An Improbable Season

Unexpected Seasons #1

by Rosalyn Eves

When Thalia, Kalliope, and Charis set off to Regency London for their first Season, they each have clear goals, few of which include matrimony. Thalia means to make her mark among the intelligentsia and publish her poetry, Charis hopes to earn her place among the scientific elite, and Kalliope aims to take the fashionable ton by storm. But this Season, it doesn't take long for things to fall apart. Kalli finds herself embroiled in scandal and reliant upon an arranged marriage to redeem her reputation, Thalia's dreams of publication are threatened by her attraction to a charming rake, and Charis finds herself an unexpected social hit, and the source of a family scandal that her heart might not survive. Can this roller-coaster Season find its happily ever after?

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Historical Romance, Regency, Audiobook

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2023

About the author

Rosalyn Eves grew up in the Rocky Mountains, dividing her time between reading books and bossing her siblings into performing her dramatic scripts. As an adult, the telling and reading of stories is still one of her favorite things to do. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with her chemistry professor husband and three children, watching British period pieces, or hiking through the splendid landscape of southern Utah, where she lives. She dislikes housework on principle.

She is the author of the BLOOD ROSE REBELLION trilogy, BEYOND THE MAPPED STARS, and AN IMPROBABLE SEASON

Review policy: I only review books that I enjoyed and would recommend to others (hence the predominance of 4-5 star reviews).

Reviews

[Maria Clara · Rating 3 out of 5]

¿TE GUSTARÍA ASISTIR A UN BAILE DE TEMPORADA❤️?

Si tu respuesta ha sido un: "¿Pa´ cuándo dices que salimos?", ve subiendo al carruaje que en nada nos ponemos en marcha😏!

Es más, por eso de hacer más entretenido el viaje, te contaré un pequeño chisme:

🌸En los primeros tiempos fue la oscuridad, la no nada, el vacío existencial, luego, con el paso de los eones….

Esperaaaaaaa, creo que me saltaré la parte de Adán, Eva y la manzana e iré directa a lo que nos interesa🤭:

Una vez, hubo tres jóvenes que soñaban con ir a Londres y debutar en su primera temporada social: una de ellas era bastante despistadas y le encantaba estudiar a los insectos; otra solo quería publicar sus poemas y la última deseaba vivir una apasionado romance🔥.

Claro que también había un joven que se estaba preparando para vicario y algunos cuantos pretendientes más…❤️‍🔥

Pero lo que nos interesa es la inesperada temporada que vivieron nuestras tres protagonistas porque, entre escándalos, huidas, orgullos desenfrenados y unos bailes más bien desastrosos, consiguieron mucho más de lo que se proponían🤫🔥😏!

Si te apasionan las historias románticas ambientas en la Regencia, en las que no todo sale como se habían imaginado nuestras protagonistas, no le pierdas la pista a esta maravillosa historia❤️!

[Lindsay (pawsomereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read! I loved the regency romance vibes and it was so nice to read about three female leads who each had their own interests, dreams and distinct personalities. The multi-POV format of each main character lent a lot to the story and I felt like I got to know each of them so much better.
Out of the three couples, there was definitely one I was rooting for the most as it felt the most genuine to me. The other two romances were a little lacking in their connection. I still had a good time reading about each storyline but some definitely felt stronger than others.
I was so surprised to find out this book was the first historical by this author! It felt like this was written by a regency romance veteran. I also thought the author’s note was a great inclusion and I’m glad she brought up the historical context of the novel there. I’ll be checking out more of hers in the future!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in exchange, for an honest review.

[Tatiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took me half a book to start telling the girls apart (3 POVs for a romance are way too many, especially when they all sound the same), otherwise it was fine.

[rose ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

“the london season had not ended as any of them had planned. but improbable as the season had been, it had been a season of possibility too. and what looked like an ending, wasn’t. not really.”

an improbable season is an attempt at a YA bridgerton—a predictable YA regency romance about three young women in london for their first season. it’s a quick, cute read that suffers from a bland cast and a lack of originality.

i just binged queen charlotte, so maybe i’m a hypocrite, but i was never invested in any of these love stories. the three MCs are often indistinguishable. one likes poetry, one likes fashion, one likes science. their love interests have even less personality.

i was also frustrated by the 21st century views and ideals dressed up in regency clothing. it would have been so more interesting to see the MCs’ frustrations expressed through period-typical sentiments or explore the actual regency-era women’s rights movement.

if you’re looking for good regency-era historical fiction, i can’t recommend an improbable season, but if you’re just looking to satisfy your bridgerton cravings, this might be worth a read.

thank you to netgalley for the arc!

rating: 2.5/5.0

[Melanie Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read the ARC and I think this is my new favorite Rosalyn book. It's fun and smart and delightfully well-written. It's got the exact right doses of Austen's unlikely heroes and rogues, and her delightful, nuanced women. I give this a strong recommend to all Regency fans, romance fans, historical fiction fans, or just good book fans.

[Katie T · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I enjoyed this at first but it really dragged out and I kind of despised all three main characters.

[Lauren (thebookscript) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so this was really cute!

This is a story that centers around 3 young women as they make their debut into the London season. And while each of these women are looking to get something out of the trip, the story also revolves around the relationship they have with each other which was sweet and heartfelt.

I loved how even though they are blood relatives, they are all so different and each have something that makes them standout. Having come from a family of three sisters, I appreciate the contention and the love that comes out of that type of close knit REAL relationship.

What I also enjoyed about this book is that while each has their own journey to love, it was never predictable. I had a little anxiety there that my favorite couple was not going to end up together. There were multiple ways this story could have ended but I think everything tied up perfection as it did.

This is a story full of growth, and owning what makes you different and knowing that the right person will love you just the way you are. I always love a story that brings it back to family and knowing that the best romantic fireworks come from a place of soft, accepting security.

I hope Rosalyn writes more in this genre. I would have read an individual book about each of these love stories because I felt like there was so much to unpack!

[Evelyn (Ev’s Novel Delights) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to DNF.. again :|

Came across too detailed romance : closed door, but too much detail ( idk how to explain it but the romance was just felt more uncomfortable than I’ve read) and honestly how many mistakes these three girls made without seeing the wrongness in their mistakes was annoying and their morals were just not the best either. I had DNF-ed around maybe 50ish-60 percent but skimmed a little to the end and came across language.. again 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️
Kinda disappointing that I had to DNF yet another book..

Well.. let’s see how the next books goes 🤷‍♀️😓😪

17+

[Mi tarde junto a un libro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escuché tan buenas opiniones de este libro que en cuanto pude me puse con él. Disfruto mucho con este tipo de historias y este no ha sido una excepción ya que me enganchó desde las primeras páginas. He disfrutado por igual de los tres puntos de vista, me han encantado las protagonistas y me ha gustado mucho el final que tienen las tres. Era lo primero que leía de la autora y si tengo oportunidad seguiré haciéndolo.

[Jane ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it had fairly interesting characters, it didn't pull me in as much as I wanted it to.

It gave me Little Women vibes in the terms of - 2 widely different sisters + a cousin who must navigate their seasons while looking for respectable husbands (or jobs). One is a free-spirited poet who wants adventure, one is a kindhearted girl who always comforts others and wants to be a mother, and one is a scientist who is a bit socially awkward and doesn't care for men much.

This was all fine and well - I loved reading from all 3 POVs and cared deeply about what happens to the girls. But for some reason, I didn't find the whole plot engaging. I'd read a wonderful chapter, then be bored for the next 3. I think it's because I don't usually read historical novels and made myself read 4 this month and I've definitely hit my limit 😂

It was a decent read, mostly fun but I won't be reading the sequel 😅

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

GREAT DRAMA.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

This book had a wonderful balance of drama without feeling over the top. I think the Bridgerton vibes were on point and I liked the entire book. Honestly I would have loved even more to have separate books for each character because I enjoyed each story so much and having even deeper background exploration would have been awesome.

I liked that each romance had a unique perspective and plot. It was easy to keep everyone separate and enjoy each point of view change. It was cute and I especially loved the sister relationships. They weren’t this easy going, not accurate portrayal, but a lovely realistic story that I could completely get behind.

There’s good character growth and finding your passion and paths. I liked seeing each woman overcome their mistakes and find what works best for them. I look forward to seeing who the next book will focus on!!

Overall audience notes:
- YA Historical Romance
- Language: little
- Romance: kisses; light innuendo
- Violence: low

[Abbey Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ not 5 stars simply because Thalia was insufferable for 90% of this book

[Leena Aluru · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun regency novel about 3 sisters manoeuvring their way around the season. Well constructed plot and characters were realistic and relatable.

Recommended :👍

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the Regency-era, three young ladies do their first London Season searching for husbands, or their own agency, by stretching the boundaries of society, and their own expectations.

A clever, witty, delightful, story. I can't find enough adjectives to praise An Improbable Season. The dialogue is crackling, the characters are engaging, and the historical context and references are spot on.

I have two quibbles. The multiple points of view from three different heroines can be confusing to follow, coupled with their unique character names that I could not get my brain to accept. This is the point of view of an adult reading a young adult novel. Maybe young brains will keep it all straight.

An Improbable Season is a diamond of the first water. Readers who enjoy witty banter and Regency romance will be delighted.

[Courtney | Bookish Beach Babe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much! You’d think the story would get convoluted with three POVs and essentially three storylines, but I heard each character’s distinct voice. I was able to follow each story on its own and as each story intertwined with the others. Charis’s story was my favorite as I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers. It was so much fun navigating the London marriage mart with these three young women. Some characters you fall in love with and others show their true colors. This is such a fun book and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to try historical romance. It’s a great introduction!

Thank you to Macmillan’s Children for an advanced copy. My thoughts are my own!

[Melania Con un libro y un café · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡Hola, lectores!

“Al mercado, al mercado, una novia irá. A casa, a casa, un lord la acompañará…” Esta pequeña rima es lo primero que nos recibe en “Una temporada inesperada” de Rosalyn Eves, y ya con esas líneas, nos adentramos en un viaje hacia la época de la Regencia, donde las jóvenes debutaban en la sociedad londinense buscando su lugar en un mundo lleno de bailes, fiestas y encuentros inesperados.

La historia sigue a tres protagonistas: Thalia, Kalli y Charis, tres primas con personalidades totalmente distintas, pero que se enfrentan a un mismo reto: sobrevivir (y brillar) en la temporada social londinense. Aunque el trasfondo sea ese tan conocido de vestidos pomposos, carruajes y duques, esta novela tiene un toque muy fresco y renovador.

Thalia Aubrey es una joven rebelde para su tiempo, más interesada en la poesía y en hacer su propio nombre que en cazar marido. Su inteligencia y determinación por ser independiente la convierten en un personaje muy atractivo y fácil de admirar. Kalli, por su parte, es todo lo contrario. Ella sueña con fiestas, pretendientes y vestidos, pero detrás de esa imagen frívola, hay una chica llena de bondad y un deseo genuino de encontrar el amor verdadero. Y luego está Charis, la más introvertida de las tres, cuya pasión por la ciencia y la naturaleza la lleva a menudo a perderse (literal y figuradamente) en sus propios pensamientos. Su incomodidad en la sociedad es palpable, lo que la convierte en un personaje entrañable, pero también incómodo en situaciones sociales donde la superficialidad reina.

El género de "Una temporada inesperada" es claramente romance histórico, pero con tintes de desarrollo personal que le añaden una capa más profunda. Aunque el romance está presente, la historia se centra también en el crecimiento de las protagonistas, en sus relaciones familiares, en sus expectativas y sueños personales, y en la realidad de una sociedad que las obliga a buscar un matrimonio para asegurar su futuro.

El estilo de Rosalyn Eves es ligero y muy accesible. Con diálogos rápidos y mucho humor, logra que una trama que podría sentirse predecible, se mantenga fresca y entretenida. Hay que destacar cómo logra que los pensamientos y sentimientos de cada protagonista se diferencien tan bien; leer a Thalia no es lo mismo que leer a Kalli, y eso es algo difícil de conseguir cuando tienes varios personajes principales. Además, los capítulos alternos desde el punto de vista de cada una de ellas nos permiten conocerlas a fondo, lo que es un gran acierto porque todas tienen algo que aportar.

Algo que me ha encantado es la ambientación: cada detalle de la vida de la Regencia está bien cuidado, desde la moda, hasta las normas sociales que dictaban quién podía hablar con quién, o cómo las apariencias lo eran todo en esta sociedad. Pero lo que más engancha es la manera en que las protagonistas enfrentan las expectativas que la sociedad tiene sobre ellas, retándolas a su manera. Es una mezcla de tradición y modernidad que resulta muy adictiva.

Si tuviera que destacar algo más, serían los personajes secundarios. Adam, el amigo de la infancia de Thalia, es todo un soplo de aire fresco en medio de tanto dandi presumido. Su relación con ella es tierna, llena de chispas intelectuales que te hacen sonreír en cada escena. Y luego está el misterioso James Darby, cuya entrada triunfal en la historia hará que más de una se sonroje. ¡La química es palpable!

En resumen, “Una temporada inesperada” es mucho más que un simple romance de época. Es una historia sobre el poder de elegir tu propio destino, aunque todo el mundo espere lo contrario de ti. Es ligera, divertida y con momentos de reflexión que te harán conectar con las protagonistas de maneras inesperadas. Ideal para quienes disfrutan de novelas históricas con un toque moderno y personajes femeninos que no se conforman con el papel que les ha sido asignado.

Así que si estás buscando una lectura para sumergirte en el mundo de la Regencia, con mucho romance, algo de humor y un toque de frescura, esta es tu novela.

[Huntressofbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3/5]

Un romance histórico muy entretenido perfecto para una tarde de manta y café calentito.

Si bien es cierto que esta historia que me ha entretenido mucho, no me ha dado todo lo que esperaba ya que, leyendo la premisa, pensaba que empatizaría mas con las protagonistas principales. Aunque este hecho ha provocado que, en ciertas partes, algunas escenas o narraciones me pareciesen pesadas o aburridas, en general, me ha gustado mucho.

Lo que más me ha cautivado de esta historia es, como siempre, conocer cómo se relacionaban en este tipo de épocas donde la presentación en sociedad era tan importante y cualquier malentendido podía provocar que tu futuro cambiase. Creo que la autora ha sido capaz de plasmar a la perfección cómo de duda era la sociedad de aquella época, la importancia de la opinión pública y cuán difícil era la situación de la mujer, tanto en su vida privada como en su ámbito laboral o educativo.

Me ha encantado que las protagonistas, cada una a su manera, quisieran cambiar su futuro o, por lo menos, poder vivir la vida como ellas querían. Me parece muy interesante cómo se nos ha mostrado las diferentes visiones de futuro que tienen las hermanas y la prima y, además, cómo cada una luchan por ello a su manera.

En conclusión, es una obra que me ha entretenido mucho y que considero que le podría encantar a todas aquellas personas que amen los romances de época.

[Ashleigh (edwardanddamon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy Regency Romance, then I think you’ll enjoy an Improbable Season! Full of witty banter, young love, family, gowns, parties, and carriage rides. This was my first book by Rosalyn Eves, and I am excited to read more from her.

This story features three young women, Thalia, Kalliope, and Charis who set off to Regency London for their first season, knowing exactly what they want. Thalia dreams of publishing poetry and making her mark amongst the intelligentsia. Her sister, Kalli, dreams of balls and gowns and parties, and meeting her future husband. Their cousin Charis aims to take her place amongst the scientific elite, which is almost exclusively male. Things go awry, and the girls wonder if they will get their happily ever after’s?

I really fancied these three stories of three incredibly different girls. It was really neat knowing how each girl ticked, and how they all have something that makes them standout. I loved how although each story was a romance, the story was also about their relationships with each other. There was definitely growth with all three of the girls on this journey and it was lovely to behold. The story also talked some about women’s rights and of the racial inequalities that existed during this time period. Charis’ story was my favorite, as I love enemies to lovers and her character was just so fun!

I recommend this for historical fiction and regency romance lovers! I am excited to read the next book in the series, An Unlikely Proposition.

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher for review, thank you! All thoughts are my own*

[Katterli · Rating 4 out of 5]

For lovers of Pride & Prejudice and Little Women:
“”If life were just, one’s face would reflect one’s heart, and a girl would know which men were to be avoided only by looking at them.”
Delightfully entertaining. A wholesome yet exciting tale of three (two might have been better?) girls in their first London season. Mostly predictable but isn’t that what we love in stories like this?
Some favorites.
“…intelligent people were often so earnest that they failed to be any fun.”
“A deviation from propriety, scarcely ever escapes punishment”
“Why is it on the ladies to change society’s opinions? Haven’t men done responsibility as well?”
“And you know, marriage isn’t really about romance. A good, comfortable friendship is often much better than a wild love affair.”
“Was it such a great thing to be clever, if her cleverness came at the expense of someone else?”
“Better to stay unmarried than be unequally yolked.”
“…there were sharper heartbreaks than losing a man one was coming to love.”

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was perfectly delightful and such a fun Regency-era romp! Loved the characters, how they are each finding their way in the world as women, and how they love & support one another. The girls' relationships with one another was the most enjoyable aspect of this story. You can't help but fall for Charis, Thalia, and Kalli. There are a few "scandals", foibles, missteps, & surprises that take place in this improbable first London season, as they are wont to do, but the girls face them all together. They are headstrong, stubborn, and they know their own minds and don't desire for life or their next steps to be dictated to them, but wish to have agency over their own choices. And their love interests?!? It was so fun to watch young, innocent love bloom and to uncover a few cads and rakes along the way also.
Actual rating, 3.75 stars and I am excited to see there is a companion novel in this loose series. I will certainly be looking forward to picking it up!

[Jacqueline Firkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet set of 3 braided YA love stories set in Regency era London. One girl gets trapped in an unwanted engagement after being caught in a garden alone with a young man, but maybe there's more to her intended husband than she first thought. A second girl gets seduced by a rake with questionable intentions, and needs to rethink what she really wants out of love. A third finds herself butting heads with a social paragon whose excellent sense of fashion hides an intellect that equals her own. All three girls have goals of their London season, not all of which are about the young gentlemen they meet, but romance readers will be delighted with how much the story focuses on the romantic relationships the girls form, with their stolen kisses, fluttery glances, and well-chosen dance partners at each successive ball. Eves weaves the three stories together through the tight bonds the girls have with one another--2 are sisters and 1 a close cousin--balancing the desire for romantic love with the complications and support of female friendship. There are fun nods to Bridgerton and Austen that fans will recognize immediately, but the stories that unfold have a tone and style all their own, with lots of flirty banter, balls, garden parties, intellectual symposia, artistic salons, and carriage rides. The novel is also sprinkled with poetry, scientific observations, and domestic quotes of the era, fleshing out the sense of setting without impeding the momentum of the story. And Eves will keep you guessing about precisely how the 3 stories will play out, with just enough suitors to keep pages turning until the girls get their HEAs. A joyful look at the complications of young love, female friendship, and how to reach for the things that bring us happiness.

[Kayleigh (Kayimreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun regency fiction! I loved the diverse characters & the three different situations of each of our three characters! I’m such a sucker for the scandal that’s always occurs in British Regency novels! For me, I had a hard time keeping each character straight as their names all sounded similar. The narrator was brilliant and I loved the range of voices she led to create such a beautiful story!

[Leslie Books and Socks Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book that kept my interest from the start. I loved getting to know the young women with their first season and personalities and quirks.

The drama at one point was making me mad, I was literally torn with the love triangle loving both options and not knowing how the book would end.

I just want more of this book and these characters 😍

[Hannah Dover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I liked the characters and I thought each of their stories was really interesting. I do wish that there had been a little more clues to Kalli’s feelings for Adam. It seemed rather sudden to me when Kalli said that she loved Adam and couldn’t marry Henry. I am looking forward to book 2.

[Yvonne Reynders · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fun regency proper romance! Three interwoven stories were a delight to navigate. However, it would have been nice if the names were a bit more distinct. That said, they were cleverly chosen names, just hard to sort out in the beginning.

This book felt familiar as it seemed to have similar plot lines to Austen's Pride and Prejudice. If you want a clean, cozy romance, then this book may be for you.

[Lisa (Remarkablylisa) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just not invested in three plotlines... Sorry. DNF 53%

[Teagan King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, what the heck? Who let this book be so adorable?

[Holly Glem · Rating 2 out of 5]

The sisters were so rude to each other! I'm sure someone will argue with me that it's realistic but I found it completely unrelatable and just couldn't believe how spiteful and immature they were.

The cousin was fine, I was most interested in her story.

Ultimately the basic pieces of the stereotypical regency romance that were lifted out of the classics and dropped in here were too poorly copied for me to enjoy. This is not my preferred genre so I know there is a big market for this and there will be many readers that love it! I am just not one of them.

It made me appreciate the novels in this genre I have found that I like that have been written recently.

[Chelsea Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

cheeseball but tasty enough

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you liked Bridgerton, you'll probably like this title. Rosalyn Eves gives a lot of wit and female strength within An Improbable Season - though at times it errs a little too close to both Bridgerton and Pride & Prejudice. In this novel we get three POVs and honestly I only cared about one of them - this easily could have been broken up into three separate books or novellas each with a focus on one of our characters. Otherwise, as is, some of the story lacks depth and connection. I just want to read more about Charis & Mr. Levenson. Overall, this was fun and easy to read (while simultaneously re-watching Bridgerton in advance of Queen Charlotte's release.)

I originally marked this as a 4 star read but even a day later I have to change that down to three since I only loved 1 of the POVs and I found the author's note at the end to be more exciting than *most* of the book itself. There was attention paid to adding inclusivity to this narrative and a call to remember that Regency romance titles nearly always overlook the Colonial issues of this time period and there are a million dukes when in reality there were less than 30. Our author also states that while she wants to see more narratives taking the colonial perspective into account she is not the author to do so. I love Regency romance as much as the next but it was lovely to have someone calling it out all the same - I just wish it had been a bit more on the page and not relegated to the notes in the back. If you're going to start the conversation then start it with a bang rather than a softly shut door. Mind you, this is all secondary to my actual enjoyment of the novel! It was fun and I'm intrigued to see where the author goes next.