A 2018 Daphne du Maurier finalist First comes love, then comes marriage. Unless it’s the otherway around. . . General Mark Grimaldi has sacrificed everything for his military career, working his way through the ranks without the benefit of a nobleman’s title. Now, his years of dedication are about to pay off–with an offer for a prestigious promotion to Home Secretary. There’s only one … to Home Secretary. There’s only one condition: Mark must be married. Aside from the small matter of not actually wanting to be wed, Mark faces another troubling problem: he already has a wife.
Nicole Huntington Grimaldi has spent ten contented years in France without her husband–and without regret. When Mark asks her to return to London and play the part of his beloved wife, she sees her chance. But neither of them is prepared for news that will throw Mark’s future into chaos…nor the undeniable desire they’ve rekindled. Maybe happily-ever-after can happen the second time around in A Duke Like No Other, the next Regency romance from Valerie Bowman.
Valerie Bowman’s Playful Brides novels are:
“Wholly satisfying.”–USA Today
“Smart and sensual…readers will be captivated.”–RT Book Reviews
“Smoldering.” —Booklist
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*** 3.5 Stars ***
I was so excited and looking forward to reading this book because it sounded like it would be something unique. I really liked the story, but I am all over the place on what my rating should be. This is another of those books where the story is good, but it is filled with modernism and the story just doesn’t fit with the time period. The writer writes excellently, it is just that either the research or the editing, etc. is missing something. So – if you actually like your historical romances to fit into the time period into which the book is set – this one won’t meet your standards. I’m also not a big fan of flashbacks and this book is filled with them. My eyes nearly rolled out of my head with me doing so many eye rolls because of the anachronistic words, phrases, actions, etc. in the book. Just a couple of instances of things: The author had Grimaldi being able to inherit because of a codicil in the will (unless they change that before it is published) – it would have been in the Royal Letters Patent raising the first Duke to that title – not a codicil in a will. A second thing is the Bow Street runners wearing red vests – they didn’t. The horse patrol wore those, but the runners didn’t. Just lots of stuff – like starched shirt fronts, constantly used the word ‘sex’ to refer to the act rather than the gender, guards at the gates coming into London, etc. Maybe this will all be fixed before publication and I’ll be wrong on all of this.
The main characters are two of the most stubborn, pigheaded, strong-willed, uncommunicative characters I’ve ever seen in a book. They spent ten years apart, each stewing in their own righteousness rather than actually having a conversation about what had happened, why it happened and what they could do to fix it. I don’t think the two of them had a whole and complete conversation in the entire book. I have a hard time warming up to people who supposedly love each other being so self-centered with each other. In this one, I tend to lay more of the blame on him than her, but they certainly both earned their fair share of the blame. They both have a tendency to throw a fit, give up on things and walk away rather than fight for them and make a stand. Annoying.
Major General Mark Grimaldi is a totally self-made man even though he is the grandson of a Duke (he went from a Corporal to a Major General who is a spymaster and he’s only thirty-four years old – yes, eye roll). He claims no family ties with them and there are very, very few people who even know of the tie. His grandfather wouldn’t accept that Mark’s mother had married an Italian and he wanted her to leave Mark’s father. It caused a big family rift and she broke with her entire family. Mark’s father (I believe he was a shoemaker – yep – eye roll time) made Mark promise not to use his mother’s family connections to advance himself in any way. So, Mark took that deathbed promise very, very, very seriously and wouldn’t acknowledge his mother’s family in any way. Not only wouldn’t he acknowledge them – he hated all of the aristocracy – yes – eye roll – a bit of overkill there I think.
Lady Nicole Huntington is the daughter of an Earl. During her first season, she was bored and decided she’d be a Bow Street Runner (sigh – eye roll). When they wouldn’t hire her, she decided she’d become an assistant to the runners and she set about chasing down thieves. She met Mark outside a ball at her grandmother’s home when she was chasing down a footman who had stolen a fork (or spoon) off the buffet table. Yes, she was about as foolhardy as you could be. Unaccompanied, she chased the thief outside the home and down the mews where he could easily have turned and attacked her – then, she spoke with a stranger she met in the alley – does all of that make her a TSTL heroine? Probably. Anyway – the stranger was Mark and a couple of months later they were married.
After a big row where he made assumptions and blamed her and she tucked tail and ran home to mama then she ended up in France for 10 years. Evidently, she was living in France during the war and was a spy for the English, then continued to live there after the wars ended.
I loved that there was a murder mystery to solve and would have loved it even more had the investigation started earlier and was more complex. Nicole was the one to solve the mystery while Mark, the spymaster, just looked incompetent asking inane questions and accepting evasive answers (yes, eye roll again). No – I don’t mind that she solved the mystery – I would just have liked them to work together and need each other more rather than making her the hero and him the zero.
You probably think I didn’t like the book. That isn’t the case. I liked the story or more to the point, I think I liked the possibility of the story. I just didn’t like that it was basically a contemporary novel with horses and carriages rather than cars – instead of living up to its potential and being a really good Regency romance.
I would recommend this book because the story is good and it is well written, but you will need to be able to suspend your disbelief and overlook the anachronisms.
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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
I was hooked from chapter one with the news that he has a wife. Even after being apart for so long that fire was still between them no matter what they tried to tell themselves. I loved the back and forth when making the deal for her to come back to London and how much they thought alike. The shocking news was nothing I could have seen coming or expected what would happen afterwards. They both had things in their past that were surprising and amazing.
Nicole is straightforward and not like other ladies around her. I loved her right away because she enjoyed messing with him and the work she did. She thought she could detach herself from him, but her heart knew better.
Mark would do anything to get what he set his mind on excepts for revealing his secret. He is one that you have to get to know and understand. I loved him because of how he tried to control things, but it didn’t go as planned and because he put others first when needed.
As a fan of Valerie Bowman I was delighted to receive an ARC of the latest book in The Playful Brides series. Mark & Nicole Grimaldi, in A Duke Like No Other, separated after only a few months of marriage. The fight was horrible enough to send Nicole to France for 10 years & Mark to lose himself in his distinguished career as a spy & earned him the nickname The Stone Man. This may be why I had trouble accepting him as our hero. I didn’t find him likable until the last third of the book when he began to show some feelings. Nicole had been an unofficial Bow Street Runner & continued her chosen work while living in France. For such a strong independent woman she had trouble speaking her mind to her own husband. Yet the story is a good one, the premise is believable & sound. Many readers will enjoy the journey as these 2 reunite & begin to make a new life together. The issues I have with characters are completely mine & should not discourage anyone from picking up A Duke Like No Other and having a delightful time with Mark & Nicole. I wholeheartedly look forward to the next Playful Bride which I hope will be Daffin & Regina’s story.
General Mark Grimaldi has sacrificed everything for his military career, working his way through the ranks without the benefit of a nobleman’s title. Now, his years of dedication are about to pay off with an offer for a prestigious promotion to Home Secretary. There’s only one condition: Mark must be married. Aside from the small matter of not actually wanting to be wed, Mark faces another troubling problem: he already has a wife & has had for ten years.
Nicole Huntington Grimaldi has spent ten contented years in France without her husband. When Mark asks her to return to London and play the part of his beloved wife, she sees her chance & has one condition. Neither of them is prepared for news that will throw Mark’s future into chaos
Feuding partners & a second chance of love, throw in a murder & all’s set for a gripping page turning novel. Another well written novel in the series, this is the ninth in the series & could very well be read on its own. The characters are very well portrayed & the attraction between Mark & Nicole sizzles, after all there was one part of their marriage that was never a problem! The story flows from start to finish & kept my attention all the way through. I liked the flashbacks to their relationship a decade previously. Mark has been influenced by his parents but gradually ‘the stone man’ is brought to realise that aristocrats can make a difference. Nicole has been lonely but hopes if her condition is met that will change. Both have denied that they are still in love & very nearly lose their chance of happiness
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
General Mark Grimaldi needs a wife to further his career. His goal is to become the next Home Secretary in England. Wait a minute! He already has a wife. Too bad they are estranged and haven’t seen each other in ten years. As far as Mark knows his estranged wife, Nicole Huntington Grimaldi, is still living in France. But Mark has a plan. He will go to France, surprise Nicole and ask her to do a favor for him and act as his loving wife for a short period while he secures his promotion. Great plan! Nicole has a better plan though – agree to do Mark this favor as long as he agrees to do her a favor. Mark agrees and they head to England together. It all sounds so simple, but life has a way of making the simple things turn out to be a little complicated. In this case life turns out to be a lot complicated.
Valerie Bowman has an excellent addition to her Playful Brides series in her latest book, A Duke Like No Other. As usual she has written in some very entertaining characters in this story. In addition to the very likeable and intriguing main characters, General Mark Grimaldi and his estranged wife Nicole, the author has added secondary characters who provide some fun in this story. Be on the lookout for Aunt Harriet and her contribution to a very important interrogation Mark does. Adds some humor and I always appreciate that in a good story.
I love Historical Romances with mystery and intrigue. A Duke Like No Other is filled with mystery. With Mark being a spy and Nicole being an “assistant” to the Bow Street Runners there’s lots of investigating going on and surprise solutions to mysteries. If you want to see who solves the mysteries, you will have to pick up a copy of this book and start reading.
This is the first novel I have read by Valerie Bowman and I loved it! Even though it is the 9th book in the Playful Brides series, I didn’t have any problem reading it without having read the other novels. I enjoyed it so much I read it in one sitting. I loved Mark and Nicole’s story and enjoyed how the author wove their past within the story in small bites instead of telling it all at once. There was also a bit of mystery and I wanted to find out the name of the culprit. I will be adding this author to my favorite authors list and look forward to reading her previous works.
General Mark Grimaldi has work his way up in service to the Crown. He is a spy master. He has the chance of more promotion that he desperately wants. With the war over, politics is the only way he can get all the changes he envisions. Unfortunately the government bosses want a settled man. That means he must face his past.
Nicole has been living and working in France ever since she separated from her husband. Now he has come to ask a favour. She has the chance to get something she has always wanted.
A fascinating historical romance with a murder / mystery mixed in. There are many difficulties in an investigation in the times before a proper police force . Our characters are actually quite similar temperaments and that bull headedness is what gives them trouble, but also causes the fireworks that make it worthwhile.
This is part of a series of linked but stand alone stories.
I have read most if them and loved them all.
A Duke Like No Other by Valerie Bowman is a phenomenal read. Ms. Bowman has once again delivered a story that is well-written and will keep readers anchored to their e-readers. Mark learns that he must be married to obtain the promotion he wants. He also happens to already be married. Nicole has been living in France for years when Mark approaches her to reunite for his career. Nicole has something she wants from Mark in return. Their story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle and suspense. I loved reading A Duke Like No Other and look forward to my next book by Valerie Bowman. A Duke Like No Other is book 9 of the Playful Brides Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In my humble opinion, this is a well written, historical romance; where the characters are well-honed and the reader can have a connection with them. This story takes place following the Napoleonic war.
Our hero, Mark Grimaldi, is a British general and on the short-list of candidates for the Head of the Home Office; now that the fighting is over. Mark ran a spy network for Britain during the war. There is a small caveat for the Head of the Home office; they prefer a family man or at least a man that is “settled”. Lady Nicole Huntington is not your average woman of the ton; she prefers a good investigative mystery to solve than the usual “missish” activities of other girls her age. This trait is one that draws Mark to Nicole; even though he is only a military man and she a member of the aristocrats. T heir’s is not an easy match as Mark has a bit of “baggage” he carries with him.
I liked that this story has a little bit of a mystery thrown into all the drama with the main characters and the sub-characters.
A Duke Like No Other was my first time reading Valerie Bowman. Although I enjoyed this book, there were a few things that didn’t work for me. I love second chance love stories, but the reason for the separation has to be a good one for it to work for me. In A Duke Like No Other I didn’t feel the reason the hero and heroine parted ways was a good one. Especially when it caused them to be apart for 10 long years.
I liked both Nicole and Mark, but I felt they both were very childish in the way they didn’t talk about their problems at all. They let a little misunderstanding keep them apart for 10 YEARS! Then even when they made a deal to reunite they didn’t work out their problems. I felt their resolution was rushed and took to long to get it. I felt the problems in their marriage were glossed over with hot sex and working on a murder case. Overall the book was cute and I enjoyed it but it wasn’t as good as it could have been. Will I read more books by Valerie Bowman? Yes I will.
General Mark Grimaldi must reclaim his wife for his new post. Nicole Huntington Grimaldi must find out if love can happen with second chances. Good characters, interactions and storyline. Keeps the reader turning pages.
Ebook from Netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
I enjoyed this story of a married couple finding their way back to each other. Nicole and Mark hurt each other but find they need each other now. The physical attraction never disappeared, but the trust needs to be rebuilt. Both are strong characters, and I laughed and cried as the story progressed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.
I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.
I totally enjoyed reading A Duke Like No Other by Valerie Bowman, book 9 in her Playful Bride series. This Historical Romance is a second chance at love and marriage, that is filled with mystery and intrigue.
In order for General Mark Grimaldi to further his career and meet his goal to become the next Home Secretary in England, he must find himself a wife. But, he already has a wife; unfortunately they are estranged and haven’t seen each other in ten years. Mark knows his estranged wife, Nicole Huntington Grimaldi, is living in France, but he has a plan. He will go to France, surprise her and ask Nicole to do a favor for him by acting as his loving wife for a short period while he secures his promotion. What a great plan! However, Nicole has her own plan, she will agree to Mark’s favor as long as he agrees to do a favor for her. Mark readily agrees and off they go, back to England, together. Although it seems simple, life has a way of making simple things turn out to be a little more complicated. In this case life turns out to be a lot complicated.
The likeable and intriguing main characters, General Mark Grimaldi and his estranged wife Nicole were quite entertaining in this story. In addition she added secondary characters that added more fun to this story. Definitely be on the lookout for Aunt Harriet and her contribution to a very important interrogation Mark tries to achieve. I always enjoy some humor in a good story. With Mark being a spy and Nicole being an “assistant” to the Bow Street Runners there are lots of investigating going on along with some surprise conclusions to the mysteries.
I totally loved these characters and didn’t want to put this book down. Ms. Bowman did a fantastic job creating her characters, keeping the story intriguing, making me forget the world around me and did not let me go until I turned the last page. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, supplied by the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the dual POVs. It helps me to understand the characters so much better. This book made me a little sad as the two protagonists lead separate lives for 10 years because of lack of communication and miscommunication. The murder mystery was a wonderful part of the plot. If you love second chance romance, then I would recommend this book.
A Valerie Bowman read takes on a life of it’s own. With intense heroes and headstrong heroines, a good time is usually had by all. From a hurtfully chilly estrangement to a passionately turbulent reunion, A Duke Like No Other weaves an intricate maze of dangerous liaisons and tempestuous seduction. Let the tango begin.
Publisher’s Description:
First comes love, then comes marriage. Unless it’s the other way around. . .
General Mark Grimaldi has sacrificed everything for his military career, working his way through the ranks without the benefit of a nobleman’s title. Now, his years of dedication are about to pay off—with an offer for a prestigious promotion to Home Secretary. There’s only one condition: Mark must be married. Aside from the small matter of not actually wanting to be wed, Mark faces another troubling problem: he already has a wife.
Nicole Huntington Grimaldi has spent ten contented years in France without her husband—and without regret. When Mark asks her to return to London and play the part of his beloved wife, she sees her chance. But neither of them is prepared for news that will throw Mark’s future into chaos…nor the undeniable desire they’ve rekindled. Maybe happily-ever-after can happen the second time around in A Duke Like No Other, the next Regency romance from Valerie Bowman.
My Thoughts:
This newest Playful Brides book has more mystery and angst rather than the humorous nature of the previous titles in this series. The others I have read seem to have ties that make them better if read in order, but this one works well as a standalone.
Mark Grimaldi is seeking a high position in the Home Office. For this to happen he needs a wife. Unbeknownst to his superiors he already has one.
Mark and Nicole married quite young. They were apparently head over heels in love with each other. They were both keeping secrets from each other.
Their secrets proved an end to their marriage.
Nicole left for France and Mark carried on with his career as a spy.
Now ten years later Mark needs Nicole to achieve his wants.
The underlying mystery of his cousin, a Dukes son proves a stumbling block that they must solve.
Will their mutual need to find a murderer renew their love. Will their newly renewed love survive?
Valerie Bowman never disappoints me and this newest addition to this series is no exception.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames. The intimacy between these two really heats up the pages.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
A Duke Like No Other by Valerie Bowman
Playful Brides #9
Looking for a second chance at love historical romance with spies, strong minded stubborn outspoken characters? This might be for you. If you are looking for a believable story true to the times…probably not this book though it does have a mysterious murder to solve and an interesting group of characters.
Nicole and Mark met and married quickly. She comes from a titled background and his father was without a title though there are titles on his mother’s side of the family. He has been a spy and so has she. When he needs to be “settled” to receive a promotion to a position he’s been working toward he decides to talk his estranged wife of ten years into returning to England with him. With his agreement to her condition they head from Calais to London. Shortly after they arrive a murder occurs that sets in motion changes that can and will impact both of their lives.
I had trouble believing this story though it was well written. The reason they became estranged seemed like an easily remedied one if they had not been so stubborn and taciturn. I wanted to shake them both and have an intervention in which they had to speak truthfully to one another. Solving a problem for another, finding a murderer and time in the bedroom seemed less difficult for this couple than an honest conversation. I did enjoy the story…just had trouble buying into it.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Mark is a self made man. A general working for the English crown as a spymaster. But he has secrets of his own. Nicole is his wife, in name only as she is living in France, alone. The couple, estranged for the previous ten years, is brought back together by a series of events involving politics, intrigue, and murder. The two make a deal so that in the end each may receive something that each truly wants. But, is it enough? Will their temporary rejoining become something more, or will pride send them their separate ways forever?
This book is a page turner, and I read it without putting it down. The chemistry between these two was very well done, and it sizzles. The mystery to be solved had a few twists and the characters added to the tale. I do hope that there is another, possibly for Lady Regina and a certain investigator.
I highly recommend this book and the series for romance readers who enjoy mystery and heat with their hea.
I read this as an arc on Netgalley which affected my review in no way at all.
I really enjoyed this installment of the Playful Brides series.
General Mark Grimaldi wants nothing more than to be Home Secretary and it appears that he is a shoe in for the position, but there might be a snag – Lord Tottenham, the man making the decision wants a family man for the position. Good thing Mark has a wife – he just needs to go to France and convince her to come back to England and play at being his loving wife until he gets his promotion.
Lady Nicole Grimaldi has been in France for the last ten years, ever since her marriage fell apart. Now Mark is here asking her to return and help him. She will, but she wants something in return – a baby.
They come to an agreement and return to England. But the first night back, Mark is summoned to his uncle’s home. His uncle is the Duke of Colchester, a connection that Mark keeps hidden, a connection that ruined his marriage. He and Nicole arrive and learn that John, the Marquess of Coleford, the duke’s son is dead and Mark is the new heir. Mark refuses to accept this – he says he will renounce the title, but he agrees to look into John’s death.
He soon learns that John was murdered and with the help of Daffin Oakleaf, Bow Street Runner (and former colleague of Nicole’s) he sets out to find the murderer. They form a plan and set out for the duke’s country estate. While they are there, Nicole and Mark finally get to work on her condition.
Mark and Oakleaf interview the suspects and narrow down the list down to a couple of names, but it is Nicole and his cousin Lady Regina who break the case!
Nicole and Mark have gotten along and she is falling in love again, but they never address the past and when she overhears Mark speaking to his uncle, she knows she will have to leave.
This is a fast paced story, it is not perfect, but it is very entertaining. If you love reunited / second chance romanace stories and are willing to overlook historical errors – this is the book for you. The author utilizes flashbacks to give the reader the backstory of Mark and Nicole, but they are very well done and blend seamlessly into the story, much to my surprise and delight (I am not a flashback fan), the love scenes are steamy, the mystery is good, the secondary characters are wonderful and the ending is sigh worthy.
This is the ninth book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title. I would happily recommend this book, but if you are stickler for accuracy, you might have some issues with this book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
A Second chance romance that started out 10 years ago and comes forward through time. The hero, General Mark Grimaldi spends all his time focused on his service with the Crown and almost nothing else. Being within reach of a new position he really wants, it is pointed out that it would be more likely if her were married and a family man. Well, that problem is solved because he has been married for 10 year to Nicole. Unfortunately he has not seen her in that time and she is in another country! The two had married years ago but due to many things had parted with her going to France. Now all he had to do was convince her to come back to England and act the happy married couple so he could secure his new position! Can they now be happy and pull together? It seems that they both have been in love with each other but neither took the time to work everything out. This is a delightful story that includes a mystery and intrigue with a romance thrown in that will bring a smile to your face. Although part of a series this can be read as a stand alone.