The Wayward Bride

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.

I finished reading this book with very mixed emotions. While it's well written, I felt there was way too much angst throughout the story, plus I really didn't like that part of the story is about a m/m gay couple. I have no problem with gays, I just don't like reading that genre!! It just surprises me that this author felt the need to do this. Of course, one can skip over all those scenes but with their stories being intertwined, it's kind of hard. Between Isla, Hugh, Sydney, Lucas, and Julianna, your head will be spinning! I did not find this a relaxing book to get lost into and it definitely is not one of my favourite Anna Bradley books. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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