A Most Unlikely Duke: Diamonds in the Rough

A Most Unlikely Duke by Sophie Barnes is an interesting and stimulating Regency Romance. Book 1 in a new and what promises to be an incredible series, "Diamonds in the Rough". Fast paced, exciting with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. Our hero, Raphe, is certainly a diamond in the rough, but an exciting one, to be sure. Raphe Matthews, a bare-knuckle boxer who, was born into the gentry, but due to a tragedy, he and his family are left impoverished and in debt. Raphe, at age of eight, started taking care of himself and his three siblings, working on the docks and prize fighting. Unfortunately, one sibling was lost to the streets St. Giles, which still eats at him. He has spent the last fifteen grueling years, attempting to make a living for himself and his two surviving younger sisters. When a stunning reversal of fortune hands Raphe the title of Duke of Huntley, he is determined to become a proper Duke and give his sisters a better life. Lady Gabriella, Ralpe's new neighbor, has been brow beaten by her parents, since her sister's scandalous match, she knows the ton’s eyes are on her to find a proper match. However, she agrees to tutor the new duke, a brutish hunk of a Duke, at that, but it can only lead to her ruin, but she agrees anyway. Raphe, is an honorable man, who honors his commitments, even if it would bring scandal to them all. Together, Raphe and Gabriella, fight their attraction to each other, as well as the scandal that is brewing. This story is heartwarming, as well as, intriguing, entertaining and proves, you can overcome the circumstances you are born into, by no fault of your own. I was drawn into this story from the first page until the last, and can not wait to see what the next book in what promises, to be a most incredible series, will be about. Ms. Barnes, is an amazing and talented author, who draws the reader into her stories with her characterizations, her details to Regency history, and her dramatization of the situations her characters find themselves in. "A Most Unlikely Duke", is powerful, compelling and an excellent choice for any fan of historical fiction, romance, drama with stunning characters and a most unlikely plot. Masterfully written. A really great read, in my opinion! I received a complimentary copy. Rating: 4.5 Heat rating: Mild Received by: AprilR

Well, hello there new to me author, Sophie Barnes! I am absolutely delighted by A Most Unlikely Duke! Plus, I love reading about rags to riches stories! Raphe, who worked on the docks and as a prize fighter, suddenly finds out that he is now a Duke! He has been living in St. Giles with his two sisters and decides to accept his new role to give a better life for his sisters. Our girl, Gabriela is the neighbor! This book had me laughing out loud at certain parts and also emotionally touched because of the feels. I mean, THE FEELS! Raphe and Gabriella are perfect for each other! I liked their love/hate relationship! And the initial slow burn during the first half of the book! All the characters are well developed. I am was also intrigued by the Raphe’s two sisters! I want their stories now! This book is basically My Fair Lady in reverse since Gabriella is the one giving lessons to the Duke’s two sisters. Raphe is also being taught by his valet and butler and I wish I could have seen more of the “training” part. This book is emotional and very refreshing. Sophie Barnes writes masterfully and I am just amazed that I haven’t read her before! The only beef I have is that it lacks steam for me. Another thing is that I just recently read a historical romance where the hero and heroine lived next to each other, so I had a hard time separating the two. haha

'A Most Unlikely Duke ' by Sophie Barnes is Book One in the "Diamonds in the Rough" series. This is the story of Raphe and Lady Gabriella. I am so excited for this series! I fell in love with Raphe, his sisters and Gabriella's Aunt Caroline. I can't wait for more stories in this series. Gabriella's sister caused a scandal when she broke her engagement and married another. Now Gabriella's mother seemed to be making sure that Gabriella has the perfect match so that they can put the scandal behind them. Raphe and his sister have nothing but hardship after the death of their parents. Raphe has been trying to keep them housed and feed the best way he can....which meant boxing. But now he has been handed the Title of Duke of Huntley, which was his Great Grandfather's title. Raphe and his sister move next door to Gabriella and her parents. When Gabriella first sees the Raphe and his sister she thinks they might be the hired help. But when Gabriella, her mother and Aunt go next door to introduce themselves they quickly learn who the new Duke is. Gabriella has soft spot for this sisters and secretly helps them to try and learn to be proper ladies. Which puts her in a closeness with Raphe. Can Raphe and Gabriella make a match? How will her mother feel about this possible new scandal? This was another of Ms. Barnes books that I could not put down! Ms. Barnes books are such a treat to read! "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."