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Playful Brides #3
The Unlikely Lady
FOR THE BACHELOR AND THE BLUESTOCKING…Certain that no man wants a bluestocking for a wife, Miss Jane Lowndes is careful to wield her books and her spectacles as weapons against matrimony. Convincing her ambitious mama that she's content to stay a spinster is easier said than done, however. It's a good thing Jane is not above a bit of manufactured scandal if it will keep her from the altar, and the argumentative, contrary Lord Garrett Upton… ROMANCE IS NEVER BY THE BOOKWith the war over, Garrett is determined to enjoy his bachelor's life while he can, even when it means attending a house party in celebration of a friend's wedding—and suffering Jane's notorious disdain. But when a masquerade ball leads to a mistaken kiss, he's surprised to learn that Jane's bookish exterior hides a truly passionate soul. When two such headstrong people are determined to remain unattached, can love lead to a happy ending?
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2015
135 people are currently reading
2572 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Bowman
57 books1,574 followersValerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance.
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
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August 31, 2014Finally! Jane and Garrett's book with a plot based on their much-debated play Much Ado About Nothing!
May 4, 2015
3... 3.5 stars..
Review to come
I was expecting the humour of Benedict and Beatrice antics, but not the drama of Hero and _ what's his name? _ Claudio relationship...
Well, at least no one had to fake one's death! ;)
Arc provided by St. Martin's Paperbacks through Netgalley
Release Date: May, 5th
I have enjoyed Jane's and Garrett's banter since day one. Meaning, since I first read "An Unexpected Duchess".
And it wasn't before long that I knew I could count on them, to help downplay things when the drama would get too much.
So you can have an inkling of what I am talking about....
Presenting the relationship between these two stubbornmules people :
“I mean you like it because I don’t. I swear if I claimed the world was round you’d say it was flat merely to be contrary,” Garrett replied.
“Are you saying the world is round, Upton? Because if so, it makes me question—”
(The Unexpected Duchess, book #1)
He gave her a slight mock bow. “Ah, off to a fine start shredding gentlemen with your tongue. Well done. It’s not even noon. But I must ask, how exactly do you know so much about gambling, drinking, and chasing ladies of ill repute?”
Her smile did not falter. “I read. A lot.”
They glared at each other.
(The Accidental Countess, book #2)
I love intelligent characters and witty repartee, and these two have it in spades. When to that, one adds a sort of "Much Ado About Nothing" retelling/parody..I was basically in book heaven!
I love that specific play.
Well, truth is I love Beatrice's and Benedict's dialogues...Hero and what's his name _ Claudio _ not so much. Too much drama for my taste...also I don't think she should have forgiven him.
Ever. o_O
So, you see where this is going, right?
I loved this story's beginning. I loved when the meddlesome friends _thy name is Lucy _ started with the "game" of basically misleading Garrett and Jane's about each other's feelings.
But then there's this obnoxious character _ well played Mrs Bowman, I don't think there was ever a single moment in which that character appears, in which I didn't wish that she had been run over by a horse....or two, or three_ who led this story to a more dramatic...route?
A little too dramatic for me, but like I said I am biased against Hero and Claudio, and all of a sudden, I felt as if the characters stopped being Beatrice and Benedict's representations, to incorporate the drama inherent to those vapid characters known as H. and C.
But at least, no one had to pretend her own death...so I count that as a blessing! ;)
My biggest issue with the story has to be the fact that towards the end, Garrett ended up sounding a little too much like "Miss" Hero, than an actual Benedict. That was a little strange.
But prejudices aside, this was a well played _ and told _ retelling, with some fun moments _ I especially enjoyed the drunk _ Garrett_ and the half blind _ Jane_ interaction scene, lol.
My only complaints end up being the overplayed drama...but this was inspired in a Shakespeare's play, so really, what was I expecting?
Also, I should probably cut them some slack, since both of them are at times the epitome of all that is geek and bookish! :)
Review to come
I was expecting the humour of Benedict and Beatrice antics, but not the drama of Hero and _ what's his name? _ Claudio relationship...
Well, at least no one had to fake one's death! ;)
Arc provided by St. Martin's Paperbacks through Netgalley
Release Date: May, 5th
I have enjoyed Jane's and Garrett's banter since day one. Meaning, since I first read "An Unexpected Duchess".
And it wasn't before long that I knew I could count on them, to help downplay things when the drama would get too much.
So you can have an inkling of what I am talking about....
Presenting the relationship between these two stubborn
“I mean you like it because I don’t. I swear if I claimed the world was round you’d say it was flat merely to be contrary,” Garrett replied.
“Are you saying the world is round, Upton? Because if so, it makes me question—”
(The Unexpected Duchess, book #1)
He gave her a slight mock bow. “Ah, off to a fine start shredding gentlemen with your tongue. Well done. It’s not even noon. But I must ask, how exactly do you know so much about gambling, drinking, and chasing ladies of ill repute?”
Her smile did not falter. “I read. A lot.”
They glared at each other.
(The Accidental Countess, book #2)
I love intelligent characters and witty repartee, and these two have it in spades. When to that, one adds a sort of "Much Ado About Nothing" retelling/parody..I was basically in book heaven!
I love that specific play.
Well, truth is I love Beatrice's and Benedict's dialogues...Hero and what's his name _ Claudio _ not so much. Too much drama for my taste...also I don't think she should have forgiven him.
Ever. o_O
So, you see where this is going, right?
I loved this story's beginning. I loved when the meddlesome friends _thy name is Lucy _ started with the "game" of basically misleading Garrett and Jane's about each other's feelings.
But then there's this obnoxious character _ well played Mrs Bowman, I don't think there was ever a single moment in which that character appears, in which I didn't wish that she had been run over by a horse....or two, or three_ who led this story to a more dramatic...route?
A little too dramatic for me, but like I said I am biased against Hero and Claudio, and all of a sudden, I felt as if the characters stopped being Beatrice and Benedict's representations, to incorporate the drama inherent to those vapid characters known as H. and C.
But at least, no one had to pretend her own death...so I count that as a blessing! ;)
My biggest issue with the story has to be the fact that towards the end, Garrett ended up sounding a little too much like "Miss" Hero, than an actual Benedict. That was a little strange.
But prejudices aside, this was a well played _ and told _ retelling, with some fun moments _ I especially enjoyed the drunk _ Garrett_ and the half blind _ Jane_ interaction scene, lol.
My only complaints end up being the overplayed drama...but this was inspired in a Shakespeare's play, so really, what was I expecting?
Also, I should probably cut them some slack, since both of them are at times the epitome of all that is geek and bookish! :)
December 3, 2025
HR Letter vs Sci-Fi Letter Fun Read
For my own entertainment (because I never know what to choose from my TBR) I've chosen a book starting with the same letter from two genres: Historical Romance and Sci-Fi Romance.
This the HR for the letter U
1 star
★☆☆☆☆
I loved it when nothing in a story makes sense
Wait. No, I don't.
・
・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
For my own entertainment (because I never know what to choose from my TBR) I've chosen a book starting with the same letter from two genres: Historical Romance and Sci-Fi Romance.
This the HR for the letter U
1 star
★☆☆☆☆
I loved it when nothing in a story makes sense
Wait. No, I don't.
・
・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
May 7, 2016
I have so many objections to this, I don't even know where to begin.
I picked it up because it appeared to be a Regency adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. Now, on it's own, that sounds delightful. In fact, I really, really want someone to write a regency adaptation of Much Ado that is not this. I'm not saying this book does nothing interesting. There is a nonexistent chaperone called Mrs. Bunbury (a previous book in this series is based on Importance of Being Ernest). It's also a gender-flipped Much Ado, which is also interesting because I didn't even realize until 100 pages in, because that's just the kind of couple Beatrice and Bennedick are (aka an awesome one). Garrett and Jane are even fairly charming at times in the first half of this. BUT.
Well, okay, let's start with convention flouting. This starts with Jane inventing Mrs. Bunbury, her fake chaperone, so she can go to her best friend's wedding without her mother. I was annoyed, because I thought that meant she was heading off alone, but no, she took her maid. I was pleasantly surprised. She wasn't exposing herself to scandal, just getting away from under her marriage-obsessed mother (Jane doesn't want to get married; she's a spinster and a bluestocking; she wants to be left alone to read as much as she likes). Then Jane and her friend decide that to get her mother off her back, she needs to be involved in some sort of scandal of just the right level to make her unmarriageable but not shunned by society (my annoyance rose). But that never seemed to go anywhere, so I was okay with it.
So yeah, this is an epic fail from a convention flouting standpoint. I would also argue it's a terrible Much Ado adaptation as well; it's certainly not a satisfying one (the rest of this review will make little sense if you're not familiar with the play). I love Much Ado About Nothing. I have seen multiple productions (haven't liked them all), and I've seen modernizations (many of which I love). I really love it. I should have known that I'd need to be more careful about adaptations (as I am with Austen), because it means more. Things that are the most delightful about Much Ado: Beatrice and Bennedick, and how sort of mature and sensible they are. Most of the drama isn't actually about their relationship, it's external to it. Also, the overhearing scenes. The scenes where their friends ensure they overhear that the other's in love with them. Comedy gold.
As I said earlier, this adaptation does a couple of interesting things with the adaptation. It also saw fit to combine the Bea/Ben love story with the Hero/Claudio drama. WHY? No one likes the Hero/Claudio drama (at least no one that I know, and I'm not the only one, because someone - I checked, it's Berlioz - adapted the play as an opera, and just cut that plot entirely, because everyone knows Much Ado is all about Bea/Ben.) And not only does this book add the Hero/Claudio, it includes another woman. Plus, things that should have been delightful (the overhearing scenes for example) are replaced by Jane's two friends just rocking up and telling them that the other's in love with them. They're both about three paragraphs long. I feel cheated. Not to mention, this is the highly dramatic plot the author went with.
That is the actual plot. I did not make it up. I accept that a few of the details are there to parallel Much Ado. But... Why? Seriously, Why? Apart from the fact that the dramatic plot is actually absurd, in the worst way possible, something inside me is just angered by the fact that a Much Ado adaptation where there's even a hint of the pair of them having to get married because they compromised each other (even if it's not the main thrust of the mess of a narrative). That is not the story.
I'm not even mollified by the fact that most of the drama happened after the dancing. I was way too annoyed by that point to enjoy it.
The way the novel was set up, no part of the Hero/Claudio plotline was needed. Have the drama come from a source external to the relationship (as it does in the play). And just have them freak out about whether the other really is in love with them.
And now I want a good Regency Much Ado adaptation. With multiple puns. Neither Bea nor Ben is caught in a compromising situation.
I do not want this.
I picked it up because it appeared to be a Regency adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. Now, on it's own, that sounds delightful. In fact, I really, really want someone to write a regency adaptation of Much Ado that is not this. I'm not saying this book does nothing interesting. There is a nonexistent chaperone called Mrs. Bunbury (a previous book in this series is based on Importance of Being Ernest). It's also a gender-flipped Much Ado, which is also interesting because I didn't even realize until 100 pages in, because that's just the kind of couple Beatrice and Bennedick are (aka an awesome one). Garrett and Jane are even fairly charming at times in the first half of this. BUT.
Well, okay, let's start with convention flouting. This starts with Jane inventing Mrs. Bunbury, her fake chaperone, so she can go to her best friend's wedding without her mother. I was annoyed, because I thought that meant she was heading off alone, but no, she took her maid. I was pleasantly surprised. She wasn't exposing herself to scandal, just getting away from under her marriage-obsessed mother (Jane doesn't want to get married; she's a spinster and a bluestocking; she wants to be left alone to read as much as she likes). Then Jane and her friend decide that to get her mother off her back, she needs to be involved in some sort of scandal of just the right level to make her unmarriageable but not shunned by society (my annoyance rose). But that never seemed to go anywhere, so I was okay with it.
So yeah, this is an epic fail from a convention flouting standpoint. I would also argue it's a terrible Much Ado adaptation as well; it's certainly not a satisfying one (the rest of this review will make little sense if you're not familiar with the play). I love Much Ado About Nothing. I have seen multiple productions (haven't liked them all), and I've seen modernizations (many of which I love). I really love it. I should have known that I'd need to be more careful about adaptations (as I am with Austen), because it means more. Things that are the most delightful about Much Ado: Beatrice and Bennedick, and how sort of mature and sensible they are. Most of the drama isn't actually about their relationship, it's external to it. Also, the overhearing scenes. The scenes where their friends ensure they overhear that the other's in love with them. Comedy gold.
As I said earlier, this adaptation does a couple of interesting things with the adaptation. It also saw fit to combine the Bea/Ben love story with the Hero/Claudio drama. WHY? No one likes the Hero/Claudio drama (at least no one that I know, and I'm not the only one, because someone - I checked, it's Berlioz - adapted the play as an opera, and just cut that plot entirely, because everyone knows Much Ado is all about Bea/Ben.) And not only does this book add the Hero/Claudio, it includes another woman. Plus, things that should have been delightful (the overhearing scenes for example) are replaced by Jane's two friends just rocking up and telling them that the other's in love with them. They're both about three paragraphs long. I feel cheated. Not to mention, this is the highly dramatic plot the author went with.
That is the actual plot. I did not make it up. I accept that a few of the details are there to parallel Much Ado. But... Why? Seriously, Why? Apart from the fact that the dramatic plot is actually absurd, in the worst way possible, something inside me is just angered by the fact that a Much Ado adaptation where there's even a hint of the pair of them having to get married because they compromised each other (even if it's not the main thrust of the mess of a narrative). That is not the story.
I'm not even mollified by the fact that most of the drama happened after the dancing. I was way too annoyed by that point to enjoy it.
The way the novel was set up, no part of the Hero/Claudio plotline was needed. Have the drama come from a source external to the relationship (as it does in the play). And just have them freak out about whether the other really is in love with them.
And now I want a good Regency Much Ado adaptation. With multiple puns. Neither Bea nor Ben is caught in a compromising situation.
I do not want this.
May 5, 2015
Miss Jane Lowndes and Lord Garrett Upton have always enjoyed a bit of chiding banter back and forth, but the bluestocking and the lord never thought they would never come to terms with the attraction they have for one another.
Hoping to thwart her parent's insistence she find a husband, Jane continues the concoction of an upstanding companion so she can attend her friend's pre-wedding celebrations without hindrance of a proper chaperon. Jane is happy being a single lady and if she can hold out long enough to be declared "on the shelf", her parents might actually leave her alone to wallow in spinsterhood. The ex-soldier and confirmed bachelor, Garrett knows that Jane is up to something, as usual, but keeping away from Jane's schemes are an impossibility. Garrett has too much baggage in his past to make him believe he would be a good husband to anyone, but when he kisses a beautiful lady at a masquerade his passion is unleashed. When he deduces that the mysterious lady he kisses is none other than his nemesis, Jane, his head is going in all different directions. Needless to say, sparks are flying between the bachelor and the bluestocking and those sparks are to evident to be denied. Oh how the mighty will fall.
The Unlikely Lady by Valerie Bowman is such a clever and enlightening tale. Both Jane and Garrett are characters who stick out with their determination and intelligence. Neither one could see what was coming, but once that desire is unchained Jane and Garrett have no where to go but forward. Ms. Bowman has cemented her place as one of my favorite authors, her stories are smart and entertaining and always leave me with a smile on my face.
November 1, 2018
Lady Jane Lowndes and Lord Garrett Upton began as real nemesis. They can't stand each other and trade harmless barbs and they never agree on anything. But forced to spend time together for a mutual friend's wedding, dislike at first sight is about to be transformed into a shared attraction. All it takes is good-naturedly devious matchmaking friends, an absent chaperone, a jealous and pernicious widow, a masquerade and an elicit kiss to change the way Jane and Garrett see each other and fall in love.
The heroine is a book lover and rescuer of cats. She intend to remain unattached and wants to further the cause of women in society, so of course I liked her. But I'll admit that she sometimes comes out as haughty when she's speaking to some people but at the same time, one of this people was really annoying ;p I liked how the author showed us the awareness changing between the MC and the bickering banters were so good! The drama with the other woman (but it's clear the hero is not interested and he never showed her otherwise) became almost irritating at some point. Meeting the characters from the previous books made me curious to read them.
The heroine is a book lover and rescuer of cats. She intend to remain unattached and wants to further the cause of women in society, so of course I liked her. But I'll admit that she sometimes comes out as haughty when she's speaking to some people but at the same time, one of this people was really annoying ;p I liked how the author showed us the awareness changing between the MC and the bickering banters were so good! The drama with the other woman (but it's clear the hero is not interested and he never showed her otherwise) became almost irritating at some point. Meeting the characters from the previous books made me curious to read them.
April 3, 2016
There is nothing more wonderful than finding a new author and truly enjoying their work, with the exception of finding one that also has a backlist! This was my experience with The Unlikely Lady by Valerie Bowman, a new to me author but definitely one worth discovering.
This story treats us to the romance between Jane Lowndes and Garrett Upton. Jane is a confirmed bluestocking spinster at the ripe old age of 26. She's quite happy in this role, spending her time reading as much as possible and avoiding society whenever she can - with the exception of social events she can't get out of. Her saving grace (as far as her mother is concerned) is the companionship of her two friends Lucy and Cass, who have both recently found beaus and whose company might entice Jane towards marriage (or at least, so her mother desperately hopes). When in their company Lucy's cousin Garrett is often present, a man with whom Jane constantly finds herself at odds. They argue over anything and everything and generally despise each other's presence. Now all together for one of the social events of the season, Cass's wedding, Jane and Garrett waste no time starting in on each other.
"Reading is quite overrated if you ask me, Miss Lowndes. Besides, you do enough reading for both of us." Upton replied. "What is it you're reading this time?"
Jane gripped the book. "It's Montague's Treatise on the History of Handwriting and Graphology, if you must know."
"Good God, that sounds every bit as dull as I expected." Upton shot back.
One of the events leading up to the wedding is a masquerade ball. Without her glasses Jane is quite blind and when a (as far as she can tell) handsome gentleman lures her into an upstairs portrait room and expresses interest in her, Jane's thoughts are in a turmoil.
"She'd been right about him. He was attempting to get her alone with him. She had no experience with such things. What happened next? Would she be forced to slap him? Should she use the words "unhand me Sir?" or threaten to have her brother call him out? That would be scandalous, but perhaps a bit too scandalous. Of course, she didn't have a brother, but he didn't know that. An insignificant detail, really."
Still, no-one has ever shown any interest in her before and she decides to throw caution to the winds.
"She leaned closer. "I should warn you. I don't kiss gentlemen whom I've just met and certainly not alone in drawing rooms. "
"I should warn you. I'm quite persuasive... and a very good kisser."
"Really...?" Her voice was breathy, a mere whisper. "Persuade me then."
His lips met hers, dry but firm. What was next? Was this all there was?
Then his mouth opened and slanted across hers and Jane forgot to breathe."
The magical kiss is everything Jane could have hoped for - until she is horrified to realize that it is Garrett that she is kissing! Thus starts their unorthodox and humorous romance as Garrett and Jane discover that underneath their animosity towards each other is in fact something much deeper.
I really enjoyed everything about this story. Jane captured my attention immediately with her love of reading and her direct , no-nonsense approach to everything in her path. Any and all obstacles are dealt with in a firm and decisive manner. Her internal monologue had me laughing out loud on several occasions as she tries to figure out how to deal with her new and untoward (as far as she is concerned) attraction to Garrett. And Garrett is equally engaging as a stalwart, loyal man who has the persona of a rake but in actuality is nothing like that. He's kept the best parts of himself hidden from Jane and as she uncovers them she learns that you can't judge a book by its cover. In fact Garrett turns out to be the man of her fantasies, one who appreciates all of her, intellectually and physically. Once the sexual attraction between them is established there are several delightful, sexy scenes that cement their true feelings for each other. The development of their romance, from prickly antagonists to soul mates was wonderful.
The secondary characters play an equally vivid role, in particular Cass and Lucy with their matchmaking attempts and general shenanigans. Their friendship with Jane is sweet and funny and makes up a good portion of the story. Garrett is a little more closed off than Jane, his friendship with Julian and Derek (Cass and Lucy's betrotheds) being of a more serious nature which is natural for the men, all having survived the Spanish war and the difficulties therein. They have an understanding of each other and the trauma experienced binds them in a different way then the women, but just as strongly.
The setting of the story, in particular the scenes at the English country estate were well described and very enjoyable to read. The mannerisms, clothing, food etc. were all meticulously researched and added an authenticity to the tale. The allusions to Shakespeare's play Much Ado About Nothing (both literal and figurative) added a fun touch. Everything from the first to last page was delightful and this story will definitely be placed on my reread shelf. 5 stars!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Note: this review also appeared as a blog post on Harlequin Junkie http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-the...
This story treats us to the romance between Jane Lowndes and Garrett Upton. Jane is a confirmed bluestocking spinster at the ripe old age of 26. She's quite happy in this role, spending her time reading as much as possible and avoiding society whenever she can - with the exception of social events she can't get out of. Her saving grace (as far as her mother is concerned) is the companionship of her two friends Lucy and Cass, who have both recently found beaus and whose company might entice Jane towards marriage (or at least, so her mother desperately hopes). When in their company Lucy's cousin Garrett is often present, a man with whom Jane constantly finds herself at odds. They argue over anything and everything and generally despise each other's presence. Now all together for one of the social events of the season, Cass's wedding, Jane and Garrett waste no time starting in on each other.
"Reading is quite overrated if you ask me, Miss Lowndes. Besides, you do enough reading for both of us." Upton replied. "What is it you're reading this time?"
Jane gripped the book. "It's Montague's Treatise on the History of Handwriting and Graphology, if you must know."
"Good God, that sounds every bit as dull as I expected." Upton shot back.
One of the events leading up to the wedding is a masquerade ball. Without her glasses Jane is quite blind and when a (as far as she can tell) handsome gentleman lures her into an upstairs portrait room and expresses interest in her, Jane's thoughts are in a turmoil.
"She'd been right about him. He was attempting to get her alone with him. She had no experience with such things. What happened next? Would she be forced to slap him? Should she use the words "unhand me Sir?" or threaten to have her brother call him out? That would be scandalous, but perhaps a bit too scandalous. Of course, she didn't have a brother, but he didn't know that. An insignificant detail, really."
Still, no-one has ever shown any interest in her before and she decides to throw caution to the winds.
"She leaned closer. "I should warn you. I don't kiss gentlemen whom I've just met and certainly not alone in drawing rooms. "
"I should warn you. I'm quite persuasive... and a very good kisser."
"Really...?" Her voice was breathy, a mere whisper. "Persuade me then."
His lips met hers, dry but firm. What was next? Was this all there was?
Then his mouth opened and slanted across hers and Jane forgot to breathe."
The magical kiss is everything Jane could have hoped for - until she is horrified to realize that it is Garrett that she is kissing! Thus starts their unorthodox and humorous romance as Garrett and Jane discover that underneath their animosity towards each other is in fact something much deeper.
I really enjoyed everything about this story. Jane captured my attention immediately with her love of reading and her direct , no-nonsense approach to everything in her path. Any and all obstacles are dealt with in a firm and decisive manner. Her internal monologue had me laughing out loud on several occasions as she tries to figure out how to deal with her new and untoward (as far as she is concerned) attraction to Garrett. And Garrett is equally engaging as a stalwart, loyal man who has the persona of a rake but in actuality is nothing like that. He's kept the best parts of himself hidden from Jane and as she uncovers them she learns that you can't judge a book by its cover. In fact Garrett turns out to be the man of her fantasies, one who appreciates all of her, intellectually and physically. Once the sexual attraction between them is established there are several delightful, sexy scenes that cement their true feelings for each other. The development of their romance, from prickly antagonists to soul mates was wonderful.
The secondary characters play an equally vivid role, in particular Cass and Lucy with their matchmaking attempts and general shenanigans. Their friendship with Jane is sweet and funny and makes up a good portion of the story. Garrett is a little more closed off than Jane, his friendship with Julian and Derek (Cass and Lucy's betrotheds) being of a more serious nature which is natural for the men, all having survived the Spanish war and the difficulties therein. They have an understanding of each other and the trauma experienced binds them in a different way then the women, but just as strongly.
The setting of the story, in particular the scenes at the English country estate were well described and very enjoyable to read. The mannerisms, clothing, food etc. were all meticulously researched and added an authenticity to the tale. The allusions to Shakespeare's play Much Ado About Nothing (both literal and figurative) added a fun touch. Everything from the first to last page was delightful and this story will definitely be placed on my reread shelf. 5 stars!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Note: this review also appeared as a blog post on Harlequin Junkie http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-the...
May 9, 2015
Jane loves books and has glasses. Seriously, not many heroines have glasses. Wohoo glasses! Though, I did not like when he went all oh you are so beautiful without them. Excuse me? *grumbles something*
Oh right, she is a bluestocking too and speaks her mind. A proud spinster.
Garrett fought in the war and feels guilt about a friend dying. That has implications later on. But so, Garrett, he thinks Jane is a bluestocking (yes she is duh Garrett) and they always argue when they meet. Fun times. The book takes from Much ado about nothing.
They meet again at a houseparty, a pre wedding party. She is there without a chaperon cos she is tired of them. They argue a bit- They found out that it's fun to argue with each other, and then find out that they might actually like each other.
All while their friends look and approve and, oh here comes the and. There is a total bitch in this book. Grrr, I wanted to kick her! A widow that wants him for her own and will do anything do get him. *kicks her*
Fun, cute, with a bit of drama.
Oh right, she is a bluestocking too and speaks her mind. A proud spinster.
Garrett fought in the war and feels guilt about a friend dying. That has implications later on. But so, Garrett, he thinks Jane is a bluestocking (yes she is duh Garrett) and they always argue when they meet. Fun times. The book takes from Much ado about nothing.
They meet again at a houseparty, a pre wedding party. She is there without a chaperon cos she is tired of them. They argue a bit- They found out that it's fun to argue with each other, and then find out that they might actually like each other.
All while their friends look and approve and, oh here comes the and. There is a total bitch in this book. Grrr, I wanted to kick her! A widow that wants him for her own and will do anything do get him. *kicks her*
Fun, cute, with a bit of drama.
December 26, 2015
4.25 Stars
I received a free e-ARC of this book from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jane Lowndes and Garrett Upton have been circling around each other for the past two books in the Playful Brides series. Now, in The Unlikely Lady, their bickering comes to a head and an unexpected attraction emerges. I found this book to be the most well-developed and entertaining of the series and I am excited to read more from Valerie Bowman in the future.
Jane is a self-described bluestocking who is determined to remain unmarried and spend her days debating social issues with other intellectuals. But, as the only child, she is dealing with her mother's constant attentions so she invents a lady's companion to accompany her to a friend's wedding. This situation will allow her to create a small scandal so that she is able to accomplish her goal of being a permanent spinster. Garrett Upton is a former soldier in the Napoleonic Wars who is just trying to enjoy his life without ties. But, despite his best efforts, he finds himself constantly embroiled in the schemes of his cousin, Lucy (The Unexpected Duchess), and, by extension, her friend, Jane.
I love stories that have a tension-filled banter between characters who would be so perfect for one another if they just let it happen. Garrett and Jane have had some of the best lines in the Playful Brides series and most of them are at the other's expense. But, once a kiss at a masquerade throws them both for a loop, they are forced to really look at one another which was a blast. They had great chemistry and plenty of fun interactions. There is even a great homage to the library from Beauty and the Beast that had my book-loving fangirl sighing with happiness.
There are also plenty of side characters as one would expect from a house party themed book. Readers get to visit with Lucy and Derek from The Unexpected Duchess and Cass and Julian from The Accidental Countess. While there is some cliched "look how happy we are" moments between these couples, I rarely felt like they overshadowed the Garrett/Jane romance. I also enjoyed seeing Julian's sister, Daphne, who will be featured in the next book, The Irresistible Rogue, and Cass's brother, Owen.
If I had to be picky about The Unlikely Lady, I would have to say that I wish there hadn't been so much time spent on the widow of Garrett's friend that was killed in the war. I understand Isabella's storyline was there to force Garrett to forgive himself for his friend's death, but I just felt like it was out of place. She was an obvious threat to Jane and Garrett's happiness and then everything got fixed in a tidy little bow which irritated me.
But, despite the above problem, I thoroughly enjoyed The Unlikely Lady. Jane and Garrett were fabulously written characters who really felt like they belonged together. I also continued to love the depiction of Lucy, Cass, and Jane's friendship and that, despite their marriages, they are still loyal to one another. A definite winner from Valerie Bowman!
I received a free e-ARC of this book from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jane Lowndes and Garrett Upton have been circling around each other for the past two books in the Playful Brides series. Now, in The Unlikely Lady, their bickering comes to a head and an unexpected attraction emerges. I found this book to be the most well-developed and entertaining of the series and I am excited to read more from Valerie Bowman in the future.
Jane is a self-described bluestocking who is determined to remain unmarried and spend her days debating social issues with other intellectuals. But, as the only child, she is dealing with her mother's constant attentions so she invents a lady's companion to accompany her to a friend's wedding. This situation will allow her to create a small scandal so that she is able to accomplish her goal of being a permanent spinster. Garrett Upton is a former soldier in the Napoleonic Wars who is just trying to enjoy his life without ties. But, despite his best efforts, he finds himself constantly embroiled in the schemes of his cousin, Lucy (The Unexpected Duchess), and, by extension, her friend, Jane.
I love stories that have a tension-filled banter between characters who would be so perfect for one another if they just let it happen. Garrett and Jane have had some of the best lines in the Playful Brides series and most of them are at the other's expense. But, once a kiss at a masquerade throws them both for a loop, they are forced to really look at one another which was a blast. They had great chemistry and plenty of fun interactions. There is even a great homage to the library from Beauty and the Beast that had my book-loving fangirl sighing with happiness.
There are also plenty of side characters as one would expect from a house party themed book. Readers get to visit with Lucy and Derek from The Unexpected Duchess and Cass and Julian from The Accidental Countess. While there is some cliched "look how happy we are" moments between these couples, I rarely felt like they overshadowed the Garrett/Jane romance. I also enjoyed seeing Julian's sister, Daphne, who will be featured in the next book, The Irresistible Rogue, and Cass's brother, Owen.
If I had to be picky about The Unlikely Lady, I would have to say that I wish there hadn't been so much time spent on the widow of Garrett's friend that was killed in the war. I understand Isabella's storyline was there to force Garrett to forgive himself for his friend's death, but I just felt like it was out of place. She was an obvious threat to Jane and Garrett's happiness and then everything got fixed in a tidy little bow which irritated me.
But, despite the above problem, I thoroughly enjoyed The Unlikely Lady. Jane and Garrett were fabulously written characters who really felt like they belonged together. I also continued to love the depiction of Lucy, Cass, and Jane's friendship and that, despite their marriages, they are still loyal to one another. A definite winner from Valerie Bowman!
May 6, 2015
I can’t remember the last time I read the book that had a female villain that I despised. It was gleeful how much I despised Isabella. I know that when I review a book I should start with the plot or the characters or the sex, but it was so much fun to hate the evil seductress.
While I hated Isabella, I really liked Jane. She’s a determined bluestocking and she liked being that way. She has two close friends who love and support her. Things are good in her life except for the annoying friend in her group. She takes great pleasure in sparring with Garrett Upton. You just know that the past couple of years it’s been a long foreplay for these two.
Garrett is a great character and I really loved seeing the scales fall from his eyes. To find the perfect woman right in front of him after all the time they spent together was fun. I found Garrett to be an enjoyable character. He fought in the war and continues to support his fallen colleague’s family – enter Isabella.
It’s a great plot when house parties are the setting for the story. They have all come together in preparation for Jane’s best friend’s wedding (who also happens to be Garrett’s cousin). The close proximity and endless outings make it tantalizing. Sneaking around, stolen moments and dark corridors make for an exciting plot.
While Garrett and Jane dislike each other, thanks to their friends’ meddling, they start to see each other differently. Instead of sparring, they start to learn what they have in common. One of those things is books. Jane was hilarious about her love for books. She would be reading at a ball, a dinner party and leave events early to read. What’s great about technology is that no one knows when I’m reading, but as a kid, I was like Jane and had a book in my hand pretty much every waking hour. Jane is flabbergasted to find out that Garrett not only reads, but enjoys it. It’s like the hugest lady boner for her.
Something else they find they have in common is passion. While Jane thinks that Garrett is a rake, he has led quite a circumspect life. But he shows Jane quite the good time. Through a series of funny coincidences they end up making out without knowing it is each other. Once they figure it out, the story really gets going because they have to face what they have done and just how much they enjoyed it. What surprised me was how dominant and somewhat kinky Garrett was. He certainly used his cravat to his advantage. The story is steamy and passionate.
At the start of this review I mentioned Isabella. She is seriously out to get Garrett and won’t let anyone get in her way. She is conniving and manipulative. When she taunts and goes after Jane, I loved how Garrett’s hackles rose. But Jane didn’t need Garrett to save her (which I adored) she could hold her own and challenge Isabella right back. She was so fabulous and the author uses Isabella as a great source of conflict. It forces Jane and Garrett to make decisions and face their emotions.
This was a fun story that was well written. The author weaves emotions into the well-developed characters and makes them so likeable. A good way to spend a couple of hours!
While I hated Isabella, I really liked Jane. She’s a determined bluestocking and she liked being that way. She has two close friends who love and support her. Things are good in her life except for the annoying friend in her group. She takes great pleasure in sparring with Garrett Upton. You just know that the past couple of years it’s been a long foreplay for these two.
Garrett is a great character and I really loved seeing the scales fall from his eyes. To find the perfect woman right in front of him after all the time they spent together was fun. I found Garrett to be an enjoyable character. He fought in the war and continues to support his fallen colleague’s family – enter Isabella.
It’s a great plot when house parties are the setting for the story. They have all come together in preparation for Jane’s best friend’s wedding (who also happens to be Garrett’s cousin). The close proximity and endless outings make it tantalizing. Sneaking around, stolen moments and dark corridors make for an exciting plot.
While Garrett and Jane dislike each other, thanks to their friends’ meddling, they start to see each other differently. Instead of sparring, they start to learn what they have in common. One of those things is books. Jane was hilarious about her love for books. She would be reading at a ball, a dinner party and leave events early to read. What’s great about technology is that no one knows when I’m reading, but as a kid, I was like Jane and had a book in my hand pretty much every waking hour. Jane is flabbergasted to find out that Garrett not only reads, but enjoys it. It’s like the hugest lady boner for her.
Something else they find they have in common is passion. While Jane thinks that Garrett is a rake, he has led quite a circumspect life. But he shows Jane quite the good time. Through a series of funny coincidences they end up making out without knowing it is each other. Once they figure it out, the story really gets going because they have to face what they have done and just how much they enjoyed it. What surprised me was how dominant and somewhat kinky Garrett was. He certainly used his cravat to his advantage. The story is steamy and passionate.
At the start of this review I mentioned Isabella. She is seriously out to get Garrett and won’t let anyone get in her way. She is conniving and manipulative. When she taunts and goes after Jane, I loved how Garrett’s hackles rose. But Jane didn’t need Garrett to save her (which I adored) she could hold her own and challenge Isabella right back. She was so fabulous and the author uses Isabella as a great source of conflict. It forces Jane and Garrett to make decisions and face their emotions.
This was a fun story that was well written. The author weaves emotions into the well-developed characters and makes them so likeable. A good way to spend a couple of hours!
October 24, 2015
This is the third installment of the Playful Brides series. Miss Jane Lowndes inspire to be a bluestocking spinster and has no desire to ever marry. While she is happy that both of her best friends have found their mates. Jane desires to be left alone with her books. This book has me rolling with so much laughter. I truly enjoy the intellectual banger between Jane and Lord Garrett Upton. Their day would not be complete without some cross swords with words with each other. Garrett tries to keep the time in the war in the past, but he is haunted by it daily. Garrett sent money to a war widow who's husband saved his life. Instead of gratitude, she wants Garrett for herself. My favorite historical romances are with smart and spirited women and truly intelligent and funny men. It was nice for them to open their eyes and finally see the beauty within. I have not had so fun and enjoyment with a wonderful story. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru NetGalley for an honest review.
October 19, 2015
Oh my what a lovley romance. Jane is one of my favorite hs so far. I can relate a lot to her since she is a bookworm like me which is so refreshing to see and refreshing that Garrett isn't some rake like I witness in pretty much every historical romance I've read so far. Lovely setting, which is a wedding, the relationship between Jane and Garrett is sooo wonderful, there is only one sex scene in the entire book but it is very steamy. A light and fluffy romance. Five stars.
I won this book as a giveaway,
I won this book as a giveaway,
June 18, 2018
My fave one of this series, and what I was looking for in the first book. I didn't enjoy the parts where the widow was coming between them since it was a little too over the top, but I still enjoyed the romance and that masked ball!
July 15, 2018
3/5 stars.
I even debated giving it a 2.5, but the fact that I labored on to read it till the end made me give the 0.5 extra star.
The third book in Valerie Bownman's Playful Brides series is a hit in some ways, and a complete miss in some. For me, personally.
Jane Lowndes is nothing like other ladies of the ton . She's a bluestocking, more interested in a book and learning than dresses and fashion and men. She's long since given up the on the concept of marraige, knowing well enough that it'll only restrict her true passion; which was to read and continue to educate and enlighten herself. The heroine, was a hit for me. In most aspects.
Garett Upton is a war-hero, who for the past few years has been known a charmer and a rake. He's had words with Jane in multiple social situations before, and we start the book with them disliking each other to the T. You know where this is going.
Eventually, a masquerade party brings them to act on their deep rooted feelings causing the rest of the plot to unravel. Through identity crisis, insecurities and a meddling widow of a war mate of Garett, our MC's finally come to some sort of a HEA.
My reason for giving a lower rating than many others has more to do with the cliche plot than anything else. We have a very typical beautiful, seductive widow trying to come in between the love-birds and the reasoning of it all is so baseless that it didn't sit well with me. I understand the need for romances to have obstacles, even though I enjoy those that just let the story flow, I so with the obstacle wasn't so cliche and nonsensical.
The amout of mis-communication between Garett and Jane was also irritating. If they'd just spoken properly we would have finished the book at 75%. Beyond this point I read on only to see how it ends. Not that I had any doubts of how it would end, but still.
A decent enough read, but nothing I'll be coming back to anytime soon.
I even debated giving it a 2.5, but the fact that I labored on to read it till the end made me give the 0.5 extra star.
The third book in Valerie Bownman's Playful Brides series is a hit in some ways, and a complete miss in some. For me, personally.
Jane Lowndes is nothing like other ladies of the ton . She's a bluestocking, more interested in a book and learning than dresses and fashion and men. She's long since given up the on the concept of marraige, knowing well enough that it'll only restrict her true passion; which was to read and continue to educate and enlighten herself. The heroine, was a hit for me. In most aspects.
Garett Upton is a war-hero, who for the past few years has been known a charmer and a rake. He's had words with Jane in multiple social situations before, and we start the book with them disliking each other to the T. You know where this is going.
Eventually, a masquerade party brings them to act on their deep rooted feelings causing the rest of the plot to unravel. Through identity crisis, insecurities and a meddling widow of a war mate of Garett, our MC's finally come to some sort of a HEA.
My reason for giving a lower rating than many others has more to do with the cliche plot than anything else. We have a very typical beautiful, seductive widow trying to come in between the love-birds and the reasoning of it all is so baseless that it didn't sit well with me. I understand the need for romances to have obstacles, even though I enjoy those that just let the story flow, I so with the obstacle wasn't so cliche and nonsensical.
The amout of mis-communication between Garett and Jane was also irritating. If they'd just spoken properly we would have finished the book at 75%. Beyond this point I read on only to see how it ends. Not that I had any doubts of how it would end, but still.
A decent enough read, but nothing I'll be coming back to anytime soon.
May 7, 2018
Romance fofo como a autora já nos habituou, gostei da força da Jane ao longo de todo o livro e da forma combativa como ela defendia acerrimamente os livros e a leitura, quanto a Garret um bocado naive com a viúva do amigo mas depois lá abre os olhos por conta das peripécias armadas pela prima Lucy e por Cass! Dentro do género a autora já me conquistou!
May 6, 2015
Originally published at Rookie Romance.
The Unlikely Lady is the third book in the Playful Brides series and finally gives us Garrett and Jane's story. These two have been prominent characters through the series and their contentious relationship has provided plenty of entertainment, but it's time for these two to realise they've been blind to the possibility of true love right in front of them.
Jane is the definition of a bluestocking. She's happiest when she's left alone with a book and the last thing she wants is to marry and have her freedom taken away, much to her mother's disappointment. She's not a big fan of guys in general, but she particularly loathes Garrett Upton and considers him a rakish ne'er-do-well who is a thorn in her side. I loved Jane's wit and intelligence and I imagine she would make a pretty awesome friend.
Garrett is a perfectly dreamy hero. He's a former soldier and whilst the war still haunts him, he hides it well underneath a jovial demeanor. He's got a really good heart and his compassion is very admirable but does almost lead him to some pretty bad decisions in this story!
Jane and Garrett's relationship has always been full of bickering and witty sniping at each other. It's fun to read and they're certainly equally matched in intelligence which makes it lively. They both have a perception of each other that is quite off the mark and it turns out they don't really know each other that well. I loved that once they started to learn more about each other they both softened and opened up, especially Jane. Although one thing I found a touch irritating was the blind prejudice that Jane has against Garrett, which I thought could almost verge on plain bitchiness in moments at the beginning of the book. Though for the most part, their arguing is more amusing than anything else.
Overall, this is another great addition to an already thoroughly enjoyable series. I think Garrett and Jane make a wonderful couple and it was fun to see the return of 'Bunbury' and the rest of the characters from the previous books, with Lucy up to her old tricks again. It's a fun and romantic read, complete with a perfectly dislikable villainess.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, for my honest opinion. Thank you!
The Unlikely Lady is the third book in the Playful Brides series and finally gives us Garrett and Jane's story. These two have been prominent characters through the series and their contentious relationship has provided plenty of entertainment, but it's time for these two to realise they've been blind to the possibility of true love right in front of them.
Jane is the definition of a bluestocking. She's happiest when she's left alone with a book and the last thing she wants is to marry and have her freedom taken away, much to her mother's disappointment. She's not a big fan of guys in general, but she particularly loathes Garrett Upton and considers him a rakish ne'er-do-well who is a thorn in her side. I loved Jane's wit and intelligence and I imagine she would make a pretty awesome friend.
Garrett is a perfectly dreamy hero. He's a former soldier and whilst the war still haunts him, he hides it well underneath a jovial demeanor. He's got a really good heart and his compassion is very admirable but does almost lead him to some pretty bad decisions in this story!
Jane and Garrett's relationship has always been full of bickering and witty sniping at each other. It's fun to read and they're certainly equally matched in intelligence which makes it lively. They both have a perception of each other that is quite off the mark and it turns out they don't really know each other that well. I loved that once they started to learn more about each other they both softened and opened up, especially Jane. Although one thing I found a touch irritating was the blind prejudice that Jane has against Garrett, which I thought could almost verge on plain bitchiness in moments at the beginning of the book. Though for the most part, their arguing is more amusing than anything else.
Overall, this is another great addition to an already thoroughly enjoyable series. I think Garrett and Jane make a wonderful couple and it was fun to see the return of 'Bunbury' and the rest of the characters from the previous books, with Lucy up to her old tricks again. It's a fun and romantic read, complete with a perfectly dislikable villainess.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, for my honest opinion. Thank you!
April 22, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
I find that reading Valerie Bowman's work just makes me smile. Sensual best describes it. Strong heroine with dreams of something more and fun heroes with dreams of a bit of fun..
The Unlikely Lady is book three in Ms. Bowman's Playful Brides Series and I apologize now for only having reviews of books 1 and 3... seems I missed book 2 on Netgalley (and I was so looking forward to it) and now I have to pay.. grrrrr But sometimes my missing a book is good because it let's us all know how well the book reads as a stand alone.. In this case, very well.
Miss Jane Lowndes hides behind her bluestocking reputation. As much as her mother wishes otherwise, Jane has no desire to marry. Her dreams are all captured between the pages of a book. And she has wonderful friends to spend her time with. As a matter of fact she and her two best friends had devised a way to help each other out... the other two are well on their way to happiness, now it's Jane's turn. She has invented a chaperon that will keep her mama out of her hair. Just in time for a made up scandal (just a little one) to take her permanently off the marriage market. And with the help of her best friends and the oh so odious Lord Garrett Upton (why does he always have to be involved in their plans anyway?) it seems to be working beautifully. That is a Masquerade ball and a stolen kiss...
Lord Garrett Upton has plans of his own and being married is not one of them. But he does adore his cousin so is often at her side.. and at the sides of her two best friends. Always a part of their schemes but usually the one trying to hold them back, just a little. This time, they have gone too far. A Scandal? Do they have a clue just what could happen? And the fact that it's permanent. He tries talk sense into them but his relationship with Jane.. yeah not such a good thing.
A comedy of errors? Not quite but a very good book with plenty of sizzle. Chemistry reigns in this book. And Miss Valerie Bowman reigns supreme!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Unlikely Lady, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on May 5, 2015
I find that reading Valerie Bowman's work just makes me smile. Sensual best describes it. Strong heroine with dreams of something more and fun heroes with dreams of a bit of fun..
The Unlikely Lady is book three in Ms. Bowman's Playful Brides Series and I apologize now for only having reviews of books 1 and 3... seems I missed book 2 on Netgalley (and I was so looking forward to it) and now I have to pay.. grrrrr But sometimes my missing a book is good because it let's us all know how well the book reads as a stand alone.. In this case, very well.
Miss Jane Lowndes hides behind her bluestocking reputation. As much as her mother wishes otherwise, Jane has no desire to marry. Her dreams are all captured between the pages of a book. And she has wonderful friends to spend her time with. As a matter of fact she and her two best friends had devised a way to help each other out... the other two are well on their way to happiness, now it's Jane's turn. She has invented a chaperon that will keep her mama out of her hair. Just in time for a made up scandal (just a little one) to take her permanently off the marriage market. And with the help of her best friends and the oh so odious Lord Garrett Upton (why does he always have to be involved in their plans anyway?) it seems to be working beautifully. That is a Masquerade ball and a stolen kiss...
Lord Garrett Upton has plans of his own and being married is not one of them. But he does adore his cousin so is often at her side.. and at the sides of her two best friends. Always a part of their schemes but usually the one trying to hold them back, just a little. This time, they have gone too far. A Scandal? Do they have a clue just what could happen? And the fact that it's permanent. He tries talk sense into them but his relationship with Jane.. yeah not such a good thing.
A comedy of errors? Not quite but a very good book with plenty of sizzle. Chemistry reigns in this book. And Miss Valerie Bowman reigns supreme!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Unlikely Lady, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on May 5, 2015
February 6, 2019
Dos três este foi o que mais gostei, sem qualquer dúvida!
Sinceramente, dos que já li foi o que mais gostei até agora. Talvez porque me identifique mais com Jane do que com Lucy e Cass. Jane é uma jovem solteira, já com vinte e seis anos e vontade zero em casar, ao contrário de outras da sua idade e até mais novas. Quer ser independente e ser deixada em paz e a sós com os seus livros e os seus estudos.
Por ser uma mulher inteligente adopta um estilo mordaz e sarcástico, embora sempre dentro da boa educação, claro. O maior alvo da sua personalidade forte e sarcástica era Garret. Já se conheciam há muito, por serem amigos comuns de Lucy e Cass. Não era, de todo, expectável que ambos sentissem alguma coisa um pelo outro, até que numa bela noite do noivado de Cass com Julian, eles envolvem-se às escondidas, sem saberem que um era o outro. Era um baile de máscaras, daí não saberem quem era quem.
Opinião Completa no Sinfonia dos Livros
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.co...
Sinceramente, dos que já li foi o que mais gostei até agora. Talvez porque me identifique mais com Jane do que com Lucy e Cass. Jane é uma jovem solteira, já com vinte e seis anos e vontade zero em casar, ao contrário de outras da sua idade e até mais novas. Quer ser independente e ser deixada em paz e a sós com os seus livros e os seus estudos.
Por ser uma mulher inteligente adopta um estilo mordaz e sarcástico, embora sempre dentro da boa educação, claro. O maior alvo da sua personalidade forte e sarcástica era Garret. Já se conheciam há muito, por serem amigos comuns de Lucy e Cass. Não era, de todo, expectável que ambos sentissem alguma coisa um pelo outro, até que numa bela noite do noivado de Cass com Julian, eles envolvem-se às escondidas, sem saberem que um era o outro. Era um baile de máscaras, daí não saberem quem era quem.
Opinião Completa no Sinfonia dos Livros
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.co...
February 11, 2015
Fantastic and Delightful!
The Unlikely Lady is the third book in the Playful Brides series. I have been waiting to read Jane and Upton's story since the first book in this fabulous series.
Valerie Bowman's writing is captivating, delightful, funny, charming with adorable characters. I could not put this book down and was chuckling from the first page.
Miss Jane Lowndes is a bluestocking and her dream is to be a confirmed spinster and hold intellectual salons.
Lord Garrett Upton is a confirmed bachelor and intends to enjoy life. Jane and Garret's arguments are so fun and witty, the chemistry between them is great and the plot is fantastic.
I love that Lucy and Derek, Cass and Julian are in the story too, and Lucy (as always) is planning and if you read the first two books in the series you know what happen when Lucy makes a plan.
This a delightful and enjoyable read with great characters.
I can't wait to read Daphne's story. Thank you Valerie Bowman for writing fabulous books.
The Unlikely Lady is the third book in the Playful Brides series. I have been waiting to read Jane and Upton's story since the first book in this fabulous series.
Valerie Bowman's writing is captivating, delightful, funny, charming with adorable characters. I could not put this book down and was chuckling from the first page.
Miss Jane Lowndes is a bluestocking and her dream is to be a confirmed spinster and hold intellectual salons.
Lord Garrett Upton is a confirmed bachelor and intends to enjoy life. Jane and Garret's arguments are so fun and witty, the chemistry between them is great and the plot is fantastic.
I love that Lucy and Derek, Cass and Julian are in the story too, and Lucy (as always) is planning and if you read the first two books in the series you know what happen when Lucy makes a plan.
This a delightful and enjoyable read with great characters.
I can't wait to read Daphne's story. Thank you Valerie Bowman for writing fabulous books.
March 12, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. The story picks up right where the second in the series ends. However this story is about Jane and Garret. Honestly, from the previous books, I was curious on how the author would get these two characters together. It didn't feel unnatural or too quick a turn about from their conflicting feelings in book one and two. I loved the dynamic between all the characters, the dialogue, and unexpected characters. There are delicious twists and turns that kept the plot at least at a mid pace! No lulls in this book. The ending was FANTASTIC and I can not to read the next one. It's a definite teaser for the next romantic couple!
Thank you Valerie for the ARC to read for an honest review!
Thank you Valerie for the ARC to read for an honest review!
May 2, 2018
4.5 stars
This was the first series for me to read by this author. I swept through the first three books in record time, especially for having rated the prior two books three stars each.
This is definitely my favorite story thus far! I knew that Jayne and Upton were perfect for each other from book 1.
Do not read or listen to this series if you are looking for historically accurate or angst romance. However, if you enjoy improbable retellings of the other comedic plays, I believe that this entire series would be enjoyable for you.
This was the first series for me to read by this author. I swept through the first three books in record time, especially for having rated the prior two books three stars each.
This is definitely my favorite story thus far! I knew that Jayne and Upton were perfect for each other from book 1.
Do not read or listen to this series if you are looking for historically accurate or angst romance. However, if you enjoy improbable retellings of the other comedic plays, I believe that this entire series would be enjoyable for you.
August 21, 2018
Para mim este foi um livro metade/metade...
Metade excelente e metade enfadonho, eu sei que é estranho, mas a verdade é que foi isso mesmo que senti.
Opinião completa em:http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.com...
Metade excelente e metade enfadonho, eu sei que é estranho, mas a verdade é que foi isso mesmo que senti.
Opinião completa em:http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.com...
April 27, 2015
fun. Find every synonym for fun and insert here.
The Playful Brides historical romance series by Valerie Bowman is a pleasure of mine and not an ounce of my pleasure is so much as tinged with guilt. The merriment! The mischievous heroines and clever, cheeky dialogue! The distinguished gentleman dressed in a rake’s clothing. Ohh I love it all! I reviewed the first book in the series, The Unexpected Duchess, last year ,and it totally made my best of 2014 reading list. The second book in the series,The Accidental Countess, was ambitious, but lacked some of the pizzazz I came to expect- though make no mistake, it was also a solid read. Well folks, Bowman is back with Playful Brides# 3! It has all of the charm and promise off book one, encompasses the warmth and easy reading of book two and in this installment, the gloves are off, and the comedy is kicked way up. This book is laugh out loud funny. I was giddy reading it- and it takes a lot for me to bliss out. The Unlikely Lady blissed me out.
Initiate fangirl thrusters!!!
Jane Lowndes is a fantastic heroine. She is wearing wallflower, a witty maiden who wants nothing more than a good book in one hand and a yummy plate of teacakes in the other. Jane aspires to be a chosen spinster a blue-stocking woman who shall never marry for all of her drive and passions run purely on the intellectual spectrum. Jane is also blind as a bat without her spectacles- a handicap that sparks the quirkiest trouble of time! Tears. I laughed real tears at Jane’s vision impaired antics. Quite resolute upon her spinster status, she goes through great (hilarious) lengths to thwart her overbearing mother’s attempts at matchmaking only to be sabotaged by the most unexpected chink in her armor. Lord Garret Upton.
“It depends,” she breathed….on what you intend to do with me.”
His mouth met hers again in a fierce tangle. Then he pulled away and his gruff voice sounded in her ear. “I intend to make you come.”
Jane closed her eyes. “You…you do?”
“Yes. Do you know what that means?”
All she could do was nod. “I’ve…I’m very well read.”
“Let me assure you,” he said, as his fingers made quick work of the buttons on the back of her gown. ‘This is one thing that’s much better to experience than to read about.”
Mr. Upton is cousin to Jane’s dearest friend and she simply can not extricate him from her thoughts. No worries Jane, I too had many…thoughts of Mr. Upton. Despite the unanticipated, underlying attraction, they are very much adversaries trading stinging barbs far more often than friendly greetings. They both have preconceived notions regarding one another, and how they come around to finding fair and equal footing is as romantic as when they share their first kiss. I am a sucker for undertones and thematic life lessons and the big one in this novel is the journey to really open your eyes to see and appreciate when true love is right in your path. *sigh* The characters are all full of agenda’s and everyone has an ulterior motive. Jane’s best friends conspire to nudge (more like double-handed, full palm shove) Upton and Jane together after their chemistry can no longer be denied. I adored watching their little scheme unfold. Adding to the drama is Isabella Langford, a sultry, conniving widow with whom Upton shares a most complicated past. While she dripped with venom and vitriol, Mrs. Langford absolutely brought out the best in Jane! Historical romances usually feature a heroine and hero, danger looming of some sort but in this instance, the danger was in the form of a formidable threat to our girl’s HEA!
Mrs. Langford’s eyes grew dark and she looked down, allowing her eyelashes to splay against he cheeks in a display even Jane had to admit was fetching. “Yes. Of course. It’s for the best that Mr. Upton be the one to take me home in my disheveled state.”
What the devil did that mean?
Cass and Lucy exchanged shocked glances.
Mrs. Langford stepped closer to Lucy and Cass…Because Mr. Upton and I are close. Quite close indeed.”
The book nearly toppled from Jane’s hands.
Ladies…you don’t suppose all this time we’ve been in the presence of Garrett’s mistress?”
Oh hell no! Those are fighting words! Take off those spectacles and kick her ass Jane! The battle of wits, Jane won before Isabella Langford opens her mouth to speak. However, in the battle of woman wiles, Jane is but an innocent maiden, unaccustomed to scandalizing herself with sensual innuendo. The campaign for the wickedly handsome and wealthy Mr, Upton is lively to say the least. Both Langford and Jane have aces up their sleeves and neither is willing to give an inch when it comes to getting what she wants. That is once Jane finally realizes that Lord Garret Upton is her destiny. It all comes together during a wedding celebration, the likes of which will never be forgotten.
The plot is simple (and easy to spoil, I’m walking egg shells here people!) and the reader is in on the intrigue all along, having plenty of clues to hazard a pretty strong guess to the climax. The joy is in watching these two bull headed and stubborn people fall in love. The misunderstandings and the white lies that twist Jane and Garret into knots. They jumped to one hysterically funny and wrong conclusion after the other. I groaned and moaned and loved every second of it. The author is especially talented with her use of imagery and breathing life into the story. I connected to these characters and had to forcefully disengage myself at the end. A full length novel, rich story and impeccable comedic timing, I didn’t want to leave this delightful little world. The resolution was a little fast- I confess some mild head scratching- however, the hurried last bits were immediately forgivable as it wholly fit the frenzy and impulsive decision-making that the characters engaged in throughout the novel.
Thank goodness it appears there may be a Playful Brides #4 on the horizon! Fans of blithely, light and fun historical romance will fall in love with these Playful Brides.
The Playful Brides historical romance series by Valerie Bowman is a pleasure of mine and not an ounce of my pleasure is so much as tinged with guilt. The merriment! The mischievous heroines and clever, cheeky dialogue! The distinguished gentleman dressed in a rake’s clothing. Ohh I love it all! I reviewed the first book in the series, The Unexpected Duchess, last year ,and it totally made my best of 2014 reading list. The second book in the series,The Accidental Countess, was ambitious, but lacked some of the pizzazz I came to expect- though make no mistake, it was also a solid read. Well folks, Bowman is back with Playful Brides# 3! It has all of the charm and promise off book one, encompasses the warmth and easy reading of book two and in this installment, the gloves are off, and the comedy is kicked way up. This book is laugh out loud funny. I was giddy reading it- and it takes a lot for me to bliss out. The Unlikely Lady blissed me out.
Initiate fangirl thrusters!!!
Jane Lowndes is a fantastic heroine. She is wearing wallflower, a witty maiden who wants nothing more than a good book in one hand and a yummy plate of teacakes in the other. Jane aspires to be a chosen spinster a blue-stocking woman who shall never marry for all of her drive and passions run purely on the intellectual spectrum. Jane is also blind as a bat without her spectacles- a handicap that sparks the quirkiest trouble of time! Tears. I laughed real tears at Jane’s vision impaired antics. Quite resolute upon her spinster status, she goes through great (hilarious) lengths to thwart her overbearing mother’s attempts at matchmaking only to be sabotaged by the most unexpected chink in her armor. Lord Garret Upton.
“It depends,” she breathed….on what you intend to do with me.”
His mouth met hers again in a fierce tangle. Then he pulled away and his gruff voice sounded in her ear. “I intend to make you come.”
Jane closed her eyes. “You…you do?”
“Yes. Do you know what that means?”
All she could do was nod. “I’ve…I’m very well read.”
“Let me assure you,” he said, as his fingers made quick work of the buttons on the back of her gown. ‘This is one thing that’s much better to experience than to read about.”
Mr. Upton is cousin to Jane’s dearest friend and she simply can not extricate him from her thoughts. No worries Jane, I too had many…thoughts of Mr. Upton. Despite the unanticipated, underlying attraction, they are very much adversaries trading stinging barbs far more often than friendly greetings. They both have preconceived notions regarding one another, and how they come around to finding fair and equal footing is as romantic as when they share their first kiss. I am a sucker for undertones and thematic life lessons and the big one in this novel is the journey to really open your eyes to see and appreciate when true love is right in your path. *sigh* The characters are all full of agenda’s and everyone has an ulterior motive. Jane’s best friends conspire to nudge (more like double-handed, full palm shove) Upton and Jane together after their chemistry can no longer be denied. I adored watching their little scheme unfold. Adding to the drama is Isabella Langford, a sultry, conniving widow with whom Upton shares a most complicated past. While she dripped with venom and vitriol, Mrs. Langford absolutely brought out the best in Jane! Historical romances usually feature a heroine and hero, danger looming of some sort but in this instance, the danger was in the form of a formidable threat to our girl’s HEA!
Mrs. Langford’s eyes grew dark and she looked down, allowing her eyelashes to splay against he cheeks in a display even Jane had to admit was fetching. “Yes. Of course. It’s for the best that Mr. Upton be the one to take me home in my disheveled state.”
What the devil did that mean?
Cass and Lucy exchanged shocked glances.
Mrs. Langford stepped closer to Lucy and Cass…Because Mr. Upton and I are close. Quite close indeed.”
The book nearly toppled from Jane’s hands.
Ladies…you don’t suppose all this time we’ve been in the presence of Garrett’s mistress?”
Oh hell no! Those are fighting words! Take off those spectacles and kick her ass Jane! The battle of wits, Jane won before Isabella Langford opens her mouth to speak. However, in the battle of woman wiles, Jane is but an innocent maiden, unaccustomed to scandalizing herself with sensual innuendo. The campaign for the wickedly handsome and wealthy Mr, Upton is lively to say the least. Both Langford and Jane have aces up their sleeves and neither is willing to give an inch when it comes to getting what she wants. That is once Jane finally realizes that Lord Garret Upton is her destiny. It all comes together during a wedding celebration, the likes of which will never be forgotten.
The plot is simple (and easy to spoil, I’m walking egg shells here people!) and the reader is in on the intrigue all along, having plenty of clues to hazard a pretty strong guess to the climax. The joy is in watching these two bull headed and stubborn people fall in love. The misunderstandings and the white lies that twist Jane and Garret into knots. They jumped to one hysterically funny and wrong conclusion after the other. I groaned and moaned and loved every second of it. The author is especially talented with her use of imagery and breathing life into the story. I connected to these characters and had to forcefully disengage myself at the end. A full length novel, rich story and impeccable comedic timing, I didn’t want to leave this delightful little world. The resolution was a little fast- I confess some mild head scratching- however, the hurried last bits were immediately forgivable as it wholly fit the frenzy and impulsive decision-making that the characters engaged in throughout the novel.
Thank goodness it appears there may be a Playful Brides #4 on the horizon! Fans of blithely, light and fun historical romance will fall in love with these Playful Brides.
November 6, 2022
O amor é feito de improbabilidades, isso é uma grande verdade...Não podemos dizer com certeza que algo é o nosso final feliz, sem antes experimentarmos todas as variações de tal. É um jogo, um que temos que jogar com calma de forma a conseguirmos sair vitoriosos.
Eu adoro quando o casal principal tem um histórico de picardia/ódio que depois se revela uma atração e compreensão únicas - a Jane e o Garrett deram-me isso e muito mais ❤️ o meu casal preferido da saga, as melhores personagens deste elenco louco!!!
Diverti-me imenso a ler este livro, tem momentos belíssimos com cenas de cortar o fôlego, tem momentos que irritam devido a uma personagem intragável, tem momentos épicos!!! Sim, épicos 😍 literalmente das melhores cenas que alguma vez li em romance de época - foi magnífico, imperdível e inesquecível!!!
Sem dúvida alguma, um dos meus romances preferidos de sempre. Agora vou deprimir porque este é o último livro que temos traduzido da saga 😭
Eu adoro quando o casal principal tem um histórico de picardia/ódio que depois se revela uma atração e compreensão únicas - a Jane e o Garrett deram-me isso e muito mais ❤️ o meu casal preferido da saga, as melhores personagens deste elenco louco!!!
Diverti-me imenso a ler este livro, tem momentos belíssimos com cenas de cortar o fôlego, tem momentos que irritam devido a uma personagem intragável, tem momentos épicos!!! Sim, épicos 😍 literalmente das melhores cenas que alguma vez li em romance de época - foi magnífico, imperdível e inesquecível!!!
Sem dúvida alguma, um dos meus romances preferidos de sempre. Agora vou deprimir porque este é o último livro que temos traduzido da saga 😭
December 15, 2017
Fun Story and pretty good narration (audible review)
This was an enjoyable story. I really liked Jane. She was smart, witty, sarcastic and funny. I liked Garrett too. He was handsome and mysterious. They had some good chemistry that was real and genuine. There was also a very nicely written sex scene.
The story line and plot was pretty good. There was some fun antics done by Lucy and crew that made you LOL. There was a couple surprises you didn't see coming and a lot of fun moments.
I am bummed that the first two books in this series are narrated by someone else that I cannot stand to listen too, and believe she should only ever narrate childrens books. So I listen to them. Sigh....
As far as the narration, Justine Eyre did a good job. She does a pretty good job on the male voices, and her reading voice is nice. I can listen to her and enjoy the story.
This was an enjoyable story. I really liked Jane. She was smart, witty, sarcastic and funny. I liked Garrett too. He was handsome and mysterious. They had some good chemistry that was real and genuine. There was also a very nicely written sex scene.
The story line and plot was pretty good. There was some fun antics done by Lucy and crew that made you LOL. There was a couple surprises you didn't see coming and a lot of fun moments.
I am bummed that the first two books in this series are narrated by someone else that I cannot stand to listen too, and believe she should only ever narrate childrens books. So I listen to them. Sigh....
As far as the narration, Justine Eyre did a good job. She does a pretty good job on the male voices, and her reading voice is nice. I can listen to her and enjoy the story.
June 2, 2018
Lord Garrett Upton
Lady Jane
Lady Jane
June 14, 2018
3,5⭐️
August 24, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...
August 23, 2021
3.5
Funny, witty…. One time read
Funny, witty…. One time read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews