An Unwilling Bride
- Author: Jo Beverley
- Publisher: Zebra
- Year: 1992, Re-issued 2000
- Editor: Alice Alfonsi
- Setting: Regency England
- Amazon Listing: An Unwilling Bride - Re-issue edition
Book Description
Beth has reservations about marrying the handsome Marquess of Arden. The plain bluestocking isn't sure she wants the life of a peer. While Lucien is very conscious of his duty and will fulfill the obligation of marriage, Beth does not come to the marriage easily, and often does not help herself. Her words and actions create additional problems in the marriage, and ultimately lead to a significant act of violence on the part of Lucien.
As is typical of a Jo Beverley title, serious issues are addressed bluntly. This novel contains underlying elements of physical and emotional abuse. The latter is result of misunderstandings and emotional pain. The former is the result of Lucien striking out physically. It is how Beverley forces her characters to address the root causes of violence that makes this story compelling. While some readers will not countenance this type of activity in a romance novel, Beverley is continuing in a long tradition of romance novelists who include major social issues in their work. The ultimate message, even though told in the context of the Regency era, is that abuse is not to be tolerated.
Some readers feel that reading of the previous novel in the Company Of Rogues series, An Arranged Marriage provides a deeper understanding of Lucien's character, which allows them to further understand his behavior and rationale.
Awards
Related Titles
This book is part of Jo Beverley's Company Of Rogues series. The Three Georges series is also related.
