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. SAY YES TO THE DUKE by Kieran Kramer is an exciting Regency Historical Romance. #3 in the "House of Brady" series, but can be read as a stand alone. See," Loving Lady Marcia" and "The Earl Is Mine". For a Fairy Tale ending and a romp through Regency England you must read "Say Yes To The Duke"."Let the seduction begin...."Janice Sherwood wants to marry for love,like her sisters did,not for duty or society,but this is her second Season....those Brady women are unique and feisty! Luke Callahan, has learned he is the legitimate heir to a Dukedom, so begins the game of seduction,deception,disguise,passion and love. For he wants to marry for love and not a title or wealth...While, the passion is not overwhelming, it is enough sensual tension and romance for a great read. With suspense, and mystery added into the mix. Can a beginning filled with mystery,deception and scandal have a Fairy Tale ending......Read "Say Yes to the Duke",you will not regret your choice. With funny, witty,and charming characters you can't go wrong. If you enjoy Julia Quinn, Victoria Alexander or Sabrina Jeffries you will enjoy Kieran Kramer. She is a delightful author who writes beautifully and masterfully. I have read all her books so far and have not been disappointed in any of them thus far. Well done, Kieran! Received for an honest review from the publisher.RATING: 4.5HEAT RATING: MILDREVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
