WHEN A STRANGER LOVES ME Book Three of the Pembrooke Palace series by Julianne MacLean

Publisher: Avon
Date published: January 2009
ISBN: 978-0061456855
Historical Romance/Victorian
Mass Market Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Danny


WHEN A STRANGER LOVES ME is the third book in Ms. MacLean’s Pembrooke Palace series and I recommend that you read the two previous books prior to reading this one, because in WHEN A STRANGER LOVES ME, the reader gets to know what happened with Lord Blake Sinclair as the previous book, The Mistress Diaries, left the readers wondering what happened when he disappeared.

Lady Chelsea is getting desperate, because her family’s poverty is forcing her to choose a husband. The old and vile Lord Carruther seems to be her only choice. But one day her prayers are answered when she finds an unconscious man on the beach near her home. Her family needs a male heir and Chelsea hope that the man with no memory is the solution to her family’s problems. Everything seems perfect till she falls in love with him, but what will happen if he regains his memory?

Memory loss is nothing new in world of romance, but still Ms. MacLean manages to give this plot her own kind of brand and makes an often used plot line still interesting. Chelsea and Blake are what make the story special. They are just perfect for each other. While reading the story I could hardly wait to see what happens next and how the story would develop. Once you start reading it the story will capture your interest and you won’t be able to put it down. The book is a great combination of witty and mystery elements.

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW.

THE MISTRESS DIARIES: 2nd book in the Pembroke Palace Series by Julianne MacLean

Publisher Avon
Date published August 2008
ISBN 978-0061456848
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Susan




Lord Vincent Sinclair spends one glorious night with Lady Cassandra Colchester. It is a night that they never forget as Cassandra becomes pregnant with their child. Vincent ignores Cassandra’s letter informing him about their child. Cassandra is cast out of her respective families and is left to raise their child herself. Thinking that she is dying, she decides to send her daughter to Vincent in hopes that he or his family will take care of her. Cassandra’s appearance at his front door throws Vincent for a loop as he is about to get married to another woman.

Vincent is not a very likable man. He has major issues to deal with including trust. Vincent has experienced heartbreak with his first love that died in an accident. It has cast a long shadow over his actions and how he perceives the world. Cassandra on the other hand is a likable character. She had a bad first marriage and wasn’t looking for another husband when she has her dalliance with Vincent. She comes across as a mature and level-headed woman. Vincent and Cassandra’s relationship slowly evolves even though the physical attraction still exists between them. Readers will enjoy how Vincent becomes emotionally attached to his daughter and Cassandra. Their emotions feel real and are not force. Vincent slowly becomes a man worthy of admiration as he fights for Cassandra and his daughter. It was very rewarding to see him evolve into a “hero”.

THE MISTRESS DIARIES is the second book in the Pembroke Palace Series. At the end of In My Wildest Fantasies, Devon’s story, Vincent is presented with a gift/problem. This story gives us the back story and continues this family’s saga. I really liked this story and enjoyed finding out more about the family. It is a family with their share of problems including a not-so-sane father. THE MISTRESS DIARIES is an entertaining story that will have historical romance lovers wanting more from Ms. MacLean.