The Viscount of Maisons-Laffitte by Jennie GoutetMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
There was alot going on in this book, but overall I liked it. There were too many storylines going on for my taste, I had to go back and re-read some parts to make sure I knew what was going on. The characters also have several names so I was confused at times until I figured out who was who. Fortunately this was a pretty quick read and the author did a decent job tying up all the loose ends at the close of the story. I didn't feel like anything was left unanswered at the end. Overall, I thought this was a nice, sweet romance. I would have liked a brief description of what a viscount is, as it is never really explained in the book, he just does a lot of stuff and seems to own a big chateau. I gather that he's kind of like royalty in his town, as he has a very high profile public life.
The story follows Chastity, the American who teaches English at a school in France. She meets the Viscount of Maison-Laffitte, Charles, when she expresses concerns over his son, Louis' school work. The viscount is pretty hands off when it comes to parenting, for reasons that are explained along the way. He is irritated that Chastity dare call him to discuss such matters as his son's English homework and accuse Louis of possible drug use. Louis is in fact using drugs and in way over his head. This is where the story branches off into several storylines. There is Louis story with his struggles as an incompetent drug dealer, Chastity's story as a teacher and mother, and Charles story as Viscount, racetrack owner, father and doctor. This is where Jean also known as Marc, enters the picture, he plays several roles in the story which are unclear until the very end.
A terrible accident befalls Chastity and her beloved son Thomas. Enter Charles the neurosurgeoun who is actually a very kind and caring man, not the cold Viscount and father Chastity has seen previously. They connect in the hospital in a very innocent and sweet way, and a sort of romance ensues. Chastity must focus on getting her son better, and Charles still has his chaotic, high profile life. In the end they find themselves falling for one another inspite of relationship baggage, drama with their children, drug dealing, and an art heist. This is where all the story lines culminate and come to a close and you figure out what role the extraneous characters are playing.
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