Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE INFAMOUS DUCHESS, a Diamonds in the Rough novel by Sophie Barnes

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that in publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of THE INFAMOUS DUCHESS, a Diamonds in the Rough novel by Sophie Barnes, published March 26, 2019.


Blurb for THE INFAMOUS DUCHESS:

A woman with a shocking past…

Branded a money-hungry con artist for marrying the elderly Duke of Tremaine days before his death, Viola Cartwright has found refuge in her work at St. Agatha’s Hospital. No one must know the painful reason behind her marriage. She steers clear of attachments—until Henry Lowell, heir to the Viscount Armswell, lands on her operating table after a duel. Charming and wickedly handsome, Lowell is one of London’s most inveterate scoundrels. Yet he may not be all that he appears.

And the man who can promise a future filled with love…

Posing as an unrepentant rake has helped Lowell avoid women pursuing him only for his title. But now that duty has finally called on him to marry, he finds himself entranced by the mysterious, independent-minded Viola. Then her late husband’s son returns from overseas, contesting Viola’s inheritance. Lowell longs to help her and sets out to convince Viola that a strategic union may be the best way to save all she holds dear. But can he also persuade her to take a chance on love…?

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Connie’s Review:

London - 1820

Viola Cartwright, dowager Duchess of Tremaine, is reading a letter from her stepson, Robert Cartwright, Duke of Tremaine, stating that he will be returning to London from New York. Before leaving for the West Indies, Robert had married the daughter of the Earl of Clarendon. Now, his wife is dead, he has sold the plantation, and is returning home. Robert is very angry that Viola married his father and got what was to be his inheritance. Now, he plans to sue her for her inheritance which will make her have to sell the hospital. At one time, Viola thought Robert had loved her, but soon learned he is cold and evil.

Viola had married the older Duke of Tremaine but he died shortly afterward leaving her a large inheritance. She used the money to put St. Agatha’s hospital in place for the people of London. One of the best physicians around is Florian Lowell, the Duke of Redding. He loves his work at the hospital and is a gifted surgeon.

Today, Florian is called upon to remove a bullet from the shoulder of his half-brother, Henry Lowell, as a result of a duel. Henry tends to be a bit of a rogue. Viola assists Florian with the surgery. Henry is intrigued by Viola and enjoys talking to her and having her change his dressing during his hospital stay. He is quite taken with her and wants to get to know her better. After his hospital stay, he sends her flowers and herbs to keep for herself or share with the hospital’s medicine area and patients.

Under Viola’s guidance, the hospital is working well and helping people who cannot afford to pay much. To offset that, the hospital plans to open a rejuvenation center that will rival Bath’s spas. The money coming in from that will help keep the hospital going.

When Robert initiates a suit against Viola, Henry steps in to help her. His is drawn to the strong woman that she is and he is determined to save her from the bully that Robert is. Boo-Hiss to Robert. What a villain!

This is a story of a strong and intelligent woman who has seen some difficult times in her life, yet her life goal is to help others in every way she can. The author has created the character of Viola to show her strength while keeping her more fragile side hidden. The character of Henry is delighted. While he’s a bit of a rogue, you just want to give him a big hug because you know he’s as soft-hearted as Viola is. A perfect pair and a terrific story. Enjoy.

Copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.

THE INFAMOUS DUCHESS, a Diamonds in the Rough novel by Sophie Barnes, Avon Romance, available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

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