Publishers Weekly
03/16/2015
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)
From the Publisher
Too delightful to miss!” —New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas on Valerie Bowman's novels
“Splendidly satisfying…[with] emotional depth.” —Booklist (starred review) on Valerie Bowman's novels
“Fabulous, sexy tales!” —USA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer on Valerie Bowman's novels
“In this installment, the gloves are off... this book is laugh out loud funny. I loved every second of it. A full length novel, rich story and impeccable comedic timing, I didn't want to leave this delightful little world.” —Smexy Books, Smexy Books
“Impossibly charming, witty and sexy fun.” —Be My Bard
“Valerie Bowman's Playful Bride series is a delightful example of the best in celebrating love between two smart caring individuals who respect each other. THE UNLIKELY BRIDE ...[is] a wonderful retelling of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Recommended for fans of Eileen Dreyer and Mary Robinette Kowal.” —Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore
SEPTEMBER 2015 - AudioFile
Justine Eyre, winner of multiple AUDIOFILE Earphones Awards, does not disappoint in this latest in the Playful Brides series. Bluestocking Jane Lowndes, who has “a razor for a tongue" when it comes to the handsome Lord Garrett Upton, the bane of her existence, does not want to marry. But then, Jane attends a masquerade ball in disguise, where she encounters her equally disguised nemesis. The romantic sparks fly. Will the romance survive the unveiling? Eyre is exceptional with accents. Her acting skills are showcased in her narration, making this audio experience most enjoyable. A.C.P. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2015-02-15
A bookish young woman tries to convince her mother she's just not marriage material in this Regency romance inspired by Much Ado About Nothing, but her mother has the last laugh. Bowman (The Accidental Countess, 2014, etc.) offers another installment in her Playful Brides series with the story of confirmed spinster and bluestocking Jane Lowndes. Jane is attempting to convince her mother to stop trying to find her an advantageous match. She dusts off her friend Cassandra's old ruse, inventing a chaperone named Mrs. Bunbury in order to gain permission to attend a house party without her mother. But while at the house party, the unchaperoned Jane finds herself spending more and more time with Lord Garrett Upton, the cousin of one of her closest friends. Garrett and Jane can barely tolerate each other, but when Jane dresses with unwonted care for a masquerade and they spend time together without knowing each other's identities, the sparks fly. When their mutual friends realize what's going on, they take a page from Shakespeare's book, telling Jane that Garrett is in love with her and telling Garrett that Jane is in love with him. Both of them begin looking for signs of affection in the other, and as a result, affection naturally grows. This comedy of errors is an enjoyable read even though the old trope of extreme annoyance being the flip side of love and sexual attraction is a bit boring. The villain in the piece, a manipulative war widow preying on Garrett's survivor's guilt, is also crudely drawn and predictable. But overall, Bowman keeps her prose and characters fresh and interesting; her book is an entertaining renewal of a classic plotline and well worth reading.
