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Brethren of the Coast #3

The Most Unlikely Lady

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Woo a young lady with a fishing rod and a bucket of worms? Oh-so dashing - but untitled - Everett Markham seeks a bride, and he has charged the field of Miss Sabrina Douglas, a woman who prefers trout to truffles. But, sometimes, even when both hearts are engaged, happily ever after isn't so smooth a journey.

Unabashed and unapologetic, Sabrina sets her cap for a second son, one who will smile patiently when he comes home to find she's misplaced their children. But marriage changes her in ways she could never have imagined, as the awkward debutante surrenders to a very real, very womanly, all-consuming love.

An irresistibly handsome English rogue, Everett plots his future with ruthless detail, but his future wife is anything but predictable, resulting in the zaniest courtship London society has ever seen. When a family tragedy upends his life, on his wedding day, no less, he must chart a slippery course with his most unlikely lady - as the new Earl and Countess of Woverton.

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2013

40 people are currently reading
181 people want to read

About the author

Barbara Devlin

53 books516 followers
Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller. A Texan, through and through, Barbara hasn’t been without a book in her possession since she was in kindergarten. She wrote her first short story, a really cheesy murder-mystery, in high school, but it was a Christmas gift, a lovely little diary with a bronze lock, given to her in the fifth grade that truly inspired her love for writing.

After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.

Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.

Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.

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5 stars
168 (49%)
4 stars
109 (32%)
3 stars
53 (15%)
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7 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Tracy Emro.
2,131 reviews64 followers
October 3, 2016
I am going to go with 3 stars for this book - I liked the concept of the book and had no issue with the writing, but some of the twists in the story were just too unbelievable for me to love the book.

Sabrina Douglas has set her cap for Lord Everett Markham (this was the first thing in the book that grated on my nerves - he is the second son of a Marquess - he should be addressed as Lord Everett NOT Lord Markham - this seems to be a constant error in these books where the characters are addressed with their honorific title of Lord/Lady and instead of using their given name with the title as is correct, the author is using their surname).

Everett is charmed by Sabrina and begins to court her - he is pleased that she is interested in him and is not looking for a title. Sabrina is not your conventional lady, she is more of a tomboy and is glad that Everett has not title, as she believes that she would embarrass him.

Things proceed with Everett and Sabrina and they marry - almost as soon as they exchange vows, Everett's parent arrive to inform him that is older brother has died and he is now the heir and his now the earl of Woverton. OK - first unbelievable twist - his mother wants him to marry the girl that his brother was going to marry and says they tried to arrive in time to stop his wedding to Sabrina - but since they didn't, No Problem - she just happens to have annulment papers with her. WTF? You didn't have time to send a messenger that his brother died - but you had time to have annulment papers drawn up?

Everett and Sabrina travel to the family seat to learn their new roles. Sabrina tries very hard to transition from a mere "Miss" to a countess, but Everett's mother is slowly wearing her down and to make matters worse, Lady Celia, the oh so perfect lady that his mother wants him to marry is also in attendance. Lady Celia actually is a very nice person and she befriends Sabrina. The "lessons" between these two are very amusing and well done.

Sabrina and Everett start to drift apart - Everett has decided to wait to consummate their marriage until they are in their own home - but fails to inform Sabrina. Sabrina convinces herself that Everett is ashamed of her and that is why he hasn't touched her. So begins the misunderstandings...

Finally Everett has had enough and tells Sabrina that they will be leaving and going to their own home. Once they arrive, things seem like they are going to work for these two - they finally consummate their marriage and settle into their roles of earl and countess.

Trouble shows up on their doorstep in the form of his parents. His mother goes out of her way to insult and berate Sabrina at every turn. Here is where we get another unbelievable plot twist - she confronts Everett and produces divorce papers - all he has to do is sign them. Please! Divorce in 1812 was not that easy and it lead to social ruin - there is NO WAY this would have happened. I would have found it more believable that his mother hired a hitman to off Sabrina rather than have the family name ruined by divorce.

Everett tells his mother in no uncertain terms that he is married and will stay married to Sabrina and shoves the papers in his desk. Things take a turn with his mother when Sabrina saves her and Lady Celia. All of sudden, his mother is Sabrina's biggest fan???

Sabrina realizes that she is pregnant and can't wait to share her news with Everett, that is until she finds the divorce papers. Instead of confronting him, she decides to sign them and leave him. She waits until he leaves on business and then she bolts.

This is yet another unbelievable plot twist - she actually thinks that she can run away and keep her child - even in the EXTREMELY unlikely event that they are granted a divorce, she would have no rights - NONE. Everett would be given the child and Sabrina would have no say whatsoever.

Everett returns home ready to declare his undying love only to find his wife has left. He is frantic and can't believe that she left him. He goes to London and seeks out his friend Trevor hoping that his wife knows where to find Sabrina.

When he finally tracks down his wayward wife, I wasn't sure they were going to get a HEA. But thankfully these two FINALLY talk and their fears and insecurities are finally aired and they declare their love. It was very sweet :)

As I said, I thought the writing was great, the love scenes were spicy and while this story lacks the action/drama of the previous books, it is not without it's own charm. I liked the book, but I just didn't love it and I don't think I would read it again.


This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jayne.
526 reviews11 followers
June 15, 2015
Sabrina and Everett really need to talk to each other. They are a mass of assumptions until Sabrina leaves her husband under a misunderstanding.

I do have to reveal that when Everett stood up for his mother in public against his wife (social standings were involved) I wanted to tear my hair out. My own marriage had a point where my husband had to choose between his wife or his mother. Had he chosen his mother I would no longer be married to him.

It was very hard for me to understand the situation from the mores and strictures of the day, and that no matter how right Sabrina was she was wrong in what she did, and she embarrassed her husband with her behaviour.

Still, I liked Sabrina. She is an unconventional woman of the day who prefers fishing to dressing up for the Season. She speaks her mind, she has a great right hook, and she loves to slide down bannisters.

Everett Markham has fallen for this unconventional woman because she makes him laugh. Sabrina makes him feel wanted, worthy, and himself unconventional. That all gets tragically thrown out the window on his wedding day which leads to the morass of assumptions between husband and wife.

This was a more mundane story in that it was a courtship, and then a marriage. There really were no real outside influences that hung about to menace either hero or heroine throughout the story.
23 reviews
April 1, 2015
This book was weaker to me than the rest of the series thus far. The first book had kidnapping and pirates. The second had spies and torture. And this one just had courting and annoying in laws. I loved Sabrina but felt that her self doubt was a little over done and didn't match her personality. But still an ok read.
Profile Image for Connie Huddleston.
Author 13 books42 followers
April 9, 2015
I didn't like this one as much as the first in the series but will continue to read more from this author. The plot is good but a bit unbelievable.
350 reviews9 followers
April 5, 2015
OMG! I love Brie.

This third installment is absolutely the best yet! How can you get better than book one and two? For Ms. Devlin the answer is to totally change to acts and move from drama to some of the most hilarious dialogue I've ever read. I laughed so hard I woke my husband which is nigh on impossible. He even laughed following my reading of a couple passages to him, even though he did not know the characters background.

While I loved books one and two this far surpassed any expectations I had. I can't wait to move to book four.
Profile Image for Heather.
950 reviews7 followers
August 22, 2015
Lord Everette Markham was a second son, a forgotten second son who never thought he could never have a happy life since everyone saw him a just the second untitled son of a nobleman even though he was rich . That is until he overheard Miss Douglass talking to herself after catching him in the dark with another miss.

Sabrina Douglass decided she didn't want a titled husband and would settle with a second son. She had set her cap on Lord Markham, and is heartbroken thinking he has no feelings for her, who would want clumsy and plain Miss Douglass . Few circumstances change and they both wed each other or her father the admiral might have to harm Lord Markham if they don't wed . Then Lord Markham parent came and tried to ruin their marriage or I should say his mother did they find love with one another or will the unseen changes ruin their chance at happiness?

thank you to my friend Amanda whom I learned of this author from . I will be looking to more from this author I will be getting the other books to the series since I started with this one which is book three in the series
Profile Image for Amber.
60 reviews
November 24, 2013
This is such a great series! For the most part, these books are stand alones and can be read out of order as each one focuses on a different descendant of the Brethren. However, I felt that the first book had a wealth of information regarding the brethren so if that is important for you, then definitely read the first book before reading the others. Like I said, I loved this book. The characters set it up to be a great romantic comedy and couldn't have asked for anything better. Sabrina is not your average lady; in fact, she is the biggest tomboy around. She does not swoon over flowers but will give you her heart if you take her fishing. She is clumsy and has a sharp tongue and Everett would not have her any other way. As a second son, Everett is without a title and is amazed that Sabrina considers him as husband material. I really like Everett's character, although at times I wanted to slap him upside the head for not thinking even though he had good intentions. This is a great series and look forward to reading the others!
Profile Image for Risha Crider.
39 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2014
Utterly amazing!

what an incredible story of love and life. I loved all the fun banter in this story but as it progressed I became the habitual "water pot". I felt every heartache, every joyous moment and cried every tear with Sabrina and Everett. With each book in the series they just keep getting better. Thank you Barbara for a wonderful book, please keep up the fabulous work...(although I could do without the black eyes from running mascara).
Profile Image for Jessica Parsons .
313 reviews7 followers
November 9, 2014
Another great read, i loved Sabrina's character and Everett's courtship did not start well at all. I had some good laughs and felt the love between family and friends. Sabrina is unlike the ladies Everett knows she is very straight forward and stands on toes and can swear but she is a unique character for her time and i really enjoyed learning about her
97 reviews
January 25, 2015
2.5 stars. So far, this is my least favorite book in the series. There were way too many misunderstandings between Everett and Sabrina, which became frustrating to read, and lacked the emotional scenes that occurred in the first 2 books. Hoping the next 2 books in the series will improve.
Profile Image for Ann Gonzalez.
1,501 reviews15 followers
January 7, 2016
I was not disappointed. Sabrina and Everett's story is a amusing an heartfelt as the first two books in the series. Both are filled with self doubt and feel that they are lacking. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
109 reviews11 followers
January 21, 2015
I loved this book just as I loved the other Brethren books! I am all too excited to share these books with my friends and family and read them time and time again!
Profile Image for Mari.
813 reviews13 followers
May 5, 2018
Dear Everette,

You are a POS son of a bi**** that doesn’t even begin to deserve Sabrina.


-pissed of reader


WTF did i just read ? The way this MF spoke to Sabrina in front of everyone,demanding she apologies to his witch of a mother was bad enough but then sending her to her room as if she was a f***** child ..... im beyond words . And Caroline ? Fu***n Caroline is supposed to be her friend but she actually defends his actions ? What the actual F**k ?
Everett’s apologies were half ass at best . I kept expecting him to realize what an ass he was , did that happen ? Nope he was too self absorbed to see the damage he was doing to his wife.

When Sabrina Finally leaves his good for nothing ass she in-lists the help of her friend Caroline (up until this book i liked her character ) does she get help ? Yes but 5 minuets insto questioning from THE POS she tells him all .

The ending was wrapped up without getting any real apologies , nor did the hero ( i use the term loosely ) have to work to get his love back .

THE POS , in my humble opinion never did anything worthy of Sabrina (my favorite character in the three books I’ve read so far).

THIS MF !!!


So fu**N pissed 😤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for SynergyQuest.
2,030 reviews7 followers
August 8, 2017
4 stars

I really enjoyed this read. I love the fact that the heroine is such a spitfire. The only thing I find fault with in this story is the gross lack of the main characters to communicate. This is a common thread in historical romances, but with such a strong heroine it isn't believable.
26 reviews
November 23, 2016
I love Sabrina!

I laughed till I cried. Excellent! I would start over at the beginning, and read it again. I can not believe how funny it was to me. It's better than some of these movies I watch.
600 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2017
Lovely couple

Sabrina the scamp was entertaining but the insecure miss was a bit wearying. Having her husband tread down that same road seemed seriously slow down the middle of the story.
Profile Image for LUAYNE.
1,953 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2019
5 stars

I own all the brethren books. Love them. Am reading through the series again. Highly recommended. Do not miss out. Read them.
Profile Image for Mia Darien.
Author 56 books169 followers
July 31, 2014
Well, it’s book number three and I’m still totally fangirling it up.

“The Most Unlikely Lady” is more much light of heart than “My Lady, The Spy” but that totally makes sense. (It’s like Star Trek IV being a romp after the life, death, life of II and III. Yes, I’m a trekkie, live with it.) The book of course has its serious side, but not nearly as dark as book two got. Each book has suited the hero and heroine it featured very nicely.

Devlin’s ability to write amusing scenarios and scenes, and remarkably witty and oft hysterical dialog, remains unparalleled in my eyes. And the “buddy” scenes with past characters, background characters and soon-to-be-featured characters are just great. I love them.

Sabrina is quite the spitfire in this book, and the ups and downs she goes through trying to find her way will get you right in the gut. As well as our dear hero’s struggle to get things “right” and often making the wrong choices in that attempt. You’re definitely rooting for them as the characters who were always just left of the rest of the crowd, in many ways, find their way together.

Our intrepid author has a wonderful way with strong yet vulnerable female characters and the strong yet vulnerable male characters who catch but do not try to tame them. (I’m fond of that, personally.) It’s real men who fall in love with real woman, and they want each other to stay just how they are. To be their true selves, together, in all their glories and flaws.

Which is what true love is about.

Of the three, this book did have a few moments that treaded closer to the contrivances that can annoy me in other romances, but never toed the line and certainly never went over. And sometimes those scenes are realistic, so I could roll with it. The new wife versus mother-in-law went on a bit long (to me) but again, not so bad as to pull me out. No eye rolling took place, so we’re good. Did make the post-highwaymen scene particularly wonderful, though.

I will note there’s less of the seafaring to this one than the previous two, but that’s okay. It’s still in the same circle of people, and we love the people.

The scene with the boys talking about fishing and the worms? Thank god I wasn’t drinking anything… And the scene with Elizabeth, Cecilia and Sabrina had me giggling like crazy. Oh, and there was a line about something that looked like an angry pirate, which I actually texted the quote to my husband because it amused me so much.

This is another winner from Barbara Devlin and another enthusiastic, I-need-a-I-Heart-Brotherhood-of-the-Coast T-shirt, fangirl 5 Fireballs for me. As soon as I hit post, I’m going to email the author and find out about the next book…
Profile Image for Iris.
445 reviews21 followers
August 2, 2015
The sparks have been flying between Brie and Everett from the moment they first laid eyes on each other. So it is little wonder that I have been looking forward to them finally getting their own story.

Brie is as far from a proper lady as you can imagine. She is quirky, energetic, speaks her mind and curses like a sailor. She would rather be out riding and fishing than sitting down to tea and needlework. She is basically what we in modern day would refer to as one of the guys. All these are qualities that make her fascinating to Everett. Well, all except for the fishing... You'll understand when you read it. However, the day when he first sees her as more than a friend who he enjoys needling and teasing is the day everything changes for both of them.

I debated posting my original review from months ago, which miraculously disappeared due to a glitch, or writing a new one. I almost went with the original review and I would have if I hadn't just reread the book and noticed new facets to the characters that I had not noticed previously. To say this book gets better the second time you read it would be an understatement. I laughed at Brie's antics and the things that would come out of her mouth. However, I found myself reaching for tissue and crying as well.

If you are looking for a lighthearted read, I don't see how you would not enjoy Brie. She is that best friend we all have, you know the one, the one that had your parents rolling their eyes. The one that got you in trouble at least once a week, but just as quickly managed to get you out of trouble as well. The free spirited one we all wished at some point we could be like. However, I did mention crying. Everett's story is a heartbreaking one. They say the saddest people laugh the hardest and in this case they were right. After the last book I promised I wasn't going to cry anymore. But she did it again! Barbara Devlin had me reaching for that box of tissues. So although you will laugh and chuckle at the oddest of times, you will also catch a case of the feels and cry. If there is one thing Devlin does and she does well, it's make you connect and feel for the characters.
Profile Image for Bambi Fogleman.
172 reviews13 followers
August 24, 2014
Sabrina Douglas the youngest and most willful child of Admiral Douglas ( she is his daughter after all) has set her cap for a rake. The Lord Everett Markham long time best friend of Trevor (from book 1) and newest mail member of the Brethren to which Everett has no clue.

Lord Everett Markham second son of a count and forgot his whole life by his parents for the Heir. He joined the the Navy and sold his commission after an very victorious campaign. Made his fortune in wood and made his own life of ease.

For some reason he is drawn to the feisty sassy and awkward Sabrina Douglas. She trounces his toes every waltz. Swears like the best of sea faring sailors, and yet he is totally undone because she makes him laugh and wonder what she will get herself into next.

Sabrina changes tack for the Grand opening of the London session ,new gown, new hair styles, and attempted posse. Will it be enough to capture her dream man or get her caught in a scandal that could force her the man she wants more then air.

Can they find a way to work through their doubts and trust one another?

How can one court a woman so different from all that he has ever known?

What happens when he finally lands his prize and happiness is at the door step only to have his family descend trying to ruin all that is within his grasp with tragic news and demands?

I have feel in love with this series of books. I have drifted away from lord and lady books in the last year and am thoroughly delighted to have found these. I have laughed so much i had to stop reading not wanting to wake hubby up in the night as i read them and never have i wanted to to strangle, slap, or shake people so much. It was a wonderful thing to have a book bring so many emotions pulled to the fore front while reading.
Profile Image for Pontiki.
2,528 reviews9 followers
November 3, 2016
Not a bad story, really like the klutziness of Sabrina, and the lack of interest either she or Everett have in titles and rules of society.

What wears thin is their doubts about each other and inability to communicate. They do everything but talk about what they're thinking and feeling, except during their courting, which is great fun.

The insertion of the Brethren is very unnatural, so it makes no sense unless you've read the other books in the series. Similarly, Everett becoming a member of this group is lost on me, so it muddied the end of the book.

I love both fathers in the book, who enjoy Sabrina's antics, and support the marriage. Of course, the mother-in-law, Elizabeth, is terrible to Sabrina, but changes as the story goes on.

It's just silly for Sabrina to protest that Everett find another wife after he tells her he loves her, a total turn around to what she's feeling up to then, longing to be with him.

The story goes on a bit too long, and could use less melodrama at the end. Still a good book, but no more of the series for me.
Profile Image for Rae Latte.
1,357 reviews14 followers
April 8, 2016
The Most Unlikely Lady is about an adventurous woman who captures the attention of a second son. Sabrina is forced to marry Everett due to a compromising discovery, will the marriage last? Discover a world of titles, duty, love, and what happens when the heart is conflicted. What will these lovers do?

Another naughty and sexy knight for your reading pleasure. Check out my blog for a detailed review.

Profile Image for Patricia Schuette.
633 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2016
I read this story as a part of the Proper Scoundrels and loved it. It's a story about a young lady who is very gawky goes into a new season better dressed and looking lovely. She wants to catch the eye who she has met before but then refuses his offer of marriage because she thinks he is only offering because they were caught in a compromising position. Then he goes on to woo her and it's an enjoyable story.
Profile Image for Kristi O'connor.
16 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2014
Of the four books this is my favorite - I feel a kindred spirit to Sabrina. I love that the author made me hate then love the mother-in-law character and there were more than a few times I wanted to throttle Everett! This story will have you laughing the entire time. Definitely worth your time to pick up this series - you will get addicted!
Profile Image for Cassidy O'Connor.
Author 63 books284 followers
February 6, 2015
Of the four books this is my favorite - I feel a kindred spirit to Sabrina. I love that the author made me hate then love the mother-in-law character and there were more than a few times I wanted to throttle Everett! This story will have you laughing the entire time. Definitely worth your time to pick up this series - you will get addicted!
Profile Image for Lisa.
168 reviews3 followers
May 21, 2015
Not her best work

For heavens sake, the entire book was either sex or Everett & Sabrina not talking about things they should be talking about. Then, of course, one or the other misunderstood & there was drama. Add in one hateful mother-in-law & you have a typical soap opera. yuck!
180 reviews4 followers
May 23, 2015
Another great story!

Once more another incredible story that warms your heart and brings a smile to your face. I'm moving on to the next book of this amazing series. Happy reading!
45 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2016
Bre. Of the Coast

Excellent! ! You know each character thinks and feels and where the fuzzy thinking is. There is humor, drama, and human growth. To this point an excellent series. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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