The Truth About Dukes

September 1, 2020
Duke Robert Rothmere was thought to be dead for many years, but instead his father had him sequestered in an asylum. Robert's brother pretended to be the duke after finding Robert in terrible physical condition. Reluctantly now in charge, Robert is gaining strength, though he still struggles with epileptic episodes. Lady Constance Wentworth met Robert at the facility when she was 15, and being kept away from home to hide her shameful condition. She and Robert quickly become friends and confidantes again, and then lovers. The Wentworths are supportive of the match, despite their worry that others are conspiring to have Robert put away and put under a lawyer's guardianship. Constance wants to find the child she placed for adoption, and Robert helps her in this quest. Constance and Robert are a fun pair who complement each other well. Readers of the earlier titles in Burrowes' excellent Rogues to Riches series will enjoy seeing returning Wentworth siblings and partners. Burrowes' family law experience is evident in the respect she pays to the serious issues her characters face in this very moving, engrossing romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

Starred review from September 14, 2020
Burrowes reunites two characters who have been unfairly judged by Regency society in her powerful and sensitive fifth Rogues to Riches romance (after A Duke by Any Other Name). Robert Rothmere, Duke of Rothhaven, was confined to an asylum as an adolescent due to his epilepsy. There he befriended Constance Wentworth, who was working as a maid after having fled her family home under scandalous circumstances. Ten years later, the Wentworth family has come into money and titles, and Robert is surprised to see Constance at a ball hosted by her sister. Their rekindled friendship soon blossoms into sweet, believable romance. When Robert proposes marriage, Constance accepts, but her brother, Quinton, Duke of Walden, is wary of the kind of life she’ll have with a man who has debilitating seizures and urges Constance to share her scandalous secret with Robert before the wedding. Their happiness is threatened further when a bigoted local solicitor seeks to have Robert declared incompetent and to act as guardian over the Rothhaven estate. Readers will root for the fierce, resolute Constance and passionate Robert as they bond over their shared pasts and mutual determination to overcome adversity and stigma. Burrowes takes her series to new heights with this tender, turbulent romance.

Starred review from October 1, 2020

The moment Constance Wentworth locks eyes with Robert, Duke of Rothmere, at her sister Althea's ball, they quickly rekindle an old, secret friendship that turns to love. Years ago, Constance had fled home to work in a private hospital where Rob was locked away for treatment of epilepsy. In the fifth installment of the acclaimed "Rogues to Riches" series (after A Duke by Any Other Name), Burrowes delightfully twists many of historical romance's traditional beats. Constance and Rob become engaged in the first half, and their commitment to each other never wavers--instead they face their challenges as a team, as outside forces do their best to ruin them. Rob deals with constant inquiries into his competence that threaten to jeopardize the guardianship of his estate, while Constance seeks out the illegitimate daughter she gave up for adoption and desperately wishes to find. Constance grapples with understanding Rob's epilepsy, but her focus remains on him as a person, endearing her to him and to readers. Burrowes beautifully conveys the couple's growth as they come to believe they are worthy of happiness. VERDICT A refreshing, remarkably crafted Regency that will garner the multi-award-winning Burrowes (When a Duchess Says I Do) legions of new fans.--Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington Cty. Pub. Libs., VA

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.