Catching up with Valerie Bowman on the release of her latest book, “No Other Duke But You,” Marienela played (almost) 20 questions with her and she let out a few secrets! Here they are:
Q: How is NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU, your upcoming novel, different than your previous novels, or can you say anything more about it?
A: NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU is the final book in the Playful Brides series. It’s book #11, and while it can be read as a standalone, I know the long-time readers of the series have been waiting for this couple’s story. Delilah is my most asked about heroine.
Q: Where did you get your inspiration from for NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU?
A: Most of the books in the Playful Brides series are inspired by famous plays. This one is inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is one of my favorites. I’ve had the plot in mind for a long time.
Q: What makes Lady Delilah and Lord Thomas special? Can you say anything more about them?
A: Delilah is sassy, unconventional, and a bit of a mess compared to the other young ladies on the marriage mart. But she has a heart of gold and good intentions to be the best matchmaker in the land, until it’s time for her own match to be made, of course! Thomas is her best friend who has been madly (and secretly) in love with her for years. He appreciates her for who she is.
Q: Who would you cast for Delilah and Thomas in the movie version?
A: I love this question! I’ve set up a Pinterest board for the entire Playful Brides series with the pictures of who I think of as the main characters. In my mind, Delilah looks like Ellen Page and Thomas is Justin Bartha.
Q: What is one thing the heroine, Delilah, can’t live without?
A: Sigh. Thomas. Though she doesn’t know it at first.
Q: NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU is the last novel in your wonderful Playful Brides series. How do you feel about the series coming to an end?
A: I’ve loved these characters for years and it’s bittersweet to see the series end, but I’m also looking forward to writing something new!
Q: Would you say it was more or less difficult writing NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU knowing it’s the last in the series?
A: Yes! I was worried that the readers wouldn’t like it or think it’s a fitting end to the series. But in the end, I wrote the book I wanted to write to wrap up the series and I can’t wait to share it with everyone!
Q: If you could work with any other famous author, who would it be and why?
A: Lisa Kleypas! She’s just my all-time favorite. Love, love, love all of her books.
Q: What was your favorite scene you wrote, and why?
A: I don’t want to give anything away. But there is a scene involving some magic perfume and sneaking around at a country house late at night and it was just pure fun to write the fall out after that.
Q: What was the hardest scene to write in NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU, and why?
A: Oh, the last chapter. Not the epilogue, but the last chapter. I wanted it to be perfect. The epilogue is something I’ve had in mind for ages so that was simple.
Q: When working on a manuscript, is it easy for you to keep separate ideas for other projects, or what strategies do you use to stay focused?
A: I usually just jot down a new idea and file it in a folder on my computer. I don’t let much distract me from what I’m working on at the moment. But I always seem to get a new idea when I’m fading off to sleep or driving. It’s never convenient. Ha!
Q: How did you come up with the idea of a love potion to get Delilah and Thomas’s romance rolling?
A: It’s inspired by the love potion in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is just a purely fun play that I adore!
Q: Are you currently working on any other projects you would like to share with your readers?
A: Yes! I’m working on a contemporary romantic comedy called HIRING MR. DARCY. It’s about a history professor who has two weeks to turn her brother’s hot best friend into a suitable Darcy for a competition in Bath, England so she can beat her ex and his new starlet girlfriend. It’ll be out this year! I’m also noodling over a new Regency series that’s going to be outrageous fun!
Q: Do you have a final comment you would like to give your readers?
A: If you read NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU, I’d love to hear what you think! You can find me at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com where there are links to email me, tweet me, or find me on Facebook or Instagram.
