Early Review: More or Less a Countess by Anna Bradley

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.

 4 STARS

More or Less a Countess by Anna Bradley is a delightful read. Witty writing and engrossing characters sweep you away. Nicholas Balfour has returned to England to begin his duties as the Earl of Dare. A title and lifestyle Nicholas does not want. His dear grandmother insists he honor his duties, and begin a family.. Nicholas has no choice but to play along with his grandmother’s plans. He finally agrees to find a bride but only long enough to get an heir and return to Italy to live as he pleases. A case of mistaken identity places Violet Somerset in Nicholas’ cross hairs, setting into motion an unusual courting. But Violet has her own plans and Nicholas has no idea he is being played. That is, until Violet’s discovers the pleasures awaiting in the arms of a rogue and a rake. I enjoyed this historical romance. Violet is a fountain of information as we travel around Regency London. Her bold character was a breath of fresh air. I wish Nicholas had matured faster. He complained and sound a bit immature throughout the story. Although we learn why is he has so many self-doubts, it was difficult at times to like his character. Over all I thought this was a wonderful story and hope to read more in the series and from Anna Bradley.

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Publisher: Kessingtons
Pub Date: Aug. 7, 2018

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