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bookloverchelle's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve become a big fan of Kieran Kramer and her take on historical romances, you can almost always be guaranteed laughs as well as a fun love story. The first in the new House of Brady series was no exception. Sad for me, I actually needed maybe a novella before this story because I was getting a little confused on how this family dynamic came together because I do not know the Brady Bunch very well (hides in shame). After I got the characters lined up in my head, the fun began. Lady Marcia went through a heartbreaking experience at 16 and has decided to put aside the idea of marriage and work with at girls school. When the school is taken from her she’s left with reevaluating what she wants in her life and if she still has the same goals. Duncan can hardly believe his eyes when the young girl he first met five years earlier has become such a beautiful young lady. But Lady Marcia’s past keeps a wall between them that Duncan has a hard time breaking down. Can they find a compromise or will they be forced into their choices? A really fun story about a young woman moving beyond her past and finding love in the least expected place.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
If the fact that the heroine's name is Marcia and her father's title has Brady in it has you thinking this is going to be a cheesy take off of some Brady Bunch episode, you'd be wrong. Sure, there are some similarities between the TV Brady's and those in the book, but there is no comparing the TV Marcia with the strong and independent Lady Marcia Sherwood.
Lady Marcia Sherwood and Duncan Lattimore, the Earl of Chadwick, meet as he and his brother, Finn, escort Marcia to Ireland. Finn is fun loving, entertaining and attentive to Marcia, while Duncan is standoffish and pensive on their journey. While Marcia and Finn haven't a care in the world, Duncan contemplates his newly obtained title and what he is going to do to restore the Earldom. So it's no surprise Marcia and Finn strike up an immediate friendship which soon turns into something more, including devastating heartbreak.
Duncan and Marcia lives took a decidedly different paths after that fateful trip to Ireland. Marcia took the only course she thought she could after what happened with Finn and became the Headmistress of the school she attended. She's sworn off romantic entanglements for the security of caring for "her girls". But what she really lost that summer was the belief that someone could want her the way her stepfather wants/loves her mother. When she was tossed so easily aside, she figured no one would ever want her. To save herself any grief, she decided to close herself off at the school. But Duncan opened her eyes and showed her that she could be loved for who she was, which included her ideals and aspirations.
Duncan is a fixer. He tried to protect his mother from his father's infidelities, tried to help Finn grow up and become a better man, and tried to make a home full of love for his son, Joe, himself and his servants. He craved the love of those he felt close to and longed to have anyone of those he held dear tell him they loved him in return. Duncan had to learn he couldn't fix everyone or fix a situation for those he cared for. He had to let go of those that truly didn't deserve his affection and focus on those that did and realize they would love him even if he or they failed.
Duncan and Marcia didn't have the easiest path to their HEA. Their demons were their own worst enemy, but in the end the discovered their relationship worked much better when the words were said rather than hoping someone understood their actions.
A wonderful start to the House of Brady series. I can't wait for the next book.
Lady Marcia Sherwood and Duncan Lattimore, the Earl of Chadwick, meet as he and his brother, Finn, escort Marcia to Ireland. Finn is fun loving, entertaining and attentive to Marcia, while Duncan is standoffish and pensive on their journey. While Marcia and Finn haven't a care in the world, Duncan contemplates his newly obtained title and what he is going to do to restore the Earldom. So it's no surprise Marcia and Finn strike up an immediate friendship which soon turns into something more, including devastating heartbreak.
Duncan and Marcia lives took a decidedly different paths after that fateful trip to Ireland. Marcia took the only course she thought she could after what happened with Finn and became the Headmistress of the school she attended. She's sworn off romantic entanglements for the security of caring for "her girls". But what she really lost that summer was the belief that someone could want her the way her stepfather wants/loves her mother. When she was tossed so easily aside, she figured no one would ever want her. To save herself any grief, she decided to close herself off at the school. But Duncan opened her eyes and showed her that she could be loved for who she was, which included her ideals and aspirations.
Duncan is a fixer. He tried to protect his mother from his father's infidelities, tried to help Finn grow up and become a better man, and tried to make a home full of love for his son, Joe, himself and his servants. He craved the love of those he felt close to and longed to have anyone of those he held dear tell him they loved him in return. Duncan had to learn he couldn't fix everyone or fix a situation for those he cared for. He had to let go of those that truly didn't deserve his affection and focus on those that did and realize they would love him even if he or they failed.
Duncan and Marcia didn't have the easiest path to their HEA. Their demons were their own worst enemy, but in the end the discovered their relationship worked much better when the words were said rather than hoping someone understood their actions.
A wonderful start to the House of Brady series. I can't wait for the next book.
salene27's review against another edition
3.0
While I enjoyed this book, there were a few things that bothered me.
1)I felt Duncan fell for her too fast, there was no sign that he noticed her at there first meeting, then all of a sudden he loves her.
2)I know this was a different time, but it grated on my nerves that Marcia wouldn't tell Duncan why she felt they couldn't be together.
Overall a good book though.
1)I felt Duncan fell for her too fast, there was no sign that he noticed her at there first meeting, then all of a sudden he loves her.
2)I know this was a different time, but it grated on my nerves that Marcia wouldn't tell Duncan why she felt they couldn't be together.
Overall a good book though.
haewilya's review against another edition
2.0
I don't know how I manage to finish this.
I like the setup: Heroine is accompanied by brothers to Ireland and she falls for one of them. The guy turns out to be cad (but she doesn't know yet) and leaves her. After four years, she meets the other brother and there's a spark. Brother knows his brother is a cad and treated the heroine badly. Heroine is a little bit (maybe not a little bit) angry with the Other Brother for the way things ended with the Cad. Interesting, isn't? Intriguing!
Unfortunately, all the elements in the book, the characters, situations, dialogue, just didn't work well together in my view. The story felt disjointed, the situations contrived, and the characters changing personalities from one moment to the next. Not to mention the fact that it doesn't really feel like it's set in Regency times (the cover should clue you in on one of the reasons why).
I DID enjoy reading it however once I managed to ignore its flaws. It could have been better IMO and if you're a nitpicky about the writing, I suggest you skip this book.
I like the setup: Heroine is accompanied by brothers to Ireland and she falls for one of them. The guy turns out to be cad (but she doesn't know yet) and leaves her. After four years, she meets the other brother and there's a spark. Brother knows his brother is a cad and treated the heroine badly. Heroine is a little bit (maybe not a little bit) angry with the Other Brother for the way things ended with the Cad. Interesting, isn't? Intriguing!
Unfortunately, all the elements in the book, the characters, situations, dialogue, just didn't work well together in my view. The story felt disjointed, the situations contrived, and the characters changing personalities from one moment to the next. Not to mention the fact that it doesn't really feel like it's set in Regency times (the cover should clue you in on one of the reasons why).
I DID enjoy reading it however once I managed to ignore its flaws. It could have been better IMO and if you're a nitpicky about the writing, I suggest you skip this book.
alexiachantel's review against another edition
2.0
3.5 Stars
Kramer introduces book one in the House of Brady series with a hit. Loving Lady Marcia is a sweet historical romance with a wonderful hero that will steal your heart, and a strong heroine you will cheer for.
Marcia is a woman who fell prey to young love, the consequence of her actions causing her to alter her life. Though her self imposed exile becomes a passion and her calling, to teach and be there for young women as they go through their own growing up stages. Life has its way of throwing curves, and hers certainly did by closing the door on her headmistress position and opening another that could lead to true love.
Duncan is an honorable man, maybe a little too much at times. He wants to be able to fix everything, which as you know is impossible for anyone. The scene where he meets Marcia years after the fateful trip she took with him and his brother is memorable. He is so shocked by her and drawn to her, even when she acts cold and dismissive. From then on Duncan has his goal, her. And you will enjoy his efforts every step of the way.
One such step Duncan takes it to try assist Marcia in obtaining her old position as headmistress, even while he is planning on convincing her to marry him. As he introduces her to influential people, lets her meet his son, and tries in his own way to offer her support Marcia slowly steals his heart.
If you are a historical romance fan you will enjoy Loving Lady Marcia. Duncan and Marcia have chemistry yet also deal with emotions and issues that go along with new love. It maybe a little hard to believe how easy it is for Marcia to meet Duncan and his son in secret so often, and the solution to Marcia’s nemesis and former employer is tied up rather quickly. The plot may not sound like much happens, and yet you will still be turning the pages quickly. Overall it is enjoyable and will leave you with a little smile on your face after you are finished.
Review posted at Reading Between the Wines blog:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/2012/08/tour-loving-lady-marcia-by-kieran.html
(copy courtesy of NetGalley)
Kramer introduces book one in the House of Brady series with a hit. Loving Lady Marcia is a sweet historical romance with a wonderful hero that will steal your heart, and a strong heroine you will cheer for.
Marcia is a woman who fell prey to young love, the consequence of her actions causing her to alter her life. Though her self imposed exile becomes a passion and her calling, to teach and be there for young women as they go through their own growing up stages. Life has its way of throwing curves, and hers certainly did by closing the door on her headmistress position and opening another that could lead to true love.
Duncan is an honorable man, maybe a little too much at times. He wants to be able to fix everything, which as you know is impossible for anyone. The scene where he meets Marcia years after the fateful trip she took with him and his brother is memorable. He is so shocked by her and drawn to her, even when she acts cold and dismissive. From then on Duncan has his goal, her. And you will enjoy his efforts every step of the way.
One such step Duncan takes it to try assist Marcia in obtaining her old position as headmistress, even while he is planning on convincing her to marry him. As he introduces her to influential people, lets her meet his son, and tries in his own way to offer her support Marcia slowly steals his heart.
If you are a historical romance fan you will enjoy Loving Lady Marcia. Duncan and Marcia have chemistry yet also deal with emotions and issues that go along with new love. It maybe a little hard to believe how easy it is for Marcia to meet Duncan and his son in secret so often, and the solution to Marcia’s nemesis and former employer is tied up rather quickly. The plot may not sound like much happens, and yet you will still be turning the pages quickly. Overall it is enjoyable and will leave you with a little smile on your face after you are finished.
Review posted at Reading Between the Wines blog:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/2012/08/tour-loving-lady-marcia-by-kieran.html
(copy courtesy of NetGalley)
emilyhei's review against another edition
4.0
After falling over in love with her handsome traveling partner, Lady Marcia Brady is willing to give up everything to be with him. Only his interfering brother Earl Duncan Lattimore sends him away and leaving Marcia with a broken heart that will never heal. Duncan knew that his brother Finn would trample on the young girls heart, he warned her away but the young innocent refused his advice.
Years later Duncan sees Lady Marcia and wants to reestablish a connection with her, only he finds that she is Headmistress of a school, avoiding her London debut, and has absolutely no plans to be civil to Duncan. Confused by her immediate disdain for him, he uncovers there was a bit more to her romance and he plans to make it up to her for not protecting her back then. Lady Marcia only wants to save the school she worked so hard for, even if it means making her debut. With Duncan at her heels and Finn reentering her life, Marcia finds herself torn between seeking Duncan out and realizing Finn isn't who she imagined all those years ago.
Full review on Single Titles.
http://singletitles.com/?p=7853
Years later Duncan sees Lady Marcia and wants to reestablish a connection with her, only he finds that she is Headmistress of a school, avoiding her London debut, and has absolutely no plans to be civil to Duncan. Confused by her immediate disdain for him, he uncovers there was a bit more to her romance and he plans to make it up to her for not protecting her back then. Lady Marcia only wants to save the school she worked so hard for, even if it means making her debut. With Duncan at her heels and Finn reentering her life, Marcia finds herself torn between seeking Duncan out and realizing Finn isn't who she imagined all those years ago.
Full review on Single Titles.
http://singletitles.com/?p=7853
shadowmaster13's review
3.0
*You know what there are spoilers below and taking them out would just be too much work so: *SPOILERS BELOW* *SPOILERS BELOW* *SPOILERS BELOW* *SPOILERS BELOW* *SPOILERS BELOW* *SPOILERS BELOW**
I never saw the Brady bunch growing up. I knew the basic premise: Three girls and three boys live in a blended family with a housekeeper. Hilarity Ensues.
Actually doing it in the historical era requires little changes (as far as I know). Alice becomes an impoverished English widow (Sherwood) and the dad (whose first name escapes me - the theme song wasn't THAT memorable) was a wealthy Irish lord.
I like that the book is sure that Marcia, Jan and Cynthia (Cindy) are Sherwoods, not Bradys. They consider Lord Brady their father and they have a close relationship as a family but they're not adopted and they are known not to be full blood siblings.
I didn't like that Marcia had a weird dichotomy of having lost her romantic dreams and yet staunchly believing Finn would have married her if he hadn't gone to America.
Also I got sick in the middle of reading this and stopped near the end for a few days while I slept and so when I came back to it Marcia's level of befriending the servants got INSANE. She treats the servants, and a random girl who shows up and admits to leaving her position under a cloud of lies - not just as people but as equals. Now I'm not saying I want to see my historical heroines mistreat the servants and maybe in that time the servants were treated as equals... But I doubt it. And even if they were MY knowledge of the regency period comes from romance novels and Wikipedia. So I believe that treating the servants as equals is stretching my suspension of disbelief too far.
Another thing is Australia is referred to as a great continent and that finding Joe would have been impossible. Australia is big! But because a lot of it's desert we stick to the edges of it so searching it's not actually that much area.
In 1819 there were three settlements, Tasmania, Brisbane and Sydney. Admittedly Sydney would have been difficult based on it's size (30 years of growth) but unlike today where we have twenty million people the whole country including Tasmania (and Aboriginals in the remote areas) would have been like a million at a super generous guess - If I read my information right there was between 25 and 33 thousand Source, now that count doesn't include the Aboriginals of the time but they were usually fairly apart from the white people on account of the killing thing that was happening to them. With the kind of money that Duncan had finding Joe would have been pretty easy, especially since he was so generous. It might've taken a year or so but following so close behind Finn (even maybe taking the same boat) if he wasn't a dumbass finding him would've been pretty quick. Offer cash to the dock worker who saw his brother and little boy and knows where they went.
In case you can't tell as an Australian I loathe dumb inaccuracies that take little research to solve. To be fair maybe the English papers were lying their asses of an making Australia seem super awesome which would happen later on after they stopped trying to English up the place.
Look that actually has no relevance on my opinion of the book. Americans have gotten Australia wrong since they first tried our accent (We're neither English or Kiwi!). Moving on.
I don't have the nostalgia factor of The Brady Bunch show but I did like the set up, you don't have to have seen it to like the book, the happy family thing is nice and done in a way that's true to the historical setting. The biggest drawback of the book is that Marcia runs of from her wedding in a truly contrived piece of angst over her school to force Duncan to confess love despite the fact that he was ABOUT TO ANYWAY. The school could have been solved much earlier by the solution Duncan utilised at the end (Buying it off of Lady Ennis), so that was angst for nothing. But if you reading as concurrently as possible it'd probably be fairly enjoyable and there are far worse books out there.
I'm definitely reading book two, [b:The Earl is Mine|15769838|The Earl is Mine (House of Brady, #2)|Kieran Kramer|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1343710814s/15769838.jpg|21476993] (about Gregory) when it comes out in February 2013.
I never saw the Brady bunch growing up. I knew the basic premise: Three girls and three boys live in a blended family with a housekeeper. Hilarity Ensues.
Actually doing it in the historical era requires little changes (as far as I know). Alice becomes an impoverished English widow (Sherwood) and the dad (whose first name escapes me - the theme song wasn't THAT memorable) was a wealthy Irish lord.
I like that the book is sure that Marcia, Jan and Cynthia (Cindy) are Sherwoods, not Bradys. They consider Lord Brady their father and they have a close relationship as a family but they're not adopted and they are known not to be full blood siblings.
I didn't like that Marcia had a weird dichotomy of having lost her romantic dreams and yet staunchly believing Finn would have married her if he hadn't gone to America.
Also I got sick in the middle of reading this and stopped near the end for a few days while I slept and so when I came back to it Marcia's level of befriending the servants got INSANE. She treats the servants, and a random girl who shows up and admits to leaving her position under a cloud of lies - not just as people but as equals. Now I'm not saying I want to see my historical heroines mistreat the servants and maybe in that time the servants were treated as equals... But I doubt it. And even if they were MY knowledge of the regency period comes from romance novels and Wikipedia. So I believe that treating the servants as equals is stretching my suspension of disbelief too far.
Another thing is Australia is referred to as a great continent and that finding Joe would have been impossible. Australia is big! But because a lot of it's desert we stick to the edges of it so searching it's not actually that much area.
In 1819 there were three settlements, Tasmania, Brisbane and Sydney. Admittedly Sydney would have been difficult based on it's size (30 years of growth) but unlike today where we have twenty million people the whole country including Tasmania (and Aboriginals in the remote areas) would have been like a million at a super generous guess - If I read my information right there was between 25 and 33 thousand Source, now that count doesn't include the Aboriginals of the time but they were usually fairly apart from the white people on account of the killing thing that was happening to them. With the kind of money that Duncan had finding Joe would have been pretty easy, especially since he was so generous. It might've taken a year or so but following so close behind Finn (even maybe taking the same boat) if he wasn't a dumbass finding him would've been pretty quick. Offer cash to the dock worker who saw his brother and little boy and knows where they went.
In case you can't tell as an Australian I loathe dumb inaccuracies that take little research to solve. To be fair maybe the English papers were lying their asses of an making Australia seem super awesome which would happen later on after they stopped trying to English up the place.
Look that actually has no relevance on my opinion of the book. Americans have gotten Australia wrong since they first tried our accent (We're neither English or Kiwi!). Moving on.
I don't have the nostalgia factor of The Brady Bunch show but I did like the set up, you don't have to have seen it to like the book, the happy family thing is nice and done in a way that's true to the historical setting. The biggest drawback of the book is that Marcia runs of from her wedding in a truly contrived piece of angst over her school to force Duncan to confess love despite the fact that he was ABOUT TO ANYWAY. The school could have been solved much earlier by the solution Duncan utilised at the end (Buying it off of Lady Ennis), so that was angst for nothing. But if you reading as concurrently as possible it'd probably be fairly enjoyable and there are far worse books out there.
I'm definitely reading book two, [b:The Earl is Mine|15769838|The Earl is Mine (House of Brady, #2)|Kieran Kramer|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1343710814s/15769838.jpg|21476993] (about Gregory) when it comes out in February 2013.
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic book, loved all the characters, and yeah, just really enjoyed reading this book!
thenia's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading Marcia and Duncan's story. They start off on the wrong foot and the misunderstandings and prejudices they have keep getting in their way before they finally work things out.
Marcia's reluctance to give up her plans after her experience with Finn is understandable, and so is her dislike of Duncan at the beginning, considering what she thought his role was in the whole matter.
I especially loved Joe and the warmth of Marcia's family, as well as Duncan's adoptive family's. Duncan's relationship with both Joe and his staff is unconventional (particularly at that age) and refreshing and so is Marcia's parents' support of her.
Realistic characters and an engaging plot that make for a thoroughly good read.
Marcia's reluctance to give up her plans after her experience with Finn is understandable, and so is her dislike of Duncan at the beginning, considering what she thought his role was in the whole matter.
I especially loved Joe and the warmth of Marcia's family, as well as Duncan's adoptive family's. Duncan's relationship with both Joe and his staff is unconventional (particularly at that age) and refreshing and so is Marcia's parents' support of her.
Realistic characters and an engaging plot that make for a thoroughly good read.
silvercal's review
4.0
Lady Marcia has grand dreams of love at the tender age of fifteen and falls hard for a dashing scoundrel and on her sixteenth birthday, he convinces her that they will run away together. When she awakes in the morning, alone, she is confused but that quickly turns to anger as she learns her love has been shipped off to America but his older brother, Lord Chadwick to prevent them from marrying. Knowing she is ruined and can not be among the ton she goes to a boarding school and quickly becomes the headmistress. Marcia finds joy in being with the girls of the school and it becomes her passion to do what she can for them so when her circumstances force a drastic change, she will do whatever it takes to get her life back in control....even if it means help from an unlikely source.
Lord Chadwick, Duncan Lattimore, takes his duties as earl seriously but also faces the shun of society for taking responsibility for his son who was born on the wrong side of the blanket. When he sees the beautiful Marcia one day, he approaches her but is quickly rebuffed coolly, much to his surprise. Upon returning home him, he also sees that his brother has returned back to London hopefully wiser and more grown up. A few talks show that he is still as immature and irresponsible as ever and Duncan also gets the truth about Marcia out of him. Determined to do the honorable thing, he sets out to woo Marcia, never imaging how hard he would fall. Now, he must help Marcia see the truth of her heart while helping her get her old life back, even though it would send her away. It will take a desperate act for these two stubborn people to find the happiness that is within their grasp if they just would accept it.
This is the start of Kieran Kramer's new series, The House of Brady and it was a delight! I love stories about large families that get along and this seems to be the start of another winner! It is obviously loosely based on the tv show with the names being similar and I even noticed a few scenes that were loosely based on beloved memories from the tv show and is sure to bring a smile to many people. Marcia was a wonderful character to read. I loved that she was a headmistress and loved her job (gasp! A member of the ton...working?). She is compassionate, kind, strong and bold and a wonderful foil for the yummy Duncan. Sigh. He is almost too perfect. He is beyond kind and caring for his servants and I really enjoyed that. I admired him for his dedication to his son and also how he was able to finally resolve the situation with his scoundrel brother. The brother, who you are a bit torn about for a bit, ends up being quite a villain but he also forces Marcia to do a drastic choice that alters her life forever. Overall, a very sweet (on the lower end of heat level), touching, romantic story that is sure to make you smile and sigh. I can't wait to dive back into this delightful family! (I think that is one of only quibbles...I would have liked a bit more back story on how they came to be the blended family of Brady). 4 stars
Review copy provided by St. Martins Press via netgalley.com
Lord Chadwick, Duncan Lattimore, takes his duties as earl seriously but also faces the shun of society for taking responsibility for his son who was born on the wrong side of the blanket. When he sees the beautiful Marcia one day, he approaches her but is quickly rebuffed coolly, much to his surprise. Upon returning home him, he also sees that his brother has returned back to London hopefully wiser and more grown up. A few talks show that he is still as immature and irresponsible as ever and Duncan also gets the truth about Marcia out of him. Determined to do the honorable thing, he sets out to woo Marcia, never imaging how hard he would fall. Now, he must help Marcia see the truth of her heart while helping her get her old life back, even though it would send her away. It will take a desperate act for these two stubborn people to find the happiness that is within their grasp if they just would accept it.
This is the start of Kieran Kramer's new series, The House of Brady and it was a delight! I love stories about large families that get along and this seems to be the start of another winner! It is obviously loosely based on the tv show with the names being similar and I even noticed a few scenes that were loosely based on beloved memories from the tv show and is sure to bring a smile to many people. Marcia was a wonderful character to read. I loved that she was a headmistress and loved her job (gasp! A member of the ton...working?). She is compassionate, kind, strong and bold and a wonderful foil for the yummy Duncan. Sigh. He is almost too perfect. He is beyond kind and caring for his servants and I really enjoyed that. I admired him for his dedication to his son and also how he was able to finally resolve the situation with his scoundrel brother. The brother, who you are a bit torn about for a bit, ends up being quite a villain but he also forces Marcia to do a drastic choice that alters her life forever. Overall, a very sweet (on the lower end of heat level), touching, romantic story that is sure to make you smile and sigh. I can't wait to dive back into this delightful family! (I think that is one of only quibbles...I would have liked a bit more back story on how they came to be the blended family of Brady). 4 stars
Review copy provided by St. Martins Press via netgalley.com