The Unexpected Duchess
*Starred Review* Lucy Upton knows she can talk; the problem is that Derek Hunt, Duke of Claringdon, just won’t listen! Lucy’s friend, Cassandra Monroe, simply can’t find the words to let Derek know she has no interest in him as a potential husband. Because Lucy has no trouble at all in speaking her mind, she offers to provide Cassandra with the clearest possible language for letting Derek know, once and for all, that his offer of matrimony is not welcome. However, no matter how many times Lucy—either channeling her words through Cassandra, or speaking as herself—tells Derek to go away, the infuriating man continues to court Cassandra. Lucy knows that Derek has had more than his share of success on the battlefields of Europe, but this is one battle he simply isn’t going to win. Rising historical fiction star Bowman builds on the potential she displayed in her first Regency-set trilogy (the Secret Brides series) with The Unexpected Duchess, which launches her new Playful Brides books. This novel’s engaging characters, snappy banter, and judicious infusion of smoldering sensuality will have readers clamoring for the next installment in this smart and sexy series. --John Charles