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Playful Brides #11
No Other Duke But You
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 gave it to him accidentally 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?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2019
88 people are currently reading
1595 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Bowman
55 books1,570 followersValerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance.
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 293 reviews
June 5, 2019
I started out with really high hopes for this book. I love “best friend” romances and I was excited to see how the relationship between Delilah and Thomas developed. The book started off good...very light-hearted and funny. The author uses a lot of dialogue, which I love, and it really helps with the pacing of the story. But then it begins to take a silly turn.
The heroine Delilah is very immature and when the love potion comes into play she becomes dim-witted and makes ridiculous assumptions and statements. Thomas is the typical handsome, eligible and wealthy duke that has been in love with Delilah for years. He was not very remarkable in the story.
But the book had positive points. Like I said the pacing is fast. It was quite humorous in places and the author has a great writing style. I will read other books by this author but just didn’t connect with this couple.
Rating: 3 stars
The heroine Delilah is very immature and when the love potion comes into play she becomes dim-witted and makes ridiculous assumptions and statements. Thomas is the typical handsome, eligible and wealthy duke that has been in love with Delilah for years. He was not very remarkable in the story.
But the book had positive points. Like I said the pacing is fast. It was quite humorous in places and the author has a great writing style. I will read other books by this author but just didn’t connect with this couple.
Rating: 3 stars
April 10, 2019
I usually enjoy Valerie Bowman, but No Other Duke But You wasn't a winner.
I'm a total sucker for historical romances, and I read a lot of them. No Other Duke But You is the 11th in a series that I've read sporadically, and I think you can manage it as a stand-alone. There are a ton of previous characters mentioned, so you do get a leg up if you recognize some of them, however.
I struggled with this book, practically from start to finish. The female MC reads very young and immature, and I wasn't feeling her over-the-top spastic-ness. It was grating, and I found her to be painfully imperceptive. Also, both main characters felt very underdeveloped, and I felt like I was missing something (maybe something from a previous story).
The lack of communication was insane. I hate stories that rely on communication mishaps, and that is practically this entire story. I wanted these two to just act like adults with one another, and instead they acted like young teenagers. Everything would have been solved with just one conversation. Maddening.
Not the story for me, I'm afraid, which is too bad because I was looking forward to this one.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
I'm a total sucker for historical romances, and I read a lot of them. No Other Duke But You is the 11th in a series that I've read sporadically, and I think you can manage it as a stand-alone. There are a ton of previous characters mentioned, so you do get a leg up if you recognize some of them, however.
I struggled with this book, practically from start to finish. The female MC reads very young and immature, and I wasn't feeling her over-the-top spastic-ness. It was grating, and I found her to be painfully imperceptive. Also, both main characters felt very underdeveloped, and I felt like I was missing something (maybe something from a previous story).
The lack of communication was insane. I hate stories that rely on communication mishaps, and that is practically this entire story. I wanted these two to just act like adults with one another, and instead they acted like young teenagers. Everything would have been solved with just one conversation. Maddening.
Not the story for me, I'm afraid, which is too bad because I was looking forward to this one.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
April 7, 2019
What a cute story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The one thing I like the most about this book was that it was fun. Not a lot of heavy stuff overhanging the story for the most part. Yes, there was some, but the author did a great job with structure and storyline to keep it lighthearted and entertaining.
When people grew up together it can be difficult to turn that corner from friendship to romance. The last thing we want is to lose a best friend. But when things are meant to be, they're meant to be.
This book included a great cast of characters that had a fun relationship. Matchmaking and generally enjoying themselves is a different approach than many of the other historical romances.
But I have to say it was a bit frustrating when Delilah refused to look at Thomas in terms of love. How could she not see he’s loved her forever?
Overall, this is an entertaining and lighthearted story. There’s a few moments where you wonder if it’s all going to work out. Plus, I love the addition of some hot and spicy moments that begs to have her open her eyes once and for all.
Wonderful, witty, and a little wild, No Other Duke But You is a sweet, satisfying, and entertaining read!
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/no-other-duk...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The one thing I like the most about this book was that it was fun. Not a lot of heavy stuff overhanging the story for the most part. Yes, there was some, but the author did a great job with structure and storyline to keep it lighthearted and entertaining.
When people grew up together it can be difficult to turn that corner from friendship to romance. The last thing we want is to lose a best friend. But when things are meant to be, they're meant to be.
This book included a great cast of characters that had a fun relationship. Matchmaking and generally enjoying themselves is a different approach than many of the other historical romances.
But I have to say it was a bit frustrating when Delilah refused to look at Thomas in terms of love. How could she not see he’s loved her forever?
Overall, this is an entertaining and lighthearted story. There’s a few moments where you wonder if it’s all going to work out. Plus, I love the addition of some hot and spicy moments that begs to have her open her eyes once and for all.
Wonderful, witty, and a little wild, No Other Duke But You is a sweet, satisfying, and entertaining read!
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/no-other-duk...
January 29, 2019
I've been looking forward to Thomas' story ever since he got drunk with the boys and confessed his love for his best friend a few books back. I'm a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers story!
I really enjoyed the first half of the story. It was nice seeing Thomas and Delilah together and watch her being completely oblivious. Thomas is the sweetest, kindest, and nicest in a long line of Dukes (because apparently these days every single hero has to be one). Delilah was one of those eccentric, clumsy, and slightly ditzy heroines everyone but me seems to love so much, so take everything that follows with a grain of salt. If you enjoy the crazy antics of, say, Tessa Dare's novels, this will be PERFECT for you. I mean it.
But then the second half happened. Oh the horror… To be clear, this book is not bad, it just wasn't for me. I am sure EVERYONE else will immensely enjoy the crazy antics, but they were too over the top for me, and I hated them. This is one of the books that dresses the characters up in period dresses, but then ignores any restrictions and sensibilities of the time it's set in. I personally hate it when this happens, but if it is what the majority wants…
My first minor problem was the fact that a Duchess puts on a play with all her aristocratic friends, with tickets sold and the money donated to a charity. She then encourages her actor friends to add some kissing during rehearsals (in front of everybody) and the play. I mean. Sure. I can live with that. But honestly. There is also the tiny matter of the use of an Oscar Wilde character before his time, but this seems so trivial compared to everything else that bothered me that I could live with it.
But then there was the really bad part that ruined this book for me. This is actually part of the synopsis I somehow didn't read in my eagerness to see Thomas get his happily ever after, but the entire plot that centered around the ridiculous love potion was just too much for me to buy.
So Delilah, in a desperate attempt to catch a Duke before her mother marries her off to some loser, buys an elixir that will make a man fall in love with her. She decides to use it on a man she knows and would like to marry (who has previously asked her for help making a match with someone else). To sum up: we have a heroine ignoring someone's feelings and selfishly deciding that if the potion works it was meant to be, so it's not like she's taking his free will or the other girl's happiness. We also have a group of grown women seriously believing (I'm not kidding. They're reading A Midsummer Night's Dream and if they'd been joking, maybe. But the women in this book all truly believe in Delilah's potion!!! And encourage her!) that a magic love potion will make someone fall in love with the one who sprinkles it on a poor, unsuspecting person? But oh don't worry, it will only work if it was meant to be. Which is the thing that had me furious. This may sound trivial to other readers, but I am appalled by it. If a guy had done it, there would have been outrage. But no. If a slightly ditzy heroine does it, it's charming? I think not.
Anyway. Did I mention that everyone in this book thinks this potion is real? At some point, there are FOUR people running around a house at night, sneaking into bedrooms, and trying to "win" the object of their affection with a love potion. And again, they all take it seriously! The whole farce just went on far to long for my taste, and by the time the men showed up to finally put an end to it by making the women see how stupid they'd been, I was just too tired to cheer them on. But it was really cute seeing them all there, standing up for dear, sweet Thomas.
Anyway. So. 3 stars for the first half. Zero for the rest. And maybe 2 for the ending. Seeing Delilah finally grow up was nice, after all. This book really really really just wasn't for me. 2.5 stars
Trigger warning regarding other women for those who care:
*I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed the first half of the story. It was nice seeing Thomas and Delilah together and watch her being completely oblivious. Thomas is the sweetest, kindest, and nicest in a long line of Dukes (because apparently these days every single hero has to be one). Delilah was one of those eccentric, clumsy, and slightly ditzy heroines everyone but me seems to love so much, so take everything that follows with a grain of salt. If you enjoy the crazy antics of, say, Tessa Dare's novels, this will be PERFECT for you. I mean it.
But then the second half happened. Oh the horror… To be clear, this book is not bad, it just wasn't for me. I am sure EVERYONE else will immensely enjoy the crazy antics, but they were too over the top for me, and I hated them. This is one of the books that dresses the characters up in period dresses, but then ignores any restrictions and sensibilities of the time it's set in. I personally hate it when this happens, but if it is what the majority wants…
My first minor problem was the fact that a Duchess puts on a play with all her aristocratic friends, with tickets sold and the money donated to a charity. She then encourages her actor friends to add some kissing during rehearsals (in front of everybody) and the play. I mean. Sure. I can live with that. But honestly. There is also the tiny matter of the use of an Oscar Wilde character before his time, but this seems so trivial compared to everything else that bothered me that I could live with it.
But then there was the really bad part that ruined this book for me. This is actually part of the synopsis I somehow didn't read in my eagerness to see Thomas get his happily ever after, but the entire plot that centered around the ridiculous love potion was just too much for me to buy.
So Delilah, in a desperate attempt to catch a Duke before her mother marries her off to some loser, buys an elixir that will make a man fall in love with her. She decides to use it on a man she knows and would like to marry (who has previously asked her for help making a match with someone else). To sum up: we have a heroine ignoring someone's feelings and selfishly deciding that if the potion works it was meant to be, so it's not like she's taking his free will or the other girl's happiness. We also have a group of grown women seriously believing (I'm not kidding. They're reading A Midsummer Night's Dream and if they'd been joking, maybe. But the women in this book all truly believe in Delilah's potion!!! And encourage her!) that a magic love potion will make someone fall in love with the one who sprinkles it on a poor, unsuspecting person? But oh don't worry, it will only work if it was meant to be. Which is the thing that had me furious. This may sound trivial to other readers, but I am appalled by it. If a guy had done it, there would have been outrage. But no. If a slightly ditzy heroine does it, it's charming? I think not.
Anyway. Did I mention that everyone in this book thinks this potion is real? At some point, there are FOUR people running around a house at night, sneaking into bedrooms, and trying to "win" the object of their affection with a love potion. And again, they all take it seriously! The whole farce just went on far to long for my taste, and by the time the men showed up to finally put an end to it by making the women see how stupid they'd been, I was just too tired to cheer them on. But it was really cute seeing them all there, standing up for dear, sweet Thomas.
Anyway. So. 3 stars for the first half. Zero for the rest. And maybe 2 for the ending. Seeing Delilah finally grow up was nice, after all. This book really really really just wasn't for me. 2.5 stars
Trigger warning regarding other women for those who care:
*I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
March 15, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
No Other Duke But You is the most recent installment in the Playful Brides series by Valerie Bowman. I have read the majority of the books in this series and I have had such a blast with these books. This author is HIGHLY underrated and when it comes to witty regency romance, she is one of my favorites to read. She has such a sharp wit that she puts into her stories. I wouldn't say that this book is my favorite of the series, however, it was a delightful page turner that had me hooked from the start.
No Other Duke But You begins with a friendship that we see between Thomas, the Duke of Huntley, and Lady Delilah. These two have been friends since they were young and really "get" each other. Thomas has been secretly in love with Delilah though but Delilah has NO clue. She is really blonde in this manner because most of their friends know how much Thomas is in love with Delilah but she is blind to it. Probably due to the friendship that she feels for Thomas. Delilah is a co owner to a matchmaking business but after making all the matches she wants to get married but is in no rush. But when her mother gives her an ultimatum she sets her eye on the most renowned Duke, who is gorgeous and charming and a man who every woman wants. But now Delilah wants him and what begins as a innocent endeavor begins into a mess of complicated relationships and where love comes to one when you least expect it.
So this book was CRAZY but delightfully so!!! I honestly never saw the development of this story and how it grows and boy it is kinda ridiculous in what happens to the characters that come into play in this story. I really liked both of the main characters, and even though Delilah is a bit clueless I understood it because Thomas hides his feelings for her really well. I did enjoy seeing their chemistry grow and so many sweet heartfelt moments that we see develop between them that happens before and after the first kiss which is where their relationship really shows the change in their dynamic. I did like how Thomas' friends become matchmakers themselves (and their stories are all in previous books) so it was fun to see some of my old favorites again and see them get Thomas and Delilah together.
Overall I found this book to be such a charming story that lifted my spirits and left me with all of those happy feels!!!
No Other Duke But You is the most recent installment in the Playful Brides series by Valerie Bowman. I have read the majority of the books in this series and I have had such a blast with these books. This author is HIGHLY underrated and when it comes to witty regency romance, she is one of my favorites to read. She has such a sharp wit that she puts into her stories. I wouldn't say that this book is my favorite of the series, however, it was a delightful page turner that had me hooked from the start.
No Other Duke But You begins with a friendship that we see between Thomas, the Duke of Huntley, and Lady Delilah. These two have been friends since they were young and really "get" each other. Thomas has been secretly in love with Delilah though but Delilah has NO clue. She is really blonde in this manner because most of their friends know how much Thomas is in love with Delilah but she is blind to it. Probably due to the friendship that she feels for Thomas. Delilah is a co owner to a matchmaking business but after making all the matches she wants to get married but is in no rush. But when her mother gives her an ultimatum she sets her eye on the most renowned Duke, who is gorgeous and charming and a man who every woman wants. But now Delilah wants him and what begins as a innocent endeavor begins into a mess of complicated relationships and where love comes to one when you least expect it.
So this book was CRAZY but delightfully so!!! I honestly never saw the development of this story and how it grows and boy it is kinda ridiculous in what happens to the characters that come into play in this story. I really liked both of the main characters, and even though Delilah is a bit clueless I understood it because Thomas hides his feelings for her really well. I did enjoy seeing their chemistry grow and so many sweet heartfelt moments that we see develop between them that happens before and after the first kiss which is where their relationship really shows the change in their dynamic. I did like how Thomas' friends become matchmakers themselves (and their stories are all in previous books) so it was fun to see some of my old favorites again and see them get Thomas and Delilah together.
Overall I found this book to be such a charming story that lifted my spirits and left me with all of those happy feels!!!
February 2, 2019
I’ve read a couple of Valerie Bowman’s novels and have to admit that this book is the only story that I’ve had the opportunity to read in Playful Bride Series.
Lady Delilah Montebank is considered an exceptional matchmaker for several in society and now finds herself on the matchmaking block. In all honesty, Delilah does not want to marry but to her dismay, she appeases her mother this one time and sets her sight on getting a proposal from the most eligible bachelor of the ton, the Duke of Branville. Her dilemma is that the Duke of Branville has never met her or even knows she exists.
Lord Thomas Hobbs, Duke of Huntley has been a friend of Delilah’s for quite a few years but now finds that he has fallen in love with her. He wants her for himself and not Branville. The only catch is that Delilah has no clue as to how he feels because he has never openly admitted his affections to her. Always a friend and her protector, Thomas goes along with her half-baked scheme to get the Duke of Branville. The twist...when Delilah plans to give a love elixir to Branville she gives it to Thomas instead. Thomas sees his chance to tell her how much he loves her, but she reacts quite unexpectedly to his overture. Later, Delilah realizes how much she loves Thomas, but how could she know if his feelings are real or if it’s the elixir talking.
Again, not having read the others in this series, I think I need to go back to Book #1 and partake of each one up to this last in the series. The plot and writing were good and overall the story to be enjoyable with all its mischief and humor. I caught myself laughing a few times because of the playfulness of some of the characters and the antics going on within an aristocrat’s home. Thomas and Delilah made a wonderful couple.
I have to admit, although the author used some far-fetched material to move the story along, i.e. the love elixir, which leaves one to their own imagination and speculation, I still thought the story was amusing and charming. This could have been introduced a bit sooner instead of half way through the story. In the end, the H/h got their HEA which put a smile on the face of this reader. I was never bored.
No Other Duke But You by Ms. Bowman is a delightful mix of characters, full of quirkiness and a fun read. I look forward to introducing myself to other novels by this author.
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
4-Stars
Lady Delilah Montebank is considered an exceptional matchmaker for several in society and now finds herself on the matchmaking block. In all honesty, Delilah does not want to marry but to her dismay, she appeases her mother this one time and sets her sight on getting a proposal from the most eligible bachelor of the ton, the Duke of Branville. Her dilemma is that the Duke of Branville has never met her or even knows she exists.
Lord Thomas Hobbs, Duke of Huntley has been a friend of Delilah’s for quite a few years but now finds that he has fallen in love with her. He wants her for himself and not Branville. The only catch is that Delilah has no clue as to how he feels because he has never openly admitted his affections to her. Always a friend and her protector, Thomas goes along with her half-baked scheme to get the Duke of Branville. The twist...when Delilah plans to give a love elixir to Branville she gives it to Thomas instead. Thomas sees his chance to tell her how much he loves her, but she reacts quite unexpectedly to his overture. Later, Delilah realizes how much she loves Thomas, but how could she know if his feelings are real or if it’s the elixir talking.
Again, not having read the others in this series, I think I need to go back to Book #1 and partake of each one up to this last in the series. The plot and writing were good and overall the story to be enjoyable with all its mischief and humor. I caught myself laughing a few times because of the playfulness of some of the characters and the antics going on within an aristocrat’s home. Thomas and Delilah made a wonderful couple.
I have to admit, although the author used some far-fetched material to move the story along, i.e. the love elixir, which leaves one to their own imagination and speculation, I still thought the story was amusing and charming. This could have been introduced a bit sooner instead of half way through the story. In the end, the H/h got their HEA which put a smile on the face of this reader. I was never bored.
No Other Duke But You by Ms. Bowman is a delightful mix of characters, full of quirkiness and a fun read. I look forward to introducing myself to other novels by this author.
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
4-Stars
February 19, 2019
3 1/2 stars. Delilah and Thomas's story was fun, if a bit confusing, to me. I really enjoy historical romances and I especially loved that Delilah was ahead of her time. It was cute seeing her struggle with the romance aspect after meddling in so many of her friends marriage prospects. Poor Thomas had to maintain his friendship with her, while trying to show her that they should be more. The aspect I struggled with was trying to keep all the characters straight in my mind. There just seemed too many couples to remember who was who and who was related to each other. Otherwise, a good, solid read.
April 7, 2019
I had read a few books in this series, but coupled with a BFF to more story line and I was all in.
I really liked Delilah and Thomas. She’s caring and clumsy and he’s smitten and honorable. I enjoyed their easy relationship and loved the idea of them getting together. There are loads of other characters and I’m guessing they’re all from the previous books. I didn’t even attempt to keep track.
Plot wise, the first half of the story was cute, but once the love potion actually came into play, I started to lose interest. Especially when it was shared and there were multiple people running around in the same night. Once all of that happened, things moved so quickly and before I knew it, it was reading the epilogue.
Overall, it was the characters who kept me reading. I would have liked it a bit more fleshed out and a bit more chemistry between Delilah and Thomas.
**Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Paperbacks for providing the arc free of charge**
I really liked Delilah and Thomas. She’s caring and clumsy and he’s smitten and honorable. I enjoyed their easy relationship and loved the idea of them getting together. There are loads of other characters and I’m guessing they’re all from the previous books. I didn’t even attempt to keep track.
Plot wise, the first half of the story was cute, but once the love potion actually came into play, I started to lose interest. Especially when it was shared and there were multiple people running around in the same night. Once all of that happened, things moved so quickly and before I knew it, it was reading the epilogue.
Overall, it was the characters who kept me reading. I would have liked it a bit more fleshed out and a bit more chemistry between Delilah and Thomas.
**Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Paperbacks for providing the arc free of charge**
February 9, 2019
"You fancy yourself the ton's matchmaker, my dear. It's high time you made your own match."
I was so disappointed and bored by this novel and its repetitiveness. I usually prefer more danger in my HR novels, so the fact that this one is purely a sugary sweet and misguided love story was a bit of a miss for me. All of the "conflicts" were fabricated by the character's lies and inaction (mainly Thomas), and all could have been avoided had the characters simply TALKED TO EACH OTHER (I'm looking at you, Delilah and Thomas).
I also think Delilah was a highly selfish creature. She was willing to ruin six other people's happiness just because she was afraid to disappoint or stand up to her mother, and I could not forgive her for her self-absorption. She does feel remorse for her actions in the end, but it was too little too late for me. Overall, there was a lot of back-and-forth and repetitive passages ("I love you but....") that ultimately bored me to tears. I've read other novels based on Shakespeare's play and felt this one could have been better. Plus there was only ONE mention of my beloved Daffin! :(
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley*
April 22, 2019
Series: Playful Brides #11
Publication Date: 4/30/19
Number of Pages: 320
** 3.5 Stars **
If you are looking for a light-hearted comical read, this might be the book for you. For me, it fell a little short and leaned more toward the Monty Python version of funny than it does toward the Harry Met Sally version. I liked both of the main characters, but she was very immature (more like 13 than 23) and he was just so milquetoast… I did like him much better than her.
Lord Thomas Hobbs, Duke of Huntley, became a duke at the age of 17. He’d been enjoying his years at school, but immediately gave up his schooling to learn all he could about running his dukedom. He wanted to become a man of whom his father could be proud, but his lack of formal schooling always bothered him. He’d educated himself – probably better than those who actually finished university – but he always felt inferior in that area. His one champion and saving grace during all of those years – especially the earliest of them – was his very best friend, Lady Delilah Montebank.
Thomas has always loved Delilah, but fears letting her know because she sees him as only a friend and he doesn’t want to do anything that will spoil that friendship. So, he spends time with her, supports her and loves her. However, to avoid her and her friend’s matchmaking, he tells them he isn’t ready to take a bride. He’ll just bide his time until Delilah decides it is time for her to marry and then he’ll – somehow – convince her to choose him.
Delilah’s mother is a nasty piece of work and I would have loved to see something nasty happen to her. Yes – I’m bloodthirsty! It is what would have been Delilah’s sixth season if she were actually attending ton events and looking for a husband. Then, Delilah’s mother confronts her and tells her she will either find a husband by her birthday – in a month – or she’ll have to marry the man her mother has chosen – and he is a real toad. So, Delilah blurts out that she’s chosen her man and she’s sure she’ll be betrothed before her birthday – to the Duke of Branville – who doesn’t even know she exists.
Thomas certainly never expected that development! Now, it is the gentlemen versus the ladies trying to arrange a love match between Delilah and Thomas. Enter a love potion – yes, a love potion – a Roma perfume maker – a talking bird – a Shakespeare play and much more and you have a lively, if immature and improbable, romp. I also have to agree with many other reviewers who have said that the first half of the book is much better than the second half. Once the love potion comes into play, it really goes off the deep end.
This was a good story and I enjoyed it – even though the heroine annoyed me with her immaturity and her willingness to upset so many other lives by using a love potion on a man who clearly didn’t want her. So, it was a nice read, but I wouldn’t read it a second time.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 4/30/19
Number of Pages: 320
** 3.5 Stars **
If you are looking for a light-hearted comical read, this might be the book for you. For me, it fell a little short and leaned more toward the Monty Python version of funny than it does toward the Harry Met Sally version. I liked both of the main characters, but she was very immature (more like 13 than 23) and he was just so milquetoast… I did like him much better than her.
Lord Thomas Hobbs, Duke of Huntley, became a duke at the age of 17. He’d been enjoying his years at school, but immediately gave up his schooling to learn all he could about running his dukedom. He wanted to become a man of whom his father could be proud, but his lack of formal schooling always bothered him. He’d educated himself – probably better than those who actually finished university – but he always felt inferior in that area. His one champion and saving grace during all of those years – especially the earliest of them – was his very best friend, Lady Delilah Montebank.
Thomas has always loved Delilah, but fears letting her know because she sees him as only a friend and he doesn’t want to do anything that will spoil that friendship. So, he spends time with her, supports her and loves her. However, to avoid her and her friend’s matchmaking, he tells them he isn’t ready to take a bride. He’ll just bide his time until Delilah decides it is time for her to marry and then he’ll – somehow – convince her to choose him.
Delilah’s mother is a nasty piece of work and I would have loved to see something nasty happen to her. Yes – I’m bloodthirsty! It is what would have been Delilah’s sixth season if she were actually attending ton events and looking for a husband. Then, Delilah’s mother confronts her and tells her she will either find a husband by her birthday – in a month – or she’ll have to marry the man her mother has chosen – and he is a real toad. So, Delilah blurts out that she’s chosen her man and she’s sure she’ll be betrothed before her birthday – to the Duke of Branville – who doesn’t even know she exists.
Thomas certainly never expected that development! Now, it is the gentlemen versus the ladies trying to arrange a love match between Delilah and Thomas. Enter a love potion – yes, a love potion – a Roma perfume maker – a talking bird – a Shakespeare play and much more and you have a lively, if immature and improbable, romp. I also have to agree with many other reviewers who have said that the first half of the book is much better than the second half. Once the love potion comes into play, it really goes off the deep end.
This was a good story and I enjoyed it – even though the heroine annoyed me with her immaturity and her willingness to upset so many other lives by using a love potion on a man who clearly didn’t want her. So, it was a nice read, but I wouldn’t read it a second time.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 1, 2019
No Other Duke But You by Valerie Bowman is book 11 in the Playful Brides Series. This is the story of Thomas Hobbs, Duke of Huntley and Delilah Montebank. I have read (and Loved!) the other books in this series, but I feel you can make it a standalone one if you wish to do so.
Delilah and Thomas have been friends for a long time, but Thomas has always been in love with her. Delilah hadn't noticed that he felt more for her. Pressured to look into getting her own husband she thinks the Duke of Branville would be the way to go. So she has a love potion to ensure her success but accidentally Thomas ends up drinking. The time has come for Thomas to show his true feelings with this accident.
This was such a sweet and fun read! I have really enjoyed this series and look for more books from Ms. Bowman!
Delilah and Thomas have been friends for a long time, but Thomas has always been in love with her. Delilah hadn't noticed that he felt more for her. Pressured to look into getting her own husband she thinks the Duke of Branville would be the way to go. So she has a love potion to ensure her success but accidentally Thomas ends up drinking. The time has come for Thomas to show his true feelings with this accident.
This was such a sweet and fun read! I have really enjoyed this series and look for more books from Ms. Bowman!
April 28, 2019
What a great, fun read!
When Delilah is forced to married, her competitive nature has her determining to marry the most eligible man of the season. Having experience at matchmaking, it should be easy enough. However, she finds herself fumbling and bumbling her way through introductions and every other step of the way – the very behavior her mother constantly berates her over. When things get desperate, she turns to a more unique means of making the match…a little bit of magic.
Thomas has been in love with Delilah forever. She’s always claimed she would never marry and so he stood by her side through all of her quirky misadventures, happy to have her in his life even if not the way he ultimately desires.
But when she announces it’s time she marries, he’s ready, except even as she shares her news, she also shares who the man will be. And with the plan to be the man in front of her when marriage arose dissolves into despair, he sets out to show her that he has all the qualities she needs in a husband.
This book was so entertaining. While this couple seemed a bit immature for their age at times, I’m a lenient reader and set it aside and made myself believe they were younger. (It’s my prerogative. Lol) With that issue dealt with, I really enjoyed watching Delilah as she bounced about trying to win the only man her mother would approve of. And I adored watching Thomas as he struggled with his feelings of jealousy and possessiveness. He just wanted to claim her as his own but knew that with her background she would never accept that he had always loved her.
I truly loved just about everything about this book. It has a great pace and before I knew it I was finished and so very satisfied. All the crazy shenanigans were exactly what I was needing at the time. The steam level is low and while there are a couple of scenes where this couple kiss, the smexy didn’t strike until the last ten percent of the story.
I think this is my first book by this author and I’m excited to check her backlist and find other fun reads.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
When Delilah is forced to married, her competitive nature has her determining to marry the most eligible man of the season. Having experience at matchmaking, it should be easy enough. However, she finds herself fumbling and bumbling her way through introductions and every other step of the way – the very behavior her mother constantly berates her over. When things get desperate, she turns to a more unique means of making the match…a little bit of magic.
Thomas has been in love with Delilah forever. She’s always claimed she would never marry and so he stood by her side through all of her quirky misadventures, happy to have her in his life even if not the way he ultimately desires.
But when she announces it’s time she marries, he’s ready, except even as she shares her news, she also shares who the man will be. And with the plan to be the man in front of her when marriage arose dissolves into despair, he sets out to show her that he has all the qualities she needs in a husband.
This book was so entertaining. While this couple seemed a bit immature for their age at times, I’m a lenient reader and set it aside and made myself believe they were younger. (It’s my prerogative. Lol) With that issue dealt with, I really enjoyed watching Delilah as she bounced about trying to win the only man her mother would approve of. And I adored watching Thomas as he struggled with his feelings of jealousy and possessiveness. He just wanted to claim her as his own but knew that with her background she would never accept that he had always loved her.
I truly loved just about everything about this book. It has a great pace and before I knew it I was finished and so very satisfied. All the crazy shenanigans were exactly what I was needing at the time. The steam level is low and while there are a couple of scenes where this couple kiss, the smexy didn’t strike until the last ten percent of the story.
I think this is my first book by this author and I’m excited to check her backlist and find other fun reads.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
April 12, 2019
No Other Duke But You was a fantastic read with a wonderful friends to lovers romance and an amazing group of side characters.
To avoid an unwanted match arranged by her mother, Lady Delilah Montebank sets her sights on the most eligible bachelor of the season, the Duke of Branville. The only problem? The Duke has no clue Delilah even exists. But Delilah isn’t one of the foremost matchmakers of the ton for no reason, so she comes up with a plan to win him over. However after a love potion Delilah intended for Branville is mistakenly given to her best friend, Thomas Hobbs the Duke of Huntley, Delilah realizes she needs a new plan pronto. What Delilah doesn’t know is that Thomas has been in love with Delilah for most of his life and sees this as the perfect opportunity to convince her he’s the Duke she needs.
Delilah is an incredibly caring person who enjoys helping make others happy. She does have her little quirks, speaking bad french at the most inopportune moments and being incredibly clumsy, but those quirks helped me enjoy her as a character. Delilah does have a mother who quite clearly dislikes her daughter and I felt for Delilah in the moments when her mother would berate her.
Thomas inherited his title quite early in life after his father passed away unexpectedly. But he took to his new position with ease and has excelled at running his family’s estates. I think Thomas was probably one of the nicest heroes I’ve read about in quite some time. The man never had anything bad to say about anyone, even when he was trying to come up with reasons to dissuade Delilah from her chosen suitor.
Delilah and Thomas’s friendship was easily the best part of their relationship in my opinion. The pair are so open and honest with each other, other than when it comes to admitting their feelings for each other of course. I loved that Thomas accepted Delilah for who she was despite the flaws Delilah thought she had. His support of her and his defense of her when her mother puts her down were wonderful. The build up in their relationship was well done and there were quite a few fantastic kissing scenes between them. Once their relationship finally does go further, it was quite steamy and I enjoyed it.
The event that brings most of the characters together in the book is a play Delilah and her friends are putting on for charity. The play was the perfect way to have couples from prior books in the series appear and it was wonderful getting to see some of my favorite characters again. One thing the author does really well is making each book in this series stand well on its own while still offering little easter eggs for readers of the other books. I love finding those little connections and it’s nice getting to see how well Delilah and Lucy’s matchmaking has paid off by having several couples in the same scene.
No Other Duke But You ended up being just as enjoyable as the rest of the series and I hope there will be more books in the series in the future. I highly recommend this series if you’re looking for a fantastic, and long, historical romance series.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
To avoid an unwanted match arranged by her mother, Lady Delilah Montebank sets her sights on the most eligible bachelor of the season, the Duke of Branville. The only problem? The Duke has no clue Delilah even exists. But Delilah isn’t one of the foremost matchmakers of the ton for no reason, so she comes up with a plan to win him over. However after a love potion Delilah intended for Branville is mistakenly given to her best friend, Thomas Hobbs the Duke of Huntley, Delilah realizes she needs a new plan pronto. What Delilah doesn’t know is that Thomas has been in love with Delilah for most of his life and sees this as the perfect opportunity to convince her he’s the Duke she needs.
Delilah is an incredibly caring person who enjoys helping make others happy. She does have her little quirks, speaking bad french at the most inopportune moments and being incredibly clumsy, but those quirks helped me enjoy her as a character. Delilah does have a mother who quite clearly dislikes her daughter and I felt for Delilah in the moments when her mother would berate her.
Thomas inherited his title quite early in life after his father passed away unexpectedly. But he took to his new position with ease and has excelled at running his family’s estates. I think Thomas was probably one of the nicest heroes I’ve read about in quite some time. The man never had anything bad to say about anyone, even when he was trying to come up with reasons to dissuade Delilah from her chosen suitor.
Delilah and Thomas’s friendship was easily the best part of their relationship in my opinion. The pair are so open and honest with each other, other than when it comes to admitting their feelings for each other of course. I loved that Thomas accepted Delilah for who she was despite the flaws Delilah thought she had. His support of her and his defense of her when her mother puts her down were wonderful. The build up in their relationship was well done and there were quite a few fantastic kissing scenes between them. Once their relationship finally does go further, it was quite steamy and I enjoyed it.
The event that brings most of the characters together in the book is a play Delilah and her friends are putting on for charity. The play was the perfect way to have couples from prior books in the series appear and it was wonderful getting to see some of my favorite characters again. One thing the author does really well is making each book in this series stand well on its own while still offering little easter eggs for readers of the other books. I love finding those little connections and it’s nice getting to see how well Delilah and Lucy’s matchmaking has paid off by having several couples in the same scene.
No Other Duke But You ended up being just as enjoyable as the rest of the series and I hope there will be more books in the series in the future. I highly recommend this series if you’re looking for a fantastic, and long, historical romance series.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
May 1, 2019
I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
FINAL DECISION: A fun, madcap comedy romance with an essential sweetness between two longtime friends who are perfect for one another. The balance between the comedy, romance and sweetness was just wonderful here, and although I generally prefer angst to light and comedic, this might be my favorite book in the series.
THE STORY: Delilah Montebank has spent five seasons matchmaking with her friends, but now her mother has had enough. Delilah has until the end of the season to find a match better than the one her mother has arranged for her with an earl. Delilah has set her sights on the most eligible bachelor of the year although Delilah doesn't even know him. Thomas Hobb, Duke of Huntley, is Delilah's best friend, and despite his repeated claims that he doesn't intend to marry, he has actually been in love with Delilah for years. Now with Delilah's determination to catch a different duke, Thomas has to find a way to make Delilah see him as the duke she should want.
OPINION: I loved the tone of this book which is lighthearted and funny and really has a craziness in the plots and misunderstandings between the characters. It is a crazy comedy with such a sweet romance.
Delilah is a good person who has been treated badly by her mother. But her desire to love and have her mother love her leads her to try and please her mother in ways that are destructive to her. One of the character stories for Delilah is for her to recognize how destructive her mother is to her and stop trying to please her. Delilah has to learn to find her own self-worth. On the other hand, Delilah is very exuberant and full of life. She is loyal and kind. She just made me smile and she really needs a special man who can appreciate her.
Thomas is the perfect match for Delilah. He has loved Delilah for years and finds her wonderful as she is. But what Thomas fears is losing her from his life. He would rather remain friends than declare himself and make things awkward for them. He is adorable in his own way. He makes Delilah laugh and he is her biggest supporter.
I loved how these two are so close. The plots and plans upset the balance in their relationship, but their friendship needs to be upset in order for both of them to grab onto the happiness and love the other provides.
This is a mapcap comedy with plenty of misunderstandings and mistaken love pairings. But it is spirited and fun and I enjoyed it tremendously. I'm generally not as attracted to the lighter comedic romances, but I've always enjoyed this series and this book manages to complete the series in a fun way. I also really like Delilah and Thomas and their emotional connection.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book has strong overtones of Midsummer Night's Dream so it is purposefully funny and crazy with lots of misunderstandings and machinations with everyone seemingly in love with the wrong person.
CONNECTED BOOKS: NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU is the eleventh book in the Playful Brides series. While the story here is a standalone, there are so many recurring characters that I recommend reading this book after the others in the series in order to get all the updates and cameos.
STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
FINAL DECISION: A fun, madcap comedy romance with an essential sweetness between two longtime friends who are perfect for one another. The balance between the comedy, romance and sweetness was just wonderful here, and although I generally prefer angst to light and comedic, this might be my favorite book in the series.
THE STORY: Delilah Montebank has spent five seasons matchmaking with her friends, but now her mother has had enough. Delilah has until the end of the season to find a match better than the one her mother has arranged for her with an earl. Delilah has set her sights on the most eligible bachelor of the year although Delilah doesn't even know him. Thomas Hobb, Duke of Huntley, is Delilah's best friend, and despite his repeated claims that he doesn't intend to marry, he has actually been in love with Delilah for years. Now with Delilah's determination to catch a different duke, Thomas has to find a way to make Delilah see him as the duke she should want.
OPINION: I loved the tone of this book which is lighthearted and funny and really has a craziness in the plots and misunderstandings between the characters. It is a crazy comedy with such a sweet romance.
Delilah is a good person who has been treated badly by her mother. But her desire to love and have her mother love her leads her to try and please her mother in ways that are destructive to her. One of the character stories for Delilah is for her to recognize how destructive her mother is to her and stop trying to please her. Delilah has to learn to find her own self-worth. On the other hand, Delilah is very exuberant and full of life. She is loyal and kind. She just made me smile and she really needs a special man who can appreciate her.
Thomas is the perfect match for Delilah. He has loved Delilah for years and finds her wonderful as she is. But what Thomas fears is losing her from his life. He would rather remain friends than declare himself and make things awkward for them. He is adorable in his own way. He makes Delilah laugh and he is her biggest supporter.
I loved how these two are so close. The plots and plans upset the balance in their relationship, but their friendship needs to be upset in order for both of them to grab onto the happiness and love the other provides.
This is a mapcap comedy with plenty of misunderstandings and mistaken love pairings. But it is spirited and fun and I enjoyed it tremendously. I'm generally not as attracted to the lighter comedic romances, but I've always enjoyed this series and this book manages to complete the series in a fun way. I also really like Delilah and Thomas and their emotional connection.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book has strong overtones of Midsummer Night's Dream so it is purposefully funny and crazy with lots of misunderstandings and machinations with everyone seemingly in love with the wrong person.
CONNECTED BOOKS: NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU is the eleventh book in the Playful Brides series. While the story here is a standalone, there are so many recurring characters that I recommend reading this book after the others in the series in order to get all the updates and cameos.
STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
March 17, 2019
4.5 stars - Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
No Other Duke But You is a delightful Regency romp with charming Shakespearean twists. I adore a good friends-to-lovers romance author Valerie Bowman hit all the right notes for me with Thomas and Delilah’s love story. It’s sprightly, sweet, and melted my heart more than once.
Delilah is a completely endearing heroine. She has a sunny nature, a kind heart, and a quiet vulnerability that tugged on my heartstrings. She’s not elegant or refined, which means some people (her horrible mother in particular) look down on her and make her feel like she’s less than the wonderful young woman she is. Delilah’s biggest fault is that she can’t see what’s right in front of her nose – namely that her best friend, Thomas, is in love with her. Thomas is kind and generous and he’s long avoided the matchmaking ways of his friends because he’s head-over-heels in love with Delilah. I adored Thomas and he made me melt with the way he saw and loved Delilah for who she is. I won’t spoil the story, but I will say how he shows Delilah he loves her makes him an absolutely swoon-worthy hero. I did feel a bit sorry for him and normally it’s a big pet peeve of mine when characters don’t just talk to each other about their feelings, but it worked in this story. The romance between Thomas and Delilah made me smile and sigh. Obstacles, schemes, and matchmaking gone awry don’t stand a chance when you have two people as well-suited as they are. They’re genuinely sweet and make such a lovely pair that I didn’t want to put the book down because I liked them together so much.
No Other Duke But You pays homage to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, complete with a play, mismatched lovers, a love potion, and some nighttime hijinks. It’s a fun spin on a classic and it works because of the cast of characters’ spirited natures. Most of the Playful Brides heroes and heroines play roles big and small in this book, which is sure to please fans as this is the final book in the series. No Other Duke But You reminds me exactly why I fell in love with the Playful Brides series to begin with: it’s a warm, energetic romance with characters you’d want to be friends with and a love story that will make you smile.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
No Other Duke But You is a delightful Regency romp with charming Shakespearean twists. I adore a good friends-to-lovers romance author Valerie Bowman hit all the right notes for me with Thomas and Delilah’s love story. It’s sprightly, sweet, and melted my heart more than once.
Delilah is a completely endearing heroine. She has a sunny nature, a kind heart, and a quiet vulnerability that tugged on my heartstrings. She’s not elegant or refined, which means some people (her horrible mother in particular) look down on her and make her feel like she’s less than the wonderful young woman she is. Delilah’s biggest fault is that she can’t see what’s right in front of her nose – namely that her best friend, Thomas, is in love with her. Thomas is kind and generous and he’s long avoided the matchmaking ways of his friends because he’s head-over-heels in love with Delilah. I adored Thomas and he made me melt with the way he saw and loved Delilah for who she is. I won’t spoil the story, but I will say how he shows Delilah he loves her makes him an absolutely swoon-worthy hero. I did feel a bit sorry for him and normally it’s a big pet peeve of mine when characters don’t just talk to each other about their feelings, but it worked in this story. The romance between Thomas and Delilah made me smile and sigh. Obstacles, schemes, and matchmaking gone awry don’t stand a chance when you have two people as well-suited as they are. They’re genuinely sweet and make such a lovely pair that I didn’t want to put the book down because I liked them together so much.
No Other Duke But You pays homage to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, complete with a play, mismatched lovers, a love potion, and some nighttime hijinks. It’s a fun spin on a classic and it works because of the cast of characters’ spirited natures. Most of the Playful Brides heroes and heroines play roles big and small in this book, which is sure to please fans as this is the final book in the series. No Other Duke But You reminds me exactly why I fell in love with the Playful Brides series to begin with: it’s a warm, energetic romance with characters you’d want to be friends with and a love story that will make you smile.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 15, 2019
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It was well written but boy did I wish I’d read the first 10 just to know who everyone was! Granted I probably won’t be reading the rest of the series but overall good book
September 6, 2019
This book was so cute and delightful to read!!
The love Thomas had for Delilah was so sweet and swoonworthy. I really loved their story and the way their happy ending happened.
The love Thomas had for Delilah was so sweet and swoonworthy. I really loved their story and the way their happy ending happened.
February 1, 2019
A lovely historical romance with a bit of spice at the end of the book. Our heroine Delilah an ordinary, messy girl and a duke as her best friend who is madly in love with her. A sort of cat and mouse game because she needs to obtain a proposal before her mother forces he to wed a man without a backbone while her best friend is doing his best to finally prove that they are meant to be together. A funny and enjoyable read that will take the reader back in time where the art of courting and gossiping is the center of the English aristocracy..
April 5, 2019
I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
4.25*
Review will be posted at my blog, Romancing Romances, on May 2nd.
This book has one of my favourite tropes: friends to lovers. And, even though it’s my favourite, it’s a trope that it’s not easy to achieve. Sometimes it ruins the friendship, others it just doesn’t seem believable… But Valerie Bowman did it brilliantly.
I loved Delilah and Thomas. He was adorable, and she was just… adorable ahah. Delilah had a horrible mother, and her only support was her friends. And they became her family a long time ago. And I loved how the men got together to help Delilah – it was funny and sweet, at the same time. And Thomas, a perfect duke, but more than that a perfect friend: thoughtful, not pushy, always there when needed, caring, and funny.
I loved to read about everyone’s friendships, and all the mix ups with who was in love with whom, and how all the couples in the end got their happy ending.
It was entertaining, romantic, sweet, amusing, all the best things a book can make you feel. A great ending for the a great series.
4.25*
Review will be posted at my blog, Romancing Romances, on May 2nd.
This book has one of my favourite tropes: friends to lovers. And, even though it’s my favourite, it’s a trope that it’s not easy to achieve. Sometimes it ruins the friendship, others it just doesn’t seem believable… But Valerie Bowman did it brilliantly.
I loved Delilah and Thomas. He was adorable, and she was just… adorable ahah. Delilah had a horrible mother, and her only support was her friends. And they became her family a long time ago. And I loved how the men got together to help Delilah – it was funny and sweet, at the same time. And Thomas, a perfect duke, but more than that a perfect friend: thoughtful, not pushy, always there when needed, caring, and funny.
I loved to read about everyone’s friendships, and all the mix ups with who was in love with whom, and how all the couples in the end got their happy ending.
It was entertaining, romantic, sweet, amusing, all the best things a book can make you feel. A great ending for the a great series.
May 1, 2019
Maybe 2.5 stars
Lady Delilah Montebank, the daughter of the late Earl of Montford has been told in no uncertain terms by her vile mother that at almost 23, it is time Delilah weds, she has until her birthday in just over a month to secure a proposal or her mother will betroth her to Clarence, son of the Earl of Hilton (who happens to be courting her mother.) Delilah tells her mother that she will make a match with the most eligible bachelor of the ton - the Duke of Branville! Determined to succeed, she immediately talks to her friend Lucy, the Duchess of Claringdon, matchmaker extraordinaire, and Lucy assures her that it can be done and they begin to plan.
Thomas Hobbs, the Duke of Huntley, has been approached by his sister Lavinia, she wants a husband and expects Thomas to get her one, by the end of the season. Lavinia is a nasty, miserable person and Thomas will need help - so he asks Lucy and Delilah to find a match for Lavinia and learns that Lucy is also helping Delilah secure a match! Thomas has loved Delilah forever, but has kept his feelings to himself until she was ready to settle down. And so it begins...
I have read most of the books in the Playful Brides series and have enjoyed them, sadly, that was not the case with this book. I love a light, playful, funny historical, but this was just ridiculous and silly. The writing is good and the plot had potential, but the story dragged, had way too many primary characters, too many completely preposterous situations, a heroine who is immature, a hero who is too timid, misunderstandings that seemed forced and the complete butchering of almost all the titles. I was so looking forward to Delilah's story and wish that I could have loved this book, but for me, this book just did not work. Valerie Bowman has written many, many wonderful stories and I respect her talent as an author and normally, have no problem recommending her to my friends, but unfortunately, unless you like completely slapstick farcical comedy, I would recommend picking something from her backlist and skipping this book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an e-ARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Lady Delilah Montebank, the daughter of the late Earl of Montford has been told in no uncertain terms by her vile mother that at almost 23, it is time Delilah weds, she has until her birthday in just over a month to secure a proposal or her mother will betroth her to Clarence, son of the Earl of Hilton (who happens to be courting her mother.) Delilah tells her mother that she will make a match with the most eligible bachelor of the ton - the Duke of Branville! Determined to succeed, she immediately talks to her friend Lucy, the Duchess of Claringdon, matchmaker extraordinaire, and Lucy assures her that it can be done and they begin to plan.
Thomas Hobbs, the Duke of Huntley, has been approached by his sister Lavinia, she wants a husband and expects Thomas to get her one, by the end of the season. Lavinia is a nasty, miserable person and Thomas will need help - so he asks Lucy and Delilah to find a match for Lavinia and learns that Lucy is also helping Delilah secure a match! Thomas has loved Delilah forever, but has kept his feelings to himself until she was ready to settle down. And so it begins...
I have read most of the books in the Playful Brides series and have enjoyed them, sadly, that was not the case with this book. I love a light, playful, funny historical, but this was just ridiculous and silly. The writing is good and the plot had potential, but the story dragged, had way too many primary characters, too many completely preposterous situations, a heroine who is immature, a hero who is too timid, misunderstandings that seemed forced and the complete butchering of almost all the titles. I was so looking forward to Delilah's story and wish that I could have loved this book, but for me, this book just did not work. Valerie Bowman has written many, many wonderful stories and I respect her talent as an author and normally, have no problem recommending her to my friends, but unfortunately, unless you like completely slapstick farcical comedy, I would recommend picking something from her backlist and skipping this book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an e-ARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
February 26, 2019
No Other Duke But You By Valerie Bowman
Lady Delilah Montebank has set her sights on the Duke of Branville.
Lady Emmaline wants Branville too.
Branville has become enchanted with Lady Rebecca.
Lady Rebecca has her sights on Thomas, Duke of Huntley.
Thomas has been in love with Delilah most of his life.
To this mix add a love potion called the Elixir of Cupid.
Combine with all of Lucy Hunt’s matchmaking schemes and you have a Regency era take on Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night's Dream.
In No Other Duke But You, Bowman has included or mentioned all the characters from the Playful Bride series we have come to know and love throughout this series. As a reader it was rewarding to hear from them all again.
Thomas was a wonderful character, not your typical Regency Rogue. He has all the qualities on Delilah’s husband shopping list:
Eligible
Kind
Intelligent
Funny
Healthy
Forgiving
Handsome and kissable
It was refreshing that Thomas’s character was someone who wanted to wait for the physical until he could be with the love of his life.
I have read and enjoyed all the books in the Playful Brides series. The first three would be the essentials since those women comprised the core friendship that began the series and in their adventures we are introduced to characters that were in subsequent books. My personal favorite was The Legendary Lord, Christian’s book.
In the epilogue, Cade Cavendish recites Puck’s soliloquy at the end of A Midsummer’s NIght's Dream. The explanation that the play ( and this series) was a product of imagination, fantasy and involves the momentary suspension of reality. Puck hopes you were entertained. As a reader, I was thoroughly entertained and this book is a fond farewell to all the characters of Valerie Bowman’s creative mind.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Lady Delilah Montebank has set her sights on the Duke of Branville.
Lady Emmaline wants Branville too.
Branville has become enchanted with Lady Rebecca.
Lady Rebecca has her sights on Thomas, Duke of Huntley.
Thomas has been in love with Delilah most of his life.
To this mix add a love potion called the Elixir of Cupid.
Combine with all of Lucy Hunt’s matchmaking schemes and you have a Regency era take on Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night's Dream.
In No Other Duke But You, Bowman has included or mentioned all the characters from the Playful Bride series we have come to know and love throughout this series. As a reader it was rewarding to hear from them all again.
Thomas was a wonderful character, not your typical Regency Rogue. He has all the qualities on Delilah’s husband shopping list:
Eligible
Kind
Intelligent
Funny
Healthy
Forgiving
Handsome and kissable
It was refreshing that Thomas’s character was someone who wanted to wait for the physical until he could be with the love of his life.
I have read and enjoyed all the books in the Playful Brides series. The first three would be the essentials since those women comprised the core friendship that began the series and in their adventures we are introduced to characters that were in subsequent books. My personal favorite was The Legendary Lord, Christian’s book.
In the epilogue, Cade Cavendish recites Puck’s soliloquy at the end of A Midsummer’s NIght's Dream. The explanation that the play ( and this series) was a product of imagination, fantasy and involves the momentary suspension of reality. Puck hopes you were entertained. As a reader, I was thoroughly entertained and this book is a fond farewell to all the characters of Valerie Bowman’s creative mind.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
May 1, 2019
I have to say this wasn’t my favourite book by this author. Although I did like the character of Thomas Hobbs, Duke of Huntley, he was aware of Delilah’s faults but loved and accepted her for who she was. However, Delilah was annoying at times, in particular, the way she slipped odd French words in her speech and she was quite silly at times. I did feel sorry for her, having such a heartless mother. However, she did redeem herself towards the end. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 29, 2019
3.5 stars
Delilah was a delight! She was a titled lady, but was quite the blue stocking in intellect. She was opinionated, sweet, and could collect injured animals like one collects flowers, but she was hard headed and stubborn to the point of being blind to what’s in front of her!
Thomas was sharp. He’s been in love with Delilah for years, patiently waiting for her to notice him on her own. That blindness I mentioned about her applies right here! Poor guy! She led him on a merry chase!
No Other Duke But You was a cute read that required me to stretch my imagination quite a bit! I’m all for a unique story, but this one was really different. The romance was unconventional at best, but provided some laughs along the way. Between matchmaking friends, wrong pairings, a play full of titled members, and a magic elixir, I can say I was never bored at least.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Delilah was a delight! She was a titled lady, but was quite the blue stocking in intellect. She was opinionated, sweet, and could collect injured animals like one collects flowers, but she was hard headed and stubborn to the point of being blind to what’s in front of her!
Thomas was sharp. He’s been in love with Delilah for years, patiently waiting for her to notice him on her own. That blindness I mentioned about her applies right here! Poor guy! She led him on a merry chase!
No Other Duke But You was a cute read that required me to stretch my imagination quite a bit! I’m all for a unique story, but this one was really different. The romance was unconventional at best, but provided some laughs along the way. Between matchmaking friends, wrong pairings, a play full of titled members, and a magic elixir, I can say I was never bored at least.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 17, 2019
When a group of high-spirited, high-society ladies and gentlemen put on a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, hijinks are sure to ensue. There’s an absolutely hilarious scene in this book where it seems half the cast are running around a country house in the middle of the night, all trying to get into the bedrooms of someone they shouldn’t, generally someone who doesn’t return their affections, while trying to use a ‘love potion’ of doubtful origins. I adore Lucy, the matchmaking duchess who appears throughout this series, and Lucy’s befuddlement as she tried to work out just what went wrong and who was up to what had me in stitches.
Delilah is Lucy’s closest friend, a matchmaker who’s always been too busy to make a match for herself, but she’s finally run out of time. Her mother - an appalling excuse for a human being - has given her an ultimatum, and Delilah, who can’t resist a challenge, has thrown down the gauntlet in return. Now she has just two weeks to extract a marriage proposal from a man she’s never even met… but he is a duke, and the catch of the season.
The thing is that Delilah already has a duke in love with her, her best friend Thomas. It’s just that she really hasn’t noticed. When Lucy ropes him into their matchmaking efforts and a rival starts showing interest in Thomas, however, Delilah realizes she might just be aiming her sights at the wrong duke.
Now, for personal reasons, friends to lovers really isn’t my favourite romance trope, but it’s done so well here, with so much humour and charm, I absolutely adored it. Even if you haven’t read any of the previous books in this series (I’ve read a few but not all) you’ll be able to figure out what’s going on with the cast of characters, and with most of the action centered on Delilah and Thomas you’ll fall in love with them just like I did. Five stars for a funny, clever read full of mischief and shenanigans.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley.
Delilah is Lucy’s closest friend, a matchmaker who’s always been too busy to make a match for herself, but she’s finally run out of time. Her mother - an appalling excuse for a human being - has given her an ultimatum, and Delilah, who can’t resist a challenge, has thrown down the gauntlet in return. Now she has just two weeks to extract a marriage proposal from a man she’s never even met… but he is a duke, and the catch of the season.
The thing is that Delilah already has a duke in love with her, her best friend Thomas. It’s just that she really hasn’t noticed. When Lucy ropes him into their matchmaking efforts and a rival starts showing interest in Thomas, however, Delilah realizes she might just be aiming her sights at the wrong duke.
Now, for personal reasons, friends to lovers really isn’t my favourite romance trope, but it’s done so well here, with so much humour and charm, I absolutely adored it. Even if you haven’t read any of the previous books in this series (I’ve read a few but not all) you’ll be able to figure out what’s going on with the cast of characters, and with most of the action centered on Delilah and Thomas you’ll fall in love with them just like I did. Five stars for a funny, clever read full of mischief and shenanigans.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley.
March 12, 2019
This was a whimsical and fluffy addition to the PLAYFUL BRIDES series, which I admit, has been going on for quite a while. I jump into the series after every book or so though, and it’s really easy to get back into. There might be a bit more dialogue from extraneous characters from previous books, but overall NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU provides a wholesome, heart-filled romance between two good friends.
There are some things that hindered me from enjoying the romance, fully. One is the fact that Thomas was passive towards Delilah for the majority of their lives. He really took her for granted until she started showing interest in another potential partner, and that interest was what galvanized him to start wooing him on his own. Of course, with the help of all these background characters that proved themselves extremely meddlesome. Delilah, on the other, was exceptionally dense with Thomas’s feelings (as well as the machinations of their friends) and it was a bit tiring keeping up with her antics, while watching Thomas follow her and try to convince her otherwise. Things got repetitive around the middle, and when I took a break with the book, I found it hard for me to get back into it.
I think NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU would be better as a sweet read in one sitting, because it can be easily forgettable due to its overuse of historical tropes and cliches. On the other hand, I am weak for these cliches, and Thomas and Delilah both showed growth as characters overall, which made me ultimately enjoy the book. I would recommend it for readers following this series, and in general anyone looking for a romance read that’s a bit mindless, but nonetheless sweet and fun!
There are some things that hindered me from enjoying the romance, fully. One is the fact that Thomas was passive towards Delilah for the majority of their lives. He really took her for granted until she started showing interest in another potential partner, and that interest was what galvanized him to start wooing him on his own. Of course, with the help of all these background characters that proved themselves extremely meddlesome. Delilah, on the other, was exceptionally dense with Thomas’s feelings (as well as the machinations of their friends) and it was a bit tiring keeping up with her antics, while watching Thomas follow her and try to convince her otherwise. Things got repetitive around the middle, and when I took a break with the book, I found it hard for me to get back into it.
I think NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU would be better as a sweet read in one sitting, because it can be easily forgettable due to its overuse of historical tropes and cliches. On the other hand, I am weak for these cliches, and Thomas and Delilah both showed growth as characters overall, which made me ultimately enjoy the book. I would recommend it for readers following this series, and in general anyone looking for a romance read that’s a bit mindless, but nonetheless sweet and fun!
April 29, 2019
No Other Duke But You is a delightful Regency period read. This is the first book by Valeria Bowman that I've read and I'm longing to dive into the other books in this series as well as her other "Racy Regency Romps". This story is a wonderful tale about friendships and family, and making the two meld together.
When Lady Delilah Montebank finds herself facing a marriage of her mothers making (a not so nice mother), she declares she'll make her own match, one of the season, with the ton's most sought after bachelor. But she has a lot of competition and not much time to secure her future as the wife of the Duke of Branville. What she doesn't know is that Thomas Hobbs, the Duke if Huntly has alternative notion about who Delilah should marry.
What I loved about this story was the groups of friends who wanted nothing but happiness for each other. While they rehearse for a play they are putting on for charity, they all make declarations about their intentions, giving each other the impression they know what they need, but as friends they see the truth and make some bold moves to direct each other down the right paths. There's some silliness with a gypsy and a love potion, and a house party that involves some late night hi-jinx.
What makes this book especially delightful is Delilah, the big-hearted rescuer of animals, and Thomas, a man who has always been there for Delilah. Their friendship is outstanding and filled with love, it takes them nearly too long to see if for something more than one of friendship. Bowmans's writing is impeccable, filling this story with hilarity and heartache.
* I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
When Lady Delilah Montebank finds herself facing a marriage of her mothers making (a not so nice mother), she declares she'll make her own match, one of the season, with the ton's most sought after bachelor. But she has a lot of competition and not much time to secure her future as the wife of the Duke of Branville. What she doesn't know is that Thomas Hobbs, the Duke if Huntly has alternative notion about who Delilah should marry.
What I loved about this story was the groups of friends who wanted nothing but happiness for each other. While they rehearse for a play they are putting on for charity, they all make declarations about their intentions, giving each other the impression they know what they need, but as friends they see the truth and make some bold moves to direct each other down the right paths. There's some silliness with a gypsy and a love potion, and a house party that involves some late night hi-jinx.
What makes this book especially delightful is Delilah, the big-hearted rescuer of animals, and Thomas, a man who has always been there for Delilah. Their friendship is outstanding and filled with love, it takes them nearly too long to see if for something more than one of friendship. Bowmans's writing is impeccable, filling this story with hilarity and heartache.
* I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
June 14, 2019
I enjoyed this, but I found Delilah a little silly now and again - I became frustrated with her.
On the other hand, I really did like Thomas. 4☆
On the other hand, I really did like Thomas. 4☆
May 1, 2019
Full review can be found HERE --> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Sonal
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Sonal
September 12, 2019
Lady Delilah Montebank has enjoyed six seasons of merry matchmaking for others but now her mother, who has zero faith in her, has decreed she must marry. If Delilah can't make a better match before her 23rd birthday, she'll be forced to marry the portly and dull earl's son who her mother believes to be the best Delilah can hope for. Delilah is determined to prove her mother wrong and make a better match so she sets her sights on the catch of this year's season, the Duke of Branville, except he's hardly even aware of her existence. She's not worried though; she's charming enough, notorious matchmaker Lucy Hunt is her best friend, and her cousin has found an elixir of love she can use to further her cause.
Lord Thomas Hobbs, the Duke of Huntley, finds his best friend Delilah's crusade for the Duke of Branville to be preposterous. Thomas was forced to grow up very quickly and take over the responsibilities of his dukedom at a young age, but he's been a great success. Extremely loyal, Thomas values his friendship with Delilah above all else and doesn't want to do anything to jeopardize their relationship; moving their friendship to the next level must be her own idea, or at least she needs to think it's her idea. He's always been adamantly opposed to the lifelong commitment of marriage, but that's only because he's been waiting for Delilah to be ready to see him as more than a friend. When Delilah accidentally gives him her love potion, he thinks this may serve as the perfect excuse to confess his true feelings for her.
Naturally, when Delilah's friend Lucy suggests matchmaking Thomas with this season's diamond of the first water, Delilah finally begins to notice him as a man. But in typical flighty heroine fashion, she attempts to quash these feelings; she longs for her mother's approval and she promised an engagement to the Duke of Branville, specifically. And yet, as other ladies flock to her very eligible best friend, Delilah finds herself dealing with a new emotion: jealousy, which Thomas notices and hopes to use to his favor.
Delilah is so big-hearted and it was so frustratingly relatable to see her mother's treatment of her and lack of faith in her. I just wanted to beat Delilah over the head and get her to open her eyes to the lovely man who's been by her side all along. She was very immature, especially for her age and her single-minded focus on a man who was clearly not interested in her, whilst ignoring the man who was perfect for her, was just so cringeworthy and frustrating. For much of the time, I was just thinking Delilah didn't deserve Thomas and yet I could see why he was drawn to her and her caring nature. Also her random slips into French were annoying and didn't make much sense.
This was quite a whimsical book with the characters trying to make matches to all the wrong people, very much similar to the play they are putting on, though they of course do not notice the similarities themselves. It's all very much a farce with many oblivious characters but of course it all works out in the end. It just takes a very long time to get there and while it was entertaining and amusing at first, I began to lose patience with it after a bit and wanted everyone, especially naive Delilah, to just get on with it. It's yet another plot driven much by the lack of or poor quality of communication, also not quite as significantly as many of the books I've read lately. It's not your typical historical romance, but more like a romantic comedy, and much of it was at least whimsically amusing before I began losing patience and finding it tiresome. I enjoyed it, but I definitely wish Thomas and Delilah got more time to actually be together.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lord Thomas Hobbs, the Duke of Huntley, finds his best friend Delilah's crusade for the Duke of Branville to be preposterous. Thomas was forced to grow up very quickly and take over the responsibilities of his dukedom at a young age, but he's been a great success. Extremely loyal, Thomas values his friendship with Delilah above all else and doesn't want to do anything to jeopardize their relationship; moving their friendship to the next level must be her own idea, or at least she needs to think it's her idea. He's always been adamantly opposed to the lifelong commitment of marriage, but that's only because he's been waiting for Delilah to be ready to see him as more than a friend. When Delilah accidentally gives him her love potion, he thinks this may serve as the perfect excuse to confess his true feelings for her.
Naturally, when Delilah's friend Lucy suggests matchmaking Thomas with this season's diamond of the first water, Delilah finally begins to notice him as a man. But in typical flighty heroine fashion, she attempts to quash these feelings; she longs for her mother's approval and she promised an engagement to the Duke of Branville, specifically. And yet, as other ladies flock to her very eligible best friend, Delilah finds herself dealing with a new emotion: jealousy, which Thomas notices and hopes to use to his favor.
Delilah is so big-hearted and it was so frustratingly relatable to see her mother's treatment of her and lack of faith in her. I just wanted to beat Delilah over the head and get her to open her eyes to the lovely man who's been by her side all along. She was very immature, especially for her age and her single-minded focus on a man who was clearly not interested in her, whilst ignoring the man who was perfect for her, was just so cringeworthy and frustrating. For much of the time, I was just thinking Delilah didn't deserve Thomas and yet I could see why he was drawn to her and her caring nature. Also her random slips into French were annoying and didn't make much sense.
This was quite a whimsical book with the characters trying to make matches to all the wrong people, very much similar to the play they are putting on, though they of course do not notice the similarities themselves. It's all very much a farce with many oblivious characters but of course it all works out in the end. It just takes a very long time to get there and while it was entertaining and amusing at first, I began to lose patience with it after a bit and wanted everyone, especially naive Delilah, to just get on with it. It's yet another plot driven much by the lack of or poor quality of communication, also not quite as significantly as many of the books I've read lately. It's not your typical historical romance, but more like a romantic comedy, and much of it was at least whimsically amusing before I began losing patience and finding it tiresome. I enjoyed it, but I definitely wish Thomas and Delilah got more time to actually be together.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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