Bestselling author Valerie Bowman sets the stage in Regency England for her Playful Brides series, where couples misadventures on the way to the altar are witty, romantic romps based on some of the worlds most beloved plays. The fourth entry in the series, The Irresistible Rogue, is inspired by Philip Barrys The Philadelphia Story.

A PROPOSAL FROM A SCOUNDREL

Daphne Swift has not laid eyes on her devilishly charming husband, Captain Rafferty Cavendish, in quite some time. As a matter of fact, she wants the rogue to annul their brief marriage so that she can marry the reliable and estimable Lord Fitzwell. But the breathtakingly handsome Rafe is not interested in letting Daphne go-at least not without paying his scandalous price

THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE

Rafe prefers to face the dangers of spying alone, but this time he needs his innocent, fiery wife to uncover the information he seeks. He has even agreed to release her from their marriage if she submits completely to his plan. However, Daphnes alluring combination of courage and curves makes her a dangerous distraction, and it is not long before Rafe is trading subterfuge for seduction in order to prove that Daphne is meant to be his and his alone

She took the dare.

Lady Gemma Brooks was still in her awkward phase when a spiteful young woman dared her to ask the unattainable Duke of Grovemont for a dance. Gemma accepted, not for herself, but to protect the other wallflowers from malicious gossip. But what began as a harmless dare spiraled into scandal, and Gemma soon finds herself forced into an unexpected marriage with a man she barely knows.

He paid the price.

Lucian Banks, the Duke of Grovemont, was still grieving his mother’s death when a simple wedding invitation turned his life upside down. Never did he imagine that his friend’s younger sister would draw him into a compromising situation, one that led to a hasty marriage. As a gentleman, Lucian will do his duty, but he’s convinced that Gemma trapped him, and has no plans to play the role of doting husband.

Can love bloom from obligation?

Lucian leaves London without a word, abandoning his new bride. But when he returns a year later, he’s shocked to find that the awkward girl he left behind has transformed into a stunning beauty and the toast of the ton. When the truth about their marriage finally comes to light, Lucian embarks on a mission to win his wife’s heart. Will Gemma be able to resist the man who once spurned her, especially when he turns from cold and distant to irresistibly charming?

She's all about work…

When nurse practitioner Ellie Hoffman agrees to help her best friend's newly rich and famous country music star brother, she's not worried about falling for his legendary charm. Ellie's known Luke Knightley since childhood, and she's well aware of his reputation as a smooth-talking player. She's not about to fall for his tricks – after all, she's a certified player-hater through and through.

He's all about play…

Luke may have it all – a sprawling mansion in Nashville, a private jet, a chart-topping album – but a recent betrayal has left him questioning who he can trust. When a tour bus accident leaves him in need of some serious TLC, Ellie, his childhood friend and eternal critic, is the first person he turns to.

Can they find common ground with a kiss?

But as Ellie tends to Luke's wounds, sparks fly in unexpected ways. Can they keep their relationship strictly professional when kisses start to redefine the job description?

A widow is on the hunt for her best friends future duchess. But she doesnt know he only has eyes for her.

She wants to find his match

Meredith Drake has sworn off marriage after her disastrous union with a much older man. But when her best friend returns from war, the young widow pledges to help him find his bride.

He wants to win her heart

Griffin Brooks grew up as the ‘spare' son, who no one noticed. He went to war to forget that Meredith was out of his reach. But now he's back, and no longer the ‘spare.' With a dukedom at stake, he must take a bride. And for him, there is only one choice.

The hunt is on. Will true love be the prize?

When Meredith unexpectedly meets Griffin at a pleasure club and begins to see him in a whole new light, can he convince her to give passion…and love a chance?