Review: When Strangers Marry by Lisa Kleypas
I received this book for free from Purchased in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Book Info
Released: August 1, 2002
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Vallerands #1
Pages: 390
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. ~ Under the Covers
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.
Did you like this review? If so, please tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
When it comes to books I’m pretty adventurous. I read everything from Paranormal Romance to Urban Fantasy, New Adult, BDSM, LGBT fiction, Cozy Mysteries and even YA. If it’s got the littlest trace of romance in it, then I’ll probably read it. That being said, my all-time favorite authors are J.R. Ward and Karen Marie Moning.
When I’m not submerged in a good book, you can find me musing about makeup and planners or dreaming about Kpop boys and beaches. Until then, check out my reviews and let’s talk books!
- ARC Review: Little Black Book by Kate Carlisle - July 7, 2021
- ARC Review: Death of an Italian Chef by Lee Hollis - July 7, 2021
- ARC Review: To Sir With Love by Lauren Layne - July 6, 2021
Thanks for the review Ann, a fan of Lisa Kleypas, will have to give this new series a go.
YW Annette!
I have to read it as well now, to see if I feel the same way as you do 🙂
Yes, and find me after to let me know your thoughts!
I’ll let you know if I write a review.
I haven’t read much by this author–maybe one or two of her books–but she writes a little too sweet for my tastses, lol. Great review and post.
Thanks. I love Kleypas, her writing always makes me smile.
I am a fan of Lisa Kleypas, too. I read both books in this series. It was alright.
Yeah, not her best. But definitely not terrible.
Sounds great! I haven’t read this series yet so I’m definitely going to be checking it out!
Let me know what u think!
Thanks for the review. I love Lisa Kleypas.
As do I, Lori
I ordered my first Lisa Kleypas book on Thursday, the second in The Hathaways series…can’t wait for it to get here!
THAT’S MY FAVE BOOK OF HERS!!
thanks for the review! I’m a Lisa Kleypas fan and I’ve liked all her books but certainly her stories have gotten better over the years so her books now in comparison to this one from ten years ago will be a little different. thanks for sharing!
ITA! She has grown so much as a writer! I adore all her work! Amazing person too!
Good review! – I felt the same, and now I remember, it was that whole stepfather/abuse angle that left me feeling not so great… but I also really love Kleypas’ Bow Street Runner series (if you also like the Wallflower series).
Thanks Jena, yes that part was a little saddening. 🙁
I love the Bow Street Runner series too!
I love Kleypas especially The Devil in Winter and the first time I read this book it wasn’t my favorite but the second time around I liked it a lot better. There is just something about Maximilian that I really loved. Now the second book in the series Only With Your Love is probably my least favorite Kleypas book.
Hmm, interesting. I wonder if I reread it again at another time if I would enjoy it more too?