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Magnolia
Atlanta in 1900 was a bustling place where commerce and high society flourished amid the languid rhythms of the sultry South. Claire Lang loved her life there, but one man’s presence unsettled her very soul. John Hawthorn’s dark eyes and lean, handsome face captivated Claire more than she wanted to admit. And when tragedy struck, Claire found herself desperate enough to marry him—a man who didn’t return her passionate love her. But Claire aroused fierce, unexpected desires in her elusive husband. And once she had tasted his kisses and savored his lovemaking, she dared to fight for him as a sizzling scandal threatened to engulf them and the love she began to believe could be theirs.
312 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 27, 1996
102 people are currently reading
1,184 people want to read
About the author
Diana Palmer
976books3,047followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
September 12, 2020
How very un-DP. The heroine is in love with the hero, but she has no problem calling him on the carpet for his bad and dismissive behavior in loving the married evil OW as well as his cutting remarks to the h. Occasionally he is mean and cold to the heroine. He is DP hero after all, but he’s a DP-lite H and is nothing compared to her mean and hairy contemporary cowboys.
The setting is 1900 Atlanta, and the h is the star of the show. She’s not only enthralled with the newfangled horseless carriage but she’s actually a handy little mechanic when she’s not sewing haute couture fashion for Atlanta socialites.
She’s had a crush on the hero for years, and they end up in a MOC that he regrets right away. The evil OW drapes herself all over the H right before the wedding and makes cow eyes during the ceremony. The h is about a thousand times smarter than the H, and she’s the one that warns him about the gossip his mooning over the OW is causing. It’s not just personal issues the H is a big dummy about, but he gets himself set up as the guilty party in a bank scam that is very implausible. Implausible but fun as it allows the heroine to rush the H to the train depot in her automobile in true Keystone cops fashion.
The heroine is definitely NOT a DP heroine as she takes nothing lying down and lays out how terrible his behavior has been to her then leaves. He slowly wakes up to the fact that his beloved who dumped him to marry an older, rich man is probably not that great. A guilt induced brain transplant and lack of sex wakes the hero up to how much he loves the multi-talented heroine.
Very enjoyable heroine.
On to as Matt, the Sioux Pinkerton detective, was one of the more interesting characters.
The setting is 1900 Atlanta, and the h is the star of the show. She’s not only enthralled with the newfangled horseless carriage but she’s actually a handy little mechanic when she’s not sewing haute couture fashion for Atlanta socialites.
She’s had a crush on the hero for years, and they end up in a MOC that he regrets right away. The evil OW drapes herself all over the H right before the wedding and makes cow eyes during the ceremony. The h is about a thousand times smarter than the H, and she’s the one that warns him about the gossip his mooning over the OW is causing. It’s not just personal issues the H is a big dummy about, but he gets himself set up as the guilty party in a bank scam that is very implausible. Implausible but fun as it allows the heroine to rush the H to the train depot in her automobile in true Keystone cops fashion.
The heroine is definitely NOT a DP heroine as she takes nothing lying down and lays out how terrible his behavior has been to her then leaves. He slowly wakes up to the fact that his beloved who dumped him to marry an older, rich man is probably not that great. A guilt induced brain transplant and lack of sex wakes the hero up to how much he loves the multi-talented heroine.
Very enjoyable heroine.
On to as Matt, the Sioux Pinkerton detective, was one of the more interesting characters.
January 28, 2016
4.5 stars.
Be careful what you wish for.
So yes, I've always wanted an asshole hero who is forced to marry the heroine while he is in love with someone else. In fact, I've dreamed about this trope for months. It came to me in a dream once, this type of marriage. And I loved it, been fantasising for it since, like, forever. Guy in love with someone else is forced by circumstances to marry girl. And even after marriage and sex (with heroine), said fantasy guy is stubborn and blind and still believes himself in love with the OW. (Don't start on me, I know I'm an emotional masochism junkie.) So, why, why on earth did I feel so uneasy and hurt and angry when I got exactly what I want??
To be honest, I loved this book. I loved it so. Damned. Much. So much that I could cry with my love for it.
But then why did I give it a 4.5? Because I didn't like the ending. No no, don't get me wrong, I loved everything about this book,
but yes, I admit it, the ending wasn't as epic as I wanted it to be. (Am I using too many italics?) I think I expected an ending more in line with the rest of the book. I didn't want The Great Arrest to be as easy as it was. I would have liked it better if both Diane and Eli (the antagonists) would have led them a merry chase before the neatly wrapped arrest. Because I don't mind neatly wrapped arrests or endings. I love them. I'm a sweet-and-slow-ansgty-HEA junkie, remember? But I like the angst and pain in the middle. And because the rest of the book was just so good, I wanted the ending to be that way too. The put-the-evil-people-in-jail ending, not the H-and-h-have-a-sob-worthily-HEA ending. Because that ending was perfect.
Before I get into details, I would like to comment on how smooth a writer Diana Palmer is. She executes the scenes so well, the plots are so beautifully carried on. Even the detail to setting was astonishing, especially in regard to the dresses. It's not easy writing a historical. I love her writing. AND I DON'T CARE IF IT'S CHEESY, AND I CARE LESS IT THAT MAKES ME CHEESY AND SHALLOW AS WELL, I LOVE THIS WOMAN.
I wish I could go and meet her. She's such a wonderful person :')
Anyways, I'll start with the heroine first. I loved her. 'Nuf said. She was so sweet and caring and such a...such a... *bursts into tears* I completely understood her bitterness, and I also loved that she wasn't a doormat. Diana Palmer writes heroines that are strong and independent but don't come off as bitches so damned well. There was one part I didn't like, though. Even though Claire knew that John was in love with Diana (evil OW), she still went on with the wedding. To say that I was pissed off at that is an understatement. But meh, minor grievances are okay. It's the big ones that matter.
Anyways, like I said, I loved how she wouldn't give up the car, and loved how she went on sewing and earned money under the name 'Magnolia'. I loved that name.
Now the hero. Like all Diana Palmer heroes, he was a Class A asshole. But like all other DP heroes, he grovels really well too :') The emotions I felt towards him were so intense, so strong, and so very jumbled. I hated him, loved him. Felt sorry for him, felt like throwing him in the sea. Wanted to kiss him, wanted to kick his ass. God.
The *ahem* in the book was amazingly wonderful too. Like I've said before, Diana Palmer gives me everything I want in a book. Literally.
It was amazing, this book. And know what? I'm going to change the rating to a 5 star because I effin' loved it so much.
Diana Palmer, I just want to say that
Be careful what you wish for.
So yes, I've always wanted an asshole hero who is forced to marry the heroine while he is in love with someone else. In fact, I've dreamed about this trope for months. It came to me in a dream once, this type of marriage. And I loved it, been fantasising for it since, like, forever. Guy in love with someone else is forced by circumstances to marry girl. And even after marriage and sex (with heroine), said fantasy guy is stubborn and blind and still believes himself in love with the OW. (Don't start on me, I know I'm an emotional masochism junkie.) So, why, why on earth did I feel so uneasy and hurt and angry when I got exactly what I want??
To be honest, I loved this book. I loved it so. Damned. Much. So much that I could cry with my love for it.
But then why did I give it a 4.5? Because I didn't like the ending. No no, don't get me wrong, I loved everything about this book,
but yes, I admit it, the ending wasn't as epic as I wanted it to be. (Am I using too many italics?) I think I expected an ending more in line with the rest of the book. I didn't want The Great Arrest to be as easy as it was. I would have liked it better if both Diane and Eli (the antagonists) would have led them a merry chase before the neatly wrapped arrest. Because I don't mind neatly wrapped arrests or endings. I love them. I'm a sweet-and-slow-ansgty-HEA junkie, remember? But I like the angst and pain in the middle. And because the rest of the book was just so good, I wanted the ending to be that way too. The put-the-evil-people-in-jail ending, not the H-and-h-have-a-sob-worthily-HEA ending. Because that ending was perfect.
Before I get into details, I would like to comment on how smooth a writer Diana Palmer is. She executes the scenes so well, the plots are so beautifully carried on. Even the detail to setting was astonishing, especially in regard to the dresses. It's not easy writing a historical. I love her writing. AND I DON'T CARE IF IT'S CHEESY, AND I CARE LESS IT THAT MAKES ME CHEESY AND SHALLOW AS WELL, I LOVE THIS WOMAN.
I wish I could go and meet her. She's such a wonderful person :')
Anyways, I'll start with the heroine first. I loved her. 'Nuf said. She was so sweet and caring and such a...such a... *bursts into tears* I completely understood her bitterness, and I also loved that she wasn't a doormat. Diana Palmer writes heroines that are strong and independent but don't come off as bitches so damned well. There was one part I didn't like, though. Even though Claire knew that John was in love with Diana (evil OW), she still went on with the wedding. To say that I was pissed off at that is an understatement. But meh, minor grievances are okay. It's the big ones that matter.
Anyways, like I said, I loved how she wouldn't give up the car, and loved how she went on sewing and earned money under the name 'Magnolia'. I loved that name.
Now the hero. Like all Diana Palmer heroes, he was a Class A asshole. But like all other DP heroes, he grovels really well too :') The emotions I felt towards him were so intense, so strong, and so very jumbled. I hated him, loved him. Felt sorry for him, felt like throwing him in the sea. Wanted to kiss him, wanted to kick his ass. God.
The *ahem* in the book was amazingly wonderful too. Like I've said before, Diana Palmer gives me everything I want in a book. Literally.
It was amazing, this book. And know what? I'm going to change the rating to a 5 star because I effin' loved it so much.
Diana Palmer, I just want to say that
October 16, 2017
“Magnolia� is the story of Claire and John, set in the 1800s.. and WOW.
I’m the biggest Diana Palmer fan, and I’ve read almost everything by her- and loved many.
This has got to be BY FAR one of the best of her works.
A story set in the Wild West, a heroine to die for, a crazy plot and so much angst.
When Claire’s only living relative, her uncle dies unexpectedly, she is forced to marry John, the bank manager to survive. John is in love with his ex Diane even though she’s married, and thus begins this unexpected tale of two unlikely people falling in love.
We have
-A hero in love with OW- who’s a bloody biatch. Yes it’s a plot that can be trigger to many but oh it’s soooo well written- we see John realizing and regretting his “love� for her.. Nyahahhaa
-a fucking strong and kickass feminist heroine- she fought him head to head- called him out on his BS- had self dignity- was honest and hardworking- and didn’t give into pressure. I FUCKING adored her
-so much hot and hairy lovemaking.. like dayum by DP standards
-Crazy ass evil villains.. and drama!
-ANGST!! So many tears to shed. I basically cried throughout the book and loved it.
-Groveling and Regrets
-Amazing secondary characters
-Kickass purple cover
Not Safe by Definition
5/5
I’m the biggest Diana Palmer fan, and I’ve read almost everything by her- and loved many.
This has got to be BY FAR one of the best of her works.
A story set in the Wild West, a heroine to die for, a crazy plot and so much angst.
When Claire’s only living relative, her uncle dies unexpectedly, she is forced to marry John, the bank manager to survive. John is in love with his ex Diane even though she’s married, and thus begins this unexpected tale of two unlikely people falling in love.
We have
-A hero in love with OW- who’s a bloody biatch. Yes it’s a plot that can be trigger to many but oh it’s soooo well written- we see John realizing and regretting his “love� for her.. Nyahahhaa
-a fucking strong and kickass feminist heroine- she fought him head to head- called him out on his BS- had self dignity- was honest and hardworking- and didn’t give into pressure. I FUCKING adored her
-so much hot and hairy lovemaking.. like dayum by DP standards
-Crazy ass evil villains.. and drama!
-ANGST!! So many tears to shed. I basically cried throughout the book and loved it.
-Groveling and Regrets
-Amazing secondary characters
-Kickass purple cover
Not Safe by Definition
5/5
June 22, 2021
This is one of those books that I started too late at night, and stayed up until 2 am to finish. I'm just going to add a few thoughts.
Claire the h was amazing. She was strong, stubborn, and blunt but at the same time kind, sweet, and vulnerable. John was such a stupid, dense idiot that I wondered if he got his college degree off the back of a cereal box. He kept feeling guilty that he was developing feelings for Claire, his wife, when he was supposed to be in love with the OW Diane. He stubbornly held to those feelings, never seeing the OW for who she was, and never seeing his wife for who she was.
This book was very DP with angst, a jerk hero who treats the h badly and the OW better. I do wish his change of heart had been less sudden but he groveled well. The heroine saved the story because she was so blunt in her honesty and when she realized it was time, she told him off and then left. I loved it!
Safety
Claire the h was amazing. She was strong, stubborn, and blunt but at the same time kind, sweet, and vulnerable. John was such a stupid, dense idiot that I wondered if he got his college degree off the back of a cereal box. He kept feeling guilty that he was developing feelings for Claire, his wife, when he was supposed to be in love with the OW Diane. He stubbornly held to those feelings, never seeing the OW for who she was, and never seeing his wife for who she was.
This book was very DP with angst, a jerk hero who treats the h badly and the OW better. I do wish his change of heart had been less sudden but he groveled well. The heroine saved the story because she was so blunt in her honesty and when she realized it was time, she told him off and then left. I loved it!
Safety
December 29, 2022
3.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise. The different time setting. The h.
The Not-So-Good: While I appreciated that the h was not what I consider a doormat, I really wanted her to make the H explain himself better at times and grovel when he was a jerk!
The Bad: The lack of grovel. While I tend to enjoy the angst of the unrequited love story, I really need the grovel to balance it all out! I feel like this was too focused on other drama in the story to kind of bypass any good grovel that I think was greatly needed!
Overall: This was an enjoyable read with some unrequited love, which is my catnip when I want a good cry. Sadly, it didn't quite make me as emotional as I had hoped, but I still enjoyed it! If anyone has unrequited love type stories to recommend-- please send them my way!!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Claire and John's story. Claire finds herself alone and without a home after her beloved uncle dies. Her uncle's friend and man she's been secretly in love with, John, sees an opportunity to help shield his true love but ex-fiancé from gossip of an affair among them because she is married to his boss -- and proposes a marriage of convenience with Claire. Claire accepts because she has no other options, but she knows going in that he doesn't love her and he is still in love with his ex, who is very much in their lives. There are some secrets revealed, some scandals, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Claire and John in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove:No, but the h is already in love with the H when the story begins
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. John. He was alright. I wanted him to just freakin' communicate! He was also a pretty big jerk at times and I don't think he nearly made it up in the end.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Claire. I liked how independent and smart she was while also holding her pride in a situation that would've been easy to become a doormat, but I don't think she ever crossed that line for me.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. As a sucker for unrequited love stories, this made me shed a few tears.
Push/Pull:Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes, IMO
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in an alright place but I wanted much more closure for the couple and to experience them as a healthy couple on page. I would call this a HEA ending
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise. The different time setting. The h.
The Not-So-Good: While I appreciated that the h was not what I consider a doormat, I really wanted her to make the H explain himself better at times and grovel when he was a jerk!
The Bad: The lack of grovel. While I tend to enjoy the angst of the unrequited love story, I really need the grovel to balance it all out! I feel like this was too focused on other drama in the story to kind of bypass any good grovel that I think was greatly needed!
Overall: This was an enjoyable read with some unrequited love, which is my catnip when I want a good cry. Sadly, it didn't quite make me as emotional as I had hoped, but I still enjoyed it! If anyone has unrequited love type stories to recommend-- please send them my way!!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Claire and John's story. Claire finds herself alone and without a home after her beloved uncle dies. Her uncle's friend and man she's been secretly in love with, John, sees an opportunity to help shield his true love but ex-fiancé from gossip of an affair among them because she is married to his boss -- and proposes a marriage of convenience with Claire. Claire accepts because she has no other options, but she knows going in that he doesn't love her and he is still in love with his ex, who is very much in their lives. There are some secrets revealed, some scandals, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Claire and John in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove:No, but the h is already in love with the H when the story begins
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. John. He was alright. I wanted him to just freakin' communicate! He was also a pretty big jerk at times and I don't think he nearly made it up in the end.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Claire. I liked how independent and smart she was while also holding her pride in a situation that would've been easy to become a doormat, but I don't think she ever crossed that line for me.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. As a sucker for unrequited love stories, this made me shed a few tears.
Push/Pull:Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes, IMO
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in an alright place but I wanted much more closure for the couple and to experience them as a healthy couple on page. I would call this a HEA ending
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
December 22, 2016
I had high hopes for my first Diana Palmer because I have heard a lot of good things about her books. But she mostly writes contemporary romances and I almost never read anything contemporary. But I wanted to give her a try and this is one of her few historicals. So I started with my heart in the throat, hoping that I'd hit the jackpot.
For most of the book I was feeling kind of blah about it. But it isn't poorly written so I didn't mind reading on. I thought John's obsession over another woman very very distasteful and all the exclamation marks in the book didn't help either John or Claire. For 70% of the book I thought ok this is 3 stars, at least I don't hate it and I do want to see their happily ever after. But the last 30% became a wild goose chase of the real culprit behind the embezzlement, which left John and Claire very little time to overcome their relationship woes, and they had nothing but woes.
I quickly adjusted my rating to 2 because I couldn't be convinced that they really had a thing going. Claire's fascination with John seemed immature and John's obsession over his ex-fiancé was nothing but annoying. They had almost zero tender moments, I don't know how I am supposed to believe that John had finally fallen in love with Claire. When? When John was in love with another woman? The relationship was just not developed. All they had was Claire's ungrounded love for John which came out of nowhere in the book and her hurt pride. All John did was mooning over another woman and acting jealous when Claire was receiving attention from other men, which did not make sense. We were just told that he loves Diane, repeatedly, why would he feel jealous? Saying it doesn't make it so. A writer has to convince me of her claim with character building, plot planing and relationship development.
I may give Palmer another try. But this was one disappointing read for me. Because Ms Palmer is such a prolific writer, I was really surprised to see how "immature" this story seems. People did and said things. But most of the time I just wasn't convinced. I hope this was not the norm for her books. If my second try turns out to be the same, I probably won't read Palmer again. Fingers crossed.
For most of the book I was feeling kind of blah about it. But it isn't poorly written so I didn't mind reading on. I thought John's obsession over another woman very very distasteful and all the exclamation marks in the book didn't help either John or Claire. For 70% of the book I thought ok this is 3 stars, at least I don't hate it and I do want to see their happily ever after. But the last 30% became a wild goose chase of the real culprit behind the embezzlement, which left John and Claire very little time to overcome their relationship woes, and they had nothing but woes.
I quickly adjusted my rating to 2 because I couldn't be convinced that they really had a thing going. Claire's fascination with John seemed immature and John's obsession over his ex-fiancé was nothing but annoying. They had almost zero tender moments, I don't know how I am supposed to believe that John had finally fallen in love with Claire. When? When John was in love with another woman? The relationship was just not developed. All they had was Claire's ungrounded love for John which came out of nowhere in the book and her hurt pride. All John did was mooning over another woman and acting jealous when Claire was receiving attention from other men, which did not make sense. We were just told that he loves Diane, repeatedly, why would he feel jealous? Saying it doesn't make it so. A writer has to convince me of her claim with character building, plot planing and relationship development.
I may give Palmer another try. But this was one disappointing read for me. Because Ms Palmer is such a prolific writer, I was really surprised to see how "immature" this story seems. People did and said things. But most of the time I just wasn't convinced. I hope this was not the norm for her books. If my second try turns out to be the same, I probably won't read Palmer again. Fingers crossed.
March 10, 2024
Reread 3/10/2024- I still think this is one of her best books. I love it, I just wish DP did a better job with OW comeuppance. This is my 5th reread, so I'm rounding up to 5 �'s cuz I keep coming back. The only negative is that I recently noticed many of her books bumped up in price and they're really expensive now. This one is available on Everand (formerly known as Scribd) if you have it.
***Original Review***
4-4.5 Stars
The story of Claire and John is set in 1900’s Georgia. It’s classic DP, a broody older H with a virginal h secretly pining for him. Throw in that he’s still hung up on his gold-digging ex and a MOC and, you’ve the plot.
Claire is living with her uncle when he dies suddenly. She soon finds herself homeless with no way to support herself. John is also in a messy situation. He came home from war to find his beloved fiancée married to his boss, and after sharing some longing looks and an unsupervised dinner� people are talking. Realizing a MOC would solve both their problems, the two are quickly married.
In a move straight out of the skank from ’s playbook, Diane pulls John aside at the wedding to confess her undying love and beg him to wait for her. This ruins all plans of making the best of their marriage and turns John into a giant, resentful jerkface.
John is an ass. He ignores Claire, caters to Diane, and is insensitive to the fact that he knows Claire loves him. Claire doesn’t take his crap. She goes about her life and tells him off any chance she gets. I liked Claire� a lot.
I was REALLY loving this, but then just when things are getting good� the plot is hijacked by a stupid bank robber sideplot!! Literally, at 75%, the focus completely switches to a mystery, which eats up our grovel page time.
Bottom Line- I enjoyed it, but it could’ve been a 5-star read had the bank mystery been replaced with John groveling and Diane receiving comeuppance� or even being humiliated publicly.
***Original Review***
4-4.5 Stars
The story of Claire and John is set in 1900’s Georgia. It’s classic DP, a broody older H with a virginal h secretly pining for him. Throw in that he’s still hung up on his gold-digging ex and a MOC and, you’ve the plot.
Claire is living with her uncle when he dies suddenly. She soon finds herself homeless with no way to support herself. John is also in a messy situation. He came home from war to find his beloved fiancée married to his boss, and after sharing some longing looks and an unsupervised dinner� people are talking. Realizing a MOC would solve both their problems, the two are quickly married.
In a move straight out of the skank from ’s playbook, Diane pulls John aside at the wedding to confess her undying love and beg him to wait for her. This ruins all plans of making the best of their marriage and turns John into a giant, resentful jerkface.
John is an ass. He ignores Claire, caters to Diane, and is insensitive to the fact that he knows Claire loves him. Claire doesn’t take his crap. She goes about her life and tells him off any chance she gets. I liked Claire� a lot.
I was REALLY loving this, but then just when things are getting good� the plot is hijacked by a stupid bank robber sideplot!! Literally, at 75%, the focus completely switches to a mystery, which eats up our grovel page time.
Bottom Line- I enjoyed it, but it could’ve been a 5-star read had the bank mystery been replaced with John groveling and Diane receiving comeuppance� or even being humiliated publicly.
January 30, 2024
Read: 1/27/24
4 stars and an extra star for surprising me!
Atlanta in 1900
Claire's world is destroyed when her uncle dies and she is left without an income. Her uncle's friend steps in and offers marriage. Claire has loved John for years but knows he will never love her. John is still madly in love with his ex fiancée even though she left him while he was at war for a richer man. Claire refuses, but 4 weeks later, she reluctantly relents. On his wedding day, his ex begs him not to marry Claire. She confesses that she still loves him and made a mistake marrying someone else (harpy!!). It's too late, and John marries Claire but refuses to consummate the marriage because he would be betraying the woman he loves. 🙄
This story has all the elements I detest in a hr! So why did I love it? Claire! She was fantastic! Claire loved John, but she was not some wilting flower waiting for him. She had pride! Claire fixes and drives a motorcar. She secretly designs her own contour gowns that are all the rage . She even has friends in higher society than John's ex does. She will not be treated as less. I just loved her!
Now, John wasn't a bad guy. He was a war hero and a successful banker. I think he has feelings for Claire from the beginning but was blinded by his first love. He never sets out to hurt Claire, nor does he ever physically cheat. I can't believe I'm defending him! I feel dirty.
Later, a crime is committed, and John is blamed for it. He needs Claire more than ever, but is it too late? Has he already lost the woman he truly loves?
Conclusion:
I enjoyed the romance between these two two characters. I also love how Claire refuses to be second best. It is either all or nothing.
Bravo to DP's writing! I still can't believe I was able to enjoy this story so much. I'll definitely be trying more of her books
4 stars and an extra star for surprising me!
Atlanta in 1900
Claire's world is destroyed when her uncle dies and she is left without an income. Her uncle's friend steps in and offers marriage. Claire has loved John for years but knows he will never love her. John is still madly in love with his ex fiancée even though she left him while he was at war for a richer man. Claire refuses, but 4 weeks later, she reluctantly relents. On his wedding day, his ex begs him not to marry Claire. She confesses that she still loves him and made a mistake marrying someone else (harpy!!). It's too late, and John marries Claire but refuses to consummate the marriage because he would be betraying the woman he loves. 🙄
This story has all the elements I detest in a hr! So why did I love it? Claire! She was fantastic! Claire loved John, but she was not some wilting flower waiting for him. She had pride! Claire fixes and drives a motorcar. She secretly designs her own contour gowns that are all the rage . She even has friends in higher society than John's ex does. She will not be treated as less. I just loved her!
Now, John wasn't a bad guy. He was a war hero and a successful banker. I think he has feelings for Claire from the beginning but was blinded by his first love. He never sets out to hurt Claire, nor does he ever physically cheat. I can't believe I'm defending him! I feel dirty.
Later, a crime is committed, and John is blamed for it. He needs Claire more than ever, but is it too late? Has he already lost the woman he truly loves?
Conclusion:
I enjoyed the romance between these two two characters. I also love how Claire refuses to be second best. It is either all or nothing.
Bravo to DP's writing! I still can't believe I was able to enjoy this story so much. I'll definitely be trying more of her books
August 13, 2013
This historical fiction book was my first in ages. John and Claire were a great couple. I love marriage of convenience stories and this one had it all! Sweetheart heroine, jealous hero, evil OW and even a few sensual love scenes.
There was no cheating, only a blind in denial hero who had idolized OW. Still he was extremely sexy, honorable and I thought heroine was unreasonably mean to him sometimes (after their lovemaking) but I guess I could see where her bitterness came from. Unrequited love is never easy.
Diana Palmer is such a good author! She sure knows how to write wonderful love stories with a heart.
There was no cheating, only a blind in denial hero who had idolized OW. Still he was extremely sexy, honorable and I thought heroine was unreasonably mean to him sometimes (after their lovemaking) but I guess I could see where her bitterness came from. Unrequited love is never easy.
Diana Palmer is such a good author! She sure knows how to write wonderful love stories with a heart.
November 7, 2018
I loved to hate the jerk hero and adored the feisty loving but silly heroine. Just like her other heroes and heroines the MC’s were quite talented and good hearted (the H was just for other people of course, to h, he was cruel. And even if there was no cheating, he kept thinking about OW after had sex with h. That’s why I hated him, he was very much dumb for a Harvard graduate.
“He understood. He was as helpless in his passion for Diane as Claire was in her need of him. In that one way, they were very much alike. It hurt him in an odd, new way, to see her suffer for his touch. He felt her need and ached to fill it.
WTF!
“Claire went right up to the old man’s bedside, staring down into his drawn, pale face. “I am married to your son John.�
His dark eyes narrowed. “Why are you here?� he asked bluntly.
Claire’s chin jutted. “Because he doesn’t appreciate his good fortune in having had the sense to marry me!� she replied pertly.
Go girl!
“He understood. He was as helpless in his passion for Diane as Claire was in her need of him. In that one way, they were very much alike. It hurt him in an odd, new way, to see her suffer for his touch. He felt her need and ached to fill it.
WTF!
“Claire went right up to the old man’s bedside, staring down into his drawn, pale face. “I am married to your son John.�
His dark eyes narrowed. “Why are you here?� he asked bluntly.
Claire’s chin jutted. “Because he doesn’t appreciate his good fortune in having had the sense to marry me!� she replied pertly.
Go girl!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2021
After my 15 birthday I’ve never understood how someone can be in love with a person who is not in love with him/her. Moreover if he is in love with someone else. This remains impossible to understand for me. Whatever. The book is too good and I am really surprised it’s DP because she usually writes contemporary. This historical was really very well done. Beautiful, accurate, detailed. I loved the heroine that is also not typical DP heroine, she’s smart, she stands for herself, she is brave and clever. I give four stars to the heroine and to the perfectly written story. The male character is pitiful, a stupid stupid stupid ( am I clear???) Man who cannot see that the woman he loves is a conniving worthless b***h, that left him for a richer guy, that is evil and envious. He couldn’t see how his wife was a million times better on every way. Yes, he falls in love with her eventually but my, how I wished him dead! Dear Claire deserved so much more! I cannot stand stupidity and cheating and he had it all, at least emotional cheating. I can’t call him a hero because I think a hero should be smart and intelligent and strong and able to read the real character of people while he was unable to do so. Anyway I enjoyed this book more than I thought, even if it has NOT a hero in it, only a weak pathetic creature. At least he was not cruel or a jerk. Only a basket case.
June 28, 2021
Come for typical Diana Palmer, stay for the awesome h.
For you safety folks, know going into it that it's an MOC entered into because the h is in dire financial straits and the H is trying not to have an affair with the OW, who is married to his business partner, and who originally dumped the H because he wouldn't reconcile with his estranged wealthy family. There is emotional cheating galore, and the H says some mean things because he is a Palmer H from around the turn of the 20th century.
However, the h is just so amazing, and the H's turnaround is so very pleasing, that it's well worth reading. I don't want to spoil it so I'm not going to provide details about why she is possibly the best Palmer heroine ever because she leaves all those helpless modern Palmer heroines in the dust in terms of self-esteem, determination, and general awesomeness.
For you safety folks, know going into it that it's an MOC entered into because the h is in dire financial straits and the H is trying not to have an affair with the OW, who is married to his business partner, and who originally dumped the H because he wouldn't reconcile with his estranged wealthy family. There is emotional cheating galore, and the H says some mean things because he is a Palmer H from around the turn of the 20th century.
However, the h is just so amazing, and the H's turnaround is so very pleasing, that it's well worth reading. I don't want to spoil it so I'm not going to provide details about why she is possibly the best Palmer heroine ever because she leaves all those helpless modern Palmer heroines in the dust in terms of self-esteem, determination, and general awesomeness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2020
This book is one of my favorite reads. The angst and the characters were wonderful. I loved to hate the H, and the h was just perfect in every way. It was such a satisfying read. It has everything I needed. I also loved the setting--Atlanta in 1900. I'll leave the more detailed reviews to others, but do yourself a favor and read this book!
July 27, 2022
3.5 - 4 Stars
Unrequited Love--He doesn't want her!
Marriage of Convenience
That was enjoyable<3 Though it did take me a few chapters to get invested and also get used to the writing, but once I got past that, I was hooked. The story was my jam! And the writing really grew on me. This was also another public library freebie! It wasn't available in Kindle format so I had to read it on the Libby app. I usually pass on any book I can't read on my Kindle Paperwhite, but I made an exception here. First time ever.
The likes:
✔️ Claire and John had great chemistry. Individually, they were meh, but together they were explosive...especially in bed. Which brings me to the next like:
✔️ Well-written sexy times. These weren't overly explicit but they were passionate, nonetheless. I swear I heard angels sing overhead. Definitely made the senses reel.
"You are the sweetest taste of heaven I have ever had," he whispered as his touch grew bolder. "The sweetest honey on earth. I could die trying to get enough of you. I want you more than I want to breathe, little one." *SWOON*
✔️ Claire wasn't a doormat. She's going on my 'kickass heroine' shelf. The unrequited love theme in this book was perfect and one reason is that Claire wasn't a pushover. She stood up for herself every single time--no fucks given on her part. She was awesome in that regard! She had always loved and cared for John but that didn't mean she was going to let him walk all over her. Never!
"Don't you puff up at me like a rooster with ruffled feathers," she shot back. "I'll do what I please. I'm not your slave...or your property."
✔️ John wasn't a complete asshole. Yes, he was in love with someone else for a while, but he wasn't a liar or a cheater. He was always honest with Claire and had a lot of affection for her. And pretty early on in their marriage (of convenience), it was clear he was smitten with her. The man was head over heels. Though it took him a while to understand his feelings, he came through at the end without me hating him.
✔️ Entertaining other woman drama.
✔️ Lovely HEA
The dislikes:
✖️ Terribly wordy (like my reviews).
✖️ The writing lacked some depth, but it was still good.
✖️ The story didn't immediately hook me. Neither did the characters.
✖️ No epilogue. But I didn't feel I needed it here because the HEA was convincing enough. I was content.
Unrequited Love--He doesn't want her!
Marriage of Convenience
That was enjoyable<3 Though it did take me a few chapters to get invested and also get used to the writing, but once I got past that, I was hooked. The story was my jam! And the writing really grew on me. This was also another public library freebie! It wasn't available in Kindle format so I had to read it on the Libby app. I usually pass on any book I can't read on my Kindle Paperwhite, but I made an exception here. First time ever.
The likes:
✔️ Claire and John had great chemistry. Individually, they were meh, but together they were explosive...especially in bed. Which brings me to the next like:
✔️ Well-written sexy times. These weren't overly explicit but they were passionate, nonetheless. I swear I heard angels sing overhead. Definitely made the senses reel.
"You are the sweetest taste of heaven I have ever had," he whispered as his touch grew bolder. "The sweetest honey on earth. I could die trying to get enough of you. I want you more than I want to breathe, little one." *SWOON*
✔️ Claire wasn't a doormat. She's going on my 'kickass heroine' shelf. The unrequited love theme in this book was perfect and one reason is that Claire wasn't a pushover. She stood up for herself every single time--no fucks given on her part. She was awesome in that regard! She had always loved and cared for John but that didn't mean she was going to let him walk all over her. Never!
"Don't you puff up at me like a rooster with ruffled feathers," she shot back. "I'll do what I please. I'm not your slave...or your property."
✔️ John wasn't a complete asshole. Yes, he was in love with someone else for a while, but he wasn't a liar or a cheater. He was always honest with Claire and had a lot of affection for her. And pretty early on in their marriage (of convenience), it was clear he was smitten with her. The man was head over heels. Though it took him a while to understand his feelings, he came through at the end without me hating him.
✔️ Entertaining other woman drama.
✔️ Lovely HEA
The dislikes:
✖️ Terribly wordy (like my reviews).
✖️ The writing lacked some depth, but it was still good.
✖️ The story didn't immediately hook me. Neither did the characters.
✖️ No epilogue. But I didn't feel I needed it here because the HEA was convincing enough. I was content.
October 2, 2008
I expected this book to be pretty much typical Diana Palmer, and it was in most ways, but at the same time, it wasn't quite a forumalaic as most of her books.
The story focuses on Claire and John. Claire's uncle had done business with John, who was a banker, and she'd known him for quite a while. Eventually she fell in love with him, but he was completely hooked on another woman who left him and married someone else. When Claire's only family, her uncle, dies, leaving her with nothing and noone, she John proposes. He likes her a lot and doesn't want to see her suffer...plus marrying will help squelch the rumors that he is secretly seeing his married ex-fiancee. Claire hopes that over time, John will grow to love her. But John's emotions are in turmoil. He loves Diane...at least he thought he did, but his feelings for Claire...well, the whole thing confuses the hell out of him. And to make matters worse, he's suddenly been accused of embezzling money from the bank just when he realizes how much he needs and loves Claire.
The story is still pretty classic DP, and you can still find her trademarks. They're just not as severely portrayed. Claire is a young virgin, but she's rather plucky and interesting and adventurous compared most DP heroines. And John isn't quite the battered embittered hero you usually find in her books. There's emotional turmoil between the two, and John isn't always nice to Claire, but unlike in some other DP books, I could actually understand and mostly condone the way he was.
So it was a nice surprise to read a DP book that didn't quite fall in line with her others. It was an interesting story, too. I don't think I've read a romance book set in the early 1900's before and I loved the use of the "newfangled" motorcar. The romance was pretty solid as well.
All in all, I rather enjoyed this book.
The story focuses on Claire and John. Claire's uncle had done business with John, who was a banker, and she'd known him for quite a while. Eventually she fell in love with him, but he was completely hooked on another woman who left him and married someone else. When Claire's only family, her uncle, dies, leaving her with nothing and noone, she John proposes. He likes her a lot and doesn't want to see her suffer...plus marrying will help squelch the rumors that he is secretly seeing his married ex-fiancee. Claire hopes that over time, John will grow to love her. But John's emotions are in turmoil. He loves Diane...at least he thought he did, but his feelings for Claire...well, the whole thing confuses the hell out of him. And to make matters worse, he's suddenly been accused of embezzling money from the bank just when he realizes how much he needs and loves Claire.
The story is still pretty classic DP, and you can still find her trademarks. They're just not as severely portrayed. Claire is a young virgin, but she's rather plucky and interesting and adventurous compared most DP heroines. And John isn't quite the battered embittered hero you usually find in her books. There's emotional turmoil between the two, and John isn't always nice to Claire, but unlike in some other DP books, I could actually understand and mostly condone the way he was.
So it was a nice surprise to read a DP book that didn't quite fall in line with her others. It was an interesting story, too. I don't think I've read a romance book set in the early 1900's before and I loved the use of the "newfangled" motorcar. The romance was pretty solid as well.
All in all, I rather enjoyed this book.
July 15, 2021
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Liked it!
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But gossip had run rampant lately about the elusive John Hawthorn and the beautiful Diane, the new young wife of the bank’s middle-aged president.
Mrs. Diane Calverson was petite, blonde, and blue-eyed, with a complexion like cream.
Two years before, they had been engaged.
If only he’d notice her. If only�!
“You don’t consider a candlelight supper, alone with a married woman, scandalous?�
He’d been careless in his obsessive desire to be alone again—just once—with Diane. Her marriage to Calverson had been an act of vengeance—when
Losing Diane had changed John, had made him cold. Now her marriage of less than two years seemed to be in trouble. She’d beseeched John to come to her sister’s house for a meal so that she could ask him for help.
If it hadn’t been for Diane, he could well have cherished this child.
Everyone else in Atlanta knew that Diane had expensive tastes—and that her family’s ruined fortunes had left her, at the age of twenty-two, with no tangible assets save her beauty.
“Everyone knows he’s panting after the bank president’s wife. You’d think the man would have more pride.�
Her uncle never regained consciousness.
“My uncle had just died, Mrs. Calverson. Clothes were not much on my mind,� Claire said. Diane shook her head. “Nothing is more important to me than to be correctly dressed, whatever the occasion. Really, Claire. You should go and change before other people come.�
But his comfort seemed reserved for Diane. One more thing to add to her burdened spirit.
He couldn’t afford to let one blemish attach itself to Diane’s good name. His eyes narrowed. Claire wasn’t at all bad to look at.
“You get the husband of your dreams,� he said, smiling at her blush, “and I get a respite from gossip that could ruin Diane’s good name.�
He’d lost everything he loved, even Diane, and Claire’s gentle presence had meant so much. He’d never even told her that.
She glared at him. “I said no before and I’ll say it again. You only want me to be a blind, a camouflage, so you can carry on with your married woman!�
“Let’s have it out in the open, then. Yes, I love Diane,� he said, taking his hands out of his pockets and moving a step closer. “Some part of me will always love her. But she’s married and I can’t have her honorably.
“I don’t want to be her stand-in, you see,� she mumbled, under her breath.
She didn’t give that another thought, for the moment. Oddly, it never occurred to her just who the necessary people would be…until it was too late.
In fact, John was trying not to see Diane, so beautiful in her glorious white-and-black-patterned dress, so elegant.
John, you mustn’t go through with this. I’ll promise anything, anything…if you’ll walk out of the church. Anything, my darling,� she whispered boldly.
“How?� he demanded through his teeth, tormented by the anguish on her lovely face. She loved him. She still loved him! And he was about to be married!
“I know.� He groaned, holding her hands tight. His black eyes adored her. “I love you more than my life!�
John was distraught. Diane hadn’t said a word to him in weeks. Now, at his wedding, she was declaring her love, begging him to forgo this marriage, promising a future for them, insinuating…what?
Diane…his love, his life! He was losing her forever, because of his need to stem foul gossip about her and his pity for Claire.
She looked so pure, so untouched, so innocent. So much in love, he thought bitterly. And suddenly, the thought of hurting her was insupportable.
He was disgusted with himself. Pity was no excuse for marriage. His heart was forever Diane’s, now more than ever.
John had looked angry, unhappy. She glimpsed Diane through her veil and saw the woman looking straight at John with a curious, drawn expression. She still wanted him, it seemed. And a split second later, she saw John’s head turn helplessly toward Diane, saw his tormented gaze rest on the other woman.
Only Diane didn’t cheer them on. John glanced at her miserable face once and felt his heart go cold. He looked away.
“It was an act that we can both spend our lives regretting!�
Alone in the dark later, Claire gave way to tears. She’d had such great expectations about her marriage, only to find that her husband was full of regrets and bitterness.
“Some measure of decorum is called for. Your social status is higher now than it was when you lived with your uncle. You will have to conform, just a little.�
He wouldn’t have been overbearing like this with Diane. If she’d wanted to ride naked down the streets of Atlanta in a motorcar, he’d probably have said nothing about it. But then, he loved Diane.
“My sacrifices, of course,� she said, nodding curtly. “You’ll go on as before, working fifteen-hour days and mooning over Diane.�
“You’re living in the city now, not feeding your chickens and washing clothes like a countrywoman.�
Claire was spirited, all right. It was a pity his heart was Diane’s, because in many ways, Claire was his match.
Her response, her reaction, made him dizzy. Diane was so experienced that his touch only made her purr like a kitten.
But what disturbed him most was that he should feel such a powerful hunger for anyone other than Diane.
Part of her understood his attitude. He loved Diane. Perhaps in some queer way it made him feel that he had been unfaithful to Diane when he had kissed Claire, even though Claire was his wife.
But once they were in their apartment, John suddenly grew remote. He realized he’d forgotten Diane altogether for the afternoon, and wondered how he could have done such a thing.
Claire knew that she might look passable in a nice gown, but she was no match for the elegant and beautiful Diane.
“Certainly we will, my dear,� John said. His tone of voice was different when he spoke to Diane. His eyes as he looked at her were suddenly hungry and hot and full of pain. He tensed, because he hadn’t expected the feeling to rise in him so powerfully.
He averted his face. “Diane is none of your affair.� “I know that,� she said. “I won’t interfere, so long as you remember you’re a married man.�
“How lovely you look,� John told Diane, approving of the scarlet gown she wore. It was almost too tight, and made her voluptuous figure look frankly vulgar.
His heart jumped. Her mouth was soft and sweet, and he wanted it terribly. Abstinence had made him ill just lately, and he was hungry for a woman in his arms.
“How odd,� Ted said deliberately. “I’d have said that you’d like to spend time with Mrs. Calverson. Of course, I’m an outsider here, so what would I know?�
He hadn’t thought that he and Diane had been conspicuous. In fact, tonight he’d felt less drawn to Diane than at any time in the past. He looked around and encountered several pairs of feminine eyes with blatant disapproval in them. He felt vaguely ashamed that he’d embarrassed Claire so publicly.
No man sports with my wife in front of me!� She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. “But it’s all right for you to sport with Mr. Calverson’s wife in front of me, is that right?�
“John,� she whispered through tight lips, clinging. “John, you mustn’t…take me to bed,� she pleaded unsteadily. “I’m not Diane! I’m not! Don’t take advantage of something…I can’t help!�
Shocked, embarrassed, she sat up, hugging the sheet to her nakedness. John wasn’t there. There was no sign of him, no sound of him, in their apartments.
Yes, there was a bruise on one breast, and several on her upper thighs where his hands had gripped her so tightly when she’d satisfied him the second time. She half turned, and saw more faint bruises on her buttocks. Her eyes were no longer those of an innocent.
John had admitted that he loved Diane. How could she have permitted him to make love to her?
Idly he wondered what Diane would have thought of his lapse.
“With all my heart,� Claire said miserably, “for all the good it’s done me. He’d walk over my dying body to get to the beautiful Mrs. Calverson. I have no illusions whatsoever about his feelings for me; he has none.�
She gathered the plates, stacked them, and carried them down the hall to the kitchen—arriving just in time to see Diane in John’s arms, with her lips pulling away from his.
“I don’t have to ask you to leave, do I, Mrs. Calverson?� Claire asked pleasantly. “I’m sure you realize that all I have to do is go back into the parlor and tell your husband what you’ve been doing with my husband in my home.�
“If you ever bring that slut into my home again, I’ll tell your fancy bank president the truth about the two of you, and to the devil with gossip!� “Claire!� he said sharply.
Seeing Diane in his arms had shattered her last hope of any sort of life with him. She wouldn’t be set aside for his mistress. She had too much pride.
He’d used her, she thought furiously. He’d used her like a woman of the night—and she’d not only let him, she’d wrapped herself around him like a snake and whimpered with pleasure. She’d whispered things to him that she couldn’t bear to remember.
“I hope you enjoyed yourself,� she said icily. “Did you have fun pretending that I was Diane?�
“Of course I can. I’ve seen Diane without her clothes. You aren’t that naive, surely?� The color drained out of her face. “You’ve…made love?� “We were engaged,�
And eventually, I may even be able to stop pretending that you’re Diane, in the dark,� he added, hating himself as he said it.
“You invited Diane to my home—and let her make the cattiest sort of remarks to and about me,� she replied belligerently. “During our entire marriage, you’ve treated her like your sweetheart and me like an interloper.
She would never forget that it had been Diane who’d rushed to John’s side when he’d been hurt at the fire, Diane whose comfort he’d craved. Well, he could have his precious Diane.
November 3, 2018
I can't believe I am rating a Diana Palmer so high but she does have some good one's! And this one was a winner for how awesome the heroine was. She had gumption and backbone and traded barbs with the hero and his OW too! She didn't take anything lying down and excelled at everything, socialising, sewing, etc. Hero married her to save his precious OW reputation and just when he thought he would be happy with the heroine in his bed, she had had enough and walks away. Bravo! She had so much self-respect which I appreciated. All in all it was great seeing the stupid hero's blinders come off when it came to the OW.
April 24, 2011
This book started off really good but couldn’t keep the pace. It was interesting to see the love triangle byplay, but it also put the hero in a bad light because he looked like an idiot for being in love with the un-worthy other woman for most of the book. She seriously made him look like a fool. I see that some of my friends have this book on their cheating and rake shelves, but there were no cheating in this book and the hero was definitely not portrayed as a rake. The kiss that took place between him and the other woman was forced upon him by her. He was just an honorable man that was still in love with his ex, but in no way was he a rake or cheated. I guess if you count emotional cheating as infidelity, then yes he was guilty of that. It was my first DP and an ok read for me.
October 11, 2020
These oldies have a certain magic that just make the heroes swoon worthy and the heroines sweet and compassionate but so so strong.
I loved this, the heroine, Claire, was so strong, she held up against the hero, John, so well and she wasn’t the typical heroine that falls for the hero every time he touches her. There were sexy scenes and there were scenes where she put the hero in his place. She made it clear she wouldn’t tolerate any cheating.
Safety: H is h’s only lover, there is no physical cheating although the H is hung up on his former fiancé (aka the OW). H is celibate for a while and only has sex with the h. Past history of the hero’s sexual experiences is not mentioned but he is not a virgin for sure.
I loved this, the heroine, Claire, was so strong, she held up against the hero, John, so well and she wasn’t the typical heroine that falls for the hero every time he touches her. There were sexy scenes and there were scenes where she put the hero in his place. She made it clear she wouldn’t tolerate any cheating.
Safety: H is h’s only lover, there is no physical cheating although the H is hung up on his former fiancé (aka the OW). H is celibate for a while and only has sex with the h. Past history of the hero’s sexual experiences is not mentioned but he is not a virgin for sure.
December 15, 2021
I’m not sure DP knew who she wanted to make Claire. Was she a straight-shooting hellcat that worked on motorcars with mud and grease constantly smeared all over her? Or was she a well-connected fashion forward designer who everyone fell in love with?
Not sure we will ever know, but I honestly didn’t care that the character was written with total inconsistency because this Cinderella story completely pulled me in!
Claire had a set of huevos on her and never, not once let her dipshit husband get away with his crap. I love how she called him out every time. There’s nothing worse than a spineless heroine! John drove me absolutely bonkers, but he came around (slowly)…so I can forgive. Re-reading this one!
Not sure we will ever know, but I honestly didn’t care that the character was written with total inconsistency because this Cinderella story completely pulled me in!
Claire had a set of huevos on her and never, not once let her dipshit husband get away with his crap. I love how she called him out every time. There’s nothing worse than a spineless heroine! John drove me absolutely bonkers, but he came around (slowly)…so I can forgive. Re-reading this one!
August 20, 2015
Rating: 5 stars.
Updated Rating (August 20, 2015): 5 stars.
I absolutely love Diana Palmer!! Gosh I love Diana Palmer. I absolutely love the fact that her books are being republished with better covers! The cover for Magnolia is absolutely stunning, I couldn't stop staring at it. I wish more of Diana's book covers are similar to the style of Magnolia's- it's absolutely stunning. I plan on purchasing more of DP's books. I want to support her, she's such an amazing author. She doesn't write promiscuity and there is always a theme of old morals and values- which we are in dire need of in this era. (T ^ T)
Claire is an amazing heroine. She is strong, independent and I absolutely adore her. I love that she took it upon herself to become independent, so that she wouldn't be left destitute in the event that John would divorce her to leave her for Diane- the woman who John has been in love with for many years. Claire didn't go into self pity mode (although I do love heroines who go through self pity because it's endearing) and instead of staying at home and moping, she decided to become involve in fashion and socialise with the upper crust of Atlanta society. Furthermore, instead of staying with John and letting him play around with Diane, she decided to leave him. I can't explain how amazing Claire is.
John is a typical DP hero, a jerk who is lining after a woman (who is totally undeserving) and too blind to see the gold right in front of him because of the worthless gloss the other woman. For most of the book, he neglects Claire and he fights his attraction for her. I did become fond of him though.
Updated Rating (August 20, 2015): 5 stars.
I absolutely love Diana Palmer!! Gosh I love Diana Palmer. I absolutely love the fact that her books are being republished with better covers! The cover for Magnolia is absolutely stunning, I couldn't stop staring at it. I wish more of Diana's book covers are similar to the style of Magnolia's- it's absolutely stunning. I plan on purchasing more of DP's books. I want to support her, she's such an amazing author. She doesn't write promiscuity and there is always a theme of old morals and values- which we are in dire need of in this era. (T ^ T)
Claire is an amazing heroine. She is strong, independent and I absolutely adore her. I love that she took it upon herself to become independent, so that she wouldn't be left destitute in the event that John would divorce her to leave her for Diane- the woman who John has been in love with for many years. Claire didn't go into self pity mode (although I do love heroines who go through self pity because it's endearing) and instead of staying at home and moping, she decided to become involve in fashion and socialise with the upper crust of Atlanta society. Furthermore, instead of staying with John and letting him play around with Diane, she decided to leave him. I can't explain how amazing Claire is.
John is a typical DP hero, a jerk who is lining after a woman (who is totally undeserving) and too blind to see the gold right in front of him because of the worthless gloss the other woman. For most of the book, he neglects Claire and he fights his attraction for her. I did become fond of him though.
January 18, 2025
Second time reading and still loved it.
I absolutely loved this unique piece of D.P.
Usually, D.P's Hero characters are arrogant, selfish, controlling, and intellectually challenged - sometimes heheheh, and a-hole-ish. Translation = ANNOYING and makes you wanna smack them in the head.
This one, John, although he's all of those but he's also not so ... - if you know what I mean.
That's why I could like his character in this one.
Even though he's in love with the ow, Diane, (and yes, he did humiliate himself and his wife when he ogled the ow on several occasions, he did redeem himself in the end).
And the heroine, Claire (20 y/o), she's not like the other heroines you find on D.P's stories.
Claire was very personable. I simply adored her; she's smart, self sufficient, talented, kind hearted and brave. But most of all ... she's not a doormat.
The minus 1 star was due to the lack of groveling (according to my standard, that is) by the Hero.
Otherwise, I would have given it my 5 star rating.
All in all, what can I say? I really, really enjoyed this one. It was angsty. It was delicious.
I finished it within 2 hours. Bravo, Diana.
I absolutely loved this unique piece of D.P.
Usually, D.P's Hero characters are arrogant, selfish, controlling, and intellectually challenged - sometimes heheheh, and a-hole-ish. Translation = ANNOYING and makes you wanna smack them in the head.
This one, John, although he's all of those but he's also not so ... - if you know what I mean.
That's why I could like his character in this one.
Even though he's in love with the ow, Diane, (and yes, he did humiliate himself and his wife when he ogled the ow on several occasions, he did redeem himself in the end).
And the heroine, Claire (20 y/o), she's not like the other heroines you find on D.P's stories.
Claire was very personable. I simply adored her; she's smart, self sufficient, talented, kind hearted and brave. But most of all ... she's not a doormat.
The minus 1 star was due to the lack of groveling (according to my standard, that is) by the Hero.
Otherwise, I would have given it my 5 star rating.
All in all, what can I say? I really, really enjoyed this one. It was angsty. It was delicious.
I finished it within 2 hours. Bravo, Diana.
January 20, 2018
Leído en Marzo 2014
Awww me encantó este libro, muy tierno y romántico y a veces frustrante.... pero me cautivó la trama.
Me sorprendió porque no había leído algo de esta autora que lograra engancharme y que de verdad me gustara... los otros libros me habían parecido sosos... no sé si será por el genero que usó, que fue el histórico, pero le quedo muy chevere.
Los personajes principales me gustaron y disfrute mucho la lectura.
Awww me encantó este libro, muy tierno y romántico y a veces frustrante.... pero me cautivó la trama.
Me sorprendió porque no había leído algo de esta autora que lograra engancharme y que de verdad me gustara... los otros libros me habían parecido sosos... no sé si será por el genero que usó, que fue el histórico, pero le quedo muy chevere.
Los personajes principales me gustaron y disfrute mucho la lectura.
July 10, 2021
I really like Diana Palmer. This book has :
- A hero in love with OW
- A heroine in love with H
- A mean and bi**chy OW
- HEA after the H realizes that for the OW, money is more important than love, and the fact that he fell in love with h.
Cute, angsty, and with a lot of unrequited love.
- A hero in love with OW
- A heroine in love with H
- A mean and bi**chy OW
- HEA after the H realizes that for the OW, money is more important than love, and the fact that he fell in love with h.
Cute, angsty, and with a lot of unrequited love.
December 10, 2023
4 stars
� [Re-read project #16 of 2023, 1st proper review, rating maintained]
Ah Di Palmer's heroes... you'll rage at them, want to bash them hard on the head, but also sigh at their manliness 😅 And John Hawthorn is no exception. High handed, cocky, prideful, stubborn, inarticulate where it counts, blind, an explosive temper, with a most cruel tongue... but also upstanding, honest, passionate and such a dirty talker! Yes, he fits the criteria to be one of Di Palmer's dashing heroes ☺� However, just like the book, he felt more polished than his other counterparts. And I have a special tendre for just because of that.
The book feels markedly different from other Di Palmer's. Must be the gentlemanly atmosphere 😊. It was not perfect, the writing was sometimes uneven and the plot often overdramatic, but it also felt brilliantly angsty and heart stopping in many places. The romance put out many delicious feels and my heart went out to the brave and feisty Claire. Of course, by modern standards she would be judged with BBS and the deliberately cruel attitude of John would make most feminists scream to the hills nowadays, but hey, this is a Di Palmer and readers know what to expect (and crave!) when they read her vintage stories. And for an older story, let me tell you that the sex was quite hot despite not being explicit 🥵 *fans self*
My contention remains the same as in my previous reads: not enough grovel. Of course, to think that a Di Palmer hero will ever properly grovel is a tall order 😅! John did feel immensely guilty and ashamed for his callous behaviour. I liked that he was honest with Claire on his believed feelings for the OW, just like I appreciated how Claire was realist on her one-sided adoration for him. This was messy but pragmatically adult as well. But I hated how John remained so tongue-tied and still very ambiguous in his words, even when he realised his real feelings for Claire. And he still continued lashing out at her through sheer bullheadedness even if he hated himself afterwards. And I hated how when Claire dashed back to him in concern, he did not even properly apologise for all he was well aware he did wrong to her, and instead just sweet talked her for five minutes before she told him she still loved him. He did prove to her by his actions that she was his only one, but I still needed his heartfelt apologies after all his personal private angsting. But yeah, in Di Palmer's universe it can't ever happen 😅 Loving it and hating it all in one go!
P.S. this cover is just big, big �
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2022
These books are my kryptonite, the heroine is in love with the MMC, but the hero is in love with someone else so is cold towards the FMC. Later, he realizes she is a freaking angel but its too late. Add in some groveling too.
I just wished the hero realized how vapid his ex-fiancee was much earlier. But I love how the heroine stood up for herself, she called him on his bullshit and she was an independent queen. Wished there was more groveling though.
3/5 groveling stars
I just wished the hero realized how vapid his ex-fiancee was much earlier. But I love how the heroine stood up for herself, she called him on his bullshit and she was an independent queen. Wished there was more groveling though.
3/5 groveling stars
March 25, 2024
oh this book pissed me off so bad with that ending, you mean with after all that angst you're gonna wrap it up like it was nothing. one star only for my girl claire, john was so fucking annoying and just dumb didn't deserve my girl claire at all
January 29, 2024
Good but i lost interest at 80% but manage to finished! The h definitely one kind!❤️
March 28, 2023
Mid. The man did not suffer enough
October 13, 2020
4.5 ⭐️
Just the perfect feels but the grovel and declaration of love came way too late. It was a slight too cruel to withhold your feelings to that extent or test a woman’s love, or love itself to that point of hopelessness.
Some great reviews out here on GR. A thoroughly written novel based out of Atlanta when there was barely a motor car in each state of the US!
Claire is a sweet girl who lives with her uncle and has picked know-how of fixing and driving motor cars from him. At her uncle’s passing she has no guardian and falls into a convenient marriage with John. John who openly loves OW despite her being married to another man.
Claire knows of this but she’s no wilting wall flower. She demands basic public faithfulness from her hateful husband who really has pretty lose morals for a man in that day. Claire knew how to talk-back and her sass eventually had John hold her up and go at it ... some serious toe curling passionate love making from John.
I utterly disliked that John despite a hundred more chances really doesn’t say NO to the other woman. His commitment aside with Claire, John acted in a very undignified way by not even once telling OW to go take a hike. Not even once. While he had all kinds of grievances with his wife. And Claire put up with all of that hoping that one fine day John’s true feelings would come shining out.
To be honest, Claire had much too much to give and John with his silence and indifference was not deserving of it. I’d be wary of him for the rest of my life if I was Claire.
Just the perfect feels but the grovel and declaration of love came way too late. It was a slight too cruel to withhold your feelings to that extent or test a woman’s love, or love itself to that point of hopelessness.
Some great reviews out here on GR. A thoroughly written novel based out of Atlanta when there was barely a motor car in each state of the US!
Claire is a sweet girl who lives with her uncle and has picked know-how of fixing and driving motor cars from him. At her uncle’s passing she has no guardian and falls into a convenient marriage with John. John who openly loves OW despite her being married to another man.
Claire knows of this but she’s no wilting wall flower. She demands basic public faithfulness from her hateful husband who really has pretty lose morals for a man in that day. Claire knew how to talk-back and her sass eventually had John hold her up and go at it ... some serious toe curling passionate love making from John.
I utterly disliked that John despite a hundred more chances really doesn’t say NO to the other woman. His commitment aside with Claire, John acted in a very undignified way by not even once telling OW to go take a hike. Not even once. While he had all kinds of grievances with his wife. And Claire put up with all of that hoping that one fine day John’s true feelings would come shining out.
To be honest, Claire had much too much to give and John with his silence and indifference was not deserving of it. I’d be wary of him for the rest of my life if I was Claire.
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