2.5 stars

This is my first book by the author and I was charmed by the heroine. Ida was smart, charming and a go-getter and I really enjoyed getting to know her. My heart ached when I read her back story and I wanted all the good things for her. That is why I will admit I was disappointed by the male lead’s character. Simon appeared like the typical HR lead, and like most he made a couple of very questionable calls early on. However, unlike most I don’t feel he redeemed himself too much to deserve Ida eventually.

I look forward to reading earlier books in the series as I liked a lot of the secondary characters.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
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Stubbornness meets head on!

So an upright, uptight Earl, Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding, meets his nemesis in the form of Ida Strong. The daughter of a condemned traitor, Ida has one aim, to find justice for her dead father. Simon had a hand in that, and his regrets about that incident haunts him. I couldn't help but lock into that Sinatra line 'Regrets I've had a few!'
Out of the blue, discovering Ida hiding in a brothel shocks him. Now comes a time to help Ida, but unknown threats around Ida's commitment to learning the truth hamper any growing feelings Simon might have for her.

An ARC from the author via NetGalley ( )

Series: Diamonds In The Rough #6
Publication Date: 11/17/20
Number of Pages: 320

Wow! This was an exciting, page-turner of a book! I couldn’t put it down. Not only did we finally get to see Simon and Ida get their stories, but we also got wonderful visits with several former ‘rough diamonds’ as well. The writing is excellent, the story is well-plotted and well presented, and the characters – well – OMGoodness, the characters are wonderful. We originally met Simon in the first book of the series, A Most Unlikely Duke, and he definitely did not make a good impression. Then, we met the sweet and lovely Ida in the fifth book, The Forgotten Duke. You don’t have to have read those books to enjoy this one, but – goodness, they were GREAT books.

Simon Garrison Nugent, Earl of Fielding, is … boring, strait-laced, proper, judgmental, prideful, and has a sterling reputation among the ton. He’s never set a foot wrong – never done anything out of bounds. He’s definitely NOT a rogue – he doesn’t even visit brothels. Well, he hasn’t before, but after a visit with a couple of friends at White’s – when they told him he was boring – he decided he’d do something really daring and go to a brothel – just to show them. The brothel he chooses is Amourette’s and goodness is he in for a shock at just how non-boring his life is going to become. As he walks in, there is no one there to greet him, so he gets arrogant when he notices a woman standing, partially hidden, on the landing. He demands she come down and when she does, he thinks he recognizes her – and makes a loud, unmistakable utterance about her being Matthew’s daughter. GROAN…

Ida Veronica Strong’s father was convicted and hung for treason four years prior and Ida has been living in hiding at Amourette’s since then – she doesn’t work there, she just lives there with the owner who is her aunt. She’s been hidden away because attempts have been made on her life. She knows her father was innocent and she loudly vowed to find and punish the real traitor – and he took her seriously because attempts have been made on her life. Now, a boorish oaf has announced to all of the patrons just who she is and she has to flee – again.

Simon served with Ida’s father in the wars and he liked him very much. Matthew actually saved Simon’s life, and Simon deeply regrets that he didn’t speak up when Matthew was accused of treason – but it all happened so very fast. Now, it seems he’s failed Matthew’s daughter as well. It seems he just keeps failing people – but he’ll do whatever he can to make things right for Ida.

The book is action-packed, fast-paced, and exciting. You’ll enjoy solving the mystery and finding the real traitor, and you’ll absolutely love the romance. It takes Simon a while to work through all of his feelings and watching him get it is entertaining indeed.

I hope you will read and enjoy this book as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )