Customer Reviews

The Improper Wife (Warner Forever)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I don't often fall in love with my romance novel heroes, but WOW... Capt. John Grayson, called Gray, is to DIE FOR...

The love story is beautiful, the plot is fabulous, her writing is lovely. What an incredible book!!!

I will be reading EVERYTHING she writes. I just started THE MYSTERIOUS MISS M (a Regency romance she published as Diane Gaston w/a UK publisher only last July and it's already out of print, what a crime!!) , and it's promising to be every bit as satisfying and potent as THE IMPROPER WIFE, which I read a week ago, and I cannot get it out of my mind. It's that powerful.

Gray and Maggie, the two main characters, are both strong and believable. The plot has already been told in other reviews here.
I can't stress enough how wonderful it was to read this!!

(BTW, I disagree completely with the Publishers Weekly review of this book. I can't believe how negative it is...were they reading a different novel?)

Setting - London, 1816 --- Very pregnant, alone, and nearly penniless Maggie Delaney was at the end of her rope when she discovered that she had not killed the husband she'd accidentally pushed into the river. From a newspaper she learned that her husband Captain John Grayson was alive and living in London. Maggie discovered his direction, marched up to the door and asked the handsome but scruffy looking man who answered the door if these were the rooms of Captain John Grayson, who answered in the affirmative. Then she asked when he would be returning. John Grayson insisted he was the man in question and that these were HIS rooms. Maggie, quickly realizing how she'd been duped was overcome with both shock and contractions and before you knew it, John was assisting her in the delivery of her child in that very room!

When Maggie realized she'd no idea who the man was she'd given herself to in marriage and impregnated her, one would imagine her breaking down - but only a mother would recognize the strength of purpose and love that was born the moment she embraced the miracle that was her son. John was in awe of that bond and the pure essence of the love she showered onto her babe. While John didn't want to be involved and anxious to get back to his regiment, he was not immune to her needs and arranged for his cousins to come and take her to their home. Leaving funds with his cousin for her care and feeling he had done more than was his duty, John happily left only to return two years later to discover that his `helpful' cousins had installed his `wife' in his boyhood home of Summerton. In those two years, Maggie had ingratiated herself in the good graces of his family. Gray's first instinct was to get rid of the baggage but the more time spent with her, the more he was convinced that this very `improper' wife of his should be a real wife in truth!


*** Diane Perkins has created a beautifully written, emotionally sensitive and totally awesome romantic read devising a most original and cleverly plotted second chance at love. Maggie was a very strong heroine and while some would reason that she was manipulative, others can totally empathize that she was motivated solely with, and for the sake of love for Sean, her young son. While John suspected her motives as calculating and manipulative he soon realized that she had brought joy and love back to a home that had been sorely lacking for years. The story gently evolves into a sensual dance that the readers will find themselves fully basking in its rhythm and grace. The addition of an endearing cast of secondary characters, particularly the child Sean and his cousin Rodney, only make this dance more memorable with gentle humor and a gracious warmth.

---- Marilyn, for www.romancedesigns.com ---

Coincidence or fate? Only destiny can bring lovers together...

When Maggies arrives at her husband's rooms, the birth of her baby is imminent. Fortunately a dark haired, unshaved man is able to assist her with the delivery of her son. The man reeks of alcohol and is quite disturbing, but she has no one else to turn to. She asks where her husband, Captain John Grayson has gone to, and is shocked when he replies that he is John Grayson. Maggie is devastated when she gradually comes to understand that she has been duped; she has no true husband and therefore no home for her baby. Maggie and her baby are sent home with Gray's cousin, Harry and his wife, Tess, to avoid a scandal. Gray gives Harry money to assist the woman and washes his hands of her. A military posting keeps him occupied for the next two years.

Harry and Tess had wrongly assumed that Maggie was Gray's wife and took her to the family home, Summerton Hall. Maggie knew what she dared to do was wrong. She had always intended to end the charade and find work as soon as the babe was older, but came to love Gray's family. Maggie felt needed and appreciated; her warmth and understanding ways lifted the spirits of Gray's father, the Earl, his widowed sister-in-law, Olivia and her son, Rodney. Suddenly, it appears that her future is again bleak. Gray has returned and he is furious, if only she can explain, maybe he will understand.

The Earl disowned Gray when he joined the military, yet this woman, who pretends to be his wife, is loved and accepted where Gray is not. She is still undeniably attractive and genteel, but he knows her to be false. Gray is not a fool; Maggie's positive affect on the smooth running of the household is obvious. He can see the benefits of making her his wife in all ways, but he intends that Maggie reveal her secrets before he will accept her.

The cruel trick played on Maggie years ago resurfaces to tear apart her new life, taking her away from the man and extended family that she has come to love. Maggie knows that Gray will never love her if she reveals all, but he is determined to drag it out of her.

The Improper Wife is a must-buy for Historical fans. The unique character introduction, in which the heroine gives birth, is only a small sample of Diane Perkins' very intricate plot. Readers will find that they are turning pages deep into the night, as they are made aware of a secret. This knowledge keeps a very strong undercurrent of tension running right until the final chapters. Maggie is a woman that this reader came to admire. She stuck to her principles and held her head high, not revealing her insecurities and deep devotion for Gray. She knows that she has wronged him and should not stay; yet it would break her heart to leave. In hindsight, Gray was attracted to Maggie from their first undignified meeting. He behaves as best as he can under their circumstances and is careful not to cause Maggie any more pain or embarrassment. His desire for her is acute, but he will never take advantage of her. Gray is aware that she wants to be with him. The sweet and sensual resolution is very natural, not forced and introduces a heart wrenching element of angst into the final chapters. This is a traditional love story that readers are sure to put with their favourites!

Diane Perkins has forthcoming regencies released under the author name of Diane Gaston. I am certain that once you have read The Improper Wife, you will also want to keep a watch for these.

Naomi
courtesy of
www.fallenangelreviews.cjb.com

Ms. Perkins not only writes a well-crafted and intriguing story, but proves she can hold her own with more seasoned and experienced romance authors. She's definitely done her homework!

The story of a woman tricked into wedding an imposter, Maggie, the heroine, is a fascinating woman to watch. At first timid and carrying more than just her pregnancy as a hefty burden, she's a woman driven by circumstance to do what she must to survive, putting the needs of her child first. Her interplay with the oft-confused and self-sacrificing hero, Capt. John Grayson, captures the reader's attention from the start, while his willingness to give up his own happiness to ensure the safety and livelihood of Maggie and her son, Sean, not only makes him commendable but one of the most take-to-heart leading men I've read about this year.

That's not to say there weren't a few things that bothered me a bit with this book. The very beginning seemed a bit over-the-top, and I figured out all too quickly who the heartless imposter really was. Also, Grayson's willingness to give in to Maggie the majority of the time, even when it might be to his own detriment, made her appear, at times, somewhat selfish. However, Ms. Perkins ability to develop Maggie's character and show that her motives are those of a caring and devoted mother-first and foremost-quickly redeemed her to this reader, showing her as a heroine that I think most women with children could easily relate to today.

With engaging secondary characters, Regency era "speak", a slow blossoming love story between two captivating leads, and children's characters that add, rather than detract from the characters and storyline, THE IMPROPER WIFE is sure to become a favorite for lovers of Regency romance. It's a very impressive debut, indeed.

I agree with the blot on Maggie's character, that she never really tried to "do the right thing" by letting Gray off the hook and admitting her own mistakes. But otherwise, she's a decent heroine, and Gray's a good hero. They play well off each other, and their interactions with secondary characters reveal a lot about these two.

While this is not the best romance I've read, it has some very good qualities and is exceptional for a first novel. The true identity of Maggie's "husband" is obvious early on, but how it's all revealed to the characters is deliciously done. Richly emotional, although I wish the stuff with Gray's father had been resolved somehow. Still, a worthy read, and I'll be looking for more of her books.

This book is definitely a cut above the usual Regency romance--set apart by its polished prose and unusual plot. I enjoyed "The Improper Wife" a great deal and particularly liked the character of the hero, Captain John Grayson. Gray is the estranged second son of an earl and a calvary officer who is awash with guilt (and brandy) at the beginning of the book over the death of his young pregnant Spanish bride. Into his rooms bursts the heroine, Maggie Delaney, who promptly gives birth on his floor to a baby boy. Maggie's "husband" was an imposter who had assumed the name of Captain John Grayson and she is destitute. Gray fobs Maggie and the baby off on his cousin, Harry, and his noisy wife, Tess, and heads back to the Continent for the war. Tess snoops in Maggie's luggage and finds the false marriage certificate. Harry, mistakenly believing that Maggie is Gray's wife, takes her to Gray's ancestral home to live with his family. When Gray finally returns from the war two years later, Maggie is a beloved member of his family and has firmly established herself as his wife. He is incensed by her fraud but finds himself perversely attracted to her and reluctant to expose his family to the scandal that would ensue should he challenge her claim.

I found the character of Gray to be very appealing--a very decent, honorable man who is haunted by his father's lifelong rejection and his own guilt over his young wife's death. I will admit that I had trouble with the character of Maggie. She is a strong heroine but I could not like her willingness to let Gray pay for what were *her* own mistakes. Wanting to have a secure home for her son was her excuse for lying her way into Gray's life and she *never* came clean even when her lies were destroying Gray's life and his reputation with his family and closest friends. I frankly would have liked her alot better if she had stopped playing virtuous lady of the manor and made some attempt to do the right thing (i.e. support herself or at least admit the truth of the matter to Gray's family). She also refused to trust Gray with the story of her marriage and the possible murder of her false husband. This is obviously a plot device to prolong the suspense in the story, but it served to further alienate me from the character of the heroine.

Despite this reservation, "The Improper Wife" is a very well-written and enjoyable book. The sexual tension is very well done and the hero and heroine actually are given a chance to get to know each other before they fall into bed together!

Highly recommended!

In 1814 a pregnant woman claims to be the wife of Captain John Grayson. Before he refutes her statement, she gives birth with John serving as the midwife. John sends for his cousin Harry and his wife to take care of the woman and her infant Sean. John tells Harry that he never met the woman and concludes that she is a con artist. He asks Harry to take care of this mess while he returns to war.

Harry and his spouse find the marriage certificate that has John's signature on it. He does the right thing and takes Maggie Smith to live with John's estranged father. Unwelcome at first, Maggie brings sunshine and smiles to Summerton Hall where she is received as John's wife.

Two years later, John returns to find everyone believes Maggie is his wife. He plans to uncover the identity of the impersonator as he now believes she really believed that she once married John Grayson, but why is she perpetrating the fraud once she knew who he was. What he did not anticipate was falling in love with a woman he does not trust and loving someone else's child.

This entertaining Regency romance stars a delightful lead couple and a terrific support cast especially his family members. The story line grips the reader because of the curiosity as to whom Maggie married since from almost start ironically the audience knows as opposed to the hero's family that he was not the groom. Though the impersonator becomes obvious, fans will appreciate the tale as John still struggles with guilt for what he caused in Spain and only with his love for Maggie can he find solace.

Harriet Klausner

Diane Perkins brings an interesting, intriguing twist to the "marriage of convenience" theme in her first U.S. release, THE IMPROPER WIFE.

Captain John Grayson, known to his friends as Gray, is a man of means - but is also a haunted man. Gray was disowned by his father when he decided to enlist. He drinks himself to sleep each night, trying to forget his young, pregnant wife who died. Despite his best attempts, visions of her tragic death haunt his dreams. One morning, he's awakened by a pounding on his door and opens it to find a lovely, but obviously pregnant woman asking for Captain Grayson. Before he can clarify the obvious error, her child insists on being born, almost immediately. Gray has little choice but to help her deliver her baby boy.

Maggie Delaney believes she has murdered her husband, Captain John Grayson, when she pushed him into a river during an altercation. Alone, pregnant and left with minimal funds, she struggles to survive - until she reads in a discarded paper that Captain Grayson has returned to London. Surprised that her husband is still alive, she learns his whereabouts from the Regimental offices, and then rushes to his quarters, only to be told by a man whose dark looks remind her of a pirate that he is Captain John Grayson. She has little time to pursue the man's lies when her baby insists on being born. And until she discovers the truth behind Gray's lies, she provides a false identity, that of Maggie Smith.

After the child's birth, Maggie continues to insist that she is Captain Grayson's wife. Annoyed, yet reminded of his personal loss as he watches her hold her new baby son, Gray doesn't have the heart to send her away. Instead, he places her in the charge of his cousin Harry and Harry's wife, Baroness Tess Caufield, with instructions for Tess to deliver Maggie back to her proper home, wherever that might be. He leaves funds with Harry for Maggie's intermediate care, then returns to duty.

Harry and Tess find Gray's request somewhat suspect. Who wouldn't, when the young, beautiful female he claims is a stranger is holding an infant? They take her to their home and, as Tess helps Maggie unpack, she finds papers revealing the marriage of Maggie Delaney to John Grayson. Now convinced that Gray has deserted his wife and child, Harry and Tess decide to take Maggie and her infant to Gray's family estate and Gray's father, Lord Summerton. Maggie, homeless and alone, agrees for the sake of her son.

Gray returns to London, only to discover that Maggie is at his family estate and has insinuated herself in his family's lives. Has she does this for financial gain? Or is she really the caring person she pretends to be? Gray resolves to discover the truth behind these questions - and more.

THE IMPROPER WIFE is a fast-paced, captivating, not-to-be-missed Regency novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense in the story, the fully developed characters. Maggie's pain, her determination to provide her son - her only living relative - with a home, was thoroughly engrossing. Gray's feeling of loss after his older brother's death, his father's banishment, and his initial distrust of Maggie were totally believable. THE IMPROPER WIFE is a real keeper!

Reviewed by Linda Morelli, multi award-winning author of FIERY SURRENDER and SHADOW OF DOUBT

It's a fine
follow-up to her first published romance as Diane Gaston (The Mysterious Miss M). Perkins's heroes
are really her strong point. You just gotta love these men. Very Beta but
more than willing and able to jump in and defend their heroines from the
nasty villains. Sometimes I did wonder if maybe Gray was just a little
*too* good. He's the most set upon hero I've read about in a while.

Perkins does need to work on two aspects though, her heroines and
her villains. It's not that the heroines are terrible but they just don't
grab you the way the heroes do. I agree that Maggie held onto her
secret for way too long and far past what a normal man's patience
would tolerate. Her villains are another weak spot. Very stock and
unsubtle. While this one isn't quite as "foam at the mouth" as the
MMM man, he's still too dastardly. A little colder evil might have
served better.

I do like that Gray isn't ready to totally believe what the villain
said and that he is hurt enough to try to hurt Maggie just a little back.
That felt more real. The final confrontation between Gray and Lansing
is also more realistic and Perkins has a good feel for and description
of the duel. Another funny thing I noticed (after seeing some of the
Regency House and hearing the women complain about how bored
they are) is that the house party in this book is very similar. I'd've much
preferred to be a man at a house party. So much more to do!

The Improper Wife is a good way to try Perkins and see if you like
her. And happily, she seems to be settling into her stride. I'd give
this one a B.

Mary Balogh and Carla Kelly make room; there is a new kid on the Regency block. I don't give it very often, but I'm giving it here - the sacred 10. THE IMPROPER WIFE is a beautiful story and Diane Perkins has honed her craft nicely. Her characters are well drawn and the story's sensitivity is brilliant. Yes, I liked this book.

Maggie Delaney is a sparkling heroine. She unfolds through the pages as a gentle loving mother. Maggie Delaney would do anything to protect her son - even lie. Captain John Grayson is a marvelous hero. He unfolds through the pages as a gentle man. John Grayson believes Maggie Delaney has deceived him, but the question is - why?

Diane Perkins creates Maggie Delaney as a strong, capable woman. The reader will not find a sniffling little creature in this story. Maggie Delaney is living under a huge misrepresentation at Summerton Hall, the country estate belonging to John Grayson's father. The old earl believes Maggie Delaney is his son's wife. At Summerton Hall, everyone loves Maggie Delaney and her chubby little son, Sean. All is well, until Captain John Grayson returns home to England and to Summerton.

Diane Perkins has used superb pacing, realistic dialogue, and gentle humor to enhance THE IMPROPER WIFE. The episodes with little Sean are simply delightful! However it is the sensitivity the author applies that lifts her story into the reader's heart. Such a ploy is a brilliant move; it causes the reader to turn the pages with zeal. The results? The reader cannot put the book down! Well done, Ms. Perkins.
Grade: A+

MaryGrace Meloche.