The Unexpected Duchess by Valerie Bowman

The Unexpected Duchess by Valerie Bowman

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

Valerie Bowman was raised in Illinois with six sisters (she's the seventh) and an abundance of historical romance novels. She relocated to Florida the first chance she had after a frigid and snowy stay at Smith College, where she earned a degree in English with a minor in history. Valerie now resides in Jacksonville with her family, including Huckleberry and Violet, her mini-schnauzers. When she's not writing, she may be found reading, traveling, or watching a mix of reality TV and PBS.