The Earl is Mine

House of Brady #2

by Kieran Kramer

Who will be the first to surrender?

An Affair To Remember

Handsome, charismatic, and on the verge of becoming a successful architect, Gregory Sherwood, Lord Westdale, could have just about any woman he wants. So why rush to marry? So far there’s only been one woman he’s ever truly loved. But that was before she had a secret affair with his best friend…with the help of an unwitting accomplice named Lady Pippa Harrington.

A Passion Too Good To Deny

Pippa may not have acted in her old friend Gregory’s best interests, but she’s always believed that the heart sets its own rules. This is why Pippa must escape her arranged marriage—fast—by fleeing to Paris, where she hopes to pursue her artistic passions. To do so, Pippa will need all the help she can get—from Gregory, the one man she isn’t sure she can trust…or resist…

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Friends To Lovers

331 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 26, 2013

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer currently writes fun contemporary romance with a Southern flair for St. Martin’s Press. She lives where she grew up–in the Lowcountry of South Carolina–with her family. The first two books in her three-book TWO LOVE LANE series are on shelves now. The third book, SECOND CHANCE AT TWO LOVE LANE, comes out 8-28-18. Find Kieran on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter and at kierankramer.com.

Reviews

[Monique Takens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grappig maar volkomen ongeloofwaardig verhaal , maar toch 3 sterren omdat het wel onderhoudend geschreven is .

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I am in the mood for a feel-good, light, smart book I know I can count on Kieran Kramer to deliver and The Earl is Mine is no exception. The banter and tension between Gregory and Pippa was a delight to read. Hijinks just seem to follow Pippa and Gregory seems to be the one to deal with them, from her dressing as a man to escape a horrible marriage offer to serving as Gregory's valet (which you know leads to some very heated moments) this couple is just destined to be together. Gregory is holding a family secret very close to him and he has built some walls around him and Pippa, with her dreams of being a sugar sculpture (really loved this element, almost wish we had seen more of it!) and her determination to only marry for love, form a very unique, bold couple that have much to overcome before true feelings can be explored and delivered on. The ending was very satisfying and answered any questions I had throughout the story. Warmth, humor, strong family bonds and heat; Kieran Kramer delivers it all and I can't wait for more. 4 stars

[Cindy Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was quite dreadful -- and I'm not being "cheeky." I had an advance reader galley (not through Goodreads). I didn't realize this was part of a series until I got on Goodreads.

Absolutely hated the cute Brady Bunch connection. I was hoping it would be something a smart editor would change before going to print. Guess not. The last chapter in particular seem to be an effort to hit the reader on the head with all the references. Really, Alice the maid dressed in cobalt blue with an apron. I felt this actually detracted from the lame plot. Pippa (!!) pretends to be a valet and people believe her!? Characters actions and speech didn't seem true to the time period.

someone also needs to do the basic math -- if Gregory is in America for 3 YEARS, then a BABY that is less than a year old is obviously not his. Duh. And he also wasn't conceived a month after he went to America.

[Shauni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to meet Kieran Kramer last year at RT. We sat together at our first dinner and again the next night, along with the ladies from Vampires, Werewolves and Fairies Oh my.. I found Kieran to be this amazing woman, a tall gorgeous blond, with humor, integrity and charm (yep enough to make any woman jealous) but there was also an amazing warmth to her. While we sat at that first dinner she described her next series to us. A very tongue in cheek look into the life of the Brady's.. oh not those Brady's.. Nope, this is the about the Marquees of Brady and the oh so Brady way his children comport themselves. Michael Sherwood, Marquess of Brady has three sons, Gregory, Peter and Robert *starting to see a trend here?) He married Caroline, who just happens to have three daughters Marcia, Janice and Cynthia (yep they even have a maid named Alice). Kieran had us all laughing as she described her series it was clever and witty and oh so fun. And yet as I read the books I am finding oh so much more. See my review for the first book in The House of Brady Series, Loving Lady Marcia HERE.

We have moved on to Gregory, who is is and what he wants in life. In many ways Gregory is an outsider looking in. He is the "ideal" older brother but he doesn't really let anyone in. A shattering confession from his dying mother, at the age of 13 left him apart from the rest of the family. Wanting to prove his place to those around him, he spent the next years failing himself. Never quite opening up to those who wanted to love him. Until finally, fate took a hand.

When Gregory, decided in the typical cold blooded manner of the ton, to take a bride, he wanted a quiet woman who would blend in. He wanted someone who accepted that he wasn't going to love her. In short he wanted a business partner. But when he went to propose, he found his brother against the marriage, his childhood friend, a girl he adored blocking him and finally making it into the garden, found the woman he was going to propose to in a steamy embrace with his best friend. Totally shattered he took it out on an innocent girl and childhood friend by giving her the kiss of a lifetime, then leaving the country.

Lady Pippa Harrington, has been in love with Gregory Sherwood in one way or another since she was a child. He was her friend, her partner in adventures and the boy she adored. She watched him change over the years and knew something had hurt him deeply but had no clue as to what it was or how she could fix it. But she remained in all things his friend. When she was used as a means to keep him out of the garden and Gregory felt that she too had betrayed him, she was hurt.. and yet being an amazing believer in living life.. she moved on. Determined to become a sugar sculpture (those nifty little designs set on dessert tables) she had dreams of moving to Paris to study under a master. Her plans were set, until the night of her Great Uncle's birthday when disaster struck. Disguising herself as a man, Pippa escaped the house ready to begin her adventure.. Only to be happened upon by Gregory in the pouring rain.

Pippa and Gregory have a series of interesting adventures, culminating in her agreeing to become his valet for a house party.. or rather him agreeing to let her.. This book was a meeting of equals. Two strong, unique individuals, one refusing to live up to his potential and one determined to try. It was light hearted and humorous which is why tearing up totally surprised me. There were some truly emotional scenes that brought tears to my eyes. Not unlike a Hallmark commercial or those old Reach Out and Touch Someone commercials. The secret tearjerkers.

Kieran offers us a treat a walk between childhood memories and regency romance. A light hearted romp with emotional touches. It makes one believe. It made me believe that love true does change everything. A most excellent read.

This book reads wonderfully as a stand alone, but seriously why would you want to read it that way? It's an excellent series, stepping away from doom and gloom, urban fantasy and PNR.. It's just fun!!

Shauni

For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pippa used to be childhood friends with Gregory Sherwood, but when she tries to protect him from seeing his best friends having a affair with his fiancee, he never forgave her. Now Gregory has returned, and Pippa has yet to forget him or the passionate kiss they shared. However Pippa has her own dreams of being a sugar sculptural and to go to Paris to learn the craft. When she has a near mishap with a man who tries to force her into marriage, she escapes only to find herself rescued by none other than Gregory. Gregory is working on becoming a architect, recently returned from America, he has plans for hims. Those specific plans do not include rescuing Pippa from a dangerous situation. At first he plans on returning her to her aunt and uncle, but there is something that keeps him from doing so. He has always cared about Pippa, but there is a certain quality that draws him to her, and he can't resist keeping her at his side, and this time he wants forever with her.
Its has been quite some time since I have been able to read anything from this author, but I have to say after reading this I remember why I liked her writing style and her endearing stories so much. The Earl is Mine is the second in the House of Brady series (which the family, at least names wise, is based on the "Brady Bunch" which is a very unique twist to things). There was also a certain twist to circumstances, that I almost didn't see coming. I have always loved Kramer's voice, its so enchanting with the type of stories that are set in Regency England but give it a fresh and spirited spin that makes the stories come alive. I found I enjoyed Pippa as the heroine. She has a high spirited nature, and is willing to do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true. She was very easy to like and even relate to in a personal way. Gregory I fell in love with instantly, he is charming, and brooding at times, but I just couldn't resist my liking him in any way, despite how frustrated I came at times with him, but he is a male, so I forgive him anyway. There was also such a enjoyable flair for the dramatics at times between Gregory and Pippa that made it a delightful ride of witty humor, sensual passion, and an appealing story line that instantly draws you into her clever style of writing that makes you fall in love from the first page. Plus a few surprised here and there that definitely sent a shiver down my spine (but in a very Good way :) Such a charming and witty read that had me captivated from the first to the last page.

Favorite Quote
"I'm not going to surrender, no matter what. So what are we going to do for ten minutes?"
Oh, he knew it was wrong. But she annoyed him mightily, the stubborn little spitfire, and he was cold and tired--and she looked outrageous in that cravat. So he yanked one end loosed and pulled her toward him. "We're going to kiss each other," he murmured, "and you're going to like it."

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not one to write a bad review for no reason. But this was one of the worst books I've ever read. I don't know if it was wrote in a fever dream or I was in one when reading, but it was so ridiculous and nonsensical with characters acting and speaking with no motivations. Really dreadful.

[The Window Seat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read and loved the two previous titles in the House of Brady series by Kieran Kramer I was looking forward to her reimagined Greg Brady and how inventive she would be in folding his TV character into this new regency version. While there were things I liked about The Earl is Mine, my overall impression of the book was that it was an average read.

Our new Greg, or more accurately Gregory Sherwood-Lord Westdale, has great dreams for himself when he is a young man. He wants a piebald stallion, he wants to be an architect and he wants to grow up to be a man his father can be proud of. Sadly for Gregory his life is thrown into turmoil at the age of thirteen when his mother dies and she burdens him with a scandalous family secret. Trying to keep his secrets while remaining true to the family name weighs heavily on the young Gregory and it changes his whole demeanor from a spirited and independent boy into a man bound to duty and honor. These changes are very evident to his childhood friend Pippa Harrington, but through it all she remains very loyal to Gregory and her youthful warm feeling for him mature into very real unrequited love.

For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...

[Sandcastles · Rating 2 out of 5]

The love story was promising. There was hope. And then there wasn't. The book is too full of convoluted contrived plots... too many secondary characters that's don't interact harmoniously with the plot line and plot that is all over the place. On top of all of that the Brady bunch reference ! Agghh

[Wednesday · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but it wasn't great. Childhood friends Gregory and Pippa usually meet once per year to celebrate the birthday of Pippa's uncle who is also Gregory Westlake's godfather. The elderly gent has great hopes that they will one day get married and join both families together. The young couple however have other ideas about their individual futures. While Pippa harbours a secret love for Gregory, she respects his decision never to marry. But when circumstances throw them together alone and without a chaperone, things get complicated. W

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a blast to read! I adore a whimsical heroine and Pippa delivers wholeheartedly. Both our main characters are very well developed and you just want to get them together ASAP. Things get steamy fairly early for a regency but it works well. My one complaint is that the climactic perilous situation our heroine finds herself in is too quickly resolved. I liked that Pippa saves herself, but maybe Gregory didn't suffer enough for my fancy. This is going on the read again shelf for sure.

[Jesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Kieran Kramer so bad. I started reading this book knowing it would be a quick read since it was usually that way with the author. This book isn't my favorite of hers but I enjoyed it. I could see how her writing has developed. Pippa and Gregory weren't annoying. They were flawed. Human. It was good to see such characters.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining story of a young lady that wants to go to Paris to learn sugar sculpturing. She gets side track when she leaves home and ends up pretending to be a valet for her childhood friend at a house party.

[Ritz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Siska · Rating 2 out of 5]

such a weird book and story. I really can't grasp the idea of the story
really weird story

[Melody May (What I'm Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on What I'm Reading


Remember a couple months back I got a chance to read Loving Lady Marcia, well Kieran Kramer has continue the House of Brady saga in The Earl is Mine. This time we will be focusing on Gregory Sherwood, the Earl of Westdale. The oldest son of Michael & Caroline Sherwood, the Marquess & Marchioness of Brady.

Gregory tries to run away from his problems after catches the girl he was about to propose to with his best friend. What better way than to escape your troubles and travel to America, because that solves everything.

A year later he comes back, still a tad bit angry with Lady Pippa Harrington with her part with the debacle. However, he starts to notice her and how she has blossom into a fetching young lady. Yet, he's not ready to settle down with anyone.

Pippa doesn't want a husband of any sort especially Gregory, but wants to be a sugar sculptor. A few things happen that causes her to flee her home and try to get to Paris on her own. Yet, fate intervenes and she ends up in the care of Gregory and needs to pretend to be his valet. Oh dear, masquerading as a valet, what could possibly go wrong?

I adore this story. Kieran Kramer's books are always light and fun with the reoccurring message of "love changes everything." The Earl is Mine is no exception to her message. I have to say it was a lot of fun to see Pippa playing valet and trying to hide her true feelings for Gregory. This is not a story to dissect and think about the deep meaning of the story, but just to entertain. Sometimes you just want a story that entertains and this would be one of those story. So, if you are looking for a diverting fun story with a Brady flare, you might want to read The Earl is Mine.

[Jennifer (Moonlight_Rendezvous) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Earl is Mine is the second in the series of the “House of Brady,” which is loosely based on the Brady Bunch television show. In this installment, we find Gregory Sherwood planning to propose to his girlfriend, Eliza, when he accidentally finds her in the arms of his best friend. Distraught, he turns to his childhood friend, Lady Pippa Harrington, for comfort but she pushes him away when he kisses her to get back at Eliza. After being admonished by Pippa, Gregory decides to move to America to work on elevating himself as an architect and leave the heartbreak of his past behind.

A year later, he returns to London and finds himself in Pippa’s home on the eve where Pippa is trying desperately to get out of being forced into an arranged marriage by her stepfather. She hopes that Gregory will help her to achieve her dreams in the culinary world by going to Paris and will do anything to convince him to assist her in this scheme. But things don’t go according to plan and Pippa and Gregory find themselves in unexpected situations with hilarious results.

I love Kieran’s books because she always provides such a romantic atmosphere that is bound to sweep you away with her lovely characters. I loved Pippa’s spunky personality and she was so determined to achieve her goals, no matter what she had to do to get there. Gregory was such a dashing, yet at times, brooding character and I thoroughly enjoyed his chemistry with the delightful Pippa. Kieran Kramer is an amazing writer with captivating romantic tales that will leave you wanting more from these characters. I am excited to read the next book, Say Yes to the Duke, which involves Lady Janice Sherwood’s search for love.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who grew up watching the original Brady Bunch, in reruns, I was curious about The Earl is Mine and how they, being the Brady's of the late 1960's early 1970's, would relate to a romance novel set in the 1800's. Having read Ms. Kramer's books before I knew it would be good, but it was so much better than good! I didn't think of the t.v. Brady's at all while reading this. It is quite clever of the author to use something many of us grew up with and turn it into something new and exciting. With well developed, not to mention very likable, characters I couldn't put it down. When Gregory Sherwood, Lord Westdale, ends up with Lady Pippa Harrington, whose had to escape a very unscrupulous stepfather by playing the part of a man and acting as "Greg's" valet you can just imagine the ensuing chaos, very reminiscent of the show now that I think of it. :D With a couple of twists and turns including a pushy Lady, a lost love with a baby, a possible kidnapping, a sweet old man and a deep dark family secret you can't help but be entertained. I want more of this new "Brady Bunch" and am looking forward to the next installment. Truly enjoyed reading this book and read the last page with a smile on my face. You can't ask for more than that.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Childhood friends Pippa Harrington and Gregory Sherwood have never quite seen eye to eye. While they get along for the most part, Pippa is unpredictable while Gregory is more stiff in his demeanor. Gregory has vowed never to love another after a betrayal of another woman on the eve of a proposal and although he knows he must marry out of duty, his plans are for far in the future.
After a disastrous plan goes awry with a man trying to force Pippa into a compromising position and further into marriage, Pippa flees. Her plans take a detour though when Gregory realizes he has picked up Pippa and plans to return her home immediately, but Pippa has plans to escape every time he makes an attempt. A few soft kisses, a curious young women, and an undeniable lust raging through Gregory has him at his wits end on what to do about Pippa.


Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=8737

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Earl is Mine by Kieran Kramer is a nice read. However, I thought Loving Lady Marcia was better.
Gregory Sherwood, Lord Westdale is on his way to a house party when he rescues a young man from a rain storm. Imagine his surprise when he discovers the young man is actually his childhood friend, Lady Pippa Harrington. Pippa is running away from her horrible step-father and his plans to marry her off to an unsavory man. She pleads with Westdale not to take her back home, but to allow her to be his valet at the house party. Reluctantly, Gregory agrees and Pippa becomes "Harrow" his valet. What follows is a fun story with both denying their feelings for the other. There is a mucked up kidnapping; a former lover and a baby. Will it all work out in the end? You must read The Earl Is Mine to find out.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this two days ago and I already forgot what the book was about. I've been reading a lot of books from this author...and just like Stephanie Laurens' books- her writing (Kieran Kramer) just doesn't gel with me

Follow me!

[Thenia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story of Gregory and Pippa, who used to be childhood friends before growing apart.

I don't know if it was just me or the book or a combination of both, but I didn't particularly care for it.

It felt disjointed and in need of some more editing at parts and despite having one of my favorite tropes, it fell flat for me and left me mostly uninterested. I didn't feel the connection between the couple, some threads seemed unnecessary and pointless and others were simply silly.

Say Yes to the Duke, where Gregory's sister Janice's story is told, is the last book in the series, but I don't know if I'm interested enough to read it...

[Gaile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiearan Kramer always provides us with surprises, delights and complicated characters. Flighty Pippa wants to go to France to learn sugar sculptor. She will go by herself if no one helps her.Along cpme Lord Westdale whom she grew up with. To his mind, it is too dangerous for a young woman to go alone to France. It is equally dangerous for a young lady of quality to be seen with him hence Pippa becomes his valet, Harrow. What follows is comical, erotic, and erratic. Enough of keep you reading.
Thank you, Christy English for the gift of this book!

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Kieran Kramer's books. They are a laugh out loud read that you just can't put down!

The hero Gregory Sherwood carries a dark secret and Lady Pippa Harrington has no secrets. It was very humorous how Pippa wants to go to Paris and learn how to transform sugar into masterpieces. They obviously get together in the end.

Kieran has a gift for making her stories seem fresh and new and not like any other story teller out there. She's quickly become my favorite author.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is every lovely thing I have grown to love about Kieran Kramer's writing. It was endearing, funny, and serious at appropriate times. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves their historical romance with a bit of humor. And anyone who was ever a fan of The Brady Bunch. I cannot say enough how much I adore this!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Brady Bunch novel; this is Gregory's story. A man who is back from an extended stay in America, he returns knowing he is not the natural son of his father and that his life is a fraud. Pippa has always adored Gregory but is moving on with her life. They find their way to happiness, while each coming into their own.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one better than Loving Lady Marcia. It moved along quickly and had a couple of twists that I didn't expect.

I did find the timeline of the story a little confusing - the first book took place in 1819, but I have no idea when this took place and since it is part of a series, I like to know little details like that.

Overall, it was an enjoyable, light read.

[Ash Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This book reminds me of her first book When Harry Met Molly.. There were lots of similarities between both the book.. I felt that the book was pretty lengthy the story seemed never ending got tired of reading it at the end, slightly boring..

[Lourdes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this one. I had fun reading it but I was left wanting, don't exactly know what as I didn't have massive expectations. One unexpected thing: Gregory turned out to be a bit kinky!

[Nancy Sutphin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Kieran Kramer that I have ever read. I am definitely a convert!! I can't wait to read the rest of the Brady series. Then, I plan on reading all her other books. So excited!!

[Ada · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book. Pippa was my kind of heroine - she had just enough fancy and smarts to be adorable all the while holding her own against our hero, Gregory. And it was clear they were made for each other!! Just another fun book in the House of Brady!