When Strangers Marry (Vallerands) [Kindle Edition]

Lisa Kleypas (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Kleypas has given Only in Your Arms, her first title for Avon, a makeover, and the resulting book boasts a tighter plot and richer characterizations. Set in New Orleans in the early 19th century, this atmospheric tale portrays the romance between Lysette Kersaint, a strong-willed Creole who is on the run from her abusive stepfather and an arranged marriage to a man she loathes, and Maximilien Vallerand, a notorious rake and widower who is rumored to have strangled his adulterous wife. Lysette finds protection in Max's home, but she soon learns that he plans to use her as a pawn to exact revenge against her intended, Etienne Sagesse, his sworn enemy. The tension between the two quickly heats up, but before they can find happiness together, they must settle the mysteries of Max's past. The romance between Max and Lysette is compelling, but what really sets this book apart is Kleypass ability to make the period come alive. With the ease of a skilled seamstress, Kleypas weaves in dozens of details, touching on everything from the political tensions between Mexico and the American territories to the cultural differences between Creoles and Americans. Kleypas doesn't shy away from developing her characters either. Max emerges as a tortured but admirable hero, and even secondary figures like Maxs mother and brothers take on a life of their own.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

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.

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Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 452 KB
• Publisher: HarperCollins e-books (October 13, 2009)
• Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
• Language: English
• ASIN: B000FC14HG
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (64 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,103 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

More About the Author

Lisa Kleypas graduated from Wellesley College with a political science degree. She is a RITA award winning author of both historical romance and contemporary women's fiction. Her novels are published in fourteen different languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband Gregory and their two children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When Strangers Marry is better than Only in Your Arms, August 13, 2002

By 

Lee Haskell (CHARLESTON, SC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: When Strangers Marry (Mass Market Paperback)

Kleypas is one of those Authors that is on my "Auto buy" list. My immediate reaction upon getting the book and reading the back of the book was that I was cheated out of a brand new story. I had read OIYA and didn't recall much and remembered it was not my favorite Kleypas book. (A 4 star Kleypas book is better than the average 5 star romance by your churn-them-out-every-month romance author) My disappointment stems from my experience with the revised version of Whitney My Love by Judith McNaught. I wasn't impressed with her revisions. Therefore, my fear was great here we go again.

Boy was I wrong! I should have known Kleyas wouldn't cheat me out of my "new" story. Unlike McNaught's revision, When Strangers Marry is not the same story with a few more details added here and there. She actually rewrote the ENTIRE STORY!

If OIYA was worthy of 4 stars, then WSM deserves 7!
I enjoyed reading this romance as if it was a new story.
To me, OIYA was a rough draft and WSM is the final polished version.

And the best part? The intimate scenes between Max and Lysette are hotter and spicier! Obviously, 10 years makes a difference in what was acceptable in historical romances then verses now. I say Viva la 10 years and VIVA LA KLEYPAS!

I definitely got my money's worth and recommend When Strangers Marry for anyone wanting a sensual and well-told romance.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From Great to Fabulous, October 1, 2002

By 

M. Rondeau (West Springfield, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: When Strangers Marry (Mass Market Paperback)

Okay, so I am a huge fan of Lisa Kleypas and I absolutely adored Only in Your Arms only I never remembered the sexual encounters to be as HOT as they were in this re-write! WOW - score a 10 on the sensuality scale!

I liked Maximillian Vallerand before but loved him here....so absolutely in control! I don't remember Lysette as being quite so spunky before either. All in all, if you are looking for a VERY STEAMY romance to put you in the mood.... look no futher because this one will positively ignite you!

Briefly, the story is the same....Lysette is running from a mean step-father who is forcing her to marry, Etienne Legesse, a well to do Creole, who is also a bit of a drunken pig. Maximillian's twin sons Phillipe and Justin find Lysette trying to escape in the bayou and bring her home to their father. Upon hearing who she is betrothed to, Max decides then and there that he will ruin her if only to pay back Etienne for having an affair with and murdering Max's wife, Corrine. Naturally, Max comes to care for then admittedly fall in love with, Lysette. The mystery is who really killed Corrine after everyone has assumed it was Max all these years who murdered his own wife.

Great story even when it was Only in Your Arms.....SUPER story with the heightened sensuality!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Only Keeps Getting Better And Better!!!!, November 17, 2002

By 

Kristi Ahlers (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: When Strangers Marry (Mass Market Paperback)

I must admit that although I had read "Only In Your Arms" waaaay back when, it had not "stayed" with me even though she is one of my favorite authors. I had a hard time recalling characters and the story line so for me this was like reading a new book. This was a great story full of the trademarks that make a Lisa Kleypas book a Lisa Kleypas book. There is great chemistry between Max and Lysette and the story is fast paced and interesting. Set during one of my personal favorite time periods (early 1800's) and in one of my favorite locations (New Orleans) Ms. Kleypas manages to include historic people in their own storyline that is not boring to the reader but at the same time manages to include main characters and move the story along. This is a great example of what Ms. Kleypas is able to to with her writing and storytelling talent.