Starred review from February 18, 2019
An unusual pair of smart and worldly but reticent lovers; a modern sensibility about themes of consent, class, and disability; and a surprising and adventurous plot make Burrowes’s latest Rogues to Riches Regency (after My One and Only Duke) satisfyingly relatable nerdy escapism. Tender ex-cleric Duncan Wentworth would rather keep to his books or travel the Continent than attend to the neglected Berkshire estate that his newly titled cousin Quinn has compelled him to manage. Nevertheless, when underfed fugitive “Miss Maddie” appears in his woods and saves him from poachers, Duncan offers her his hospitality, a job transcribing his travelogues, and his curious attention, despite her reluctance to share anything about herself. Through a mix of trust built over chess games (with many chess metaphors throughout the story) and courtship, and the astute observations of Duncan’s visiting cousin Stephen, the identity of widowed duchess Matilda Wakefield comes to light, as does the dilemma that led her to flee London. By the end, the whole Wentworth clan, embracing Duncan’s new beloved as one of their own, works together to help extricate her from her troubles. Individually and collectively, the Wentworths are fun to watch, and the optimism in Burrowes’s depiction of wealthy people whose humble history yields profound compassion will warm readers’ hearts to the core.
March 1, 2019
Two people who have lived on the margins of their families find a home in each other in the second Rogues to Riches novel.When Duncan Wentworth encounters a mystery woman in the woods of the estate he is managing for his cousin, the Duke of Walden, he knows something is amiss. Though he left the church in disillusionment, the former curate and teacher is drawn to helping people in need, as readers of Burrowes' My One and Only Duke (2018) would know. He coaxes the hollow-cheeked lady to join his household as a secretary, and she reluctantly agrees, seduced by the idea of food and shelter. Their intimacy develops over conversations about his travels, games of chess, and a gradual sexual attraction, much in the manner of Mary Balogh's classic Regency romances. But though Matilda Wakefield gives him her maiden name and sexual companionship, she withholds her status as a widowed duchess and cautions him against prying into her secrets. Inevitably, however, she falls in love with this honorable man, one who cannot abide dishonesty or racism and who is battling guilt over his past failures to protect vulnerable women. Their relationship finally helps him heal, but despite his wish to court Matilda, their bond is threatened by larger forces involving national security in the form of her ex-fiance, a military colonel. A momentarily careless act on her part finally sets off a chain of events that takes everyone to London for a confrontation with the men who have used her as a pawn. It will take the unconventional Walden family's intervention and the couple's own faith in each other to help her escape the web of espionage in which she was unwittingly entangled.A romance of gentle yearning and fulfillment balanced out by a suspense plot and a fast-paced third act.
COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Starred review from April 1, 2019
Coming across poachers in his estate's home wood is not a surprise to scholarly Duncan Wentworth, but a gun-toting woman who appears just in time to help chase off the bad guys definitely is--and Duncan is not about to let someone so intriguing and desperately in need of help get away. But widowed duchess Matilda Wakefield is on the run, and while she reluctantly agrees to help Duncan with some translations, she has no intention of staying--fearing the secrets she carries could be dangerous to them both. An intelligent, resourceful heroine and a hero who comes into his own bond over fierce games of chess, spirited banter, rapier wit, and mutual attraction in a sweet, passionate romance that is sure to enchant. VERDICT Graced with beautifully matched protagonists, a memorable supporting cast, effective use of multiple viewpoints, and a plot that unfolds with exquisite care, Burrowes's newest work delivers. Burrowes (My One and Only Duke) lives in rural Maryland.
Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
March 15, 2019
As the second novel in Burrowes' Rogues to Riches series, following My One and Only Duke (2018), opens, Duncan Wentworth is rescued from violent poachers by a gun-wielding female. Duchess Matilda Wakefield is on the run from her military fianc� after discovering treasonous papers in her father's belongings. Duncan is trying to save a family estate, but manages to employ her as his secretary. Their romance builds over meals and chess, though Duncan and his family struggle to find a way to free Matilda of her tie to treason. The motley Wentworths are appealing in their quirkiness, especially the brilliant and physically challenged Stephen, who pokes into both the budding romance and legal issues. While Burrowes' law expertise inspires her complex plots, the troubles here seem to have no solution. Duncan and Matilda bring Amanda Quick's couples to mind with their intelligence, banter, and quietly building but palpable chemistry. While readers will be looking forward to Stephen's turn as hero, Duncan and Matilda's adventure is passionate.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)