The Unexpected Duchess By Valerie Bowman May 2026

Lady Lucy Upton, known for her sharp tongue and fierce loyalty, devises a plan to help her shy friend, Lady Cassandra Monroe, discourage an unwanted suitor— Lord Derek Hunt , the Duke of Claringdon.

Lucy hides behind a hedgerow to feed Cassandra discouraging lines, only to find herself invigorated by the "Duke of Decisive," who proves to be her intellectual match.

by Valerie Bowman is the witty and romantic debut of the Playful Brides series , set in Regency England. Inspired by Edmond Rostand’s classic play Cyrano de Bergerac , the novel subverts traditional romance tropes with a spirited "battle of wits". Plot Overview

The relationship between Lucy and Derek evolves from antagonistic verbal sparring into mutual respect and passionate attraction.