I tried to read A Duke by Any Other Name a couple times, but I think I was struggling with jumping into the middle of the series (I'm a read in order kind of girl). I'm planning to come back to this once I read the first books. DNF for now.

Grace Burrowes books offer a particular kind of romance. There is less firework and explosive chemistry splattered all over the page and more of an ever increasing intensity and need, tempered by the mores of the times. You know as you read that despite the seeming clam, mature, and one could ever say sedate, outward presentation of the characters that there are powerful and passionate emotions roiling underneath.

I love this about Burrowes’ book, and it’s one of the things I loved about A Duke by Any Other Name as well. Because, although I don’t particularly read historical romances for their historical accuracy when I start Burrowes’ books I feel like she has created a window into another time; even if that window is a little clouded and rose tinted. The restraint of the characters is part of that authentic experience. The cadence and choice of language, especially in the dialogue, also gives the experience of being transported into that time.

But, onto the actual book and the characters, Nathaniel, Duke of Rothhaven and Lady Alethea Wentworth. Aletha is trying her hardest to fit into a world that does nothing but deride her and Nathaniel is doing his best to avoid that world so he can protect and keep his family safe. Although their problems are on opposite ends of the spectrum, the results are the same: society has effectively trapped trapped them.

The romance, as I have spoken about already, was a slow burn. You could see both character rouse out of the respective nightmares when they meet and through their initially challenging interactions. Although, this isn’t really an enemies to lovers story, but they definitely start their relationship on an antagonistic note.

Aside form the romance, which I really enjoyed, what had me glued to the book was seeing some of the family drama. We have Nathaniel’s difficult relationship with his brother. Then we have the Wentworths who all come together in a well meaning, if not totally effective way – to try and help Alethea. It captured the interfering, frustrating, loving nature of family really well and added an extra dimension to the book.

Another great read in this series and I am really looking forward to the next book. And, don’t forget to check the Authors Note at the end of this one, it was fascinating!

Grace Burrowes has such fantastic characters. She goes so in depth with them you feel like you truly know them. This was definitely the case with Nathaniel and Althea. Both thrust into roles they didn't fit into. One because of good fortune, the other because of happenstance and a secret.

I love Grace Burrowes writing. I always fall in love with her characters, even side characters. Their interactions with their families are always pleasant.

Can't wait to read more.

This is the second book I've read by this author and the second book I have loved. I highly recommend this book. It was wonderful from start to finish.

I am a huge fan of the author but for some reason I could not make friends with the characters and get into this story. The incident with the pig is a very promising start but then the excitement fizzles out. I hope this is an anomaly because my list of authors I auto buy is shrinking and I definitely don't want to lose this one.

Readers of the Rogues to Riches series by Grace Burrowes met Lady Althea Wentworth in previous books in the series, especially in Forever and a Duke, the third book. It is almost unfair of me to be writing this review, because I gave that book only two stars, and this is not much better with three stars. I love historical romance and I love continuity, however, after giving the first two books in the series, My One and Only Duke and When a Duchess Says I Do, each five stars, these last two books fell rather flat for me.

As she is now the sister of a duke, Althea should have had good marriage prospects. Instead she is approaching spinsterhood. Conversely, another duke, Nathaniel, who is actually Althea's neighbor, discover they have more than a bit in common. They are sick of society and would rather avoid it, at any cost. They both have things they are dealing with, and it is these very things that end up drawing them together.

The history of Althea's family is rather interesting, especially as to how her brother Stephen became a duke. Will this be enough to lead her to a good marriage? Quite frankly, Althea doesn't care one with about clout and esteem. She has suddenly seen people for what they really are and they are not the sort she strives to be. However, Nathaniel is different.

But, the pair do knock heads, and for a rather humorous reason. The conflict they face leads them to be sparring partners as it were, thus raising a strong awareness between them. The story is satisfying, especially as there is a bit of drama involving Nathaniel and his dukedom. Quite naturally for just about any romance, conflict eventually leads to resolution and, and for Althea and Nathaniel in this story - love.

Because I really want Robert's story, which will be in The Truth About Dukes, set for release in November, I will be continuing with the series.

Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Review excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist Romance Reviews (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2020/07/27/a-duke-by-any-other-name-by-grace-burrowes/):

My Rating: 4.0 stars

Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance collections.

Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story. 


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Number of titles I have read by this author: 1

Love story speed: Medium burn

Relationship dynamics: The Eccentric, Reclusive Duke (H) / The Socially Shunned Spinster (h)

Physical Descriptions: Nathaniel is tall and broad, has a hooked (aquiline) nose, hair "as dark as hell's tarpit", moss green eyes, swooping brows and angular features; Althea is of medium height and curvy, sturdy build, with dark brown hair and blue eyes.


Sexual content: Some; semi-explicit and quick (no blushing hesitancy here)

Triggers: Recounted institutional abuse (mental and physical); recounted child abuse (mental and physical); bullying

Grammar/Editing: My ARC had a couple of typos, but was otherwise clean.

Review: This fast-paced novel is set in the late Regency period on the moors in rural Yorkshire. Given the multiple points of view, including minor characters, and the detail they go into, there seems to be an expectation of the reader having read the previous books in the series. However, this also functions well as a standalone novel - you get enough detail about each character that you won't feel like you are missing important details. The research is also well-done, and addressed in the afterword, for those who are interested in such details. 

The main characters in this novel are Althea and Nathaniel. They meet as quarreling neighbours, but come to appreciate one another's company before coming to rely on one another and developing a relationship beyond the neighbourly, which is a natural progression that I personally enjoy. In terms of character development, Nathaniel's true nature is revealed bit by bit - beyond what he projects to the world - while Althea is steadfastly herself throughout the novel. The villain motivations are very basic, but there's a quirky twist that lends satisfaction to the unraveling of their plans. 




Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have been looking forward to Althea's book since her introduction in My One and Only Duke. I am very happy with her story.

When Althea's brother unexpectedly inherits a dukedom, Althea is thrust into a society she was never prepared to deal with. Because of her new status, she must interact with the ton on their level. Instead of being embraced she is insulted, and belittled. Determined to be better, Althea turns to her neighbor Nathaniel the Duke of Rothhaven for help. But Nathaniel is hiding secrets of his own and when Althea is caught up them she might be ruined.

I liked Nathaniel and Althea together. They are both protective of their siblings and will do what they can for them. I also liked how Althea would not take no for an answer. It was a great book.

Received in exchange for a honest review.

Nathaniel when you first meet him comes off as standoffish. He has alot of anger to his dad but he is a good man. He has alot on his plate and is trying to do what is right. He is quiet and kind even if no one realizes this. The town has stories of him but they don’t bother him. He has given up his life and living to do what is right and that has you swoon and feel for him.

Althea is stubborn, smart and sassy. I love how she doesn’t take anything from people. She is her own person and is kindhearted. What she does to get to know Nathaniel had me laugh. But it works and Nathaniel is not only flummoxed by her, he is intrigued. She is trying to get him to help her so she can get entrance into society-why is a question i ponder and so does Nathaniel. Society is backstabbing and very snobbish nothing that Althea is. She is independent and kind.

As these to have more encounters and get to know one another, they become friends. Nathaniel finds someone to talk to and she finds someone who isn’t what he seems. When she learns his secret, she wants to help and be there for him. In fact she does help him. They become more than friends and Nathaniel falls in love. He finds a girl who is amazing, kind, and loyal. Only the fear of losing everything is there. So as Althea goes ahead with her plan, Nathaniel does dig in his heels to a point. He knows what society is like and he has to find a way to protect Althea from the pain they can cause her, protect those he loves and keep his world from falling apart. So much intrigue and love for family is in this book.

I love the interactions between Nathaniel and Althea. They are witty, sarcastic and entertaining. The loyalty of these two to each other and to their families is amazing and the love they show has no bounds. You fall in love with these two and their story as they find a way to let love win and help others and family as well.

A Duke by Any Other Name (Rogues to Riches #4). By Grace Burrowes. 2020. Forever (ARC eBook).

Nathaniel, the reclusive Duke of Rothhaven, has met his match in his tenacious neighbor, Lady Althea Wentworth. Having failed to secure acceptance from the lords and ladies in London, Althea has retreated to Lynley Vale manor, but she refuses to admit defeat. She has a plan and it includes the growling duke at Rothhaven Hall tutoring her in how to manage Polite Society. As it turns out, Nathaniel, for all of his gruffness, is not poor company after all. But why the facade?

Reading a historical romance by Burrowes is always a charmingly authentic experience. A Duke by Any Other Name delivers an emotionally-rich, slow-burn romance with beguiling characters, wit and Yorkshire countryside. I look forward to the next book in the Rogues to Riches series.

Grace Burrowes has outdone herself with A Duke by Any Other Name. I have enjoyed the entire rags-to-riches story of the Wentworth family thus far, but Lady Althea may be one of my all-time favorite romance heroines. She is witty, smart, practical, and just the right amount of baffled about her new place in life. When she invites a recluse to help her make a better impression upon Society, she is surprised to find him if not charming, then fascinating. She soon comes to realize that in his own way, the notorious duke is just as cut off from the world as she is--and with even more secrets.

Though I would recommend reading the rest of the series to get the dirt on why Althea suddenly finds herself a lady, A Duke by Any Other Name can be read on its own: either way it should be read and soon.

What a different read! Althea seems to be failing to appeal to polite society so she seeks out a man who makes society accept him as he is, Nathaniel, Duke of Rothhaven. Nathaniel is a man who does what he wants and his people accept him as he is. He is shocked when Althea asks for help but cannot help but feel a pull towards her. The closer she gets the closer she is to revealing his secrets. Althea is a woman of loyalty and devotion, even if it means giving up what she loves or who she loves. This book was so different and unexpected but so good. It was a journey of trust, exploration, love, some deceit, some gossipers, and eventually truth.

Grace Burrowes continues the loves and mishaps of the Wentworth family in A Duke by any Other Name.. Althea, the duke's sister has retreated to her own property. She meets the neighboring duke and inveigles him into providing tips on behavior to help her with the Regency ton ladies. Then she is ensnared in his troubles; the Duke is protecting his brother who has health problems and has been kept from public sight. What could go wrong? Another Regency romp of the best tradition: strong characters, plot complications and love in sight in the end. Read and enjoy.

Grace Burrowes is one of my favorite authors because I know I’m going to close the book satisfied –metaphorically at this point since most of my books are digital.

I love a good reclusive noble vs a strong minded woman. Mixed with Burrowes’s regular wit and heart, it’s a must read. I’m not going to lie, occasional tears (that last may be just me, it’s an emotional sort of time lately).

To note, I’m behind on so much reading so I’m not actually sure where this novel stands within the framework of the rest of the Rogues to Riches books, but I didn’t have any problem with the storyline.

This book was provided to me free of charge on NetGalley in return for an honest and professional review as a librarian.

I enjoyed the characters as well as the romance between Nathaniel and Althea, but this was a pretty slow paced book the whole time. Lots of mundane conversations that I didn’t care about. Also I found it odd how casually the characters treated sex? Like that mentality works for present day, but not for a regency era romance.

The opening scene with the pigs is the best part of this book! Definitely not the type of scene I'm familiar with in most Regency romances. This is classic Grace Burrowes, with a strong woman who knows what she wants and a broody hero dealing with an insurmountable problem that is actually fairly easily overcome. No spoilers, but the legal ramifications of the hero's big problem were confusing and distracting. I kept waiting for someone to summon a solicitor.

This was my first book by Grace Burrowes and I am so happy to be introduced to this author. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for my advanced reader copy.
Burrowes has a unique writing style that is quite poetic and beautiful. It is enjoyable to let her words flow and create a beautiful world.
In this book, the fourth in her Rogues to Riches series, Lady Althea Wentworth challenges her reclusive neighbor, Nathaniel, the Duke of Rothhaven.
Althea is a really great heroine. She is socially awkward but is very conscious of trying hard to fit herself to society’s standards. She is self sufficient and strong and fearless. She has such a caring heart but is also fierce and passionate. I just enjoyed her immensely.
Nathaniel is kind and handsome and is very much drawn to his funny neighbor. He finds himself knocking on Althea’s door after she sends her prized hogs to graze on his land. This then sets up a sweet love story about two people who love their families deeply but must grapple with the sins of their fathers.
I will say that this book was very slow for me. It started to pick up about half way through and while I love the descriptive writing and slower pace, it did drag at times. But I did love both characters and while the ending did surprise me, I liked the resolution it provided everyone.
I will definitely go back and read the first books in this series. I especially loved Quinn and Jane’s sweet relationship in this book.

Althea has decided to stay at her country estate instead of going into town with the rest of her family. She is tired of the way members of the ton treat her. Knowing that she must eventually go back to town, she wants to enlist the help of the Duke of Rothhaven. She thinks that the reclusive duke can help her to learn to navigate society once she returns to town. The only problem is that he won't accept her invitations nor will he allow her entrance when she call on him. So she decides to let loose her prize hogs...

Nathaniel can't believe that his estate is suddenly being overrun by hogs. He knows that Althea has let them loose in retaliation of his not willing to talk to her. So he make finally gives her what she wants, he ends up calling on her to tell her to get her hogs under control and off his property. He didn't count on his attraction to her. But Nathaniel has secrets he can't afford anyone learning, so tries to ignore that attraction that blossoms.

What happens when Althea learns the truth about the lie that Nathaniel has been telling the world? Will their budding romance be destined to fail?

I absolutely adored Althea and Nathaniel's story!! I loved watching Nathaniel help Althea come into her own, to get past her upbringing and to embrace the life that she now led. Althea was just as helpful to Nathaniel. She didn't blink an eye when he told her the truth about his secret, she just kept loving him. I love these two together!

I can't believe that I have to wait until November to read Robert (Nathaniel's brother) and Constance's (Althea's sister) story!! I want to read it now!!

Received an advanced copy in exchange for a fair review.

This book was pleasant but forgettable. For as convoluted as the plot gets, it feel like things resolve a bit too easily and the heroine reads Too Perfect to me (not in a bad way, but in an "I wish this woman were more complex" way). I love a good reclusive hero but again, this character is a bit too perfect.

I would probably enjoy it more if I'd built to it by reading the other books in the series. This didn't suffer from the "I don't know who these beloved side characters are" problem but rather the "I don't feel as connected to my main character because I haven't gotten to know her on the fringes of previous books" problem.

Overall, fine. But not my favorite Grace Burrows.

I admit to being fond of curmudgeonly heroes, and Grace Burrowes has a tendency to write them very well. As I began to delve into A DUKE BY ANY OTHER NAME, and met Nathaniel Rothmere, Duke of Rothhaven, I almost lost heart. In previous books by this author, grumpy heroes still always exuded the utmost courtesy and behaved like gentlemen to the fair sex. Nathaniel was downright mean, abrupt, and rude to everyone, even the heroine. He even went so far as to make threats. As I got further into the story, I began to see why. Nathaniel has a secret, a very large one, one that requires he keep absolutely everyone away from his home. Therefore, he can’t make friendships because he can never allow friends to come to call. He has to run his household with only the few elderly remaining servants who are totally loyal to him. He can’t have a wife, or even a casual date. And it appears this is to be his lot in life forever.

Lady Althea Wentworth is now the sister of a duke, though her childhood was one of extreme poverty, neglect, and abuse. Society is somewhat miffed at her brother inheriting a lofty title, but he is too powerful a man to cross. So the cruel members of the ton show their displeasure by making life miserable for Althea instead. After being mocked and subject to other little acts of viciousness, Althea decides to retreat to her Yorkshire estate and forego another London season. She longs for children and a family of her own, yet she’s unable to fit in here either. In desperation, she decides to call on the “Dread Duke,” and ask for his social advice. When she’s turned away from his home multiple times, she takes a desperate step, guaranteed to bring the duke to her door. Her unexpected action (involving piggies, no less) works, and a furious Rothhaven arrives in full blustery mode.

Nathaniel is amazed to find himself having tea and sandwiches with his neighbor, whom he intended to intimidate. He does flatly refuse to spend any further time with her, though he’s touched by her need to fit in. He certainly recognizes her loneliness, as it’s an emotion he’s very familiar with. Realizing he needs to escape, because he’s intrigued by this unconventional woman, Nathaniel does teach her how to give the cut direct. He wishes her well, but lets her know they won’t be meeting again.

Fate has other plans, as they do meet again. Each meeting has their longing for the other growing stronger. Nathaniel tells Althea there are reasons he can’t pursue a relationship, and she realizes that he’s carrying a heavy burden. When an accident happens to a member of his household, and he’s unable to have a physician come to his home, Nathaniel is desperate enough to ask for Althea’s help. As she stays at his home, nursing the invalid, she and Nathaniel finally give in to their passion, agreeing that it’s only a moment out of time, and can’t be anything permanent.

The secret that Nathaniel is hiding is revealed fairly early in the story, but I think it’s one the reader should discover on their own. Many more details are fleshed out as the story progresses, showing how Nathaniel is truly in an impossible situation. As I was reading, I was thinking – oh, boy, how is this ever going to be resolved? It’s heartbreaking to see these two lonely people who have found genuine love, but can’t find a way to make a future together.

Nathaniel is a caring, loving, self-sacrificing man beneath the beastly persona he created, and I adore him. Althea is capable, and a combination of strength and vulnerability, and is just what Nathaniel needs. The resolution to Nathaniel’s situation is one that won’t be easy. I realize that it will likely be explored further in the next book in the ROGUES TO RICHES series, and that’s one I am really, really eager to read. Having said that, A DUKE BY ANY OTHER NAME can easily read as a standalone, and this couple does achieve their happy ever after. The mystery part of this book was especially intriguing to me, and the details from the past were heartbreaking. I’m happy that we’re so much more knowledgeable today about certain physical and mental illnesses, and the way we treat those afflicted. I’m also sorry to say that bullying seems to be something that will never go away. I highly recommend A DUKE BY ANY OTHER NAME for readers who enjoy not only a warm romance, but characters who are thoroughly fleshed out, a plot that’s unique, and situations that touch your emotions, all while entertaining you.