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The Somerset Sisters #1
More or Less a Marchioness
The Somerset sisters, three beautiful, headstrong debutantes in Regency London, are discovering that a bit of scandal is a delightful thing...
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.
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.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2018
378 people are currently reading
1707 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bradley
52 books843 followersAnna Bradley writes Regency and Georgian historical romance with heat, heart, and happily-ever-afters. Her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, and Library Journal, and her debut novel won the Romantic Times’ award for Best First Historical.
Anna is originally from New England, but now makes her home in Oregon, where she lives with her family, an overgrown English garden and a menagerie of wayward pets. If she isn’t writing, she’s probably hiding in a corner reading, chasing the dog, or herding the cats. Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Anna is originally from New England, but now makes her home in Oregon, where she lives with her family, an overgrown English garden and a menagerie of wayward pets. If she isn’t writing, she’s probably hiding in a corner reading, chasing the dog, or herding the cats. Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
February 15, 2018
The main theme in this regency romance novel is that infamous trope: The Madonna vs The Whore. The heroine, Iris, is a rebellious young lady who tries hard to conceal her real personality because her grandmother Lady Chase thinks that it's unbecoming behaviour for a husband hunting debutante. Iris therefore does whatever granny tells her to do, because she loves the old biddy and wants to impress her by being the most popular and successful debutante of the Season. Iris manages to accomplish all that she's supposed to when she snags a marriage proposal from the most eligible bachelor, Finn ( aka The brooding, hunky and handsome Marquess of Huntingdon ). Finn is an asshole. He has a very low opinion of women in general and thinks of them as being either madonnas or whores. His first choice as a wife had not even been Iris ( even though she's the most popular and beautiful debutante ) because he wants a docile and dimwitted marchioness and his instinct tells him that the heroine has a little bit of rebellious fire hidden beneath her demure virginal mask. Lady Honora is Finn's first choice and she is indeed bland and lacking in personality.
The novel starts with the H and 2 other rakish noblemen ( Lord Harley and the Earl of Wrexley ) gambling to decide which one will marry Honora. Finn is truly cynical and horrible at this point because he thinks all debutantes are interchangeable. The H loses the bet and Lord Harley wins the right to court the dull but rich Honora. Finn ends up with Iris but we are given loud hints that the Earl of Wrexley has the hots for Iris and won't be giving up on her so easily. The novel continues at a house party where Iris has already been courted by Finn and her grandmother has accepted his proposal on her behalf. Iris is really giddy with delight because Finn is hot and she is dying to have him kiss her. She follows him into the gardens and is really embarrassed when he scolds her and tells her that good young ladies should not expect men to go around kissing them. Finn behaves like an ass because he had just received information from his best friend, Lord Derrick, that his former mistress Lady Beaumont is in the garden looking for him. Lady Beaumont is Finn's former penis polisher/mistress and she is raging mad because she's been dumped and her former protector is engaged to a younger and fashionably beautiful blonde debutante.
Lady B argues with Finn and then when that fails to change his mind she starts acting like the whore she is by grabbing onto his crotch and fondling his goodies. Unbeknownst to Finn and his former penis polisher, the heroine Iris is eavesdropping. Lady B says a lot of mean and nasty things about Iris and also reveals the truth about the infamous bet. Iris is destroyed because she knows she can't compete with a skilled penis polisher like Lady B. Finn has had enough of Lady B and so he goes out of his way to prove to her that he doesn't want her anymore. He lets her take his penis out of his breeches but just when she is about to do her famous penis polishing job he stops her ( and I was laughing because her mouth was open and ready ! ), fixes his breeches and tells her off calmly. This was really one horrible ( but damn funny ) method of insulting the woman. Finn gets rid of Lady B and is feeling bad about the way he has treated Iris so he goes to look for her and finds her with Lord Wrexley. Finn is jealous and angry and says some insulting things to Iris. When they meet again in London, Iris breaks the engagement and the egotistical Finn is outraged because he is a marquess who's rich and handsome. How dare she jilt him ? I was happy to see Iris finally stand up for herself.
The next part of the novel is set at another house party and Finn follows Iris there because he still wants her and he also wants to stop Wrexley from seducing her. Finn realizes that he really wants Iris but his realization comes too late, because she wants nothing to do with him. This is where he starts to pursue her relentlessly. He proposes again and again she refuses. His ego is really taking a beating at this point but it couldn't have happened to a more deserving man. Iris also meets a caring and friendly older lady called Lady Tallant. Lady Tallant is a "wicked widow" or, as I like to call her, a cock connoisseur. Cock connoisseurs are VERY different from penis polishers like Lady Beaumont. A penis polisher is a woman who is literally a whore/prostitute who makes money from having sex with men. A regency era cock connoisseur is a woman who just loves penis and explores her sexuality in adult/no strings relationships of her choice. Cock connoisseurs may or may not take expensive gifts from their lovers. Lady Tallant decides to loan a few books to Iris so that the innocent heroine will find out all she needs to know about sex and sensuality. This part is a bit rushed but Finn does catch Iris while she's reading the book The School of Venus, or The Ladies Delight Reduced Into Rules of Practice Being the Translation of the French L'Escoles des filles. In 2 Dialogues. He's outraged and curious simultaneously. His jealousy over Wrexley's pursuit of Iris also continues to grow and fester especially when the heroine decides that Wrexley will be her next future candidate for the role of husband.
What follows is a lot of rushed intrigue because Wrexley is also the villain who hates Finn and wants to steal Iris from him. The MC's interaction eventually ends up in some very hot sex and Finn is the first to confess his love for Iris. They make plans to marry as soon as possible but Wrexley's villainous plans intrude, to shatter the couple's short lived happiness. Bland bitch Lady Honora comes crying to Iris because Wrexley has wagered a lot of money on Iris beating another lord in a horse race. Honora is REALLY ANNOYING AS F. Iris is supposed to be her friend but she expects the heroine to participate in a scandalous race just to save her villainous cousin Wrexley. I hate people like Honora who don't actually come out and ask for something but keep whining like pathetic bitches until they get what they want. The MC's argue over Iris' participation in the race but the heroine still takes part and her obstinacy leads to the poor horse being wounded badly. Iris feels horrible about the situation but I just wanted to kick her because if she had not taken part in the race then the other jockey would not have harmed Chaos ( the stallion ) so maliciously. There's a short separation between the MC's and Iris spends the time starving herself ( and she deserved her self imposed punishment ! ) in her room. Finn, meanwhile, spends these couple weeks trying to help the horse Chaos because he knows that it will ameliorate Iris' guilt.
The MC's reconciliation is as happy as can be expected and the epilogue is cute. Iris is pregnant and bland Lady Honora is engaged to marry bland Lord Derrick. The only thing the author did not really develop properly is that story line about Finn's "darker sexual desires". All we get is some watered down discussion about blindfolds and the use of silk cravats to tie up one's sexual partner. Is this supposed to be a "dark desire" ? Seriously ???? OK, so maybe it was for people living in regency times but I felt that a big deal was made out of it and then it was just left unexplored. This was an average regency romance. I doubt I'll read it again and it's my first novel by this author. I am not saying I won't read this author again but I shall probably not have her on my elite list of regency historical romance writers.
The novel starts with the H and 2 other rakish noblemen ( Lord Harley and the Earl of Wrexley ) gambling to decide which one will marry Honora. Finn is truly cynical and horrible at this point because he thinks all debutantes are interchangeable. The H loses the bet and Lord Harley wins the right to court the dull but rich Honora. Finn ends up with Iris but we are given loud hints that the Earl of Wrexley has the hots for Iris and won't be giving up on her so easily. The novel continues at a house party where Iris has already been courted by Finn and her grandmother has accepted his proposal on her behalf. Iris is really giddy with delight because Finn is hot and she is dying to have him kiss her. She follows him into the gardens and is really embarrassed when he scolds her and tells her that good young ladies should not expect men to go around kissing them. Finn behaves like an ass because he had just received information from his best friend, Lord Derrick, that his former mistress Lady Beaumont is in the garden looking for him. Lady Beaumont is Finn's former penis polisher/mistress and she is raging mad because she's been dumped and her former protector is engaged to a younger and fashionably beautiful blonde debutante.
Lady B argues with Finn and then when that fails to change his mind she starts acting like the whore she is by grabbing onto his crotch and fondling his goodies. Unbeknownst to Finn and his former penis polisher, the heroine Iris is eavesdropping. Lady B says a lot of mean and nasty things about Iris and also reveals the truth about the infamous bet. Iris is destroyed because she knows she can't compete with a skilled penis polisher like Lady B. Finn has had enough of Lady B and so he goes out of his way to prove to her that he doesn't want her anymore. He lets her take his penis out of his breeches but just when she is about to do her famous penis polishing job he stops her ( and I was laughing because her mouth was open and ready ! ), fixes his breeches and tells her off calmly. This was really one horrible ( but damn funny ) method of insulting the woman. Finn gets rid of Lady B and is feeling bad about the way he has treated Iris so he goes to look for her and finds her with Lord Wrexley. Finn is jealous and angry and says some insulting things to Iris. When they meet again in London, Iris breaks the engagement and the egotistical Finn is outraged because he is a marquess who's rich and handsome. How dare she jilt him ? I was happy to see Iris finally stand up for herself.
The next part of the novel is set at another house party and Finn follows Iris there because he still wants her and he also wants to stop Wrexley from seducing her. Finn realizes that he really wants Iris but his realization comes too late, because she wants nothing to do with him. This is where he starts to pursue her relentlessly. He proposes again and again she refuses. His ego is really taking a beating at this point but it couldn't have happened to a more deserving man. Iris also meets a caring and friendly older lady called Lady Tallant. Lady Tallant is a "wicked widow" or, as I like to call her, a cock connoisseur. Cock connoisseurs are VERY different from penis polishers like Lady Beaumont. A penis polisher is a woman who is literally a whore/prostitute who makes money from having sex with men. A regency era cock connoisseur is a woman who just loves penis and explores her sexuality in adult/no strings relationships of her choice. Cock connoisseurs may or may not take expensive gifts from their lovers. Lady Tallant decides to loan a few books to Iris so that the innocent heroine will find out all she needs to know about sex and sensuality. This part is a bit rushed but Finn does catch Iris while she's reading the book The School of Venus, or The Ladies Delight Reduced Into Rules of Practice Being the Translation of the French L'Escoles des filles. In 2 Dialogues. He's outraged and curious simultaneously. His jealousy over Wrexley's pursuit of Iris also continues to grow and fester especially when the heroine decides that Wrexley will be her next future candidate for the role of husband.
What follows is a lot of rushed intrigue because Wrexley is also the villain who hates Finn and wants to steal Iris from him. The MC's interaction eventually ends up in some very hot sex and Finn is the first to confess his love for Iris. They make plans to marry as soon as possible but Wrexley's villainous plans intrude, to shatter the couple's short lived happiness. Bland bitch Lady Honora comes crying to Iris because Wrexley has wagered a lot of money on Iris beating another lord in a horse race. Honora is REALLY ANNOYING AS F. Iris is supposed to be her friend but she expects the heroine to participate in a scandalous race just to save her villainous cousin Wrexley. I hate people like Honora who don't actually come out and ask for something but keep whining like pathetic bitches until they get what they want. The MC's argue over Iris' participation in the race but the heroine still takes part and her obstinacy leads to the poor horse being wounded badly. Iris feels horrible about the situation but I just wanted to kick her because if she had not taken part in the race then the other jockey would not have harmed Chaos ( the stallion ) so maliciously. There's a short separation between the MC's and Iris spends the time starving herself ( and she deserved her self imposed punishment ! ) in her room. Finn, meanwhile, spends these couple weeks trying to help the horse Chaos because he knows that it will ameliorate Iris' guilt.
The MC's reconciliation is as happy as can be expected and the epilogue is cute. Iris is pregnant and bland Lady Honora is engaged to marry bland Lord Derrick. The only thing the author did not really develop properly is that story line about Finn's "darker sexual desires". All we get is some watered down discussion about blindfolds and the use of silk cravats to tie up one's sexual partner. Is this supposed to be a "dark desire" ? Seriously ???? OK, so maybe it was for people living in regency times but I felt that a big deal was made out of it and then it was just left unexplored. This was an average regency romance. I doubt I'll read it again and it's my first novel by this author. I am not saying I won't read this author again but I shall probably not have her on my elite list of regency historical romance writers.
January 11, 2018
A truly lovely historical romance.
I really enjoyed More or Less a Marchioness by new-to-me author, Anna Bradley. I'm going to have to snatch up Anna Bradley's entire backlist if she has more like this up her sleeve!
I don't think I like anything more than an antihero in romance. In More or Less a Marchioness, Finn started off the story as someone I was firmly rooting against. I found him to be cold, ruthless, and just... bleh. However, as the story progressed, I grew to understand him and love him, and he completely won me over.
I also don't think I'll ever tire of strong-willed, bold female MCs, especially in historical romance. I really liked Iris, and my love for her also got stronger as the book went on.
I liked how there was so much excellent chemistry between the two MCs. I read SO much romance that I can find myself bored or uninspired by a pairing, but I just though that Iris and Finn smoldered. I love a story where attraction and sexual tension builds over time, and by the time Finn and Iris truly got together I was READY for it.
Other than some pacing issues and some deviations in the plot that I found to be awkward, I really adored the story. I didn't want to stop reading, which is always the best sign for me. This book put Anna Bradley and this series on the top of my "to-watch" list, and I can't wait to read more about the entertaining Somerset sisters.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed More or Less a Marchioness by new-to-me author, Anna Bradley. I'm going to have to snatch up Anna Bradley's entire backlist if she has more like this up her sleeve!
I don't think I like anything more than an antihero in romance. In More or Less a Marchioness, Finn started off the story as someone I was firmly rooting against. I found him to be cold, ruthless, and just... bleh. However, as the story progressed, I grew to understand him and love him, and he completely won me over.
I also don't think I'll ever tire of strong-willed, bold female MCs, especially in historical romance. I really liked Iris, and my love for her also got stronger as the book went on.
I liked how there was so much excellent chemistry between the two MCs. I read SO much romance that I can find myself bored or uninspired by a pairing, but I just though that Iris and Finn smoldered. I love a story where attraction and sexual tension builds over time, and by the time Finn and Iris truly got together I was READY for it.
Other than some pacing issues and some deviations in the plot that I found to be awkward, I really adored the story. I didn't want to stop reading, which is always the best sign for me. This book put Anna Bradley and this series on the top of my "to-watch" list, and I can't wait to read more about the entertaining Somerset sisters.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
August 13, 2021
FRIENDS this is not a perfect book. The writing could be cleaned up more with better editing and having scenes to not run in circles/be too long and dragged out but AND THIS IS A HUGE BUT. THE HERO IS EVERYTHING. HE'S A BRUTE. AN OAF. AND A BIT SCARY TBH BECAUSE HE LITERALLY IS SO ANGRY IN THE BEGINNING ALL THE TIME. he's like obsessed with the villain and its like a Mr. darcy kind of thing but THEN HE SPEAKS. HE LEARNS HOW TO COMMUNICATE AND THEN IT'S JUST - - heart eyes and content smiles. Also our heroine is brave and strong. There are passages in this book that are so perfect and so beautiful. Ugh I wish I could print them out. They hit the nail right on the head with captivating the characters emotions.
May 24, 2021
3 stars.
Ivy wrote a fantastic review for this book that is better than anything I could attempt to write. Although, I’ll add in warning that it has major spoilers.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I personally think that the quality of the writing in this book is pretty good, however, I’m not a fan of the storyline. The hero has an interaction with his ex-mistress in the garden that the heroine sees and overhears. This interaction with the mistress is brought up repeatedly throughout the book (including during at least one of the sex scenes). It felt like a constant reminder of the hero’s past, how experienced he was, and how little he cared about the heroine. It really was an extreme turn off.
During their encounter, the mistress says several awful things and then tries to give the hero a blowjob, which he stops only after she already has his erect penis pulled out of his pants. HE IS ENGAGED TO THE HEROINE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I’m sorry, and I realize that it’s different times and all, but if my husband (even at the beginning of our relationship) ever allowed any other woman this close to his junk, I would cut it off. Snip snip. ✂️
Instead, the heroine is constantly repeating to herself that it’s NBD of the hero continues to have a mistress, it is expected by their society after all. I wanted her to grow a backbone and ask for monogamy, but she never really did. It’s just a forgone conclusion that after he says he loves her he won’t cheat. 👌🏻
Anyways, not a bad story but I’m too sensitive to deal with constant OW mentions.
I would call this SWE for above reasons. h was a virgin.
Ivy wrote a fantastic review for this book that is better than anything I could attempt to write. Although, I’ll add in warning that it has major spoilers.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I personally think that the quality of the writing in this book is pretty good, however, I’m not a fan of the storyline. The hero has an interaction with his ex-mistress in the garden that the heroine sees and overhears. This interaction with the mistress is brought up repeatedly throughout the book (including during at least one of the sex scenes). It felt like a constant reminder of the hero’s past, how experienced he was, and how little he cared about the heroine. It really was an extreme turn off.
During their encounter, the mistress says several awful things and then tries to give the hero a blowjob, which he stops only after she already has his erect penis pulled out of his pants. HE IS ENGAGED TO THE HEROINE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I’m sorry, and I realize that it’s different times and all, but if my husband (even at the beginning of our relationship) ever allowed any other woman this close to his junk, I would cut it off. Snip snip. ✂️
Instead, the heroine is constantly repeating to herself that it’s NBD of the hero continues to have a mistress, it is expected by their society after all. I wanted her to grow a backbone and ask for monogamy, but she never really did. It’s just a forgone conclusion that after he says he loves her he won’t cheat. 👌🏻
Anyways, not a bad story but I’m too sensitive to deal with constant OW mentions.
I would call this SWE for above reasons. h was a virgin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2018
I don’t like books that feature men wagering on who gets to go after a woman. I like even less jilting. I am not particularly fond of hearing about the hero’s sexual exploits with another woman. I am over the hero that doesn’t want love in marriage because feelings. These all featured here, and yet I liked this book. I had this on my x-stay-away shelf, but it turned out to be one of my favorite recent reads. While it featured two of my absolute least favorite tropes, the writing won out. Anna Bradley focuses on character development. This is key for me. A good author overcomes trope reservations by showing character growth. This is why I try new authors, hoping to find a new gem, and why I get so discouraged when a fave author produces a disappointment.
The heroine went through a finding herself again journey, and the hero learned to let go and trust. I liked the female companionship in this novel. Iris was supported by her sisters and friend. An older, wiser acquaintance recognized that she was battling internal struggles and helped her figure. I am not overly fond of debutant heroines, but but enjoyed this because the transformation was well done. I thought her internal struggles authentic. I liked how the hero had to reasses what he thought he wanted versus what he needed. I liked how they communicated with each other and how they couldn’t be truly honest with each other before they were honest with their own self. It wasn’t perfect, but overall I did enjoy the story.
The heroine went through a finding herself again journey, and the hero learned to let go and trust. I liked the female companionship in this novel. Iris was supported by her sisters and friend. An older, wiser acquaintance recognized that she was battling internal struggles and helped her figure. I am not overly fond of debutant heroines, but but enjoyed this because the transformation was well done. I thought her internal struggles authentic. I liked how the hero had to reasses what he thought he wanted versus what he needed. I liked how they communicated with each other and how they couldn’t be truly honest with each other before they were honest with their own self. It wasn’t perfect, but overall I did enjoy the story.
August 14, 2018
Buddy read with Lacey!
I think I may have found a new go-to author. YAY! There was bickering, actual honest to God conversations that prevented further misunderstandings, a sweet and adorable hero, loveable minor characters who were wonderful friends… The only thing I didn't like was some fabricated, last-minute drama which drove me crazy and made me skim the last couple of pages.
I absolutely LOVED Finn, our starchy Marquess, who was hiding a lovely, shy, and teasing side under his icy exterior. He's my absolute favorite kind of hero: decent, nice, a good guy who just needs to come out of his shell a bit… Did I mention I love him?
I kind of liked our heroine, Iris, at the beginning. She had the guts to stand up for what she wanted (or in this case, didn't want: being married to someone she hardly knows who appears to have little interest in getting to know the real her she is hiding from society's watchful eyes) and actually broke off their betrothal. But, halfway through, she developed an obstinate streak I did not appreciate which led to some drama I don't appreciate.
Other than that, I loved those two together. Seeing Finn starting to realize he -heaven forbid- has feelings was precious! There was also a meddling wicked widow who kept interfering whenever I was ready to reach in there and shake some sense into Iris myself. Needless to say, I loved her. She is my second-favorite character after the hero!
I think I may have found a new go-to author. YAY! There was bickering, actual honest to God conversations that prevented further misunderstandings, a sweet and adorable hero, loveable minor characters who were wonderful friends… The only thing I didn't like was some fabricated, last-minute drama which drove me crazy and made me skim the last couple of pages.
I absolutely LOVED Finn, our starchy Marquess, who was hiding a lovely, shy, and teasing side under his icy exterior. He's my absolute favorite kind of hero: decent, nice, a good guy who just needs to come out of his shell a bit… Did I mention I love him?
I kind of liked our heroine, Iris, at the beginning. She had the guts to stand up for what she wanted (or in this case, didn't want: being married to someone she hardly knows who appears to have little interest in getting to know the real her she is hiding from society's watchful eyes) and actually broke off their betrothal. But, halfway through, she developed an obstinate streak I did not appreciate which led to some drama I don't appreciate.
Other than that, I loved those two together. Seeing Finn starting to realize he -heaven forbid- has feelings was precious! There was also a meddling wicked widow who kept interfering whenever I was ready to reach in there and shake some sense into Iris myself. Needless to say, I loved her. She is my second-favorite character after the hero!
August 16, 2018
2.5/5. I have been a fan of Anna Bradley right from the start. Her writing is expressive and effective, her stories an entertaining amalgamation of humour and sizzling passion. This fell short unfortunately. So many things went wrong. The hero was an ass from the start. He did improve but the heroine just never really made him work for it. She was inconsistent and seemed far too young and not quite a match for him. I never understood why he sought a placid wife to begin with, or why he really was in need of a wife so urgently? His behaviour was also not very consistent, fluctuating from engaging in stupid ungentlemanly wagers one moment, then being decorous and honorable the next. The worst thing about this novel though was Bradley's attempt at introducing kinkiness into the plot. The protagonists frequently discussing his "dark desires", which included tying up his mistress, was just really quite distasteful (the involvement of the mistress in the sex talk that is), especially when they started talking about it during their own lovemaking and get off on the heroine witnessing his ex almost giving him head. Why oh why, did Bradley feel it necessary to go there? If it's not for the quality of her writing, this would have scored less. I remain a fan, and I hope she got the 50 Shades thing out of her system, and we can just stick to straightforward romances in the future involving just twosomes.
A strange sensation swept over Finn as he studied her. He felt as if he’d read a page in a book, then realized only after he’d slammed it shut he hadn’t understood a word of it.
...the kiss was only the sharp point of the dagger, and everyone knew it was the blade that did the real damage.
...at least Lord Wrexley didn’t hoard his smiles, as if giving one away would leave him with one fewer, instead of earning him one in return.
“Who do you suppose is more dangerous, Huntington? A man so out of control he risks everything, or one who’s so tightly controlled, he risks nothing?” Finn didn’t answer, and after a moment Lord Derrick sighed, and followed the ladies into the house. “The first man is a danger to others. The second is a danger only to himself”
A strange sensation swept over Finn as he studied her. He felt as if he’d read a page in a book, then realized only after he’d slammed it shut he hadn’t understood a word of it.
...the kiss was only the sharp point of the dagger, and everyone knew it was the blade that did the real damage.
...at least Lord Wrexley didn’t hoard his smiles, as if giving one away would leave him with one fewer, instead of earning him one in return.
“Who do you suppose is more dangerous, Huntington? A man so out of control he risks everything, or one who’s so tightly controlled, he risks nothing?” Finn didn’t answer, and after a moment Lord Derrick sighed, and followed the ladies into the house. “The first man is a danger to others. The second is a danger only to himself”
February 10, 2018
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2EiHC2j
Oh my goodness. These two were a delightful handful!
The Gist: The hero done fucked up. Fucked up right good. And found himself jilted. Not once. But twice. By the same girl! And man that'll get under a guy's skin. It sure will. He's gonna have to do something about it, too. To protect her from ruin, of course. Nothing else. He's absolutely not falling in love with the chit. No, ma'am!
Oh, these two. Yes, Iris and Finn were a handful every which way you looked at them. And I enjoyed them thoroughly.
Finn had a hard childhood and grew into a a man who hides his emotions completely. He's proper yet cold and nothing gets to him. Or so he'd like everyone to assume. But under that indifferent exterior he's an upstanding man with a penchant for things on the naughty side and an incredibly soft heart.
And Iris is quite the lady. She's sweet, intelligent, has a daring side she keeps hidden and this girl is no wilting flower. She has a bit of steel in her and she'll be damned before she falls in line and marries this man like expected. Nope. She ain't doing it. I loved that she stood up for herself despite the consequences.
And really. They really don't suit.
They don't.
But they SO do! They were quite perfect for each other and both rather similar in some ways. They put on a proper show for others and kept their true feelings tightly reigned in...until they couldn't that is.
"You're everything I never knew I wanted, and everything I can't live without."
I loved that most of the story took place at a house party. And that he spent so much of the book completely baffled by Iris and her refusal to marry him. He's a flipping Marquess for goodness sake! It was fun watching him struggle with his emotions and falling for her. And her falling right back. Their little battle of wills and time spent at the party. The romance isn't in your face romancey since most of the time they're at odds but really it was still an amazing romance that had me rooting for them.
All in all, Bradley did it once again. The lady seriously excels at giving a girl some charmingly fucked up characters who give no damns and make you fall for them completely. They're nicely broken.. just enough to be interesting yet endearing. I call that a win.
June 28, 2020
I give a rounded 4 stars to this story. I think with a few tweaks I would have really loved it. As it is, I found it overall a sweet love story with a slightly different plot than I usually read.
Iris is betrothed to Finn. A Marquess and one of the desired “catches” of the season. Yet, she’s struggling to feel like it’s the right thing to do. He doesn’t seem to really see her, or know her, or take an interest in her. She’s desperate for a kiss, something to make it seem like it’s all going right. Instead of a kiss, Iris gets to know her betrothed while eavesdropping through the bushes and what she hears is enough to make her jilt him.
Him, a Marquess no less, jilted? Finn is shocked to discover he is no longer betrothed and it’s enough to make him notice what he’s been ignoring - a stubborn yet extraordinary woman that he was wrong about all along.
I felt like this book was fun. These two people seem to do some work finding themselves, and each other. After the broken betrothal, they end up together at a house party where most of the story takes place.
Yet I also felt this story was a little slow. And while he’s not involved with his mistress during the book (he breaks it with her at their engagement), she is talked about A LOT and I didn’t love that. One of the issues going on with them too was Finns “dark desires”, involving being in control/tying with cravats but it comes to almost nothing, at least nothing you get to see. Very briefly introduced. There’s also another competing love interest, which was fine in the story but I felt it would have been better to eliminate that and spend more time on the two main characters. Their development and tension wasn’t the best in my opinion, at least compared to previous books I’ve read of hers.
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite scenes I can give spoiler free 😉
“Finn didn’t care much for fair-haired ladies. Porcelain skin, rosebud lips, and tall, slender figures didn’t make his breath short, and he wasn’t likely to get lost in a pair of blue eyes - no matter how deep a blue, or how heavily-lashed they might be.
Miss Somerset wasn’t at all to his taste.
He could see why other gentleman admired her, of course. Those heavy, silky curls made a man imagine what it might be like to pull loose every pin, tangle his fingers in it, and tilt her head back so he could press his mouth against that long neck and nibble a path down to the delicious curve of her shoulder. She’d be soft there, fragrant, and her pale skin would flush so prettily, warming his lips -
“Close your mouth, Huntington. You’re distressing Miss Somerset.””
Iris is betrothed to Finn. A Marquess and one of the desired “catches” of the season. Yet, she’s struggling to feel like it’s the right thing to do. He doesn’t seem to really see her, or know her, or take an interest in her. She’s desperate for a kiss, something to make it seem like it’s all going right. Instead of a kiss, Iris gets to know her betrothed while eavesdropping through the bushes and what she hears is enough to make her jilt him.
Him, a Marquess no less, jilted? Finn is shocked to discover he is no longer betrothed and it’s enough to make him notice what he’s been ignoring - a stubborn yet extraordinary woman that he was wrong about all along.
I felt like this book was fun. These two people seem to do some work finding themselves, and each other. After the broken betrothal, they end up together at a house party where most of the story takes place.
Yet I also felt this story was a little slow. And while he’s not involved with his mistress during the book (he breaks it with her at their engagement), she is talked about A LOT and I didn’t love that. One of the issues going on with them too was Finns “dark desires”, involving being in control/tying with cravats but it comes to almost nothing, at least nothing you get to see. Very briefly introduced. There’s also another competing love interest, which was fine in the story but I felt it would have been better to eliminate that and spend more time on the two main characters. Their development and tension wasn’t the best in my opinion, at least compared to previous books I’ve read of hers.
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite scenes I can give spoiler free 😉
“Finn didn’t care much for fair-haired ladies. Porcelain skin, rosebud lips, and tall, slender figures didn’t make his breath short, and he wasn’t likely to get lost in a pair of blue eyes - no matter how deep a blue, or how heavily-lashed they might be.
Miss Somerset wasn’t at all to his taste.
He could see why other gentleman admired her, of course. Those heavy, silky curls made a man imagine what it might be like to pull loose every pin, tangle his fingers in it, and tilt her head back so he could press his mouth against that long neck and nibble a path down to the delicious curve of her shoulder. She’d be soft there, fragrant, and her pale skin would flush so prettily, warming his lips -
“Close your mouth, Huntington. You’re distressing Miss Somerset.””
June 15, 2022
Totally enjoyed the 1st of this series! Rushing to read the next book. Full review to come.
February 2, 2018
Series: Somerset Sisters #1
Publication Date: 2/6/18
This is a delightful beginning to the Somerset Sisters series. We met the older two Somerset sisters in the Sutherland Scandals series and now we get excellent introductions to the younger sisters (Iris, Violet, and Hyacinth) in this book. It was also nice to re-visit Charlotte and her Captain West and to learn how happy they are ‘rusticating’ in the country. We also get a re-visit with Lady Annabel from Charlotte’s book – I don’t know if it will happen, but I’d really like to see her get her own HEA.
I believe this book is as much about two people discovering and embracing who they really are as it is about their love story. Phineas Knight (Finn), Marquess of Huntington and Iris Somerset both live behind masks – maybe they’ve lost who they really are because they constantly present a different fact to the world. Iris gets her grand epiphany first and gives Finn a run for his money after that!
High spirited, stubborn, outspoken, fun-loving Iris Somerset had buried all of those traits deep within her when she came to London for her season. Mostly to please her grandmother and to give her sisters a scandal-free chance at marriage. She presented herself as quiet, demure and biddable and became the most desirable lady of the season. She was courted by the very proper Marquess of Huntington and accepted his proposal though they hardly spoke when they were together and certainly didn’t know a thing about each other. She was actually okay with that – until …..
Very prim, proper and oh so aristocratic Phineas Knight, Marquess of Huntington needed a wife. He thought the debutants were all pretty much interchangeable and he didn’t really care which one he got as long as she was quiet, proper and biddable. His first choice was Lady Honora, but he was perfectly fine with Iris. Finn’s family had a scandal and he had become the Marquess at eight years old. Then, he was raised by indifferent guardians who shipped him off to school and left him there. He never knew love or family - nor was he ever allowed to be a child. Because of the scandal, he was constantly taunted, teased and bullied. It is a wonder that he turned out as well as he did. That childhood shaped Finn into the man who abhorred anything improper or scandalous.
After overhearing a scene between Finn and his former mistress, Iris finally realized she could NOT be the person she was pretending to be. In a pique, she broke off the engagement. She hadn’t really thought through the implications of doing that – so she didn’t tell anyone but Finn. There is a villain in the picture and Finn wants to protect her from him. She won’t have it – and becomes more and more the person he just knows he doesn’t want for a wife – but – he wants Iris more and more. He’ll have a devil of a time wooing her – can he win her? You’ll just have to read the book and see.
This book is well plotted and well written with fully developed and interesting characters. I will be excited to read Violet’s book next.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 2/6/18
This is a delightful beginning to the Somerset Sisters series. We met the older two Somerset sisters in the Sutherland Scandals series and now we get excellent introductions to the younger sisters (Iris, Violet, and Hyacinth) in this book. It was also nice to re-visit Charlotte and her Captain West and to learn how happy they are ‘rusticating’ in the country. We also get a re-visit with Lady Annabel from Charlotte’s book – I don’t know if it will happen, but I’d really like to see her get her own HEA.
I believe this book is as much about two people discovering and embracing who they really are as it is about their love story. Phineas Knight (Finn), Marquess of Huntington and Iris Somerset both live behind masks – maybe they’ve lost who they really are because they constantly present a different fact to the world. Iris gets her grand epiphany first and gives Finn a run for his money after that!
High spirited, stubborn, outspoken, fun-loving Iris Somerset had buried all of those traits deep within her when she came to London for her season. Mostly to please her grandmother and to give her sisters a scandal-free chance at marriage. She presented herself as quiet, demure and biddable and became the most desirable lady of the season. She was courted by the very proper Marquess of Huntington and accepted his proposal though they hardly spoke when they were together and certainly didn’t know a thing about each other. She was actually okay with that – until …..
Very prim, proper and oh so aristocratic Phineas Knight, Marquess of Huntington needed a wife. He thought the debutants were all pretty much interchangeable and he didn’t really care which one he got as long as she was quiet, proper and biddable. His first choice was Lady Honora, but he was perfectly fine with Iris. Finn’s family had a scandal and he had become the Marquess at eight years old. Then, he was raised by indifferent guardians who shipped him off to school and left him there. He never knew love or family - nor was he ever allowed to be a child. Because of the scandal, he was constantly taunted, teased and bullied. It is a wonder that he turned out as well as he did. That childhood shaped Finn into the man who abhorred anything improper or scandalous.
After overhearing a scene between Finn and his former mistress, Iris finally realized she could NOT be the person she was pretending to be. In a pique, she broke off the engagement. She hadn’t really thought through the implications of doing that – so she didn’t tell anyone but Finn. There is a villain in the picture and Finn wants to protect her from him. She won’t have it – and becomes more and more the person he just knows he doesn’t want for a wife – but – he wants Iris more and more. He’ll have a devil of a time wooing her – can he win her? You’ll just have to read the book and see.
This book is well plotted and well written with fully developed and interesting characters. I will be excited to read Violet’s book next.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
February 3, 2024
4.5 stars
September 16, 2022
3 stars
A cute historical read with a tolerable heroine and hero who eventually comes to his senses.
A cute historical read with a tolerable heroine and hero who eventually comes to his senses.
June 24, 2024
Heroine: Iris Somerset, age unknown. Granddaughter of an unnamed earl.
Hero: Phineas Knight, age unknown. Nickname: Finn. Marquess of Huntington.
Date: 1817
How they meet: Iris and Finn met off page. They are recently betrothed.
What happens: Iris senses that Finn isn’t all that attracted to her and is perplexed as to why he hasn’t tried to kiss her. At a garden party, she encourages a kiss, but Finn is uninterested. Later at the party she finds him with his ex-mistress and overhears their conversation, quite a bit of which is about her. She is left feeling inadequate and convinced that Finn doesn’t at all care for her. She goes off alone to collect herself and another bachelor on the hunt for a wife finds her and the two are caught together by Finn.
Verdict: This is my first book by this author. I found it to be a bit plodding--many conversations went on far longer than was necessary to keep the storyline moving. There was also too much of the characters’ inner thoughts at times. The book featured an authoritarian hero and an immature, rebellious heroine (not my favorite combo). Despite an enormous opportunity for personal growth, the hero experiences very little and the heroine only a bit more. There is quite a bit of polite arguing between the two. A lot was teased about the hero’s “dark desires” but they weren’t really on display once the characters got intimate and it happened . It was not extremely steamy overall. This reads fine as a standalone. I didn’t love this one due to the writing issues, the unsympathetic characters, and never being convinced their relationship could work. However, I may give this author another try.
Steam level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 3 stars
Hero: Phineas Knight, age unknown. Nickname: Finn. Marquess of Huntington.
Date: 1817
How they meet: Iris and Finn met off page. They are recently betrothed.
What happens: Iris senses that Finn isn’t all that attracted to her and is perplexed as to why he hasn’t tried to kiss her. At a garden party, she encourages a kiss, but Finn is uninterested. Later at the party she finds him with his ex-mistress and overhears their conversation, quite a bit of which is about her. She is left feeling inadequate and convinced that Finn doesn’t at all care for her. She goes off alone to collect herself and another bachelor on the hunt for a wife finds her and the two are caught together by Finn.
Verdict: This is my first book by this author. I found it to be a bit plodding--many conversations went on far longer than was necessary to keep the storyline moving. There was also too much of the characters’ inner thoughts at times. The book featured an authoritarian hero and an immature, rebellious heroine (not my favorite combo). Despite an enormous opportunity for personal growth, the hero experiences very little and the heroine only a bit more. There is quite a bit of polite arguing between the two. A lot was teased about the hero’s “dark desires” but they weren’t really on display once the characters got intimate and it happened . It was not extremely steamy overall. This reads fine as a standalone. I didn’t love this one due to the writing issues, the unsympathetic characters, and never being convinced their relationship could work. However, I may give this author another try.
Steam level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 3 stars
February 8, 2018
Iris Somerset is the perfect debutante - or so she portrays to the world. Beautiful, wealthy and meek, she’s everything Finn, the Marquis of Huntingdon, thinks he wants in a wife. Until one day she looks him in the eye and tells him they will not suit and she is breaking their engagement.
This isn’t just a romance; it’s a story of two people finding out and accepting who they truly are. Iris plays the part of a demure debutante to perfection… right up until the moment she realises she just doesn’t want to anymore. And Finn, confronted with his own faults, must recognise the inherent hypocrisy of his position and come to terms with his own nature in order to understand that what he wants is very different from what he thought.
Can I just say how much I loved Iris? She’s very young and very naive, but she’s wise enough to understand there is a lot she doesn’t know. Being taken under the wing of an older and wiser woman, ‘a wicked widow’, she learned fast and was finally able to define herself as the person she wanted to be. From that point, Finn ending up head over heels in love with her was utterly inevitable.
Finn did come across as autocratic, unlikable and hypocritical at times. He reminded me intensely of Mr Darcy from Austen’s seminal novel; a proud and somewhat spoiled man confronted with his own faults who finally comes to an understanding that he’s been on the wrong path all along. His reversal and redemption was Austenesque and I absolutely adored it. (My personal pet peeve is when a hero is set up as a heel and doesn’t do the epic grovel at the end to make up for it. Finn didn’t disappoint me.)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I’ll be looking out for the rest of the Somerset Sisters series. Five stars for a great read with plenty of genuine character development.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
This isn’t just a romance; it’s a story of two people finding out and accepting who they truly are. Iris plays the part of a demure debutante to perfection… right up until the moment she realises she just doesn’t want to anymore. And Finn, confronted with his own faults, must recognise the inherent hypocrisy of his position and come to terms with his own nature in order to understand that what he wants is very different from what he thought.
Can I just say how much I loved Iris? She’s very young and very naive, but she’s wise enough to understand there is a lot she doesn’t know. Being taken under the wing of an older and wiser woman, ‘a wicked widow’, she learned fast and was finally able to define herself as the person she wanted to be. From that point, Finn ending up head over heels in love with her was utterly inevitable.
Finn did come across as autocratic, unlikable and hypocritical at times. He reminded me intensely of Mr Darcy from Austen’s seminal novel; a proud and somewhat spoiled man confronted with his own faults who finally comes to an understanding that he’s been on the wrong path all along. His reversal and redemption was Austenesque and I absolutely adored it. (My personal pet peeve is when a hero is set up as a heel and doesn’t do the epic grovel at the end to make up for it. Finn didn’t disappoint me.)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I’ll be looking out for the rest of the Somerset Sisters series. Five stars for a great read with plenty of genuine character development.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
January 12, 2018
I Received a Free Copy of "More or Less a Marchioness" from a Giveaway Contest on Goodreads. But I would purchase this book. Its a tale of a young lady Miss Iris Somerset who is betroth to Phineas/Finn Knight Marquess of Huntington.
Iris overhears an unfortunate argument between Finn and his Ex Mistress at a Garden Party. The argument is about her and how she is to young and naïve to satisfy someone of Finns dark sexual proclivities. She also learns that she was not Finns first choice as a bride but he wanted her friend Honora. But he lost the gaming wager and got her. So she jilts Finn but he doesn't quite understand why. He is determined to find out why and to not let her jilt him because he a real man, a gentlemen and this won't ruin him but ruin Iris and her sisters.
This leads to a wonderful story of discovery between the two main characters. It also leads to love. One that comes by learning about each other and developing true feelings for one another. Instead of just a marriage contract. At times I wanted to hit Iris but I had to keep reminding myself that she is young. but she grew on me and I just Loved Loved Finn he was the perfect man.
The story is well written, with a cast of lively secondary characters. I hope to read the next installment in Anna Bradley's The Somerset Sisters!!
Iris overhears an unfortunate argument between Finn and his Ex Mistress at a Garden Party. The argument is about her and how she is to young and naïve to satisfy someone of Finns dark sexual proclivities. She also learns that she was not Finns first choice as a bride but he wanted her friend Honora. But he lost the gaming wager and got her. So she jilts Finn but he doesn't quite understand why. He is determined to find out why and to not let her jilt him because he a real man, a gentlemen and this won't ruin him but ruin Iris and her sisters.
This leads to a wonderful story of discovery between the two main characters. It also leads to love. One that comes by learning about each other and developing true feelings for one another. Instead of just a marriage contract. At times I wanted to hit Iris but I had to keep reminding myself that she is young. but she grew on me and I just Loved Loved Finn he was the perfect man.
The story is well written, with a cast of lively secondary characters. I hope to read the next installment in Anna Bradley's The Somerset Sisters!!
February 6, 2018
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!
February 14, 2019
חביב לסוגו. אם כי האדון הנטינגטון הוא אחת הדמויות הלא סקסיות שקראתי.
לא הבנתי במה לעזאזל הוא שונה מהבחור ההוא ורקסלי? (איך שלא מבטאים את שמו)
איך חוסר הנאותות של הנבל שונה מחוסר הנאותות של הגיבור?
היה אפשר להשקיע קצת יותר, אפילו שזה רומנרומנטי.
לא הבנתי במה לעזאזל הוא שונה מהבחור ההוא ורקסלי? (איך שלא מבטאים את שמו)
איך חוסר הנאותות של הנבל שונה מחוסר הנאותות של הגיבור?
היה אפשר להשקיע קצת יותר, אפילו שזה רומנרומנטי.
December 26, 2017
This one was tough to get through. Finn and Iris weren’t characters that I could easily connect with. I wanted to get behind one of them, but they both lacked something that would draw me in.
December 18, 2017
Iris has a temper, the woman holds grudges and all hell breaks loose and the hell that breaks loose is all on Finn, she drives him mad, “Are you making a list, my lord? Very well, then. If you must know, I believe I’ve bent my stays.” Finn’s gaze snapped to her bodice, and once it was there, it took all his concentration to tear it away..." I really don't think Finn knows what to do with his woman, “ah.” She looked up at him, the tiny smile still curving her lips. “That, Lord Huntington, is what the book is for.” Finn didn’t often find himself speechless, but all he could do now was stare at her with his mouth open, like a fish dangling on a hook." I really liked this book, I loved that Iris was strong willed.
February 8, 2018
More or Less a Marchioness is the first book in The Somerset Sisters by Anna Bradley.
Iris Somerset is in London, and for the sake of her younger sisters, she is looking for a husband. She's an independent woman with a wild streak, but she must put her true character away and act the perfect young lady that any nobleman would want to marry.
Phineas Knight, Fin, the Marquess of Huntington is looking for a wife, somebody biddable, and quiet, and one not expecting love. There are two women who he would be content to marry, but as his friend is also looking to marry a biddable miss, they decide to wager on which of them would court which lady. Fin loses or thinks he does when it's decided that he court Iris.
All goes swimmingly, and they soon are betrothed, but after overhearing a conversation between Fin and his mistress who he is telling that their arrangement is over, things come to light for Iris. She realises she can't keep up the perfect persona and that it wouldn't be fair to Fin, so she breaks the betrothal!
Of course, no sooner than the betrothal is broken than Fin starts to see Iris in a new light. When they are both invited to a house party he makes it his mission to keep her from getting involved with a scoundrel who is sniffing around her, and in doing so starts to realise that he really wants to marry Iris still. Can he convince her he is the right choice for her? Or will she convince him that she can't be the woman he deserves as his Marchioness?
This was a heartwarming story, one that had me smiling a lot as our two main characters start to realise things about themselves and each other. Things including if nothing else a firm attraction to each other, one that leads to some very steamy, passionate yet loving scenes between the couple. They have a lot of obstacles to go through before they possibly have their happily ever after, but one thing that is never a problem for them is how much they lust for each other. It was a real pleasure reading Iris' story, and I look forward to reading her sisters' stories in the next books in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
Iris Somerset is in London, and for the sake of her younger sisters, she is looking for a husband. She's an independent woman with a wild streak, but she must put her true character away and act the perfect young lady that any nobleman would want to marry.
Phineas Knight, Fin, the Marquess of Huntington is looking for a wife, somebody biddable, and quiet, and one not expecting love. There are two women who he would be content to marry, but as his friend is also looking to marry a biddable miss, they decide to wager on which of them would court which lady. Fin loses or thinks he does when it's decided that he court Iris.
All goes swimmingly, and they soon are betrothed, but after overhearing a conversation between Fin and his mistress who he is telling that their arrangement is over, things come to light for Iris. She realises she can't keep up the perfect persona and that it wouldn't be fair to Fin, so she breaks the betrothal!
Of course, no sooner than the betrothal is broken than Fin starts to see Iris in a new light. When they are both invited to a house party he makes it his mission to keep her from getting involved with a scoundrel who is sniffing around her, and in doing so starts to realise that he really wants to marry Iris still. Can he convince her he is the right choice for her? Or will she convince him that she can't be the woman he deserves as his Marchioness?
This was a heartwarming story, one that had me smiling a lot as our two main characters start to realise things about themselves and each other. Things including if nothing else a firm attraction to each other, one that leads to some very steamy, passionate yet loving scenes between the couple. They have a lot of obstacles to go through before they possibly have their happily ever after, but one thing that is never a problem for them is how much they lust for each other. It was a real pleasure reading Iris' story, and I look forward to reading her sisters' stories in the next books in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
January 4, 2018
I read this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review
Do you remember when you were a child and you had a toy you never played with or you despised and when your mum gave it away you had the sudden urge to retrieve it swearing that it was your favourite toy and that you couldn’t live without it? Well this is what happened to Finn when his sweet betrothed, the most proper lady, oveheard him and his mistress engaged in a goodbye conversation in which she called her dull and predictive and he, instead of defending his sweetheart, agreed with her because that was precisely what he wanted in a wife.
Of course Iris jilted him, and not only for that, there were also other reasons, like… for example courting her because he lost a wager, or her not being his first choice… who wants to be second choice? No one. It’s not like Iris expected him to love her, no, but that coldness, that lack of empathy, that unbearable propriety… She wanted more of him, and of course she didn’t care about his wealth and his title. Did he really think that all ladies wanted to marry and become invisible? Not our Iris. So she jilted him… TWICE.
Here’s the story of a man who learns that women need to be seen as they are. That they aren’t interchangeable clones. And here’s the story of a young innocent woman who learns to know herself and her own desires better. But in order to get them together we need a small house party, a greedy rake for a rival and a wicked widow acting as a Celestine to these two.
Speaking of the rival; the animosity between Finn and lord Wrexley reminded me of Bridget Jones (stop reading if you haven’t seen the movie). There’s two men and one woman; one man loves her but his pride and sense of propriety stops him from sharing his feelings, the other man seems to care a lot for her and shows her all the time, but in the end he only cared for himself (and her money). Our Iris is improper and unpredictable, unsuitable for the title of marchioness, but she’s also funny and sensual… well actually Finn likes that she’s improper and unpredictable… and he had thought her dull! So there, I thought of Bridget, Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver. There are more similarities but I don’t want to spoil the book for you, you’ll have to read it. Sorry!
Our Celestine is the wicked widow Lady Anabel Tallant (are you familiar with the figure of Celestine? She was a wise woman in the town of Salamanca who, for a little sum, would sell you love potions for your sweetheart, the book didn’t end well for the lovers). Instead of love potions she meddles with the lovers by giving Iris some advice and by recommending some erotic literature so she can teach herself. Basically Lady Anabel gives Iris some degree of sexual education which, as you well know, has never been considered important although it actually basic. Iris learns to please a man thanks to these books and, well, Finn discovers her reading… and realizes that although the sex ed is considered scandalous, the lack of knowledge in a woman is what actually makes her dull. Not knowing what to do, of course she’s boring!
That leads me to the aspect of the novel that I liked the most. When Finn and Iris have sex for the first time he asks her what she’s learned from the books, and while she’s telling him he teaches her something; the books are all about how to pleasure men, the woman’s pleasure is secondary if anything. Finn wants Iris to please herself, to know her own body reactions so she can ask for pleasure in bed, she can tell him what she wants him to do to her once she knows herself. He explores her body so she gets to recognize her pleasure spots and when she tells him that she had been masturbating when reading the saucy books he tells her that it’s natural and that there’s nothing wrong with it. In that moment I fell in love with Finn too.
Once I got sucked by the story (because that was what happened) I couldn’t stop reading, and it was quite late at night. I thoroughly enjoyed this book especially because of what I said in the paragraph above and for many other conversations between Iris and Finn. These conversations are so important while at the same time so sexy and such fun to read. I only wished that Finn wasn’t so despicable at the beginning or that the characters had a little bit more depth.
This is the second book by Anna Bradley that I read. The first one being “Twelfth Night with the Earl”, which is my favourite Christmas romance now and the reason why I requested “More or Less a Marchioness”. I want to read more of her books now.
Do you remember when you were a child and you had a toy you never played with or you despised and when your mum gave it away you had the sudden urge to retrieve it swearing that it was your favourite toy and that you couldn’t live without it? Well this is what happened to Finn when his sweet betrothed, the most proper lady, oveheard him and his mistress engaged in a goodbye conversation in which she called her dull and predictive and he, instead of defending his sweetheart, agreed with her because that was precisely what he wanted in a wife.
Of course Iris jilted him, and not only for that, there were also other reasons, like… for example courting her because he lost a wager, or her not being his first choice… who wants to be second choice? No one. It’s not like Iris expected him to love her, no, but that coldness, that lack of empathy, that unbearable propriety… She wanted more of him, and of course she didn’t care about his wealth and his title. Did he really think that all ladies wanted to marry and become invisible? Not our Iris. So she jilted him… TWICE.
Here’s the story of a man who learns that women need to be seen as they are. That they aren’t interchangeable clones. And here’s the story of a young innocent woman who learns to know herself and her own desires better. But in order to get them together we need a small house party, a greedy rake for a rival and a wicked widow acting as a Celestine to these two.
Speaking of the rival; the animosity between Finn and lord Wrexley reminded me of Bridget Jones (stop reading if you haven’t seen the movie). There’s two men and one woman; one man loves her but his pride and sense of propriety stops him from sharing his feelings, the other man seems to care a lot for her and shows her all the time, but in the end he only cared for himself (and her money). Our Iris is improper and unpredictable, unsuitable for the title of marchioness, but she’s also funny and sensual… well actually Finn likes that she’s improper and unpredictable… and he had thought her dull! So there, I thought of Bridget, Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver. There are more similarities but I don’t want to spoil the book for you, you’ll have to read it. Sorry!
Our Celestine is the wicked widow Lady Anabel Tallant (are you familiar with the figure of Celestine? She was a wise woman in the town of Salamanca who, for a little sum, would sell you love potions for your sweetheart, the book didn’t end well for the lovers). Instead of love potions she meddles with the lovers by giving Iris some advice and by recommending some erotic literature so she can teach herself. Basically Lady Anabel gives Iris some degree of sexual education which, as you well know, has never been considered important although it actually basic. Iris learns to please a man thanks to these books and, well, Finn discovers her reading… and realizes that although the sex ed is considered scandalous, the lack of knowledge in a woman is what actually makes her dull. Not knowing what to do, of course she’s boring!
That leads me to the aspect of the novel that I liked the most. When Finn and Iris have sex for the first time he asks her what she’s learned from the books, and while she’s telling him he teaches her something; the books are all about how to pleasure men, the woman’s pleasure is secondary if anything. Finn wants Iris to please herself, to know her own body reactions so she can ask for pleasure in bed, she can tell him what she wants him to do to her once she knows herself. He explores her body so she gets to recognize her pleasure spots and when she tells him that she had been masturbating when reading the saucy books he tells her that it’s natural and that there’s nothing wrong with it. In that moment I fell in love with Finn too.
Once I got sucked by the story (because that was what happened) I couldn’t stop reading, and it was quite late at night. I thoroughly enjoyed this book especially because of what I said in the paragraph above and for many other conversations between Iris and Finn. These conversations are so important while at the same time so sexy and such fun to read. I only wished that Finn wasn’t so despicable at the beginning or that the characters had a little bit more depth.
This is the second book by Anna Bradley that I read. The first one being “Twelfth Night with the Earl”, which is my favourite Christmas romance now and the reason why I requested “More or Less a Marchioness”. I want to read more of her books now.
October 30, 2018
There is no courtship, instead Iris and Phin are betrothed. Which obviously spells trouble!
Iris said yes, because who wouldn't say yes to the most eligible bachelor of the season! So handsome, such a gentleman, oh and a marquis, oh la la. And Iris was the perfect debutante, sweet and innocent. Also her gran has high hopes for her girls so who can disappoint her. Though for a book where the gran is mentioned a LOT there is no gran to be seen.
But there is a problem. The perfect English gentleman is so cold, and does he even like her?
Phin oh Phin. What was his problem? I am still unsure. Ok, so he was lonely as a kid. He had to grow fast and shoulder responsibilities, and sure all gentlemen want that perfect wife, which she was. And he thought it would be easier if he did not care. Well you are an Idiot, my Lord. An idiot!
Someone is sniffing around her skirts. Phin is NOT ready to be jilted. There is a wicked wager. Hurt feelings and a house party where Iris lets loose. Propriety be damned!
I liked seeing him fall for her, realizing when he did not have her, that he wanted to get to know her. And for her to see that there is more to him.
Narrator
She was a good, but at the same time there was this issues with her voices. If too many women spoke their voices blended into each other and sounded the same. The same with men. She was better one on one.
Iris said yes, because who wouldn't say yes to the most eligible bachelor of the season! So handsome, such a gentleman, oh and a marquis, oh la la. And Iris was the perfect debutante, sweet and innocent. Also her gran has high hopes for her girls so who can disappoint her. Though for a book where the gran is mentioned a LOT there is no gran to be seen.
But there is a problem. The perfect English gentleman is so cold, and does he even like her?
Phin oh Phin. What was his problem? I am still unsure. Ok, so he was lonely as a kid. He had to grow fast and shoulder responsibilities, and sure all gentlemen want that perfect wife, which she was. And he thought it would be easier if he did not care. Well you are an Idiot, my Lord. An idiot!
Someone is sniffing around her skirts. Phin is NOT ready to be jilted. There is a wicked wager. Hurt feelings and a house party where Iris lets loose. Propriety be damned!
I liked seeing him fall for her, realizing when he did not have her, that he wanted to get to know her. And for her to see that there is more to him.
Narrator
She was a good, but at the same time there was this issues with her voices. If too many women spoke their voices blended into each other and sounded the same. The same with men. She was better one on one.
June 8, 2018
6 stars !!!
Damn, I'm forgetting, Goodreads doesn't want me to give 6 stars, but consider it done anyway.
Anyway, what are you doing here, reading my review ? Drop everything, go buy the book, read it - *now* !
This is the beginning of a new series, but there are some hints to previous stories related to characters in different series and I can't wait (I - can't - wait !!!!) to get back to them and read them all. I'm even willing to drop every book on my "next to read" list to devour everything Anna Bradley has ever written. It can be read as a standalone, though.
That book was... everything I've ever hoped for when opening the pages of a historical romance : excellent characters with depth, wit, wonderful banter, a sexual tension off the charts and an irresistible attraction (no sex until the end, but it's worth waiting for), a story that keeps me turning the pages, wishing at the same time to reach the end and for the book to never end.
Wonderful discovery !
Damn, I'm forgetting, Goodreads doesn't want me to give 6 stars, but consider it done anyway.
Anyway, what are you doing here, reading my review ? Drop everything, go buy the book, read it - *now* !
This is the beginning of a new series, but there are some hints to previous stories related to characters in different series and I can't wait (I - can't - wait !!!!) to get back to them and read them all. I'm even willing to drop every book on my "next to read" list to devour everything Anna Bradley has ever written. It can be read as a standalone, though.
That book was... everything I've ever hoped for when opening the pages of a historical romance : excellent characters with depth, wit, wonderful banter, a sexual tension off the charts and an irresistible attraction (no sex until the end, but it's worth waiting for), a story that keeps me turning the pages, wishing at the same time to reach the end and for the book to never end.
Wonderful discovery !
September 9, 2018
This was cute.
It was one of the first books I've read where the hero was explained to have "dark desires" and while he didn't tie up the heroine. He did talk fairly honestly and about them and let her start to play with the idea. He also flat up said they weren't that dark.
That noted, while I do love the emotionally stunted hero's that don't know how to love. This guy skirted into just a jerk a few times. I think he did an okay job of redeeming himself.
I enjoyed the heroine, she was as clever as she claimed to be, she admitted her faults. But was confident in what she did. However she didn't stand out for me.
So over all. Cute, nothing super amazing though. Will defiantly read more of the author.
It was one of the first books I've read where the hero was explained to have "dark desires" and while he didn't tie up the heroine. He did talk fairly honestly and about them and let her start to play with the idea. He also flat up said they weren't that dark.
That noted, while I do love the emotionally stunted hero's that don't know how to love. This guy skirted into just a jerk a few times. I think he did an okay job of redeeming himself.
I enjoyed the heroine, she was as clever as she claimed to be, she admitted her faults. But was confident in what she did. However she didn't stand out for me.
So over all. Cute, nothing super amazing though. Will defiantly read more of the author.
February 8, 2018
More Or Less A Marchioness by Anna Bradley
Somerset Sisters #1
Twists and Turns
A wager
A secret tryst overheard
Can love be found in a match made without it?
This is an intriguing book with a debutante that has her blinders removed only to realize she wants more than her future may hold for her. Sure, a noble is something to aspire to for a husband but is it enough? Iris Somerset is not so sure after overhearing her bequeathed in the garden talking to his last mistress. And thus begins the pursuit of true love by two people in the ton. Do they want true love? Perhaps Iris does but Finn is one who only wants a woman to be his perfect Marchioness. What is expected versus what one desires is a prickly pear to deal with.
I enjoyed this book and would love to see a book about Lady Annabel Tallant in the future as well as some others mentioned in the book. I know we will see Violet and Hyacinth (sisters of Iris) in the future and am eager to find out who they end up with.
My main takeaway is that this book is a historical romance that is plausible. I loved Iris and her awakening and move toward being true to herself. I also liked the awakening of Finn and his coming into his own. Great story and well worth reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensginton Books – Lyrical Press for the ARC – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
Somerset Sisters #1
Twists and Turns
A wager
A secret tryst overheard
Can love be found in a match made without it?
This is an intriguing book with a debutante that has her blinders removed only to realize she wants more than her future may hold for her. Sure, a noble is something to aspire to for a husband but is it enough? Iris Somerset is not so sure after overhearing her bequeathed in the garden talking to his last mistress. And thus begins the pursuit of true love by two people in the ton. Do they want true love? Perhaps Iris does but Finn is one who only wants a woman to be his perfect Marchioness. What is expected versus what one desires is a prickly pear to deal with.
I enjoyed this book and would love to see a book about Lady Annabel Tallant in the future as well as some others mentioned in the book. I know we will see Violet and Hyacinth (sisters of Iris) in the future and am eager to find out who they end up with.
My main takeaway is that this book is a historical romance that is plausible. I loved Iris and her awakening and move toward being true to herself. I also liked the awakening of Finn and his coming into his own. Great story and well worth reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensginton Books – Lyrical Press for the ARC – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
July 2, 2018
3.5 stars
Grade=B-
Grade=B-
November 15, 2021
Loved this so much. Thoroughly enjoyed watching Iris grow as a character. Can't wait to read Violet's book!
January 15, 2018
We finally get to meet the younger Somerset sisters and they’re wonderful. This is Iris’, the middle of the 5 sisters, story. Her “hero” is the Marquess of Huntington (Finn). He has decided it’s time he marry but I won’t divulge how he picked Iris. Finn’s mother ran off to Scotland when he was young, then his father died, and he was shipped off to school. Unlike the loving home Iris grew up in until her parents were killed in an accident. He assumes Iris will be honored he proposed to her.
Iris, Violet and Hyacinth live with their grandmother in London. Iris understands she needs to marry and is very attracted to Finn though would like it if her fiancée kissed her. When she overhears him talking to his prior mistress she is hurt. She calls off the engagement but does not tell her family.
Finn can not believe she dumped him, a marquess!
Iris, Violet and their friend Honora are attending a house party at Charlotte and Julian’s estate. Charlotte’s brothers are married to Iris’s older sisters. Since Finn was invited to the house party she was going to, he decides to attend with his friend, Lord Derrick. Also at the party is Lady Anabel Tallant, a wicked widow who gives Iris advice and Honora’s cousin Lord Wrexley. Iris is annoyed Finn is there, but she is still attracted to him.
Iris and Finn do get back together, but many things happen along the way which I will not spoil. Best line from Finn to Iris: “You’re everything I never knew I wanted, and everything I can’t live without”. Thanks to Anna Bradley and her publisher for allowing me this ARC. No one required me to write this review. This book is out February 6th. I loved it!
Iris, Violet and Hyacinth live with their grandmother in London. Iris understands she needs to marry and is very attracted to Finn though would like it if her fiancée kissed her. When she overhears him talking to his prior mistress she is hurt. She calls off the engagement but does not tell her family.
Finn can not believe she dumped him, a marquess!
Iris, Violet and their friend Honora are attending a house party at Charlotte and Julian’s estate. Charlotte’s brothers are married to Iris’s older sisters. Since Finn was invited to the house party she was going to, he decides to attend with his friend, Lord Derrick. Also at the party is Lady Anabel Tallant, a wicked widow who gives Iris advice and Honora’s cousin Lord Wrexley. Iris is annoyed Finn is there, but she is still attracted to him.
Iris and Finn do get back together, but many things happen along the way which I will not spoil. Best line from Finn to Iris: “You’re everything I never knew I wanted, and everything I can’t live without”. Thanks to Anna Bradley and her publisher for allowing me this ARC. No one required me to write this review. This book is out February 6th. I loved it!
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