The Dishonored Viscount

Lady Louise is the the youngest daughter of the Earl of Grasmere. Louise has lost her eyesight several times in her life. Each time she has lost her vision, she has had to endure a procedure called couching. During the procedure a needle is stuck in her eyes to move the lens. This is a temporary and very painful procedure. Louise lives with the fear of losing her eyesight permanently.

Marcus Berkley is the son of the Earl of Hedgewick. The Earl was convicted of murder, executed, and stripped of his title and fortune. After his father was executed he decided to go to medical school and become an eye surgeon.

Louise meets Marcus at a ball. She learns he is an eye surgeon. She is intrigued with the procedure that would remove her lens and improve her vision. She decides she wants him to perform the controversial cataract surgery. Marcus’ procedure will prevent Louise from having to undergo couching again.

Marcus and Louise have a chemistry that is palpable. They are sweet together as they slowly fall in love. Marcus is an honorable man and he respects Louise. Louise knows what she wants and she is unwavered in making it happen. This is the last book in the Diamonds in the Rough series. The story started off slow but it picks up. Overall it is a good book. I look dory to reading more books by Sophie Barnes.

Another winner! Wonderful characters and even though book 8 in the series, can be read as a standalone. Marcus lost everything, his title, lands and more due to the fact his father was hanged for murder. The Ton has given him a direct cut for his father’s crime. This doesn’t bring Marcus down, but makes him more determined to reinvent himself. He goes to University in Edinburg to become a ophthalmologist. Returning to London he finds employment at St. Agatha’s, but always on the outskirts of Ton affairs. Because his sister is married to a Duke he is obligated to attend her ball. Seeking a breath of fresh air and hiding from the invited guests he meets Louise who appears to be talking with a frog.
Louise is hiding, she is pitied by the Ton, consider handicapped, imperfect only because of her eyes. She has cataracts and has have several couching. The pain of surgery and the recurring cataracts also has cause her to have a fear of losing her sight. When at a ball her sight fails her, Marcus comes to her rescue.
The story is interesting in that one learns how eye surgery was and thank goodness it has advanced from that time period. The bravery of Louise who is determined to live life on her terms and to the fullest.
Thank you NetGallery for this ARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.