Secrets of a Duke by Martha Keyes: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

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.

Secrets of a Duke is the second in a new series of Regency romances, full of stolen moments, a touch of suspense, and all the swoon without the steam.

The Author

Whitney Award-winning author Martha Keyes hails from Utah and received a BA in French Studies and a Master of Public Health.

Her route to becoming an author has been full of twists and turns, but she’s finally settled into something she loves. Researching, daydreaming, and snacking have become full-time jobs, and she couldn’t be happier about it. When she isn’t writing, she is honing her photography skills, looking for travel deals, and exploring foreign countries with her family.

Book Review

Secrets of a Duke is the second book in the A Chronical of Misadventures series. While each book focusses on a different couple, there are some threads in the story that have been carried on from book one (and will continue on into the next). So while I do think you would probably still be able to enjoy this one as a standalone without too many issues, I do think it's one best read in order. 

The first book in this series absolutely blew me away--- making me truly fall in love with a regency story when those are not always my go to. But as much as I enjoyed the first one, I think I loved this one even more. The idea of selling a wife was such a unique premise for the story... made even more intriguing to know that it's inspired by a true story. Needless to say, it drew me in right away. I really loved the chemistry between William and Clara... there was such a tender trust between the two. I loved how they saw each other for who they were and not for their very different positions (him as a duke and her as a maid). They kept me intrigued from start to finish, and I enjoyed every minute. Silas's story continued from the first book, and I found myself even more drawn in and wondering how it would all play out. I absolutely cannot wait to get his story next! 

Secrets of a Duke is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/3NmeJ6y