andipants's review
3.0
The main characters were likable, though the plot was a little far-fetched. The writing sometimes left something to be desired (long chunks of exposition; some sloppy anachronisms; lots of telling, not showing) but it wasn't so horrible I couldn't finish it. I did particularly appreciate the way consent was treated in the steamy scenes: enthusiastic verbal agreement is always asked for and given before anything happens, and it's not treated like a big deal; it's just the way it's done. This is distressingly rare in a lot of historical romance, so it's worth mentioning when one does find it. Overall, I probably won't read it again, but it was a fine bit of pleasant fluff.
jcmbank's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
geo_ix's review against another edition
5.0
I love this series.
Now I won't say this was honestly a whole 5 star read, the wedding scene actually had me rolling my eyes, mainly at Isabella's super dramatic entrance and exit but also how it all played out. And I get that the wedding is meant to be like the play this is based on, but in reality the whole scene was the only thing in the whole book that I was like, why is this included. Maybe it was the way the scene was written that just didn't mesh well with me, but it was super cheesy and unnecessarily dramatic and didn't quite fit with everything to me. It was also however the scene where the confessions of love come in and I always find that part of books to be too sappy and unrealistic in terms of dialogue so that may have played into it too. It's not really a 'this book' problem, more of a me problem I guess.
Anyway, that last chapter, oh gosh am I so> excited to read the next book. Even just that one line Daphne gives I was 100% ready for book four. Hopefully I get around to it in the next couple of weeks, I think my may reading challenge has a historical book so perhaps I'll make it that book! We shall see! But definitely really loving this series. Super fun, slightly angsty, lots of laugh out loud moments and swoony scenes. I wish I found these kinds of historical books years ago, maybe then I wouldn't have thought I hated them so much.
Now I won't say this was honestly a whole 5 star read, the wedding scene actually had me rolling my eyes, mainly at Isabella's super dramatic entrance and exit but also how it all played out. And I get that the wedding is meant to be like the play this is based on, but in reality the whole scene was the only thing in the whole book that I was like, why is this included. Maybe it was the way the scene was written that just didn't mesh well with me, but it was super cheesy and unnecessarily dramatic and didn't quite fit with everything to me. It was also however the scene where the confessions of love come in and I always find that part of books to be too sappy and unrealistic in terms of dialogue so that may have played into it too. It's not really a 'this book' problem, more of a me problem I guess.
Anyway, that last chapter, oh gosh am I so> excited to read the next book. Even just that one line Daphne gives I was 100% ready for book four. Hopefully I get around to it in the next couple of weeks, I think my may reading challenge has a historical book so perhaps I'll make it that book! We shall see! But definitely really loving this series. Super fun, slightly angsty, lots of laugh out loud moments and swoony scenes. I wish I found these kinds of historical books years ago, maybe then I wouldn't have thought I hated them so much.
sweetkelly's review
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ria_mhrj's review
3.0
It feels unfair to rate this the same as book 2, as it was much better, but I can't quite bring myself to give out more than three stars. Jane and Garrett have been a lot of fun throughout the series, sniping at each other and sparking through the snarking. And I love Much Ado About Nothing (slut shaming of Hero aside), so I was a receptive audience to this type of tale.
However, I think I have to recognise what type of delivery works for me. I am happiest at the Sarah MacLean/Elizabeth Hoyt end of the historical romance spectrum, where there might be angst and a healthy dollop of seriousness, rather than the Julia Quinn end, where everything is relatively breezy and charming, and I feel Valerie Bowman sits more at this side. Not bad by any stretch, but for me to get a five star feeling, I think I need a little less silliness (Lucy is starting to get on my nerves, well intentioned as she may be) and a few more convincing obstacles. Ms Bowman creates very compelling characters and scenarios and I want to read more from this series, I'll just hold on to hope that we'll get some legit dramaz in future entries.
However, I think I have to recognise what type of delivery works for me. I am happiest at the Sarah MacLean/Elizabeth Hoyt end of the historical romance spectrum, where there might be angst and a healthy dollop of seriousness, rather than the Julia Quinn end, where everything is relatively breezy and charming, and I feel Valerie Bowman sits more at this side. Not bad by any stretch, but for me to get a five star feeling, I think I need a little less silliness (Lucy is starting to get on my nerves, well intentioned as she may be) and a few more convincing obstacles. Ms Bowman creates very compelling characters and scenarios and I want to read more from this series, I'll just hold on to hope that we'll get some legit dramaz in future entries.
528's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
1 - why did I even finish this book.
2 - wasn't for me, disappointed.
3 - good.
4 - better, would reread the book
5 - loved it
2 - wasn't for me, disappointed.
3 - good.
4 - better, would reread the book
5 - loved it
bibliobabe94's review
3.0
Traditional historical romance, nothing out of the ordinary, but a pleasant read.
kbarker1979's review
5.0
The Unlikely Lady is book #3 in the Playful Brides series, but each novel can be read as a standalone book. Each book adds layers to the prior story but you will not be lost if you read them out of order as each story is independent.
I have been dying to read Jane and Garrett's story. They are both strong personalities; their banter in the previous books of the series definitely let us know their chemistry was undeniable!
Jane is a determined bluestocking, much to her mama's dismay. Jane likes to consider herself an academic, who takes after her father and baffles her mother. As part of a pact Jane makes with her two best friends, Lucy and Cass, she is determined to convince her mother to forget her getting married, once and for all. A country wedding is the perfect place to follow through on her plan to remain unmarried.
The characters are fun and engaging. I believe this is the author's best book yet! I loved it, reading it in one sitting. I can't wait to read more of the secondary characters!
I have been dying to read Jane and Garrett's story. They are both strong personalities; their banter in the previous books of the series definitely let us know their chemistry was undeniable!
Jane is a determined bluestocking, much to her mama's dismay. Jane likes to consider herself an academic, who takes after her father and baffles her mother. As part of a pact Jane makes with her two best friends, Lucy and Cass, she is determined to convince her mother to forget her getting married, once and for all. A country wedding is the perfect place to follow through on her plan to remain unmarried.
The characters are fun and engaging. I believe this is the author's best book yet! I loved it, reading it in one sitting. I can't wait to read more of the secondary characters!