Historical Romance Book Club discussion
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A Duke by Any Other Name
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BOTM 1 - November 2021 - A Duke By Any Other Name
I am going to try to join in on this one and have put the book on hold at the library.
And it'll be my birthday month!
I just finished reading this book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This story is about abusive fathers and childhood illnesses; poverty, rags to riches,keeping secrets, wanting love and not thinking it can ever happen. Grace Burrowes is a wordsmith penning a great tale.
Goodreads review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I've been reading this series so this will line up nicely, as I was going to be reading it anyway.
Christine L. wrote: "Got it ready from my library :)"Me too. For the first time in quite a while, I have already picked up this book and ready to start reading on the 1st.
I have the book from the library. Plan to start today.
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Maureen wrote: "I just finished reading this book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. ...Grace Burrowes is a wordsmith penning a great tale."Yes I like Grace Burrowes' writing style too.
I read this book last December and gave 3.5 to 4 stars. I liked it but am not yet ready to reread, so not joining in in this BOTM. Hope you all enjoy!
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Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "How interconnected is this series? Is it easy to pick this one up? I think I have done that with Burrowes before successfully."They do seem to bring characters from the other books, But I've noticed they at least mention who they are. And don't seem to rely on plot points to much other than going from super poor to very very rich.
So I think you can read it with out too much issue.
I would recommend reading in order. bc the family history of where they came from is important to their stories.
message 14:
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Merry in and out for the next few days
(last edited Nov 03, 2021 09:34AM)
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rated it 3 stars
I have not read any books in the series and wonder if I should start with the first....I just read the first few pages of this book and it looks good. The first book is on my TBR list. Hummmmm
I have decided I am going to read the series in order so am holding off on this book.
This is #4 in the series - no way am I going to get three other books in this month. Hopefully it works as a standalone....
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That's the thing I like about knowing what book it will be a couple of months out. I already read the previous books. I loved book number one and number three but number two was a dud! If you read book number one you could definitely read this one next. You barely meet the heroine in book 1. She's the sister of the Duke in the first book. Book #3 has nothing to do with the family other than she is a family friend who works for the Duke & is considered family.
Just started & only a couple of chapters in but OMG! Love them already!
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I’m about 5 chapters in. Am hooked already. It’s been a while since I have read a GB book, I have forgotten how masterful her writing can be. I love the characterisations of the two main leads and their wit. I love the subtle, clever bantering. There are tantalising introductions to Althea’s sister, Constance, and Nathaniel’s brother, Robbie. They will make great future protagonists in their own books (or book). I definitely do not feel lost jumping straight into this book without reading the preceding books in the series. There are mentions of other characters, but essentially this one is set in the remote moors of the north and there’s so far not much interaction with anyone else.
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That's good to know because I think I am going to jump straight in too, even though that's not typically my style. I don't think I can binge read her books, and I am not really keen on reading a whole series revolved around dukes. She's been rather hit or miss for me in the past, but I do think she is a good writer so would like to join in.
Question... End of Ch 7So why is it that the situation about Robbie is something to (view spoiler). But is there more to it? Such as since Robbie is (view spoiler)
Finished. We'll that was anticlimactic. It was better than book #2, but Def not as good as Book #1 & book #3!
Mamacita aka MawMaw wrote: "Question... End of Ch 7So why is it that the situation about Robbie is something to [spoilers removed]. But is there more to it? Such as since Robbie is [spoilers removed]"
I haven't read this book yet so I do not know the specifics. But about the lawfulness of Nathaniel (view spoiler)
I actually liked the book.the ending was a complete bust.It was also very predictable but Nathaniel and Althea really carried this through. A 4 stars for me
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I think what happened is the hold was released for the first one by the time I was ready to start. Anywho, I am enjoying that one but it will be awhile before I get to this one now since I will probably try to to do the whole series.
I'm planning to read the entire series too. curious about Stephen and Constance Hea. And typical me, I'll probably start off from the last one with the Vicar Pietr. d)
Lady Nilambari wrote: "Mamacita aka MawMaw wrote: "Question... End of Ch 7So why is it that the situation about Robbie is something to [spoilers removed]. But is there more to it? Such as since Robbie is [spoilers remo..."
Interesting information. I was wondering the same so thanks for clarifying, Lady Nilambari. May I ask for the spoiler alert to be used in your comment, as it is a rather big spoiler even though it is revealed early on.
I am finding Robbie more and more intriguing as his character grows in complexity.
I went and read the first book in the series and just checked out this one so I will start on it in the next few days. As I always do. I have too many holds on books and yes, again they all came in at once.
I think this book works as a stand-alone read from the series. I have just finished chapter 4 and brief descriptions are given of the siblings roles in the family.
Jultri wrote: "Lady Nilambari wrote: "Mamacita aka MawMaw wrote: "Question... End of Ch 7So why is it that the situation about Robbie is something to [spoilers removed]. But is there more to it? Such as since R..."
Spoiler alert added!
message 33:
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Merry in and out for the next few days
(last edited Nov 14, 2021 02:49PM)
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rated it 3 stars
Just finished chapter 6. It is enjoyable reading. Burrowes is an entertaining author but I'm not finding it a page turner.The start of the book was so funny and captured my interest right away. I find myself interest drifting.
Merry Jewelhound wrote: "Just finished chapter 6. It is enjoyable reading. Burrowes is an entertaining author but I'm not finding it a page turner.The start of the book was so funny and captured my interest right away. I ..."
I'm finding myself drifting from it too, part of the problem is I accidentally read them out of order and already know what happens in the next book. Hopefully it picks up here before my library loan ends.
I have just finished chapter 10. I am surprised that I am enjoying the writing but the plot doesn't move along. I am at p 190 and I could sum up the story in a paragraph.
I agree Merry, the plot is pretty bare. it's a lot of rambling and repetitions. I've just finished the next part with Constance and there too she indulges a lot in repetitions enveloping a thread bare plot.
on second thought I feel her books are triteand very predictable. A bit disappointed actually
I've started, but I found it rather boring. I forgot how stylized Grace Burrowes' writing is.I've been introduced to the H and h, but that is about it - not much backstory other than hints. Her motivation seems a bit overdone. Is the Duke really the only one who can validate her with local gentry? He seems rather tame and secretly caring to supposedly be so prickly and antisocial.
message 39:
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Merry in and out for the next few days
(last edited Nov 16, 2021 05:52PM)
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rated it 3 stars
Leena I was wondering how Constances story would be written. Burrowes ideas have so much promise.I finished the book and here are my thoughts. I read book 1 in the series and it was nice. I read this book and it just went in a loop...the ending says it all. There plot was not one that I enjoyed and the romance felt tepid.
Mariana wrote: "I've started, but I found it rather boring. I forgot how stylized Grace Burrowes' writing is.I've been introduced to the H and h, but that is about it - not much backstory other than hints. Her m..."
I agree with your appraisal of the Duke. When a book opens with the wonderful scene of the pigs there are so many possibilities for a really witty fun story .
Merry Jewelhound wrote: "I have just finished chapter 10. I am surprised that I am enjoying the writing but the plot doesn't move along. I am at p 190 and I could sum up the story in a paragraph."I'm loving the writing too. There's a lovely subtlety to the dialogues, the interplay between the characters that hint at their true emotions or opinions. I really enjoy the secondary characters - Robbie and their geriatric staff as well as Althea's brother and companion. I agree, the pace is slow, but currently my reading pace is even slower, so I think I am less bothered by the lack of actions. Sometimes, I prefer the plot to be very pared down to allow the spotlight to focus on the quality of the writing and the excellent characterisations.
At this stage, I am really wondering how the main conflict (view spoiler) can possibly be resolved in a satisfactory manner for all.
Mariana, I agree that Althea's reason to approach Nathanial was a bit contrived. However, perhaps that was only part of the reason, the other being that she was curious and moreover, just simply very lonely.
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Chapter 6
(view spoiler)
Sandra I did enjoy the interactions between the main couple also
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Now about the book (sorry for the outburst! ;) ), loved the relation between Nathaniel and Althea and the people involved in the story, the siblings, the staff (so sweet!!). Glad they had their HEA and I am looking forward to read Constance and Robert story!!
It's a bit strange that some chapters about parallel characters doesn't have some finishing, it seems a bit random like the chapters about Sybil, but it's the way the writer writes ;) and I'm getting used :).
Just a thought, about the kissing, sex and so on, I think that this author is very different from what we usually read in the BOTM, no that I have to have steamy parts, but the writing is to superficial, it seems business as usual... "hi, untie my hooks (kiss, sex)... do you want some tea?! That's strange...
I've ratted 4 stars.
Sandra, I enjoyed your summary and hope your son's condition is stable. I agreed about the steamy parts...they were a bit ordinary not sexy.
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Yes, the first book was a little different more personal, but the other were like that also :(
I took me forever to finish, more due to intruding real life. It's a 4.5/5 rounded down. Yes, the plot was slow-moving but the characterisations were wonderfully complex and the dialogue just outstanding. I really did find the story a fascinating one, the pickle that Nathaniel found himself in did appear insurmountable. The cast of secondary characters were well portrayed, adding both substance and humour. I found myself chuckling at her generous sprinkling of humour - for example the talk between Elspeth and Phoebe while they executed their charitable deed for the month. GB delivered a well-researched and believable story, writing with an elegant and easy hand. She casually slips little colloquialisms relevant to the era in the dialogue. I have already started Constance and Robbie's book. I don't normally read books in a series back to back or even in order.
I agree about the lack of steam. I don't really need pages of descriptive sex scenes but GB could have delivered better in the chemistry department.
I actually completed the series and it nice. I'm disappointed with her stance of not standing up.and taking the easy way out. Phoebe needed to be put in her place but she gets away with it. And this is quite consistent in her other bks too.
I read the first book and this BOM and found both to be nice reads also. I don't think I will be reading further in the series at this time. I did enjoy Miss Delectable and do plan on trying the second book out.
Historical Romance Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
The Heir (other topics)The Captive (other topics)
The Duke's Disaster (other topics)
Miss Delectable (other topics)
A Duke by Any Other Name (other topics)
Happy Reading!
A Duke by Any Other Name by Grace Burrowes
Synopsis:
With her trademark wit, New York Times bestselling author Grace Burrowes delivers a charming Regency romance featuring a duke in disguise and a hellion trying to convince Society she’s a lady.
Nathaniel, Duke of Rothhaven, lives in seclusion, leaving his property only to gallop his demon-black steed across the moors by moonlight. Exasperated mamas invoke his name to frighten small children, though Nathaniel is truly a decent man—maybe too decent for his own good. That's precisely why he must turn away the beguiling woman demanding his help.
Lady Althea Wentworth has little patience for dukes, reclusive or otherwise, but she needs Rothhaven's backing to gain entrance into Polite Society. She's asked him nicely, she's called on him politely, all to no avail—until her prize hogs just happen to plunder the ducal orchard. He longs for privacy. She's vowed to never endure another ball as a wallflower. Yet as the two grow closer, it soon becomes clear they might both be pretending to be something they're not.