AN IMPROBABLE SEASON, by Rosalyn Eves, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), April 25, 2023, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
Three young women set out to make the most of their debut into society in An Improbable Season, by Rosalyn Eves.
When Thalia, Kalliope, and Charis set off to Regency London for their first Season, they each have clear goals ― few of which include matrimony. Thalia means to make her mark among the intelligentsia and publish her poetry, Charis hopes to earn her place among the scientific elite, and Kalliope aims to take the fashionable ton by storm. But this Season, it doesn’t take long for things to fall apart. Kalli finds herself embroiled in scandal and reliant upon an arranged marriage to redeem her reputation, Thalia’s dreams of publication are threatened by her attraction to a charming rake, and Charis finds herself an unexpected social hit ― and the source of a family scandal that her heart might not survive. Can this roller-coaster Season find its happily ever after? —Synopsis provided by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
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.
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