Secrets of a Duke

A Chronicle of Misadventures, Book 2

By: Martha Keyes

Narrated by: Abigail Langham

Based on a true story

By station, they’re worlds apart, but living under the same roof brings their hearts dangerously close

William Yorke faces a tall order: convince people he is worthy of the Dukedom of Rockwood that has unexpectedly fallen to him. Returning from London to his enormous estate, he breaks his journey at an inn and finds himself witness to a drunkard selling his wife to the highest bidder.

William outbids the coarse competition and offers the woman a position as housemaid at his estate, uncomfortably aware that his impulsive chivalry will lead to talk—something he abhors.

Life has brought Clara Quinn very low indeed. Once an esteemed lady’s maid dismissed on false charges, her marriage of desperation lasts just long enough for her husband to sell her for gambling money.

Clara is thrust into the heart of the Duke of Rockwood’s household, but the duke himself keeps his distance to quell the rumors. She is determined to leave rather than complicate his life—until she stumbles upon one of the duke’s greatest secrets.

As their paths become irrevocably intertwined, distance becomes not only impossible but increasingly undesirable—and a romance? Unthinkable.

©Martha Keyes (P)2024 Paradigm Press

Sweet story, all loose ends tie up nicely

This is a sweet story. I liked Clara a lot, and enjoyed watching her story play out. Everything was resolved a little too quickly and easily for my liking, so there didn't feel like a lot of depth, but overall it was a good read.

Hardship and happiness

This was a delightful if different romance. Clara’s rescue by the Duke (William) begins an unexpected relationship with various underlying difficulties. Yet ultimately it culminates in a beautiful HEA. The audible narration was well done.

Better Than I Expected

Class difference is one of my least favorite tropes. There are usually moments that are heartbreakingly embarrassing and the resolutions are always so absurd, especially for that time period. However, this story is very well written — as one would expect from Martha Keyes — and knowing from the author’s note at the end (which I listened to first) that it’s based on a true experience helped. As always, the dialog is smart and sharp and the romance is sweet. Definitely listen to “Reputation at Risk” first as we see quite a bit of the rest of the Yorke clan in the 2nd half of the book.

The narration was just okay for me. There were moments that were great but mostly it was too breathy and the inflection at times was awkward and even kind of creepy.

One of my favorites!

I love Clara so very much!!! She is such an amazing person and such a strong character!! And I absolutely adore William!! Such a great read. It was a really hard book to put down! And one of those books that you said when it’s over. The character is really touched my heart.
Clean and beautiful romance

Excellent!

Excellent! I’m reading these out of order, but I enjoyed this 2nd book just as much as book 3 (having not cared for book 1). It’s highly engaging and held my attention throughout. Clara is a disgraced lady’s maid whose husband auctions her off to pay for his gambling debts. A kind Duke, William Yorke, interrupts the scene and rescues her, taking her back to his estate to work as a maid. There is a forbidden love aspect due to their class difference, but also because she is technically still married to the abhorrent man who sold her.

As part of the series overall storyline, we get to meet and spend time with Silas in this book. The Yorke family is a great cast of characters, and I’m now eagerly looking forward to book 4.

Highly recommended to regency romance fans!

Content:
There’s no foul language or sex. There’s some violence but it’s not excessive. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kissing, however, one of those kisses technically happens when she is still married. There is no mention of faith or God.