Nick The Earl of Dare is summoned back to England to beget an heir! When he meets a bluestocking, Violet Somerset look out! Well written storyline, will make you laugh and cry! Complex interesting characters you will love. A wonderful read!

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.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

Right from the boat I have to say I LOVED this story! From the beginning to the end I couldn’t put it down! Violet Somerset was a terrific heroine and her attempt to save her young sister was well thought out as well as extremely entertaining! One (me) had to laugh out loud at Violet’s remarks to Nicholas, the Earl of Dare, who was so clueless as to the double entendre’s Violet was continually lobbing at him. For Nicholas, who had never had problems in seducing or attracting females – as the handsome bachelor earl – really couldn’t comprehend why he was having so much trouble trying to charm this very unique and intelligent young woman! He was told she was shy and unassuming - but with him she was anything but! I found the story be unbelievably funny, until of course the game was up when Nicolas found out his ‘Hyacinth’ was none other than her older sister Violet, who by that time was just almost ready to tell him the truth.

Bottom line: Again I loved this story and can’t wait for the third book in this absolutely delightful series!

Marilyn Rondeau

More or Less a Countess is the love story of Nicholas and Violet, 2nd in The Somerset Sisters series; a well written, standalone, HEA Historical Romance with sizzle.
This story is about love, trust, self-esteem and not judging a book by its cover. Violet is a very strong female lead. Nicholas’ self-esteem, self-identity issues are the premise for the anxiety in their life. This story made me laugh and cry. The characters are likeable and well developed, the plot believable and the romance build is steamy. I look forward to reading more of this author and the characters in this book.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

3.9 Overall, I really enjoyed this book. My only problem is my own personal preference in books. I do not like detailed sexual experiences about the hero in the book especially in the first few pages. take those pages out. In my opinion it would be better. After that I began to enjoy the book more. I love an intellectual heroine

Nicholas Balfour recently became the Earl of Dare after losing his brother. All his life, Nick felt second best to his elder brother, Graham, and he does not want to take his place managing what once belonged to Graham. Nick just wants to live his life drinking and being the rake everyone knows him to be. Unfortunately, Nick is cut off from his allowance and it has been made clear that he must remain in London long enough to choose a bride. Nick meets the perfect candidate at a friend, Lord Derrick's, home... Lady Hyacinth Somerset.

Lady Violet Somerset hates society and has no wish to participate in another season. As it is, she is barely making it through the current one since the man she loves, Lord Derrick, married her best friend. Violet is determined to do at least one thing with her life, and that is to finish the book she has long been working on. In order to do that, Violet is going to have to break a few rules.

Violet learns Lord Dare "Nick" is hoping to court Hyacinth, and she cannot let that happen. Nick is a rake and her sister is as innocent as they come. When Nick mistakes Violet for her Hyacinth, she decides to use it to her advantage. Finally, she has a means to get into some difficult places and get some sketches for her book. Violet has no idea what she is getting herself into, gallivanting around in secret with Nick. It doesn't take long for things to blossom between them. What will happen when Nick learns the truth?

Author Anna Bradley already won me over with her first novel, in the Somerset Sisters series, MORE OR LESS A MARCHIONESS. I instantly fell in love with the Somersets. I love the relationship between these close-knit sisters. The second addition to the series, MORE OR LESS A COUNTESS, was surprisingly just as delightful as the first novel. From page one, I was engrossed in Violet's story, and could not put it down. This book is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Violet is daring and adventurous, if at times a little reserved. Nick is her perfect counterpart. These two are so unaware of how much they need each other. Nick is arrogant and full of himself. It is not until Violet turns his world on it's ear, that he starts to see the man he really is deep down, and gain some confidence in himself. They have quite a few obstacles to reach to get their HEA, but it's all worth it in the end. Ms. Bradley's MORE OR LESS A COUNTESS is a must read!

I absolutely loved the plot of this story. It had a unique twist and the characters are so vividly-written, that you feel as if you know them.

Violet is a real spitfire and that, coupled with her independent, forward thinking, just endeared her to me even more. Nicholas gives as good as he gets, and the banter between the two of them had me literally laughing out loud on more than one occasion.

Anna Bradley always pens an interesting story that I don't seem to want to put down, until I've reached the end. And, this book was no exception.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Kensington Books/Kensington Publishing Corp. in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

#MoreOrLessAcountess #NetGalley

Ms. Bradley continues her The Somerset Sisters series with a second story in which Violet and Nicholas will get their chance at happily ever after.

Right of the bat I liked Violet and her strong will and determination to protect those she loves drove most of this story.

It's this hero that I had trouble with and his morals and plans he had for his future wife that bothered me the most.

Once more the story, despite its great prose and good pace, suffers from the ego driven hero. In the end he redeems himself and the story finds its footing, helped once more with the wonderful humor and dialogue.

Now I'm truly invested in the sisters and looking forward to Hyacinth's story.

Melanie for b2b

Anna Bradley is an author that never disappoints me, so I was excited to pick up More or Less a Countess. A bluestocking heroine collides with the rakiest of rakes in this Historical Romance, and there was a lot of fun to be had in this book. This is the second book in a series, and it’s where I started. While I do think reading the previous book (and the books that this series spins off from,) would have made a few scenes more meaningful, I don’t feel like I missed out on anything by starting here. More often than not, it’s the hero I’m drawn to in Historical Romance, but this one was different. It was the heroine, Violet, who stood out for me. She was an intelligent headstrong woman who was fiercely protective of her sisters, and she proves that by not correcting Lord Dare when he mistakenly thinks Violet is her sister, Hyacinth. Lord Dare, looking for a meek bride, decides to court Hyacinth, but Violet doesn’t want her sister to end up with a man like him. And so this case of mistaken identity and enemies-to-lovers kicks off. Violet and Lord Dare butt heads from the moment they meet, and their banter is fantastic. Violet decides that if she is going to be courted, which, as an eccentric woman of the ton she never expected, she’s going to seize the opportunity and turn Lord Dare into her escort as she traipses all over London to gain knowledge of the less savory parts of the city. Lord Dare realizes he could learn a thing or two from Violet, and he’s (not admittedly) smitten with her before long. He also realizes he could teach her a thing or two, and Violet is nothing if not willing to learn. In more areas than one. I love that Dare became attracted to Violet over time, that his affection grew from admiration. It was definitely slow burn and unexpected on both sides. They had personal obstacles to overcome - Violet feeling unlovable and Dare feeling second best, and they were determined not to let the other think badly of themselves. This was a fun cast of characters, and I particularly liked Dare’s man servant, Gibbs. He may have been doing someone else’s bidding, but the way he viewed Lord Dare and tried to keep him in line was hilarious. I also really enjoyed the bond between Violet and her sisters. It was clear they adored and would do anything for each other.

I struggle sometimes in Historical Romance where it feels like an author simply took a modern day woman and plopped her in a different time period, but this author can make a heroine view things in a way that feels maybe a bit more progressive than the time frame while still making it feel authentic, and that’s something I appreciate. When I’m reading an Historical Romance, I want it to feel like one.

If More or Less a Countess proved anything, it’s that Anna Bradley is an historical author I can always count on. I’ve fallen a bit behind on her back list, but now I’m glad - it just means I have more of her books ahead of me! If you’re a fan of Historical Romance and still haven’t read this author, it’s time to pick up one of her books!

More Or Less a Countess by Anna Bradley is the first book that I have read of hers. It is the second book in a series but can be read as a stand a lone. I had no problems following along. I am looking forward to seeing what other wonderful books Ms. Bradley has to offer. I received an ARC from NetGalley and have voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Violet Somerset does not want to get married and neither does Nicholas Balfour, the Earl of Dare. As he is waiting for an introduction to Violets younger sister, she enters the room and he mistakes her for the younger sister. If he can't tell them apart, she is not going to set him straight. The journey to HEA is filled with mistaken identities and much more. It was a delight to read and I recommend this book.

He's a notorious rake. She's a headstrong spinster. They share nothing in common, except for matchmaking grandmothers and few duress promises to keep. She's protecting her sister. He's protecting his way of life. Neither expected to feel fireworks. Nicholas and Violet are about to learn that when it comes to love there is no tried and true plan, only emotion. More or Less a Countess steamrolls it's way right into your heart. A steamy battle of hearts.

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 demeanour hides the tongue of a viper and the mind of a bluestocking
This was a delightful read, which I loved, I read with a permanent smile on my face until about seventy percent of the way through when things became more serious. The story of a rake wanting to marry quickly so he could return to Italy & his mistress was always bound to come a cropper. The bluestocking who’s a wallflower & will steer the rake from her quiet, meek sister is also bound to come a cropper. Put the rake & the bluestocking together & you have this deliciously humorous novel. Of course things don’t go according to plan & as the story progresses there are more misunderstandings & Nick & Violets’ fears and secrets come into play. Both of them are quite fragile but each has tried to hide this, their road to their HEA wasn’t easy but it was in turn humorous & heart wrenching. Whilst this is the second book in the series it could well be read on its own but all of the five Somerset sisters are hugely entertaining so I’d recommend reading the other stories.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

The Somerset Sisters series has been so enjoyable. Each book is as good as the next .5 sisters in this family: Dehlia, Lily, Iris, Violet and Hyacinth.
This story is about Violet. To keep the story interesting and different, Anna Bradley gives Violet an interesting hobby. Shes interested in all things gothic. Graveyards, public hangings,skeletons, and ghosts. The places Violet wants to research (for her book she is writing), adds so much to the story because its different.
She meets Lord Dare, who has decided to court her. She is definitely not interested in him but decides to use him to escort her to the places she can't get into alone as a lady. This leads to some interesting adventures and a growing relationship.
Again, well done and I look forward to Hyacinth's story.

Let me say first, I devoured this story in less than 12 hours time. I loved this book, I absolutely could not put it down once I started reading. Violet was so relatable for me, I believe I definitely would have been a bluestocking if I had lived during her time period. Nick was wonderful as a somewhat tortured soul and reluctantly reforming rake. The story is filled with humor and passion and, of course, misunderstandings on both sides. I kept holding my breath to see if and how there would be a HEA. I hadn't read anything else by Anna Bradley, but now I have to! I want to know the stories of all the other Somerset sisters. Having said that, this book can be read as a standalone, you just won't want it to be!

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

More or Less a Countess was a fun read. This is the second book in the series named The Somerset Sisters by Anna Bradley. I did read the previous novel, however I feel with the way the book was written, there would be no problem reading this without the prior novel.

The second Somerset sister is Violet. She cannot dance, sing, play piano or any “worthy” traits of a lady except draw. Violet is a bluestocking and is determined not to face another London Season and get married. She is fascinated by learning and is writing a book that includes some gruesome parts of London’s history and is determined to sketch the places to add to her book.

Nicholas Balfour was the spare for the heir. He never felt he was good enough to take over for his brother after his death. He is terribly unhappy being back in England however, he has agreed to stay and get married and produce and heir. He has determined that he is going to marry the woman who played Hayden so beautifully at the dinner party he just attended. Only he is unaware that there are three sisters not two.

Nick, the Earl of Dare does not realize that he is calling on the wrong sister. Violet does, but is willing to continue to the subterfuge in order to go places that she wants to sketch. Nick is determined to marry her. I was amused by the arrogance of Nicholas Balfour, the Earl of Dare and his assumption that anyone would be happy to marry him. I found it interesting that Violet’s sisters allowed her to be less than truthful. Secrets, secrets and more secrets are bound to come out and people jumping to conclusions just adds to the ado.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. More or Less a Countess by Anna Bradley was a good read.

More or Less a Countess is the second instalment in Anna Bradley’s Somerset Sisters series. While part of a series this book can be read as a standalone.
In this instalment we meet Violet, the middle Somerset sister. She feels more comfortable curled up in a library than standing in a ballroom. After promising her grandmother to a season.
Nicholas Balfour, the Earl of Dare, enjoys the life of a bachelor. He is seeking a meek wife content to live in the country while he continues his lifestyle. He settles on Ms Hyacinth Somerset as a wife.
Violet, looking to protect her sister, does not disabuse Nicholas when he mistakes her for Hyacinth. It also helps that Nicholas agrees to take her to areas of interest not typically places of courtship. Violet’s dream is to publish her manuscript and only needs to visit a few more areas such as a graveyard to finish it.
I love an atypical heroine and Violet is definitely different, not many are interested in the macabre especially women. Nicholas is also a breath of fresh air. While he is a rake, he suffers poor self esteem because of his father. I have read several books by Ms Bradley and I recommend her to anyone who enjoys steam, intriguing plot and compelling characters not usually found in historical romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/

I received an ARC of this book to read from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. More Or Less A Countess is the second book in Anna Bradley’s excellent Somerset sisters series. It could be read as a stand-alone but I do recommend reading the first book More or Less a Marchioness too because it is very good. Nicholas Balfour has returned from Italy at the request of his Grandmother to take up his duties as the Earl of Dare now that his father has passed away. Nicholas could never live up to the expectations of perfection his father had for him after he became heir when his beloved older brother died so he took the opposite course and became a rogue and a rake. One of the duties Nicholas is expected to take up is to marry and provide an heir. His plans to wed and bed a bride and then to return to his mistress in Italy are thrown into to disarray when he mistakes Violet Somerset for her very quiet and shy sister Hyacinth. Violet a passionate bluestocking who has just had a horrible first season begins the deception first as means of protecting her shy sister from the attentions of a rake and secondly because Nick can escort her to the locations she needs to sketch for her book which is one no delicate young lady should be writing. At times laugh out loud funny and heartbreaking I highly recommend this story. Quite Steamy. Publishing Date August 7, 2018 #NetGalley #MoreOrLessACountess.

Why did I never read anything by this author before?!?!
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!!

In return for this ARC, I promised a fair and honest review. Nice read about a bluestocking, a rogue and a manuscript.

“More or less a countess” is a wonderful addition to The Somerset Sisters series; however, this story can be read as a standalone novel. Violet is such a dynamic woman but as with any bluestocking, she faces the ridicule of many in the ton. Consequently, she believes that she will never attract any notice and so, she begins to say exactly as she thinks. Nicholas Balfour, the Earl of Dare, appears to be the typical rake, only searching for a wife to appease his grandmother before he return to his mistress in Italy. However, this notion soon changes when he begins to spend time with Violet. The problem is that he believes her to be Hyacinth, not realising that Violet is another Somerset sister.
Both characters seem so polar in their personality, but they are soon captivated by each other and it begins to become apparent, that they complement each other. Nicholas, is hiding from the pain of losing his brother, believing himself to be of little worth to anyone. Violet soon has him believing that maybe life can begin afresh for him. Nicholas wears his ‘heart on his sleeve’ which makes for such a refreshing change in this genre whilst Violet’s determination to make him believe in them as a couple, had me cheering!
Once again, Anna Bradley writes so eloquently, with such delightful characters (and secondary characters), that it will be hard to tear yourself away from this book.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.