I'm blown away by this outstanding romance!

This is the first book I've read by this author, and Wow, I have been missing out! The writing is refreshingly erudite, clever, and witty and showcases the intelligence of her characters at every step. The elegant vocabulary, the intricate descriptions of emotionally-driven thought processes, the sophisticated, elegant use of language -- it all beautifully captures the spirit of verbal sparring for position and influence with highly sophisticated and nuanced observations of societal interactions.

These characters instantly come alive off the page as Althea and Nathaniel find they have so much in common despite having been raised at opposite ends of the class spectrum. The story starts with a simple plan wherein Althea requests Nathaniel's help in navigating "polite" society. What actually ensues is a carefully orchestrated series of minor events that erode the status quo, expose its structural weaknesses, and force every character, including a few other not-inconsequential relatives, to examine their lives and desire to do better, to be more than they ever dreamed.

I loved the cheeky way Althea stood up to Nathaniel, which is more than balanced by his direct but not-quite-condescending manner with her. As they lean more toward and on each other, secrets are revealed that seem insurmountable, which resulted in a series of beautifully haunting descriptions of a love that can't be pursued.

Just when we think things can't become any more complicated, an unexpected twist shakes everything up all over again. This story delicately demonstrates a juxtaposition of the best and worst of society before revealing a truly brilliant resolution. Nathaniel and Althea get a solid and sigh-inducing HEA, and another couple is hinted at having just started their equally complex journey of the heart.

Every now and then I'm treated to a book that is so brilliantly executed that it rises above all its competition while raising the genre itself. This book is one of my all-time top ten favorites and I can't recommend it highly enough. It's time now to go find another of this author's books to dive into. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

A Duke by Any Other Name is the fourth book in Grace Burrowes‘ Rouges to Riches series. Lady Althea Wentworth is living in relative obscurity in Yorkshire after several failed seasons. She longs to have a husband and a family and decides she needs instruction from someone well received in the Ton. She decides to recruit her reclusive neighbor Nathaniel, Duke of Rothhaven, to educate her on how to manage society. But Nathaniel has a secret he can’t afford to be revealed, dare he assist Althea in her quest?

Althea and her siblings were thrust into society when it was discovered her brother was the last heir to a dukedom. This newfound title as well as their states as “new” money have made Althea the target of bullies and rumors. Nathaniel has spent the several years letting his familial home rot around him as he desperately hid a secret that would ruin his entire family. These two broken souls end up as neighbors and tentative friends, then lovers all while knowing marriage to each other is unlikely.

I must admit I am not usually a fan of books where a character needs the popular or good looking one to assist them in gaining their own popularity. Blame the teen movies of the 90’s for ruining that trope for me. Even though I expected from the blurb to have to endure long scenes of “education”, instead Burrowes gives us an endearing and emotional love story. Between two lost souls and I enjoyed the push/pull of our two main characters much more than I expected.

I am only marking down this book one star because, as Althea is working to break down the reclusive Duke’s walls his secret is revealed. I was surprised at how quickly we as the reader were let in on the secret since it’s so devastating to Nathaniel. It helped to further endear me to Nathaniel’s character, even as it frustrated me. Knowing the secret so soon in the book only further increased the angst for me as I worried how the happily ever after could be delivered.

I was a bit frustrated that much of the last third of the book was spent on conversations with other side characters or in plotting the final resolution. I became frustrated with the society intrigue; however, I think that is mostly due to my preference for action rather than talk. Burrowes tackles subjects of bullying, child abuse, and family responsibilities like a master. Her characters are well developed and endearing. And her resolution of the happily ever after was satisfying for me as a reader.

Overall, I gave this book a 4 because I felt the story was excellent and I enjoyed the honest love story between the main couple. My qualms about the pacing of the end are quite minimal. Fans of Lisa Kleypas’ Hathaway or Ravenel series will enjoy this novel for the strong family bonds. Content warning for descriptions of mental and physical abuse towards adults and children.

~ Lindsey

3.5/5.0
What a lovely written story! The sentences flow beautifully from one to the next to create an absolute joy to experience. The characters come to life easily with personalities that are believable and sympathetic. I especially loved Althea's character. She is strong yet vulnerable, feisty yet insecure. Her troubles fitting in are achingly real a reader can't help but hurt and hope for her as she works so very hard to overcome the prejudices and injustice others hurl her way.

Nathaniel is also a very intriguing character. While his situation wasn't quite as sympathetic, and one might prefer throttling him at times, his saving grace is his loyalty and honor to those he cares about. It's fun watching him struggle to stay away from Althea while everything in him is pushing him toward her and her kind, loving heart.

The biggest problem in the story is how casually the sex is addressed between Althea and Nathaniel . While their attitudes would be completely normal in 21st century society, in the pre-regency world, this laissez faire approach by two characters of the peerage was so far-fetched and hard to believe that it throws the reader out of the story.

There were also many mundane conversations and added on-dits that didn't have anything to do with the overall progression of the story and slowed the reading connection down considerably.

Still, the overall plot and characters were so endearing that one can't help but be completely entertained and satisfied as that last page turns!

Two lonely souls find love among the Yorkshire moors in A Duke by Any Other Name. Every Rogues to Riches book I’ve read I’ve enjoyed more than the last and Althea and Nathaniel’s romance is my favorite to date.

Nathaniel is the kind of hero I adore. To all the world he’s a fierce, terrifying figure, but in reality he’s a total cinnamon roll. Nathaniel has a reason for his seclusion, for not allowing anyone near his home and frightening off anyone who would dare trespass, but to reveal why would be a spoiler. Suffice it to say he’s not doing it for kicks and giggles. But Althea isn’t one to be cowed by a fearsome reputation. Althea may be the sister of a duke, but she grew up in extreme poverty and has faced true evil, selfishness, and greed. She can see Nathaniel isn’t the horrible man he pretends to be and besides, she needs his help. Althea just about broke my heart. She survived a hellish (to put it mildly) childhood and grew up to be a strong, caring woman who does what she can to help others. All she wants is to find love and have a family but society resents her family’s wealth and title. Since they cannot take it out on her brother and sister-in-law because they are a duke and duchess, they target Althea. She’s been bullied to the point where she cannot bring herself to face another season and she hopes that as a duke and her neighbor Nathaniel can give her some tips to make her more successful on her quest to find happiness.

Althea and Nathaniel have fantastic chemistry from the start. She’s unfazed by his growling and blustering and he finds himself intrigued by her against his will. Both of them are unique, well-drawn characters who will grab your heart and not let go. Althea has a quiet dignity and an inner strength that makes her a heroine to cheer for. Nathaniel has a good heart and the mistakes he makes are because he loves so deeply. Individually, they’re fantastic characters. As a couple? They’re dynamite. I didn’t want to put A Duke by Any Other Name down because I so wanted Nathaniel and Althea to find their happily ever after. Getting there isn’t easy; the problems they face aren’t simply Yorkshire mean girls (though those are present and worthy of your loathing) but true obstacles I won’t spoil that cannot be overcome easily. But Althea and Nathaniel’s love is worth fighting for and I was captivated watching their romance unfold.

A Duke by Any Other Name is the fourth book in Grace Burrowes’s Rogues to Riches series but it can be read as a standalone. That being said, I feel that having read the first book, My One and Only Duke, gave me a better sense of the Wentworth family dynamic and made me enjoy this story even more. Althea’s siblings – in particular her intriguing, interfering younger brother – play supporting roles and add warmth and support to Althea’s journey. I love the uniqueness of this series, how harsh realities are woven into the fantasy. None of the main characters have been cardboard heroes or heroines in history, attitude, or behavior and that makes this series memorable. I loved A Duke by Any Other Name from beginning to end and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Burrowes has in store for Constance Wentworth!

This was such a sweet historical romance with all the longing! This was honestly my first novel from this author & I really enjoyed her! I will def be reading more! Lady Althea is ready to find a love match and have a family but being a wallflower and constantly talked about has her wanting to stay in her country estate in Yorkshire. She seeks the Duke next door to help her being more welcomed into society but of course he tries to say no & stay away! Nathaniel is the mysterious reclusive Duke who’s hiding away with secrets. He feels an attraction to Lady Althea but thinks he needs to leave her alone even though she continued to seek him out! These two are just adorable and a great match!! I really enjoyed reading their love story & cant wait to see if they make a cameo in the next book!! I highly recommend giving this book a read!

Another dazzling Regency romance from the always-reliable Burrowes.

Nicholas Rothhaven cultivates his reputation as the Dread Duke to hide a family secret that could destroy them all. Lady Althea is a duke's sister but is rejected by society for growing up in extreme poverty. When she invades Rothhaven's privacy to ask him to teach her how to force society to accept her, their lives take an unexpected turn.

Fascinating, well-developed characters, with real obstacles in their way and no good answers to be seen, make for a compelling romance.

With her trademark humor and witty dialogues, bestselling author Grace Burrowes delivers another totally charming Regency romance featuring a duke who excels at brooding in solitude and the lady who refuses to leave him in peace. And right from the start Lady Althea Wentworth devised one very ingenious way to get the reclusive Duke to come knocking on her door!

Nathaniel, Duke of Rothhaven, lives in seclusion. He refuses every invitation and admits no one through the doorway of his manor! He is only seen (if you make out the blur) galloping his demon-black steed across the moors by moonlight. Most think him the Demon Duke but what is unknown is that Nathaniel is truly a decent man – too decent for his own good. Which is precisely why he must turn away the beguiling woman demanding his help.

Lady Althea Wentworth has little patience for dukes, reclusive or otherwise, only she needs Rothhaven's backing to gain entrance into Polite Society. She's asked nicely, she’s politely called on him and always been turned away. He longs for privacy. Yet as happens, it was she who ended up coming to his aid and discovering his deepest secret. He soon realized that his secret would remain hidden because this lovely and beguiling woman would help him keep it hidden. During the course of friendship, it soon becomes clear they might both be pretending that they could overlook a deep attraction between them that couldn’t be hidden from either of them.

I know whenever I pick up a book by the estimable Grace Burrowes I will be entertained, and just so, this wonderfully paced, tome was everything I could have wished for and more! Absolutely brilliant! Loved every minute of it!

Marilyn Rondeau

Another fine addition to the Rogues to Riches series. Burrowes can be counted on for well developed likable characters and plots with quirks and unexpected twists. The whole thing starts with pigs, who could resist.

Another perfect addition to the romance world… I have just finished reading A Duke by Any Other Name by Grace Burrowes and I’m left with a goofy smile on my face ☺️!

In the fourth instalment of the Rogues to Rishes series we finally get an HEA for one of the Wentworth sisters, Althea! The sisters have been side characters for the run of the series thus far, but man, did Althea shine! She’s my new fictional BFF!

Althea Wentworth has decided to forego the London season this year after suppering through the last five. As the families easiest target she has been bullied since she hit the ballroom. She’s familiar with the torn hems, spilled drinks and trips she received and is hoping that in the smaller playing field of Yorkshire society she can achieve her dream: a husband and family of her own. Too bad she needs to get the resident reclusive duke to accept her and show her the hopes to make this dream come true. Thankfully she is a true Wentworth and not afraid of a challenge!

Nathaniel Rothmere, The Duke of Rothhave has secrets to hide and a unwelcoming demented and decrepit ancestral home to do it with. He can afford change and Althea is about to start making some big changes in the neighbourhood. Will Nathanial be able to adapt and follow his heart or will he keep that locked up in his crumbling home?

I have been loving this series from the beginning and A Duke by Any Other Name definitely held up to my regard! This story has a delightful forced meet cute, grumpy hero/ sunshine heroine, runaway hogs and haunted mansions!

A Rogue by Any Other Name by Grace Burrowes is scheduled to release April 28th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Blog link: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com/2020/04/a-rogue-by-any-other-name.html

#ADukebyAnyOtherName #GraceBurrowes #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads

Althea is an unconventional Lady and Nathaniel might or might not be a Duke. He doesn’t want to have anything to do with her. She wants to find out what is going on with home. They might find out they are well suited for each other.

As those who know me, know that I'm a fan of Grace Burrowes' Historical Romances. Each one is a perfect bit of escapist, curl up with wine and a fluffy throw, romance book. (I also have a dish of chocolate truffles handy. TMI?) This book is another well written, character driven, lovely read.

Nathaniel's brother Robbie should be the duke but he is afflicted with the “falling down” sickness (epilepsy),
so the old duke concocted a plan to have second son, Nathaniel, assume that role even though Robbie was still living. This made for a multitude of secrets which unravel as the book goes on. Althea is the first to discover Robbie and her wise advice is to eventually bring her and Nathaniel together. I liked how Burrowes brings to light the horrendous treatment of those afflicted with disease in the Regency period. It is not all bad, for Nathaniel and Althea have an HEA and there is hope for Robbie in the folds of a loving family. I encourage you to read this book.

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.

This fourth book in Grace Burrowes’ Rogues to Riches series about the Wentworth family continues with A Duke by Any Other Name, a rather sweet story featuring possibly the grumpiest hero who ever grumped and the woman who engages his attention via a passel of wandering hogs.  In typical Burrowes fashion, this is a gently moving story featuring two perfectly nice leads with emotional crosses to bear that should probably keep them apart, but whose chemistry and fascination with each other conspire to make that impossible.  I haven’t read a book by Grace Burrowes for a while, and picking up this one served as a nice reminder of the things I enjoy about her work – her distinctive voice, her insight into what makes her characters tick and ability to write strong familial and romantic relationships – without too forceful a reminder of some of the things that can get a bit repetitive if one reads too many of her books in quick succession.

Lady Althea Wentworth, sister of the Duke of Walden, resides at nearby Lynley Vale, a home gifted to her by her brother when he unexpectedly acceded to the title (book one, My One and Only Duke).  A duke’s sister should be taking part in the season and finding a suitable husband, but given her family circumstances – the Wentworths were born into poverty and their father was an abusive drunk – Althea quickly became the prime target of the ton’s cruellest gossips who have ensured she has been all but ostracised from society.  Althea is no shrinking violet, but she has had enough of the constant bullying and has instead decided to make her home in Yorkshire, and find herself a husband there.  But even that is not going to be easy; the local society’s leading light is Lady Phoebe Philpot – who is every bit as catty as the London ladies, and determined to snub Althea and make sure everyone knows her humble origins put her below their notice.

Nathaniel Rothmore, Duke of Rothaven, has a reputation as dark as the large stallion he gallops around the Yorkshire Moors at night.  His neighbours have learned to give him a wide berth; he’s abrasive, unwelcoming and sarcastic, he doesn’t go into society, he certainly doesn’t invite others to his home and is all but a recluse, surrounded by ancient family retainers he should really have pensioned off by now and a house and grounds that could do with a bit of TLC.  It’s clear early on that his reputation as a black-hearted recluse is one he’s cultivated himself – what isn’t clear, seeing as he’s not a cold man, is why.

The novel opens with Nathaniel discovering that a number of his neighbour’s prize hogs have invaded his orchard.  Annoyed, he storms over to Lynley Vale to demand that Lady Althea arrange to have the animals removed immediately, only to find himself plied with tea, cake and the polite but – could it be gently scolding? - conversation of a woman he should absolutely not find intriguing… but definitely does.  Her request for help in learning how to deal with the local society on her own terms is surprising – surely, the sister of a duke should have no problem on that score?  - but he gives her a few tips on imperiousness anyway – and she agrees to have the pigs removed.

Nathaniel knows he’s asking for trouble by having anything more to do with Althea.  He can’t court her, he certainly can’t marry her – and yet he’s drawn to her, sensing that in her, he may have found the companionship and understanding he longs for. But it can’t be, because Nathaniel is living a lie.  This information is disclosed early in the book (so isn’t a spoiler, but if you don’t want to know, look away now!) - Nathaniel is not really the Duke of Rothaven.  His older brother, Robert – Robbie – is epileptic and was sent away to an asylum when he was little more than a boy. The old duke told Nathaniel Robbie was dead, and he only discovered the truth after his father’s death, by which time he had been invested with the title and taken his place in the House of Lords.  He was able to get Robbie away from the asylum and bring him home, but his brother was clearly not capable of assuming his responsibilities, so Nathaniel agreed to continue to fulfil the role of duke until Robbie was able to do so.  Five years later, Robbie is much improved, but does not want to take on the responsibilities which are rightfully his.  What is Nathaniel to do?  Telling the truth will see him convicted of fraud against the Crown and could leave Robbie vulnerable to being locked away again.  Nathaniel is stuck between a rock and a hard place and can see no way out.  To make things worse, he’s begun to receive letters which indicate someone knows the truth – and he very much fears he is about to be blackmailed.

With so much on his plate, it’s not surprising Nathaniel is so dour. Grace Burrowes is very good at writing these sorts of characters, ones who are thoroughly decent but somewhat bowed by circumstances, and it’s easy to feel for him.  His sadness, exhaustion and loneliness are palpable, and his conflicted emotions for Robbie – love, guilt, anger (for him and with him) and frustration – are equally well portrayed.  Althea is a lovely heroine, strong and independent, but still haunted by a horrible childhood (there is a brief mention of sexual exploitation, but it’s not detailed) and, in her way, as beaten down as Nathaniel and just as despairing of being able to find someone to share her life with.

A Duke by Any Other Name doesn’t sugar-coat the facts with regard to the way people like Robbie were treated at this period (the author provides an interesting, extensive author’s note on the subject) but doesn’t sensationalise it either.  The romance is a sweet, slow-burn and I enjoyed watching the friendship that develops between Althea and Nathaniel blossom into love - and felt their grief and sorrow at the knowledge they couldn’t be together as they both wanted.  On the downside however, the blackmail plotline never really goes anywhere (and is wrapped up rather oddly) and although I enjoyed watching the dreadful Phoebe get her comeuppance, the ending is rushed, the sudden influx of the families – Althea’s brothers (and sister-in-law), Nathaniel’s mother – in Yorkshire feeling a tad too convenient and, if I’m honest, there as a way to shoe-horn in some cameo appearances.

But those criticisms aside, A Duke by Any Other Name is a low-angst, enjoyable story laced with the author’s unique brand of warmth and humour.  Althea and Nathaniel are sensible, likeable individuals who make an exceptionally well-matched couple, and anyone looking for an undemanding, emotionally satisfying read could do worse than give this one a try.

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I love this author and was looking forward to this release. Although it was not one of my favorite of her books.
Althea is living in the country side to hide from London from several unsuccessful Seasons. Her family name has been tarnished and most of the family has a difficult time finding a spouse.
A neighbor Duke Rothhaven is known for being to himself and ornery.
She tricks him to visit her estate by letting her hogs loose in his property. Then presents a proposal to him, to assist her to get back in the good graces of society.
I found it took me 4-5 chapters to get into the book, and it has a lot of fluff, ie. it repeats several times how characters take their tea.
It is a good book, if you can get through the first few chapters.

I love Grace Burrowes’ writing, she just has a way to turn a phrase that makes it a delight.
The challenge for this review is that something the blurb hints at is an essential part of the book (readers will figure it out in the first five chapters) and I debated spoiling it or not, but it’s difficult to write the review without it. While Althea’s challenges with Society are important (they are hideous to her), Nathaniel’s secret takes precedence. How it plays out has a bigger impact on the book.
The love story is sweet as they fall for each other despite themselves. The Yorkshire setting is fantastic. It was also interesting to see how local society plays out versus London society. This will be a highly enjoyable read for lovers of historical romance who like a bit of mystery.

This turned out to be the perfect quarantine read, because both main characters are basically self-isolating in rural Yorkshire, so it felt very familiar. Lady Althea Wentworth has retreated to her home in the country after too many London society bullies made life difficult. She decides she still wants to marry, so she seeks the help of the highest-ranking gentleman in the neighborhood. When he refuses to see her, she takes matters into her own hands, in the form of a herd of well-fed sows.

Nathaniel Rothmere has secrets of his own, which have forced him into hiding on his estate. When Lady Althea's pigs show up in his orchard, he recognizes them for the calling card they are, and goes to confront her. Instead, they strike up a sort of friendship. But he can't let her get too close, no matter how tempting the lady might be.

A sweet story of redemption and learning to accept your place in the world. I find Grace Burrowes's books to be very comforting. There may be danger, but you know everything is going to be all right in the end. And her hero and heroine are usually so kind to one another, and so willing to defend each other against the world. This was no exception.

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.

Enjoyable addition to the series.
Alethea wants a family of her own. The town members are cruel to her because of her family's past.
She goes to her neighbor Nathaniel for help gaining the town's good graces. He is somewhat of a recluse and doesn't want to see anyone.
Unlikely friendship, a bit of a mystery, reunited with past characters.
Overall enjoyable read
4.25

An engaging addition to the Rogues to Riches series. Both Althea and Nathaniel have experienced life with a terrible father and are still dealing with the fallout. Watching them find each other was a pleasure.

I have been waiting for this book for what feels like forever. Althea has been all but ostracized from London society - just for being seen as the weakest link in her distinctive family. She is a very strong and independent woman - but she is struggling. She wants to belong - or at least not be bullied within an inch of her life. Nathaniel is a reclusive Duke who lives next-door to her in Yorkshire. He cultivates a reputation of a dark and mysterious man - with vaguely evil leanings (just to scare people off). The book begins with Althea trying to convince the reclusive Duke to help her fit in with society. (how and why she picks him - isn't 100% clear - but she definitely selected well).

The banter between Althea and Nathaniel is just delightful - and 100% the cure for anything that ails you. That they are perfect for each other becomes immediately apparent. But Nathaniel has a big secret, one that is holding him back from moving forward with his life and in bringing Althea into it.

Nathaniel's older brother is not in fact dead, as everyone has been led to believe, but instead was treated very horribly by his father because of his epilepsy. He has been recovering from that mistreatment for the last five years - and shows no signs of wanting (or being able) take up the mantle of the dukedom.

Watching Althea and Nathaniel want to be together - but being resigned to being apart is so sad. Especially for such a vibrant pair.

Grace Burrowes' writing, as always, shines brightly, with beautifully written scenes and characters you want to be best friends with. Reading a Grace Burrowes book, for me, is like coming home.

I adored the story. The only thing that kept it from being a five star read for me, was that I wish they had moved things forward a little more quickly. And I could have done without several scenes with the nasty Lady Phoebe. I think there was more than enough antagonism in the story from Robbie and his illness.

Nevertheless, I highly recommend!

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.