The Truth About Dukes by Grace Burrows is the fifth book in the Rogues to Riches series, and it doesn't disappoint. The story follows Robert Rothmere, the rightful Duke of Rothhaven, as he seeks to regain his place in society. Robert has been hiding behind his younger brother for years, ever since he escaped the asylum he was placed in as a child due to his staring spells and fits. Lady Constance Wentworth, who knows the truth about his history, could be the perfect duchess by his side, and with her support and that of their families, Robert should be able to overcome anything. But when outside factors start playing their hands, Robert needs all the help he can get.

This book stands out because of its well-developed characters and their interactions. Robert and Constance have a past, which makes their relationship all the more meaningful. Their story is heartwarming and engaging, and Burrows expertly navigates the period typical responses to Robert's illness. The supporting characters are also well-written and add depth to the story. The plotting and gossiping by those out to hurt the couple create a sense of tension and urgency that keeps the reader engaged. The writing is excellent, and the pacing is just right, making this a perfect historical romance read. If you're a fan of the genre, this book is definitely worth a read

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

The rightful Duke of Rothhaven, Robert Rothmere has been hiding behind his younger brother since he escaped the asylum he was placed in as a child. Now ready to regain his position in society, he knows that he needs the support of all those around him, and no one more so than Lady Constance Wentworth, who knows the truth about his history, and could be the perfect duchess by his side. With Constance by his side, and the collective might of the Wentworth and Rothmere families, Robert should be able to overcome anything, but when outside factors start playing their hands, and it seems as if his sheer ability to function will be called into question, Robert needs all the support he can get.

I've binged this entire series recently, and knowing I had a review copy of the fifth book was perfect. We meet Robert for the first time as Master Robbie in A Duke by Any Other Name, and learnt a little about his history. Because of his injuries as a child, and being placed in an asylum by his father for his staring spells, and fits, most of society believe his is dead, and reclaiming his rightful position is not an easy one, at all. It's only his love for his brother, Nathaniel, that is leading him to rejoin society, but knowing Constance is nearby is a saving grace. Unbeknown to the majority of her family, Constance and Robert have a history, when she disappeared in her youth, and worked as a maid at the same asylum that Robert was placed in. Their friendship from that time has blossomed again, as if they were never separated, and both are seeing those feelings develop into something more than just platonic feelings. Constance has a secret, and that secret is one she has never wanted anyone to discover. Having joined the aristocracy late in life, and seeing how Althea was treated by the ton, she has fashioned herself into a wallflower, content to sit on the sidelines, and be forgotten by everyone she meets. Because of this reputation, she would be the perfect Duchess of Rothhaven, but she needs Robert to know the truth. I adored how open and together Robert and Constance were. They are, I think, my favourite couple in this series (at least so far), and their story was awesome. Seeing the period typical responses to Robert's illness was difficult, as was the plotting and gossiping done by those out to hurt the couple, but I was in awe at how Grace manoeuvred the whole plot line, and managed to save the day. Grace has very quickly become a favourite of mine, and I can't wait for Stephen and Abigail's story in How to Catch a Duke.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

Loved this - I've read other books by this author and thoroughly enjoyed this

I absolutely adored this book! This is the first book by Grace Burrowes I've ever read, but I'll be keeping an eye out in the library for more. The topics that Burrowes included in the book are not your typical romance tropes, they infused the books with a freshness and life that made me read this book in a single day. I just couldn't put it down. I was completely enthralled with Constance and Robert. This would be the perfect romance book gift to give to someone this Christmas, they won't have read anything like it before.

Grace Burrowes spins lovely tales with warm loveable characters who have excellent extended family relationships. She also introduces situations and jeopardy into her plots which are not standard romance fare. In The Truth About Dukes there is potential disaster for the central characters due the periods treatment of individuals deemed to be of less than sound mind or body, and no individual is safe if their competency is challenged. So, the book whilst being enormous fun also gave you a lot to think about. I look forward to reading many more books by this author. Thankyou to Ms Burrowes, Netgalley and Piatkus for an extremely enjoyable read.

I love Grace Burrows so much and this book was no exemption.

Its always wonderful to revisit the Wentworths and to read the story of the next one, although the only difference I found with this one was that I found myself wanting more of Stephen Wentworth and I really cannot wait for his book.

It's always both fascinating and distressing to read how people were treated differently because of things like Epilepsy in the 1800s, it reminds me how far medical knowledge has come!

The Truth About Dukes is the first Grace Burrowes novel I've read and but it won't be my last. It was such a swoonily romantic novel. I loved it! Constance and Robert were perfect for each other. They had a mature relationship where they actually communicated and supported each other. No stupid misunderstandings. It was a breath of fresh air. It had it all - a beautiful romance, an unscrupulous villain and a dramatic court case. The hero was not the usual domineering duke but was instead kind and caring right from the start and the portrayal of his epilepsy was sensitive and believable (not that I have an in depth knowledge of epilepsy). This is definitely a novel I would re-read whenever I need a pick me up. I would recommend it for fans of Mary Balogh (whose novels I also adore).

In this very unique story, the author tackles the unusual issue of a hero with epilepsy, with such deftness that it rather makes you question why no other romance author has had the courage or imagination to tackle this before. The story draws you in from the very beginning, having a rich emotional depth and complexity that is rare in the genre. I found it utterly delightful and a joy to read.

Actual rating: 4.5

The Truth About Dukes is quite the emotional rollercoaster! This is the fifth book in the Rogues to Riches series but can be read on its own, although I will say it would definitely benefit from having read the previous ones, especially book four.

Robert Rothmere has returned to his place as Duke after five years in isolation under her brother’s protection. But his brother is getting married, and Robert is determined not to inconvenience him or his new bride. He needs a bride of his own, one that will help to foil the schemes of people who would strip him of his wealth and title. Then he meets Lady Constance, and a second chance for happiness could be theirs if they could only overcome the skeletons in both of their closets…

Burrowes really knows how to make you feel for her characters, my heart ached for everything Robert and Constance went through! There is so much turmoil in both of their pasts but the way the characters dealt with it was beautiful and heart-warming.

I loved the amount of research that went into this novel. Robert suffers from epilepsy, a condition which is well known now, but which often resulted in terrible treatment back then, the attitudes Robert has to deal with are appalling. He is institutionalised years prior to the novel and his fear of that place and time, and the way it affects him in the present, is clear in everything he does.

Our heroine, Constance was amazing. She was such a compassionate character, even whilst hiding her own problems. They truly did work together to support each other and it was so sweet how caring they were to each other.

Altogether this was an emotional, thought provoking romance that I highly recommend, especially if you like character driven novels and are a fan of Burrowes’ previous work.

{Many thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.}

I absolutely love Grace Burrowes style of writing. I have a lot of her earlier books in my library but haven't read any of this series until now. This was easy to read as a standalone, the author does a good job of explaining who all the supporting characters are and how they fit into the storyline.
This was an utterly immersive experience and I literally didn't want to put it down once I'd started it. I love how the characters are so multi faceted and you can empathise with the situations being depicted. A good author creates protagonists that the reader can relate to and Grace Burrowes does this so well , Constance is a strong character and so likeable , she has secrets from the past that cloud her present . Robert , Duke of Rothhaven suffers from Epilepsy , an affliction that the aristocracy has no tolerance for . It's very debilitating nature being associated with idiocy and insanity. The two have a prior acquaintance from years earlier , that bonds them together when they reconnect through their respective siblings. Their relationship quickly developes from friendship to passion and their mutual attraction for each other sizzles .
As with previous books the author creates an adult fairy tale that is humorous and heartwarming , rich in detail and oh so romantic. It has the usual hero and heroine with the requisite villain they need to thwart to get their happily ever after.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it to readers who like Mary Balogh and Jo Beverly .

4.5 stars

I haven't read any of the other books in the series but this didn't seem to make a difference to my enjoyment of this one. I haven't been reading Grace's books for some time as I started to 'hear' a repetition pattern in her dialogues and so I put her to one side. As another novellist said if you binge read one author you start to recognise their writing tics! It was a very interesting story about the poor treatment in the private sanitoriums and though normally I don't enjoy stories with jeopardy as a trait I did enjoy this one. I think the author explained the quandary that Robert faced very well and his abiding love for Constance shone through. I'll certainly look out for the next in the series and I might seek out the earlier stories. The author's heroine's are usually sensible, caring and bright and her hero's suitably swoon worthy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story started off very interestingly, however it soon started to make no sense at all. I must admit that when it got to the chapter about Phoebe I was so perplexed as to why exactly this character took such offence to the real Duke coming to light and deciding to sue them, that I gave up reading it. Why would a random person unconnected to the characters take offense that she didn't know who the real Duke was? Sadly I wouldn't recommend this book as despite the promising start it soon became rather confusing and long-winded