The Marquess of Vegas made a deal with the devil, and now his sons must pay the price.

In order to restore the family fortune he lost, Lord Vegas has ordered his sons to marry money and to marry it fast. But the four of them are determined to strike back at their father by marrying the most unsuitable brides they can find….

Joseph Rathborne-Paxton has always lived in his older brothers’ shadows, and he’s just about had it. More than any of the others, he took his father’s moralizing and piety seriously (and was most disappointed when it turned out to be a lie) and did everything he could to be the dutiful son. Now, everyone seems determined to treat him as a child, which he is most certainly not. Joseph is not amused, and he will do whatever he can to prove he is a man to be respected. Like defeating the villainous Montrose single-handedly.

American heiress Ellen Garrett has come to London, intent on taking the place by storm. Ellen is loud, brash, provincial, and ready for anything. Except, as she quickly learns, London society wants nothing to do with a free spirit like her. She is determined to make herself into the perfect English rose, though…but it is a plan she needs Joseph’s help for.

As it turns out, lively Ellen is just what Joseph needs to bring him out of his shell, and Joseph is just what Ellen needs to become a lady. More than that, Ellen just might be what the entire Rathborne-Paxton family needs to right the wrongs Lord Vegas committed and to bring Melrose to justice once and for all. Because every family of the British peerage needs a card sharp, right?

It’s a case of grumpy meets sunshine and opposites attract with a healthy dose of mad-capped mischief, a day at the races, a shopping excursion gone wrong, a villain getting his just deserts in the most thrilling way possible, and two people falling in love whether they want to or not.

Titles in The Unsuitable Brides series include — That’s Why the Lady is a Tramp —♥— Let’s Face the Music and Dance —♥— Some Enchanted Evening —♥— Luck Be a Lady Tonight —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Booksprout ARC

Title:  Luck Be a Lady Tonight
Series:  The Unsuitable Brides #4
Author:  Merry Farmer
Genre:  Historical Romance
Published:  June 30, 2022
Publisher:
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Luck Be a Lady Tonight is the fourth title in The Unsuitable Brides series – and I have to mention that I absolutely loved the book titles in this series with a nod to ‘ol blue eyes (that’s Frank Sinatra to a younger generation) since this particular song ran through my head as I was reading Ellen’s and Joseph’s story.  I have not read the earlier books, although, in the middle of this one I have gone and picked up the first story, That’s Why the Lady is a Tramp.  I didn’t feel the least bit lost in any way, yet my curiosity is strong enough to want to know what went on before this story.

Frankly, most of what you’d want to know before picking up this book can be found in the book blurb/description.  So.  I’m going to talk about emotions instead of story details.  It became very clear early on that Ellen felt like a fish out of water in the London of the ton.  She’s an American heiress whose personality and style certainly gave the gossipmongers a lot to discuss.  She pushes through, knows exactly who she intends to marry (even knowing that his family needs her influx of cash), and sets out to not only change the opinion of some of the socially important ladies (and I use that term lightly) of the ton but change herself as well to fit into their mold.  Her emotions are crystal clear and I often hurt for Ellen as she tries, in her own fashion, to fit in.

Joseph is the youngest of the brothers, and not one of them will ever allow him to forget that.  His frustration at not being listened to, and at having his opinions belittled is so obvious.  I got angry on his behalf and that might affect my opinions of those brothers in their own stories when I go back to the beginning of this series.  Yet, watching Joseph bloom, become his own man, and gain the confidence he so needed through Ellen’s help and others was a delight to watch unfold.

There is a vile villain here who needs to be stopped – but there are also some vile peerage members who need an attitude adjustment as well.  I had no trouble disliking several secondary characters, immensely.  As Joseph and Ellen (along with some help from unexpected sources) set out to bring down one nasty piece of work we’ll watch not only their relationship but their own confidence grow, and change for the better.  I adored this couple, and they absolutely shine throughout Luck Be a Lady Tonight.

If you love a strong romance with characters to root for, a bit of sizzle, villains in unexpected places, and a couple who deserve their happy ending – then this book and this series are just right for you.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent. I was not financially compensated for this review and no expectation of a positive review was promised.*

Available for the Kindle as this title/series is currently in KU