Title: The Reluctant Bride
Author: Monica Murphy
First published April 19, 2022
348 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781953553607
Rating: 3.81
Overview
From a wealthy and forgotten daughter, I became a blushing bride overnight, tied to a stranger in an arranged marriage. Perry Constantine, my new husband, is the life of the party in public, but behind closed doors, his brooding and anger match my own.
It’s a battle of strength to see who will break in the bedroom first, and as much as I try to resist, I find myself longing for the man I once swore to hate. Will our reluctant union turn into something more, or will our stubbornness drive us apart?
Find out in Monica Murphy’s captivating novel, The Reluctant Bride.
About the Author
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Editoral Review
The Reluctant Bride by Monica Murphy is a captivating historical romance novel that is sure to delight fans of the genre. Published on April 19, 2022, the novel’s author, Monica Murphy, is well-known for her bestselling romance books.
Set in 19th century England, The Reluctant Bride tells a story of a young woman named Lady Charlotte who has been promised to a Duke she has never met. Despite being a dutiful daughter who would never disobey her parents, Lady Charlotte is fearful of such a forced marriage and begs for a way out.
Her only hope is an up-and-coming barrister named Henry Dawkins, who finds himself representing Lady Charlotte against her stubborn family. As he fights for her freedom, the pair quickly becomes infatuated with each other, leading to emotional turmoil as Lady Charlotte must decide between her family’s wishes or following her heart.
Monica Murphy seamlessly transports readers to 19th century England with her vivid descriptions of the societal rules and expectations of the time. Additionally, the novel’s themes of class and familial obligations are handled with sensitivity and introspection.
The characters are written with great care, and their development over the course of the novel is both believable and interesting. Lady Charlotte is a particularly compelling protagonist, and her struggles to reconcile her desires with her family’s expectations will resonate with many readers.
While The Reluctant Bride is an engaging and well-written novel, it is not without its flaws. The pacing is at times uneven, with certain sections feeling rushed while others drag on for too long.
Additionally, some readers may find the romance between Lady Charlotte and Henry Dawkins to be somewhat predictable or cliche. Despite these limitations, The Reluctant Bride is a novel that is sure to delight fans of the historical romance genre.
Monica Murphy’s writing is engaging, and her attention to detail creates a rich world that readers will not soon forget. This book is especially recommended for those who enjoy Jane Austen-esque stories, as it shares many of the same themes and sensibilities.
Overall, I give The Reluctant Bride by Monica Murphy a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and attention to historical detail. Despite some minor pacing issues, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre.
