The Infamous Duchess

Our Review

THE INFAMOUS DUCHESS by Sophie Barnes is the fourth book in the Diamonds in the Rough series.

After marrying the elderly Duke of Tremaine days before he dies, Viola Cartwright is shunned by the Ton and branded a money-hungry woman. Viola, her father, and the Duke of Tremaine had been life long friends. Her father was a highly respected physician and surgeon and had taught Viola everything he could about medicine before he died.

When she inherits not only a title but a great sum of money from the Duke, she opens a hospital for the poor, St. Agatha’s. She runs it with the help of medical staff, and she is also hands-on in the care of patients. She has no interest in marrying again. No man is going to control her or her hospital or her money.

Henry Atticus Lowell has maintained his false identity as a rake of the first order, hiding behind this false identity to avoid women pursuing him only for his title. He is shot during a duel and brought to St. Agatha’s Hospital, where Viola helps with his surgery and becomes his caregiver.

He is smitten with Viola and thinks she might be the perfect wife. All he has to do is convince her. And he works very hard at convincing her.

Viola’s late husband’s son returns to London and contests Viola’s inheritance. He wants to sell the hospital and recover all the money that Viola has spent on the facility. There is also dark backstory between Viola and her late husband’s son, which ads to the drama.

Henry wants to help Viola and introduces her to his lawyer. Henry tries to convince Viola that a marriage might be the only way to save her hospital and inheritance. Although Viola has succumbed to Henry’s advances, she is still not sure if she wants to marry. They fall in love and have a few very heated love scenes. Of course there is a happily ever after!

There is mystery, danger, romance, and wonderful historical facts on medicine and medical procedures appropriate to the 1820’s. I really enjoyed this book.