Feature and Giveaway: No Other Duke But You by Valerie Bowman

A lady with a love potion. A Duke who takes it by mistake. Romance and mischief ensues when plans go awry in No Other Duke But You by Valerie Bowman.

SINGLE LADY SEEKS DUKE

Lady Delilah Montebank has her marital sights set on the Duke of Branville. There’s just one problem: he barely knows she exists. But no matter, she’s got a plan to win him over with her charm, her wit—and perhaps the love potion she has in her possession wouldn’t hurt her cause...

Lord Thomas Hobbs, Duke of Huntley, thinks his best friend Delilah’s quest to become a duchess is ridiculous. He’s always said he’d rather give up all the brandy in London than commit to one person for life. Besides, he knows that Delilah’s love potion can’t possibly win over Branville…since she accidentally gave it to him instead. But perhaps this is the excuse he needs to show her he’s always loved her...

Delilah can’t believe she gave the potion to the wrong duke. Then again, Delilah could do a lot worse than win the hand of her handsome best friend. Could it be that the right duke has been before her eyes all along?

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A Historical Christmas Event with Valerie Bowman

Valerie Bowman's debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction. Find her on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com

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ARC Review: The Right Kind of Rogue by Valerie Bowman

“The Right Kind of Rogue” is the 8th book in the Playful Brides series. I’ve read all the books in the series, so far, and Valerie Bowman never disappoints. I have been waiting-impatiently- for Meg and Harts story since I read about them in “The Legendary Lord.” I usually love the wallflower books so this book was a perfect fit.

Our heroine, Meg, is the best friend of Sarah who ends up married to Christian Forester, Viscount Berkeley. Christian appears in many of the previous books as one of Lucy’s friend. Sarah and Meg are exact opposites. Where Sarah is the belle of the season, Meg is a wilting wallflower coming from a nearly impoverished family. Her gowns are outdated and her marriage prospects don’t exist. Meg has always loved Sarah’s brother -Hart since she was sixteen. The many problems with this is that Hart’s family expect him to make a good match. Meg is not a good match. Aside from being impoverished, her father and Hart’s father are enemies and loath each other. Hart has never thought twice about Meg until his sister marries Christian and he shares a kiss with Meg. Meg has never forgotten the kiss, and although a case of mistaken identity, neither has Hart. When Sarah tells her best friend that Hart has decided to find a wife Meg realizes that time is running out and she has to take matters into her own hands. Because Meg’s situation is very dire she seeks out the help of the ever clever Lucy. Lucy has had a hand in many of the matches in the previous books.

Lucy is determined to help Hart and Meg find their way to one another, but her plans rarely go smoothly and without a doubt hearts get broken. For Harts part, he is in need of a wife, when he finds himself drawn to Meg he knows that there are more appropriate girls for him but he is still drawn to her. Even though Meg and Hart finally end of married theirs is not a happy union. There are many miscommunications between them and Hart has a long way to go before he can learn to trust.

I should know by now that when I start a Valerie Bowman story I am going to finish it in one sitting. I was completely enthralled with Meg and Harts story. I ached for them and wanted to strangle Hart at different times! One of the common threads through this series is the female friendships that always bind the heroines and give them a shoulder to lean on! Humor is never missing in her books. The good news is that there is another book in the series! The bad! We have to wait for it.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Never Trust a Pirate by Valerie Bowman

I have said it before and I will repeat it a hundred times, Valerie Bowman and her Playful Brides series never disappoints! Since I discovered this series I am always impatiently waiting for the next book in the series. For the record the next one after this one is “The Right Kind of Rogue” #8 which is Meg and Harts’ story. I am restless with anticipation about it! But not to be overshadowed, “Never Trust a Pirate” follows many of the same exciting and addicting elements as “The Irresistible Rogue:  # 4 which is Daphne and Captain Rafe Cavendish’s story. In that story we discover that Rafe has a twin brother- Cade. Very unlike his twin brother, Cade is the exact opposite of his very chivalrous and honorable brother.

When we begin the story, we are immediately hooked with the task of trying to discover who is the mysterious Black Fox. Bowman uses this as a thread to the rest of the story. Is Cade the Black Fox? Is he after he Black Fox? Aside from these very interesting questions we also are introduced to a wonderful heroine- Miss Danielle LaCrosse. Danielle is as multi-layered as Cade. She is serving as a lady’s maid to Daphne. But without giving too much away, Danielle is very much more than a lady’s maid. Because of the proximity she shares with Cade both Cade and Danielle can’t help but be drawn not only to each other but also to their deep secrets, and both not only carry them but both are also eager to uncover the others.

Personally, I love how Bowman portrayed Cade. As a reader I was experiencing the same peeling away of layers as the characters did-which I loved. &He was interesting and at the same time a little puzzling because he had so many secrets. I loved how evenly matched Danielle and Cade were. They were both worthy of one another. Aside from the mystery and intrigue, I loved Danielle’s very deep vulnerability and her very sweet and almost fragile desire to communicate and form a bond with those around her. Although I think that this story and “The Irresistible Rogue” are a part of the “Playful Brides” series their distinguishing aspect is all the adventure and mystery that run through them. Bowman is such a great author! She is fun, here characters are so complex and deep that I never want the story to end and yet I can’t wait to read the next one in the series. Finally, I loved the contrast between Cade and Rafe. In this story there weren’t too many differences between the brothers after all. For me, this was another wonderful and gratifying read by Bowman and I remain a big fan!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Feature and Giveaway: Never Trust a Pirate by Valerie Bowman

The rules of engagement were never so scandalous. . .

A rumored pirate and the scurrilous black sheep of his well-to- do family, Cade Cavendish relishes his world of rebellion, deception, and seduction. Nothing and no one can hold him to be the duty-bound, honorable man he is expected to be. But when an unexpected run-in at his twin brother’s estate with a ravishing, raven-haired maid leads her to believe he’s actually a viscount, Cade’s renegade life is thrown wildly off-kilter. And even though a case of mistaken identity can be quickly set to rights, matters of the heart are quite different…

Miss Danielle LaCrosse is startled to learn that the handsome gentleman who radiates sin and has the devil in his eyes is not her employer the Viscount, but rather his infamous brother. A former heiress, orphaned and left penniless, Danielle has more than a few secrets of her own. Cade may be skilled at coaxing even the most hidden desires out of Danielle but can he earn her trust—and win her heart—as they embark on an adventure to confront a dangerous enemy from both of their pasts . . . and uncover the identity of the so-called Black Fox along the way?

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ARC Review: The Legendary Lord by Valerie Bowman

I love this series so much! Every time I read a story in  “The Playful Brides” series I just love it more and more. Bowman is such an excellent author! She creates characters that are impossible to forget and that are so wonderful who would want to! The friendships and adventures that Bowman comes up with are always a memorable experience.

“The Legandary Lord” is the sixth book in the series and here we finally get Christian Forester, Viscount Berkeley. Christian was such a great and endearing character in the previous series, helping both Lucy and her friends out at every turn. Christian is the constant “hero to the rescue” in the previous stories and in this story he is once again ready to help a damsel in, this time it’s Lady Sarah Highgate.  Sarah, unlike Christian, has had a string of suitors after a very successful season.  To her parents delight she is engaged to be married. Sarah is always told what she is told until one day she can’t take it anymore and she runs to Scotland to “escape.” Through a case of mistaken home, she ends up in Christian’s hunting lounge. After a rough first introduction, they quickly become allies and form a pact. Christian, with the help of Lucy and company will help ease the “scandal” of Sarah’s escape. Sarah in turn will help Christian become “a legendary Lord” and finally capture the heart of one of societies ladies. What neither of them expect is to fall in love and not be able to forget one another.

Bowman has quickly become one of my favorite writers. I just can’t get enough of this series. Christian and Sarah developed such a sweet friendship and ultimately one that lead to them falling in love. I loved the setting in Scotland and the reappearance of Lucy and Cassandra. My one complaint after reading this story is that now I cannot wait to see what Bowman does with Sarah’s brother, Hart and her best friend Meg. The chemistry between them was so fun to read about! Loved this book and love this series! Bravo Bowman!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: The Untamed Earl by Valerie Bowman

Ever since I read the first book in the Playful Brides series, “The Unexpected Duchess” I cannot get enough of Valerie Bowman. I’ve been waiting for this book since I finished and loved, “The Irresistible Rogue.” For anyone that has never read this series Bowman takes a very witty and historical spin on tales such as Cyrano de Bergerac, The Importance of Being Earnest and other classics as The Philadelphia Story and gives it a spin. Bowman is one of those authors I leap to read her work. I really enjoy her heroines, heroes and her plots.

“The Untamed Earl” is a spin of the “Taming of the Shrew.” Alexander Hobbs is the sister of the alluded to shrew. Lavinia, her older sister, is definitely a shrew. When she was young she became very ill and since then Alexander lived in her sister’s shadow. For the most part Alexander accepted this lot in life, but when her parents arrange for her sister to marry the man that stole her heart years ago, Lord Owen Monroe, Alex takes matters into her own hands. Years ago Alexander met Owen by her balcony and since then he stole her heart.

Lord Owen is Cassandra’s brother; she is the heroine from “The Accidental Countess. Owen has a bad reputation not only in society but also with his family. His parents think it’s time for him to marry and start taking his life seriously. With Lavinia’s parents they arrange a marriage proposal for Owen and Lavinia, but Lavinia’s parents insist that she must fall in love with him and accept him on her own terms. Lavinia is a shrew in every sense of the word. She is an awful bully and Owen realizes that although he has had no luck with other conquests, Lavinia is more than he had bargained for. Alexander offers up her help. She tells Owen that if he helps her launch in society then she will help him with her sister.

I really like Alex and Owen, individually and as a couple. They were very sweet and they had great chemistry. There are some sad and heart-breaking moments and before long Alex realizes that her plan might need some reinforcements. I have really only two small complaints. One there was so much action and change of scenes in the previous book and this book was one ball after another. Second, I now have to count down the days until the next book in the series- The Legendary Lord which is about Viscount Christian Bancroft. I really loved the glimpses that the author gave us of his character and I cannot wait to see what she has in stored for him and Sarah. I really enjoyed this great shrew of a story and loved how the author finally gave Alex and Owen the chance they needed. Although the book is a part of the series, it is easily a standalone. However, the heart of the story is the friendship of Cassandra, Lucy and Jane -which I was happy to see them make an appearance. If anyone has time to sit around and binge read, I definitely recommend they do so with this funny series.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: The Unforgettable Hero: A Playful Brides Story by Valerie Bowman

Anything Valerie Bowman writes I want to read. I just recently discovered her with the “Playful Brides” series and I just absolutely love her. I find her to be such a clever and witty storyteller! Even the stories that I did not love I really enjoyed! She is a very original and unique author and her characters are always memorable to me!

“The Unforgettable hero” is a novella about Cecelia Harcourt. Poor Cecelia is in a very dire situation. Her and her sickly sister are all alone. Their parents were killed in an accident and they are now at the mercy of their uncle and aunt. To make Cecelia’s situation worse they are determined to marry her off to a horrible cousin named Percy. Cecelia is not only desperate to escape her relationship with Percy but also to afford medicine that her sister needs and that their aunt and uncle won’t buy. She tries to take matters into her own hands and decides to write a romance novel. She is determined to sell it and make enough money to help her sister and hopefully fee her from her upcoming marriage to Percy.

Unfortunately, luck is not on Cecelia’s side and while returning from a failed trip to get her book bought and published she receives a blow to the head and doesn’t remember who she is. To her rescue comes Lieutenant Adam Hunt. (Adam is the brother-in-law to Lucy and brother to Derek from the first book in the series.) When Cece sees Adam she believes that she is the heroine in her story -lady Magnolia and he is the hero- the Duke of Loveridge. Adam because of the doctor’s advice pretends that this is reality in an effort to help her gain her memory.

While this is happening, Cece’s sister is desperately looking for her and Adam is dealing with his own search for himself. There are also very brief appearances from Jane, Cassandra and Lucy. In classic Bowman style, the characters are funny and memorable. There are some unexpected twists and turns when Cece finds herself at the alter and ready to marry Percy. This was a cute and fun novella. Now off to read “The Untamed Earl” which is the next in the series and is absolutely fantastic-review to follow soon!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Feature and Giveaway: All I Want for Christmas is a Duke by Valerie Bowman, Vivienne Lorret, Tiffany Clare and Ashlyn Macnamara

Four popular romance novelists come together to bring readers delightful tales of Christmas Magic and the dukes that make us swoon… The holidays are a time for dining, dancing, and of course—dukes! Celebrate the Christmas season with this enchanting collection of historical romances featuring the most eligible bachelors of the ton…

The Duke and Duchess Trap by Valerie Bowman

A childish prank may have reunited the Duke of Hollingsworth with his estranged wife, but only the magic of Christmas will show this couple ‘tis the season of second chances…

Sophie and the Duke by Tiffany Clare

Sophie Kinsley planned to remain a wallflower at the Duke of Helmsworth’s ball. Yet when a dance with him leads to a stolen kiss, will the duke be willing to let her go? Or will Sophie’s Christmas wish be granted at last?

The Duke’s Christmas Wish by Vivienne Lorret

To the Duke of Vale, science solves everything—even marriage. When the impulsive Ivy Sutherland makes him question all of his data, he realizes that he’s overlooked a vital component in his search for the perfect match: love.

One Magic Season by Ashlyn Macnamara

Patience Markham never forgot the fateful dance she had with the future Duke of Kingsbury. But when a twist of fate brings them together for Christmas Eve, will the stars finally align in their favor?

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A Prank...with Valerie Bowman and Giveaway

Valerie Bowman’s books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.

Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven). After earning a degree in English with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, and watching crazy reality TV.

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ARC Review: The Irresistible Rogue by Valerie Bowman

Valerie Bowman is an automatic read for me. I personally think she is a very talented writer. I’m very impressed with her characters and the different challenges they grow through. I’ve read all the books in her “Playful Brides” series and all her characters grow individually and as a couple. She also has a great plot lined up for hero and heroine. I’ve noticed that both in “The Irresistible Rogue” and in “The Unlikely Lady” the romance is coupled with adventure. I’ve been hooked on Lady Daphne Swift and Captain Rafe Cavendish since I was introduced to them in “The Unlikely Lady.” I was so happy with Bowman had planned for them!

Lady Daphne was a very interesting heroine. She is determined to be of service to her country but the confines of her sex limit her options. When her brother Donald okays her involvement in a mission with Captain Rafe she instantly jumps to the chance. When this book picks up she is still married to Captain Rafe but quickly needs an annulment so she can marry a man that meets all the criteria on her list. Captain Rafe definitely does not. At the beginning of the story I was a little frustrated with Lady Daphne. She was so obsessed with getting proposed to and marrying that she seemed very shallow. Captain Rafe has unfinished business with Daphne. Their mission is still not complete and he refuses to grant her annulment. For me, Captain Rafe was a little elusive. It was difficult to get him and understand him. As the story progressed along it became easier to understand them both and ultimately really like them.

Lady Daphne and Captain Rafe were a fantastic couple. They were both very courageous and very dedicated to their mission. They also really loved each other and wanted to make their relationship work but miscommunication and self-rejection played a big role. Bowman brings back the other characters from the previous books and it was nice to see them again and help Daphne fight for Rafe. I really loved how Daphne and Rafe grew in their love and in their friendship for one another.

A lot happens in this book, we start off at Daphne’s engagement party, then on a mission with Rafe, then back to Daphne’s house and then back on a mission. I really loved all the adventure that Captain Rafe experienced. There were some edge of my seat moments and I thought Bowman really wrote them with intensity and with the essence of the characters in mind. I also loved the very surprise character we met at the end. I personally can’t wait to see what Bowman has in store with her next book.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Audiobook Review: The Accidental Countess by Valerie Bowman, Narrated by Alison Larkin

I am a big fangirl of Valerie Bowman. I was first introduced to her when I read “The Unexpected Duchess” the first book in the “Playful Brides” series. I’ve read all the books up to “The Irresistible Rogue” and Bowman does not disappoint. She is a fun, witty, creative and her characters are charismatic. Although I enjoyed all the books in the series, “The Accidental Countess” was not one of my favorites. I really struggled when I read it and that is why I decided to hear the audiobook so I can see if it would give me a different experience.

I personally really love listening to audiobooks because they provide me with a different perspective then when I read. I love to hear the characters in another person’s voice. This is Lady Cassandra Monroe’s story. Cassandra or Cassie is the quiet and sweet friend of Lucy and Jane. She has been in love with Julian all her life. When Julian, a second son, goes off to war, it is Lady Cassandra that rights to him for all the years he is gone. However, Julian was promised to her cousin Penelope and even though a formal engagement was not announced it is assumed by their parents that they will marry when Julian returns.

Some things I really love about this story is the funny and witty things that Cassandra and her friends are either saying or coming up with. I love their friendship and it reminds me of Lisa Kleypass’s series “The Wallflowers.”

Some of the big issues I had when I read the books was Cassandra and Julian. I liked them but I did not love them. They both felt very flat to me and that did not change in the audiobook. Another big issues for me was the plot. It was so convoluted that it grated on my nerves. Lucy decides that when Julian comes home she is going to present Cassandra as Prudence Bunbury a fictional person. Julian doesn’t know that Cassandra and Prudence are the same person. Lucy hosts a house party where all the people involved, because of difference reasons, go along with this charade. It was not enjoyable to me and I had to remind myself of who was who. Needless to say when Julian discovers the deception he is very angry and doubts what he knew about Cassandra during their correspondence. I do have to say that although I was very frustrated with Julian and Cassandra I enjoyed Garret’s presence in this part of the story.

What I did love, as I mentioned before, is the friendship between the ladies. I also loved the snips of Jane and Garrett. I didn’t really pay too much attention to Donald and Daphne in this book so it was refreshing to pick up some things I missed the first time. Also, Daphne and Rafe become such important characters later on I really enjoyed the development of their character in this story. Overall, this was a fun read. Bowman is a very creative and unique author. Alison Larkin was a great narrator. Her tone and accent were perfectly suited for this story.

**Audiobook provided by Tantor**

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