As an update to Lisa Kleypas's first novel, When Strangers Marry is both modern feeling and outdated. Readers will rejoice in the very equal relationship between hero and heroine, and their obvious respect for each other is endearing. It's actually quite refreshing to read about a couple where the hero isn't in a rage for half the book and the heroine has to walk on eggshells because of it.

However, there are definitely cringe-worthy moments that Kleypas either forgot to update or should have updated. The book starts out on this note, so if you didn't get past the first three chapters, I'm not surprised. The hero Max takes quite a few liberties with Lysette, from unbinding her breasts without permission to threatening to assault her.

Of course, the biggest issue with the book is the casual backdrop of slavery. I know antebellum romance novels were a trend back in the day, but they don't hold up well (and I think most people would agree they weren't savory even at their peak). Noeline is the only slave who's named, and she's pretty stereotypical when she's on the page: nurturing and into voodoo. At the very least, Kleypas could have had Max liberate everyone by the end of the novel. He talked about it several times but never did.

In spite of those short-comings, I rated this novel four stars. Lysette and Max are a sweet couple, and this novel is a fascinating undressing of toxic masculinity. Truly, I've never read a romance novel that so completely addresses all of the problematic alpha male tropes and corrects them. This doesn't just apply to Max but to all of his friends and family. As a result, the men who cannot change and grow are exiled or dead by the end of the novel.

Honestly, this book is smarter than it seems. If you can swallow some outdated conventions and casual racism, this book is quite good. If you can't, I completely understand, as I'm sure my privilege as a white woman is showing in this review. ( )

A slight departure from Kleypas compared to her usual regency romance but her characters here are just as engaging as her other works. ( )

Boring. Also, creepy age gap between hero and heroine (she's 20 and he's 35, and she's only 5 years older than his sons)

The first Vallerand book. Not my favorite Kleypas book. Lysette runs away from her family and an arranged marriage to be caught by the 15 yr twin boys of Max. Max is a wealthy, powerful land owner who lives with everyone believing that he murdered his wife who was having an affair with the man betrothed to Lysette. He protects her, she falls ill from insect bites from the bayou while running away and he takes care of her. ( )

This story was unique, intriguing, and very sexy. There is a lot of darkness surrounding the flawed characters. They are deeply unhappy and missing connection. Lysette is the catalyst for change. She is what was missing from their lives. Max's lustful plans soon evolve into intense emotion and love for her. Lysette matures quickly embracing her own sensuality and allowing herself the pleasures of being married to Max.

Max is all alpha and the highlight of the book. Devilish and in control. His personality softens after he discovers unexpected happiness and contentment in his new marriage. His boys rally around Lysette as well forming a new family. ( )