Publisher's Description:

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 . . .

My Thoughts:

This book starts with a scandal the began in the third book of the Somerset Sisters Trilogy. This new series is an offshoot of that series and this first book is as an enjoyable read as that one was.
Isla is betrothed to Henry Northrup who is an earl. This friends only match began with the scandal near the end of Hyacinth Somerset and Lachlan Ramsey's story which seemed to be one scandal after another.
In this book we find the reasoning behind they are not a friends to lovers match.

This book is very engrossing and shifts back and forth between Hyacinth's love and the burgeoning affection between Henry and the person who saves his life after what could have been a life ending instead of life altering carriage accident. This serious accident happened during a ice storm that lead to both Hyacinth and Henry either finding or landing with the love of their lives.
Hyacinth has a misconception of Hugh's feelings for her and he thinks she was just stringing him along.
I gave this well written book 4.8 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization.
The intimacy in both relationships may not be for all readers sins there is a M/M relationship involved.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

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!

4 stars

I've been intrigued by Isla's story since the author's last book, and when the chance to read it before the release came up, I jumped at the chance! This is a second chance romance with low angst and a very short separation.

This book moves along at a great pace, I had no problem turning the pages, and overall I thought it was great. Hero and heroine had good chemistry. It had a great supporting cast, I loved Isla's family, and the camaderie there.

The only downside I felt was that I wish our author would show us more of how our hero Hugh felt once they had the full rehash of their misunderstanding (happening before the start of the novel) and what caused their short separation. I felt we deserved that, because essentially she tried to explain, he misunderstood and never gave her a chance to talk it out.

But overall, an enjoyable story.

For the first book in a new series, The Wayward Bride contains a lot of references to events which happened in a book in a completely different series, that being More Or Less A Temptress, which was the third in the Somerset Sisters series. We first met Isla Ramsay in that book when her older brother courted Hyacinth Somerset, and Isla got herself involved in a scandal for Hyacinth’s sake which saw her get engaged to Lord Sydney, a gentleman she likes very much but doesn’t love.

As it happens, I’ve read that book and very much enjoyed it, but if you haven’t you’re just going to have to roll with the plot as it’s presented, and trust me that’s it’s very much worth the occasional moment of wondering what’s going on. And it’s worth it because you get not one, but two fantastic romances here; Isla’s with Lord Pierce, the marquis she was well on the way to being in love with before the Incident which saw her get engaged to Lord Sydney, and Sydney’s… which is an actual M/M gay romance. It’s not hinted at in the blurb, which is pretty brave of the author because undoubtedly some prejudiced types are going to react badly, but I absolutely loved it and I’ll be waving this book at folks who are demanding more sexual diversity in their historical romances as an excellent example.

Although the m/m romance does fade to black before the sex scenes, it’s well explored, probably getting about a third of the page time in the book, and I probably enjoyed it more in a lot of ways because of the exploration between class divisions. Isla and Lord Pierce basically have a misunderstanding which is resolved by getting trapped together during a storm, whereas Sydney and his love interest Lucas are from very different social spheres, Lucas being a farmer.

I kind of want to give this five stars because of the gay representation, but I really can’t because as the starter for a new series, it doesn’t stand well enough alone. With four major protagonists, three of whom have appeared in previous books, nobody really got introduced well enough to new readers and everyone just came across as too nice for words; there wasn’t really any character conflict or growth. Four stars because I enjoyed the read, but if you haven’t read the previous series, you might not enjoy this as much.

4.5 Stars

Isla Ramsey has not had an easy life. While still living in Scotland, she was brutally attacked by her fiancé, and her brother’s rescue of her resulted in tragedy, with the whole family being ostracized and forced to leave their home. Now living in England, Isla has met a man she has fallen in love with, and he seems to love her, too. Unfortunately, a perfectly innocent encounter with her dear friend, Lord Sydney, has resulted in their being compromised. When her attempt to contact and explain the situation to her new love interest, Hugh, results in a terse rejection letter, Isla is crushed. Her already shaky reputation could not withstand another scandal, so, at the urging of her siblings, she agrees to accept Lord Sydney’s gallant proposal.

Hugh Courtney, Marquess Pierce, believed that he had found true love with Isla. When he started to hear the grumblings of her being compromised, he immediately went to find her, only to be told by Lord Sydney that they were already engaged. Feeling that he had been toyed with and made a fool of, Hugh responds to Isla’s letter with an abrupt request that she never contact him again. Still, he can’t help himself from standing at his window every day, watching her as she rides past.

Hugh is also still grieving for his beloved sister, Emma, who died two years ago. Emma’s husband died not long afterward, leaving their child, Hugh’s niece, under the guardianship of her grandfather. Hugh misses the child dearly, and makes a devil’s bargain with her guardian. If Hugh agrees to marry Julianna, the guardian’s daughter, he will relinquish custody of the child to them. Because Hugh has no hope of marrying his love, Isla, he agrees to the match. Besides, Julianna is beautiful and kind, and his niece already adores her.

Isla purposely rides by Hugh’s home every day because she can’t seem to help herself. She has no hope for them, but she just longs to be near him. When a near disastrous accident happens to Isla, Hugh is the one to rescue her, and brings her to his home. Freakishly bad weather will keep her from returning to her own home for days, and during that time, Isla and Hugh finally really talk, and both realize the truth of what happened. Their love and passion for each other never diminished, and they opt to share a brief interlude of time together before they’re forced to say goodbye forever and enter their loveless marriages. Even if Isla were to back out of her engagement, Hugh cannot – not if he wants to be a part of his niece’s life.

To muddle up this situation even more, Lord Sydney meets someone, and falls head over heels for the first time in his life. But how can he pursue his own happiness at the risk of his dear friend, Isla, being ruined? I have to say that Anna Bradley writes seemingly impossible tangles and situations that cannot be mended as well as anyone I’ve read. It’s also a testament to excellent writing that I like both Lord Sydney and Julianna, the “other” man and woman who were keeping Isla and Hugh apart. All four of these characters are likeable, worthy people, well deserving of their own happiness. They all have vastly different personalities, but all have suffered some manner of heartbreak and pain. I have a particular fondness for Hugh, who is a serious, proper man. I love the strong, silent type who is just a seething cauldron of passion inside.

THE WAYWARD BRIDE is a compelling read, with plenty of emotion and heartbreak. It does seem that there’s not going to be a way to happiness for Hugh and Isla, but the solution comes from a somewhat unexpected source. I do feel I should mention that there is a secondary romance which plays a significant part in the story – and it’s a male/male romance, which is a trigger for some readers. There is some sensuality represented, but not a full sex scene. We also visit with characters, such as Isla’s brothers, whose stories have already been told, but I think THE WAYWARD BRIDE provides plenty of background, allowing it to be easily read as a standalone. I enjoyed this read very much, and think it will appeal to those who enjoy the proverbial emotional roller coaster ride on the way to happy ever after.

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!

Isla is about to be married to a man who is her best friend. Yes, she loves him, just as she would her brother. Isla is marrying him because she must, and he stepped up to salvage her reputation over a mistake. But Isla has loved and still loves another.
Hugh doesn’t understand how Isla ended up betrothed to another man. She kissed him, led him to believe he had a chance, led him into love. Now he only sees her from a distance as she rides her horse past his window each day.
But did he think for a moment a woman like Isla was one with whom he could settle down?
Isla’s impetuous actions, a wild storm, and fate may change the destiny of more than one person in this tale....
I thoroughly enjoyed this romance.
It was so written with characters of depth and emotion, and moments of exceptional tenderness. There were a few lovely surprises and and ending is perfect. I highly recommend it.
I read this as an arc on Netgalley which affected my review in no way at all.

Much ado!

I rather felt like I was plucking daisies and reciting "he loves me he loves me not", from all sides of the gender spectrum. There was certainly plenty of confusion, a tidy sum of mayhem particularly if the dog Brute was involved, and a lot of not quite answered questions.
A plethora of persons betrothed, all to the wrong people, and that's where things became a tad confusing.
We have Isla Ramsey who was in love with Hugh Courtney, the Marquess Pierce who let her down. Isla's now betrothed to Henry Northrup, the sixth Earl of Sydney to avoid a scandal. Sydney, who's not in love with Isla, who (in modern terms) is gay and a wonderful character in love with no one thus far. Pierce whose actually. it seems, in love with Isla (against his better judgement) but engaged to Julianna for some very good reasons. We have Lucas who rescues Sydney after a bad carriage accident, and that's where things take a decidedly skewed note. In terms of romance, I found Sydney and Lucas's to be the most real. (Anna Bradley's comment about characters taking on a life of their own in a recent Romantic Intentions edition was fascinating.)
So sorting out all these relationships takes up a great deal of the novel before all are rewarded with their HEA.

A NetGalley ARC

Huntington Lodge, Buckinghamshire - 1818

Isla Ramsey’s sister-in-law, Hyacinth, has caught her just as she is planning to take a morning ride. Hyacinth insists that the weather is getting bad and it will likely snow soon. But Isla wants to be outside to see her betrothed, Henry Northrup, the sixth Earl of Sydney, when he arrives. In truth, Isla likes to ride past Hazelwood, the estate of Hugh Courtney, the Marquess Pierce. Some time ago. she had been caught in a library with Lord Sydney and now Lord Pierce wants nothing to do with her.

When Hyacinth decides to take a rest, Isla chooses to slip out for a ride. The weather quickly grows bad causing her horse to bolt. Now, she and her horse are lost in the worsening weather. When a frozen branch falls in front of them, the horse throws Isla and she then passes out. Hugh finds her outside and takes her inside his home. She doesn’t have any injuries other than the severe cold temperatures she was subjected to, but the weather has gotten so back she has to stay at his home for several days before she can go back to Huntington Lodge.

The time together allows Isla and Hugh to discuss what happened to their relationship and what went wrong. They also simply have time to truly get to know one another.

In the meantime, Sydney has had a severe carriage accident and is taken into the home of a farmer named Lucas who treats his injuries and nurses him back to health.

Duty calls Isla and Sydney even though their hearts are drawn in different directions. Will they follow duty or their hearts?

What a totally delightful love story! I loved every word of it. Isla is such a sensitive person and has a way of getting people to open up. Sydney’s is the first I have read of an M/M love story and I was so touched at how beautifully the author wrote it. Very well done! This is a wonderful novel and I hope lots of people will read it.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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

This was a great read and there were two romances! I had read the last book of the Somerset sisters so I did have some back ground knowledge but I think this book would read well as a standalone. Hugh Courtney, Marquess Pierce was the complete opposite to Miss Isla Ramsey. Isla was impulsive and some might consider her wilful whereas Hugh considered his actions and behaved with the utmost decorum in public. Isla loved Hugh and was heartbroken when circumstances meant they couldn’t meet anymore. Hugh felt in a similar way but neither were fully aware of how each other felt. There are several reasons why they can’t be together. Lord Sydney’s romance was very gentle and tender and was written with great sensitivity. I did hope for a satisfying end for them all. This had heart wrenching moments as well as joyful times. As this is the first in a new series, I’m looking forward to the next book. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Wayward Bride by Anna Bradley is the first book in her new series Besotted Scots. I would suggest reading her series The Somerset Sisters first because events and that feature in this book happen in the previous series. That said you can read this as a stand-alone should you wish. This story reminded me a bit of a Midsumers Night’s Dream …only in this case it is a winter’s storm that causes all the havoc. Isla Ramsey is betrothed to Henry Northrup, Earl of Sydney but is in love with Hugh Cortney Marquess of Pierce who told her he never wanted to see her again because he thought she was already betrothed to Henry and now he is betrothed to Lady Juliana Bernard in what is to be a marriage of convenience in order to protect his young niece and Henry and Isla only became betrothed to protect her from gossip but now Henry has fallen in love with someone else and a Duke wants to marry Lady Juliana. The story is delightful, I enjoyed it immensely and can’t wait to read the next books in the series. Medium Steam Publishing Date February 26, 2019 #NetGalley #AnnaBradley #TheWaywardBride #KensingtonBooks #LyricalPress

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 Marquis Pierce. who had hinted at forever and then tossed her aside after a scandal at a ball, leaving Isla with few viable options. Now, she’s staying at Huntingdon awaiting Sydney’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.
Isla decides to go riding against her sister in laws advice as a storm is brewing but she needs to ride by Hugh's home then the snowstorm arrives, taking shelter in the woods Isla falls from her horse. Hugh sees her disappear into the woods. He & her brothers search for Isla but it’s Hugh who rescues her & they are forced to take shelter together at his private estate. In such close quarters there is no escaping each other. Meanwhile Sydney suffers a carriage accident on his way to Huntingdon & is rescued by Lucas Dean a young farmer.
This is the first of a new series but I loved it that it’s linked to the Somerset Sisters, Isla being the sister of Lachlan who married Hyacinth in the last of the Somerset sisters series. The author’s books are always very well written with well fleshed characters & an engaging & interesting story. This book is in fact two love stories & both stories are lovely. Isla & Hugh fell in love during the season but parted after misunderstandings, when they are thrown together during the storm sparks fly. Sydney’s romance is a much gentler falling in love. There was no mention anywhere of the risk Sydney & Lucas were taking as their relationship was a hanging offence in the nineteenth century & for them to be living openly together was very brave indeed, I would have been happier for Lucas to have become Sydney's steward or secretary for appearances sake. Whilst this book had me enthralled from start to finish I was a little concerned that there was triple infidelity, I realise all three were making marriages of convenience but a betrothal was almost as binding as a marriage & this was the reason I give this novel 4 Stars not 5. Also Scottish whisky doesn’t have an ‘e’, if it’s spelled whiskey then it’s not scotch.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

‘The Wayward Bride’ follows Isla Ramsey, who finds herself engaged to Henry Northrup, the sixth Earl of Sydney, whilst haunted by her romance with Hugh Courtney, the Marquess Pierce. Whilst this can be read as a stand-alone novel, the third book in the Somerset Sisters, introduces both characters and the demise of their romance and well worth reading! Unable to leave the memory of Hugh behind, Isla rides past Hugh’s estate, only to find herself caught in a storm. Close to panic, Hugh finds Isla and takes her back to his estate, whilst she recovers, and the weather abates. Meanwhile, Sydney suffers a horrific accident and is rescued by a farmer (Lucas) and their attraction to each other becomes hard to deny.
The tension between Hugh and Isla oozed from the pages and the hopelessness of the situation, well described. These were two people who it seemed would never be dealt any happiness. Whilst I was not expecting the romance between Sydney and Lucas, their relationship was explored in a sweet manner. Ms Bradley also left me wondering about Lady Juliana Bernard, the fiancé of Hugh. I so look forward to her story in the next book.
Once again, this will be such a great series as have been all the books by Anna Bradley. This extended family and their romances, just keep getting better and better.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was my first Anna Bradley title and I really liked it. The book features a second chance romance storyline between main characters Isla and Hugh as well as a delightful secondary M/M romance storyline. There was miscommunication, angst aplenty, an adorable bear-size dog named Brute, and HEAs all around! I love a good historical romance and this one didn’t disappoint. I look forward to reading more titles by this author.

The Wayward Bride by Anna Bradley is the first in her new series The Besotted Scotts. I have read seven other novels by Ms. Bradley and thoroughly enjoyed them. Unfortunately, I felt completely blindsided by the M/M romance contained in this story. Not my cup of tea and out of respect for her readers, Ms Bradley should have disclosed this aspect of her book in the information posted. I wouldn’t buy or waste my time had I known that brand of romance was in it. Respect your readers, Ms. Bradley. Disclose.