Review: When Strangers Marry by Lisa Kleypas

When Strangers Marry (Vallerands, #1)When Strangers Marry by Lisa Kleypas

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The particulars: Historical Romance, Avon, available as e-book

The review:

The blurb:

Lysette buried her face against Max’s throat. “But he’s going to take me away. Don’t let him, don’t — ” “You’re not going anywhere,” Max interrupted. “Calm yourself, Lysette. It’s not good for you to become excited.” His possessiveness made her strangely giddy. As far as he was concerned, she was his, and no one was going to take her away from him. Max stared at Etienne. His voice was soft, but it contained a note that chilled Lysette’s blood. “If you so much as disarrange a hair on her head, I’ll tear you apart.” Lysette couldn’t believe it, but she didn’t care about her ruined reputation. The only thing that mattered was that she wouldn’t have to marry Etienne.

My impressions:

This was one of the first romance novel I bought in English. I loved it then, and I love it now. It isn’t the most gripping romance novel, and it is probably a bit dated since it is almost 20 years old. But, I just love reading about Maximilien’s and Lysette’s whirlwind romance. It is set in New Orleans, against a backdrop of change and intrigues. No matter how many time I have read it, the story sucks me in. The plot has enough twists to keep up my interest, but what makes me coming back again and again is the characters. The characters is a part of the era, but it feels logical.

I think it is out of print, but if you finds it in the library, grab a copy!

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Review: The Solider by Grace Burrowes

The Soldier (Duke's Obsession, #2)The Soldier by Grace Burrowes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Book: The Soldier by Grace Burrowes

The Particulars: Historical Romance, Sourcebooks, available both in print and e-book
Buy at: Amazon , Kobo, BN, ARe, Booksonboard

The Review:

The blurb:

This Regency era battle of wits, wills, and the sexes features a wily duke determined to see the succession of his line secured. The duke can’t force his sons to marry, but he can make their lives miserable until they do. Resisting his pressure, each gentleman holds out for true love.

The second book in the series features Devlin St. Just, the duke’s oldest, but illegitimate, son. He arrives at his new estate weary in body and spirit only to find the previous owner’s bastard daughter and her beautiful cousin are his responsibility and making his life almost unbearably complicated.

My impressions:

I liked Grace Burrowes first book, so when Sourcebooks offered the sequel at a discount I snatched it up. And I loved it. Grace Burrowes made me feel like I was there, watching as Devlin and Emma’s love story unfolded. It is nice, quiet tale that is more focused on the characters internal struggle, than any external conflict. It should have been boring, but it isn’t. Mainly because the characters. I loved how Devlin struggled with the mental scars he had after returning from the war. Emma had her own issues. And that’s the source of the conflict. The whole plot is driven by their flaws and how that affects their relationship.

That it works is a sign of how good Grace Burrowes is. I am looking forward to the last book in the triology.

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