A Very Merry Romance

Madaris Family Saga #21

by Brenda Jackson

School principal Jonathan Madaris falls hard the moment new teacher Marilyn Bannister walks into his office. The gray-eyed beauty takes his breath away and makes him regret his school’s non-fraternization policy. Still, he immediately knows Marilyn is special. And he’s not letting anything stop him from getting the woman he wants.

Marilyn recognizes the attraction between her and Jonathan but has no intention of breaking school policy. After all, this is her first job and she loves it. So when she’s suddenly transferred to another school and she discovers Jonathan is behind the move, she is furious.

It’s clear that Jonathan needs to be taught a lesson about playing with people’s lives. And Marilyn is just the teacher to do it. But will she go too far? Find out what happens when two proud individuals face off in the game of love.

Will it take a Christmas miracle to save the day?

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook

422 pages, Paperback

First published December 17, 2017

About the author

In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

Reviews

[Nicole]

I had been waiting to read this storyline for awhile especially since Jonathan and Marilyn had been mentioned in other Madaris’s novels. The mention of them was always so sweet and endearing with them being older and married longer than the nephew and grandchildren storylines. Needless to say, I wanted to get to know them better and Brenda Jackson didn’t disappoint. I really loved that it was set back in the 70’s so her reference of Afros and an old James Bond movie starring a dapper Sean Connery fit the bill.

[Shone]

Now we know the beginning, learning whereand how the courage, faith, strength, determination and love of the Madaris family came to being. Marilyn and Johathan passed all the fire down to each one f their children.

#Cilla'sbookmaniacs

[Martha Ruff]

This was a really good book. I loved reading about Jonathan and Marilyn's romance!!))

[Shades]

Jonathan knows that Marilyn is his wife. He just needs time to make her fall in love with him. To avoid breaking the non-fraternizing policy at his school, Johnathan has Marilyn transferred to another school. Unexpectedly,Marilyn finds out that he requested her transfer and she is furious.

This story is even better the third time around. Lmbo!!! Brenda painted a vivid picture of dating in the 70’s. The concerts,fashion, roller-skating and Sean Connery as James Bond( Theee Best Bond) was just amazing . Jonathan swept Marilyn off her feet and it was a delight to discover the foundation of their marriage.

I connected with Marilyn on so many levels. I had to stop reading and think.... “This how I act?”🤦🏾‍♀️ Her brothers sure did a number on her. I felt her rage dripping off the pages when Jonathan’s betrayal was uncovered and I just knew that she was going to make him pay. Johnathan tried to explain, but to no avail. When she realized what she did, she tried to apologize but she was rejected. Thankfully, Johnathan had a mother who wanted him happy. She encouraged Marilyn to put her fears aside and go after the man she loved. I could tell this book was written with the intent to tie up loose ends. All my Madaris questions were answered.I had a great time putting the pieces together and reading about the couple that started it all. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. If you believe in second chances and enjoy a sweet love story, this is for you.

[Elena]

Ugh ! Disliked both the characters.... But mostly the hero who tricked the heroine, went behind her back, risked ruining her career - just so he could ask her out her . It was completely “insta-lovey” and uncalled for !!

[Dj]

These are the Madaris parents to [Justin, Clayton, Dexter, Tracie, Kattie, and Christy] School (principal) Jonathan Madaris falls hard the moment new (teacher) Marilyn Bannister, walks into his office. The gray-eyed beauty takes his breath away and makes him regret his school's non-fraternization policy and has no intention of breaking school policy. Still, he immediately knows Marilyn is special. And he's not letting anything stop him from getting the woman he wants. This is her first job and she loves it. So, when two months in to her job, she’s suddenly transferred to another school, even though it’s a promotion, she still feels like she may have done something wrong--and when she discovers Jonathan is behind the move--she is furious. It’s clear that Jonathan needs to be taught a lesson about playing with people’s lives. And Marilyn is just the teacher to do it. She heads to his boss and threatens an ethics suit. But will she go too far? Find out what happens when two proud individuals face off in the game of love. Will it take a Christmas miracle to save the day?

It was fantastic to catch up to all of the Madaris family members and their children from the past 19 books. Though i don't normally like flashback stories, it was nice to learn of the story that started it all. Another fantastic Brenda Jackson novel.

[Call Me D-Love]

This book was so good I listened to it twice. It goes back to the start of the greatest Madaris romance which produced some great offspring carrying on the great Madaris name for generations. The start of Jonathan and Marilyn. For Jonathan it was love at first sight but there were no fraternizing policies in place at the school were Principal Jonathan Madaris was the boss of new teacher Marilyn Banister. Marilyn a math wiz was fresh out of college but with outstanding references from a senator and school superintendent came highly recommended for a role at Jonathan’s school. Long story short Jonathan was going to make Marilyn his by any means necessary, but not ruining their careers. This is a great love story that tackles challenges, family issues and second chances. So glad I read this book and now I will go back to read each of Jonathan and Marilyn’s children’s books were they make cameos in each. If you are new to the Madaris series I suggest you review the lineage hierarchy before reading. It makes it more interesting to know the relationship.

[JigsawGirl]

I listened to the audiobook via Hoopla. The book felt dated, but it would seeing as how it was set in the 70's.

I have decided that I am just bitter. It was ok. It just irritated me that Marilyn was perfectly willing to cause destruction with no thought because she was angry and hurt. I don't see how her behavior was that much different that the person her brother was involved with and tried to destroy him. Their weapons were just different.

Next, the reconciliation was ridiculous. As mad as Jonathon was, it took him a few hours to decide on we can makeup? I guess on the plus side, I didn't have to suffer through more of the breakup.

I don't necessarily agree with what Jonathon did, but I think Marilyn's response was really extreme. They ended up with their HEA, so I guess that is all that matters.

[Celeste]

Reflecting on the love that almost got away

Marilyn and Jonathan's relationship was without a doubt romantic. From the opening credits you recognize that respect and dedication would be the foundation of their long story. As Marilyn takes us on the journey of how her and Jonathan came to be, you realize how one overzealous moment could have changed the trajectory of their relationship.

[Nylorac1984]

An old school courtship, a story of a hero Jonathan that has to really work for every inch of ground he gains with the heroine Marilyn. A slow building passion that is full of yearning and longing. If you don't mind the characters needing to have their eyes opened a bit to the possibilities this romance might be for you. This story is part of a larger family saga, but I was able to jump in without having read the other books. Sounds like a very well to do and loving family saga.

[Kenya]

A Very Merry Romance

I already loved Jonathan and Marilyn Madaris for what I would read about them I had read other Madaris books but for them to have their own story to show us how they met and fell in love is just wonderful. A great storyline with believable characters. This was a well thought out story and told wonderfully. Great job Mrs. Jackson.

[Selina Durio]

Great “Look Back” Story

This was a great look back at the beginnings of the Jonathon and Marilyn family line. As the parents/grandparents of the stars of many of the other Madaris Saga books it was wonderful to see how they met and produced such a fantastic family. This was also a great look at long term, enduring love in many couples.

[Gay Harris]

I was happy to read the story of Jonathan and Marilyn. Although Felicia Laverne is the matriarch, I consider Jonathan and Marilyn the first Madaris family. This was easy reading.
Jonathan and Marilyn proved that planning, patience, and persistency can lead you to achieve that which you have set your goals or sights on.

[Karen]

Hats off to you again Ms. Jackson for a wonderfully written and very romantic love story between Jonathan and Marilyn. I'm so glad that you wrote about the "humble" beginnings of the Madaris Clan, now I truly understand how they love so sincerely, hard, and forever!!! I even cried when they broke up because from the beginning I knew that they belonged together. This is a "must read" indeed!

[Nadia Jones]

Parents

We waited decades for Jonathan and Marilyn’s story. It was worth it. I loved Jonathan all the way through. He was a god man. He was a kind man. Marilyn I didn’t care for. I thought what she tried to do to Jonathan because she was mad, was horrible. He took a step to protect the both of them. If he hadn’t they would never have had a relationship.

[SassyMama]

WONDERFUL to see one of the beginning last of the Elder Madaris’...to see that Madaris pride was universal among the older and younger generations...Jonathan and Marilyn’s journey to live was ENDEARING...and to think his Mama had no part in picking his perfect match. Another GOOD read. Looking forward to the next Madaris matchup!

[Gladys Mills]

A Very Merry Romance. I loved this book!! It gave us so much history about the Madaris family. We find out how Jonathan and Marilyn meet and fall in love. We also find out it almost didn't happen because of pride. Felicia Laverne Madaris was doing her match making on her sons also. The story is heartwarming and full of love of family. A must read!!!!

[Turtleberry Turtleberry]

This was a wonderful flashback love story. Jonathan fell in love with Marilyn the first time he saw her. Unfortunately she worked for him. To fix it he got her transferred so that he could pursue her. That came back to bite him in the ass.
I really enjoyed this book. I was glad I actually got to see their love story unfold after it had been teased in earlier books.

[Erin Christine]

Great book with the backstory on how Jonathan Madaris came to marry his wife Marilyn. I liked reading about a young version of the Madaris siblings and matriarch Felicia Laverne. I often forgot the time period was in the 1971. Sweet and sad to read a little bit about Robert and Diana's love story. Great read and now I want to read the Madaris Family Saga over again from the beginning.

[Lasonde]

A Madaris Love

I truly enjoyed that Mrs. J written a book on Jonathan and Marilyn Madaris and their beginning, their present and the future. This book will show you how deeply they loved one another and you will get to meet Marilyn's family.

[Angela Hillman]

Breathtakingly Beautiful

Jonathan and Marilyn's story of love at first sight and love everlasting is every young woman's dream. Mrs Jackson is truly amazing and true romantic at heart. I absolutely loved this story. Definitely a 10⭐ read

[Mary Hamlin Smith]

WoW!

Thank you Mrs Jackson for sharing with me and your reading fans for the beginning. The love story of Marilyn and Jonathan. Your writing is so visual. Can you create note cards with the titles from a few of your books.
Examples: Perfect Fit,Tonight and Forever.etc.

[Carolyn King]

I Love It

I love reading Jonathan and Marilyn story. I always wanted to know about Justin Dex Clayton about nd Christy parents. Mrs J you did not disappoint us with this book. The chemistry and passion between them was hot. Thanks for telling their story.

[Angel Bunton-Miller]

I love the Madaris family

I'm so glad more books are out. I remember how we used to sit around discussing the Madaris' novel like they were real people. It's great to read the story of one of the older Madaris couples and how they got together.

[Arnissa]

Wonderful!

This was a wonderful story. Johnathan Madaris did want he could to win Marilyn Bannister over. He did something that almost ruined him. Marilyn stood her ground. But in the end love always prevails.

[Lee Holden, E.]

Excellent read

Excellent read, I enjoyed the storyline and characters. Jonathan and Marilyn romance was great. I have read all of Brenda Jackson's books and series. I recommend this book and look forward to the next installment of the Madaris series.

[amaya crosby]

Really awesome book

Because I wanted to read about the parents of Justin Dexter and Clayton and learn more about madris pride and I would recommend this book to all the women in my family

[Stephanie Armelin]

Great read!

As usual, Brenda Jackson has done it again. This Madaris origins book was wonderful! I thoroughly enjoyed reading how the parents of one of my favorite romance families, Jonathan and Marilyn, met and fell in love.

[Eva Edge]

Awwww, this is just most amazing love story ❤️ so sweet and so good 🥰 just so realistic and no fairy tale 🥰 just loved it. And NO I never read any other book before this and probably will not but for my A-Z list was perfect ☺️

[Elizabeth C.]

A prequel extrodinair

I love the story of the parents of Justin, Des and Clayton who started it all. I love this story and learning the origins of the stories I have come to love so much.