A Duke Like No Other

Valerie Bowman

May 2018 · Playful Brides Book 9 · Sold by St. Martin's Paperbacks

About this ebook

A 2018 Daphne du Maurier finalist

First comes love, then comes marriage. Unless it's the otherway around. . .

General Mark Grimaldi has sacrificed everything for his military career, working his way through the ranks without the benefit of a nobleman's title. Now, his years of dedication are about to pay off—with an offer for a prestigious promotion to Home Secretary. There's only one condition: Mark must be married. Aside from the small matter of not actually wanting to be wed, Mark faces another troubling problem: he already has a wife.

Nicole Huntington Grimaldi has spent ten contented years in France without her husband—and without regret. When Mark asks her to return to London and play the part of his beloved wife, she sees her chance. But neither of them is prepared for news that will throw Mark's future into chaos...nor the undeniable desire they've rekindled. Maybe happily-ever-after can happen the second time around in A Duke Like No Other, the next Regency romance from Valerie Bowman.


Valerie Bowman's Playful Brides novels are:

“Wholly satisfying.”—USA Today

“Smart and sensual...readers will be captivated.”—RT Book Reviews

"Smoldering.” —Booklist

Ratings and reviews

General Mark Grimaldi is the grandson of a Duke, but his mother was disowned for marrying an Italian Catholic and so he has always had a dislike of the aristocracy. He married Nicole Huntington 10 years ago, thinking she was an aristocrat who loved him as the poor soldier he was then. Unfortunately three months into the marriage he discovered that she already knew of his aristocratic family, added to which she was secretly spying for the Bow Street Runners behind his back. Words were spoken in anger and Nicole fled to France where she has been a spy ever since. Now Mark is hoping for promotion to Home Secretary but his boss wants to appoint a family man, so Mark has travelled to France to see if he can persuade Nicole to return to England until he gets his promotion. I found this book a bit misleading, the blurb led me to believe this was an couple, estranged as a result of a misunderstanding, reconnecting to enable the husband to get a prestigious promotion and falling in love. Whilst it was, it was not the main plot, which revolved around solving a murder. So this was kind of a murder sandwich ie romance-murder-romance. And to be honest, both felt a little halfhearted, there wasn't enough romance AND there wasn't enough detective work. I also noted a few word choices that seemed out of place in an historical novel, talking about "giving a toss" about someone and "fancying" someone seem too modern. I thought that Mark's excuse for getting upset with Nicole seemed flimsy and for a supposedly clever man he was remarkably stupid about his family and his wife. Nicole on the other hand seemed to default to running away at the slightest excuse. Overall, it was a pleasant enough read but it didn't wow me. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.

Valerie Bowman is a talented writer notable for her worthwhile characters. Even if the story is not particularly powerful or original, Bowman characters typically steal the spotlight and make the story worthwhile. That being said, A Duke Like No Other fell short. Both have their faults that their merits do not excuse. There were also many issues with the story. The reader has to suspend disbelief for the majority of the plot which feels both unrealistic, particularly for the time, and dramatic. Despite that, Bowman delivers with her signature style and heat. If the reader and accept the historical inaccuracies as well as frustrations the characters invoke, the story is actually quite enjoyable.

I enjoyed this story of a married couple finding their way back to each other. Nicole and Mark hurt each other but find they need each other now. The physical attraction never disappeared, but the trust needs to be rebuilt. Both are strong characters, and I laughed and cried as the story progressed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author. I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

About the author

Valerie Bowman grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her mini-schnauzers, Huckleberry and Violet. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.

Valerie is the author of the Playful Brides series, including The Untamed Earl and Never Trust a Pirate.