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Lady Most... #1
The Lady Most Likely...
A Novel in Three Parts
Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly, needs a wife—so his sister hands him a list of the very best young ladies on the market. And then, because he refuses to tear himself away from the stables where he trains Arabian racehorses, she invites all those ladies to a house party, along with some other bachelors, of course. So who will Hugh choose? The Botticelli-esque, enchanting Gwendolyn? The outspoken, delightful Katherine? If he doesn't work fast, he'll lose those ladies to his closest friends, and then where will he look for a wife? Perhaps, just perhaps, toward a lady who's not on a market at all, and would require a great deal of persuading...
Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly, needs a wife—so his sister hands him a list of the very best young ladies on the market. And then, because he refuses to tear himself away from the stables where he trains Arabian racehorses, she invites all those ladies to a house party, along with some other bachelors, of course. So who will Hugh choose? The Botticelli-esque, enchanting Gwendolyn? The outspoken, delightful Katherine? If he doesn't work fast, he'll lose those ladies to his closest friends, and then where will he look for a wife? Perhaps, just perhaps, toward a lady who's not on a market at all, and would require a great deal of persuading...
372 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 28, 2010
943 people are currently reading
8049 people want to read
About the author
Julia Quinn
194 books46.1k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don't read (or write) romance, and and if you watch reruns of the game show The Weakest Link you might just catch her winning the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code.
A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Her books have been translated into 32 languages, and she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
The Bridgertons, her popular series of historical romance, is currently in production by Shondaland as a Netflix original series starring Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, and Rége-Jean Page.
A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Her books have been translated into 32 languages, and she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
The Bridgertons, her popular series of historical romance, is currently in production by Shondaland as a Netflix original series starring Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, and Rége-Jean Page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 982 reviews
August 31, 2011
I'm not a review writer. I read a book, enjoy it or not, and keep my opinion to myself, and yet I peruse Goodreads for reviews myself. Hypocrisy, yay! However, I recently read this book and so enjoyed it that I feel I should be encouraging y'all to read it too :P
The other two stories in the book was good, but oh man, Julia Quinn...I could not stop laughing at 2 specific pages in her story for 10 minutes. My sister thought I was crazy, but maybe I'm just overly fond of bunnies (yes, the mention of bunnies is relevant to the book). I grew out of the Regency romance genre, but I have always been a huge fan of Julia Quinn's writing and this book reminded me why.
The final pairings were so, so very obvious. The book is quite tame as far as romance novels go, but it is still a refreshing break from books which rely on the main couple screwing each other's brains out and bridling and snapping at each other with barely concealed lust before admitting their feelings 3 pages before the book ends (before doing yet more unspeakable acts to each other, and ending with a thinly hinted future steamy liaison). The men are quite respectable and nice. I can't tell you how lovely it is to read a story with emotionally mature men.
Just ignore my ramblings and read the first story, you'll giggle like a little girl. Or in my case, like a little girl who laughed so hard she fell off her bed.
The other two stories in the book was good, but oh man, Julia Quinn...I could not stop laughing at 2 specific pages in her story for 10 minutes. My sister thought I was crazy, but maybe I'm just overly fond of bunnies (yes, the mention of bunnies is relevant to the book). I grew out of the Regency romance genre, but I have always been a huge fan of Julia Quinn's writing and this book reminded me why.
The final pairings were so, so very obvious. The book is quite tame as far as romance novels go, but it is still a refreshing break from books which rely on the main couple screwing each other's brains out and bridling and snapping at each other with barely concealed lust before admitting their feelings 3 pages before the book ends (before doing yet more unspeakable acts to each other, and ending with a thinly hinted future steamy liaison). The men are quite respectable and nice. I can't tell you how lovely it is to read a story with emotionally mature men.
Just ignore my ramblings and read the first story, you'll giggle like a little girl. Or in my case, like a little girl who laughed so hard she fell off her bed.
August 7, 2011
I keep reading Julia Quinn's books hoping to find the lovely, sweet magic that made the Bridgertons series great and has been gone (to only the gods know where) since then. Sadly, The Lady Most Likely...: A Novel in Three Parts was a huge disappointment in that regard... Ms. Quinn is still true to her fluffy writing style - which can be fun as she's already proven before - but I couldn't find myself caring for her H/h, Alec and Gwendolyn, in her contribution to this uneven anthology. They were blah, had no chemistry, and their falling in love was too sudden to make their HEA believable. :(
Thankfully, Connie Brockway's story was better - most likely because her H/h, Neill and Katherine, shared a past that made their HEA less abrupt and more believable. Ms. Brockway's writing was too descriptive at times, but not enough to bore me. Plus, it allowed me to "know" Neill and Katherine better. I liked how honorable Neill was and how spirited Katherine was, and liking the main characters is very important when it comes to short stories. Ms. Brockway got it right there. :)
Now, Eloisa James's story... What can I say? I loved it! Her writing style, her characters, their playfulness and hot chemistry, the story itself... What's not to like? It's funny how I can't find anything else to say about this story. Oh well, "I loved it!" will have to do, LOL.
All things considered, this was "only" a nice anthology. All the stories are connected and I think you get more of the overall plot if you read all of them, but that isn't a must - especially if you find yourself bored by the first stories. After you read the first chapters of the book and get a grip on the plot, you can skip ahead anytime you feel like it. Just don't skip the last story! That one is a winner. :D
Thankfully, Connie Brockway's story was better - most likely because her H/h, Neill and Katherine, shared a past that made their HEA less abrupt and more believable. Ms. Brockway's writing was too descriptive at times, but not enough to bore me. Plus, it allowed me to "know" Neill and Katherine better. I liked how honorable Neill was and how spirited Katherine was, and liking the main characters is very important when it comes to short stories. Ms. Brockway got it right there. :)
Now, Eloisa James's story... What can I say? I loved it! Her writing style, her characters, their playfulness and hot chemistry, the story itself... What's not to like? It's funny how I can't find anything else to say about this story. Oh well, "I loved it!" will have to do, LOL.
All things considered, this was "only" a nice anthology. All the stories are connected and I think you get more of the overall plot if you read all of them, but that isn't a must - especially if you find yourself bored by the first stories. After you read the first chapters of the book and get a grip on the plot, you can skip ahead anytime you feel like it. Just don't skip the last story! That one is a winner. :D
January 7, 2011
I loved this book!
First off, let's be clear -- this is NOT an anthology! It's a single story that was written as a collaboration between three incredible regency romance authors -- Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway.
When horse-crazy Hugh Dunne, Earl of Briarly, is gravely injured while training his new prize stallion, he realizes that it's time to find a wife and set up his nursery. So he does what any man would would much rather spend his time in the stables than darken the door of Almack's would do: he pawns off the responsibility of finding a suitable match onto his sister!
A houseparty is quickly arranged to include both the most eligible beauties of the season, and a few handsome gentlemen as well (since they might as well try to find a husband for a family friend, the young widowed Georgiana, despite her insistence that she will never remarry).
What follows is a light-hearted, charmingly sweet tale of matchmaking, hijinks, and of course, love with three distinct love stories all written into a single narrative.
There's no real angst -- just enough to keep things interesting -- and overall this is a very easy, light-hearted, cheesy-grin-inducing period romance. Highly recommended for those looking for something easy and sweet (especially good after reading a heavy novel or two just prior). 5 Stars
First off, let's be clear -- this is NOT an anthology! It's a single story that was written as a collaboration between three incredible regency romance authors -- Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway.
When horse-crazy Hugh Dunne, Earl of Briarly, is gravely injured while training his new prize stallion, he realizes that it's time to find a wife and set up his nursery. So he does what any man would would much rather spend his time in the stables than darken the door of Almack's would do: he pawns off the responsibility of finding a suitable match onto his sister!
A houseparty is quickly arranged to include both the most eligible beauties of the season, and a few handsome gentlemen as well (since they might as well try to find a husband for a family friend, the young widowed Georgiana, despite her insistence that she will never remarry).
What follows is a light-hearted, charmingly sweet tale of matchmaking, hijinks, and of course, love with three distinct love stories all written into a single narrative.
There's no real angst -- just enough to keep things interesting -- and overall this is a very easy, light-hearted, cheesy-grin-inducing period romance. Highly recommended for those looking for something easy and sweet (especially good after reading a heavy novel or two just prior). 5 Stars
January 25, 2011
First off, why do people/reviewers of romance novels keep saying things like, "I totally knew who the hero/heorine was going to end up with, this was so predictable/I'm so amazing!" It's a romance novel - of course it's predictable. We don't read them so that we can spend the novel guessing who the heroine is going to end up with - we know who she's going to end up with. It's not the *if* they will get together, we read for, it's the *how* they will get together. If you don't figure out who the couple is from either the backcover blurb or the first few pages, something's seriously wrong or you're not reading a romance.
Anyways. This novel just didn't work for me. Setting aside the fact that having the book written in 3 sections, by 3 separate authors with different styles was pretty jarring at times, none of the 3 "novellas" was all that good. I like Julia Quinn usually, but her story felt pretty generic for her, and I had trouble believing the couple was actually in love. I found the Connie Brockway story the most interesting and would try some of her full length novels, but the one here was just too shallow. I'm also not an Eloisa James fan, and found her part to be the most boring of the three. Overall, I'd venture to say that none of these authors are at their best with the novella/short story format - there wasn't enough length to make the characters or their relationships believable.
Anyways. This novel just didn't work for me. Setting aside the fact that having the book written in 3 sections, by 3 separate authors with different styles was pretty jarring at times, none of the 3 "novellas" was all that good. I like Julia Quinn usually, but her story felt pretty generic for her, and I had trouble believing the couple was actually in love. I found the Connie Brockway story the most interesting and would try some of her full length novels, but the one here was just too shallow. I'm also not an Eloisa James fan, and found her part to be the most boring of the three. Overall, I'd venture to say that none of these authors are at their best with the novella/short story format - there wasn't enough length to make the characters or their relationships believable.
February 28, 2023
There are a lot of characters to keep track of and that is a few to many for an audio book, which is just wonderful. I found the list of characters on the main page of this book most helpful. The way it all gets sorted out is really fun to watch and how these guys and gals end up matched is great. I really enjoyed this book, even if it was a bit confusing at times.
Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly - Hoeses are his passion and London is a place to be avoided. But after an accident he knows he needs to marry and produce an heir. His sister has a list for him of those women who he might consider.
Gwendolyn Passmore- The beauty of the season, shy and needing a gentle hand, who hated the crush of the London Season and wants nothing more than to be in the country.
Octavia Darlington - Alec's sister who is very jealous of Gwen and with a need to be seen as a person on her own. Or, at the least, find a man who prefers her over Gwen.
Alec Darlington, Earl of Charters - He needs an heir, but he wants his sister, Octavia, married off before he takes that step, except he meets and falls in love at a house party.
Katherine Peyton - Outspoken and scary smart. The man who wins her heart will need to be just as smart and self-assured.
Captain Neill Oakes - The war has left him with scares.
Lady Georgina Sorrell - Her husband died not long after their marriage. She misses him but has no desire to be the property of another, but she would love to have a family.
A house party given by Caroline, Hugh's sister, with the hope of finding Hugh a match is just the thing to jump start this game of match and who ends up with whom is, well that is the point of the book.
Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly - Hoeses are his passion and London is a place to be avoided. But after an accident he knows he needs to marry and produce an heir. His sister has a list for him of those women who he might consider.
Gwendolyn Passmore- The beauty of the season, shy and needing a gentle hand, who hated the crush of the London Season and wants nothing more than to be in the country.
Octavia Darlington - Alec's sister who is very jealous of Gwen and with a need to be seen as a person on her own. Or, at the least, find a man who prefers her over Gwen.
Alec Darlington, Earl of Charters - He needs an heir, but he wants his sister, Octavia, married off before he takes that step, except he meets and falls in love at a house party.
Katherine Peyton - Outspoken and scary smart. The man who wins her heart will need to be just as smart and self-assured.
Captain Neill Oakes - The war has left him with scares.
Lady Georgina Sorrell - Her husband died not long after their marriage. She misses him but has no desire to be the property of another, but she would love to have a family.
A house party given by Caroline, Hugh's sister, with the hope of finding Hugh a match is just the thing to jump start this game of match and who ends up with whom is, well that is the point of the book.
July 23, 2018
This book involves a roughly week long rural party in . . . I believe the Yorkshire area of England in 1817. The party occurs right after the end of the season – which, in itself, is different from the norm in books I’ve read – I’ve read books that have rural parties pre-season, and season parties, but I’ve rarely read a book where a party took place after the season ended – as the ‘better’ people are heading back to their rural hide-outs, I mean estates.
The reason for the party: Hugh, an Earl (Earl of Briarly), has informed his sister, Caro, that he wants her to put together a list of women for him. Women he could marry (well, obviously, just marry one but …). She informs him that the season just ended, and also that she’s confused for he never pays attention to society, doesn’t care about being proper or his seat in Parliament or any of that stuff, so what gives. He . . . etc. etc., point is that a man wants a wife, asks for help from his sister Caro, and their female friend Georgina. A party is then held at the Finchley (sp?) estate (Carolyn is married to a guy with the last name or estate name or title name of Finchley).
The first part of the book follows the first woman on the list, the most attractive woman of the season. Gwen. Also follows another man who hasn’t spent a lot of time looking for a wife, though he seems more interested, than Hugh, in his position in life, and being proper and stuff. He is also an Earl. Something like Earl Charteris. Charteris is at the party because he is a family friend and he’s there with his unmarried sister.
The first part was written by Julia Quinn, an author I’ve read before and generally enjoyed. For the most part. I liked the story shown, and the characterizations. I rated it 3.88.
The second part of the book is written by Connie Brockway and follows a Captain Oakes (sp?), who had been invited to the party by Caro as a potential love interest for her widowed friend Georgina. The other main character in this section is Kate, the second woman on the ‘Hugh’s list of women to court’.
Part two was a decent enough story until certain events occurred that I couldn’t stand and I had to stop reading. I just can’t stand men manhandling women, and I’m not talking about the Captain’s need to keep grabbing and carrying Kate around without first asking her permission (I’m more talking about him locking her in rooms without her permission). I gave this one a rating of 1.80.
Third part of the story finally follows Hugh as lead character, and Georgina. Another decent-ish story, though it includes several tropes I can’t stand and refuse to stomach in romance books: 1) woman says ‘no’; 2) man continues whatever he was doing that caused the woman to say no, pays no attention to it at all; 3) woman enjoys whatever man was doing.
I do not really give a fuck if the man is rough, gentle, or whatever. But why do we even need this dubious consent mixed into the story? For fuck sake, the no came after Georgina herself, without any persuading, stripped naked to go for a swim in a pond – knowing Hugh was nearby and probably would also join her in a skinny dip. And suddenly she’s saying no to him when he kisses her? Because they are in public? I hate her for her stupidity, and I hate him for forcing himself onto her when she said no. Still, actually completed this section and stuff. Part three rating: 2.80.
Overall: 3.88 + 1.80 + 2.80 = 8.48/3 = 2.83.
July 22 2018
The reason for the party: Hugh, an Earl (Earl of Briarly), has informed his sister, Caro, that he wants her to put together a list of women for him. Women he could marry (well, obviously, just marry one but …). She informs him that the season just ended, and also that she’s confused for he never pays attention to society, doesn’t care about being proper or his seat in Parliament or any of that stuff, so what gives. He . . . etc. etc., point is that a man wants a wife, asks for help from his sister Caro, and their female friend Georgina. A party is then held at the Finchley (sp?) estate (Carolyn is married to a guy with the last name or estate name or title name of Finchley).
The first part of the book follows the first woman on the list, the most attractive woman of the season. Gwen. Also follows another man who hasn’t spent a lot of time looking for a wife, though he seems more interested, than Hugh, in his position in life, and being proper and stuff. He is also an Earl. Something like Earl Charteris. Charteris is at the party because he is a family friend and he’s there with his unmarried sister.
The first part was written by Julia Quinn, an author I’ve read before and generally enjoyed. For the most part. I liked the story shown, and the characterizations. I rated it 3.88.
The second part of the book is written by Connie Brockway and follows a Captain Oakes (sp?), who had been invited to the party by Caro as a potential love interest for her widowed friend Georgina. The other main character in this section is Kate, the second woman on the ‘Hugh’s list of women to court’.
Part two was a decent enough story until certain events occurred that I couldn’t stand and I had to stop reading. I just can’t stand men manhandling women, and I’m not talking about the Captain’s need to keep grabbing and carrying Kate around without first asking her permission (I’m more talking about him locking her in rooms without her permission). I gave this one a rating of 1.80.
Third part of the story finally follows Hugh as lead character, and Georgina. Another decent-ish story, though it includes several tropes I can’t stand and refuse to stomach in romance books: 1) woman says ‘no’; 2) man continues whatever he was doing that caused the woman to say no, pays no attention to it at all; 3) woman enjoys whatever man was doing.
I do not really give a fuck if the man is rough, gentle, or whatever. But why do we even need this dubious consent mixed into the story? For fuck sake, the no came after Georgina herself, without any persuading, stripped naked to go for a swim in a pond – knowing Hugh was nearby and probably would also join her in a skinny dip. And suddenly she’s saying no to him when he kisses her? Because they are in public? I hate her for her stupidity, and I hate him for forcing himself onto her when she said no. Still, actually completed this section and stuff. Part three rating: 2.80.
Overall: 3.88 + 1.80 + 2.80 = 8.48/3 = 2.83.
July 22 2018
June 11, 2020
Three love stories written by different authors combined to make the hunt for a wife for Hugh. The premise was interesting and it was a nice read. I would rate it a 3.5 as a nice way to pass an afternoon.
May 7, 2011
I'm not a fan of short stories because I always feel like more should've been said/done. They feel short. I wanted to try this one because it's three authors writing one story but taking up different parts of it and for the most part they did a good job of giving it a good flow. All three stories showcase a particular character at a party hosted by the Earl of Briarly's sister who's determined to find him a wife. The novel blends well in terms of story telling, but the three authors are distinctly different. In between each story there are a few co-authored pages that allow one story to finish and another to start.
The first two stories are fade to black so there's virtually no steam. The characters there are underdeveloped so their story seems to end too quickly and gives you a "where did that come from" feel when they're suddenly "maddly in love". Julia Quinn's story (the first one) is a gazillion times better than Connie Brockway's (the second story). Quinn's is typically light with lots of fun dialog and an interesting heroine, while Brockway's is nothing but dense narration with a painfully boring and blah hero. The h/h of that story had a lot of potential but they were just mired in description and nothing really happens. I almost tossed the book at this point --thankfully I slogged on to the last one by Eloisa James.
James' story is well-written, the characters are well-developed (especially the sizzling hero), the story is spicy with very good tension building for a short story and there's none of that PG fade to black crap ;)
The Quinn story is a 3, the Brockway is a 2 and the James is a good 4.
The first two stories are fade to black so there's virtually no steam. The characters there are underdeveloped so their story seems to end too quickly and gives you a "where did that come from" feel when they're suddenly "maddly in love". Julia Quinn's story (the first one) is a gazillion times better than Connie Brockway's (the second story). Quinn's is typically light with lots of fun dialog and an interesting heroine, while Brockway's is nothing but dense narration with a painfully boring and blah hero. The h/h of that story had a lot of potential but they were just mired in description and nothing really happens. I almost tossed the book at this point --thankfully I slogged on to the last one by Eloisa James.
James' story is well-written, the characters are well-developed (especially the sizzling hero), the story is spicy with very good tension building for a short story and there's none of that PG fade to black crap ;)
The Quinn story is a 3, the Brockway is a 2 and the James is a good 4.
December 20, 2016
4.5 stars
I read this book 1 over the weekend before starting the group read of book 2. It was almost 5 stars, but I enjoyed the two secondary romances more than the primary.
For some reason, I thought a novel in three parts meant this ended to be continued; but in actuality, it is a complete story and even has an epilogue. The second starts with a completely different setting and premise.
I read this book 1 over the weekend before starting the group read of book 2. It was almost 5 stars, but I enjoyed the two secondary romances more than the primary.
For some reason, I thought a novel in three parts meant this ended to be continued; but in actuality, it is a complete story and even has an epilogue. The second starts with a completely different setting and premise.
January 17, 2011
I liked the "3 authors/1 story" technique used here. All three authors have their own signature style when writing historical romances, and I was curious to see if they would "blend" together well. They did!
The entire story takes place at a house party hosted by Lady Carolyn Finchley, whose sole purpose for having the party is to find her brother Hugh, the Earl of Briarly, a wife. After a close brush with death that left him in a coma for a week, Hugh realizes it is time to produce the "heir & the spare"; however, being much too busy with training horses to worry about such "feminine matters" as finding a wife, he gives Carolyn free reign. Carolyn picks the two women she thinks would suit Hugh the best; however both choices fall flat as each woman finds love with someone else at the house party. These are the first two parts of the novel, written by Julia Quinn and Connie Brockway, respectively. The third part, written by Eloisa James, has Hugh finding love all on his own - no sister or party necessary.
I liked this book simply because I like the authors, but the story itself leaves much to be desired. There is no angst, no drama, no conflict...nothing that makes it a "page-turner"; and, aside from Ms. James contribution, could be rated PG. (I'm not saying that is a bad thing, it just isn't "my" thing.) It is the book you will most likely find referenced if you look up the meaning of "fluff". On the other hand, most romance novels nowadays are so heavily weighed down with drama, "The Lady Most Likely..." might be the perfect "breath of fresh air" that you are looking for!
Overall, I cannot recommend the book nor do I wish to dissuade anyone from reading it. Chances are good that if you have enjoyed books by these authors before, "The Lady Most Likely..." will work for you...you won't be floored but you won't be disappointed either. Your call.
3.5 ****
The entire story takes place at a house party hosted by Lady Carolyn Finchley, whose sole purpose for having the party is to find her brother Hugh, the Earl of Briarly, a wife. After a close brush with death that left him in a coma for a week, Hugh realizes it is time to produce the "heir & the spare"; however, being much too busy with training horses to worry about such "feminine matters" as finding a wife, he gives Carolyn free reign. Carolyn picks the two women she thinks would suit Hugh the best; however both choices fall flat as each woman finds love with someone else at the house party. These are the first two parts of the novel, written by Julia Quinn and Connie Brockway, respectively. The third part, written by Eloisa James, has Hugh finding love all on his own - no sister or party necessary.
I liked this book simply because I like the authors, but the story itself leaves much to be desired. There is no angst, no drama, no conflict...nothing that makes it a "page-turner"; and, aside from Ms. James contribution, could be rated PG. (I'm not saying that is a bad thing, it just isn't "my" thing.) It is the book you will most likely find referenced if you look up the meaning of "fluff". On the other hand, most romance novels nowadays are so heavily weighed down with drama, "The Lady Most Likely..." might be the perfect "breath of fresh air" that you are looking for!
Overall, I cannot recommend the book nor do I wish to dissuade anyone from reading it. Chances are good that if you have enjoyed books by these authors before, "The Lady Most Likely..." will work for you...you won't be floored but you won't be disappointed either. Your call.
3.5 ****
January 27, 2011
Eloisa James really made this book the four stars I gave it, at least for me. It was my first read by her and I will definitely be looking forward to more of her books.
Carolyn Finchley, Hugh Dunne's sister is throwing a house party in order to help Hugh find a wife. He really just doesn't have the time to find one in the usual manner because he's too busy with his prize horses and his stables. So she invites particular ladies that she believs will interest him, however as her house party progresses these ladies keep getting snatched up by other wonderful heroes and soon she's left wondering if there is anyone for Hugh after all?
The first part of this book handled by Julia Quinn is between Gwendolyn Passmore and the Earl of Charters. It's been awhile since I've read a Julia Quinn, but it was nice to find that she still is writing the sweet, fluffy and funny romances that I loved. There was minimal heat, but many cute and funny moments in this story.
The second about Kate Peyton and Captain Neill Oakes was Connie Brockway's contribution to the book, and though I've only read one other book by her: My Dearest Enemy, I am soo happy to find that she is in fact just that good of an author! This was a sweet and well heated story and again her hero was magnificently delicious. There is something about her writing..I'm not sure I can quite put my finger on it at the moment, but it's very powerful. The words, the emotions she evokes, and the story lines are just so powerful and they build and build quite nicely. I cannot wait to read more by her.
Finally, Eloisa James finished us off with (FINALLY) Hugh's HEA. It turns out that for Hugh, it is his sister's best friend Georginna, who is his perfect match. This was my first Eloisa James as I said before and I thought it would be a good place to start - giving me a nice small taste. Well I tasted and I've seen that it is good, and I want more. This part of the story had the most heat, but even without the heat, Hugh turned out to be such a great hero, and oh...some of the things he said to Georginna...(((swoon))) It made me long for a full length novel of Ms. James' writing.
The concept of this book told in three parts by three different authors is interesting, but I hope its not a trend that carries. It sort of left me feeling unsatisfied. In the romance department...that's just never a good thing! :-) However, these are all three very good authors, so it will be a book that is enjoyable and easy to read!
Carolyn Finchley, Hugh Dunne's sister is throwing a house party in order to help Hugh find a wife. He really just doesn't have the time to find one in the usual manner because he's too busy with his prize horses and his stables. So she invites particular ladies that she believs will interest him, however as her house party progresses these ladies keep getting snatched up by other wonderful heroes and soon she's left wondering if there is anyone for Hugh after all?
The first part of this book handled by Julia Quinn is between Gwendolyn Passmore and the Earl of Charters. It's been awhile since I've read a Julia Quinn, but it was nice to find that she still is writing the sweet, fluffy and funny romances that I loved. There was minimal heat, but many cute and funny moments in this story.
The second about Kate Peyton and Captain Neill Oakes was Connie Brockway's contribution to the book, and though I've only read one other book by her: My Dearest Enemy, I am soo happy to find that she is in fact just that good of an author! This was a sweet and well heated story and again her hero was magnificently delicious. There is something about her writing..I'm not sure I can quite put my finger on it at the moment, but it's very powerful. The words, the emotions she evokes, and the story lines are just so powerful and they build and build quite nicely. I cannot wait to read more by her.
Finally, Eloisa James finished us off with (FINALLY) Hugh's HEA. It turns out that for Hugh, it is his sister's best friend Georginna, who is his perfect match. This was my first Eloisa James as I said before and I thought it would be a good place to start - giving me a nice small taste. Well I tasted and I've seen that it is good, and I want more. This part of the story had the most heat, but even without the heat, Hugh turned out to be such a great hero, and oh...some of the things he said to Georginna...(((swoon))) It made me long for a full length novel of Ms. James' writing.
The concept of this book told in three parts by three different authors is interesting, but I hope its not a trend that carries. It sort of left me feeling unsatisfied. In the romance department...that's just never a good thing! :-) However, these are all three very good authors, so it will be a book that is enjoyable and easy to read!
October 27, 2017
Average rating 1.5 stars.
This is the third anthology-esque book that I've read in this genre and I think I might give up. Out of the 10 or 11 stories featured in the three anthologies, I only liked one.
Julia Quinn: 1.5 stars. The short featuring Gwen and Alec. Light and fluffy, I was surprisingly underwhelmed by this one. I usually like Julia Quinn's books more than the average HR writer, but this story fell short of the mark. It was humorous but there was so very little character development. I didn’t really care what happened to either MC. And of course the H is a rake while the h is a virgin. Sigh...
Connie Brockway: 1.5 stars. Engagingly written but not my cup of tea. This was another story of a young virginal girl pining after her older brother’s rake of a best friend. She has to hear about all his exploits with the village girls. Fast forward four years later, she’s still doing all the chasing. The rake has turned a new leaf, but there’s no mention if he’s been celibate during their separation. And I’m not happy with that.
Eloisa James: 1 star. This short was a hot mess. There were too many issues that weren’t really resolved. The H wasn’t really a hero. He thought the h was turning him down, so he started smiling at other women, ones who were clearly advertising more than just friendly things. Not once did he think “I’m going to prove her wrong and show that I love her.” Poor h. She really didn’t inspire any romantic feelings in him. Plus all the mentions of the h’s dead husband were really off putting. And of course he turned out to be a less than satisfying spouse. Of course. We can’t have the h happily married and sexually satisfied before. Oh no.
This is the third anthology-esque book that I've read in this genre and I think I might give up. Out of the 10 or 11 stories featured in the three anthologies, I only liked one.
Julia Quinn: 1.5 stars. The short featuring Gwen and Alec. Light and fluffy, I was surprisingly underwhelmed by this one. I usually like Julia Quinn's books more than the average HR writer, but this story fell short of the mark. It was humorous but there was so very little character development. I didn’t really care what happened to either MC. And of course the H is a rake while the h is a virgin. Sigh...
Connie Brockway: 1.5 stars. Engagingly written but not my cup of tea. This was another story of a young virginal girl pining after her older brother’s rake of a best friend. She has to hear about all his exploits with the village girls. Fast forward four years later, she’s still doing all the chasing. The rake has turned a new leaf, but there’s no mention if he’s been celibate during their separation. And I’m not happy with that.
Eloisa James: 1 star. This short was a hot mess. There were too many issues that weren’t really resolved. The H wasn’t really a hero. He thought the h was turning him down, so he started smiling at other women, ones who were clearly advertising more than just friendly things. Not once did he think “I’m going to prove her wrong and show that I love her.” Poor h. She really didn’t inspire any romantic feelings in him. Plus all the mentions of the h’s dead husband were really off putting. And of course he turned out to be a less than satisfying spouse. Of course. We can’t have the h happily married and sexually satisfied before. Oh no.
March 26, 2013
I decided since this is a little bit different than an anthology, but is a combination of one story with three mini stories within the one....a bit confusing I know, but if you have already read it, then you probably understand my reasoning perfectly. It starts out with the Earl of Briarly, who thinks he needs a wife more than anything, and asks his sister for help (very uncommon in regency romance) however despite how rare this happens, its definitely a delight and something rare to read. So his sister, decides to have a house party, and has list of people to invite. But as the party at their country home continues, Hugh will have to be careful to catch the lady most likely or she may be snatched up by another man before he can blink. I found this story a breath of fresh air, in the instance of how unusual the circumstances are. Usually in books like this its a seperate story for each author, however these three amazing authors have worked together to create a outstanding tri novel romance that endeared this reader even more. I loved the simplicity of the stories, the heated romances, and the fun and witty storyline that kept me turning the pages. A Pure Dish of Fun Historical Romance that will curl your toes!!!
January 2, 2025
The first two parts of the novel deserved 5 stars, but the last part deserved at most 2 stars. Julia Quinn and Eloisa James wrote their parts splendidly, the stories were funny, romantic and enjoyable. The last story of Hugh finding his bride was simply awful. I only enjoyed short scenes with actors that prepared a play as a birthday present.
August 1, 2019
This was so cute!! I am absolutely in love with all the stories.
Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly, needs a wife so he asks his sister to give him a list of the best young ladies on the market so his sister decides to have a house party, and invites various eligible girls and invites the bachelors too, and by doing that guarantes that everyone invited have romance and a sweet happy ending. I loved that this romance is a very easy and light-hearted reading. Everyone who likes a good historical romance will find this book delightul.
Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly, needs a wife so he asks his sister to give him a list of the best young ladies on the market so his sister decides to have a house party, and invites various eligible girls and invites the bachelors too, and by doing that guarantes that everyone invited have romance and a sweet happy ending. I loved that this romance is a very easy and light-hearted reading. Everyone who likes a good historical romance will find this book delightul.
April 7, 2021
Story # 1 Julia Quinn
Alec and Gwen
Was just okay. I liked the main characters but the story was too rushed, and the ending too abrupt. It would have rated higher had the author been able to flesh out the characters and the story more.
Story # 2 Connie Brockway
Neill and Kate
This one started off very cute and i was excited for it. However at the start of the house party, where they are all guests of the Earl’s sister, i felt that the Earl’s character was a bit inconsistent from the first book, okay its a different author, but still. As mentioned they are guests at this house party, they go for a drive into town and its suddenly it’s the home town where the Hero and heroine of this story grew up? 😳 Huh? Are they neighbors of their host, Lady Finchley? They even run into the older brother of the heroine who had abandoned his chaperone duties to the Hero... This makes the story illogical because the whole dilemma of the Hero is that he has not asked the father of the heroine permission to court her, and now he has to act as a sort of guardian. And he cannot court her while he is in this role. But, if they were that close to their estates; he could easily have driven to out to ask her father for permission to court her and be back in the afternoon! 🙄 So somebody dropped the ball location wise 😒
More inconsistency, near the end, the Hero tells the heroine that he when he was away at war, he hounded her older brother for news about her; but earlier in the story the heroine reveals to him that she was the one writing to him as her brother! So she would have known he was asking about her right?!
Story # 3 Eloisa James
Hugh and Georgina
Another one that started off so well only to disintegrate into a disaster at the end 😩
I had such high hopes for this one, since we already know from the first story that Hugh, the Earl has his eye on his childhood friend, Lady Georgina. So I was waiting for an unrequited romance, when mostly I got a blow hot blow cold narrative spanning a day in their life, and anyway they finally declare their feelings for each other and we get sneak peek into their happy future with a little son.
AND THEN AT THE EPILOGUE the whole book returns to the present day with all the engaged couples attending a play at the house party!? Like what?!
Further, the aspect of the play, which was probably meant to be amusing, was merely a disaster, it just annoyed me and served no purpose at all!! It took away precious page count from any one of the stories that could instead have been developed better!
I gave a particularly low rating since I was so super disappointed. Not a single story even went well. The whole book felt rushed, inconsistent and INCOHERENT 😠
Alec and Gwen
Was just okay. I liked the main characters but the story was too rushed, and the ending too abrupt. It would have rated higher had the author been able to flesh out the characters and the story more.
Story # 2 Connie Brockway
Neill and Kate
This one started off very cute and i was excited for it. However at the start of the house party, where they are all guests of the Earl’s sister, i felt that the Earl’s character was a bit inconsistent from the first book, okay its a different author, but still. As mentioned they are guests at this house party, they go for a drive into town and its suddenly it’s the home town where the Hero and heroine of this story grew up? 😳 Huh? Are they neighbors of their host, Lady Finchley? They even run into the older brother of the heroine who had abandoned his chaperone duties to the Hero... This makes the story illogical because the whole dilemma of the Hero is that he has not asked the father of the heroine permission to court her, and now he has to act as a sort of guardian. And he cannot court her while he is in this role. But, if they were that close to their estates; he could easily have driven to out to ask her father for permission to court her and be back in the afternoon! 🙄 So somebody dropped the ball location wise 😒
More inconsistency, near the end, the Hero tells the heroine that he when he was away at war, he hounded her older brother for news about her; but earlier in the story the heroine reveals to him that she was the one writing to him as her brother! So she would have known he was asking about her right?!
Story # 3 Eloisa James
Hugh and Georgina
Another one that started off so well only to disintegrate into a disaster at the end 😩
I had such high hopes for this one, since we already know from the first story that Hugh, the Earl has his eye on his childhood friend, Lady Georgina. So I was waiting for an unrequited romance, when mostly I got a blow hot blow cold narrative spanning a day in their life, and anyway they finally declare their feelings for each other and we get sneak peek into their happy future with a little son.
AND THEN AT THE EPILOGUE the whole book returns to the present day with all the engaged couples attending a play at the house party!? Like what?!
Further, the aspect of the play, which was probably meant to be amusing, was merely a disaster, it just annoyed me and served no purpose at all!! It took away precious page count from any one of the stories that could instead have been developed better!
I gave a particularly low rating since I was so super disappointed. Not a single story even went well. The whole book felt rushed, inconsistent and INCOHERENT 😠
August 5, 2014
Not certain if I have these matched up correctly, but: thoughts:
Alec and Gwen (Quinn?) were cute! Yes, the "HE'S SO RUDE" thing was absolutely tossed in there to prevent insta-love, but it wasn't horrible. I liked how...honest with one another they were? Like, I appreciate the candor even though it definitely ~speeds things along.
Niell and Kate were--messy. (JAMES. I WOULD BET ON IT.) OF COURSE there's some messy history between them and OF COURSE they have sex in a stable?? I feel like that was what happened with The Lady Most Willing too?? And I dislike the "they've ~always Loved one another" trope: it just...makes me itchy. PEOPLE CHANGE. Love shouldn't be static and easy to reapply; it should bend and grow and change and shape itself as you build a life with someone? Or, at least, you know, INTERACT WITH THEM?? Four years of silence doesn't scream "TOTALLY LOVE" to me.
Hugh and Georgie! (Brockway...?) I DID NOT MIND THE LONG-TIME FRIENDS THING HERE? Like, not my fave, but not bad. Decent. Definitely got little reader goosebumps from some of the passages in this section--about being envious of desire and the ramifications of that uncertainty. HEART FEELINGS.
That said: why do all the heroines have to be so beautiful? TWO REDHEADS? A FAERIE PRINCESS? COME ON. (The bit at the beginning where Hugh is like "I can't have a wife with spots!" was like: STFU. Some women have spots! SOMETIMES THEY CAN'T HELP IT. THEY ARE JUST AS WORTHY OF LOVE AND ADORATION AND RANDOM ACTS OF LUST AS ANYONE ELSE, SPOTTED OR NO.
Where are my Duck heroines? The ones that are ugly ducklings and grow up into ugly ducks and still find love?
Alec and Gwen (Quinn?) were cute! Yes, the "HE'S SO RUDE" thing was absolutely tossed in there to prevent insta-love, but it wasn't horrible. I liked how...honest with one another they were? Like, I appreciate the candor even though it definitely ~speeds things along.
Niell and Kate were--messy. (JAMES. I WOULD BET ON IT.) OF COURSE there's some messy history between them and OF COURSE they have sex in a stable?? I feel like that was what happened with The Lady Most Willing too?? And I dislike the "they've ~always Loved one another" trope: it just...makes me itchy. PEOPLE CHANGE. Love shouldn't be static and easy to reapply; it should bend and grow and change and shape itself as you build a life with someone? Or, at least, you know, INTERACT WITH THEM?? Four years of silence doesn't scream "TOTALLY LOVE" to me.
Hugh and Georgie! (Brockway...?) I DID NOT MIND THE LONG-TIME FRIENDS THING HERE? Like, not my fave, but not bad. Decent. Definitely got little reader goosebumps from some of the passages in this section--about being envious of desire and the ramifications of that uncertainty. HEART FEELINGS.
That said: why do all the heroines have to be so beautiful? TWO REDHEADS? A FAERIE PRINCESS? COME ON. (The bit at the beginning where Hugh is like "I can't have a wife with spots!" was like: STFU. Some women have spots! SOMETIMES THEY CAN'T HELP IT. THEY ARE JUST AS WORTHY OF LOVE AND ADORATION AND RANDOM ACTS OF LUST AS ANYONE ELSE, SPOTTED OR NO.
Where are my Duck heroines? The ones that are ugly ducklings and grow up into ugly ducks and still find love?
January 25, 2011
I have said it before and I will say it again, I am very picky about historical/regency romance novels. I want them to have a great story, but I also want it to be believable along with great writing. When I received this book in the mail, I fell in love with the cover. The dress, the flowers and the overall classiness of the cover was beautiful. I also noticed right away the headlining authors that are popular in this genre.
In anthologies, you usually have different stories by different authors compiled into one book. What made this book different however, is the fact that this is one entire story written by three different authors. Each part of the book is written from a different author. When one author finishes their part, the next author picks up the story where she left off. This gives us one big novel producing the punch of three well known authors.
While I enjoyed the story and the writing styles of three different authors, I won't go as far to say the story itself was a favorite. I enjoyed it and I liked it, but it isn't one that I would rush out to own a copy to keep on my keeper shelf. Each author brought a unique voice to the story and it came together nicely. It was fluffy, romantic and fun, but not one I want to reread again. I can't pinpoint an exact cause for my feelings on this, but I do know that if you are a big fan of not only these authors but for this genre as well, then you might have a different opinion on it than I have.
An enjoyable and romantic read that will leave you with a feel-good satisfaction at the end, but not one I would own for future rereading. I would say that this book is best for the hard core historical romance readers who love this genre more than me.
February 7, 2011
3.5
hmm.. it was definitely an interesting read i have to say!.it was my first time reading Connie and Eloisa`s work,but im very familiar with Julia Quinn`s. The thing is.. try as it may, i was looking for glimpses of each author but i found the book very well blended and quite interesting.That was a new one for me.
It was fun that we followed so many couples in their frustrations and misunderstandings and followed them through to success.The surprise in this book is which one snags which.The couples..well.. i tried to see it from the stand pt of an anthology,so i know they are short. However,the first one while it was sweet, just was too rushed..but it was quirky funny i can certainly attribute that to Julia. the second one with the captain has more substance since it started yrs ago and there were all this emotions and growth in there.Nice score for Connie. And last and of course not least, was my favorite! i Absolutely loved that story. i could only wish i was a full book. Despite its length,Eloisa was so clever to include a prologue and epilogue! all in the same context. it had so much essence. i definitely will be reading more Connie and Eloisa.
ps: i always find amusing when writers name sexual organs.. this one was hilarious. a "pump handle" LOL!!! my mind has a high threshold for imagination and i was thinking of all the ramifications the word can be implied.. Needless to say i had many laughs during the read and thereafter... its always the quirky ones i tell you! LOl
nice fun read! I enjoyed it! :)
hmm.. it was definitely an interesting read i have to say!.it was my first time reading Connie and Eloisa`s work,but im very familiar with Julia Quinn`s. The thing is.. try as it may, i was looking for glimpses of each author but i found the book very well blended and quite interesting.That was a new one for me.
It was fun that we followed so many couples in their frustrations and misunderstandings and followed them through to success.The surprise in this book is which one snags which.The couples..well.. i tried to see it from the stand pt of an anthology,so i know they are short. However,the first one while it was sweet, just was too rushed..but it was quirky funny i can certainly attribute that to Julia. the second one with the captain has more substance since it started yrs ago and there were all this emotions and growth in there.Nice score for Connie. And last and of course not least, was my favorite! i Absolutely loved that story. i could only wish i was a full book. Despite its length,Eloisa was so clever to include a prologue and epilogue! all in the same context. it had so much essence. i definitely will be reading more Connie and Eloisa.
ps: i always find amusing when writers name sexual organs.. this one was hilarious. a "pump handle" LOL!!! my mind has a high threshold for imagination and i was thinking of all the ramifications the word can be implied.. Needless to say i had many laughs during the read and thereafter... its always the quirky ones i tell you! LOl
nice fun read! I enjoyed it! :)
June 14, 2016
I liked all these though the 2nd was a little boring at point, the 3rd was the best for me, Hugh's story, and the first was too quick to be really good but it was a very nice love at first sight. Both the 2nd and 3rd were friends to lovers, so more easily believed though I didn't really like the premise of the 2nd, man having been left as chaperone and that being the issue.
The first was good even though they got together quickly. He realized they had chemistry and if he didn't act, someone else would, or he would lose the chance. The 3rd had some issue of fear of dying, which I thought was more heart felt. Since the story is one big story that goes from one couple's POV to the next but all at the same party, I'm not sure who wrote which other than to guess the order. I am listening to this from the library's streaming app, so maybe the book would have had some indication of change of author.
Definitely worthy the listen for historical romance fans, especially if you like novellas.
The first was good even though they got together quickly. He realized they had chemistry and if he didn't act, someone else would, or he would lose the chance. The 3rd had some issue of fear of dying, which I thought was more heart felt. Since the story is one big story that goes from one couple's POV to the next but all at the same party, I'm not sure who wrote which other than to guess the order. I am listening to this from the library's streaming app, so maybe the book would have had some indication of change of author.
Definitely worthy the listen for historical romance fans, especially if you like novellas.
February 2, 2011
I found this particular book to be a real gem. I was expecting a typical anthology, but this was definitely a fun and unique style. The three authors contributing weaved together a story together such that it all melded together and one could hardly tell where one author took over for the previous one. They shared portions of the storyline and all the characters were shared, but each author got to focus on a different romance in a Regency House Party.
I honestly liked all three romances in the book. I almost wished there had been more. I stopped reading with a big grin on my face. I love that ;)
I honestly liked all three romances in the book. I almost wished there had been more. I stopped reading with a big grin on my face. I love that ;)
May 20, 2017
Another charming series of stories from three excellent authors. I think The Lady Most Willing... was funnier but this one was an enjoyable, light read. The last story was a bit peculiar regarding the deceased husband of the widowed h- seemed pretty clear as to where the author was going with this one, just not clear to his poor wife!
February 9, 2021
Historical Romance : ⭐️⭐️.5
January 29, 2011
Three for the price of one or one for the price of three or for the price of one you get three... whatever. Yes, we have an anthology.
Well, I guess it's an anthology, but unlike a lot of anthologies the authors blend their voices together better than most I've read. I also had a thought when I was reading this: wouldn't it be fun if there was a contest in which three authors wrote an anthology and they didn't sign their names and we as the readers had to guess them. And the winner got a trip to, oh I don't know, London or Paris or Hawaii. Of course, probably the publishers wouldn't agree, but I think it's a swell idea.
Anyway, back to The Lady Most Likely. Three authors contributed to this book: Julia Quinn, Connie Brockway, and Eloisa James. Great authors and actually three pretty good short stories with only a few minor hiccups.
The set-up for the story is a house party for the purpose of getting a bride for Hugh Dunne. With the help of family friend Georgina and Hugh's sister Caroline/Carolyn a list is compiled of eligible women from which he can choose. Of course, if you've read romance for very long, we all know that no one on that list is going to end up as Hugh's bride. For you see, Caroline/Carolyn has also invited M-E-N.
http://www.juliaquinn.com/
The first story, by Julia Quinn, is about Gwendolyn Passmore and Hugh's friend Alec. Alec is there as an escort to his spoiled sister Octavia. I thought Ms. Quinn did an excellent job of showing us how sometimes shyness in a person is mistaken as snobbery. Which is the case with Gwendolyn. Gwendolyn has two problems, she's extremely beautiful and she's extremely shy. And Alec, who has no interest in marriage (do any of them), falls instantly in love with Gwendolyn. This was my favorite of the three. I thought this couple had amazing chemistry, especially for a short story. Alec and Gwendolyn were both nice people, and they belonged together. The hiccup in this story - well sort of - this is the only story Octavia is in and I was hoping someone would smack her. Her shenanigans needed a bigger book.
Rating: B+
Sensuality Rating: Warm
http://www.conniebrockway.com/
The next story is by Connie Brockway and it is about Captain Neill Oakes and Katherine Peyton. It was at this point that I noticed that what I thought was a small party seemed to have grown, however I didn't want to go back and reread the previous story. But, all of a sudden there seemed to be more characters, and then there was Captain Neill Oakes... where did he come from? Oh, he's a neighbor of sorts. Ok. Anyway, Kate and Neill have luuuved one another for a long time. He ran away from her when she was sixteen, but he lusted for her when he was ten... but he wasn't good enough for her... and had to prove himself by going off to war... which he did. Now he's back and Kate's got him! Anyway, this couple is also great together and it's another fast paced story, with some Brockway humor thrown in.
Rating: B
Sensuality Rating: Warm
http://www.eloisajames.com/
The last story in the group is by Eloisa James, and I would recognize her writing even if she chose not to sign her work. Do you know why? Because every book she writes has something about Shakespeare in it. Yes, I know that's what she teaches and it's sort of her trademark, but there are times when Will gets on my nerves. I digress. This is Hugh and Georgina's story. Georgina and Hugh have been friends forever. She's been married before and is never going to get married again! I never understood the reasoning behind that -it had something to do with people you love dying or some sort of silliness. There was also a hint in the story that her husband may have been gay, but it never was made clear and it didn't enhance the story any. I loved Hugh. He was such a rough character, loved his horses, had no time for anything else but horses, and I loved the explanation that is finally given for that. But, Georgina whined too much about never marrying for a short story... all the time she spent whining could have been put to better use. Like more sex. This was my least favorite of the stories.
Rating: B-
Sensuality Rating: Almost Hot
Overall, this is a fast paced, light-weight, well-written book. If you can ignore the silly ending, you'll enjoy the rest of the book. This is a good anthology.
Time/Place: Regency England
Overall Rating: B
Well, I guess it's an anthology, but unlike a lot of anthologies the authors blend their voices together better than most I've read. I also had a thought when I was reading this: wouldn't it be fun if there was a contest in which three authors wrote an anthology and they didn't sign their names and we as the readers had to guess them. And the winner got a trip to, oh I don't know, London or Paris or Hawaii. Of course, probably the publishers wouldn't agree, but I think it's a swell idea.
Anyway, back to The Lady Most Likely. Three authors contributed to this book: Julia Quinn, Connie Brockway, and Eloisa James. Great authors and actually three pretty good short stories with only a few minor hiccups.
The set-up for the story is a house party for the purpose of getting a bride for Hugh Dunne. With the help of family friend Georgina and Hugh's sister Caroline/Carolyn a list is compiled of eligible women from which he can choose. Of course, if you've read romance for very long, we all know that no one on that list is going to end up as Hugh's bride. For you see, Caroline/Carolyn has also invited M-E-N.
http://www.juliaquinn.com/
The first story, by Julia Quinn, is about Gwendolyn Passmore and Hugh's friend Alec. Alec is there as an escort to his spoiled sister Octavia. I thought Ms. Quinn did an excellent job of showing us how sometimes shyness in a person is mistaken as snobbery. Which is the case with Gwendolyn. Gwendolyn has two problems, she's extremely beautiful and she's extremely shy. And Alec, who has no interest in marriage (do any of them), falls instantly in love with Gwendolyn. This was my favorite of the three. I thought this couple had amazing chemistry, especially for a short story. Alec and Gwendolyn were both nice people, and they belonged together. The hiccup in this story - well sort of - this is the only story Octavia is in and I was hoping someone would smack her. Her shenanigans needed a bigger book.
Rating: B+
Sensuality Rating: Warm
http://www.conniebrockway.com/
The next story is by Connie Brockway and it is about Captain Neill Oakes and Katherine Peyton. It was at this point that I noticed that what I thought was a small party seemed to have grown, however I didn't want to go back and reread the previous story. But, all of a sudden there seemed to be more characters, and then there was Captain Neill Oakes... where did he come from? Oh, he's a neighbor of sorts. Ok. Anyway, Kate and Neill have luuuved one another for a long time. He ran away from her when she was sixteen, but he lusted for her when he was ten... but he wasn't good enough for her... and had to prove himself by going off to war... which he did. Now he's back and Kate's got him! Anyway, this couple is also great together and it's another fast paced story, with some Brockway humor thrown in.
Rating: B
Sensuality Rating: Warm
http://www.eloisajames.com/
The last story in the group is by Eloisa James, and I would recognize her writing even if she chose not to sign her work. Do you know why? Because every book she writes has something about Shakespeare in it. Yes, I know that's what she teaches and it's sort of her trademark, but there are times when Will gets on my nerves. I digress. This is Hugh and Georgina's story. Georgina and Hugh have been friends forever. She's been married before and is never going to get married again! I never understood the reasoning behind that -it had something to do with people you love dying or some sort of silliness. There was also a hint in the story that her husband may have been gay, but it never was made clear and it didn't enhance the story any. I loved Hugh. He was such a rough character, loved his horses, had no time for anything else but horses, and I loved the explanation that is finally given for that. But, Georgina whined too much about never marrying for a short story... all the time she spent whining could have been put to better use. Like more sex. This was my least favorite of the stories.
Rating: B-
Sensuality Rating: Almost Hot
Overall, this is a fast paced, light-weight, well-written book. If you can ignore the silly ending, you'll enjoy the rest of the book. This is a good anthology.
Time/Place: Regency England
Overall Rating: B
November 30, 2016
I liked it ^^
I started reading this book after watching a video for the lovely Julia Quinn regarding the second book in this series, which also made me watch Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and I loved that. Fr me I can start something in the middle that's why I read the first book first.
I loved all three couples but the think my favorite are the last two the captain and the earl. since the beginning it was obvious that the earl was interested in his sister's best friend, and i was curious how their story will develop, imagine my vexation when I learned they would be the last couple. Personally I didn't know how the other coupling would work, the first couple I didn't know they would be together until they showed some desire and the continuous meetings they shared by coincidence. The second couple was obvious after their prologue which showed us their history. The last couple as I said before it was clear from the beginning and throughout the book if it's only from the earl's side.
I liked the development between all the couples, even the married one XD I loved the blindfolding scene in the second story especially the grandfather part XD. The captain frustrated me in the second part when he stayed solicitous regarding his guardian duty and was over the moon when he brought the brother back and told her Properly how he feels. The third story was my favorite because they got right to it XD I liked how the earl was assertive and all macho, and the seating game was hilarious and funny especially the picking up part and the mothers reaction to it XD
Overall, *thumbs up* but I have to say I'm curious which author wrote which part or which couple ^^
I started reading this book after watching a video for the lovely Julia Quinn regarding the second book in this series, which also made me watch Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and I loved that. Fr me I can start something in the middle that's why I read the first book first.
I loved all three couples but the think my favorite are the last two the captain and the earl. since the beginning it was obvious that the earl was interested in his sister's best friend, and i was curious how their story will develop, imagine my vexation when I learned they would be the last couple. Personally I didn't know how the other coupling would work, the first couple I didn't know they would be together until they showed some desire and the continuous meetings they shared by coincidence. The second couple was obvious after their prologue which showed us their history. The last couple as I said before it was clear from the beginning and throughout the book if it's only from the earl's side.
I liked the development between all the couples, even the married one XD I loved the blindfolding scene in the second story especially the grandfather part XD. The captain frustrated me in the second part when he stayed solicitous regarding his guardian duty and was over the moon when he brought the brother back and told her Properly how he feels. The third story was my favorite because they got right to it XD I liked how the earl was assertive and all macho, and the seating game was hilarious and funny especially the picking up part and the mothers reaction to it XD
Overall, *thumbs up* but I have to say I'm curious which author wrote which part or which couple ^^
February 12, 2011
This is a novel in three parts, as the cover says, with each author writing a short story but all within one storyline. I'm not a big anthology reader but this didn't do a bad job. The first story, by Julia Quinn, is a love at first sight sort and was sweet if a bit slow.
The second, by Connie Brockway, is about a young lady who loves her older brothers friend but as he is older, and a bit of a rakehell, her father refuses courtship and he goes to war so that he can fulfill his promise to the father to allow her a season before he courts her. It is four years later and they get reacquainted at the country event they are all at. Once again, not bad but a bit slow...not to much actual romance and I wanted to smack both of them on the head a few times.
The third is by Eloisa James and is again, a sort of secret love type. This one was my favorite for the heat and the fun. I wasn't quite sure if I believed that he loved her for so long but never mentioned it but....
The part I don't like about anthologies that are one long storyline, especially in a historical, is I get a bit confused by all the people. Its a bit hard to keep everyone straight when they go from referring to them by their title, then their last name or first name. Had to keep glancing at the back cover to make sure I was thinking of the right person. Overall, an enjoyable book to curl up with on a nice sunny afternoon, listening to the mounds of snow melt. 4 stars
The second, by Connie Brockway, is about a young lady who loves her older brothers friend but as he is older, and a bit of a rakehell, her father refuses courtship and he goes to war so that he can fulfill his promise to the father to allow her a season before he courts her. It is four years later and they get reacquainted at the country event they are all at. Once again, not bad but a bit slow...not to much actual romance and I wanted to smack both of them on the head a few times.
The third is by Eloisa James and is again, a sort of secret love type. This one was my favorite for the heat and the fun. I wasn't quite sure if I believed that he loved her for so long but never mentioned it but....
The part I don't like about anthologies that are one long storyline, especially in a historical, is I get a bit confused by all the people. Its a bit hard to keep everyone straight when they go from referring to them by their title, then their last name or first name. Had to keep glancing at the back cover to make sure I was thinking of the right person. Overall, an enjoyable book to curl up with on a nice sunny afternoon, listening to the mounds of snow melt. 4 stars
March 7, 2011
Lady Finchley, the sister to Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly, decides to throw a party at her country house inviting the most eligible young ladies. Hugh has decided that it is high time to get married after recently being close to death. He has asked Carolyn to help him find a suitable wife. Carolyn not only plans to match make for her brother but for her best friend Georgina too, who was widowed young. Not two, but three couples find love at this country party.
I don't usually read anthologies but this one caught my eye with the great list of authors participating. I really liked that all three stories were related by taking place at the country party and involved all the same characters. There are three distinct couples who find love at this party. I am not going to go into specifics because part of the fun of reading the book is discovering who ends up with who.
I felt that the stories flowed seamlessly together to where I would not have been able to identify the different authors if not for the labeling at the top of the page. I did however feel that the character Hugh's personality went from mildly appealing to greatly appealing by the end of the story. I like the direction the author's took his character and I enjoyed his romance the best. I thought all three stories were fun to read, but not overtly exceptional. This anthology is just a nice way to pass the time and I enjoyed the three sweet stories.
I don't usually read anthologies but this one caught my eye with the great list of authors participating. I really liked that all three stories were related by taking place at the country party and involved all the same characters. There are three distinct couples who find love at this party. I am not going to go into specifics because part of the fun of reading the book is discovering who ends up with who.
I felt that the stories flowed seamlessly together to where I would not have been able to identify the different authors if not for the labeling at the top of the page. I did however feel that the character Hugh's personality went from mildly appealing to greatly appealing by the end of the story. I like the direction the author's took his character and I enjoyed his romance the best. I thought all three stories were fun to read, but not overtly exceptional. This anthology is just a nice way to pass the time and I enjoyed the three sweet stories.
January 4, 2011
I was delighted with the first 2/3 of this book. This is a tale of a house party, and a (married) lady who decides to match make from her brother. While it's clear in scene #1 who he'll end up with... we don't actually get to his story until the end. First, there are two other love match tales told.
I liked that while it is distinctly three parts, they all tie together into the same overall location and tale.
What I didn't like was the last 1/3. I didn't understand how the couple suddenly "saw" each other and then had to get it on for pages on end. The rest of the book was quite modest, and to be honest a refreshing delight, so I didn't understand how this fit in. It felt like instead of telling a bit more plot, instead a sex scene was inserted. Blech.
Despite the lack of a great conclusion, the earlier parts were golden and overall a fun read.
I liked that while it is distinctly three parts, they all tie together into the same overall location and tale.
What I didn't like was the last 1/3. I didn't understand how the couple suddenly "saw" each other and then had to get it on for pages on end. The rest of the book was quite modest, and to be honest a refreshing delight, so I didn't understand how this fit in. It felt like instead of telling a bit more plot, instead a sex scene was inserted. Blech.
Despite the lack of a great conclusion, the earlier parts were golden and overall a fun read.
June 7, 2016
3.5 stars
Even though some may find each story a bit short, I liked the idea of a novel in three parts. I found each story charming, nice and sweet and I especially liked the first two love stories (Julia Quinn's one and Connie Brockway's one).
Even though some may find each story a bit short, I liked the idea of a novel in three parts. I found each story charming, nice and sweet and I especially liked the first two love stories (Julia Quinn's one and Connie Brockway's one).
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