The Lady Most Likely: A Novel in Three Parts

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.

This book involves a roughly week long rural party in. I believe the Yorkshire area of England in The reason for the party: Hugh, an Earl This book involves a roughly week long rural party in. 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 …. A party is then held at the Finchley sp? The first part of the book follows the first woman on the list, the most attractive woman of the season.

He is also an Earl. Something like Earl Charteris. For the most part. I liked the story shown, and the characterizations. I rated it 3. The second part of the book is written by Connie Brockway and follows a Captain Oakes sp? I gave this one a rating of 1. Third part of the story finally follows Hugh as lead character, and Georgina. 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.

Because they are in public? I hate her for her stupidity, and I hate him for forcing himself onto her when she said no.

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Still, actually completed this section and stuff. Dec 26, Eastofoz rated it liked it Shelves: 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. 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.

View all 4 comments. Jan 25, Chris rated it it was ok Shelves: 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. 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.

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.

Dec 29, KarenH rated it liked it Shelves: All three authors have their own signature style when writing historical romances, and I was curious to see if they would "blend" together well. 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. 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.

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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 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 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 Dec 20, Mariana rated it really liked it. 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 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 bo I found this particular book to be a real gem.

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 ; Jan 26, Bekah rated it really liked it Shelves: 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 progres Eloisa James really made this book the four stars I gave it, at least for me. 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?

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. 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.

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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. 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 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 View all 6 comments. Dec 10, Autumn rated it liked it Shelves: 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. However,the first one while it was sweet, just was too rushed.. Nice score for Connie. And last and of course not least, was my favorite! Despite its length,Eloisa was so clever to include a prologue and epilogue! Needless to say i had many laughs during the read and thereafter LOl nice fun read!

View all 5 comments. Dec 29, Lisa rated it really liked it Shelves: 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.

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2. The Lady Most Likely (Lady Most, #1) by Julia Quinn.
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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 fat This is a novel in three parts, as the cover says, with each author writing a short story but all within one storyline. 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 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.

Jun 13, Amyiw rated it really liked it Shelves: 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 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. 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. May 19, Ursula rated it really liked it.

Another charming series of stories from three excellent authors. I think The Lady Most Willing 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! Feb 21, Melody rated it liked it Shelves: 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. Oct 26, Jennifer rated it it was ok Shelves: 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. 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 Average rating 1. And of course the H is a rake while the h is a virgin. Engagingly written but not my cup of tea. She has to hear about all his exploits with the village girls.



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This short was a hot mess. 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. And of course he turned out to be a less than satisfying spouse. View all 3 comments.

Jan 28, SidneyKay rated it really liked it Shelves: Three for the price of one or one for the price of three or for the price of one you get three 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: And the winner got a trip to, Three for the price of one or one for the price of three or for the price of one you get three 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.

The Lady Most Likely…

Anyway, back to The Lady Most Likely. Three authors contributed to this book: 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. 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.

Alec is there as an escort to his spoiled sister Octavia. 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. 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 Oh, he's a neighbor of sorts.

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 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. 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. This is Hugh and Georgina's story.

The Lady Most Likely by Eloisa James

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.

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 This was my least favorite of the stories. 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.



Regency England Overall Rating: Aug 05, kris rated it liked it. Not certain if I have these matched up correctly, but: Alec and Gwen Quinn? Niell and Kate were--messy. I feel like that w Not certain if I have these matched up correctly, but: I feel like that was what happened with The Lady Most Willing too?? 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?

Like, not my fave, but not bad. Definitely got little reader goosebumps from some of the passages in this section--about being envious of desire and the ramifications of that uncertainty. The bit at the beginning where Hugh is like "I can't have a wife with spots! Some women have spots! Where are my Duck heroines? The ones that are ugly ducklings and grow up into ugly ducks and still find love? Jan 25, Amy Jacobs rated it liked it Shelves: 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.

Julia Quinn , Connie Brockway , and myself. We wrote this novel on a visit to New Orleans, sitting around madly plotting and writing during the day, then eating fabulous food at night. I think this novel is even more fun to read than an average romance—because you have all the delight of our three voices both separately, and woven together.

Take a closer look. Eloisa works on The Lady Most Willing In describing relations between characters, I may wreck a book for you by making it clear who someone marries, or the outcome of a book. Please do not read about The Inside Take if you're wary of knowing who is paired with whom! The Lady Most Likely In fact, a good part of the epilogue is filched from his depiction of jaundiced aristocrats watching the performance of a truly terrible Pyramus and Thisby. The three of us had a wonderful time writing this section, as we each voiced the sarcastic comments of our own now paired up characters.

It was only seven in the evening and the air was warm. The sky was the deep pearly blue that promised twilight. Lady Georgina Sorrell wandered into the rose gardens, met by the faint hum of bees catching last sips from roses warmed by the sun. The stables were beyond the gardens, through a little stone archway, and down a pebbled path. By all rights the man she was looking for should be in the drawing room, chattering to debutantes.

Hugh Theodore Dunne, Earl of Briarly, had lost the first lady on his list to his best friend, and the second to Captain Oakes. The air changed as she left the garden; the earthy smell of warm dirt and manure made roses seem effeminate and cloying. She walked toward the large ring adjacent to the stables. Light poured through the stable window to the rear, but the rest of the ring was in deep shadow.

She leaned against the fence, listening to the deep rumble of his voice as he talked to his mount. The horse was listening intently, perking first one ear and then the other. Richelieu was a rangy, powerful animal, his coat a color of rich brown so dark that it looked near black in this light. There was something of the devil about him, in the tilt of his eyes and the way he kept shaking his bridle as if answering Hugh.

Hugh, who was practically her older brother. He was riding his horse around the ring without a scrap of cloth on his upper body. Just like that, her heart sped up and started thudding in her chest. Her memory presented her, willy-nilly, with a picture of her marriage, one that made her husband look like a faded image in a mirror.

Richard had been as sleek and white-skinned as she was.