I have bought and read practically all of Ms. Kleypas' books, at least whatever were available in the bookstores in Boston. Only In Your Arms is truly wonderful primarily because it is the first book of the author I've read that is set in the US. But what makes the book remarkable is the story and the main characters, Maximillien Vallerand and Lysette Kersaint. Their love develops in the most unusual circumstance and its strength tested in the most trying times. The concept of family unity and love is also one of the story's strong points. Though set in the early 1800s, a lot of us in the 20th century could still identify with the characters in the story. The romantic scenes...well, I had to read them twice, three times! Lucky Lysette, for having such a romantic, protective husband, a real "knight in shining armor." Now I can't wait to read this book's sequel, "Only With Your Dreams." I can only hope my order comes soon!!

I am a very strong fan of such authors as Virginia Henley and Judith McNaught and many others. I've been reading many novels over the last year and find some romance stories lacking love, emotional deepness and well...lacking in making you like the characters. By Far Lisa has to be one of the best writers! Her work isn't rushed, each character, their past and their emotions you can tell Lisa spent a lot of work figuring them out, molding them into real people which you enjoy and love. This story doesn't drag either after the lovers get together. You can't put this book down! I usualy read a book within a 1-2 month time period but I finished this one in ONE NIGHT! @_@ Believe me, the story meshes so well with the characters, the plot and the romance is stunning! The sexual scenes don't wear you down and become repetative! She wrote each one making you feel breathless. My favorite character is Justin which I am happy to say is the main character in her sequel book, "Only with your love" which I finished 75 pages within a 2 hour time frame this morning, right after finishing the previous story! I am happy with excitment to see what happens! I love the play with French words and names giving the book a mystical erotic tone to the story which blew me away right from reading it. The writing is smooth and the words don't make you feel lost. Each scene is timed well, each character's reaction to events is real and well, touching as well. Some books lack romance and love, but this book has it to a point it seems and feels real and you begin to root for the lovers. I love the characters especially Justin who is a riot! You'll love him too! He had me crying and laughing all through the book! My all time favorite character ever! Don't miss this chance to read a perfect romantic story.

This was the second Lisa Kleypas book that I have read and I really enjoyed it. The characters were all interesting as was the story line. I also appreciated that the two admitted their love for each other early in the book, not 3/4 of the way through like so many others. I will keep this book to read again and I will look for more of Ms Kleypas' books.

I found the Lisa Kleypas & Lynsay Sands stories to be so bad as to be unreadable. The only good one is by Lisa Cach, but even that is not worth paying hardcover prices for. Give this one a miss, or at least wait until it's out in paperback.

I've said it before, I really do not like anthologies, but Look at these authors, two of my very favorites! Lisa Kleypas and Lynsay Sands! They were the two that made me buy the book and the other two were surprise bonuses!
I loved the dialog with Lisa Kleypas! I cannot tell you but the comment from Lord Andrew when he was told that he looked like an 'unmade bed' had me on the floor - you have to read the story to hear his outrageous answer - pure delight!

Lynsay Sands certainly did not disappoint either. The mischief she causes while trying to get her father to stop drinking and gambling before losing everything they owned - priceless.

Lisa Cach and Claudia Dain's offerings were every bit as delightful.

I must say this book should be at the top of everyone's list for just the pure enjoyment of full outrageous belly laughs!

I have read MANY short story collectionns and this ranks as one of the best. With powerhouse authors like these, I figured it would be great and it was.

While I didn't like this novel and it's prequel (Somewhere I'll Find You) as much as I do some of Kleypas's other novels, it was still a good read. I read Somewhere I'll Find You first, and I wondered then whether Kleypas would get around to writing a love story about Logan. Well, this is Logan's story, and as with all Klepas novels, the love is intense and the passion is hot.

I think the reason that I didn't like this as much as say, Dreaming of You, was because I just didn't think that Madeline was a special enough character for Logan. When readers are introduced to Logan in Somewhere I'll Find You, he is portrayed as a man who is almost immune to all women (i.e., immune other than for bedroom partners). I thought at that time that if Kleypas did write Logan's story, she'd really have to create an extra special female heroine to convince readers that such a woman could snag the elusive Logan. Yes, Madeline is spirited, but she's not all that different from your standard romance novel heroine. As such, I just couldn't see a man like Logan, who's resisted more women than he can count, suddenly falling for the typical heroine.

However, other than this, it's a good novel (Kleypas doesn't write many bad ones--but Midnight Angel comes to mind in that category) and well worth reading.

Romance fans, this is a novel you don't want to miss! 'Because You're Mine' is the latest masterpiece from sensational author Lisa Kleypas. To avoid an unwanted marriage to the respectable older gentleman her parents selected, Madeline Matthews decides to make herself undesirable to the prospective groom - by ruining herself! And what better way of accomplishing this than taking as a lover the famous actor Logan Scott? The only problem is that innocent young women are not exactly Logan's style. Ms. Kleypas has cast a determined heroine with an innocence that will melt your heart. And sexy Logan Scott is a hero that you won't soon forget. Want to know more? Order this incredible book now!

I found that the story of Madeline and Logan was beautiful!Madeline is your typical teenager wearing he heart on her sleeve.Oh,but what a match she was for the jaded Logan Scott!Madeline likes to act on her impulses.Logan likes everything in his life to be routine and stuctured.When the impulsive Maddy decides that she wants him,Logan had better watch out! Passion,love and lust abound.If you want sex read a book by Stella Cameron(Stella is brilliant too!).However,if you want a believeable love story,full of passion and angst,Kleypas is for you!Before you read "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE",read the story rhat introduces Logan,"SOMEWHERE I'LL FIND YOU".My only complaint about Lisa,is that she doesn't write more books!

The first of the four stories is by Catherine Anderson an author I wasn't familiar with until now. Honestly, I did not care at all for the plot, the characters or her style of writing. The plot is
contrived and flimsy at best ( even for a short story ).The heroine ( she was so unremarkable I can't even recall her name) is out to get revenge against the man she thinks broke her sister's heart. She ends up taking revenge on the wrong brother and they're caught in a compromising position by her father and they're forced to marry. This is basically the only interesting part to this story as the rest is extremely unimaginative and boring.

The second story The Mad Earl's Bride by Loretta Chase is the real gem of this collection. The hero is diagnosed with a deadly brain disease that will not only ultimately kill him but will also cause him to lose his sanity. Having no immediate relatives he's forced to marry and produce an heir so the title will stay in the family. He agrees to marry Gwendolyn after a memorable meeting with her. She's a total bluestocking and not a great beauty so she doesnt have any illusions as to why the marriage is taking place. She's extremely levelheaded and also ambitious she dreams of building her own hospital and that's her reason for marrying a man with a death sentence. However, destiny has other plans for her and she ends up crazy in love with her mad earl. She becomes obsessed with finding the cause of her husband's deadly ailment. Can this obsession ultimately destroy what little time these two star- crossed lovers have left?
Read and find out! You will not be dissapointed.

Lisa Kleypas short story "Promises" is also entertaining although not as intriguing and romantic as Chase's. The real reason I loved this story was the hero Eric De Gray is absolutely delicious (He calls to mind the delectable oh-so tortured Derek Craven). The heroine thinks herself in love with another man who promised to come back after leaving to tour the continent. One small quibble: I got a little annoyed with the heroine about this obsession with waiting for this man whom she has not seen or heard from in over a year. She has underestimated Eric, whom she wants nothing to do with, and he sets out to charm and disarm her. This is a delightful story with a hero that's to die for.

Kathleen Woodiwiss "The Kiss" I didn't even finish reading. One of my first romances was actually KW's Shanna. This was many years ago and I loved it.However, Ms Woodiwiss writing hasn't aged very well. I found her style overblown and the dialogue stilted. Halfway through it I asked myself "who talks like that?" and gave up and closed the book.

As far as anthologies go I've read far better but it is recommended if only for Chase's refreshing and romantic story. :)

I am happy I got to read this wonderful compilation of romantic stories. It's probably one of the best I can recommend you after having read no less than 1000 romance novels!

My favorite of the stories is the one of the mad earl. It's really something different, and the reversing of the role of the woman to be the strongest character in the starring couple, was very rewarding and most original. The development of their relationship starting from alienation and distrust to friendship, tenderness and love delighted me. Not only getting away from the usual pattern still kept the romantic basis, but it just improved it! It didn't hurt it had a pretty good plot. (It was the sexiest of all too.)

The funniest story in the other hand was the one of the cowboy, where fate and vengeance go wrong and hilarity results. It's not so usual we are able to laugh at the male character and still fall for him. I chuckled a lot in the first pages of it, although it slacked a little bit towards the end, so it isn't in itself a five start story.

The other stories are sweet too so this is a book not to be missed by any lover of the genre!

I bought and read this anthology when it was first published in the mid-90s, and at the time I was not familiar with *any* of the authors' other works. Since that time, I have become devoted fans of three of the four authors -- i.e., their new books become "must-reads" for me -- and it was probably because of this anthology that this is so!

"Fancy Free" by Catherine Anderson features two hero/heroine types that I like the most -- the girl who's spunky despite having little confidence in her looks, and the boy who's a doll but won't admit it. The plot is somewhat contrived (as is the case with a lot of short romantic stories), but the story is very cute.

"The Mad Earl's Bride" by Loretta Chase was my favorite of the bunch. Bluestocking/doctor heroine meets reformed-rake earl. Very romantic, and rich story. A great incentive to read the other stories set in this "universe", the most famous of which is Lord of Scoundrels. Ms. Chase writes wonderful period literature without getting caught up in all the nitty-gritty details of manners and dress (a huge relief to this reluctant Regency reader), and this is a perfect example of that ability.

"Promises" by Lisa Kleypas has fantastic love scenes between the hero and heroine, but I didn't find the storyline very interesting the first time I read it. I revisited this story after having read the full-length novels features Derek Craven (Dreaming of You is my FAVORITE romance of all time!), and appreciated this story a tad bit more after that.

Finally, Ms. Woodiwiss's contribution. It should be telling that I don't even remember the name of this story. I know that many people who discovered romance earlier than me love her work, but I found the prose stilted, and the idea of getting this very childlike bride and experienced groom vaguely disgusting (and I actually like May-December romances, generally). The fact that the hero BOUGHT the heroine, an indentured servant, was a little icky, too. In terms of technical experience, I found the writing very stilted and unnatural (another viewpoint might call it "lush", I will concede). This was a big disappointment to me, b/c obviously Ms. Woodiwiss is a legend in this genre.

All in all -- pretty good as far as anthologies go. Very good incentive to read the first three authors' other works, at least!

I skimmed this book in the store several years ago, and I am glad I did so before buying it. Because the book would have certainly been dropped off at the nearest used book store after reading it.

This book was very different then "Only in Your Arms," which is one of my favorite re-read books.

The story revolves around Justin, Max's twin son from "Only in Your Arms." I could not get into this book. The heroine was not a character I could get myself to like much less respect. She's a complete spineless ninny. And the hero, Justin, just came across like a complete cad by seducing his brother's bride. When he thinks his twin brother is dead, he does not show any grief.

The way Kleypas conveniently had Justin's twin brother in love with another woman in a off the cuff story just seemed too convenient, and it didn't make Justin seducing his sister-in-law to be any better.

I didn't enjoy the plot nor did I like the main characters at all. The only thing of interest in the book was the reappearance of Max and Lysette. I would not recommend this book at all.

I loved this book! I recently have read a few of Lisa's books and now i'm hooked. I thought the characters were entrancing and i loved how it was american mixed with french in it. I loved the story, and would highly reccomend this book. I couldn't put it down.

I did not know how much I enjoyed this book until I read it again!! The story is perfect. The heroine is naive at first and at conflict with her desires. The hero is dark and brooding!! And the sensuality....There were a few times when I thought the book would burst into flames.

While Celia appears to be delicate, timid, and insecure, underneath it all she has a depth of character and strength that is a common thread in Lisa Kleypas' heroines.

Who could not love Justin? The tormented "pirate" who is tortured by his past, struggling with the need to be free, yet needing to be loved.

Usually, sequels are not nearly as good as the first. But, I think "Only With Your Love", picks up where the story of Max and Lysette left off. We get to see Justin and Phillipe as adults, and we get to see how Max and Lysette's love has continued.

I highly recommend this book to anyone. It has romance, sensuality, adventure, depth, and characters who come to life. You will scream at Celia. You will get mad at Justin. But,you will cheer for them both as you watch them grow as individuals and as a couple.

This is my favorite Lisa Kleypas book, aside from "Dreaming of You".

Like many of her other books, Lisa Kleypas has woven a superb story worth the time and the patience of reading the 409 page book.

The back cover of the book reads: "Her lips softened and clung to his, seeking the warmth and taste of him. His tongue feathered against hers, and she shivered with a craving more powerful, more urgent, then hunger or thirst... Exquisitely beautiful Mira Germain was only eighteen when she made her bargain with the wealthy, powerful, elderly Lord Sackville. He would keep and protect her, and she would let him flaunt her as mistress to hide his shameful personal secret. Mira tried to keep her word, even when she met the handsome Alec Falkner, the Duke of Hamilton, as experienced in passion as Mira was innocent. But in her arms, desire was more powerful than any promise or pledge...as she learned to be a woman who would dare everything for love..."

S.

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!

If you have read Only in Your Arms you will love When Strangers Marry. In this refreshing new tale of the two original characters, Lisa Kleypas proves to her readers that she is producing some of her best work ever. It is not just a reprint of the original title Only in Your Arms, but something better. For a more detailed explanation of why Kleypas reprinted a new version of the book read her letter in the editorial reviews. Trust me on this!! I have read all her books and along with many other people, we love When Strangers Marry!! A must read even if you read the first one!!! Thanks Lisa!!

I was dubious when I heard Avon was re-releasing Lisa Kleypas's classic "Only in Your Arms," but the fact that Kleypas was going to rewrite an extensive amount of the book had me intrigued. When I read this newer version I was wonderfully surprised to find it even better than the original! WHEN STRANGERS MARRY reflects the maturity Kleypas's writing has achieved over the years. While the basic plot is still the same, the characters are much more likable and sympathetic and better suited for today's romance reader. This book is a must read, even if you've already read the original! You will not be disappointed.

This was definetly not one of lisa kleypas' best books. Maybe it was that the lead characters were so boring and one-dimensional. We know that Julia Wentworth is a great actress but the book just dosen't tell you alot about her outside of her career. There also really never seemed to be any real feelings between the main characters. They seemed to be sexually attracted to each other at most. Damon Savage was also unreasonable and obsessive. I think it says alot about the story that the secondary character of logan scott(who came off as cold and a jerk)was the one you really wanted julia to end up with. The author should know that you're never supposed to make the secondary male character outshine the hero.

Lisa Kleypas writes a mighty fine romance novel. We readers owe her for our many hours of pure reading bliss.

Again, Ms. Kleypas has penned a perfect romance novel: "Somewhere I'll Find You" is flawless.

I loved the story of the theatre and I was excited to find out about Julia's life and where she came from. Ms. Kleypas creates characters who seem real, yet who are also fascinating. That's a difficult task for a romance writer, but Ms. Kleypas has no problem giving us characters that come alive on the page, yet who also seem like people who could have actually existed.

The book is also very sensual, yet tasteful ... you'll enjoy it.

Don't cheat yourself! Buy this book and you'll read it all in one night!

I read very favorable reviews for Lisa Kleypas' "Stranger In My Arms." Since I couldn't find that book in the bookstore, I picked up "Somewhere I'll Find You" instead. It was my first Kleypas book and remains one of my favorite Kleypas stories.

For anyone who enjoyed meeting Logan Scott in "Somewhere I'll Find You," make sure you read his story in "Because You're Mine," another delightful romance filled with unforgettable and sexy characters.

"Prince of Dreams" is an entire storyline derived from two lesser characters, Prince Nikolas and Emma Stokehurst from "Midnight Angel." If you liked "Midnight Angel" then you will also like "Prince of Dreams." The characters in this story are much more vivid than your usual romance novel characters...even Tasia and Stokehurst from "Midnight Angel" look stiff and artificial compared to Nikolas and Emma. Emma struggles with the fact that she is an untraditional woman and Nikolas struggles with the conflict between his desire to love Emma and his belief that he is incapable of love.

This story makes use of a past life/time travel device that I normally do not enjoy in a romance. However, it is handled well in this story and is an essential plot device for the metamorphosis of Nikolas' character. The past life dream of tragic love of his grandparents serves as the catalyst that allows him to resolve his emotional struggle. "Midnight Angel" tells of Nikolas' arrest and torture. "Prince of Dreams" deals with the resultant emotional scars from both his torture and his torturous childhood. The story follows the inner thoughts, desires and motivation of Nikolas in a way that explains and enlightens his actions from "Midnight Angel" Emma and Nikolas have a much more "modern" relationship than is usual for a romance novel. The author has maintained the character integrity of Emma. She is exactly the woman that you would have expected Emma the child to grow into. You'll read it in one sitting.

"Prince of Dreams" is a wonderful story. I've always been faciniated by stories that involve the idea of reincarnation and past lives. Especially the idea that we have one soul mate that will be with us in other lives, through out all time. This is only the second book I've read that involves this idea. I think it is the most romantic concept ever concieved, and Lisa Kleypas does a wonderful job of turning this concept into an engrosing book. Once I hit the point that began dealing with past lives, I couldn't put the book down until I had finished it. This story is a wonderful addition to any romance collection. It is now an important part of mine.

Prince of Dreams was the first book by Lisa Kleypas that I read, and also the first time travel story as well. Although she freely incorporates fantasy into the plot, it is quite believable. I enjoyed the fact that Emma is portrayed as a strong, independent woman who is also not the stereotypical frail, helpless, perfect-looking heroine. Kleypas is wonderful in describing the opulent lifestyle of the Russian nobility. It is also wonderful to find that Nikolas, the antagonist in Midnight Angel, learns to love again by travelling to the past. The description on the back of the book is rather misleading and doesn't indicate clearly how enjoyable this book is.

I believe this to be Kleypas' best work yet. It is the story of a vibrant young Russian noblewoman, Tasia, who must flee to the manor of a British nobleman, Lord Stokehurst, in the guise of a governess to save herself from a death sentence. Unlike other books that I have read by Lisa Kleypas, this one truly puts her talents to use with a likeable, exotic heroine who is beautiful, smart, strong, and subtly sexy. Stokehurst shows remarkable pomposity, but still retains that dignified manliness that simply can't be resisted. In addition to having wonderfully explored characters with both beauty and faults, Ms. Kleypas ensures the reader a smooth read with her excellent writing, which is not to be taken for granted in the realm of romance novels. Although the plot leans a bit towards the unlikely (even unbelieveable) in the latter part of the book, it is balanced out by the fantastically delicious love scenes that help to make Midnight Angel a glorious trip into the sultry nights (and days) of old England.

I have to agree with the reader from Northern California... I don't understand why so many readers didn't like this one. I thought it was great how Luke protected Tasia. They both needed each other. He needed to get over his first wife and she needed someone to love her. I enjoyed knowing that although he didn't know who she really was, he fell in love with her thinking she was just a governess. Emma, the tall redheaded daughter was delightful. I loved it that she didn't like Luke's mistress the haughty bit--. I'm glad she was put in her place early on. Overall, I think it was a good storyline. I'm glad I decided to judge this book for myself and read it. The reviews for A Stranger In My Arms weren't that good either, but I'm glad I read that one too. Of course, my favorites were Someone to Watch Over Me and Dreaming of You. I don't think I will read Prince of Dreams, the sequel as it is a time travel with reincarnation (at least that is what the reviewers are saying). I'll stick to non-fantasy.

Ms. Kleypas writes so well, it's almost frightening! I'm slowly working my way through all of her books and I will be disappointed when I have read everything that she has written. This particular book, "Midnight Angel", is so stunningly well-conceived, well-written, and well-plotted that you will fly through the pages in no time flat!

The author mixes outrageous situations, lovable characters, a fascinating setting, and a sprinkle of dark magic with a deft and skillful hand. The characters seem so real that you might swear to yourself that you have actually met them when all is said and done! In addition, Ms. Kleypas' dedication to lively and unique historical details is just plain fun.

This book is more than just a page-turner -- it's a remarkable achievement. Don't miss it, or you'll miss out!