A Duke Like No Other
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. Nicole Huntington Grimaldi has spent ten contented years in France without her husband-and without regret. When Mark asks her to return to London and play the part of his beloved wife, she sees her chance. But neither of them is prepared for news that will throw Mark's future into chaos...nor the undeniable desire they've rekindled. Maybe happily-ever-after can happen the second time around.
Series
Series
10 primary books#9 in Playful Brides
Playful Brides is a 10-book series with 10 released primary works first released in 2014 with contributions by Valerie Bowman.
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I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
It is good to know that I haven't truly burnt out on historical romances even though I binge read so many a few months ago. I'm still not interested in reading more, but I was still able to enjoy this one.
The story is something unique that I haven't seen before. The couple is already married, but have been separated for 10 years. They already fell in love, but now they fall back in love. It was such an interesting take. Yet, still had an enemies to lovers feel since there is a misunderstanding which lead to their negative feelings to one another.
I ended up liking both characters and enjoyed reading about their past together too. Nicole is a great investigator and is bold, interesting, while Mark is... well, I mean he does seem like your standard historical romance main character. They are both stubborn though and don't want to “lose” to one another which is what leads to their biggest problem...
The thing is I'm really tired of reading romance books and the biggest problem between the couple is the lack of communication and running away/making judgments at the first sign of a problem. So. Tired.
I understand that communication is a must for a relationship already! Give me something else!!
And for “spies” they both really take things at face value, don't they??
I did like the inclusion of the murder mystery. I liked to read something besides whatever was going on with the romance at the time. I had to suspend belief a bit with Mark's boss and the potential promotion –also the confession to the boss??? Like... really? Just felt so awkward and out of place.
Yet, I was going to give the book 4 stars, until I got to the ending. Ugh way to wrap it up but ignore like a huge thing. I hate miscommunication and misunderstandings, but when they aren't even brought up in the end to signify “hey, I'm sorry, maybe we should be more open?” I get so frustrated!
So, 3 stars.
I probably would recommend this to a historical romance fan, as long as they don't mind suspending belief on a few things. Emphasis on the romance part of fan, not so much historical.
