The Unexpected Duchess (Playful Brides, 1)

The Unexpected Duchess (Playful Brides, 1) by Bowman, Valerie. mass_market edition. ISBN: 9781250042071.

Bestselling author Valerie Bowman sets the stage in Regency England for her Playful Brides series, where couples misadventures on the way to the altar are witty, romantic romps based on some of the worlds most beloved plays. The first installment, The Unexpected Duchess, is inspired by Edmond Rostands Cyrano de Bergerac. IN THIS BATTLE OF WITS Lady Lucy Uptons tongue may be too sharp to attract suitors but her heart is good, and when her painfully shy friend Cassandra needs help she devises a brilliant scheme to help her discourage an unwanted suitor, the Duke of Claringdon. Lucy will hide behind the hedgerow and tell Cass just what to say to discourage the Duke of Claringdon...but it turns out that hes made of sterner stuff than either of them anticipated. And Lucy is shocked to discover that tangling with the tenacious man is the most fun shes had in ages. KISSES ARE THE BEST WEAPON Lord Derek Hunt made a promise to his dying friend to marry the demure Cassandra, and for a man who wants nothing more than peace and quiet after the horrors of war, shell make the perfect bride. If only the impudent Miss Upton will let him court the girl! Doing battle is the last thing on his mind, but bantering with Lucy behind the bushes is too tempting to resist. And in The Unexpected Duchess, the spoils of this war just may be true love… Valerie Bowmans Secret Brides novels are: "Intriguing [and] engaging."―Publishers Weekly "Too delightful to miss!"―Lisa Kleypas "Sparkling…witty…engaging." ―RT Book Reviews