Kissing a Stranger (Mass Market Paperback)

by Margaret Evans Porter (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"As rich and savory as a box of chocolates." -- -- Teresa Medeiros

Her sheltered life on the Isle of Man ill-prepares Lavinia Cashin, daughter of the Earl of Ballacraine, for the intrigues of the London Season, but because of her family's financial need she is prepared to do her duty: marry a rich man! Her plans are thrown awry when her father is arrested and thrown into debtor's prison. Lavinia must rely on her own wits to get him out and keep the news from the London press. Lord Garrick Armitage is no stranger to scandal. After breaking his engagement to a young lady, he is disinherited by his father, the Duke of Halford, and has resorted to gambling and horse racing for survival. Although Garrick is taken with Lavinia's beauty, he is also touched by her innocence, and after learning she is living alone, arranges for his cousin, Frances Radstock, to present her to society. Then someone begins to blackmail Lavinia. Lavinia and Garrick fall in love, and he asks her to elope with him, but rather than revealing her predicament to him, she chooses to tell him her father is out of the country. She accepts his monetary assistance, but when the truth is revealed after their elopement is delayed by weather, she decides that he could never respect her. What follows is a long path where each is redeemed, and true love is at last found. Kissing a Stranger, is at once entertaining and thoughtfully written. I found it very reminiscent of the style of Dickens with multiple viewpoints in scenes that are switched between with ease and some insights that seem to be more from the viewpoint of the author than internal to the characters themselves. Perhaps this is a carryover from Porter's long Regency career where both writing tools are used with aplomb, or her strong connection with all things English? Nothing here is stock. From the plot, to the characters, to the ending be prepared for a book that takes chances, and will leave you a little richer for the read! "Margaret Evans Porter is a delight! Her unique characters and settings are a step apart from the usual offerings of the Romance genre!" Put another log on the fire and brew up some hot chocolate! Kissing a Stranger is a sexy book that makes a reader glad for snow! Phoebe Imel -- Copyright © 030199 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

Review
"Margaret Evans Porter's careful attention to detail and her gentle pokes at the manners and mores of London society make this book a must read."
-- Affaire de Coeur (Affaire de Coeur ) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon Books (December 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380795590
• ISBN-13: 978-0380795598
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,089,535 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars cut above usual romances & with substance, September 26, 1999

By A Customer

I was getting bored with the usual romances and needed to read one that had substance. I have read everything by my favorite authors (Laura Kinsale, Megan Chance, Linda Howard, Loretta Chase, etc) and can only wait for their new books. This was the refreshing answer. The characters are witty, intelligent and unique. She's an adventuress by necessity and he has to live by his wits. The rich details of the Isle of Man, horse racing and gambling reflect the author's good research. All around a good read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Utterly Charming!, January 4, 1999

By A Customer

I truly enjoyed this book--it had a good plot charming characters and a sweet love story. The hero Garrick, was handsome, sexy and thoughtful. I was afraid that Lavinia was going to be another beautiful young and brainless girl (entirely too innocent and naive) but she evolved into a wonderful heroine--smart, strong with an inate goodness. I liked them--they were likable. There were things that Garrick did in the story which endeared me to him.

This book is extremlely good. I enjoy Regency and feel fortunate to have discosvered Margaret Evans Porter.

I recommend "Road to Ruin", one of her earlier works. It does not have a passionate scene but it has a terrific plot that pulls a little on your heart strings.

2.0 out of 5 stars Heroine was very annoying, July 12, 2006

By	LTR "Love to Read" (BC, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Five Star Romance - Kissing a Stranger (Hardcover)

This book left me feeling blah. If Lavinia had lied or deceived Garrick one more time I would have thrown the book out the window. At the end I was left feeling as though there was no way that she could ever redeem herself and that she definitely did not deserve the hero.