THE UNLIKELY LADY is Book three in Valerie Bowman's Playful Brides series. THE UNLIKELY LADY is Valerie Bowman's spin on Shakespeare's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and therefore I think it works as a stand-alone story, even though it's part of a series. In their little circle of friends, bluestocking Jane Lowndes and charming gentleman Lord Garrett Upton have circled each other for years with a sort of verbal dueling. THE UNLIKELY LADY shows what happens when passion is diverted from the hostile variety to the more amorous.

Although Lucy and Garrett's meddling but well-meaning friend Lucy does have a part in the two getting together, I was happy that Lucy's shenanigans are, overall, kept to a minimum and the focus is on the relationship between Garrett and Jane. I love how Valerie Bowman chooses to flip the dynamics of their relationship and introduce romance. Although I was looking forward to their story, I wasn't sure how I would like this romantic pairing. I love Jane and Garrett together. I love how they both discover new things about each other to like, rather than have their opinions change about each other strictly because of a physical attraction. The unexpected physical reaction acts as a catalyst to the new relationship that they develop. The romance in THE UNLIKELY LADY is incredibly sexy while still making sense and remaining true to the main characters.

THE UNLIKELY LADY is erotic, enchanting, and lots of fun! Although Jane and Garrett start out as unlikely lovers, Valerie Bowman weaves a beautifully romantic tale and adds depth to two great characters. The obstacles thrown in the path of Jane and Garrett's burgeoning love add an extra level of excitement to the story without obscuring the romance. For me, the obstacles only highlight how good they are together and how well they complement each other. I look forward to the next book in this Playful Brides series by Valerie Bowman and can't wait to find out what's in store for other favorite characters.