This is a wonderful second chance romance that caught my attention straight away, Mark, after years of dedication in the military finally gets the chance of promotion to Home Secretary, however he needs a wife for the role, problem is he has one and they have been estranged for years, it's time to have her back at his side, only she comes with a condition, she wants a baby.

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

General Mark Grimaldi, spymaster extraordinaire, has worked his way up the ranks and is now on the cusp of obtaining the promotion he has dedicated his life to achieving. There’s just one problem: his superiors want Britain’s new Home Secretary to be a family man. Given Mark’s many connections, securing a wife wouldn’t be a problem…if only he weren’t already married. It’s been ten years since his wife left him and by all accounts she’s been happily living in France. In order to convince her to come back to England and play the part of loving wife, he’ll have to give her something in return. But the bargain these two strike is more dangerous than either could know. For close quarters have a tendency to bring feelings long-buried to the surface, and neither of them wants to admit that perhaps the fairytale picture they’re painting for others is something they want to be real. Can two people used to guarding their secrets closely take a risk and open their hearts for a shot at happily ever after?

I adore a good reunion romance and A Duke Like No Other is an utterly delightful one! Valerie Bowman has a bright, effervescent writing style that never fails to charm me and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Mark and Nicole’s story.

Mark and Nicole’s whirlwind courtship and marriage crashed and burned within months after secrets came to light and old wounds tore them apart. Nearly ten years later they have both changed, but one thing remains the same: the pull between them cannot be denied. I loved the sparks that flew between Mark and Nicole from the very start. It’s clear they’re utterly perfect for one another and their back-and-forths had me grinning more than once. They’re not just smart, they’re clever, and it was so much fun to watch them dance around the attraction simmering just beneath the surface. That being said, they don’t simply fall back into one another’s arms and I enjoyed that too. They were young when they married and I liked that they got to know one another again, to build that solid foundation they didn’t have in the beginning. It isn’t easy for them to get to the “happily ever after” point. Mark has definite issues with the aristocracy due to his upbringing and family history. His feelings tend to color his judgement and it leads him to make mistakes with Nicole. And after having her heart broken once, Nicole is terrified of opening it up again, which contributes to their communication problems. But every bump in the road is worth it in the end and I was rooting for these two to make it.

The romance in A Duke Like No Other was fantastic but it’d be remiss of me not to mention the subplot involving the unexpected death of an aristocrat with close ties to Mark. I enjoy a good murder mystery and I had a great time putting together the pieces of the puzzle alongside Mark and Nicole. Mark’s career as a spy has been well-established over the course of the Playful Brides series (and his investigative skills are clear even if you’re new to the books), but this is the first time you see Nicole’s talent as an investigator. Watching them and their allies interview suspects was fun and the quest to unmask the killer added to the story without taking the focus off of Nicole and Mark. I do feel it important to note that some readers might have an issue with believability in regards to Nicole’s career that began with the Bow Street Runners and grew since then. There are certain aspects of the story that require suspension of disbelief and there are also some more modern attitudes in this book than one might expect to find in a historical romance. This didn’t bother me because Ms. Bowman’s writing style is so breezy that I was happy to go along for the ride and shrug off things that might bother me in another book, but that may not be true if you’re looking for more historical accuracy in your historical romance. Still, if you want a spirited romance with a cozy mystery on the side, you’re sure to enjoy A Duke Like No Other.

Perfect for fans of Amelia Grey and Suzanne Enoch, A Duke Like No Other gives readers a taste of a whirlwind romance pitted against separation and issues of trust. With a twist on a familiar romance trope, Valerie Bowman's power couple in the latest Playful Brides novel are playing the loving husband and wife in order for Mark to obtain a promotion to Home Secretary. After 10 long years of separation, Mark and Nicole may have a delayed chance of a happy ever after but first things first, they have to solve a murder.

One of the things I truly appreciated about this story was the smidgen of mystery. Murder was perfect to open they way for Mark's secrets to be revealed and a little investigation never worked against a story! Sometimes I find historical romances to be wordy or more focused on drawing the readers' attention to scenery but this story is a great balance of heartfelt memories and fast-paced romance. Valerie Bowman doesn't waste any time diving into Mark and Nicole's story. In passages that tell their story from the moment they met, readers dive into their cores to reach their secret desires and hopes for the future. The story is tender in its ability to make you crave for a first love that can withstand so much hurt, and curious for it's unique ability to make you wonder 'what if'.

The story would not be compelling if it weren't also for the characters. Nicole particularly stood out to me because she was independent for a woman of that time period. In a time when London didn't yet have an actual police force, a young lady risked danger and a damaged reputation to help in the fight against crime. Nicole knows her mind and has a backbone of steel that any reader will admire!

Certainly, there isn't anything routine about A Duke Like No Other. If you like the fake dating theme then you'll enjoy Bowman's twist. Mark and Nicole are already married, but have to pretend to be reconciled for the sake of Mark's career. I must admit that was a new one for me, but it's so well written that I can definitely see myself seeking out similar stories in the future.
*ARC provided in consideration for review*

A very satisfying read with charming characters and a storyline that will keep you turning pages.
Ms. Bowman never fails to hold my attention and keeps my complete interest. A DUKE LIKE NO OTHER has it all romance, suspense,a but of danger, finding a true love and so much more. A must read!!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.


AprilR

A Duke Like No Other by Valerie Bowman was about General Mark Grimaldi, who has worked his way up in military service to General. He now wants to be promoted to Secretary of the Home Office, where he will be head spy master. To achieve that status, he is to be a married man, meaning he must reconcile with his estranged wife of 10 years. Nicole, who has lived in France ever since she separated from her husband, knew when she saw him that he wanted something. She said she would help him but she had a condition of her own. In the mix of them working through their issues, there is a murder to be solved. A great historical romance filled with mystery and intrigue. I received an ARC for my honest review.

Estranged for over 10 years due to pride and misunderstandings, Mark finds he needs to be a family man in order to secure a promotion. He travels to France to ask his wife for a favour but finds she has an unexpected condition of her own.

The novel bounces between the past and the present, enabling the reader to understand their early relationship and it’s breakdown. In addition there is a murder for them to solve with an unexpected culprit.

There is quite a bit of artistic licence in this novel, so readers who like some historical accuracy take note. If you are able to suspend disbelief then this is an enjoyable story and all the love scenes take place within the confines of marriage (Note: I do hate the modern Regency novel where unmarried maidens are conveniently unchaperoned at every turn!)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

General Mark Grimaldi is a self-made man, someone who has gotten to his current position by hard work alone. The spymaster is now aiming to an even higher position, but the one person who can grant him his wish wants him to have a wife. Fortunately for Mark, he is already married.
When her marriage went south, Lady Nicole Huntington took a position working for the Crown in France and remained there after the war ended. After 10 years expecting to hear her husband was killed, said husband shows up asking for her to come back to England for the sake of his career.
A murder, an unexpected development and a bargain to be fulfilled will bring Mark and Nicole closer than they expected and they will have to use their wits to find the murderer before a reluctant heir to the Duchy of Colchester is named.
This was my first read by this author and, though is the ninth book in the series, it was easy to read as a standalone. The story was original, somewhat entertaining and I liked the main characters, but that was it for me.
I was very attracted by the blurb, but I found the story lacking in some of the delivery by the use of too many modern mannerisms and forms of addresses that would have been considered inappropriate at the time. To make it worse, I predicted a lot of the twists of the book which reduced the entertaining value for me.

3 stars
*I received an ARC from the publisher via by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

***3.5 STARS***

Series: Playful Brides #9
Publication Date: 5/1/18

I was so excited and looking forward to reading this book because it sounded like it would be something unique. I really liked the story, but I am all over the place on what my rating should be. This is another of those books where the story is good, but it is filled with modernism and the story just doesn’t fit with the time period. The writer writes excellently, it is just that either the research or the editing, etc. is missing something. So – if you actually like your historical romances to fit into the time period into which the book is set – this one won’t meet your standards. I’m also not a big fan of flashbacks and this book is filled with them. My eyes nearly rolled out of my head with me doing so many eye rolls because of the anachronistic words, phrases, actions, etc. in the book. Just a couple of instances of things: The author had Grimaldi being able to inherit because of a codicil in the will (unless they change that before it is published) – it would have been in the Royal Letters Patent raising the first Duke to that title - not a codicil in a will. A second thing is the Bow Street runners wearing red vests – they didn’t. The horse patrol wore those, but the runners didn’t. Just lots of stuff - like starched shirt fronts, constantly used the word 'sex' to refer to the act rather than the gender, guards at the gates coming into London, etc. Maybe this will all be fixed before publication and I’ll be wrong on all of this.

The main characters are two of the most stubborn, pigheaded, strong-willed, uncommunicative characters I’ve ever seen in a book. They spent ten years apart, each stewing in their own righteousness rather than actually having a conversation about what had happened, why it happened and what they could do to fix it. I don’t think the two of them had a whole and complete conversation in the entire book. I have a hard time warming up to people who supposedly love each other being so self-centered with each other. In this one, I tend to lay more of the blame on him than her, but they certainly both earned their fair share of the blame. They both have a tendency to throw a fit, give up on things and walk away rather than fight for them and make a stand. Annoying.

Major General Mark Grimaldi is a totally self-made man even though he is the grandson of a Duke (he went from a Corporal to a Major General who is a spymaster and he's only thirty-four years old – yes, eye roll). He claims no family ties with them and there are very, very few people who even know of the tie. His grandfather wouldn’t accept that Mark’s mother had married an Italian and he wanted her to leave Mark's father. It caused a big family rift and she broke with her entire family. Mark’s father (I believe he was a shoemaker – yep – eye roll time) made Mark promise not to use his mother’s family connections to advance himself in any way. So, Mark took that deathbed promise very, very, very seriously and wouldn’t acknowledge his mother’s family in any way. Not only wouldn’t he acknowledge them – he hated all of the aristocracy – yes – eye roll – a bit of overkill there I think.

Lady Nicole Huntington is the daughter of an Earl. During her first season, she was bored and decided she’d be a Bow Street Runner (sigh – eye roll). When they wouldn’t hire her, she decided she’d become an assistant to the runners and she set about chasing down thieves. She met Mark outside a ball at her grandmother’s home when she was chasing down a footman who had stolen a fork (or spoon) off the buffet table. Yes, she was about as foolhardy as you could be. Unaccompanied, she chased the thief outside the home and down the mews where he could easily have turned and attacked her – then, she spoke with a stranger she met in the alley – does all of that make her a TSTL heroine? Probably. Anyway – the stranger was Mark and a couple of months later they were married.

After a big row where he made assumptions and blamed her and she tucked tail and ran home to mama then she ended up in France for 10 years. Evidently, she was living in France during the war and was a spy for the English, then continued to live there after the wars ended.

I loved that there was a murder mystery to solve and would have loved it even more had the investigation started earlier and was more complex. Nicole was the one to solve the mystery while Mark, the spymaster, just looked incompetent asking inane questions and accepting evasive answers (yes, eye roll again). No – I don’t mind that she solved the mystery – I would just have liked them to work together and need each other more rather than making her the hero and him the zero.

You probably think I didn’t like the book. That isn’t the case. I liked the story or more to the point, I think I liked the possibility of the story. I just didn’t like that it was basically a contemporary novel with horses and carriages rather than cars – instead of living up to its potential and being a really good Regency romance.

I would recommend this book because the story is good and it is well written, but you will need to be able to suspend your disbelief and overlook the anachronisms.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

I enjoyed Mark and Nicole's story. They had great chemistry and the push and pull between them kept me turning the pages. My only complaint was that Mark never apologized for misunderstanding what happened between them at the beginning of their marriage. Other than that, this is a solid read with plenty of delicious tension and romance.

ARC provided by NetGalley..

A Duke Like No Other is a second chance-romance, meaning Mark and Nicole had a relationship before. They were even married, but separated not long after the wedding. Over the course of the book we get flashbacks to how they met, fell in love and why they split up. The reason for breakup was their immature behavior (mostly from Mark who misunderstood a situation and immediately assumed the worst but also from Nicole who reacted to the accusations by leaving the country instead of waiting for Mark to calm down and then explain things).

Now, if I am supposed to believe that their relationship works this time, the book has to convince me that both have matured since their break up and this is sadly where it failed.

The Nicole from the flashbacks prides herself in being not like the other girls who only like dull activities like embroidery or playing the piano. She considers those activities useless anyway and prefers horseracing (which is apparently not as useless…) She also dislikes the man who is courting her because he is ugly. We never learn anything about his character, apart from the fact that he’s a bit dull. But Nicole’s main objection is his ugliness anyway.

The Nicole we meet in the book’s present hasn’t changed at all: when she examines her feelings for Mark, she states that things might be different “if he’d become old and scarred and ugly” but since he’s still hot, she still has feelings for him. She also still looks down on typical feminine pastimes but she does want a child. And she wants it, because “she wanted at least one being in this world to love her unconditionally” which is not a good reason. None of those views get in any way challenged over the course of the book. Nothing suggests that at the end of the book she has learned that physical appearances (or hobbies) aren’t connected to a person’s worth or that children aren’t automatons that give out love if only you feed them regularly.

Mark does change some of his opinions over the course of the book, but less because of any convincing character-development than because of plot-convenience. He has an (understandable) grudge against his mother’s family because they threw her out when she married a man they considered unsuitable. But he doesn’t come to the conclusion that the people who broke with her are dead now, and that his other relatives have different views from them; instead, a convenient letter his mother wrote just before her death turns up. In it she explains that she reconciled with her family and that Mark can do that as well, now. So that’s what he does. It doesn’t seem like a conscious decision on his part, but more doing as he is told.

If only his mother had also told him that it is OK for men to show emotions, because he declares repeatedly that he would rather get tortured by the French again than to talk to Nicole about his feelings. That is neither funny nor admirably manly; it’s just really unhealthy. Especially because the lack of communication was partly the reason for their first break-up.

So, this left me with a romance where I simply couldn’t believe that the relationship would work out the second time round since nothing I read convinced me that they wouldn’t make the same mistakes again.

I tend to enjoy historical romance since they really vary a lot within the genre since only a few of them are a pure romance and have interesting if sometimes humorous subplots to keep them entertaining. I also hate it when a great premise for a story is bungled into less than it could have been, that is this book.

The romance in this between Mark and Nichole was so bad if not for the murder mystery portion of the plot it would have fallen flat.

I should mention that I have a VERY low tolerance for romantic plots that are built completely on misunderstanding. That means if the hero and heroine actually TALKED to each other for 5 minutes the whole plot would come crashing down. That is what we have here but I did really enjoy the murder mystery part which surprised me since that is usually not a favorite of mine but it was done well, the guilty party seemed to change around and the hero and heroine both showed great intelligence (something they lacked in their romantic efforts).

In historical romance I look forward to witty banter (almost none), humor (almost none) and of course the romance (almost none but only because they would not talk to each other about anything to do with their feelings).

Bottom Line: Only 3 Stars and lucky to get those but the murder mystery and a finally great ending (our hero has a great epiphany in the last few pages he lacked in the whole book) pulled it up to something I liked but will forget by this time next year.

<i>I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.</i>

This is the 9th book in the series. And of all the books this was something that I was not expecting.

However, it did not erase the fact that is was a very touching book. They say that love has it limits. But with this book, no matter the distance, the reason, and the circumstance, if each person truly love each other, it will not hinder true happiness.

For every page that I read, you can feel how much suffering Mark and Nicole felt, during and after they were together...I wanted to shout at Mark for his reasoning, but, how can I? As for Nicole, I admire her. I truly admire such a woman, and the pain of her husband's words wounded me too.

The twist of the book was an irony, but it turned to be a good thing too.

All in all, it reflects today's status quo. Some may not care, but other's do. It is up to the person on how to deal with the events happening around them.

As I close this review, I am once again awed on the writing of Ms. Valerie Bowman. The depth of the emotion her characters shows the reality of those couples that are apart not because they do not love each other, but on some reasons that they are unable to go thru.

I gave this a four star rating.

Let me start by saying that I loved this story and the characters of Mark and Nicole. Whilst I can’t imagine a couple who professed that they loved the other (to themselves of course) and could still stay away from each other for 10 years loved, this was a well written story. Any issues with time, could be forgiven!
General Mark Grimaldi is determined to attain the role of Home Secretary, all without any support from his mother’s family. However, he needs to seek out the help of his wife, Nicole, who has lived in France for the past 10 years. Estranged from each other, Nicole has her own request that will not only bring them together romantically but may lead to Nicole’s own heartbreak.
This story not only follows the romance between Mark and Nicole, but it explores their past history, leading up to their separation. Running parallel to their romance, is the investigation into the murder of Mark’s cousin, a future duke.
I look forward to reading more in this series of the ‘Playful Brides’ as this is a series that just gets better.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

when estranged husband and wife, mark and nicole, make a devil's bargain, they both will pay a price. the thing is the price of reuniting, even if it's for duty's sake (on his part) and for a baby (on hers), might be worth paying. in a duke like no other, mark and nicole need to learn who they've each become in the ten years since their disastrous marriage.

they're older, wiser, and still as in love with each other as ever. as much as they try to deny this or willfully not see what is right in front of them. i enjoyed their reunion, i liked both mark and nicole as characters. i was also so frustrated by the misunderstandings that lay between them. i struggle with these second-chance stories because i often find the reasons for the original falling out to be so stupid that i can't understand how the characters let it harm their relationship so irrevocably.

it probably has to do with the fact that i consider holding grudges a waste of energy. and like sure this is about true love and whatever, but i feel like if the love had been true you would have fought harder for it in the first place. so anyway, i have issues. but if these kind of estranged spouse stories are your jam, this is a good one.

**a duke like no other will publish on may 1, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/st. martin's press (st. martin's paperbacks) in exchange for my honest review.

Valerie Bowman yet again wrote a wonderful romance. The reunited married couple is certainly a new angle for me and I love it. The characters are wonderful, the way the story is laid out is expertly done, and it is an excellent addition to the playful brides series.

Nicole is such a fiery, fun character that I adored. She is so strong and intelligent, that the story could not have been well done with a weaker character. I enjoyed the flashbacks that occurred frequently throughout the novel. They gave insightful snippets into the romance that originally attached the two characters. It fleshed out the characters much more, without them, Mark would have seemed like a much more severe, dominant male. When the flashbacks first start in the book, I was confused, but I quickly caught on. This was probably just a formatting issue with the eARC..

Overall, I definitely recommend this lovers reunited historical romance! (and the rest of the Playful Brides series for that matter!!)

This was my first read from Valerie Bowman, and I enjoyed this one enough to read more from her in the future. Briefly, this is the story of a grumpy spymaster who has to bring back his estranged wife from France in order to get the promotion he wants. She agrees for her own reasons, and then they both realize the acting isn't acting because their feelings for each other never went away. There's a mystery here that allows the heroine to show off her investigative skills, and I felt that the investigation overshadowed the romance after a certain point. There's also a lot of miscommunication or lack of communication that made me want to tell both of the them to grow up, but overall, I enjoyed the characters and the reconciliation.

This is a sweet little estranged lovers story, with a mystery wrapped up inside. The mystery gives our heroine a chance to exercise her investigative chops, (and demonstrate that there are indeed heroes who can love strong women!) Our hero has some work to do for his emotional adulthood to catch up with his professional adulthood, but it is entertaining to go along for the ride.

This is an utterly thrilling historical spy romance which takes place in the 1800s. The political and social aspects are rather fascinating. It alternates between the present day and ten years ago.

Mark lives for his work and is on the verge of obtaining another promotion in the Home Office. This opportunity comes with one condition.

Nicole left London ten years ago to live in France where she plays her part in the community.

When Mark learns about the condition to obtain the promotion, he has to seek out Nicole in order to fill out this part of the deal. After ten years of being estranged from each other, the initial encounter is a little awkward. They both have mixed feelings, but their pride won't allow them to show any weaknesses. Nicole accepts Mark's proposal with her own condition.

Soon they are back in London both willing to fulfil their end of the bargain. The death of one of Mark's secret relatives raises questions and leads to an enquiry. At the same time, Mark receives news about his future. News about something that he loathes the most and the cause of his dispute with Nicole. Being the spy master, he agrees to lead the investigation and it becomes apparent that there has been foul play. Who is the culprit?

Whilst meeting Nicole's condition, old feelings resurface and again, pride gets in the way, but doesn't stop Nicole from taking an active role in the investigation. What transpires is rather shocking! Beware of the quiet ones!

This novel is nicely paced and the characters are very well portrayed. Mark and Nicole are both stubborn, and at times I felt like giving Mark a piece of my mind even though he is lovable. Nicole is strong and independent, but doesn't show her vulnerability. There are a few twists along the way, the biggest one being after the mystery is solved. I was totally engrossed with this murder, mystery historical romance and absolutely loved it. It's entertaining and captivating.

I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

*I was given an ARC copy in NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it explores a second chance at love by a couple that married too young and had spent 10 years estranged.
What I liked about this book:
- Both Mark and Nicole were strong and independent beings and they actually saw each other as equals. The conflict wasn't about one wanting to change the other but a deep failure and immaturity to understand each other and keeping secrets from one another
- Mark's backstory and his ties with his family are very interesting and they put a strain on the character that mades it real
- The hero's commitment to his vows regardless the circumstance and his refusal to enter a no-strings attached arrangement with his own wife
- Nicole knowing her own mind and beign vocal about it, but also taking time to understand what her husband was going through

What could have been better:
- I feel the ending was rather abrupt and too much of a scene, but that is a personal taste.

I really enjoyed this book and my heart ached for them both as they worked things out.

General Mark Grimaldi has sacrificed everything for his military career, working his way through the ranks without the benefit of a nobleman's title. Now, his years of dedication are about to pay off with an offer for a prestigious promotion to Home Secretary. There's only one condition: Mark must be married. Aside from the small matter of not actually wanting to be wed, Mark faces another troubling problem: he already has a wife & has had for ten years.
Nicole Huntington Grimaldi has spent ten contented years in France without her husband. When Mark asks her to return to London and play the part of his beloved wife, she sees her chance & has one condition. Neither of them is prepared for news that will throw Mark's future into chaos
Feuding partners & a second chance of love, throw in a murder & all’s set for a gripping page turning novel. Another well written novel in the series, this is the ninth in the series & could very well be read on its own. The characters are very well portrayed & the attraction between Mark & Nicole sizzles, after all there was one part of their marriage that was never a problem! The story flows from start to finish & kept my attention all the way through. I liked the flashbacks to their relationship a decade previously. Mark has been influenced by his parents but gradually ‘the stone man’ is brought to realise that aristocrats can make a difference. Nicole has been lonely but hopes if her condition is met that will change. Both have denied that they are still in love & very nearly lose their chance of happiness

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read