The Lady Most Likely… audiobook

4.5 starsI 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.

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!

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!!!

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.

I liked that the three stories were interwoven instead of being three novellas. This first “story” I would give 5 stars, the second one 4 stars, & the third 3 stars. Very enjoyable.

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 ;)

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!

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: Warmhttp://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: BSensuality Rating: Warmhttp://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 HotOverall, 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 EnglandOverall Rating: B

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 ^^

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.

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

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars.I truly appreciated how the story was three narratives by three authors cohesively told in one novel. I do wish, however, that we knew what each author had written. I feel like Julia Quinn perhaps wrote the Gwendolyn story but I'm not sure - though that definitely speaks to how well they were able to write together!Additionally, I felt like we got three unique yet great love stories. Even though two of them were friends to lovers, I felt like they handled this differently so they both felt unique.My main criticism comes with the Georgina storyline. I felt that they were hinting that her last husband was gay and the way they were doing that was quite... problematic. They honestly made him out to be a villain and made her feel inferior, and while I understand being married to a closeted gay men can feel singularly isolating to the unknowing woman, I also felt they did not handle this topic well. There are so few gay characters in regency novels, so the fact that's hes dead before the story begins and that spurns character growth for Georginia felt like the kill you gays trope. I appreciate representation but this was poorly done and I honestly did not like her at the end.All in all, I enjoyed the story, but would've been okay with just the first two storylines.

Cos of Quinn ;)My thoughts:This is not an anthology and that is perhaps why it worked so well for me. But it is still a book written by three authors. Each one takes on a couple and let them fall in love, but it is a flowing novel since it all happens during a house party and each author writes about everyone really.To start this: I liked Julia Quinn's story the best. It was a sudden romance and she always writes such sweet stories I am not gonna say who it is about but it was lovely.The second story by Brockway was about good too, and I liked how much the man knew what he wanted.The third story was the one I wanted to like the most, but turned to be the one I liked the least. Though it was still good. It was the story I knew would come from page one, still, maybe it was because there was no courtship at all. Between each stories we Hugh's sister who is trying to fix him up and the whole book is just cute and funny. It worked truly well to write a story like this and it flows well. It never stops.But I must mention a thing, I have noticed it before and then it came here too. A man is kissing his virginal interest for the first time, and then he at once goes for the breasts and nipple kissing...really? If I guy did that the first time I kissed him I would have been rather shocked. I mean mouth and then suddenly boob. Especially if I had been an unkissed virginal Miss from a century where I barely had seen myself naked before.Conclusion:Sweet and lovely are the words. I enjoyed this one