The Illegitimate Duke - (Diamonds in the Rough) by Sophie Barnes (Paperback)

About the Book

The third enchanting novel in Barnes' Regency series. Using her recently acquired fortune to do some good is more complicated than Lady Juliette Matthews anticipated. And the one gentleman who could help in her mission is stubborn, infernally handsome--and far too honorable to act on their mutual attraction. Original.inal.

Book Synopsis

United in a common cause...

Lady Juliette Matthews longs to be much more than just another pretty ornament in society. But using her recently acquired fortune to do some good is more complicated than she anticipated. Young ladies are not expected to risk their safety in helping the less fortunate. And the one gentleman who could help in her mission is stubborn, infernally handsome--and far too honorable to act on their mutual attraction.

And in a desire impossible to deny...

Florian Lowell has suddenly been made heir to the Duke of Redding--a far cry from his status as a dedicated physician. Yet even with his new role as the country's most eligible bachelor, the beautiful, fearless Juliette is utterly beyond his reach. The scandalous circumstances of his birth would destroy both their reputations if they became known. But when a more urgent danger threatens Juliette's life, Florian must gamble everything...including the heart only one woman can tame.

From the Back Cover

United in a common cause...

Lady Juliette Matthews longs to be much more than just another pretty ornament in society. But using her recently acquired fortune to do some good is more complicated than she anticipated. Young ladies are not expected to risk their safety in helping the less fortunate. And the one gentleman who could help in her mission is stubborn, infernally handsome--and far too honorable to act on their mutual attraction.

And in a desire impossible to deny...

Florian Lowell has suddenly been made heir to the Duke of Redding--a far cry from his status as a dedicated physician. Yet even with his new role as the country's most eligible bachelor, the beautiful, fearless Juliette is utterly beyond his reach. The scandalous circumstances of his birth would destroy both their reputations if they became known. But when a more urgent danger threatens Juliette's life, Florian must gamble everything...including the heart only one woman can tame.

Review Quotes

"Fascinating medical and historical tidbits enrich an engaging storyline, and Florian especially is an interesting character... Generally smart and action-packed" -- Kirkus Reviews

"A smart and sincere heroine I cheered for, an achingly honorable medical hero, just the right touch of danger, and a wonderfully slow-burn love story that explodes with passion. You will delight in this gem." -- Katharine Ashe, USA Today bestselling author

"Barnes's fast-paced novel is complete with ever-present sizzling sexual tension between Florian and Juliette, whose romance is counterbalanced by the realism of medical advances of the times." -- Publishers Weekly

"The gravity of the medical subplot adds thought-provoking depth to this romance between two good people with greater aspirations than those expected by society. Florian's secret may be inconsequential in our modern era, but it defines the villain as a truly detestable character in any time period. Enjoyable." -- Historical Novel Society

"Sophie Barnes' secondary characters are exemplary, and her ability to convey feelings is such that I shed tears over the fate of a minor player. The story is powerful, delicately nuanced, and textured, and so very moving and gripping. Ms. Barnes' prose is in turns ethereal and of startling clarity, the dialogues are impeccable, and I was completely immersed in this magnificent story until the very last page." -- Fresh Fiction