The Unexpected Duchess: Playful Brides, Book 1

A couple of months ago, I received the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Valerie Bowman’s The Untamed Earl. I have been reading historical romance novels for many years, but that was my first experience with Bowman’s books. I enjoyed The Untamed Earl, and was excited when I remembered that I had a couple of her other books on my Kindle. I tend to collect books when they are on sale, and come back to read them later.I decided to start with The Unexpected Duchess, the first entry in the “Playful Brides” series. I had mentioned in my review of The Untamed Earl that there were some scenes with the hero’s sister and her friends, and that I would have had a better appreciation for their friendship if I had read the previous books in the series. So what better place to start than the beginning?Lady Lucy Upton is a very loyal friend. Her friend Cass declares that she does not want to marry war-hero-turned-duke Derek Hunt, but she is too shy to tell him herself. Lucy takes it upon herself to speak for her dear friend Cass, and tell the new aristocrat that Cass is just not interested. She tries an indirect approach: speaking for Cass in a scene reminiscent of Cyrano de Bergerac, and she tries a more direct approach too.Derek is not quite sure what to make of this situation. His reasons for wanting to marry Cass are personal; a dying friend recommended Cass, and made Derek promise that he would marry her. At first, Derek is irritated by Lucy’s interference, but he quickly realizes that he enjoys sparring with her. The attraction is mutual, as our Lady Lucy is horrified to discover that she is becoming attracted to the pesky man who won’t leave her friend alone.This was a charming book. It’s very funny, and I was continuously smiling as I read through the book. Every woman needs a friend like Lucy. She’s an interesting heroine because she is so unconventional. I daresay that she might be a tad too unconventional; I was shocked when she describes to Derek what she did at her debut. I can guarantee that such an incident would not have been forgotten as easily as it seems to have been.I would recommend The Unlikely Duchess. This book will appeal to fans of Julia Quinn and Eloisa James. I am pleased to have discovered Valerie Bowman, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Playful Brides books, as well as her other series.

Valerie Bowman is a consistent writer, producing enjoyable stories with believable characters, a good flow to the story, and plots that are not too elaborate. This is another solid entry. The H Derek is a war hero, given a dukedom for his heroics. He has promised his dying friend to wed a certain lady, Cassandra, who is the best friend of our h Lucy. The problem is that Cassandra is in love with another, Julian, who is almost-betrothed to yet another lady, Cassandra's cousin. Cassandra does not want to wed the Duke because she loves Julian, who is dying of wounds in Belgium, and even though he will never marry her due to his betrothal to Cassandra's cousin. So, what is the plot? Cyrano de Bergerac meet Taming of the Shrew. Cassandra is too polite and sweet to tell the Duke her true feelings and to buzz off. Lucy therefore steps into the breach to coach Cassandra how to rebuff the Duke and send him on his way. Even with coaching, Cassandra is no good at being rude, so Lady Lucy steps up her efforts and does more and more to sabotage the Duke's courtship of Cassandra. Lucy, while beautiful, is a shrew and a wallflower because of her wicked tongue and appalling manners. (We are given a sort-of explanation for that, but it really does not satisfy.) She prides herself on her wit, which in my opinion is not wit but plain old-fashioned bitterness and rudeness. This was one thing I did not like about the book. There was just no reason for Lucy to be SO rude. But she has many other redeeming qualities, so she is not an unlikable h. The H Derek is a delight. The 2 love to spar and trade witticisms. And naturally, the sparks fly between them. The Duke, however, is an honorable man and still intends to wed Cassandra because he promised. When Lucy learns about the promise and that is why he is so relentlessly pursuing Cassandra, she backs off, and intends to pave the way for his courtship of Cassandra because that appears to be the right thing to do, even though by now, she realizes she cares for Derek. Part of the attraction between the H and h is his desire to master her and his intrigue at finding someone who is not intimidated by him, and her desire to find a man strong enough to stand up to her. They admire each other for their strong personalities, loyalty to friends, and sense of honor. All in all, a very good story.

Ever since her brother died as a child Lady Lucy Upton has tried to be the son her parents wanted. Unfortunately this was to no avail. The only thing she earned for her troubles was removal from court at her debut to the Queen & a name for her sharp tongue. Which the latter has scared away any suitors she might have & relegated her to wallflower. Not that she minds overly much...she does have her 2 best friends & her tongue is going to help 1 of those friends dissuade an unwanted suitor.Lord Derek Hunt,a war hero known for making a decision & never wavering from it. Sent back to England to accept the title bestowed upon him for his bravery by the crown Derek makes a promise to a dying friend. A promise that will be increasingly hard to keep when he meets the sharp tongued harridan who feels compelled to protect the woman he has promised to marry. To go back on his word is unconscionable.As a war of words ensues with each being determined to have their way will they realize their attraction to the other? When they each find out the reasons for what they each are doing will it make a difference? Will they each sacrifice what they want for the other? Will others stand in their way?This story is full of wonderful banter between the characters. Determination, angst, laughter & tears make a superb story & this one is full. First book I have read of Valerie Bowman's & can't wait to start the second in series. Ms. Bowman has definitely made my favorite author list.

Sooooooooo bad. The book is,supposed to be about a witty woman who has met her match. The attempts at wit are embarrassing and there is no chemistry. As for Cass, she is so wet and lacking in personality. Absolute tripe

A really terrible book. It isn't playful, it isn't funny. The story begins with some 'witty' repartee which is actually a shrewish woman being incredibly rude to an unsuspecting man for no apparent reason. There is very little plot and the wit is simply rudeness. It is one of the worst books I've picked up recently. Save yourself the trouble...don't bother.

I Really enjoyed this book......first valerie bowman I've read I will defiantly look for more of her work in the future

loved it

Great read