Lady Juliette Matthews had encountered Florian Lowell the previous
year when she had been ill and he had successfully treated her. She
finds the physician very handsome, were he not so serious all the time,
if only he smiled, if he smiled for her. Florian, the heir to the Duke of
Redding, must make concessions to his social status, and occasionally
makes an effort to attend social events. It is at the first ball of the
Season that Juliette and Florian danced a waltz and that they
discovered that they had much in common, more than the attraction
they both felt. Juliette understands Florian's dedication to his
profession; she spent most of her life in the slums of St. Giles, and her
new-found wealth allows her to help the poor, and when the occasion
presents itself, she finds a way to get closer to Florian. But Florian
knows only too well that the circumstances of his birth prevent him for
loving Juliette and making her his wife, as he so desperately wishes.
Given how much I had enjoyed the two previous installments of the Diamonds in the Rough, I did
not hesitate for one second to pick up THE ILLEGITIMATE DUKE. This novel can easily be
read on its own, however, I commend Sophie Barnes for her meticulous
care in assuring the continuity of the characters' backstories
throughout the series. THE
ILLEGITIMATE DUKE has an intricately constructed plot, weaving
seemingly minor incidents that had occurred in the previous books into
the current danger that threatens Florian, his family, and ultimately
Juliette. I fear my review cannot possibly do justice to this phenomenal
book, as it is simply grandiose. Ms. Barnes' dedication to historical
accuracy, especially regarding the medical aspect of THE ILLEGITIMATE DUKE makes the
story even more compelling, as medicine and healthcare are vital
components of this extraordinary story. The author's juxtaposition of
the upper and lower classes is put to even better use than in the
previous books. Ms. Barnes shows us how the characters straddle both
worlds; it is so much more than the usual "fish out of water" trope.
Florian's secret is not a trifle; it has tortured him for years, and its
revelation could do serious damage to a lot of people.
Sophie Barnes' secondary characters are exemplary, and her ability to
convey feelings is such that I shed tears over the fate of a minor player.
The story is powerful, delicately nuanced, and textured, and so very
moving and gripping. Ms. Barnes' prose is in turns ethereal and of
startling clarity, the dialogues are impeccable, and I was completely
immersed in this magnificent story until the very last page. And the
romance! I could not have wished for a more perfect romance; every
gesture, every word expressing a moment in time, every sentiment
crystal-clear and palpable. I felt how profound Florian and Juliette's
love was; it did not depend solely upon their beauteous persons and
their obvious attraction; their love is grounded in mutual respect,
admiration, and eventually cooperation; both are admirable characters,
and so very real. Florian is a splendid hero: noble, dedicated, and
honorable until the very end, and Juliette is the sort of heroine I always
hope to encounter but seldom do: straightforward, sensible, and as
independent as the era permits her to be, and a true realist. I believe
Sophie Barnes, in THE ILLEGITIMATE
DUKE has written her best book yet, but then again, it could
probably be the next Diamonds in
the Rough book, which is proving to be one of the best
historical series ever.
The third enchanting novel in Sophie Barnes’ Diamonds in the
Rough series
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.
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