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Impossible Bachelors #3
Cloudy with a Chance of Marriage
Every woman dreams of saying "I do." Jilly Jones did―and years of a deeply imperfect marriage followed. Now living in London and working in a charming bookshop, the free-spirited Jilly is perfectly content with her newfound independence…until she meets a dashing naval officer who sparks her longing for a real happily ever after.
Captain Stephen Arrow is just home after years of service, and he's in no hurry to give up his hard-won freedom. The meddlesome bluestocking Jilly Jones is exactly the kind of woman he doesn't need…But there's something about her that keeps drawing Stephen back to the bookshop. With her sparkling wit and understated beauty, she seems like a surprisingly real match for Stephen. But will a scandalous chapter in Jilly's past stand in the way of their heated attraction? For this bachelor, nothing is impossible…
Captain Stephen Arrow is just home after years of service, and he's in no hurry to give up his hard-won freedom. The meddlesome bluestocking Jilly Jones is exactly the kind of woman he doesn't need…But there's something about her that keeps drawing Stephen back to the bookshop. With her sparkling wit and understated beauty, she seems like a surprisingly real match for Stephen. But will a scandalous chapter in Jilly's past stand in the way of their heated attraction? For this bachelor, nothing is impossible…
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 26, 2011
About the author
Kieran Kramer
16 books556 followersUSA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer currently writes fun contemporary romance with a Southern flair for St. Martin’s Press. She lives where she grew up–in the Lowcountry of South Carolina–with her family. The first two books in her three-book TWO LOVE LANE series are on shelves now. The third book, SECOND CHANCE AT TWO LOVE LANE, comes out 8-28-18. Find Kieran on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter and at kierankramer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
April 27, 2011
Unfortunately I could barely finish; reads like a parody
With six new romance books having come out yesterday, I went out in the morning and bought the three I thought I would like the best and was so excited to get started ... Ms. Kramer's was the first one I read and I was unbelievably disappointed. Stopped at p22 yesterday and then decided to pick it up and quickly finish it today so I could PBSwap it. I honestly could barely finish the book and had to skim through parts, which is something I rarely, rarely ever do.
The characters - supporting and main - seemed more like caricatures of themselves than anything approaching three-dimensional people. Everything - their gestures, words, actions, feelings - seem exaggerated and the book ends up reading like a parody. This was especially true for the secondary characters, with Otis in particular driving me *absolutely* crazy.
I didn't find Jilly and Stephen at all engaging, but rather flat. Within the first two pages we're told by the heroine how unbelievably handsome and desirable the hero is - though she will of course resist, unlike every other female in the galaxy, because she's made of sterner stuff - and within the first six pages the hero has the hots for the heroine and has decided to pursue her. Surprise, surprise, Jilly doesn't resist very well and by p20 is wanting to "eat him up" because he's so delicious looking. Way to stand your ground Jilly! Despite the numerous mentions of the other's hotness and physical attraction, the chemistry between the two of them is negligible and the romance scenes are lackluster.
Some standard HR-type components are thrown in: Stephen's family/betrayal issues, Jilly's big bad secret that she's running away from, annoying distant relatives that require Stephen to "pretend" to pursue her with matrimonial intentions, a community that is about to be screwed over until Jilly steps in to save the day, a coup encounter with Prinny, and an unbelievably convenient reveal that solves all of Jilly's secret problems - with a few misunderstandings and upsets between hero and heroine in between.
Jilly's big bad secret is revealed on p22 so I don't feel like I'm ruining anything when I tell you what it is - if you don't want to know, skip this paragraph. Turns out she is married to her distant relative, Hector, who is a cruel and horrible man and a thief to boot. She's run away but is still married to him, yet does all this dallying with Stephen (always saying 'oh no, i can't' and then giving in about 3 lines later). And, conveniences of conveniences, she is still a virgin because Hector couldn't perform, so Stephen gets to do the deed.
This rating is so low that I was questioning myself as I wrote this review. I had originally decided not to write anything, because I didn't really have anything positive to say. I will tell you that I have been reading historical romances for ten years now, so I have read almost all the HRs already published that I am going to want to read. This leaves me to reread my favorites and wait for these new release days. The buildup is therefore great and my expectations are high - had I read this book five years ago, I might have given it 2 or 3 stars. But I didn't read it then, I read it now.
I really am sorry I so disliked the book - believe me, I would *MUCH* rather have had a new one to add to my HR favorites and rereads shelf - but this is my honest opinion. Kramer is very nice: she had a contest on her Facebook Page to name the fourth heroine in the series and commented back to me about my suggestions, which I thought was lovely. I also love her titles - makes for a nice change when you have a title you can say to a bookstore staff member without blushing. But sadly the book was a chore to read and one I wouldn't recommend.
The Impossible Bachelors
Book 1 - When Harry Met Molly (3.5 stars)
Book 2 - Dukes to the Left of Me, Princes to the Right (didn't read)
Book 3 - Cloudy with a Chance of Marriage
Book 4 - If You Give A Girl A Viscount (coming out Nov 1, 2011)
With six new romance books having come out yesterday, I went out in the morning and bought the three I thought I would like the best and was so excited to get started ... Ms. Kramer's was the first one I read and I was unbelievably disappointed. Stopped at p22 yesterday and then decided to pick it up and quickly finish it today so I could PBSwap it. I honestly could barely finish the book and had to skim through parts, which is something I rarely, rarely ever do.
The characters - supporting and main - seemed more like caricatures of themselves than anything approaching three-dimensional people. Everything - their gestures, words, actions, feelings - seem exaggerated and the book ends up reading like a parody. This was especially true for the secondary characters, with Otis in particular driving me *absolutely* crazy.
I didn't find Jilly and Stephen at all engaging, but rather flat. Within the first two pages we're told by the heroine how unbelievably handsome and desirable the hero is - though she will of course resist, unlike every other female in the galaxy, because she's made of sterner stuff - and within the first six pages the hero has the hots for the heroine and has decided to pursue her. Surprise, surprise, Jilly doesn't resist very well and by p20 is wanting to "eat him up" because he's so delicious looking. Way to stand your ground Jilly! Despite the numerous mentions of the other's hotness and physical attraction, the chemistry between the two of them is negligible and the romance scenes are lackluster.
Some standard HR-type components are thrown in: Stephen's family/betrayal issues, Jilly's big bad secret that she's running away from, annoying distant relatives that require Stephen to "pretend" to pursue her with matrimonial intentions, a community that is about to be screwed over until Jilly steps in to save the day, a coup encounter with Prinny, and an unbelievably convenient reveal that solves all of Jilly's secret problems - with a few misunderstandings and upsets between hero and heroine in between.
Jilly's big bad secret is revealed on p22 so I don't feel like I'm ruining anything when I tell you what it is - if you don't want to know, skip this paragraph. Turns out she is married to her distant relative, Hector, who is a cruel and horrible man and a thief to boot. She's run away but is still married to him, yet does all this dallying with Stephen (always saying 'oh no, i can't' and then giving in about 3 lines later). And, conveniences of conveniences, she is still a virgin because Hector couldn't perform, so Stephen gets to do the deed.
This rating is so low that I was questioning myself as I wrote this review. I had originally decided not to write anything, because I didn't really have anything positive to say. I will tell you that I have been reading historical romances for ten years now, so I have read almost all the HRs already published that I am going to want to read. This leaves me to reread my favorites and wait for these new release days. The buildup is therefore great and my expectations are high - had I read this book five years ago, I might have given it 2 or 3 stars. But I didn't read it then, I read it now.
I really am sorry I so disliked the book - believe me, I would *MUCH* rather have had a new one to add to my HR favorites and rereads shelf - but this is my honest opinion. Kramer is very nice: she had a contest on her Facebook Page to name the fourth heroine in the series and commented back to me about my suggestions, which I thought was lovely. I also love her titles - makes for a nice change when you have a title you can say to a bookstore staff member without blushing. But sadly the book was a chore to read and one I wouldn't recommend.
The Impossible Bachelors
Book 1 - When Harry Met Molly (3.5 stars)
Book 2 - Dukes to the Left of Me, Princes to the Right (didn't read)
Book 3 - Cloudy with a Chance of Marriage
Book 4 - If You Give A Girl A Viscount (coming out Nov 1, 2011)
October 29, 2023
Leuk origineel verhaal met goed uitgewerkte karakters . K.K. heeft een fijne schrijfstijl die in dit 3e boek van haar iets beter naar voren komt dan in de vorige 2 .
May 18, 2011
Kieran Kramer's 3rd installment of her Impossible Bachelors series appropriately titled Cloudy with a Chance of Marriage made me giggle, snort, chuckle, sigh, blush and gasp while reading it.
This book is not even close to the children's book about food falling out of the sky. It's a love story (ok, scones and tea are as foodie as it gets). It'll make you laugh, cry, gasp and cheer the hero and heroine on to their HEA.
The Story:
Captain Stephen Arrow, named by Prinny as 1 of 4 Impossible Bachelors, has sold off his commission and taken up his inheritance in a house on Dreare Street, right across from Hodgepodge, the bookstore owned by a certain Miss Jilly Jones. The street is constantly foggy and this contributes to the mood of the people who live on this street.
There is a hodgepodge (like that?) of people who live on the street including an artist, a single mother, an angry old lady, a bookseller and her flamboyant friend, and a dashing captain whose friends throw bags of water out of his second story window.
Anyway, Jilly has a secret, Stephen wants to fix up his rickety old house and get out of dodge, and the owner of the land that Dreare Street sits on, has raised property taxes. This does not sit well with Jilly so she tries to rally the whole street into coming up with money before the month is over (since payment is due at the end of the month). Of course, a certain diary helped her with this idea: the street shall hold a street fair. This does not sit well with most of the tenants. But then, after some coaxing, they agree. Prinny agrees to come to the fair (after Jilly charms him into it at a ball) and all hell breaks loose. Oops!
The people gets the sads again. Then on top of that, they're told that the tax is due 3 days earlier than the original due date. Well, Jilly is determined to raise the funds come hell or high water. Or in this case, fog.
Then *queue evil villain music* Jilly's secret is revealed. Stephen feels betrayed. And the game of will they/won't they ensues. And as for the rest, I shall leave you to find out dear reader.
5 Things About this Book (what I liked, didn't like, loved, didn't love, don't know how I feel about...)
1. Jilly Jones- Jilly has a secret. A secret so big, it could ruin her HEA if she's not careful. She has run away and has set up a new life, with Otis, on Dreare Street. She pretends to be the woman Stephen is courting so he won't be leg shackled to some long lost relatives' daughter. Well, this sham doesn't last long. It becomes a little too real. It's a game of will she/won't she allow Stephen to wiggle his way into her heart.
2. Captain Stephen Arrow- Oh Captain, my Captain. Where do I even begin? Stephen had me at hello. He's got a fun group of rowdy friends who throw bags of water off the second story window, high in the instep distant cousins who intrude his house and the most romantic thing to him is dancing a waltz. *sigh*
3. Otis- Where do I even begin? Otis is exactly the type of friend I would love to have. He is absolutely hilarious. He dresses flamboyantly and his signature piece of clothing are his bedazzled shoes. Otis has all the best lines.
4. Lady Duchamp- Debby Downer personified. And like Jilly, she's got a secret of her own. I had a like/dislike relationship with her through out the book.
5. Lady Tabitha- She is the resident Mean Girl. And boy did I want to slap her every time she showed up, whether at Hodgepodge, a ball or in the street. But since she's a Mean Girl, she'll get a comeuppance. So there!
Favorite Quote: "Miss Hartley had that look in her eye--the one that suggested she might already be halfway in love with him. He called it the Bedazzled Virgin look."
Overall: Oh Ms. Kramer, I cannot even begin to put into words, even though I did, how much I adore your Impossible Bachelors series. This book had me giggling, stifling laughter in a corner at Starbucks and once again, having to pack up and go home so I could let all my emotions out. It was indeed a roller coaster of emotions while reading this book. I just adore Ms. Kramer's use of quirky humor in her books and her play on words with her book titles set her books apart from the rest. If you haven't read the first two books of the Impossible Bachelors series, get thee to a bookstore. Like now! P.S. I cannot wait for Lumley's book, If You Give A Girl A Viscount (hope there's cookies involved).
The original review can be found on my blog: Romancing Rakes
This book is not even close to the children's book about food falling out of the sky. It's a love story (ok, scones and tea are as foodie as it gets). It'll make you laugh, cry, gasp and cheer the hero and heroine on to their HEA.
The Story:
Captain Stephen Arrow, named by Prinny as 1 of 4 Impossible Bachelors, has sold off his commission and taken up his inheritance in a house on Dreare Street, right across from Hodgepodge, the bookstore owned by a certain Miss Jilly Jones. The street is constantly foggy and this contributes to the mood of the people who live on this street.
There is a hodgepodge (like that?) of people who live on the street including an artist, a single mother, an angry old lady, a bookseller and her flamboyant friend, and a dashing captain whose friends throw bags of water out of his second story window.
Anyway, Jilly has a secret, Stephen wants to fix up his rickety old house and get out of dodge, and the owner of the land that Dreare Street sits on, has raised property taxes. This does not sit well with Jilly so she tries to rally the whole street into coming up with money before the month is over (since payment is due at the end of the month). Of course, a certain diary helped her with this idea: the street shall hold a street fair. This does not sit well with most of the tenants. But then, after some coaxing, they agree. Prinny agrees to come to the fair (after Jilly charms him into it at a ball) and all hell breaks loose. Oops!
The people gets the sads again. Then on top of that, they're told that the tax is due 3 days earlier than the original due date. Well, Jilly is determined to raise the funds come hell or high water. Or in this case, fog.
Then *queue evil villain music* Jilly's secret is revealed. Stephen feels betrayed. And the game of will they/won't they ensues. And as for the rest, I shall leave you to find out dear reader.
5 Things About this Book (what I liked, didn't like, loved, didn't love, don't know how I feel about...)
1. Jilly Jones- Jilly has a secret. A secret so big, it could ruin her HEA if she's not careful. She has run away and has set up a new life, with Otis, on Dreare Street. She pretends to be the woman Stephen is courting so he won't be leg shackled to some long lost relatives' daughter. Well, this sham doesn't last long. It becomes a little too real. It's a game of will she/won't she allow Stephen to wiggle his way into her heart.
2. Captain Stephen Arrow- Oh Captain, my Captain. Where do I even begin? Stephen had me at hello. He's got a fun group of rowdy friends who throw bags of water off the second story window, high in the instep distant cousins who intrude his house and the most romantic thing to him is dancing a waltz. *sigh*
3. Otis- Where do I even begin? Otis is exactly the type of friend I would love to have. He is absolutely hilarious. He dresses flamboyantly and his signature piece of clothing are his bedazzled shoes. Otis has all the best lines.
4. Lady Duchamp- Debby Downer personified. And like Jilly, she's got a secret of her own. I had a like/dislike relationship with her through out the book.
5. Lady Tabitha- She is the resident Mean Girl. And boy did I want to slap her every time she showed up, whether at Hodgepodge, a ball or in the street. But since she's a Mean Girl, she'll get a comeuppance. So there!
Favorite Quote: "Miss Hartley had that look in her eye--the one that suggested she might already be halfway in love with him. He called it the Bedazzled Virgin look."
Overall: Oh Ms. Kramer, I cannot even begin to put into words, even though I did, how much I adore your Impossible Bachelors series. This book had me giggling, stifling laughter in a corner at Starbucks and once again, having to pack up and go home so I could let all my emotions out. It was indeed a roller coaster of emotions while reading this book. I just adore Ms. Kramer's use of quirky humor in her books and her play on words with her book titles set her books apart from the rest. If you haven't read the first two books of the Impossible Bachelors series, get thee to a bookstore. Like now! P.S. I cannot wait for Lumley's book, If You Give A Girl A Viscount (hope there's cookies involved).
The original review can be found on my blog: Romancing Rakes
August 30, 2013
This is book 3 of the Impossible Bachelors series. While I absolutely loved book 1 When Harry Met Molly and book 2 Dukes to the Left of Me, Princes to the Right, I have to say I wasn't as enamored by Captain Arrow's story. It took me quite a bit of story before I got into it and really started to cheer for Stephen and Jilly. I'm not quite sure exactly what I didn't like about it but it almost seemed like it wasn't written by Kieran Kramer but someone else's style.
Basically the story is Jilly ran away from her husband, a horrid man named Hector, and using money that she squirreled away after selling off her gowns and jewelry, bought a bookstore named Hodgepodge on a street named Dreare. Her neighbor across the way is renowned naval officer, Captain Steven Arrow, who finds himself the owner of a newly inherited home. Jilly and Steven meet when she goes over to chastise him for his merry-making parties which she believes is ruining her business. However, Dreare street is as dreary as it sounds because the entire block is said to be unlucky - too much fog and no one wants to be there.
Jilly, being the optimistic type of gal, gathers the residents around and comes up with a plan to hold a street fair after reading the journal of lady who lived there many, many years ago before the street turned dreary. She believes that by banding together, they could raise enough funds to keep their collective homes/businesses away from the collector and make it the place to be. Thus she enlists Captain Arrow, who is fascinated by Jilly, to be her co-conspirator.
It's when they finally get the residents of Dreare street together that I finally started to enjoy the book. Everything that came before, felt very extraneous to me. The secondary characters are hit and miss -- the good ones are so lovable but the unlikable ones like the elder Hartleys are just plain annoying. And then throw in the evil Hector and I was really ready to jump in the book and take him down.
Lucky the book comes to fruition with a HEA for both Jilly and Stephen as well as for the street and in a fashion that I at least enjoyed. The series itself is still a positive one so I will be looking forward to the conclusion in book 4 If You Give A Girl A Viscount.
Basically the story is Jilly ran away from her husband, a horrid man named Hector, and using money that she squirreled away after selling off her gowns and jewelry, bought a bookstore named Hodgepodge on a street named Dreare. Her neighbor across the way is renowned naval officer, Captain Steven Arrow, who finds himself the owner of a newly inherited home. Jilly and Steven meet when she goes over to chastise him for his merry-making parties which she believes is ruining her business. However, Dreare street is as dreary as it sounds because the entire block is said to be unlucky - too much fog and no one wants to be there.
Jilly, being the optimistic type of gal, gathers the residents around and comes up with a plan to hold a street fair after reading the journal of lady who lived there many, many years ago before the street turned dreary. She believes that by banding together, they could raise enough funds to keep their collective homes/businesses away from the collector and make it the place to be. Thus she enlists Captain Arrow, who is fascinated by Jilly, to be her co-conspirator.
It's when they finally get the residents of Dreare street together that I finally started to enjoy the book. Everything that came before, felt very extraneous to me. The secondary characters are hit and miss -- the good ones are so lovable but the unlikable ones like the elder Hartleys are just plain annoying. And then throw in the evil Hector and I was really ready to jump in the book and take him down.
Lucky the book comes to fruition with a HEA for both Jilly and Stephen as well as for the street and in a fashion that I at least enjoyed. The series itself is still a positive one so I will be looking forward to the conclusion in book 4 If You Give A Girl A Viscount.
April 30, 2012
Of Kieran Kramer's "Impossible Bachelors," novel, this is the best I have read so far! The heroine is Jilly Jones who wants to show the world an exterior of steely business woman but who is at heart as soft as melted butter. She is also a runaway wife or so she thinks. Next door, Captain Steven Arrow is celebrating his resignation from the navy. They live on Dreary Street in Mayfair which is considered the unluckiest. Certainly the saddest people live here and the London fog seems far worse as the sun never shines on Dreary Street making it's inhabitants even drearier. Jilly has a way with people, needs to bring more customers into her book shop, stop the constant noise coming from next store and hide from her husband. Jilly succeeds in some, doesn't in others. Captain Arrow steps in as her shining knight although she is quite sure she should avoid him. Again I found it very hard to put this book down and read it straight through. It is very entertaining. As usual, Kieran Kramer puts together comedy, disaster, the human spirit, turns failure into success and ties up all in a neat bow on a pristine package by the end.
Kudos to you, Ms Kramer!!!!!
Kudos to you, Ms Kramer!!!!!
August 12, 2011
This one was too predictable. As the twists were presented, I guessed the outcome straight away. That doesn't exactly make for a fun read. I guessed both who owned the street and what was up with the heroine's marriage.
Regardless of guessing the twists and turns, it's a good read. The story is well written, and has its fair share of humor. So all in all, an OK read. :)
Regardless of guessing the twists and turns, it's a good read. The story is well written, and has its fair share of humor. So all in all, an OK read. :)
May 27, 2011
This had my winning formula of a bookish nerd girl falling in love with a dashing officer, but just kinda fell flat. I really didn't care about them in the end.
May 6, 2021
I adored the story. I loved their drearie--I mean the reader street.
But it just wasn't cutting it for me.
Jilly Jones. The bookstore owner just beside Captain Arrow's home who just couldn't bear the loudness and jolliness of her neighbor.
Captain Stephen Arrow. A literal Captain who just retired, now staying in the home he inherited.
Then came Arrow's relatives who practically made the whole thing, you know, annoyingly dreary.
What I loved most about the book is its lovely characters. It wasn't all about the both of them. Otis, Jilly's most trusted friend, along with Susan and her child, as well as many others that I just adored but won't say for the sake of not giving spoilers.
What I will do spoil is that Due to Arrow's distant relatives who was pining him on their daughter, he had to take Jilly Jones as his fake sweetheart.
There goes Jilly Jones, his neighbor. Now Jilly was totally reluctant at first but conceded. Because you know. Arrow was handsome, and she couldn't say no because the role was thrust a few moments after Arrow told her the situation.
After that, they found a diary of a woman who once lived in Captain Arrow's house. Together, with the use of the diary, they tried to unciver why the street they were in was simply drearie.
Now I love the characters. But what I loved the most was the rich bitter old lady, Lady D. She isn't really called lady D but my memory is failing me. She was as bitter as gourd. She constantly told the people that there was bad luck in this town. But still, she was there in every occasion. She might not wholly support the endeavors of Jilly and friends but atleast she was there. The only reason why she was so bitter and so awfully dreary was because of her unhappy marriage. When the truth came to light she became like lady Danbury of sorts, who helped Otis with his future as well as those in Reader street.
Anyway, have I told you guys that this has an enemies to lovers trope? You probably guessed it but gosh the both of them. I'm beginning to see why enemies to lovers are just so delicious.
What I also liked was Miss Jones. She's a bookworm. In certain times I felt her words. The joy of reading a book with just a lick of light every night while sitting in your bed is just as magical as she compared to joy. As a bookworm myself, I felt so in synch with her. And also the way she always marvelled how Captain Arrow could say what she wanted him to say in her dreams. It was as if he was reading her mind. (Boy sometimes I wish I can get my own Arrow. I would kill to have my own 😭👌)
Let's be honest. Arrow was a rake. Was because that stopped when Jilly came. Even with the temptation of gorgeous ladies, his eyes only stayed true to its path, Ms Jones. He did everything he could do for her. Made her a bookshelf for her shop (GOD KILL ME NOW MY HEART), helped her convince the town with the fair, built booths, and so many things I will fail to mention. (Read it. Just read it.)
I also loved the cleverness of the plot. I wasn't expecting much so I never thought of what qould happen next but its definitely a surprise! The owner of their land who wanted a lease. The husband of Jilly who wasn't really her husband anymore. And of course, the reason why the street had fog, which made it so dreary!
But I didn't like it. Most especially the ending. I felt it was too rushed and I honestly expected more fron the ending. I was left with so many questions. And that wasn't always a good sign in endings. What happened to Jilly's inheritance? They're just gonna leave it to Hector to spend? What happened to the fake marriage? What happened to the honeymoon? WHAT THE FAIRY HAPPENED?
That's it. And also because Stephen Arrow who decided to SAY NO TO JILLY just because he was afraid to fight for things that wasn't legally his. He said no when Jilly proposed to run far away. And I admit I wanted him to comfort Jilly and tell her no because he will find a way to make her his. But no. He said no because he was afraid. I so felt Jilly's hurt. She gave her v to him. She loved him. She gave almost everything she could give to him. But them he denied her? Get me the baton Imma-
He came to his senses soon after (me too). I was reminded that not every male lead had godly powers. You know, the kind that would kill for you. Captain Arrow had no way, nor power to stop Jilly's marriage to Hector. Not until he learned Hector's secret atleast.
Wait scratch that. He had friends. He should've asked for help atleast. I mean he did ask for advice but that's it. Gosh Stephen. That's why you have rich noble friends. WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR? MY GOODNESS.
I wish I could tell you more but I think I have to stop here. I might blurt out everything about the book. And according to my dictionary, that would be a disaster.
This is Kristine, signing out!
But it just wasn't cutting it for me.
Jilly Jones. The bookstore owner just beside Captain Arrow's home who just couldn't bear the loudness and jolliness of her neighbor.
Captain Stephen Arrow. A literal Captain who just retired, now staying in the home he inherited.
Then came Arrow's relatives who practically made the whole thing, you know, annoyingly dreary.
What I loved most about the book is its lovely characters. It wasn't all about the both of them. Otis, Jilly's most trusted friend, along with Susan and her child, as well as many others that I just adored but won't say for the sake of not giving spoilers.
What I will do spoil is that Due to Arrow's distant relatives who was pining him on their daughter, he had to take Jilly Jones as his fake sweetheart.
There goes Jilly Jones, his neighbor. Now Jilly was totally reluctant at first but conceded. Because you know. Arrow was handsome, and she couldn't say no because the role was thrust a few moments after Arrow told her the situation.
After that, they found a diary of a woman who once lived in Captain Arrow's house. Together, with the use of the diary, they tried to unciver why the street they were in was simply drearie.
Now I love the characters. But what I loved the most was the rich bitter old lady, Lady D. She isn't really called lady D but my memory is failing me. She was as bitter as gourd. She constantly told the people that there was bad luck in this town. But still, she was there in every occasion. She might not wholly support the endeavors of Jilly and friends but atleast she was there. The only reason why she was so bitter and so awfully dreary was because of her unhappy marriage. When the truth came to light she became like lady Danbury of sorts, who helped Otis with his future as well as those in Reader street.
Anyway, have I told you guys that this has an enemies to lovers trope? You probably guessed it but gosh the both of them. I'm beginning to see why enemies to lovers are just so delicious.
What I also liked was Miss Jones. She's a bookworm. In certain times I felt her words. The joy of reading a book with just a lick of light every night while sitting in your bed is just as magical as she compared to joy. As a bookworm myself, I felt so in synch with her. And also the way she always marvelled how Captain Arrow could say what she wanted him to say in her dreams. It was as if he was reading her mind. (Boy sometimes I wish I can get my own Arrow. I would kill to have my own 😭👌)
Let's be honest. Arrow was a rake. Was because that stopped when Jilly came. Even with the temptation of gorgeous ladies, his eyes only stayed true to its path, Ms Jones. He did everything he could do for her. Made her a bookshelf for her shop (GOD KILL ME NOW MY HEART), helped her convince the town with the fair, built booths, and so many things I will fail to mention. (Read it. Just read it.)
I also loved the cleverness of the plot. I wasn't expecting much so I never thought of what qould happen next but its definitely a surprise! The owner of their land who wanted a lease. The husband of Jilly who wasn't really her husband anymore. And of course, the reason why the street had fog, which made it so dreary!
But I didn't like it. Most especially the ending. I felt it was too rushed and I honestly expected more fron the ending. I was left with so many questions. And that wasn't always a good sign in endings. What happened to Jilly's inheritance? They're just gonna leave it to Hector to spend? What happened to the fake marriage? What happened to the honeymoon? WHAT THE FAIRY HAPPENED?
That's it. And also because Stephen Arrow who decided to SAY NO TO JILLY just because he was afraid to fight for things that wasn't legally his. He said no when Jilly proposed to run far away. And I admit I wanted him to comfort Jilly and tell her no because he will find a way to make her his. But no. He said no because he was afraid. I so felt Jilly's hurt. She gave her v to him. She loved him. She gave almost everything she could give to him. But them he denied her? Get me the baton Imma-
He came to his senses soon after (me too). I was reminded that not every male lead had godly powers. You know, the kind that would kill for you. Captain Arrow had no way, nor power to stop Jilly's marriage to Hector. Not until he learned Hector's secret atleast.
Wait scratch that. He had friends. He should've asked for help atleast. I mean he did ask for advice but that's it. Gosh Stephen. That's why you have rich noble friends. WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR? MY GOODNESS.
I wish I could tell you more but I think I have to stop here. I might blurt out everything about the book. And according to my dictionary, that would be a disaster.
This is Kristine, signing out!
November 5, 2018
I loved the book! I could clearly picture out the characters using the description given by the author. This book was a risk for me since it was the first one of Kieran Kramer that I actually bought. I'm glad I purchased it. I will probably reread it once I have a copy of the the other two books in the series. It's sad that I can't find much of her books on print here in the Iloilo (Philippines) I wonder if she used the name Stephen Arrow because of Stephen Amell. Hahaha. Not but truthfully the book has gaps but it was a nice read. I can excuse the fact that the antagonist of the story was absent most of the time. It gave me the sense of anticipation for his arrival and there was always Lady Duchamp to make my blood boil. This is a fun read. It's light and warm not very complicated which is great for those who wants to have an easy read.
July 5, 2017
I really loved "when Harry met Molly" the first book in this series. I was excited to get this book, but it was a huge disappointment. I agree with other reviews that talk about the characters being more like caricatures. I was barely able to finish this book, not sure now if I will read another of hers :-(
May 31, 2022
I found this nonsensically bad, despite some promising characters. Deeply doesn't understand the rules of the period, even the Regency as determined by Heyer. Hero's attitude towards consent is all over the place. Very clunky, poor plotting. Skimmed; DNF.
December 11, 2023
First copy of a romance novel I'd purchased with my own money and after I read it, I ran straight to twitter to follow the author for more releases. That was so many years ago. I don't have the copy anymore, but I remember it being a fun and easy read.
June 9, 2018
The main character has a huge ass. It's big enough to rival Kim Kardashian. In fact, the entire first chapter details it. The rest of the book? Boring, don't read.
May 7, 2020
Loved it! The over-the-top characters, the zany plot, the "reveals".
May 23, 2011
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/05/rev...
Favorite Quote: “ She wouldn’t have appreciated Pride and Prejudice…. I’m saving it for someone who has spirit, style, and good looks.”
Cloudy With A Chance Of Marriage is a fun quirky historical romance who’s rambunctious characters and exasperated situations only add to the over all appeal. Smoothly written with a predictable plot line, I found myself nether less captivated by the protagonist’s, Jilly and Stephan. Their delightful flirtatious banter sets the tone of the story as we are introduced to the residents of Dreare street.
Jilly Jones is a bookstore owner who has the misfortune to live next store to Captain Stephan Arrow. Fresh out of the Royal Navy, Stephan is mixing it up with friends as he prepares his home for sale. Jilly and Stephan mix together like oil and water in the beginning. His loud parties just won’t do as Jilly is trying to make her book shop successful.
When Stephan’s obnoxious relatives arrive unannounced to stay with him for the season and try to push off their unwed daughter on him, he knows he must act fast. He proposes a deal with Jilly. Allow him to pretend court her and he will owe her a favor. Jilly isn’t happy about this as she is trying very hard to keep a low profile on Dreare street. But she agrees and soon Stephan and Jilly are beyond acting and the feelings between them deepen.
When the residents of Dreare street are informed that the “dirt beneath them” is owned by someone else (Ok, I laughed hard at that one) and they have just a few weeks to come up with the money or lose the land under their homes, Jilly decides they will hold a street fair. She wants the street and her friends to be happy. This brings much unwanted attention to Jilly and her secret becomes known.
The plot revolves mainly around Jilly and Stephan but the underlying storyline deals with a serious subject-the mistreatment of women by men in that era. In here we see many examples of the double standards that woman endured back then. We see Stephan pursuing Jilly not thinking (at first) beyond his own gratification. His attentions could ruin her yet all he thinks about is the next kiss. I like that Ms. Kramer finds away to engage this subject without breaking the overall jovial feel of the book.
I found Jilly and Stephan to be quite likable with their witty yet seductive bantering. They are both fun, handsome and strong willed characters. The chemistry between them sizzles off the pages. Stephan wants Jilly and tries his best to shock her into having a dalliance with him. Jilly has had a hard life and just wants a safe place to live with family and friends around her. Jilly knows right off the bat what Stephan wants and it’s quite funny as she flirts with him one minute but puts him down the next. I’ll admit I found Stephan boorish at times. Especially when he blames Jilly for keeping the secret from him-claiming it was all too sordid and wrong. I couldn’t help but feel his whole reason for anger was he was more embarrassed then anything. I loved that Jilly’s best friend Otis stands up for her and reminds Stephan that- A. He doesn’t know the whole story and B. He started all of this after repeated warnings it was not what Jilly wanted.
The secondary characters are just as lovable as Jilly and Stephan. The round out the storyline quite well. Otis, Jilly’s flamboyant fashionista provides much comical drama and theatrics throughout this book. Yet his love for Jilly is forever constant. The curmudgeon Lady Dumchamp who’s talks of doom and gloom can’t help but make you laugh. Stephan’s relatives, The Hartley’s, are so deliciously annoying with their bad manners and nosiness. We, of course, see Prinny in here as he was the one who named Stephan and his cohorts the impossible Bachelors. Our villain was a bit confusing to me. He just didn’t seem scary or dastardly. He comes across rather pathetic. There are some scenes between him and Jilly that were out there in left field and made me feel like I was missing something.
The ending is pretty predictable for our lovers and the street but most romances are. That’s what makes them so popular. Not the HEA itself, but the journey there. All in all Stephan’s journey to matrimony was a delightful addition to the Impossible Bachelors series.
Rating: C
Favorite Quote: “ She wouldn’t have appreciated Pride and Prejudice…. I’m saving it for someone who has spirit, style, and good looks.”
Cloudy With A Chance Of Marriage is a fun quirky historical romance who’s rambunctious characters and exasperated situations only add to the over all appeal. Smoothly written with a predictable plot line, I found myself nether less captivated by the protagonist’s, Jilly and Stephan. Their delightful flirtatious banter sets the tone of the story as we are introduced to the residents of Dreare street.
Jilly Jones is a bookstore owner who has the misfortune to live next store to Captain Stephan Arrow. Fresh out of the Royal Navy, Stephan is mixing it up with friends as he prepares his home for sale. Jilly and Stephan mix together like oil and water in the beginning. His loud parties just won’t do as Jilly is trying to make her book shop successful.
When Stephan’s obnoxious relatives arrive unannounced to stay with him for the season and try to push off their unwed daughter on him, he knows he must act fast. He proposes a deal with Jilly. Allow him to pretend court her and he will owe her a favor. Jilly isn’t happy about this as she is trying very hard to keep a low profile on Dreare street. But she agrees and soon Stephan and Jilly are beyond acting and the feelings between them deepen.
When the residents of Dreare street are informed that the “dirt beneath them” is owned by someone else (Ok, I laughed hard at that one) and they have just a few weeks to come up with the money or lose the land under their homes, Jilly decides they will hold a street fair. She wants the street and her friends to be happy. This brings much unwanted attention to Jilly and her secret becomes known.
The plot revolves mainly around Jilly and Stephan but the underlying storyline deals with a serious subject-the mistreatment of women by men in that era. In here we see many examples of the double standards that woman endured back then. We see Stephan pursuing Jilly not thinking (at first) beyond his own gratification. His attentions could ruin her yet all he thinks about is the next kiss. I like that Ms. Kramer finds away to engage this subject without breaking the overall jovial feel of the book.
I found Jilly and Stephan to be quite likable with their witty yet seductive bantering. They are both fun, handsome and strong willed characters. The chemistry between them sizzles off the pages. Stephan wants Jilly and tries his best to shock her into having a dalliance with him. Jilly has had a hard life and just wants a safe place to live with family and friends around her. Jilly knows right off the bat what Stephan wants and it’s quite funny as she flirts with him one minute but puts him down the next. I’ll admit I found Stephan boorish at times. Especially when he blames Jilly for keeping the secret from him-claiming it was all too sordid and wrong. I couldn’t help but feel his whole reason for anger was he was more embarrassed then anything. I loved that Jilly’s best friend Otis stands up for her and reminds Stephan that- A. He doesn’t know the whole story and B. He started all of this after repeated warnings it was not what Jilly wanted.
The secondary characters are just as lovable as Jilly and Stephan. The round out the storyline quite well. Otis, Jilly’s flamboyant fashionista provides much comical drama and theatrics throughout this book. Yet his love for Jilly is forever constant. The curmudgeon Lady Dumchamp who’s talks of doom and gloom can’t help but make you laugh. Stephan’s relatives, The Hartley’s, are so deliciously annoying with their bad manners and nosiness. We, of course, see Prinny in here as he was the one who named Stephan and his cohorts the impossible Bachelors. Our villain was a bit confusing to me. He just didn’t seem scary or dastardly. He comes across rather pathetic. There are some scenes between him and Jilly that were out there in left field and made me feel like I was missing something.
The ending is pretty predictable for our lovers and the street but most romances are. That’s what makes them so popular. Not the HEA itself, but the journey there. All in all Stephan’s journey to matrimony was a delightful addition to the Impossible Bachelors series.
Rating: C
October 17, 2013
“Cloudy With a Chance of Marriage” by Kieran Kramer
Jilly thought she could never have the happy life she always dreamed of. Just before Jilly’s father passed away he arranged her to marry the meanest man, who’s name is Hector. Jilly lived a life of misery with Hector. She never went to balls or outings when she was with him. Jilly finally has have enough and one day, and she works up the courage to run away and takes her Father’s valet, Otis with her. Jilly sold all of the gowns and prized possessions so she could buy herself a bookstore called “Hodgepodge” and re-establish a new life for herself. Jilly finally feels free and feels like a independent women. She has her bookstore and is away from her miserable husband, living the life she always wanted. Jilly also swore that no one would ever know that she was married, and she even has gone as far as to change her name to “Jilly Jones.” Jilly has also gave up on love all together, that is, until she looks out the front window of Hodgepodge and spots the most delectable man that she has ever laid her eyes on.
Jilly’s heart is about to do somersaults whens he and Captain Stephen Arrow start to develop a friendship and possibly more. Will Jilly finally find the happiness that she has always wanted? Will Jilly also find love on Dreare Street, or will her evil husband find her and once again destroy her life forever?
Captain Stephen Arrow is named London’s “Most Impossible Bachelor” for a reason. He loves to party, drink ale, and be with ladies of the night. Stephen’s tone towards marriage will sure change when his feisty neighbor named Jilly Jones keeps coming over to his house and annoying him by telling him to stop partying all night, and that he is scaring customers away from her bookstore. Stephen’s impression of women changes when he meets her and Stephen must have the Mrs. Jilly Jones all to himself. He wants her real bad. Jilly Jones is not like the other women that Stephen has been with with. She is smart, feisty, and independent. What Stephen does not know is that Mrs. Jones is keeping a secret and he is determined to find out what it is along with winning her heart. Will Stephen be able to catch the beautiful Jilly Hones and steal her heart, or will Stephen end up being the one who is broken hearted in the end?
Once again Kieran Kramer delivers another awesome novel from her Impossible Bachelors Series. This book was funny and had lots of twists and turns in it. I love the passion that Stephen and Jilly share with each other. I also love that Kieran incorporated two other love matches in this novel. Great Job Kieran!
4 Hearts Out Of 5
Reviewed by HistoricalRomanceBooks.ca
Visit my Website at http://www.historicalromancebooks.ca
Jilly thought she could never have the happy life she always dreamed of. Just before Jilly’s father passed away he arranged her to marry the meanest man, who’s name is Hector. Jilly lived a life of misery with Hector. She never went to balls or outings when she was with him. Jilly finally has have enough and one day, and she works up the courage to run away and takes her Father’s valet, Otis with her. Jilly sold all of the gowns and prized possessions so she could buy herself a bookstore called “Hodgepodge” and re-establish a new life for herself. Jilly finally feels free and feels like a independent women. She has her bookstore and is away from her miserable husband, living the life she always wanted. Jilly also swore that no one would ever know that she was married, and she even has gone as far as to change her name to “Jilly Jones.” Jilly has also gave up on love all together, that is, until she looks out the front window of Hodgepodge and spots the most delectable man that she has ever laid her eyes on.
Jilly’s heart is about to do somersaults whens he and Captain Stephen Arrow start to develop a friendship and possibly more. Will Jilly finally find the happiness that she has always wanted? Will Jilly also find love on Dreare Street, or will her evil husband find her and once again destroy her life forever?
Captain Stephen Arrow is named London’s “Most Impossible Bachelor” for a reason. He loves to party, drink ale, and be with ladies of the night. Stephen’s tone towards marriage will sure change when his feisty neighbor named Jilly Jones keeps coming over to his house and annoying him by telling him to stop partying all night, and that he is scaring customers away from her bookstore. Stephen’s impression of women changes when he meets her and Stephen must have the Mrs. Jilly Jones all to himself. He wants her real bad. Jilly Jones is not like the other women that Stephen has been with with. She is smart, feisty, and independent. What Stephen does not know is that Mrs. Jones is keeping a secret and he is determined to find out what it is along with winning her heart. Will Stephen be able to catch the beautiful Jilly Hones and steal her heart, or will Stephen end up being the one who is broken hearted in the end?
Once again Kieran Kramer delivers another awesome novel from her Impossible Bachelors Series. This book was funny and had lots of twists and turns in it. I love the passion that Stephen and Jilly share with each other. I also love that Kieran incorporated two other love matches in this novel. Great Job Kieran!
4 Hearts Out Of 5
Reviewed by HistoricalRomanceBooks.ca
Visit my Website at http://www.historicalromancebooks.ca
November 30, 2011
This is number three in The Impossible Bachelors Series. It had some good points and some bad points. One of the plot devises that Author's use periodically is a woman leaves her husband and pretends to be someone else. I understand why the woman has to hide her identity but in a number of cases she allows the Hero to think that she is a Virgin. For some reason this annoys me not the identity part because there is usually a good reason for that but the Virginity part. Maybe its because one is for protection the other is deception. Anyway, that's the case with this story and I had a tough time getting through it because of it.
The Impossible Bachelors Series is the first Series by this Author her first book actually is the first one in this Series. She's very creative with the intimacy scenes which is interesting to read especially since they don't go all the way at least not toward the end of the book after several other encounters. Although there was a key plot element I didn't like I'm may be inclined to read this Author in the future and I do recommend her.
The Impossible Bachelors Series is the first Series by this Author her first book actually is the first one in this Series. She's very creative with the intimacy scenes which is interesting to read especially since they don't go all the way at least not toward the end of the book after several other encounters. Although there was a key plot element I didn't like I'm may be inclined to read this Author in the future and I do recommend her.
May 22, 2011
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MARRIAGE by Kieran Kramer is another exciting historical romance set in Regency England.It is the third in "The Impossible Bachelors" series,but can be read as a stand alone.Book One,"When Harry Met Molly",Book Two,"Dukes to the Left of Me Princes to the Right".This is an exciting,witty,amusing story of love,romance,secrets,sweet sensuality,betrayal,and finding your one true love.Jilly Jones, a new shopkeeper has a few secrets,is beautiful,plain,loves books,free-spirited,independent OR so it seems,then enter Captain Arrow....Captain Stephen Arrow is handsome,sexy,home after years of service to his Royal Navy,in no hurry to give up his freedom but enter Jilly....Jilly forced to marry someone she never loved she decides to runaway from her dreadful marriage with her father's long time valet and open the one thing she always wanted a bookstore.Jilly would love to have a real happily ever after,but it is not in her future or so she thinks.But when she meets and locks horns with the charming Captain Arrow,who has just moved across the street from her shop something changes. Captain Arrow is drawn to Jilly's independence,her free spirit,her gentleness,and her beauty. Enter others secrets and problems to complicate their lives.While Jilly is trying to revitalize Dreare Street,her secret will be revealed,and Stephen will be hurt.Dreare Street is titled the dreariness street in all of London,the unluckiness street and has a deep fog most of the time that has settled in."Cloudy with a Chance of Marriage" is a fast paced,page turning story of true love,betrayal,secrets,heated attraction,and helping a neighborhood in trouble.Jilly and Stephen have many trials facing them,but together can and will face them.Once again,Kieran has written an impressive story.A must read you want be disappointed. This book was received for the purpose of review from St.Martin's Paperbacks,published by St. Martin's Press and My Book Addiction and More.
October 24, 2014
3.5
Super glad I stuck with this series. Where the first two books felt awfully similar, this one suffered no such issues. Mostly because, as you find out within the first 25 pages (hence I don't consider it a spoiler), Jilly's already married. To someone else.
This is the second time I've seen that plot line played out, and I have to say, I liked it better in this book (even if, like the other, I thought it was very conveniently solved at the end). This is because Jilly's upfront with the reader about it. We know.
I've mentioned this in reviews before, and I'll mention it again: I much prefer knowing the characters' big, dark secrets from the beginning. In this case, knowing Jilly's already married offers an extra layer of tension between her and Arrow.
And where there's tension, there's a good story.
THAT SAID, it wasn't painfully clear exactly why Jilly left her husband. Was she unhappy? Did she just want something better? Was her husband cruel? Was it something more? I still don't know. And that's frustrating. I want to be behind the character 100%. Some menacing and fear surrounded the relationship with her husband, but it was vague.
Amanda doesn't like vague.
Amanda did like Arrow. (She also likes referring to herself in third person occasionally.) He was fun and charming. I liked that he liked Jilly being "unmanageable" (which, really, just means she was her own woman and you gotta respect a man who respects a woman).
And I can't end the review without mentioning Otis, Jilly's father's valet turned friend turned bookseller. And the bookstore itself! Otis lit up the pages (I'm trying out new descriptions -- yea or nay?) and often brought a good laugh with his dramatic ways.
Now to pick up the final book!
Super glad I stuck with this series. Where the first two books felt awfully similar, this one suffered no such issues. Mostly because, as you find out within the first 25 pages (hence I don't consider it a spoiler), Jilly's already married. To someone else.
This is the second time I've seen that plot line played out, and I have to say, I liked it better in this book (even if, like the other, I thought it was very conveniently solved at the end). This is because Jilly's upfront with the reader about it. We know.
I've mentioned this in reviews before, and I'll mention it again: I much prefer knowing the characters' big, dark secrets from the beginning. In this case, knowing Jilly's already married offers an extra layer of tension between her and Arrow.
And where there's tension, there's a good story.
THAT SAID, it wasn't painfully clear exactly why Jilly left her husband. Was she unhappy? Did she just want something better? Was her husband cruel? Was it something more? I still don't know. And that's frustrating. I want to be behind the character 100%. Some menacing and fear surrounded the relationship with her husband, but it was vague.
Amanda doesn't like vague.
Amanda did like Arrow. (She also likes referring to herself in third person occasionally.) He was fun and charming. I liked that he liked Jilly being "unmanageable" (which, really, just means she was her own woman and you gotta respect a man who respects a woman).
And I can't end the review without mentioning Otis, Jilly's father's valet turned friend turned bookseller. And the bookstore itself! Otis lit up the pages (I'm trying out new descriptions -- yea or nay?) and often brought a good laugh with his dramatic ways.
Now to pick up the final book!
October 15, 2011
Well...
This book was all over the place. Almost like the author couldn't decide what core characteristics she wanted her characters to have, so she gave them all of them. I did like it, I think.
I did enjoy the character of Otis, he of the flamboyant shoes and flitting about the place tendencies.
Unlike the first two books of this series, there was NOT a "soaptastic" scene in a ballroom. HOWEVER, the "plot twist" came straight out of Port Charles. I love a bit of drama and angst, but if I laugh out loud during the reading of them... well, then it's more cheese than necessary.
That being said, this one was the best of the series so far, so perhaps the last one will be her money-shot.
I almost forgot... the (silly) title actually (kinda) linked into the story. This series has one movie title, one song-lyric title and (apparently) two children's book titles.
(soap-note: since All My Children has been cancelled, I switched from "Pine Valley" to "Port Charles" for my soapy references.)
This book was all over the place. Almost like the author couldn't decide what core characteristics she wanted her characters to have, so she gave them all of them. I did like it, I think.
I did enjoy the character of Otis, he of the flamboyant shoes and flitting about the place tendencies.
Unlike the first two books of this series, there was NOT a "soaptastic" scene in a ballroom. HOWEVER, the "plot twist" came straight out of Port Charles. I love a bit of drama and angst, but if I laugh out loud during the reading of them... well, then it's more cheese than necessary.
That being said, this one was the best of the series so far, so perhaps the last one will be her money-shot.
I almost forgot... the (silly) title actually (kinda) linked into the story. This series has one movie title, one song-lyric title and (apparently) two children's book titles.
(soap-note: since All My Children has been cancelled, I switched from "Pine Valley" to "Port Charles" for my soapy references.)
May 6, 2011
I love Ms. Kramer's writing style. Her books are funny and sweet. CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MARRIAGE is both of these things. Stephen is a fun character. Having left the navy he just wants to have fun and flirt with ladies. Everything is going according to his plan until his neighbor, Jilly Jones, shows up and tells him to stop. Instead of being offended by her meddling, he is intrigued by the bookstore owner. I loved their relationship from the very beginning. They were flirtatious and fun from the very first page, even when Jilly is trying to be staid and respectable. Jilly is more complicated than she seems and I loved how little bits of her truth are revealed one at a time. I wanted this couple to work out, but they did have some speed-bumps on their way to happily ever after. I felt that the trials they faced were just the right level of angst for this light of a book. I just liked everything about CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MARRIAGE and can't wait for the last impossible bachelor book featuring Lumley!
the book girl gives CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MARRIAGE a 5/5
the book girl gives CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MARRIAGE a 5/5
Read
July 30, 2012Once again, Kieran Kramer has captured my attention and my heart with a light-hearted, funny, yet still sizzling read. In the other two books, I'd always thought Captain Arrow was the Impossible Bachelor who was the most elusive, so I was dying to read this. I wasn't disappointed! Right from the start, Stephen was charming-- rogueish, yet with enough hints of being a hero that I forgave him, and Jilly was definitely a perfect match (since opposites attract!). She was fiery but not overly so, headstrong without being annoying. The sparks flew between these two, and the plot was well-thought out and multi-layered. The secondary characters were appropriately hateable (or likeable, as in the case of Susan, Otis and Pratt-- my personal favorite!) and three-dimensional without stealing the show in a distracting way. Kramer's voice carries throughout, and makes this a sweet, fun, quick read that is all but impossible to put down.
Kieran Kramer=autobuy for me from now on! Cute book!
Kieran Kramer=autobuy for me from now on! Cute book!
February 12, 2012
Cloudy with a Chance of Marriage is the story of Captain Stephen Arrow and bookstore owner, Jilly Jones. Jilly hides a dark secret: she has fled and is in hiding from an abusive husband. Using the last of her fortune, Jilly has opened a small bookstore on Dreare Street. Pronounced “dreary,” the street is all the name implies, dark, dismal, and nearly always encompassed by a thick fog. The inhabitants of the street have fallen on hard times, but the indomitable Jilly attempts to rally her beaten down neighbors and rejuvenate the neighborhood. And then Stephen, who has inherited a property on Dreare Street, moves in next door. In Stephen’s own words: “Miss Jilly Jones. Already Stephen adored her. He always did the outliers.” Watching Jilly and Stephen fall in love was touching and enjoyable.
Read my full blog at: http://www.2manybooks-notenoughtime.b....
Read my full blog at: http://www.2manybooks-notenoughtime.b....
February 19, 2012
Another Impossible Bachelor bites the dust. I loved this book. I love Kieran Kramer. All of her books that I have had the pleasure of reading or full of romance and are laugh out loud funny. She always finds the perfect hero for her heroines and vice versa. Of course in this series you get to know the guys first, because they were all in previous books, but she manages to weave the story in such a way that they stay true to themselves and find the women who loves and challenges them. Which I must add is very important for an Impossible Bachelor, because they were not looking to get married in the first place.
I will be reading the next book in this series very shortly, I have already read the first two chapter which are found in the back of this book. I can't wait to see Lumley get what's coming to him. The next book is If you give a Girl a Viscount and it promises to be just as funny and romantic as it's predecessors.
I will be reading the next book in this series very shortly, I have already read the first two chapter which are found in the back of this book. I can't wait to see Lumley get what's coming to him. The next book is If you give a Girl a Viscount and it promises to be just as funny and romantic as it's predecessors.
September 15, 2011
Cute book and enjoyable read not as much depth with this storyline as previous books just an okay read.Liked that the main character Jilly was a wife who left her husband and to make a living she buys and opens a bookstore no typical for that time period especially since women did not work.Loved Jilly's love interest Captain Stephen he was funny in his pursuit of her and his constant butting in interest in her bookstore not a common interest for a man of the military so that was different to see.I liked the book but found it lacking a bit it was missing something. I am thinking that it had to do with Jilly's husband finally finding her and the outcome of that drama(that's it not enough drama)or suspense drawn out the conclusion tidy up to neatly to quickly for me.Looking forward to her next read....
December 5, 2012
So having read Ms. Kramer's two previous books in this series, I was excited to read this one.
The beginning was a bit sugary and it did kind of read like a parody. But as I read more of the book, I started to fall in love with the characters.
The character Otis though. He seems a bit...campy if you ask me. I liked him though and you could really tell he cared about Jilly and in the end, it's him that ends up saving something important to the characters.
The twist with Jilly and her husband. I guess it could be read as stereotypical and I was wondering how it was going to end.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. Not as much as I enjoyed When Harry Met Molly, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
The beginning was a bit sugary and it did kind of read like a parody. But as I read more of the book, I started to fall in love with the characters.
The character Otis though. He seems a bit...campy if you ask me. I liked him though and you could really tell he cared about Jilly and in the end, it's him that ends up saving something important to the characters.
The twist with Jilly and her husband. I guess it could be read as stereotypical and I was wondering how it was going to end.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. Not as much as I enjoyed When Harry Met Molly, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Shelved as 'z_fict-series_______'
April 17, 2020A lot wrong, a little bit right with this book, yet I did like some things. Someone said it was a parody and I agree--so cliche in so many ways, so predictable that I kind of gave in and enjoyed it for what it was.
***SPOILER*** The fact the author tied up all the loose ends and made everyone neatly fall in love with other characters got my goat, however. Lispy Miss Whatshername's Mr Pratt being an Italian count just about made me want to throw up. And her mother going after Stephen was a bit of Laurel and Hardy humor. Otis with the rich B--ch was also beyond contrived. Artist and seamstress worked.
***SPOILER OVER*** Oh, so bad, so bad, it was kinda good. I think I liked it b/c it reminded me of a children's fairy tale! (with some very adult sex that didn't fit any mores of the story nor do anything for me thrown in) There was something endearingly jaunty about the tale.
***SPOILER*** The fact the author tied up all the loose ends and made everyone neatly fall in love with other characters got my goat, however. Lispy Miss Whatshername's Mr Pratt being an Italian count just about made me want to throw up. And her mother going after Stephen was a bit of Laurel and Hardy humor. Otis with the rich B--ch was also beyond contrived. Artist and seamstress worked.
***SPOILER OVER*** Oh, so bad, so bad, it was kinda good. I think I liked it b/c it reminded me of a children's fairy tale! (with some very adult sex that didn't fit any mores of the story nor do anything for me thrown in) There was something endearingly jaunty about the tale.
July 16, 2011
3.5 stars
Parts of this book were fun, and parts of it fell flat for me. The ending in particular was a little too rushed. I would have liked to have been given a little more information about what happened to Hector, and what that meant for Jilly's financial situation. Maybe I'm just being too practical?
Also, other than a few drunken parties at the beginning of the book, Stephen didn't seem like much of a rake to me. In fact, the only evidence of it comes from Jilly, who keeps warning herself that he's...well, a rake.
Even though it wasn't perfect it was still fun to read. Kramer managed to keep the tone of the book light and funny, even though it could have easily turned much darker considering Jilly was on the run from her scuzzbag husband.
Parts of this book were fun, and parts of it fell flat for me. The ending in particular was a little too rushed. I would have liked to have been given a little more information about what happened to Hector, and what that meant for Jilly's financial situation. Maybe I'm just being too practical?
Also, other than a few drunken parties at the beginning of the book, Stephen didn't seem like much of a rake to me. In fact, the only evidence of it comes from Jilly, who keeps warning herself that he's...well, a rake.
Even though it wasn't perfect it was still fun to read. Kramer managed to keep the tone of the book light and funny, even though it could have easily turned much darker considering Jilly was on the run from her scuzzbag husband.
October 27, 2011
Jilly Jones ran away from her husband, who was cruel and abusive. She along with her deceased fathers valet to go Mayfair and open a book store on Dreary Lane. There she meets Captain Stephen Arrow, a rude neighbor who's looking to have fun before he sells his recently inherited house. Stephen loves Jilly's exterior prim book store persona and can tell she's more and is hiding more. He wants to learn more about her an her secrets. The romance is romantic and sweet and heartbreaking at parts. I didn't expect the ending but I truly enjoyed this read! There were many problems the residence face and with Jilly in their corner and Stephen in hers, nothing can stop them! Great 3rd installment int he series!
December 19, 2011
Okay, now this is a plot i like, even if it is part of the ridiculous Impossible Bachelors series.
Jilly left her abusive husband and is running a bookshop on Dreare Lane in London. (Dreary Lane, get it?) One of her neighbors is the recently retired Captain Stephen Arrow, who hopes to fix up the house he inherited in order to sell it. They clash, of course, and then embark on a torrid romance.
Jilly slowly befriends everybody in the block, matchmaking and improving lives. Until her husband reappears! Stephen feels betrayed, obviously but quickly repents after getting advice from his married friends.
This was the least silly and most likeable romance, but I'm skipping the 4th book.
Jilly left her abusive husband and is running a bookshop on Dreare Lane in London. (Dreary Lane, get it?) One of her neighbors is the recently retired Captain Stephen Arrow, who hopes to fix up the house he inherited in order to sell it. They clash, of course, and then embark on a torrid romance.
Jilly slowly befriends everybody in the block, matchmaking and improving lives. Until her husband reappears! Stephen feels betrayed, obviously but quickly repents after getting advice from his married friends.
This was the least silly and most likeable romance, but I'm skipping the 4th book.
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