The Improper Wife (Warner Forever) [Mass Market Paperback]

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