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The Somerset Sisters #2
More or Less a Countess
Finding a worthy husband should be simple for three beautiful debutantes in Regency London. But the Somerset sisters have a way of making it delightfully complicated...
Violet Somerset has always preferred a library to a ballroom, but to please her grandmother she agreed to one London season. With nothing to show for it but heartbreak, she's reconciled to spinsterhood. Until a notorious rogue known as the Devil of Dare requests an introduction to her timid, gentle youngest sister, Hyacinth. Violet will do anything to stop the match—even if it means posing as Hyacinth herself.
Nicholas Balfour, the Earl of Dare, is enjoying the life of a rake far too much to take a wife. But he must keep his promise to his grandmother. He'll simply choose the meekest bride he can find, install her at his estate, then carry on as before. Hyacinth sounds perfect—until he discovers that her sweet demeanor hides the tongue of a viper and the mind of a bluestocking.
As Violet's ruse threatens to unravel, however, she may find the tables turned. Soon she may have no choice but to tolerate her handsome fiancée—or fall in love with him.
Violet Somerset has always preferred a library to a ballroom, but to please her grandmother she agreed to one London season. With nothing to show for it but heartbreak, she's reconciled to spinsterhood. Until a notorious rogue known as the Devil of Dare requests an introduction to her timid, gentle youngest sister, Hyacinth. Violet will do anything to stop the match—even if it means posing as Hyacinth herself.
Nicholas Balfour, the Earl of Dare, is enjoying the life of a rake far too much to take a wife. But he must keep his promise to his grandmother. He'll simply choose the meekest bride he can find, install her at his estate, then carry on as before. Hyacinth sounds perfect—until he discovers that her sweet demeanor hides the tongue of a viper and the mind of a bluestocking.
As Violet's ruse threatens to unravel, however, she may find the tables turned. Soon she may have no choice but to tolerate her handsome fiancée—or fall in love with him.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2018
304 people are currently reading
1218 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bradley
53 books848 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 205 reviews
September 6, 2018
I really, really enjoy Anna Bradley, and More or Less a Countess was another winner from her. If you love quirky female MCs and a slow-burn romance, this one is for you.
Something that always draws me to a book is a female MC that has personality and the macabre-loving Violet worked for me. I loved how she forced Nick on all of these crazy, dark adventures and how he tried to act reasonable about them the whole time. Violet was fun to read, and I liked the book it's best when it felt lighthearted and odd (in the best way).
Nick is the kind of self-loathing male MC that I'm a total sucker for. He is a rake and has deep pain (of course), and I loved seeing him fall in love with the vivacious Violet. I think they made an interesting pairing, and they worked for me as a couple.
I almost knocked this book down to 3.5 stars because of the (insert eye-roll) big misunderstanding, but I enjoyed the whole feel of the story so much that I decided to keep it as 4-stars. Even if you aren't familiar with the Somerset Sister series, you should have no problem jumping into this delightful story.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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Something that always draws me to a book is a female MC that has personality and the macabre-loving Violet worked for me. I loved how she forced Nick on all of these crazy, dark adventures and how he tried to act reasonable about them the whole time. Violet was fun to read, and I liked the book it's best when it felt lighthearted and odd (in the best way).
Nick is the kind of self-loathing male MC that I'm a total sucker for. He is a rake and has deep pain (of course), and I loved seeing him fall in love with the vivacious Violet. I think they made an interesting pairing, and they worked for me as a couple.
I almost knocked this book down to 3.5 stars because of the (insert eye-roll) big misunderstanding, but I enjoyed the whole feel of the story so much that I decided to keep it as 4-stars. Even if you aren't familiar with the Somerset Sister series, you should have no problem jumping into this delightful story.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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August 20, 2018
2.5 stars.
That's because I really wanted to love this novel, since the author's debut A Wicked Way to Win an Earl has become one of my recent new favourites. But this didn't live up to my expectations.
Maybe my expectations were too high and they shouldn't have been since the first in this series, More or Less a Marchioness was just average. Barbara and Jultri's reviews are very beautifully articulated so I'm just going to state why this didn't work for me personally:
1. I didn't like the MC's. The heroine was a bit too overbearing and obsessed with her schemes to publish her "fascinating" book for Bluestockings. She got herself, her maid and the H into danger because she didn't listen to their warnings about not going into dangerous places at night. I also didn't enjoy reading all the detailed scenes about the MC's "adventures" into old graveyards and scary places where they hanged people etc. I didn't like the H because I hate to read detailed sex scenes between a H and another woman. I must be fair and clarify that the sex scene occurred before the H met the heroine, so it's not as if he was cheating on her. And, it didn't bother the heroine, so sometimes ( if the rest of the novel is really good ) I try not to let it bother me. But the rest of the novel wasn't that great so I couldn't overcome my personal distaste for that full blown sex scene. What made it worse was that the heroine was hiding in the library and saw H ploughing Lady Uplands with his enchanted wood ! Lol. The heroine thought it was hilarious because she hadn't been introduced to him as yet.
2. The H kept thinking about returning to his Italian mistress Catalina, for the first 60% of the story. He even thought about her up to his marriage of convenience wedding day to the heroine, but it was more like he was trying to convince himself that Catalina was the one in his future in an effort to fight his feelings for the heroine.
3. The heroine impersonated her sister and could've gotten the latter's reputation ruined if the scheme came out. That was selfish. The heroine Violet didn't stop to think about the implications of her selfish actions.
4. The H was far too apathetic for the majority of the novel. He was more of a Beta H type because his elderly aunt had to organize his life for him ! He also seemed not to care who he slept with. He didn't sleep with any other woman after he got involved with the heroine though, but his past seemed seedier than that of the usual types of manwhore heroes. Hey, I'm no hypocrite ! I have totally loved lots of books with rakes and reformed rakes but it all depends on how the individual writer presents that hero. I just didn't like this one too much. I felt sorry for him but he seemed a little too weak to be the sort of H I admire. I don't really like heroes are filled with self pity.
5. The heroine was also infatuated with another man ( her friend's new husband ) for about the first half of the novel. There was never anything at all between her and the friend's husband. It had all been on the heroine's side; it didn't even seem that the friend's husband even knew that the heroine had been infatuated with him.
The good parts:
1.I enjoyed seeing the MC's from More or Less a Marchioness, whose baby has yet to be born ! And her sisters' cameo appearances were sweet too.
2. The angsty final quarter was enjoyable. In fact, it salvaged the book for me because it made the MC's a little more likable. However, it was not likable enough to make me raise the rating.
I really don't want to be too mean and that's why I've had this review on hold for over a week ! Hopefully, the next novel in the series will be better.
Safety: Technically there's no cheating BUT there's a sex scene between the H and another woman. It happens BEFORE the H meets the heroine. It might be a trigger for some readers. I wish authors would stop including such useless sex scenes. There are other ways of letting us know that a H is a rake, without actually showing him banging some OW while the heroine is spying on them. The heroine has a crush on another man but he's married to her friend and she's too honorable to do anything about it so she keeps it to herself. There's no OM. This is an excerpt from the sex scene between the H and Lady Uplands:
Of course. Violet didn’t feel even a flicker of surprise to find he was every bit the rake Honora said he was. “Oh, harder. Please, my lord…harder…” Lord Dare didn’t hesitate to accommodate this request, but shoved harder against her—so hard he shook the bookshelf, and a book came crashing from its place and tumbled to the floor. Violet smothered an indignant gasp, and it took all of her restraint not to hurl a pillow at his broad back. For goodness’ sake, the least they could do was mind the books. The lady was sighing and pleading with him not to stop, and then all at once she let out a keening cry that made Lord Dare shove his hand over her mouth. Her body shuddered against his, and then a few moments after she quieted Lord Dare’s hips went still, and he buried his face in the lady’s breasts to smother a guttural groan. Violet waited for something more to happen, but they only paused to catch their breath, then began to right their clothing.
Anna Bradley. More Or Less A Countess (The Somerset Sisters 2) by Anna Bradley (Kindle Locations 278-281). Kensington. Kindle Edition.
That's because I really wanted to love this novel, since the author's debut A Wicked Way to Win an Earl has become one of my recent new favourites. But this didn't live up to my expectations.
Maybe my expectations were too high and they shouldn't have been since the first in this series, More or Less a Marchioness was just average. Barbara and Jultri's reviews are very beautifully articulated so I'm just going to state why this didn't work for me personally:
1. I didn't like the MC's. The heroine was a bit too overbearing and obsessed with her schemes to publish her "fascinating" book for Bluestockings. She got herself, her maid and the H into danger because she didn't listen to their warnings about not going into dangerous places at night. I also didn't enjoy reading all the detailed scenes about the MC's "adventures" into old graveyards and scary places where they hanged people etc. I didn't like the H because I hate to read detailed sex scenes between a H and another woman. I must be fair and clarify that the sex scene occurred before the H met the heroine, so it's not as if he was cheating on her. And, it didn't bother the heroine, so sometimes ( if the rest of the novel is really good ) I try not to let it bother me. But the rest of the novel wasn't that great so I couldn't overcome my personal distaste for that full blown sex scene. What made it worse was that the heroine was hiding in the library and saw H ploughing Lady Uplands with his enchanted wood ! Lol. The heroine thought it was hilarious because she hadn't been introduced to him as yet.
2. The H kept thinking about returning to his Italian mistress Catalina, for the first 60% of the story. He even thought about her up to his marriage of convenience wedding day to the heroine, but it was more like he was trying to convince himself that Catalina was the one in his future in an effort to fight his feelings for the heroine.
3. The heroine impersonated her sister and could've gotten the latter's reputation ruined if the scheme came out. That was selfish. The heroine Violet didn't stop to think about the implications of her selfish actions.
4. The H was far too apathetic for the majority of the novel. He was more of a Beta H type because his elderly aunt had to organize his life for him ! He also seemed not to care who he slept with. He didn't sleep with any other woman after he got involved with the heroine though, but his past seemed seedier than that of the usual types of manwhore heroes. Hey, I'm no hypocrite ! I have totally loved lots of books with rakes and reformed rakes but it all depends on how the individual writer presents that hero. I just didn't like this one too much. I felt sorry for him but he seemed a little too weak to be the sort of H I admire. I don't really like heroes are filled with self pity.
5. The heroine was also infatuated with another man ( her friend's new husband ) for about the first half of the novel. There was never anything at all between her and the friend's husband. It had all been on the heroine's side; it didn't even seem that the friend's husband even knew that the heroine had been infatuated with him.
The good parts:
1.I enjoyed seeing the MC's from More or Less a Marchioness, whose baby has yet to be born ! And her sisters' cameo appearances were sweet too.
2. The angsty final quarter was enjoyable. In fact, it salvaged the book for me because it made the MC's a little more likable. However, it was not likable enough to make me raise the rating.
I really don't want to be too mean and that's why I've had this review on hold for over a week ! Hopefully, the next novel in the series will be better.
Safety: Technically there's no cheating BUT there's a sex scene between the H and another woman. It happens BEFORE the H meets the heroine. It might be a trigger for some readers. I wish authors would stop including such useless sex scenes. There are other ways of letting us know that a H is a rake, without actually showing him banging some OW while the heroine is spying on them. The heroine has a crush on another man but he's married to her friend and she's too honorable to do anything about it so she keeps it to herself. There's no OM. This is an excerpt from the sex scene between the H and Lady Uplands:
Of course. Violet didn’t feel even a flicker of surprise to find he was every bit the rake Honora said he was. “Oh, harder. Please, my lord…harder…” Lord Dare didn’t hesitate to accommodate this request, but shoved harder against her—so hard he shook the bookshelf, and a book came crashing from its place and tumbled to the floor. Violet smothered an indignant gasp, and it took all of her restraint not to hurl a pillow at his broad back. For goodness’ sake, the least they could do was mind the books. The lady was sighing and pleading with him not to stop, and then all at once she let out a keening cry that made Lord Dare shove his hand over her mouth. Her body shuddered against his, and then a few moments after she quieted Lord Dare’s hips went still, and he buried his face in the lady’s breasts to smother a guttural groan. Violet waited for something more to happen, but they only paused to catch their breath, then began to right their clothing.
Anna Bradley. More Or Less A Countess (The Somerset Sisters 2) by Anna Bradley (Kindle Locations 278-281). Kensington. Kindle Edition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2018
Why did I never read anything by this author before?!?! If anyone has any recommendations for her other books, please pretty please share them!
Seriously though.
This book is pretty much everything I love in a romance:
Mature characters who are both far from perfect and screw up all the time, yet find the courage to apologize, ask for help, make amends, and forgive. Check.
A heroine who screws up worse than the hero, is genuinely distraught by the pain she caused him, and sets out to regain his trust little by little, never wavering and determined to prove she can be trusted again? Yep!
Issues that stem from past hurt and lead to perfectly understandable conflict which is resolved by an honest conversation? Check!
Throw in some delicious banter, a rakish hero with a tendency to blush whenever the heroine asks one of her many many inappropriate questions but can't deny her the answers because he thinks she deserves to know them, and I am perfectly happy with a book.
"Everything seems different when I see it as you see it ... Looking at every moment as a possibilty, as another chance to be delighted, it feels like waking up from a drugged sleep. It feels like breathing again."
I loved these two together. They got off to a somewhat rocky start, and there were times where they both frustrated me, but I also laughed and cried with them, and seeing both of them growing and evolving was really wonderful. There was a bit of last-minute drama that I could've done without, but other than that, I absolutely loved it. I read it in one day and could hardly put it down. I seriously need to read more by this author!!
Still, this book might not be for everyone. Trigger warning re other woman:
*I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Seriously though.
This book is pretty much everything I love in a romance:
Mature characters who are both far from perfect and screw up all the time, yet find the courage to apologize, ask for help, make amends, and forgive. Check.
A heroine who screws up worse than the hero, is genuinely distraught by the pain she caused him, and sets out to regain his trust little by little, never wavering and determined to prove she can be trusted again? Yep!
Issues that stem from past hurt and lead to perfectly understandable conflict which is resolved by an honest conversation? Check!
Throw in some delicious banter, a rakish hero with a tendency to blush whenever the heroine asks one of her many many inappropriate questions but can't deny her the answers because he thinks she deserves to know them, and I am perfectly happy with a book.
"Everything seems different when I see it as you see it ... Looking at every moment as a possibilty, as another chance to be delighted, it feels like waking up from a drugged sleep. It feels like breathing again."
I loved these two together. They got off to a somewhat rocky start, and there were times where they both frustrated me, but I also laughed and cried with them, and seeing both of them growing and evolving was really wonderful. There was a bit of last-minute drama that I could've done without, but other than that, I absolutely loved it. I read it in one day and could hardly put it down. I seriously need to read more by this author!!
Still, this book might not be for everyone. Trigger warning re other woman:
*I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
August 29, 2018
3.5 Stars — rounding up because I liked the writing style and enjoyed the characters, overall.
This was my first read by Anna Bradley, and it is safe to say that it will not be my last. There were a couple plot points that didn’t quite make sense to me, but I liked the writing and flow enough to have some hope that she may be an author that I can enjoy, even when the story does not appeal as much as others, which is the best sort of find.
There was nothing terribly original to this story. The hero is a titled rake and the heroine is a bluestocking with gothic tastes. They meet when the hero, Nick, compliments Violet for her piano play, mistaking her for her younger sister Hyacinth. Apparently they look a lot alike, but it does not make sense that Hyacinth would have been known as Miss Somerset, with Violet being older Hyacinth should have been referred to as Miss Hyacinth, but no matter, it was an important plot point. Nick, spurred by his aunt, is on the lookout for a wife. The sooner he is married, the sooner he can return to Italy. Violet sees the opportunity to use him as an escort to places she would otherwise not be allowed to go, under the guise of Hyacinth, who Nick thinks he is courting. Slowly but surely Nick begins to appreciate Violet’s oddities and she realizes there is more to the rake than she first suspected.
There were a couple moments with misunderstandings that I could have done without, and it was a couple chapters too long. Overall, though, I enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more by this author.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first read by Anna Bradley, and it is safe to say that it will not be my last. There were a couple plot points that didn’t quite make sense to me, but I liked the writing and flow enough to have some hope that she may be an author that I can enjoy, even when the story does not appeal as much as others, which is the best sort of find.
There was nothing terribly original to this story. The hero is a titled rake and the heroine is a bluestocking with gothic tastes. They meet when the hero, Nick, compliments Violet for her piano play, mistaking her for her younger sister Hyacinth. Apparently they look a lot alike, but it does not make sense that Hyacinth would have been known as Miss Somerset, with Violet being older Hyacinth should have been referred to as Miss Hyacinth, but no matter, it was an important plot point. Nick, spurred by his aunt, is on the lookout for a wife. The sooner he is married, the sooner he can return to Italy. Violet sees the opportunity to use him as an escort to places she would otherwise not be allowed to go, under the guise of Hyacinth, who Nick thinks he is courting. Slowly but surely Nick begins to appreciate Violet’s oddities and she realizes there is more to the rake than she first suspected.
There were a couple moments with misunderstandings that I could have done without, and it was a couple chapters too long. Overall, though, I enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more by this author.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2018
So far, this series is not making a favourable impression on me, which is a real pity, because I liked Anna Bradley's earlier books. Violet Somerset is a blue-stocking and there's nothing wrong with that, because I'm a bit of a nerd myself. The problem is that the extent of her intellectual pursuit involves her pretentious, single-minded determination to write and illustrate a book for fellow bluestockings, which she had no real intention of publishing. And yet for the pursuit of researching and completing this book, she lied repeatedly to family members and the hero, she risked her safety and her reputation and that of others around her, and she hurt a lot of people in the process. All in all, for the majority of the story, Violet was an annoying, foolish twit - bluestocking in name only but without the wit and the intellect to go with it.
The hero had a bit more of my sympathy. Newly returned to England following his estranged father's passing, Nicholas Balfour planned to sort out his responsibilities as the new Earl of Dare with haste so that he could return back to Italy and his Italian mistress. Nick had suffered loss in the past and was still hurting, and his self-esteem had taken a nose-dive even though he was outwardly reputed to be a rake. I liked that he was compulsively protective of Violet, even when she did not deserve his care and consideration.
The banter between them lacked zest and sharp humour. The best dialogue was between Nick and his valet who managed to hide sly and insolent remarks behind obsequious words. The angst towards the last 30 % was a bit forced, but hey, I'm a angstophile, so I lapped it up without discrimination. I hated the fact that Violet witnessed Nick fully completing the the deed with random woman in the beginning of the novel. It's not cheating, I know, but it's still icky and unnecessary. Methinks, Ms Bradley has a thing for voyeurism given similar scenes in her previous novels.
The hero had a bit more of my sympathy. Newly returned to England following his estranged father's passing, Nicholas Balfour planned to sort out his responsibilities as the new Earl of Dare with haste so that he could return back to Italy and his Italian mistress. Nick had suffered loss in the past and was still hurting, and his self-esteem had taken a nose-dive even though he was outwardly reputed to be a rake. I liked that he was compulsively protective of Violet, even when she did not deserve his care and consideration.
The banter between them lacked zest and sharp humour. The best dialogue was between Nick and his valet who managed to hide sly and insolent remarks behind obsequious words. The angst towards the last 30 % was a bit forced, but hey, I'm a angstophile, so I lapped it up without discrimination. I hated the fact that Violet witnessed Nick fully completing the the deed with random woman in the beginning of the novel. It's not cheating, I know, but it's still icky and unnecessary. Methinks, Ms Bradley has a thing for voyeurism given similar scenes in her previous novels.
July 27, 2018
**** 4.5 Stars
Series: The Somerset Sisters #2
Publication Date: 8/7/18
This lovely romance is the story of a man with the lowest self-esteem I’ve read in a long time and a bluestocking who pursues knowledge for a book she is writing at almost any cost. It is well written, well-paced, and it is populated with well developed, very relatable characters. While it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. You’ll also appreciate many delightfully funny moments like a hilarious inappropriate discussion of ‘barrier devices’ (condoms) or – like –
“But damn it, how was a gentleman meant to embark on a courtship when the object of his pursuit was half-drowned in mud and so preoccupied with the skeletal remains of plague victims she hadn’t even noticed how utterly delightful he was?”
Nicholas Balfour, the Earl of Dare never expected to inherit the Earldom. That was to fall to his perfectly perfect brother Graham. No matter how hard Nick tried, he could never, ever be as good as Graham in anyone’s eyes – especially his father – and even his own. Nick had spent the last two years hiding from himself and presenting the picture of a debauched rake to everyone. Nick had tried to fill Graham’s shoes for a while, but nothing he did was ever good enough in his father’s eyes – so he left for the continent with no intention of ever returning to England. However, his aunt had different ideas – and she held the purse strings – because Nick’s father let the estate run into the ground and any monetary inheritance would come from her. So, if Nick wanted any income at all, he had to return to England, marry and produce an heir.
When Nick was first back in England he attended a social event at Lord Derrick’s home. There he notices a very shy young lady who plays the pianoforte like a virtuoso. Hmmmmm, Nick thinks he’s found the perfect bride – Hyacinth Somerset. He can marry her, get a child on her and leave for the continent once that duty is done. No fuss, no muss!
Violet Somerset endured one endless, tormenting season where she was ridiculed, mistreated and gossiped about because she was a bluestocking. There was no way Violet was ever going to endure another season and therefore, she would never marry. She was also heartbroken because the one man who had treated her well and who she had loved, had recently married her best friend. So, Violet’s one ambition was to finish the book she was writing and illustrating. All she needed were a few more sketches from places where ladies were not free to go.
Violet, Hyacinth and their grandmother attend a dinner at Lord Derrick’s home. Violet is a bit upset because Lord Derrick is the man she has loved and who is now married to her best friend. Then, a latecomer appears and is seated directly across from Violet’s sister Hyacinth. He is the notorious rake, Lord Dare. Then, later Lord Dare approaches Violet and asks if he can call on her – she knows he has mistaken her for Hyacinth. Well – there is absolutely no way she’s going to let this rake anywhere near her sweet, shy and lovely sister. So, she lets him continue to think she is Hyacinth and tells him he is not welcome to call on her. That, of course, doesn’t stop Lord Dare.
Nick becomes more and more intrigued with ‘Hyacinth’ and Violet continues to let him believe she is Hyacinth while she allows him to escort her to places she wouldn’t normally be able to go. She also begins to care for Nick and knows that she has to tell him who she really is – but she’s afraid she’ll lose him and he’ll pursue the real Hyacinth. She knows he’ll find out sooner or later and when he does . . .
Poor Nick is so troubled and if it was possible to grab his father from the grave and murder him – I would. He always made Nick feel as if he were second best and was unworthy of love – especially his father’s. I hate all Nick had to go through to get his HEA, but he is a lovely, lovely hero and I really liked him.
For me, this was a 5-star read for most of the book. I did deduct a half of a star because the ‘big misunderstanding’ scene seemed contrived to me. For an overnight stop, there is no way a footman would mistakenly unload ALL of the trunks from the carriage. I mean – goodness – he’d just be creating work for himself and then he’d have to re-load them all the next morning. Then – the maid employed by the coaching inn wouldn’t be unpacking ALL of those trunks for an overnight stay. Actually, she wouldn’t be unpacking them at all – Violet’s lady’s maid would unpack only what she needed. So – half a star deduction.
I highly recommend this book – and this series.
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"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."
Series: The Somerset Sisters #2
Publication Date: 8/7/18
This lovely romance is the story of a man with the lowest self-esteem I’ve read in a long time and a bluestocking who pursues knowledge for a book she is writing at almost any cost. It is well written, well-paced, and it is populated with well developed, very relatable characters. While it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. You’ll also appreciate many delightfully funny moments like a hilarious inappropriate discussion of ‘barrier devices’ (condoms) or – like –
“But damn it, how was a gentleman meant to embark on a courtship when the object of his pursuit was half-drowned in mud and so preoccupied with the skeletal remains of plague victims she hadn’t even noticed how utterly delightful he was?”
Nicholas Balfour, the Earl of Dare never expected to inherit the Earldom. That was to fall to his perfectly perfect brother Graham. No matter how hard Nick tried, he could never, ever be as good as Graham in anyone’s eyes – especially his father – and even his own. Nick had spent the last two years hiding from himself and presenting the picture of a debauched rake to everyone. Nick had tried to fill Graham’s shoes for a while, but nothing he did was ever good enough in his father’s eyes – so he left for the continent with no intention of ever returning to England. However, his aunt had different ideas – and she held the purse strings – because Nick’s father let the estate run into the ground and any monetary inheritance would come from her. So, if Nick wanted any income at all, he had to return to England, marry and produce an heir.
When Nick was first back in England he attended a social event at Lord Derrick’s home. There he notices a very shy young lady who plays the pianoforte like a virtuoso. Hmmmmm, Nick thinks he’s found the perfect bride – Hyacinth Somerset. He can marry her, get a child on her and leave for the continent once that duty is done. No fuss, no muss!
Violet Somerset endured one endless, tormenting season where she was ridiculed, mistreated and gossiped about because she was a bluestocking. There was no way Violet was ever going to endure another season and therefore, she would never marry. She was also heartbroken because the one man who had treated her well and who she had loved, had recently married her best friend. So, Violet’s one ambition was to finish the book she was writing and illustrating. All she needed were a few more sketches from places where ladies were not free to go.
Violet, Hyacinth and their grandmother attend a dinner at Lord Derrick’s home. Violet is a bit upset because Lord Derrick is the man she has loved and who is now married to her best friend. Then, a latecomer appears and is seated directly across from Violet’s sister Hyacinth. He is the notorious rake, Lord Dare. Then, later Lord Dare approaches Violet and asks if he can call on her – she knows he has mistaken her for Hyacinth. Well – there is absolutely no way she’s going to let this rake anywhere near her sweet, shy and lovely sister. So, she lets him continue to think she is Hyacinth and tells him he is not welcome to call on her. That, of course, doesn’t stop Lord Dare.
Nick becomes more and more intrigued with ‘Hyacinth’ and Violet continues to let him believe she is Hyacinth while she allows him to escort her to places she wouldn’t normally be able to go. She also begins to care for Nick and knows that she has to tell him who she really is – but she’s afraid she’ll lose him and he’ll pursue the real Hyacinth. She knows he’ll find out sooner or later and when he does . . .
Poor Nick is so troubled and if it was possible to grab his father from the grave and murder him – I would. He always made Nick feel as if he were second best and was unworthy of love – especially his father’s. I hate all Nick had to go through to get his HEA, but he is a lovely, lovely hero and I really liked him.
For me, this was a 5-star read for most of the book. I did deduct a half of a star because the ‘big misunderstanding’ scene seemed contrived to me. For an overnight stop, there is no way a footman would mistakenly unload ALL of the trunks from the carriage. I mean – goodness – he’d just be creating work for himself and then he’d have to re-load them all the next morning. Then – the maid employed by the coaching inn wouldn’t be unpacking ALL of those trunks for an overnight stay. Actually, she wouldn’t be unpacking them at all – Violet’s lady’s maid would unpack only what she needed. So – half a star deduction.
I highly recommend this book – and this series.
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"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."
October 27, 2022
It was okay. I don’t think I’ll continue the series as they do not sound interesting.
March 20, 2023
I picked this book on a whim and was surprised at how engaging it is. In the beginning I was like "oh no, maybe I will have to read book #1 to understand this one better" but after a while you start to fully understand it all and it was super funny.
The heroine was an amazing bluestocking that made huuuuuge mistakes without meaning to hurt anybody but hurt people she did. The hero was a rake that thought he was the lowest of them all. A very fragile ego but deep down a cute heart with gentleman intentions, even if he was childish sometimes.
Spoilers:
What surprised me most was the hero's inability to take the next step with our heroine until he believed on her feelings. That was so out of character of most people that I was intrigued to know him better.
The heroine was an amazing bluestocking that made huuuuuge mistakes without meaning to hurt anybody but hurt people she did. The hero was a rake that thought he was the lowest of them all. A very fragile ego but deep down a cute heart with gentleman intentions, even if he was childish sometimes.
Spoilers:
What surprised me most was the hero's inability to take the next step with our heroine until he believed on her feelings. That was so out of character of most people that I was intrigued to know him better.
December 4, 2025
I thrive in deepest angst rivers
I love to swim in them, explore them, bask in them.
More or Less a Countess is an angst fest... and I hate that I loved it. Ok, that sounds strange, hear me out.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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I love to swim in them, explore them, bask in them.
More or Less a Countess is an angst fest... and I hate that I loved it. Ok, that sounds strange, hear me out.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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July 24, 2018
Watch out for promises to Grandmothers!
She’d rather be a spinster but promises she’ll attend one London season.
He enjoys the life of a rake but promises he will wed.
Nicholas Balfour, Earl of Dare, has found the perfect meek, mild miss to be his wife. He’ll marry her and place her in the country leaving him free to return to his rakish ways in London. Except his miss isn’t as mild and meek as he thinks.
A case of mistaken identity gives Violet Somerset the perfect opportunity to protect her sweet and innocent sister from the Devil of Dare. What she learns about the man goes against all she knows.
As Violet’s ruse and Nicholas’ pursuit continues, feelings start to change. When the truth comes out can love conquer all?
Delightful tale by Anna Bradley! A heroine with a spine of steel and the will to protect a loved one and a hero who’s tough on the outside with a deep sense of family love, loyalty, and enough compassion to forgive.
She’d rather be a spinster but promises she’ll attend one London season.
He enjoys the life of a rake but promises he will wed.
Nicholas Balfour, Earl of Dare, has found the perfect meek, mild miss to be his wife. He’ll marry her and place her in the country leaving him free to return to his rakish ways in London. Except his miss isn’t as mild and meek as he thinks.
A case of mistaken identity gives Violet Somerset the perfect opportunity to protect her sweet and innocent sister from the Devil of Dare. What she learns about the man goes against all she knows.
As Violet’s ruse and Nicholas’ pursuit continues, feelings start to change. When the truth comes out can love conquer all?
Delightful tale by Anna Bradley! A heroine with a spine of steel and the will to protect a loved one and a hero who’s tough on the outside with a deep sense of family love, loyalty, and enough compassion to forgive.
March 26, 2022
4.5 stars
August 6, 2018
I Loved this story "More or Less a Countess" and it will be put on my all time favorite and re read list.
Nick The Earl of Dare is heir to an Ancient Title. He has been summoned back to England by his Aunt Lady Westcott. She demands he marries an begets a heir to protect this Ancient Title. Dare thinks this will be easy he will marry have an heir and then return to his mistress in Italy.
Violet Somerset is a bluestocking and she is writing a illustrated book of some pretty gory scenes and events that happened in England. She has stolen away in the library at ball. She witness Dare have sexual encounter with Lady Upland.
Nick after hearing Hyacinth Somerset playing on the piano forte and seeing her beautiful looks decide she is the one he will marry. But he doesn't know she has a sister Violet who is very different in demeanor but with a strong resemblance in looks.
OMG the beginning of this story had me laughing and in tears at times it was so funny. Nick and Violet are the perfect book couple and you will fall in love with both of them. The dialog between the characters is interesting and written quiet well.
The whole story centers on the Nick and Violet who for the longest time thinks he is Hyacinth Somerset. You will find yourself rooting for them to make it there budding relationship work. But they do have quiet a few obstacles to overcome.
This is a romantic, sensuous enthralling love story. I will be re reading it again an again!!
Nick The Earl of Dare is heir to an Ancient Title. He has been summoned back to England by his Aunt Lady Westcott. She demands he marries an begets a heir to protect this Ancient Title. Dare thinks this will be easy he will marry have an heir and then return to his mistress in Italy.
Violet Somerset is a bluestocking and she is writing a illustrated book of some pretty gory scenes and events that happened in England. She has stolen away in the library at ball. She witness Dare have sexual encounter with Lady Upland.
Nick after hearing Hyacinth Somerset playing on the piano forte and seeing her beautiful looks decide she is the one he will marry. But he doesn't know she has a sister Violet who is very different in demeanor but with a strong resemblance in looks.
OMG the beginning of this story had me laughing and in tears at times it was so funny. Nick and Violet are the perfect book couple and you will fall in love with both of them. The dialog between the characters is interesting and written quiet well.
The whole story centers on the Nick and Violet who for the longest time thinks he is Hyacinth Somerset. You will find yourself rooting for them to make it there budding relationship work. But they do have quiet a few obstacles to overcome.
This is a romantic, sensuous enthralling love story. I will be re reading it again an again!!
August 9, 2018
This is the second book I’ve read in the Somerset Sisters (after More Or Less A Marchioness) and I really, really liked Violet, the heroine. Violet is a bluestocking, and proud of it. She refuses to simper or make mindless conversation, and consequently most of the shallow young men of London have shunned her. Not that she cares; she’s far too busy writing her book, a guide for young ladies coming to London. Hilariously, she wants to include chapters on history and is determined to thoroughly research some of the more gruesome parts of it, an enormous problem given her very strict and proper grandmother’s rules for behaviour.
When Nicholas, Earl of Dare mistakes her for her shyer sister Hyacinth, Violet decides to take advantage of his offer to take her driving and makes him take her to a cemetery. In need of a well-bred wife, Nick is rather intrigued despite himself by Violet’s eccentricities. His willingness to escort her to places no lady could ever go alone offers Violet something too exciting to resist - freedom. She knows she should tell him the truth, but she can’t quite bring herself to do it.
Of course, things eventually come crashing down on Violet at the worst possible moment and in the worst possible way. She finds herself married to a very, very angry Nick, who in my opinion behaves like an utter hypocrite at this point. He started courting Violet with the full intention of wooing her into a loveless marriage, getting her pregnant and abandoning her while he returned to Italy to live with his mistress. Being angry with her because she misled him to what her first name was seems pretty pathetic. He then manages to compound the disaster by having a fit of jealousy on their wedding night and telling her about his plan to return to Italy and his mistress, which is definitely a case of the pot calling the kettle back, especially considering Violet’s innocence.
It wouldn’t be a romance without a happy ending, of course, and it’s a good one. Nick gets over himself and apologises properly, Violet accepts him for who he is even though there are a few more misunderstandings along the way. I really liked the way it was all resolved, with a proper understanding reached between the pair.
Anna Bradley really knows her stuff historically and there were some great (and hilarious!) facts deftly woven into the story, many of them obscure but tempting the reader to further research. Despite many years in London, I’d never heard of the Hunterian Museum, for example, now the museum of the Royal College of Surgeons.
Despite the hero being an utter hypocrite on several occasions during the story, the properly epic level of suffering he achieved and the suitable grovel at the end made me forgive him entirely, and I was very satisfied that Nick and Violet would get their HEA. This was superbly written with lots of conflict, historical detail and great characters growing into each other’s best match. Five stars for a thoroughly entertaining - and educational! - read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
When Nicholas, Earl of Dare mistakes her for her shyer sister Hyacinth, Violet decides to take advantage of his offer to take her driving and makes him take her to a cemetery. In need of a well-bred wife, Nick is rather intrigued despite himself by Violet’s eccentricities. His willingness to escort her to places no lady could ever go alone offers Violet something too exciting to resist - freedom. She knows she should tell him the truth, but she can’t quite bring herself to do it.
Of course, things eventually come crashing down on Violet at the worst possible moment and in the worst possible way. She finds herself married to a very, very angry Nick, who in my opinion behaves like an utter hypocrite at this point. He started courting Violet with the full intention of wooing her into a loveless marriage, getting her pregnant and abandoning her while he returned to Italy to live with his mistress. Being angry with her because she misled him to what her first name was seems pretty pathetic. He then manages to compound the disaster by having a fit of jealousy on their wedding night and telling her about his plan to return to Italy and his mistress, which is definitely a case of the pot calling the kettle back, especially considering Violet’s innocence.
It wouldn’t be a romance without a happy ending, of course, and it’s a good one. Nick gets over himself and apologises properly, Violet accepts him for who he is even though there are a few more misunderstandings along the way. I really liked the way it was all resolved, with a proper understanding reached between the pair.
Anna Bradley really knows her stuff historically and there were some great (and hilarious!) facts deftly woven into the story, many of them obscure but tempting the reader to further research. Despite many years in London, I’d never heard of the Hunterian Museum, for example, now the museum of the Royal College of Surgeons.
Despite the hero being an utter hypocrite on several occasions during the story, the properly epic level of suffering he achieved and the suitable grovel at the end made me forgive him entirely, and I was very satisfied that Nick and Violet would get their HEA. This was superbly written with lots of conflict, historical detail and great characters growing into each other’s best match. Five stars for a thoroughly entertaining - and educational! - read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
March 25, 2022
3.5 stars
The romance was so cute but the number of misunderstandings near the end pissed me off.
The romance was so cute but the number of misunderstandings near the end pissed me off.
August 20, 2018
3.25 stars
This author really like to establish the stud status of all her heroes by making them do sexual stuff with OW before they meet h, which h know of, bizarre and unnecessary IMO. I have enjoyed previous books by this author but in this I felt there was no sizzle between the characters. And then don't get me started on the contrived misunderstandings in the last 30%.
This author really like to establish the stud status of all her heroes by making them do sexual stuff with OW before they meet h, which h know of, bizarre and unnecessary IMO. I have enjoyed previous books by this author but in this I felt there was no sizzle between the characters. And then don't get me started on the contrived misunderstandings in the last 30%.
August 4, 2018
More or Less a Countess is the second book in The Somerset Sisters series by Anna Bradley. It can be read as a standalone but if you are anything like me you will want to read each of the sisters' stories.
Violet Somerset is a bluestocking. She would rather spend time sketching unusual subjects for the book she is writing rather than socialising or pursuing feminine pursuits such as embroidery. In looks, she is very similar to her younger sister Hyacinth, but that's where the similarities end. Hyacinth is a sweet, quiet young lady who excels at playing the pianoforte.
Nicholas Balfour is the Earl of Dare, and he has been enjoying his life as a rake, living it up in Italy and keeping a very attractive mistress. His aunt demands he comes back to England to sort out his estate and to find a wife. She has somebody in mind for the role but Nicholas is adamant that he choose his own wife. He will pick a woman who will be happy to beget his heir and be left to her own devices while he goes back to Italy to enjoy his life.
At a ball he sees Hyacinth Somerset playing the pianoforte. She is pleasant to look at and her talent is breathtaking. She seems demure and he thinks she will make the perfect undemanding type of wife he is looking for. All he needs is to find somebody to introduce them so that he can begin his courtship. Before an introduction can be arranged after the ball comes to an end he sees her on her own collecting her wrap. He can't let the opportunity past and introduces himself to her. He asks if he can call on her and to his shock she actually says no! What he doesn't realise is that he has confused the sisters and the woman he is actually talking to is Violet. She knows his reputation and knows he is nowhere good enough for her sweet sister, which is why she tells him not to call on her.
Nicholas, never one to be told what to do and determined that Hyacinth would be the perfect wife, ignores her and calls for her the next day. Circumstances work out so that Violet is still able to pretend to be her sister. She realises too that it could work to her advantage to spend some time with him, getting him to take her places for her research and sketching at the same time as making sure that he keeps away from her sister. Problems arise when she finds herself attracted to him, and to his surprise Nicholas finds himself feeling more for her than he thought he would. Maybe it isn't love to begin with but they definitely feel a lot of lust for each other. It's the worst thing that could happen, isn't it?
I really enjoyed this story, not least because of the unusual places that Violet asked Nicholas to take her, and the times he had to play hero to keep her safe. There were lots of interesting facts about London and it's more gruesome areas all interspersed with the growing romance of our main characters. I had no idea how they could have a happy ever after when they both had secrets to hide but I was thrilled with how the author had it work out for them. It was believable and it was wonderful and I was left with a big smile on my face when the book ended. There was only one place in the book where there was a bit of an inconsistency with a scene, but other than that the book was perfect and I am definitely going to read the others in the series.
Violet Somerset is a bluestocking. She would rather spend time sketching unusual subjects for the book she is writing rather than socialising or pursuing feminine pursuits such as embroidery. In looks, she is very similar to her younger sister Hyacinth, but that's where the similarities end. Hyacinth is a sweet, quiet young lady who excels at playing the pianoforte.
Nicholas Balfour is the Earl of Dare, and he has been enjoying his life as a rake, living it up in Italy and keeping a very attractive mistress. His aunt demands he comes back to England to sort out his estate and to find a wife. She has somebody in mind for the role but Nicholas is adamant that he choose his own wife. He will pick a woman who will be happy to beget his heir and be left to her own devices while he goes back to Italy to enjoy his life.
At a ball he sees Hyacinth Somerset playing the pianoforte. She is pleasant to look at and her talent is breathtaking. She seems demure and he thinks she will make the perfect undemanding type of wife he is looking for. All he needs is to find somebody to introduce them so that he can begin his courtship. Before an introduction can be arranged after the ball comes to an end he sees her on her own collecting her wrap. He can't let the opportunity past and introduces himself to her. He asks if he can call on her and to his shock she actually says no! What he doesn't realise is that he has confused the sisters and the woman he is actually talking to is Violet. She knows his reputation and knows he is nowhere good enough for her sweet sister, which is why she tells him not to call on her.
Nicholas, never one to be told what to do and determined that Hyacinth would be the perfect wife, ignores her and calls for her the next day. Circumstances work out so that Violet is still able to pretend to be her sister. She realises too that it could work to her advantage to spend some time with him, getting him to take her places for her research and sketching at the same time as making sure that he keeps away from her sister. Problems arise when she finds herself attracted to him, and to his surprise Nicholas finds himself feeling more for her than he thought he would. Maybe it isn't love to begin with but they definitely feel a lot of lust for each other. It's the worst thing that could happen, isn't it?
I really enjoyed this story, not least because of the unusual places that Violet asked Nicholas to take her, and the times he had to play hero to keep her safe. There were lots of interesting facts about London and it's more gruesome areas all interspersed with the growing romance of our main characters. I had no idea how they could have a happy ever after when they both had secrets to hide but I was thrilled with how the author had it work out for them. It was believable and it was wonderful and I was left with a big smile on my face when the book ended. There was only one place in the book where there was a bit of an inconsistency with a scene, but other than that the book was perfect and I am definitely going to read the others in the series.
July 4, 2018
Dare, a notorious rouge, wishes an introduction to Violet's shy sister. In order to protect her, Violet poses as her sister - but things backfire. Enjoyed the story.
August 8, 2018
This was a delightful find! 4.5*
What does my reading heart crave?
Finding new author's that can satisfy all my cravings, then give me *more,* that's what!
Witty, charming, clever and insightful dialogs appropriate for the character's station, circumstances, and of the period. Interesting secondary characters, even the butler pulled his weight!
And that dazzling cover ;)
The plot is paced well and that "damn book" gets everyone into trouble! Where would the fun be without shenanigans?
New-to-me author, Anna Bradley, gave me that *more* in Nick, Lord Dare, and Violet, Miss Somerset's story.
“Seeing things as you see them, looking at every moment as a possibility, as another chance to be delighted…it feels like waking up from a drugged sleep. It feels like breathing again.”
For much of the story I didn't know whom needed a thorough throttling more, Violet for her stubborn foolishness or Nick for being a self indulgent arse. Both acting like spoiled petulant children, along with all those escapades with that "damn book," had me wondering if there could ever be a HEA.
The author's storytelling really shines in character development as she slowly, ever so deliciously, gives way to Violet and Nick's self doubts, loneliness and longings with tidbits of unexpected kindness, camaraderie, and purpose.
There was so much *more* for my reading ♡ to enjoy.
I did not read any previous stories about the Somerset sisters, so it is easily read as a standalone.
I will be reading more from this author in the near future.
*ARC received through Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review *
What does my reading heart crave?
Finding new author's that can satisfy all my cravings, then give me *more,* that's what!
Witty, charming, clever and insightful dialogs appropriate for the character's station, circumstances, and of the period. Interesting secondary characters, even the butler pulled his weight!
And that dazzling cover ;)
The plot is paced well and that "damn book" gets everyone into trouble! Where would the fun be without shenanigans?
New-to-me author, Anna Bradley, gave me that *more* in Nick, Lord Dare, and Violet, Miss Somerset's story.
“Seeing things as you see them, looking at every moment as a possibility, as another chance to be delighted…it feels like waking up from a drugged sleep. It feels like breathing again.”
For much of the story I didn't know whom needed a thorough throttling more, Violet for her stubborn foolishness or Nick for being a self indulgent arse. Both acting like spoiled petulant children, along with all those escapades with that "damn book," had me wondering if there could ever be a HEA.
The author's storytelling really shines in character development as she slowly, ever so deliciously, gives way to Violet and Nick's self doubts, loneliness and longings with tidbits of unexpected kindness, camaraderie, and purpose.
There was so much *more* for my reading ♡ to enjoy.
I did not read any previous stories about the Somerset sisters, so it is easily read as a standalone.
I will be reading more from this author in the near future.
*ARC received through Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review *
December 3, 2018
I was charmed...
...by this rather wonderful story of the proverbial bad boy, driven to action because he never measured up, and the wayward Bluestocking who despite all odds worms her way into a small corner of his heart.
Nicholas Balfour, the Earl of Dare, had never met anyone like Hyacinth Somerset, but then he didn't meet Hyacinth he met her sister Violet who is certainly one of a kind. And Violet determined to teach this rake a lesson doesn't dispel Nick's understanding that he's meeting with Hyacinth. After 'all a lady didn’t marry a gentleman who mistook her for her sister.'
Violet is the middle of a grand effort, producing a book about London entitled 'A Treatise on London for Bluestockings and Adventuresses,' and the Earl of Dare has arrived just in time to become a model for the chapter “Gentlemen, Rakes, and Rakes who Pose as Gentlemen”. What fun!
The jaded Nick finds himself drawn pellmell into Violet's world, and surprisingly finds himself challenged by this petite, beautiful woman with a surprising intellect.
Of course the lively plot is ripe for misunderstandings and disappointments.
A rather delicious read!
A NetGalley ARC
...by this rather wonderful story of the proverbial bad boy, driven to action because he never measured up, and the wayward Bluestocking who despite all odds worms her way into a small corner of his heart.
Nicholas Balfour, the Earl of Dare, had never met anyone like Hyacinth Somerset, but then he didn't meet Hyacinth he met her sister Violet who is certainly one of a kind. And Violet determined to teach this rake a lesson doesn't dispel Nick's understanding that he's meeting with Hyacinth. After 'all a lady didn’t marry a gentleman who mistook her for her sister.'
Violet is the middle of a grand effort, producing a book about London entitled 'A Treatise on London for Bluestockings and Adventuresses,' and the Earl of Dare has arrived just in time to become a model for the chapter “Gentlemen, Rakes, and Rakes who Pose as Gentlemen”. What fun!
The jaded Nick finds himself drawn pellmell into Violet's world, and surprisingly finds himself challenged by this petite, beautiful woman with a surprising intellect.
Of course the lively plot is ripe for misunderstandings and disappointments.
A rather delicious read!
A NetGalley ARC
August 8, 2018
I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It’s part of a series but can be read as a standalone (however, you’d be missing out on a great story).
More or less a Countess didn’t disappoint, yet I had great expectations (and fears) after adoring « More or less a Marchioness ». By the way, I’m impatiently waiting for the next in line (november 2018) - Anna Bradley has jumped on my favorite authors shelf very quickly !
What surprised me in a good way is that if we start with a rake, Nick, at least this time he’s a plausible one. Usually, when the romantic hero in a historical romance is a no-good womanizer, he falls in love so quickly with the heroin that we can hardly see his dastardly ways. Here, I could completely see Nick as a bored dandy willing to do anything to catch a wife before Violet claimed his heart. And I anticipated with glee each time Gibbs woke Nick up in the morning – priceless !
And Violet ! Wanting to protect her sister, and a bit unnerved that Nick can’t tell them apart, she takes the opportunity to do whatever she wants to do (visiting a graveyard, which, needless to say, Nick didn’t expect at all) undercover of his protection – well, more or less. She manipulates him, yes, but after all, he was only after her sister to marry and sire an heir, so they’re even. And his reactions made me laugh !
I could see them getting used to each other, enjoying each other’s company before they really fell in love. There are two parts in this novel and the first and main part (the courtship) is funny and light – I laughed often - while the second part (when they’re getting married) was a bit angstier, but not as much as to detract me from the book. I loved these characters to pieces and I longed for their HEA – no disturbing me while I was reading them or I’d have been willing to bite !
And when the going got tough, I really appreciated that instead of sulking or reacting in a stupid way, they were both willing to talk and confront their point of views. There is a bit of an issue near the end, but it was resolved very quickly so I didn’t mind.
As a conclusion, I’d say this is a thrilling, entertaining, unputdownable read that you won’t regret to have picked up !
More or less a Countess didn’t disappoint, yet I had great expectations (and fears) after adoring « More or less a Marchioness ». By the way, I’m impatiently waiting for the next in line (november 2018) - Anna Bradley has jumped on my favorite authors shelf very quickly !
What surprised me in a good way is that if we start with a rake, Nick, at least this time he’s a plausible one. Usually, when the romantic hero in a historical romance is a no-good womanizer, he falls in love so quickly with the heroin that we can hardly see his dastardly ways. Here, I could completely see Nick as a bored dandy willing to do anything to catch a wife before Violet claimed his heart. And I anticipated with glee each time Gibbs woke Nick up in the morning – priceless !
And Violet ! Wanting to protect her sister, and a bit unnerved that Nick can’t tell them apart, she takes the opportunity to do whatever she wants to do (visiting a graveyard, which, needless to say, Nick didn’t expect at all) undercover of his protection – well, more or less. She manipulates him, yes, but after all, he was only after her sister to marry and sire an heir, so they’re even. And his reactions made me laugh !
I could see them getting used to each other, enjoying each other’s company before they really fell in love. There are two parts in this novel and the first and main part (the courtship) is funny and light – I laughed often - while the second part (when they’re getting married) was a bit angstier, but not as much as to detract me from the book. I loved these characters to pieces and I longed for their HEA – no disturbing me while I was reading them or I’d have been willing to bite !
And when the going got tough, I really appreciated that instead of sulking or reacting in a stupid way, they were both willing to talk and confront their point of views. There is a bit of an issue near the end, but it was resolved very quickly so I didn’t mind.
As a conclusion, I’d say this is a thrilling, entertaining, unputdownable read that you won’t regret to have picked up !
April 30, 2024
4⭐️ This was a delight to read! SOMEONE please tell me why I have never read a book by this author before!?😱 The british humor was on point! This book made me laugh out loud!!! Out loud!!! Do you know how hard that is? It’s one thing to be amused while reading a funny scene, but it’s very rare that I come across an author that has the skill to literally make me laugh out loud. So yeah, I had a blast reading this! 🙌🏻😂
Spoilers!
The story follows our mmc Nick, a very handsome, jaded rake (obviously 😂) who lives a life of debauchery because he tries to forget his past. And then there’s our unconventional, sensible, but beautiful (of course☝🏻😏) fmc, Violet, who was recently heartbroken and tries to recover from it by writing a book.
Nick is under a lot of pressure from his aunt to finally settle down, so he decides to get the matter sorted out as quickly as possible. His plan is to find a suitable wife, get her pregnant and THEN to return to his beautiful mistress in Italy. I wasn’t even surprised by that, because that sort of thinking is very common amongst our regency rakes who want a MOC! 😂🤷🏻♀️
He sets his mind on the lovely Hyacinth Somerset and starts pursuing her! Or so he thought! Because instead, he is unknowingly courting her older sister Violet. What I love most about this book is that the fmc wasn’t instantly besotted with him. Yes, she acknowledged that he was a handsome man, but she wasn’t dumbstruck by his charm or good looks.
I was fully prepared to rate it 5 ✨perfect✨stars, but Nick’s boorish behavior towards the end of the book, kept me from doing that. And it’s not the fact that he was a complete jerk that bothered me, I was fine with that, it’s that his behavior wasn’t truly justified. I get it, the author tried to use his unresolved issues to create angst and give him some depth, to make the reader understand why he behaved the way he did. But instead he only managed to annoy me with his unreasonable childish tantrums and his unwillingness to trust Violet even though she tried to reassure him again and again!
Also, I was kind of indifferent to Nick’s struggles since we were only TOLD a couple of details here and there. I would have wanted to see a glimpse into his past, to understand exactly what went on with his father, what was sooo bad that made him behave the way he did. Idk the whole thing just wasn’t executed well enough.
Overall, it was a well written MOC (keep in mind that they only get married in the second half of the book) romance with great banter, endearing moments, some steamy scenes and a touch of (albeit poorly executed) angst. I devoured it!🤩 🤌🏻🙌🏻
Izzah, thanks again for the rec!☺️
Ps: English is not my first language, so I apologize for my grammatical errors ✌🏻
Spoilers!
The story follows our mmc Nick, a very handsome, jaded rake (obviously 😂) who lives a life of debauchery because he tries to forget his past. And then there’s our unconventional, sensible, but beautiful (of course☝🏻😏) fmc, Violet, who was recently heartbroken and tries to recover from it by writing a book.
Nick is under a lot of pressure from his aunt to finally settle down, so he decides to get the matter sorted out as quickly as possible. His plan is to find a suitable wife, get her pregnant and THEN to return to his beautiful mistress in Italy. I wasn’t even surprised by that, because that sort of thinking is very common amongst our regency rakes who want a MOC! 😂🤷🏻♀️
He sets his mind on the lovely Hyacinth Somerset and starts pursuing her! Or so he thought! Because instead, he is unknowingly courting her older sister Violet. What I love most about this book is that the fmc wasn’t instantly besotted with him. Yes, she acknowledged that he was a handsome man, but she wasn’t dumbstruck by his charm or good looks.
I was fully prepared to rate it 5 ✨perfect✨stars, but Nick’s boorish behavior towards the end of the book, kept me from doing that. And it’s not the fact that he was a complete jerk that bothered me, I was fine with that, it’s that his behavior wasn’t truly justified. I get it, the author tried to use his unresolved issues to create angst and give him some depth, to make the reader understand why he behaved the way he did. But instead he only managed to annoy me with his unreasonable childish tantrums and his unwillingness to trust Violet even though she tried to reassure him again and again!
Also, I was kind of indifferent to Nick’s struggles since we were only TOLD a couple of details here and there. I would have wanted to see a glimpse into his past, to understand exactly what went on with his father, what was sooo bad that made him behave the way he did. Idk the whole thing just wasn’t executed well enough.
Overall, it was a well written MOC (keep in mind that they only get married in the second half of the book) romance with great banter, endearing moments, some steamy scenes and a touch of (albeit poorly executed) angst. I devoured it!🤩 🤌🏻🙌🏻
Izzah, thanks again for the rec!☺️
Ps: English is not my first language, so I apologize for my grammatical errors ✌🏻
August 7, 2018
Violet Somerset has no desire to marry now that the man she "loved" married her friend, but a promise is a promise, she will attend a season to make her grandmother happy.
Nick Belfour, the Earl of Dare is looking for a bride, he never expected to inherit and doesn't feel worthy of the title, it should have gone to his older brother - the perfect son. But Nick needs money to save his estates and thinks he has found the perfect bride - Hyacinth Somerset - she is pretty, sweet and biddable - he can marry her, save his estate and leave her in the country while he returns to his rakish life in London.
But when Nick mistakes Violet for Hyacinth, he will get a lot more than he bargained for. Violet is determined to save her sister from Nick at any cost - including letting him continue to believe she is Hyacinth. She tries to push him away, but Nick has decided that she (Hyacinth) is the bride he wants and isn't going down without a fight. They spend time together and Nick realizes that she is not remotely biddable, but instead of being repelled, it makes her that much more attractive to him. Violet also has a change of heart, but will her lie ruin any hope of a HEA?
This is well written story with wonderfully flawed characters, some hilarious dialogue, misunderstandings, emotional healing and finally a HEA. This is the second book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Nick Belfour, the Earl of Dare is looking for a bride, he never expected to inherit and doesn't feel worthy of the title, it should have gone to his older brother - the perfect son. But Nick needs money to save his estates and thinks he has found the perfect bride - Hyacinth Somerset - she is pretty, sweet and biddable - he can marry her, save his estate and leave her in the country while he returns to his rakish life in London.
But when Nick mistakes Violet for Hyacinth, he will get a lot more than he bargained for. Violet is determined to save her sister from Nick at any cost - including letting him continue to believe she is Hyacinth. She tries to push him away, but Nick has decided that she (Hyacinth) is the bride he wants and isn't going down without a fight. They spend time together and Nick realizes that she is not remotely biddable, but instead of being repelled, it makes her that much more attractive to him. Violet also has a change of heart, but will her lie ruin any hope of a HEA?
This is well written story with wonderfully flawed characters, some hilarious dialogue, misunderstandings, emotional healing and finally a HEA. This is the second book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
July 8, 2024
Heroine: Violet Somerset, age unknown.
Hero: Nicholas Balfour, age unknown. Nickname: Nick. Earl of Dare.
Date: 1817
How they meet: Nick arrives late to a dinner party Violet is attending. Nick is the friend of a man Violet had a crush on, but who went on to marry one of her friends instead. He has recently returned from Italy.
What happens: Nick is a second son, so he had never expected to inherit his title. He is now being pressured by his aunt to marry. His intention is to find a suitable young woman he won’t care about to marry and provide him with an heir, then he will return to his mistress in Italy. He sets his sights on Violet’s innocent younger sister at the dinner party, but later mistakes Violet for her younger sister. She doesn’t correct him because she wants to protect her sister from him, knowing he is a complete rogue. Nick pays a call, again confusing Violet for her younger sister. She is very dismissive of him, hoping to discourage him permanently.
Verdict: This book ended up being a bit of a surprise, with a change in tone for about the last quarter with some unexpected emotional depth. In the beginning of the book, the hero is arrogant and so disengaged from his feelings that there isn’t much to like about him. He has plans to find a wife, then abandon her for his mistress once she’s pregnant. Early on, there is a scene where which I know some readers will not like. The heroine is eccentric and a bit naïve about the risks she takes. She also comes across as pretty self-involved. She lets the hero’s status as a rake justify her not treating him very well. There are a number of pretty funny moments in the book between the two and also involving the servants. They end up in a marriage of convenience against the wishes of the heroine and from that point the story morphs into a deep emotional journey for the hero. His self-loathing, driven by grief over his brother’s death and the disappointment his father felt towards him, leads him to sabotage his new marriage at every turn. The heroine is quite determined to help him pull out of his darkness and ultimately brings about a breakthrough for the hero. They both experience some personal growth during the last quarter of the book, although realistically retain a bit of insecurity about their fledgling relationship. The course of their intimate relationship provides an interesting element to the storytelling. This is the second book in the series. The hero and heroine from book 1 appear in this one, but I think it still reads fine as a standalone.
Steam level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
Hero: Nicholas Balfour, age unknown. Nickname: Nick. Earl of Dare.
Date: 1817
How they meet: Nick arrives late to a dinner party Violet is attending. Nick is the friend of a man Violet had a crush on, but who went on to marry one of her friends instead. He has recently returned from Italy.
What happens: Nick is a second son, so he had never expected to inherit his title. He is now being pressured by his aunt to marry. His intention is to find a suitable young woman he won’t care about to marry and provide him with an heir, then he will return to his mistress in Italy. He sets his sights on Violet’s innocent younger sister at the dinner party, but later mistakes Violet for her younger sister. She doesn’t correct him because she wants to protect her sister from him, knowing he is a complete rogue. Nick pays a call, again confusing Violet for her younger sister. She is very dismissive of him, hoping to discourage him permanently.
Verdict: This book ended up being a bit of a surprise, with a change in tone for about the last quarter with some unexpected emotional depth. In the beginning of the book, the hero is arrogant and so disengaged from his feelings that there isn’t much to like about him. He has plans to find a wife, then abandon her for his mistress once she’s pregnant. Early on, there is a scene where which I know some readers will not like. The heroine is eccentric and a bit naïve about the risks she takes. She also comes across as pretty self-involved. She lets the hero’s status as a rake justify her not treating him very well. There are a number of pretty funny moments in the book between the two and also involving the servants. They end up in a marriage of convenience against the wishes of the heroine and from that point the story morphs into a deep emotional journey for the hero. His self-loathing, driven by grief over his brother’s death and the disappointment his father felt towards him, leads him to sabotage his new marriage at every turn. The heroine is quite determined to help him pull out of his darkness and ultimately brings about a breakthrough for the hero. They both experience some personal growth during the last quarter of the book, although realistically retain a bit of insecurity about their fledgling relationship. The course of their intimate relationship provides an interesting element to the storytelling. This is the second book in the series. The hero and heroine from book 1 appear in this one, but I think it still reads fine as a standalone.
Steam level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
August 11, 2018
More or Less a Countess by Anna Bradley is book Two in The Somerset Sisters series. This is the story of Violet Somerset and Nicholas Balfour, the Earl of Dare. I have read the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone if you wish to do so.
Violet is set to become a spinster since the town doesn't like her for being a Bluestocking and besides the one man she thought liked her has now married her best friend. When at a dinner party Nicholas shows up and seems interested in her younger sister Hyacinth. Violet knows he is a awful rake and doesn't want him near her young sister so when he assume she is Hyacinth she goes along with it. Nicholas was never given much love or self respect I felt which added to his self doubt and worth. So he just did what everyone expected him to do. But now he has to marry and produce an heir to satisfy family to keep up his lifestyle. So he thought Hyacinth would be the perfect choice a shy, quite girl to marry, place in one of his homes and then just do what he wants. But Violet/Hyacinth isn't so easy.
Loved reading their story and can't wait for the next book in this series.
Violet is set to become a spinster since the town doesn't like her for being a Bluestocking and besides the one man she thought liked her has now married her best friend. When at a dinner party Nicholas shows up and seems interested in her younger sister Hyacinth. Violet knows he is a awful rake and doesn't want him near her young sister so when he assume she is Hyacinth she goes along with it. Nicholas was never given much love or self respect I felt which added to his self doubt and worth. So he just did what everyone expected him to do. But now he has to marry and produce an heir to satisfy family to keep up his lifestyle. So he thought Hyacinth would be the perfect choice a shy, quite girl to marry, place in one of his homes and then just do what he wants. But Violet/Hyacinth isn't so easy.
Loved reading their story and can't wait for the next book in this series.
December 1, 2021
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
More or Less a Countess
Anna Bradley
My favorite of Anna Bradley's books so far. I've been powering through her books in series order for the last week or so. I started with "A Wicked Way to Win an Earl" and am almost done with all 8 in the intertwined series of the Sutherlands and Somersets.
Violet is right in line with the archetype of characters I love-- she's an unapologetic bluestocking and trying to.. (gasp) write a book. But, Nick (Lord Dare) was the reason that I LOVED this one. He had such a sweet, loving soul hidden underneath his pain and his rakish exterior.
One thing I love about Bradley's writing is that she does an equally good job of internal dialogue and ACTUAL dialogue. The characters ACTUALLY talk to each other...and then they sort it out by sharing their real feelings with each other, even if there are the inevitable delays or misunderstandings along the way.
Also, if you haven't read any Bradley yet....she writes great, steamy love scenes 🔥and unlike many HRs, the women are often the initiators, in a way that flows perfectly with the thread of the story.
Enjoy!
My Casting:
Violet: Elizabeth Olsen
Nick, Lord Dare: Chace Crawford
Hyacinth: Emma Roberts
Lady Chase: Barbara Bush
Iris: Amanda Seyfried
Finn, Marquess of Huntington: Luke Bracey
More or Less a Countess
Anna Bradley
My favorite of Anna Bradley's books so far. I've been powering through her books in series order for the last week or so. I started with "A Wicked Way to Win an Earl" and am almost done with all 8 in the intertwined series of the Sutherlands and Somersets.
Violet is right in line with the archetype of characters I love-- she's an unapologetic bluestocking and trying to.. (gasp) write a book. But, Nick (Lord Dare) was the reason that I LOVED this one. He had such a sweet, loving soul hidden underneath his pain and his rakish exterior.
One thing I love about Bradley's writing is that she does an equally good job of internal dialogue and ACTUAL dialogue. The characters ACTUALLY talk to each other...and then they sort it out by sharing their real feelings with each other, even if there are the inevitable delays or misunderstandings along the way.
Also, if you haven't read any Bradley yet....she writes great, steamy love scenes 🔥and unlike many HRs, the women are often the initiators, in a way that flows perfectly with the thread of the story.
Enjoy!
My Casting:
Violet: Elizabeth Olsen
Nick, Lord Dare: Chace Crawford
Hyacinth: Emma Roberts
Lady Chase: Barbara Bush
Iris: Amanda Seyfried
Finn, Marquess of Huntington: Luke Bracey
March 4, 2019
This was a really good story with a true blue stocking heroine and believably wounded hero though not ridiculously so. There's a small time when the heroine's great personality slips but it comes back. This could've been a great one but the slow burn was drawn out to such an extent that it was like a book version of a cock tease.
June 15, 2024
I LOVE THIS SO MUCHHH
violet is SO MEEEE BECAUSE WOW NO ONE IS GOING TO LOVE ME AND THAT'S OKAY😣💔 BUT MAN I NEED MYSELF A NICHOLAS SIRRRR WHAT A FINE COUGH GENTLEMAN YOU ARE.
this book is soO FUNNY then it was SUPER ANGSTY MY STOMACH WAS FLIPPING LIKE CRAZY😭😭😭
"I just...I can't believe you did this for me."
"But...don't you know, Violet? I'd do anything for you."
I CRIED I LOVE THEM BOTH SO MUCH MY TORTURED BABES 🫂
violet is SO MEEEE BECAUSE WOW NO ONE IS GOING TO LOVE ME AND THAT'S OKAY😣💔 BUT MAN I NEED MYSELF A NICHOLAS SIRRRR WHAT A FINE COUGH GENTLEMAN YOU ARE.
this book is soO FUNNY then it was SUPER ANGSTY MY STOMACH WAS FLIPPING LIKE CRAZY😭😭😭
"I just...I can't believe you did this for me."
"But...don't you know, Violet? I'd do anything for you."
I CRIED I LOVE THEM BOTH SO MUCH MY TORTURED BABES 🫂
January 5, 2024
I really liked this and the conflict was legit but it dragged a little bit during the third act drama or I would rate it higher. It was cute and I liked the characters, great bluestocking and rake pairing.
August 30, 2023
Jeeze, how many times can these two get mad at each other?
July 17, 2025
3.25
I enjoyed some of the angsty bits. This was the typical rake meets bluestocking trope.
I enjoyed some of the angsty bits. This was the typical rake meets bluestocking trope.
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