The Unexpected Duchess

Valerie Bowman

Apr 2014 · Playful Brides Book 1 · Sold by St. Martin's Paperbacks

About this ebook

Bestselling author Valerie Bowman sets the stage in Regency England for her Playful Brides series, where couples' misadventures on the way to the altar are witty, romantic romps based on some of the world's most beloved plays. The first installment, The Unexpected Duchess, is inspired by Edmond Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac.

IN THIS BATTLE OF WITS

Lady Lucy Upton's tongue may be too sharp to attract suitors but her heart is good, and when her painfully shy friend Cassandra needs help she devises a brilliant scheme to help her discourage an unwanted suitor, the Duke of Claringdon. Lucy will hide behind the hedgerow and tell Cass just what to say to discourage the Duke of Claringdon...but it turns out that he's made of sterner stuff than either of them anticipated. And Lucy is shocked to discover that tangling with the tenacious man is the most fun she's had in ages.

KISSES ARE THE BEST WEAPON

Lord Derek Hunt made a promise to his dying friend to marry the demure Cassandra, and for a man who wants nothing more than peace and quiet after the horrors of war, she'll make the perfect bride. If only the impudent Miss Upton will let him court the girl! Doing battle is the last thing on his mind, but bantering with Lucy behind the bushes is too tempting to resist. And in The Unexpected Duchess, the spoils of this war just may be true love...

Valerie Bowman's Secret Brides novels are:

"Intriguing [and] engaging."—Publishers Weekly

"Too delightful to miss!"—Lisa Kleypas

"Sparkling...witty...engaging." —RT Book Reviews

Ratings and reviews

War on the battle field or war of wits in the ballroom? Lucy was my kind of heroine. She's smart, witty and she has a backbone. Who would have thought the wallflower with the smart tongue would find her match being bested by her close friend's beau?Derek a war hero and a hero of my heart. Duke of Decisive. Strong, loyal and just tastefully wicked. Even when trying to keep a promise to a friend and to find peace after the war he found himself on the front line to Miss Upton's heart.

Wow! This was totally awesome read, I absolutely loved it, I rate this one a 10 .

Great story

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 rascally rescue dog, Roo. When she's not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS. She is the author of books including Secrets of a Wedding Night and Secrets of a Runaway Bride.


Valerie loves to hear from readers. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and at her website.