More or Less a Marchioness by Anna Bradley (2018)
Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 1 of the Somerset Sisters series. Even though Iris is betrothed to an eligible marquess, she’s unsure of his affections for her and contrives a situation where he’ll kiss her. The ever-proper Finn rejects the opportunity out of propriety, but we soon learn that he was trying to distract Iris from the unexpected presence of his former mistress. The naive Iris learns a few new things about her fiance and decides they won’t suit after all. She’s also realized that this prim and proper persona she’s adopted is very different from her true personality and is determined to be herself from now own. Just as Iris is rejecting Finn, he’s starting to appreciate her spark and possibly falling for her for real, and not just as a marchioness contender. There’s lots of fun banter and flirting as these two reconnect and he tries very hard to convince her to stay engaged to him.
Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
More or Less a Countess by Anna Bradley (2018)
Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 2 of the Somerset Sisters series. This one is a bluestocking-rake story with some mistaken identity thrown in the mix. Violet is semi-heartbroken when the guy she’s pining over marries her friend, but she throws herself into writing a book instead, which contains all sorts of gory London history. Rakish Nick is back in London after his father’s death and inheritance of an earldom, but he’s not aiming to stay for long, except that his aunt is forcing him to marry and work on making an heir. When he sees a lovely young lady playing the piano so beautifully, he decides to court her. He thinks he’s courting the youngest sister Hyacinth, but doesn’t realize that he’s actually been spending time with Violet instead, and actually doesn’t know that Violet exists. She’s tried her best to dissuade Nick, especially with his scandalous reputation, but then realizes that he’s useful for escorting her about town to draw sketches for her book. Things get messy when they both develop feelings for each other and the truth of Violet’s identity comes out. I loved how Nick was actually really supportive of Violet’s book and was impressed by her knowledge and cleverness instead of being put off by it. She’s the one here who needs to make up for her deceit though.
Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
More or Less a Temptress by Anna Bradley (2018)
Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 3 of the Somerset Sisters series. Frail and fragile youngest sister Hyacinth sees a brawl at an inn and then accuses the man of being a murderer when he shows up at a ball. Lachlan is not actually a murderer, but the secret brother of a marquess who has brought his younger brother and sister to England after their mother dies in Scotland. Luckily for everyone, the marquess acknowledges his new family members and hopes to smooth their way into society. Except that whole murder accusation is hovering about and Hyacinth is the one who is outcast and deemed to be a hysterical female. While Hyacinth’s family coddles her, Lachlan sees that she’s actually quite cunning and brave, if only she had the chance to show it. We get to see Hyacinth grow a backbone, especially around Lachlan, who does not treat her as delicately. This was a super fun romance to read.
Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
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