Loving Lady Marcia
Kieran Kramer


ISBN-10: 125000988X
ISBN-13: 978-1250009883
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Line:
Release Date: Aug 28, 2012
Pages: 368
Retail Price: 7.99




Genre: Historical
Heat Level: Hot
Rating:

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 family’s wish for a London debut, Marcia is happy where she is—until terrible news sends her back to the Brady clan…and into the arms of an unexpected suitor.

ON THE SUBJECT OF LOVE

A dark and dashing earl who knows Marcia’s past, Duncan Lattimore is surprised by what a fascinating and independent woman she’s 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 Marcia’s rival at school forbid her from seeing him? How can this lady possibly resist this fellow—when they know that it’s much more than a hunch…?


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Review

It’s was always Marcia, Marcia, Marcia… except, she never meant it to be.

When she was 16 Lady Marcia Sherwood fell in love, but the young man was whisked away to the Americas before a marriage could occur. No one knows Marcia’s secret, that she gave up just about everything, including her heart, to the young man who professed tender feelings for her. So instead of wallowing she soldiered on. She’s accomplished, independent and doesn’t need love or tender feelings to support her… in a word, stubborn.

Enter Lord Chadwick, Duncan Lattimore, the older brother of the man who broke Marcia’s heart. He’s always respected Marcia, idolized her in fact. So when they meet again in the London Duncan is immediately taken with the sudden urge to get to know her better. Too bad every step forward Duncan takes Marcia is determined to dodge out of the way. Only her smiles and eyes tell him otherwise. When Marcia is dismissed from her position as headmistress of Oak Hall Duncan naturally wants to help, but getting closer to Marcia threatens his heart as well. 

Kramer’s latest book, the first in her House of Brady series, is definitely a different spin to the Regency world. We have the modern TV family re-created in the form of an aristocratic, noble house with a father working for Whitehall and three brothers and sisters all fiercely independent, yet loving and close to their family. Now, I’m a little young for the Brady Bunch. Needless to say besides a few reruns on late night television, the movie in the 90’s, and the reunion TV movie I don’t know much about the Brady’s. For those who are fans of the show this book may have one-too-many similarities between the two. For me, I loved it. There was a couple of moments I recognized from the show, and the overall way the family interacts with each other reminded me of the loving, supportive Brady’s who never abandoned their family members no matter what.

There are plenty of villains, an evil benefactor and a scoundrel with a pretty face.  Also, a strong heroine who was warring internal with her own desires and the socially acceptable choices she has to make. Marcia is also a bit of a minx and not afraid to take the lead in romantic situations. I liked the bold side of her, and it fit her personality since she doesn’t hide from anything.  The hero, Duncan, is noble and kind. For goodness sakes he has a son born illegitimately and he doesn’t hide him from society, but embraces him as his own.  I loved Duncan because he knew the steps to take with Lady Marcia to not only secure a future with her, but to also win her on her own terms. Marcia wouldn’t respond to an alpha-male barging his way in. She needed coaxing of a different manner and Duncan provides it. Leading to my favorite quote of the story, where Duncan first mentions the idea of Marcia marrying him:

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered, his pupils dark. “And I’m very glad you didn’t go to Astley’s with my brother. I want you for myself.”

She forced her chip up. “I’m no man’s, Lord Chadwick.”

“That may be so, but you’d do well to marry me.” His tone was mater-of-fact as he took her arm and escorted her back to the street.

“Marry you?”

“Yes. You’re not ready, however, so don’t expect me to ask.” He looked sideways at her, his mouth tilted up at one corner.

Ha! I loved how he maneuvered Marcia into a frame of mind with very little struggle or enraged outbursts. A couple of other things, Kramer pays homage to her previous series with a visit to the famed Reader Street fair and a book with Marcia wouldn’t be complete if she didn’t get hit in the nose by a flying object.

My only caveat to this story: Marcia played a bit too hard to get and Duncan wallowed a bit too much. I felt that these attitudes adapted by the H/H caused about ½ of the last quarter of the story to drag a bit. I wanted a little more action, more chase, and I expected Duncan or Marcia to act a little more like a two people unwilling to give up each other for any reason. They still get an HEA, but I longed for a different final ride to achieve it.

Overall, this story is cute and I am anxious to read the next in the series. If you’re a fan of the Brady’s or just simply enjoy a nice Regency romp with a bit of humor then Loving Lady Marcia is worth a read.  

Reviewed by Landra