A Most Unlikely Duke written by Sophie Barnes
Publisher Avon
Publication Date: June 27th 2017
Genres: Historical Romance
Series: Diamonds in the Rough #1
Format: eARC
Pages: 384
ISBN: 0062566814
Rating: 
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He never thought he'd become a duke, or that the secrets of his past would 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 fortune 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 envelop them both, she must decide if she can risk everything for love with a most unlikely duke.
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Well, hello there new to me author, Sophie Barnes! I am absolutely delighted by A Most Unlikely Duke! Plus, I love reading about rags to riches stories!
Raphe, who worked on the docks and as a prize fighter, suddenly finds out that he is now a Duke! He has been living in St. Giles with his two sisters and decides to accept his new role to give a better life for his sisters. Our girl, Gabriela is the neighbor!
This book had me laughing out loud at certain parts and also emotionally touched because of the feels. I mean, THE FEELS! Raphe and Gabriella are perfect for each other! I liked their love/hate relationship! And the initial slow burn during the first half of the book!
All the characters are well developed. I am was also intrigued by the Raphe’s two sisters! I want their stories now!
This book is basically My Fair Lady in reverse since Gabriella is the one giving lessons to the Duke’s two sisters. Raphe is also being taught by his valet and butler and I wish I could have seen more of the “training” part.
This book is emotional and very refreshing. Sophie Barnes writes masterfully and I am just amazed that I haven’t read her before!
The only beef I have is that it lacks steam for me. Another thing is that I just recently read a historical romance where the hero and heroine lived next to each other, so I had a hard time separating the two. haha
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| Overall: | 3.5 |
Do you want your romances to be a little bit steamy? Or are you fine with it on the milder side?
About Sophie Barnes
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. 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.
YAY! I’m glad you enjoyed this book! I thought it was great! I have a love-hate, hit-or-miss relationship with Barnes’ books, but I keep coming back. I’m glad I did in this case, because this book was quite good. I love a rags-to-riches story too. And one involving a boxer. 😀 Wonderful review, Zeee!
Have a great week. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Alyssa Susanna (The Eater of Books!) recently posted…Review: Prom Queen by Katee Robert
YES! I totally get what you mean, Alyssa! She is a hit and miss for me, too! Super happy that I liked it! 🙂
I’ve been trying to read more Sophie Barnes! I didn’t know this was a My Fair Lady kind of story. I’m glad there was laughs and feels! Will have to keep this one in mind. Great review, Zeee!
Cyn @ Bookmunchies recently posted…Musing About Things: Happy Pride Month & Book Recs
Technically, though since the heroine is training the heroes sisters.. 🙂 But they grew up in St. Giles and I liked that they had the St. Giles accent 🙂
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