What do you think?
Rate this book
Brides of Somerset #1
The Earl's Reluctant Bride
Susan Hamilton accepts the Earl of Malmesbury's fake betrothal determined to escape a forced marriage as her world falls apart.
Susan runs rather than being forced into marriage. She would rather earn her living scrubbing floors than marry the young despot her father has picked.
James, the Earl of Malmesbury returning from the war, happens upon a carriage accident and rescues the stranded Susan.
James offers Susan a way out for reasons of his own and convinces her to become his pretend betrothed to throw off her evil pursuer.
They embark on the London Season escorted by James' mother when Susan suddenly inherits a fortune from her dead Grandfather whom she has never met. Independent at last, she no longer needs James' help and offers to release him.
Can James persuade his reluctant bride to make their marriage real when Susan captures his heart?
Escape with a Clean and Wholesome Historical Regency for some seriously sweet romance.
Each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone but will be a richer experience read in order.Always a sweet and happy ending.
Clean, sweet without losing the heat of the romance!
Brides of Somerset:
The Earl's Reluctant Bride
Courting Eliza
Lady Abigale's Wager
Isabella's Promise
Susan runs rather than being forced into marriage. She would rather earn her living scrubbing floors than marry the young despot her father has picked.
James, the Earl of Malmesbury returning from the war, happens upon a carriage accident and rescues the stranded Susan.
James offers Susan a way out for reasons of his own and convinces her to become his pretend betrothed to throw off her evil pursuer.
They embark on the London Season escorted by James' mother when Susan suddenly inherits a fortune from her dead Grandfather whom she has never met. Independent at last, she no longer needs James' help and offers to release him.
Can James persuade his reluctant bride to make their marriage real when Susan captures his heart?
Escape with a Clean and Wholesome Historical Regency for some seriously sweet romance.
Each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone but will be a richer experience read in order.Always a sweet and happy ending.
Clean, sweet without losing the heat of the romance!
Brides of Somerset:
The Earl's Reluctant Bride
Courting Eliza
Lady Abigale's Wager
Isabella's Promise
234 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2019
220 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Karen Lynne
13 books8 followersAs Karen Lynne, I write sweet historical romances, regency period being my favorite. Encouraged by my daughter Johanna Evelyn a clean contemporary romance author to write my own stories, so I decided to write my first series. I love history and have been reading hundreds of romances since high school. Timeless authors where the hero and heroine are virtuous with sweet happy endings.
When I am not writing, I enjoy time with my sweetheart, my children and grandchildren and long lunches with my two reading buddies. You know who you are.
Gardening vegetables and fruits in my garden and living in our 1863 stone cottage set in the Rocky Mountains. Life is good!
When I am not writing, I enjoy time with my sweetheart, my children and grandchildren and long lunches with my two reading buddies. You know who you are.
Gardening vegetables and fruits in my garden and living in our 1863 stone cottage set in the Rocky Mountains. Life is good!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 8, 2019
The beginning of this little story is a choppy mess. I almost put it down. It felt like you jumped into the story in the middle. The writing of the whole book could have had a little help but over all it gets better and flows better. It is a sweet regency romance with some nice elements. Nothing that really stood out to me tho. I am a sucker for arranged marriage or fake fiancee' so I stuck it out.
January 28, 2020
This is the 1st book I read by Karen Lynne. I liked Susan's character. I felt sorry for Susan. I liked James's character. I felt this story was missing romance 💏.
April 19, 2019
This was a sweet, clean story of love and romance.
Susan's father had remarried and his new wife didn't want Susan around. She had been promised to a horrible man who would make her life miserable by her father and his new wife. In an attempt to escape her fate, Susan left immediately after her father's wedding to stay with her friend, Abby. During her travels, her carriage was involved in an accident and a handsome man had come to her rescue. There was something about him that touched her.
James, the Earl of Malmesbury, was on his way home when he witnessed an accident and a carriage that turned over in a ditch. He rescued a woman and her maid inside and was touched by the beauty of the woman he rescued. Later, they were formally introduced while staying with Abby and her aunt.
Susan and James began to spend time together and when James learned of her fate, he proposed in order to protect her until she reached her majority and could decide for herself who and what she wanted. But, was it possible that a fake engagement could become real? Was love something that grow under false pretenses?
I loved that Susan was a strong woman who knew what she wanted and James was kind and patient and protective. It was the perfect mix for this couple.
I received an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Susan's father had remarried and his new wife didn't want Susan around. She had been promised to a horrible man who would make her life miserable by her father and his new wife. In an attempt to escape her fate, Susan left immediately after her father's wedding to stay with her friend, Abby. During her travels, her carriage was involved in an accident and a handsome man had come to her rescue. There was something about him that touched her.
James, the Earl of Malmesbury, was on his way home when he witnessed an accident and a carriage that turned over in a ditch. He rescued a woman and her maid inside and was touched by the beauty of the woman he rescued. Later, they were formally introduced while staying with Abby and her aunt.
Susan and James began to spend time together and when James learned of her fate, he proposed in order to protect her until she reached her majority and could decide for herself who and what she wanted. But, was it possible that a fake engagement could become real? Was love something that grow under false pretenses?
I loved that Susan was a strong woman who knew what she wanted and James was kind and patient and protective. It was the perfect mix for this couple.
I received an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
April 18, 2020
A sweet, slow-burn romance, with a happily-ever-after ending. Karen Lynne brilliantly executes the “fake engagement” trope in a Regency romance setting-- no easy task! Susan Hamilton wants to avoid marrying the low-life wastrel her new stepmother has picked out for her. James, the Earl of Malmesbury, wants to teach his greedy cousin, his heir presumptive, to stop acting like he already owns the family fortune. James’ solution: to propose a fake engagement, which will end at the conclusion of the Season, when Susan comes of age and is able to choose her own fate. By then, James hopes his rascally cousin will be better behaved, and Susan will be an independent woman. But neither one of them expects feelings to develop for each other during their time in London society. When Susan finds out that James struck a financial deal with her father to get him to agree to the engagement, will she be able to accept it, or will she write him off as just another man who wants to buy her like a piece of property?
July 30, 2019
This is the first story I've read by this author and I really liked it. It has a typical theme of forced marriage escaped from and a willing man to rescue her, but there are some nice side notes to the story too. I liked that there wasn't a lot of conflict between Susan and the Earl (I can't remember his name). He is very easy going while she struggles with trusting him because so many men in her life have let her down. Her friends are faithful and the Earl's mother is a stabilizing factor in the background.
This is a clean read.
This is a clean read.
March 28, 2020
Enjoyable Read
An entertaining start to a series. The main characters Susan Hamilton, and James, Earl of Malmesbury, were charming and well developed. My word Susan' new stepmother was a witch of the first order and her father was greedy and weak willed, it was a good thing Susan was surrounded by kind friends, and of course meeting James was the icing on the cake for her. After one or two hiccups Susan found her Happy Ever After.
Well done Karen and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I would thoroughly recommend this book.
An entertaining start to a series. The main characters Susan Hamilton, and James, Earl of Malmesbury, were charming and well developed. My word Susan' new stepmother was a witch of the first order and her father was greedy and weak willed, it was a good thing Susan was surrounded by kind friends, and of course meeting James was the icing on the cake for her. After one or two hiccups Susan found her Happy Ever After.
Well done Karen and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I would thoroughly recommend this book.
December 10, 2019
The Earls Reluctant Bride
When I got around to read this book, I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were amazing, and the author developed their personality from the very first paragraph. I loved it and couldn't put it down. There is also a suprise after you have finished. The only this I saw was some grammatical errors, but they don't t interfere with the pleasure of the story!
When I got around to read this book, I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were amazing, and the author developed their personality from the very first paragraph. I loved it and couldn't put it down. There is also a suprise after you have finished. The only this I saw was some grammatical errors, but they don't t interfere with the pleasure of the story!
January 1, 2020
Rescuing his bride
Susan has been advised by her new stepmother that she has to marry a man that she doesn't like before her father and stepmother comes back from their honeymoon. While running away to her friend she has an accident meeting a gentleman who helps her on her way. Susan has no idea that James will play a huge part in her life. Readers should enjoy this book which I thoroughly recommend to all who love great romantic stories.
Susan has been advised by her new stepmother that she has to marry a man that she doesn't like before her father and stepmother comes back from their honeymoon. While running away to her friend she has an accident meeting a gentleman who helps her on her way. Susan has no idea that James will play a huge part in her life. Readers should enjoy this book which I thoroughly recommend to all who love great romantic stories.
December 15, 2019
Okay
I don't know if it's just because I had such a connection to a previously read book, or if I just am not in the mood for a novel such as this one- but I did not feel the pull to this novel that I normally do when I am reading a new novel. I will definitely have to try again later.
I don't know if it's just because I had such a connection to a previously read book, or if I just am not in the mood for a novel such as this one- but I did not feel the pull to this novel that I normally do when I am reading a new novel. I will definitely have to try again later.
March 18, 2020
Saved
This is a very well book written by Karen Lynne and I enjoyed reading it. A father new marriage, an ultimatum, a unwanted betrothal, a wanted betrothal, falling in love, hurting, attempted kidnapping, saved, upset, leaving for home and a lot more. Will there be a happy ever after? I would recommend this book to everyone. Buy it and enjoy.
This is a very well book written by Karen Lynne and I enjoyed reading it. A father new marriage, an ultimatum, a unwanted betrothal, a wanted betrothal, falling in love, hurting, attempted kidnapping, saved, upset, leaving for home and a lot more. Will there be a happy ever after? I would recommend this book to everyone. Buy it and enjoy.
September 16, 2019
A Cinderella Story
I enjoyed this sweet romance with its delightful characters dealing with some not so scrupulous characters. Am interesting plot and a good ending, thanks to the countess.
I enjoyed this sweet romance with its delightful characters dealing with some not so scrupulous characters. Am interesting plot and a good ending, thanks to the countess.
December 22, 2019
Definitely sweet
Delightful romance but with plenty of drama. I love the feisty women, don't get much of that in the Regency era. The element of danger added to the rules of the time and women as commodity.
Delightful romance but with plenty of drama. I love the feisty women, don't get much of that in the Regency era. The element of danger added to the rules of the time and women as commodity.
February 27, 2020
A lovely story
I enjoyed this gentle story, of two finding each other. I really liked our Hero and his kind and gentle manner but I also liked our heroine growing a little spunk. An enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this gentle story, of two finding each other. I really liked our Hero and his kind and gentle manner but I also liked our heroine growing a little spunk. An enjoyable read.
March 15, 2020
This was recommended to me by a friend. I have to say I was disappointed. This was a published book but I found several spelling and grammatical errors. I thought this was just disjointed and didn’t flow well.
October 24, 2020
Always run
How a father can turn from a loving and kind man, into one man who can sell his daughter to a vile man is beyond me! But all she can do is flee to her best friend for safety. Very good read with all the twist and turns you need!
How a father can turn from a loving and kind man, into one man who can sell his daughter to a vile man is beyond me! But all she can do is flee to her best friend for safety. Very good read with all the twist and turns you need!
February 19, 2021
Very sweet romance!
Loved these characters and how they hands their problems. The story was well paced even if shorter than I wanted. Glad to follow these characters to the next book. Recommended reading!
Loved these characters and how they hands their problems. The story was well paced even if shorter than I wanted. Glad to follow these characters to the next book. Recommended reading!
April 15, 2019
The story was good and the main characters were well done, but desperately needs an editor.
Punctuation is lacking in places. Words are misused, as well as a few modern words used.
Punctuation is lacking in places. Words are misused, as well as a few modern words used.
December 5, 2019
Descriptive
It’s always fun to immerse oneself in a descriptive historical move. You’ll like the characters here and wish them well.
It’s always fun to immerse oneself in a descriptive historical move. You’ll like the characters here and wish them well.
December 6, 2019
Distracting typos
Although the story was good, the typos and punctuation where it didn’t belong was too distracting to make it truly enjoyable.
Although the story was good, the typos and punctuation where it didn’t belong was too distracting to make it truly enjoyable.
December 9, 2019
Lovely
Amazing book, I loved reading this, being pulled into time with ladies and gentlemen looking for something in love and hope
Amazing book, I loved reading this, being pulled into time with ladies and gentlemen looking for something in love and hope
December 18, 2019
Good
I liked this book. It held my interest and the characters were believable. I liked the story and enjoyed the interactions of the characters and the romance was inspiring.
I liked this book. It held my interest and the characters were believable. I liked the story and enjoyed the interactions of the characters and the romance was inspiring.
December 25, 2019
A sweet and clean Regency read with just enough tension to make a difference.
Good story line with strong characters
Good story line with strong characters
February 10, 2020
Very good
I enjoyed this book very much. It was clean, interesting, well written, true to the period, light and easy to read. More please
I enjoyed this book very much. It was clean, interesting, well written, true to the period, light and easy to read. More please
May 1, 2020
Sweet story
Liked the story. Many grammar issues. Kind of slow start however go better. Predictable but that’s OK. sweet regency romance
Liked the story. Many grammar issues. Kind of slow start however go better. Predictable but that’s OK. sweet regency romance
May 26, 2020
It was a sweet Regency Romance
I have just started reading Regency Romance and books like this one make me glad I have. This book was such a joy to read. I loved it.
I have just started reading Regency Romance and books like this one make me glad I have. This book was such a joy to read. I loved it.
September 25, 2020
I took off a star for editing errors, of which there are many. Like random punctuation throughout the whole book. The story was okay.
May 21, 2021
Great story!
There wasn't anything I disliked about this book. Filled with hope of love revealed between two very special characters. Definitely worth reading.
There wasn't anything I disliked about this book. Filled with hope of love revealed between two very special characters. Definitely worth reading.
November 4, 2021
An enjoyable Regency romance novella. Well written.
July 25, 2020
Cute, clean read. Likable characters. Hero was a little too much of a mama’s boy in the end for me. There were parts that felt robotic. For as many pages as the book has there was a quite a bit covered, and was a well put together story. This was a quick and light read that was pretty entertaining.
September 26, 2019
Good
I found this a good book. Susan is a strong character. She doesn't want to marry her Father's choice and gets help from her new acquaintance the Earl of Malmesbury.
I found this a good book. Susan is a strong character. She doesn't want to marry her Father's choice and gets help from her new acquaintance the Earl of Malmesbury.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews