Book Review: No Other Duke but You (Playful Brides) by Valerie Bowman

No Other Duke but You is the eleventh book in the Playful Brides series by Valerie Bowman. They can each stand well on their own, although returning readers will be happy to see favorite characters making their appearances.

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 accidentally gave it to him 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?
No Other Duke but You is a historical romance that had me giddy and grinning through the majority of the story. I loved Delilah's character, I found her to be earnest and brave even when stuttering over social niceties and dealing with a less than loving mother. Her friendships and big heart had me hooked from the start. Thomas is equally charming and sweet, trying to give Delilah the time and space to make her own choices and looking out for her happiness over his own. I knew from the first chapter that these two were meant for each other, and the journey to get there was full of silliness, twists, and plots gone wrong.  This was an engaging and fun read, and I was very glad I picked it up.

No Other Duke but You is a must read for fans of the author, and for those that love a historical romance with plenty of humor ad heart.

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