cover image The Unlikely Lady

The Unlikely Lady

Valerie Bowman. St. Martin’s Paperbacks, $7.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-1-250-04209-5

Bowman’s third Playful Brides Regency (after The Accidental Countess) hinges on an unlikely attraction between a bluestocking and a bachelor. Jane Lowndes prefers books over social outings. While reluctantly attending a house party prior to her friend Cass’s wedding, Jane trades barbs with Garrett Upton, an attractive ex-military man who stands to inherit an earldom. Jane believes he is the most profligate of rakes and wastes no opportunity to tell him of her opinions. However, when they meet at a costumed ball and neither realizes the identity of the other, their mutual attraction threatens to spin out of control. Jane is soon drawn into competition for Upton’s attention, as a beautiful widow seeks every opportunity to gain his favor. The scintillating sex scenes between Upton and Jane are intensified by the tension of the love triangle. Fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this installment, rich with fully developed characters and a plethora of witty banter. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. (May)