I love Anna Bradley’s writing. It is so fresh and different. This story has a twist – you get a two-fer love story. Both love stories were very well written and kept me reading way into the night. The characters are intriguing and you know you are invested when you are not sure how it will work out so you just keep reading way too long for a worknight. There are no real villains but lots and lots of angst. If you have never tried one of Ms. Bradley’s books, please do. They are all interconnected but all standalones. You will not be disappointed in her writing.

Anna Bradley! An amazing author. I was very interested in this couple. This is a second chance love story with a surprise side character love story. Anna Bradley did an amazing job and integrating the two love stories. This is a must read for this winter!

The Wayward Bride (Besotted Scots, #1)
by Anna Bradley

I am having a hard time with this review. What can you say about a book when normally you adore the authors writing. I went back and forth a few times before finally deciding that I would just write what I think.

This book was not my cup of tea. It lacked life to me as well as being a disappointment in the main characters. I really liked them in as sub characters in other stories. However, this one was just not alive or missed the elements I was looking for. So , overall, I can say that the plot line as well as the characters were good.... the relationship between the characters and the way it was written within this book lacked elements to make it enjoyable for me. Many have talked about the two romances written within this book. Yes, I think it should of been pointed out that such a thing would occur for many should be aware of such before purchasing the book. While this author is very talented , this book was just not for me. I can say many will enjoy it and find it nicely written. So I can only categorize this as a light read. I was given this book via NetGalley. All opinions written here are my own. Regards, Anna

I really enjoy Anna Bradley's books, but this one was not one of them. Isla Ramsey is due to marry Henry Northrup, the sixth Earl of Sydney while she's still in love with Hugh Courtney, the Marquess Pierce. Isla believes that Hugh threw her over because of a scandal and her friend Sydney offered to marry her to silence the ton gossip. This sets up the first romance in the story which in my opinion could have been enough to carry the story without having Sydney be gay especially when homosexuality was not accepted by most. There second romance (M/M) was not mentioned in the blurb. The story of Sydney and Lucas was engaging, but I don't want to read a (M/M) romance and was not prepared for where that storyline went.

I will certainly pick up more books by Ms. Bradley because I do enjoy her writing.

I LOVED Hugh and Isla's story!! This was a reunion story and those are always one of my favorites.

Having been torn apart by one comment from a friend, Hugh and Isla are both still secretly longing for the other. When they end up trapped together during a snow storm, they can't deny their feelings any longer. But can they overcome that huge obstacle that stands in their way?

Loved watching these two find their way back to one another!! They were perfect for each other and I enjoyed their story immensely.

Without giving too much away, you actually get 2 for the price of one with this story!! I loved that!! Lady Juliana, whom we met in this story, is up next! I can't wait to see what Bradley comes up with for her!

Let me begin this novel by pointing out the fact that while there are multiple romances mentioned, there is a secondary main romance written into this story and well, it may not be everyone's cup of tea. The secondary romance (which to be honest I happened to adore just a bit more than the main romance) is a homosexual relationship - which may be why it was not written into the blurb. I feel like its a bit dishonest in a way, but I can see how it also may have been considered a spoiler as well.

So let's focus on the different romances, and why they worked (or didn't work). To begin with let's focus on the ones that were mentioned, but that didn't feature heavily within the story.

Henry and Isla were betrothed in order to protect both their reputations. Yes, Isla would benefit in the immediate sense, but Henry was hiding a secret of his own. I adored their friendship and the way they understood each other. And while it was obvious that their marriage would have some obvious complications, it would have been interesting to see how they managed.

Hugh and Julianna are also betrothed, and again, by no want or desire of their own. Their betrothal comes from the fact that Hugh's sister and her husband are both dead, and Julianna's father has custody of Hugh's niece Grace. It is her father that pushes the marriage on them as a condition for allowing them to have Grace in their lives. I will admit that while I thought this particular pairing didn't have enough time to "shine", I will admit to being curious about Julianna and the Duke she has supposedly come to an understanding with. For all her words, and her release of Hugh from their betrothal, her actions once she closed the door make me think there is a lot more to her story than what she said.

Now we can move on to the main romances. The first being the one between Hugh and Isla. Theirs is the kind of romance that frankly, is overdone and annoying. They had passion. They had chemistry. And they could have found their HAE a lot sooner if Hugh had only allowed Isla the chance to explain. Yes, I understand he was hurt and angry, but I'm so tired of these romances where people who are supposedly so in love with another person can just casually toss them aside without ever getting their side of the story, only to declare themselves later. I did enjoy watching these two as they were forced together and tried everything to get over their attachment to the other, but I wish they had just been open and honest with each other from the start.

Finally we come to the romance between Henry and Lucas. The unexpected romance that managed to steal the show. Henry is nearly always smiling and able to look for the positive. He brings the best out in everyone. Lucas is more of the steadfast, serious type. As they call themselves they are the earl and the farmer. Their relationship is definitely not the kind you expect to see in a historical novel. And honestly, their romance is definitely thought of in more "modern" ways than I would have thought would have been acceptable given the time period. In fact, I would definitely be interested in reading more about them - how they managed to overcome the obstacles that would have no doubt been thrust upon them just for being in love with each other.

I think when you look at this story as a whole, the different romance work to enhance the experience. Overall, this is a well written novel that while it touches on characters from prior series' (some moreso than others) this story will appeal to those who enjoy historical romance. I would read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Well, well, well... I guess this is another case of "everybody adored it but me" !

Let's be clear : I do love this author. I discovered Anna Bradley last year and am planning to read every book of hers.

My reflections about this novel are as follow :

- Why give it another series's title while it's the continuation of The Somerset sisters ? Oh, you can read it as a standalone all right, but I didn't understand the need for a "new" series.

- There is not one but two romances in this book. First, let's see Isla and Hugh. It's that romance that made me give the book 3 stars instead of more. I had a hard time liking them at the beginning, but I have to say they got better along the book - fortunately. The "I act stupidly because the plot of the book requires it" part and the "I know what the situation was because I trust the gossip and I'm not listening to you" part really grated my nerves. The later explanation was a big light for my taste but even if I don't really like it, I can admit and understand it. And as I said, they both got better as the story proceded.

- Now Sydney and Lucas : they were the light of this novel ! I loved the both of them ! Different personalities (Sydney is so very charming), same attraction, *they* made me give the book 3 stars instead of less, I would even give it 4 stars just because of them. But a few questions arose : Why aren't they mentioned in the blurb ? I mean, at all ? Why are there sex scenes between heterosexuals but not homosexuals ? Was it in order to not frighten the "traditional" readers away ? (I wouldn't have been !). Was the author uncomfortable writing them ? Does it come from the writer of the editor ? It felt weird, especially them not being mentioned in the blurb. If there is a problem with homosexuality, why write the story at all and publish it ? Am I seeing too much in this ?...

Anna Bradley is an author I absolutely adored right from the start. But her latest two books have not been as good as I expected and this particular book left me wondering. Anyway, Hugh and Lucas are the best !

Couples engaged to the wrong people (Isla and Hugh) with a surprise M/M (Lucas and Sydney) love story within this story as well. Great read! I hope the next book covers Lady Julianne’s story and includes some payback towards Lord Cowden.

Reliably excellent, Anna Bradley’s latest book is a lovely read, with a bonus additional romance.

Isla Ramsey is betrothed to her dear friend Henry Northrop, Earl of Sydney, after a scandal, not of her own making, the previous season. She had met Hugh Courtney, Marquess of Pierce, and had fallen for him hard. He has cut off all communication after her betrothal, but she pines for him, and rides past his house every day. He rescues her from a snowstorm and they are trapped together at his house, where they find it difficult to resist their feelings for each other.

Hugh, who is a very strait laced character, feels that she can’t care for him if she was happy to marry someone else, and knows he must keep his distance from her, so that she doesn’t break his heart. He is also betrothed to his late brother in law’s sister, in order that he can have a relationship with his niece Grace, and he knows that there cannot be a future for him with Isla..

Meanwhile Henry, Isla’s fiancé, had badly injured himself in a carriage accident, he is rescued by a handsome young farmer, with a tragic past. He is marrying his dear friend Isla to rescue her from scandal and do his duty to his title and the succession, but he is attracted to men. Determined to be faithful to Isla, he is hoping it will all turn out ok, but it is preying on his mind. Half unconscious with pain he is captivated by Lucas’s eyes, and their relationship develops slowly, as Lucas nurses him back to health. This secondary romance was very unexpected, beautifully done, and a real bonus, even though I don’t read m/m stories very much, I thought this was delightfully done.

Isla and Hugh have to navigate many obstacles and misunderstandings on their way to their HEA, and I felt they were both honourable characters, who were easy to like. The secondary characters were also compelling, Henry was a sweetheart, and Lucas’ gruffness, hid a whole world of pain and angst. Julianne, Hugh’s fiancée is honourable and cries off the engagement, saying she is promised to and in love with the Duke of Blakemore. I hope we find out more in future books.

Will the couples let duty and their insecurities hold them back from love, or will they take a chance at happiness.

I really enjoyed this one, just enough angst to be interesting and really likeable protagonists. Can’t wait for book 2!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions my own.

Also posted on Goodreads

She rides her horse at break-neck speed to go past the home of the one man she’s madly in love with. Isla rides deep into the woods to get home but has to go through a storm of freezing ice and falling tree limbs. At the same time, her betrothed has a terrible accident in his carriage and feels himself drowning as two powerful arms pull him to safety! Isla feels that she is in love with the wrong man while her betrothed Lord Sydney is in the throes of magnetic attraction to his handsome rescuer. Twists, turns and romance make this a four star book for me!

The Wayward Bride by Anna Bradley will be available February 26, 2019 from Lyrical Press, an imprint of Kensington Books. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

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.

I have read all of Anna Bradley's books and loved each and every one. I couldn't wait to read Isla, Sidney and Pierce's story.
The 3 main characters turned into two side by side stories of romance. The main story being with Isla and Pierce.
The secondary story was of Sidney and the farmer who rescued him from his carriage accident.
I found there was too much going on and wasn't expecting the m/m romance. That's definitely not my cup of tea.
As a result I found myself not enjoying this book as I had all her others.

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.

Sydney loves Luke. He’s engaged to Isla who loves Hugh. Isla loves Hugh who is engaged to Julianna. Julianna loves the Duke of Blackmore. What a tangled mess! A fun read to find out how it all works out!

Well I just loved this story. All 4 of the main characters were honorable, caring people. Their problem was they were betrothed to the wrong people. My heart really connected to Hugh and Isla, and Sydne and Lucas...wonderful story.

Though the blurb doesn't mention it, The Wayward Bride is about not one but TWO separate romances, and gay romance lovers rejoice, because we got ourselves a lovely (and unexpected!) love story.

Anna Bradley is one of my favorite historical romance authors, and this book showed me again why I love her. Though this book is billed as the first in a new series, it's absolutely tied to The Somerset Sisters series, and I'd recommend readers read that series first. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I think the other books give more context.

I'm an avowed queer romance lover, but as Anna Bradley has never written a gay romance and the book blurb doesn't mention anything of the sort, I was 100% percent not expecting to find a second romance in this story that involved two men. And I was living for it. In fact, the romance between Sydney and Lucas far outshown the romance between Isla and Hugh.

I loved, loved, loved the M/M romance, and I think Anna Bradley should venture into the genre fully. It was low steam in contrast to the M/F sections of the book, but the emotions were so powerful. I adored the taciturn Lucas, and I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two.

I also enjoyed Isla and Hugh together, though Isla did a few things that were TSTL that annoyed me. I think they got in their own way too much, but I felt the romance and their chemistry in the end, even if it took them awhile to get their acts together.

A very enjoyable romance that I read in less than a day, Anna Bradley shows her range and skill in The Wayward Bride.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

This book was a fun little read with some extra added romance I was expecting. It was a sweet little novel if a tad bit lackluster. Typically I like a bit more upheaval in the story. A dash of mystery or some heinous plot but this bespoke more of a Jane Austen type of tell with everything coming up roses apart from a few misunderstandings. All in all it was a fun read, I just wish there had been a little more drama.

I received a copy of “The Wayward Bride” through Netgalley for an honest review. This is the story of Isla Ramsey who is impetuous and betrothed to her friend the 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.

I enjoyed the story, but the multiple betrothals got pretty confusing, not to mention the fact that they were all cheating on each other. I gave this book 4 stars.

So, Anna Bradley's novels are those that I know I will love. And, in fact, I absolutely adored this novel! For many reasons - the romance, the story itself, the hero who's madly in love, but above all, I loved that there are two love stories developping at the same time, and one is homosexual, and the author treats it the same way she treats the main story. And it was so sweet.

A huge praise to Anna Bradley for her talent and for her plot choices!

Wow, this book is another feather in this author’s cap! I honestly didn’t think I would love Isla, Hugh and Sydney so much but I absolutely adored them in this book. I enjoyed both the stories that run parallel to each other. As I began reading this book, I was seriously worried that there was going to be someone with a broken heart but the author pleasantly surprised me. For readers that are interested this is a MF and MM romance. The romance is sexy and love scenes sweet and hot at the same time. This is book one in the Besotted Scots series. I highly recommend this author and if you have never read books from this author, I would highly recommend starting with The Somerset Sisters series as it has Hyacinth and Lachlan's story.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*