Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!

The Viscount and the Thief by Emma Orchard        

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Sophie Delavallois (Clemence de Montfaucon) a French emigre and daughter of a Duke, was reduced to living by her wits when her father traded the family diamonds, including the famous Montfaucon pink diamond with the Marquess of Wyverne. Actually Wyverne walked off with jewels. He stole them and told the Duke to try and prove it. Wyverne would spread despicable rumors about the Duke.

Sophie’s father, already a broken man after narrowly escaping the Terror, distraught, killed himself (so he leaves his wife and child to what? well that’s a cowardly action!)

Sophie’s life has not been easy.

Seven years later, under the guidance of a powerful underworld figure Nate Smith, Sophie is working in a bar in Seven Dials. Nate had created Sophie Delavallois. Clemence was gone. Sophie is all set to go to the avarice Wyverne’s castle to steal his jewels in the guise of the Dowager Marchioness of Wyverne’s new companion.

The Dowager liked to speak in French and have naughty novels in French read to her. 

It’s here Sophie meets or rather re-meets Rafael, Viscount Lord Drake, the Marquess’s son. Rafe can’t stand his degenerate father and lives seperately, especially after his equally as debauched third wife, an actress, had tried to seduce him at Wyverne’s bidding.

Sophie had danced with Rafe eight year before, when her parents were still alive. He recalls her, although Sophie has no idea.

Of course there’s a wonderful frisson between the two, and of course their meetings race ahead.

I must admit the pontificating in the last part of the book was a challenge.

A wicked father, a disgusted son, the French connection, injustice and diamonds all combine to give a Regency romance that travels a well and truly rocky road.

A Boldwood Books ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.