A Most Unlikely Duke: Diamonds in the Rough (Diamonds in the Rough, #1)

by Sophie Barnes

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.

• ISBN10: 0062566784
• ISBN13: 9780062566782
• Publish Date: 10 August 2017 (first published 27 June 2017)
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 15 October 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Avon Books
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[Lindsey Gray]

Raphe Matthews never expected to go from a bare knuckle boxer to a duke. A fluke of fate leaves the bloodline ending with Raphe and his sisters. Arriving at their new home, he meets his new neighbor, Lady Gabriella, and her beau when they mistake him and his sisters for servants. Gabriella treats the new duke with kindness even when she has no idea who he is.

When Gabriella, her mother, and her aunt come to welcome the new duke to the neighborhood, Gabriella realizes her error. Forbidden by her mother to consort with the duke and his family doesn’t detour her from helping the family rise to the level of the ton. Through lessons with his sisters, Raphe falls hard for the pretty Lady next door. Presented with his unusual wit and masculine charm, it doesn’t take much for Gabriella to follow suit.

Raphe and Gabriella have secrets they keep from the world and each other. When they eventually reveal all, I love how both completely accept the others trials. The story flew by as I was sucked in by the tangled web of love, lust, and loyalty. This is an amazing start for the new Diamonds in the Rough series! I can’t wait for more from Sophie Barnes!

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.