The Dishonored Viscount is the final book in the Diamonds in the Rough series. This book follows Marcos, whose father’s crimes strip the family of their titles and holdings. Marcus reinvents himself as an eye surgeon and Louise who has lost almost all of her sight to cataracts comes to him for his special surgery which cold restore her sight. Her father doesn’t want her to have this surgery, instead wanting her to use the old method. Louise has already had three prior surgeries and doesn’t want to go through the same painful process. Her father also has a problem because Marcos comes from a disgraced family.

I always enjoy Sophie Barnes’ historical romances and this one is no exception. Strong 4 stars.

Sophie Barnes’ “The Dishonored Viscount” is book 8 in the Diamonds in the Rough Series. A little different from the usual regency romance is wonderful story can take your breath away.

Stripped of his title because of his father’s crime, former Viscount Marcus Berkly is still London’s most skilled eye-surgeon and he dedicates his time to his patients while steering clear of society. Once Lady Louise discovers that Mr. Berkly’s surgical method could save her from permanent blindness, she decides to enlist his help against her father’s orders. But Louise is losing her sight to cataracts and is desperate. He wants nothing to do with a disgraced doctor.

Marcus and Louise are delightful characters who are caught up in situations beyond their control. The author has written a lovely story of desperation, devotion, hope and love. This is an emotional, redemptive, heartbreaking, heartwarming inspiring story. I enjoyed it immensely! Sophie Barnes has a wonderful way of breathing life into a story. Her characters come to life beautifully and they are so deserving you find yourself rooting for them from page to page. The plot is perfectly paced and intense. As I read the last page I couldn’t help but sigh.

Thank you so much Ms. Barnes for this delightful tale of love and hope beyond the odds.

So - fair warning - if you are squeamish about eye stuff, this might not be the book for you. I, for one, would like to thank the powers that be for modern medicine and anesthetics. Shudder.

Louise is a fairly normal debutante with the exception that she has serious vision issues. She is in danger of going permanently blind and facing a hideous procedure to restore her vision somewhat for a time. She is dreading the procedure and desperate for any chance to do something different. When she meets Marcus Berkly - he offers her a chance at better vision for the rest of her life. The only issue is that Marcus is the son of a former earl who was stripped of his title as a result of a murder. Louise's father doesn't want her associated in any way with Marcus - and won't approve her seeing him or undergoing surgery. Louise defies her father - and the story moves on from there.

I really liked Marcus - how honorable he was and what a dedicated physician he had become. He had a true strength of character - even when he was acting like a dumbass. Louise showed unexpected strength and character as well. She went from being kind of a bump on a log - to a strong woman in her own right. Her character arc truly shows a lot of growth.

Overall - I really liked so many things about this book. I felt some parts of it moved a little slowly - and maybe my own squeamishness about the eye procedure knocked this down a bit in my mind. But I give it a very solid 3.5 stars!

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

An enjoyable read. I enjoyed the romance - it felt gentle and sweet, but still passionate. I thought the heroine showed some immaturity at times, but also appreciated how she was trying to set boundaries and take control of her whole life. Overall, a great escape that didn't require a lot of deep thought to enjoy.

This is the eighth book in Sophie Barnes' Diamond in the Rough series. I was pleased to see that it works well as a stand-alone because I haven't read the rest of the series yet. After reading this entry in the series I"m going back and read them all. Laura and Marcus are well drawn and believable. The story was entertaining and a little different from the usual regency novels. Ms. Barnes is such a good writer and knows her characters so well that you not only find yourself rooting for the lovers, but understanding their anguish over the obstacles in their way. You get her pain of having to choose between her family and the man she loves and his need to protect her from herself. A lovely, wonderful story that I couldn't put down and didn't want to end. Now I'm going to go back and start the series from the beginning.

Thank you Net Galley for giving me a free copy of this e-book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

You have intrigue, murder, snobs, nobs, lies, and deceptions abound in this story. Come along as we meet our cast.

Lady Louise daughter to the Duke of Grasmere who is a snob. Lady Louise has she might problems. Her current infatuation is Mr. Fairbanks, their to an Earl. Mr Berkley an Eye Doctor and surgeon, who helped convict his father. He also voluntarily have up his Viscount title. The families play minor roles.

Lady Louise is strong minded, courageous, and wants to be wanted for her own merits. Mr Fairbanks wants money to support his vices. Mr. Berkley wants recognition for his merits with his surgeries.

Can Lady Louise find her partner and keep her sight from failing? Will Mr. Fairbanks find his cash flow helper? Will Mr. Berkley be able to show his face within the ton and be accepted for himself? Will the Duke of Grasmere accept what is best for Lady Louise?

Come along on the journey and find the answers to these questions as we follow our cast from London to Dorset and Dover as the mischief and mayhem ensue in this delightful story. You will cheer, cry, cringe, and debate with them along the way.

SWEET AND NICELY DEVELOPED

I was drawn to this book for two reasons; 1) I love historical romance 2) it features a surgical procedure I had done less than a year ago. The romance between Marcus and Louise was really sweet. It developed nicely (aside from an annoying back and forth towards the end). They had a great chemistry stemming from mutual respect and shared interests. Louise was an unlikely heroine due to her disability. Marcus also had an interesting background, being the son of a convicted murderer. Both face a lot of challenges in their time. I was entertained all the way through but never truly surprised. A good read for a lazy Sunday on the couch.

This book has such an interesting concept that I knew I definitely wanted to pick it up and I was not disappointed. Sophie Barnes has crafted an interesting romance with many well know tropes but she has made it feel fresh and new. Barnes' slow burn romance is well paced, has an easy and charming tone, and has compelling characters that keep the reader engaged. This is Barnes' last full length installment in her Diamonds in the Rough series and it did not disappoint!

This romance focuses on the hero, Marcus, who is a disgraced Viscount who has lost his title and standing in society due to his Father's evil actions (his father was a convicted murderer and was hung for his crimes and his estate and title were dissolved). Marcus has spent the last eight years rebuilding his life and becoming a very successful eye surgeon. Louise, the heroine, has been out in society for a few years with no real suitors. She has had cataracts since she was really young and undergone many eye surgeries that have just been temporary fixes. When she meets Marcus by accident she learns that there might be another solution to her eye problems and she becomes very interested in pursuing this new option, even through her father forbids her from having any relation with Marcus.

I found the overall premise to this story to be very refreshing, new and lively. Yes I have read books with a blind heroine or one who needed glasses, and yes I have read stories of a disgraced gentleman who skirts society but with the element of Marcus' career and Louise's need for eye surgery, Barnes has given these romance tropes a new spin. I loved watch Louise step into her own, learn how to stand up for herself against her father, and find agency to go after what she wants and needs. It was really lovely to watch Marcus and Louise grow respect, trust and love for each other through out the eye surgery and recovery process. Louise trust Marcus because he is up front with her and gives her all of the facts and makes sure she is aware every step of the way, and she is so delighted that he gives her this information so she can made well educated decisions around what she wants. They both also learn a lot about the other and are able to help each other equally which is such a delightful way to watch them build a friendship.

Much of the conflict around this slow burn romance deals with Marcus' status in society and how he is the son of a murderer. Louise and Marcus have to fight Louise's father's objections around this as well as Marcus' hesitations. Because of this we see Louise, who started this novel more like a wallflower, really show her back bone and strength of will. I liked that Louise felt strong in her love and was not afraid to take certain leaps on her road to happiness.

This is such a delightful novel and addition to Barnes' series, I would definitely recommend, this can be read as a standalone but this series also has some really lovely additions that are worth the read.

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of The Dishonored Viscount by Sophie Barnes. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this novel prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

The Dishonored Viscount is a well written novel with compelling characters and an absorbing plot. The pacing pulled me in from the first page to the last. The unique aspects of this story kept me reading to find out how it would resolve.

Lady Louise is the heroine, and she captured my heart right away. She had such a heavy burden to bear that could have crippled her, but her bravery makes her strong as she faces the possibility of losing her sight forever.

Her difficult relationship with her parents adds to her fears, but her courage and determination to circumvent her father’s control is amazing. As the attraction for the hero grows while she recovers from her surgery, they get to know each other, and her growing affection for Marcus frightens her, but she is unable to fight it.

Marcus Berkly is the hero, and he’s such as amazing character. He has fought to find a place of respect, after living under his father’s scandal. At last, his skill as an eye surgeon has brought him acclaim, and he devotes his time to caring for his patients. I admired his determination, his humility, and his integrity. After the shadow he’s lived under, he’s amazingly resilient.

As he gets to know Lady Louise, he realizes his affections are growing into love, and believing he’s too far below her, he fights his attraction by trying to stay away from her. Ms. Barnes shows his frustration and heartache at never being enough, and his unwarranted believe he’s unworthy of Lady Louise is so sad, it brought tears to my eyes.

The romance between Lady Louise and Marcus develops slowly as both characters fight their growing attraction. I could feel their despair, each believing their love unrequited. They are so perfect for each other, and I wanted them to find a way for their love to flourish against the odds stacked against them.

If you enjoy historical romance with more substance and depth than others in this genre, then you will love The Dishonored Viscount as much as I did. Ms. Barnes’ novel are always compelling love stories with characters that will touch one’s heart. I’m so glad I had an opportunity to read this intriguing novel. Happy reading!

Marcus is a true man of honor!

Marcus is a pioneering eye surgeon, and the only hope Louise has of saving her eyesight. Even so, there are tremendous hurdles in the way, and that's just to get her surgery accomplished. The progressive approach and amazing attention to detail kept me flipping through this story as fast as I could, and that's even before the romance gets off the ground.

The aftermath of the surgery is where the real emotional journey begins for both Marcus and Louise. Redeeming his reputation after his father's crimes is a near-Sisyphean task for Marcus, one that Louise's father thwarts at every turn. I adored Marcus's honor and integrity, while I cheered for Louise's headstrong independent streak and determination to take control of her life.

The author didn't take any shortcuts on the way to their HEA. The raw emotions on display were almost heartbreaking as both characters grapple with public opinion and society's rules. I was completely invested in these characters and I loved the way everything worked out in the end. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This had potential to be really memorable but ended up being slightly too repetitive and long. The highlights for me was reading about the surgery and how once Louise made up her mind about him, she was steadfast. However, in a lot of places the plot felt a lot over the place and also there was simultaneously a lot and nothing going on at the same time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers for the ARC.

This was definitely a SLOW burn clean romance. It was historically relevant and interesting, especially learning about different obstacles doctors had during that time period. The characters were easily likable and their struggles raw and real. The only complaint I really have is that this looked like it was going to be a more intense romance novel and it kinda fell flat.

Thank you Netgalley for the eArc! As always, the opinions above are entirely my own.

Raised with the privilege of wealth and title, Marcus Berkly lost his fortune and his courtesy title because of the heinous crime his father committed. He has since worked to find a new purpose in life as a physician and has become London’s top surgeon. He hasn’t attempted to reenter society, but he does have aristocratic friends, which leads to him meeting the daughter of an earl and having his life turned on its ear.

Lady Louise has undergone many painful eye couching surgeries so when she learns of Marcus’ newer and more permanently effective method for correcting vision, she decides she wants to give it a try. Her father is vocally against anything having to do with Marcus, so Louise must take her life into her own hands and resort to deception in order to control her own choices. With the surgery successful, Marcus and Louise spend a great deal of time together as she recovers and their initial attraction grows into something deeper, but a future in which they are together seems all but impossible thanks to Marcus’ poor reception in society and Louise’s father’s staunch views against him.

I’m so happy to see poor Marcus get his HEA and I hope he only continues to get more recognition for his fine qualities and character. It was refreshing to see a hero who is both an aristocrat and a self-made man, as well as a hero in need of redemption but not because of anything he did wrong. He handled everyone’s judgment much better than I think I would have and Louise’s determination to stand by him made her very likable. The he loves me; he loves me not inner monologues that both Marcus and Louise entertained about each other did get a bit old at times and sometimes made me feel like I was reading the same thing over again. I was glad to see them finally begin communicating, even though it was late in coming. The latter quarter of the book saw the plot go a bit off the rails with some interesting device choices, but things did come back together well in the end. I wish Marcus hadn’t been quite so noble in his efforts to push Louise away for her own good and I wish she had stood up to her father a bit sooner. I also could’ve done with a bit more steam, but all in all, this was a satisfying read that kept me hooked and not wanting to put it down.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link:

This is such a sweet story of finding love despite everything trying to keep them apart. Louise is determined to take control of her life even though her father is against it because of Marcus's family history. As she makes her own decisions she is spending more time with him, their feelings change and blossom into something beautiful and lasting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a heartwarming story about overcoming obstacles!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The eighth and final full length book in the Diamonds in the Rough series resolves what happened to Marcus Berkly after he loses his title and assets when his father is convicted of the murder of a duke and Carlton Guthries’s father.

Eight years has past since his fathers condition and hanging and his shunning from society… and in this time, Marcus has studied in Edinborough and worked hard to become one of London’s most renowned opthamologist. Living a contented life with his personal achievements, until a fateful night at his brother-in-laws ball brings him into contact with Lady Louise.

Lady Louise has suffered from cataracts her whole life and been made to suffer a couching procedure to provide temporary relief to her loss of vision. The next painful procedure is always waiting around the corner… that is until her vision goes at a ball and she learns that there is another option- a more permanent option for correcting her sight!

Emboldened, Lady Louise talks Mr. Berkly into secretly preforming the surgery and caring for her during her recuperation, and for a month these two are companions and find themselves fighting the attraction that builds between them They can never be because to have a relationship with Marcus, it would cost her her family and her acceptance in society…

So they both try to more on afterwards… and obviously this proves harder than either of them ever thought!

I really enjoyed the unique circumstances between Louises and Marcus’s meeting and relationship building. Marcus is not only able to help her with her sight, he is the only one who sees her true worth and is able to show her how to see it herself. He inspires her to want more than she has been told she deserves.

As a wrap up of a series, I really appreciated the appearances of most of the characters from this series. I love getting to say a final goodbye to my favourites, like Guthrie and Huntley. I have absolutely adored this series and I’m sad to see it coming to an end!

The Dishonoured Viscount by Sophie Barnes is scheduled to release 21st, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sophie Barnes through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheDishonouredViscount #SophieBarnes #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

***ARC Review

Overall I liked this book. The beginning of the plot was well paced, and it well written. Then the middle felt a little repetitive. Maybe I've been reading faced paced books so the pacing of 'The Dishonoured Viscount' seemed a little slow. However, the character, plot, and the over all arc of the story was fresh and different. I enjoyed the heroine was defiant as well and likeable. I enjoyed the medical sub-plot as well. It was unlike any historical romance I've ever read!

As always, Sophie Barnes has written a story that draws me in and doesn't let go until I have reached the conclusion! And even then, I still think about the story for days and weeks later. The previous book in this series is on my favorites list for 2021, and this book was close to being added as well. The heroine was relatable, the story unique, and the slow burn between the two main characters had me on the edge of my seat. While the steam is relatively mild in this story, the pining and sexual tension between these two make up for it. What I also loved in this story in particular was the obvious research that the author had done with regard to medicine and surgeries available to people who suffered from cataracts in the 19th century. The descriptions at times made me a bit queasy, but my inner curiosity made this read really enjoyable from a scientific point-of-view.

Lady Louise was born with cataracts in her eyes, and she has lived in fear ever since of going completely blind. While medicine has advanced to allow her to see partially after a particularly painful procedure, she has noticed in recent years that the results don't last as long. When she loses sight in her right eye at the age of 16, she tells no one in hopes that her left eye would hold up enough to avoid another procedure, but alas, it doesn't last. Fast forward to present day and she loses sight in her left eye suddenly at a ball, and who should come to her rescue but the pariah of society, Marcus Berkly, son of a murderer and widely regarded as one of the best eye surgeons in England. Marcus is drawn to Louise but knows nothing can come of the attraction, and he certainly can't help her eyesight without her parents' consent. However, Louise is not so easily deterred and goes to him for help, keeping secret her true age and telling him she is of age to consent on her own. Forced in close proximity so he can watch over her following the surgery, they fall in love, but when Louise's secret comes to light, their happiness crumbles. Soon Louise is forced to make difficult choices, and Marcus must decide how much he is willing to risk for love.

I really loved both characters for their strength and general goodness. They weren't without flaws, but overall it was easy to see how they could both fall in love with each other. Marcus has dedicated his life to medicine and saving life, the exact opposite of what his father did in killing another man. While he grew up in society as the son of an earl, he was instantly cast aside once his father's sin became known, and he has had to overcome losing his home and his friends in the process. That would drive anyone to be bitter and cold, but instead Marcus became kind and generous, certainly a much better person that he was before, which he acknowledged in the story. Louise is a bit of an outcast as well but for different reasons, mainly her eyesight and that she is generally thought of as a cripple. Despite her large dowry, she hasn't been approached for marriage yet, though she is convinced she loves a peer. However, as she spends more time in Marcus' company, she begins to recognize what love truly feels like and she feels it for Marcus. When the secret came out, the drama was heart-wrenching but necessary. I completely understood the various reactions, and it was great that it was written with a dual POV so the reader could see how Marcus and Louise handled the blow in their own way. There was a bit of conflict towards the end, and despite it all, everything was tied up neatly with a bow in the end. Since this is the last book in the series, I'm not surprised, and I appreciated that nothing was left unanswered.

I look forward to reading more books by Sophie Barnes! She never fails to create a story that brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.

This the eighth book in the Diamonds in the Rough series and here we have Marcus and Louise's story. Both were interesting and well-developed characters and the chemistry between them was palpable. I enjoyed seeing Louise's character develop and grow throughout the story. The story was captivating and had me invested right from the start. Both Marcus and Louise have their struggles and challenges to deal with and overcome and they learn of the strength that hope and love can provide and also how it can help them to heal. This was a truly beautiful and well-written story with outstanding characters who were charming and endearing and you can't help but fall in love with them. The story was filled with intrigue and passion and such emotion, it is not one you can easily put down once you start. A wonderful addition to the series and I wholeheartedly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This was such a delightful read after coming off a serious letdown I had just finished. I haven't read any of the previous books in this series and do not feel you need to do so in order to enjoy this book.
Lady Louise was born with the condition of cataracts and has been at the opposite end of a needle multiple times for a painful procedure known as couching to correct her eyesight throughout her twenty years of life. This procedure is only a temporary means to her condition, as it moves the cataract but does not permanently remove it to correct the initial problem. She knows that each time she goes blind that the couching may not work as before and she could easily never see again. Her father deems her to be an invalid as do other people due to this condition.
Dr. Marcus Berkly is a skilled eye surgeon who practices the French method of cataract surgery where the lens is permanently removed. He is also the son of the former Early of Hedgewick, who was hung for murder some previous years before. Marcus has since been stripped of his title and entrance into society and has made his own way in the world going through medical school and securing his place in the world of doctors.
I quite enjoyed the coming together of Marcus and Louise, although I do feel like they did not have enough time together to thoroughly fall in love. I did feel their attraction was formidable, but it needed to grow more. I also felt that the intimate scenes could have been a lot steamier and longer than the couple of pages they warranted. These two, in my opinion, major offsets are the reason for my three stars.
In all this was an enjoyable read and a great tale of love overcoming all. I have never read Sophie Barnes' books before and enjoyed the preview at the end of the book of the novella she has coming up as well.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookbuzz.net for an ARC copy of this book. All the above opinions are of my own.

Will he realize her love is not a fickle thing …

Funny, my first read in this series was the novel introducing Marcus.
Now many years later, he is a changed man, stripped from his title and wealth, he had to pave his own path or loose himself in bitterness.
So from classical ton’s scoundrel, he turned into a fine ophthalmologist surgeon. Not an easy journey, yet he made it successfully.
Now he is to be recommended, if people were not so stubborn to reject his technique because not acknowledged first by a English man.

Do not miss the notes by the author, that jingoism could go so far to reject an effective technique because of the nationality of the man behind it ….

Still, he now has a successful trade and lives a fulfilling life. Even if he is now shunned by those same people he walked among. He does miss his old life.

Louise has feared her whole short existence to one day live forever in the dark. After having been subjected many times to a painful intervention, she wants no more of it. Yet it seems her only salvation to blindness, until she learns about an other technique after encountering a man everyone advise her to avoid and forget. But determined she is.

Together they are so sweet, immediately feeling a pull toward the other. But when difficulties pile up against them, will their sentiments be enough.
Marcus has the maturity of his years and losses, why he acts upon his honor and with more circumspection, while Louise’s younger age makes her more impetuous, rushing to action even if it creates other obstacles.
And while they are not always on board with the other, they respect the other’s decision and reach a consensus.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene.

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.