cover image No Other Duke but You (Playful Brides #11)

No Other Duke but You (Playful Brides #11)

Valerie Bowman. St. Martin’s, $7.99 mass market (304p) ISBN 978-1-250-12167-7

Bowman’s witty 11th Playful Brides Regency (after Mr. Hunt, I Presume) highlights how love can develop between two close friends. Lady Delilah Montebank is best friends with Thomas Hobbs, Duke of Huntley. Delilah’s mother will force her to marry Clarence Hilton, heir to an earldom, if she doesn’t secure a better offer of marriage by her birthday in just over a month. A desperate Delilah sets her sights on the Duke of Branville. Though Delilah has always enjoyed her friendship with Thomas, she is confused when the play they are in together calls for them to kiss, and the kiss ignites romantic sparks. Still hoping to marry Branville, Delilah purchases a love potion to make him fall in love with her, but accidentally sprinkles the potion on Thomas instead. When Thomas formally offers to court Delilah, she fears it’s only because of the potion and foists him off, unwilling to trick him into marriage. He must convince her his interest is real. Regency fans will adore this charming tale and its cast of memorable characters. (May)