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The Duchess of Rochester
All African American Ph.D candidate Zeni Everly wants is to put “Doctor” in front of her name. She’s determined to connect her unusual ideas about Victorian multiculturalism to one of the most famous novels of the era, Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.
All Layton Charles Fairfax--the 34th Duke of Rochester-- wants is to be left alone-- especially from those who have attempted to connect his old family name to the famous Bronte novel.
Their colliding desires and deepening attraction to each other set the staid old English aristocracy aflame in this smart and sexy re-telling of the classic novel of romance and suspense.
All Layton Charles Fairfax--the 34th Duke of Rochester-- wants is to be left alone-- especially from those who have attempted to connect his old family name to the famous Bronte novel.
Their colliding desires and deepening attraction to each other set the staid old English aristocracy aflame in this smart and sexy re-telling of the classic novel of romance and suspense.
- GenresSuspenseHistorical
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2021
133 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 4, 2021
Perfect for fans of Jane Eyre
This book was everything I never knew I needed. I first read Jane Eyre when I was 11 years old. A close friend of my grandmother had given it to me as a gift because she knew that I loved to read and I went on to read Jane Eyre every year until I went off to college. Jane Eyre resonated with me so much as a kid, even though from the outside looking in, the main character and I had nothing in common. I was a young Black girl growing up in a city the U.S., nothing about Jane’s story was for me and, furthermore, it was written during a time when people that looked like me were enslaved throughout the world and even if they were free…they were relegated to the margins. It wasn’t until I went to college and started studying Sociology particularly race that it dawned on me that Bertha’s “madness” was a metaphor for something else. That realization forced me to read Jane Eyre differently and also consider the truth that is not often talked about: we were there. Blank people were there. During the time when novels that we consider “the classics” were written, Black people lived and loved and existed even if they weren’t explicitly written on the page.
I don’t know anyone who loves Jane Eyre as much as I do and I’ve never gotten to talk about my thoughts re: Bertha and what she represents with anyone so reading this book felt like finding a friend. Zeni reminded me so much of myself and I couldn’t help rooting for her as the story went on. I love romance and thrillers and this one wove elements of both so perfectly that I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what would happen with Lafe and Zeni. The author took such care with the research into the setting that I felt like I was there and I could easily see this being turned into a mini series on Netflix. Fans of Jane Eyre, particularly if you are like me and grew up not seeing yourself in the stories you loved, will enjoy this novel but I think even if you aren’t familiar with Jane Eyre or Charlotte Bronte, you will enjoy this book and it’s twists and turns just as much as I did.
This book was everything I never knew I needed. I first read Jane Eyre when I was 11 years old. A close friend of my grandmother had given it to me as a gift because she knew that I loved to read and I went on to read Jane Eyre every year until I went off to college. Jane Eyre resonated with me so much as a kid, even though from the outside looking in, the main character and I had nothing in common. I was a young Black girl growing up in a city the U.S., nothing about Jane’s story was for me and, furthermore, it was written during a time when people that looked like me were enslaved throughout the world and even if they were free…they were relegated to the margins. It wasn’t until I went to college and started studying Sociology particularly race that it dawned on me that Bertha’s “madness” was a metaphor for something else. That realization forced me to read Jane Eyre differently and also consider the truth that is not often talked about: we were there. Blank people were there. During the time when novels that we consider “the classics” were written, Black people lived and loved and existed even if they weren’t explicitly written on the page.
I don’t know anyone who loves Jane Eyre as much as I do and I’ve never gotten to talk about my thoughts re: Bertha and what she represents with anyone so reading this book felt like finding a friend. Zeni reminded me so much of myself and I couldn’t help rooting for her as the story went on. I love romance and thrillers and this one wove elements of both so perfectly that I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what would happen with Lafe and Zeni. The author took such care with the research into the setting that I felt like I was there and I could easily see this being turned into a mini series on Netflix. Fans of Jane Eyre, particularly if you are like me and grew up not seeing yourself in the stories you loved, will enjoy this novel but I think even if you aren’t familiar with Jane Eyre or Charlotte Bronte, you will enjoy this book and it’s twists and turns just as much as I did.
June 29, 2021
Zeni Everly is a young woman in search of identity who loves Jane Eyre. She feels a kinship with the character who like her has gone through great hardship and loss of identity throughout her life. Zeni feels that people of color influenced the writing of Charlotte Bronte’s story, and this is what her dissertation is all about. Her obstacle and love interest (in her head) Dr. Braithwaite is denying her at every turn. Her hope is that this draft of her dissertation, that still states Black people influenced the writing of Jane Eyre, is the one that finally gets approved. Dr. Braithwaite shocks her when he gives her not only a chance to prove her paper but also sets up funds for her to go to Northern England, And he gives her a contact number for the Duke of Rochester (which she lost).
This story is not just a love story but a murder mystery. We are introduced to Lafe (Lord Layton Charles Fairfax) a man who doesn’t fit the vision many may have of what a Duke’s life should be like. He is dark, complex, secretive, torn and long suffering just as the character in the Bronte book. The way that the characters interact with each other in the story makes you wonder will there be a HEA, will all the issues in his life be solved, will Zeni get her doctorate, and finally will they finally find peace with who and what they are as individuals. Reading this made you think and wonder why what next and why are some of these things happening. This is no millionaire swept me off his feet story but a real down to earth people you can believe in and feel for story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is not just a love story but a murder mystery. We are introduced to Lafe (Lord Layton Charles Fairfax) a man who doesn’t fit the vision many may have of what a Duke’s life should be like. He is dark, complex, secretive, torn and long suffering just as the character in the Bronte book. The way that the characters interact with each other in the story makes you wonder will there be a HEA, will all the issues in his life be solved, will Zeni get her doctorate, and finally will they finally find peace with who and what they are as individuals. Reading this made you think and wonder why what next and why are some of these things happening. This is no millionaire swept me off his feet story but a real down to earth people you can believe in and feel for story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2021
Wonderful Find
O wow what a wonderful find. I can't remember what I put in the search engine to get this lovely result. But I definitely need to do that again. I'm a huge fan of the BWWM genre but o gah lately the stories were becoming redundant and I was feeling jaded. And then "The Duchess of Rochester" happened and my love for the genre was restored. Well done. Well written. A literary beauty that I enjoyed immensely. It was thrilling. Interesting. Romantic. Just a wonderful read. My first time reading this author but it will not be my last. I'm already trolling your site. Thank you!!
O wow what a wonderful find. I can't remember what I put in the search engine to get this lovely result. But I definitely need to do that again. I'm a huge fan of the BWWM genre but o gah lately the stories were becoming redundant and I was feeling jaded. And then "The Duchess of Rochester" happened and my love for the genre was restored. Well done. Well written. A literary beauty that I enjoyed immensely. It was thrilling. Interesting. Romantic. Just a wonderful read. My first time reading this author but it will not be my last. I'm already trolling your site. Thank you!!
July 2, 2021
The Duchess of Rochester by Karyn Langhorne was very well written and captivating with a great touch on royal reality. this was not a love at first sight type of story though the story moved at a very fast pace but effortlessly. The Duchess of Rochester had good secondary characters with storylines that will keep you thoroughly entertained and captivated. If you've read Jane Eyre then you'll enjoy some of the similarities and influences in the telling of Lafe aka (Lord Layton Charles Fairfax) and Zeni's story as it relates to the classic novel by Charlotte Bronte. I would highly recommend The Duchess of Rochester!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2021
4.5 Stars
Longer to follow ... soon.
Longer to follow ... soon.
January 26, 2025
This book is for all the girls of color who swoon over the story of Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester. Zeni Everly, doctoral student, travels to North England and hopefully the estate of Lord Layton Charles Fairfax--the 34th Duke of Rochester-- to research the presence Africans and West Indians in the literature and history. What she finds is a troubled man with a shadowy reputation. His goal is to auction off his estate and escape the blight that is his family’s history, his dead brother…..and a missing girl. Zeni’s search is twofold….she is also looking for some evidence of her own lost history. As the book starts, it almost looks like that perhaps Zeni’s advisor will prove to be her love interest. I do love how Ms. Langhorne with her elegant writing keeps us guessing. This book has surprises a plenty and a villain I, for one, didn’t see coming. The book ends on a much needed HEA but not before giving the reader some thrills, chills and satisfaction.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2022
I'm so mad at myself because this book sat on my TBR shelf forever. I remember skimming the first chapter and feeling kinda meh. And I put it off and put it off until 4 days ago.
Once I got past the first chapter it just took off for me. Zeni is a student working towards her doctorate in English lit. She's obsessed with Jane Eyre and wants to prove a connection with Bronte and African people. (It gets complicated) Anyway, she manages to find the castle that was the setting of the famous novel. With is comes a reluctant duke.
Layton/Lafe has a dark past and wants nothing to do with his inherited title and even less with royalty-struck Americans but an attraction to Zeni convinces him to help her with her research.
This is not a traditional commoner meets reluctant royal romance. There's a missing girl, a psychotic brother and scheming friends involved which kept me on the edge of my seat.
Once I got past the first chapter it just took off for me. Zeni is a student working towards her doctorate in English lit. She's obsessed with Jane Eyre and wants to prove a connection with Bronte and African people. (It gets complicated) Anyway, she manages to find the castle that was the setting of the famous novel. With is comes a reluctant duke.
Layton/Lafe has a dark past and wants nothing to do with his inherited title and even less with royalty-struck Americans but an attraction to Zeni convinces him to help her with her research.
This is not a traditional commoner meets reluctant royal romance. There's a missing girl, a psychotic brother and scheming friends involved which kept me on the edge of my seat.
October 30, 2021
Searching for Truth, Finding Love ❤️
Zeno Everly is convinced that when C Bontë wrote Jane Eyre, she was acquainted with slaves, Africans or some interracial marriages. Her first encounter with the Duke of Rochester, Layton Alfred Fairfax, during a phone conversation leaves him desiring to gaze upon her- he paints her with a gele and with her eyes closed-the emotion shown on the canvas. There are so many hidden secrets that Lafe, the Duke of Rochester carries, he can’t imagine Zeno remaining in love with him when the truth is revealed!🦋
Zeno Everly is convinced that when C Bontë wrote Jane Eyre, she was acquainted with slaves, Africans or some interracial marriages. Her first encounter with the Duke of Rochester, Layton Alfred Fairfax, during a phone conversation leaves him desiring to gaze upon her- he paints her with a gele and with her eyes closed-the emotion shown on the canvas. There are so many hidden secrets that Lafe, the Duke of Rochester carries, he can’t imagine Zeno remaining in love with him when the truth is revealed!🦋
March 1, 2022
Jane Eyre is my favorite classic novel. So, I really connected with Zeni and her journey to piece together and connect the often erased and forgotten contribution that people of color have in history and literature. I think the author did an amazing job with the overall story and I was satisfied with the stories conclusion concerning the possible inspiration for the character of Bertha. Also, I loved Zeni and Lafe chemistry.
September 30, 2022
Sheeesh!
Okay I found out about this book through
the author on Facebook. It sounded interesting and I couldn't pass it up.
I have to admit this book took me a minute to finish. I was about to give up. When this book hit the climax!!! Babi I couldn't put the book down!
The plot twist was amazing! I wasn't expecting what I read at all.
First time reading from this author not the last.
Okay I found out about this book through
the author on Facebook. It sounded interesting and I couldn't pass it up.
I have to admit this book took me a minute to finish. I was about to give up. When this book hit the climax!!! Babi I couldn't put the book down!
The plot twist was amazing! I wasn't expecting what I read at all.
First time reading from this author not the last.
November 21, 2022
Woooo
Well this was different. I too always wonder where the black people in the Dickens' stories and others. I know we were there, but oftentimes easily ignored in history. MS Langhorne thank you for shining a light on this problem. You, Beverly Jenkins, Vanessa Riley and others are making waves to show we did exist. Now for Zenti and Lafe good story. Hope Pen stays where he is at finally and Sir Ronald, and DI Blight get what is coming to them.
Well this was different. I too always wonder where the black people in the Dickens' stories and others. I know we were there, but oftentimes easily ignored in history. MS Langhorne thank you for shining a light on this problem. You, Beverly Jenkins, Vanessa Riley and others are making waves to show we did exist. Now for Zenti and Lafe good story. Hope Pen stays where he is at finally and Sir Ronald, and DI Blight get what is coming to them.
December 19, 2021
Original Plot
An original, and timely, storyline. Although I don’t share the heroine’s passion for a specific type of literature, I did enjoy the commentary about people of color (specifically of the African Diaspora) being written out of history and historical fiction. I enjoyed the writer’s craft and look forward to reading other books by her.
An original, and timely, storyline. Although I don’t share the heroine’s passion for a specific type of literature, I did enjoy the commentary about people of color (specifically of the African Diaspora) being written out of history and historical fiction. I enjoyed the writer’s craft and look forward to reading other books by her.
August 28, 2021
A skillful, charming and fun read!
Langhorne beautifully blends all the elements of modern romance - passion, action, plot twists and humor, while paying homage to classic, angsty 19th century English literature. Well done!
Langhorne beautifully blends all the elements of modern romance - passion, action, plot twists and humor, while paying homage to classic, angsty 19th century English literature. Well done!
September 27, 2021
The Success of Rochester
A very good and well written book by a black author. I love how it showed a very educated, intelligent black women. Also love the chemistry between Zeni and Lafe
A very good and well written book by a black author. I love how it showed a very educated, intelligent black women. Also love the chemistry between Zeni and Lafe
October 11, 2021
Good; proper editing would have made it great!
This unique spin on a literary classic was well informed and made for an exciting read. It was creative and deserving of five stars, if not for the incessant grammatical errors.
This unique spin on a literary classic was well informed and made for an exciting read. It was creative and deserving of five stars, if not for the incessant grammatical errors.
October 19, 2021
Delightful BWWM Twist
Ms Langhorne does a wonderful job of retelling Jane Eyre with a contemporary twist. The plot is intriguing and the action thrilling. The main characters are well developed. The dialogue is witty and natural. I highly recommend this book!
Ms Langhorne does a wonderful job of retelling Jane Eyre with a contemporary twist. The plot is intriguing and the action thrilling. The main characters are well developed. The dialogue is witty and natural. I highly recommend this book!
November 2, 2021
A Black orphaned woman grows up searching for her mother, and finds her strength comes from other avenues in her life. In her search she meets Lafe, the Duke of the House of Rochester, and surprises she never expected. No spoilers.
March 24, 2023
Riveting
This story keep my attention from start to finish. I started to predict that her and Alan Braithwaite would become romantically involved but was I wrong. The connection between her and his grace. The twist was also not
expected. The ending was on point.
This story keep my attention from start to finish. I started to predict that her and Alan Braithwaite would become romantically involved but was I wrong. The connection between her and his grace. The twist was also not
expected. The ending was on point.
July 21, 2021
It starts out okay. But toward the middle there is gets angsty and turns into a horror story. I like how it said " the end" at the end.
November 17, 2021
Slow but worth it!
This story started out so slow I almost but it aside a few times. I’m very glad I kept going; it has twist and turns, action, and romance with a dash of history.
This story started out so slow I almost but it aside a few times. I’m very glad I kept going; it has twist and turns, action, and romance with a dash of history.
April 20, 2022
A Sweet Story
I wasn’t really sure where the story was going but it was a nice plot twist. Definitely worth the read.
I wasn’t really sure where the story was going but it was a nice plot twist. Definitely worth the read.
May 9, 2022
I give this book three stars. Nothing surprising happens until nearly the end but getting there was a little bit of a struggle for me. I did push to finish.
June 6, 2022
great read
Great storyline and I loved the dynamics between Lafe and Zeni. First time reading from this author but looking forward to reading other book’s written by her
Great storyline and I loved the dynamics between Lafe and Zeni. First time reading from this author but looking forward to reading other book’s written by her
July 17, 2022
4 stars. Enjoyed the uniqueness of the story and characters. Thought the twist in the last 1/3 was a bit much, but overall an enjoyable read that I won’t forget in a day like so many others.
March 13, 2023
Great twist on historical fiction romance with a Jane Eyre nod.
January 27, 2023
I really enjoy this book, and this book is funny, romantic, and suspenseful. It deserves 4 stars. However, I only take off 1 star simply because the latter half of the book needs serious editing due to grammar errors and typos.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews