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Diamonds in the Rough #3
The Illegitimate Duke
United in a common cause…
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.
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.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2018
175 people are currently reading
1454 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Barnes
67 books1,755 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.
When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.
For all the latest releases, promotions, and exclusive story updates, subscribe to Sophie Barnes’ newsletter today: www.sophiebarnes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 18, 2018
Series: Diamonds In The Rough #3
Publication Date: 8/28/18
Danger, suspense, and romance abound in this great addition to Sophie Barnes’ Diamonds In The Rough series. I loved the earlier tales about this ‘fish out of water’ family and was afraid this was to be the last book, so I was delighted to learn that there is at least one more book coming. The characters are interesting and unique, the villain finally gets his punishment and the romance is delightful.
Florian Lowell is the most brilliant physician in England. He is always learning from the medical sciences in other lands and incorporating them into his practice. Other physicians decry some of his modern practices – probably out of jealousy – but Florian gets results. He really just wants to be left alone to practice medicine, but the world just won’t leave him be. Florian has deeply held secrets – secrets that would ruin him, his family and anyone who is closely associated with him. To add to the stress of his secret, his uncle (his mother’s brother), the Duke of Redding, has petitioned the King to make Florian his legal heir, there is a typhus epidemic in London, and the most beguiling woman he has ever met is plaguing him at every turn.
Juliette Matthews is the youngest sister of the Duke of Huntley. She has always had a delicate constitution and has, therefore, always been protected and coddled. She chafes at that. She is stronger than they think and she wants to do something with her life. She was raised in the slums of St. Giles and has no patience for the ton’s habits of making morning calls and attending balls. Earlier in the year, her older sister, Amelia, used her yearly allowance to purchase a building and set up a school for underprivileged children and now Juliette wants to do something similar. She wants to donate her yearly allowance to St. Agatha Hospital and to become a member of the hospital’s board. The fact that a board membership would bring her into regular contact with Florian Lowell is just icing on the cake.
I loved the romance between Florian and Juliette. He was so honorable and selfless that you just had to love him. He fiercely fought his attraction to Juliette – for her sake, not his. He knew that an association with him could put her in physical danger and also ruin her family. Then, you have Juliette who is so open and honest – she doesn’t hide the truth from herself or Florian. She is attracted to him and she lets him know it. How in the world can he fight against such innocent and open honesty?
I loved learning more about the medical practices during that period and Florian’s implementing some of the more creative practices from around the world. Typhus was a horrible disease and could have wiped out all of London if Florian hadn’t acted quickly and decisively. Juliette’s ideas and money contributed greatly to containing and stopping the spread of the disease. (Be sure to read the Author’s Notes in the back – they are great – very informative.)
The suspense is palpable. When Florian’s enemy threatens Juliette, he will do anything and everything to protect and save her – and she feels the same about him.
I would have loved to learn more about the street urchin that escaped from the quarantine in St. Giles. How many other people did he come into contact with? Was he found dead on the streets somewhere? Was he somehow found and treated? It just felt like a thread that wasn’t wrapped up.
Other things I wondered – What happened to the house where Juliette contracted typhus? Florian had the coach burned – would the house have been burned as well? Why wouldn’t Florian have treated Juliette in that same house since it was already contaminated instead of taking her to his uninfected home? Another thing was the conversation between Huntley and Florian as they were removing Juliette – From what I’ve seen of Huntley so far, I don’t buy that conversation. At that particular moment, he wouldn’t have cared one whit about what would happen with her reputation, his only concern would have been her survival. He’d think about her reputation later.
It seems strange to me that someone so young (23 or so) would CHOOSE to be the Dowager Duchess of Tremaine. Actually, her name would have been Viola Tremaine since peers use the title name as their last name. Anyway – she doesn’t automatically have to be the dowager. She has no children. She could just continue to be the Duchess of Tremaine until the day she dies – or remarries. Should the new heir have a wife that wife would also be the Duchess of Tremaine. One would be the 4th Duchess of Tremaine and the other would be the 5th Duchess of Tremaine (or whatever the appropriate number is).
Anyway, it is a great read – don’t let my ‘wonderings’ make you think that I didn’t thoroughly and absolutely love it – because I did love it.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 8/28/18
Danger, suspense, and romance abound in this great addition to Sophie Barnes’ Diamonds In The Rough series. I loved the earlier tales about this ‘fish out of water’ family and was afraid this was to be the last book, so I was delighted to learn that there is at least one more book coming. The characters are interesting and unique, the villain finally gets his punishment and the romance is delightful.
Florian Lowell is the most brilliant physician in England. He is always learning from the medical sciences in other lands and incorporating them into his practice. Other physicians decry some of his modern practices – probably out of jealousy – but Florian gets results. He really just wants to be left alone to practice medicine, but the world just won’t leave him be. Florian has deeply held secrets – secrets that would ruin him, his family and anyone who is closely associated with him. To add to the stress of his secret, his uncle (his mother’s brother), the Duke of Redding, has petitioned the King to make Florian his legal heir, there is a typhus epidemic in London, and the most beguiling woman he has ever met is plaguing him at every turn.
Juliette Matthews is the youngest sister of the Duke of Huntley. She has always had a delicate constitution and has, therefore, always been protected and coddled. She chafes at that. She is stronger than they think and she wants to do something with her life. She was raised in the slums of St. Giles and has no patience for the ton’s habits of making morning calls and attending balls. Earlier in the year, her older sister, Amelia, used her yearly allowance to purchase a building and set up a school for underprivileged children and now Juliette wants to do something similar. She wants to donate her yearly allowance to St. Agatha Hospital and to become a member of the hospital’s board. The fact that a board membership would bring her into regular contact with Florian Lowell is just icing on the cake.
I loved the romance between Florian and Juliette. He was so honorable and selfless that you just had to love him. He fiercely fought his attraction to Juliette – for her sake, not his. He knew that an association with him could put her in physical danger and also ruin her family. Then, you have Juliette who is so open and honest – she doesn’t hide the truth from herself or Florian. She is attracted to him and she lets him know it. How in the world can he fight against such innocent and open honesty?
I loved learning more about the medical practices during that period and Florian’s implementing some of the more creative practices from around the world. Typhus was a horrible disease and could have wiped out all of London if Florian hadn’t acted quickly and decisively. Juliette’s ideas and money contributed greatly to containing and stopping the spread of the disease. (Be sure to read the Author’s Notes in the back – they are great – very informative.)
The suspense is palpable. When Florian’s enemy threatens Juliette, he will do anything and everything to protect and save her – and she feels the same about him.
I would have loved to learn more about the street urchin that escaped from the quarantine in St. Giles. How many other people did he come into contact with? Was he found dead on the streets somewhere? Was he somehow found and treated? It just felt like a thread that wasn’t wrapped up.
Other things I wondered – What happened to the house where Juliette contracted typhus? Florian had the coach burned – would the house have been burned as well? Why wouldn’t Florian have treated Juliette in that same house since it was already contaminated instead of taking her to his uninfected home? Another thing was the conversation between Huntley and Florian as they were removing Juliette – From what I’ve seen of Huntley so far, I don’t buy that conversation. At that particular moment, he wouldn’t have cared one whit about what would happen with her reputation, his only concern would have been her survival. He’d think about her reputation later.
It seems strange to me that someone so young (23 or so) would CHOOSE to be the Dowager Duchess of Tremaine. Actually, her name would have been Viola Tremaine since peers use the title name as their last name. Anyway – she doesn’t automatically have to be the dowager. She has no children. She could just continue to be the Duchess of Tremaine until the day she dies – or remarries. Should the new heir have a wife that wife would also be the Duchess of Tremaine. One would be the 4th Duchess of Tremaine and the other would be the 5th Duchess of Tremaine (or whatever the appropriate number is).
Anyway, it is a great read – don’t let my ‘wonderings’ make you think that I didn’t thoroughly and absolutely love it – because I did love it.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
June 25, 2021
I didn't love this as much as the first two, I love Florian but he drove me crazy sometimes. Juliette was fine. I liked her well enough but she also drove me crazy sometimes. I wasn't as invested in this one as I was in the others. Also, these covers are so weird. This one and the first one are so ugly but books two and four have such pretty covers.
July 23, 2018
Juliette doesnt mind calling her man out, "...you are pulling me along at a pace that is difficult for me to keep up with in my current state of dress. I cannot simply hike up my evening gown and lengthen my stride, Florian.” Florian likes to state his feelings, “because I am no longer a mere physician, Juliette. I am a man who desires you in every way imaginable.” His breath was ragged, his words coming in quick..." I liked this book, I fell in love with Florian.
January 2, 2023
The Illegitimate Duke is book 3 in Diamonds in the Rough series by Sophie Barnes and tells the story of Juliette Matthews, Duke of Huntley's other sister and Florian Lowell both of whom were seen on and off in the previous book.
There was obvious chemistry between them since the moment they were introduced and this book was such a pleasure to read. I loved how both the main characters had this determined and confident personality. They were firm at what they wanted and weren't afraid to stand up for a cause. The whole typhus endemic situation gave the book the necessary serious aura and Florian and Juliette's budding romance amongst it all was an absolute delight.
There were quite a few heartbreaking moments in this one and the whole journey made me pretty emotional all the time but I didn't stop rooting for Florian and Juliette for even a moment. There was also a bit of action towards the end and I liked that the author did not make Juliette out to be some damsel in distress in that situation.
The fact that Juliette remains unfazed upon learning of Florian's secret, there wasn't even a stumble, made me respect her even more. The connection they shared truly depicted that they were indeed made for each other and the proposal towards the end definitely made me shed some tears.
5 stars.
There was obvious chemistry between them since the moment they were introduced and this book was such a pleasure to read. I loved how both the main characters had this determined and confident personality. They were firm at what they wanted and weren't afraid to stand up for a cause. The whole typhus endemic situation gave the book the necessary serious aura and Florian and Juliette's budding romance amongst it all was an absolute delight.
There were quite a few heartbreaking moments in this one and the whole journey made me pretty emotional all the time but I didn't stop rooting for Florian and Juliette for even a moment. There was also a bit of action towards the end and I liked that the author did not make Juliette out to be some damsel in distress in that situation.
The fact that Juliette remains unfazed upon learning of Florian's secret, there wasn't even a stumble, made me respect her even more. The connection they shared truly depicted that they were indeed made for each other and the proposal towards the end definitely made me shed some tears.
5 stars.
August 15, 2018
Book 3 in The Diamonds In The Rough tells the story of Juliette Matthews and Dr. Florian Lowell. If you have read the first two books in the Series then you know Juliette and Florian. This book can also be read as a stand-alone novel, but if you can I would highly recommend you read the previous books also. Sophie is a wonderfully talented author who writes beautiful love stories with marvelous characters. Her books are full of wit, suspense, with spellbinding drama, evil villains, heart-stopping peril and ravishing sensual love scenes.
Juliette is the younger sister of a Duke who spent her young life living in the slums of St. Giles. Her brother did his best to keep them sheltered and fed. Now her family is back in their place in Society and Juliette is a much sought after young lady. Her brother and sister are now both happily married and they want Juliette to find the same happiness. She is still uncomfortable in her new role as a debutante and hasn't met anyone yet that she would consider as a husband. She wants to do all that she can for the poor people that she lived around in St. Giles. She is determined to do everything she can to ease their heavy burdens as much as she can.
Florian Lowell is one of the most respected doctors in England. He is a Gentleman by birth and heir to a Dukedom. He has devoted his life to helping the poor. He is very uncomfortable in social situations and feels time spent away from his patients is a waste of his time. Now that he is his uncle's heir he has to take time out of days to attend Ton functions. He doesn't like to dance and small talk and gossip are not his forte. The only saving grace is that he can see and talk to Juliette Matthews. She is not like the other young ladies in that she is interested in learning all she can to help anyone less fortunate than her. It doesn't hurt that she is beautiful, but even though he is attracted to her, he doesn't have time to court a woman. Florian has a secret that if it ever got out could ruin him and take away everything he has worked for. So it is best to keep Juliette at a distance if only it was that easy.
When a typhus epidemic strikes St. Giles Florian will need all the help he can get. Juliette donates 3,000 pounds of her money and joins the board at the hospital to help. As they see each other more the attraction that they both are fighting grows stronger. Juliette doesn't understand why Florian is keeping her at a distance. The attraction is electric and Juliette knows he wants her too. Florian won't explain why they cannot be together, he just says that he is not the person that she thinks he is. When Juliette becomes Ill Florian will do anything to save her life.
I absolutely loved Florian and Juliette's love story. Two people who are made for each other and the forces that attempt to keep them apart. In the darkness of Florian's secret is a madman who is determined to punish him and take away everyone who he loves. When Florian's enemy goes after Juliette he realizes that he can't live without her. Can he save her and keep his life's work at the same time? Do not miss this one. I loved it!!
Juliette is the younger sister of a Duke who spent her young life living in the slums of St. Giles. Her brother did his best to keep them sheltered and fed. Now her family is back in their place in Society and Juliette is a much sought after young lady. Her brother and sister are now both happily married and they want Juliette to find the same happiness. She is still uncomfortable in her new role as a debutante and hasn't met anyone yet that she would consider as a husband. She wants to do all that she can for the poor people that she lived around in St. Giles. She is determined to do everything she can to ease their heavy burdens as much as she can.
Florian Lowell is one of the most respected doctors in England. He is a Gentleman by birth and heir to a Dukedom. He has devoted his life to helping the poor. He is very uncomfortable in social situations and feels time spent away from his patients is a waste of his time. Now that he is his uncle's heir he has to take time out of days to attend Ton functions. He doesn't like to dance and small talk and gossip are not his forte. The only saving grace is that he can see and talk to Juliette Matthews. She is not like the other young ladies in that she is interested in learning all she can to help anyone less fortunate than her. It doesn't hurt that she is beautiful, but even though he is attracted to her, he doesn't have time to court a woman. Florian has a secret that if it ever got out could ruin him and take away everything he has worked for. So it is best to keep Juliette at a distance if only it was that easy.
When a typhus epidemic strikes St. Giles Florian will need all the help he can get. Juliette donates 3,000 pounds of her money and joins the board at the hospital to help. As they see each other more the attraction that they both are fighting grows stronger. Juliette doesn't understand why Florian is keeping her at a distance. The attraction is electric and Juliette knows he wants her too. Florian won't explain why they cannot be together, he just says that he is not the person that she thinks he is. When Juliette becomes Ill Florian will do anything to save her life.
I absolutely loved Florian and Juliette's love story. Two people who are made for each other and the forces that attempt to keep them apart. In the darkness of Florian's secret is a madman who is determined to punish him and take away everyone who he loves. When Florian's enemy goes after Juliette he realizes that he can't live without her. Can he save her and keep his life's work at the same time? Do not miss this one. I loved it!!
August 11, 2024
I do love a historical doctor romance.
August 27, 2018
Juliette Matthews is now a young lady of privilege and wants to use her family’s newfound wealth to help others. Florian Lowell, a physician with a secret, has recently inherited a dukedom. Together they must overcome illness, secrets, and danger to find their happily ever after.
This was a slow start for me. I didn’t read the previous title in the series and had to get caught up on a few characters and events and I felt lost at the beginning of the book. Once I got past that, however, the rest of the book flowed well and I had trouble putting it down.
I liked Florian because he wasn’t a “normal” historical romance hero and was rather serious. I love heroes that do more than run their estates, too. Juliette was a bit of a disappointment, however. I found her to be much like every other heroine and that she acted like she’d grown up with wealth and privilege.
I felt like the major conflict was easy to guess from the beginning. That didn’t keep me from reading what happened, however. The slightly more minor conflict got a little repetitive after a while and probably could’ve been resolved had Juliette and Florian just talked to each other.
I missed an epilogue in this story but am looking forward to the next title in the series.
*I received an eARC from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was a slow start for me. I didn’t read the previous title in the series and had to get caught up on a few characters and events and I felt lost at the beginning of the book. Once I got past that, however, the rest of the book flowed well and I had trouble putting it down.
I liked Florian because he wasn’t a “normal” historical romance hero and was rather serious. I love heroes that do more than run their estates, too. Juliette was a bit of a disappointment, however. I found her to be much like every other heroine and that she acted like she’d grown up with wealth and privilege.
I felt like the major conflict was easy to guess from the beginning. That didn’t keep me from reading what happened, however. The slightly more minor conflict got a little repetitive after a while and probably could’ve been resolved had Juliette and Florian just talked to each other.
I missed an epilogue in this story but am looking forward to the next title in the series.
*I received an eARC from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2018
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
The Illegitimate Duke was a charming, slow burn historical romance that had me hooked right away. How could it not, with its delightful characters, a diabolical villain, and even a bit of a medical drama that unfolded?
I’ve been looking forward to Florian and Juliette’s romance since I finished reading the previous book, The Duke of Her Desire, which was Juliette’s sister Amelia’s story. I just thought the pairing of a stoic, highly talented physician and an intelligent, do-gooder woman who had just come up in Society sounded intriguing. And Sophie Barnes did so well with this book, creating the perfect amount of awareness and tension between Juliette and Florian without losing the other threads of the storyline. Read More
The Illegitimate Duke was a charming, slow burn historical romance that had me hooked right away. How could it not, with its delightful characters, a diabolical villain, and even a bit of a medical drama that unfolded?
I’ve been looking forward to Florian and Juliette’s romance since I finished reading the previous book, The Duke of Her Desire, which was Juliette’s sister Amelia’s story. I just thought the pairing of a stoic, highly talented physician and an intelligent, do-gooder woman who had just come up in Society sounded intriguing. And Sophie Barnes did so well with this book, creating the perfect amount of awareness and tension between Juliette and Florian without losing the other threads of the storyline. Read More
September 27, 2018
You don’t need to have read the earlier titles in the series to jump into Juliette and Florian’s story, but once you put this one down you’ll be wanting to see how things came about. Juliette is the sister of a newly-minted Duke, although their early years as children were spent in poverty and scrabbling for survival. Now elevated to the tonne and recipients of the ‘best’ invitations even as whispers and finger points follow her near everywhere, Juliette isn’t desperate to marry simply because it is the next step: she wants to find love (like her brother and sister have) and to have a partnership in her marriage – something rare and not ‘usual’ in her social circle. A sickly child, Juliette spent more of her childhood reading and learning, young Raphe being careful to keep the girls safe and well-stocked with reading material, even if it was only two books at a time. Intelligent, curious, exceedingly kindhearted and determined to ‘make her own sort of difference’, Juliette seems unaware of her beauty and desirability, particularly when confronted with the snotty and often clique-y behavior of other unmarried girls at the balls. Juliette is instantly engaging and solidly her own woman, and truly hard not to like with her combination of brains, curiosity, problem-solving and softly managed determination.
Florian is the second son, with a nod from the King and his ailing uncle to inherit a Dukedom. A physician by trade, he went into medicine and delved into his studies to ‘offset’ his own perceived weakness as he determined to be the best and most helpful and honorable man possible. Not wanting the title from his Uncle, he’s also taken pains to care for him in the last stages of cancer, nearly the only time his well-practiced remove in separating emotions and personal feelings from his work. A control freak, Florian isn’t one who likes to allow his emotions freedom: he’s entirely too much in his own head, spiraling into a sort of depression and anxiety surrounding his big secret, and the struggles to maintain a distance and appearance of ‘together’ when in truth, he feels anything but worthy or respectable. Add to that – he’s a GINGER! A rarity in romance – we see redheaded women often enough – it’s rare that a man would be. But his hair is just one thing that sets him apart from others. He’s spent years traveling and learning, adopting different procedures and techniques and gaining valuable experience that he has brought back to London and a hospital that he manages with the able help of a Dowager Duchess, long removed from society.
These two are adorable together, Juliette is drawn to Florian for his reserve, the slight tinge of sadness in his eyes, and his apparent inability to accept her compliments, even when they are more than well-deserved. Juliette is not a ‘flatterer’ or a flirt, she’s going to speak kindly, but never gild the lily when she feels a compliment is deserved. And, having a man, in her recent experience, that isn’t chasing her for the connection to her brother and actually engage in conversations with her about ‘real’ things is a rarity. It doesn’t hurt that the two are stunning to look at, and the sparks fly. Florian, for his part, is constantly talking himself out of thoughts about Juliette, afraid of her reaction to his secret, and convinced that staying alone and removed is the best way to keep her both safe and on the right track. It’s just that circumstances, Juliette’s determination to make a difference, learn and push Florian in ways unexpected are lovely. Add to this the threat of Typhoid fever, which could decimate the city, a threat from Florian’s past, and Juliette’s sister and sister-in-law (as well as her brother) gently retiring and allowing for the two to work out their own ‘issues’ until the two are placed into situations that will change their own trajectories for the better.
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.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Florian is the second son, with a nod from the King and his ailing uncle to inherit a Dukedom. A physician by trade, he went into medicine and delved into his studies to ‘offset’ his own perceived weakness as he determined to be the best and most helpful and honorable man possible. Not wanting the title from his Uncle, he’s also taken pains to care for him in the last stages of cancer, nearly the only time his well-practiced remove in separating emotions and personal feelings from his work. A control freak, Florian isn’t one who likes to allow his emotions freedom: he’s entirely too much in his own head, spiraling into a sort of depression and anxiety surrounding his big secret, and the struggles to maintain a distance and appearance of ‘together’ when in truth, he feels anything but worthy or respectable. Add to that – he’s a GINGER! A rarity in romance – we see redheaded women often enough – it’s rare that a man would be. But his hair is just one thing that sets him apart from others. He’s spent years traveling and learning, adopting different procedures and techniques and gaining valuable experience that he has brought back to London and a hospital that he manages with the able help of a Dowager Duchess, long removed from society.
These two are adorable together, Juliette is drawn to Florian for his reserve, the slight tinge of sadness in his eyes, and his apparent inability to accept her compliments, even when they are more than well-deserved. Juliette is not a ‘flatterer’ or a flirt, she’s going to speak kindly, but never gild the lily when she feels a compliment is deserved. And, having a man, in her recent experience, that isn’t chasing her for the connection to her brother and actually engage in conversations with her about ‘real’ things is a rarity. It doesn’t hurt that the two are stunning to look at, and the sparks fly. Florian, for his part, is constantly talking himself out of thoughts about Juliette, afraid of her reaction to his secret, and convinced that staying alone and removed is the best way to keep her both safe and on the right track. It’s just that circumstances, Juliette’s determination to make a difference, learn and push Florian in ways unexpected are lovely. Add to this the threat of Typhoid fever, which could decimate the city, a threat from Florian’s past, and Juliette’s sister and sister-in-law (as well as her brother) gently retiring and allowing for the two to work out their own ‘issues’ until the two are placed into situations that will change their own trajectories for the better.
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.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
August 30, 2018
Florian and Juliette make quite the winning pair in this third book of the Diamonds In The Rough series.
Juliette is as determined to make her newfound wealth and status help her make a difference in the world.
As Florian is to avoid his at all costs.
This third story of the working class turned aristocracy. Is perfection in almost every way. The character interaction and spirited rapport between Florian and Juliette is splendid. Florian's struggle to resolve his life's work with the demands of his new social status.
Superb!
And let's not mention the rather hard-won romance found here.
Can you say "mmm...mmm... good?"
There is however, one detraction from this most stellar read.
And unfortunately for this read. It concerns a major element in the story. Florian's parentage.
The reason.
Though it is true that such information coming to light could hurt Florian socially.
Both his status as a Duke and a doctor is enough to render any ill done quite the moot point.
So, aside from a rather unnecessary bit of drama that it manages to provide. The whole mental and physical "goose chase" that all involved are subjected to as a result. Is in truth, quite distracting.
Not to worry though.
The story is quickly put to rights when duty calls. And Florian and must spring into action as the doctor that he is to save all that he holds dear from an even greater foe than scandal.
The scourge of Typhus.
This is a beautifully written and masterfully crafted tale of a couple doing their best to rid themselves of the ghosts of their pasts. So that they may make a better future for themselves and the world in which they live.
Juliette is as determined to make her newfound wealth and status help her make a difference in the world.
As Florian is to avoid his at all costs.
This third story of the working class turned aristocracy. Is perfection in almost every way. The character interaction and spirited rapport between Florian and Juliette is splendid. Florian's struggle to resolve his life's work with the demands of his new social status.
Superb!
And let's not mention the rather hard-won romance found here.
Can you say "mmm...mmm... good?"
There is however, one detraction from this most stellar read.
And unfortunately for this read. It concerns a major element in the story. Florian's parentage.
The reason.
Though it is true that such information coming to light could hurt Florian socially.
Both his status as a Duke and a doctor is enough to render any ill done quite the moot point.
So, aside from a rather unnecessary bit of drama that it manages to provide. The whole mental and physical "goose chase" that all involved are subjected to as a result. Is in truth, quite distracting.
Not to worry though.
The story is quickly put to rights when duty calls. And Florian and must spring into action as the doctor that he is to save all that he holds dear from an even greater foe than scandal.
The scourge of Typhus.
This is a beautifully written and masterfully crafted tale of a couple doing their best to rid themselves of the ghosts of their pasts. So that they may make a better future for themselves and the world in which they live.
August 26, 2018
Born on the wrong side of the blanket, Florian Lowell’s true love is medicine and a quiet simple life. An unexpected title upends that life. His paternity and the secret he holds close guarantees the one woman he craves is still beyond his reach. Fate, his friendship with her family, and her headstrong determination to help those in the less savory parts of London are continually throwing them together. As if protecting her wasn’t enough, he is determined to fight the attraction between them despite her determination to see what they can make of it. However, if she knew the truth of his parentage he knows he will lose her forever.
Sophie Barnes takes two headstrong people and helps them find love despite the “differences” in their station. At times I wanted to beat sense into Florian while cheering Juliette on. These two are truly “Diamonds in the Rough”. I can’t wait to see which diamonds Ms. Barnes chooses to polish into love.
Sophie Barnes takes two headstrong people and helps them find love despite the “differences” in their station. At times I wanted to beat sense into Florian while cheering Juliette on. These two are truly “Diamonds in the Rough”. I can’t wait to see which diamonds Ms. Barnes chooses to polish into love.
January 19, 2019
I enjoyed this installment in the series. Best one so far.
August 7, 2018
Received an ARC via Edelweiss
This was a tough book for me to read. I loved the two main characters and thought they deserved great things and each other. They got each other and were often thinking similar things about serious subjects. The problem I had was all of the detail on the horrendous, contagious, and deadly diseases. That was a bit off putting to me. I know that Florian is a doctor and Juliette read a lot of medical books, but a bit much for a romance. If it had been a history of medicine in the 1800s then I would understand the detail.
This was a tough book for me to read. I loved the two main characters and thought they deserved great things and each other. They got each other and were often thinking similar things about serious subjects. The problem I had was all of the detail on the horrendous, contagious, and deadly diseases. That was a bit off putting to me. I know that Florian is a doctor and Juliette read a lot of medical books, but a bit much for a romance. If it had been a history of medicine in the 1800s then I would understand the detail.
December 6, 2018
I have consistently enjoyed all three installments in the Diamonds in the Rough series. Each followed the love story of one of the Matthews siblings, a trio who grew up in poverty only to join the ton later in life.
The focus on this book is Juliette, the sister who struggled with her health as a child. More recently, she contracted a bout of the measles, which is how she got to know our hero, Florian. He is a serious and dedicated physician, and now he is also the unexpected heir to a dukedom.
The promise of nobility has made Florian irresistible to the ladies of high society. Only Juliette seems to see him as a man instead of a potential title. She is intelligent and selfless, and she actually seems interested in what he does for a living. She would be a perfect wife, if only he ever planned to marry. You see, Florian is hiding a devastating secret. He is actually a bastard and his true father is a criminal of the worst sort. Most people thought the man, Bartholomew, had been hanged for his various other crimes, but as this story begins, Florian learns the man is alive and well. He would never expose Juliette to the potential scandal or danger involved with becoming his wife.
If only they didn’t tempt each other so much.
When a typhus outbreak happens in the slums, Juliet steps up, promising her own money to help Florian and the local hospital in their efforts to keep it from spreading. But that means she and Florian will be spending even more time together. And as that happens, and they get to know each other even better, the attraction gets harder and harder to fight.
I really enjoyed the angst in this story. Florian was so steadfast in his determination to protect Juliette from his taint. But he refused to tell her why. And he could not make a clean break. So there is this constant push and pull between them, because they really do like each other and from there… want each other in a way that’s undeniable. Florian is one of those heroes who is so self-contained. You know there is all this feeling and need bubbling inside him. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the dam to break. And when little bursts of emotion peeked out, it was so gratifying.
Juliette is the kind of heroine which skirts the line of too good to be true. She’s pretty, self taught, giving, understanding, you name it. But it was ok, because I wanted Florian to have the kind of happiness but she promised.
This is a very very slow burn, but I didn’t mind because the anticipation was well done. There is an inevitable danger plot involving Florian‘s biological father, and though that was a little predictable, it worked out the way it needed to. At the end of the day, I was satisfied with how it all played out, even if my gratification was seriously delayed.
I’m also glad to see the series will not be ending here. It looks like Florian’s brother will be the hero of the next book, along with the mysterious widow who runs the hospital. It should be interesting to see how that romance develops.
Rating: B
*ARC provided by publisher
The focus on this book is Juliette, the sister who struggled with her health as a child. More recently, she contracted a bout of the measles, which is how she got to know our hero, Florian. He is a serious and dedicated physician, and now he is also the unexpected heir to a dukedom.
The promise of nobility has made Florian irresistible to the ladies of high society. Only Juliette seems to see him as a man instead of a potential title. She is intelligent and selfless, and she actually seems interested in what he does for a living. She would be a perfect wife, if only he ever planned to marry. You see, Florian is hiding a devastating secret. He is actually a bastard and his true father is a criminal of the worst sort. Most people thought the man, Bartholomew, had been hanged for his various other crimes, but as this story begins, Florian learns the man is alive and well. He would never expose Juliette to the potential scandal or danger involved with becoming his wife.
If only they didn’t tempt each other so much.
When a typhus outbreak happens in the slums, Juliet steps up, promising her own money to help Florian and the local hospital in their efforts to keep it from spreading. But that means she and Florian will be spending even more time together. And as that happens, and they get to know each other even better, the attraction gets harder and harder to fight.
I really enjoyed the angst in this story. Florian was so steadfast in his determination to protect Juliette from his taint. But he refused to tell her why. And he could not make a clean break. So there is this constant push and pull between them, because they really do like each other and from there… want each other in a way that’s undeniable. Florian is one of those heroes who is so self-contained. You know there is all this feeling and need bubbling inside him. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the dam to break. And when little bursts of emotion peeked out, it was so gratifying.
Juliette is the kind of heroine which skirts the line of too good to be true. She’s pretty, self taught, giving, understanding, you name it. But it was ok, because I wanted Florian to have the kind of happiness but she promised.
This is a very very slow burn, but I didn’t mind because the anticipation was well done. There is an inevitable danger plot involving Florian‘s biological father, and though that was a little predictable, it worked out the way it needed to. At the end of the day, I was satisfied with how it all played out, even if my gratification was seriously delayed.
I’m also glad to see the series will not be ending here. It looks like Florian’s brother will be the hero of the next book, along with the mysterious widow who runs the hospital. It should be interesting to see how that romance develops.
Rating: B
*ARC provided by publisher
August 26, 2018
The Illegitimate Duke is the third book in the Diamonds in the Rough series by Sophie Barnes. It can easily be read as a standalone story.
Florian Lowell is a physician, he disagrees with many of the old ways of medicine such as using leeches to bleed the sick. He is more forward thinking and because of that, he cures more patients than many doctors of his time. When Typhus is discovered in St Giles Florian knows he must do all in his power to have it contained in that area. He has had the disease before so should be immune to it now so he will be the one to go into the area and help the afflicted.
Juliette Matthews is fed up with being expected to sit around gossiping, or doing needlework etc. She was brought up in St Giles, but good fortune finds her now a lady of means and she wants to use that money to help others less fortunate. She decides she will donate her yearly allowance to the local hospital with the proviso that she join the hospital committee so that she can have a say in how the money is used. The money couldn't come at any better time because a clinic needs to be set up in St Giles in order to deal with the Typhus outbreak.
Being on the committee brings Juliette and Florian together. They know each other already and both feel an attraction to the other. Florian fights his attraction because he has a terrible secret that would ruin her if anybody found out, and there is somebody threatening to let that very secret out. So not only does Florian have the stress of the outbreak, of trying to fight his attraction to a very determined Juliette, he also has to fear an enemy that he hoped never to have to deal with again.
This book has it all, romance, drama, intrigue. There is never a dull moment. Juliette and Florian are so perfect for each other, and I love when he has the opportunity to be her hero. I also shuddered at the reason he needed to be that hero. This book definitely had me running the gamut of emotions and although there were a couple of things that have left me wondering, I can still happily recommend this story and this series.
Florian Lowell is a physician, he disagrees with many of the old ways of medicine such as using leeches to bleed the sick. He is more forward thinking and because of that, he cures more patients than many doctors of his time. When Typhus is discovered in St Giles Florian knows he must do all in his power to have it contained in that area. He has had the disease before so should be immune to it now so he will be the one to go into the area and help the afflicted.
Juliette Matthews is fed up with being expected to sit around gossiping, or doing needlework etc. She was brought up in St Giles, but good fortune finds her now a lady of means and she wants to use that money to help others less fortunate. She decides she will donate her yearly allowance to the local hospital with the proviso that she join the hospital committee so that she can have a say in how the money is used. The money couldn't come at any better time because a clinic needs to be set up in St Giles in order to deal with the Typhus outbreak.
Being on the committee brings Juliette and Florian together. They know each other already and both feel an attraction to the other. Florian fights his attraction because he has a terrible secret that would ruin her if anybody found out, and there is somebody threatening to let that very secret out. So not only does Florian have the stress of the outbreak, of trying to fight his attraction to a very determined Juliette, he also has to fear an enemy that he hoped never to have to deal with again.
This book has it all, romance, drama, intrigue. There is never a dull moment. Juliette and Florian are so perfect for each other, and I love when he has the opportunity to be her hero. I also shuddered at the reason he needed to be that hero. This book definitely had me running the gamut of emotions and although there were a couple of things that have left me wondering, I can still happily recommend this story and this series.
September 16, 2018
Originally published at Reading Reality
This is a fish out of water story. In fact, it’s part of a whole school of fish out of water stories. The fish currently uncertain about its welcome in the pond is Juliette, sister of the first two fishes.
Ok, I’ve probably baited that metaphor as far as it can go. In the first book in the Diamonds in the Rough series, St. Giles resident and bare-knuckle boxing champ Raphe Matthews learns that by a strange quirk of fate he has become the Duke of Huntley. And while he might not be willing on his own to return to the social classes that ejected himself and his sisters years ago – he desperately wants to do what’s best for them. It’s not even the wealth of being Huntley that attracts him, but the opportunities that it provides for comfortable and healthy living. His sisters will have much better chances once he takes the title. So he does, and the story of just how that works out for him is told in the first book in the series, A Most Unlikely Duke.
Next in line came his sister Amelia’s story in The Duke of Her Desire, which turned out to be a delightful romp from beginning to end.
The Illegitimate Duke is, of course, the third sister Juliette’s journey to her happily ever after.
(BTW, the whole series is pretty delightful. The Matthews’ make for slightly different historical romance protagonists in ways that really work and are fun to read. You don’t have to start at the beginning of this series, but if you like historical romance, these are a lot of fun!)
Back to Juliette. Like her sister Amelia, Juliette is not content to wrest on her laurels or just sit back and spend her new-found fortune shopping. While living in St. Giles had many, many difficulties, the one thing it did have was that women had to live lives of purpose – even if that purpose mostly consisted of helping to keep the wolf from the door.
In comparison, the life of a society miss feels dreadfully empty. Juliette has a mind that she wants to be able to use, along with access to a fortune that gives her the opportunity to assist her former neighbors in tangible ways – if she is willing to take the bull by the horns and stand up for herself.
It’s not just the figurative bull of what society expects of women of her new class, or even what the gossips expect of a woman with her origins. There’s also a literal bull, Dr. Florian Lowell, soon to become the Duke of Redding. Florian is the physician in charge of the charity hospital that serves St. Giles, and Juliet wants to not merely donate money to that hospital but also have a say in how that money is spent.
And that puts her squarely in Florian’s orbit – and very much vice versa.
They fascinate each other, and it is not just a matter of looks.
Juliette needs to be of use and not merely the ornament that society now expects her to be. She hates the falsity of the marriage mart but would be very happy to find a man who is willing to be her partner and accept her as she is – just as her brother and sister have found with their respective spouses.
Florian, although born to the upper crust, devotes his life to being a physician. While he will inherit a dukedom, he still plans to maintain his medical practice. I would say that he’s looking for a woman who will not merely accept, but actually understand his devotion to his practice and his interest in furthering medical science.
But he has no plans to marry and populate a nursery as his new position will require, because he carries a secret that he feels makes him unfit to court any woman who would be either worthy of his title, or more importantly, willing to be both friend and lover as well as wife.
That secret has come back to London to make all of his hopes, dreams and plans turn to smoke. If the incipient typhus epidemic doesn’t kill them first.
Escape Rating B: One of the terrific things about this series is the way that all of the women have been just a little something extra in ways that make them easier for 21st century readers to identify with while at the same time not stretching the bounds of plausibility too far. Or at least too far too far.
Juliette’s need to oversee the expenditure of her donation, and her willingness to serve on the hospital board, do seem possible, and even the acceptance of her presence by the titled men who are also on that board does not stretch things too far. Women did such things under the heading of doing good for the less fortunate – Juliette is perhaps a bit more active in that regard than most.
The horror of the potential typhus epidemic that hangs over the story, Florian’s attempts to contain it and the tragic results of his one failure in that regard were harrowing and all too real.
But as much as I enjoyed this fish out of water story, and as much as I certainly liked both Juliette and Florian, the difficulty that keeps them apart is all too similar to the secret that kept Amelia and Thomas apart in The Duke of Her Desire.
Like Thomas, Florian has a terrible secret, and it truly is terrible. He fears that society will not merely judge him harshly, but actually ostracize him if it comes out. And his fears are well founded. But what keeps Florian and Juliette apart is not the secret itself, but Florian’s belief that something that is manifestly not his fault is his responsibility and his punishment, when neither is the case, just as Thomas felt in the previous book.
The similarities between the two situations meant that The Illegitimate Duke did not sparkle as much for me as The Duke of Her Desire. The gravity of the external situation – that typhus epidemic – may also have had something to do with that lesser sparkle, because there was less to sparkle about.
But I did like the protagonists a great deal, and it was also lovely to see how Juliette’s sister and brother are getting on with their happily ever afters. The hints about the next book in the series, now that we have run out of Matthews siblings, looks intriguing.
I’ll certainly be back to discover what The Infamous Duchess is up to next spring!
This is a fish out of water story. In fact, it’s part of a whole school of fish out of water stories. The fish currently uncertain about its welcome in the pond is Juliette, sister of the first two fishes.
Ok, I’ve probably baited that metaphor as far as it can go. In the first book in the Diamonds in the Rough series, St. Giles resident and bare-knuckle boxing champ Raphe Matthews learns that by a strange quirk of fate he has become the Duke of Huntley. And while he might not be willing on his own to return to the social classes that ejected himself and his sisters years ago – he desperately wants to do what’s best for them. It’s not even the wealth of being Huntley that attracts him, but the opportunities that it provides for comfortable and healthy living. His sisters will have much better chances once he takes the title. So he does, and the story of just how that works out for him is told in the first book in the series, A Most Unlikely Duke.
Next in line came his sister Amelia’s story in The Duke of Her Desire, which turned out to be a delightful romp from beginning to end.
The Illegitimate Duke is, of course, the third sister Juliette’s journey to her happily ever after.
(BTW, the whole series is pretty delightful. The Matthews’ make for slightly different historical romance protagonists in ways that really work and are fun to read. You don’t have to start at the beginning of this series, but if you like historical romance, these are a lot of fun!)
Back to Juliette. Like her sister Amelia, Juliette is not content to wrest on her laurels or just sit back and spend her new-found fortune shopping. While living in St. Giles had many, many difficulties, the one thing it did have was that women had to live lives of purpose – even if that purpose mostly consisted of helping to keep the wolf from the door.
In comparison, the life of a society miss feels dreadfully empty. Juliette has a mind that she wants to be able to use, along with access to a fortune that gives her the opportunity to assist her former neighbors in tangible ways – if she is willing to take the bull by the horns and stand up for herself.
It’s not just the figurative bull of what society expects of women of her new class, or even what the gossips expect of a woman with her origins. There’s also a literal bull, Dr. Florian Lowell, soon to become the Duke of Redding. Florian is the physician in charge of the charity hospital that serves St. Giles, and Juliet wants to not merely donate money to that hospital but also have a say in how that money is spent.
And that puts her squarely in Florian’s orbit – and very much vice versa.
They fascinate each other, and it is not just a matter of looks.
Juliette needs to be of use and not merely the ornament that society now expects her to be. She hates the falsity of the marriage mart but would be very happy to find a man who is willing to be her partner and accept her as she is – just as her brother and sister have found with their respective spouses.
Florian, although born to the upper crust, devotes his life to being a physician. While he will inherit a dukedom, he still plans to maintain his medical practice. I would say that he’s looking for a woman who will not merely accept, but actually understand his devotion to his practice and his interest in furthering medical science.
But he has no plans to marry and populate a nursery as his new position will require, because he carries a secret that he feels makes him unfit to court any woman who would be either worthy of his title, or more importantly, willing to be both friend and lover as well as wife.
That secret has come back to London to make all of his hopes, dreams and plans turn to smoke. If the incipient typhus epidemic doesn’t kill them first.
Escape Rating B: One of the terrific things about this series is the way that all of the women have been just a little something extra in ways that make them easier for 21st century readers to identify with while at the same time not stretching the bounds of plausibility too far. Or at least too far too far.
Juliette’s need to oversee the expenditure of her donation, and her willingness to serve on the hospital board, do seem possible, and even the acceptance of her presence by the titled men who are also on that board does not stretch things too far. Women did such things under the heading of doing good for the less fortunate – Juliette is perhaps a bit more active in that regard than most.
The horror of the potential typhus epidemic that hangs over the story, Florian’s attempts to contain it and the tragic results of his one failure in that regard were harrowing and all too real.
But as much as I enjoyed this fish out of water story, and as much as I certainly liked both Juliette and Florian, the difficulty that keeps them apart is all too similar to the secret that kept Amelia and Thomas apart in The Duke of Her Desire.
Like Thomas, Florian has a terrible secret, and it truly is terrible. He fears that society will not merely judge him harshly, but actually ostracize him if it comes out. And his fears are well founded. But what keeps Florian and Juliette apart is not the secret itself, but Florian’s belief that something that is manifestly not his fault is his responsibility and his punishment, when neither is the case, just as Thomas felt in the previous book.
The similarities between the two situations meant that The Illegitimate Duke did not sparkle as much for me as The Duke of Her Desire. The gravity of the external situation – that typhus epidemic – may also have had something to do with that lesser sparkle, because there was less to sparkle about.
But I did like the protagonists a great deal, and it was also lovely to see how Juliette’s sister and brother are getting on with their happily ever afters. The hints about the next book in the series, now that we have run out of Matthews siblings, looks intriguing.
I’ll certainly be back to discover what The Infamous Duchess is up to next spring!
January 9, 2019
I found the first half of the book slow and then it picked up. Juliette and Florian are both outstanding people. It's wonderful that their attraction goes beyond looks.
But Florian feels he's not good enough for Juliette. He goes on and on about this ad nauseam which gets very wearing especially since it's for a ridiculous reason.
There were also some flaws in the medical part of the story:
-Florian shakes someone's hand after carrying someone with typhus, something which he knows is dangerous.
-A character flees the quarantined area but we never learn what happens to him or if he spreads the disease to more than a couple of people. It just gets dropped from the story.
However, I liked that this couple were brave, honourable, and philanthropic, not just your typical self- centred members of the ton.
But Florian feels he's not good enough for Juliette. He goes on and on about this ad nauseam which gets very wearing especially since it's for a ridiculous reason.
There were also some flaws in the medical part of the story:
-Florian shakes someone's hand after carrying someone with typhus, something which he knows is dangerous.
-A character flees the quarantined area but we never learn what happens to him or if he spreads the disease to more than a couple of people. It just gets dropped from the story.
However, I liked that this couple were brave, honourable, and philanthropic, not just your typical self- centred members of the ton.
March 22, 2019
Slow start. Liked it, not loved it. I preferred the previous two books before this one. 3☆
December 24, 2020
I really loved this book and I flew through it. I usually prefer historical novels to historical romances, but this book had two good plots and a third subplot which was enough to keep me interested. The novel is set during a typhoid epidemic in London, so everyone is terrified and to make matters worse it's the early 1800s - no one actually knows what causes typhoid or how to treat it, only that it spreads fast and it's deadly. This book was very appropriate reading during the Global Covid 19 Pandemic.
The Illegitimate Duke starts out with Juliette Matthews, a new member of society attending one of the balls during the London Season, e.g. the marriage mart. She knows she should find herself a husband but she's more interested in doing something useful with her new wealth. Well, her brother's new wealth. She meets a dashing, young doctor at a ball - a doctor who will have his uncle's title of Duke of Redding when his uncle dies. Juliette talks over her situation with her friends and decides to donate a considerable sum to Florian's charity hospital, and get herself on the board so she can have a say in how her money is spent. That being on the hospital board means spending time with Florian is a bonus.
Florian meanwhile wants to be a doctor, not a duke. But he isn't going to insult his uncle by refusing a title. And although he's immediately attracted to Juliette, he has secrets in his past that make him think he simply can't marry her.
While the ups and downs of Juliette and Florian's relationship make for interesting reading, we know it will all work out because: romance novel. Besides, I've already read the next book in the series, The Infamous Duchess. However, I enjoyed seeing the characters I had met before and seeing their friendships and charitable projects. For example, during one meeting Juliette and the other women with interest in the charitable hospital discuss needing an income stream for the hospital - they decide to build a spa catering to London's elite. The spa is under construction (they convert an old building) in the next book. I love how the characters' stories interweave and build on each other.
While initially, Juliette is just offering general financial help to the hospital, soon typhus breaks out in St. Giles, a notorious slum in London that Juliette had grown up in. Florian is soon off trying to help the sick. The British government quarantines the neighborhood and eventually even orders the military to shoot anyone trying to leave. Soon after at a hospital board meeting, Juliette proposes buying a ship so they can isolate the infected that way. This is a smashing idea.
Unfortunately, Bartholomew, the villain of the piece intercepts messages and the additional doctor sent to help the medical staff on the ship. He also causes all sorts of issues for Florian and his friends, including finally revealing Florian's secret in the press.
Meanwhile, despite the precautions taken - a young boy escapes St. Giles. He's found by Vivian, a close friend of Juliette's. The boy is taken to Vivian's house, where she tries to help him - but he soon runs off again. The boy infects Vivian and her mother with Typhus. Juliette goes to drop off a food basket at the house, enters, and realizes everyone there has Typhus - not wanting to spread the disease, she stays and contracts it herself. Vivian and her mother die, and Florian barely returns in time to rescue Juliette - he then brings her to her house for treatment (because: reasons he can't bring her to the hospital). Florian brings Juliette back to health, though he has to shave her hair (as well as wash her). They fall even deeper in love as Florian cares for her. Florian finally tells her his secret and she of course doesn't care about it. They are on the cusp of a marriage proposal. Juliette now well is to be sent to her brother's home by carriage - so Florian can deal with various things as well as formerly ask Juliette's brother's permission to marry her. But Juliette's carriage is attacked and she's kidnapped. Florian, Henry (his brother), and Juliette's brother have to rescue her, which they do. As expected, Florian and Juliette are then able to marry.
Again, I really enjoyed this novel a lot. The Typhus Outbreak was an extremely interesting plot and appropriate reading right now. Juliette is a great heroine - I loved her. Florian is a great hero, very dedicated to his work as a doctor and surgeon. Though his constant worrying about his reputation and past "harming" Juliette was a bit annoying at times. I also liked how the characters are forming a family, or at least a group of friends. It reminded me of great British historical television dramas like Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey. I highly recommend The Illegitimate Duke.
The Illegitimate Duke starts out with Juliette Matthews, a new member of society attending one of the balls during the London Season, e.g. the marriage mart. She knows she should find herself a husband but she's more interested in doing something useful with her new wealth. Well, her brother's new wealth. She meets a dashing, young doctor at a ball - a doctor who will have his uncle's title of Duke of Redding when his uncle dies. Juliette talks over her situation with her friends and decides to donate a considerable sum to Florian's charity hospital, and get herself on the board so she can have a say in how her money is spent. That being on the hospital board means spending time with Florian is a bonus.
Florian meanwhile wants to be a doctor, not a duke. But he isn't going to insult his uncle by refusing a title. And although he's immediately attracted to Juliette, he has secrets in his past that make him think he simply can't marry her.
While the ups and downs of Juliette and Florian's relationship make for interesting reading, we know it will all work out because: romance novel. Besides, I've already read the next book in the series, The Infamous Duchess. However, I enjoyed seeing the characters I had met before and seeing their friendships and charitable projects. For example, during one meeting Juliette and the other women with interest in the charitable hospital discuss needing an income stream for the hospital - they decide to build a spa catering to London's elite. The spa is under construction (they convert an old building) in the next book. I love how the characters' stories interweave and build on each other.
While initially, Juliette is just offering general financial help to the hospital, soon typhus breaks out in St. Giles, a notorious slum in London that Juliette had grown up in. Florian is soon off trying to help the sick. The British government quarantines the neighborhood and eventually even orders the military to shoot anyone trying to leave. Soon after at a hospital board meeting, Juliette proposes buying a ship so they can isolate the infected that way. This is a smashing idea.
Unfortunately, Bartholomew, the villain of the piece intercepts messages and the additional doctor sent to help the medical staff on the ship. He also causes all sorts of issues for Florian and his friends, including finally revealing Florian's secret in the press.
Meanwhile, despite the precautions taken - a young boy escapes St. Giles. He's found by Vivian, a close friend of Juliette's. The boy is taken to Vivian's house, where she tries to help him - but he soon runs off again. The boy infects Vivian and her mother with Typhus. Juliette goes to drop off a food basket at the house, enters, and realizes everyone there has Typhus - not wanting to spread the disease, she stays and contracts it herself. Vivian and her mother die, and Florian barely returns in time to rescue Juliette - he then brings her to her house for treatment (because: reasons he can't bring her to the hospital). Florian brings Juliette back to health, though he has to shave her hair (as well as wash her). They fall even deeper in love as Florian cares for her. Florian finally tells her his secret and she of course doesn't care about it. They are on the cusp of a marriage proposal. Juliette now well is to be sent to her brother's home by carriage - so Florian can deal with various things as well as formerly ask Juliette's brother's permission to marry her. But Juliette's carriage is attacked and she's kidnapped. Florian, Henry (his brother), and Juliette's brother have to rescue her, which they do. As expected, Florian and Juliette are then able to marry.
Again, I really enjoyed this novel a lot. The Typhus Outbreak was an extremely interesting plot and appropriate reading right now. Juliette is a great heroine - I loved her. Florian is a great hero, very dedicated to his work as a doctor and surgeon. Though his constant worrying about his reputation and past "harming" Juliette was a bit annoying at times. I also liked how the characters are forming a family, or at least a group of friends. It reminded me of great British historical television dramas like Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey. I highly recommend The Illegitimate Duke.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2018
Lady Juliette Matthews is attending a ball at Hawthorne House. She is so thankful that her life is so much better than it was when she lived in the slums of St. Giles just one year ago. While she enjoys dancing and chatting with men, Juliette likes it when men and women can just be friends without it going any further than that.
Juliette sees Florian Lowell, a physician who treated her for measles last year, attending the ball as well. She is quite taken with his manners and his handsome looks. Florian’s uncle, the Duke of Redding, is quite ill and he is petitioning the crown to allow him to make Florian his heir. Florian is not really happy about it because he loves being a doctor. Juliette is quite interested in the medical procedures that Florian performs and enjoys discussing them with him.
Sometimes, Florian battles bouts of depression and anger. His real father is a man named Bartholomew who was supposed to have been hanged for his crimes but managed to escape. He has reinvented himself as William Mortedge and is back wanting to make Florian’s life miserable. Thus, he has some low self-esteem issues.
Juliette realizes how terrible things are in St. Giles and has just learned that there has been an outbreak of typhus there. She now wants to use some of her money to help the people there. But her brother, Raphe, who raised her and her sisters, does not want her to get involved for fear of her becoming ill. He has always been very protective of her. However, she learns that with her large donation, she can secure a seat on the board of the local hospital to see that the funds go where they are most needed.
Juliette is very interested in the medical field which results in some great discussions between she and Florian. He is impressed at the knowledge she is gaining and appreciates her caring about people. But when typhus hits close to home, things get very intense.
I think that readers might wish to read the author’s novel, “A Most Unlikely Duke," as background to understand the change in circumstances for the Matthews family. I had to refer to my review of the book to refresh my memory about Juliette. I enjoyed the book but wish that more background of both Juliette and Florian had been introduced at the beginning of the story. Not having that information available, can tend to turn readers away.
Copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Juliette sees Florian Lowell, a physician who treated her for measles last year, attending the ball as well. She is quite taken with his manners and his handsome looks. Florian’s uncle, the Duke of Redding, is quite ill and he is petitioning the crown to allow him to make Florian his heir. Florian is not really happy about it because he loves being a doctor. Juliette is quite interested in the medical procedures that Florian performs and enjoys discussing them with him.
Sometimes, Florian battles bouts of depression and anger. His real father is a man named Bartholomew who was supposed to have been hanged for his crimes but managed to escape. He has reinvented himself as William Mortedge and is back wanting to make Florian’s life miserable. Thus, he has some low self-esteem issues.
Juliette realizes how terrible things are in St. Giles and has just learned that there has been an outbreak of typhus there. She now wants to use some of her money to help the people there. But her brother, Raphe, who raised her and her sisters, does not want her to get involved for fear of her becoming ill. He has always been very protective of her. However, she learns that with her large donation, she can secure a seat on the board of the local hospital to see that the funds go where they are most needed.
Juliette is very interested in the medical field which results in some great discussions between she and Florian. He is impressed at the knowledge she is gaining and appreciates her caring about people. But when typhus hits close to home, things get very intense.
I think that readers might wish to read the author’s novel, “A Most Unlikely Duke," as background to understand the change in circumstances for the Matthews family. I had to refer to my review of the book to refresh my memory about Juliette. I enjoyed the book but wish that more background of both Juliette and Florian had been introduced at the beginning of the story. Not having that information available, can tend to turn readers away.
Copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 3, 2018
I love this series and waited patiently wait for the release. Now that I have completed the book I find that I wished it was longer. This book was worth the wait it had adventure, love and mystery and was well written.
This is the story of Juliette and Florian. Juliette is attracted to Florian and has no desire to marry anyone else as no one can compare to Florian. He took care of her last season when she had the measles. Seeing him at a ball she is drawn to him.
Florian one of the most respected Doctors is not interested in Marriage with his career to consider and his true birth status. He cannot being drawn to Juliette and he feels he is not good enough for her based on his true birth.
His Uncle having to heirs of his own and is dying has asked the King to allow Florian to be his heir. Florian does not believe he is worthy but his uncle knows the truth of his birth and tells him he is it is about the man he has become and not following his true fathers way of crime. He tells him he is quite proud of the man he has become and his choice in career.
A out break of typhus. Juliette wants to help and donates money to help the sick but also wants to do more so she joins the hospital board. In doing so she not only helps the sick but she is also helping Florian to find himself and help him out of his depressed or moodiness. She helps his see no matter of his birth status he has become a respectable man who has helped many and is deserving of love and what he has earned in society.
As the romance starts to grow there are some obstacles they have to get through. First Juliette has to get over the Typhus she has contracted and the only person who can save her is Florian and the scandal to come of it if anyone finds out of her stay in Florian's house with no chaperon on her way to recovery , then she is kidnapped at gun point by Bartolomew. Can he save her in time can they get over this and find Happiness?
This is the story of Juliette and Florian. Juliette is attracted to Florian and has no desire to marry anyone else as no one can compare to Florian. He took care of her last season when she had the measles. Seeing him at a ball she is drawn to him.
Florian one of the most respected Doctors is not interested in Marriage with his career to consider and his true birth status. He cannot being drawn to Juliette and he feels he is not good enough for her based on his true birth.
His Uncle having to heirs of his own and is dying has asked the King to allow Florian to be his heir. Florian does not believe he is worthy but his uncle knows the truth of his birth and tells him he is it is about the man he has become and not following his true fathers way of crime. He tells him he is quite proud of the man he has become and his choice in career.
A out break of typhus. Juliette wants to help and donates money to help the sick but also wants to do more so she joins the hospital board. In doing so she not only helps the sick but she is also helping Florian to find himself and help him out of his depressed or moodiness. She helps his see no matter of his birth status he has become a respectable man who has helped many and is deserving of love and what he has earned in society.
As the romance starts to grow there are some obstacles they have to get through. First Juliette has to get over the Typhus she has contracted and the only person who can save her is Florian and the scandal to come of it if anyone finds out of her stay in Florian's house with no chaperon on her way to recovery , then she is kidnapped at gun point by Bartolomew. Can he save her in time can they get over this and find Happiness?
June 20, 2025
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I love having the medical doctor be the Hero in books and was so looking forward to reading about Juliette and Florian. While I enjoyed the medical parts in this book and how the story progressed with the villain, Bartholomew, I just didn't much care for Florian's character in this book. He was a dry, flat Hero, who spent a good portion of the book being too serious and unemotional. Juliette was sweet, but I just didn't feel any chemistry between Florian and her.
While I loved the first book in this series, I felt that there was more plot and minimal romance in this story until towards the last part of the book. The plot moved along well, especially having a typhus outbreak and with Bartholomew trying to take care of Florian and Juliette. I just would have liked more emotion and desire for Juliette from Florian a lot earlier in the book. The other thing about this series is that there is very minimal smexxy scenes. While I enjoy a strong plot in my romance books, I would like a little more steam.
Nevertheless, it was good to see Juliette get her happily ever after and I plan to continue reading this series as I consider Sophie Barnes a good author, who has a strong grasp of history and is well researched with interesting, fast placed plots. I just would like more romance, especially sooner than the last part of the book.
While I loved the first book in this series, I felt that there was more plot and minimal romance in this story until towards the last part of the book. The plot moved along well, especially having a typhus outbreak and with Bartholomew trying to take care of Florian and Juliette. I just would have liked more emotion and desire for Juliette from Florian a lot earlier in the book. The other thing about this series is that there is very minimal smexxy scenes. While I enjoy a strong plot in my romance books, I would like a little more steam.
Nevertheless, it was good to see Juliette get her happily ever after and I plan to continue reading this series as I consider Sophie Barnes a good author, who has a strong grasp of history and is well researched with interesting, fast placed plots. I just would like more romance, especially sooner than the last part of the book.
May 18, 2021
Let me say first I really enjoyed these characters and how they connected under the perils of a typhus epidemic. I was also impressed with Barnes’ research on medical knowledge and practice in 1819, proving Florian’s futuristic seeming medical practices feasible. Unfortunately too much else in the novel felt improbable—from the scenario for Florian becoming a ducal heir to Raphe sending only a maid to pick up Juliette after she almost died to multiple inconsistencies and mistakes like how much money earned at a charity auction to Amelia’s first child being Peter instead of Melanie as stated at the end of book 2 in this series, not to mention the ridiculous assertion that the UK only had 5 dukes at the time: Huntly, Covington, Redding, Tremaine and Windham (no Wellington?).
Barnes is in good company as an author whose math doesn’t quite stand up, but the increasing inconsistencies in characters’s actions to accommodate where she wanted the plot to go resulted in an increasing buzzing of protest in the back of my mind as I read. Also the absence of Carlton Guthrie was odd given how St. Giles in crisis should have brought him front and center and made him an ally in the fight against typhus and Bartholomew, something Juliette, Raphe and Coventry would have known regardless of their other opinions about him, even if Florian did not.
Barnes is in good company as an author whose math doesn’t quite stand up, but the increasing inconsistencies in characters’s actions to accommodate where she wanted the plot to go resulted in an increasing buzzing of protest in the back of my mind as I read. Also the absence of Carlton Guthrie was odd given how St. Giles in crisis should have brought him front and center and made him an ally in the fight against typhus and Bartholomew, something Juliette, Raphe and Coventry would have known regardless of their other opinions about him, even if Florian did not.
August 28, 2018
Oh my! I just loved this third instalment of Diamonds in the Rough series!
This is Florian Lowell’s and Juliette Mathews the youngest sister of the Duke of Huntley story.
A page turner full of danger and suspense, villainous characters coming back to wreck havoc for Florian. So many secrets that if exposed Florian fears that many lives will be destroyed.
Just when he thinks his life can’t get any worse his feelings for Juliette take on a new meaning for him. He tries to keep her at a distance but she’s gotten under his skin. Their attraction is palpable and it heats up the pages! When a typhus epidemic erupts and her life is at jeopardy Florian will move mountains to save her!
“SIGH” Florian is such a GENTLEMAN this is absolutely a love story that gives you all the feels!
Sophie Barnes has a GEM of a story! Well paced lots of interesting characters and heart wrenching situations. I’m never disappointed with a Sophie Barnes book!
I’m so looking forward to the next one, Florian's brother and the Duchess!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the author/publisher via Edelweiss. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
This is Florian Lowell’s and Juliette Mathews the youngest sister of the Duke of Huntley story.
A page turner full of danger and suspense, villainous characters coming back to wreck havoc for Florian. So many secrets that if exposed Florian fears that many lives will be destroyed.
Just when he thinks his life can’t get any worse his feelings for Juliette take on a new meaning for him. He tries to keep her at a distance but she’s gotten under his skin. Their attraction is palpable and it heats up the pages! When a typhus epidemic erupts and her life is at jeopardy Florian will move mountains to save her!
“SIGH” Florian is such a GENTLEMAN this is absolutely a love story that gives you all the feels!
Sophie Barnes has a GEM of a story! Well paced lots of interesting characters and heart wrenching situations. I’m never disappointed with a Sophie Barnes book!
I’m so looking forward to the next one, Florian's brother and the Duchess!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the author/publisher via Edelweiss. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
August 31, 2018
The Illegitimate Duke by Sophie Barnes is book Three in the Diamonds in the Rough series. This is the story of Juliette Matthews and Florian Lowell. I have read (and Loved!) the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
When Juliette was younger she became sick and with the death of her sister she became very protected and confined. But this lead her to read and become very interested in medicine and helping others. Florian being a second son had taken up the profession of being a doctor, but then his life changed when it was set for him to inherit the title of Duke of Redding. Florian was a doctor that helped Juliette get over a illness and her feelings for him started. Now she is better in health and better financially looking to help others. Florian has feelings for Juliette but because of a past and present threat that is plaguing him, he can't risk ruining her.
Really enjoyed reading their story and seeing how it would end....loved it!
When Juliette was younger she became sick and with the death of her sister she became very protected and confined. But this lead her to read and become very interested in medicine and helping others. Florian being a second son had taken up the profession of being a doctor, but then his life changed when it was set for him to inherit the title of Duke of Redding. Florian was a doctor that helped Juliette get over a illness and her feelings for him started. Now she is better in health and better financially looking to help others. Florian has feelings for Juliette but because of a past and present threat that is plaguing him, he can't risk ruining her.
Really enjoyed reading their story and seeing how it would end....loved it!
October 12, 2018
The Illegitimate Duke is the third in the Diamonds in the Rough series but can easily be read as a stand alone novel. This is a story of helping those less fortunate, never forgetting where you can from and lies can have a devastating effect on those around you. Florian is a second son, a physician, who learned that he is the illegitimate son of a criminal and now his uncle's heir for a dukedom. Juliette grew up in St. Giles until her brother was elevated to the status of Duke of Huntley. She was sickly as a child, so she read constantly and now is putting her knowledge and new found wealth to helping those less fortunate. As she and Florian work together, feelings of attraction grow but he is fighting them because he doesn't feel worthy and is fearful of the danger surrounding him and those he cares about. This is a great story filled with danger, intrigue, love and many other emotions to keep the reader entertained until the end.
August 4, 2021
Juliette Matthews grew up in the slums and has little interest in using her newfound position to marry well - not when she could be putting her wealth to good use in funding a hospital. Florian Lowell is an admired physician and set to become a duke, but the secret of his birth makes him feel unworthy - and could endanger anyone he might love. So he definitely has no plans to give in to temptation...
An excellent return to form after the previous book, notably because the villain had a much more commanding presence in this one instead. I am such a sucker for novels with deadly diseases right now (I think it might be my coping mechanism!), so I enjoyed the typhus epidemic in The Illegitimate Duke and how it affected the romance building between the main characters. Florian was a delightfully tortured character and Juliette was perfect for him. Loved it.
An excellent return to form after the previous book, notably because the villain had a much more commanding presence in this one instead. I am such a sucker for novels with deadly diseases right now (I think it might be my coping mechanism!), so I enjoyed the typhus epidemic in The Illegitimate Duke and how it affected the romance building between the main characters. Florian was a delightfully tortured character and Juliette was perfect for him. Loved it.
October 22, 2021
I had liked Juliette in the first two books but in this book, I was disappointed with her. She turned out to have a stronger personality but it made her more prone to starting arguments, as she constantly did with Florian. She argued quite a lot and I don’t like that about her. As for Florian, I felt he was too serious of a man and kept hold of his feelings too much. Their arguments could be the author’s attempt in showing chemistry between them but unfortunately to me, it showed me that they did not have any chemistry and did not get along well at all.
The lack of chemistry combined with me not liking Florian or Juliette plus me getting bored at their talks about sickness, I decided to stop reading this book at chapter 10. I just couldn’t be bothered to continue any further and prolong my suffering when I was so unmotivated.
The lack of chemistry combined with me not liking Florian or Juliette plus me getting bored at their talks about sickness, I decided to stop reading this book at chapter 10. I just couldn’t be bothered to continue any further and prolong my suffering when I was so unmotivated.
March 11, 2020
Flat
Despite all the altruism happening in this book, it failed to evoke any emotion and left me feeling uninspired. Correction - there was a flicker of excitement near the end. The writing wasn't bad. The story was just repetitive, predictable, and bland.
I assumed this book was standalone, but the cover does not describe it as one, nor does it read like one. The hardship Juliette endured with her previous change of status was mentioned but not explored. Also, it seemed the history behind Florian's and Juliette's acquaintance was missing some pertinent information. I also had a hard time keeping track of the numerous characters. Maybe I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the previous books in order.
Despite all the altruism happening in this book, it failed to evoke any emotion and left me feeling uninspired. Correction - there was a flicker of excitement near the end. The writing wasn't bad. The story was just repetitive, predictable, and bland.
I assumed this book was standalone, but the cover does not describe it as one, nor does it read like one. The hardship Juliette endured with her previous change of status was mentioned but not explored. Also, it seemed the history behind Florian's and Juliette's acquaintance was missing some pertinent information. I also had a hard time keeping track of the numerous characters. Maybe I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the previous books in order.
September 2, 2018
Florian Lowell is a dedicated physician who was recently named the heir of the Duke of Redding. Now he is the most eligible bachelor and at a ball, all the eager mothers try to get him to dance with their daughters but he has eyes only for Lady Juliette Matthews. His eyes meet hers and he hurries to her. Florian’s biological father is the notorious criminal Bartholomew who was thought to have been hanged but Florian sees him at the ball. He is disguised and posing as an American investor. Bartholomew is angry at Florian for ruining his business and determined to destroy him by killing Juliette. But Florian has powerful allies who are determined that Bartholomew will not succeed.
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