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Vallerands #1
When Strangers Marry
Dear Reader,
Nearly a decade ago, I published my first novel with Avon Books, Only in Your Arms. Since then, romance has changed-and so have I—so I decided to give the book a makeover—and a new title, When Strangers Marry. I have two reasons for changing the title. First, it is in keeping with the new spirit of the book; second, no one—including my own mother—found the original one memorable!
In When Strangers Marry, I had a great time rediscovering the story of Maximilien Vallerand and his stolen bride, Lysette. The promise of this handsome, though mysterious, man's love proves irresistable to her, but she doesn't know the secrets he hides.
I hope you will enjoy revisiting the Vallerand family, or perhaps meeting them for the first time. And, as always thank you for your support and encouragement, as we escape together into the magical world of romance novels.
Wishing you love and happiness,
Lisa
Nearly a decade ago, I published my first novel with Avon Books, Only in Your Arms. Since then, romance has changed-and so have I—so I decided to give the book a makeover—and a new title, When Strangers Marry. I have two reasons for changing the title. First, it is in keeping with the new spirit of the book; second, no one—including my own mother—found the original one memorable!
In When Strangers Marry, I had a great time rediscovering the story of Maximilien Vallerand and his stolen bride, Lysette. The promise of this handsome, though mysterious, man's love proves irresistable to her, but she doesn't know the secrets he hides.
I hope you will enjoy revisiting the Vallerand family, or perhaps meeting them for the first time. And, as always thank you for your support and encouragement, as we escape together into the magical world of romance novels.
Wishing you love and happiness,
Lisa
390 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
744 people are currently reading
4,260 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Kleypas
109books30.7kfollowersLISA KLEYPAS is the RITA award-winning author of 21 novels. Her books are published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 524 reviews
July 14, 2018
Lisa Kleypas is one of my all time favorite historical romance authors, most notably for her Gamblers of Craven's and Wallflower series. It's not because of their historical accuracy, as some of her characters seem more like modern heroines dressed in regency garb. But rather, the general feeling of giddiness they cause, making me anxiously root for the heroes to find themselves in each others' bed(s) ASAP.
Of course, everyone has to start out somewhere, and generally not that well. After plowing through the books listed here on GR, it was inevitable that I stumble on one of her older works. According to the description blurb, this has been rewritten, but I still wouldn't call it "memorable enough" nor even entertaining enough. And... that's kind of the whole point for these types of books.
Unlike the above-mentioned novels, "When Strangers Marry" will not immortalize our heroes frolicking around in the romantic English countryside, but it does give them a decent amount of prancing within the "exotic" New Orleans' Creoles' society.
While the English and New York citizens of the female persuasion may find themselves in possession of a modicum of freedom, even if mostly for show, New Orleans has a law against such frivolities. Probably more than one. Starting with their father (or stepfather, as is the case) and continuing with their husband, even highborn women can never really hope to become more than glorified slaves.
Before you despair, remember that this is still Lisa Kleypas' brand of universe, so our lovely heroine is (obviously) quite the little rebel. And as any self respecting protagonist, she manages to instantly stumble her way into the arms of a hero, who is of course besotted enough to feel considerable reluctance in wanting to curb such "exuberance".
Since I'm mostly character-driven in my enjoyment of these romances, their little shortcomings just kept adding up, making for one exasperated reader (moi!):
- Lisette's stepfather is all about his debt and his lack of success in getting rid of it.
- Her older sister, ex-loving confidante, has now turned into the opposite due to a boring marriage (say wha--?!)
- Lisette's mother got the short end of the cliche pile: ex-great beauty (duh!), now an invalid due to too much pretending to be one (karma's a bitch?) . Bonus points, for her lack of soul, due to having sold it to the (evil underdog of the) devil.
Then there is the awkward world building, that has everyone and their bulldog speaking French. And what better way to show this, than occasionally peppering dialogues with random French words like: Oui, mon mari , d'accord, bien-aime...
Rinse and repeat ad-nauseam until even the laziest reader finally picks them up.
Score: 2/5 stars
If you're looking for a light and "steamy" read, this'll do nicely. If you're one of those fans, who prefer their bodice-ripping with a bit more substance... you can go ahead and lower your expectations, or else you'll be severely disappointed.
Of course, everyone has to start out somewhere, and generally not that well. After plowing through the books listed here on GR, it was inevitable that I stumble on one of her older works. According to the description blurb, this has been rewritten, but I still wouldn't call it "memorable enough" nor even entertaining enough. And... that's kind of the whole point for these types of books.
Unlike the above-mentioned novels, "When Strangers Marry" will not immortalize our heroes frolicking around in the romantic English countryside, but it does give them a decent amount of prancing within the "exotic" New Orleans' Creoles' society.
While the English and New York citizens of the female persuasion may find themselves in possession of a modicum of freedom, even if mostly for show, New Orleans has a law against such frivolities. Probably more than one. Starting with their father (or stepfather, as is the case) and continuing with their husband, even highborn women can never really hope to become more than glorified slaves.
Before you despair, remember that this is still Lisa Kleypas' brand of universe, so our lovely heroine is (obviously) quite the little rebel. And as any self respecting protagonist, she manages to instantly stumble her way into the arms of a hero, who is of course besotted enough to feel considerable reluctance in wanting to curb such "exuberance".
Since I'm mostly character-driven in my enjoyment of these romances, their little shortcomings just kept adding up, making for one exasperated reader (moi!):
- Lisette's stepfather is all about his debt and his lack of success in getting rid of it.
- Her older sister, ex-loving confidante, has now turned into the opposite due to a boring marriage (say wha--?!)
- Lisette's mother got the short end of the cliche pile: ex-great beauty (duh!), now an invalid due to too much pretending to be one (karma's a bitch?) . Bonus points, for her lack of soul, due to having sold it to the (evil underdog of the) devil.
Then there is the awkward world building, that has everyone and their bulldog speaking French. And what better way to show this, than occasionally peppering dialogues with random French words like: Oui, mon mari , d'accord, bien-aime...
Rinse and repeat ad-nauseam until even the laziest reader finally picks them up.
Score: 2/5 stars
If you're looking for a light and "steamy" read, this'll do nicely. If you're one of those fans, who prefer their bodice-ripping with a bit more substance... you can go ahead and lower your expectations, or else you'll be severely disappointed.
January 15, 2015
I don't know what to say about this book. Honestly, it annoyed me more than anything. I found the hero, Max, to be sexy and refreshing since he wasn't constantly ordering his new bride around, but he could also be dismissive and secretive. Overall, I understood his fear and reluctance with Lysette, but both characters suffered what I like to call Kleypasitis...to a severe degree. A lot of misunderstandings and miscommunications and deceit and manipulation and just...*sigh*. I couldn't help but note the parallels between this story and Daphne du Maurier's , which itself is an homage to Charlotte Bronte's , but Bronte and du Maurier were both superior writers and were much more capable of pulling off the tortured love-unfulfilled longing-intrigue trifecta than Ms. Kleypas. Clearly, Kleypas tried, but failed to elicit from me any real interest or love for this story. I've read a lot of Kleypas' work lately, and I'm noticing a rather unappealing trait that is common among all of her heroines; their portrayal as strong and independent masks an almost bitter undercurrent of insecurity and misplaced pride. Any woman truly capable of strength and independence is also capable of recognizing the need to occasionally lean on others, to swallow her pride and ask for help, to communicate with those around her to gain a better understanding of her situation. Kleypas' heroines, on the other hand, are often volatile, unbending, and tempestuous. They remind me not of capable, intelligent women, but of spoiled, terrified children.
It's a very depressing realization, as I truly enjoy Ms. Kleypas' writing in spite of her tendency to write truly irritating and insulting females.
It's a very depressing realization, as I truly enjoy Ms. Kleypas' writing in spite of her tendency to write truly irritating and insulting females.
May 26, 2023
One of my favourite HR books by Kleypas, this hasn’t lost any of its charm over the years and remains an engrossing read.
Unlike most HR books this is set in New Orleans, within the framework of its rigid Creole society � which makes a great substitute for London. Kleypas brings the mores and rules of etiquette in Creole society to life on the page.
Both main characters were more than likeable. Lysette is independent and strong, not allowing herself to be crushed by societal and family expectations, a perfect fit for the uber self-assured and powerful Max Vallerand, who has spent a decade enduring whispers of his cruelty, rages and his dark, mysterious past. Lysette initially appears to Max as the instrument through which he can achieve his revenge, but very quickly how he sees her changes - her will and faith give him so much more.
Unlike most romantic couples they are pretty much together and getting on quite early on in the book � but that does not deter from the enjoyment of the book. Max is a refreshing male lead in how he treats Lysette, and their interactions are lovely to see.
When it comes to this book my only big niggle, I wish the ending was teased out a tad more.
I know the energy of this book is somewhat different to the later books by Kleypas, but for me this remains a firm favourite.
Unlike most HR books this is set in New Orleans, within the framework of its rigid Creole society � which makes a great substitute for London. Kleypas brings the mores and rules of etiquette in Creole society to life on the page.
Both main characters were more than likeable. Lysette is independent and strong, not allowing herself to be crushed by societal and family expectations, a perfect fit for the uber self-assured and powerful Max Vallerand, who has spent a decade enduring whispers of his cruelty, rages and his dark, mysterious past. Lysette initially appears to Max as the instrument through which he can achieve his revenge, but very quickly how he sees her changes - her will and faith give him so much more.
Unlike most romantic couples they are pretty much together and getting on quite early on in the book � but that does not deter from the enjoyment of the book. Max is a refreshing male lead in how he treats Lysette, and their interactions are lovely to see.
When it comes to this book my only big niggle, I wish the ending was teased out a tad more.
I know the energy of this book is somewhat different to the later books by Kleypas, but for me this remains a firm favourite.
December 29, 2021
4.5 Stars
TG for this book! I have been in such a reading slump. This book felt like an orginal! It had great couple chemistry, interesting history, good secondary characters, and of course it was well written.
This was one of LK older books, which was probably why I enjoyed it more. I like my old school books.
The author did an excellent job of describing New Orleans and the devides of Americans, Creoles, and Spanish. Adding Aaron Burr into the political machine of the time was great. I almost forgot the most treason act that Aaron Burr tried to commit and I don't mean dueling/murdering Alexander Hamilton.
This story also has a message.... Revenge consumes all. That hate leaves you bitter and it's easier to forgive and move on. A good lesson but not easy to follow.
I highly recommend !
TG for this book! I have been in such a reading slump. This book felt like an orginal! It had great couple chemistry, interesting history, good secondary characters, and of course it was well written.
This was one of LK older books, which was probably why I enjoyed it more. I like my old school books.
The author did an excellent job of describing New Orleans and the devides of Americans, Creoles, and Spanish. Adding Aaron Burr into the political machine of the time was great. I almost forgot the most treason act that Aaron Burr tried to commit and I don't mean dueling/murdering Alexander Hamilton.
This story also has a message.... Revenge consumes all. That hate leaves you bitter and it's easier to forgive and move on. A good lesson but not easy to follow.
I highly recommend !
February 23, 2021
“I waited my entire life for you.� -Maximilien Vallerand
***
I ABSOLUTELY AND COMPLETELY ADORE THIS BOOK!!!
Lisa Kleypas always has something exceptional in her Romantic Novels.I can`t really point out one specific thing-but it comes with the whole package she delivers in her books.I have no idea how she does it,or where she gets her incredible imagination from."Only in Your Arms" was originally published 1992 but later re-written with a new title "When Strangers Marry" in 2002.I guess Kleypas wasn`t satisfied with the original version and decided to change it a decade later.I have no problems with that since i completely fell in love with the red-haired spirit fire Lysette Kersaint and her savior and the love of her life the infamous and feared Maximilien Vallerand.While i thought the plot would heavily lean on vengeance,i was surprised by how fast Max and Lysette were taken with each other and even married only after a few chapters.There was so much beauty of equal passion and love between Lysette and Max,there are even the tiniest things of romantic sweet gestures between them that made me sigh dreamily all over the place.I found it so touching watching them interact,connect and fall in love.Lisa Kleypas know how to easily convince the readers of the power of love between soulmates in her stories.I loved it all,every single word of it!
***
“Tighten the reins? I’ll do my damnedest to make her as assertive as possible. Lysette should be terrified of me, yet she somehow has the courage to face me as an equal. I don’t deserve such a gift. God knows I won’t be fool enough to throw that away. I would slit my throat before asking that she pander to the rules of our quaint little society.�
-Maximillian
***
I know that one of Maximillian`s twin sons-the very rebellious and sexy Justin Vallerand will have his own story in the sequel.Damn what a badass Alpha he is for being so young!I am really looking forward to his story in "Only with Your Love",i know it will be epic!
***
I ABSOLUTELY AND COMPLETELY ADORE THIS BOOK!!!
Lisa Kleypas always has something exceptional in her Romantic Novels.I can`t really point out one specific thing-but it comes with the whole package she delivers in her books.I have no idea how she does it,or where she gets her incredible imagination from."Only in Your Arms" was originally published 1992 but later re-written with a new title "When Strangers Marry" in 2002.I guess Kleypas wasn`t satisfied with the original version and decided to change it a decade later.I have no problems with that since i completely fell in love with the red-haired spirit fire Lysette Kersaint and her savior and the love of her life the infamous and feared Maximilien Vallerand.While i thought the plot would heavily lean on vengeance,i was surprised by how fast Max and Lysette were taken with each other and even married only after a few chapters.There was so much beauty of equal passion and love between Lysette and Max,there are even the tiniest things of romantic sweet gestures between them that made me sigh dreamily all over the place.I found it so touching watching them interact,connect and fall in love.Lisa Kleypas know how to easily convince the readers of the power of love between soulmates in her stories.I loved it all,every single word of it!
***
“Tighten the reins? I’ll do my damnedest to make her as assertive as possible. Lysette should be terrified of me, yet she somehow has the courage to face me as an equal. I don’t deserve such a gift. God knows I won’t be fool enough to throw that away. I would slit my throat before asking that she pander to the rules of our quaint little society.�
-Maximillian
***
I know that one of Maximillian`s twin sons-the very rebellious and sexy Justin Vallerand will have his own story in the sequel.Damn what a badass Alpha he is for being so young!I am really looking forward to his story in "Only with Your Love",i know it will be epic!
November 24, 2008
The thing that stands out most about this book is that the hero and heroine actually liked each other throughout the vast majority of the book. Amazing, isn’t it?!?
Her: Lysette Kersaint, lifelong Natchez resident, is 20 and has a nasty stepfather who has squandered all his money and wants to marry her off to an older, wealthy man who disgusts Lysette.
Him: Max is 35, a widower from New Orleans who is suspected of murdering his first wife, who coincidentally had been having an affair with Lysette’s fiance at the time of her murder. What a co-inky-dink!
Right before she was to be handed off to her hated fiance, Lysette ran away from her family but was caught stealing a boat by Max’s teenage twin sons. They decide to bring her home to their father. Can you see where this is going? When Max learns that Lysette is engaged to the man he hates, he decides to get even by “ruining� Lysette.
However, before he is able to get down to the business of seducing her, Lysette gets sick. Very sick. She is unconscious for three weeks. Everybody thinks she’s going to die. But Max decides that isn’t going to happen on his watch and he spends most of his time nursing her back to health. When Lysette regains consciousness, she realizes that she is naked in a bed and in a room alone with a man she barely knows who is washing her back. Uh-oh.
Once she is healthy again, the unwanted fiance business pops up again. Lysette’s family arrive en force at Max’s home and demand she leave with them at once before it is too late and the fiance changes his mind about marrying her. However, Max realizes he’s become quite attached to Lysette after nursing her back to health. He tells her family to screw off and then proposes to her himself. She agrees on one condition: no hanky panky until they know each other a little bit better.
That condition built in a fair amount of sexual tension at first. Except then Lysette gave in a little too quickly and the sex turned cute, rather than hot. And even though they didn’t start saying “I love you� until the very end, the relationship itself was actually very strong throughout the entire rest of the book. They were supportive of each other. Attracted to each other. Loving to each other. And they actually liked talking to each other and being together.
So what gives? If the hero/heroine are already happily in love halfway through the book, what’s going on? Essentially, it turns into a whodunit to figure out who murdered Max’s first wife, especially after a second body turns up.
Not a bad book overall and it proved an adequate study break from the professional license I spent most of the weekend studying for, but it doesn’t have that “stays with you� feel about it either. I'll probably have forgotten whodunit by next week. So three stars it is.
Her: Lysette Kersaint, lifelong Natchez resident, is 20 and has a nasty stepfather who has squandered all his money and wants to marry her off to an older, wealthy man who disgusts Lysette.
Him: Max is 35, a widower from New Orleans who is suspected of murdering his first wife, who coincidentally had been having an affair with Lysette’s fiance at the time of her murder. What a co-inky-dink!
Right before she was to be handed off to her hated fiance, Lysette ran away from her family but was caught stealing a boat by Max’s teenage twin sons. They decide to bring her home to their father. Can you see where this is going? When Max learns that Lysette is engaged to the man he hates, he decides to get even by “ruining� Lysette.
However, before he is able to get down to the business of seducing her, Lysette gets sick. Very sick. She is unconscious for three weeks. Everybody thinks she’s going to die. But Max decides that isn’t going to happen on his watch and he spends most of his time nursing her back to health. When Lysette regains consciousness, she realizes that she is naked in a bed and in a room alone with a man she barely knows who is washing her back. Uh-oh.
Once she is healthy again, the unwanted fiance business pops up again. Lysette’s family arrive en force at Max’s home and demand she leave with them at once before it is too late and the fiance changes his mind about marrying her. However, Max realizes he’s become quite attached to Lysette after nursing her back to health. He tells her family to screw off and then proposes to her himself. She agrees on one condition: no hanky panky until they know each other a little bit better.
That condition built in a fair amount of sexual tension at first. Except then Lysette gave in a little too quickly and the sex turned cute, rather than hot. And even though they didn’t start saying “I love you� until the very end, the relationship itself was actually very strong throughout the entire rest of the book. They were supportive of each other. Attracted to each other. Loving to each other. And they actually liked talking to each other and being together.
So what gives? If the hero/heroine are already happily in love halfway through the book, what’s going on? Essentially, it turns into a whodunit to figure out who murdered Max’s first wife, especially after a second body turns up.
Not a bad book overall and it proved an adequate study break from the professional license I spent most of the weekend studying for, but it doesn’t have that “stays with you� feel about it either. I'll probably have forgotten whodunit by next week. So three stars it is.
February 25, 2016
In 2002, the Lisa Kleypas novel ‘When Strangers Marry� came out. It was actually a rewritten version of her 1992 Avon novel ‘Only In Your Arms.� A few changes were made. This review is going to tell you what the differences between the two versions were.
One change in the rewrite (When Strangers Marry) is a scene where the heroine Lysette doesn’t want to have sex on her wedding night. That was OK with the hero Max. She asks him if he’s going to visit his quadroon mistress that night and he says ‘yes.� Then there is a little over two pages of dialog between the hero and his mistress. In the REWRITE, Lysette does not ask Max if he’s going to see his mistress but instead asks him if he’s going out. He tells her yes and the part where he visits his mistress is completely removed from the story.
Another change is during a scene in the original version (Only In Your Arms) when Lysette, Max and his twin sons are eating stolen watermellon. When she and Max are alone, she mentions his dead wife Corinne. That angers Max and he grabs Lysette by the shoulders, lifts her off the ground and tells her to never mention Corinne’s name again. In the rewrite, the part where she mentions Corinne never happens.
The last change that was made was a scene in the original version where Lysette tells Bernard, Max’s brother, who murdered Max’s wife, Corinne, that someone is out to murder him because he murdered Corinne years before. Lysette tells Bernard to hide in their warehouse. Max meets him there and tells him to leave on a ship and to never, ever come back or he’d kill him.
In the rewritten version it was Lysette, NOT Max who goes to the warehouse to see Bernard. She gives him money and tells him she’d just spoken to a captain of a ship that’s about to leave. She wants Bernard to be on that ship.
One change in the rewrite (When Strangers Marry) is a scene where the heroine Lysette doesn’t want to have sex on her wedding night. That was OK with the hero Max. She asks him if he’s going to visit his quadroon mistress that night and he says ‘yes.� Then there is a little over two pages of dialog between the hero and his mistress. In the REWRITE, Lysette does not ask Max if he’s going to see his mistress but instead asks him if he’s going out. He tells her yes and the part where he visits his mistress is completely removed from the story.
Another change is during a scene in the original version (Only In Your Arms) when Lysette, Max and his twin sons are eating stolen watermellon. When she and Max are alone, she mentions his dead wife Corinne. That angers Max and he grabs Lysette by the shoulders, lifts her off the ground and tells her to never mention Corinne’s name again. In the rewrite, the part where she mentions Corinne never happens.
The last change that was made was a scene in the original version where Lysette tells Bernard, Max’s brother, who murdered Max’s wife, Corinne, that someone is out to murder him because he murdered Corinne years before. Lysette tells Bernard to hide in their warehouse. Max meets him there and tells him to leave on a ship and to never, ever come back or he’d kill him.
In the rewritten version it was Lysette, NOT Max who goes to the warehouse to see Bernard. She gives him money and tells him she’d just spoken to a captain of a ship that’s about to leave. She wants Bernard to be on that ship.
March 17, 2017
3.5 Reluctant Stars
Couldn't seem to relate to the characters at all.In fact most of them kind of came across a little crazy to be honest.Even the heroine.
The ending was a bit of a let down...Everything seemed to come at the hero and heroine all together but some how the whole thing just fused out without much of a spark.
The book is NOTHING alike LK's most recent novels,and no that was NOT a compliment.
In fact,I still find it hard to believe that this is an LK story...I just can't.
Couldn't seem to relate to the characters at all.In fact most of them kind of came across a little crazy to be honest.Even the heroine.
The ending was a bit of a let down...Everything seemed to come at the hero and heroine all together but some how the whole thing just fused out without much of a spark.
The book is NOTHING alike LK's most recent novels,and no that was NOT a compliment.
In fact,I still find it hard to believe that this is an LK story...I just can't.
May 5, 2019
Lo mejor de este libro es que Lisa Kleypas ha logrado de manera espectacular representar la época en el que está situado
En Luisiana del siglo XIX, en una época política bastante resuelta, la época de la esclavitud, un pequeño estado de la Unión que por un lado quiere la independencia y por el otro busca la manera de pertenecer a un país que tiene poco tiempo de ser independiente, las grandes plantaciones, la diferencia entre los americanos y los criollos, sin duda aún hoy en día este estado es tan peculiar en forma de vida, de pensar, de vivir y de comer, se nota la enorme influencia francesa y la de los negros que en su momento fueron esclavos.
Por otro lado, la forma en que las mujeres no tenían derechos, ser un objeto más, al menos de manera legal, tal como algunos hombres manejaban a los esclavos de manera brutal, los había que manejaban de la misma manera a sus mujeres, sin embargo, también esta que las mujeres cabeza de familia tenían una enorme influencia en la casa y en estilo de vida social.
Me ha gustado mucho, como casi todo lo que escribe esta escritora, la historia romántica, es eso, una historia romántica con algunos cuantos giros y a diferencia de otros libros que le he leído a esta escritora, tiene muy pocas escenas eróticas, la historia romántica gira más en relación a la forma en que funcionaba la relación marital de la época y la forma en que funcionaba la sociedad.
Un pequeño giro también es que hay un misterio sobre la muerte de la primera esposa del protagonista y que le da un color muy peculiar al libro.
Por otro lado, le ha faltado un poco dibujar a algunos personajes, los hijos del protagonista, que son gemelos, me pase casi más de la mitad del libro sin saber exactamente qué edad tenían, mientras que en algunas partes eran presentados como niños traviesos de 8 o 10 años, en otros parecían jóvenes de 19 años que andan detrás de las mujeres, creo que le ha faltado un poco en ese sentido no solo con estos dos personajes.
Por lo demás Lisa Kleypas nunca me defrauda, siempre es una buena lectura para pasarse un buen rato entre lecturas
En Luisiana del siglo XIX, en una época política bastante resuelta, la época de la esclavitud, un pequeño estado de la Unión que por un lado quiere la independencia y por el otro busca la manera de pertenecer a un país que tiene poco tiempo de ser independiente, las grandes plantaciones, la diferencia entre los americanos y los criollos, sin duda aún hoy en día este estado es tan peculiar en forma de vida, de pensar, de vivir y de comer, se nota la enorme influencia francesa y la de los negros que en su momento fueron esclavos.
Por otro lado, la forma en que las mujeres no tenían derechos, ser un objeto más, al menos de manera legal, tal como algunos hombres manejaban a los esclavos de manera brutal, los había que manejaban de la misma manera a sus mujeres, sin embargo, también esta que las mujeres cabeza de familia tenían una enorme influencia en la casa y en estilo de vida social.
Me ha gustado mucho, como casi todo lo que escribe esta escritora, la historia romántica, es eso, una historia romántica con algunos cuantos giros y a diferencia de otros libros que le he leído a esta escritora, tiene muy pocas escenas eróticas, la historia romántica gira más en relación a la forma en que funcionaba la relación marital de la época y la forma en que funcionaba la sociedad.
Un pequeño giro también es que hay un misterio sobre la muerte de la primera esposa del protagonista y que le da un color muy peculiar al libro.
Por otro lado, le ha faltado un poco dibujar a algunos personajes, los hijos del protagonista, que son gemelos, me pase casi más de la mitad del libro sin saber exactamente qué edad tenían, mientras que en algunas partes eran presentados como niños traviesos de 8 o 10 años, en otros parecían jóvenes de 19 años que andan detrás de las mujeres, creo que le ha faltado un poco en ese sentido no solo con estos dos personajes.
Por lo demás Lisa Kleypas nunca me defrauda, siempre es una buena lectura para pasarse un buen rato entre lecturas
July 19, 2016
Mi-a placut cartea, nu ca nu m-as fi asteptat la asa ceva!
September 7, 2020
L’inferno arriverà domani.
Anche se ormai ero convinta di aver letto praticamente ogni libro della Kleypas pubblicato qua da noi, poi salta sempre fuori qualche serie che non conoscevo e tutti a dirmi: "Non conosci i Vallerand?
No, non li conoscevo, e me ne dolgo con tanto di secchiate di cenere sul capo.
Devo ammettere che come al solito l'autrice mi ha risucchiata in questa Louisiana afosa, preda di zanzare, febbri e alligatori, dove l'antica aristocrazia creola difende con le unghie le proprie tradizioni di fronte all'arrivo degli "americani" e alle lusinghe dei vicini spagnoli...
Va anche detto che avevo (e ho) poche nozioni storiche sul periodo (tanto è vero che ho assorbito senza discutere i vari intrighi politici che vengono sommariamente descritti), mentre mi sono concentrata sulle vicende più famigliari.
All'inizio, peraltro, sono rimasta un po' sconcertata che la storia d'amore si svolgesse tra il capofamiglia e Lysette, però forse sono io che diffido della grande differenza d'età in una coppia.
Inoltre la stessa Lysette da fanciulla semi-bambina e bisognosa di protezione si trasforma presto in una gattina anche troppo furba.
Però non riuscivo a staccarmi dalla lettura, molto curiosa di apprendere lo sviluppo delle vicende dei gemelli, dei fratelli di Maximilien, persino di Etienne.
Senza dubbio, un'ambientazione insolita e originale, che mi è piaciuto conoscere (anche se, certo, le tradizioni creole sono le più sessiste e oppressive possibili).
Il migliore tra i personaggi resta Maximilien, che da arrogante dispotico, si rivela poi una perla d'uomo, protettivo, onesto e leale ai propri principi.
PS. Ho sbirciato il secondo volume della serie, immaginando di incontrare i ragazzi cresciuti, oppure Bernard, mentre invece vedo "Celia"... vediamo se avrò occasione di leggere presto anche questo.
Anche se ormai ero convinta di aver letto praticamente ogni libro della Kleypas pubblicato qua da noi, poi salta sempre fuori qualche serie che non conoscevo e tutti a dirmi: "Non conosci i Vallerand?
No, non li conoscevo, e me ne dolgo con tanto di secchiate di cenere sul capo.
Devo ammettere che come al solito l'autrice mi ha risucchiata in questa Louisiana afosa, preda di zanzare, febbri e alligatori, dove l'antica aristocrazia creola difende con le unghie le proprie tradizioni di fronte all'arrivo degli "americani" e alle lusinghe dei vicini spagnoli...
Va anche detto che avevo (e ho) poche nozioni storiche sul periodo (tanto è vero che ho assorbito senza discutere i vari intrighi politici che vengono sommariamente descritti), mentre mi sono concentrata sulle vicende più famigliari.
All'inizio, peraltro, sono rimasta un po' sconcertata che la storia d'amore si svolgesse tra il capofamiglia e Lysette, però forse sono io che diffido della grande differenza d'età in una coppia.
Inoltre la stessa Lysette da fanciulla semi-bambina e bisognosa di protezione si trasforma presto in una gattina anche troppo furba.
Però non riuscivo a staccarmi dalla lettura, molto curiosa di apprendere lo sviluppo delle vicende dei gemelli, dei fratelli di Maximilien, persino di Etienne.
Senza dubbio, un'ambientazione insolita e originale, che mi è piaciuto conoscere (anche se, certo, le tradizioni creole sono le più sessiste e oppressive possibili).
Il migliore tra i personaggi resta Maximilien, che da arrogante dispotico, si rivela poi una perla d'uomo, protettivo, onesto e leale ai propri principi.
PS. Ho sbirciato il secondo volume della serie, immaginando di incontrare i ragazzi cresciuti, oppure Bernard, mentre invece vedo "Celia"... vediamo se avrò occasione di leggere presto anche questo.
February 27, 2017
3 sobre 5
Ha estado bien, la primera mitad la he devorado pero la otra parte me ha aburrido mucho.
También quiero añadir que no es un buen libro para comenzar con esta autora.
Ha estado bien, la primera mitad la he devorado pero la otra parte me ha aburrido mucho.
También quiero añadir que no es un buen libro para comenzar con esta autora.
August 20, 2018
Me ha sorprendido lo bien armada que está la historia, es decir, en ningún momento piensas en la pobre protagonista y en el maravilloso caballero que la rescata sino que es una unión de fuerzas y voluntades donde el amor viene despacio pero con buena letra.
Lo único malo que le veo a la novela es que es bastante predecible.
Lo único malo que le veo a la novela es que es bastante predecible.
September 24, 2020
I'm so glad H did not cheat on her but h was extremely understanding when he visited his ex mistress.
November 8, 2014
Lysette escapes her gross fiance and ends up Max's place. Max wants desperately to destroy Lysette's fiance, so clearly ruining Lysette is the answer. She gets sick, they get married, and we're 35% of the way into this thing. The remaining 65% is made up of: 1. Political conversations. 2. LOTS OF SEX. 3. Lysette winning everyone over with her perfection. 4. LOTS OF SEX. 5. Solving the mystery of who killed Max's first wife, kind of.
1. I really enjoyed the fact that Max and Lysette actually seem to like one another! There isn't any unnecessary drama; yes, there are conflicts but they overcome those with good old fashioned arguments followed by the LOTS OF SEX thing. (There's this whole subplotty bit about how Lysette is not going to have sex with Max until she gets to know him better. So he kisses her face off one time and she's like "OK LET'S DO THIS". So that's a thing.)
2. I SKIMMED ALL OF THE POLITICS I APOLOGIZE FOR NOTHING I AM SURE THEY ARE FASCINATING BUT NOT WHAT I CAME FOR.
3. ALSO SKIMMED ALL OF THE MYSTERY BITS BECAUSE I CALLED THE VILLAIN SO FAST.
4. I don't know if this is a relic-of-the-times thing, but OH MAN do I hate heroines who are just SO GREAT that everyone falls all over themselves to love her. EVERYONE LOVES HER (except the villain obvs) and it drives me up a wall! WHY?? She's spunky but sweet but kind but sexy but brave but smart but sassy but AWESOME SO AWESOME. Gag me.
5. Totally forgot during the mind-fog that was the last 2/3s of this thing but Max is a total asshole at the beginning and his mom totes hand waves his evil plot. So great.
1. I really enjoyed the fact that Max and Lysette actually seem to like one another! There isn't any unnecessary drama; yes, there are conflicts but they overcome those with good old fashioned arguments followed by the LOTS OF SEX thing. (There's this whole subplotty bit about how Lysette is not going to have sex with Max until she gets to know him better. So he kisses her face off one time and she's like "OK LET'S DO THIS". So that's a thing.)
2. I SKIMMED ALL OF THE POLITICS I APOLOGIZE FOR NOTHING I AM SURE THEY ARE FASCINATING BUT NOT WHAT I CAME FOR.
3. ALSO SKIMMED ALL OF THE MYSTERY BITS BECAUSE I CALLED THE VILLAIN SO FAST.
4. I don't know if this is a relic-of-the-times thing, but OH MAN do I hate heroines who are just SO GREAT that everyone falls all over themselves to love her. EVERYONE LOVES HER (except the villain obvs) and it drives me up a wall! WHY?? She's spunky but sweet but kind but sexy but brave but smart but sassy but AWESOME SO AWESOME. Gag me.
5. Totally forgot during the mind-fog that was the last 2/3s of this thing but Max is a total asshole at the beginning and his mom totes hand waves his evil plot. So great.
December 1, 2012
Posted on
Lysette Kersaint is being abused by her stepfather and her futures lies with a man whom she despises. In a desperate attempt to escape her fate, she flees…right into the arms of Maximilien Vallerand, where he takes in her to protect her. Little does she know that Max has his own plans for her.
As a loyal fan of Lisa Kleypas, I decided to go back to her earlier works and see what her writing was like then. Though WHEN STRANGERS MARRY has the same eloquent writing as her work now, I don’t think this book possessed the same magic that some of her more recent titles have. I felt as if some of the scenes were cut at odd times and the hero, Max didn’t particularly shine for me. He’s a lovely character, but not the type of hero that I’m used to with Kleypas.
I find reviewing this title very hard because I liked the book. It had all the right parts for an enjoyable book � good pacing, intriguing plot, solid characters and stellar writing � but I just didn’t particularly feel it, if you know what I mean.
I will definitely be giving the next book a shot, hoping that Kleypas can make me laugh and cry and fall in love with her books, as she always does.
Lysette Kersaint is being abused by her stepfather and her futures lies with a man whom she despises. In a desperate attempt to escape her fate, she flees…right into the arms of Maximilien Vallerand, where he takes in her to protect her. Little does she know that Max has his own plans for her.
As a loyal fan of Lisa Kleypas, I decided to go back to her earlier works and see what her writing was like then. Though WHEN STRANGERS MARRY has the same eloquent writing as her work now, I don’t think this book possessed the same magic that some of her more recent titles have. I felt as if some of the scenes were cut at odd times and the hero, Max didn’t particularly shine for me. He’s a lovely character, but not the type of hero that I’m used to with Kleypas.
I find reviewing this title very hard because I liked the book. It had all the right parts for an enjoyable book � good pacing, intriguing plot, solid characters and stellar writing � but I just didn’t particularly feel it, if you know what I mean.
I will definitely be giving the next book a shot, hoping that Kleypas can make me laugh and cry and fall in love with her books, as she always does.
March 27, 2023
Me ha gustado, aunque es evidente que se trata de uno de los primeros libros de Kleypas, y si bien no he logrado conectar con la historia y los personajes como estoy acostumbrada a que ocurra cuando leo una historia suya, rescataría dos cosas: una, que es notoria la influencia de las grandes maestras del género en esta novela, con lo bueno y lo malo que se puede encontrar en ellas, en esa búsqueda que supongo tuvo Kleypas de hallar su propia voz, y lo otro es que me ha resultado hasta tierno leer una de las primeras historias de una autora que es, a día de hoy, una de mis favoritas del género. Lo estoy pasando de perlas con la iniciativa del Club Leo Romántica Perú de leer sus novelas en el orden en que fueron publicadas; creo que vamos a descubrir verdaderas joyas.
August 25, 2019
6/10
Se me ha hecho un poco pesado.
Se me ha hecho un poco pesado.
July 14, 2020
Lysette Kersaint es una joven criolla que huye de un padrastro que la maltrata y de un matrimonio de conveniencia, en su fuga se tropieza con Maximiliem Vallerand, un conocido terrateniente de Nueva Orleans con un pasado bastante complicado.
En esta ocasión la autora desplaza la historia hasta Louisiana (año 1800), nuestra protagonista es una joven que se siente acorralada y que en sus circunstancias no hay nada mejor que quedar al amparo de Max aunque este tenga una reputación cuestionada.
Lysette es un personaje fuerte y decidido, a lo largo del relato ella va sintiendo más confianza y demuestra su verdadero carácter y su capacidad para “capear� a Max. Sin duda me ha gustado esa facilidad que tiene... continúa en:
February 2, 2011
In an attempt to escape marriage to a man she despises, Lysette Kersaint flees right into the arms of Maximilen Vallerand, a man who is rumoured to have strangled his first wife. A man who strikes fear into everyone's hearts. Soon Lysette finds herself the pawn in a game of revenge.
First, let me just say that so far out of the five books from the beginning of LK's career, this is my least favorite. It was an average read for me with spots of unnecessary filler. I hate filler. I didn't find anything that sparkled or that was remarkable about this book, but there were a few things that I didn't like that stood out.
Our hero, Max is thirty-five to our heroine's 18. I don't have a problem with that at all. I usually find age differences a great read. My one problem with it in this book was that Max had 15 year old twin boys. Their step mother would be three years older than them. Ok, fine...but then when Lysette is sorta cast in the mothering role, I have a problem with that. She's only three years older than them. I'm eight years older than my little brother and I rarely mother him. Rarely. So that was a huge stretch. I thought Max was going to be a little bit more exciting a hero for me than he was. I loved the whole dark, dangerous, angsty vibe he had going on, but it never flushed out for me. He wasn't boring by any means, but I didn't feel he lived up to his whole potential. What I did love about him was the way he fell in love with Lysette and totally doted on her and spoiled her rotten. Anything she wanted was hers. That is how it should be in the world. Kudos to him for that. On the Kleypas hero scale though overall he gets a 3.75/10
The romance was also lacking in this one. I think this might in part have to do with the way the age difference was handled. Though in this book, I did see it expressed more on the heroines part. She was sort of his saving grace. She calmed him, centered him, and was his biggest cheerleader. That's how it should be as well. The moments where she gave him her undying devotion, love, loyalty and trust were special and like water to a dehydrated man. Those were romantic. However, I just did not feel as though there was a lot of chemistry between them. It took awhile for them to become full partners. I will give it a 3.5/10 on the romance/sigh factor scale.
The steam was probably the best part of this book. It wasn't the best I've read by LK by any means, but in terms of the best thing this book had going for it, the steam was slightly above average. I was sufficiently happy with it and feel good about giving it a 4/10 on the steam scale.
I'm curious to see what the Vallerand book #2 will be about. I was sort of intrigued by Max's son Justin. I think there is some potential for a good hero there.
First, let me just say that so far out of the five books from the beginning of LK's career, this is my least favorite. It was an average read for me with spots of unnecessary filler. I hate filler. I didn't find anything that sparkled or that was remarkable about this book, but there were a few things that I didn't like that stood out.
Our hero, Max is thirty-five to our heroine's 18. I don't have a problem with that at all. I usually find age differences a great read. My one problem with it in this book was that Max had 15 year old twin boys. Their step mother would be three years older than them. Ok, fine...but then when Lysette is sorta cast in the mothering role, I have a problem with that. She's only three years older than them. I'm eight years older than my little brother and I rarely mother him. Rarely. So that was a huge stretch. I thought Max was going to be a little bit more exciting a hero for me than he was. I loved the whole dark, dangerous, angsty vibe he had going on, but it never flushed out for me. He wasn't boring by any means, but I didn't feel he lived up to his whole potential. What I did love about him was the way he fell in love with Lysette and totally doted on her and spoiled her rotten. Anything she wanted was hers. That is how it should be in the world. Kudos to him for that. On the Kleypas hero scale though overall he gets a 3.75/10
The romance was also lacking in this one. I think this might in part have to do with the way the age difference was handled. Though in this book, I did see it expressed more on the heroines part. She was sort of his saving grace. She calmed him, centered him, and was his biggest cheerleader. That's how it should be as well. The moments where she gave him her undying devotion, love, loyalty and trust were special and like water to a dehydrated man. Those were romantic. However, I just did not feel as though there was a lot of chemistry between them. It took awhile for them to become full partners. I will give it a 3.5/10 on the romance/sigh factor scale.
The steam was probably the best part of this book. It wasn't the best I've read by LK by any means, but in terms of the best thing this book had going for it, the steam was slightly above average. I was sufficiently happy with it and feel good about giving it a 4/10 on the steam scale.
I'm curious to see what the Vallerand book #2 will be about. I was sort of intrigued by Max's son Justin. I think there is some potential for a good hero there.
September 15, 2020
I love reading the back catalogue of a prolific romance writer to see how their works have changed over the years. I've also given up on Lisa Kleypas' newer works (the Ravenals series is just awful) so this has been a way for me to fall in love with Kleypas again.
When Strangers Marry is what happens if you put Maximilan de Winter (case in point: Kleypas� hero is even named Maximilien) and the unnamed narrator from Rebecca into a Jennifer Blake novel. Kleypas did her historical research about Creoles in Louisiana and she wanted us to know!
You even have Max's brother reprise Mrs. Danvers in his obsession over the dead glamorous wife and warning the heroine, “Rid yourself of this curiosity you have about Corinne� in a not so subtle hint about where things are headed in the climax.
First off - this is spicy! After reading a few sensual works this year, I have to say that nothing beats an obsessed couple in an Avon novel who rip each other's clothes off in every other scene in about every place that is not the bedroom.
However, I couldn't get into the big age gap between Max and Lysette. Devil's Embrace has effectively scarred me for life from this trope. What does help with big age gaps is that most times the heroine either acts more mature or the hero acts like a child so there is an levelling off.
Anyhoos. I tried to do the math on this.
Max reveals he is 35 at some point in the story.
It is also mentioned in the opening chapters that Lysette is a few years older than Max's identical twin sons, Justin and Philippe.
If Max married between the age of 18-20 then his sons would be 15-17.
That means Lysette is between 18-21.
Also, at one point some references the twins, most likely Justin, and says, and I'm paraphrasing, "If he even lives to the lucky age of twenty-one."
However, if the age gap is not a turn off for you, When Strangers Marry is a fun read! I really enjoyed the Rebecca allusion and things are spicy.
When Strangers Marry is what happens if you put Maximilan de Winter (case in point: Kleypas� hero is even named Maximilien) and the unnamed narrator from Rebecca into a Jennifer Blake novel. Kleypas did her historical research about Creoles in Louisiana and she wanted us to know!
You even have Max's brother reprise Mrs. Danvers in his obsession over the dead glamorous wife and warning the heroine, “Rid yourself of this curiosity you have about Corinne� in a not so subtle hint about where things are headed in the climax.
First off - this is spicy! After reading a few sensual works this year, I have to say that nothing beats an obsessed couple in an Avon novel who rip each other's clothes off in every other scene in about every place that is not the bedroom.
However, I couldn't get into the big age gap between Max and Lysette. Devil's Embrace has effectively scarred me for life from this trope. What does help with big age gaps is that most times the heroine either acts more mature or the hero acts like a child so there is an levelling off.
Anyhoos. I tried to do the math on this.
Max reveals he is 35 at some point in the story.
It is also mentioned in the opening chapters that Lysette is a few years older than Max's identical twin sons, Justin and Philippe.
If Max married between the age of 18-20 then his sons would be 15-17.
That means Lysette is between 18-21.
Also, at one point some references the twins, most likely Justin, and says, and I'm paraphrasing, "If he even lives to the lucky age of twenty-one."
However, if the age gap is not a turn off for you, When Strangers Marry is a fun read! I really enjoyed the Rebecca allusion and things are spicy.
May 29, 2022
Диста приятно, с декор Но Орлеанс. И липсва така излишната, но популярна глупост и липса на комуникация между героите. Но определено си личи, че това е изчистена версия (2002 г) на един и същи сюжет (вече публикуван през 1992 г.), има здрави орязвания на Клейпас да хване новата достопочтена и сладникава мода, която е влудяваща в повечето и книги. Вижда се, че е пипнала здраво края, и то съвсем не за добро. Дори и в този лековат жанр не мога да уважавам авторка, която до такава степен е готова да се води по финансово стабилните читателски течения, че здраво да се “пренапише�.
November 7, 2013
Rewrite of an earlier Kleypas novel (Only in Your Arms). I need to find a copy of that and read it to see what the difference was. I liked the book and liked both the hero and heroine, but there was something missing.
***spoilers****
H initially wants h because she's engaged to the man who had an affair with his wife years earlier. The h doesn't want to marry the guy anyway, so she wasn't hurt by his loss of her fiance. Still, I think there would have been more mistrust directed against the H on her end. She put up very little protest to the marriage and didn't withhold her trust and part of herself (like Poppy did in a similar situation in the Hathaway novels, for example).
We're also told again and again that the H is masterful, dangerous, ruthless, etc, but we never see any evidence of it. The h runs all over him. There was never much tension/angst in the love department, it all centered around who killed the H's first wife instead.
***spoilers****
H initially wants h because she's engaged to the man who had an affair with his wife years earlier. The h doesn't want to marry the guy anyway, so she wasn't hurt by his loss of her fiance. Still, I think there would have been more mistrust directed against the H on her end. She put up very little protest to the marriage and didn't withhold her trust and part of herself (like Poppy did in a similar situation in the Hathaway novels, for example).
We're also told again and again that the H is masterful, dangerous, ruthless, etc, but we never see any evidence of it. The h runs all over him. There was never much tension/angst in the love department, it all centered around who killed the H's first wife instead.
December 28, 2021
This book was horrible. The issue of slavery, murder and the insufficiently fleshed out plot gave me a headache. The writing felt choppy and for a work that had been revised and renamed, It read like a first draft.
October 17, 2020
It's always so hard to pick a top favorite when it comes to Lisa Kleypas, but I can say for sure that this one is right up there.
May 4, 2021
Como siempre, los libros de Lisa Kleypas no fallan en sacarme de un bloqueo.
Aunque lo encontré muy insta love, me gustó mucho la relación entre los protagonistas, su confianza en el otro, su manera de conversar las cosas para evitarse malos entendidos y dramas innecesarios.
Si bien los demás personajes en un inicio estaban muy en segundo plano y contaban con muy poco desarrollo para hacerlos relevantes, después de la mitad, la autora profundiza más en un par de ellos y es más fácil encariñarse con el libro debido a esto.
Lo que encontré muy pesado fue el tema político, aunque me pareció emocionante leer nombres como Aaron Burr, fueron partes que sí tuve muchas ganas de saltarme a falta de relevancia real en la historia, servían como un relleno para alargarla.
El tema del misterio fue algo que resolví desde muy temprano en mi lectura, y que siento que faltó más detalle y desarrollo, más consecuencias a lo sucedido, sin embargo agradezco que el libro se leyese rápido (como todo lo de Lisa) y que dejara ese dulce sabor de boca al final.
Quiero mucho a Justin.
Aunque lo encontré muy insta love, me gustó mucho la relación entre los protagonistas, su confianza en el otro, su manera de conversar las cosas para evitarse malos entendidos y dramas innecesarios.
Si bien los demás personajes en un inicio estaban muy en segundo plano y contaban con muy poco desarrollo para hacerlos relevantes, después de la mitad, la autora profundiza más en un par de ellos y es más fácil encariñarse con el libro debido a esto.
Lo que encontré muy pesado fue el tema político, aunque me pareció emocionante leer nombres como Aaron Burr, fueron partes que sí tuve muchas ganas de saltarme a falta de relevancia real en la historia, servían como un relleno para alargarla.
El tema del misterio fue algo que resolví desde muy temprano en mi lectura, y que siento que faltó más detalle y desarrollo, más consecuencias a lo sucedido, sin embargo agradezco que el libro se leyese rápido (como todo lo de Lisa) y que dejara ese dulce sabor de boca al final.
Quiero mucho a Justin.
January 4, 2022
Sempre complicado ler romance safado de 30 anos atrás com olhos de hj
January 3, 2016
Lysette is desperate to find a way to escape her betrothal, so she flees her home. After being lost in the bayou, she is caught by two twin boys stealing their pirougue. They then take her to their father, who is Maximilien Vallerand, one of the most powerful men in the area, and an enemy to her fiancee. When Max discovers Lysette's true identity and whom she is suppose to marry, he plans the ultimate revenge....take away from his enemy what was once taken from himself many years ago. For many years Max has wanted revenge against Etienne Sagesse, who ruined both himself and his family. Lysette, is willing to do anything to get away from her fiancee, since she knows anything would be better than being married to him. What she didn't know is how far Max would go for his revenge, and when she ends up falling in love with him she wonders what he will find more precious...the love they share or exacting his revenge that he has always wanted....When Stranger's Marry, is the updated version of Only In Your Arms. Its been a very long time since I have had the chance to read this one, since I read it many years ago, so it was good to re read it again. There were many things that I found that I just loved about this book. I think one of the many things, is that even though on the surface Lysette seems naive and young, she has great strength and courage, and knows that even though Max is hiding things from her, she still has faith in him, which is remarkable from the way they interact with each other in the beginning of the story. As the story line progresses though we see how good Max and Lysette are for each other. Max is very ALPHA, to the extreme at times, but also has a protective and gentle nature toward Lysette as well. It was good to see how the plot started to unravel, with its ups and downs, twists and turns, that could make one dizzy at times. Overall I really enjoyed this one, I think the flow could have been a little more smoother but other than that I really enjoyed reading this. Its one of those type books, that you can just immerse yourself in, sit before a fire or on the beach, and enjoy the ride.
February 10, 2021
First Kleypas book I read. I liked it although it wasn't her best work but still good read. The title and excerpt are what got me to read it. The characters were really interesting and I thought the set up and time setting was great. The tone was much darker but that was a plus for me. It made the book more realistic and raw. Max and Lysette are quite different from the typical hero and heroines. The huge age difference for one and how they meet each other for another but that is what makes the story intriguing. I just feel the story lost steam near the middle and dragged out for no reason till the end. The shifted focus from Lysette becoming Max's bride to Max's family problems is what lost my interest somewhat. While I think the twins were great characters I felt the book needed to focus more on the married couple, Lysette became background filler toward the end of the book and it was disappointing. The real angst and 'conflict' for the couple was in the beginning and was quickly resolved before reaching the middle which made the rest of the story somewhat anticlimactic.
This would have been a 3 star but I gave it 4 simply because LK handled the characters & time setting so well. While dull at times she still managed to make the story interesting enough to read and enjoy.
This would have been a 3 star but I gave it 4 simply because LK handled the characters & time setting so well. While dull at times she still managed to make the story interesting enough to read and enjoy.
December 6, 2019
My first Kleypas book and definitely not my last one. This book is a nod to the 80's/90's body rippers/virgin heroines etc. The hero is the typical hero for this writing and the heroine is one who tries to break the rules but is restricted to an extent
Has this book stood the test of time?
Today's readers probably wouldn't enjoy this if they are fan of the sweet yet sexy contemporaries. Those who have an appreciation for romances of the past will love this book. It's an entertaining read and definitely will pick up the second book when I get a chance. I have to know what happened to the next generation.
Has this book stood the test of time?
Today's readers probably wouldn't enjoy this if they are fan of the sweet yet sexy contemporaries. Those who have an appreciation for romances of the past will love this book. It's an entertaining read and definitely will pick up the second book when I get a chance. I have to know what happened to the next generation.
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