How many of you remember the 1954 MGM musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”? It starred Howard Keel and Jane Powell. Julie Newmar, who later played Catwoman, was in it. It was a joyous musical with wonderful dance scenes. It’s based on Stephen Vincent Benet’s short story “The Sobbin’ Women”, which borrows from the story of the Roman capture of the Sabine women. In other words, this story of women who were kidnapped and carried off to be brides has been around for a while. My sisters, my best friend, and I all adore that musical. I own a copy. It’s no wonder I found The Lady Most Willing… to be a laugh aloud treat. Authors Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway wrote “A Novel in Three Parts”, set in Scotland. Kidnapping leads to romance.

And, here’s a spoiler alert in the middle of a review, but it’s really only for my sisters. If your book hasn’t arrived yet, don’t read this!

In Scotland in 1819, Taran Ferguson, laird of his clan, is frustrated that his two nephews have not yet married and provided heirs. One nephew, Robin Rocheforte, will inherit Taran’s castle, land, and position. Robin’s cousin, Byron Wotton, Earl of Oakley, has just been dumped by his fiancee. Now, both of them tell their uncle they’re not interested in marriage. So, Taran gathers his clansmen and heads off to the home of the Earl of Maycott where there’s a ball. The Scotsmen charge off “to get us some brides!”, unbeknownst to Robin and Oakley.

When Taran and his men return, they bring a carriage, four women, and an angry duke. Taran warns Robin that he has to pick one of the women, “or I’ll do it myself and lock the two of you in a room until you have to get married.” The laird has kidnapped a local girl, two wealthy sisters, an heiress, and, accidentally, the Duke of Bretton, who had been sleeping in his carriage when Taran and his men absconded with it. While Bretton just assumes they’ll be rescued the next day, the local young woman, Catriona Burns, warns him they’ll be shut in for several days because of the snow storm.

A snow storm will shut in eight people for several days. Let the merriment and romance begin.

Let me assure you The Lady Most Willing… is a delightful book, quite funny and romantic. I bought copies for both of my sisters and told them if the scene and the witty exchanges as everyone falls out of the carriage doesn’t make them laugh, they can send the book back to me. The conversations are funny. At times, the women have a wry sense of humor. But, none of them are upset to be at Taran’s castle. And, the closing scene at the castle is funny.

A great deal of humor, romance, a spin-off of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”. Just perfect for fans of that movie. (I think my sisters will enjoy the book.)

Julia Quinn’s website is https://juliaquinn.com/

Eloisa James’ website is https://www.eloisajames.com/

Connie Brockway’s website is http://conniebrockway.com/

The Lady Most Willing…by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Connie Brockway. HarperCollins (Avon Historical Romance), 2012. ISBN 9780062107381 (paperback), 384p.

*****
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