I read 4 chapters of this and just wasn't seeing anything that interested me enough to read 19 more. The premise was ridiculous, and peeking at some other reviews it doesn't sound like my opinion would improve much from there. The heroine witnesses a fistfight that ends with a man being knocked down and dragged off and she convinces herself it was a murder. She doesn't tell anyone though, even her sisters days after when they ask why she's been distraught lately. She hides behind pillars at her own debut because she hates being noticed in any way, but then when she sees the "killer" in a crowded ballroom she makes a huge scene openly calling him a murderer. ... I don't really think that's how shyness works. Even after she's revived from fainting she still sticks to her story without a single doubt in her mind. Like murder is the only possible outcome. She's just kind of a ninny. ( )

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. ( )

Mayhem on the ballroom floor!

When Scotland and England meet on the field of love there's always a bit of ruggedness, duplicity and in romance novels, sweet sweet endings. The surprising Miss Hyacinth Somerset meets Lachlan Ramsay and right from the beginning all goes dreadfully wrong. What with Hyacinth swooning and calling Lachlan a murderer the Ton's all a titter, and it seems the reclusive Hyacinth's debut is doomed from the start. And so are Lachlan's chances to bring his sister into society. So is Hyacinth more ... or less a temptress? And just why did Lachlan leave Scotland?
Once again a delightful regency romance from Anna Bradley.

A NetGalley ARC ( )

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. ( )

More or Less a Lady by Anna Bradley
The Somerset Sisters #3

Hyacinth Somerset has always been seen by her family as weak and in need of being protected to the point that she is losing sight of who she could be…until Lachland Ramsey comes on the scene, that is. Lachland runs into Hyacinth at a ball and the first words out of her mouth, followed by her swoon, make things a wee bit more difficult for all of them. But surprisingly enough it is Lachland who sees her inner strength and promotes it in ways that make her realize that there is more strength within her than she once thought.

This is a story of family and of doing what is best for those you love. It is the story of a woman coming into her own. It is also a love story and it was a fun one to read. Sure, there was a nasty female who though the belle of the season left much to be desired and a rather nasty man who was finally put in place but all in all it was the love story of Hyacinth and Lachland and a fun way to spend the day. It did leave me wondering about Lachland’s brother and sister and whether or not they would be getting stories of their own so I will be on the lookout because I do wonder who they will eventually end up with.

Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars ( )