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

Sometimes people are not always as they appear. Such is the case with Iris Somerset and Phineas Knight, Marquess of Huntington. One of three sisters, Iris hides her true nature of stubborn, high spirited and outspoken to the Ton. When she receives a proposal from Finn Knight, who only wants a quiet and proper wife and thinks Iris will do, she accepts, but really does not know Finn at all nor he her. Finn had grown up as a lonely child who was really overshadowed by a long ago scandal in his family. He was taunted and teased so he just wanted to be left alone. It made him only want what was proper and not talked about so he could live a life scandal free. Iris overhears a conversation Finn has while she is in the garden and decides she can no longer pretend to be the calm and biddable wife that he wants. She wasn't his first choice anyway! All seems done with the pair until they are thrown together at a house party and another man is in pursuit of Iris. This is were the story really gets interesting. As both of their true natures begin to come out, a real attractions sizzles. A little intrigue and as the two are together they begin to find they like the real person better than the facade. Be prepared to be taken on an entertaining ride that will have you reading as fast as you can. Cannot wait for more in this series!

Iris Somerset the middle sister of the five Somerset sisters has received a marriage proposal from Phineas Knight, Lord of Huntington & their marriage is set for a months time. However he’s made no attempt to kiss Iris so she decides to take matters into her own hands & seeks him out in the garden of her friend Honora Fairchild’s London home. Things don’t go to plan & Finn hastily takes Iris back to the terrace, however she’s unsettled & walks back into the garden & there spies on Finn & Lady Beaumont & what she overhears knocks her for six. Iris then jilts Finn but keeps it a secret until she travelling to Hadley House for a house party. This is the first of a new series, the two elder sisters featured in the Sutherland Scoundrels series & Caroline’s story was in the Sutherland Sisters series Finn & Iris have both been trying to be what Society expects them to be so they’ve hidden their true selves & as the story progresses & they begin to know each other they find that they can be themselves. Their road isn’t an easy one with an Earl out for revenge but they both grow in confidence. Iris is taken under the wing of “wicked widow” Lady Annabel Tallant, who is anything but wicked & I so hope Annabel also has her story. There were quite a few humorous parts of the book especially Iris’ obsession with cravats. I thoroughly enjoyed this easy reading page turning novel & I look forward to Violet & Hyacinths’ stories My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

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.