No Other Duke But You
A Playful Brides Novel
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4.2 • 37 Ratings
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
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 eleventh book in the series, No Other Duke But You, is inspired by William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
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?
The Playful Brides novels are:
“Wholly satisfying.”—USA Today
“Smart and sensual.”—RT Book Reviews
“Delicious.” —Kirkus Reviews
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
With a touch of Emma in its endearing heroine, No Other Duke but You is a Regency romance with a heart full of laughter and Jane Austen–like wit. Free-spirited Lady Delilah is more interested in matchmaking for others than getting married herself, but when her mother gives her an ultimatum, she sets her sights on the extremely desirable Duke of Branville. Add in a love potion and a second duke waiting in the wings, and you have a book with a plot that’s as lively as its characters. We adore this addition to Valerie Bowman’s Playful Brides series.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Bowman's witty 11th Playful Brides Regency (after Mr. Hunt, I Presume) highlights how love can develop between two close friends. Lady Delilah Montebank is best friends with Thomas Hobbs, Duke of Huntley. Delilah's mother will force her to marry Clarence Hilton, heir to an earldom, if she doesn't secure a better offer of marriage by her birthday in just over a month. A desperate Delilah sets her sights on the Duke of Branville. Though Delilah has always enjoyed her friendship with Thomas, she is confused when the play they are in together calls for them to kiss, and the kiss ignites romantic sparks. Still hoping to marry Branville, Delilah purchases a love potion to make him fall in love with her, but accidentally sprinkles the potion on Thomas instead. When Thomas formally offers to court Delilah, she fears it's only because of the potion and foists him off, unwilling to trick him into marriage. He must convince her his interest is real. Regency fans will adore this charming tale and its cast of memorable characters.
Customer Reviews
Delightful Delilah
No Other Duke But You is a wonderful story filled with energy and fun. Delilah’s mother has finally reached the end of her patience with her daughter and gives her until her birthday (two weeks) to find a husband. The alternative is to marry the man her mother chooses (not Prince Charming), who just happens to be the son of Mother’s betrothed. Since Delilah and her friend Lucy are great matchmakers, she sure she will find a suitor before time runs out. Now the fun begins. When in a hurry for romance and all else fails, what is one to do? One acquires a love potion. That will do it, won’t it?
Loveable characters (except Delilah’s Mother, she makes mean girls look sweet) win your heart and draw you into this delicious romp. Delilah is vivacious and adorable, kind, caring, and a little quirky. Thomas, who is now the Duke of Huntley, is strong, handsome, patient (to a fault), kind, and protective. He and Delilah grew up as friends. They are perfect for each other, if only he and their friends could convince Delilah. I enjoyed this story from the moment Delilah chased the squirrel through the house right to the end. I happily recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Charming!
I love slow burn romances, as well as friends to lovers romances. So I adored this final book in this fantastic series. Valerie Bowman knows how to write a romance that simply charms. The characters are fabulously crafted and gloriously complicated.
Lady Delilah Montebank and the Duke of Huntley have come to treasure each other as the best of friends, beyond all and any imperfections that the other has, long ago. But when Delilah is given an ultimatum by her mother, she has two months to come up with the match of the season for herself. But is the Duke of Branville really the match of the season? Only time will tell, as Lucy and Delilah take on maybe more than these two seasoned matchmakers can deal with. Will Delilah find a match in time or will she be destined to a arranged marriage? And why can’t Delilah get the Duke of Huntley out of her mind since Lucy is try to make him a match?
Full of heartfelt goodness, and the perfect amount of sweet and charming moments. I will miss all these characters. But I am anxiously awaiting for what Ms. Bowman has next in store for us.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3-3.5 Stars!!!
3-3.5 Stars!! This is the 11th book in the ‘Playful Brides’ series & can be read as a standalone but it has a lot of couples from the series past books! This book was about Delilah-the matchmaker & Thomas-the Duke of Huntley/Delilah’s “BFF”! I wasn’t in love with this book because everything could’ve been much easier if Thomas would’ve just told Delilah he’d been in love with her for a long time! Or at least ask Lucy for help!! This was still an entertaining book. It just didn’t click with me, it was too unbelievable.
*I received this book at no charge from NetGalley.*