In only six weeks, Isla Ramsey is due to marry Henry Northrup, the sixth Earl of Sydney. But she remains haunted by memories of the dashing Hugh Courtney, the Marquess Pierce. The handsome aristocrat had hinted at forever and then tossed her aside, leaving Isla with few viable options. Now, as she awaits her new fiancé’s arrival from London, she rides her horse past Hugh’s estate at Hazelwood … every day, pining for a man who was never truly hers.
Hugh Courtney may have left Isla’s life, but he can’t erase her from his thoughts. When he rescues her from a sudden snowstorm, they are forced to take shelter together at his private estate. In such close quarters there is no escaping each other. Yet no man wants a reckless wife—or a woman promised to another. As fate draws Isla further into his world, Hugh vows to keep her out of his bedchamber. However, some vows are meant to be broken . . .
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Isla Ramsey loves Hugh Courtney, Lord Pierce, but an incident at a ball caused him to leave London. He’s sent a note telling her not to contact him. However, at her brother’s estate she is a short ride from his home and rides by there often. She is engaged to Henry Northrup, Earl of Sydney, a good friend who proposed to save her reputation. Henry has not arrived yet, and her family is worried over the weather. She rides by Hugh’s home every day, but the storm has worsened, and she’s lost in the woods. Hugh finds her and takes her to his home where he tries to ignore her but finds it impossible.
Meanwhile, Henry’s coach overturned on the way to her brother’s home and his horses broke free. Luckily, he was rescued by Lucas, a farmer, and taken to his modest home. His coachman, Burke, was thrown but not badly injured. He’s found one horse and is searching for the other. Henry is injured and lucky that Lucas has some experience in healing.
Hugh and Isla admit their love, but after he left London, he agreed to marry Lady Julianne, his brother-in-law’s sister. His sister and her husband are both deceased leaving their daughter Grace with her aunt and Grandfather, the Marquess of Graystone. Julianne realizes he loves Isla and tells him she is in love with a Duke, but is she? Either way, Hugh will always be allowed access to Grace.
Henry is finally well enough to travel, but does Isla want to marry him? I love this book. I think it’s Anna Bradley’s best! I hope I haven’t written any spoilers and I hope you’ll read it.
In the first few chapters, you get an inkling of how the tale will end, but -oh, what an exciting, surprise-filled ride it is to get there. Love it. I received an ARC of this book.
After a failed season and heartbreak after Hugh Courtney, Marquess Pierce, spoke to her of forever and then told her never to contact him again, Isla Ramsey is nursing a broken heart. Now betrothed to her dear friend Lord Sydney, she has taken to riding out each day to exorcise her inner demons with a hard gallop and torture herself by riding past the gates of Lord Pierce’s estate, which happens to be right next to her brother Finn’s country estate. When Isla rides out in a burgeoning storm, she becomes lost and her spooked horse throws her, and she is rescued by Lord Pierce. They are both frozen by the time they emerge from the woods and he takes her to his estate for shelter since it’s closer than her brother’s home.
Hugh still can’t seem to rid himself of his desire for Isla, despite the fact that she chose another man over him and is now betrothed. Hugh vows to keep his heart safe from her this time and return her to Huntington lodge as soon as possible and go back to carving out the space in his heart that’s still occupied by her. One day turns into several when the storm leaves ice behind, preventing Isla’s safe travels home, leaving them both snowed in with the one person each is trying to forget. At first Hugh determines to simply ignore her presence, but when he still can’t stop thinking of her, he determines to spend as much time with her as possible, thinking she’ll surely annoy him the more he gets to know her and he’ll be able to fall out of love with her. Naturally, this plan backfires on Hugh as he only falls more in love with Isla the more he’s around her. Other outside elements of Hugh’s family are also working against him and Isla and they may have to settle for only a brief taste of a love that can never truly be theirs.
Meanwhile, Isla’s betrothed, Henry Northrup, the Earl of Sydney, has been injured in a carriage accident caused by the same storm on his way to visit Isla. He is rescued by the very gruff Lucas, a man who wholly disdains the aristocracy and sparks fly.
Hugh is delightfully awkward and surprisingly vulnerable beneath his stiff and proper gentleman’s exterior. Isla is headstrong and vibrant, but under the surface she’s also scared and vulnerable and scarred by her past. There were so many secrets and misunderstandings between these two it honestly was nerve racking to read as I tore through the pages to find out how all the obstacles would be removed. I surprised myself with how much I wound up rooting for Lucas and Sydney to work out as well; their slightly less tense situation wound up being a nice respite from the bleakness of Hugh’s and Isla’s situation. Ms. Bradley also leaves us with a loose thread for one of her secondary characters that leaves me eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
This was a great effort and I would highly recommend it. I received a complimentary ARC via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Actually, I wasn’t sure how to rate this. It was a freebie that I won in a Goodreads giveaway. And I did that thing where I judged the book by the cover and didn’t even bother to read the blurb. So I got a little ways into the story and had this little meep moment. So I did enjoy the story, but it did cause a little panic and some page skipping (which is another way of saying I need to read the blurb so I don’t embarrass myself reading during my lunch break by turning bright red in the break room). So I liked the story, but there were some sections that just weren’t for me!
On a dark and cold day, Isla threw caution to the wind, and still went out to ride. She had to have her daily look at Hugh Courtney’s house. He had broken her heart after “the scandal”, but she couldn’t forget him so easily. She also was waiting for the arrival of her betrothed, the Earl of Sydney. But it wasn’t rain or snow that fell, but freezing rain, and Isla got lost. Meanwhile, Sydney’s carriage had an accident, and their lives would be forever…
This is such a fabulous story, I’m tempted to say: if you like historical romance to please, read this book! I loved Anna Bradley’s writing right from page one: beautiful, elegant, nuanced, and so evocative! I was seeing, feeling everything: the people, the forest, the ice; every gesture. How simply marvellous! The characters are exquisitely crafted, admirably fleshed out, intriguing, personable, and I wanted to know everything about them. I was feeling their pain, suffering through their dilemmas, hoping along with them. I adored Sydney!
If many of the tropes are familiar, the innumerable twists and turns are highly original. I wanted to devour and savour slowly every wonderful page, I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next, because all those surprises early on kept me off balance, I had no idea where the story was going, and I was almost delirious with anticipation. And my, oh my, this is an exciting story! I was kept awake way past my bedtime because of the tension, all those unexpected turns of event; in awe of the author’s talent at showing and not telling.
I had preordered this book, I hadn’t gotten around to it, but after reading a couple of reviews mentioning a second romance – and a m/m one, I knew I had to read the book ASAP. And it is glorious! I thought it added a touch of authenticity – as if the book needed more! – and for readers who might hesitate, there are no explicit scenes. I hope Ms. Bradley doesn’t close the door on m/m romances, because it was exquisite! A drunken kiss had me worried for a moment, both romances are fabulous. In fact, they’re not romances but grand love stories. It was all so very romantic, sometimes melancholy, and I worried if either romance might be doomed. The writing is superb, graceful and poetic, impeccably accurate, and the pace never falters. THE WAYWARD BRIDE is sensuous, intelligent, very emotional; I sniffled quite a few times.
THE WAYWARD BRIDE has one of the best endings I have read in quite some time, and I cannot wait for To Wed a Wild Scot!
Not predictable. Fun
I thought it was a cute story but I felt like most of the story was more focused on the gay characters. I am totally fine with a gay romance or gay characters but I felt like the main characters didn’t get as much focus and that was the main reason for buying the book.
This is romantic, amusing, heartwarming and entertaining. There’s not just two people in love in this storyline, there are five. Hugh and Isla were not officially courting, but they fell in love as they danced and talked at balls, getting to know one another. Isla and Sydney are close friends. One night at a ball Isla requests that Sydney go with her to the library. The purpose was to catch a cheater in the act, but what happened was Isla got accused of luring Sydney there to force him into marrying her, he was accused of compromising her. As they left they began to hear the rumors, so when Hugh asks Sidney how Isla is, Sidney tells him that it was no longer his concern. When Isla writes to Hugh and asks him to let her explain, he tells her not to contact him anymore. So she agrees to the betrothal to Sydney. One day Isla gets lost during a storm and Hugh finds her. They end up having it out while she’s stuck at his estate. The same day Sidney has a bad carriage accident, and meets Lucas. And they proceed to fall in love. But they can’t be together because Sidney is engaged to Isla. Isla and Hugh can’t marry because she and Sidney are engaged. And then there’s Hugh’s engagement. It’s fascinating how things get so convoluted, yet love flourishes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Book one in the Besotted Scots series it is a well written story that once I started reading I was not putting down. This is Hugh, Isla, Sydney and Lucas’ story that starts out with Isla,and Sydney being betrothed but ends up way differently. Yes there is M/M in this book but it does not take away from the story in any way. I will be reading the next book in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the intertwine of the stories and the 4 person pov’s but in the beginning it had me a bit confused until I started getting into the story then it all made sense.
Lord Sydney and Isla are betrothed but they love each other as friends or siblings never anything deeper since Sydney’s interests are scandalous in their time period and Isla loves another Hugh, Lord Pierce. He broker her heart and Hugh beloved he was used with him and Isla met and feelings started. But her scandal years ago is what cause her to accept Sydney’s offer. But Hugh is keeping a secret from Isla and that secret could break her heart and her future. Sydney’s love saved and treated him from the brink of death but from the secrets Sydney hides might cost him his love too.
I received a copy of The Wayward Bride written by Anna Bradley from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. I have read Anna Bradley often. This is the first book in her Besotted Scots series but the characters were introduced in her previous series, The Somerset Sisters. Wayward Bride can be read as a standalone but The Somerset Sisters was a wonderful series as well.
After a public scandal, Isla Ramsey loses the man she loves, Hugh Courtney. Now engaged to her best friend, Henry, she longs for Hugh and rides past his home everyday wishing for a man that can never be hers.
Hugh Courtney struggles to erase Isla from his thoughts. With the scandal, he is hurt at how Isla used him. But when a sudden snowstorm forces Isla to take shelter at his home, the attraction continues to grows between them and the misunderstandings are aired. But is there time to correct the wrongs?
Meanwhile, Henry Northrup, best friend and fiancé of Isla struggles with his longings until he meets his match during a sudden storm. But can he have what and whom his heart desires without hurting his best friend?
The story is both a conventional romance and M/M romance. While the love story between Isla and Hugh is the “main” story, Anna Bradley give Henry his HEA with his story in equal measure. Both stories revolve around each other wonderfully and works well. It was a wonderful story that kept my interest all the way through. All the characters struggle with their feelings and working through them as well as some other surprises. The HEA was almost perfect except for one secondary character which leads into her next book. I will admit, I wished she would have left that tiny blurb out of this book and delved into it in the next book but it is only a minor detail. All in all, it was a delightful read and gets 4 ½ stars. #TheWaywardBride #NetGalley
This is a great love story, actually two love stories, that involves Hugh and Isla, and Sydney and Lucas. The stories are wonderfully written and intertwine with each other. Sydney offered for Isla after a scandal occurred even though they did not love each other. There comes a time when Hugh and Isla admit to each other the love they feel for one another but because they are both betrothed to someone else they can not marry. Sydney is involved in a carriage accident that badly injures him, he was rescued by Lucas and they find an unexpected love. In the end there is a HEA for these four but not before a lot happens and others come to play a big part in the story.
I have read all of Anna Bradley’s books and have loved every one. Therefore, it’s a little harder to write this review. I liked the book, but didn’t love it. Isla is a bit reckless and Hugh is stoggy. I just couldn’t get into their love story. I did really like Sydney her dear friend she becomes betrothed to in order to save her reputation. But Sydney has a secret..a love story of his own. Even though I really like Sydney and Lucas story it was different. Something I wouldn’t necessarily want to read in a regency romance. I will continue to read this authors books and wait with bated breath for the next one in the series. Hopefully about Isla’s brother Ciarian
I loved this historical read! Isla is planning to marry Henry in only six weeks, however she has another man on her mind, Hugh. There had been a connection between them until he broke her heart but when a snowstorm has them spending time together at his estate, sparks fly. This is a great historical read with loads of drama and suspense. The characters have steamy chemistry and the story draws you in taking you back in time. A great read!
I really enjoyed this book. I am happy to see Isla finally get her happy ending. I really enjoyed the relationship Sydney ended up with. Everyone is happy and in love. You don’t get many relationships like Sydney’s back then and I am so happy Anne did his story line like that. Isla and Hugh go through a lot to get to their happy ending but I think it’s worth it in the end. I can’t wait to see what Anne does for Isla’s brother and his story.
*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
Huntington Lodge, Buckinghamshire, March 1818. Be still my heart. Hugh Courtney was never far from her mind. After being heartbroken by him during her season, Isla could not deny her feelings even though she was to marry the earl of Sydney in a few weeks. Longing to see him yet knowing he would not speak to her she rides out and gets caught in an ice storm and is rescued by none other than… yes Hugh.
Hugh had been trying to get Isla out of his mind and heart, but as he brings her home and they get snowed in, it seems fate cannot be denied. You see Isla had been involved in a scandal and Hugh had abandoned her. The only recourse she had was to become betrothed to her best friend Sydney. But as the two spend time together and get to know each other, what will happen? Can they ever be together with so may outside forces working against them?
I adored all of the extra characters in this story including Sydney and local farmer Lucas. This is almost a second story within this one and is really well done.
The pages could not turn fast enough so I might see how everything would turn out and I could only sigh as I turned the last page. I highly recommend this book and excited it is the first book in a new series!
enjoyable story, 2 romances in one, one being homosexual which was a surprise. Isla due to marry but still haunted by memories of another man. twists and turns, interesting storyline, sexual situations, and complex characters will keep you wanting more
I absolutely loved the last book by Anna Bradley, and was thrilled to discover that some of those characters would appear in her latest series, Besotted Scots. Yay! And this new story did NOT disappoint. I started the dang thing this morning and couldn’t put it down until I was finished. I got nothing done, except run to get more tissues because I was bawling my eyes out. I have the puffy face to prove it.
There were actually two love stories here – one with Isla and Hugh, and the other with Sydney (Isla’s betrothed) and Lucas. Yes, there is a m/m romance here. If you skip this book for that reason, you are doing yourself a disservice, as it is a lovely, sweet story. Both storylines are just fantastic, and they are connected. I won’t get into a synopsis of the story here; you can read the book description for yourself. What I will tell you is both storylines blew me away. Anna Bradley is brilliant getting across intense feelings of pain, love and desire. Give it a try…you won’t be able to put it down, either.
Oh, and special props to Brute the dog (bear?).
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
The Wayward Bride by Anna Bradley
Besotted Scots #1
In which everyone seems to be betrothed to the wrong person for the right reasons and in love with someone else BUT eventually all finally end up with the right person – their own and only true love…
What I liked:
* the complexity of the story
* the sweetness of Luke and Sydney together
* Brute – the bear/dog
* the selflessness of many
* the caring
* family
What I didn’t like:
* hmm….thinking about this…perhaps the miscommunication between Hugh and Islsa
* the angst…though a little really had to be expected since so many were not happy…
* the pressure put on Juliana…really thought she might end up with the still single brother of Isla but see she is to end up with someone else as the blurb for her book is out already
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Do I want to read more in this series? Yes
NOTE: This does have a M/M romance through half the book so…heads up if that is not your thing
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Lyrical Press for the ARC – this is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
The Wayward Bride Anna Bradley is book One in the Besotted Scots Series. This is the story of Isla Ramsey and Hugh Courtney, the Marquess Pierce. Although this is the first book in the series this series is a branch off of ‘The Somerset Sisters Series’. With that said, this is a standalone book but just wanted to make note in case like me you have read that series.
Isla is in love with Hugh and thought he was heading in that direction with her but a scandal hit and Hugh just drifted away. Now left, she has to marry, and her friend Henry Northrup, the sixth Earl of Sydney steps in. Henry has his reason he needs to marry besides a heir, he has his secrets that Isla is aware of, so a deal is struck. But can Isla go through this deal with her heart still with Hugh?
Really enjoyed their story and the secondary characters that had their own story.