Helpful Score: 3
Apparently, Lisa Kleypas decided to rewrite the movie Somersby to her liking. Though she changed to setting, she barely changed the name of the heroine I found it too much like the movie (which I'm very familiar with) to enjoy the book. The echoes of the movie were everywhere, but unlike a novelization, everything was just slightly off enough to be distracting and feel wrong. She even lifts a line of dialog straight from the movie which I found extremely jarring. Thumbs down.
Helpful Score: 1
The love story in Stranger in My Arms is very complex. The hero is a man "returned from the dead" whom the heroine is forced to embrace as her hated and presumed dead husband.
The central romantic tension in the book is the very slow development of a romantic relationship between Hunter and Lara. The marriage between the couple was extremely unhappy and with Hunter's return as a Changed Man he has much to overcome in gaining the love and trust of his wife.
There is a continuing sense of uncertainty about whether he is whom he claims to be which establishes a mystery to be resolved through the book. I was anxious to finish the story, not so much to resolve the love story but to know whether he was or wasn't. I am not sure I was completely satisfied with how the story ended, but I think Kleypas did a fine job of writing a story that grabbed my intereste immediately and kept hold through the end.
Compared to other books in the genre, 4 stars. For a Kleypas book, only 3.
The central romantic tension in the book is the very slow development of a romantic relationship between Hunter and Lara. The marriage between the couple was extremely unhappy and with Hunter's return as a Changed Man he has much to overcome in gaining the love and trust of his wife.
There is a continuing sense of uncertainty about whether he is whom he claims to be which establishes a mystery to be resolved through the book. I was anxious to finish the story, not so much to resolve the love story but to know whether he was or wasn't. I am not sure I was completely satisfied with how the story ended, but I think Kleypas did a fine job of writing a story that grabbed my intereste immediately and kept hold through the end.
Compared to other books in the genre, 4 stars. For a Kleypas book, only 3.
Helpful Score: 1
The love story in Stranger in My Arms is very complex. The hero is a man "returned from the dead" whom the heroine is forced to embrace as her hated and presumed dead husband.
The central romantic tension in the book is the very slow development of a romantic relationship between Hunter and Lara. The marriage between the couple was extrtemely unhappy and with Hunter's return as a "changed man" he has much to overcome in gaining the love and trust of his wife.
There is a continuing sense of uncertainty about whether he is whom he claims to be which establishes a mystery to be resolved through the book. I was anxious to finish the story, not so much to resolve the love story but to know whether he was or wasn't. I am not sure I was completely satisfied with how the story ended, but I think Kleypas did a fine job of writing a story that grabbed my interested immediately and kept hold through the end.
Compared to other books in the genre, 4 stars. For a Kleypas book, only 3.
The central romantic tension in the book is the very slow development of a romantic relationship between Hunter and Lara. The marriage between the couple was extrtemely unhappy and with Hunter's return as a "changed man" he has much to overcome in gaining the love and trust of his wife.
There is a continuing sense of uncertainty about whether he is whom he claims to be which establishes a mystery to be resolved through the book. I was anxious to finish the story, not so much to resolve the love story but to know whether he was or wasn't. I am not sure I was completely satisfied with how the story ended, but I think Kleypas did a fine job of writing a story that grabbed my interested immediately and kept hold through the end.
Compared to other books in the genre, 4 stars. For a Kleypas book, only 3.
Helpful Score: 1
A real twist to the story. Holds your attention until the end. One of her best books.
I really enjoyed this book of LK's. It was different than many of her later books, not nearly as light hearted. I had a hard time putting it down.
I really liked this book. If you like "steamy" romances Lisa Kleypas sure delivers. I find most of her books quite entertaining and this was one was a fun read with a little mystery thrown in.
The love story in Stranger in My Arms is very complex. The hero is a man "returned from the dead" whom the heroine is forced to embrace as her hated and presumed dead husband.
The central romantic tension in the book is the very slow development of a romantic relationship between Hunter and Lara. The marriage between the couple was extremely unhappy and with Hunter's return as a "changed man" he has much to overcome in gaining the love and trust of his wife.
There is a continuing sense of uncertainty about whether he is whom he claims to be which establishes a mystery to be resolved through the book. I was anxious to finish the story, not so much to resolve the love story but to know whether he was or wasn't. I am not sure I was completely satisfied with how the story ended, but I think Kleypas did a fine job of writing a story that grabbed my interested immediately and kept hold through the end.
Compared to other books in the genre, 4 stars. For a Kleypas book, only 3.
The central romantic tension in the book is the very slow development of a romantic relationship between Hunter and Lara. The marriage between the couple was extremely unhappy and with Hunter's return as a "changed man" he has much to overcome in gaining the love and trust of his wife.
There is a continuing sense of uncertainty about whether he is whom he claims to be which establishes a mystery to be resolved through the book. I was anxious to finish the story, not so much to resolve the love story but to know whether he was or wasn't. I am not sure I was completely satisfied with how the story ended, but I think Kleypas did a fine job of writing a story that grabbed my interested immediately and kept hold through the end.
Compared to other books in the genre, 4 stars. For a Kleypas book, only 3.
This is one of her best, not to be missed by Lisa Kleypas fans!
One of my favorite authors. Husband returns after believed dead. While he closely resemble husband, he is attentive and loving as husband was cruel and cold. With every beat of her heart she aches to believe that this man is who he claims to be.
Good book.
The plot is similar to the movie "Somersby". Good as always from Kleypas.
Interesting plot & likable characters, but moved too slowly for my tastes.
A combination historical romance mystery. Who is this stranger? Is he who he claims to be? This author keeps you guessing and enjoying the game as you try to figure it out. A clever read.....
all of her books are very good
different cover same title/author funny twists and turns in the romance. He gets himself stung by a bee to get her attentions...
The female protagonist, Lara, was too perfect. She was one of the most gorgeous widowers in society and was very generous - helping others in the village and constantly assisting orphans. After the death of her husband, she was made to live in an old run-down cottage away from the main house by her dead husband's aunt and uncle. (Maybe I'm too cynical, but this part of her made me roll my eyes. The obvious "pity me because I don't deserve this" technique.) When she learns that her dead husband, Hunter, is actually alive, she is shocked and dismayed since their relationship was not an enjoyable one. However, she learns that Hunter has changed and she begins to fall in love with him and him with her. The aunt and uncle are kicked out of the house and they begin to resume their life as the Lord and Lady Hawksworth. Hunter is ever-loving and patient with Lara; completely the opposite of his former self. As their relationship develops into a strong one, Lara learns that the man that posed as Hunter isn't actually him, but a spy and chameleon of sorts. Feeling a bit righteous, betrayed, and disregarding their newfound love, Lara turns back to the aunt and uncle who previously mistreated her and informs them of the betrayal. (I really disagree with the way Lara handles this situation. She helps people in need and orphans. She should have more of a heart and at the very least, approach the man she fell in love with and speak to him before making this very rash decision, especially with all the patience and understanding he gave her.) To keep this short, she talks to Hunter's real mother and finds out that the imposter Hunter is actually a half-brother and the real Hunter is really dead. The mother is the one that tells her to disregard her self-righteousness and just love him. Lara finally realizes her mistake, apologizes to a very guilty imposter Hunter, and they live happily ever after.
Another winner for Kleypas! I read this book in one day... it was engrossing and heart-wrenching.
very good read with a twist in the plot. Keeps you interested until the very last page.
from the back: "Lady Hawksworth, your husband is not dead..."
With those words, Lara's life turned upside down. Hunter, Earl of Hawksworth, had been lost at sea. Or so she'd been told. Their unhappy marriage - with its cold caresses and passionless kisses - was over. But now a powerful, virile man stood before her, telling secrets only a husband could know, and vowing she would once again be his wife in every way.....
With those words, Lara's life turned upside down. Hunter, Earl of Hawksworth, had been lost at sea. Or so she'd been told. Their unhappy marriage - with its cold caresses and passionless kisses - was over. But now a powerful, virile man stood before her, telling secrets only a husband could know, and vowing she would once again be his wife in every way.....
"Lady Hawksworth, your husband is NOT dead..." What is a widow of 4 years going to do when the man she happily said good riddance to suddenly shows up and these "feelings" occur?
Lisa Kleypas has done it again. She has once again come up with a creative storyline and like her previous books has managed to make her characters so real. this book is a keeper!
This is a good book that you don't to end.
great read!
The Lisa Kleypas books are awesome. I have read the enitre Wallflower series and it is great! I couldn't put them down.
Wow, I thought this was a really good read. Very suspenseful - I couldn't figure out how she was going to end it!
This was a really good book. Keeps your interest and makes you wonder what is going on.
This was my first book by Kleypas and was not the last! This is an adorable story that keeps you guessing throughout! I couldn't put this down and fell in love with the characters!
Nice little "get-away" romance about a lost earl, supposedly who died in a shipwreck. He returns though his widow was so much happier with him gone, she's not for sure what to do with him now.
I love, love, love this book! I loved the characters, I loved the plot, I loved it through and through!
liked it.
Excellent historical romance. Lisa Kleypas keeps on getting better and better.
Lara's life turned upside down when Hunter, Earl of Hawksworth, had been lost at sea. Or so she'd been told. Their unhappy marriage - with its cold caresses and passionless kisses - was over. But now a powerful, virile man stood before her, telling secrets only a husband could know, and vowing she would once again be his wife in every way. While Lara couldn't deny that this man with the smoldering dark eyes resembled Hunter, he was attentive and loving in ways he never was before. Soon she desperately wanted to believe, with every beat of her heart, that this stranger was truly her husband. But had this rake reformed - or was Lara being seduced by a cunning stranger?
You really want it to be him...
