The Unexpected Duchess: 1 (Playful Brides) - Softcover

"Engaging characters, snappy banter, and judicious infusion of smoldering sensuality will have readers clamoring for the next installment in this smart and sext series." --"Booklist "(Starred Review) "A fun, smart comedy of errors and a sexy, satisfying romance."--"Kirkus "(Starred Review) "Smart, witty, sassy and utterly delightful!"--"Romantic Times "(4 1/2 Stars; Top Pick!) ."..a charming take on "Cyrano de Bergerac"." --"Publisher's Weekly""" "Fun, engaging romance with great characters!" --"Fresh Fiction" Praise for "The Unexpected Duchess" "Engaging characters, snappy banter, and judicious infusion of smoldering sensuality will have readers clamoring for the next installment in this smart and sext series." --"Booklist "(Starred Review) "A fun, smart comedy of errors and a sexy, satisfying romance."--"Kirkus "(Starred Review) "Smart, witty, sassy and utterly delightful!"--"Romantic Times "(4 1/2 Stars; Top Pick!) ..".a charming take on "Cyrano de Bergerac."" --"Publisher's Weekly""" "Fun, engaging romance with great characters!" --"Fresh Fiction" "Engaging characters, snappy banter, and judicious infusion of smoldering sensuality will have readers clamoring for the next installment in this smart and sext series." --Booklist (Starred Review) "A fun, smart comedy of errors and a sexy, satisfying romance." --Kirkus (Starred Review) "Smart, witty, sassy and utterly delightful!" --Romantic Times (4 1/2 Stars; Top Pick!) ..".a charming take on Cyrano de Bergerac." --Publisher's Weekly "Fun, engaging romance with great characters!" --Fresh Fiction Engaging characters, snappy banter, and judicious infusion of smoldering sensuality will have readers clamoring for the next installment in this smart and sext series. Booklist (Starred Review) A fun, smart comedy of errors and a sexy, satisfying romance. Kirkus (Starred Review) Smart, witty, sassy and utterly delightful! Romantic Times (4 1/2 Stars; Top Pick!) ...a charming take on Cyrano de Bergerac. Publisher's Weekly Fun, engaging romance with great characters! Fresh Fiction " Engaging characters, snappy banter, and judicious infusion of smoldering sensuality will have readers clamoring for the next installment in this smart and sext series. "Booklist (Starred Review)" A fun, smart comedy of errors and a sexy, satisfying romance. "Kirkus (Starred Review)" Smart, witty, sassy and utterly delightful! "Romantic Times (4 1/2 Stars; Top Pick!)" ...a charming take on "Cyrano de Bergerac." "Publisher's Weekly" Fun, engaging romance with great characters! "Fresh Fiction"" 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 novelsare "Intriguing [and] engaging.""--Publishers Weekly" "Too delightful to miss!"--Lisa Kleypas "Sparkling...witty...engaging." "--RT Book Reviews" Praise for Valerie Bowman's Secret Brides series SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE "From the gripping opening line to the highly satisfying climax, Bowman keeps readers in her grasp with her unique storytelling and unconventional plotting. Readers will be captivated by how her smart and sensual story unfolds.""--RT Book Reviews" (4 1/2 stars!) "Bowman woos Regency romance fans with this...refreshing page-turner."--"Publishers Weekly "(starred review) "STARRED REVIEW" " "SECRETS OF A RUNWAY BRIDE "A fantastic follow-up to Bowman's dynamic debut... an enchanting, smart romance that shines with laugh-out loud humor, delectable dialogue, smart prose, wit, and wisdom. This entertaining and highly satisfying rompe Praise for Valerie Bowman's Secret Brides series SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE "From the gripping opening line to the highly satisfying climax, Bowman keeps readers in her grasp with her unique storytelling and unconventional plotting. Readers will be captivated by how her smart and sensual story unfolds.""--RT Book Reviews" (4 1/2 stars!) "Bowman woos Regency romance fans with this...refreshing page-turner."--"Publishers Weekly "(starred review) "STARRED REVIEW" " "SECRETS OF A RUNWAY BRIDE "A fantastic follow-up to Bowman's dynamic debut... an enchanting, smart romance that shines with laugh-out loud humor, delectable dialogue, smart prose, wit, and wisdom. This entertaining and highly satisfying romp is a pure joy and delight to read."" --RT Book Reviews" (4 1/2 stars! Top Pick!) "A fun...yet emotionally poignant late-Regency romance which succeeds on every level."--"Kirkus Reviews" "This was an absolutely delightful book and an author that I look forward to reading more from."--"Night Owl Reviews" "The tale overall is incredibly charming, the writing dramatic and the characters bold."--"The Romance Reader" "Absolutely delightful."--"Fresh Fiction" "A sexy, quirky, altogether fun read, Valerie Bowman's "Secrets of a Runaway Bride" is everything a romance should be. Block out a few hours for this one...once you start reading, you won't be able to stop!" --Sarah MacLean, "New York Times" bestselling author "Valerie Bowman pens fabulous, sexy tales--it's no secret she's a Regency author to watch!"--"USA Today "bestselling author Kieran Kramer SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT "The most charming and clever debut I've read in years! With her sparkling dialogue, vivid characters, and self-assured writing style, Valerie Bowman has instantly established herself as a romance author with widespread appeal. This engaging and sweetly romantic story is just too delightful to miss."--"New York Times "bestselling author

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 knows just what to tell Cass 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. 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 her! Doing battle is the last thing on his mind, but bantering with Lucy behind the bushes is too tempting to resist. And the spoils of this war just may be true love...