The Illegitimate Duke audiobook

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.

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!!

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 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.

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.

I enjoyed this installment in the series. Best one so far.

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

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?

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.

There just something about Sophie Barnes and the way she write romance. She brings you in to the realm of what was and melds it a bit with the current place and time.The Illegitimate Duke was sweet and warm. I loved Juliette a lot. It took me some time to get use to Florian's name. I was not prepared for his name. Barnes brought the danger, some suspense, beautiful romance, and a set of two that makes you want to turn the page and see more of what comes of Juliette and Florian. This was my first book in the Diamonds in the Rough series. I found it alluring enough to have me want to go backwards and see more. This family of new comers to the money scene and society. Juliette is a sweet, endearing honest soul. Florian had much to hide but at the same time he was an open and honest man. There are a host of characters her. Not all were welcome to know and others had you wanting to know more about them. I enjoyed this read but still had questions when the read was over with. I anticipate the next release and will return to the beginning of the series to read the others.

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.

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.