An Improbable Pairing is aptly named. I kept reading but was never really engaged with the story or the characters. Scott, a student on his way to Europe to complete his study in an International business program fell in love at first sight with Countess de Rovere, who was traveling home on the same ship. It is a Hallmark movie in book form. Locations in Europe sound beautiful. There is so much potential...I kept waiting to see what would happen with his schooling, but it is never addressed. The plot moves along with no real climax and the ending ... it just sits there. Many thanks to Gary Dickson, Greenleaf Book Group, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read this recently published book. Two and one half stars.

This selection of two books by Gary Dickson following the romance/mating of younger man with a more mature woman is more of a modern romance, though set in the 1960's, with a light and superficial touch that does not appeal to me. If it were a library, I would have returned the two books right away. Even considering the libraries are closed during this coronavirus alert I am not tempted to finish either book. My sincere apologies.

2.5 Stars

Basic premise: An American grad student goes to study abroad and comes across an older lady, a well-to-do countess whom he falls for. Set in the 1960’s.

I wanted to like this, I really did. The characters were interesting and well-formed. I enjoyed following along with Scott and his exploits in Europe but it just wasn’t enough of a story to really keep my attention. What it really needed was a good murder to break up the monotony.

For what it is, it is fine. And I am sure this is some people’s cup of tea. It just wasn’t mine. Although, the setting was quite intriguing and I wouldn’t mind if these characters had more to do than just date each other. I definitely would have liked it better. A lot of standouts in here as far as characters went but overall, it was lackluster.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

January 2019
Historical Fiction
Greenleaf Book
Rating: 3/5

I received a digital copy of this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review from NetGalley and Greenleaf Book.

“An Improbable Pairing is a historical romance that chronicles the enduring themes of a young man’s coming of age and the rebellious love of the mismatched.”

In Sept 1963, Scott Stoddard, an American graduate student, travels abroad to study in Geneva, Switzerland. En route via cruise ship, he meets many interesting people. He becomes fascinated with a glamorous older French divorcee who happens to be Countess de Robeve. When he arrives in Geneva, Scott finds himself mingling amongst socialites. It isn’t long before he is more engaged socially than academically much to the disappointment of his parents.

The story was initially entertaining but soon felt to drag with all the detailed descriptions of the elite lifestyle. The relationship that develops between Scott and Désirée, the Countess, never completely felt “real” to me. Of course, they are “an improbable pair” who encounter scrutiny and judgement when their affair becomes public.

Ultimately, I felt unsatisfied as I finished the book. It seemed to have me questioning the authenticity of the characters. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would.

DNF at 10%. I just couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling of reading a romance from a male author and male POV.

I went into this book having big hopes of getting a good love story packed with a lot of drama and a cultural tour of 1960s Europe with all its glitz and glamour.

When it came to describing the glitz, glamour, lifestyle of the rich and famous living in Europe in that decade and describing the cities of Europe, the book did not disappoint. Reading this book was like having a big screen, cinematic experience, except in words--the author has a talent for descriptive imagery.

However, what did disappoint was not the story or plot itself but the (non) building up of it.

Scott, an American student falls in love with Desiree, a woman 7 years older to him and belonging to a wealthy, aristocratic family and the story is about how they face and fight societal prejudice (and an ex husband) to be together. A good enough premise which was let down by a lack of drama, action and passion. It was just one dimensional and predictable. With so much prejudice against their relationship, one would expect the couple to go through a lot of angst ridden moments, but nope, every issue that did crop up was easily resolved in their favour without any drama, eventually leading to a very predictable end. For the most part of the story, the only thing the couple did was attend high society parties, have lunch/ dinner dates at expensive restaurants and then get on with their business at night. Also, for a person belonging to a working class family, who built their fortune through sheer hard work, Scott seemed to have no problems at all in ignoring his background and ambition and shift easily to Desiree's way of life which mainly comprised of attending parties, balls, movie premieres--to me that felt superficial.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC. The descriptive imagery is good; the plot line could have been better.

Attracted by a beautiful cover and a wonderful title: An Improbable

Pairing I decided to launch myself in the reading of the first novel by Gary Dickson published by GreenLeaf Book Group Press, a publishing house with always very good titles.

The novel starts with a quote by T.S. Eliot: "Sometimes things become possible if we want them bad enough."by

Scott like many other young Americans sailed on August 30 1963 from New York to the ports of Le Havre and Southampton.

Scott was directed to Geneva where he would have attended the University. Although his parents considered this one an extravagant fact, it was more than sure that it would have paid before to get a law degree in a prestigious American institution.

But, what it was important for Scott Stoddard when he left the USA for Europe, was freedom. As he writes the author: "He was free: free to do whatever he wanted, free to be whomever he would be. And free from the constant supervision of his parents."

During the trip he knows two women, Millie, and the so-called Countess de Rovere. Scott falls fascinated by her. He also discovers that the countess lives close to Geneva. Scott starts to fantasize about the countess.
After some days spent to London, Scott decides to stay affording To Paris at the George V one of the most luxurious hotels of the city where he will socialize at the restaurant Epoque with some friends, at the same time enjoying the capital.

Scott leaves France by train, in a trip long six hours meeting a girl, Solange. He finds an apartment, deciding to keep most of his money "for travelling, fine clothes, gourmet dining and nightclubs."

Solange Pahlavi, back from a month in Florence where her mother has friends, mainly poets, writers and musicians living there, asks him of accompanying her at a charity event.
The event is at the house of Desiree, so-called Countess de Rovere. Scott is thrilled.
Solange understands soon that there is attraction between the two.

Scott in the while makes friendship with Marlyse Richter a student but one night, important to them, they met again the countess and Marlyse understands the interestest of the countess for her boyfriend.
The dinner is a catastrophistic experience but later the two tries to recuparate, just apparently, the situation.
Yes, because Marlyse is under the wing of Madame Giradet, while distant from her house so, who knows what that lady discovered about Scott and the Countess...
At a certain point Marlyse asks him: "We could get engaged..."
Scott is not ready.
He is still obsessed by the Countess.
Seven year older, the Countess appears a person more experienced than him.
When the love-story starts, Scott is worried for the Countess's reputation although she reassurs him:
"How can being in love with you...A fresh face on the scene; someone tall and athletc, with manner and style- how can that hurt my reputation?"

Scott's ex girlfriend is reassured that the problem was the countess...

If you love a romantic book with beautiful locations, rich characters, elegant places, luxury, happy end, you will find this and more.

Warmly recommended.


I thank NetGalley for this ebook.

Anna Maria Polidori

An Improbable Pairing indeed. Glamour and shine meets dirty and poor. It's amazing that a romance develops in this situation. The story is a testament to love and survival. It's a little slow but not terribly bad. Good description of the time period and place of the 1960s. Historical fiction fans will enjoy this book. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

An Improbable Pairing almost instantly inserts the reader into a world of glitz, glamour and all the luxurious dreams we can imagine. When two worlds clash a pairing of riches and poverty create a story that will take you from the States to Switzerland. A fast-paced love story that will appeal not only to historical fiction fans but also to historical romance fans alike.

3.5 stars

The Author writes well, there are great descriptions of people, places and food very evocative of the 60s. The novel is written from the viewpoint of the hero, Scott and details his relationship with the heroine, Desiree, his Muse. I think Muse is a good description of her as she doesn't seem to have any human foibles. She's an aristocrat, philanthorpist, monied elder woman. The problem between the main protaganists is of age difference. I don't necessarily see it as a problem as I'm 7 years older than my husband! He sidelines his career for the relationship, though it's hinted that this career is more his parents/mother's vehicle than his own.

The author builds up the jeopardy in the storyline. Who is out to disrupt the relationship? Is it an ex girlfriend or an ex husband. Having built it up, to me, it just seems to fizzle out.; which might be more real world but many romance stories thrieve on the couple overcoming a dilemna to 'earn' their HEA.

I think this author has potential and so will look out for other of his books to see how he develops ;)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a historical fiction that centers around two people falling in love. At the start, I was sure I would love this, but their interactions with each other fell flat for me. But that’s okay! It doesn’t mean the same will happen for you. If historical fiction is your jam, you shouldn’t write this one off. It’s pleasantly not set during World War II and that’s a perk!

The author did a brilliant job of capturing the time period in this novel. The characters and plot were also well written. This was a great piece of historical fiction!

This was an "eh" book for me. I wasn't in love with it, nor was I entirely enthralled.

First, and this is my fault NOT the author's or the book's, but I thought it was set in the '20s for the first ... almost the first half? Maybe? Again, my fault since IT IS LITERALLY IN THE BLURB *facepalm* But stupid Kell was sick and dying and didn't want to look at details like that. Well, I did read the blurb but then I forgot, I guess!

Either way, it did feel very old-fashioned to me, so it was hard to tell it was the '60s ... people spoke very formally, etc. So though the author could've done a better job with that at the onset, Kell really just needed to pay attention! I got shaken out of my stupor when they mentioned a Beatles song.

Now, just so y'all know, this isn't a Christian book, nor was I expecting it to be, so there was some casual sex - quite a lot, actually; like, c'mon, guys, I know you don't have those sorts of standards, but yeah - however, it was all super tasteful! I was worried that I'd have to put it down, but I didn't have to - nothing more than kisses was described; it always faded to black.

There wasn't a lot of language, either. A couple cuss words; that's literally it. I'm super impressed by how clean it was considering the genre, etc.

Now, as far as the plot goes, it was basically all about ... a guy throwing off responsibilities (e.g. college) to have a fling with a countess? Yep. That's about it. Which was interesting, I guess.

I think I enjoyed the setting most. It was pretty well done! Very vivid. Definitely enjoyed this.

So, this sort of reminded me of an old '50s movie set on the Riviera ONLY with a lot of sexual mentions. I like the movie part, not so much the obsession with sex. I guess the main characters did take time to get to know each other a bit, but especially at first, it seemed like they were more interested in each others' physical appearances. Not fun!

Overall, I give this book 3/5 stars as a story and 2/5 based on how much I enjoyed it!

Librarian: Historical romances (especially those with luxurious settings) can always find a readership. I have no doubt that this one will manage it as well. The fact that it is a common man with an aristocratic woman, rather than the other way around (as is typically the case with these kind of books), may appeal to some readers, though it may turn others off. Honestly this seems to be a fairly typical example of a historical romance, and readers who are fond of the genre should enjoy this one as well.
Reader: Historical Fiction and I have an odd relationship. It's a genre that I always feel like I should read more often, but I still generally end up reading other genres instead. Sometimes, though I do read something in the genre, love it, and immediately decide to read more. That's where the disappointment tends to come in. Because I almost always end up choosing a book that I don't enjoy nearly as well.
That's what happened here. After I finished reading the thoroughly enjoyable, "The Red Address Book", I wanted to read more historical fiction. I remembered hearing about this one, so I picked it up. I found it... fine. Not bad, but not particularly good either. Now I'll admit that that might just be because of when I read it. With the Red Address book so fresh in my mind, anything that wasn't quite up to that level of excellence might pale in comparison. I may one day reread this, and enjoy it more. But right now? It's just not my cup of tea.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of An Improbable Pairing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book somewhat, but I cannot pinpoint any specific reasons. Gary Dickson can write apparently,you because I guess I was already invested and the historical/societal elements were interesting enough to keep me reading. There were some conflicts and action--obviously not a straight path--but I enjoyed the semi-expected ending and it was worth the read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I think this book is well written but the characters are not as believable as they could be. The description of places and fashions of the day were very well done as well. The ending was rather anti-climatic and was not what I expected.
All in all it is a good love story with a happily ever after.

This was a different genre of book than I usually read. It was a romance but not your everyday chick lit type of book. It begins when Scott first sees Desiree and almost immediately falls in love. She is way out of his league and he knows it. He starts by seeing another woman on a cruise ship just to be around her. Then the cruise ends and Scott thinks that he will never see her again; until he does. The improbably pair start seeing each other and problems arise. I liked the writer's style. It was clear and concise and you knew exactly what turn the plot was taking at all times. The characters were also very likable. I was routing for both characters the entire book. Even though the reader is well aware of Scott's thoughts at all times, Desiree was a character that I'd like to get to know. I feel like she was born before her time. She was not afraid to go after something that was not the norm for a woman of her status and she was willing to take a risk; not only with her own life but with what others would say. She is one strong willed woman! This book is just begging for a sequel and from the author's note at the end of the book, it looks like there is one! I can't wait to read it! #AnImprobablePairing #NetGalley

"An Improbable Pairing” by Gary Dickson is an intimate look at the European high life of the 1960’s

Dickson is at his best when he is describing the clothes, food, and interior decoration of the homes and playpens of the rich. His descriptions of his characters' thoughts and emotions are perhaps a tiny bit cliched and left me less than fully engaged with his hero and heroine. He does a very good job, however of describing the tender ego of the twenty-something male in a relationship with a wealthy, sophisticated, older woman.

I am somewhat puzzled by the ending of the book. I would appreciate any enlightening comments. Is it a cliffhanger setting us up for a sequel?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was drawn to this book by the lovely cover and thought the story sounded intriguing. I also wanted to read more about 1960’s Paris, Geneva and Cannes and the book promised an insider’s peek. While I did feel that promise was fairly well fulfilled, the story itself wasn’t quite my cup of tea; I enjoy a bit more action and for me it fell a bit flat at times.

I’m sure those who love romance novels novels will appreciate the carefully crafted story more than I did.

📚I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group Press as the publisher in exchange for an honest review📚

Title: An Improbable Pairing
Author : Gary Dickson
Release date: 8 January 2019

I have been struggling reading this novel. No, it was not because the plot of the story and the choice of the story . I personally think that the story itself is interesting. Yet there are several things I need to highlihght after reading it.
The story itself is interesting as the writer sets it in Europe circa 1960. My imagination goes to all those people wearing the outfit as I saw in the movie Casablanca or Roman Holiday with Ingrid Bergman and Audrey Hepburn in it. The problem is the first chapters of the story. It seems like a-never-ending-prologue. I know that the writer's intention is good because he wants to provide the readers with some information related to the story such as the background of our hero, his trip and life after moving to Europe and his escapades with those different girls before meeting our heroine. However, with fifty chapters and over half of them circle around the same things: life of Scott etc...etc...it starts to get so monotone. The reader will tend to drop the book and stop reading after they go through several chapters. My suggestion is to cut ir shorten the first chapters and go straight to the point: our hero's life in Europe. Telling about the background is okay; just keep it short. The writer can also scater the background part and write it into 'a flash back' somewhere in several chapters of the novel.


My other concern is the relation between the title "An Improbable Pairing" to the story. Was it related to the relationship between Scott and Desiree's family who was very much against their relationship at first? Was it related to the unexpected pregnancy which might be considered inappropriate back then? Was it something else? Concerning to this matter, I would suggest the writer to shorten the first chapters of the stories as aforementioned and focus more on the conflicts; simply to illustrate and to give strong portrayal to the reader why this novel is "An Improbable Pairing."

Review is available at https://literatureisliving.wordpress.com/2018/12/09/an-improbable-pairing-by-gary-dickson/