When a Duchess Says I Do by Grace Burrowes
Publisher: Forever
Publish Date: April 2, 2019
Synopsis: Duncan Wentworth tried his hand at rescuing a damsel in distress once long ago, and he’s vowed he’ll never make that mistake again. Nonetheless, when he comes across Matilda Wakefield in the poacher-infested and far-from-enchanted woods of his estate, decency compels him to offer aid to a lady fallen on hard times. Matilda is whip-smart, she can read Duncan’s horrible penmanship, and when she wears his reading glasses, all Duncan can think about is naughty Latin poetry.
Matilda cannot entrust her secrets to Duncan without embroiling him in the problems that sent her fleeing from London, but neither can she ignore a man who’s honorable, a brilliant chess player, and maddeningly kissable. She needs to stay one step ahead of the enemies pursuing her, though she longs to fall into Duncan’s arms. Duncan swears he has traded in his shining armor for a country gentleman’s muddy boots, but to win the fair maid, he’ll have to ride into battle one more time.
Disclosure: ARC provided for an honest review. #partner
I’ve been on a huge historical romance kick! So when Forever Books gave me the chance to review When a Duchess Says I Do, by Grace Burrowes, I immediately jumped at the chance. The Rogues to Riches series began with My One and Only Duke. Because I was so intrigued with the premise of the Wentworth family inheriting a Dukedom, I went back and read the first in the series. Quinn and Jane’s story drew me in, so I knew that I was going to enjoy Duncan and Matilda’s story as well.
Duncan Wentworth is Quinn’s cousin, and we briefly saw him in My One and Only Duke. Duncan has been tasked to save a failing estate, in hopes of making it his permanent home. Matilda has secrets, and she chooses to keep them for her safety. A chance meeting and saving Duncan allows for a safe place for the night.
When a Duchess Says I Do is a quick read. It is fairly light with a touch of adventure. I enjoyed Duncan and Matilda, but wasn’t a fan of the change of POVs. It’s not normally my preference. But, even I can understand why the author chose to do so. Their relationship was slow and steady, and I enjoyed the natural feel of it all. It’s normal to be cautious of meeting someone new, and in Matilda’s case, I completely agree with her actions. But the trust and bond that builds them was something that I enjoyed.
While I enjoyed the relationship between the two, I felt that the main premise was a bit weak. The threat of hiding from danger was so alluring, that when the big reveal took place, the ultimate defeat was swift and simple. It was an expected victory for Matilda, but the pacing of everything felt too fast.
Overall, I enjoyed this story! I’m definitely looking forward to reading more in the series.
*Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.*
