A new duke and a woman with a secret in her past get a second chance at love in this delightful and charming Regency romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the Windham series. Robert Rothmere is hiding a past no duke should have endured, but he’s not hiding it well enough. Sooner or later, his enemies will learn that he spent years locked away at a private asylum. To get their … a private asylum. To get their hands on his wealth, they’ll try to send him right back to his worst nightmares. If Robert is to foil their schemes, he needs to marry a perfectly proper, blessedly boring, deadly dull duchess, immediately — and he knows exactly which quietly delightful lady he’d love to entrust with that role.
Lady Constance Wentworth has cultivated a reputation for utter forgettability. She never speaks out of turn (in public), never has a daring thought (that she admits aloud), and never comes close to courting scandal . . . as far as anybody knows. Her path crossed Robert’s years ago, though, and she’s never forgotten the extraordinary lengths he traveled to keep her safe when she hadn’t a friend in the world. She longs to be his demure duchess . . . but little does he know that to marry her would be utter madness.
Started the audio and was bored to tears, but given the reviews I switched to a regular book, and the story was so much better. As another review stated this is more a historical with some romance to it. The hero has epilepsy and some moneygrubbing social climbers want to have him declared incompetent so they can be his guardian and drain the estate dry. Secondary storyline concerns the daughter the heroine gave up when she was nothing more than a child herself.
Starting with the fifth in the series wasn’t smart, but there were enough dropped hints that I wasn’t too lost, but probably lost something on knowing the characters better.
It was a decent Regency, but I wonder how plausible it was for a complete stranger to file for guardianship in a situation like this.
Definitely read the book as opposed to listen.
Loved this book. Highly recommend reading it. It deals with epilepsy, unwed mother, unsanctioned adoptions and a host of other issues. Wonderfully written.
I loved Robert and Constance’s book! Heart wrenching, romantic, tender and beautiful. Very unique and captivating story.
Highly enjoyable, action packed, sweetly sexy adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists and emotionally thrilling turns. A pleasurable and heartwarming journey from beginning to end.
A fascinating continuation of the Rogues to Riches series as we learn more about Robert, the “hidden duke”. Locked away by his father following a head injury leading to a lifetime of seizures, Robert is finally free of the facility where he was housed and experimented upon by a sadistic doctor. A lifetime of abuse cannot easily be overcome, and the continued seizures limit Robert’s quality of life, but a friend from his past reappears and suddenly he has new hope for a future…if he can keep from being declared incompetent.
I found this particularly interesting because my husband’s law practice deals with guardianships and some of the abuses discussed here are still issues today–rapacious guardians only in it for the money, relatives seeking to control assets, people who do need guardianships but can’t always receive appropriate oversight and more. The author is herself a JD and brings her knowledge of the law to her writing, and I found it engrossing and very well done. The characters are original and while this is the fifth book in a series, it could be read on its own.
Now I’m looking forward to the next Rogues to Riches tale, Stephen’s story, which is certain to be equally fascinating.
Engaging, heartfelt, and romantic!
The Truth About Dukes is a lighthearted, passionate, second-chance romance that features the kind, intelligent Duke of Rothhaven, Robert Rothmere who after spending the majority of his life incarcerated in an asylum due to epilepsy just wants to resume a normal life and enjoy the company of the one woman, Lady Constance, who befriended him all those years ago.
The prose is smooth and authentic. The characters are troubled, supportive, and vulnerable. And the plot is a heartwarming combination of family, friendship, heartbreak, secrets, societal expectations, tender moments, villainous intentions, prejudices, and unconditional love.
I think what I enjoyed most about A Good Duke is Hard to Find was the intriguing storyline. In a world where we are still trying to break the barriers down on discrimination and inequality, it was almost refreshing to read a historical novel where the characters were triumphant even when society deemed them outcasts and prime targets for vilification.
At first glance Robert Rothmere and Constance Wentworth appear to be an unlikely couple. An act of kindness brought them together during a difficult time in their lives. The bond between them intrigued me and drew me into the story immediately.
Robert and Constance’s story is exquisitely written. I loved that the couple gave each other courage and strength when they most needed it. Robert is a kind man-he thinks of everyone and their feelings before his own. Constance’s love and support toward Robert never wavered-she unequivocally believed in him. I loved that Constance and Robert brought color into each other’s lives. Robert’s walled garden and its beautiful array of colors delighted Constance. Robert admired Constance’s art ; the sketches, the colors and perspective.
The Truth about Dukes is an emotional, character driven novel. Robert Rothmere is truly a swoon worthy hero. His love for Constance is the heart and soul of the story. Robert has to overcome several obstacles to help Constance. The author wove in a perfectly paced side story filled with small town drama which threatened the couple’s happiness. Each of the secondary characters adds to the story line. I loved that Stephen was featured in this story and I am patiently waiting for his story to be told.
I highly recommend The Truth About Dukes. Robert and Constance’s love story will tug at your hearts strings. I felt the romance, the love, the anguish and the joy in this thought provoking story.
Robert Rothmere, Duke of Rothhaven, is attending a social gathering, as he slowly attempts to ease his way into a lifestyle that’s now foreign to him. After a childhood accident, Robert began to suffer from epilepsy, which was called falling sickness at that time. His father became ashamed, and had Robert institutionalized at the age of ten, and declared that he was dead. At this asylum, Robert was subjected to endless cruel “treatments” and “experiments” which served only to create more fears and insecurities in him. After several years there, a new maid was hired, one with intelligence and compassion. She managed to sneak food to Robert when he was being starved, as well as teaching all of the patients how to aid and assist each other, despite their sad circumstances. Robert fell a bit in love with the maid who had such a positive effect on him, though she wasn’t there for more than a few months. Years later, Robert’s father has died and his younger brother, Nathaniel, learns that he’s still alive, and brings him home. When Robert spots the maid from the asylum at this same gathering, he doesn’t hesitate to approach her.
Constance Wentworth is now the sister of a duke, though that’s a far cry from her childhood which was lived in poverty, and fraught with the effects of having an abusive father. Constance has excelled at making herself invisible, never drawing attention to herself, and acting the wallflower. Her sister, Althea, is now engaged to Nathaniel Rothmere, Robert’s brother. When Constance spots Robert, she instantly realizes that he’s the young man she helped years ago at the asylum, though he bears little resemblance to the sickly boy now. Constance is happy to see that Robert is alive and, apparently, well, but she can’t help but react a little coldly to him as he approaches because he never responded to her correspondence after she left. For all these years, she never knew what had become of him.
Robert and Constance spend some time together talking, learning more about how their lives have progressed over the years. When Constance learns of Robert’s reasons for not answering her letter, she understands, and some of her reserve fades away. They continue to meet, and their connection causes concern for each of their families. Nathaniel doesn’t want to see his brother hurt, while Constance’s family doesn’t want her to become attached to a man they feel is lacking. Author Grace Burrowes paints a very sad picture of how those with epilepsy were treated. Many thought them insane, idiotic, or, even demon possessed.
Robert and Constance find their relationship growing stronger, and it’s not long before he proposes. While Constance longs to accept, she has a confession to make. There’s a very serious secret she’s harboring, and she can’t enter a marriage without her husband knowing. Robert also wants to make it clear that he is in constant danger of being declared incompetent and stripped of his title and wealth. When they do agree to marry, Constance comes to see first hand what an epileptic seizure is like, and how the public reacts. (And it’s not with sympathy and kindness.)
THE TRUTH ABOUT DUKES had me on a roller coaster of emotions. The love between Robert and Constance was wonderful, and couldn’t have happened to a more deserving couple. I love her understanding, kindness, and acceptance. I also really appreciated Robert’s determination to aid Constance in her quest. It was so heartbreaking, though, to watch what Robert had to endure, both physically, as there wasn’t medication to help him, and mentally, as his very sanity and intelligence was brought into question. There were some very nasty villains, eager to profit financially by their false accusations and greedy ambitions. It broke my heart to see Robert almost accepting that he didn’t deserve happiness. However, this is a romance, and when their families begin to support this couple, miracles can happen. THE TRUTH ABOUT DUKES is warm, emotional, romantic, thought provoking, character driven, and ultimately joyful. (While part of the Rogues to Riches series, this book can be read as a standalone, though I heartily recommend all books in the series.)
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1og
So good, I went back & bought the audiobook! The author took an insurmountable problem for the characters & crushed it! I hated when the book ended, because the characters are so real that I’m right in there with them. No anachronisms, so everything rings true. The women are strong in keeping with the time & their station. Plus the fun of imperfect aristocracy. What happens if you’re a Duke with a major disability & no modern medicine to swoop in & fix you? Be ready to lose hours & hours in this book. Mine came on a weekend so I gulped it down in one long day of snatching food, drink & bathroom breaks with my nose firmly planted between the pages. This author is keeper shelf material.
Robert Rothmere is hiding a past no duke should have endured and secrets he doesn’t want anyone to know. As a child he was developed epileptic due to a series of childhood head injuries and his father the Duke put in an asylum until his brother rescued him. Lady Constance Wentworth is the ultimate wallflower, absolutely unforgettable except to Rothmere. They meet in secret, a secret she’s never told her family, when Constance ran away from her family to hide from life. I love this story of two people with their own struggles, but who find out they need each other in ways they never expected. This is a deeply moving story of friendship, trust and love everlasting. I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story.
Constance and Robert met and became friends when she ran away from a humiliating situation as a teen and was employed as a maid at the private asylum where Robert was being kept. Years later, after Nathaniel found Robert (he thought he had died) and brought him home, they meet again. Both Constance and Robert had harsh cruel fathers. Robert’s had him committed due to his epilepsy (falling sickness). Constance’s drunken father was physically and emotional abusive. The effects of this cruelty has stayed with them, but it has not defeated them. It has made them strong and determined to fight together for the future they wish to have. There are some serious hurdles for both. Robert, now the Duke of Rothaven, must survive a competency hearing brought about by a greedy solicitor, and Constance has to trust Robert with her greatest secret and regret. This is another wonderful story about the Wentworth family. As always there is drama, danger, secrets, tricks, and betrayals. There is also understanding, respect, determined support, and love. I enjoyed this story, and I love this series. I highly recommend both.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Lady Constance Wentworth is trying to sneak out of the ballroom when Robert, the Duke of Rothhaven catches her eye. It has been more than 10 years since they have seen one another. Her sister, Althea, and his brother, Nathaniel, are planning to get married.
Robert has a number of phobias and rarely leaves his home. He had been ill with epilepsy for many years as a child and was housed at an asylum on the moors. The doctor treating him subjected him to many cruel experiments. His younger brother, Nathaniel, had been running the dukedom while he was gone and rescued him 5 years ago and brought him home. Now, Robert is doing his best to learn how to run the dukedom while learning society’s expectations of him. In addition, he lives his life well hoping to deter more seizures.
Years ago, Constance fled her own home and worked as a maid at the asylum where she had contact with Robert and was able to help him. Today, they have a good friendship.
Constance enjoys painting and Robert enjoys his flower gardens. Spending lots of time together results in them falling in love and deciding to get married. But there are family members that do not want this. They want control of the dukedom. But Constance and Robert are strong people and push to get to have their life together.
Constance is hiding something very important from her past which she shares with Robert and together they seek to resolve it. Can they have a life together without constant interference from family members?
This was an OK story for me, but I felt that Robert’s condition was discussed ad nauseum. Yes, there were many people who felt he was an idiot because he had an illness which affected him mentally. Sometimes, there is no educating the ignorant. It’s very sad how people with epilepsy were treated in the past. Today, there are wonderful drugs that can control this and allow people to live normal lives. I also felt that the book’s length could have been reduced significantly as some things seemed to be repetitive. However, I know that many readers will certainly enjoy this book.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This was an interesting historical romance. I don’t think I have read one quite like it.
Robert Rothmere, Duke of Rothhaven has been living his life in a mental hospital because of some head injuries that happened when he was younger. When he was 15 he fell in love with a young staff member only for her to disappear. Fast forward a few years and Rothhaven is entering the ton because his brother is getting married. There he sees the young staff member, Constance. They develop a friendship that eventually turns into more.
I really enjoyed this story. I really liked Robert and Constance. I like that the duke wasn’t portrayed as perfect. He obvious had a rough life.. just the fact that he spent so much of his life in a mental hospital shaped alot of who he is now. I just really liked him. Constance was also an amazing character. She was the best friend/wife Robert could have ever dreamed of. She was a strong woman and I loved seeing them fall in love.
This was an excellent, well-written book. Lady Constance Wentworth blends in to the background and is completely unremarkable. Robert Rothmere is a duke with a scandalous past who needs to marry a proper, unremarkable duchess. The two met in the past and each is exactly what the other needs – and wants. I loved every bit of this book and highly recommend it. It caught and held my attention, I didn’t want to put it down and I didn’t want it to end, either. This is a must-read author for me.
To say that Constance and Robert come from dysfunctional fathers would not be an exaggeration. Robert’s epilepsy is treated by his father sending him to an asylum and telling everyone he died. Constance’s drunk and abusive father leads her to make poor choices in her life. They come to trust, depend, and love each other. Great story! I can’t wait to read the next in the series! I received an ARC from NetGalley and Forever for my honest review.
Stunning romance with a side of social commentary
First of all, this is an outstanding romance with sympathetic, well-developed characters who will burrow into a permanent place in your heart. The writing is top-notch, the story flows beautifully, and every step of the book is filled with intense gravitas.
But be aware that the author addresses how the society of that time (and place) dealt with people who were affected by seizure disorders and mental illness, and it’s not at all pretty. I appreciated the historical accuracy that is proof of the intensive research conducted, and was relieved to see justice prevail on the way to securing a truly beautiful HEA. My heart hurts for all that Robert and Constance had to endure in their young lives, but those hardships only make their bright future all the more satisfying.
I remember Robert from earlier in this series, although this story stands well on its own. Once again I was instantly captivated by the author’s storytelling style, the sophisticated prose, the vivid imagery, and the overall beauty of the emotional experience. I cannot recommend this book or this author highly enough. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The Truth About Dukes is the story of two outcasts who find love under the harsh scrutiny and judgment of society. Constance is a woman who likes to blend in. A woman who happily fades into the background with her plain dress and mundane demeanor, Constance holds some secrets close to her heart, never to be discussed with anyone else. That is until she reconnects with Robert Rothmere.
Rothmere suffers from epilepsy, or “the falling sickness,” and is very much judged for it. Institutionalized and maltreated by a questionable doctor, Rothmere is a recluse who struggles with his fears and the expectations of society. Neither really feels like they fit in until they meet each other.
The connection between Constance and Rothmere, which extends back to their teen years when both were in vulnerable and horrifying situations, is strong. Though neither is overtly demonstrative in front of others, their affection and desire for each other are clear. I love how they love each other, and their unconditional support is wonderful. Both characters have a lot of inner turmoil and outward obstacles to overcome, and their respect, admiration, and staunch support of each other through it all is lovely.
The story touches upon serious issues and handles them with honesty. Epilepsy, familial abuse, PTSD, legal battles, and unplanned pregnancies weigh on Constance and Rothmere, and it’s interesting (and horrifying) to see how these situations and struggles were handled in the past. I was shocked at how many people prejudged Rothmere and Constance and acted on greed, jealousy, and entitlement.
The Truth About Dukes is an interesting historical romance with unique characters and strong messages about love, life, and tolerance. Though this is the fifth book in the series, it can totally be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to Netgalley and Forever for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
The Truth About Dukes by Grace Burrowes is a wonderful historical fiction romance that is the fifth book in the amazing series: Rogues to Riches.
I loved the previous books, so I knew I had to read the newest addition. This fifth book most certainly lived up to all of my expectations.
This book is a Regency-era romance thats introduces us to Robert Rothmere and Lady Constance Wentworth.
Robert is a great character, is a realistic and charming guy, unfortunately he has some secrets that are a part of his past that are threatening to change his life, and not for the better. To help avert disaster, he needs to find a mold able, submissive, and unexciting woman to marry. He zones in on Constance. They have been introduced in the past, missed chances abound, and he decides to go for it due to how, for appearances sake, Constance seems to check off all of those boxes. Little does he know, she is far from submissive. She has a wild streak, she is smart, yearns to be independent, to fall in love, and to be heard.
What then follows is a wonderful story full of second-chances, new beginnings, misunderstandings, and finally understanding, acceptance, and romance. Despite their individual and family struggles (man did they have some rough fathers), good trumps evil and the culprits get their dues.
The author also adds a few sharp turns to keep the reader engaged all the while we are thrilled to see the progression of the focal relationship. I enjoyed Robert and Constance separately, but enjoyed them together even more.
A great story with awesome characters. A great addition to this sensational series.
5/5 stars
Thank you to Forever Publishing for this great ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, Instagram accounts immediately and will post it to my Instagram, Amazon, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/10/20.
Robert Rothmere, the Duke of Rothhaven, is battling demons from his past which no one should have to endure. Unfortunately, his struggles are impossible to hide as he ventures out in public and attempts to resume a normal life. This, along with his immense wealth, means he is the perfect target for greedy schemers seeking to have him declared incompetent and sent right back to the place of his nightmares. The best defense Robert has is to act perfectly ducal, starting with taking a proper wife, and he knows just the lady he wants to fill the position.
Lady Constance Wentworth has worked hard to blend in and go unnoticed in public and as far as anyone knows she is completely untouched by scandal. She and Robert met years ago under far different circumstances, but she’s never forgotten him or how he kept her safe when she was alone and friendless. She would dearly love to marry him, but he doesn’t know her biggest secret or that it could bring even more scrutiny down on him just when proper appearances are most important.
Man did this book stress me out! The constant sense of impending doom hanging over Robert and his family was tough, and I just kept screaming at all these greedy schemers to mind their own business. Robert and Constance were beyond sweet together and I loved how fiercely protective they were of each other. Their backstory together was also adorable and brought things full circle in their relationship with how much they’d always loved each other and striven to protect one another even if no one else knew about it. The family dynamics here and the teamwork between the Wentworths and the Rothmeres was lovely. Despite their differences, they all rallied around each other and supported each other when it mattered most. This unity enabled Constance and Robert to secure their HEA and made it that much more satisfying to me to see all that cohesion. This whole group of characters was delightful, even if it did put me on pins and needles and I’m looking forward to Stephen’s story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I had a few trepidations about beginning this book – NOT because I thought it wouldn’t be well written or that it wouldn’t be a wonderful story. No, it was because I absolutely LOVED Robert in A Duke by Any Other Name, where Robert’s brother Nathaniel found his HEA, and we learned what a tragic life Robert had. From what we learned in that book, we knew more strife was on the way, and I just didn’t want to see him go through it. I was so afraid he’d be confined to a madhouse again – at least for a little while – and I just didn’t want to see it. Well, I should not have feared – I should have known. The author handled it all wonderfully and wonderful Robert was triumphant and the baddies got their due – well – some of their due anyway. I’d have preferred more, but I’m a bloodthirsty lady.
Robert Rothmere, Duke of Rothaven, was imprisoned (there isn’t a better word for it) in a private asylum at the age of ten – because he had the falling sickness (epilepsy) and his father was ashamed. To make matters worse, his father had him declared legally dead so his brother could assume the title. Robert spent a great many years there, being tortured with ice baths, deprivation, starvation, beatings, isolation, well, you name it and it happened to Robert. Then, five years ago, after his father died, his brother discovered he was alive and immediately retrieved him from the asylum. To say that Robert had phobias and eccentricities is putting it mildly, but he’s been slowly working his way through them – at least now he can go outside – as long as it is in a walled garden. When he again encounters the woman who saved his life while he was in the asylum, he has even more reason to fight to overcome all of his liabilities and become the duke he needs to be.
Lady Constance Wentworth has secrets – deep secrets – most in her family aren’t even aware of them. She has spent the last several years making herself unnoticeable – basically blending into the background. She is ‘perfect’. She always says the perfect thing. She never speaks out of turn. She conducts herself with the most upright respectability. All because she won’t bring shame to her family whose beginnings are pretty shaky to begin with. However, there was a time… Constance once ran away and took menial work at an asylum. There, she became close to the residents and saw their mistreatment. There was one young man who was horribly abused and they became close friends – until her brother found her and took her home.
Now, years later, Constance’s sister is marrying Robert’s brother. This, of course, brings Robert and Constance together as well and their feelings for each other are reignited. I loved how Constance’s support for Robert never, ever faltered. She’s also one smart cookie and helped Robert overcome his phobias as well as his foes.
I thought Lady Constance was the perfect match for Robert and I don’t think the story could have been told any better than it was. It was delightful to watch these two come into their own. I am so glad I decided to read it and I hope you will be as well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.