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Family Secrets #3
Brandon's Bride
Three siblings searching for the truth about their family are about to find more than they bargained for…
For years Brandon Ferringer has sought to untangle the mystery surrounding his father's disappearance. Now training as a hotshot—a seasonal wildland fire fighter—Brandon feels he’s on the verge of finally discovering the truth. In need of temporary lodging, Brandon rents a room at a local farm, and is surprised when his attraction to the ranch’s alluring owner threatens to distract him from his mission.
Single mother Victoria Meese struggles to find time for herself in between raising her son, Randy, and running the Lady Luck Ranch. When she meets Brandon, she suddenly finds something to believe in again. But Brandon’s search for answers is about to turn dangerous, threatening their growing connection—and their very lives.
For years Brandon Ferringer has sought to untangle the mystery surrounding his father's disappearance. Now training as a hotshot—a seasonal wildland fire fighter—Brandon feels he’s on the verge of finally discovering the truth. In need of temporary lodging, Brandon rents a room at a local farm, and is surprised when his attraction to the ranch’s alluring owner threatens to distract him from his mission.
Single mother Victoria Meese struggles to find time for herself in between raising her son, Randy, and running the Lady Luck Ranch. When she meets Brandon, she suddenly finds something to believe in again. But Brandon’s search for answers is about to turn dangerous, threatening their growing connection—and their very lives.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
Alicia Scott
21 books122 followersA pseudonym used by Lisa Gardner.
Series:
* Walking After Midnight
* Guiness Gang
* Maximillian's Children - re-released by Penguin (2013) under the updated series name Family Secrets
Series:
* Walking After Midnight
* Guiness Gang
* Maximillian's Children - re-released by Penguin (2013) under the updated series name Family Secrets
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 10, 2019
Brandon’s Bride is the final book in the Family Secrets series, and it’s my favourite of the three. Although I’ve enjoyed them all, the slow burn romance and the answers to all our questions had me enjoying this one a wee bit more.
Although Brandon’s Bride can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading the prior books first. Throughout the first two books questions appear that leave you with theories as to what will happen and how everything will come together, leaving you desperate for the answers that come about in Brandon’s Bride.
In addition to getting the answers we’re desperate for, Brandon’s Bride also provides a wonderful romance that will have you hooked. As I’m a big fan of slow burns, this one was my favourite of the three. I fell in love with the characters right away and could not get enough of their developing romance. It developed wonderfully around the mystery, keeping me hooked throughout.
As much as I loved this one, I would have liked a wee bit more of the family. I really loved the family and would have loved to get to see a lot of them in this one, instead of simply seeing them at the end. However, this was not enough to remove my enjoyment of this one, as it was a great end to the series.
Although Brandon’s Bride can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading the prior books first. Throughout the first two books questions appear that leave you with theories as to what will happen and how everything will come together, leaving you desperate for the answers that come about in Brandon’s Bride.
In addition to getting the answers we’re desperate for, Brandon’s Bride also provides a wonderful romance that will have you hooked. As I’m a big fan of slow burns, this one was my favourite of the three. I fell in love with the characters right away and could not get enough of their developing romance. It developed wonderfully around the mystery, keeping me hooked throughout.
As much as I loved this one, I would have liked a wee bit more of the family. I really loved the family and would have loved to get to see a lot of them in this one, instead of simply seeing them at the end. However, this was not enough to remove my enjoyment of this one, as it was a great end to the series.
August 20, 2011
Rating 4.5
I really loved Brandon's Bride.
From the past books we know that Brandon was the oldest child of Max, staid, responsible who from an early age was an adult taking on the anger of a bitter mother, an absent father and later on his two siblings. He worked hard to get back his mother's property and she in turn called him, cold, money-minded, workaholic. He fell in love with Julia, married her but he was still worked too hard even when she urged him to spend time with her, then she died and Brandon felt like his father and ran, roaming all around the world courting adventure and trying to lose his money unsuccessfully and also investigating his father's death.
He has a lead, his father was friends with three people and one disappeared and one is still alive, so he takes a job as a hotshot and rents a place to live, Victoria's ranch.
Victoria comes from a big loving family, she has a struggling ranch and a eight year old to raise. Her ex-husband turned out to be worthless, a druggie. So, when she sees Brandon, sparks ignite immediately.
For me the book worked mainly because I liked how these two communicated. Brandon was a little closed off, weighed down by the death of his wife who he thought did not die of a simple mugging and on top of that the similarities he felt he had with his father, but Victoria didn't let him back off, whenever he tried to put some distance between them she made him talk things out. Like adults they air the attraction between them and Victoria acknowledges she doesn't want to act on it, atleast not at that moment.
I enjoyed the scene when Brandon wants to give her some money, to ease things through, and Victoria loses it and then Brandon comes to the realization, he gives everything but himself to people. I also did enjoy finally finding out what Max did.
I really loved Brandon's Bride.
From the past books we know that Brandon was the oldest child of Max, staid, responsible who from an early age was an adult taking on the anger of a bitter mother, an absent father and later on his two siblings. He worked hard to get back his mother's property and she in turn called him, cold, money-minded, workaholic. He fell in love with Julia, married her but he was still worked too hard even when she urged him to spend time with her, then she died and Brandon felt like his father and ran, roaming all around the world courting adventure and trying to lose his money unsuccessfully and also investigating his father's death.
He has a lead, his father was friends with three people and one disappeared and one is still alive, so he takes a job as a hotshot and rents a place to live, Victoria's ranch.
Victoria comes from a big loving family, she has a struggling ranch and a eight year old to raise. Her ex-husband turned out to be worthless, a druggie. So, when she sees Brandon, sparks ignite immediately.
For me the book worked mainly because I liked how these two communicated. Brandon was a little closed off, weighed down by the death of his wife who he thought did not die of a simple mugging and on top of that the similarities he felt he had with his father, but Victoria didn't let him back off, whenever he tried to put some distance between them she made him talk things out. Like adults they air the attraction between them and Victoria acknowledges she doesn't want to act on it, atleast not at that moment.
I enjoyed the scene when Brandon wants to give her some money, to ease things through, and Victoria loses it and then Brandon comes to the realization, he gives everything but himself to people. I also did enjoy finally finding out what Max did.
March 21, 2020
Brandon's Bride
4 Stars
This 3rd and final installment is a significant improvement on the previous book. Not only is the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Maximillian Ferringer explained (and in a satisfying manner), but the romance between the cold and aloof Brandon and the feisty Victoria is intense and believable.
While the details regarding Max's secretive profession aren't all that surprising, the circumstances leading up to his disappearance are original, and leave the reader with a better understanding of the man.
Brandon and Victoria's relationship is the highlight of the book as these two lonely people struggle against their attraction, but ultimately realize that they are better together than apart. Even though the inclusion of young children in romance novels is not one of my preferred tropes, Victoria's son, Randy, is simply charming and his scenes with Brandon are very engaging.
The Hot Shot and firefighting storyline provide additional tension and suspense to both the mystery and the romance.
All in all, a satisfying end to the series.
4 Stars
This 3rd and final installment is a significant improvement on the previous book. Not only is the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Maximillian Ferringer explained (and in a satisfying manner), but the romance between the cold and aloof Brandon and the feisty Victoria is intense and believable.
While the details regarding Max's secretive profession aren't all that surprising, the circumstances leading up to his disappearance are original, and leave the reader with a better understanding of the man.
Brandon and Victoria's relationship is the highlight of the book as these two lonely people struggle against their attraction, but ultimately realize that they are better together than apart. Even though the inclusion of young children in romance novels is not one of my preferred tropes, Victoria's son, Randy, is simply charming and his scenes with Brandon are very engaging.
The Hot Shot and firefighting storyline provide additional tension and suspense to both the mystery and the romance.
All in all, a satisfying end to the series.
December 10, 2016
Most people classify this book as romantic suspense and that description applies although I feel it would just as easily be described as a simple drama. I enjoyed reading "Brandon's Bride" because it is well written as the other Lisa Garner books I've read in the DD Warren series and the characters seem like real people.
October 24, 2023
This was so sweet I have no words.
January 30, 2022
The interplay of the three half-siblings with different mothers was a clever vehicle for the three adventures.
December 10, 2013
Lisa Gardner is a well known crime novelist who has several books to her credit. A lot of people may not know that she started out her career writing under the pseudonym Alicia Scott with Silhouette Intimate Moments. Signet is now releasing three of the Alicia Scott novels as the newly renamed Family Secrets series. Brandon's Bride is the third novel in the series and the conclusion. Gardner's trademark sharp writing style and knack for suspense is definitely present, along with the sizzling romance and well defined characters of Alicia Scott. It's a great combination from a very talented author, that you won't want to miss.
What I liked:
Having been a fan of Lisa Gardner's writing for awhile now, I was somewhat skeptical of this series because I was worried it was before Gardner had honed her craft and might be less like the author I had grown to enjoy. But that was not the case. Brandon's Bride was still very much a Lisa Gardner-esque story. It still have all the urgency, the suspense and nail biting moments I longed for and it had something new, a little more romance and sizzle than some of Gardner's later offerings.
Though I have not read the first two novels in the Family Secrets series, I am now intrigued to find out how the stories with Brandon's other siblings factor into the outcome of this one. Gardner did an amazing job of making this a stand alone novel, without giving too much away from the other books, while still giving the reader enough background to keep them from feeling lost.
The characters in this book were simply enjoyable to read about. Victoria is a single mom with a young son to raise and a ranch to make successful. I liked the fact that Gardner did not make her into a hard woman. She had a lot on her plate and could have easily come off as bitter, but Victoria is anything but... She knew what she wanted and she wasn't necessarily afraid of it, but maybe a bit gun shy since her former husband turned out to be what I would call a dud!
Brandon is the real star of this book though. He hasn't had it easy. With the lose of his wife still much on his mind, he delves into trying to find out what happened to his father. I liked the fact that Gardner allows the reader to see that Brandon is seeking a lot more than just a reason for his father's absence, he is also looking for keys to learning about himself as well. I liked all of the information about Brandon's job as a hotshot and it was even more poignant considering this summer's tragedy with the deaths of nineteen hotshots overrun while fighting a fire. It brought a few tears to my eyes, but this part of the book was well written and gave insight into what these guys go through to serve and protect.
The romance was hot in this one and Brandon and Victoria's attraction was palpable even from their first meeting. I think Gardner did a great job of showing how two people with tragedy in their past can come together and have a shot at a great future. I thought the romantic elements were well done and did not take over the book. The balance was good and love scenes were steaming!
What I didn't like:
I may have had more sympathy for Brandon's father's past, had I read the other books. I 'm not sure. Max was a bit too over-the-top for me. His backstory was just a little to unbelievable. I was glad that Brandon and his siblings got the closure they needed with finding out what really happened with Max. But I did feel like it was a bit too much.
Bottom Line:
Other than that, I don't have any complaints about the book. It was good. It had good balance, great characters and the suspense was certainly present. I liked the fact that Victoria was drawn into the action and that Brandon got the closure he needed in more than one area of his life. It's a good one, don't miss it!
What I liked:
Having been a fan of Lisa Gardner's writing for awhile now, I was somewhat skeptical of this series because I was worried it was before Gardner had honed her craft and might be less like the author I had grown to enjoy. But that was not the case. Brandon's Bride was still very much a Lisa Gardner-esque story. It still have all the urgency, the suspense and nail biting moments I longed for and it had something new, a little more romance and sizzle than some of Gardner's later offerings.
Though I have not read the first two novels in the Family Secrets series, I am now intrigued to find out how the stories with Brandon's other siblings factor into the outcome of this one. Gardner did an amazing job of making this a stand alone novel, without giving too much away from the other books, while still giving the reader enough background to keep them from feeling lost.
The characters in this book were simply enjoyable to read about. Victoria is a single mom with a young son to raise and a ranch to make successful. I liked the fact that Gardner did not make her into a hard woman. She had a lot on her plate and could have easily come off as bitter, but Victoria is anything but... She knew what she wanted and she wasn't necessarily afraid of it, but maybe a bit gun shy since her former husband turned out to be what I would call a dud!
Brandon is the real star of this book though. He hasn't had it easy. With the lose of his wife still much on his mind, he delves into trying to find out what happened to his father. I liked the fact that Gardner allows the reader to see that Brandon is seeking a lot more than just a reason for his father's absence, he is also looking for keys to learning about himself as well. I liked all of the information about Brandon's job as a hotshot and it was even more poignant considering this summer's tragedy with the deaths of nineteen hotshots overrun while fighting a fire. It brought a few tears to my eyes, but this part of the book was well written and gave insight into what these guys go through to serve and protect.
The romance was hot in this one and Brandon and Victoria's attraction was palpable even from their first meeting. I think Gardner did a great job of showing how two people with tragedy in their past can come together and have a shot at a great future. I thought the romantic elements were well done and did not take over the book. The balance was good and love scenes were steaming!
What I didn't like:
I may have had more sympathy for Brandon's father's past, had I read the other books. I 'm not sure. Max was a bit too over-the-top for me. His backstory was just a little to unbelievable. I was glad that Brandon and his siblings got the closure they needed with finding out what really happened with Max. But I did feel like it was a bit too much.
Bottom Line:
Other than that, I don't have any complaints about the book. It was good. It had good balance, great characters and the suspense was certainly present. I liked the fact that Victoria was drawn into the action and that Brandon got the closure he needed in more than one area of his life. It's a good one, don't miss it!
December 7, 2013
I wish that there would have been more with the siblings with this book, what little there was with them was good. I also really liked Brandon and his fish out of water role with Victoria and her ranch. I liked that Victoria didn't play games, pretty much let Brandon know what was going on. What did seem a little too much for me was Max's background. While I liked that the siblings learned what happened and could finally put their past behind them, Max's past was over the top.
July 14, 2015
Shallow and sophomoric.
August 20, 2017
Ah, so good ! Alicia Scott/Lisa Gardner did it again !
I had such a great time reading this novel : a great kid (Randy, one of the very few I actually loved in romance novels), absolutely great heroin (strong woman, strong headed, doesn't bullshit and tells it as she sees it, wonderful !), great hero (I'm usually more attracted to female characters, but I'll make one exception for Brandon), more psychology than I'm used to in romance novels - once again.
Basically, it's a great romantic suspense, and the questions we had all along with Maximilian were answered, mostly.
I'm a happy camper ! And since I have only one more Lisa Gardner book to read before she publishes her next (which is preordered, of course), I'll have to read more of her as Alicia Scott. Of course, it's different stuff, but it's very good nonetheless. Enjoy !
I had such a great time reading this novel : a great kid (Randy, one of the very few I actually loved in romance novels), absolutely great heroin (strong woman, strong headed, doesn't bullshit and tells it as she sees it, wonderful !), great hero (I'm usually more attracted to female characters, but I'll make one exception for Brandon), more psychology than I'm used to in romance novels - once again.
Basically, it's a great romantic suspense, and the questions we had all along with Maximilian were answered, mostly.
I'm a happy camper ! And since I have only one more Lisa Gardner book to read before she publishes her next (which is preordered, of course), I'll have to read more of her as Alicia Scott. Of course, it's different stuff, but it's very good nonetheless. Enjoy !
June 20, 2022
Third and final book in the series. Full of suspense and action.
I thought this one was probably the best of the three. Strong characters, fast paced, the plot advanced pretty well.
The female main character is a tough independent ranch owner. I liked her. She's determined and hard working.
The male main character is obsessed with solving the mysteries around tragic losses in his past. As the story progresses he begins to find some answers and some balance in his life.
The romance in this one felt a little more realistic and a lot less one-sided than in the other two books.
The ending brought several pieces together and very briefly reunited everyone from the three stories.
Violence. Sex. Mild language.
I thought this one was probably the best of the three. Strong characters, fast paced, the plot advanced pretty well.
The female main character is a tough independent ranch owner. I liked her. She's determined and hard working.
The male main character is obsessed with solving the mysteries around tragic losses in his past. As the story progresses he begins to find some answers and some balance in his life.
The romance in this one felt a little more realistic and a lot less one-sided than in the other two books.
The ending brought several pieces together and very briefly reunited everyone from the three stories.
Violence. Sex. Mild language.
May 4, 2018
I was pretty disappointed in this book as Lisa Gardner is a regular author that I read, however this is an earlier work written under her pseudonym Alicia Scott in her earlier days. I found this story about three siblings from different mothers searching for the truth about their family and the mysterious disappearance of their father, an ok read but really it read slow to me. There were also so many characters introduced at once in the beginning that I found myself flip flopping back and forth to keep it straight!
January 7, 2020
It took me awhile to get through this book as I don't get much time to actually sit down and read an old fashioned book, but once I got into this book, I wasn't able to put it down and just had to find out what was going on with Brandon Ferringer!
This has been quite an enjoyable three book series for me from Alicia Scott (Lisa Gardner)!
This has been quite an enjoyable three book series for me from Alicia Scott (Lisa Gardner)!
March 1, 2026
The final book in the trilogy of Brandon, CJ and Maggie. This time it is Brandon who is trying to find his father’s friend and becomes a hot shot who fights forest fires and falls in love with Veronica a single mom who owns a ranch. The suspense is classic Gardner the romantic scenes are annoying. But a good read.
June 13, 2026
Nope, I didnt like this one. The story was understandable without having prior knowledge of the other novels in this series. The suspense and mystery was nice but not exceptional. The romance was not required honestly and is the cause of my low rating. It had too much unnecessary stuff, and focus on the actual plot felt missing.
June 26, 2017
An alright book.. I'm used to her thrillers more and she's an amazing writer.. this book is possibly some of her earlier work and it is an easy read..
August 4, 2017
No story, lots of anticipation but no follow through. It was like she was chasing a plot.
January 10, 2018
Quick read.
Read
January 11, 2018Not bad
It was a little slow, but loved catching up on other characters and finally learning about their mysterious father. Good.
It was a little slow, but loved catching up on other characters and finally learning about their mysterious father. Good.
February 11, 2018
So sad this series is over, one of my favourite of all time!
February 16, 2018
amazing book amazing trilogy only wish there was more!!
April 4, 2018
3.5/5 Stars. quick , easy to reading romantic suspense story. i loved Victorias strong speak whats on your mind personality and thought she was the perfect match for Brandon.
April 14, 2018
The third book in this series was the best
August 13, 2019
Good
Got this because I read everything else by Lisa Gardner and was somewhat surprised. Not yet usual but interesting on its own
Got this because I read everything else by Lisa Gardner and was somewhat surprised. Not yet usual but interesting on its own
February 6, 2020
The only thing I didn't like about this steamy thriller was that the couple didn't use protection even though neither thought the relationship would last at the beginning.
March 21, 2020
Interesting mystery read
Fans of Lisa Gardner will not be disappointed in this mystery.
Lots of great firefighting information. Predictable romantic outcome and end.
Fans of Lisa Gardner will not be disappointed in this mystery.
Lots of great firefighting information. Predictable romantic outcome and end.
May 29, 2022
Brandon solves the mystery about his dad and finds love be with Victoria.
August 5, 2022
Secrets
Another page turner. Glad to know Max was one of the guys after all. Happy Maggie, CJ and Brandon turned ok in spite of their parents. Thanks again.
Another page turner. Glad to know Max was one of the guys after all. Happy Maggie, CJ and Brandon turned ok in spite of their parents. Thanks again.
May 31, 2024
Good story. It was interesting to learn the power of fire and how jumping in water in the middle of a fire can be as dangerous. I love the character development of Brandon.
December 25, 2013
This book is the final installment in the Family secrets trilogy.
The trilogy is a recent reprint originally written in the late 90s under a pseudonym Alicia Scott. It proves that from the beginning Lisa Gardner had a talent for writing incredibly complex and relatable characters, and a great story. It also proves, that over the years her story lines have gotten loads better, which in no way diminishes how good this book was and is a great thing in my opinion.
I was looking forward to this book. Usually in a trilogy of romance, the last book seems to have the best love story, because it has the most complicated protagonists. Brandon Ferringer had all the fixings. A lost soul who has just suffered too much in his life, and blames himself for all of it, including the death of his late wife. Who will win his heart? What kind of story will it take to get him on to the path of healing? Then there’s ranch owner Victoria Meese, strong, independent, fearless single mother, who is making the best of her life for the sake of her son. On top of that we have the mystery that has been hanging over our heads from the beginning of the book. How did max Ferringer die? I’m sad to say that while I enjoyed the book, I was disappointed.
My first problem was Brandon and Victoria. While I loved them as characters individually, I still can’t figure out why they are together. I can understand how they balance each other out and why they’re good for each other, but do they? If so, the foundation wasn’t clear in the book. For me they went from sizzle to bed, to love. Also, I didn’t think that Brandon’s accepting his love for Victoria so readily was realistic considering his widower status. I’m not saying I enjoy the books that have those widowers that never go through the acceptance stage of grief until the last page, and make their dead spouse out to be an absolute saint, but realistically, When you’re planning to spend the rest of your life with someone, and they’re wrenched away from you that way, it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that life goes on, and even harder to accept that you’re capable of loving someone else without feeling a little bit guilty. I think there were unresolved feelings of grief inside of him that needed to be addressed, and I felt that instead of letting Julia go, he simply replaced her with Victoria, but maybe that’s just me.
Lastly, I am disappointed in the mystery. Again, I am used to Lisa Gardner’s unexpected twists. I was also desperately waiting for the resolution. As Per Lisa’s usual, it was unpredictable. Yet it fell flat for me. I finished the book with a huge question mark in my brain.
I have finished yet another series by Lisa Gardner. For the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Her entertaining writing style, pounding suspense, and three dimensional characters are always absolute winners in my mind.
The trilogy is a recent reprint originally written in the late 90s under a pseudonym Alicia Scott. It proves that from the beginning Lisa Gardner had a talent for writing incredibly complex and relatable characters, and a great story. It also proves, that over the years her story lines have gotten loads better, which in no way diminishes how good this book was and is a great thing in my opinion.
I was looking forward to this book. Usually in a trilogy of romance, the last book seems to have the best love story, because it has the most complicated protagonists. Brandon Ferringer had all the fixings. A lost soul who has just suffered too much in his life, and blames himself for all of it, including the death of his late wife. Who will win his heart? What kind of story will it take to get him on to the path of healing? Then there’s ranch owner Victoria Meese, strong, independent, fearless single mother, who is making the best of her life for the sake of her son. On top of that we have the mystery that has been hanging over our heads from the beginning of the book. How did max Ferringer die? I’m sad to say that while I enjoyed the book, I was disappointed.
My first problem was Brandon and Victoria. While I loved them as characters individually, I still can’t figure out why they are together. I can understand how they balance each other out and why they’re good for each other, but do they? If so, the foundation wasn’t clear in the book. For me they went from sizzle to bed, to love. Also, I didn’t think that Brandon’s accepting his love for Victoria so readily was realistic considering his widower status. I’m not saying I enjoy the books that have those widowers that never go through the acceptance stage of grief until the last page, and make their dead spouse out to be an absolute saint, but realistically, When you’re planning to spend the rest of your life with someone, and they’re wrenched away from you that way, it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that life goes on, and even harder to accept that you’re capable of loving someone else without feeling a little bit guilty. I think there were unresolved feelings of grief inside of him that needed to be addressed, and I felt that instead of letting Julia go, he simply replaced her with Victoria, but maybe that’s just me.
Lastly, I am disappointed in the mystery. Again, I am used to Lisa Gardner’s unexpected twists. I was also desperately waiting for the resolution. As Per Lisa’s usual, it was unpredictable. Yet it fell flat for me. I finished the book with a huge question mark in my brain.
I have finished yet another series by Lisa Gardner. For the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Her entertaining writing style, pounding suspense, and three dimensional characters are always absolute winners in my mind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews