backing of Ned and her newfound friends.

On the whole, I think what didn't work for me in this one with no doubt work for other people and I am sure that fans of this series will enjoy this (I believe final) installment.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

The Rogues to Riches series has been my favorite of Ms. Burrowes's series, and that is saying something. I was captivated from the first book by the spirit of the characters, and Ned was a big part of that. I had very high expectations for Ned's story because I loved him as the little boy who championed Quinn in jail, and I was not disappointed. I loved getting the chance to hear his thoughts on the Wentworths and on his own backstory. I was moved to tears several times by his sincerity. Rosalind is a lovely match for him because she sees people as individuals. She is fierce in her need to help people who are hurting, and she turns out to be as formidable as the rest of the Wentworths. She also made me cry when she sent a gift to Ned and demonstrated that she understood him in a way no one else did. I was so happy that Ned got everything he deserved as we end up this wonderful series.

This was a fantastic read with two great protagonists. There were twists and turns, and a truly intriguing plotline dealing with the transportation process. A thrilling romantic read.

Never a Duke by Grace Burrowes

Young women are slowly disappearing from the households of the nobility. Few care, but Lady Rosalind, the daughter of an earl, is growing concerned after her second lady’s maid disappeared within a few months of each other. Need help, she hires Ned Wentworth.

Ned Wentworth is a self made man who works at a successful London bank, owned by his friends, both Dukes. He receives a missive to meet a young lady desperate for help.

As Ned starts to look into the missing women, he finds himself worried for Rosalind which leads him to recognize his feelings towards her. Their two worlds collide and Rosalind decides she’s falling in love and the two try to navigate how a banker and the daughter of an earl can be together.

I liked the premise of this story. When you get the the author’s note at the end? You learn what gave Burrowes the idea and it’s fascinating, and sad. I had never heard of it (trying hard not to spoil the mystery!), and am shocked to hear of its validity.

I felt like this book was very ‘girl power’ and dramatic. I didn’t agree with some of the things and felt the arguments between the men wouldn’t really happen this way. However, this didn’t take away from the story at all - I couldn’t put he book down. I needed to find out what happened to the Lady’s maids!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🔥/5

Ned's story! Ned's story! Ned's story! I have adored Ned since his lionhearted entrance into Quinn, Jane, and all the Wentworths' lives in the first book. And I admit to trepidation about whether Grace Burrowes could do justice to this incredible character as an adult, much less as a romance hero. Luckily, the author saw that Ned deserved more than just a girl - Ned also earned a family, a home, and a place to belong.

With all due respect to the spirited, opinionated Rosalind, the true love story is between the Wentworths, particularly Quinn, and Ned. The tender, proud, paternal way that Quinn was able to articulate his feelings to Jane and himself before Ned could hear or feel it was long overdue.

Even Stephen's sarcasm and quips were missing. The Wentworths all see what Ned hasn't allowed himself to see: that he is more than worthy of acceptance, love, and family. Instead of focusing on the pull Rosalind had on Ned's protective nature, I wanted more time with the Wentworths, even when they were pushing Ned to seize a life for himself.

In short, I wanted more Ned, more Wentworths, even if it meant less Rosalind time. But in the end, I have no complaints because I finally got Ned's story and it was worth the wait. I'm sorry to see the Wentworth family series come to an end but what a beautiful, tender way to go.

The cover is absolutely divine. I was in the mood for a good romance read and Never a Duke delivered. Travel back to a time of manners and gentility, courtliness and where words like wicked and odious are used. Lady Rosalind is in need of a hero and Ed Wentworth assuredly fits the bill. I loved their romance and their naughty excursions. I also liked how Ned wanted to be needed and to know that Rosalind did need him. That’s one of my favorite tropes.
The pair thwart convention and who doesn’t like a rebellious romantic couple??

Lady Rosalind needs help. Two of her maids have gone missing. She enlists the services of Ned Wentworth, banker and former prisoner. Soon their search brings them closer together, but will secrets and scandal keep them apart?

I did not realize this was the 7th book in the series, so I was a little overwhelmed by all the characters. Ned and Rosalind had a beautiful love story and I loved the added danger of a mystery. I will go back and read the first 6 books (which I realized I already have) because I just loved these characters and want to get all their backstories.

*thank you to @netgalley and @avonbooks for the ARC

Once a child of the streets, Ned is now the adopted son of a duke. Earl's daughter Rosalind hopes his seedier connections can help in her search for her missing lady's maid. Rosalind is despised by society and her family alike for her bluestocking ways. Ned can related. He's accepted everywhere yet not viewed as "good ton." Can these two misfits unravel the growing mystery and convince her father to let them be together?

I love these characters—they're likeable, relatable, and a perfect fit for each other. They mystery was clever and woven well into the romance arc. Now I have to go back and read the earlier books in the series!

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Received an advanced copy from the publisher.

This is a series I have grown to adore and as it has gone on, the recurring cast of characters become more beloved and when you get to "their" books, you are already rooting for them so hard.

Ned Wentworth has been an interesting and complicated character from the beginning, and I loved his pairing with Rosalind so much. Finally someone called the Wentworth's out on some of their bullshit! I love them but some of her tongue lashings were necessary and a long time coming. It felt cathartic.

Burrowes also masterfully crafts a mystery you get invested in as much as the romance, which not every historical with a mystery subplot manages to do.

I like the way people are ultimately kind to each other in this series and I love Burrowes' worldbuilding. Loved it, but definitely at this point you need to read the series. Would not recommend as a standalone.

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 loved this historical romance so much, and although I had not read the previous books in the Rogues to Riches series, I have already gone back and finished the first and will continue with the rest. Ned Wentworth was such a likable hero, and Lady Rosalind was truly his match. Having read author Grace Burrowes in the past, I look forward to what comes next in her writing.

This was just fun. I recently binged season 2 of Bridgerton and that’s what made me click the request button on this book.

It was a quick one and followed a storyline I do enjoy: the one you’re not allowed to love.

If you’re a fan of the Crown, Nora Robert’s type writing or Bridgerton, you’ll soak this one up. I kind of wish I had read more of the series before this one but it can be read as a stand-alone, I did it.

3.5 stars.