An Improbable Pairing

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Pub Date 08 Jan 2019 | Archive Date 27 Dec 2018
Green Leaf Book Press | Greenleaf Book Group Press

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Description

It began as a simple flirtation . . .
In September of 1963, Scott Stoddard, an American graduate student, is traveling to Switzerland, when he meets the Countess de Rovere, a French divorcee; he is smitten, and she is intrigued. What begins as a little coquetry soon becomes a serious love affair, much to the consternation of the Countess’s ex-husband and mother, not to mention the Countess’s friends of European high society. A meeting of equals poses problems enough, but what about one between two people who seem to have so many differences? And when a man of traditional attitudes couples with an independent and self-confident woman, something’s got to give. It won’t be the countess. As their liaison transcends an affair that cannot be dismissed, they all agree that something must be done. 

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. This pas de deux, set in the golden years of 1960s Paris, Geneva, Gstaad, and Cannes, provides an insider’s peek into the worlds of haute couture, three-star gourmet restaurants, and lavish hotel suites—the domains of rank and privilege. But society’s privileged resist when an interloper threatens to upset their cozy structure.
It began as a simple flirtation . . .
In September of 1963, Scott Stoddard, an American graduate student, is traveling to Switzerland, when he meets the Countess de Rovere, a French divorcee; he is...

Advance Praise

“AN IMPROBABLE PAIRING is an entertaining romp through Europe’s high society of the 1960’s, featuring a lovable young American rogue who aspires to love above his station, and the countess who possesses the wit and charm to conquer him. Upon opening this book, you might feel you've stumbled into a Technicolor world starring a young Paul Newman and Audrey Hepburn, their romance blossoming amid the sparkling sights of Europe. Grab a box of popcorn and enjoy!” — Robert M Eversz, author of SHOOTING ELVIS

“AN IMPROBABLE PAIRING is an entertaining romp through Europe’s high society of the 1960’s, featuring a lovable young American rogue who aspires to love above his station, and the countess who...


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About the Author:

Gary Dickson is an inveterate traveler and a Francophile, sans merci. Educated in the United States and Switzerland in history, literature, and the classics, Gary lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Susie.

About the Author:

Gary Dickson is an inveterate traveler and a Francophile, sans merci. Educated in the United States and Switzerland in history, literature, and the classics, Gary lives in Los...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781626345799
PRICE $16.95 (USD)
PAGES 240

Average rating from 25 members


Featured Reviews

An Improbable Pairing
August, 1963 Scott, a 22 year old graduate student is on his way to Geneva, Switzerland where he would be going to graduate school to study international relations. Upon the SS United States, he soon becomes intrigued with the Countess de Rovere (Désirée¬), a French divorcee. Luckily for him he meets Millie Summersmith the first night on board who unbeknownst to him, was a friend of the Countess. To say that she was on his mind almost constantly, is an understatement, so much so that at the bank in Geneva setting up an account, he gives her name as an emergency contact. Need I say more, yes...because there is more to tell!

In quite a serendipitous way, he receives an invitation to attend the Geneva Opera Gala at none other than the Countess's house. He had stepped into an entirely new world, one he hadn't encountered before! Yet, with the Countess still lurking in his mind, Scott has an affair with another student, Marlyse...unfortunately for her he couldn't be pushed into another more serious, including marriage. However, as bad as he felt about Marlyse, it didn't take long for him to comfort himself with Désirée¬, as he goes to Gstaad and the possibility of seduction.

As the fantasy was becoming a reality, Scott was beginning to note the imbalances of their affair. He was practically abandoning class to be with her; she always paid the way; presenting him with expensive presents and the thought that he couldn't afford any of these things himself was making him feel quite uncomfortable. Was he being a kept man, was she emasculating him or was he a toy? After all they were a world apart, she was 7 years older than him, she was sophisticated with an elite society background, while he was still a student and not as sophisticated. Would this ever work?

With a glimpse into a world so few people will ever know, this story is much like a fairy tale. Yes, we have all the elements, the handsome "prince" the beautiful "princess" and a host of "good guys" and "villains."
My thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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