More or Less a Marchioness

Anna Bradley

Feb 2018 · The Somerset Sisters Book 1 · Lyrical Press

About this ebook

First in the series featuring the Somerset sisters, three beautiful, headstrong debutantes, in Regency London. “An unconventionally irresistible romance.” —RT Book Reviews
 
For the sake of propriety, and her younger sisters’ reputations, Iris Somerset has kept her rebellious streak locked away. But though she receives a proposal from Phineas Knight, Lord of Huntington, Iris can’t marry a man she knows isn’t truly enamored with her. In fact, Iris no longer wants to be chosen—she wants to choose. Under the clandestine tutelage of “wicked widow” Lady Annabel Tallant, she’ll learn how to steer her own marriage prospects—and discover her secret appetites . . .
 
What kind of debutante refuses a marquess? Finn is surprised, a little chastened—and thoroughly intrigued. This new, independent version of Iris is far more alluring than the polished socialite she used to be. Finn believed he needed a safe, quiet wife to curb his wilder impulses. But the more Iris surprises him, the more impossible it becomes to resist their deepest desires . . .
 
Praise for the Somerset Sisters series
 
“An enthralling and deeply compelling Regency romance. I was hooked from start to finish.” — Ella Quinn, USA Today bestselling author
 
“A slow burn with more implication and anticipation, but the teasing build-up is delightful.” —RT Book Reviews (4 Stars)

Ratings and reviews

How can a lady possibly take offense at her hand in marriage being wagered on and being the consolation prize? If you’re Iris Somerset, you take major offense. Especially when marquess does a remarkable job of making you feel like you’re the chosen one. At least until he won’t kiss you and you overhear him with his mistress talking about the bet. Phineas “Finn” Knight, Lord Huntington wants a quiet biddable wife; which is why Iris Somerset isn’t the one he’s chosen if he wins the bet at cards. Unfortunately (maybe) he loses and he sets out to make Iris his marchioness. Until, without any indication as to why, Iris calls off the betrothal. Intrigued, Finn sets out to win the lady’s hand. Will he be the winner after all? A charming story by Anna Bradley, my first by Ms. Bradley. I loved Iris’ spunk and Finn’s determination. Add in the behind the scene string pulling of a certain “wicked widow” and you have a fun story. Now I want to see which of the Somerset sisters gets into mischief next! This is a definite must read and Anna Bradley is on my auto-buy author list.

More or Less a Marchioness is Book 1 in Anna Bradley’s new Somerset Sisters series. This book starts off at a gallop and ends at a heart pounding run. I couldn’t put it down. I think Iris Somerset is one of my new favorite heroines. She is fun loving and kind with quite a dash of independence. I enjoyed the unfolding of the heroes character Phineas Knight the Marquess of Huntington. He is definitely a complex man with many layers that are delightful to discover as the story goes forward. This story does have a few sex scenes in it; however, the most romantic scene in the book had no sex in it at all. I can’t wait to read the next in the Somerset series - More or Less a Countess.

This was my first time reading one of Anna Bradley’s books and I’m hooked! I knew there was more to both of them and they just needed to let it all out. From that moment in the garden, I knew they both were going to need help and that there were going to be some surprises along the way. I loved Lady Tallant’s way of helping and what she always said was her reason for it. When they finally got everything out it was like an explosion through the house. The ending was perfect for many reasons. Iris has kept her true self hidden for a long time without fully realizing it. I loved her from the moment she didn’t run right away in the garden because it showed she was tougher then she looked. She needed to learn about herself to understand more about everything around her. Finn is an honorable man, but not anywhere near as boring and cold as he seems. I loved slowly getting to know and understand him and once that wall went down I needed a fan. There is a charm to him and the way things don’t always come out like he wants and him learning about himself.

About the author

Anna Bradley is the author of The Sutherland Scandals and The Sutherland Sisters novels, as well as the Besotted Scots series. A Maine native, she now lives near Portland, OR, where people are delightful and weird and love to read. She teaches writing and lives with her husband, two children, a variety of spoiled pets, and shelves full of books. Visit her website at www.annabradley.net.