A Most Unlikely Duke by Sophie Barnes
Series: Diamonds in the Rough #1
Publisher: Avon Books
Publication Date: June 27, 2017
Date Read: June 27, 2017
Length: 384 pages
Source: Edelweiss
★★★★☆
He never thought he’d become a duke, or that the secrets of his past will cost him his greatest love…
Raphe Matthews hasn’t stepped foot in polite circles since a tragedy left his once-noble family impoverished and in debt. The bare-knuckle boxer has spent the last fifteen years eking out an existence for himself and his two sisters. But when a stunning reversal of fortunes lands Raphe the title of Duke of Huntley, he’s determined to make a go of becoming a proper lord, but he’ll need a little help and his captivating neighbor might be just the woman for the job…
After her sister’s scandalous match, Lady Gabriella knows the ton’s eyes are on her. Agreeing to tutor the brutish new duke can only lead to ruin. Although she tries to control her irresistible attraction to Raphe, every day she spends with him only deepens her realization that this may be the one man she cannot do without. And as scandal threatens to envelope them both, she must decide if she can risk everything for love with a most unlikely duke.
Sometimes the right book shows up at just the right time. I didn’t even realize that I was in the mood for a historical romance until I started reading this book and I couldn’t put it down. I have never read anything by Sophie Barnes before picking up this book but since this was the start of a new series, I decided to take a chance. I am so glad that I did because this story was a lot of fun.
The characters in this book were wonderful. Raphe was my favorite character in the book. I always seem to like characters that are a bit of an outsider which definitely describes Raphe. When he learns that he has been named a Duke, he is shocked since he has spent the past 15 years supporting his sisters as a dockworker and boxer. When he shows up to take on the role, he doesn’t quite fit the mold.
Gabriella spends her days trying to make her parents happy. They are pushing her to marry someone that they think is respectable and are hoping for a match that will benefit the family. They don’t bother to ask her what she wants in life. Gabriella loves studying insects and is herself often considered an outsider.
I really liked Raphe and Gabriella as a couple. They really seemed to understand each other and worked hard to help each other through several situations. There was a lot of respect shown between the pair and I really liked their chemistry. This wasn’t a really steamy romance but I didn’t miss the heat. It was fun to watch this pair fall in love and fight to be with each other.
I would highly recommend this book to others. There was always something exciting happening in the story plot-wise and all of the characters were very well done. I am very much looking forward to seeing some of the secondary characters again when the next book in the series is released.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Avon Books via Edelweiss.
About the AuthorBorn 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. But, most impressive of all, she’s been married to the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.
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.
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I normally don't read too many historical romances but I've been getting into them more and more lately. This one sounds soo good! Great review Carole!
I haven't read any historical romances for a while now, and I think this one's a great addition to my TBR. Great review Carole 🙂
Oh, they both sound great. Neat feeling when a book matches your mood perfectly.
Thank you so much for reviewing!
Allisia
Tasty Book Tours
Ohh yes I would totally enjoy this one
This sounds so good, Carole! Historical romance is hit and miss for me, but I think I would like this one quite a bit. I want to meet Raphe! Thank you for bringing it to my attention!
This sounds like a great story. Great review.
Yay! I do enjoy her books quite a bit. Glad to see you had fun with it 🙂
I love when the right book shows up at just the right time! I took a long break from historical romance and am just now getting back to it. I've seen some good reviews for Sophie Barnes and this one sounds like a great one!