1817, and three young women travel to London for their first season with very mixed feelings. Thalia Aubrey is not looking for a husband but for ‘salons with the brightest ideas’ and for a publisher for her poems, though she does hope to be ‘a little reckless for once.’ Her vivacious younger sister Kalliope looks forward eagerly to parties, social gatherings, and admirers. Uncomfortably aware of her social ineptitude, their cousin Charis is much more interested in science than in social events. How their aspirations are fulfilled or frustrated is presented with both considerable irony and keen insights into the challenges that await the inexperienced. Nor does it take long for disaster to strike, for they are confronted with a highly judgmental society that places a higher value upon appearances than upon reality.

The adverse consequences of their early missteps and subsequent errors in judgement create a rather sobering mood throughout much of the book, but the sympathy and support they receive from friends, parents, and, most importantly, each other help the trio weather the storm. And to recognize that modifying one’s expectations may lead to surprisingly satisfying opportunities.

This coming-of-age Regency romance is marketed for a teenage audience, and the tone does verge on the didactic at times. The lessons, however, remain applicable for a modern audience, especially the need to be honest about one’s feelings, to be ready to make apologies, and to offer forgiveness to others. Recommended.

HNR Issue 104 (May 2023)
https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/an-improbable-season-unexpected-seasons-1/

I don't remember my first historical romance; it was more than likely a Signet Regency. I was absolutely drawn to the books because they were brightly covered, with illustrations of women having afternoon tea, dancing in ballrooms, or being helped into it out of carriages. I always wished I could be transported into the covers if the characters were having tea.

Which is why I'm so glad that YA Historical Romance is having its moment (again). With the recent releases of The Davenports, Queen Bee, and now AN IMPROBABLE SEASON, I'm glad that historical romance will be reaching a younger crowd..

As a seasoned historical romance reader, sometimes the introduction to the Regency era England felt heavy handed. It seemed as though many of the tropes/plot lines were forcing their way through the book. However, I do feel that this would be good for YA readers who are interested in reading historical romances, but not sure where to start.

With three different POVs for the story, that were connected by timeline, but not necessarily storyline, I wonder if it would have been a better experience to have three separate books that happened simultaneously. Or maybe drop hints at future novels with an overarching storyline.

First, I need to start by saying I am a suckered for Regency period pieces. That being said, this was a good book, it wasn't great, but you cannot compare it to classics. The three main characters each experience their debut in society with different issues and each story concludes with somewhat of a Hallmark type ending. If you like period pieces, then this book is for you.

If you enjoy Regency Romance, then I think you’ll enjoy an Improbable Season! Full of witty banter, young love, family, gowns, parties, and carriage rides. This was my first book by Rosalyn Eves, and I am excited to read more from her.

This story features three young women, Thalia, Kalliope, and Charis who set off to Regency London for their first season, knowing exactly what they want. Thalia dreams of publishing poetry and making her mark amongst the intelligentsia. Her sister, Kalli, dreams of balls and gowns and parties, and meeting her future husband. Their cousin Charis aims to take her place amongst the scientific elite, which is almost exclusively male. Things go awry, and the girls wonder if they will get their happily ever after’s?

I really fancied these three stories of three incredibly different girls. It was really neat knowing how each girl ticked, and how they all have something that makes them standout. I loved how although each story was a romance, the story was also about their relationships with each other. There was definitely growth with all three of the girls on this journey and it was lovely to behold. The story also talked some about women’s rights and of the racial inequalities that existed during this time period. Charis’ story was my favorite, as I love enemies to lovers and her character was just so fun!

I recommend this for historical fiction and regency romance lovers! I am excited to read the next book in the series, An Unlikely Proposition.

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher for review, thank you! All thoughts are my own*

an improbable season is an attempt at a YA bridgerton—a predictable YA regency romance about three young women in london for their first season. it’s a quick, cute read that suffers from a bland cast and a lack of originality.

i just binged queen charlotte, so maybe i’m a hypocrite, but i was never invested in any of these love stories. the three MCs are often indistinguishable. one likes poetry, one likes fashion, one likes science. their love interests have even less personality.

i was also frustrated by the 21st century views and ideals dressed up in regency clothing. it would have been so more interesting to see the MCs’ frustrations expressed through period-typical sentiments or explore the actual regency-era women’s rights movement.

if you’re looking for good regency-era historical fiction, i can’t recommend an improbable season, but if you’re just looking to satisfy your bridgerton cravings, this might be worth a read.

Three POVs, three romances. This was a cute book set in Regency period. I enjoyed it but it was ultimately a fairly predictable read. Reminded me a lot of Pride and Prejudice.

I wish the premise/blurb had been more straightforward.

Very heavy christian vibes, which is fine, if you know you're getting into that but this isn't pitched that way and the undertones are very clear.

-there are some VERY clear issues with the spelling of important historical elements.
-the characters are pretty flat.
-the writing is ANNOYING. Regency terms and mentioned and then explained and it was exhausting. Having to be constantly told what things are, rather than shown, or given in context, just shows how bad of a writer you are.

This was a cute Regency romance following 2 sisters Thalia, Kallie and their cousin Charis as they enter their first season in London. It was a quick read and all 3 girls showed some growth as they figured out what life was going to be like. Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan’s Children for the ARC.

This title wasn't something I could get into, so I won't be finishing it. I really hope that others enjoy it.

"An Improbable Season" is exceptional! This book is timeless and rich and full of drama, For those young adults who are looking to segway their way into the regency era, romance genre but aren't looking for the intensity of Pride and Prejudice or the more sexual tones of a Julia-Quin-type novel, this book is an absolute must-read. The relationships crafted are beautiful both in the romance and in the sisterly bonds. For those of us who are professional romance readers don't turn away! This book is the perfect mix of "Pride and Prejudice" and the sisterly plot of "Little Women." It's a book worth reading and I plan to purchase a copy myself! #Netgalleyarc

This was a really unique and fun YA regency! Thalia, Kalli, and Charis were all great protagonists and I loved that we got all three of their POVs. I saw bits of myself in all of them and even if I wanted to bang their heads together at some points, I couldn't help but root for all of them. I loved the bond between them and how they learned and grew over the course of the book.

I enjoyed this so much! You’d think the story would get convoluted with three POVs and essentially three storylines, but I heard each character’s distinct voice. I was able to follow each story on its own and as each story intertwined with the others. Charis’s story was my favorite as I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers. It was so much fun navigating the London marriage mart with these three young women. Some characters you fall in love with and others show their true colors. This is such a fun book and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to try historical romance. It’s a great introduction!

Thank you to Macmillan’s Children for an advanced copy. My thoughts are my own!

If you liked Bridgerton, you'll probably like this title. Rosalyn Eves gives a lot of wit and female strength within An Improbable Season - though at times it errs a little too close to both Bridgerton and Pride & Prejudice. In this novel we get three POVs and honestly I only cared about one of them - this easily could have been broken up into three separate books or novellas each with a focus on one of our characters. Otherwise, as is, some of the story lacks depth and connection. I just want to read more about Charis & Mr. Levenson. Overall, this was fun and easy to read (while simultaneously re-watching Bridgerton in advance of Queen Charlotte's release.)

I originally marked this as a 4 star read but even a day later I have to change that down to three since I only loved 1 of the POVs and I found the author's note at the end to be more exciting than *most* of the book itself. There was attention paid to adding inclusivity to this narrative and a call to remember that Regency romance titles nearly always overlook the Colonial issues of this time period and there are a million dukes when in reality there were less than 30. Our author also states that while she wants to see more narratives taking the colonial perspective into account she is not the author to do so. I love Regency romance as much as the next but it was lovely to have someone calling it out all the same - I just wish it had been a bit more on the page and not relegated to the notes in the back. If you're going to start the conversation then start it with a bang rather than a softly shut door. Mind you, this is all secondary to my actual enjoyment of the novel! It was fun and I'm intrigued to see where the author goes next.

You guys - if you are a fan of young adult novels and historical romance, you NEED to read this book!

rating: 4 STARS
genre: romance, young adult, historical romance
steam: some kissing, implied illicit activity

This book starts off slow and the language took me a moment to get into (but that could be a me problem, and not a book problem because I don't read historical romance very often 😂) - but once I did, I couldn't put it down! I read basically the whole novel in one day.

My favorite part of this book is that each couple in the novel shines at different points in the story. At first, you're lost in Charis's enemies-to-lovers tale, then Kalli's marriage of convenience take the stage, and Thalia's story is a rollercoaster throughout the novel. But I loved it! You could see how the Season played out for different kinds of characters and different kinds of stories.

I feel like in these kinds of novels we often miss out on the marriage of convenience or arranged marriages because we're here for the LOVE story - so we want everything to be a love match or instant love...but sometimes that's not how it starts, but it is how it ends.

Now Goodreads is telling me that this is "Improbable Season #1," so I cannot wait to see what comes next!

Read if you like:
✨ Jane Austen
✨ Bridgerton
✨ Marriage of Convenience
✨ Women in Science
✨ Close Familial Bonds
✨ Amazing Banter

I had a lot of fun with this and found myself rooting for (and cursing!) all three POV characters.

This was a really sweet, fast YA regency, with light/level 1 spice, as befits a lady in her first season "out" 🙃 basically, Bridgerton without the sex scenes! Similar high society stakes, subtle but steamy glances, and dancing at balls. *Swoon!*

One of my favorite parts was the acknowledgements -- Eves makes note of the British imperialism, colonization, and classist society that enabled so few people to amass so much wealth. One character of British and Indian heritage represents a lot of these isms, and Eves treats this with care.

It's a light, fast-paced read that provides a YA approach to the traditional regency romance. Focused on three girls, Kalli, Thalia, and Charis, who have their first season in the ton, the emotions run fast, marriage is on every mother's mind, and engagements can happen in a matter of minutes.

The book moves quickly with alternating chapters between the girls.
Each provides a different perspective of the ton, but the stories blend well together. With multiple characters, it is difficult to fully explore their relationships with greater depth. I wish Charis's story and her romance could have been expanded to include more about her growing feelings and her connection with her love interest.

Although I can't say I was very happy with all the turn of events, I still thought it was a good read and a nice foray into YA regency. It contains multiple tropes that may be pleasing to readers including forced engagements, enemies to lovers, close proximity, and others.

First I would like to thank Netgalley and BYR Publishers for sending me this E-arc in return for an honest review.

An Improbable Season was like settling into my favourite chair, visiting an old friend, or feeling the warmth of a fireplace. It was written in the beginning in similar prose style of Jane Austen, and every twist and turn rang true to a regency drama. I loved each of the girls, most of all Charis was my favourite. Their stories were endearing as they tried to find their place in society in their own ways, whether it be with science, poetry, or simply wanting to be comfortable.

I have the jumps between three different povs never felt uncomfortable or mismatched, it flowed well together and connected the story wonderfully.

I can't wait to read another of her regency period books, as this one was a pure delight!

3.5 Stars rounded to 4

An Improbable Season is a Regency romance with a bit of modern flair. The story unfolds from the points of view of sisters Thalia and Kalli and their cousin Charis. The trio enters their first Season with different ambitions — a love match, a chance to write and the chance to have real conversations with intellectuals.

Nothing and everything come from these aspirations.

It’s the exact twist you’d hope for from this genre, and yet, I had a hard time connecting with all the main characters — which made me grateful there were three! This lack of connection made for a slower, less immersive experience, but didn’t ruin the read.

Similar to other Regency romances, the pacing in An Improbable Season has a more languid feel to it with little bursts of energy. It’s not a problem, but don’t expect to finish it in two hours, either.

While the suggested age for An Improbable Season is 14 and up, the book would fall well into the “chaste romance” category, as there’s nothing racy (by today’s standards) or explicit. The recommendation pertains more to interest level more than anything.

Overall, An Improbable Season offers plenty of twists and turns to capture and hold interest while providing readers with a good time.

I normally love Regency novels. There was something about this one that didn’t quite draw me in as a reader. I adore books that don’t just follow one character. I think that it adds more to what is going on and having multiple view points sometimes actually builds up the story more then just following one couple around. In this case I loved seeing all three girl’s personalities. Yet I personally didn’t love any of them. Maybe it was the writing style, or the character development but it just didn’t live up to what I was hoping it would be. That said I didn’t hate it. This book was just middle rode for me. I did enjoy that all the girls had a different ending to their season. That is refreshing.
Thank you so much to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

This was incredibly fancy, it really draws you in on the London scene. I also really loved Talia and the way her poetry transforms throughout the book.