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whiskeyinthejar's review against another edition
3.0
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.
His eyes...a mere pencil sketch would never do justice to a gaze that complicated. Rothhaven was both calm and turbulent. Distant and intensely present. To study him made Constance thirsty for a glass of wine---or something stronger.
This fifth installment in the Rogues to Riches series could be read as a standalone but I'd suggest at least reading the previous, A Duke by Any Other Name, to settle and familiarize yourself with the family dynamics and emotions going on. Constance is one of the sisters in the Wentworth family, whose members the series is about, and she has been the wallflower one, hovering on the edges. Robert is the older brother of Nathaniel, hero of previous book, and the actual Duke of Rothhaven. Five years ago, Nathaniel discovered that his brother was indeed alive and he rescued him from a private hospital. Their father had placed him there because Robert had the “falling sickness” (epilepsy) and was ashamed and didn't think he could handle the dukedom. When Nathaniel and Althea, Constance's sister, begin their romance, Constance and Robert are not, in fact, introduced but reunited.
Because in some way, he knew her. Not from long acquaintance, but from shared experience.
If you're a frequent reader of Burrowes, like I am, you'll know to expect a more calm, quiet, and loving tone. The dramatics (arguably some theatrics drama at the very end) are left out in favor of a soothing read where you're pulled in by virtue of already being attached to the family by reading previous books. I wish we had gotten flashback scenes of when Constance and Robert first meet and their initial bonding. Burrowes does a good job of having Constance and Robert relay what their friendship meant to them when they first met but that already connection left a lot of the first spark and burn out of the story and the romance feel of this suffered because of it. The first half of this was more about the backstory than readers being involved in real-time of Constance and Robert falling in love. However, the backstory of Constance running away to elope at fifteen but getting abandoned and having to work in the kitchens of the private hospital Robert was held, along with both having abusive fathers, gave me the hows and whys for their bond, it just didn't feel like I was involved in the emotion of it.
“[...]The power of that, of being seen and cared for by a person with the courage to act, made all the difference in the world.”
The second and latter half has our couple solidly together and is more about them dealing with a threat from a crooked solicitor who wants to get Robert declared mentally unfit so he can be declared guardian of his estate and skim some profits for himself. There's also a reveal of a secret Constance has held from most of her family. These two things pull and have Constance and Robert working together, showcasing how well they work together. There's some one-eighty turning from one “villain” and the ending had a thwarting of another villain that felt a bit slap-happy. Constance and Robert were both more still waters run deep characters, especially Robert, I would have liked a bit more from him and you're going to have to find conversation more intimate than a kiss (this statement was even worked into the text) to enjoy their story. There were some truly touching moments but be prepared for this to be less romance and more of a family drama.
“Now I know I can never let you go.” Then he kissed her, with no self-restraint, whatsoever.
His eyes...a mere pencil sketch would never do justice to a gaze that complicated. Rothhaven was both calm and turbulent. Distant and intensely present. To study him made Constance thirsty for a glass of wine---or something stronger.
This fifth installment in the Rogues to Riches series could be read as a standalone but I'd suggest at least reading the previous, A Duke by Any Other Name, to settle and familiarize yourself with the family dynamics and emotions going on. Constance is one of the sisters in the Wentworth family, whose members the series is about, and she has been the wallflower one, hovering on the edges. Robert is the older brother of Nathaniel, hero of previous book, and the actual Duke of Rothhaven. Five years ago, Nathaniel discovered that his brother was indeed alive and he rescued him from a private hospital. Their father had placed him there because Robert had the “falling sickness” (epilepsy) and was ashamed and didn't think he could handle the dukedom. When Nathaniel and Althea, Constance's sister, begin their romance, Constance and Robert are not, in fact, introduced but reunited.
Because in some way, he knew her. Not from long acquaintance, but from shared experience.
If you're a frequent reader of Burrowes, like I am, you'll know to expect a more calm, quiet, and loving tone. The dramatics (arguably some theatrics drama at the very end) are left out in favor of a soothing read where you're pulled in by virtue of already being attached to the family by reading previous books. I wish we had gotten flashback scenes of when Constance and Robert first meet and their initial bonding. Burrowes does a good job of having Constance and Robert relay what their friendship meant to them when they first met but that already connection left a lot of the first spark and burn out of the story and the romance feel of this suffered because of it. The first half of this was more about the backstory than readers being involved in real-time of Constance and Robert falling in love. However, the backstory of Constance running away to elope at fifteen but getting abandoned and having to work in the kitchens of the private hospital Robert was held, along with both having abusive fathers, gave me the hows and whys for their bond, it just didn't feel like I was involved in the emotion of it.
“[...]The power of that, of being seen and cared for by a person with the courage to act, made all the difference in the world.”
The second and latter half has our couple solidly together and is more about them dealing with a threat from a crooked solicitor who wants to get Robert declared mentally unfit so he can be declared guardian of his estate and skim some profits for himself. There's also a reveal of a secret Constance has held from most of her family. These two things pull and have Constance and Robert working together, showcasing how well they work together. There's some one-eighty turning from one “villain” and the ending had a thwarting of another villain that felt a bit slap-happy. Constance and Robert were both more still waters run deep characters, especially Robert, I would have liked a bit more from him and you're going to have to find conversation more intimate than a kiss (this statement was even worked into the text) to enjoy their story. There were some truly touching moments but be prepared for this to be less romance and more of a family drama.
“Now I know I can never let you go.” Then he kissed her, with no self-restraint, whatsoever.
nelsonseye's review against another edition
3.0
My rating for The Truth About Dukes is hovering between three and four stars, and I have tentatively rounded up. I think the premise was solid, and it was very eye-opening to learn about how epilepsy was viewed historically. Robert and Constance were the usual likeable Burrowes' couple, and I appreciated how their "flaws" were handled. It's also nice to see how the previous couples are perceived. All this being said, it was very difficult to watch the villains plot and then see the heroes go along their merry way with no inkling of the anvil about to drop. I think the resolution worked well, though I might have preferred a different comeuppance for the villains.
kimalah's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ivorypalaceprincess's review against another edition
3.0
This book read like the middle child—it needed care and attention to develop into it's own thing and instead all that care and attention was given to everyone else. It felt more like a continuation of Althea and Nathaniel's book than Constance and Robert's story. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Althea and Nathaniel, but I was so excited to see Constance and Robert get time to shine
But it was as if the author didn't have enough story for Constance and Robert so we got lots of filler story, the story from everyone else's perspective, and just...not enough focus on Constance and Robert
I think it's funny too, because Constance is the middle sibling, the forgotten, often slips into the background, always plays the unassuming good girl sister and it's sad her book did the same for her. The story was about her standing on her own feet, learning to be something apart from her family, and then her book wasn't even able to do that and stand apart from the rest of series and be its own story
The two main storylines—Robert's illness and Constance's secret—both took too long to get really started, we were over halfway before we even started venturing down those story paths and by that point I was already bored and skimming, which made me sad, because I was really excited for this one. And the conclusion of the Robert storyline was just...so ridiculously simple to the point I felt like I wasted my time investing in it
And mostly, I just wish we'd known Constance better. She's the girl that's hard to get to know, who paints one picture of herself outwardly when there's so much ore going on inside but...we only got glimpses of who she really was. It was almost as if the author wasn't quite sure and everything else, all the other story lines and POVs were smoke and mirrors to cover up that fact. That felt more like distractions than something that added to the story
Don't get me wrong, it still had a lot of good. A main character who has epilepsy. Good discussions surrounding mental illness. Two main characters with trauma. CONSTANCE'S SECRET. A couple who met when they were younger and have loved each other since. "When I was at my lowest, you saw me" but make it mutual so double the aw and heart eyes. Getting to see Quinn's ruthlessness when it comes to his loyalty to his siblings, a side we haven't seen this deep of yet. A villain who is hopelessly devoted to his conniving wife (I love that trope). Stephen training a horse for Robert. STEPHEN AND MISS ABBOT. Ivy!! Probably other stuff I've forgotten and will remember later and regret not including
It's enough to make it a solid 3 stars. I don't hate it. There are lines I will revisit over and over again, scenes that are so heartbreakingly beautiful, places I saw myself, it was a good book. It just...wasn't given enough of an opportunity to reach its true potential. And that hurts, because it should have been so much more
But it was as if the author didn't have enough story for Constance and Robert so we got lots of filler story, the story from everyone else's perspective, and just...not enough focus on Constance and Robert
I think it's funny too, because Constance is the middle sibling, the forgotten, often slips into the background, always plays the unassuming good girl sister and it's sad her book did the same for her. The story was about her standing on her own feet, learning to be something apart from her family, and then her book wasn't even able to do that and stand apart from the rest of series and be its own story
The two main storylines—Robert's illness and Constance's secret—both took too long to get really started, we were over halfway before we even started venturing down those story paths and by that point I was already bored and skimming, which made me sad, because I was really excited for this one. And the conclusion of the Robert storyline was just...so ridiculously simple to the point I felt like I wasted my time investing in it
And mostly, I just wish we'd known Constance better. She's the girl that's hard to get to know, who paints one picture of herself outwardly when there's so much ore going on inside but...we only got glimpses of who she really was. It was almost as if the author wasn't quite sure and everything else, all the other story lines and POVs were smoke and mirrors to cover up that fact. That felt more like distractions than something that added to the story
Don't get me wrong, it still had a lot of good. A main character who has epilepsy. Good discussions surrounding mental illness. Two main characters with trauma. CONSTANCE'S SECRET. A couple who met when they were younger and have loved each other since. "When I was at my lowest, you saw me" but make it mutual so double the aw and heart eyes. Getting to see Quinn's ruthlessness when it comes to his loyalty to his siblings, a side we haven't seen this deep of yet. A villain who is hopelessly devoted to his conniving wife (I love that trope). Stephen training a horse for Robert. STEPHEN AND MISS ABBOT. Ivy!! Probably other stuff I've forgotten and will remember later and regret not including
It's enough to make it a solid 3 stars. I don't hate it. There are lines I will revisit over and over again, scenes that are so heartbreakingly beautiful, places I saw myself, it was a good book. It just...wasn't given enough of an opportunity to reach its true potential. And that hurts, because it should have been so much more
kayo32's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
taisie22's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of those books I wish I could give more stars to. I'm a huge fan of Ms. Burrowes, but this story was unique in such a wonderful way among historical romances.
Robert Rothmere was put into an asylum as a boy by his father because of his epilepsy. Rescued years later by his brother, he is now the rightful and reclusive Duke of Rothhaven. His neighbor is Lady Constance Wentworth who he knows from his years in the asylum (no spoilers).
Robert struggles to deal with an unfamiliar world, one where he could be shamed at any moment due to a seizure. Constance has her own issues and these two damaged people find solace and love with each other. It's lovely writing about two interesting characters, different in many ways from the typical Regency H/h, a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
Robert Rothmere was put into an asylum as a boy by his father because of his epilepsy. Rescued years later by his brother, he is now the rightful and reclusive Duke of Rothhaven. His neighbor is Lady Constance Wentworth who he knows from his years in the asylum (no spoilers).
Robert struggles to deal with an unfamiliar world, one where he could be shamed at any moment due to a seizure. Constance has her own issues and these two damaged people find solace and love with each other. It's lovely writing about two interesting characters, different in many ways from the typical Regency H/h, a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
onebookmore's review against another edition
4.0
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.
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.
bella1109's review against another edition
2.0
DNF at 58%. Just couldn't be bothered to continue. I think the whole premise is ludicrous. The characters acted too modern for their time.
benthic_explorer's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75