Never a duke

Bestseller Burrowes's nuanced seventh Rogues to Riches Regency (after How to Catch a Duke) unites a banker and a lady in an investigation that brings both love and danger. Banker Ned Wentworth occupies an uncertain place in society, having been adopted out of Newgate Prison by the illustrious Wentworth family, who ensured that he received an education and eventually employed him at their bank. It's because of this shady past that Lady Rosalind Kinwood turns to Ned for assistance when her lady's maids go missing. Ned can follow threads into places Rosalind dare not enter, searching London's brothels and debtor's prisons. As they work together to crack the case, their mutual admiration evolves into intense attraction, but Ned worries their differing social standings will doom their relationship, feeling unworthy of a future with Rosalind. Burrowes expertly peels back her characters' layers to reveal their inner depths while highlighting the facades they present to maintain their positions in London society. Regency fans will delight in this fast-paced mix of love, social commentary, and suspense. (Apr.)

Ned Wentworth may have been raised in a ducal family, but he is anything but aristocratic. Fortunately, his street smarts and sordid connections are exactly what the quirky Lady Rosalind Kinwood needs to find her missing maids. Though neither feels at home in their respective social circles, they find that they relate to each other in ways they never imagined. When their investigation takes a perilous turn, however, they risk losing more than just their hearts. Fans of Burrowes's "Rogues to Riches" series have waited years for Ned to have his day. Even those new to the series will delight in this friends-to-lovers tale with a witty and winsome cast of characters. Narrator James Langton's regal voice enhances the lush details to transport listeners to the Regency era. Langton's stately tone also easily takes on airs of suspense or sensuality as needed. This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a steamy romance with a dash of sinister suspense. VERDICT With more action than the other series installments, this is an engaging romp for readers who like some adventure and intrigue with their romance; recommended for fans of Tessa Dare, Julia Quinn, and Cathy Maxwell.--Lauren Hackert

A lady and a banker, neither of whom quite fits into society, develop feelings for each other while working together to solve a mystery. When Rosalind Kinwood's lady's maid goes missing she seeks help from Ned Wentworth because of his association with others from low origins. Ned may have ducal connections and wealth now, but his grim past included poverty and time in prison, which have led to scandalous rumors. Rosalind understands how it feels to be judged and criticized; she gets ridiculed for her outspokenness and the way she used to stutter. Rosalind and Ned get along well from the get-go. The romantic arc is primarily about how they each become more confident in themselves through being loved by the other. It's a soft, sweet love between kind, thoughtful, and intelligent characters. While the story mostly focuses on the two leads, the narrative occasionally shifts to various side characters in a way that adds further excitement to the plot and more depth to the characters. Drama comes from the mystery, although that's given a leisurely pace until the climactic end. Rich with historical detail, the novel weaves in other plotlines that explore family dynamics and social issues. The large cast of side characters may be overwhelming to newcomers to the Rogues to Riches series, but for those who have read prior installments, it's a treat to check in with all the other Wentworths and their partners. Sure to please Burrowes' many fans. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.