Helpful Score: 1
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
I really enjoyed this book. I thought that it was a cute read and I really liked the characters. Though while I did enjoy it, the similarities to the actual Brady Bunch show were a bit much at times. Instead of enjoying the nods to the iconic show, I just found it to be too much. Similarities to the show aside, I really liked the characters and the world that the author created. I liked that she took a different approach the both the hero and heroine. Both characters had depth and I liked the chemistry between them.
When Lady Marcia was sixteen she thought herself in love and gave her heart along with her virginity to the man she thought she was to marry, Finn Lattimore. Then just as quickly as she fell in love, Finn was gone. Sent to America by his overbearing older brother Lord Chadwick. Marcia has never gotten over the loss and despite her families wishes that she wed, she has spent her time at a girl's boarding school working as a head mistress. She knows that she can never wed and if anyone were to find out her secret, not only would she be ruined, but so would her family. While out on an errand for the school, Marcia runs into the man who ruined all of her dreams, Duncan Lattimore, Lord Chadwick. Marcia has never been able to forget or forgive Duncan for sending away Finn. It's because of Duncan that she wasn't able to wed Finn and she wants nothing to do with him
Duncan can hardly believe the woman Lady Marcia has turned into. Gone is the overly sweet and happy child he met four years ago. Now before him is a beautifully independent woman and Duncan finds himself fascinated with her. So much so that he chases her down the street just to talk with her. After their encounter, Duncan can't get Lady Marcia out of his head. He finds that he is fascinated by her and the attraction he feels towards her. He knows that she feels the sparks between them too and he will do everything that he can to persuade her to take a chance on him.
Marcia may feel the connection between them, but she can never marry, especially not to the brother of the man that ruined her. The more she tries to stay away from Duncan the harder it is. He's quickly becoming too much to resist and if she's not careful she could lose her heart to him and that is something she does not want to do.
I found that I really liked both characters. I loved that they both had flawed pasts and didn't really care what others thought of them. I love that Marcia is a head mistress at a girl's school. She's so different from your standard heroine. She truly cares about her students and their needs. But it doesn't stop there. She cares about everyone and I loved, loved, loved how she was with Duncan's son. She doesn't treat him differently just because he was born out of wedlock. She treats him like an equal. She is such a good natured and kind person.
As for Duncan, I LOVE him. He is truly the best of men and the relationship between him and his brother broke my heart. All he wants is what is best for his brother, and Finn continually craps on him. Duncan is constantly cleaning up after Finn and his messes even though everyone has told him to stop. He just can't help that he loves his brother and wants to help him. I found that so commendable. I also, loved his relationship with his son. He was so caring with him, it was just so sweet. Honestly, I can go on an on about how much I loved Duncan. Seriously, he was great.
Another thing that I enjoyed with this book was all of the secondary characters. I loved getting to know the rest of the Brady's and I honestly can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the bunch.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought that it was a cute read and I really liked the characters. Though while I did enjoy it, the similarities to the actual Brady Bunch show were a bit much at times. Instead of enjoying the nods to the iconic show, I just found it to be too much. Similarities to the show aside, I really liked the characters and the world that the author created. I liked that she took a different approach the both the hero and heroine. Both characters had depth and I liked the chemistry between them.
When Lady Marcia was sixteen she thought herself in love and gave her heart along with her virginity to the man she thought she was to marry, Finn Lattimore. Then just as quickly as she fell in love, Finn was gone. Sent to America by his overbearing older brother Lord Chadwick. Marcia has never gotten over the loss and despite her families wishes that she wed, she has spent her time at a girl's boarding school working as a head mistress. She knows that she can never wed and if anyone were to find out her secret, not only would she be ruined, but so would her family. While out on an errand for the school, Marcia runs into the man who ruined all of her dreams, Duncan Lattimore, Lord Chadwick. Marcia has never been able to forget or forgive Duncan for sending away Finn. It's because of Duncan that she wasn't able to wed Finn and she wants nothing to do with him
Duncan can hardly believe the woman Lady Marcia has turned into. Gone is the overly sweet and happy child he met four years ago. Now before him is a beautifully independent woman and Duncan finds himself fascinated with her. So much so that he chases her down the street just to talk with her. After their encounter, Duncan can't get Lady Marcia out of his head. He finds that he is fascinated by her and the attraction he feels towards her. He knows that she feels the sparks between them too and he will do everything that he can to persuade her to take a chance on him.
Marcia may feel the connection between them, but she can never marry, especially not to the brother of the man that ruined her. The more she tries to stay away from Duncan the harder it is. He's quickly becoming too much to resist and if she's not careful she could lose her heart to him and that is something she does not want to do.
I found that I really liked both characters. I loved that they both had flawed pasts and didn't really care what others thought of them. I love that Marcia is a head mistress at a girl's school. She's so different from your standard heroine. She truly cares about her students and their needs. But it doesn't stop there. She cares about everyone and I loved, loved, loved how she was with Duncan's son. She doesn't treat him differently just because he was born out of wedlock. She treats him like an equal. She is such a good natured and kind person.
As for Duncan, I LOVE him. He is truly the best of men and the relationship between him and his brother broke my heart. All he wants is what is best for his brother, and Finn continually craps on him. Duncan is constantly cleaning up after Finn and his messes even though everyone has told him to stop. He just can't help that he loves his brother and wants to help him. I found that so commendable. I also, loved his relationship with his son. He was so caring with him, it was just so sweet. Honestly, I can go on an on about how much I loved Duncan. Seriously, he was great.
Another thing that I enjoyed with this book was all of the secondary characters. I loved getting to know the rest of the Brady's and I honestly can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the bunch.
Stephanie G. (thestephanieloves) reviewed Loving Lady Marcia (House of Brady, Bk 1) on + 241 more book reviews
Loving Lady Marcia by Kieran Kramer
Release Date: August 28th, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's (MacMillan)
Page Count: 349
Source: From the publisher, via Innovative Online Book Tours for review
In the House of Brady, three very lovely girls have hair of gold and hearts to match but finding a match among the gentlemen of London is one comedy of errors that could bring down the house...
MARCIA GETS SCHOOLED...
Of the three Brady sisters, Lady Marcia has always seemed the girl most likely to lead a perfectly charmed life. But after a handsome cad breaks her heart, she swears off love and devotes her life to teaching girls at a private school. In spite of her familys wish for a London debut, Marcia is happy where she isuntil terrible news sends her back to the Brady clanand into the arms of an unexpected suitor.
ON THE SUBJECT OF LOVE
A dark and dashing earl who knows Marcias past, Duncan Lattimore is surprised by what a fascinating and independent woman shes become. Marcia, too, is surprised by the fiery attraction she feels for Duncan. But why why must he be the brother of the scoundrel who broke her heart? Why must Marcias rival at school forbid her from seeing him? How can this lady possibly resist this fellowwhen they know that its much more than a hunch...?
What Stephanie Thinks: I've heard so much about Kieran Kramer, and how amazing she is, so when I picked up Loving Lady Marcia, which is in every way a classic regency romance (not my favorite genre usually, but read on), I had pretty high expectations. "This better be good," I thought to myself. I even suspected I might be that one person who didn't like Kramer. But alas, I was, as with the book, delighted with her.
Loving Lady Marcia is the first installment in the House of Brady series, which, if you haven't figured out by now, is a historically romantic parody of The Brady Bunch. I LOVE that show, call me old-fashioned, so when I first connected all the names (we are introduced to Marcia's lovely sisters, Janice and Cynthia Brady isn't that adorable?) I was absolutely thrilled. While the setting is 1819 England, the situation is very relatable and seems 'contemporary'. Five years ago, beautiful, innocent, fifteen-year-old Marcia gave everything to Finn, the boy she knew as soon as she met eyes with, would be the love of her life. Everything. She thought they had a love that nothing else could surpass, that is, until one day he abruptly left for America by his aloof brother, Duncan's, orders. Marcia was devastated, so she swore off men and decided to become a headmistress at a girls' school the only other position in her life she had ever felt so passionate about.
Now, she's a regal age of twenty and a bit of an enigma. She is known for her particular beauty and grace and has hundreds of suitors, but much to her parents' disappointment, she stays true to her own vows. Enter, suddenly, into her life again, Finn... God, he's more handsome than ever, but even worse... enter, Duncan.
Though five years ago she and Duncan had a difficult acquaintance, she can't help but feel attracted to him. He's charming, mysterious, relentless and he's got an air of composure that his brother, and other men she knows, lack. But why must she? He's the one who ruined her relationship with Finn, after all... or is he?
I love love loved this book. Marcia's heartbreak is so realistic and so distressing, but at the time of her novel, she's such a strong, dazzling character that I so admire. Her main love interests, Finn and Duncan, come to life within the pages as well. Finn is someone that I, like Marcia, immediately fell for, but grew to distrust and dislike by the book's end, as Kramer would have wanted. Duncan was harder to grow on, but eventually I saw him as the man of substance, the man truly after a woman's heart, so I fell in love with him too. Kramer is excellent at breathing life into each of her characters, even the minor ones, and getting to know them was such a ride.
The chemistry is steamy, the banter, witty and warm and wry. The dialogue is highly realistic and the situations just perfect. I smiled at every one of Marcia and Duncan's interactions they are just so meant to be! Their taboo relationship composed of nighttime rendezvous, fateful and completely lucky bumping-intos, and very very naughty activities involving Duncan's skilled fingers, set the pages on fire. Above all, the emotional turmoil and suffering portrayed in Loving Lady Marcia is what makes it such a special romance novel. Loss of innocence, and even worse, loss of trust, is conveyed thoroughly and painfully, but in the end, its resurgence is what fuels the heart.
I look forward to the next books in the House of Brady series... how could I resist Janice and Cynthia's stories? Definitely definitely recommend this one to all lovers of humorous, but still deeply resonant romance stories (even if, like me, you're not particularly fond of historicals!). Thanks to Kramer's smooth and cheeky style, I not once, felt like I was trudging through this book. I guarantee you won't either.
Stephanie Loves: "'It's never the right time to tell someone you love them,' Lord Brady said, 'whether it's a father, a brother, a daughter, or a woman you cherish. But it must be done. You take the risk of having it flung back in your face sometimes. But you do it anyway.'"
Radical Rating: 9 hearts- One of my all-time favorites!
Release Date: August 28th, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's (MacMillan)
Page Count: 349
Source: From the publisher, via Innovative Online Book Tours for review
In the House of Brady, three very lovely girls have hair of gold and hearts to match but finding a match among the gentlemen of London is one comedy of errors that could bring down the house...
MARCIA GETS SCHOOLED...
Of the three Brady sisters, Lady Marcia has always seemed the girl most likely to lead a perfectly charmed life. But after a handsome cad breaks her heart, she swears off love and devotes her life to teaching girls at a private school. In spite of her familys wish for a London debut, Marcia is happy where she isuntil terrible news sends her back to the Brady clanand into the arms of an unexpected suitor.
ON THE SUBJECT OF LOVE
A dark and dashing earl who knows Marcias past, Duncan Lattimore is surprised by what a fascinating and independent woman shes become. Marcia, too, is surprised by the fiery attraction she feels for Duncan. But why why must he be the brother of the scoundrel who broke her heart? Why must Marcias rival at school forbid her from seeing him? How can this lady possibly resist this fellowwhen they know that its much more than a hunch...?
What Stephanie Thinks: I've heard so much about Kieran Kramer, and how amazing she is, so when I picked up Loving Lady Marcia, which is in every way a classic regency romance (not my favorite genre usually, but read on), I had pretty high expectations. "This better be good," I thought to myself. I even suspected I might be that one person who didn't like Kramer. But alas, I was, as with the book, delighted with her.
Loving Lady Marcia is the first installment in the House of Brady series, which, if you haven't figured out by now, is a historically romantic parody of The Brady Bunch. I LOVE that show, call me old-fashioned, so when I first connected all the names (we are introduced to Marcia's lovely sisters, Janice and Cynthia Brady isn't that adorable?) I was absolutely thrilled. While the setting is 1819 England, the situation is very relatable and seems 'contemporary'. Five years ago, beautiful, innocent, fifteen-year-old Marcia gave everything to Finn, the boy she knew as soon as she met eyes with, would be the love of her life. Everything. She thought they had a love that nothing else could surpass, that is, until one day he abruptly left for America by his aloof brother, Duncan's, orders. Marcia was devastated, so she swore off men and decided to become a headmistress at a girls' school the only other position in her life she had ever felt so passionate about.
Now, she's a regal age of twenty and a bit of an enigma. She is known for her particular beauty and grace and has hundreds of suitors, but much to her parents' disappointment, she stays true to her own vows. Enter, suddenly, into her life again, Finn... God, he's more handsome than ever, but even worse... enter, Duncan.
Though five years ago she and Duncan had a difficult acquaintance, she can't help but feel attracted to him. He's charming, mysterious, relentless and he's got an air of composure that his brother, and other men she knows, lack. But why must she? He's the one who ruined her relationship with Finn, after all... or is he?
I love love loved this book. Marcia's heartbreak is so realistic and so distressing, but at the time of her novel, she's such a strong, dazzling character that I so admire. Her main love interests, Finn and Duncan, come to life within the pages as well. Finn is someone that I, like Marcia, immediately fell for, but grew to distrust and dislike by the book's end, as Kramer would have wanted. Duncan was harder to grow on, but eventually I saw him as the man of substance, the man truly after a woman's heart, so I fell in love with him too. Kramer is excellent at breathing life into each of her characters, even the minor ones, and getting to know them was such a ride.
The chemistry is steamy, the banter, witty and warm and wry. The dialogue is highly realistic and the situations just perfect. I smiled at every one of Marcia and Duncan's interactions they are just so meant to be! Their taboo relationship composed of nighttime rendezvous, fateful and completely lucky bumping-intos, and very very naughty activities involving Duncan's skilled fingers, set the pages on fire. Above all, the emotional turmoil and suffering portrayed in Loving Lady Marcia is what makes it such a special romance novel. Loss of innocence, and even worse, loss of trust, is conveyed thoroughly and painfully, but in the end, its resurgence is what fuels the heart.
I look forward to the next books in the House of Brady series... how could I resist Janice and Cynthia's stories? Definitely definitely recommend this one to all lovers of humorous, but still deeply resonant romance stories (even if, like me, you're not particularly fond of historicals!). Thanks to Kramer's smooth and cheeky style, I not once, felt like I was trudging through this book. I guarantee you won't either.
Stephanie Loves: "'It's never the right time to tell someone you love them,' Lord Brady said, 'whether it's a father, a brother, a daughter, or a woman you cherish. But it must be done. You take the risk of having it flung back in your face sometimes. But you do it anyway.'"
Radical Rating: 9 hearts- One of my all-time favorites!
Eleanor G. (Memom) - , reviewed Loving Lady Marcia (House of Brady, Bk 1) on + 441 more book reviews
Good story
