A Duke Like No Other rates a solid 3.5 stars. The beginning is a little slow to really draw the reader in. Nicole is my favorite kind of heroine, unconventional, strong-willed, and intelligent. I found Mark to be too stubborn to be truly enjoyable. When misunderstandings drive the couple apart, Nicole uses her previous Bowstreet runner experience to become a spy in France. Mark blindly ignores his family out of hatred for anything to do with the aristocracy and is single-mindedly pursuing his military career. The only reason he finally seeks out his wife is to create the appearance of being a family man for a promotion. Nicole agrees to reunite with Mark with conditions of her own. When Mark's cousin is murdered, an investigation ensues. I think the story would have been more enjoyable if the mystery played a bigger element of the plot because at times the plot seems to slow to a snail's pace. The secondary characters are enjoyable and I hope to read about them in their own books. The book has a sweet, little HEA and ends faster-paced than it began. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

Mark Grimaldi is related to a duke through his mother and works in intelligence for England. He does not tell people about his ducal family and achieves everything in his career on his own. He is striving to lead the home office but is told he should be married. He is married to Nicole and had not seen her for 10 years. Their intense relationship fell apart because he believed she married him for his family. She also worked as a spy but lived in France to get away from all the memories of Mark. Mark goes to France and they make a deal to act married for a while. Nicole is lonely and wants a child if she goes back with Mark for a bit. Mark agrees with some stipulations. They have both been faithful and still have feelings for each other but they stubbornly won't admit their feelings. It gets a bit frustrating even when they work together to solve a case. If Mark is such a smart spy, why couldn't he figure his feelings out quicker. I like this author a lot. I would have preferred that Mark and Nicole were more forthcoming in their thought and rather work to encourage Regina's emerging relationship with Duffin.

This book was a breath of fresh air. The main characters, Mark and Nicole, were likeable and it was quite a joy to read about them. At times they were clearly a bit to stubborn but I never became too annoyed with them. There was definitely some great steamy scenes between the two of them.

I loved that there was also a mystery in this book and that eventually Nicole and Mark had to work together to solve it. I was satisfied by the revealing of who the murderer was.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the galley.

This story has an H I adored, an h I loved, and a story that I almost gave up on very early in the book. The couple was just too annoying to understand. I cannot comprehend a couple that is in love, madly attracted to one another, separating a few weeks into marriage, and not seeing each other for ten years. Even having finished the book, I find it absurd. I understand he was driven to succeed in his profession, but he cared enough to decorate a bedroom suite in her favorite colors and style, and didn’t see her for ten years? And she was angry with him for catching her in lies, wanted to do investigations with Bow Street Runners and yet took off to France for the next ten years. Though her heart belongs to him? Fortunately they seemed to find themselves closer as the story develops, and both recognize their feelings, BUT STILL DONT TALK? One of my pet peeves...in the end there is a HEA, but if this is typical for this writer I’m not sure I’d read another in the series. Though I liked the people very much. I received a free arc in exchange for an honest review.

Valarie Bowman is a new author for me, and I really enjoyed this story. I’ve already gone back and gotten the other books in the series and I’ve started reading them!

Mark wants a prestigious promotion and in order to get that promotion he needs a wife, lucky for him has one already! Nicole agrees to be his wife on one condition, she wants a baby. A lot of each chapter is their backstory, so we know how they met and married, and how they became estranged.

Throughout the book Mark and Nicole are solving a mystery, someone has killed his cousin making him an eventual Duke, which he adamantly does not want to be. He does not want to use his family to get ahead in his chosen career.

For sure a different sort of historical romance that I would definitely recommend to anyone!

This review is based on a galley copy from netgalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I just didn't really like this, but I think it's mostly a personal preference thing. I like my historical romances to be more true to the time. Meaning, I don't mind the heroine being strong...but I don't want her to be MODERN. I want her to fit the time and be realistic. And Nicole didn't feel authentic. She felt like a 2018 female set in the past and it didn't work for me.

Also, I found the story to be boring and I felt no connection between the Hero and the heroine, which is a shame, because I really liked the potential the story had based on the blurb and based on the heroine wanting a baby in return for pretending to be the loving wife..

Love will always tear down the walls you build around your heart

Mark Grimaldi rose to the position of General without his family’s influence or a wife by his side. Now Mark wants to be the Secretary of the Home Office serving as the head spy to all other spies in England and in order to make that happen he must reconcile with is 10 years estranged wife, Nicole Huntington Grimaldi.

Nicole and Mark separated shortly after their wedding under very heated circumstances and yet after all these years of enjoying her freedom and life in France Mark shows up begging for a reconciliation on paper only. Mark must appear to be a happily, steady married man and only Nicole can accommodate that request. However, Nicole is willing to provide him a wife but she also has a request and one that shocks Mark to the tips of his toes. Nicole wishes to be a mother and the only legitimate way to make that happen is with Mark’s assistance which is readily agrees to but he wants the intimacy to have meaning not be a cold, distant coupling and Nicole fears if they do just that she will be back into the space where her love and obsession for Mark are returned. Nicole cares not for any title, or appointment Mark ever had she just loved him and now in order to have a baby that will be the love she desperately needs right now agreeing to Mark’s terms is a fact and her worst nightmare.

While Mark and Nicole spend days and nights together rekindling their friendship as well as their intimate relationship both are tested to see where they stand with each other when Mark’s cousin and next in line for duchy is murdered. Mark is now the heir apparent to a title and family he has refused to acknowledge his entire life, but they are here now and not going away so Mark does what he does best and finds the murdered. Nicole always had the knack for solving crime which is why the Bow Street Runners always relied on her abilities and Mark pulls her along for the crime solving part of their newly formed life and discovers that she is as smart as she is beautiful. With each night together they are both pulled into a dance neither forgot how to do, but fight to allow their love for one another to show. What has kept them apart can also draw them together and love will seal the deal of commitment.

Valerie Bowman shows readers how book after book a great writer can lay out a story, build characters, and pop the romance between the alpha male and female.

This was my first book in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Mark and Nicole were given a second chance at love and I really liked the way the author incorporated their past stories into the present. This book has it all suspense, romance, hotness, loveable characters. I will definitely checked out the other books from the author.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review that is all my own.

3.5 Stars! This was a good story but I had read some of the earlier books & I pictured Mark Grimaldi to be smarter than this book made him. The reason for the estrangement between Mark and Nicole was, well, it was pretty stupid! That kept them apart for 10 years!?!? Nicole ran away too fast & over the most ridiculous reasons!! Mark seemed kind of idiotic & too prideful when it came to his wife! This book made such a big deal out of them being apart for 10 years & at the end of the book, they never even talked about what had happened back then or why it took 10 years for them to reconnect. I feel like they hardly ever even talked at all, unless it had to do with solving the murder! It’s a good book, just not what I wanted or thought it would be.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*

This was a well-written, entertaining Regency romance. Nicole has spent the last ten years in France and hasn't seen her husband since leaving for France. Mark is devoted to service to the Crown, then he finds out that to get the promotion he is seeking he needs to convince his estranged wife to return to England with him. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to reading other books by this author. I definitely recommend this book and this author.

Ninth in the Playful Brides series.
Mark Grimaldi wants the position of Home Secretary...badly. When he is told the Director wants a married man for the position, he is flabbergasted. They don't know he IS a married man as he and his wife have lived apart for many years.
He decides to approach her to aid him in his quest or the office and she agrees...with conditions, so he adds a few of his own.
During the time spent achieving his goal, they find out there have been many misconceptions and misunderstandings between them, each hiding the fact that they still love the other. Eventually coming together as lovers and starting the married life over again.
A murder mystery, some angst, some anger and a little sensuality bring this tale 5 stars from me.
I requested and was granted an ARC from NetGalley to my delight.

The book was different from what I normally think of as a historic romance. Normally I call historic romance bodice rippers. You know what I mean. He barely looks at her and she falls for his charms, The book cover shows off many of her charms.

This book has a couple that are married but live separately for 10 years, tho misunderstandings caused the split. The writing of the story is different too. The story line would work as a temporary without much change. The spy part of the story adds a major part of interest. I thought the book was well written and pulled me in. I had a hard time putting this one down.

I received a copy of this book to read from NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair review. Disclaimer... I love Valerie Bowman’s books and did a little happy dance around the living room when I was a approved for this book. A Duke like No Other is book 9 in the Playful Brides Series. Yes it can be read as a stand-alone but the 8 other books in this series are awesome as well. A Duke Like No Other has one of my favourite tropes long estranged couple have to spend time together and the sparks are still there. General Mark Grimaldi the very epitome of the self made man, whose career is his life, very much wants the position of Home Secretary, however his superiors want a married man for the position, someone settled. It is suggested to Mark that he find a bride if he wants the position, trouble is he already has one. Nicole Huntington Grimaldi has been living in France for the last 10 years first as an agent for the crown and now in the country surrounded by lavender fields but she keeps her hand in assisting the local police force with investigations. Her condition for helping Mark out is that she wants a baby. They return to England together and right away end up in the middle of a murder investigation. Lots of twists and turns, lots of steam, this story will keep you reading way past your bedtime. Publishing Date May 1, 2018 #ADukeLikeNoOther #NetGalley

General Mark Grimaldi has work his way up in service to the Crown. He is a spy master. He has the chance of more promotion that he desperately wants. With the war over, politics is the only way he can get all the changes he envisions. Unfortunately the government bosses want a settled man. That means he must face his past.

Nicole has been living and working in France ever since she separated from her husband. Now he has come to ask a favour. She has the chance to get something she has always wanted.

A fascinating historical romance with a murder / mystery mixed in. There are many difficulties in an investigation in the times before a proper police force . Our characters are actually quite similar temperaments and that bull headedness is what gives them trouble, but also causes the fireworks that make it worthwhile.

This is part of a series of linked but stand alone stories.

I have read most if them and loved them all.

Another great book from Valerie Bowman. As with her other books it’s a light enjoyable read. The only real flaw I found was the reason for The characters separation but I still enjoyed the book.

Mark and Nicole are given a second chance to get their marriage right. At times I wondered if it would work out, but of course we need a happily ever after. The murder of Mark's cousin gives them a chance to work together and see how good it can be again.

I guess I am not familiar with this author and have not read any of here books...I was not feeling this story...I was trying to get into..Just something about the main Characters that did not grab me...I love historical fiction but this book was not for me..

A Duke Like No Other by Valerie Bowman is being published on May first. The story is part of the Playful Brides series, but can be read as a stand alone novel without problems. The novel introduces us to General Mark Grimaldi, a man who is known for his stone face and unemotional responses to trouble. General Grimaldi would like to be promoted only to be told that they prefer a family man. Interestingly enough, we find out he is married. Nicole Huntington Grimaldi was his wife. They were married several years prior and had lived apart without any contact for many years. That is when the story gets quite interesting. Secrets and jumping to conclusions are rampart as are the constant pressure as they work through the minefield of their marriage and the present day trials they are exposed to.

A Duke Like No Other by Valerie Bowman kept my attention. I was silently cheering on the couple as they worked through the secrets and mysteries. I wanted them to succeed despite the odds. Valerie Bowman allowed the reader to see and hear some of the issues that common people felt about the rich, famous ton in Great Britain at the time, which I found quite interesting.
A Duke Like No Other by Valerie Bowman was a good read.

When General Mark Grimaldi tries to get a promotion in his military career his superior tells him that he’s not an ideal candidate for the position he so much desires. The home secretary is looking for a family man, and he is a bachelor that has devoted his life to the wars and his career. But the truth is that Mark is actually married and has been for quite some time, but he is estranged from his wife Nicole.

He resolves to find her and make her come back with him, but Nicole isn’t an easy woman to deal with…

“Atalanta? Of course you would name your horse after a warrior woman who did nothing but cause her husband trouble” he says to her when they meet after ten years. To which she replies “What trouble? She merely did what she liked and was scorned for it”. In my opinion these quotes sum up their relationship, Atalanta’s story, or at least the way they summarize it here, is an accurate metaphor of their marriage.

Mark and Nicole have been married for ten years and three months, and they’ve been estranged for ten years. Mark didn’t tell Nicole that his mother’s family were the duke of Colchester’s because they weren’t on speaking terms, and Nicole didn’t tell Mark that she already knew. When two in a couple are spies or private investigators and you spy on each other you can’t expect your marriage to last long. This is why they fought and why Nicole settled in France and why Mark focused on his career. But of course none of them requested a divorce and none of them engaged in other relationships. In ten years.

Things get really interesting when, back in England, Mark learns that his cousin and heir to the duchy has been murdered and he has been appointed as the main investigator of the crime. He gathers all the suspects in the duke’s country home and thus starts a plot that would make Agatha Christie proud.

Mark’s and Nicole’s story is a complicated one. Mainly because they need to learn to trust each other. And they are both stubborn, so stubborn. The key of the problem is mainly that none of them think they are truly and sincerely in love, that their love is something real. They both feel lonely and they both are alone, even though they never stopped loving and worrying. The proof is the loyalty they’ve kept in ten years.

And we readers get to witness a heartbreaking story that will end in a happily ever after, but this is a romance, we know we are going to get that HEA eventually. The important question is how we are going to get that ending. The road to the HEA will be fun sometimes, because their fights are real battles of the wits (I love when writers include such conversations) and sometimes they feel so ridiculous and yet so real. But there were other facts that I did like about this book, There could be spoilers ahead.

THINGS THAT I LIKED

- Nicole has a job. Actually Nicole has had two jobs; the first as a, say, private investigator for the Bow Street Runners (officially they couldn’t hire women) that received bounties instead of a salary. After that she was hired as a spy in France by the War Office. Nicole is an independent woman who earns her own money and doesn’t touch a penny from the allowance she receives from Mark. She doesn’t need her husband’s support. Neither does she want it, needless to say.

- Nicole dresses as a man when her missions require she does so. And she does the same when she’s riding her horses.

- What made Mark fall in love with Nicole is that she’s uncommon. She’s not the perfect little woman/wife. She’s not obedient and she’s not tamed (she isn’t a savage either). She’s outspoken, brilliant and she stands for herself. She doesn’t need his protection all the time.

- I loved the flashbacks. I love that both Mark and Nicole get carried away by their memories often so we get to know what happened in those three months of real marriage they had at the beginning. Bowman doesn’t summarize these events like most writers do; she gives us the real scenes. They’re so well done in terms of timing that they enrich the narration instead of giving us the feeling of too much information.

- Mark’s ten years wanking while thinking of Nicole. Now that was unexpected. He didn’t get any lovers or mistresses. He and his hand knew one another well. You would expect that faithfulness from a woman but not so much from a man.

- When they’re not arguing about the state of their marriage Mark and Nicole are really nice. Mark listens to Nicole and asks her for advice and opinion.

- No virgin pain (this happens in a flashback). The fact that she had expected pain because that’s what mama told her made Nicole so confused that Mark got to explain that when a woman feels pain it’s due the fact that the man doesn’t really know what he’s doing. THIS. Please, standing ovation.

- Female friendship. Nicole and Mark’s cousin Regina are friends, though not very close until they become partners in solving crimes at the duke’s estate. These two’s companionship was fun to read, especially when Regina, who’s a spinster, falls in lust with Regina’s former boss and the two friends’ conversations turn out to be about men with handcuffs and… pistols.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE

Before going into detail I want to clarify that in my opinion all of the following points were intentional and even though I didn’t like these facts, I think they served their purpose well, so these are negative points for me, not for the book.

- Mark sometimes was an asshole and I wanted to beat him senseless.

- Mark was so contrary. One minute he said yes, the next he said no. He was confusing often. Like, he didn’t know what he wanted.

- When Mark thinks that Nicole’s condition to his request will be divorce he almost immediately thinks about worst case scenario… for his career. He’s already worried about how a divorce will affect his political ambitions.

- When Nicole says she wants a baby and that she doesn’t expect him to be around when the baby comes he says, literally: “what kind of monster do you take me to be?”. I don’t know Mark, you don’t really want a baby, you are calculating the impact of things on your career, you left her to her own devices for ten years… do you want me to give you further explanation?

- When they are investigating the crime and the runner from Bow Street tells Mark that Nicole could really help Mark says no because he’s afraid of putting her in danger. But then Regina and Nicole start questioning people in casual conversations thus conducting their own investigation, when they explain their theories to the men… Mark is OK with the women investigating… This is not really a bad thing but, really, Mark needs to get himself together.

eneral Mark Grimaldi is ambitious and shooting for the position of Home Secretary after years of serving his country during the Napoleon War and afterwards working for the Home Office. However, the preference is for the incoming Home Secretary to be a settled, married man. How convenient then, that Mark just so happens to be one. What is less convenient is that he has not set eyes on his wife for 10 years and in fact, she is not even on English soil.

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Nicole left her husband and country behind 10 years ago to live a relatively quiet existence in France. She never expected Mark to show up and certainly not to ask a favour from her. In exchange for playing happy, docile wife by his side for a while, Nicole wants something from him in return - a child.

description


I do like this trope of estranged married couple, however, this one didn't quite live up to its promise. Firstly, about a good chunk of the book was devoted to solving a murder case with half of the remaining time spent in the past, uncovering the genesis of their romance and the backstory of their estrangement. That really didn't leave much time for the characters to reconnect on an emotional level, what with a couple of enthusiastic reunion sex scenes thrown in there. The writing got a bit repetitive at times. Additionally, there is also a fair few anachronistic word choices and terms thrown in there. Case in point, Mark saying:"I'm not a complete Neanderthal." (The book is set in 1818. Neanderthal fossils were not found until 1856 and the name not formally used to describe the species until about a decade later and not in common usage until after the turn of the next century.)

Overall, it was a quick read to pass time, but not memorable.