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Rogues to Riches #3
Forever and a Duke
A duke meets his match in the last place he'd ever expect in this charming Regency romance by the New York Times bestselling author of My One and Only Duke.
Wrexham, Duke of Elsmore, is overrun by family obligations. With three sisters to escort about Town, a legion of cousins to look after, and aunties who insist he dance with every eligible young woman, he barely has time to manage his dukedom. When he finally carves out a moment to evaluate his family's finances, he learns that he―and his sisters―are on the verge of social catastrophe.
Eleanora Hatfield has an uncanny knack for numbers, but she knows from experience that dealing with the peerage can only lead to problems. Though she wants nothing to do with any titled gentleman, she reluctantly agrees to help when Rex seeks aid from her employer. What starts out as an unwanted assignment soon leads to forbidden kisses and impossible longings. But with scandal haunting Ellie's past and looming in Rex's future, how can true love lead to anything but heartbreak?
Includes the bonus story "The Lady in Red" by Kelly Bowen!
Wrexham, Duke of Elsmore, is overrun by family obligations. With three sisters to escort about Town, a legion of cousins to look after, and aunties who insist he dance with every eligible young woman, he barely has time to manage his dukedom. When he finally carves out a moment to evaluate his family's finances, he learns that he―and his sisters―are on the verge of social catastrophe.
Eleanora Hatfield has an uncanny knack for numbers, but she knows from experience that dealing with the peerage can only lead to problems. Though she wants nothing to do with any titled gentleman, she reluctantly agrees to help when Rex seeks aid from her employer. What starts out as an unwanted assignment soon leads to forbidden kisses and impossible longings. But with scandal haunting Ellie's past and looming in Rex's future, how can true love lead to anything but heartbreak?
Includes the bonus story "The Lady in Red" by Kelly Bowen!
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2019
857 people are currently reading
2402 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
190 books2,916 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
December 16, 2019
It kills me to pull the plug on this story, but I had to DNF at just over 50%. There were aspects that I LOVED, including the personality of the female MC, but the story got SO convoluted. And I hate, hate, hate multiple POV (two is my max per story). All of the POV shifting made me so annoyed. I'm stopping while I'm ahead.
December 14, 2019
This is third in a series and it's probably best if you read at least the first one before this. I'd recommend reading them in order, but only because the other books are pretty good. Both characters in this one were only tangential in the others so there's not a very strong tie.
I was only mildly interested in either of these characters in the previous books. I thought Mrs. Hatfield was an interesting side character, but to make her a main character Burrowes gave her a preposterous past and Snidely Whiplash relatives. It just felt so clichéd and it wasn't hard to deduce that they'd be huge marplots while twirling their mustaches and I just couldn't bring myself to care. It might have been one thing if the bit we saw included any kind of care, kindness, or even flat-out human decency. But no, it's all scheming and using and threats and I decided I have better things to do with my time.
Which is too bad because I kind of liked Elsmore. Well, I liked Ellie, too, but I liked his obvious decency, kindness, and care for his family even more. He intrigues me and has since the first book when he was the first peer to attempt normalizing relations with Quinn. But I don't want to see him tossed about on the sea of drama headed for him through Ellie and whatever dastardly doings are going on with his estate/bank/whatever.
So I'm going to call it good after only a very little way in. And maybe I'll take a break from Burrowes for a while because now I think about it, all of the books in this series had plots with mustache-twirling, heartless scoundrels at their base...
I was only mildly interested in either of these characters in the previous books. I thought Mrs. Hatfield was an interesting side character, but to make her a main character Burrowes gave her a preposterous past and Snidely Whiplash relatives. It just felt so clichéd and it wasn't hard to deduce that they'd be huge marplots while twirling their mustaches and I just couldn't bring myself to care. It might have been one thing if the bit we saw included any kind of care, kindness, or even flat-out human decency. But no, it's all scheming and using and threats and I decided I have better things to do with my time.
Which is too bad because I kind of liked Elsmore. Well, I liked Ellie, too, but I liked his obvious decency, kindness, and care for his family even more. He intrigues me and has since the first book when he was the first peer to attempt normalizing relations with Quinn. But I don't want to see him tossed about on the sea of drama headed for him through Ellie and whatever dastardly doings are going on with his estate/bank/whatever.
So I'm going to call it good after only a very little way in. And maybe I'll take a break from Burrowes for a while because now I think about it, all of the books in this series had plots with mustache-twirling, heartless scoundrels at their base...
January 10, 2020
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“You seek to be silly?” Ellie did have a devious turn of mind, no need to take offense at the truth when the same quality kept a roof over her head.
His Grace's expression remained utterly serious. “Dukes are never silly.”
This duke was. “Good to know. Auditors are never frivolous.” Ellie shared a smile with Elsmore, which felt both silly and frivolous, also slightly dangerous.
Ellie comes from a family of scapegraces, sometimes by choice and sometimes by chance but now that she has a respectable job as an auditor at a bank, she doesn't want to do anything that could jeopardize that.
Rex is a duke that has never begrudged the large family his estate provides for but when it becomes clear that money is leaking or being siphoned off somewhere, he knows he has to do something.
Ellie and Rex are from two different worlds but as they get to know one another, they're going to realize that love doesn't let a little thing like class distinction trouble it.
Third in the Rogues to Riches series, we get the romance between two previous secondary characters. Readers of the series will remember Ellie as the no nonsense bank auditor for Quinn Wentworth (My One and Only Duke) and the duke that befriended him, Rex Elsmore, even though Quinn came from the lower classes to inherit the title. You could comfortably start the series here as even though the Wentworth family appear in some scenes, you won't feel lost as the author does a good job of incorporating them with just the right amount of background information.
What would it be like, to cast prudence out the window, and seize the duke?
I am an idiot. But was she an idiot for declining what Elsmore offered or for craving it?
I was very fond of Ellie's character, she was a tough cookie but the background on her family and how that affected her childhood gave reasoning behind it. She came from a lower class background and the author wrote in how opportunity and power can hinder people looking to make a living and provide for their family. Ellie visits her sister a couple times and we get some internal dialogue about her parents but her cousin Jack and former fiance, is where readers get great insight into why Ellie thinks and acts the way she does. I thought the author did a good job keeping Jack in the grey, even though he committed what could be seen as black and white actions (I would actually love Jack to get his own book). I thought a little more and revealed sooner information about Ellie's family would have helped make her trying to deny and push Rex away more emotional and allow readers to really sink into the angst.
Rex was the other side of the coin from Ellie, he grew-up with wealth and prestige and had nothing but love and trust for his family members. He has a couple scenes with his mother and sisters, then a few with his cousins but I wish there had a been a couple more with his immediate family, to really show the warmth between them. When he hires Ellie to audit his books, he doesn't want to consider that his family could be stealing from him and I think showing him with his family more could have provided a deeper angst between him loving them and starting to not trust them.
A duke did not become attached to a party far beneath his station.
Except...he did.
The romance between the two was the sweet, insistent, slowly but constantly building to forever that Burrowes does so well. These two surprise each other with how much they like one another and I loved how Rex's gentle charming humor invited in Ellie even when she tried to keep him at arms length. This story only takes place across a couple weeks but their romance development didn't necessarily feel rushed. However, the ending did feel abrupt as Ellie was protesting if they could be together only a few pages before and the question of who and why Rex was losing money is revealed a bit disorderly. Nonetheless, if looking for a kind and teasing duke and a tough exterior but a strong beating heart underneath auditor, Forever and a Duke has a sweetness to it that would make a reading experience pleasurable.
“You seek to be silly?” Ellie did have a devious turn of mind, no need to take offense at the truth when the same quality kept a roof over her head.
His Grace's expression remained utterly serious. “Dukes are never silly.”
This duke was. “Good to know. Auditors are never frivolous.” Ellie shared a smile with Elsmore, which felt both silly and frivolous, also slightly dangerous.
Ellie comes from a family of scapegraces, sometimes by choice and sometimes by chance but now that she has a respectable job as an auditor at a bank, she doesn't want to do anything that could jeopardize that.
Rex is a duke that has never begrudged the large family his estate provides for but when it becomes clear that money is leaking or being siphoned off somewhere, he knows he has to do something.
Ellie and Rex are from two different worlds but as they get to know one another, they're going to realize that love doesn't let a little thing like class distinction trouble it.
Third in the Rogues to Riches series, we get the romance between two previous secondary characters. Readers of the series will remember Ellie as the no nonsense bank auditor for Quinn Wentworth (My One and Only Duke) and the duke that befriended him, Rex Elsmore, even though Quinn came from the lower classes to inherit the title. You could comfortably start the series here as even though the Wentworth family appear in some scenes, you won't feel lost as the author does a good job of incorporating them with just the right amount of background information.
What would it be like, to cast prudence out the window, and seize the duke?
I am an idiot. But was she an idiot for declining what Elsmore offered or for craving it?
I was very fond of Ellie's character, she was a tough cookie but the background on her family and how that affected her childhood gave reasoning behind it. She came from a lower class background and the author wrote in how opportunity and power can hinder people looking to make a living and provide for their family. Ellie visits her sister a couple times and we get some internal dialogue about her parents but her cousin Jack and former fiance, is where readers get great insight into why Ellie thinks and acts the way she does. I thought the author did a good job keeping Jack in the grey, even though he committed what could be seen as black and white actions (I would actually love Jack to get his own book). I thought a little more and revealed sooner information about Ellie's family would have helped make her trying to deny and push Rex away more emotional and allow readers to really sink into the angst.
Rex was the other side of the coin from Ellie, he grew-up with wealth and prestige and had nothing but love and trust for his family members. He has a couple scenes with his mother and sisters, then a few with his cousins but I wish there had a been a couple more with his immediate family, to really show the warmth between them. When he hires Ellie to audit his books, he doesn't want to consider that his family could be stealing from him and I think showing him with his family more could have provided a deeper angst between him loving them and starting to not trust them.
A duke did not become attached to a party far beneath his station.
Except...he did.
The romance between the two was the sweet, insistent, slowly but constantly building to forever that Burrowes does so well. These two surprise each other with how much they like one another and I loved how Rex's gentle charming humor invited in Ellie even when she tried to keep him at arms length. This story only takes place across a couple weeks but their romance development didn't necessarily feel rushed. However, the ending did feel abrupt as Ellie was protesting if they could be together only a few pages before and the question of who and why Rex was losing money is revealed a bit disorderly. Nonetheless, if looking for a kind and teasing duke and a tough exterior but a strong beating heart underneath auditor, Forever and a Duke has a sweetness to it that would make a reading experience pleasurable.
September 25, 2020
3.5 stars. I'm tossing up whether to round up or down. Up, I guess.
I enjoyed this gentle story about a lonely man who fell in love with the woman who was auditing his finances. The whole duke-falls-for-and-marries-a-woman-from-a-much-lower-class thing is not my fav trope, but OK, I'm just gonna go with it, even though it's a bit of a stretch.
I quite liked the key characters: the brainy Eleanor who is trying desperately to remake her life after family scandals. The likeable Rex who fell hard for Eleanor. He recognised she was what was missing in his life, and he fought hard for her. She fell hard for him too, and they were very nice together.
For my taste, there was a little too much about the mysteries of financial auditing and the ways that the unscrupulous can take advantage of others. Yes, it formed the basis of the plot (along with the developing romance), but it almost began to border on the tedious. Luckily the plot moved on before I started to get too sick of things.
I enjoy Burrowes' writing style. Her main characters have integrity. There was a nice little bit of mystery but not too much. Not too overblown or melodramatic. Just people finding each other and choosing to make their lives together. Nice. An enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this gentle story about a lonely man who fell in love with the woman who was auditing his finances. The whole duke-falls-for-and-marries-a-woman-from-a-much-lower-class thing is not my fav trope, but OK, I'm just gonna go with it, even though it's a bit of a stretch.
I quite liked the key characters: the brainy Eleanor who is trying desperately to remake her life after family scandals. The likeable Rex who fell hard for Eleanor. He recognised she was what was missing in his life, and he fought hard for her. She fell hard for him too, and they were very nice together.
For my taste, there was a little too much about the mysteries of financial auditing and the ways that the unscrupulous can take advantage of others. Yes, it formed the basis of the plot (along with the developing romance), but it almost began to border on the tedious. Luckily the plot moved on before I started to get too sick of things.
I enjoy Burrowes' writing style. Her main characters have integrity. There was a nice little bit of mystery but not too much. Not too overblown or melodramatic. Just people finding each other and choosing to make their lives together. Nice. An enjoyable read.
March 29, 2020
I had to DNF this book. I really liked the first book of this series. Was not fond of the 2nd book and just could not finish this one. I got 24% through the book and had to stop. I was bored out of my mind and all I felt with the 2 main characters was tension and not romance.
I will not continue on with this series.
I received this from Forever and NetGalley for review.
I will not continue on with this series.
I received this from Forever and NetGalley for review.
November 9, 2019
Series: Rogues To Riches #3
Publication Date: 11/26/19
Wrexham (Rex) Dorset, Duke of Elsmore is a loving but clueless son, nephew, brother, cousin to his very large family. He loves them all – especially his mother, sisters, and the aunties. He delights in seeing to their welfare and they delight in managing him. He’s noticed some discrepancies in some of his books and has become concerned. His holdings are vast and far-flung and since it is time for him and his sisters to wed, he needs to assure that all is in order. He’s heard that his friend and fellow bank owner, the Duke of Walden has an auditor that can spot an error in a column of figures at fifty paces away – during a rainstorm. So, it is natural for him to ask – nay – beg – for the loan of that auditor to go over the estate’s books.
Eleanora Hatfield has a past – and she does her very best to keep it deeply buried. Life has not always treated her well and she wants – needs – craves – respectability above all else. She’s worked hard to become the well-respected woman she is today. She has a knack for figures and spotting patterns – and she knows every possible con and scheme that can be used to defraud someone. To say that she is invaluable to the bank that employs her would be a gross understatement. So, just imagine her unhappiness and distress when her employer asks her to take on the task of auditing all of the Duke of Elsmore’s accounts. She is not a happy camper and wastes no time telling both Elsmore and Walden. However, she is beholden to Walden for giving her employment when no one else would hire a woman to do what she does – and Walden is beholden to Elsmore – so – there is no way out of the task.
Rex can’t help but admire the feisty, outspoken, confident, straight-forward, no-nonsense, diminutive woman who is asking more and more probing questions about his holdings and his books. Her insight and intuition about what is happening are awe-inspiring and he is more and more curious about her. As he asks questions of his own, he manages to get her to let things about her past slip out – and she intrigues him even more.
Poor Rex was desperately smitten early on and Eleanora was smitten as well, but she was determined to hold Rex at arm’s length. She knew there was no future for them – he was so very far above her station. Rex definitely had his work cut out for him when it came to convincing her they could have a future together.
I always love a good mystery to be included with my romances and this one had a nice mystery. It won’t be much of a challenge for you to figure out who the culprit(s) are, but it is great fun to see Rex come to terms with who it is and what he is willing to do about it.
This was a fun read and I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 11/26/19
Wrexham (Rex) Dorset, Duke of Elsmore is a loving but clueless son, nephew, brother, cousin to his very large family. He loves them all – especially his mother, sisters, and the aunties. He delights in seeing to their welfare and they delight in managing him. He’s noticed some discrepancies in some of his books and has become concerned. His holdings are vast and far-flung and since it is time for him and his sisters to wed, he needs to assure that all is in order. He’s heard that his friend and fellow bank owner, the Duke of Walden has an auditor that can spot an error in a column of figures at fifty paces away – during a rainstorm. So, it is natural for him to ask – nay – beg – for the loan of that auditor to go over the estate’s books.
Eleanora Hatfield has a past – and she does her very best to keep it deeply buried. Life has not always treated her well and she wants – needs – craves – respectability above all else. She’s worked hard to become the well-respected woman she is today. She has a knack for figures and spotting patterns – and she knows every possible con and scheme that can be used to defraud someone. To say that she is invaluable to the bank that employs her would be a gross understatement. So, just imagine her unhappiness and distress when her employer asks her to take on the task of auditing all of the Duke of Elsmore’s accounts. She is not a happy camper and wastes no time telling both Elsmore and Walden. However, she is beholden to Walden for giving her employment when no one else would hire a woman to do what she does – and Walden is beholden to Elsmore – so – there is no way out of the task.
Rex can’t help but admire the feisty, outspoken, confident, straight-forward, no-nonsense, diminutive woman who is asking more and more probing questions about his holdings and his books. Her insight and intuition about what is happening are awe-inspiring and he is more and more curious about her. As he asks questions of his own, he manages to get her to let things about her past slip out – and she intrigues him even more.
Poor Rex was desperately smitten early on and Eleanora was smitten as well, but she was determined to hold Rex at arm’s length. She knew there was no future for them – he was so very far above her station. Rex definitely had his work cut out for him when it came to convincing her they could have a future together.
I always love a good mystery to be included with my romances and this one had a nice mystery. It won’t be much of a challenge for you to figure out who the culprit(s) are, but it is great fun to see Rex come to terms with who it is and what he is willing to do about it.
This was a fun read and I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 28, 2019
3.5 Stars because it ended so abruptly. It was really good up until that point. Really looking forward to the next book. I think I need a pack of roving sows to menace my neighborhood. Get off my lawn or I shall release my sows to go all pig knuckle on you! I am sure the HOA wouldn't approve. :-)
May 13, 2020
As much as I enjoyed the first two books in this series, this one was a rather bland read.
November 28, 2019
Interesting, somewhat different.
January 4, 2020
I had a hard time finishing this book, which makes me sad because I love other books by Mrs. Burrowes.
The characters are fine, but maybe just too fine. The heroine is independent, and nice, and a perfect employee, and an amazing auditor/ accountant, and a good sister and even a good cousin for her villain relatives. I just could not believe or identify with her.
The hero is rich, handsome, powerful (a Duke), courteous, smart, honorable, have no regard for station, in other words, simply perfect.
They get together because he needs her help sorting out his account books (I could not manage to make myself care for all their conversations about ledgers and fraud schemes).
It all sounded so fantastic and their personalities so unreal that I could not make it work, in spite of the fact that I liked them (how could I not, when there was nothing to dislike?).
I think I’m done with this series.
The characters are fine, but maybe just too fine. The heroine is independent, and nice, and a perfect employee, and an amazing auditor/ accountant, and a good sister and even a good cousin for her villain relatives. I just could not believe or identify with her.
The hero is rich, handsome, powerful (a Duke), courteous, smart, honorable, have no regard for station, in other words, simply perfect.
They get together because he needs her help sorting out his account books (I could not manage to make myself care for all their conversations about ledgers and fraud schemes).
It all sounded so fantastic and their personalities so unreal that I could not make it work, in spite of the fact that I liked them (how could I not, when there was nothing to dislike?).
I think I’m done with this series.
November 29, 2019
I am always dumbfounded when authors like GB take perfectly crafted characters and then throw everything but the kitchen sink in the premise. This could have been a lovely romance but GB went too far with the heroine's antecedents. Way to far. I could not believe that last bit of nastiness that the poor girl was saddled with!! So I don't BELIEVE for one fricking minute in this romance. Never could of happened. Badly done and insulting to readers.
December 7, 2020
Wrexham (Rex), the Duke of Elsmore gets soooo much more than he bargained for when he asked for a favor from a competitor. Eleanora (Ellie) is a force to be reckoned with regardless of her station in life compared to those that cross her path.
I like how Ellie lays the cards on the table and doesn't back down when someone challenges her, including Lords and Dukes. The storyline was good and the characters were relatable in different ways. I look forward to the next book in this series!
I like how Ellie lays the cards on the table and doesn't back down when someone challenges her, including Lords and Dukes. The storyline was good and the characters were relatable in different ways. I look forward to the next book in this series!
March 1, 2020
A bit of this
And a bit of that
And a bit of that
December 11, 2019
An interesting premise ... we have a H who plays the dumb blonde role - he is not dumb but he really does not understand why his finances are not adding up ...
An bank auditor h .. not sure if women were employed as bank auditors in the 1800's but ...'
A funny and witty read ... enjoyed it
An bank auditor h .. not sure if women were employed as bank auditors in the 1800's but ...'
A funny and witty read ... enjoyed it
Read
March 25, 2022Review also available at The Smut Report.
Heat Factor: This is not a steamy book, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t delightful
Character Chemistry: it’s sweet, not spicy
Plot: A duke needs help untangling his finances as quickly and discreetly as possible and calls upon Eleanora Hatfield, current accountress (I made that up) with a dark past, to clean things up. Things get real cute.
Overall: It’s not going to be for everyone, but it’s a genuinely good read.
I know it sometimes seems like you’re either into romance for the steamy sex or youre into it for the chaste true love, but I don’t think that’s really the truth. I think sometimes you might have a sexy itch and sometimes you might have a sentimental itch, and it’s simply a matter of finding the right book to scratch it with. Hmm?
This one is right up my alley. Strong female lead. Silly, sweet, sentimental man. A little suspense. And just the right amount of tasteful smut. Most importantly, the mystery of what was going on with the Duke’s accounts was engaging. I had no idea there were so many ways to cook the books, and I could see exactly how it might happen. I also loved that the urgency was so believable - the Duke’s sisters were being courted and he knew he’d need to share his financials soon. He also had business interests that would be damaged by a hint of impropriety. And Eleanor wouldn’t be able to say no because she was so clearly a rule-follower and would HAVE to figure out what was going wrong with the accounts!
I think some of the side-characters were a little silly, but necessary to the plot. I could also tell that this was a series book and it was harder to connect with having not read book 1 and 2. None of these things impeded my enjoyment, however.
One thing I have to gush about? Grace Burrowes has the most incredible word choice and crafts sentences that should be put in fancy gold frames. I have never read a more dignified or proper sex scene in my life. It might be off-putting to some, but it really took me by surprise in a good way because for someone who reads a lot of romance (and can rarely remember who wrote which Duke book), Grace Burrowes’ voice was quite memorable and unique.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
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Heat Factor: This is not a steamy book, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t delightful
Character Chemistry: it’s sweet, not spicy
Plot: A duke needs help untangling his finances as quickly and discreetly as possible and calls upon Eleanora Hatfield, current accountress (I made that up) with a dark past, to clean things up. Things get real cute.
Overall: It’s not going to be for everyone, but it’s a genuinely good read.
I know it sometimes seems like you’re either into romance for the steamy sex or youre into it for the chaste true love, but I don’t think that’s really the truth. I think sometimes you might have a sexy itch and sometimes you might have a sentimental itch, and it’s simply a matter of finding the right book to scratch it with. Hmm?
This one is right up my alley. Strong female lead. Silly, sweet, sentimental man. A little suspense. And just the right amount of tasteful smut. Most importantly, the mystery of what was going on with the Duke’s accounts was engaging. I had no idea there were so many ways to cook the books, and I could see exactly how it might happen. I also loved that the urgency was so believable - the Duke’s sisters were being courted and he knew he’d need to share his financials soon. He also had business interests that would be damaged by a hint of impropriety. And Eleanor wouldn’t be able to say no because she was so clearly a rule-follower and would HAVE to figure out what was going wrong with the accounts!
I think some of the side-characters were a little silly, but necessary to the plot. I could also tell that this was a series book and it was harder to connect with having not read book 1 and 2. None of these things impeded my enjoyment, however.
One thing I have to gush about? Grace Burrowes has the most incredible word choice and crafts sentences that should be put in fancy gold frames. I have never read a more dignified or proper sex scene in my life. It might be off-putting to some, but it really took me by surprise in a good way because for someone who reads a lot of romance (and can rarely remember who wrote which Duke book), Grace Burrowes’ voice was quite memorable and unique.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
November 17, 2021
Definitely a 4! I loved this book, but because I didn't loved the previous two, despite increasing the mark I can´t increase that much for a 5 star review (I think that I liked the first 2 books, loved the characters but not the way they where written, I don't know if this is possible or makes sense, but it feels that way).
Ellie and Rex made my bookish day!! Last night I couldn't put the book down. This time I loved the characters and the plot
Rex... Rex is a duke with all the perks and mannerisms of being a duke but with Ellie he doesn't act the part, the way he goes out to buy food, the way he always thinks about the animals, the little details, maybe its because he is also a banker. Loved to meet the Duke of Elsmore!
Ellie is a strong woman with a feet in the numbers and the other caught in the past. Will the love of a duke be sufficient to keep her in the present fighting for what she wants and needs? I leave to you to find out! ;)
Ohhh, loved Jack, the troublesome cousin with a head for numbers and misdeed, does he will have a HEA to?! At least I hope he gets a good job!!
Another thing I continue enjoying in this author: the way the characters of the previous books keep appearing and interacting with the new characters!!
Ellie and Rex made my bookish day!! Last night I couldn't put the book down. This time I loved the characters and the plot
Rex... Rex is a duke with all the perks and mannerisms of being a duke but with Ellie he doesn't act the part, the way he goes out to buy food, the way he always thinks about the animals, the little details, maybe its because he is also a banker. Loved to meet the Duke of Elsmore!
Ellie is a strong woman with a feet in the numbers and the other caught in the past. Will the love of a duke be sufficient to keep her in the present fighting for what she wants and needs? I leave to you to find out! ;)
Ohhh, loved Jack, the troublesome cousin with a head for numbers and misdeed, does he will have a HEA to?! At least I hope he gets a good job!!
Another thing I continue enjoying in this author: the way the characters of the previous books keep appearing and interacting with the new characters!!
November 30, 2020
3.5 stars
Still enjoyable, but there was a little more angst in this one than I usually go for. I loved Rex and Ellie, but the protestations of how it could never work went on for ages . The Wentworth characters were a delight, and I love that the author always finds a way to slip cats into her stories.
The big reveal with the corruption at the bank was a bit anticlimactic, but I do think the way the perpetrator handled it seemed more plausible than a big dramatic showdown. A lovely, quick read, but not my fave of the series.
Still enjoyable, but there was a little more angst in this one than I usually go for. I loved Rex and Ellie, but the protestations of how it could never work went on for ages . The Wentworth characters were a delight, and I love that the author always finds a way to slip cats into her stories.
The big reveal with the corruption at the bank was a bit anticlimactic, but I do think the way the perpetrator handled it seemed more plausible than a big dramatic showdown. A lovely, quick read, but not my fave of the series.
August 27, 2022
This instalment has the Wentworth clan as supporting characters and the rouge is their banks auditor, Eleanora Hatfield. Definitely one of the more interesting heroines in Ms Burrowes regency books. Secondary characters are also well done. Romance and some financial intrigue make for a very enjoyable Regency.
May 26, 2021
This is probably the first time I’ve read a book where an accountant is the main character... AND I AM HERE FOR IT! Another hit from the Rouges to Riches series. Loving the characters and chemistry.
April 24, 2020
Elegantly written,
Forever and the Duke
, once again shows Grace Burrowes’s beautiful writing style and well written likable characters. Unfortunately, it also follows the series general theme of sometimes too slow and too gentle romances.
I was looking forward to this book from the moment Mrs Eleanora Hatfield – almost uncannily brilliant Duke of Walden’s bank’s bookkeeper – made her appearance in My One and Only Duke. Her straightforward, no-nonsense attitude mixed with a clear affection she shared with her employer and friend, Quinn Wentworth, made me interested in her character almost immediately. I was hoping she’ll not only get her own book, but that the romance would rival how amazing the first book in the series was.
Unfortunately, Forever and the Duke did not draw me in as much as My One and Only Duke did, but it was still more passionate and engaging than the second book in the series.
It’s another gentle and slow burn romance, with characteristic for the series mature undertones.
The romance and attraction between the main couple shimmers on the pages, but never makes them burn with it. Eleanora and Wrexham’s romance is not a whirling passionate tryst fueled by youthful carefreeness, but more gentle and subdue intimate relationship. They were clearly attracted to each other, but before they started a physical relationship they had become friends; they respected each other. ‘Friends to Lovers’ is one of my favorite tropes, so that’s probably why despite a very slow at times plot I liked this book more than the previous one.
The thing that I liked the most about Forever and a Duke , tho, was how intimate the relationship between the main couple was. And I’m not talking only about sex – which was rather sparsely described – but about how with smallest and the most mundane of gestures Grace Burrowes was able to convey how much one character cared about the other. Of course I liked how charming Rex was, but I loved even more how sweetly caring he was towards Eleanora. How his warmer personality made her open up to him; how he made her overcome her fears. Similarly, the way she challenged Wrex, while still being supportive and respecting of his sometimes overly duty driven behavior.
Like in the first book, those character balanced each other beautifully.
And those wonderful characters (all of them: from protagonists to all the supporting figures) are what carries Forever and a Duke , as the main plot is not that thrilling, and the secondary arc about Eleanora’s past seemed to be overly dramatic.
The third book in Rogues to Riches series is, in my opinion, still not as good as the first one, but more entertaining than When a Duchess Says I Do.
4/5 stars
PS.: Please, let Lord Stephen have his happy ever after, he was lovely in this book!
I was looking forward to this book from the moment Mrs Eleanora Hatfield – almost uncannily brilliant Duke of Walden’s bank’s bookkeeper – made her appearance in My One and Only Duke. Her straightforward, no-nonsense attitude mixed with a clear affection she shared with her employer and friend, Quinn Wentworth, made me interested in her character almost immediately. I was hoping she’ll not only get her own book, but that the romance would rival how amazing the first book in the series was.
Unfortunately, Forever and the Duke did not draw me in as much as My One and Only Duke did, but it was still more passionate and engaging than the second book in the series.
It’s another gentle and slow burn romance, with characteristic for the series mature undertones.
The romance and attraction between the main couple shimmers on the pages, but never makes them burn with it. Eleanora and Wrexham’s romance is not a whirling passionate tryst fueled by youthful carefreeness, but more gentle and subdue intimate relationship. They were clearly attracted to each other, but before they started a physical relationship they had become friends; they respected each other. ‘Friends to Lovers’ is one of my favorite tropes, so that’s probably why despite a very slow at times plot I liked this book more than the previous one.
The thing that I liked the most about Forever and a Duke , tho, was how intimate the relationship between the main couple was. And I’m not talking only about sex – which was rather sparsely described – but about how with smallest and the most mundane of gestures Grace Burrowes was able to convey how much one character cared about the other. Of course I liked how charming Rex was, but I loved even more how sweetly caring he was towards Eleanora. How his warmer personality made her open up to him; how he made her overcome her fears. Similarly, the way she challenged Wrex, while still being supportive and respecting of his sometimes overly duty driven behavior.
Like in the first book, those character balanced each other beautifully.
And those wonderful characters (all of them: from protagonists to all the supporting figures) are what carries Forever and a Duke , as the main plot is not that thrilling, and the secondary arc about Eleanora’s past seemed to be overly dramatic.
The third book in Rogues to Riches series is, in my opinion, still not as good as the first one, but more entertaining than When a Duchess Says I Do.
4/5 stars
PS.: Please, let Lord Stephen have his happy ever after, he was lovely in this book!
October 1, 2025
A sweet romance between a bank auditor with family secrets that could undo her and a charming duke whose family is ruining him financially. Ellie is tasked with uncovering the leaks in Rex’s bank before the ton catches on to the discrepancies.
They are an adorable couple, but the insta-love plot is a bit overwrought for two adults in their positions. I also got tired of Ellie constantly harping about how she couldn’t be involved with a duke while opening herself up to his romantic overtures. Make up your mind, are you in or out?
Rex is a marvelous character and I was more than a bit in love with him myself. The dialogue between the two is sharp, witty and devastatingly funny.
This should have been a much shorter book but I did enjoy the inclusion of the Wentworths. A little editing could make this a tighter story and a more enjoyable read.
They are an adorable couple, but the insta-love plot is a bit overwrought for two adults in their positions. I also got tired of Ellie constantly harping about how she couldn’t be involved with a duke while opening herself up to his romantic overtures. Make up your mind, are you in or out?
Rex is a marvelous character and I was more than a bit in love with him myself. The dialogue between the two is sharp, witty and devastatingly funny.
This should have been a much shorter book but I did enjoy the inclusion of the Wentworths. A little editing could make this a tighter story and a more enjoyable read.
December 23, 2019
Forever and a Duke By Grace Burrowes is book Three in the Rogues to Riches Series. This is the story of Eleanora Hatfield and Wrexham, Duke of Elsmore 'Rex'. I have read the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Rex is working to get his footing on his Title but has many obligations that are pulling him in different directions. When he goes to look into the estate title he see that they are on the brink of losing everything. Eleanora is a bookish lady who has a knack for the numbers. When she goes to help Rex they start to build a friendship but more importantly they can't resist the attraction they are feeling.
Enjoyed their story.
Enjoyed their story.
May 15, 2023
Clever heroine survives but lives with constant fear due to the family she loves. The H is a duke but he has serious family problems too and he needs her help. Loved this couple who fell in love even in the midst of all sorts of trouble. I liked how he accepted responsibility and made difficult decisions.
July 16, 2020
I loved Eleanora, with her brilliant calculator brain. I liked Rex, who is trying to figure out what is going hopelessly wrong with his estate. I loved their interactions! But I did not like any of the other characters (except Jane and Quinn). Tedious and boring and nowhere near as engaging. Bah.
January 22, 2020
Wrexham, Duke of Elsmore is having a few financial issues on the home front. Something, quite literally, isn’t adding up. Which, as an owner of a bank, would be a disaster if people ever found out. After all, if he can’t look after his own financial affairs, how can he be trusted to look after anyone else’s? The solution: Mrs Eleanora Hatfield. Ellie is an auditor and well known for her talent with numbers and she is exactly who Rex needs in more ways than either of them can imagine.
Competence in a heroine has always been sexy, but in recent times I’m glad to see this being recognised and it more blatantly being shown by authors. Which, is exactly what this book does. Ellie is a Math’s savant, she understands numbers and how they work and is recognised as the best auditor in the business. Which, is exactly what Rex needs, being in charge of a Dukedom is a complicated business, his “domestic” affairs involve supporting an army of sisters, cousins and aunties and his properties are spread across Europe. He needs our extremely competent heroine to untangle the neglect of generations to see where his money is being drained. Is it accidental? Or is it something more nefarious?
Like all Grace Burrowes romances this moves at a steady pace with two characters who, although don’t have a bonfire of angst and emotion, gradually and maturely come to the realisation that they’re in love. I know it doesn’t sound exciting, but I loved the ever mounting tension between them as they come to respect each and value each other. I also really loved seeing Ellie in action, she was an expert on all the ways money can be scammed out of someone and it was genuinely interesting to learn about some of the hustles that were/are carried out.
As always with Grace Burrowes, this was a good read with a solid romance. But, what stood out the most for me was Ellie, our heroine, I loved seeing her get recognition and admiration for her skills, especially from Rex, our her. Is there anything sexier than a hero who applauds a heroines competence?
Competence in a heroine has always been sexy, but in recent times I’m glad to see this being recognised and it more blatantly being shown by authors. Which, is exactly what this book does. Ellie is a Math’s savant, she understands numbers and how they work and is recognised as the best auditor in the business. Which, is exactly what Rex needs, being in charge of a Dukedom is a complicated business, his “domestic” affairs involve supporting an army of sisters, cousins and aunties and his properties are spread across Europe. He needs our extremely competent heroine to untangle the neglect of generations to see where his money is being drained. Is it accidental? Or is it something more nefarious?
Like all Grace Burrowes romances this moves at a steady pace with two characters who, although don’t have a bonfire of angst and emotion, gradually and maturely come to the realisation that they’re in love. I know it doesn’t sound exciting, but I loved the ever mounting tension between them as they come to respect each and value each other. I also really loved seeing Ellie in action, she was an expert on all the ways money can be scammed out of someone and it was genuinely interesting to learn about some of the hustles that were/are carried out.
As always with Grace Burrowes, this was a good read with a solid romance. But, what stood out the most for me was Ellie, our heroine, I loved seeing her get recognition and admiration for her skills, especially from Rex, our her. Is there anything sexier than a hero who applauds a heroines competence?
May 16, 2020
The third of Grace Burrowes “Rogues to Riches” series, Forever and a Duke, is SO good! I have a weakness for books where knowledge is imparted and indeed, the acquisition of wisdom is at the crux of the HEA. Eleanora (Ellie) Hatfield is bank auditor extra-ordinaire, so much so that her employer, the Duke of Walden, persuades her to loan her wisdom and insights to Wrexham, Duke of Elsmore, owner of another London bank. Wrexham (Rex) is convinced that something is amiss with his multi-layered accounts.
Ellie’s exquisite, detailed gleanings on how to tell if you’re being robbed are brilliant and timeless. She’s gentle with the duke, sharing only what he can bear to hear and comprehend … and then drip drip drip. From his sisters and his mother returning dresses to their dressmaker for coin, to the 3/5 switcheroo, her analysis leads inexorably on how to spot an embezzler. The duke is mesmerized when Ellie explains the difference between up and down accounting. It’s hard to conceive that your nearest and dearest might be scamming you but such is often the case.
Forever and a Duke reminds me of Elisabeth Mansfield’s Her Man of Affairs (a compliment). Books with money at their core have a verisimilitude that engages the reader. Because even though it’s centuries earlier than today, money continues to be “the root of all evil,” lending Forever and a Duke a modern air.
Ellie and Rex make a marvelous pair: they’re honorable, generous, thoughtful and attached to and concerned with their families.
Now for my concerns: Forever and a Duke is altogether too short. It ends at the 66% mark! I wanted a lot more than a mere 300 pages or so. The book ends abruptly after they pledge themselves to each other—there’s no wedding scene, no explanation about what happens to Ellie’s family (in particular, her roguish, attempting-to-go-straight cousin Jackson Naylor), no nothing. I felt quite cheated, particularly since I liked it so much. Where was the rest of the story?
Ellie’s exquisite, detailed gleanings on how to tell if you’re being robbed are brilliant and timeless. She’s gentle with the duke, sharing only what he can bear to hear and comprehend … and then drip drip drip. From his sisters and his mother returning dresses to their dressmaker for coin, to the 3/5 switcheroo, her analysis leads inexorably on how to spot an embezzler. The duke is mesmerized when Ellie explains the difference between up and down accounting. It’s hard to conceive that your nearest and dearest might be scamming you but such is often the case.
Forever and a Duke reminds me of Elisabeth Mansfield’s Her Man of Affairs (a compliment). Books with money at their core have a verisimilitude that engages the reader. Because even though it’s centuries earlier than today, money continues to be “the root of all evil,” lending Forever and a Duke a modern air.
Ellie and Rex make a marvelous pair: they’re honorable, generous, thoughtful and attached to and concerned with their families.
Now for my concerns: Forever and a Duke is altogether too short. It ends at the 66% mark! I wanted a lot more than a mere 300 pages or so. The book ends abruptly after they pledge themselves to each other—there’s no wedding scene, no explanation about what happens to Ellie’s family (in particular, her roguish, attempting-to-go-straight cousin Jackson Naylor), no nothing. I felt quite cheated, particularly since I liked it so much. Where was the rest of the story?
November 18, 2019
Wrexham, Duke of Elsmore, suspects that someone is embezzling from his accounts, but with so many holdings, he is unsure how to go about ciphering out the culprit. Knowing he is over his head, he seeks the help of friends at a neighboring banking institution and is amazed when their solution is offering the talents of their own auditor…one that just happens to be one of the most beautiful and smart women he has ever had the pleasure to meet. But will he be able to convince her to assist him before everyone in London discovers his failures.
Eleanora Hatfield has fought to have a steady job and income with one of the most sought-after banking institutions. Her quickness in sums and figures has gained her a solid reputation in auditing, so when she is asked to assist a Duke with determining who is stealing from his accounts, she agrees, but only on her terms…and never did she dream this endeavor would lead to the possibility of friendship…love…and so much more.
Rex and Ellie start their journey to happily ever after in one of the most unlikely of situations, and with each day and each turn of the ledger page, their comradery and friendship grows into something beyond what they could have ever planned.
Forever and a Duke is a well written regency romance, but…I just couldn’t seem to form a connection between Ellie and Rex. Perhaps it is that I have zero interest in math and/or auditing procedures, and that aspect of the story just didn’t interest me. The mystery as to who was stealing from Rex dragged on to the point, I started skimming pages just to get to the end, and by that time, I really didn’t care. Again, this plot was just not to my liking, and I’m sure there are readers out there that will adore these characters! If you are a reader of this genre, I would recommend you give it a try.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
Eleanora Hatfield has fought to have a steady job and income with one of the most sought-after banking institutions. Her quickness in sums and figures has gained her a solid reputation in auditing, so when she is asked to assist a Duke with determining who is stealing from his accounts, she agrees, but only on her terms…and never did she dream this endeavor would lead to the possibility of friendship…love…and so much more.
Rex and Ellie start their journey to happily ever after in one of the most unlikely of situations, and with each day and each turn of the ledger page, their comradery and friendship grows into something beyond what they could have ever planned.
Forever and a Duke is a well written regency romance, but…I just couldn’t seem to form a connection between Ellie and Rex. Perhaps it is that I have zero interest in math and/or auditing procedures, and that aspect of the story just didn’t interest me. The mystery as to who was stealing from Rex dragged on to the point, I started skimming pages just to get to the end, and by that time, I really didn’t care. Again, this plot was just not to my liking, and I’m sure there are readers out there that will adore these characters! If you are a reader of this genre, I would recommend you give it a try.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
January 22, 2021
In Forever and a Duke, the Duke of Elsmore, a man who has multiple family members under his protection, discover that someone may be stealing from his estate. Needing help, but trying not to make it known to the rest of society lest it ruin his family, he turns to his friend, Quinn, the Duke of Walden. As a renowned banker, Quinn knows the importance of having clean books, and he asks his smartest auditor, Eleanora Hatfield to help Wrexham with his issue. Ellie knows, though, that titled gentlemen can be trouble, so wants to keep her distance from Rex, but it's difficult. Will they be able to solve the financial problems, without bringing the problem to the attention of the ton, or will their mutual attraction lead them to ruin?
I was a bit confused when I first started this book. I was expecting it to be about one of the Wentworth's and not the story of two secondary character's we came across in My One and Only Duke. Ellie's family have always been involved in scams and other schemes, and she's really quick with numbers. Wanting to go legit, she tries to open an account but no bank other than Quinn's will let her, and when she spots an error in an account, she's hired to audit the books. Rex is a duke, but he's also an owner in another bank, and though it would be expected that he and Quinn were rivals, they're actually tentative friends, but any hint of a scandal would ruin his whole family, and end the marriage prospects of his sisters. I liked the banter between Ellie and Rex a lot in this book. They were snarky with each other, but also open, and real, and it was nice to see their relationship blossom into friendship, first, before any romance came into play. The mystery surrounding the missing money was interesting too - even though I had an idea of who was to blame, it was still enjoyable to see the situation all play out and be solved.
I was a bit confused when I first started this book. I was expecting it to be about one of the Wentworth's and not the story of two secondary character's we came across in My One and Only Duke. Ellie's family have always been involved in scams and other schemes, and she's really quick with numbers. Wanting to go legit, she tries to open an account but no bank other than Quinn's will let her, and when she spots an error in an account, she's hired to audit the books. Rex is a duke, but he's also an owner in another bank, and though it would be expected that he and Quinn were rivals, they're actually tentative friends, but any hint of a scandal would ruin his whole family, and end the marriage prospects of his sisters. I liked the banter between Ellie and Rex a lot in this book. They were snarky with each other, but also open, and real, and it was nice to see their relationship blossom into friendship, first, before any romance came into play. The mystery surrounding the missing money was interesting too - even though I had an idea of who was to blame, it was still enjoyable to see the situation all play out and be solved.
November 12, 2019
One plus one usually adds up to two… but when you add in a very extended ducal family on one side along with schemers and outcasts on the other, how can the columns ever add up???
Eleanora Hatfield is comfortable with numbers. Numbers make sense. Numbers don’t lie. Eleanora has used her innate skill with numbers to create a comfortable life for herself. As the Auditor to one of London’s most reputable banks she is comfortable. Wrexham, the Duke of Elsmore is about to come in and alter her life in a. Way she never could have calculated.
Wrexham is not comfortable. He is overrun with family and obligations. He loves his family and will do anything to see them well situated. In order to complete this he needs to sort out his family finances… too bad all his ducal training never taught him how! It’s time to get an expert. Wrexham enlist the skills of Mrs. Eleanora Hatfield to put his house in order. Who could have guessed the while ordering and setting his financial house she managed to create a place for herself.
Can love bloom over abacuses and ledgers?
This delightful tale is the third in the Rogues to Riches series. This story includes familiar characters but it definitely can stand alone. I alway enjoy reading about smart women and a mathematical savant assisting a humble duke was great fun to read!
Forever and a Duke by Grace Burrowes is scheduled to release November 26th, 2019.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#ForeverAndADuke #GraceBurrowes #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads
Eleanora Hatfield is comfortable with numbers. Numbers make sense. Numbers don’t lie. Eleanora has used her innate skill with numbers to create a comfortable life for herself. As the Auditor to one of London’s most reputable banks she is comfortable. Wrexham, the Duke of Elsmore is about to come in and alter her life in a. Way she never could have calculated.
Wrexham is not comfortable. He is overrun with family and obligations. He loves his family and will do anything to see them well situated. In order to complete this he needs to sort out his family finances… too bad all his ducal training never taught him how! It’s time to get an expert. Wrexham enlist the skills of Mrs. Eleanora Hatfield to put his house in order. Who could have guessed the while ordering and setting his financial house she managed to create a place for herself.
Can love bloom over abacuses and ledgers?
This delightful tale is the third in the Rogues to Riches series. This story includes familiar characters but it definitely can stand alone. I alway enjoy reading about smart women and a mathematical savant assisting a humble duke was great fun to read!
Forever and a Duke by Grace Burrowes is scheduled to release November 26th, 2019.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#ForeverAndADuke #GraceBurrowes #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads
February 9, 2020
Ok, only one star sounds a bit harsh but I had such high hopes for this book. I first read an excerpt from another book I was reading at the time, and the start seemed so good that I put down the other book (an anthology) and bought this one. Even paid more dearly than I usually do for Ebooks, such was my will to read this book. And it did had some good authors recommending it! How could I be let down? And yet. And yet I was. Oh it started really well, and I had no complaints up until the middle, but then past it, all went to hell. The main characters became not interesting anymore, the plot was getting tiresome and my attentions turned to another character, Jack, that honestly has not a very big role in that book. I think the story lacked emotions. Feelings. She started well, though, so I'm not sure what happened afterwards that made her loose interest in her main characters. It is a shame, that book could have been great, really great. I actually wouldn't even have given such a low note if it had not been for the ending. It suddenly felt that the author had enough and just went "Ok that's it. The end". I mean, what?? Not a proper ending at ALL. Almost, ok and then they got married and a lot of kids and the end. No tidying loose ends or even giving us a satisfactory ending and epilogue. What happens to the rest of the characters? how are the main characters faring after the decisions they took? We don't know, the author didn't care. So why should we? I guess even one star is too much for that one, but there you go. Not feeling particularly motivated to read another book from her.
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