Pure Texuality And Avon Books Present: THE ILLEGITIMATE DUKE

The Illegitimate Duke by Sophie Barnes
Series Diamonds in the Rough
Genre Adult Historical Romance
Publisher Avon Books
Publication Date August 28, 2018
Amazon https://amzn.to/2uEdpUD
Avon Romance  https://goo.gl/vvZStr
Barnes & Noble  https://goo.gl/7HQCyg

Google Play  https://goo.gl/rxHpCg
iBooks  https://apple.co/2A3vMr0

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.

“—I mean, to think we could be so lucky is almost too much,” one of the women on the other side of the screen was saying. “Our debuts looked positively dismal with no chance to snatch up a duke.”

“Until now, that is,” the other woman said in a dreamy voice that made Juliette roll her eyes. She glanced at Vivien and had to force down a laugh.

“Can you believe our good fortune?” the first woman said.

“Well, he’s not a duke yet. Is he?”

Juliette straightened and tilted her head. They were obviously talking about Florian Lowell, the physician Raphe had sent for when she’d been sick with the measles the previous year. News of his recent change in status had been the subject of great discussion at Huntley House the previous evening when Raphe had returned home with the announcement.

Juliette still wasn’t sure she understood how the title or the inheritance had come about, but it did look as though Florian would one day outrank his older brother, Mr. Lowell, who was set to become Viscount Armswell one day.

“Either way, I could easily get used to the idea of marrying Florian,” one of the women was saying. “He’s ever so handsome.”

Both women burst into giggles. Muted whispers followed and then the sound of the door opening and closing plunged the room into silence. Juliette looked at Vivien and grinned. “Well, I wish them luck. In truth I don’t believe I’ve ever met a man more unapproachable than Florian.”

“He does look rather starched,” Vivien muttered. She stood and adjusted her gown. “Mind you, I’ve only seen him once or twice, so I could be wrong.”

“No. I don’t believe you are. In fact, my impression of him is not much different. He’s an excellent physician who seems to take his work very seriously. One cannot fault him for that, though I do wonder what it might be like to see him smile.”

“Do you now?” Vivien asked with a smirk as the two returned to the hallway and started making their way back toward the ballroom.

Juliette nudged her friend with her shoulder. “Oh, you know what I mean, Viv!”

“All I know is that you wondering what it might be like to see him smile will likely pester you until you find a way to make it happen.” They entered the ballroom. “Of all the people I have ever known, none are as determined as you when you set your mind to something.”

“Well I—” A wave of chatter cut Juliette’s thought process short. She glanced around, aware of the agitation rolling through the ballroom like tremors threatening to toss all the guests up into the air. “What on earth is going on?”

“Look,” someone said as Juliette pushed her way between a few people, pulling Vivien along by her hand.

“There he is,” another voice muttered.

Shouldering her way past a cluster of women who craned their heads and stared toward the ballroom entrance, Juliette caught a sudden and very unexpected glimpse of the man she and Vivien had just been discussing.

Florian.

Her breath caught and her heart slammed hard against her chest. Because there he was and dear God if he didn’t look superb! Dressed in evening black, his copper streaked hair was neatly combed, though a single stray lock slashed roguishly across his brow. She’d never seen him like this before. The last time they’d met at a ball he’d been wearing an unremarkable suit

My Thoughts
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.

About Sophie

Born in Denmark, Sophie Barnes spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She's lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish and Romanian. She has studied design in Paris and New York and has a bachelor's degree from Parsons. But, most impressive of all, she's been married to the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.

While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion: writing. When she's not busy dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading. She currently lives on the East Coast.

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TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY DETAILS

To celebrate the release of THE ILLEGITIMATE DUKE by Sophie Barnes, we’re giving away a paperback bundle of The Most Unlikely Duke & The Duke of Her Desire!

LINK:  https://www.subscribepage.com/TheIllegitimateDuke

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback bundle of A Most Unlikely Duke and The Duke of Her Desire by Sophie Barnes.  This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 9/7/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address.  Duplicates will be deleted.

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