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Hutton & Co. #1
Once In Paris
A casual flirtation between an 18-year-old girl and a wealthy man twice her age leads to love and danger in this engaging but not entirely plausible thriller by popular romance author Palmer (The Rawhide Man). Brianne Martin's nefarious wheeler-dealer of a stepfather sends her to study in Paris, where she falls for widowed oilman Pierce Hutton. In the process of Pierce trying to protect Brianne from his undercover activities and Brianne trying to seduce Pierce, they both get caught up in Middle Eastern shenanigans that might, if Pierce and his allies didn't turn out to have near-superhero abilities, lead to WWIII. This is definitely thriller-lite (the supposedly tough-guy hero refers to "a hush-hush mission"), however, and Palmer manages to fracture her few French phrases (for example, femme du nuit instead of de la nuit). The dialogue is charming, the characters likable and the sex sizzling, and the roller-coaster emotions between hero and heroine will give Palmer's many fans an enjoyable ride.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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777 people want to read
About the author
Diana Palmer
1,026 books3,085 followersLibrarian 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 72 reviews
June 2, 2020
How cute. He’s a millionaire. So 90s.
Luckily the French/Greek H is not a Harlequin HP as French HP heroes are alway cold and smarmy and the Greek ones, while 6’ 4” and excellent at sex, listen to old girlfriends way too much and obsess over revenge and virginity. How do we know it’s a DP hero?
under that shirt was a broad, dark-skinned chest with thick black hair covering it.
That’s my boy.
The heroine is more of a game changer. She is brash, fresh, adorable and willing to challenge the hero. I adored her. At first. She’s only striking rather than pretty, but has great Breck girl hair. This is a slight her mother gives her not the hero. Plus she’s sassy.
She actually stands up to mean girl at her boarding school instead of turning the other cheek.
“Oh, that’s okay, Emily,” she replied with an equally sweet smile. “I told her what you’ve been doing with Dr. Mordeau behind the Chinese screen in art class on Tuesday after class.”
She flirts and challenges the hero and despite being a hairy French/Greek one woman, mourning widower -man who can never love again, kind of loves it.
“There’s a very slinky-looking woman over there with platinum hair out of a bottle giving you the eye. She looks like she’d just love to lead you home and make love to you and steal your wallet.”
He leaned toward her. “I can’t make love,” he said confidentially. “I’m too drunk.”
“She wouldn’t care, I think.”
He smiled lazily. “Would you?” he mused. “Suppose you come home with me, and we’ll give it my best shot.”
“Oh, not when you’re soused, thanks,” she replied. “My first time is going to be fireworks and explosions and the 1812 Overture. How could I possibly get that from a drunk man?”
PLOT
The heroine’s selfish mother remarried shortly after the H’s father died, like six months or so, to a rich, bad guy. The new husband ships the h off to Paris where she meets the brooding H and falls for him, but he is wallowing in mourning over his first wife.
The h is pretty cute, and they have a friendship of sorts and meet up again in the Caribbean. I think it was the Caribbean. The h’s stepfather is trying to strong-arm the heroine into a relationship with a handsome, mysterious man who is not all as he seems. Sexual tension escalates between the h and H much to his distress, and now we are entering real DP territory. The heroine still maintains her wit, but her spine begins to disintegrate. He talks her or she talks him into taking her virginity to protect her from the mysterious man. They then marry in a sad little ceremony where the heroine mourns a pretty white wedding dress and flowers.
Graduating from the Bill Clinton School of Sex Education, the H doesn’t classify their fooling around as fooling around aka oral sex. He then devirginizes her digitally which is totally ick. Ick for me although they seemed pretty okay with it.
More downhill plot lines and it devolves into a suspense thriller with the attempted takeover of a fictional Muslim/oil country by the evil stepfather and who cares anymore.
The H and h finally have “real sex”, and it’s awesome, or would be if the hero weren’t calling out his dead wife’s name at critical moments.
The h is anything but stubborn and continue to hope for true love. Optimistic? Stupid? Take your choice.
“Listen, honey, you’re a tasty little banquet and I’m a starving man. All my good intentions won’t spare you if we’re under the same roof for very long.”
“But I want you,” she protested.
********
“You’re barely twenty, naive and aching to lay your heart at my feet. Don’t. I want you. I could take you and enjoy you and walk away from you the next morning with my heart intact. You couldn’t. You’re too intense for me, Brianne.”
“You mean if I could just have sex with you and disappear, you’d let me stay,” she said stiffly.
“That’s it in a nutshell,” he agreed.
Does he love her in the end? Who knows, but she's water on a stone so I think she'll wear him down.
Heavy sigh. The mysterious man ends up as the H one of the next books Lord of the Desert, and
I've noticed that DP's H's always improve in someone else's book, but the same can not be said for all of her heroines.
Luckily the French/Greek H is not a Harlequin HP as French HP heroes are alway cold and smarmy and the Greek ones, while 6’ 4” and excellent at sex, listen to old girlfriends way too much and obsess over revenge and virginity. How do we know it’s a DP hero?
under that shirt was a broad, dark-skinned chest with thick black hair covering it.
That’s my boy.
The heroine is more of a game changer. She is brash, fresh, adorable and willing to challenge the hero. I adored her. At first. She’s only striking rather than pretty, but has great Breck girl hair. This is a slight her mother gives her not the hero. Plus she’s sassy.
She actually stands up to mean girl at her boarding school instead of turning the other cheek.
“Oh, that’s okay, Emily,” she replied with an equally sweet smile. “I told her what you’ve been doing with Dr. Mordeau behind the Chinese screen in art class on Tuesday after class.”
She flirts and challenges the hero and despite being a hairy French/Greek one woman, mourning widower -man who can never love again, kind of loves it.
“There’s a very slinky-looking woman over there with platinum hair out of a bottle giving you the eye. She looks like she’d just love to lead you home and make love to you and steal your wallet.”
He leaned toward her. “I can’t make love,” he said confidentially. “I’m too drunk.”
“She wouldn’t care, I think.”
He smiled lazily. “Would you?” he mused. “Suppose you come home with me, and we’ll give it my best shot.”
“Oh, not when you’re soused, thanks,” she replied. “My first time is going to be fireworks and explosions and the 1812 Overture. How could I possibly get that from a drunk man?”
PLOT
The heroine’s selfish mother remarried shortly after the H’s father died, like six months or so, to a rich, bad guy. The new husband ships the h off to Paris where she meets the brooding H and falls for him, but he is wallowing in mourning over his first wife.
The h is pretty cute, and they have a friendship of sorts and meet up again in the Caribbean. I think it was the Caribbean. The h’s stepfather is trying to strong-arm the heroine into a relationship with a handsome, mysterious man who is not all as he seems. Sexual tension escalates between the h and H much to his distress, and now we are entering real DP territory. The heroine still maintains her wit, but her spine begins to disintegrate. He talks her or she talks him into taking her virginity to protect her from the mysterious man. They then marry in a sad little ceremony where the heroine mourns a pretty white wedding dress and flowers.
Graduating from the Bill Clinton School of Sex Education, the H doesn’t classify their fooling around as fooling around aka oral sex. He then devirginizes her digitally which is totally ick. Ick for me although they seemed pretty okay with it.
More downhill plot lines and it devolves into a suspense thriller with the attempted takeover of a fictional Muslim/oil country by the evil stepfather and who cares anymore.
The H and h finally have “real sex”, and it’s awesome, or would be if the hero weren’t calling out his dead wife’s name at critical moments.
The h is anything but stubborn and continue to hope for true love. Optimistic? Stupid? Take your choice.
“Listen, honey, you’re a tasty little banquet and I’m a starving man. All my good intentions won’t spare you if we’re under the same roof for very long.”
“But I want you,” she protested.
********
“You’re barely twenty, naive and aching to lay your heart at my feet. Don’t. I want you. I could take you and enjoy you and walk away from you the next morning with my heart intact. You couldn’t. You’re too intense for me, Brianne.”
“You mean if I could just have sex with you and disappear, you’d let me stay,” she said stiffly.
“That’s it in a nutshell,” he agreed.
Does he love her in the end? Who knows, but she's water on a stone so I think she'll wear him down.
Heavy sigh. The mysterious man ends up as the H one of the next books Lord of the Desert, and
I've noticed that DP's H's always improve in someone else's book, but the same can not be said for all of her heroines.
June 13, 2012
His fingers curled closer into hers. "I loved Margo," he agreed. "It took a long time to let go of her." He lifted his face. "But Tate was right. He said that you had the same qualities Margo had, and that I was a fool to let you go." He smiled halfheartedly.
The translate to normal English:
“I love my first wife. You, my darling, are the substitute I will live with for the next 3o years.”
"I love you, Brianne," he whispered back. "Je t'aime si beaucoup!"
Not only did he love her, he told her he loved her in two languages, she mused, dazed with wonder and joy.
I have no idea what would have happened if he told her in three languages. She might have swooned!
All women that can get their hands on this book should read it. It is a practical manual in which you can learn about emotional abuse. That way, when confronted with a man like the hero you will know to run for your lives.
The translate to normal English:
“I love my first wife. You, my darling, are the substitute I will live with for the next 3o years.”
"I love you, Brianne," he whispered back. "Je t'aime si beaucoup!"
Not only did he love her, he told her he loved her in two languages, she mused, dazed with wonder and joy.
I have no idea what would have happened if he told her in three languages. She might have swooned!
All women that can get their hands on this book should read it. It is a practical manual in which you can learn about emotional abuse. That way, when confronted with a man like the hero you will know to run for your lives.
September 6, 2018
This could easily have been a 1-star DP for me because of how disjointed and abundant the non-romantic parts of it were. Since it's the first book of series, DP tries to introduce her next heroes all in the same book and some of them just have long tedious backgrounds. Also the plot was needlessly convoluted. In order to justify every character's presence in the book, we are forced to read pages about them and the romance is completely shelved during these portions.
But DP saved the book with what I love best about her. We have an innocent heroine who meets our widowed hero in Paris and is immediately fascinated with him. I immediately loved Brianne because I recently watched a French movie about a young girl's coming of age and it was easily to picture the actress as Brianne because of how DP described her. Pierce is still mourning his wife with whom he enjoyed 10 blissful years of marriage. Her loss has consumed his willingness to live and if not for his chance encounters with Brianne, he might've committed suicide.
Now why does the book get a 5 star when I hated significant parts of it? Because how corny the romance was. And I demand my DP novels to be as cornier as they can get.
Because of how the adorable (and cheesy) way Brianne wishes to make her leap into womanhood and how much she wishes Pierce would just ravish her. Pierce constantly harps about their age-difference but couldn't help himself from becoming physically attracted by her "nubile body". Once forced into a MoC, Brianne lies about taking pills while they make love. All love scenes were great, though their timing and surrounding could've been much better. Because of Brianne's lies, she gets pregnant and her news of pregnancy forces Pierce to let go of his wife's memories and realize a future with his "young wife". I love when a baby forces the man to realize his love for his wife.
Even though some reviewers claimed H was jerk and emotionally abusive, I found him much tamer than other DP heroes. (Though he was hairy as usual.) I love it when heroine toughens it out against dead wife's ghost to have her happily HEA. The book ends with them holding their baby boy and planning on having a daughter soon.
But DP saved the book with what I love best about her. We have an innocent heroine who meets our widowed hero in Paris and is immediately fascinated with him. I immediately loved Brianne because I recently watched a French movie about a young girl's coming of age and it was easily to picture the actress as Brianne because of how DP described her. Pierce is still mourning his wife with whom he enjoyed 10 blissful years of marriage. Her loss has consumed his willingness to live and if not for his chance encounters with Brianne, he might've committed suicide.
Now why does the book get a 5 star when I hated significant parts of it? Because how corny the romance was. And I demand my DP novels to be as cornier as they can get.
Because of how the adorable (and cheesy) way Brianne wishes to make her leap into womanhood and how much she wishes Pierce would just ravish her. Pierce constantly harps about their age-difference but couldn't help himself from becoming physically attracted by her "nubile body". Once forced into a MoC, Brianne lies about taking pills while they make love. All love scenes were great, though their timing and surrounding could've been much better. Because of Brianne's lies, she gets pregnant and her news of pregnancy forces Pierce to let go of his wife's memories and realize a future with his "young wife". I love when a baby forces the man to realize his love for his wife.
Even though some reviewers claimed H was jerk and emotionally abusive, I found him much tamer than other DP heroes. (Though he was hairy as usual.) I love it when heroine toughens it out against dead wife's ghost to have her happily HEA. The book ends with them holding their baby boy and planning on having a daughter soon.
December 22, 2018
Diana Palmer kicks off a five book series (which ends up crossing over with her Long Tall Texan Series in books 4 & 5) with this really lovely May/December romance and absurd kidnapping/terrorist plot.
The heroine is the unwanted stepdaughter of the hero’s enemy. Stepdad wants to drill for oil in a desert kingdom, run by the sheikh hero of book three. Stepdad will do anything for access, including marrying off his 19 year-old daughter to the sheikh who is rumored to have “perverse desires.”
The hero has lost his beloved wife of ten years and is in a suicidal funk at the Louvre when the heroine approaches him. Her attraction to him is instant, his takes longer as he is first grieving and then feels guilty for lusting after the heroine. There is a sweet scene in a bar where the heroine comforts him as he drunkenly cries into her neck. They meet again in the Bahamas where the heroine’s stepfather and the hero have residences. The heroine is creeped out by the sheikh and begs the hero to take her virginity so the sheikh won’t be interested in her.
The hero is tempted, but refuses. Once the stepdad tips his hand (and hits the heroine's mother) the hero decides they should marry in a quickie Las Vegas wedding but not consummate the marriage. He thinks he’s too old for the heroine and he’s still feeling guilty about moving on.
The sheikh kidnaps the H/h. In a bid to save the heroine’s honor, the H/h have sex? And this is when it got really stupid and I was skimming. We’re introduced to the hero’s bodyguard/right hand man who will be the hero in book two. And there is a lot of running around and action. And zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz I hate action/adventure/thrillers.
Back on the romance front, the heroine is pregnant and the hero freaks out. He goes to sulk on his oil platform and leaves the heroine alone (with a bodyguard) in Paris. When the sheikh - who is now a good guy- stops to visit, the hero is informed. He takes the first flight to Paris to fight for his woman. They each declare their love for an HEA.
Like I said – loved the five star romance. Heroine was great. Hero was affecting in his grief and only turned into a DP asshat, afraid of his own feelings, halfway through the narrative – so that’s a great track record. But the oil money/terrorist/deep state plot was so out there and so boring (to me) it reduced my pleasure in the story, so three stars.
Diana Palmer checklist:
Hairy chest Check
Breast Description small with mauve nipples
Cigarettes Hero is clutching an unlit cigar in the Louvre where they first meet. He also smokes cigars elsewhere in the story.
Alcohol Heroine gets drunk on two glasses of champagne on the plane after their Vegas wedding
Town Descriptions Travelogue of Paris, the Caribbean, and whatever desert country they’ve been kidnapped to
Gardenia Scent No, but heroine smells like spring flowers
LOL detail Hero calls heroine a minor because she’s under 21 (!) and shouldn't be served alcohol.
The heroine is the unwanted stepdaughter of the hero’s enemy. Stepdad wants to drill for oil in a desert kingdom, run by the sheikh hero of book three. Stepdad will do anything for access, including marrying off his 19 year-old daughter to the sheikh who is rumored to have “perverse desires.”
The hero has lost his beloved wife of ten years and is in a suicidal funk at the Louvre when the heroine approaches him. Her attraction to him is instant, his takes longer as he is first grieving and then feels guilty for lusting after the heroine. There is a sweet scene in a bar where the heroine comforts him as he drunkenly cries into her neck. They meet again in the Bahamas where the heroine’s stepfather and the hero have residences. The heroine is creeped out by the sheikh and begs the hero to take her virginity so the sheikh won’t be interested in her.
The hero is tempted, but refuses. Once the stepdad tips his hand (and hits the heroine's mother) the hero decides they should marry in a quickie Las Vegas wedding but not consummate the marriage. He thinks he’s too old for the heroine and he’s still feeling guilty about moving on.
The sheikh kidnaps the H/h. In a bid to save the heroine’s honor, the H/h have sex? And this is when it got really stupid and I was skimming. We’re introduced to the hero’s bodyguard/right hand man who will be the hero in book two. And there is a lot of running around and action. And zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz I hate action/adventure/thrillers.
Back on the romance front, the heroine is pregnant and the hero freaks out. He goes to sulk on his oil platform and leaves the heroine alone (with a bodyguard) in Paris. When the sheikh - who is now a good guy- stops to visit, the hero is informed. He takes the first flight to Paris to fight for his woman. They each declare their love for an HEA.
Like I said – loved the five star romance. Heroine was great. Hero was affecting in his grief and only turned into a DP asshat, afraid of his own feelings, halfway through the narrative – so that’s a great track record. But the oil money/terrorist/deep state plot was so out there and so boring (to me) it reduced my pleasure in the story, so three stars.
Diana Palmer checklist:
Hairy chest Check
Breast Description small with mauve nipples
Cigarettes Hero is clutching an unlit cigar in the Louvre where they first meet. He also smokes cigars elsewhere in the story.
Alcohol Heroine gets drunk on two glasses of champagne on the plane after their Vegas wedding
Town Descriptions Travelogue of Paris, the Caribbean, and whatever desert country they’ve been kidnapped to
Gardenia Scent No, but heroine smells like spring flowers
LOL detail Hero calls heroine a minor because she’s under 21 (!) and shouldn't be served alcohol.
March 26, 2014
Brianne and Pierce are a perfect couple. After losing his beloved first wife to cancer hero is a lonely, devastated, haunted man. He marries Brianne to protect her from an arranged marriage with Philippe Sabon who later becomes Brianne's friend and gives Pierce a run for his money. Pierce rejects Brianne. He won't risk his heart or betray his dead wife by falling for his young innocent wife but he becomes extremely jealous of his young wife's close bond with Philippe and the secrets they share.
I adored both characters. Hero is vulnerable, emotionally unavailable and brooding. I especially loved how jealous and possessive he was. Brianne is a very young heroine but mature, warm, feisty and just adorable. I loved her spirit, how she saved Pierce from his darkness and healed his wounded heart. Brianne and Pierce burned the pages with their passion and broke my heart with their insecurities and heartaches. Loved it!!
I adored both characters. Hero is vulnerable, emotionally unavailable and brooding. I especially loved how jealous and possessive he was. Brianne is a very young heroine but mature, warm, feisty and just adorable. I loved her spirit, how she saved Pierce from his darkness and healed his wounded heart. Brianne and Pierce burned the pages with their passion and broke my heart with their insecurities and heartaches. Loved it!!
April 8, 2021
2.5 Stars
I’m torn how to rate this. I read Once in Paris after Lord of the Desert, (LotD) and I’m biased. (Team Gretchen) Which I admit, wasn't her fault, but I can be a bitch with a grudge.. so, sorry not sorry. On one hand, I couldn’t stand Brianne…like at all…but…on the other hand, she gets stuck being second best to an awful H... so, karma?? I’ll try to be vague but will spoiler the rest.
I’m torn how to rate this. I read Once in Paris after Lord of the Desert, (LotD) and I’m biased. (Team Gretchen) Which I admit, wasn't her fault, but I can be a bitch with a grudge.. so, sorry not sorry. On one hand, I couldn’t stand Brianne…like at all…but…on the other hand, she gets stuck being second best to an awful H... so, karma?? I’ll try to be vague but will spoiler the rest.
August 13, 2018
El estilo de Diana Palmer es fácilmente reconocible y la mayoría de los elementos que pueblan sus novelas siguen estando ahí. Sin embargo, esta historia tiene una profundidad que no tienen la mayoría de sus libros.
Pierce es un hombre sumido en la tristeza tras la muerte de su esposa y Brianne es una chica joven que está pasando por una situación familiar complicada por culpa de su padrastro. Pierce acude en su ayuda tras un encuentro fortuito y ahí es donde arranca su historia.
Esta historia tiene cierta intriga con cómo se desarrollará toda la cosa con su padrastro y abre apetito para otro de los personajes de DP como es Sabon de quien acabarás queriendo saber más pero, sin duda, el plato fuerte es el protagonista, Pierce.
Es denominador común en la mayoría de novelas románticas que sin importar el dolor que sufra el protagonista por la pérdida de su pareja una vez que conoce a la protagonista ese dolor se esfuma de golpe declarándose nuevamente enamorado. En este caso no ha sido así.
Pierce se debate entre lo que comienza a sentir y lo que sintió. Está atascado en el pasado, se asusta del futuro y se deja llevar por el presente arrepintiéndose en cuanto medita un poco.
El rastro de su difunta mujer no se desvanece sin más como suele pasar sino que está ahí y no es sino con el tiempo que se va difuminando cada vez más. Y nada como eso me ha parecido más creíble.
Una novela que sobresale entre los cánones en los que se suele mover DP manteniendo su estilo.
Pierce es un hombre sumido en la tristeza tras la muerte de su esposa y Brianne es una chica joven que está pasando por una situación familiar complicada por culpa de su padrastro. Pierce acude en su ayuda tras un encuentro fortuito y ahí es donde arranca su historia.
Esta historia tiene cierta intriga con cómo se desarrollará toda la cosa con su padrastro y abre apetito para otro de los personajes de DP como es Sabon de quien acabarás queriendo saber más pero, sin duda, el plato fuerte es el protagonista, Pierce.
Es denominador común en la mayoría de novelas románticas que sin importar el dolor que sufra el protagonista por la pérdida de su pareja una vez que conoce a la protagonista ese dolor se esfuma de golpe declarándose nuevamente enamorado. En este caso no ha sido así.
Pierce se debate entre lo que comienza a sentir y lo que sintió. Está atascado en el pasado, se asusta del futuro y se deja llevar por el presente arrepintiéndose en cuanto medita un poco.
El rastro de su difunta mujer no se desvanece sin más como suele pasar sino que está ahí y no es sino con el tiempo que se va difuminando cada vez más. Y nada como eso me ha parecido más creíble.
Una novela que sobresale entre los cánones en los que se suele mover DP manteniendo su estilo.
August 12, 2016
the start was so good!i was sure i was heading for a fabulous read ! unfortunately, as we went into intrigue, spying, warring countries; i felt kinda lost. i'm not into those kinds, i prefer pure romance! if der has to be an intrigue, i wud prefer one less complicated than in this book. i can't be bothered wid all these details, i was more interested in pierce and brianne's blossoming relationship!
November 13, 2013
What a great story. Sure Pierce's a bit annoying just like Diana Palmer's usual Hero but still, I liked him. I feel bad for Brianne, especially when Pierce called her by his late wife's name when they made love. Ooooh, burn!
I enjoyed this book and I'll read more Diana Palmer's book. :))
I enjoyed this book and I'll read more Diana Palmer's book. :))
May 20, 2016
UPDATE: Re-read in October 2014.
Read
January 31, 20171/30/17 on sale for $1.99. I read this as a PB years ago. I remember liking it so I got the ebook.
December 16, 2021
This book, y'all!!
I was soooo into it though. I love me a nice age gap romance and I loved the steam in this one.
I was soooo into it though. I love me a nice age gap romance and I loved the steam in this one.
October 30, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Can only vaguely remember this book, as intrigue or lots of political angst was not my thing. Need to reread it.
Can only vaguely remember this book, as intrigue or lots of political angst was not my thing. Need to reread it.
February 12, 2018
Další pitomá hrdinka a další pošahaný hrdina.
s. 40 Phillip Sabon jednal s Brauerem o těžbě ropy v Quawi.
Pán pouště - s. 131 a průmysl. Ale jen takový, který by nepoškozoval životní prostředí. Hardware a software.
s. 41 Celé Nassau si vyprávělo o Sabonových perverzních zálibách ... představoval, měla skutečně pocit, jako by ji očima přímo svlékal. (...) V Brianne jejich setkání vyvolalo děs. (...) Jeho chování jako by bylo v rozporu s jeho pověstí (...) Lidé o něm tvrdili, že je perverzní, ale Brianne v jeho chování absolutně nic perverzního neshledávala.
s. 127 „Vlastně ani nevím, jaká hudba se ti líbí, jaký knížky čteš a co tě baví kromě práce.“
Váhal, jestli jí má takové důvěrnosti o svém životě vykládat.
Takhle váhá chlap, který cizím lidem na potkání vypráví, že spal pouze se svou manželkou, jak se chtěl zasebevraždit, běžně chodí nahatý a nedělá mu problém svléknout se před hrdinkou (aniž by měl něco v úmyslu. Nebo aniž by se znali víc jak hodinu).
I když s tím panictvím to nebylo tak žhavé.
s. 152 Než se oženil, v jeho životě bylo několik žen
s. 30 „Margo a já jsme se nehodili do dnešní doby. Byli jsme strašně staromódní... Poprvé jsme se milovali až po svatbě.“
s. 129 „...tiše požádáme o anulování sňatku.“
Jestli jí to charakterní hrdina neměl říct před tím, než ji technicky připravil o věnec.
s. 134 „Alkohol není pro tebe. Nejsi na to zvyklá!“
Na s. 23 takové zábrany neměl a lil do ní „dobrou skotskou“.
To bylo siláckých řečí o ochraně a bezpečí. A oba je unesli už na letišti. Na letišti plném lidí.
Jak zlosyni zjistili, kam přesně poletí... No, prostě tam byli a čekali. A odvezli je na pustý ostrov, kde se s ní Pierce konečně vyspal, aby to pro ni nemělo takové následky, až ji zprzní Phillip. Byl to nezištný, dobrý skutek. (s. 151)
Nicméně „tajní“ nedělají svou práci moc dobře. Neví o svatbě, nepoznají Pierce, i když je jedním z klíčových hráčů. Bonusem je s. 180, kdy k vězněné Brianne vtrhne maskovaný muž, z něhož viděla jen pár tmavých očí.
„Slečna Martinová, nemýlím se,“ řekl hlas, který neznala.
„Vlastně paní Huttonová,“ opravila ho. Prostě blbka.
Muž na ni vycenil dokonale bílý chrup. A to z něho viděla jenom oči.
Phillip na první dobrou vyžvaní Brianne úplně všechno. Soudě podle s. 161 aj. se Phillipův životní příběh měnil ze stránky na stránku, stejně jako Quawi.
s. 162 žádná města, jen chatrče bez vody
Pán pouště, s. 153 za historickou zdí se rozprostíralo staré město s oslepivě bílými budovami
Trochu mě zmátlo, proč se hrdina při sexu ptá hrdinky „Už jsem tam?“ (s. 210).
V originále je prosté „There?“
s. 225 Sabon: „Viděl jsem na Brauerovi, že váhá s podporou mého plánu.“
s. 40,41 Sabon však už dříve Brauerovi naznačil, že má na Středním východě v záloze bohatého přítele, který by byl ochotný Brauera v rozbíhající se transakci zastoupit. Brauer už ovšem zašel příliš daleko, aby mohl bez ztrát z projektu vycouvat.
s. 229 „Máte papír a tužku?“ (...) Pak do papíru obtiskl prsten.
Jak se dá do papíru obtisknout prsten? To ho dal pod papír a vystínoval ho jako minci?
s. 72 Qawi V „Pán pouště“ se používá zásadně „Qawi“, tady je to převážně „Quawi“.
s. 90,91 „A ty si dávej pozor! (...) Byl bych hrozně nerad, kdy mi sem volali ve tři ráno, že ve Freeportu vyplavilo moře tvý tělo...“
s. 153 a dodal: „Vy být dárek pro něho!“.
s. 201 „Žije tu jeho babička.“
s. 161 „...žila tam moje babička...“
s. 225 Z kšeftování se zbraněmi, je zvyklý na okamžitý zisk.
s. 262 zbrań
s. 276 dobrovoníci
uvozovky - s. 113, 207
s. 40 Phillip Sabon jednal s Brauerem o těžbě ropy v Quawi.
Pán pouště - s. 131 a průmysl. Ale jen takový, který by nepoškozoval životní prostředí. Hardware a software.
s. 41 Celé Nassau si vyprávělo o Sabonových perverzních zálibách ... představoval, měla skutečně pocit, jako by ji očima přímo svlékal. (...) V Brianne jejich setkání vyvolalo děs. (...) Jeho chování jako by bylo v rozporu s jeho pověstí (...) Lidé o něm tvrdili, že je perverzní, ale Brianne v jeho chování absolutně nic perverzního neshledávala.
s. 127 „Vlastně ani nevím, jaká hudba se ti líbí, jaký knížky čteš a co tě baví kromě práce.“
Váhal, jestli jí má takové důvěrnosti o svém životě vykládat.
Takhle váhá chlap, který cizím lidem na potkání vypráví, že spal pouze se svou manželkou, jak se chtěl zasebevraždit, běžně chodí nahatý a nedělá mu problém svléknout se před hrdinkou (aniž by měl něco v úmyslu. Nebo aniž by se znali víc jak hodinu).
I když s tím panictvím to nebylo tak žhavé.
s. 152 Než se oženil, v jeho životě bylo několik žen
s. 30 „Margo a já jsme se nehodili do dnešní doby. Byli jsme strašně staromódní... Poprvé jsme se milovali až po svatbě.“
s. 129 „...tiše požádáme o anulování sňatku.“
Jestli jí to charakterní hrdina neměl říct před tím, než ji technicky připravil o věnec.
s. 134 „Alkohol není pro tebe. Nejsi na to zvyklá!“
Na s. 23 takové zábrany neměl a lil do ní „dobrou skotskou“.
To bylo siláckých řečí o ochraně a bezpečí. A oba je unesli už na letišti. Na letišti plném lidí.
Jak zlosyni zjistili, kam přesně poletí... No, prostě tam byli a čekali. A odvezli je na pustý ostrov, kde se s ní Pierce konečně vyspal, aby to pro ni nemělo takové následky, až ji zprzní Phillip. Byl to nezištný, dobrý skutek. (s. 151)
Nicméně „tajní“ nedělají svou práci moc dobře. Neví o svatbě, nepoznají Pierce, i když je jedním z klíčových hráčů. Bonusem je s. 180, kdy k vězněné Brianne vtrhne maskovaný muž, z něhož viděla jen pár tmavých očí.
„Slečna Martinová, nemýlím se,“ řekl hlas, který neznala.
„Vlastně paní Huttonová,“ opravila ho. Prostě blbka.
Muž na ni vycenil dokonale bílý chrup. A to z něho viděla jenom oči.
Phillip na první dobrou vyžvaní Brianne úplně všechno. Soudě podle s. 161 aj. se Phillipův životní příběh měnil ze stránky na stránku, stejně jako Quawi.
s. 162 žádná města, jen chatrče bez vody
Pán pouště, s. 153 za historickou zdí se rozprostíralo staré město s oslepivě bílými budovami
Trochu mě zmátlo, proč se hrdina při sexu ptá hrdinky „Už jsem tam?“ (s. 210).
V originále je prosté „There?“
s. 225 Sabon: „Viděl jsem na Brauerovi, že váhá s podporou mého plánu.“
s. 40,41 Sabon však už dříve Brauerovi naznačil, že má na Středním východě v záloze bohatého přítele, který by byl ochotný Brauera v rozbíhající se transakci zastoupit. Brauer už ovšem zašel příliš daleko, aby mohl bez ztrát z projektu vycouvat.
s. 229 „Máte papír a tužku?“ (...) Pak do papíru obtiskl prsten.
Jak se dá do papíru obtisknout prsten? To ho dal pod papír a vystínoval ho jako minci?
s. 72 Qawi V „Pán pouště“ se používá zásadně „Qawi“, tady je to převážně „Quawi“.
s. 90,91 „A ty si dávej pozor! (...) Byl bych hrozně nerad, kdy mi sem volali ve tři ráno, že ve Freeportu vyplavilo moře tvý tělo...“
s. 153 a dodal: „Vy být dárek pro něho!“.
s. 201 „Žije tu jeho babička.“
s. 161 „...žila tam moje babička...“
s. 225 Z kšeftování se zbraněmi, je zvyklý na okamžitý zisk.
s. 262 zbrań
s. 276 dobrovoníci
uvozovky - s. 113, 207
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2025
Una buena historia, donde algunos personajes no son lo que parecen, y con algún giro inesperado.
Se lee bien y es entretenida, con una trama interesante a pesar de ser un clásico de la novela romántica.
Brianne y Pierce, ella es juventud y positividad, él le dobla la edad y está desesperado. Se conocen y ya nada será igual para ninguno de los dos.
Se lee bien y es entretenida, con una trama interesante a pesar de ser un clásico de la novela romántica.
Brianne y Pierce, ella es juventud y positividad, él le dobla la edad y está desesperado. Se conocen y ya nada será igual para ninguno de los dos.
October 25, 2014
Read in Japanese あの日、パリの街で (MIRA文庫)
Brianne (18 years old) & Pierce (37 years old)
Brianne's father has passed away, and her mother remarried a rich man Kurt Browler for money. Kurt wants to have Brianne marry his business partner Savon? to solidify the business deal.
Pierce hasn't gone over his dead wife, Margo. He doesn't want to remarry or fall in love with any other woman after 10 years of marriage and after 2 years since her death.
Brianne is young and upbeat, but Pierce can't let go of Margo. He married Brianne to protect her from her step father's evil plans, but cannot get over feeling like he was betraying Margo.
The trouble involved middle eastern countries, oil fields, and US. Brianne gets pregnant and finally Pierce realizes that he loves her and wants to be with her and her child. Took a whole book to realize that. Frustrating because Pierce was so not over with Margo.
Same pattern asn Wyoming Fierce. Hereo who isn't over the previous woman/marriage, a young heroine who has a bad family members.
Book description
A casual flirtation between an 18-year-old girl and a wealthy man twice her age leads to love and danger in this engaging but not entirely plausible thriller by popular romance author Palmer (The Rawhide Man). Brianne Martin's nefarious wheeler-dealer of a stepfather sends her to study in Paris, where she falls for widowed oilman Pierce Hutton. In the process of Pierce trying to protect Brianne from his undercover activities and Brianne trying to seduce Pierce, they both get caught up in Middle Eastern shenanigans that might?if Pierce and his allies didn't turn out to have near-superhero abilities?lead to WWIII. This is definitely thriller-lite (the supposedly tough-guy hero refers to "a hush-hush mission"), however, and Palmer manages to fracture her few French phrases (for example, femme du nuit instead of de la nuit). The dialogue is charming, the characters likable and the sex sizzling, and the roller-coaster emotions between hero and heroine will give Palmer's many fans an enjoyable ride.(less)
Brianne (18 years old) & Pierce (37 years old)
Brianne's father has passed away, and her mother remarried a rich man Kurt Browler for money. Kurt wants to have Brianne marry his business partner Savon? to solidify the business deal.
Pierce hasn't gone over his dead wife, Margo. He doesn't want to remarry or fall in love with any other woman after 10 years of marriage and after 2 years since her death.
Brianne is young and upbeat, but Pierce can't let go of Margo. He married Brianne to protect her from her step father's evil plans, but cannot get over feeling like he was betraying Margo.
The trouble involved middle eastern countries, oil fields, and US. Brianne gets pregnant and finally Pierce realizes that he loves her and wants to be with her and her child. Took a whole book to realize that. Frustrating because Pierce was so not over with Margo.
Same pattern asn Wyoming Fierce. Hereo who isn't over the previous woman/marriage, a young heroine who has a bad family members.
Book description
A casual flirtation between an 18-year-old girl and a wealthy man twice her age leads to love and danger in this engaging but not entirely plausible thriller by popular romance author Palmer (The Rawhide Man). Brianne Martin's nefarious wheeler-dealer of a stepfather sends her to study in Paris, where she falls for widowed oilman Pierce Hutton. In the process of Pierce trying to protect Brianne from his undercover activities and Brianne trying to seduce Pierce, they both get caught up in Middle Eastern shenanigans that might?if Pierce and his allies didn't turn out to have near-superhero abilities?lead to WWIII. This is definitely thriller-lite (the supposedly tough-guy hero refers to "a hush-hush mission"), however, and Palmer manages to fracture her few French phrases (for example, femme du nuit instead of de la nuit). The dialogue is charming, the characters likable and the sex sizzling, and the roller-coaster emotions between hero and heroine will give Palmer's many fans an enjoyable ride.(less)
July 7, 2013
Hutton & Co. 01
Uma Vez Em Paris
Diana Palmer
H.P. Sucessos 09
2011
Como criei muita expectativa sobre este livro, então, parto do principio que ninguém é enganado neste romance, pois os protagonistas sabem os problemas e as virtudes que cada um tem.
Pierce é sedutor, charmoso e totalmente másculo, é muito difícil não se apaixonar por ele.
Brianne é inexperiente, curiosa e ousada, é uma combinação explosiva, que a transforma numa pessoa encantadora, acho complicado, pra ele, não desejá-la.
Bri sabe que Pierce era profundamente apaixonado pela falecida esposa, e que o relacionamento deles era extremamente profundo.
Pierce por sua vez, sabe que Bri está sofrendo com o padrasto que quer casá-la com um homem que ela não ama. Sabe ainda que ela tão inexperiente, como é curiosa e ousada.
E outra coisa, que homem resiste a uma mulher que quer de todas as maneiras perder a virgindade, que a princípio toma uma atitude ousada de começar a tirar a roupa, mas que por falta de experiência se intima logo em seguida, deixando assim, ele tomar conta da ação, os homens amam esse tipo de situação inocência com ousadia.
Então, Bri não pode reclamar que o casamento dela não seja de verdade. Como Pierce não pode exigir fidelidade cega, por parte de Bri.
Só não pode se achar que Bri é a vítima e que Pierce é bobalhão, os dois sabiam o que faziam ninguém é inocente na estória.
Agora, se eles vão se apaixonar um pelo outro, no decorrer do romance, ou coisa do gênero, ou de que forma isso acontece, nós não temos nada haver com isso, só podemos comemorar, certo?
Obs.: ...Philippe Sabon não fica atrás de Pierce, também é um sedutor por natureza, e agora entendo o encantamento de Sabon por Bri, e a compaixão dela deixou o deixou cego... agora acho compreensível ele ter demorado tanto tempo pra se entender com a Gretchen.
RECOMENDADÍSSIMO!!!
ADORO!!!
Uma Vez Em Paris
Diana Palmer
H.P. Sucessos 09
2011
Como criei muita expectativa sobre este livro, então, parto do principio que ninguém é enganado neste romance, pois os protagonistas sabem os problemas e as virtudes que cada um tem.
Pierce é sedutor, charmoso e totalmente másculo, é muito difícil não se apaixonar por ele.
Brianne é inexperiente, curiosa e ousada, é uma combinação explosiva, que a transforma numa pessoa encantadora, acho complicado, pra ele, não desejá-la.
Bri sabe que Pierce era profundamente apaixonado pela falecida esposa, e que o relacionamento deles era extremamente profundo.
Pierce por sua vez, sabe que Bri está sofrendo com o padrasto que quer casá-la com um homem que ela não ama. Sabe ainda que ela tão inexperiente, como é curiosa e ousada.
E outra coisa, que homem resiste a uma mulher que quer de todas as maneiras perder a virgindade, que a princípio toma uma atitude ousada de começar a tirar a roupa, mas que por falta de experiência se intima logo em seguida, deixando assim, ele tomar conta da ação, os homens amam esse tipo de situação inocência com ousadia.
Então, Bri não pode reclamar que o casamento dela não seja de verdade. Como Pierce não pode exigir fidelidade cega, por parte de Bri.
Só não pode se achar que Bri é a vítima e que Pierce é bobalhão, os dois sabiam o que faziam ninguém é inocente na estória.
Agora, se eles vão se apaixonar um pelo outro, no decorrer do romance, ou coisa do gênero, ou de que forma isso acontece, nós não temos nada haver com isso, só podemos comemorar, certo?
Obs.: ...Philippe Sabon não fica atrás de Pierce, também é um sedutor por natureza, e agora entendo o encantamento de Sabon por Bri, e a compaixão dela deixou o deixou cego... agora acho compreensível ele ter demorado tanto tempo pra se entender com a Gretchen.
RECOMENDADÍSSIMO!!!
ADORO!!!
March 26, 2008
Like almost every full-length novel I've read by Palmer, Once in Paris was a fantastic read. It was one of those books where you don't even notice what page you are on because you are so caught up in the characters and the story.
The characters are great - well-rounded, likable and interesting. I really enjoyed Brianne and Pierce's interactions. They had an interesting dynamic with the age difference and Pierce's shattered heart. Their romance was nicely played out. I also liked the introduction of the secondary characters - Tate Winthrop who Palmer features in Paper Rose, and Phillippe Sabon who is featured in Lord of the Desert. I've read Lord of the Desert, so it was nice to read his introduction into Palmer's continuity of characters. And I look forward to reading Tate's story soon.
I enjoyed the storyline as well...the international political intrigue, the suspense and tension. It was a well-thought plot that made sense and kept the reader into the story. And it also turns out that this storyline has a direct connection to things that happen in Lord of the Desert, so it was nice to get the first part of the storyline about Sabon's country.
The thing I have a semi-criticism about is the fact that Palmer once again followed her popular "formula" with the hero being a mid-late thirties, broken guy who doesn't believe in love and marriage, and a female is is rather young, innocent, but brash and vibrant. It's a workable formula, but it would be nice Palmer strayed from it once in a while. It's not really a negative of the book...it didn't take away from the story, I'm just saying that I wouldn't have minded if Palmer had gone with something different.
The characters are great - well-rounded, likable and interesting. I really enjoyed Brianne and Pierce's interactions. They had an interesting dynamic with the age difference and Pierce's shattered heart. Their romance was nicely played out. I also liked the introduction of the secondary characters - Tate Winthrop who Palmer features in Paper Rose, and Phillippe Sabon who is featured in Lord of the Desert. I've read Lord of the Desert, so it was nice to read his introduction into Palmer's continuity of characters. And I look forward to reading Tate's story soon.
I enjoyed the storyline as well...the international political intrigue, the suspense and tension. It was a well-thought plot that made sense and kept the reader into the story. And it also turns out that this storyline has a direct connection to things that happen in Lord of the Desert, so it was nice to get the first part of the storyline about Sabon's country.
The thing I have a semi-criticism about is the fact that Palmer once again followed her popular "formula" with the hero being a mid-late thirties, broken guy who doesn't believe in love and marriage, and a female is is rather young, innocent, but brash and vibrant. It's a workable formula, but it would be nice Palmer strayed from it once in a while. It's not really a negative of the book...it didn't take away from the story, I'm just saying that I wouldn't have minded if Palmer had gone with something different.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2014
Will be deleting this ebook, am not even halfway through but i have a feeling this is not a good one.
February 6, 2023
Pierce and Brianne
It was ok. I wanted to like it because Brianne was spunky and had a good personality and I liked how she talked to Pierce. I however could not stand how in love with his dead wife Pierce was. Pierce was ok when he wasn't wallowing in guilt or longing for his dead wife, however he was almost til the last page of book.
The dead wife plotline was absolutely annoying. He wore he wedding ring of marriage to the dead wife the whole book even when he married the heroine. He told heroine he never wanted to have a child with her (of course once she is pregnant, he accepts it) because he couldn't have one with his dead wife he didn't want one with anyone else. He constantly compared the heroine to dead wife and even said her name while having sex with heroine.
Even at the end when he decided to stay married to the heroine, he tells her she shares a lot of the same qualities as his dead wife and he would be fool to let her get away.
Heroine did not even seem to notice he made that comment and was just happy he didn't want to divorce her.
To me she never seemed like a 20 year old until that moment, that she didn't realize basically what he was telling her that he only accepts heroine because her similarities to the dead wife not for herself and she will come in second forever and is just a substitute. P.
It was ok. I wanted to like it because Brianne was spunky and had a good personality and I liked how she talked to Pierce. I however could not stand how in love with his dead wife Pierce was. Pierce was ok when he wasn't wallowing in guilt or longing for his dead wife, however he was almost til the last page of book.
The dead wife plotline was absolutely annoying. He wore he wedding ring of marriage to the dead wife the whole book even when he married the heroine. He told heroine he never wanted to have a child with her (of course once she is pregnant, he accepts it) because he couldn't have one with his dead wife he didn't want one with anyone else. He constantly compared the heroine to dead wife and even said her name while having sex with heroine.
Even at the end when he decided to stay married to the heroine, he tells her she shares a lot of the same qualities as his dead wife and he would be fool to let her get away.
Heroine did not even seem to notice he made that comment and was just happy he didn't want to divorce her.
To me she never seemed like a 20 year old until that moment, that she didn't realize basically what he was telling her that he only accepts heroine because her similarities to the dead wife not for herself and she will come in second forever and is just a substitute. P.
Read
January 8, 2020Lovely painfully yet thrilling romance
At her best as always love everyone and everything. Characters came alive and could see them going through emotional roller coaster,exciting, more then stunning passionate couple are is a matter of no consequence since young ladies who've suffered the loss of a beloved parent who was her life and happiness need more books but on AS budget so will be have to wait till next month your stories are so addictive it's a luxury to to have over spent on my monthly budget but patience is a great virtue that it's still fun to start again soon. Thank you so much for following your gift with us your fans and hope your blessed with giving us so e more awesome stories of true love is eternal. Something our nation has lost is that love is in about se,I am gratification. Carmen P Self
At her best as always love everyone and everything. Characters came alive and could see them going through emotional roller coaster,exciting, more then stunning passionate couple are is a matter of no consequence since young ladies who've suffered the loss of a beloved parent who was her life and happiness need more books but on AS budget so will be have to wait till next month your stories are so addictive it's a luxury to to have over spent on my monthly budget but patience is a great virtue that it's still fun to start again soon. Thank you so much for following your gift with us your fans and hope your blessed with giving us so e more awesome stories of true love is eternal. Something our nation has lost is that love is in about se,I am gratification. Carmen P Self
Read
May 17, 2025- Niepotrzebnie zaprzeczasz. Każda dziewczyna myśli na początku: jak to możliwe, jak on się tam zmieści? Ja się zmieszczę, Brianne.
Czy wiesz, co robię, Brianne?
Domyślam się.
-Nie odwracaj głowy, proszę. I nie zamykaj oczu.
Chcę być... z tobą.
Wygiąwszy lekko plecy, skrzywiła się z bólu.
-Czujesz, jak pęka? - spytał Pierce.
- Och... tak!
Patrzyli na siebie szeroko rozwartymi oczami. Było to najbardziej intymne przeżycie, jakiego Pierce'owi dane było doświadczyć z kobietą. Intymniejsze niż uprawianie seksu. Sam nie wiedział, dlaczego to zrobił, ale teraz nie żałował już swej decyzji. Czuł, jak przeszkoda puściła. Naprawdę czuł to!
-Wielki Boże! - wyszeptał z przejęciem, a wówczas Brianne przywarła do niego z cichym szlochem.
Pierce... - westchnęła. - Och, Pierce...
Wiem, czułem to. Byłaś taka nieprzytomna, taka spięta. Ścisnęłaś mnie wtedy jeszcze mocniej i... Boże, ja chyba nigdy...
Czy wiesz, co robię, Brianne?
Domyślam się.
-Nie odwracaj głowy, proszę. I nie zamykaj oczu.
Chcę być... z tobą.
Wygiąwszy lekko plecy, skrzywiła się z bólu.
-Czujesz, jak pęka? - spytał Pierce.
- Och... tak!
Patrzyli na siebie szeroko rozwartymi oczami. Było to najbardziej intymne przeżycie, jakiego Pierce'owi dane było doświadczyć z kobietą. Intymniejsze niż uprawianie seksu. Sam nie wiedział, dlaczego to zrobił, ale teraz nie żałował już swej decyzji. Czuł, jak przeszkoda puściła. Naprawdę czuł to!
-Wielki Boże! - wyszeptał z przejęciem, a wówczas Brianne przywarła do niego z cichym szlochem.
Pierce... - westchnęła. - Och, Pierce...
Wiem, czułem to. Byłaś taka nieprzytomna, taka spięta. Ścisnęłaś mnie wtedy jeszcze mocniej i... Boże, ja chyba nigdy...
September 6, 2021
Brianne and Pierce Hutton
Mystery, intrigue, espionage, betrayal, loving beyond the best ever sex, denial of that love, stubbornness beyond reason, loyalty beyond the grave, hopelessness and pain, hopeless love amongst heartfelt closeness friends for life, the tightest escape after tighter escape above all escapes time after time, with comradery vs camaraderie and lol.. laugh out loud enjoyment. (I find myself reading excerpts out loud to my spouse of forty years when he asks "What the hell are you laughing about now?!").
Mystery, intrigue, espionage, betrayal, loving beyond the best ever sex, denial of that love, stubbornness beyond reason, loyalty beyond the grave, hopelessness and pain, hopeless love amongst heartfelt closeness friends for life, the tightest escape after tighter escape above all escapes time after time, with comradery vs camaraderie and lol.. laugh out loud enjoyment. (I find myself reading excerpts out loud to my spouse of forty years when he asks "What the hell are you laughing about now?!").
December 11, 2019
Pierce and Brianna
What can I say? It was long with a H still in love with his dead wife and when the end came you feel like the h is just a substitute for the love if his wife. I loved Brianna though. She is vivacious, smart and fun but comes across a bit desperate for the H that's still thinking about his dead wife to look at her as a woman. I loved Philip Sabon secondary story and cant wait to read about it.
What can I say? It was long with a H still in love with his dead wife and when the end came you feel like the h is just a substitute for the love if his wife. I loved Brianna though. She is vivacious, smart and fun but comes across a bit desperate for the H that's still thinking about his dead wife to look at her as a woman. I loved Philip Sabon secondary story and cant wait to read about it.
December 30, 2019
I love the age gap stories so the summary hooked me right away. Overall I enjoyed the book but the last half got oddly political. It was like all of a sudden the author wanted us to be fully aware of her opinions.
The story between Brianne and Pierce I enjoyed. But some of the commentary was disappointing. In the end I felt like Brianne’s fears of being a substitute were most definitely valid.
The story between Brianne and Pierce I enjoyed. But some of the commentary was disappointing. In the end I felt like Brianne’s fears of being a substitute were most definitely valid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
Once in Paris is a classic Diana Palmer romance—emotional, passionate, and beautifully dramatic. I really enjoyed the way she brought the Parisian setting to life, adding elegance and charm to the love story. The characters’ journey was filled with longing, misunderstandings, and heartfelt moments that kept me turning the pages. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the emotional depth made the story linger even after I finished. A timeless romance that captures both heart and imagination.
October 28, 2018
Loved it!
I absolutely adore this author. The supposed heroes I'm not so sure about. I found myself yelling at Pierce and calling him some serious names. And Brianne has the soul of a saint, any other woman would have dissapeard where he couldn't find her. Still love her books even if they make me yell at the pages like a crazy person.
I absolutely adore this author. The supposed heroes I'm not so sure about. I found myself yelling at Pierce and calling him some serious names. And Brianne has the soul of a saint, any other woman would have dissapeard where he couldn't find her. Still love her books even if they make me yell at the pages like a crazy person.
June 27, 2021
El primer libro que leí de Diana Palmer lo encontré en un súper mercado, súper económico estaba en pleno bloqueo lector y dije por qué no, no me arrepiento para nada me encanta ahora todos los libros de Diana Palmer, Pierce y Brianna me encantaron demasiado el con traumas no quería amar a nadie tuvo que salvar a Brianna de ese tipo tan desagradable me encanto ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 1, 2021
Pierce and Brianne
She loved him since they first met. He was still in love with his dead wife Margo. It took her needing to be rescued from Philippe Salon for Pierce to marry her. They got closer and finally when he discovered she was pregnant with his child they became a true committed family.
She loved him since they first met. He was still in love with his dead wife Margo. It took her needing to be rescued from Philippe Salon for Pierce to marry her. They got closer and finally when he discovered she was pregnant with his child they became a true committed family.
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