An Improbable Pairing by Gary Dickson

An Improbable Pairing

by Gary Dickson

Kindle Edition, 400 pages

Expected publication: March 31st 2020 by MIRA

Goodreads synopsis: 

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.

***

2.5 Stars

Basic premise: An American grad student goes to study abroad and comes across an older lady, a well-to-do countess whom he falls for. Set in the 1960’s.

I wanted to like this, I really did. The characters were interesting and well-formed. I enjoyed following along with Scott and his exploits in Europe but it just wasn’t enough of a story to really keep my attention. What it really needed was a good murder to break up the monotony.

For what it is, it is fine. And I am sure this is some people’s cup of tea. It just wasn’t mine. Although, the setting was quite intriguing and I wouldn’t mind if these characters had more to do than just date each other. I definitely would have liked it better. A lot of standouts in here as far as characters went but overall, it was lackluster.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.