THE LADY MOST WILLING – Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Connie Brockway
Avon Books
ISBN: 978-06-210738-1 (print)
ISBN: 978-0-06-210740-4 (e-book)
January 2013
Historical Romance

Scotland – 1819

Taran Ferguson, laird of his clan, has decided that the only way to assure a smooth transition after he dies is to guarantee that his heir(s) are well married and will have started a family. His method of resolving this issue is hardly traditional. Knowing that his nephews are reluctant to wed, Taran devises a plan that will force them to make the decision. He has his ancient retainers kidnap potential brides from a ball and bring them to Finovair Castle. However, all does not necessarily go as anticipated. Yes, they grab the three eligible young ladies, plus one, but after forcing them into a carriage, are surprised to discover upon their arrival at the castle that there is one more passenger…the owner of the carriage, the Duke of Bretton.

The young ladies are just a tad put out about their group kidnapping. Plus, the rustic castle where they've been taken is now to be their prison for a few more days since a blizzard has settled in over the area, making the roads impassable.

Miss Marilla Chisholm seems the least upset about the situation. She's set her sights on the hapless duke, dresses in a provocative fashion, and throws herself at the poor man. When the duke manages to escape and hide from her attentions, he discovers the one young woman who was grabbed by mistake, the lady without a title, wealth, or name, Catriona Burns. What she does have is beauty and common sense.

Miss Fiona Chisholm, Marilla's older sister, is certain that she will not be chosen by anyone as she has a “reputation”. Content with being a spinster, she will be happy to watch the action around her.

Lady Cecily Tarleton, besides the duke, is the only English native in the group. She is wealthy, lovely, and prefers playing the peacekeeper in the circle.

The laird's nephews, Byron, the Earl of Oakley, and Robin, the lighthearted half French Comte who takes nothing seriously, are appalled at their uncle's atrocious behavior.

What is to come of this odd party? Will Taran get his way? As the storm swirls outside, tempers and emotions form smaller tempests within the ancient castle.

Three skillful authors have conspired to make THE LADY MOST WILLING a lighthearted, thoroughly entertaining winter tale. Hilarious at times, poignant in many instances, the story smoothly transitions between the authors, making for lots of fun reading. I highly recommend THE LADY MOST WILLING.

Jani Brooks