What do you think?
Rate this book
House of Brady #3
Say Yes to the Duke
Can A Scandalous Beginning...
Janice Sherwood wants to marry for love, but she’s failed to make a match after two Seasons. Her parents, the Marquess and Marchioness of Brady, arrange to send her to the Duke of Halsey’s country estate as a short-term guest of his grandmother, the dowager, in hopes that she might win the duke’s affections. What they never could have imagined is that Janice would fall for the ruggedly handsome servant, Luke, who lives in the stables and carries an air of mystery and temptation.
Lead To A Fairy-Tale Ending?
When Luke Callahan learns that he is the legitimate heir to a dukedom, he will stop at nothing to claim what is his. But first, he must begin a game of disguise to secure his rightful inheritance. Janice isn’t part of his plan. But by engaging her in this dance of deception, might he lose her forever?
Janice Sherwood wants to marry for love, but she’s failed to make a match after two Seasons. Her parents, the Marquess and Marchioness of Brady, arrange to send her to the Duke of Halsey’s country estate as a short-term guest of his grandmother, the dowager, in hopes that she might win the duke’s affections. What they never could have imagined is that Janice would fall for the ruggedly handsome servant, Luke, who lives in the stables and carries an air of mystery and temptation.
Lead To A Fairy-Tale Ending?
When Luke Callahan learns that he is the legitimate heir to a dukedom, he will stop at nothing to claim what is his. But first, he must begin a game of disguise to secure his rightful inheritance. Janice isn’t part of his plan. But by engaging her in this dance of deception, might he lose her forever?
358 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 27, 2013
15 people are currently reading
699 people want to read
About the author
Kieran Kramer
21 books559 followersUSA 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 27, 2023
NB: As a general comment, here is a link to a more general complaint of mine regarding romance novels (this novel was cited as an example of the problems I discuss in my complaint).
All in all this one was entirely forgettable and contained many of the clichés and stereotypes that can be found in all too many a romance novel.
Good points:
-The main female character was likeable enough. For instance, I liked the fact that the she was pretty but not the prettiest girl ever, as well as the fact that she did not feel jealousy of her more beautiful older sister. I also liked the fact that she seemed to be a decent person -for example she wanted to help the duke's elderly grandmother more than she cared to pursue him.
-In general I do like romance and I like historical novels. So I was favorably inclined with regards to this one to begin with.
Bad points/constructive criticism:
(i) The main male character was annoying. He started out trying to use/force the main female character to find information for him regarding his mother. Then he found himself lusting after her. This was the extent of his character development for most of the novel, except for the very end where he suddenly had an epiphany which made him realize (i) he loved the main female character, (ii) he could live life without being a jerk and/or it would be a good thing not to be a jerk anymore.
...All right, so I'm using just a little hyperbole here.
My point however is that his epiphany came rather late and did not really serve to make him likeable (or even believable) as a character. In other words, while I have nothing against character growth in a novel (quite the contrary actually) it should be done in such a way as to be *believable* rather than feeling as though the character had an epiphany just because he may have been hit on the head with a mallet or a coconut (= the coconut thing is an actual public health problem, in certain countries, by the way). Put another way, there was no growth on his part until the very end of the novel where, lo and behold, (= because this is a romance novel) he suddenly realized he wanted to be a much better person than he had been so far. The end.
Put yet another way, there was no BUILDUP of gradual character growth over the novel, but rather a sudden and therefore completely unbelievable mental 'explosion' at the very end of the novel, which was probably required because he couldn't still be a jerk at the end of the book (i.e. when he got to the point of marrying and shagging the main female character).
(ii) My venting above also brings me to a point which some other reviewers have raised: namely that the romance was just not believable.
Most of the book focused on how much they wanted to merge various and sundry body parts and much more attention was spent on the lusting aspect, rather than on understanding what bound them together emotionally. There was never much meaningful communication between the two main characters since most of the time they spent together was spent in various stages of shagging, so one never got to see them establishing a real rapport of any kind.
For this reason their eventual, "I love him/her forever! OMG!" did not come across as realistic. In other words, if you don't (i.e. as an author) spend any time showing us what the characters have in common and how they develop a true *friendship*, how are we supposed to believe they will still be together once the bumping uglies part runs its course?
...This isn't unique to this romance novel. It's actually a rather disappointing trend.
(iii) While I'm sure many young women were NOT adequately educated about sex and while I'm certain there were many cases of women being 'seduced' by unscrupulous men (I personally prefer the term 'sexual abuse' or 'rape' because the women in question were probably not entirely cognizant of what certain situations entailed and dubious consent issues were probably involved), I really wonder at the ease with which young women in historical romance novels acquiese to sexual activity. Would there not have been strong cultural taboos against unmarried sexual activity at the time?
...For this reason I find it a bit unbelievable that a young woman raised in this way would have sex with a man virtually upon their first meeting.
(iv) Finally, the following is a rant regarding a theme that is all too pervasive in romance novels (at least the historical romance novels).
...If I see ONE more romance novel which implies that women are sexually attracted to a man because they are fated to love and spend the rest of their lives with said man, I'm certain I'll blow a gasket.
Because really. Let's examine this, shall we?
In MANY historical romance novels, men have numerous sexual conquests and exploits prior to love and marriage. The women on the other hand, tend not to feel much lust until they are faced with the man they will marry.
...Er, say whaaaatttt???? WTF??? Do you have any idea how f*cked up that is?
Let me clue you in on a little factoid: women are just as capable as men when it comes to superficial lust for a good looking person, AND THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WANTING TO BIRTH THEIR BABIES.
...So, while one can make the argument that mores of the time frequently prevented women from acknowledging these feelings, it would be nice to at least acknowledging they exist in books written today (i.e. when such declarations should not make anyone, save the most prudish, keel over in a faint).
...It is also really irritating to feel that this trend/theme somehow serves to downplay women's inherent sexuality, as though women are (as usual) less sexual and *less* in general than men.
PS: I apologize for the awfully heteronormative tone of my discussion. My most sincere apologies for this (I don't quite know how to avoid this however, since I discuss tropes in heterosexual and gender binary historical romance novels).
(v) To be honest, there wasn't much going on, plotwise. While this is not inherently problematic when a book is one which, for instance, features a deep psychological exploration, this was not the case in this novel.
...So not much happened and it was a bit boring -basically the characters' ancestors had done bad things, the end (what happened is not explained). OTOH, at least the plot (what there was of it) made sense in this novel, which has not been the case in other historical romance novels I've read. Of course, that isn't saying much.
(vi) It would have been nice to have a better feel of the setting of this novel. For instance, what was going on politically in this time period and how does it affect the characters of the story? It is even mentioned that the main female character's stepfather is Irish, yet it is as though the (tragic) history of Ireland during this time is not mentioned either.
What did people do for fun during this time period (actually, the exact time period is not even specified, it just *seems* to be sometime during the 19th century)? How did they occupy themselves? What were their daily lives like?
...Too many authors use such settings in a purely generic manner, without taking the time to make them *real* to the reader.
So all in all I was somewhat disappointed in this one.
All in all this one was entirely forgettable and contained many of the clichés and stereotypes that can be found in all too many a romance novel.
Good points:
-The main female character was likeable enough. For instance, I liked the fact that the she was pretty but not the prettiest girl ever, as well as the fact that she did not feel jealousy of her more beautiful older sister. I also liked the fact that she seemed to be a decent person -for example she wanted to help the duke's elderly grandmother more than she cared to pursue him.
-In general I do like romance and I like historical novels. So I was favorably inclined with regards to this one to begin with.
Bad points/constructive criticism:
(i) The main male character was annoying. He started out trying to use/force the main female character to find information for him regarding his mother. Then he found himself lusting after her. This was the extent of his character development for most of the novel, except for the very end where he suddenly had an epiphany which made him realize (i) he loved the main female character, (ii) he could live life without being a jerk and/or it would be a good thing not to be a jerk anymore.
...All right, so I'm using just a little hyperbole here.
My point however is that his epiphany came rather late and did not really serve to make him likeable (or even believable) as a character. In other words, while I have nothing against character growth in a novel (quite the contrary actually) it should be done in such a way as to be *believable* rather than feeling as though the character had an epiphany just because he may have been hit on the head with a mallet or a coconut (= the coconut thing is an actual public health problem, in certain countries, by the way). Put another way, there was no growth on his part until the very end of the novel where, lo and behold, (= because this is a romance novel) he suddenly realized he wanted to be a much better person than he had been so far. The end.
Put yet another way, there was no BUILDUP of gradual character growth over the novel, but rather a sudden and therefore completely unbelievable mental 'explosion' at the very end of the novel, which was probably required because he couldn't still be a jerk at the end of the book (i.e. when he got to the point of marrying and shagging the main female character).
(ii) My venting above also brings me to a point which some other reviewers have raised: namely that the romance was just not believable.
Most of the book focused on how much they wanted to merge various and sundry body parts and much more attention was spent on the lusting aspect, rather than on understanding what bound them together emotionally. There was never much meaningful communication between the two main characters since most of the time they spent together was spent in various stages of shagging, so one never got to see them establishing a real rapport of any kind.
For this reason their eventual, "I love him/her forever! OMG!" did not come across as realistic. In other words, if you don't (i.e. as an author) spend any time showing us what the characters have in common and how they develop a true *friendship*, how are we supposed to believe they will still be together once the bumping uglies part runs its course?
...This isn't unique to this romance novel. It's actually a rather disappointing trend.
(iii) While I'm sure many young women were NOT adequately educated about sex and while I'm certain there were many cases of women being 'seduced' by unscrupulous men (I personally prefer the term 'sexual abuse' or 'rape' because the women in question were probably not entirely cognizant of what certain situations entailed and dubious consent issues were probably involved), I really wonder at the ease with which young women in historical romance novels acquiese to sexual activity. Would there not have been strong cultural taboos against unmarried sexual activity at the time?
...For this reason I find it a bit unbelievable that a young woman raised in this way would have sex with a man virtually upon their first meeting.
(iv) Finally, the following is a rant regarding a theme that is all too pervasive in romance novels (at least the historical romance novels).
...If I see ONE more romance novel which implies that women are sexually attracted to a man because they are fated to love and spend the rest of their lives with said man, I'm certain I'll blow a gasket.
Because really. Let's examine this, shall we?
In MANY historical romance novels, men have numerous sexual conquests and exploits prior to love and marriage. The women on the other hand, tend not to feel much lust until they are faced with the man they will marry.
...Er, say whaaaatttt???? WTF??? Do you have any idea how f*cked up that is?
Let me clue you in on a little factoid: women are just as capable as men when it comes to superficial lust for a good looking person, AND THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WANTING TO BIRTH THEIR BABIES.
...So, while one can make the argument that mores of the time frequently prevented women from acknowledging these feelings, it would be nice to at least acknowledging they exist in books written today (i.e. when such declarations should not make anyone, save the most prudish, keel over in a faint).
...It is also really irritating to feel that this trend/theme somehow serves to downplay women's inherent sexuality, as though women are (as usual) less sexual and *less* in general than men.
PS: I apologize for the awfully heteronormative tone of my discussion. My most sincere apologies for this (I don't quite know how to avoid this however, since I discuss tropes in heterosexual and gender binary historical romance novels).
(v) To be honest, there wasn't much going on, plotwise. While this is not inherently problematic when a book is one which, for instance, features a deep psychological exploration, this was not the case in this novel.
...So not much happened and it was a bit boring -basically the characters' ancestors had done bad things, the end (what happened is not explained). OTOH, at least the plot (what there was of it) made sense in this novel, which has not been the case in other historical romance novels I've read. Of course, that isn't saying much.
(vi) It would have been nice to have a better feel of the setting of this novel. For instance, what was going on politically in this time period and how does it affect the characters of the story? It is even mentioned that the main female character's stepfather is Irish, yet it is as though the (tragic) history of Ireland during this time is not mentioned either.
What did people do for fun during this time period (actually, the exact time period is not even specified, it just *seems* to be sometime during the 19th century)? How did they occupy themselves? What were their daily lives like?
...Too many authors use such settings in a purely generic manner, without taking the time to make them *real* to the reader.
So all in all I was somewhat disappointed in this one.
November 16, 2023
K.K. heeft een leuke schrijfstijl maar helaas zijn al de historische verhalen van haar volkomen ongeloofwaardig wanneer je op historisch correct let . Wanneer je dat niets kan schelen zul je haar boeken waarschijnlijk beter waarderen .
September 2, 2013
Another delightful winner in this splendid House of Brady series! The characters were warm and witty, both main and supporting (loved the dowager duchess!) and I loved how the whole Brady family was there in the end. It is not overly dramatic, just a nice pleasant, satisfying read that I breezed through in an afternoon. Janice was kind-hearted and strong and I enjoyed watching her say 'no' to the duke while Luke was clever and bold and struggling with some inner demons that I do wished he had shared with Janice but the story moved smoothly and I was surprised when I finished so quickly. I eagerly look forward to more books from Kieran Kramer in this smart, funny, clever, sexy series!
August 12, 2016
Oh hell yeah! I'd so Say Yes to the Duke. I had a blast reading Kramer's latest. From the stunningly gorgeous cover to the equally beautiful love story it was a wonderful historical treat that delighted the romance lover in me...
After a disappointing Season Janice is sent to the country in hopes she'll win the heart of her host...the Duke. But love doesn't always go as planned and the man to steal her heart... in his groom. The whole forbidden romance? It just kills me--gah it was so good! I love seeing true romance overcome the greatest of odds. And these two? They were wonderful.
I absolutely loved the characters. Janice is one of my all time favorite heroines. She was just amazing. She really grew as a character and with each page I fell even more for her as she came into her own and took charge. She's kind and strong, doesn't hold her status over other people and is just an accepting and lovely woman who cares for others.
And Luke. Oh. My. Girly. Swoon. He's got an aura of power surrounding him that is so incredibly sexy. To the world he's a mere groom but he's actually the rightful heir to the dukedom and searching for proof at the Duke's estate. You could totally see him in the role of Duke but at the same time he's a bit unpolished. He's been a fighter. And a boxer. And lived a hard life on the streets but that rawness makes him even more yummy and exciting. He's also a rescuer of puppies. Be still my heart. <3
The two were so sweet together and were people I'd love to be around in real life. They had some rather steamy moments as well that were oh so very nice even though it didn't go "too far" for the majority of the book. Whew. Janice definitely didn't shy away from her sexual attraction and I loved that boldness about her. There was a nice bit of humor added to the mix as well that made it such a fun experience.
Say Yes to the Duke was a really delightful read. Kramer created a romance that tugged at my heart and had me aching hopeful that these two would find a way to be together despite Society's rules and expectations and she definitely didn't disappoint. It all played out wonderfully and you could really feel the love between them. I'd definitely recommend this one for any historical romance fans.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup
After a disappointing Season Janice is sent to the country in hopes she'll win the heart of her host...the Duke. But love doesn't always go as planned and the man to steal her heart... in his groom. The whole forbidden romance? It just kills me--gah it was so good! I love seeing true romance overcome the greatest of odds. And these two? They were wonderful.
I absolutely loved the characters. Janice is one of my all time favorite heroines. She was just amazing. She really grew as a character and with each page I fell even more for her as she came into her own and took charge. She's kind and strong, doesn't hold her status over other people and is just an accepting and lovely woman who cares for others.
And Luke. Oh. My. Girly. Swoon. He's got an aura of power surrounding him that is so incredibly sexy. To the world he's a mere groom but he's actually the rightful heir to the dukedom and searching for proof at the Duke's estate. You could totally see him in the role of Duke but at the same time he's a bit unpolished. He's been a fighter. And a boxer. And lived a hard life on the streets but that rawness makes him even more yummy and exciting. He's also a rescuer of puppies. Be still my heart. <3
The two were so sweet together and were people I'd love to be around in real life. They had some rather steamy moments as well that were oh so very nice even though it didn't go "too far" for the majority of the book. Whew. Janice definitely didn't shy away from her sexual attraction and I loved that boldness about her. There was a nice bit of humor added to the mix as well that made it such a fun experience.
Say Yes to the Duke was a really delightful read. Kramer created a romance that tugged at my heart and had me aching hopeful that these two would find a way to be together despite Society's rules and expectations and she definitely didn't disappoint. It all played out wonderfully and you could really feel the love between them. I'd definitely recommend this one for any historical romance fans.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup
December 25, 2025
3.5 ⭐. Good story & pacing. Was a bit slow in the middle but overall it's an interesting story.
August 26, 2013
Posted on What I'm Reading
So, early this morning I finished Say Yes to the Duke, which is the third book in the House of Brady series by Kieran Kramer. I love Kieran's books, because I think they are a lot of fun to read. Say Yes to the Duke has the same charm as the previous books. However, with this story we will be focusing on Lady Janice Sherwood.
Always, living in the shadow of her beautiful older sister, Marcia and adorable little sister, Cynthia. Yes, Janice suffers from the middle child syndrome. Don't get me wrong she adores her sisters, but it's just hard being her at times. So, her parents thought it would be a good idea for her to go to the country and be Dowager Duchess of Halsey's guest. However, right before she gets there she has a bit of trouble and her carriage wheel breaks and she ends up getting a kiss from the groom. Not what she was planning. On top of it all the Dowager is having some mental issues where she thinks she's the queen at times. Eek.
Luke Callahan is trying to find a way to prove he's the legally the Duke of Halsey. However, he has one problem, proof. He knows it's somewhere, but doesn't know where to look. He manages to make an alliance with Janice to help him find a particular book, but doesn't tell her what this book contains. As they get to know each other, they start to fall for one another. Yet there is one problem, the current Duke of Halsey. Halsey sees that the groom is noticing Janice and figures why not get her for himself. Time is of the essence for all to become right in the land.
I loved the story. I thought it was a complete blast to read. I really have enjoyed how Kieran has made the Brady Bunch into a regency family. Yes, you do see some elements of the show, but she has made it as it's own little story. I love Janice and she's a neat character. Yes, she does the middle child thing, but not to the extreme. However, she just lacks the confidence in herself. So, she tends focus on how she plays second fiddle to her sisters and it's not until she talks to the Duchess when she's the queen and Luke when she starts to see her true worth. I love how she starts to develop her own character and comes out of the shadow of her books. Luke is a great character. He's a bit rough around the edges, because of life trials. However, he understands the importance of standing for what you truly believe in. Both of them almost makes sacrifices that jeopardizes them finding true love and let Halsey win the day. I will be honest, I was a little worry, but love conquers all. Kieran is a big believe in that "Love changes everything," and you do see it Say Yes to the Duke. So, if you have been following the Sherwood family, you won't want to miss the next installment. I think Janice's story is my favorite so far.
Copy provided by St. Martins
So, early this morning I finished Say Yes to the Duke, which is the third book in the House of Brady series by Kieran Kramer. I love Kieran's books, because I think they are a lot of fun to read. Say Yes to the Duke has the same charm as the previous books. However, with this story we will be focusing on Lady Janice Sherwood.
Always, living in the shadow of her beautiful older sister, Marcia and adorable little sister, Cynthia. Yes, Janice suffers from the middle child syndrome. Don't get me wrong she adores her sisters, but it's just hard being her at times. So, her parents thought it would be a good idea for her to go to the country and be Dowager Duchess of Halsey's guest. However, right before she gets there she has a bit of trouble and her carriage wheel breaks and she ends up getting a kiss from the groom. Not what she was planning. On top of it all the Dowager is having some mental issues where she thinks she's the queen at times. Eek.
Luke Callahan is trying to find a way to prove he's the legally the Duke of Halsey. However, he has one problem, proof. He knows it's somewhere, but doesn't know where to look. He manages to make an alliance with Janice to help him find a particular book, but doesn't tell her what this book contains. As they get to know each other, they start to fall for one another. Yet there is one problem, the current Duke of Halsey. Halsey sees that the groom is noticing Janice and figures why not get her for himself. Time is of the essence for all to become right in the land.
I loved the story. I thought it was a complete blast to read. I really have enjoyed how Kieran has made the Brady Bunch into a regency family. Yes, you do see some elements of the show, but she has made it as it's own little story. I love Janice and she's a neat character. Yes, she does the middle child thing, but not to the extreme. However, she just lacks the confidence in herself. So, she tends focus on how she plays second fiddle to her sisters and it's not until she talks to the Duchess when she's the queen and Luke when she starts to see her true worth. I love how she starts to develop her own character and comes out of the shadow of her books. Luke is a great character. He's a bit rough around the edges, because of life trials. However, he understands the importance of standing for what you truly believe in. Both of them almost makes sacrifices that jeopardizes them finding true love and let Halsey win the day. I will be honest, I was a little worry, but love conquers all. Kieran is a big believe in that "Love changes everything," and you do see it Say Yes to the Duke. So, if you have been following the Sherwood family, you won't want to miss the next installment. I think Janice's story is my favorite so far.
Copy provided by St. Martins
August 19, 2019
Lady Janice Sherwood has failed to make a match for two seasons running, she wants to marry but only for love. Her parents send her to visit for a month to the Duke of Halsey's country estate, to be the guest of his grandmother, the dowager and they hope that she might gain a proposal from the duke himself. But upon arriving she meets and kisses Luke Callahan, a stable groom. Janice would soon fall for the mysterious man with a tale of heartbreak.
Luke Callahan learns that he is the "real" legitimate heir to the Halsey's dukedom and therefore will not stop until he discovers his mother's hidden diary that will reveal him to be the "first" duke. Luke must play a game of "servant" to take down his cousin and secure his inheritance. He enlist Janice to help him search for the diary. Will the search end with a Yes to the Duke or will Janice lose out on love again?
Luke Callahan learns that he is the "real" legitimate heir to the Halsey's dukedom and therefore will not stop until he discovers his mother's hidden diary that will reveal him to be the "first" duke. Luke must play a game of "servant" to take down his cousin and secure his inheritance. He enlist Janice to help him search for the diary. Will the search end with a Yes to the Duke or will Janice lose out on love again?
November 27, 2013
There’s nothing better than when a highly bred lady falls in love with a servant... in this case--the groom. I admit that even I wanted the dashingly handsome Luke in this book. He’s tall, dark, incredibly sexy... and he’s secretly the rightful duke.
Janice is a meek little thing at first. Then she grows a backbone and becomes a delightful character to read. She and Luke have great chemistry that seems to sizzle off the pages.
The secondary characters I simply loved. I fell in love with them all. Even the dogs in this book stole my heart. Ms. Kramer writes with such passion and intrigue that you cannot wait to read the next page. I look forward to her next romance.
Janice is a meek little thing at first. Then she grows a backbone and becomes a delightful character to read. She and Luke have great chemistry that seems to sizzle off the pages.
The secondary characters I simply loved. I fell in love with them all. Even the dogs in this book stole my heart. Ms. Kramer writes with such passion and intrigue that you cannot wait to read the next page. I look forward to her next romance.
October 25, 2013
This book almost could have a G rating.
April 7, 2023
So, I decided to go into this book without looking into the series or the author. I wanted to try a new author without any of the previous reviews tainting my judgement. I wouldn't say I regret it, but I don't think I'll be reading any more of Kieran Kramer's books.
Writing: 3 Stars
The writing wasn't horrible, but it also didn't make a whole lot of sense. I felt like the beginning was very slow, the middle was exciting and the ending was extremely rushed. There needed to be more explanation and less focus on the lust.
Hero: 1 Star
I'm sorry, but Luke sucked. He could've told Janice what he was doing so many times. I didn't feel any real love between the two, and I think that was mostly on Luke's character. I get that the grumpy/gruff character is supposed to be mysterious, but he went a little too far over the line of a**hole. There wasn't any moment where I really liked him.
Heroine: 3-4 Stars
There were actually a bunch of times where I really liked Janice. Throughout the middle of the book, she started standing up for herself and I could really see her character growth. Unfortunately, her growth seemed like it was taking steps back when she was with Luke. She seemed to cave under his commands more than she did with the Duke. I needed more from their relationship, and I wanted her strength to show more towards the end of the book.
Plot: 3 Stars
I loved the premise of this book, but it wasn't executed well. The first half was a little too slow, the middle was great (especially with all the moments between Janice and the Duchess/Queen), but the ending was waaaaay too rushed and didn't make sense. I also felt like there wasn't any real relationship between Luke and Janice. All of their moments together were purely lust. We never saw them really talk and that made their declarations of love (after only a week of knowing each other) felt ingenuine. With some tweaks and a few added paragraphs in the middle and end, I think this book could be really good.
Ending: 2 Stars
Rushed and confusing. I didn't feel like anything was wrapped up, even though it supposedly was. All of a sudden Luke is the Duke and he's talking with the Grandmother. I wished we could've seen them meeting for the first time or to see him officially claiming his birthright. I just felt like the book didn't have a real ending.
Overall: 2 Stars
The book itself was okay. There were some things that I really liked, but it was overruled by the things I couldn't stand.
Writing: 3 Stars
The writing wasn't horrible, but it also didn't make a whole lot of sense. I felt like the beginning was very slow, the middle was exciting and the ending was extremely rushed. There needed to be more explanation and less focus on the lust.
Hero: 1 Star
I'm sorry, but Luke sucked. He could've told Janice what he was doing so many times. I didn't feel any real love between the two, and I think that was mostly on Luke's character. I get that the grumpy/gruff character is supposed to be mysterious, but he went a little too far over the line of a**hole. There wasn't any moment where I really liked him.
Heroine: 3-4 Stars
There were actually a bunch of times where I really liked Janice. Throughout the middle of the book, she started standing up for herself and I could really see her character growth. Unfortunately, her growth seemed like it was taking steps back when she was with Luke. She seemed to cave under his commands more than she did with the Duke. I needed more from their relationship, and I wanted her strength to show more towards the end of the book.
Plot: 3 Stars
I loved the premise of this book, but it wasn't executed well. The first half was a little too slow, the middle was great (especially with all the moments between Janice and the Duchess/Queen), but the ending was waaaaay too rushed and didn't make sense. I also felt like there wasn't any real relationship between Luke and Janice. All of their moments together were purely lust. We never saw them really talk and that made their declarations of love (after only a week of knowing each other) felt ingenuine. With some tweaks and a few added paragraphs in the middle and end, I think this book could be really good.
Ending: 2 Stars
Rushed and confusing. I didn't feel like anything was wrapped up, even though it supposedly was. All of a sudden Luke is the Duke and he's talking with the Grandmother. I wished we could've seen them meeting for the first time or to see him officially claiming his birthright. I just felt like the book didn't have a real ending.
Overall: 2 Stars
The book itself was okay. There were some things that I really liked, but it was overruled by the things I couldn't stand.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2017
I started this book thinking the premise was way better than the final outcome.
Jan and Luke were at best, uninteresting. Their relationship was built on only a few moments of stolen lust in a barn. There were a lot of side characters with some odd behaviors (the dowager/Queen -a choo!), and the American gal with the really stereotypical phrases that took me right out of the story (darn tootin'!) I'm just not sure what all these additional characters purpose was compared to the large amount of time spent on them.
Luke was a bit heavy handed with Janice at times. He didn't actually really DO anything to help secure his fate. The Duke didn't DO anything of merit either.
I think I was more interested in the backstory that was mentioned several times with Marcia and Finn. Maybe, just maybe, I'll read that book someday, despite this book not engaging me like I'd hoped.
Jan and Luke were at best, uninteresting. Their relationship was built on only a few moments of stolen lust in a barn. There were a lot of side characters with some odd behaviors (the dowager/Queen -a choo!), and the American gal with the really stereotypical phrases that took me right out of the story (darn tootin'!) I'm just not sure what all these additional characters purpose was compared to the large amount of time spent on them.
Luke was a bit heavy handed with Janice at times. He didn't actually really DO anything to help secure his fate. The Duke didn't DO anything of merit either.
I think I was more interested in the backstory that was mentioned several times with Marcia and Finn. Maybe, just maybe, I'll read that book someday, despite this book not engaging me like I'd hoped.
January 4, 2020
It was difficult to fully enjoy this story. First everyone wanted Janice gone. Then later, Janice became a hostage.
Then in the end when the truth came out, they actually thought that Grayson was redeemable.
The romance was tawdry, in a tack room and on a cellar floor.
The saving grace to the story were the colorful characters that you couldn’t help liking.
It was such a relief when the whole Brady clan showed up en masse.
Overall, this was an entertaining story, but I wouldn’t read it again.
Then in the end when the truth came out, they actually thought that Grayson was redeemable.
The romance was tawdry, in a tack room and on a cellar floor.
The saving grace to the story were the colorful characters that you couldn’t help liking.
It was such a relief when the whole Brady clan showed up en masse.
Overall, this was an entertaining story, but I wouldn’t read it again.
November 23, 2020
faint memories,
groom lifts her out of mud
kisses her
she shook but curious, growing adversarial passion, but will reread to find out the diary of which mky memory has faded, and remember that was an excellent part of the plot--reread. best part final ball when the married couple stir the haute ton packed to the ankles in high fashion, that is another pursued theme, in colors and lights and the couple in perfect temperament measure set down deservedly nose in the air prior aquaintances, mostly hilarious
groom lifts her out of mud
kisses her
she shook but curious, growing adversarial passion, but will reread to find out the diary of which mky memory has faded, and remember that was an excellent part of the plot--reread. best part final ball when the married couple stir the haute ton packed to the ankles in high fashion, that is another pursued theme, in colors and lights and the couple in perfect temperament measure set down deservedly nose in the air prior aquaintances, mostly hilarious
October 11, 2022
Nope, not for me and I really really tried. But it’s just completely unbelievable especially considering it’s ahistorical romance.
We’ve got characters saying “hell, no”, etc and the biggest issue is the main leads have no chemistry or romance.
Disappointed because the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous!
Oh well, I guess it’s true what they say - don’t judge a book by it’s cover ;)
We’ve got characters saying “hell, no”, etc and the biggest issue is the main leads have no chemistry or romance.
Disappointed because the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous!
Oh well, I guess it’s true what they say - don’t judge a book by it’s cover ;)
February 11, 2017
Honestly, I'm kinda ehh about this book. While I found it well-written and funny, I just couldn't get behind the romance between Janice and Luke. From the first moment they meet, they can not take their eyes off each other and it was grating after awhile.
August 26, 2018
Maybe I wasn't in the mood for this farce, but I ended up skimming a lot to get to the end. The title is cleverly used in the story and that is the most praise I can give.
Not my kind of historical romance, I cringed multiple times.
Mature content
Not my kind of historical romance, I cringed multiple times.
Mature content
July 18, 2023
More like a 2.5/5, it was fun to read (and make fun of 😅😬) and the premise is cute! (based on the Brady Bunch) Probably not a book I'd recommend or want to reread over and over again but I'm not mad I picked it up!
August 25, 2017
Absolutely ridiculous and absolutely awesome!! I loved it.
April 19, 2018
This book started out fun and then got slow for a couple of chapters. Then it improved and I enjoyed the story.
June 21, 2020
This book has a similar title as another book and
I mistakenly read this one and suffered for my folly. It felt disjointed and unbelievable.
I mistakenly read this one and suffered for my folly. It felt disjointed and unbelievable.
June 25, 2021
Just say no. Wish there was more of a dialog and less about puppies. And I love puppies.
November 24, 2022
Found a new favorite author with this book. Definitely need more from her for my collection
April 10, 2023
Open door romance
August 30, 2013
Say Yes to the Duke is number three in Kieran Kramer's fabulous tribute to the Bradys.. I have to admit I giggle every time I read one of these books. Not because they are silly but because of the way Kieran combined 20th century trivia with 19th century romance.
For those of you who don't know the Bradys are a blended family.. The dad, a Marquess of Brady had three boys.. Gregory, Peter and Robert and the mom.. you guessed it.. had three girls, Marcia, Janice and Cynthia *grins* and yes they even have a maid named Alyce.
Say yes to the Duke is Lady Janice's book and yes there are some Marcia, Marcia, Marcia moments. Especially when she finds out that her reputation is questionable because of something Marcia had done.. And everyone knows Marcia has a pristine reputation..
Lady Janice Sherwood (don't forget who created the Brady Bunch.. Kieran had to give a nod to him as well) has been sent to the country by her parents, to visit the duchess, rather the dowager duchess. She was sent in a rather hodge podge fashion that made her question why they were all but tossing her out. Because Janice is insecure she believes for just a moment that they might just want her out of the way. She just didn't know why. Since she is there, Janice is determined to hide in the country for a month and then return home. Only thing is, life never goes according to plan. They had no sooner turned the corner onto the estate when the carriage wheel broke. Sending their driver ahead for help, Janice and her maid waited.. and were accosted by a very ungroomlike groom.. sexy, virile, intelligent.. ok, typical regency romance groom.. lol.. but this man was determined to scare them off. Hard to do with a broken wheel.
Luke Callahan was raised in an orphanage until he was 11 and then forced to flee for his life. Never even aware that the "nun" who cared for him was actually his mother in hiding. Years later he is called to the orphanage for help. It seems he is really the legitimate heir to a dukedom and has nothing to prove it. He knows there could be some form of proof in the family home so he disguises himself as a groom and ventures forth. Once he arrives he realizes all is not right and questionable individuals reside withing. But he is determined.. nothing is going to sway him from his righteous path.. that is until a modest miss arrives and he mistakes her for a soiled dove..
Say Yes is more than a romance it is a metamorphosis.. Both Janice and Luke have to look into themselves and decide if they like what they see.. and decide what to do about what they found. Janice decides that she is more than a daughter and a sister and is willing to live for love. To sacrifice it all for the man she loves. Luke on the other hand has to learn that there is more to him than just a disgruntled heir out for revenge. That love, in all it's forms can transform a man.
As they are evolving both must face the odd goings on in the main house and determine how to deal with them. A Duchess that has "spells" and sometimes thinks she's a queen. A Faux Duke who surrounds himself with sycophants and yet proposes marriage to the first woman who truly despises him.. Blackmail, murder, mystery and great tragedy hides within these walls and it's up to Janice and Luke to discover the secrets and bring them to life!!
A great read about an insecure girl who emerges into the woman she can be!! Thanks Kieran for yet another fun peak at those daring Brady's of the 1800's
Shauni
For those of you who don't know the Bradys are a blended family.. The dad, a Marquess of Brady had three boys.. Gregory, Peter and Robert and the mom.. you guessed it.. had three girls, Marcia, Janice and Cynthia *grins* and yes they even have a maid named Alyce.
Say yes to the Duke is Lady Janice's book and yes there are some Marcia, Marcia, Marcia moments. Especially when she finds out that her reputation is questionable because of something Marcia had done.. And everyone knows Marcia has a pristine reputation..
Lady Janice Sherwood (don't forget who created the Brady Bunch.. Kieran had to give a nod to him as well) has been sent to the country by her parents, to visit the duchess, rather the dowager duchess. She was sent in a rather hodge podge fashion that made her question why they were all but tossing her out. Because Janice is insecure she believes for just a moment that they might just want her out of the way. She just didn't know why. Since she is there, Janice is determined to hide in the country for a month and then return home. Only thing is, life never goes according to plan. They had no sooner turned the corner onto the estate when the carriage wheel broke. Sending their driver ahead for help, Janice and her maid waited.. and were accosted by a very ungroomlike groom.. sexy, virile, intelligent.. ok, typical regency romance groom.. lol.. but this man was determined to scare them off. Hard to do with a broken wheel.
Luke Callahan was raised in an orphanage until he was 11 and then forced to flee for his life. Never even aware that the "nun" who cared for him was actually his mother in hiding. Years later he is called to the orphanage for help. It seems he is really the legitimate heir to a dukedom and has nothing to prove it. He knows there could be some form of proof in the family home so he disguises himself as a groom and ventures forth. Once he arrives he realizes all is not right and questionable individuals reside withing. But he is determined.. nothing is going to sway him from his righteous path.. that is until a modest miss arrives and he mistakes her for a soiled dove..
Say Yes is more than a romance it is a metamorphosis.. Both Janice and Luke have to look into themselves and decide if they like what they see.. and decide what to do about what they found. Janice decides that she is more than a daughter and a sister and is willing to live for love. To sacrifice it all for the man she loves. Luke on the other hand has to learn that there is more to him than just a disgruntled heir out for revenge. That love, in all it's forms can transform a man.
As they are evolving both must face the odd goings on in the main house and determine how to deal with them. A Duchess that has "spells" and sometimes thinks she's a queen. A Faux Duke who surrounds himself with sycophants and yet proposes marriage to the first woman who truly despises him.. Blackmail, murder, mystery and great tragedy hides within these walls and it's up to Janice and Luke to discover the secrets and bring them to life!!
A great read about an insecure girl who emerges into the woman she can be!! Thanks Kieran for yet another fun peak at those daring Brady's of the 1800's
Shauni
September 13, 2016
SAY YES TO THE DUKE Looks at Nobility and Decorum, Roughness and Depravity
Copyright 2013 Stephanie Takes-Desbiens
Original Post: http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Personal Property of Blogger
Lucky the Regency era maiden whose father holds her interests and happiness to heart. Such is the fortune of out heroine in this somewhat Gothic romance filled with Dowagers, Dukes and dark deeds. For people wit true souls, in the romance genre, love doesn’t care about station or wealth. So when two people of different stations find each other we’re pretty sure they’ll find a way to be together.
I liked, as well, the inclusion of the mention of being a bit fey, it gives an opening for Janice to listen to her heart and gut. And, she might be meek at times but otherwise she has a terrific backbone and learns that standing up to others gets her farther than being invisible.
I thought the plot was easy to follow but suspenseful. It all takes place in one location, and there’s a nicely limited range of characters. When so many novels with the entire ton, it seems, take place in town, then the country, then an aunt’s house it was refreshing. It all also seems to take place within a short period of time during a period of bad snow. I had no idea it snowed so heavily in England. Much of the character’s change seem to occur internally in a sort of inner monologue. But the story is narrated in the third person, and we are only really offered insight into the minds of the three main characters.
I thought the inclusion of the Duke’s pondering his sexual proclivities a little gratuitous because it only really comes up once. He and his friends seem depraved. Where do we get the idea of the aristocracy being refined and noble? Not from this guy! The three young ladies in attendance at the estate includes an American girl who I can see so clearly in my mind’s eye; a character in a movie, that her brashness was like the taste of cold copper in my mouth. While I didn’t like the Duke I didn’t like the hero either. He is rough, a Heathcliff (not the cat) type of character. He is not moral according to the laws of the ton, but he is mostly noble. And he pushes Janice to be more than what she has accepted as her lot in life.
I enjoyed the story and the contrast between the nobility in those living in the stables and depravity of the Duke and his guests in the manor house is interesting. I recommend it as an entertaining read that will get you thinking about the true nature of nobility and the limitations on women in the Regency era.
Copyright 2013 Stephanie Takes-Desbiens
Original Post: http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Personal Property of Blogger
Lucky the Regency era maiden whose father holds her interests and happiness to heart. Such is the fortune of out heroine in this somewhat Gothic romance filled with Dowagers, Dukes and dark deeds. For people wit true souls, in the romance genre, love doesn’t care about station or wealth. So when two people of different stations find each other we’re pretty sure they’ll find a way to be together.
I liked, as well, the inclusion of the mention of being a bit fey, it gives an opening for Janice to listen to her heart and gut. And, she might be meek at times but otherwise she has a terrific backbone and learns that standing up to others gets her farther than being invisible.
I thought the plot was easy to follow but suspenseful. It all takes place in one location, and there’s a nicely limited range of characters. When so many novels with the entire ton, it seems, take place in town, then the country, then an aunt’s house it was refreshing. It all also seems to take place within a short period of time during a period of bad snow. I had no idea it snowed so heavily in England. Much of the character’s change seem to occur internally in a sort of inner monologue. But the story is narrated in the third person, and we are only really offered insight into the minds of the three main characters.
I thought the inclusion of the Duke’s pondering his sexual proclivities a little gratuitous because it only really comes up once. He and his friends seem depraved. Where do we get the idea of the aristocracy being refined and noble? Not from this guy! The three young ladies in attendance at the estate includes an American girl who I can see so clearly in my mind’s eye; a character in a movie, that her brashness was like the taste of cold copper in my mouth. While I didn’t like the Duke I didn’t like the hero either. He is rough, a Heathcliff (not the cat) type of character. He is not moral according to the laws of the ton, but he is mostly noble. And he pushes Janice to be more than what she has accepted as her lot in life.
I enjoyed the story and the contrast between the nobility in those living in the stables and depravity of the Duke and his guests in the manor house is interesting. I recommend it as an entertaining read that will get you thinking about the true nature of nobility and the limitations on women in the Regency era.
November 10, 2013
I am always impressed with Kieran Kramer’s talent in writing such wonderful romances that will have you rooting for the heroine to finally get her happy ending after facing obstacles that almost prevents her from finding true love. I have loved this series from the beginning with Loving Lady Marcia and enjoyed her creative take on the classic television series, The Brady Bunch.
I’ve always liked Janice and I was happy to see her finally get her story. Just like the television show, Janice was the middle daughter and always felt that she was outshined by her sisters. Her older sister, Marcia, was the “pretty one” and Cynthia was the “cute one” while Janice was left in the shadows of their spotlight. One thing I loved was how her personality changed over the course of this book and she became a strong woman who wouldn’t back down from anyone instead of just going along with everything like other women at the time. There are a couple of scenes where Janice took advantage of her newfound situation and made the Duke’s lackeys help the community when they never had any intention of helping anyone but themselves.
The Duke of Halsey was an absolute jerk who took advantage of his social standing and used it as a platform to engage in unsavory activities. He believed that women were just there to be used for his entertainment. He never planned on getting married because that would spoil his never-ending party. He was only interested in Janice because she did the exact opposite of what everyone expected and he wanted to see if the rumor about her sexual history was true or not. I wanted Luke to hit him over the head for some of the things that Halsey had done, he was that much of a jerk.
Luke Callahan was a great guy for Janice. He was on a mission to find the truth about his heritage and didn’t plan on meeting or falling for Janice. He never planned on deceiving her about his true intentions but I’m glad that everything worked out in the end.
I loved Say Yes to the Duke and can’t say enough good things about Ms. Kramer’s charming House of Brady series. I’m looking forward to reading her next book in the series because I am sure to fall in love with her fun witty characters.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for an honest review and this review appears on Books-n-Kisses.com
I’ve always liked Janice and I was happy to see her finally get her story. Just like the television show, Janice was the middle daughter and always felt that she was outshined by her sisters. Her older sister, Marcia, was the “pretty one” and Cynthia was the “cute one” while Janice was left in the shadows of their spotlight. One thing I loved was how her personality changed over the course of this book and she became a strong woman who wouldn’t back down from anyone instead of just going along with everything like other women at the time. There are a couple of scenes where Janice took advantage of her newfound situation and made the Duke’s lackeys help the community when they never had any intention of helping anyone but themselves.
The Duke of Halsey was an absolute jerk who took advantage of his social standing and used it as a platform to engage in unsavory activities. He believed that women were just there to be used for his entertainment. He never planned on getting married because that would spoil his never-ending party. He was only interested in Janice because she did the exact opposite of what everyone expected and he wanted to see if the rumor about her sexual history was true or not. I wanted Luke to hit him over the head for some of the things that Halsey had done, he was that much of a jerk.
Luke Callahan was a great guy for Janice. He was on a mission to find the truth about his heritage and didn’t plan on meeting or falling for Janice. He never planned on deceiving her about his true intentions but I’m glad that everything worked out in the end.
I loved Say Yes to the Duke and can’t say enough good things about Ms. Kramer’s charming House of Brady series. I’m looking forward to reading her next book in the series because I am sure to fall in love with her fun witty characters.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for an honest review and this review appears on Books-n-Kisses.com
August 16, 2013
First, I have to say this: Because I skimmed much of the last 100 pages, it may be more accurate for me to write this book off as a "DNF". But for my own records, I am choosing to rate it instead, though I'm afraid the rating is below average.
The first few chapters I found fairly entertaining, and I had high hopes for the book. But as the pages went by, I became more easily distracted, and found myself pulling away from the story and characters. As much as I hate to admit it, I had many moments of "I don't care...I don't care....*skip a page*... Nope, still don't care".
To be honest, I probably shouldn't have read this book. I have tried Kramer's writing before, and I had to DNF that one, as I just wasn't interested enough to continue it. For me, personally, the story, the characters, the writing—it just didn't work for me. Now, I happen to know others who LOVED this book, and her previous novels, and that's great! But for me, I won't be reading any more by this author, as I don't wish to waste my time or bring down the author's ratings when it's clear that I'm not the right reader for her books.
There were a few things that bothered me in Say Yes to the Duke. The most important was the lack of connection I felt with the hero and heroine, and more importantly the lack of connection and chemistry I saw between the two. They were quick to start kissing and meeting in the barn for secret trysts, but I had not clue why. Why was she willing to throw away her reputation and virtue? I kept asking myself this--why, Janice, why? I saw no clear reason why, and honestly didn't care much for the hero.
But then again, that's just my opinion. I will say this--lately I've had a much harder time getting into a book, especially historical, which was actually the first genre I fell in love with. So perhaps I'm simply burned out on this genre. Perhaps I've become a bit more selective over the years. Perhaps I'm just in a really foul reading mood--who knows! But whatever the reason, this particular book didn't work for me.
If it sounds like something you'd enjoy, or this is an author that you are already reading, then please do not let my opinion change that. To each her own and all that...
The first few chapters I found fairly entertaining, and I had high hopes for the book. But as the pages went by, I became more easily distracted, and found myself pulling away from the story and characters. As much as I hate to admit it, I had many moments of "I don't care...I don't care....*skip a page*... Nope, still don't care".
To be honest, I probably shouldn't have read this book. I have tried Kramer's writing before, and I had to DNF that one, as I just wasn't interested enough to continue it. For me, personally, the story, the characters, the writing—it just didn't work for me. Now, I happen to know others who LOVED this book, and her previous novels, and that's great! But for me, I won't be reading any more by this author, as I don't wish to waste my time or bring down the author's ratings when it's clear that I'm not the right reader for her books.
There were a few things that bothered me in Say Yes to the Duke. The most important was the lack of connection I felt with the hero and heroine, and more importantly the lack of connection and chemistry I saw between the two. They were quick to start kissing and meeting in the barn for secret trysts, but I had not clue why. Why was she willing to throw away her reputation and virtue? I kept asking myself this--why, Janice, why? I saw no clear reason why, and honestly didn't care much for the hero.
But then again, that's just my opinion. I will say this--lately I've had a much harder time getting into a book, especially historical, which was actually the first genre I fell in love with. So perhaps I'm simply burned out on this genre. Perhaps I've become a bit more selective over the years. Perhaps I'm just in a really foul reading mood--who knows! But whatever the reason, this particular book didn't work for me.
If it sounds like something you'd enjoy, or this is an author that you are already reading, then please do not let my opinion change that. To each her own and all that...
April 26, 2015
DNF
i read the preview of the book (about a chapter and a half) and sadly that was enough to make me decide NOT to read this book completely. It might get better later on or maybe it might not but i have enough books on my list to not really HAVE to power through this one. I'd much rather move on.
Reasons I didn't like it:
- The writing was strange and too flowery. It's like the author was trying to come off poetical or fancy which I wasn't comfortable reading. It took me some time to get used to it and i dislike books where i have to WORK to read it. So that put me off straight away.
- Janice claims to be different from most girls and this is why men don't want to marry her but she's honestly not: she has status, looks, AND money. Just cause she likes books doesn't make her any different or stand out anymore than any other generic heroine.
- Janice comes off really pompous. Maybe this changes later on in the book but tbh i greatly dislike characters like this no matter what and unless they have some other redeeming qualities (which i hadn't read so far) then i can't really get passed that. Sorry.
-The servants don't act like servants. The author claims its just the one servant that's allowed to talk as an equal to the heroine but in reality her groom Oscar, her maid Isabel, AND Luke do this. This obvious disregard for historical manners and conduct takes me right out the book.
- Did i mention Luke doesn't act like a servant? He MAY be in disguise but he's just too pompous and "non servanty" to really pull it off. He just jumps right out the gate with his nose in the air and talking back to Janice as though they're equals (which yeh ok they are but the point of being in disguise is that no one figures it out and if you constantly talk down to people or to ARISTOCRATS as though you're EQUALS, people are going to question WHY). Its just too unbelievable to me.
- They kiss first chapter. Too much, back it up, can we slow down?? When authors do this it makes me want to flip a table into another dimension. But then i ABHOR books with "love at first sight" or "instant attraction".
So yeah no go on this one for me. A bit disappointed too cause i like the overall concept. not one you see a lot.
i read the preview of the book (about a chapter and a half) and sadly that was enough to make me decide NOT to read this book completely. It might get better later on or maybe it might not but i have enough books on my list to not really HAVE to power through this one. I'd much rather move on.
Reasons I didn't like it:
- The writing was strange and too flowery. It's like the author was trying to come off poetical or fancy which I wasn't comfortable reading. It took me some time to get used to it and i dislike books where i have to WORK to read it. So that put me off straight away.
- Janice claims to be different from most girls and this is why men don't want to marry her but she's honestly not: she has status, looks, AND money. Just cause she likes books doesn't make her any different or stand out anymore than any other generic heroine.
- Janice comes off really pompous. Maybe this changes later on in the book but tbh i greatly dislike characters like this no matter what and unless they have some other redeeming qualities (which i hadn't read so far) then i can't really get passed that. Sorry.
-The servants don't act like servants. The author claims its just the one servant that's allowed to talk as an equal to the heroine but in reality her groom Oscar, her maid Isabel, AND Luke do this. This obvious disregard for historical manners and conduct takes me right out the book.
- Did i mention Luke doesn't act like a servant? He MAY be in disguise but he's just too pompous and "non servanty" to really pull it off. He just jumps right out the gate with his nose in the air and talking back to Janice as though they're equals (which yeh ok they are but the point of being in disguise is that no one figures it out and if you constantly talk down to people or to ARISTOCRATS as though you're EQUALS, people are going to question WHY). Its just too unbelievable to me.
- They kiss first chapter. Too much, back it up, can we slow down?? When authors do this it makes me want to flip a table into another dimension. But then i ABHOR books with "love at first sight" or "instant attraction".
So yeah no go on this one for me. A bit disappointed too cause i like the overall concept. not one you see a lot.
August 30, 2016
This is the third love story about the offspring of the House of Brady and the strain is showing. A Regency version of The Brady Bunch seemed like a clever idea, and it may have been, but it also imposes a lot of limitations as Kramer tries to stay true to personalities of original characters, and it gets in the way of the story on multiple occasions. Lady Janice Sherwood is smitten by stable groom Luke Callahan, and sometimes their interactions are engaging and sometimes they feel artificial. The biggest problem is the whole set up. Whether you go by the way Kramer has developed the characters of Michael Sherwood, the Marquess of Brady and his beloved second wife Caroline, or Mike and Carol Brady, neither would send off their daughter unchaperoned to the home of a duke they'd never met at the request of his dowager mother who'd they not heard from or about in years just on the hope that the duke might want to marry her. In the middle of winter. With just her maid and her groom. They would never be that title crazy or careless of their daughter. What, no writing to the dowager for more information? No checking around for news among their society contacts? Nor would they send her off as major family occasions were looming, even if they'd heard the rumors circulating, which Kramer never addresses. And even if we are pulling out the soap staple of the split personality created by trauma, could it be a little less preposterous than the Queen and the dowager personalities switching every time she sneezes? Granted these novels are based on a sit-com, but usually Kramer doesn't write it that way. In fact this novel has some pretty dark moments. The constraints of Jan/Janice's character as the insecure, inferior feeling middle daughter make it difficult to develop organically, and Kramer does a very uneven job. This novel has some sweet and moving moments, and some moments of compelling drama, but what's in between is weak, and the novel ends with a lot of loose ends.
January 19, 2014
I wasn't expecting to like this one as much as I did. It's a "high concept" romance--in this case, historical Brady Bunch romance--and I bought it because I was in the mood for something light and fluffy. I've read the first one (Loving Lady Marcia), and I remember liking-but-not-loving it, so I expected something similar.
And it was similar, of course, but I LOVED it.
One of the things that frequently goes unspoken in historical romances* is that all these "good matches" were an economic necessity for women. It's more of a background assumption than something explicitly stated. Even when the thing keeping the lovers apart is class-based ("Oh, but I am only a scullery maid, and can never marry Lord Thing!" or whatever), the words "money" and "power" seldom cross the heroine's mind.
Except Janice (of the House of Brady--I am still getting a tiny kick out of the whole Brady thing) that knows that money and power are at the root of her problems. Her reputation--the one source
of power/marketability she controls--has been tarnished, and she sees quite clearly that marrying the Duke will fix that.
And she says so, explicitly.
To the hero.
I loved that scene, and I was in her corner from that point on.
The Duke is an interesting villain: sexually kinky, worried about having that damage his reputation in society, willing to take advantage of women without options to satisfy his urges--and yet ultimately, the damaged product of his own father's evil. You could almost see him transplanted to another genre and offered redemption. Fifty Shades of Duke, anyone?
*Of course it goes Even More Unspoken in contemporary romances, because now it is no longer supposed to be the case that women marry for money--even though for most women, the financial difference between being married and staying single is huge. It'd be interesting to read some romances that are blunt about that. I MUST FIND SOME.
And it was similar, of course, but I LOVED it.
One of the things that frequently goes unspoken in historical romances* is that all these "good matches" were an economic necessity for women. It's more of a background assumption than something explicitly stated. Even when the thing keeping the lovers apart is class-based ("Oh, but I am only a scullery maid, and can never marry Lord Thing!" or whatever), the words "money" and "power" seldom cross the heroine's mind.
Except Janice (of the House of Brady--I am still getting a tiny kick out of the whole Brady thing) that knows that money and power are at the root of her problems. Her reputation--the one source
of power/marketability she controls--has been tarnished, and she sees quite clearly that marrying the Duke will fix that.
And she says so, explicitly.
To the hero.
I loved that scene, and I was in her corner from that point on.
The Duke is an interesting villain: sexually kinky, worried about having that damage his reputation in society, willing to take advantage of women without options to satisfy his urges--and yet ultimately, the damaged product of his own father's evil. You could almost see him transplanted to another genre and offered redemption. Fifty Shades of Duke, anyone?
*Of course it goes Even More Unspoken in contemporary romances, because now it is no longer supposed to be the case that women marry for money--even though for most women, the financial difference between being married and staying single is huge. It'd be interesting to read some romances that are blunt about that. I MUST FIND SOME.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews