A woman with a shocking past…

Branded a money-hungry con artist for marrying the elderly Duke of Tremaine days before his death, Viola Cartwright has found refuge in her work at St. Agatha’s Hospital. No one must know the painful reason behind her marriage. She steers clear of attachments—until Henry Lowell, heir to the Viscount Armswell, lands on her operating table after a duel. Charming and wickedly handsome, Lowell is one of London’s most inveterate scoundrels. Yet he may not be all that he appears.

And the man who can promise a future filled with love…

Posing as an unrepentant rake has helped Lowell avoid women pursuing him only for his title. But now that duty has finally called on him to marry, he finds himself entranced by the mysterious, independent-minded Viola. Then her late husband’s son returns from overseas, contesting Viola’s inheritance. Lowell longs to help her and sets out to convince Viola that a strategic union may be the best way to save all she holds dear. But can he also persuade her to take a chance on love…?

Born in Denmark, USA TODAY bestselling author 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.

“engaging” — Kirkus Reviews

“Unconventional and progressive aristocrats, sensual romance, and a swift-moving plotline add allure to this capable novel.” — Publishers Weekly

“Barnes continues her thoroughly entertaining Diamonds in the Rough series with a lusciously written, Regency-set historical, whose engaging story line conveys more than a hint of modern sensibility but also has enough well-researched and well-placed historical details to firmly anchor it in the past.” — Booklist

“Vivid supporting characters (a sadistic villain is memorable) and sharp attention to period detail—the scientific and medical research is fascinating—are bonuses... Smart dialog, breathtaking sensuality, a mystery or two, and a well-crafted plot make this a worthy addition to Barnes’s addictive series.” — Library Journal

“Viola’s a dazzling heroine – an ambitious medical practitioner, a protector of vulnerable women, and a kind-hearted, gentle soul... Barnes has crafted quite the compelling mystery and family drama that unfolds across dueling fields and medical facilities for a romance novel that dips heavily into adventure and operatic danger.” — Entertainment Weekly