I have had some great reads so far this year, but I haven't found one that really wowed me, start to finish.

Well....this is the one. This is my stand-out read so far this year.

An Unlikely Proposition was set during the Regency period in England and follows a very young widow named Eleanor Lockhart and her companion, Thalia Aubrey.

This book has:

👗 Found Family,
👗 Romance,
👗 Adventure,
👗 Drama,
👗 Fake engagement,
👗 Strong female main characters,
👗 Dastardly characters,
👗 HEA.

This book held me captivated, I read it in about 24 hours. The descriptions of life in London society and the demands and expectations of women were fascinating. There was an element of danger introduced early on when Eleanor's nephew by marriage seemed to be scheming to get the fortune his uncle left to her. That is when Eleanor started a little scheming of her own.

Alternating between Eleanor's story is Thalia's. Thalia has taken a position as a companion to Eleanor so she can be in London in hopes of becoming a published poet. Introduced to salons attended by famous authors, Thalia ends up disappointed, as it doesn't seem very hopeful that a book of poems written by a woman will have much interest from publishers. I really don't read poetry, but I enjoyed this aspect of the story.

While these are our two main characters, the secondary characters make up part of Eleanors eventual found family and are wonderful additions to the story.

The last quarter of this book had so much drama to it, including a dramatic rescue, that was absolutely unputdownable. And the ending, sigh, just so delicious!

This book was just such a delight from start to finish. If you like historical romance, especially set during the Regency period and all the tropes above, you'll love this book.

Thank you, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, for my gifted copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

If you're looking for a fun Regency read, this book definitely fit the bill for me. I really enjoyed how fun the storylines were; I was entertained the entire time I was reading. With two romances that intertwine and characters you can't help but love and cheer for, this was an entertaining read as Thalia, Eleanor, Henry, and Owen all figure out love and what brings them happiness. I liked the way the author told the story from both Thalia's and Eleanor's POVs. The historical elements were interesting especially Thalia's desire to be a published poet during this time. It reads like a YA historical romance, with mild swearing, but clean romance. I found it witty and look forward to more from this author.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 4.5 stars.

I was not aware that this was the second book in a series (even though it is a stand alone)..

"An Unlikely Proposition" by Rosalyn Eves is set against the backdrop of a vividly depicted historical era, think Bridgerton. Eves' writing is elegant and evocative, making it difficult to put the book down. Overall, "An Unlikely Proposition" is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and romance alike.

First of all.....can you imagine being married and widowed before you were even considered an adult in today's world? Not me for certain, but Eleanor has no choice. Luck has it Eleanor is young enough to get through another Season in the Ton. With Thalia at her side, we breeze through parties and what ifs. From boring dinners to dances where you truly see your competition.
In witty chatter and youthful outlook, Eleanor learns her biggest competition at finding a man look after her is right at her side.
Set in the regency period with some contemporary emotions and come-backs, An Unlikely Proposition gives us insight into different relationships, how those around us pattern of behavior and ...is it really a love triangle if one of the three is a tad clueless?

This was a really fun and quick read! It’s a companion novel to the author’s first historical romance, An Improbable Season, but it can definitely be read as a standalone too!
I loved the regency romance vibes and the two lead characters were so enjoyable in their own ways. I really liked that we got a dual POV story between Eleanor and Thalia. I was equally invested in both of their storylines and relationships.
The drama felt high stakes and entertaining. There were so many good twists and turns and I was so eager to see what happened next.
I really hope this author writes more books like this!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the second installment of the Unexpected Seasons series, An Unlikely Proposition! This book followed some of the same characters from An Improbable Season but also introduced some new faces. It was fun, romantic, and fast-paced- I stayed up way too late to see where the story was going to go.

I love how Rosalyn Eves writes her characters- they are all complex and realistically imperfect while still inspiring readers to cheer them on. I felt this especially in this story with the character of Eleanor- she made a lot of choices throughout the story that I didn't necessarily agree with, but as she grew as a character, she was able to see how she had erred and made things right. I haven't seen this happen much with protagonists in books, and it was refreshing to see something that accurately portrayed the human condition. We will all make mistakes, and we have to learn how to apologize and grow.

I also loved being able to see Thalia's story continue. She is such a strong and ambitious character, and I loved seeing how she came into her own even more throughout this book.

The romance was top-tier, and I am sure I will return to the Regency world Rosalyn Eves has created many times over!

Thank you to the author and her team for providing me with an e-ARC

When Eleanor’s husband dies and leaves her under the impression that if she was to remarry she would be forced to give up her inheritance to a nephew who is a bit more then questionable, Eleanor needs to find a way to take her life back into her own hands. By creating a rouse of an engagement with a close friend, Eleanor is able to escape her nephews relentless hunt to get her remarried so he can inherit all the money. Yet Eleanor knows that she must fulfill her husbands final request of publishing his papers. With no knowledge of mathematics Eleanor must look elsewhere for help, might she find more then just the help she is looking for?
Thalia longs to become a published poet, but how is she suppose to do that when she cannot go to London for the season? So, when she sees that Eleanor needs a lady’s maid this is her way back into society where she can reach the right people and make her publishing dreams a reality. Yet along the way maybe she will find something to inspire her a way she never dreamed of.
This book was okay. I was not blown away by either romances they were pretty predictable and one noted to be honest. I love romance books written during this period so I was a little be saddened not to be swept away by this book. That being said it was not horrible either it just didn’t enchant me in a way where I left excited for either romance.
Thank you so much to Macmillian Children’s Publishing Group, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (YR) and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

4.5/5 ⭐️
Please tell me this author will write more in the world. This and her other one has brought me so much joy. I am a sucker for a good historical romance, especially regency, and this author is officially in my god tier for this category. I had a great time. And the tea was hot in this one.
I absolutely loved how this book can definitely stand on its own, though it will slightly spoil some things for certain characters. I loved that we got to see Thalia’s story continue. Watching her romance unfurl was my favorite parts. But equally enjoyed our new character, Eleanor. She reminded me a little of Lydia Bennett, if Lydia was a little less selfish. I only wish the characters were slightly older, like two years, it would then sort of justify the things that had happened in their lives and their personalities a little more. Other than that, I absolutely adored this book. I will be raving about this one too, and eagerly awaiting more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.

After a horrible first season, Thalia is ready to try her hand at London again. She secures a position as a companion to a new widow, hoping that will be enough to find her place in society after the previous year's scandal. What she doesn't count on is that new widow being as young as she is, and that she will also be thrust right back into the lives of those she knew before she last left London in disgrace. But with her head held high, she is doing her best to form new relationships, even if it turns out that the one man she is most drawn to is already engaged to her employer. And the one who turned out to be her rescuer from her worst decision.

This was a fun companion to the first novel. I really enjoyed getting to see some of the same characters again and how they get to find their own matches. I would recommend this for fans of the first book, along with fans of Tirzah Price's Jane Austen retellings.

I received a DRC from the publisher via Netgalley.

Yes yes yes!

Thank you for this ARC. I needed something like this. It's the kind of swoon, excitement, kick your feet in the air read that filled my cup right up.

Thank you Rosalyn Eves and thank you Net Galley!!

"A standalone companion to An Improbable Season, this Regency romance - perfect for fans of Bridgerton - is about following your heart, pursuing your dreams, and falling head over heels in love.

Eleanor did not come to London to be proper and boring. After the death of her husband and a year of mourning, the seventeen year old wants nothing more than her independence and to have a little fun. She's hardly looking to remarry, despite pressures from her late husband's nephew, who is keen on obtaining her inheritance. Eleanor quickly devises a plan that includes a fake engagement. What's not a part of the plan? Falling for a dashing, quiet man outside of her social circle - a man who is not her betrothed. Can she survive the Season with her heart and her fortune intact?

Thalia is determined to begin afresh after a disastrous first Season in London. No romantic distractions, but only her work as a poet and newfound companion to Eleanor. Determined to get her poems published, she struggles to be taken seriously as a female writer. As the spring progresses, Thalia does not expect to take interest in a man from her past (a man who is engaged to her employer, no less!), but some feelings demand to be felt even if the timing isn't quite right.

Rosalyn Eves's An Unlikely Proposition is a transportive Regency drama that captures the sparkle of London, thrill of friendship, and swoon of new love."

So... Um... Eleanor was married at sixteen? Bit Lydia Bennet that...

Two young women in very different circumstances make their way in London without being torn down by those who don't agree with their burgeoning freedom!! Such a cute read because even though the characters are young, I loved the feelings of true friendship and sisterhood that develop!

*If you loved Little Women or even the courageous young women from the Bridgerton series - you'll love An Unlikely Proposition!!

**Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

Gracious! I LOVE good romance novel, and a regency one at that!! Too good! Here is what I adore about this Rosalyn Eves series… you get the feel good regency love story BUT you also get real life + hard lessons learned! What a breath of fresh air! I didn’t think Miss Rosalyn could top An Improbable Season but she did!

An Unlikely Proposition" by Rosalyn Eves is a captivating Regency tale that weaves together the desires for independence, love, and literary recognition. Eleanor's quest for freedom after her husband's death, cleverly navigating societal pressures with a fake engagement, adds intrigue to the story. Thalia's determination to establish herself as a poet in a male-dominated world is also a refreshing perspective that will resonate with modern women & girls. As both women navigate love and ambition in the glittering world of London, Eves transports readers with the sparkle of Regency drama, the thrill of steadfast friendship, and the sweet swoon of newfound love. For fans of Regency romance, especially those in the young adult genre, "An Unlikely Proposition" is a delightful read.

This was the perfect book for YA readers who want try out a historical romance for the first time. It was light, fun, and easy to follow. The characters were very well developed and made you fall in love with them so easily. The beginning was a tad bit slow for me, but once the story picked up I was HOOKED! I definitely love this one and I hope everyone else does too!

Writing reviews usually comes easily to me. I read, and I make notes, read and make notes. And then, all of a sudden, I’m reading a book without writing anything down. And when I open my notes app, words get stuck in my brain, and I can’t get them out. Maybe this is what writers call a writer's block. And this is what happened while reading An Unlikely Proposition.

So bear with me. First of all, I liked this regency romance about two teen girls, Eleanor, a young widow, and her new companion, Thalia.

An Unlikely Proposition is a light Regency romance for anyone who wants to dream away for a while and even wants to read a book in just one sitting. Think of Bridgerton and even more Queen Charlotte. Imagine sitting in front of a fire, a blanket wrapped around your body, or with your face in the spring sun, taking your thoughts back to that era. Envision that smile growing on your face and rooting for Eleanor and Thalia. This is such a book. Light and easy, as if you’re floating across the dance floor.

Sometimes, we just need light and easy reads. Actual rating 3.5 stars, rounded up to four.

This was cute but not as exciting as the Bridgerton series for me. I know I shouldn’t compare but when I read a book that has been compared to Bridgerton, I can’t help it. Worth a read if you’re not actually expecting Bridgerton :)

I received an advanced copy from netgalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

This regency romance follows Eleanor and Thalia as they navigate London society. Eleanor is young and recently widowed from an older gentleman. She was born into poverty but rose in society. Thalia becomes her hired companion while in London, needing to get away from her overbearing family and do what she loves, write poetry.

The two discover love in unlikely places that bar them from fully exploring it’s potential. Eleanor’s late husband’s nephew is insistent she marry so he can have the inheritance he feels she unrightfully stole when marrying his uncle. The juxiposition of Thalia and Eleanor creates an interesting basis for character development.

This is a perfect book for fans of regency romance. It’s also labeled YA, a genre I also love. The beginning felt a little slow but the ultimate set up of the plot created a spectacular climax. I was impressed how Eves put it all together as I wasn’t sure how the resolution would come about.

This was such a charming, fun, transporting Regency romance! I adored following these characters as they fall in love and follow their dreams. Truly perfect for Bridgerton fans!

This was adorable! Light and easy to read, but gave me lots of opportunities to smile. The romance was very cute, and although I usually like a slow burn, this hit the spot nonetheless. Definitely recommend for fans of Bridgerton!