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Playful Brides #5
The Untamed Earl
Bestselling author Valerie Bowman sets the stage in Regency England for her Playful Brides series, where couples' misadventures on the way to the altar are witty, romantic romps based on some of the world's most beloved plays. The fifth volume, The Untamed Earl, is inspired by William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.AN INDECENT PROPOSAL Lady Alexandra Hobbs, the daughter of the Duke of Huntley, has intended to marry Lord Owen Monroe since she first glimpsed him from the window of her bedchamber, back when she was just a girl. But the duke has already chosen Alex’s infamously spoiled elder sister, Lavinia, for Owen. And now there’s no turning back.Owen has spent most of his bachelor years drinking, gambling, and skirt-chasing. He won’t see another pound from his parents, however, until he’s engaged to Lavinia. Desperate, he accepts an offer from her innocent and spirited—and absolutely beautiful—sister She will turn him into a perfectly tamed suitor, and show him how to woo the shrew. But when Alex’s true motives come to light, will their bargain lead to recriminations—or to a romance that defies everyone’s expectations?Award-winning author Valerie Bowman once again delivers romance and wit in The Untamed Earl!
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
84 people are currently reading
1386 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Bowman
59 books1,581 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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May 2, 2016
4.5 Delightful Stars!
What a delightful book! This is my first book by Valerie Bowman but it will definitely not be my last, The Untamed Earl is the fifth book in the Playful Brides series. I have so much catching up to do and I'm so excited to read about the other brides!
This is Alexandra and Owen's book, Alex recently had her coming out ball but although she's been introduced to the ton she can't marry until her older sister, Lavinia has been married off. But don't worry Alex already has her eye on the infamous Lord Owen Monroe and as soon as she's able, will marry him and live blissfully ever after. Imagine her dismay when she eavesdrops on her parents while they are planning Lavinia and Owen's betrothal!
One of the accomplishments, Alex would like to achieve:
"Marry my true love. Must be handsome, dashing, witty, kind, true and honorable. Name to be determined later."
What ensues Alex's diabolical plan which includes thwarting Lord Owen's attempts at courting Lavinia and ensuring that Lord Owen finally notices her therefore falling hopelessly in love with her!
I feel like shouting "Another!" like Thor lol. Alex stole the show to be quite honest, I've decided I'm adding her to my list of funny, intelligent and sweet heroines!
*walks off to make list*
Owen enlisted the help of Alex in winning over Lavinia, but I'm sure he never expected her to tell him exactly what wouldn't make her fall in love with him! I was in stitches!
"I'd ask you to dance, but I have a feeling you'd say no."
"You're correct, my lord." Lavinia replied.
"Would you care for a rock?"
"Lavinia gave him a look that clearly indicated he might have lost his mind.
Alex was shameless in her pursuit of Owen, and rightfully since Owen needed quite the nudge to realise his feelings. Lavinia was an absolute ogre, oh my goodness I can't even begin to explain what a terrible person she was. And while reading I'd thought perhaps she could redeem herself in another book but I'm not sure I want her to!
I also loved "The Playful Brides" who took Alex under their wing! Cass, Lucy and Jane were so entertaining and were one of the reasons I decided to read the rest of this series!
I'd definitely recommend The Untamed Earl to anyone looking for a light, playful and funny historical romance!
ARC kindly provided by publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review
What a delightful book! This is my first book by Valerie Bowman but it will definitely not be my last, The Untamed Earl is the fifth book in the Playful Brides series. I have so much catching up to do and I'm so excited to read about the other brides!
This is Alexandra and Owen's book, Alex recently had her coming out ball but although she's been introduced to the ton she can't marry until her older sister, Lavinia has been married off. But don't worry Alex already has her eye on the infamous Lord Owen Monroe and as soon as she's able, will marry him and live blissfully ever after. Imagine her dismay when she eavesdrops on her parents while they are planning Lavinia and Owen's betrothal!
One of the accomplishments, Alex would like to achieve:
"Marry my true love. Must be handsome, dashing, witty, kind, true and honorable. Name to be determined later."
What ensues Alex's diabolical plan which includes thwarting Lord Owen's attempts at courting Lavinia and ensuring that Lord Owen finally notices her therefore falling hopelessly in love with her!
I feel like shouting "Another!" like Thor lol. Alex stole the show to be quite honest, I've decided I'm adding her to my list of funny, intelligent and sweet heroines!
*walks off to make list*
Owen enlisted the help of Alex in winning over Lavinia, but I'm sure he never expected her to tell him exactly what wouldn't make her fall in love with him! I was in stitches!
"I'd ask you to dance, but I have a feeling you'd say no."
"You're correct, my lord." Lavinia replied.
"Would you care for a rock?"
"Lavinia gave him a look that clearly indicated he might have lost his mind.
Alex was shameless in her pursuit of Owen, and rightfully since Owen needed quite the nudge to realise his feelings. Lavinia was an absolute ogre, oh my goodness I can't even begin to explain what a terrible person she was. And while reading I'd thought perhaps she could redeem herself in another book but I'm not sure I want her to!
I also loved "The Playful Brides" who took Alex under their wing! Cass, Lucy and Jane were so entertaining and were one of the reasons I decided to read the rest of this series!
I'd definitely recommend The Untamed Earl to anyone looking for a light, playful and funny historical romance!
ARC kindly provided by publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review
June 28, 2018
The Untamed Earl by Valerie Bowman is a 2016 St. Martin’s Press publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This fifth installment in the ‘Playful Brides’ series got off to a stellar start and although I was reading several other books along with this one, I kept itching to get back into this story, until finally I succumbed and let it carry me away.
This story is all about Lady Alexandra Hobbs, who at age fifteen, feels as though she is standing in the shadow of her brother, and willowy sister, Lavinia. She makes a list of things she wishes to achieve in her life, and after a brief encounter with Lord Owen Monroe, she vows to marry him someday.
Years pass, and to her utter horror, she discovers her father intends to marry Lavinia to Lord Owen!! The catch? Owen will actually have to win her heart.
Owen’s father has given him an ultimatum- marry Lavinia or lose his allowance. Realizing the jig is up, Owen admits he’s had a good run, and will have to comply with his father’s wishes. How hard could it be to woo a young lady, considering his irresistible charm? Well, Owen has never met the ill- tempered Lavinia…
After seeing Owen struggle with her sister after making a few awkward attempts to charm her, Alex steps up and makes him a most unusual offer. She will help him win Lavinia over, if he will help her become more popular, by teaching her to be coy, to dance, and to flirt, and of course ward off unwanted advances if need be.
Desperate, and with time running out, Owen agrees to her plan….
This hilarious setup, along with whip smart dialogue, combined to make this one of the more delightful historical romances I’ve read recently. Alexandra steals the show, with her plotting, and scheming, and Lord Owen never seemed to suspect the clever trap being laid for him. Of course, the best laid plans often have their flaws, and despite help from Owen’s sister, the road to romance remained a very rocky one, with backfired plans and unforeseen circumstances, which lead to horrible misunderstandings.
This story is supposed to be inspired by the Shakespeare play – “The Taming of the Shrew”, and I can see many of those elements employed here. Middle ways through the story, however, the pace faltered a little bit, but quickly rebounded. Due to the screwball plot, the character development was perhaps a tad weak, but this delightful romance had me turning pages excitedly, holding my breath at times, laughing out loud, and thrilled with the way things eventually turned out.
Often times, historical romances with lighter tones, can bore me to tears, because the tend to lack substance, and because I usually crave a darker, edgier type of story, but this one was definitely an exception and I had a blast reading it and was thoroughly entertained by it.
This fifth installment in the ‘Playful Brides’ series got off to a stellar start and although I was reading several other books along with this one, I kept itching to get back into this story, until finally I succumbed and let it carry me away.
This story is all about Lady Alexandra Hobbs, who at age fifteen, feels as though she is standing in the shadow of her brother, and willowy sister, Lavinia. She makes a list of things she wishes to achieve in her life, and after a brief encounter with Lord Owen Monroe, she vows to marry him someday.
Years pass, and to her utter horror, she discovers her father intends to marry Lavinia to Lord Owen!! The catch? Owen will actually have to win her heart.
Owen’s father has given him an ultimatum- marry Lavinia or lose his allowance. Realizing the jig is up, Owen admits he’s had a good run, and will have to comply with his father’s wishes. How hard could it be to woo a young lady, considering his irresistible charm? Well, Owen has never met the ill- tempered Lavinia…
After seeing Owen struggle with her sister after making a few awkward attempts to charm her, Alex steps up and makes him a most unusual offer. She will help him win Lavinia over, if he will help her become more popular, by teaching her to be coy, to dance, and to flirt, and of course ward off unwanted advances if need be.
Desperate, and with time running out, Owen agrees to her plan….
This hilarious setup, along with whip smart dialogue, combined to make this one of the more delightful historical romances I’ve read recently. Alexandra steals the show, with her plotting, and scheming, and Lord Owen never seemed to suspect the clever trap being laid for him. Of course, the best laid plans often have their flaws, and despite help from Owen’s sister, the road to romance remained a very rocky one, with backfired plans and unforeseen circumstances, which lead to horrible misunderstandings.
This story is supposed to be inspired by the Shakespeare play – “The Taming of the Shrew”, and I can see many of those elements employed here. Middle ways through the story, however, the pace faltered a little bit, but quickly rebounded. Due to the screwball plot, the character development was perhaps a tad weak, but this delightful romance had me turning pages excitedly, holding my breath at times, laughing out loud, and thrilled with the way things eventually turned out.
Often times, historical romances with lighter tones, can bore me to tears, because the tend to lack substance, and because I usually crave a darker, edgier type of story, but this one was definitely an exception and I had a blast reading it and was thoroughly entertained by it.
Read
December 3, 2015It's a Regency version of The Taming of the Shrew. Only the shrew is a rogue.
May 3, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
This is book five in the "Playful Brides" series by Valerie Bowman. I have been jumping around in the series so I do feel this is a standalone book.
Lady Alexandra Hobbs fell in love with Lord Owen Monroe the first time she saw him out her window helping her brother and the stable boy with two younger men trying to fight them. Ever since she has been dreaming of marring him. But in the present day she learns that her father and his father are making a contract that will force Owen to marry her older spoiled and mean sister. Alex sister doesn't want him but Alex tries to derail Owen from winning her sisters affections. Owen start to see Alex and her sister are very different and starts to look toward Alex. This was a really great read that was funny, emotional and loving.
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This is book five in the "Playful Brides" series by Valerie Bowman. I have been jumping around in the series so I do feel this is a standalone book.
Lady Alexandra Hobbs fell in love with Lord Owen Monroe the first time she saw him out her window helping her brother and the stable boy with two younger men trying to fight them. Ever since she has been dreaming of marring him. But in the present day she learns that her father and his father are making a contract that will force Owen to marry her older spoiled and mean sister. Alex sister doesn't want him but Alex tries to derail Owen from winning her sisters affections. Owen start to see Alex and her sister are very different and starts to look toward Alex. This was a really great read that was funny, emotional and loving.
Please follow more reviews at the below sites:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
http://booklikes.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
April 15, 2016
Alexandra falls into a girl's love with Owen as a teen. As an as an adult discovers her parents are planning to marry him off to her sister. She concocts a plan to get closer to him. As she gets to know him, her love blossoms into a woman's love. Owen also gets to know someone who has sparked a yearning in him. One that he fights at first, of course. It's great to see him grow and develop as the story progresses. Alexandra is a very likeable character. A wallflower who you cheer on for her guts to go after what she wants. Alex's sister is absolutely horrid and her parents never put Alex first. She hasn't let that make her bitter. Alex pushes Owen in all the right ways to want better for himself. She helps Owen discover a better him. I really enjoyed the plot and the pacing and writing were done well. One part that was the star dropper for me: Owen in trying to "let Alex go because he isn't good enough" decides to push her away by involving another woman. Not cool. He realizes he did her wrong but he already planted the seed of doubt by then. Although they didn't have sex there were kisses and touches. Safety: No rape/abuse/sharing. No OM. OW listed above.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2016
**I received an eARC copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I really enjoyed this book - it is a very sweet story and even not having read all the other books in the series, I never felt lost or confused with references to the previous books.
Alex is a sweet, caring girl who has been "in love" with Owen since he came to the rescue of her brother three years ago. Alex is the younger daughter of a duke and her elder sister Lavinia is to put is nicely, a shrew.
Alex and Owen's parents have decided that Owen should marry Lavinia. Owen's father has had enough of Owen's rakehell ways and wants him to settle down - he will marry Lavinia or he will get cut off.
Alex and Owen meet again at a ball where he mistakes Alex for Lavinia. When he realizes his mistake and tries to get back in Lavinia's good graces, she shoots him down. Desperate to woo Lavinia, Owen strikes a bargain with Alex - He will make her the belle of the season and in turn she will help him win Lavinia. I will be honest, Owen did not impress me, I thought he was very spoiled and self centered. It wasn't until much later in the book that I found out why he was the way he was and then began to like him and by the end of the book, I loved him.
Alex wants Owen for her own - she agrees to help him with her sister, but does everything in her power to keep Owen from succeeding.
Throw in a few well meaning meddlers who believe that Alex and Owen belong together, a few twist and turns in the plot and an unbelievably nasty shrew, as well as some warm love scenes and you get a delightful story.
I would definitely recommend this book - my only complaint is that Owen would not be addressed as Lord Owen Monroe - as the son of an earl his honorific would be The Honorable Owen Monroe, unless he held one of his fathers lesser titles as the heir (it still wouldn't be Lord Owen Monroe). This is a personal pet peeve of mine and really doesn't have any bearing on the story.
I really enjoyed this book - it is a very sweet story and even not having read all the other books in the series, I never felt lost or confused with references to the previous books.
Alex is a sweet, caring girl who has been "in love" with Owen since he came to the rescue of her brother three years ago. Alex is the younger daughter of a duke and her elder sister Lavinia is to put is nicely, a shrew.
Alex and Owen's parents have decided that Owen should marry Lavinia. Owen's father has had enough of Owen's rakehell ways and wants him to settle down - he will marry Lavinia or he will get cut off.
Alex and Owen meet again at a ball where he mistakes Alex for Lavinia. When he realizes his mistake and tries to get back in Lavinia's good graces, she shoots him down. Desperate to woo Lavinia, Owen strikes a bargain with Alex - He will make her the belle of the season and in turn she will help him win Lavinia. I will be honest, Owen did not impress me, I thought he was very spoiled and self centered. It wasn't until much later in the book that I found out why he was the way he was and then began to like him and by the end of the book, I loved him.
Alex wants Owen for her own - she agrees to help him with her sister, but does everything in her power to keep Owen from succeeding.
Throw in a few well meaning meddlers who believe that Alex and Owen belong together, a few twist and turns in the plot and an unbelievably nasty shrew, as well as some warm love scenes and you get a delightful story.
I would definitely recommend this book - my only complaint is that Owen would not be addressed as Lord Owen Monroe - as the son of an earl his honorific would be The Honorable Owen Monroe, unless he held one of his fathers lesser titles as the heir (it still wouldn't be Lord Owen Monroe). This is a personal pet peeve of mine and really doesn't have any bearing on the story.
March 23, 2016
Netgalley for honest review . 4.25
This was so much fun to read and what wonderful characters that came to life.
I loved the bad boy hero but really a good guy at heart. Lord Owen Monroe present himself as a carefree, loving and leaving them type that doesn't have a care in the world. Oh, but he does. You see his parents believe it's time for him to grow up and pick a wife and marry.
Lady Alexandra fell in love with Lord Owen at fifteen. Alexandra witness his "good" heart as he came to the rescue of her younger brother and his friend. Years latter Owen is now expected to marry her older "brat" of a sister. Alexandra has decided she would offer to assist Owen in making him more presentable/attractive to her sister so he can pursue her for marriage. Deep down Alexandra has her heart set on Owen and hopes he will realizes how well they are suited instead.
Wow, this was a fun, satisfying and pleasurable read. These two characters had spunk, attitude (in a good way), were mischivious and creative. Owen was the perfect bad boy, but really what a sweetheart and fun hero. And my sassy, determined, lovable heroine Alexandra, I cheered that girl on to get her man. The two evoked some strong emotions from me, from lol to melt my heart moments.
The sister, well Lavinia just was a total shrew and the author did a very good job in creating a character that I truly disliked (job well done).
A romance that hit all the right buttons for me. It was a joy to read and I couldn't put it down.
This was so much fun to read and what wonderful characters that came to life.
I loved the bad boy hero but really a good guy at heart. Lord Owen Monroe present himself as a carefree, loving and leaving them type that doesn't have a care in the world. Oh, but he does. You see his parents believe it's time for him to grow up and pick a wife and marry.
Lady Alexandra fell in love with Lord Owen at fifteen. Alexandra witness his "good" heart as he came to the rescue of her younger brother and his friend. Years latter Owen is now expected to marry her older "brat" of a sister. Alexandra has decided she would offer to assist Owen in making him more presentable/attractive to her sister so he can pursue her for marriage. Deep down Alexandra has her heart set on Owen and hopes he will realizes how well they are suited instead.
Wow, this was a fun, satisfying and pleasurable read. These two characters had spunk, attitude (in a good way), were mischivious and creative. Owen was the perfect bad boy, but really what a sweetheart and fun hero. And my sassy, determined, lovable heroine Alexandra, I cheered that girl on to get her man. The two evoked some strong emotions from me, from lol to melt my heart moments.
The sister, well Lavinia just was a total shrew and the author did a very good job in creating a character that I truly disliked (job well done).
A romance that hit all the right buttons for me. It was a joy to read and I couldn't put it down.
May 1, 2016
Sweet, captivating and charming!
This is the first book by Valerie Bowman that I've read. The Untamed Earl is the fifth book in the Playful brides series but it can be read as a standalone, if you don't mind a few spoilers from previous books.
There's a lot of characters in this book, mainly from previous books. I was more curious than confused, in the end I wanted to read their stories too. My favorite secondary character was Berkeley, and I was so happy to see his story is next! I wanna know what happened between Lady Sara and him - I have an idea but we'll have to wait for it. Owen and Alex are a perfect couple!
Pacing was good, the dialogue was very good, great plot; but what I really enjoyed was the author's voice. That's what kept me hooked.
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2018
2.5/5 stars
This was so ludicrous in so many ways, that I can't even properly list all the inane plot points. I found myself laughing at some foolish plot points, and genuinely smiling at some points. Hence I can't imagine giving it more than 2.5 stars.
I did like the banter between the MC's, it was very well done up until one point. If perhaps I can pin point to what makes it a largely forgettable book was the lack of actual romance and buildup. Too much of the plot was the scheming and plotting. While I enjoy the men drinking and reminiscing over their bachelor days and the women concocting ways to matchmake, I wish there was more to get me invested in the pairing. Instead I was just along for the ride.
Also that age gap had me going "ugh" a little. I mean 31 and 19? Come on!
This was so ludicrous in so many ways, that I can't even properly list all the inane plot points. I found myself laughing at some foolish plot points, and genuinely smiling at some points. Hence I can't imagine giving it more than 2.5 stars.
I did like the banter between the MC's, it was very well done up until one point. If perhaps I can pin point to what makes it a largely forgettable book was the lack of actual romance and buildup. Too much of the plot was the scheming and plotting. While I enjoy the men drinking and reminiscing over their bachelor days and the women concocting ways to matchmake, I wish there was more to get me invested in the pairing. Instead I was just along for the ride.
Also that age gap had me going "ugh" a little. I mean 31 and 19? Come on!
June 17, 2017
1.5 rounding up to 2 because I'm feeling generous.
So, Lady Alexandra has a brief conversation with Lord Owen from the window of her bedroom when she's 15 years old and decides that one day she'll marry him. At the time Owen is 28. (Let it be known that I don't have an issue with the age gap since she's 18 when they eventually hook up.)
Fast forward 3 years.
Owen, a self-confessed rake (more about this later) is dragged to his father's office where he is given an ultimatum. Marry Lavinia Hobbs (Alexandra's sister and Owen's father's friend's daughter) or lose his allowance. Determined to keep this from happening, Owen agrees to woo the lady, who unbenownst to him has gained a reputation for being "difficult." Meanwhile, Alexandra catches wind of her father's arrangements and decides she needs to find a way to thwart the marriage so she can have Owen for herself.
In theory I had no issue with any of this. The premise was fine. The execution though, was not.
1) In the prologue, at 28 Owen seemed more mature than his 31 year old self. Honestly, he didn't come across as a philandering rake of the first order, but rather like a vapid child that didn't want to have his nice clothes taken away. The amount of times he referred to his innate style and other people's mistreatment of good fabrics and clothing made me roll my eyes.
2) Owen just comes across as an idiot. After hearing all the rumours about Lavinia's bad behaviour, he meets the two sisters when they're standing together. It's clear based on their behaviour who is who, but because he thinks Lavinia is wearing peach, he pushes aside what would be obvious to a blind man and asks the wrong sister to take a stroll with him. Urgh.
3) Alexandra wasn't much more mature either. She literally lies to him for most of the book in her quest to sabotage his courtship of her sister. Which brings me to Lavinia-
4) I have never, in all my years of reading HRs, come across a bigger shrew that Alexandra's sister. In fact, she was such a spoilt, entitled, mean harpy that she didn't even seem like a real person to me. She came across as a caricature; beyond OTT. Who behaves like that in Regency England and gets away with it? Spirited you say? No. She's an absolute bitch. How anyone, her parents included, put up with her is baffling. I can understand a spirited individual. Even a mean-girl. But someone who literally throws herself onto the floor and has a tantrum, at 21? WTF. It's a joke. I say send her to Bedlam.
5) The hero and heroine's banter felt forced as did their eventual sex scene. They had very little chemistry and quite frankly they were dull and uninspiring.
6) The heroine is called Alexandra by her parents, Al by her brother and Alex by Owen. Can everyone just pick a name already?
7) The story was boring. I started skimming very early on and couldn't stop. The ending was overly sweet with Owen suddenly interested in charitable pursuits blah blah. I don't buy it.
Considering the high scores on this one, I'm really disappointed. I won't be reading any more books by this author.
So, Lady Alexandra has a brief conversation with Lord Owen from the window of her bedroom when she's 15 years old and decides that one day she'll marry him. At the time Owen is 28. (Let it be known that I don't have an issue with the age gap since she's 18 when they eventually hook up.)
Fast forward 3 years.
Owen, a self-confessed rake (more about this later) is dragged to his father's office where he is given an ultimatum. Marry Lavinia Hobbs (Alexandra's sister and Owen's father's friend's daughter) or lose his allowance. Determined to keep this from happening, Owen agrees to woo the lady, who unbenownst to him has gained a reputation for being "difficult." Meanwhile, Alexandra catches wind of her father's arrangements and decides she needs to find a way to thwart the marriage so she can have Owen for herself.
In theory I had no issue with any of this. The premise was fine. The execution though, was not.
1) In the prologue, at 28 Owen seemed more mature than his 31 year old self. Honestly, he didn't come across as a philandering rake of the first order, but rather like a vapid child that didn't want to have his nice clothes taken away. The amount of times he referred to his innate style and other people's mistreatment of good fabrics and clothing made me roll my eyes.
2) Owen just comes across as an idiot. After hearing all the rumours about Lavinia's bad behaviour, he meets the two sisters when they're standing together. It's clear based on their behaviour who is who, but because he thinks Lavinia is wearing peach, he pushes aside what would be obvious to a blind man and asks the wrong sister to take a stroll with him. Urgh.
3) Alexandra wasn't much more mature either. She literally lies to him for most of the book in her quest to sabotage his courtship of her sister. Which brings me to Lavinia-
4) I have never, in all my years of reading HRs, come across a bigger shrew that Alexandra's sister. In fact, she was such a spoilt, entitled, mean harpy that she didn't even seem like a real person to me. She came across as a caricature; beyond OTT. Who behaves like that in Regency England and gets away with it? Spirited you say? No. She's an absolute bitch. How anyone, her parents included, put up with her is baffling. I can understand a spirited individual. Even a mean-girl. But someone who literally throws herself onto the floor and has a tantrum, at 21? WTF. It's a joke. I say send her to Bedlam.
5) The hero and heroine's banter felt forced as did their eventual sex scene. They had very little chemistry and quite frankly they were dull and uninspiring.
6) The heroine is called Alexandra by her parents, Al by her brother and Alex by Owen. Can everyone just pick a name already?
7) The story was boring. I started skimming very early on and couldn't stop. The ending was overly sweet with Owen suddenly interested in charitable pursuits blah blah. I don't buy it.
Considering the high scores on this one, I'm really disappointed. I won't be reading any more books by this author.
April 29, 2016
This is an engaging historical romance and part of a series but I can vouch that it works well as a standalone as I haven’t read any of the others - yet - and thoroughly enjoyed this!
As a teen, Lady Alexandra Hobbs had been told to stay in her room during a ball celebrating her older sister’s first season as a debutant. It was whilst listening to everything going on that she heard her brother and his friend being threatened by two guest. Undaunted she shouts at the two older men from her bedroom window and gets her first glimpse of Lord Owen Monroe who intercedes on her behalf and, like a hero, rescues the two friends and admonishes the young bullies. That’s when she decided to marry him. Unfortunately, several years later, it is her spoilt sister who her parents have decided will marry him.
Owen has a reputation as a gambling, womanising drinker but his father has had enough of such behaviour and now has demanded that he makes Lady Lavinia Hobbs agree to marry him. Lady Lavinia is horrid and won’t really give him the time of day, let alone fall in love with him! Alex offers to help him win her sister’s affections providing he helps her become more popular rather than the wallflower she currently is at any society events. As the two get to know each other, her teenage crush develops into womanly love and she challenges his attitudes, beliefs and aspirations whilst he develops more pride in himself and determines to make more of his life. He, however, is convinced he’s not good enough for her . . .
This is a brilliant story with a host of great characters - especially the scheming young women! It has many laugh out loud moments and keeps the reader entertained throughout, a real page turner and fun, too. I’ll definitely be looking out for other novels by this author in future - including other books in this series!
Thanks to the publishers for gifting me an ARC of this novel, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
As a teen, Lady Alexandra Hobbs had been told to stay in her room during a ball celebrating her older sister’s first season as a debutant. It was whilst listening to everything going on that she heard her brother and his friend being threatened by two guest. Undaunted she shouts at the two older men from her bedroom window and gets her first glimpse of Lord Owen Monroe who intercedes on her behalf and, like a hero, rescues the two friends and admonishes the young bullies. That’s when she decided to marry him. Unfortunately, several years later, it is her spoilt sister who her parents have decided will marry him.
Owen has a reputation as a gambling, womanising drinker but his father has had enough of such behaviour and now has demanded that he makes Lady Lavinia Hobbs agree to marry him. Lady Lavinia is horrid and won’t really give him the time of day, let alone fall in love with him! Alex offers to help him win her sister’s affections providing he helps her become more popular rather than the wallflower she currently is at any society events. As the two get to know each other, her teenage crush develops into womanly love and she challenges his attitudes, beliefs and aspirations whilst he develops more pride in himself and determines to make more of his life. He, however, is convinced he’s not good enough for her . . .
This is a brilliant story with a host of great characters - especially the scheming young women! It has many laugh out loud moments and keeps the reader entertained throughout, a real page turner and fun, too. I’ll definitely be looking out for other novels by this author in future - including other books in this series!
Thanks to the publishers for gifting me an ARC of this novel, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
July 5, 2017
This is why you should never walk into a series half way through. Nothing good ever happens. As I was reading the story of the poor overlooked heroine and the charming rake, normally the type of story I love, and was the very reason I picked this book up, I found my mind drifting. Drifting to the other characters and couples in the series whose story I hadn’t read. I found I was more curious about what had happened with them, then I was with the romance I was currently knee deep in.
Which is why I must underscore this point: nothing good ever comes out of starting a series at book number five. Suddenly book number one, two, three and four seem to look more interesting. Or at least this did in this case. As the story wore on I found the heroine a little silly and the hero a little boring, which meant I wasn’t invested in them at all I was reading on in near indifference wondering about what had happened before.
This book wasn’t a hit with me and although I was curious about the other characters, I am not curious enough to give the rest of this series a try.
May 31, 2017
I hated this book. I am in such a huge book slump. I have given out so many 1 star reviews lately. Alexandra was a child. Not literally but everything she did is something a 15 year old would do with her first crush. and Owen?? what the hell happened to him? Every time he has been in the other books I have been i love with him and now he is kind of a pansy.
What I absolutely hate is that the idea behind this book is awesome. Owen needs to marry and his father wants him to marry Lavina(SP?), who is Alex's older sister. Now Lavina is a spoiler brat and she just difficult and wants nothing to do with Owen. So Alex offers to help him win her over. I LOVE that idea. I think it COULD have been an amazing story but the problem is that Alex instead of helping him she told him the opposite of everything that Lavina wanted and to me that is just petty and childish. Owen was falling in love with her anyways. If she would have just helped him, he would have still chosen her.
So yea not a fan of this one at all. Actually I am not even going to read the next one for awhile because this one just put me off these characters. Ill get to it eventually.
What I absolutely hate is that the idea behind this book is awesome. Owen needs to marry and his father wants him to marry Lavina(SP?), who is Alex's older sister. Now Lavina is a spoiler brat and she just difficult and wants nothing to do with Owen. So Alex offers to help him win her over. I LOVE that idea. I think it COULD have been an amazing story but the problem is that Alex instead of helping him she told him the opposite of everything that Lavina wanted and to me that is just petty and childish. Owen was falling in love with her anyways. If she would have just helped him, he would have still chosen her.
So yea not a fan of this one at all. Actually I am not even going to read the next one for awhile because this one just put me off these characters. Ill get to it eventually.
March 17, 2019
4.5 stars - Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Lady Alexandra Hobbs fell in love with Lord Owen Monroe when she was fifteen and saw him standing up for her brother and his friend against some bullies. It’s been three years since that day and though Owen has a reputation for being a wastrel, Alex is still dazzled by him. Unfortunately, Alex’s parents have just declared that Owen will be courting and (they hope) marrying Alex’s sister, Lavinia.
Owen has no desire to marry just yet, but he’ll be cut off if he doesn’t acquiesce to his own father’s demands that he get Lady Lavinia Hobbs to marry him. It’s just Owen’s luck that Lavinia is a shrew in every sense of the word and that her sister, Alex, is much better suited to him. Then fate seems to deal Owen a kind hand, for Alex makes a bargain with Owen: in exchange for helping her become more polished in order to catch the attentions of a man she’s in love with, Alex will teach Owen what he needs to know to win Lavinia. But what will happen when Owen discovers that he is the man Alex has her eye on?
There are those books that are so fun, so charming, so irresistible that you smile when thinking of them long after you’ve finished the last page. The Untamed Earl is exactly that kind of book. Valerie Bowman’s fifth Playful Brides book is a sprightly, engaging, utterly delightful historical romance that I simply adored.
I absolutely loved Alex. She’s open, honest, funny, and just a bit daring. She’s also been overlooked most of her life; the consequence of being neither the spoiled eldest daughter nor the male heir. I wanted to see Alex find someone who would love and appreciate her for who she is, and it’s no surprise that Owen is the man for the job. Owen has spent a good number of years drinking, carousing, and caring more about his clothes than anything of substance. But beneath all that there lies a man with a good heart and a quick mind who just needs that extra push of someone believing in him. It was great watching Owen come into his own over the course of the story, to see him become the man those who know him best are sure he can be.
As individuals, Owen and Alex are easy to like. But together they are simply fantastic. The dialogue in The Untamed Earl is bright, snappy, and made me grin more than once. Though Alex has had a crush on Owen for years, what we see develop over the course of the story is a true romance between two equals. Owen and Alex’s love story develops organically, though Ms. Bowman doesn’t make things easy on them. The drama created by the obstacles that keep Alex and Owen apart did threaten to make the book falter once or twice, but – given that our hero and heroine had some extra help from past Playful Brides heroes and heroines – I had no doubt the story would reach a satisfying conclusion.
It’d be remiss of me not to mention that The Untamed Earl is loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Ms. Bowman weaves the elements of the Bard’s work in seamlessly, and it was fun to see parts of the play pop up, though the story does stand strong on its own. I love stories that are a twist on the classics and Ms. Bowman does it just right.
The Untamed Earl is the fifth book in the Playful Brides series, but having not read the previous four novels I can safely say that Owen and Alex’s book can be read as a standalone (if you don’t mind a few minor spoilers). The upside to starting with The Untamed Earl is that I can glom up the rest of the Playful Brides stories and make the wait for the sixth book, The Legendary Lord, feel shorter. Having loved Alex and Owen’s story as much as I did, that’s exactly what I’ll do. If you enjoy lighthearted, fun historical romances, you won’t want to miss The Untamed Earl !
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lady Alexandra Hobbs fell in love with Lord Owen Monroe when she was fifteen and saw him standing up for her brother and his friend against some bullies. It’s been three years since that day and though Owen has a reputation for being a wastrel, Alex is still dazzled by him. Unfortunately, Alex’s parents have just declared that Owen will be courting and (they hope) marrying Alex’s sister, Lavinia.
Owen has no desire to marry just yet, but he’ll be cut off if he doesn’t acquiesce to his own father’s demands that he get Lady Lavinia Hobbs to marry him. It’s just Owen’s luck that Lavinia is a shrew in every sense of the word and that her sister, Alex, is much better suited to him. Then fate seems to deal Owen a kind hand, for Alex makes a bargain with Owen: in exchange for helping her become more polished in order to catch the attentions of a man she’s in love with, Alex will teach Owen what he needs to know to win Lavinia. But what will happen when Owen discovers that he is the man Alex has her eye on?
There are those books that are so fun, so charming, so irresistible that you smile when thinking of them long after you’ve finished the last page. The Untamed Earl is exactly that kind of book. Valerie Bowman’s fifth Playful Brides book is a sprightly, engaging, utterly delightful historical romance that I simply adored.
I absolutely loved Alex. She’s open, honest, funny, and just a bit daring. She’s also been overlooked most of her life; the consequence of being neither the spoiled eldest daughter nor the male heir. I wanted to see Alex find someone who would love and appreciate her for who she is, and it’s no surprise that Owen is the man for the job. Owen has spent a good number of years drinking, carousing, and caring more about his clothes than anything of substance. But beneath all that there lies a man with a good heart and a quick mind who just needs that extra push of someone believing in him. It was great watching Owen come into his own over the course of the story, to see him become the man those who know him best are sure he can be.
As individuals, Owen and Alex are easy to like. But together they are simply fantastic. The dialogue in The Untamed Earl is bright, snappy, and made me grin more than once. Though Alex has had a crush on Owen for years, what we see develop over the course of the story is a true romance between two equals. Owen and Alex’s love story develops organically, though Ms. Bowman doesn’t make things easy on them. The drama created by the obstacles that keep Alex and Owen apart did threaten to make the book falter once or twice, but – given that our hero and heroine had some extra help from past Playful Brides heroes and heroines – I had no doubt the story would reach a satisfying conclusion.
It’d be remiss of me not to mention that The Untamed Earl is loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Ms. Bowman weaves the elements of the Bard’s work in seamlessly, and it was fun to see parts of the play pop up, though the story does stand strong on its own. I love stories that are a twist on the classics and Ms. Bowman does it just right.
The Untamed Earl is the fifth book in the Playful Brides series, but having not read the previous four novels I can safely say that Owen and Alex’s book can be read as a standalone (if you don’t mind a few minor spoilers). The upside to starting with The Untamed Earl is that I can glom up the rest of the Playful Brides stories and make the wait for the sixth book, The Legendary Lord, feel shorter. Having loved Alex and Owen’s story as much as I did, that’s exactly what I’ll do. If you enjoy lighthearted, fun historical romances, you won’t want to miss The Untamed Earl !
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 1, 2016
SYNOPSIS:
AN INDECENT PROPOSAL
Lady Alexandra Hobbs, the daughter of the Duke of Huntley, has intended to marry Lord Owen Monroe since she first glimpsed him from the window of her bedchamber, back when she was just a girl. But the duke has already chosen Alex’s infamously spoiled elder sister, Lavinia, for Owen. And now there’s no turning back.
Owen has spent most of his bachelor years drinking, gambling, and skirt-chasing. He won’t see another pound from his parents, however, until he’s engaged to Lavinia. Desperate, he accepts an offer from her innocent and spirited—and absolutely beautiful—sister Alex: She will turn him into a perfectly tamed suitor, and show him how to woo the shrew. But when Alex’s true motives come to light, will their bargain lead to recriminations—or to a romance that defies everyone’s expectations?
MY THOUGHTS:
Award-winning author Valerie Bowman delivers the romance and wit in "The Untamed Earl", once again. She always amazes me with her witty, touching and well thought out romances. Her "Playful Brides Series" to date has been absolutely amazing. I can't get enough of these characters. Even though I read this one in a less than ideal format (a 2 page spread pdf.), I couldn't put it down. I immediately fell in love with Alexandra (or Al as her brother Thomas called her). I equally detested the older sister, Lavinia with her tantrums and spoiled ways.
Our hero, Owen with his secret charitable donations to an orphanage is totally misunderstood by his parents and most people of his acquaintance. He is the GOOD GUY, but not thought to be by most of the ton, but Alex sees right through his bad boy act.
This one, as all of this series to date, is not to be missed. Make sure to pick up your copy as soon as it is made available.
I read a digital ARC of this book by invitation from the publisher. This in no way influenced my review.
About The Author:
Award-winning author Valerie Bowman writes Regency-set historical romance novels with a focus on sharp dialogue, engaging storylines, and heroines who take matters into their own hands!
Valerie Bowman’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 historical 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 mini-schnauzer, Huckleberry. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
AN INDECENT PROPOSAL
Lady Alexandra Hobbs, the daughter of the Duke of Huntley, has intended to marry Lord Owen Monroe since she first glimpsed him from the window of her bedchamber, back when she was just a girl. But the duke has already chosen Alex’s infamously spoiled elder sister, Lavinia, for Owen. And now there’s no turning back.
Owen has spent most of his bachelor years drinking, gambling, and skirt-chasing. He won’t see another pound from his parents, however, until he’s engaged to Lavinia. Desperate, he accepts an offer from her innocent and spirited—and absolutely beautiful—sister Alex: She will turn him into a perfectly tamed suitor, and show him how to woo the shrew. But when Alex’s true motives come to light, will their bargain lead to recriminations—or to a romance that defies everyone’s expectations?
MY THOUGHTS:
Award-winning author Valerie Bowman delivers the romance and wit in "The Untamed Earl", once again. She always amazes me with her witty, touching and well thought out romances. Her "Playful Brides Series" to date has been absolutely amazing. I can't get enough of these characters. Even though I read this one in a less than ideal format (a 2 page spread pdf.), I couldn't put it down. I immediately fell in love with Alexandra (or Al as her brother Thomas called her). I equally detested the older sister, Lavinia with her tantrums and spoiled ways.
Our hero, Owen with his secret charitable donations to an orphanage is totally misunderstood by his parents and most people of his acquaintance. He is the GOOD GUY, but not thought to be by most of the ton, but Alex sees right through his bad boy act.
This one, as all of this series to date, is not to be missed. Make sure to pick up your copy as soon as it is made available.
I read a digital ARC of this book by invitation from the publisher. This in no way influenced my review.
About The Author:
Award-winning author Valerie Bowman writes Regency-set historical romance novels with a focus on sharp dialogue, engaging storylines, and heroines who take matters into their own hands!
Valerie Bowman’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 historical 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 mini-schnauzer, Huckleberry. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
June 3, 2018
I have been saying that I do not like the hero in a large percentage of the recent historical romance books I've read. Lord Chase Monroe is another I definitely did not like! He was a real jerk, almost unforgivable and irredeemable. Of course, he partakes in the usual vices of drinking and gambling and loose women. It's not just that. He has no self-respect. Hence he has even less respect for the women in his life. On top of that, his quantity is a bit disgusting. He only sleeps at home maybe 1 in 12 nights, and he never beds the same woman more than two nights in a row. This guy is 31 years old. You do the math.
In spite of all that, Valerie Bowman redeemed him for me. The story reminds me that none of us are perfect. Regardless if our behavior is proportionate to the hurts and trauma we suffered as a child, what matters is what we choose to do today and tomorrow. I appreciated that the heroine Alexandra was willing to look for the best in Lord Chase Monroe. She was willing to encourage him and believe in his true nature at heart, regardless of his actions.
The writing style was easy to read as expected, though many of the plots and situations are absolutely ludicrous. I definitely plan to move on to book 6 next.
In spite of all that, Valerie Bowman redeemed him for me. The story reminds me that none of us are perfect. Regardless if our behavior is proportionate to the hurts and trauma we suffered as a child, what matters is what we choose to do today and tomorrow. I appreciated that the heroine Alexandra was willing to look for the best in Lord Chase Monroe. She was willing to encourage him and believe in his true nature at heart, regardless of his actions.
The writing style was easy to read as expected, though many of the plots and situations are absolutely ludicrous. I definitely plan to move on to book 6 next.
May 2, 2016
I am no stranger to Valerie Bowman or her Playful Brides series. I have had the pleasure of reading a couple others in this series. I was anticipating this one. This series as an apt name. Playful was most certainly the experience that I have had with these delightful ladies from Regency England.
Lady Alex proposal was called indecent. I call it going for what she really wants. She gets her hearts desire if things go right. Seeing that she was to be cheated of the one true desire of her heart. Lady Alex plots to make sure that things don't go astray. In comes her proposal to Lord Owen.
Being told to straighten up and do right was not exactly what Lord Owen was looking for when he awake this day. Now he has to woo the shrew. With the help of the shrew in questions younger sister. He is on the path to do just that or so he thought.
I found this to be fun and entertaining. Lady Alex makes all the difference. She has a child's love when she falls for Lord Owen but during the process of making he acceptable to her sister. She develops womanly affection and a woman's love. Aptly appropriate historical romance.
**This ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Lady Alex proposal was called indecent. I call it going for what she really wants. She gets her hearts desire if things go right. Seeing that she was to be cheated of the one true desire of her heart. Lady Alex plots to make sure that things don't go astray. In comes her proposal to Lord Owen.
Being told to straighten up and do right was not exactly what Lord Owen was looking for when he awake this day. Now he has to woo the shrew. With the help of the shrew in questions younger sister. He is on the path to do just that or so he thought.
I found this to be fun and entertaining. Lady Alex makes all the difference. She has a child's love when she falls for Lord Owen but during the process of making he acceptable to her sister. She develops womanly affection and a woman's love. Aptly appropriate historical romance.
**This ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
April 27, 2016
I truly enjoyed everything about this book. The main characters and secondary characters were so much fun and witty. Lady Alexandra "Alex" was a truly charming character and someone I'd love to be friends with. Lord Owen was dashing, debonair and a good hearted hero even if only his sister and friends knew. Lord Owen's father tells him he's to marry and he has his bride picked out for him. If not he's cut off! There's only one catch, he's to make her fall in love with him first. She wants a love match. He enters into a unusual pack with his intendeds sister Alexandra to win her affection. Oh and there's another catch...Lady Alexandra has loved him since she was 15. What insues is a hilarious tale and a beautiful romance.
My only complaint is that it was a little long I think Ms. Bowman could of shortened it with out taking away from the story.
My only complaint is that it was a little long I think Ms. Bowman could of shortened it with out taking away from the story.
March 13, 2016
"Every touch...every feeling...was beyond palpable...ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!!
I devoured every sexy and intriguing morsel of devine wording. Exquisite characterization that will lure you in from the first few pages. The only thing that I hated was....that it ended!!!"
I devoured every sexy and intriguing morsel of devine wording. Exquisite characterization that will lure you in from the first few pages. The only thing that I hated was....that it ended!!!"
April 27, 2016
Full review to come in a day or 2 . Waiting for Thomas story
June 17, 2017
This is why you should never walk into a series half way through. Nothing good ever happens. As I was reading the story of the poor overlooked heroine and the charming rake, normally the type of story I love, and was the very reason I picked this book up, I found my mind drifting. Drifting to the other characters and couples in the series whose story I hadn’t read. I found I was more curious about what had happened with them, then I was with the romance I was currently knee deep in.Which is why I must underscore this point: nothing good ever comes out of starting a series at book number five. Suddenly book number one, two, three and four seem to look more interesting. Or at least this did in this case. As the story wore on I found the heroine a little silly and the hero a little boring, which meant I wasn’t invested in them at all I was reading on in near indifference wondering about what had happened before.
This book wasn’t a hit with me and although I was curious about the other characters, I am not curious enough to give the rest of this series a try.
*Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
June 6, 2019
Same old vine in a new bottle. But the bottle was likable enough for me enjoy the book as part of my cheap thrills.
I still can't relate to an 18 yr old girl teaching a 31 year old man how to be a grown up.
And it felt a bit ludicrous that the said man was feeling purposeful after getting up early and vising someone useful for one day. I wonder what I'm doing wrong with my life.
I still can't relate to an 18 yr old girl teaching a 31 year old man how to be a grown up.
And it felt a bit ludicrous that the said man was feeling purposeful after getting up early and vising someone useful for one day. I wonder what I'm doing wrong with my life.
May 20, 2016
"The Untamed Earl" the fifth book in Ms Bowmans Playful Brides series was absolutely wonderful even including Cameo appearances of previous couples ; never fear it can be read as stand alone. Ms Bowman are not only engaging but are so well written they come to life.
Lady Alexandria Huntley has known who she wanted to marry since she was fifteen Lord Owen Monroe, he may be considered by some a scoundrel , however she has seen the good in him, but know she has finally made her come out , she just needs to get his attention. Unfortunately for Alex, her parents wish to wed her bitter, spoiled older sister Lavinia off first, with Lavinia's attitude Alex will surely wind up being a spinster. Alex's father The Duke of Huntley has an idea he has connoted with his freind , they will marry Lavinia to his Freinds son. Unfortunately that son is Alexandria's desired husband Owen.
What is a girl to do, when she knows full well her parents give Lavinia everything she wants , but the one thing in her side , her father wants Lavinia to choose Owen Owen does not know Lavinia ; sure he has heard how difficult she can be but he did not expect to fail so easily and often at wooing her.
Alexandria offers to help Owen woo Lavinia, give him information and tips as to what Lvinia is looking for in a suitor giving Alexandria the opportunity to provide misdirection and time with Owen.
The more time Owen spends with Alex, the more he realizes that his father is ordering him to court the wrong sister ; but faced with his allowance being pulled from him or admitting his feelings for the lovely Alex what will Owen do ?
The story line was captivating, creative and humorous situations in some situations .I especially loved Alexandria 's character such a typical middle child with her need to plot to get what she wants and desires , but equally as intelligent and witty! For as much as I loved Alex , I equally despised the spoiled wretched first born Lavinai ; an occasionally felt bad for poor Owen stuck in the middle and realizing he actually may love some one and even more so when he felt he was not good enough for Alex.
Alex and Owen eventually get their happy ending, but not until a few miss tarts along the way.
Oh and Lavinia well maybe she gets what is coming to her too ,
Lady Alexandria Huntley has known who she wanted to marry since she was fifteen Lord Owen Monroe, he may be considered by some a scoundrel , however she has seen the good in him, but know she has finally made her come out , she just needs to get his attention. Unfortunately for Alex, her parents wish to wed her bitter, spoiled older sister Lavinia off first, with Lavinia's attitude Alex will surely wind up being a spinster. Alex's father The Duke of Huntley has an idea he has connoted with his freind , they will marry Lavinia to his Freinds son. Unfortunately that son is Alexandria's desired husband Owen.
What is a girl to do, when she knows full well her parents give Lavinia everything she wants , but the one thing in her side , her father wants Lavinia to choose Owen Owen does not know Lavinia ; sure he has heard how difficult she can be but he did not expect to fail so easily and often at wooing her.
Alexandria offers to help Owen woo Lavinia, give him information and tips as to what Lvinia is looking for in a suitor giving Alexandria the opportunity to provide misdirection and time with Owen.
The more time Owen spends with Alex, the more he realizes that his father is ordering him to court the wrong sister ; but faced with his allowance being pulled from him or admitting his feelings for the lovely Alex what will Owen do ?
The story line was captivating, creative and humorous situations in some situations .I especially loved Alexandria 's character such a typical middle child with her need to plot to get what she wants and desires , but equally as intelligent and witty! For as much as I loved Alex , I equally despised the spoiled wretched first born Lavinai ; an occasionally felt bad for poor Owen stuck in the middle and realizing he actually may love some one and even more so when he felt he was not good enough for Alex.
Alex and Owen eventually get their happy ending, but not until a few miss tarts along the way.
Oh and Lavinia well maybe she gets what is coming to her too ,
May 3, 2016
A delightful fairy floss romp!
Lady Alexandra Hobbs (Alex) fell in love with Lord Monroe when she was fifteen, just after she'd written her list of the things she wished to accomplish in her life.
'1. Become brave and daring like Thomas.
2. Become beautiful, willowy and poised like Lavina. Never stain my gowns with food, et cetera.
3. Have a come-out during which an exceedingly eligible gentleman asks me to dance, thereby making the affair a smashing success.
4. Marry my true love. Must be handsome, dashing, witty, kind and honrable. Name to be determined later.
Lord Owen Munroe.'
Now three years later at the ripe old age of 18 with her list not even begun, she's discovered that her father and Owen's have decided her true love, Lord Owen, is to marry her older sister, the perfect (and horribly spoilt) Lavina.
And that's when Alex decides to fight for her one true love, who has very little idea of her existence.
Enter stage right those three (now) grand ladies aka the Playful Brides' Lucy, Cassandra and Jane, (who cut a swathe through society with their high jinks as they pursued their true own true loves), and the situation becomes even more fraught. With Alex's natural inventiveness and these ladies' intervention things are far from dull, if not downright muddled.
Sister Lavina is so wonderfully and truly terrible that she's almost unbelievable. Will she ever change? Talk about the ugly older sister with a facade beautiful hiding inner demons! I don't see how, but perhaps Bowman might be able to bring about a miracle if ever she decides to write Lavina's story. Personally I think she should disappear into the mists of time.
Lots of wonderful stuff and nonsense dot the landscape of this true love's tale. A super read to while away an afternoon with.
A NetGalley ARC
Lady Alexandra Hobbs (Alex) fell in love with Lord Monroe when she was fifteen, just after she'd written her list of the things she wished to accomplish in her life.
'1. Become brave and daring like Thomas.
2. Become beautiful, willowy and poised like Lavina. Never stain my gowns with food, et cetera.
3. Have a come-out during which an exceedingly eligible gentleman asks me to dance, thereby making the affair a smashing success.
4. Marry my true love. Must be handsome, dashing, witty, kind and honrable. Name to be determined later.
Lord Owen Munroe.'
Now three years later at the ripe old age of 18 with her list not even begun, she's discovered that her father and Owen's have decided her true love, Lord Owen, is to marry her older sister, the perfect (and horribly spoilt) Lavina.
And that's when Alex decides to fight for her one true love, who has very little idea of her existence.
Enter stage right those three (now) grand ladies aka the Playful Brides' Lucy, Cassandra and Jane, (who cut a swathe through society with their high jinks as they pursued their true own true loves), and the situation becomes even more fraught. With Alex's natural inventiveness and these ladies' intervention things are far from dull, if not downright muddled.
Sister Lavina is so wonderfully and truly terrible that she's almost unbelievable. Will she ever change? Talk about the ugly older sister with a facade beautiful hiding inner demons! I don't see how, but perhaps Bowman might be able to bring about a miracle if ever she decides to write Lavina's story. Personally I think she should disappear into the mists of time.
Lots of wonderful stuff and nonsense dot the landscape of this true love's tale. A super read to while away an afternoon with.
A NetGalley ARC
June 5, 2016
This was alright. It is what it is really. A tale of sweet and sensual confusion. But the connection between Alex and Owen developed a bit too easily. I always like more a glitch or some frictional tension. What’s not to love about Alex? She’s amicable, easy going, fun and just overall lovely. And Owen is typical- an older handsome rogue. He’s lived a life of debauchery and is turning over the leaf for the right wom-an. Alex has set her sights on him from day 1. She’s small and cute but devises a bold plan to spend more time with him, something he can’t refuse, making him surprised and curious.
You’re thinking alright- alright, this is what I kinda signed up for. But the two instantly like each other from the beginning. What’s wrong with that? There’s always some sort of initial attraction. But it needs to be something a little less friendly and little more gutsy. What’s more is the climax happens quite late, around 80% of the way through. I think the tension built was just too little, too slow.
What I actually liked most about this book, and what I found the most memorable, is Alex’s crazy-ass sister! Lavinia is loud, spoilt, selfish, spiteful and overall terrible to be around. She is super lazy and rages when she doesn’t get her way. I loved the way she got OTT evil and the moment she gets her comeuppance!! I was like yes biatch here’s a taste of life, suck on that. Ha ha. It was like watching a soap drama. I kinda wanted her to meet her match, to fall head over heels for someone and become undone. I think that would make a more interesting story.
You’re thinking alright- alright, this is what I kinda signed up for. But the two instantly like each other from the beginning. What’s wrong with that? There’s always some sort of initial attraction. But it needs to be something a little less friendly and little more gutsy. What’s more is the climax happens quite late, around 80% of the way through. I think the tension built was just too little, too slow.
What I actually liked most about this book, and what I found the most memorable, is Alex’s crazy-ass sister! Lavinia is loud, spoilt, selfish, spiteful and overall terrible to be around. She is super lazy and rages when she doesn’t get her way. I loved the way she got OTT evil and the moment she gets her comeuppance!! I was like yes biatch here’s a taste of life, suck on that. Ha ha. It was like watching a soap drama. I kinda wanted her to meet her match, to fall head over heels for someone and become undone. I think that would make a more interesting story.
April 3, 2016
I loved this book! Valerie Bowman writes fun, enjoyable romances.
Lady Alexandra fell in love with Lord Owen when she was 15 and saw him do a good deed from her bedroom window. She is the middle child and her older sister gets all of the attention. Now Alex is old enough to have her debut and she's devastated when her father plans for Owen to marry her sister.
Owen has been told by his father to stop running around and get married. There is much more to Owen than his rakish reputation and Alex sees that. With help from Owen's sister, Cass, and her friends Alex plots to spend time with him.
No plot spoilers from me! I couldn't put this one down. Thank you Valerie Bowman for the ARC. If there was ever a song for a book, this one would be Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Look At Little Sister"!
Lady Alexandra fell in love with Lord Owen when she was 15 and saw him do a good deed from her bedroom window. She is the middle child and her older sister gets all of the attention. Now Alex is old enough to have her debut and she's devastated when her father plans for Owen to marry her sister.
Owen has been told by his father to stop running around and get married. There is much more to Owen than his rakish reputation and Alex sees that. With help from Owen's sister, Cass, and her friends Alex plots to spend time with him.
No plot spoilers from me! I couldn't put this one down. Thank you Valerie Bowman for the ARC. If there was ever a song for a book, this one would be Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Look At Little Sister"!
December 8, 2018
I’m so happy I took a chance on this book and decided to buy it despite the less then desirable cover !
I truly believe this book could have been so immensely popular if only it were marketed differently.
The cover made me think that this book would be kinda sleazy but in all honesty this book could have very well been shelved in the YA section.
I enjoyed this read a lot ; the romance was angsty , charming and witty ! Alexandra our heroine was sweet and intelligent and Owen our love interest was absolutely perfect in my books . Sure he was a drunk , he gambled and he swore but he was very charming and British *swoon*.
In summary this book is basically about a good girl and a misunderstood bad boy , only they are in London in the 1500s!
I truly believe this book could have been so immensely popular if only it were marketed differently.
The cover made me think that this book would be kinda sleazy but in all honesty this book could have very well been shelved in the YA section.
I enjoyed this read a lot ; the romance was angsty , charming and witty ! Alexandra our heroine was sweet and intelligent and Owen our love interest was absolutely perfect in my books . Sure he was a drunk , he gambled and he swore but he was very charming and British *swoon*.
In summary this book is basically about a good girl and a misunderstood bad boy , only they are in London in the 1500s!
May 13, 2016
Yet again, author Valerie Bowman wows me with her well- written story, her sense of humor and her ability to make this reader feel like a part of the story. Alexandra and Owen are such amazing characters with such depth. Watching Alexandra evolve from the girl who fell in love with Owen so early in life to the determined lady set on achieveing her dreams is wonderful.
Owen's struggles in dealing with the marriage being forced upon him are real. What is a rogue to do when he is given the daunting task of making the lady in question fall in love with him? Reading THE UNTAMED EARL by Valerie Bowman will answer this question and more!
Owen's struggles in dealing with the marriage being forced upon him are real. What is a rogue to do when he is given the daunting task of making the lady in question fall in love with him? Reading THE UNTAMED EARL by Valerie Bowman will answer this question and more!
October 13, 2023
Okay, I know I shouldn't start a series in the 5th book but this one grabbed my attention so, what can I say?
Anyway, this book started off good, I loved the heroine and the plot but, this hero was such a coward. I kept waiting for him to make his move but oh boy, was he slowwww.
I liked the heroine, the plot, how smart and funny she was, and I truly believe we all have a horrible person like her sister in our lives. I was very sad about many things that the heroine couldn't have because of her horrible sister, but the hero made me mad from his lack of attitude and backbone. He was an overgrown child. Enough said.
I am in doubt ifthis should be a 2 or 3 stars. Lets compromise on a 2.5.
Anyway, this book started off good, I loved the heroine and the plot but, this hero was such a coward. I kept waiting for him to make his move but oh boy, was he slowwww.
I liked the heroine, the plot, how smart and funny she was, and I truly believe we all have a horrible person like her sister in our lives. I was very sad about many things that the heroine couldn't have because of her horrible sister, but the hero made me mad from his lack of attitude and backbone. He was an overgrown child. Enough said.
I am in doubt ifthis should be a 2 or 3 stars. Lets compromise on a 2.5.
May 4, 2016
~~~~~~~Received book as an ARC from the Author for honest review!!!
Loved this book!! Can be read as a stand alone but I HIGHLY suggest you read the whole series! I loved them all!! Always love to watch the characters interact!!! Valerie Bowman is a great writer!!! I love how we also get to see past characters from the past books in the series interact in the lives of the current characters!!! Can't wait for more in this series!!! I see more possibilities for the future!!!
Loved this book!! Can be read as a stand alone but I HIGHLY suggest you read the whole series! I loved them all!! Always love to watch the characters interact!!! Valerie Bowman is a great writer!!! I love how we also get to see past characters from the past books in the series interact in the lives of the current characters!!! Can't wait for more in this series!!! I see more possibilities for the future!!!
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