A beautiful debutante in Regency London seems destined to make a good match. But the Somerset sisters have made courtship and matrimony a deliciously scandalous affair . . . Hyacinth Somerset’s debut is the most anticipated event of the season, as it will be the reclusive young lady’s first public appearance. But within moments of being asked to dance by a dashing stranger, Hyacinth calls him a … dashing stranger, Hyacinth calls him a murderer, then faints dead away! Now all the ton is a aflutter over Hyacinth’s baffling shun of their most intriguing newcomer—the wildly handsome Lachlan Ramsey . . .
Recently arrived from Scotland, Lachlan only wishes to claim his place in society to secure his sister’s future. When that is threatened by the accusations of a hapless slip of a girl, he will do anything protect his family. Yet it appears Hyacinth has only damaged her own hopes, inspiring the label of hysteric—and ultimately inspiring Lachlan to shelter her from harm. Now if only there were a defense for the surge of feeling he has every time Hyacinth turns her gaze his way. If only there were a way to make her his—while keeping the true secret in his past from destroying everything—and everyone—he cares about . . .
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I absolutely adore Anna Bradley’s Somerset Sisters series, and More or Less a Temptress brings even more heat and heart to her Regency world. Hyacinth and Lachlan are a couple worth cheering for. If you like feisty heroines and dashing (Scottish!) heroes, with a dash of murder mystery thrown in, you’ll love this witty, spark-filled romance.
Totally delightful 3rd book in series of the Somerset sister’s. Hyacinth is the youngest sister and shy and over protected by her sister’s and grandmother. But enter the hero who makes her blossom into the person she really is deep inside. He wants to protect her like everyone else in her life. But Hyacinth wants to protect him. You fall in love with the characters. Love the humor and intrigue along with the romance. Highly recommend all of this authors books.I haven’t read one I didn’t love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this third book in the Somerset Sisters series. It is excellently written and the characters were very likable. I say that with just a little surprise because I had read some of the reviews and had expected to thoroughly dislike the heroine. That was not the case, but maybe that is because I actually knew a person with many of the anxiety and panic issues with which our heroine dealt. It wasn’t a situation she chose, it was just who she was. She was not my favorite heroine, but I loved seeing her grow and learn to handle her issues.
Hyacinth Somerset is the last unmarried Somerset sister. All of her other sisters have married in love and scandal, but surely that won’t be the case for sweet, kind, loving, excessively shy and panic driven Hyacinth. Hyacinth had been extremely shy and reserved all of her life. She also had a stutter and was teased mercilessly by other children. Then, at the tender age of fifteen, the fragile and emotionally vulnerable Hyacinth lost her parents suddenly and tragically. Hyacinth just withdrew into herself. She even quit speaking. As she was rebounding from that tragedy, her sisters and grandmother began to coddle her – excessively. They were constantly making her rest or taking her to Brighton to keep her from being ‘overwrought’. After so many years, Hyacinth just bought into all of that, because her family loved her and knew her best, so surely they knew what was wrong with her – besides, it was just easier to go along than it was to actually deal with problems, people and issues.
Lachlan Ramsey, his brother, Ciaran, and his sister, Isla needed to escape Scotland. A horrible event had ruined them in the eyes of their community. As their mother lay dying, she grieved for the tragedy that had engulfed her family, so she imparted some family secrets to Lachlan so he could save them all. That information shocked, saddened and dismayed Lachlan, but he had to share it with his siblings and then do as his mother asked.
Ciaran and Isla were shocked to learn that their parentage wasn’t what they’d thought. Ciaran was particularly belligerent because his betrothed had just dumped him in a cruel and hateful way, and now he learns his family isn’t what he thought it was. Being a big, brawny Highlander who was constantly enraged, he started drinking to excess and brawling with Lachlan.
Coincidentally, the Ramsey’s and Hyacinth’s family were at the Horse and Groom Inn as each family was making their way to London. As had become his habit, Ciaran got very, very drunk. Then, he accused a Lord of cheating at cards and Lachlan had to drag him out before Ciaran ended up in a duel. Ciaran chose to start a brawl, a brutal and bloody one, with Lachlan right in the Inn-yard. Hyacinth had snuck out of her room and stepped outside for some fresh air – just in time to witness the brawl. As she watches, both men become bloodier and bloodier. When one of them is finally knocked out, the other drags him off. Hyacinth immediately believes she’s witnessed a murder – there was just too much blood for him not to be dead – and he didn’t get up again.
A couple of days later, Hyacinth is at a ball, hiding behind a large column, and she sees the murderer. He is staring right at her. Then, he starts toward her! Panic!!! Will he murder her too? Everybody in the ballroom seems to be watching and listening. Especially when Hyacinth says, “You… you k—killed him. You’re a m—m—murderer.” Then she promptly fainted.
That was the beginning of Lachlan and Hyacinth’s relationship. It is hard to picture those two managing to get together and fall in love, but they manage to do it. What I loved was seeing Hyacinth’s struggle and growth and seeing Lachlan encouraging and supporting her. I thought it was a lovely, lovely story.
Was it a perfect story? No. But I thoroughly enjoyed it and nothing about it troubled me overmuch. I thought Lachlan was a little too quick to forgive Hyacinth. Then, at one point, when explaining the Ramsey family, the author says that Ciaran is a bastard. That would NOT be correct – at least not legally. Ciaran’s mother was legally married and that husband did not renounce the child. So, legally Ciaran is the legitimate son of his mother and her husband, even though that husband is not the physical father.
I also had trouble swallowing the details behind the Ramsey’s need to flee Scotland. Given what happened, I absolutely cannot fathom every person in that village turning violently against the Ramseys – especially those friends they had known and loved all of their lives. I just don’t buy it. There were a couple of other things – but – all were minor.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and absolutely loved Hyacinth’s journey into strength and self-reliance.
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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.”
I’m in disbelief, this can’t be the end of the series. I’m invested in the Sutherland/Somerset families. I like them, want to be friends and have house parties. I know they’re not real but our best friends are often imaginary.
Do you like the strong, silent, Scottish type? If so, then Lachlan Ramsey is for you (and me too). As his mother is dying she reveals a life altering secret. Lachlan is the son of her first husband, the late Marquess of Huntington. To add insult to injury he’s not Scottish, he’s (ack!) English. There was a terrible accident and Lachlan killed his sister Isla’s fiancée. Since all of the village has turned their backs on the Ramsey family, and he has a brother in England, he needs to pack up his siblings and move tout de suite. On the way to London the Ramsey brothers have a bloody fist fight in the courtyard of an inn. Unbeknownst to Lachlan, Hyacinth Somerset and her grandmother are staying at the same inn and the young lady has seen the fight and its aftermath.
Hyacinth Somerset is the last of our sisters in this series. She’s shy, meek, timid, name it and it’s her. To placate her family she has agreed to a London season and is now terrified. It won’t turn out well and she senses this. She’s also the new sister-in-law of the current Marquis of Huntington, see where this is going? No one knows or understands that Hyacinth is hiding behind a façade, the most biddable young lady in London. The hidden Hyacinth is much braver, has a sharp wit and dreams of how wonderful her life could be.
When the Ramsey’s arrive in London they make straight for Lord Huntington’s house and find a ball in progress. With much trepidation, Lachlan goes in alone to seek out his brother the Marquis and spots Hyacinth. He’s dumbstruck, she’s the most beautiful angel he’s ever seen, golden hair, skin like porcelain and the most arresting blue eyes. As he makes his way over to her she turns pale (er), tells everyone he’s a murderer and faints. Hello ton, nice to meet you. There is the obligatory meeting in the library where things are somewhat straightened out. Throughout his life Huntington has heard whisperings and rumors of family in Scotland so he accepts brother Lachlan and half siblings Ciaran and Isla into the family. After much talk, explanations, and plotting, it’s decided that Isla will debut with Hyacinth, giving them each a shoulder to lean upon. Finn, the Marquis, is going to dower Isla, so hopes are high. Oh boy. Lachlan begins to see the true person behind Hyacinth’s emotional wall and he likes her. He knows Hyacinth is scared and offers to dance the very first dance with her, getting it out of the way. Well, it’s way hot and the kisses on the terrace are even hotter. They use tongue.
Lachlan, being a man, thinks Hyacinth would be better off out of his reach. Hyacinth, a lady who really likes the guy, puts on a low cut gown for the next ball and rocks his world. Another Lord notices hot Hyacinth and THE dress. Lachlan is very jealous but being the silent type he just growls a lot. Turns out this Lord knows all about the Ramsey family and has blackmail on his mind, he wants Hyacinth’s dowry money. Our girl won’t stand for it, takes Isla into her confidence and plans a reckoning. It works, sort of, but Hyacinth and Isla are ruined. Is there ever a situation where the female isn’t ruined? Lachlan takes responsibility and says he’ll marry Hyacinth. I believe the word suffer is used. Worst proposal ever. It’s a no go and he’s an ass. The ladies are aghast and the men need a drink. The next proposal goes better and you should read it for yourself, it’s sweet.
If you haven’t read this series please do yourself a favor and curl up with the Sutherland/Somerset families. They’re fun, witty, tragic, impossibly good looking men and women, and each of their stories is as different as night from day. Temptress is a romance so we know there’s a happy ending but the journey is lovely. Receiving an ARC is a privilege and being able to share my opinion is a pleasure. Both are free and without obligations. Happy reading.
Ms. Bradley’s books are always interesting reads. She has a way of writing that draws you in and keeps you attached to the characters of the story. I have read all of her books and nothing is redone, it is all refreshing. What can I say about Lachlan – yummy – that is a bit trite isn’t it? Well, he is much more than that, he is loyal and caring and fights for what is right. He is definitely a worthy hero. Hyacinth is also a complex character. Not everything about a person is on their sleeve. Hyacinth has great fortitude and this makes her a great character in the story. I love both of these characters (even though Lachlan is an ass!). Looking forward to Isla and hopefully Ciaran’s stories.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received an ARC of this book. The last of the Somerset sisters is making her debut. However, Hyacinth is shy and stutters when nervous. Lachlan Ramsey has promised her brother he will watch out for her. As Hyacinth proves to be more than what people see, Lachlan falls for her.
I can’t wait to read Isla Ramsey’s (Lachlan’s sister) story The Wayward Bride coming out in February of 2019.
The third book in The Somerset Sisters series a well written Regency story that kept me turning pages, I will be reading this book again. Lachlan Ramsey and Hyacinth Somerset do not get off to a great start. There is suspense, drama, a mystery, and romance. I want to read more in this series.
I enjoy Ms. Bradley’s books and was happy when this book became available. In this book, we get to see the youngest of the Somerset sisters. Hyacinth Somerset’s debut does nothing but fill her with dread. Painfully shy, and a stammer when she’s nervous, Hyacinth can’t think of anything more frightening than being exposed to the ton. When she first sees Lachlan Ramsey, she swoons after calling him a murderer. Such is the introduction to Society for the Ramsey siblings which she soon learns is part of her extended family. When she must admit her mistake, she wants to crawl into her bed and forgo her Season altogether.
Ms. Bradley slowly teases out the back story of why the Ramsey siblings were forced to leave Scotland and Lachlan’s true heritage. I loved how Lachlan supported Hyacinth and encouraged her to stand up for herself. It was fun to watch Hyacinth grow from a frightened young woman to a woman who knew her mind and what she wanted. The pacing was good and the story moved along well. I can’t wait to read Isla’s story. Fans of regency romances will enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review and was not obligated to leave a review.
Easily one of the best books I’ve read in a great while. Anna Bradley’s prose is brilliant and her characters a true delight. I cannot wait to read more of her books. She’s been added to my favorite authors list!
I received a copy of More or Less a Temptress written by Anna Bradley from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. It is the last in her Somerset Sisters series but can be read as a stand alone. However, I recommend reading all three as they are wonderful stories.
Hyacinth Somerset makes her debut in London. A quiet, reserved women, many in London are curious about her as her two older sisters were not quiet, or reserved. Within minutes of her debut however, she publicly accuses a stranger of murder and faints dead away.
Lachlan Ramsey, appears at his brother’s London home in the mist of a ball. Recently arrived from Scotland, he demands to see him. But when he is accused of murder by a slip of a girl, he lashes out at her. Lachlan has his secrets, and he means to keep them to protect his family. But to combat the scandal, Lachlan and Hyacinth team up together. With the time spent together, they learn about each other, and themselves. But, can Lachlan set his past aside to give them the HEA they both deserve.
This was 3.5 stars for me. I wasn’t a big fan of Hyacinth in the first two books, and it took awhile for her to grow on me in this book. She acts like a timid little girl that is pampered and that is exactly how Lachlan sees her. Anna Bradley did an ok job of showing Hyacinth growth throughout the book with Lachlan pushing her. But, the book makes it appear that Hyacinth is fighting from the beginning from being smother by her family and not once during the book does she have Hyacinth address her family about this. Also, it reads as Lachlan is looking for someone to take care of as a replacement for his family that will grow and ultimately move away. She does, however in my opinion, set up the next book with Isla and makes me curious about that outcome. #MoreorLessATemptress #NetGalley
Somersets don’t make love easy, but they sure do keep society interested. More or Less a Temptress is Hyacinth’s turn to shine. Instead she stirs up a ruckus that could impact more than her reputation. It could end with her losing her heart. Always bold, never boring and hard to resist, this group of sisters make showstopping fun.
I could barely put this book down. Seriously. I started it last night and didn’t stop reading until 3 a.m. Then when I started reading this afternoon, I refused to stop until I was finished. Anna Bradley is definitely an auto-buy for me. I loved this story! It’s the third book in the series, but can stand alone with absolutely no problem.
Hyacinth is now a favorite heroine of mine. At first she was very shy and timid. Her family dearly loved her, but treated her as if she was made of spun glass, fragile and ready to shatter from every small provocation. It obviously was not doing Hyacinth any favors. And then she met Lachlan…after seeing him at an inn at night and believing that she saw him murder someone.
Lachlan, together with his brother and sister, came to England to escape problems in Scotland after the death of their mother. Before her death, she disclosed to Lachlan that his father was not really his father, and that he was the full brother of an English Lord. Arriving in London to meet his brother, he discovers there is a ball in progress, and he spies a beautiful woman…who proceeds to accuse him of murder and faints.
Thus commences a beautiful story of secrets, change, family and love. This book brought tears to my eyes. It also made me snicker. I particularly found Lachlan’s brother amusing. As for romance, Hyacinth and Lachlan were just perfect together. He saw her strength when no one else could. I don’t want to give any more of the story away. Just read it! It was all things a good romance should be.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
4.25 Stars
Hyacinth Somerset’s debut is the most anticipated event of the season, as it will be the reclusive young lady’s first public appearance. But within moments of being asked to dance by a dashing stranger, Hyacinth calls him a murderer, then faints dead away! Now all the ton is a aflutter over Hyacinth’s baffling shun of their most intriguing newcomer—the wildly handsome Lachlan Ramsey. Recently arrived from Scotland, Lachlan only wishes to claim his place in society to secure his sister’s future. Yet it appears Hyacinth has only damaged her own hopes, inspiring the label of hysteric and ultimately inspiring Lachlan to shelter her from harm. Now if only there were a defence for the surge of feeling he has every time Hyacinth turns her gaze his way.
This is the third novel in the series & could easily be read on its own. I’d eagerly awaited this novel as the books featuring the Sutherlands & Somersets’ have been great reads & I loved Iris & Violets’ stories. Whilst I really enjoyed this book it wasn’t my favourite & to begin with I was a tad disappointed but the further I read the more I became engrossed. Hyacinth has been molly coddled by her grandmother & sisters so it was very satisfying how Lachlan brought out the best in her. I loved how she grew in confidence throughout the book. Lachlan is a strapping Scot hard on the outside but with a soft centre. They are like chalk & cheese but gradually mesh perfectly together. There were parts that I found hard to believe but it’s fiction so leeway has to be given.
I adored Ciaran & how he spent his time at balls only singling out the wallflowers, I hope he has his story. Isla also has to have her story.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
“More or Less a Temptress” by Anna Bradley
What an enchanting romp in Regency England. The danger of secrets kept and the empowering strength of bravely believing in oneself. I really liked this story with its twists and turns through a ton season. I was gifted an ARC via NetGalley by the author. And I truly enjoyed my time with the Somerset sisters’ family and the Ramsey siblings from Scotland as they managed their way among the ton.
More or Less a Temptress in book three in the Somerset Sisters Series by Anna Bradley. Out of the three books, this one is the weakest in my opinion. I had a difficult time liking the hero Lachlan Ramsey. He was too hard, harsh and gruff to fit with a delicate creature as Hyacinth Somerset. “She’d thought him terrifying enough when she saw him beat another man to a bloody pulp, but he was far more frightening up close. He was the most enormous man she’d ever seen-a veritable giant-with shoulders wider than a doorway, straining at the seams of his coat, a wild shock of inky black hair, and hands the size of horse’s hooves.”
I thought he was too cold and critical to be likable. Hyacinth is a sweet young lady who is consumed by fear. I am going to continue to read Bradley’s work. Book two in this series has been one of my favorite books of the entire year. This one missed the mark for me.
Born and raised in Scotland, Lachlan Ramsey discovers he’s not Scottish. His mother is dying, and she wants him to know what she did before she dies. His father was the Marquess of Huntington. She left her husband and older son, Finn. Later, when she knew her husband had died, she married a Scot, who was good to him, his half-brother, Ciaran, and half-sister Isla. After they had some trouble in Scotland, they decide to go to London to meet Finn.
On the way to London, Lach and Ciaran have a fight in the yard of the inn where they are staying. Hyacinth Somerset, the youngest of three sisters, saw him fighting and thought he had killed his opponent. Lach and his siblings arrive at Lord Huntington’s London home amid a ball. When the butler left to find Finn, Hyacinth sees him and accuses him of murder. Both families gather to straighten out her mistake and get to know each other.
Hyacinth’s family thinks she should spend the rest of the season away from London. Her family treats her as if she’s fragile. Lach believes a season would be good for her and Isla could attend balls also. He does convince her to attend ton events and falls in love with her. But does she fall for him? Read this wonderful book to find out. You will also like Ciaran who dances with all the wallflowers. I’m sure he’ll have a HEA of his own someday.
I’m having trouble getting into this one after finding the first two very well written and entertaining.
More or Less a Temptress by Anna Bradley was a completely riveting book, and I could not put it down! I was completely sucked in from very beginning and was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story. It flows nicely, full of emotion and believable. I love the storyline, it is fast paced, unpredictable and exciting! The story is full of wonderful characters. Ciaran and Isla are very magnetic characters and intrigued me from the get go, I’d really like to hear their stories. I was completely enamoured by Lachlan. He is everything a hero should be *swoon*. I wasn’t sure if I would like Hyacinth at first but I grew to love her too. The character development was fantastic. This story is beautifully written and one that you could read again and again. I highly recommend this book!
More or Less a Temptress
The Somerset Sisters book three
by Anna Bradley
This is Hyacinth Somerset’s story, and sadly the end of the series.
This was by far my favourite in this wonderful series. Lachlan Ramsey is devastated to learn his mother’s secret. Knowing she’s dying she tells him the truth about his heritage. He is in fact English and not Scottish as he believed. Because of certain events he needs to leave Scotland with his siblings. Perfect timing to leave and find his English older brother the Marquess of Huntington, and Hyacinth Somerset’s brother in law.
Lachlan meets Hyacinth and instantly falls in love but unfortunately she accuses him of murder and promptly faints. Hyacinth needs to make her debut and after getting the facts straight, she apologizes to Lachlan and promises to give a united front by accepting a dance. The attraction between them is palpable these two had a rough beginning but I’m so glad they found each other. Plenty of ups and downs lots of witty dialogue and of course the famous Somerset scandals, a nasty villain that got what he deserved and a grand HEA.
I hope to see a spin-off with Lachlan’s siblings they are both fantastic and need their own happy ending. A truly enjoyable read and I highly recommend the whole series.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
More or Less a Temptress by Anna Bradley is book Three in The Somerset Sisters series. This is the story of Hyacinth Somerset and Lachlan Ramsey. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book.
Hyacinth has lived a very family protective life due to her taking the death of her parents so hard that she lost her voice at one time. Now she struggles with stuttering and her shyness. Lachlan learned on his mother death bed something that can change him, his sister and brother’s lives. After his mother death he moves forward to move to the town. Lachlan brother who is dealing with being dumped by a women is drinking and gambling which leads to a violent incident at a Inn where Hyacinth bared witness too. Hyacinth is the last of the Somerset sister to be present to the town. Hyacinth fights to keep her shyness at bay along with her growing interest in Lachlan.
Really have enjoyed this series.