An Improbable Pairing

Written by Gary Dickson

Narrated by Rosemary Benson

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
• Release date: Jan 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9781626348288

Reviews for An Improbable Pairing

[marquis784-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

An Improbable Pairing by Gary Dickinson

January 2019
Historical Fiction

I received a digital copy of this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review from NetGalley and Greenleaf Book.

“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.”

In Sept 1963, Scott Stoddard, an American graduate student, travels abroad to study in Geneva, Switzerland. En route via cruise ship, he meets many interesting people. He becomes fascinated with a glamorous older French divorcee who happens to be Countess de Robeve. When he arrives in Geneva, Scott finds himself mingling amongst socialites. It isn’t long before he is more engaged socially than academically much to the disappointment of his parents.

The story was initially entertaining but soon felt to drag with all the detailed descriptions of the elite lifestyle. The relationship that develops between Scott and Désirée, the Countess, never completely felt “real” to me. Of course, they are “an improbable pair” who encounter scrutiny and judgement when their affair becomes public.

Ultimately, I felt unsatisfied as I finished the book. It seemed to have me questioning the authenticity of the characters. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a fairly good romantic historical fiction story. It takes place in the 1960’s. An American named Scott gets a chance to study in Switzerland and takes a ship to get there. While on the ship he falls for an older woman and hopes to see more of her while in Switzerland. I enjoyed some of the scenery but I wasn’t that sure I really cared too much for Scott or Countess de Rovere. Both of the characters needed to grow up. I received a copy of this book from Smith Publicity for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[mishker-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Scott Stoddard is an American graduate student who has been accepted into a prestigious program in Switzerland. On his way overseas, Scott is introduced to the enigmatic Countess de Rovere and becomes infatuated. With a promise to his parents to focus on his studies, Scott puts off calling on the Countess and attempts to concentrate on school and girls his own age. However, the pull of the Countess' presence is hard to resist and Scott finds himself under Desiree's spell. Scott and Desiree find that their attraction is mutual, even though there is a long list of reasons that they should not be together. Being introduced into Desiree's social circle takes a toll on Scott's academics, but their attraction grows. As news of their relationship spreads, pressure mounts on the couple. An Improbable Pairing takes the reader through the whirlwind romance of a very lucky American student and a privileged Countess in 1960's Europe. The beginning of the book grabbed my attention with the voyage, the mystery surrounding The Countess and the suspense of how Scott and Desiree would come together. After Scott arrived, the pace slowed a bit as he went about being a student and attempting to date the girls he believed he should. Things began to pick up again when Scott and Desiree begin dating. At this point, it also seemed like Scott was just the luckiest man alive as everything fell perfectly into place for him. Desiree's world is shiny and exciting as her status invites her into world's that I would never be able to see. The descriptions of luxurious homes, clothing, jewelry, restaurants, food and events were very encompassing and detailed allowing me to richly imagine places in Switzerland and France that I will never see. The romance plays out as I would expect, the addition of Desiree's ex-husband adds a slight tension, but could have been used to ramp up the excitement even more. Overalll, a classic historical romance that add the glamour of 1960's Europe. This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

[bookscookslooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A young American man, Scott Stoddard, is heading to study in Switzerland. His life has been one of an upper middle class wealth in the South. One of privilege and comfortable living but it is nothing compared to the old wealth he will encounter when he starts meeting not only his fellow students but the upper echelons of European society. It starts when he meets one young woman on the ship on the way over and she is his entree into a world he could only imagine. And to a woman he falls in love with at first sight. A woman every man wants.Scott gets off the ship and works his way to the school in Geneva by way of a stop in Paris where he makes some friends. He is introduced to people come from families that go far back in time with more money than he could even conceive. He has a very generous allowance from his parents but his head still swims. His attention is still drawn to the woman of his dreams, the Countess de Rovere. And she is also looking his way.They eventually meet but there is as much drawing them together as pulling them apart. She is older, has more life experience, has been married before and has a lot more money than he has. He is of a different class, inexperienced, younger and not quite accepted by the old guard in which she moves. And yet still they fall in love. But will it work out?This book is about love, class, and family. I enjoyed the parts of the story that were about the young man out of his element. Scott’s adventures with his friends. The beginnings of the romance between Scott and the Countess were well written and a very good tale but as the story went on it did start to get a touch repetitive. Not so much in action as they traveled hither and yon in Europe but rather in detailing Scott’s feelings about loving the Countess.I felt in reading that I was less a participant in the story as happens with most books I read but rather that the action occurred at a remove. I felt like I was reading as opposed to just being. I don’t know if this makes sense but usually when I read a book I become immersed in the story and stop feeling like I am reading and more feel like I am living within the story. That just didn’t happen with this book and it lessened my enjoyment of the story.

[jillrey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sometimes, by happenstance, you pick up a book that so perfectly fits your mood in the moment you can't help but love it. This book was one that certainly won't be loved by all, but was just what I needed. Against his parents better judgement, Scott Stoddard is sailing aboard the SS United States to Geneva to study International Business at the country's most reputable graduate school. His parents finance this endeavor with the understanding that Scott will return to the United States upon graduation to become a lawyer, following in his father's footsteps. Goals, plans and drive are important to the Stoddards, but when Scott sees a captivating European aboard his ship his plans begin to take a backseat. A classic novel about the underdog going for the girl. Cliché, but captivating. Simple, yet so detailed. This book captured my attention quickly and held on through the society parties, lovers quarrels and surprises. *Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.