I absolutely adore books in which the hero does something so awful that he knows–knows!–that he can never recover what he lost. Judith McNaught wrote some brilliant versions of this plot (personally, I think my Potent Pleasures is a pretty good version). Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Kiss an Angel is one my absolute favorites in this genre.
For one thing, even though it’s a contemporary, it’s a forced marriage plot. Daisy Devreaux is the ultimate airhead–but now she either marries the man her father has chosen or she goes to jail. But it’s not as if Daddy chose a millionaire. Alex Markov works for a run-down circus and lives a nomadic existence in a trailor. And he really, really, doesn’t want to marry Daisy.
The story of how Daisy stops being a silly rich girl and finds her feet, and how Alex stops being a cold-hearted, nasty tyrant and falls in love is just wonderful. But the best part of all is when Alex fails to trust Daisy yet again, and she leaves him. What’s more, she doesn’t just run home to Daddy: she’s gone, and Alex can’t find her.
She’s heartbroken; you’ll be heartbroken; Alex is heartbroken. Reader heaven!
5 Comments
Ahh, I totally know what you mean, I’m a sucker for these kind of plotlines. Potent pleasures, Kiss an Angel, Whitney, my love, are all my favourites!
I loved Kiss an Angel when I read it a couple of years ago, just didn’t know why. Now, I do. So that’s why I love Eloisa, Judith, Susan, and all those authors who make the hero realize what he’s lost and show just what measures he has to take to win her love back. Makes me feel good to see a book I have already read and loved on Eloisa’s Books to Love list, makes me feel as if I do have some “taste” after all.
I have falling in LOVE with this book!! I’m reading it for the 6th time in a row!! I defiantly recommend it.
I have read Kiss An Angel over and over. I am seriously attached to the story and characters. It breaks my heart every time. Makes me want the hero and my own baby elephant!!!!
i have read this novel twice this how much i enjoyed it.. and given the time i will read it again!