The Infamous Duchess: Diamonds in the Rough

Branded a money-hungry con artist for marrying the elderly Duke of Tremaine days before his death, Viola Cartwright has found refuge in her work at St. Agatha’s Hospital working alongside Florian. No one must know the painful reason behind her marriage. She steers clear of attachments until Henry Lowell, heir to the Viscount Armswell & Florian’s brother, lands on her operating table after a duel. Charming and wickedly handsome, Henry is one of London’s most inveterate scoundrels. Posing as an unrepentant rake has helped Henry avoid women pursuing him only for his title. Now that duty has finally called on him to marry, he finds himself entranced by the mysterious, independent-minded Viola. Then her late husband’s son Robert returns from overseas, contesting Viola’s inheritance. It took me a little time to become engrossed, however the more I read the more I was drawn in & read the second half of the book in a long sitting as I had to find out what happened to Viola & I so wanted Robert to pay. There were multiple threads to the story but overall they worked well to make for a captivating read. The book was very well written & the characters extremely well portrayed. I instantly loved Henry – sigh. He was not only gorgeous to look at but he was so caring, protective & honourable, he was immediately smitten by Viola & his feelings deepened from raw attraction & lust to liking her & very soon to loving her. I liked the complex Viola from the start & as the story progressed came to love & respect her. Whilst this book is part of a series it could easily be read on its own, I liked that the next book in the series was ‘set up’ in the final pages & can’t wait to read it My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Viola is ‘infamous’ for one simple thing: her brief marriage to a man who was a contemporary of her father, and the fortune he bestowed upon her. Unfortunately for her, the marriage was very brief and left her looking like a mercenary social climber, all of which is untrue – and her continued refusal to perform for society as a Duchess should has left her a source of speculation. But she’s not been idle – sinking most of her money and her not inconsiderable brains and determination into a hospital that has had great successes in treating the population. Her work and position have brought her close to Florian, a physician who has become both a teacher and a friend, and given her some small moments of friendship and society with his wife and sisters in law. Viola is a bit of a law unto herself: her father was a physician and refused to deny his very intelligent daughter the availability of books, education or opportunities that would further her education – in short, he treated her much as he would have treated a son. And while the unconventional upbringing didn’t bring her many difficulties – she was betrayed in her search for love – led on by the man who is now her stepson. Henry is the new Duke and half-brother to Florian, with a reputation that would have him listed in the most infamous rakes of all time. And a duel over, of all things, clothing choices, have him in Viola’s care after Florian removed the troublesome bullet from his shoulder. Instantly intrigued by Viola, and wholly undeserving of the reputation that precedes him – Henry wants to know her better – and actually thinks that she may be the solution to his very real, and pressing need for a wife and heir. But – there are many things to overcome, not the least of which is Viola’s inheritance from her husband, and the son and current Duke of Tremayne’s determination to both ruin her and reclaim money he feels were owed him. A story that is entirely about Henry and Viola coming to grips with (and understanding) one another’s histories, learning to trust in one another and simply allowing their feelings to grow and develop. No one who knows the two well are actually concerned that they aren’t good for one another – all of the questions come as a result of those who only know the ‘stories and gossip’, and the actual friendship offered to Viola shows the esteem and regard in which she is held by those who had the experiences of working with her, or benefitting from her forward thinking and heart. Each one of the books in this series explores another person (or couple) who were not ‘of the norm’ for the society of the day, and as such have a unique perspective and approach as they work to build a future for themselves that quietly affirms their experiences and beliefs, while leaving readers with a smile. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

London 1820 Viola was working at the hospital as a man with a gunshot came in and she had to help the doctor with his surgery. Well that was non other than Henry Lowell, rake extraordinaire or so that was the word out in society. Viola herself was the talk of the ton for marrying her elderly Duke days before he passed away. She had done her best to ignore society and taken the money left to her by opening a hospital and helping those in need. The problem was, rake or not, Henry was a handsome man and very charming. When he first sees Viola he thinks she is an angel. But Viola wants nothing to do with him due to his reputation. But is he really as bad as everyone says? Sophie Barnes brought these characters to live and with the historical references to the medical field it was fascinating. I always enjoy her books and this was truly a great story. There is a lot to take in and secrets abound but I could not turn the pages fast enough.. Looking forward to the next in this series! I read this through NetGallery