Received an advanced copy in exchange for a fair review.

This is one of those books where you need to have read all/part of the series to know the characters and the dynamics, especially the previous novel in this series that is basically a companion to this one. But if you have, they work together very well as a portrait of families supporting each other and trying to be good to each other, and women unabashedly pursuing happiness and fiercely defending their biological or found family.

Robert and Constance met while teens at a asylum. He as a patient, she as a employee. When Robert's brother found out he was not dead as he was led to believe, he brought him home. Robert suffers from the falling sickness and was hidden away. Constance's sister Althea is his next door neighbor. When Robert and Constance are reunited they have to fight against the plans of greedy people who want to declare him unfit and gain the use of his wealth. A great story of triumph and second chances.

Robert is shouldering the duties of Duke of Rothhaven but he is unsure of how long he will remain free. With his epilepsy Robert knows its only a matter of time before someone questions his competency. Constance Wentworth has made her self unmemorable, until she is reacquainted with Robert, a ghost from her past.

I wasn't sure about Constance and Robert but I was very wrong. These two are ridiculously sweet together. I actually liked them more than Althea and Nathanial. I hope we get to see more of Robert and Constance together.

Robert spent years at an asylum because of his epilepsy. His brother had stepped into the role of the duke while he thought Robert was dead, but Robert is back and it is now time for him to take his rightful place in society. He knows that people will question his sanity so he has decided that he needs a very proper wife to offset what others will think of him. He knows the perfect lady for the role.

Constance has shown the world one version of herself, the one that Robert desires. But that is not who she truly is. She fell for Robert when they first met and still has feeling for her. But as they slowly come to know one another again, Constance lets Robert see the real her. Will he still want her as his wife?

I adored Robert and Constance's story. We are introduced to Robert in the previous story, A duke by Any Other Name. His story broke my heart then and now reading even more about what he went through it broke all over again. Not many people would understand what he went through, butt since Constance actually met him during this time of his life, she does have some insight. I think this made her the perfect person to help Robert come into his own. This was a great addition to the Rogues to Riches series!

Another wonderful book written by Grace Burrowes. A young man rejected by his father for having the "falling sickness" later being found and returning to his home. Lady Constance Wentwoth ran off and hid as a servant with a secret. How they both come together in acceptance of one another rather it us emotional or physical. This story shows acceptance and how love conquers all.

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was the fifth installment in the Rogues to Riches series, and though I read the previous installments, I wasn’t quite prepared for this one. Though there are always serious topics with the romance, this one was a little more heartbreaking. The duke’s heir had seizures and was institutionalized. Mental health and health in general was a touchy subject in that time, but this was a fairly good way in which it was handled. There was no sunshine and roses situation at every turn- you saw through the pain and abuse but also the ability to process and move forward from it.
Although I wish I could have seen more of their initial meeting, the second chance was lovely and allowed a more mature relationship and different sort of story for these two.

Robert Rothmere, Duke of Rothhaven, is attending a social gathering, as he slowly attempts to ease his way into a lifestyle that’s now foreign to him. After a childhood accident, Robert began to suffer from epilepsy, which was called falling sickness at that time. His father became ashamed, and had Robert institutionalized at the age of ten, and declared that he was dead. At this asylum, Robert was subjected to endless cruel “treatments” and “experiments” which served only to create more fears and insecurities in him. After several years there, a new maid was hired, one with intelligence and compassion. She managed to sneak food to Robert when he was being starved, as well as teaching all of the patients how to aid and assist each other, despite their sad circumstances. Robert fell a bit in love with the maid who had such a positive effect on him, though she wasn’t there for more than a few months. Years later, Robert’s father has died and his younger brother, Nathaniel, learns that he’s still alive, and brings him home. When Robert spots the maid from the asylum at this same gathering, he doesn’t hesitate to approach her.

Constance Wentworth is now the sister of a duke, though that’s a far cry from her childhood which was lived in poverty, and fraught with the effects of having an abusive father. Constance has excelled at making herself invisible, never drawing attention to herself, and acting the wallflower. Her sister, Althea, is now engaged to Nathaniel Rothmere, Robert’s brother. When Constance spots Robert, she instantly realizes that he’s the young man she helped years ago at the asylum, though he bears little resemblance to the sickly boy now. Constance is happy to see that Robert is alive and, apparently, well, but she can’t help but react a little coldly to him as he approaches because he never responded to her correspondence after she left. For all these years, she never knew what had become of him.

Robert and Constance spend some time together talking, learning more about how their lives have progressed over the years. When Constance learns of Robert’s reasons for not answering her letter, she understands, and some of her reserve fades away. They continue to meet, and their connection causes concern for each of their families. Nathaniel doesn’t want to see his brother hurt, while Constance’s family doesn’t want her to become attached to a man they feel is lacking. Author Grace Burrowes paints a very sad picture of how those with epilepsy were treated. Many thought them insane, idiotic, or, even demon possessed.

Robert and Constance find their relationship growing stronger, and it’s not long before he proposes. While Constance longs to accept, she has a confession to make. There’s a very serious secret she’s harboring, and she can’t enter a marriage without her husband knowing. Robert also wants to make it clear that he is in constant danger of being declared incompetent and stripped of his title and wealth. When they do agree to marry, Constance comes to see first hand what an epileptic seizure is like, and how the public reacts. (And it’s not with sympathy and kindness.)

THE TRUTH ABOUT DUKES had me on a roller coaster of emotions. The love between Robert and Constance was wonderful, and couldn’t have happened to a more deserving couple. I love her understanding, kindness, and acceptance. I also really appreciated Robert’s determination to aid Constance in her quest. It was so heartbreaking, though, to watch what Robert had to endure, both physically, as there wasn’t medication to help him, and mentally, as his very sanity and intelligence was brought into question. There were some very nasty villains, eager to profit financially by their false accusations and greedy ambitions. It broke my heart to see Robert almost accepting that he didn’t deserve happiness. However, this is a romance, and when their families begin to support this couple, miracles can happen. THE TRUTH ABOUT DUKES is warm, emotional, romantic, thought provoking, character driven, and ultimately joyful. (While part of the Rogues to Riches series, this book can be read as a standalone, though I heartily recommend all books in the series.)

I enjoyed this book but I did have problems getting into it a bit.
I do love grace Burrowed writing but for some reason I just had a hard time with it at first. Once I was a few chapters in I started enjoying this one more.

I was so happy to read Constance & Robert’s story! These two are the perfect match! The two actually have a history where they fell for one another at a young age during a difficult time in both their lives. They get reunited when Constance’s sister gets engaged to marry Roberts younger brother. Robert is trying to slowly come back into society as the Duke so his brother can have his life back. Robert actually suffers from falling spells. *reasons he has not been the rightful duke* As these two embark on falling in love, getting married, and fighting for what they believe in you can’t help but feel all the emotions! I really enjoyed how heartfelt this story was! These two truly loved and supported each other no matter what! All in all a sweet and emotional love story worth every page!!!

Constance has always led a quiet life even though she is the sister to the Duke of Walden. She runs away and worked as a maid in the institution where the Duke of Rothhaven was sent to live by his father due to him having "falling sickness" known in modern terms as epilepsy.

Robert comes back into her life when her sister becomes engaged to his brother. His father lied to everyone, saying Robert had died in order to make his brother the next duke. Sadly, Robert truly suffers in the institution where he is abysmally treated.

Robert and Constance fall in love and he fell in love with her when she would bring him food on the sly when he was being starved and kept in isolation. Constance originally ran away from home, because she was an unwed mother and she gave the baby girl up for adoption. Years later, she still wants to find her daughter.

This book has a truly wonderful HEA, because the couple have gone through so much that you truly root for them!!

Robert Rothmere is hiding a past no duke should have endured and secrets he doesn’t want anyone to know. As a child he was developed epileptic due to a series of childhood head injuries and his father the Duke put in an asylum until his brother rescued him. Lady Constance Wentworth is the ultimate wallflower, absolutely unforgettable except to Rothmere. They meet in secret, a secret she’s never told her family, when Constance ran away from her family to hide from life. I love this story of two people with their own struggles, but who find out they need each other in ways they never expected. This is a deeply moving story of friendship, trust and love everlasting. I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story.

As an already big fan of Grace Burrowes, this one didn't disappoint, the fifth in the series, you get to see a bit of Robert/Robbie in the previous book, not to mention the family bond between Robert and his brother. While it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend checking out previous books, it just goes to deepen the story.

Constance and Robert share an unconventional past, they both had abusive fathers who caused their lives to splinter, but eventually find each other. Constance ran from home, finding work as a maid in an asylum. The very asylum that Robert ended up at when his father chose to forget his existence. The reason for that was Robert's Epilepsy. Something the 1800s didn't understand and chose to treat anyone with it, as a pariah who couldn't be in charge of their own life.

Grace Burrowes really worked hard to help her readers understand the "Falling disease", there's a huge focus in this book and it's very interesting to see how someone with a generally easily managed disorder was dealt with back then. That said, I think it was focused on a little too much, to the point that points previously made were reiterated over and over.

Still, seeing Constance and Robert reconnect after a harrowing time in both their lives is quite beautiful. It really showcases their personalities and how they don't let their horrific pasts define them. They still have quite a few obstacles to overcome but they work together to do so.

A great read, which has inspired me to re-read the previous attached books. Great job to Grace Burrowes as usual!

My opinions are my own and freely given.

Robert is the rightful heir and Duke of Rothhaven.....but society thought him dead. Lady Constance Wentworth knew Robert during her short time as a maid long ago, During that brief time Lady Constance changes his life, and others. Rothhaven is rescued by his brother and he lives for years at home until he is forced to reclaim the mantle of Duke. For Rothhaven it is not an easy task as he suffers from epilepsy, an illness most take for madness. Rothhaven and Constance must fight for their love but also for his sanity as conniving solicitors attempt to take control.

This is the second in the series and while you do not have to read the first book, I felt i would have been a bit lost without it. You get additional background into Robert and his relationship with his brother.

I adored Robert. He was given a rough hand but that never made him bitter or mean, he was always kind and selfless. Lady Constance was a no nonsense lady who has made mistakes in her past but is looking to fix them. I love her extended Wentworth family and Robert's brother. Throw in a bunch of nosy neighbors and you have a really good read!

There was so much going on in this story that at times it because a bit overwhelming and confusing. This is due to the fact that there are not only multiple story-lines going on at once, but also multiple character points of view (which sometimes change in the middle of a chapter).

And although I enjoyed the characters, I have a hard time calling this one a romantic novel. Yes, it was obvious that Constance and Robert share a deep affection for one another, but on a lot of levels this comes across more as a friendship than romantic love. I was also getting vibes of them using each other to an extent as well - he used all of his Ducal wealth and image to suddenly track down her long lost daughter (and really that did not speak well towards the woman Constance had been paying for years to do just that), while she took care of him during and after his spells (in addition to helping him overcome some of his phobias). I believe the fact that they were married also was able to give him a bit of ammunition against the charge that he was not mentally capable of being a Duke.

In my opinion, this book would have benefitted from a Prologue in which we see a bit more of them when they first met. Throughout the book, we get little glimpses here and there (both of them and of the horrific conditions under which they met), but Robert claims this is where he first fell in love with Constance, but we don't see enough of this time to make that claim believable. If anything, he seems more grateful to her for the little ways she eased his suffering while there.

Aside from the above mentioned things, this was an enjoyable story on the whole. I enjoyed the way this author wasn't afraid to tackle the subject of mental health (especially how it was perceived back then). I also felt that the characters each had their own personalities that kept any one from blending into the background. Even villain's came across as realistic (and oh boy did I enjoy the way Philpot's grand scheme was spoiled). While a part of me wanted to see more justice done to those who brought the allegations against him, I wasn't left feeling unsatisfied by the ending.

All things considered, I would read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Another great installment in the series!

Robert and Constance both have secrets, better left unsaid in the ways of society life. When they seek to unite together, things may get dicey for them. I really enjoyed their dynamic, and getting to know Robert, and all of the nuances of his situation. It was really interesting to have a hero like that in a historical for me.
Cannot wait for the next installment in the series!

Constance and Robert met and became friends when she ran away from a humiliating situation as a teen and was employed as a maid at the private asylum where Robert was being kept. Years later, after Nathaniel found Robert (he thought he had died) and brought him home, they meet again. Both Constance and Robert had harsh cruel fathers. Robert’s had him committed due to his epilepsy (falling sickness). Constance’s drunken father was physically and emotional abusive. The effects of this cruelty has stayed with them, but it has not defeated them. It has made them strong and determined to fight together for the future they wish to have. There are some serious hurdles for both. Robert, now the Duke of Rothaven, must survive a competency hearing brought about by a greedy solicitor, and Constance has to trust Robert with her greatest secret and regret. This is another wonderful story about the Wentworth family. As always there is drama, danger, secrets, tricks, and betrayals. There is also understanding, respect, determined support, and love. I enjoyed this story, and I love this series. I highly recommend both.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I loved Robert/Robbie in book four so much so knew this was going to be a good one. We also learn more about Constance and how they meet before their siblings got involved. AGH, this one will tag at your heartstrings like nothing else. Robert has epilepsy and being it 1800s his own father sent him off to be dead. You will love Constance as she learns to fight for him as well as her self on their journey. Of course loved all the side characters aka both their families. Always in the middle of it all.

These I guess you could read maybe as standalone but please don't as you will miss so much of the backstory to make this so wonderful. I can't wait for more of this series!! I'm so now into this family I need to see every last one of them in HEA status.
Overall, 4 stars and 3 steam

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Forever for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Lady Constance Wentworth is trying to sneak out of the ballroom when Robert, the Duke of Rothhaven catches her eye. It has been more than 10 years since they have seen one another. Her sister, Althea, and his brother, Nathaniel, are planning to get married.

Robert has a number of phobias and rarely leaves his home. He had been ill with epilepsy for many years as a child and was housed at an asylum on the moors. The doctor treating him subjected him to many cruel experiments. His younger brother, Nathaniel, had been running the dukedom while he was gone and rescued him 5 years ago and brought him home. Now, Robert is doing his best to learn how to run the dukedom while learning society’s expectations of him. In addition, he lives his life well hoping to deter more seizures.

Years ago, Constance fled her own home and worked as a maid at the asylum where she had contact with Robert and was able to help him. Today, they have a good friendship.

Constance enjoys painting and Robert enjoys his flower gardens. Spending lots of time together results in them falling in love and deciding to get married. But there are family members that do not want this. They want control of the dukedom. But Constance and Robert are strong people and push to get to have their life together.

Constance is hiding something very important from her past which she shares with Robert and together they seek to resolve it. Can they have a life together without constant interference from family members?

This was an OK story for me, but I felt that Robert’s condition was discussed ad nauseum. Yes, there were many people who felt he was an idiot because he had an illness which affected him mentally. Sometimes, there is no educating the ignorant. It’s very sad how people with epilepsy were treated in the past. Today, there are wonderful drugs that can control this and allow people to live normal lives. I also felt that the book’s length could have been reduced significantly as some things seemed to be repetitive. However, I know that many readers will certainly enjoy this book.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was an interesting historical romance. I don't think I have read one quite like it.

Robert Rothmere, Duke of Rothhaven has been living his life in a mental hospital because of some head injuries that happened when he was younger. When he was 15 he fell in love with a young staff member only for her to disappear. Fast forward a few years and Rothhaven is entering the ton because his brother is getting married. There he sees the young staff member, Constance. They develop a friendship that eventually turns into more.

I really enjoyed this story. I really liked Robert and Constance. I like that the duke wasn't portrayed as perfect. He obvious had a rough life.. just the fact that he spent so much of his life in a mental hospital shaped alot of who he is now. I just really liked him. Constance was also an amazing character. She was the best friend/wife Robert could have ever dreamed of. She was a strong woman and I loved seeing them fall in love.

The Truth About Dukes is the 5th book in the Rogues to Riches series by Grace Burrowes. I have read many books by Grace Burrowes but none from this series. I plan to start soon. This series tells the stories of the Wentworth family who, despite not coming from high society, inherit a ducal title.

Constance Wentworth prefers to avoid attention. She has learned to be quiet, unassuming and stay on the periphery at social events. This strategy serves her well until an old acquaintance seeks out her company.

Robert, The Duke of Rothhaven, functions best when he stays to his very narrow comfort zone. He prefers to avoid being out in society and has done so for several years. Circumstances find him trying to take on his ducal responsibilities. At one quite miserable ball he spies an old acquaintance.

Constance and Robert met many years earlier while they were each in dire situations. Their reacquaintance, which was inevitable due to their siblings becoming betrothed, brings unexpected companionship and support when they least expect to need it.

I loved this story. I was drawn to the main characters due to their vulnerabilities and determination to survive rough circumstances. There are nefarious characters plotting to take advantage of a vulnerable situation. There is a secret search. There are well meaning but interfering siblings who are also completely supportive. The main characters’ support and companionship develop into a deep love. While the characters are very passionate, the story’s love scenes are sensual without being overly graphic.

Grace Burrowes is a master storyteller. Her artistic use of time period appropriate language transports the reader to the Regency era. She weaves an intricate story, slowly peeling back the layers of the characters and situations to entice the reader. The main storyline deals with the topic of Epilepsy. The author seems to have done her research. The terminology, while difficult to read, would have been common during the time. As a reader I appreciate this historical accuracy.

This book is perfection. This is a standalone book, but I will gladly read all the previous books in this series and return to reread this one.

~ Andrea