With her trademark wit, New York Times bestselling author Grace Burrowes delivers a charming Regency romance featuring a duke who excels at brooding in solitude and the lady who refuses to leave him in peace.
Nathaniel, Duke of Rothhaven, lives in seclusion, leaving his property only to gallop his demon-black steed across the moors by moonlight. Exasperated mamas invoke his name to frighten … moonlight. Exasperated mamas invoke his name to frighten small children, though Nathaniel is truly a decent man — maybe too decent for his own good. That’s precisely why he must turn away the beguiling woman demanding his help.
Lady Althea Wentworth has little patience for dukes, reclusive or otherwise, but she needs Rothhaven’s backing to gain entrance into Polite Society. She’s asked him nicely, she’s called on him politely, all to no avail — until her prize hogs just happen to plunder the ducal orchard. He longs for privacy. She’s vowed to never endure another ball as a wallflower. Yet as the two grow closer, it soon becomes clear they might both be pretending to be something they’re not.
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The “Duke” series from Burrowes features real conflicts, frequently legal. The forces keeping the h/h apart have real bite. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the denouement. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Series: Rogues To Riches #4
Publication Date: 4/28/20
Number of Pages: 368
** 4.5 Starts – Rounded up **
I couldn’t put this book down from the delightfully witty and entertaining first chapter through the exciting and eventful final chapter. I absolutely adored Lady Althea who longed for acceptance by society – but she just couldn’t help being herself. The plot is intriguingly unusual, the writing is excellent and the characters are robust, likable, relatable, and fully formed. I actually got to know each of the lead characters and would have been delighted to call them friends.
Lady Althea Wentworth has an unenviable past. She was born in abject poverty to a vile, hateful man who delighted in starving and abusing her and her siblings. Then, one day, like magic, her brother, Quinn, inherited a dukedom (My One and Only Duke). Quinn had riches beyond imagining through the dukedom and his own hard work and he wanted to share that with his family – so he gave each of them their own estate and plenty of money to go with it. Even as an heiress, Althea didn’t ‘take’ during the seasons she’s had in London so she’s decided to forego this year’s season and spend it at her estate, Lynley Vale Manor. It is her plan to gain social acceptance within local Yorkshire society and perhaps find a husband among them – because she dearly wants a child to love. To further that goal, she needs to gain acceptance by the local reclusive, ill-tempered duke. Since he allows absolutely nobody on his property, she devises an ingenious plan to make him come to her.
Nathaniel Rothmere, Duke of Rothhaven, is a lonely man who is keeping grave secrets. Secrets he can share with no one. He has carefully cultivated a reputation as a reclusive, ill-tempered, inhospitable man who will quickly prosecute anyone found trespassing on his property. His description of trespassing includes hapless visitors who knock on his door. None are welcome. That reputation hides the lonely, caring, and very honorable man Nathaniel really is and he suffers for it. The loneliness is sometimes overpowering – but his secrets must be kept at all costs.
Althea’s plan to meet Nathaniel is priceless and it will highly entertain you – and it also works great! I love that Althea is never anything other than who she is – wonderfully honest and straight forward. She doesn’t hide her feelings and she is always honest with herself about who she is and what she wants.
Nathaniel is drawn to Althea from the first moment he meets her – yet he knows he cannot further their acquaintance. Sometimes though, life has other plans for you – and it certainly had a rude awakening planned for Nathaniel. When it comes down to the final choice, will Nathaniel choose Althea or his secrets? You’ll just have to read the story to find out!
In my view, the only thing that would have made it better would have been an epilogue – or for the last chapter to be a bit longer. I never like it when romances end before the wedding – a lot can happen between whatever happens at the end and the actual wedding, so I like to be sure it actually happened. I would have loved an epilogue set six or so months in the future – showing them happy and maybe expecting – especially since a child is the one thing Althea really wanted.
Now, I can hardly wait until November for Robert’s story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Extended preview- I need to be a little more careful in selecting books to review. I enjoyed the preview but have no way to read the rest of the book. It was just starting to evolve the characters. His brother Robbie, her sister Constance. How with encouragement from Nat’s brother he started slipping away to see Althea. He was trying to teach her about “polite society” > So she would not be mocked.
As usual, the writing was exceptional. The characters were wonderful and helped keep it interesting. From what I read it would be worth it.
HIstorical romance with a backstory makes for an enjoyable story. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series. Some modern elements are in the story for a second and then never touched on again.
Very enjoyable, well-crafted Regency romance with solid writing, good research, characters with real issues, and an interesting journey to their HEA.
I think I read Duncan’s story first in this series, then Quinn’s (which was written before Duncan’s). This is Lady Althea Wentworth’s story, the oldest of Quinn’s half siblings. Althea is simply trying to figure out how to be accepted enough by the ton to make any sort of a decent match, so she can have a home and children. But the cruelty of members of society who shun anyone with unique circumstances manage to snub her enough to keep her at odds with that goal. Nathaniel, Duke of Rothhaven, has his own secrets and simply wants (and needs) to be left alone. This takes place in the north, on the edge of the moors. It’s an excellent story of a rich love with hurdles that make you wonder how these two will ever find their HEA.
Thank you Forever and Grand Central Pub for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
A Duke By Any Other Name
Rogues To Riches #4
By: Grace Burrowes
REVIEW
I know nothing about the first three books of the Rogues To Riches series, but it is not necessary anyway. A Duke By Any Other Name by Grace Burrowes is Regency era historical fiction, and that just happens to be a favorite of mine. I started reading then zipped through the entire book in one sitting. It’s such a charming and delightful story with plenty of shenanigans and secrets.
Nathaniel, Duke of Rothhaven, and Lady Althea Wentworth are both hiding something. The stakes are higher for Nathaniel, though, because he is responsible for himself and his household. He plays the role expected of him, and keeps everyone at bay. Then, Nathaniel meets Althea.
Lady Althea is more pretending than anything else. From despair and poverty to riches and comfort because her brother inherited a dukedom is a gigantic transformation. Althea wasn’t born with a title, yet here she is with position and power, knowing she doesn’t fit in with Society. Does she really want to belong with high society snobs?
Two lonely people living on the desolate moors who could both use a friend. Will Nathaniel and Althea become friends or something more? Circumstances are difficult to say the least, but anything can happen. I so adore this book! From beginning to end it was perfect and a joy to read. I can’t wait to read more from Grace Burrowes!
I read this series out of order. I read A DUKE BY ANY OTHER NAME first, and loved it so much I immediately purchased the rest of the series, and then pre-ordered the titles not yet out. I think this is my favorite series by Burrowes, and this story was very nearly perfect. I loved it so much that I wrote the author a fan email as soon as I’d finished it. Truly satisfying. Highly recommend.
Good book about two likable people who are victims of their circumstances. Althea is the sister of a duke who chose to live at her estate in Yorkshire rather than subject herself to London society again. Althea and her siblings grew up in poverty with an abusive father. Althea spent her childhood protecting her younger siblings while her older brother worked to put food on the table. Years later, Quinn unexpectedly inherited a dukedom, thrusting the whole family into the limelight. Althea became the target of gossips making her Seasons miserable. Tired of the bullying, Althea decided to seek a husband in Yorkshire, only to find that the local gossips are just as bad. Althea decides that her only hope is to get the local duke on her side.
Nathaniel, Duke of Rothaven, is known in the county as an abrasive, unwelcoming recluse. He gallops his horse around the moors during the night, a habit that adds to his fearsome reputation. It becomes evident very quickly that Nathaniel fostered that reputation himself as a way to hide the truth. Far from being the black-hearted villain he portrays, Nathaniel is a kind-hearted man who loves his family and his lands. He plays the part of the duke to protect his older brother, an epileptic, who was sent to an asylum when they were boys. Told by their father that Robbie was dead, Nathaniel didn’t discover the truth until after his father’s death. It has taken five years for Robbie to recover even partially from the cruel treatment he received, and he still refuses to take his proper place. This leaves Nathaniel caught in a dilemma. He can’t reveal the truth, which would put Robbie in danger, and open himself up to accusations of fraud. It also means that he is condemned to live his life alone.
I loved the first meeting between Althea and Nathaniel. She tried traditional methods of making his acquaintance but was turned away. So she purposely set her prize-winning hogs loose in his orchard, hoping to draw him out. Nathaniel’s fuming arrival at her door is met with offers of tea, cakes, and conversation. He tries to refuse and is met with an iron-willed refusal to accept his rejection, complete with a gentle lecture on proper behavior. Her request for advice on dealing with local society surprises him, and he gives her a few hints before making his escape.
I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Nathaniel is intrigued by Althea and drawn to her in unexpected ways. She stirs emotions in him that he has locked away for years. He can’t court her, he can’t marry her – but he can’t stay away from her. Althea discovers the truth early on, and her understanding further endears her to Nathaniel. Althea is impressed by the man under the reputation and drawn to his love for and loyalty to his family. A crisis throws them together, and their feelings for each other continue to grow. I ached for Nathaniel, who can’t see any way for them to be together. His sadness, loneliness, and frustration are evident, as are his conflicting emotions of love, anger, and guilt toward Robbie. Althea is independent, stronger than she realizes, and also haunted by the events of her childhood. Not only is she protective of her own family, that protectiveness soon extends to Nathaniel and Robbie. Things become more complicated when an outsider makes trouble, and Althea’s family gets involved. The situation is resolved brilliantly, and I laughed as the spiteful cat got her comeuppance at the same time Nathaniel receives his heart’s desire.
I loved the secondary characters as they were portrayed. Robbie made my heart ache for everything he went through. The descriptions of the treatment of people with epilepsy were vivid and painful. It was surprising that Robbie had come as far as he had. That said, there were times that I felt he was unreasonably obstinate. I liked what I saw of Althea’s brother, Stephen. He is another who suffered at the hands of his father in ways that affected his life permanently. He loves his family and is very protective of Althea. I liked seeing him go head-to-head with her as both were evenly matched in stubbornness. There is also a great scene between him and Nathaniel. The staff at Rothaven were also wonderful. They are old and valued retainers working well past when they would typically have retired. They take full advantage of their positions in some surprising ways.
Received in exchange for a honest review.
Nathaniel when you first meet him comes off as standoffish. He has alot of anger to his dad but he is a good man. He has alot on his plate and is trying to do what is right. He is quiet and kind even if no one realizes this. The town has stories of him but they don’t bother him. He has given up his life and living to do what is right and that has you swoon and feel for him.
Althea is stubborn, smart and sassy. I love how she doesn’t take anything from people. She is her own person and is kindhearted. What she does to get to know Nathaniel had me laugh. But it works and Nathaniel is not only flummoxed by her, he is intrigued. She is trying to get him to help her so she can get entrance into society-why is a question i ponder and so does Nathaniel. Society is backstabbing and very snobbish nothing that Althea is. She is independent and kind.
As these to have more encounters and get to know one another, they become friends. Nathaniel finds someone to talk to and she finds someone who isn’t what he seems. When she learns his secret, she wants to help and be there for him. In fact she does help him. They become more than friends and Nathaniel falls in love. He finds a girl who is amazing, kind, and loyal. Only the fear of losing everything is there. So as Althea goes ahead with her plan, Nathaniel does dig in his heels to a point. He knows what society is like and he has to find a way to protect Althea from the pain they can cause her, protect those he loves and keep his world from falling apart. So much intrigue and love for family is in this book.
I love the interactions between Nathaniel and Althea. They are witty, sarcastic and entertaining. The loyalty of these two to each other and to their families is amazing and the love they show has no bounds. You fall in love with these two and their story as they find a way to let love win and help others and family as well.
I love Grace Burrowes’ heroes. They are decent, loving men and their honor often backs them into a corner. In particular I like Nathaniel because, like a real person who has been dealing with a difficult situation for too long, he’s lost sight of alternative solutions to the problem. It’s only when a most unexpected and determined woman comes into his life that his mind and his heart begin to open up again.
Thea is a duke’s sister who is looked down upon by the ton because the family were originally commoners. She longs to be accepted and to marry and have children. Nate has sequestered himself on his estate to hide family secrets. He is torn between duty to his family and happiness for himself. Thea asks Nate to give her pointers in navigating the ton. In helping her, Nate realizes just what he is missing. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Forever for my honest review.
Wonderful characters carry the book. There is a plot, but it’s not front and center. The characters are enough to want to keep reading– it would have been enough to just have Althea trying to learn how to win over local society. There’s more, but there didn’t need to be. I loved all the descriptions of Althea’s housekeeping knowledge, and the food. Oh, the food throughout the book was just deliciou– read the book and you’ll see what I mean– the teas, and the dill cheese, hungry yet?
Nathaniel Rothmere, Duke of Rothhaven, is not amused. His orchard has been invaded by a herd of pigs, Yes, pigs; the 400 -pound variety! And they belong to his neighbor- the pesky Althea Wentworth. Lady Althea needs the Duke’s help. She has written him, visited him but has not met him. Nathaniel Rothmere’s reputation proceeds him. He’s antisocial, grumpy and rude. Althea needs the Duke’s help to learn how to fit into local society.
I adored the pairing of the strong- willed, proud Althea with the reclusive, compassionate Nathaniel Rothmere. The pigs in the orchard scene was fabulously written and entertaining. It drew me into the story immediately. Althea was thrust into polite society when her brother unexpectedly inherited a dukedom. She was not welcomed by her peers and has decided to retreat to her country estate. Althea’s desire for a husband, family and home resonated with me. She wanted something that most people take for granted.
It took me a few chapters to warm up to Nathaniel. I adored the servants Treegum, Elgin and Thatcher who took care of Nathaniel, his run down estate and kept his secrets. The trio of servants added a lot of love and laughter to the story. Loved Nathaniel’s secret visits to Lynley Vale. The friendship and ensuing romance which developed between Althea and the Nathaniel is perfectly paced. Nathaniel can’t help himself; he desires Althea. But, Nathaniel has is keeping a secret- a secret that prevents him from pursuing his own happiness.
Grace Burrowes is a gifted storyteller who creates memorable characters that are relatable. I emphasized Althea’s desire for a child, her determination to not be bullied by her peers and her love for Nathaniel. I understood why Nathan and his servants were so dedicated in keeping their secret. Loved the family bonds between both the Wentworths and Rothmeres. Stephen Wentworth is featured in this novel—loved his nosy conversations with Milly, Althea’s companion. He loves to be in the middle of family drama.
A Duke by Any Other Name can be read as a stand-alone novel. It’s an entertaining read filled with secrets, surprises and romance. The conclusion to this novel is fast-paced and perfectly written. As Nathaniel struggles with an important decision, Althea hosting a dinner for the local gentry attended by the town’s biggest gossip who has set her sights on her. Will Nathaniel support Althea and attend her event?
Grace Burrowes choice to set up a fantastic story for Constance and Robert instead of writing the usual six month happily ever after epilogue was fabulous! I was so intrigued by the pairing of Constance and Robert that I preordered the Truth About Dukes!
Nathaniel Rothmere, known as the Duke of Rothhaven, is a notorious, yet respected recluse among Yorkshire society. He eschews social interaction, only leaving his estate for reckless gallops across the moors in the fading light. Despite his fearsome reputation, Nathaniel is a truly good man, which is why he must turn away the lovely young woman demanding his help with navigating the treacherous world of English high society.
Lady Althea Wentworth grew up in abject poverty and is distinctly unimpressed by titles, but since her brother unexpectedly inherited a dukedom she has been thrust into a society that is determined to mock and exclude her. She seeks the advice of the reclusive neighborhood duke in an effort to learn how to make society respect her on her own terms, shattering the reclusive duke’s privacy. He tries to keep her at bay, but she won’t be so easily dissuaded and soon they realize they’re both pretending to be other than what they truly are and they have more in common than either could’ve imagined.
I loved this book. I found it to be charmingly witty and at times both hilarious and poignant. I loved the growth of the relationship between Althea and Nathaniel and their wholehearted acceptance of each other. Their banter was delightful and I especially enjoyed the secondary characters and the repartee between Nathaniel and Stephen. I loved how protective Nathaniel and Althea were of each other and their relationship, though more on the sensual side, worked here. The characters were well-drawn and I could really feel Nathaniel’s loneliness and frustration and cheered at Althea’s growth and determination on her journey to accepting herself. I loved Nathaniel as a sweet yet tragic hero trying desperately to keep everything together and Althea was just what he needed. I loved that the characters felt raw and real and I was sucked right into their world any time I picked up this book. My only wish was that there had been an epilogue just to solidify their happy ending, though they did still have quite a few legal challenges to overcome and I can see not wanting to step on the toes of the next book. I need to go back and read the other books in this series, but I can’t wait for Robbie’s story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Nathaniel, Duke of Rothhaven, rarely leaves his home and discourages any and all interactions with the locals. That is, until Lady Althea Wentworth sends her prize hogs into his orchard. When he storms to her home demanding she remove them, he’s not prepared for the attraction he feels for the lady. Any relationship cannot be–he won’t entertain it. Althea has decided to forego the London Season this year and yearns to know her reclusive neighbor, but she’s not prepared for the complicated feelings she has for the arrogant duke. Can these two get past any hostilities and find their own HEA?
This was an interesting and entertaining book especially since it takes place away from the glittering ballrooms of London. Althea is tired of trying to be accepted by the ton in London. No matter what she does, there are whisperings behind her back and gossip about her not belonging. She’s done trying to fit in and decides to stay put in the country. I loved Althea and her bold personality. She plunges forward into helping the poor, but just like in London, she’s not accepted. Nathaniel tries his best not to interact with Althea, but with each new encounter, he finds himself smitten with her. Nathaniel is such a good and noble character, sacrificing his own happiness for his family. This book has intrigue, mystery, heartache and finally a HEA for these two and I loved every minute of their journey.
I get to the end and say, no, I don;t want to be finished yet!!
Love her books. They make me smile.
More romantic than they Georgette Heyer books I read many years ago.
Omg, I absolutely loved Althea and Nathaniel’s story! Grace Burrowes’ style is so beautifully unique and romantic. So much emotion from this one. It is definitely a 5++ Stars! Wow, can’t wait for Fall 2020 and Constance’s book!
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1dp
I admit to being fond of curmudgeonly heroes, and Grace Burrowes has a tendency to write them very well. As I began to delve into A DUKE BY ANY OTHER NAME, and met Nathaniel Rothmere, Duke of Rothhaven, I almost lost heart. In previous books by this author, grumpy heroes still always exuded the utmost courtesy and behaved like gentlemen to the fair sex. Nathaniel was downright mean, abrupt, and rude to everyone, even the heroine. He even went so far as to make threats. As I got further into the story, I began to see why. Nathaniel has a secret, a very large one, one that requires he keep absolutely everyone away from his home. Therefore, he can’t make friendships because he can never allow friends to come to call. He has to run his household with only the few elderly remaining servants who are totally loyal to him. He can’t have a wife, or even a casual date. And it appears this is to be his lot in life forever.
Lady Althea Wentworth is now the sister of a duke, though her childhood was one of extreme poverty, neglect, and abuse. Society is somewhat miffed at her brother inheriting a lofty title, but he is too powerful a man to cross. So the cruel members of the ton show their displeasure by making life miserable for Althea instead. After being mocked and subject to other little acts of viciousness, Althea decides to retreat to her Yorkshire estate and forego another London season. She longs for children and a family of her own, yet she’s unable to fit in here either. In desperation, she decides to call on the “Dread Duke,” and ask for his social advice. When she’s turned away from his home multiple times, she takes a desperate step, guaranteed to bring the duke to her door. Her unexpected action (involving piggies, no less) works, and a furious Rothhaven arrives in full blustery mode.
Nathaniel is amazed to find himself having tea and sandwiches with his neighbor, whom he intended to intimidate. He does flatly refuse to spend any further time with her, though he’s touched by her need to fit in. He certainly recognizes her loneliness, as it’s an emotion he’s very familiar with. Realizing he needs to escape, because he’s intrigued by this unconventional woman, Nathaniel does teach her how to give the cut direct. He wishes her well, but lets her know they won’t be meeting again.
Fate has other plans, as they do meet again. Each meeting has their longing for the other growing stronger. Nathaniel tells Althea there are reasons he can’t pursue a relationship, and she realizes that he’s carrying a heavy burden. When an accident happens to a member of his household, and he’s unable to have a physician come to his home, Nathaniel is desperate enough to ask for Althea’s help. As she stays at his home, nursing the invalid, she and Nathaniel finally give in to their passion, agreeing that it’s only a moment out of time, and can’t be anything permanent.
The secret that Nathaniel is hiding is revealed fairly early in the story, but I think it’s one the reader should discover on their own. Many more details are fleshed out as the story progresses, showing how Nathaniel is truly in an impossible situation. As I was reading, I was thinking – oh, boy, how is this ever going to be resolved? It’s heartbreaking to see these two lonely people who have found genuine love, but can’t find a way to make a future together.
Nathaniel is a caring, loving, self-sacrificing man beneath the beastly persona he created, and I adore him. Althea is capable, and a combination of strength and vulnerability, and is just what Nathaniel needs. The resolution to Nathaniel’s situation is one that won’t be easy. I realize that it will likely be explored further in the next book in the ROGUES TO RICHES series, and that’s one I am really, really eager to read. Having said that, A DUKE BY ANY OTHER NAME can easily read as a standalone, and this couple does achieve their happy ever after. The mystery part of this book was especially intriguing to me, and the details from the past were heartbreaking. I’m happy that we’re so much more knowledgeable today about certain physical and mental illnesses, and the way we treat those afflicted. I’m also sorry to say that bullying seems to be something that will never go away. I highly recommend A DUKE BY ANY OTHER NAME for readers who enjoy not only a warm romance, but characters who are thoroughly fleshed out, a plot that’s unique, and situations that touch your emotions, all while entertaining you.
A Duke By Any Other Name, by Grace Burrowes, will be available in booksellers on 4-28-20. Rogues to Riches series book 4, begins with a laugh, and it drew me in at first chuckle. Who knew pigs could make me laugh if they weren’t flying or talking. Our hero, Nathaniel, comes across as part Heathcliff and part straight guy in a comedy act. Althea, our heroine, is witty and outspoken which is also her social downfall. The repartee between these two is an homage to classic movies of the 1930’s where everyone is slinging fabulous set-downs at each other. I’ve read a 4 chapter extended preview and it’s given me a taste of what a compelling book this will be. I must know what happens when these two get together, bet it’s going to be a good journey.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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