How to Tame a Willful Wife (Shakespeare in Love, #1)

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How to Tame a Willful Wife (Shakespeare in Love #1)

by Christy English (Goodreads Author)

3.45 of 5 stars 3.45 · rating details · 215 ratings · 54 reviews

How To Tame A Willful Wife:

1. Forbid her from riding astride
2. Hide her dueling sword
3. Burn all her breeches and buy her silk drawers
4. Frisk her for hidden daggers
5. Don't get distracted while frisking her for hidden daggers...

Anthony Carrington, Earl of Ravensbrook, expects a biddable bride. A man of fiery passion tempered by the rigors of war into steely self-control,...more

Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages

Published November 6th 2012 by Sourcebooks Casablanca (first published November 1st 2012)

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How to Tame a Willful Wife by Christy English

How to Tame a Willful Wife (Shakespeare in Love, #1)
by Christy English (Goodreads Author)

How To Tame A Willful Wife:

1. Forbid her from riding astride
2. Hide her dueling sword
3. Burn all her breeches and buy her silk drawers
4. Frisk her for…more

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Giveaway dates: May 17 - Jun 17, 2013

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Countries available: US

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Nov 08, 2012 Jill rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance-european

3.5 stars

Caroline Montague is young, beautiful and about to be married off to a man with enough money who can pay off her father's debts. Anthony Carrington, Earl of Revensbrook is rich and titled. He has great respect for Caroline's father. They have fought together on the battlefield and Baron Montague has twice saved Anthony's life. It's a perfect arrangement.

Based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew and set in 1816, Caroline is spoilt, headstrong and independent. She has been allowed the l...more

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Nov 07, 2012 Caz rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, romance-regency, kindle, disappointing

When I saw this was a "re-working" of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, I was intrigued but knew I would have to Approach With Caution. The play has fallen out of favour in recent years because of the mysogynistic views it displays which, regardless of how they were seen by contemporary audiences, are not to modern tastes. A "reworking" as a piece of romantic fiction therefore has one huge.problem to solve, namely how to make the hero attractive to the reader while retaining those controlli...more When I saw this was a "re-working" of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, I was intrigued but knew I would have to Approach With Caution. The play has fallen out of favour in recent years because of the mysogynistic views it displays which, regardless of how they were seen by contemporary audiences, are not to modern tastes. A "reworking" as a piece of romantic fiction therefore has one huge.problem to solve, namely how to make the hero attractive to the reader while retaining those controlling and unpleasant aspects of Petruccio's character so as to remain reasonably faithful to the spirit of the original.

Unfortunately, that problem is not resolved in this book.

Anthony Carrington is, we are frequently reminded, the most beautiful man in existence. He is also arrogant, possessive, domineering and controlling - very apt considering upon whom he is modelled. But in order for him to function as a romantic hero, he has to have a few redeeming qualities, or the reader has to be able to see some developments in his character throughout the course of the story to indicate that he is capable of self-reflection and change; that there is at least the possibilty that he and his lady-love will continue to be happy after the story has ended. Sadly, I didn't feel there was much - if any - character development in Anthony. Indeed, he has a massive (and highly irrational) fit of jealousy towards the end of the novel and there is no real indication that he is never going to display such distrust of Caroline again: and so I found it really difficult to believe there really is a HEA for them. His redeeming feature seems to be that he's a red-hot sex-god between the sheets (or up against the door, wall, on the table, the rug or in the carriage) but while he's sexy as sin, he's not the sharpest tool (!) in the box when it comes to matters outside the bedroom.

I'm sure that, at the time the novel is set, it was quite the done thing for a woman to obey her husband without question - and that's what Anthony expects. It's unpalatable for the modern reader although certainly it's in keeping with Anthony's role as the Petriccio of this story. But the thing is, the only reason for the witholding of any explantion for his instructions is because Caroline NEEDS to be ignorant of his reasons in order for the plot to work. And to make it even worse, Anthony tells Caroline his orders are to secure her own safety - but he won't tell her what he's so desperate to keep her safe from!

As to Caroline, she's not really all that "wilful". She's headstrong and used to doing as she likes - but then so are thousands of other romantic heroines. She's not happy at being married so quickly or at her husband's high-handedness but at the first sign of a disagreement or indication they should actually talk he's only got to touch her or look at her and she melts into a puddle of goo and they end up shagging each other senseless instead!

There were a couple of times where she acted stupidly and with complete disregard for her own safety, simply to assert her independence which made ME want to smack her, so at least there were times I could sympathise with Anthony!

I can forgive much in a romance novel in terms of the storyline if the characterisation is good and can care about the people I'm reading about. But in this book, there was no depth to the principals and although backstories were hinted at, these were not explored sufficiently enough to explain their motivations.

On a more positive note, the writing was generally good (although there were certain repetitions which began to get irritating after time) and the sex scenes were pretty hot. But overall, I don't think this "re-working" worked.

With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
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Apr 27, 2013 Jenny Q rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romantic-histfic-lovers-blog, netgalley, on-my-nook

Anthony Carrington, Earl of Ravensbrook, is doing his former commanding officer and close friend a favor by marrying his daughter and saving the family from bankruptcy. But he’s not pleased to discover that his bride-to-be was not raised to know her place as a lady of society. No wife of his will be out riding stallions, competing in archery competitions, and taking fencing lessons! She’ll have to be tamed if she’s to take her place by his side in London, and he’s not looking forward to the task...more Anthony Carrington, Earl of Ravensbrook, is doing his former commanding officer and close friend a favor by marrying his daughter and saving the family from bankruptcy. But he’s not pleased to discover that his bride-to-be was not raised to know her place as a lady of society. No wife of his will be out riding stallions, competing in archery competitions, and taking fencing lessons! She’ll have to be tamed if she’s to take her place by his side in London, and he’s not looking forward to the task. But once he has a moment alone with the tempting beauty, he decides that taming her may be a rather delightful endeavor, and that he is exactly the right man for the job.

Caroline Montague is not happy at being forced into marriage with a man not of her choosing, but she loves her father and is prepared to do what she must to save him from ruin. Unfortunately, her new fiance rubs her the wrong way from the moment she discovers him waiting for her in her darkened bedroom. His invasion of her privacy and ridiculous assumptions about marriage and her role in his life light a fire in her, but his handsome looks and commanding presence also light a fire in her, of a very different sort indeed.

After a quick engagement and a hasty wedding, Anthony and Caroline are off to his country estate in Shropshire, where they spend their days butting heads and their nights exploring every inch of each other’s bodies. The passion between them is intense, and despite Anthony’s efforts to curb her wild behavior, Caroline finds herself falling in love with him. But is his interest in her purely sexual? Why does he keep her secluded on his estate? Why won’t he take her with him on his business trips to London? Why won’t he open up to her about his past and his feud with the dashing Lord Carlyle, who seems to be genuinely concerned for Caroline’s welfare and happiness? Anthony’s keeping secrets. And because he is, Caroline feels entitled to keep a few secrets of her own. While the cat’s away, the mouse will play…

Meanwhile, Anthony thinks he’s doing the right thing by keeping his young wife safe and ignorant of the darker aspects of his life. But he doesn’t realize he is undermining her trust in him and jeopardizing the shaky truce of their newfound wedded bliss. And there are also some outside forces working against our couple. Anthony has a bitch of a former mistress who is not happy about being let go after ten years of faithful service. And the more he warns Caroline away from his enemy Lord Carlyle, the more leverage Carlyle gains against him. And you just know all of that is going to hit the fan in epic style at the Twelfth Night ball where Anthony is finally going to show his beautiful country bride off to the Prince Regent and the rest of the London ton. It’s a train wreck waiting to happen and I couldn’t turn my eyes away from it!

I really enjoyed this romance. I'm not normally a big fan of storylines where the hero sees the heroine for the first time and vows he will have her in his bed at all costs, and that's pretty much the way this one starts out. But it ended up working really well in the long run. I liked both of the lead characters--they were very nice foils for each other. There's a big age difference between them, and I thought it was handled very realistically. There is a lot of good, angst-y tension, and the story zips right along, interspersed with quotes from The Taming of the Shrew. It's pretty sexy too :) I thought it was a very good start to Ms. English's Shakespeare in Love series, though I did feel like the storylines involving Anthony's sister and his best friend were introduced only to be left hanging, I'm assuming (and hoping) that's because we'll be seeing them again in stories of their own. It's been twenty years since I saw a production of The Taming of the Shrew and I don't remember much, so I can't judge how well the story does or does not follow the theme, and How to Tame a Willful Wife is light on the history, but it is a very satisfying romance, and that ending--oh! The reader has to wait awhile for Anthony to finally come to his senses, but when he does, it's totally swoon-worthy! Fans of Regency romance should really enjoy this one.(less)

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Dec 22, 2012 Gaile rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: emery-s-2012-challenge-gaile-kenne, regency, rhfl-2012-challenge

This has everything a reader could want, wild fierce love making although it doesn't quite get into erotica for which I am grateful, a handsome hero with a beautiful mistress and Caroline whom our hero marries.
Caroline has been trained in archery, fencing and short blade. She wants to continue but her husband, Anthony disapproves. Almost right away he is giving orders for how she should behave and he doesn't want her going out alone. Anthony has his reasons but Caroline sees no sense in all this...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Farrah rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...

How to Tame a Willful Wife left me a bit conflicted. I liked the story and the heroine. The hero, I had a more difficult time with.

The Taming of the Shrew causes a bit of irritation on my part from the treatment of women. So, reading a book that was influenced by the play was bound to be tricky. It turned out well, if not perfect, but I did enjoy the book.

Caroline was a fantastic heroine. She was tough and didn't let...more This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...

How to Tame a Willful Wife left me a bit conflicted. I liked the story and the heroine. The hero, I had a more difficult time with.

The Taming of the Shrew causes a bit of irritation on my part from the treatment of women. So, reading a book that was influenced by the play was bound to be tricky. It turned out well, if not perfect, but I did enjoy the book.

Caroline was a fantastic heroine. She was tough and didn't let anyone run over her. Whenever Anthony would try to control her, she pushed right back and let him know that he had met his match. My only issue with her was at the end. She gets very angry with Anthony, for good reason. But she ended up shouldering some of the blame and forgiving him easier than what fit her characterization. But, I could kind of understand, so it wasn't that big of a deal.

Anthony was tricky. On one hand, I hated it when he would act domineering. It drove me as crazy as it drove Caroline. On the other hand, he could be so sweet when he wanted to be. And, if we're being historically correct, his treatment was pretty lax to what the time period dictates. So, I let that offer some consolation. Despite his high-handedness, he was actually accepting of Caroline. He accepted that she fenced and eventually accepted that she rode astride, so long as she took a groom for protection. But, on the other hand, he was a total ass several times, especially in that situation at the end, the one I mentioned Caroline got angry at. If you haven't noticed already, I'm quite conflicted about his character. I liked him, but I didn't love him. When he finally came to his senses at the end, I was appeased and accepted Anthony, flaws and all. He may not be my favorite hero, but I liked him fine.

The relationship between Caroline and Anthony was explosive. They were either screaming at each other or throwing themselves at each other. After their relationship became deeper as they got to know each other better, some sweetness came in. But their relationship was still bursting with passion, whether it came from their time fighting or their time in the bedroom.

The plot was well-done. It moved quickly and, while there weren't any major surprises, the tension between the two main characters will keep you hooked and on the edge of your seat. The ending was satisfying, especially with Anthony coming to his senses so that a happy ending could actually take place. How to Tame a Willful Wife was good, quite lovely. It wasn't perfect, but it is worth a read.

4/5

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!(less)

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Nov 09, 2012 Crystal Leo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

This review was first posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club

Okay, first let me start off by saying that even after taking advanced English classes in high school, I have never read Taming of the Shrew. Don't throw rotten tomatoes at me yet though girls! I know it's a master piece in literature, so bad Crystal, no cookie for you! That being said, I can honestly say that if Shakespeare's piece is as entertaining as this book was to me, well then I might have to go read some Shakespeare. Tha...more This review was first posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club

Okay, first let me start off by saying that even after taking advanced English classes in high school, I have never read Taming of the Shrew. Don't throw rotten tomatoes at me yet though girls! I know it's a master piece in literature, so bad Crystal, no cookie for you! That being said, I can honestly say that if Shakespeare's piece is as entertaining as this book was to me, well then I might have to go read some Shakespeare. That's a HUGE concession from me girls, cause reading thee's and thou's is kind of like getting teeth pulled at the dentist to me. However since this book is suppose to follow the theme of Shakespeare's work, well I might just have to go check that out.

Caroline Montague is the apple of her daddy's eye. After the loss of his other children, her father had atendency to indulge her in practice's that were not acceptable for women to engage in, such as fencing, archery, knives, and riding her horse astride as a man would. Because of financial woes her father is dead set on making an advantageous match for her, and Caroline is dreading what her father will come up with. Little does she know she's headed for a dominant man who is determined to tame her wild tendencies so that she will be a proper little wife waiting for him at home. That man is Anthony Carrington, Earl of Ravensbrook. And little does Anthony know, but he's got his work cut out for him if he wants to make Caroline what he would consider more biddable. (Good luck with that buddy. I've got two words for you. Ready for them? You're Screwed.)

I LOVED Caroline! A strong willed, stubborn heroine is my favorite kind to read. Especially for this time era.Caroline's character certainly doesn't disappoint in that department. And this book has devious characters, nice plot twists, and enough humor to keep you turning the pages well past any burnt midnight oil. It's a five wine glass toast all the way and I hope all of you ladies rush out to get it even if it's just to enjoy Caroline trying to throw knives at her future husband!(less)

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Nov 14, 2012 Kathleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-read

Story Rating 3 Stars
Character Rating 3.5 Stars
Romance Rating 4 Stars
Heat Level 3.5 Stars
Overall Rating 3.5 Stars

I love a book where the heroine is strong and likes to wear men's clothing while riding astride on a war horse. Lets not forget that Caroline can best most men in archery and use a dagger to protect herself. This is what had drawn me towards this book. While each of these things were used during the course of this book, I wished there would have been more of it added.

I liked the hero A...more

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Oct 29, 2012 Cynthia Mcarthur rated it 5 of 5 stars

I grew up reading Regency Romances. I forswore them years ago for "serious" reading. But I must tell you, I couldn't resist this book. I like Christy English's style, so I had to give it a go. And I loved it! Truly, it is the best Regency I have read! I won't go too much into the story, but I will say that the characters were wonderful, well-written and likable, even in their worst moments. Christy's imagery was beautiful, and that is so important in an historical story. The story was spicy and...more

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Oct 16, 2012 Terra rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was such a treat. A romance that is closer to what would have possibly have been the scenario of what was expected of one during these early times in our history. Lots of sensual steam, tempers flying and the Battle of Wills that will make the War of the Roses look tame in comparison.

Caroline Montague is the ultimate in beauty. She is also very independent and willful due to her father's doting on her and not cracking the whip when it was much needed. Even still Caroline is quite the beauti...more

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Nov 17, 2012 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Historical/Regency Romance Lovers

Shelves: historical-romance, regency-romance, favorites

Anthony Carrington, Earl of Ravensbrook, is everything a proper Earl should be, and he is looking for the same in a wife. After retiring from the life of a soldier, he is ready to get on with the responsibilities of an Earl, the foremost to beget an heir. When his friend and fellow soldier, Baron Montague, wrote to him requesting a betrothal to his only daughter, Anthony thought fate was smiling on him. That is, until arriving at the Baron's estate and witnessing the shameless behavior of this...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Melanie rated it 2 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading this author and I understand that this is her third book; she wrote two other historical novels ‘The Queen’s Pawn’ and ‘To Be Queen’.

First, I never read any of Shakespeare's works, but I have seen many movies made of them, and I loved ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, which was directed by Franco Zeffirelli. Both actors were magnificent in their portrayal of the lovers; both so passionate, she with one vicious tongue and fiery tempe...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Amanda Ryan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Redonk Nutshell: Misogynist marries an independent woman and enters a war of wills

It’s tempting within the first few chapters to give up on this book. It’s hero, Anthony Carrington, is an ass of the highest degree. Or at least he makes himself out to be. His wife to-be, Caroline, is an independent woman who has no problems defending herself (literally – she was trained in knife fighting) and figuratively. Anthony is insistent on having a cultured, staid, and biddable woman for a wife, and he mak...more Redonk Nutshell: Misogynist marries an independent woman and enters a war of wills

It’s tempting within the first few chapters to give up on this book. It’s hero, Anthony Carrington, is an ass of the highest degree. Or at least he makes himself out to be. His wife to-be, Caroline, is an independent woman who has no problems defending herself (literally – she was trained in knife fighting) and figuratively. Anthony is insistent on having a cultured, staid, and biddable woman for a wife, and he makes it clear from the get-go that this is what he expects of Caroline. Why Caroline, you ask? Because her father is a close friend and the match is best for everyone. Or so at least all the men have decided. Caroline enters into the marriage willingly, and cleverly…I have to give the woman credit. Her husband is bear of a man with his expectations and she finds a way to quell him while sneakily still getting her way.

And of course, amid all this headbanging frustration is a crazy attraction. Anthony wants this woman in his bed, stat. Caroline is innocent, but no innocent, if you get my drift. She’s new to marital relations but she’s a quick learner. Folks, there is A LOT of sex in this book, mostly because these two vent their frustrations with one another by having crazy sex. It’s a playing field on which they’re both on even ground. They use it to deal with each other, though over some time they being to realize they have more than their lust in common and they start to connect outside the bedroom. But when Anthony’s stubbornness leads him to withhold information for Caroline’s “benefit,” their volatile relationship hits the rocks.

This was a crazy read. I had moments of wanting to strangle Anthony for being such a stuffy asshat, but luckily for him he managed to find a woman that could handle him appropriately, loosen him up a bit. Caroline is no saint, but she was more of one than I could have been had I been stuck with handling Anthony. Ms. English puts a new spin on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew and she does it well. It’s difficult to make such an unlikable character, well, likable while still having a realistic turnabout. I look forward to reading more in her Shakespeare in Love series.
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Nov 06, 2012 SOS Aloha rated it 4 of 5 stars

'Men have forgotten this truth,' said the fox. 'But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.' Antoine de Saint-Exupery, THE LITTLE PRINCE

Christie English describes HOW TO TAME A WILLFUL WIFE as a retelling of the Taming of the Shrew where it is the wife who tames the husband. My Shakespeare is sketchy at best … I just enjoyed this story!
Baron Montague is a generous man. He has gone broke caring for the soldiers under his command from the continental war...more 'Men have forgotten this truth,' said the fox. 'But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.' Antoine de Saint-Exupery, THE LITTLE PRINCE

Christie English describes HOW TO TAME A WILLFUL WIFE as a retelling of the Taming of the Shrew where it is the wife who tames the husband. My Shakespeare is sketchy at best … I just enjoyed this story!
Baron Montague is a generous man. He has gone broke caring for the soldiers under his command from the continental war against Napoleon. He has indulged his only child, Caroline, thus cultivating her independent spirit. His men have taught her how to fight. And now its time for her to wed for a large dowry, to save her father and his men.

Baron Montague accepts the suit of another military man, Anthony Carrington, the Earl of Ravensbrook. Ravensbrook is looking for a wife, and he is captivated by Caroline’s beauty, but it is his loyalty to her father that he accepts her questionable reputation as a spirited lady at 18 years old. Ravensbrook believes he can “tame” her to be a dutiful wife. But he soon discovers that she is resistant to his commands.

Caroline and Ravensbrook are physically drawn together after their wedding. As their battle of wills commences, they slowly fall in love with the other. Their union is tested by Caroline’s recklessness, resulting from her inexperience with the ton. Likewise, Ravensbrook’s unwillingness to confide in Caroline almost derails their fragile peace. Yet they individually realize that giving an inch results in miles of happiness for their future.

English, an Shakespearean actress, hits the mark with the playful banter between the hero and heroine. English also captures how both struggle with society’s strictures during the Regency Era – they clearly want to be unfashionable and love their spouse. English excels with passionate scenes between the newlyweds – the fact that they are husband and wife makes it that more fun!

I can only find one fault with HOW TO TAME A WILLFUL WIFE – I would like to know more about Ravensbrook. English delivers secondary characters who fill in the spaces … and tease us with books to come in the future.

Recommended read for fans of the Shakespeare’s comedies and the Regency Era.

I received an ARC from Sourcebooks for this review.
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Oct 15, 2012 Deborah rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book . However , I thought that the title was a bit misleading. Caroline wasn't willful . She was a delightfully charming & spirited heroine . On the other hand , my feelings for the hero were more than a little conflicted . In a nutshell : Anthony was an overbearing & egotistical character . A better title might have been : How To Tame An Arrogant Ass .
Okay , so his sister was seduced & betrayed by the villain of this story . So....ergo, all women must be weak & e...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Bob rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the book, but there were a couple of problems. Caroline is an interesting character, something not shared by Anthony, who I simply did not like. While C is supposedly a very stong and independant person, she pretty much folds in the second meeting with A. The progress of the plot just did not match the characters as they were set up. With all that, the concept of paralleling Shakespeares works can work well, as certainly been done many times before. The writing is technically good enou...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Blodeuedd Finland rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

There is a difference between a book not working and a book not working, or is there? Well here the book was well written, it could have been really good, but I hated the characters and that ruined it all for me.

First we have Lord Ass Hero. Sure he fits his time and is perfect for that with his constant "Obey me! You are my wife." But I do not read romance for heroes that are correct for their time. I read it for romance and he did nothing romantic. He saw her and lusted for her. They were to be...more

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Dec 15, 2012 Katheryn Lane rated it 5 of 5 stars

How to Tame a Willful Wife is a wonderful retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew set in Regency England. Caroline Montague is a wilful, independent woman (by Regency standards!) who is skilful at archery and fencing and charges around the country on her stallion, Hercules, wearing men’s breeches. However, to save her father’s estate from ruin she is married off to the equally strong-willed Earl of Ravensbrook. Once married, they both try to tame each other and sparks fly, in more way...more

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Nov 13, 2012 Adria (Romance Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-and-reviewed

Originally posted on Breath of Life Reviews

I'll admit, I have never read The Taming of the Shrew or watched any adaptations save for 10 Things I Hate About You so I had nothing to compare it to. That said, How to Tame a Willful Wife is an entertaining love story about two very stubborn, very determined and very lonely people who find themselves married and must learn to change their solitary ways if they want a chance at happiness.

Anthony is like most men in fiction, stubborn and borderline cont...more Originally posted on Breath of Life Reviews

I'll admit, I have never read The Taming of the Shrew or watched any adaptations save for 10 Things I Hate About You so I had nothing to compare it to. That said, How to Tame a Willful Wife is an entertaining love story about two very stubborn, very determined and very lonely people who find themselves married and must learn to change their solitary ways if they want a chance at happiness.

Anthony is like most men in fiction, stubborn and borderline controlling with his wife Caroline, but before the axes and pitchforks come out, allow me to say he has his reasons. He's a "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me" kind of man. Naturally, as each of his "ideas" on how to reform Caroline backfires, he becomes more and more constricting until it nearly destroys him and Caroline both.

Caroline is definitely worthy of the "Willful Wife" title, to a fault. She's so hell bent on doing what she wants and not allowing anyone to tell her what to do that she becomes more and more reckless, careless and at times, childish. She's an intelligent woman in most matters except when it comes to dealing with Anthony. That's the area where she tends to act like an immature girl and lets her hormones get the best of her. She tries to stand up to Anthony but fails to make her point whenever he employs his seductive maneuvers. While understandable because Anthony is quite a bit older than her and naturally more experienced, it grated on my nerves a bit that she didn't have the sense to stand her ground no matter what.

There's no denying however that the chemistry between Anthony and Caroline is hot. What added to the intensity of Anthony and Caroline's scenes was the rivalry that existed between them from the very beginning. They set off sparks whenever they were together and author Christy English succeeded in making this particular reader reach for the ice water.

How to Tame a Willful Wife is a humorous, romantic take on Shakespeare that I would recommend to romance fans who are looking for a battle of the sexes type book that doesn't take The Taming of the Shrew theme too seriously.
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Oct 16, 2012 Natasha rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.

A retelling of Taming of the Shrew that left a bad taste in my mouth.

I wasn't the biggest fan of the play, but I figured I would give this a shot since I thoroughly enjoy retellings and new versions of old stories and tales. Plus, I was in the mood for historical romance. Although it was common, I didn't like the sacrificing of the daughter to save the family. I liked [name] well enough. Although [name] did seem to be p...more

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Nov 19, 2012 Elis Madison rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: classic-play, era-regency, good-historical-detail, he-loves-me-she-loves-me-not, hero-needs-colonoscopy-2-find-head, like-the-author, marriage-of-convenience, martyr-complex, shakespeare, ru-kidding-me, takes-place-in-court, writing-stuff

This one's a pretty good revisitation of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, which just happens to be one of my favorite plays, exactly because it's so obnoxiously not politically correct (although I think the Bard intended Kate's last monologue to be delivered with sarcasm, so maybe he was a little bit of a feminist).

Anyway, given the source material, you can probably guess the character makeup. Caroline Montague's a willful vixen who (gee I wish they could find a better way to show us that...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Jenny - Book Sojourner rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

It's been a while since I read any historical fiction. I wouldn't tie this down in the historical fiction department, but it did play into a certain time era. Plus, the integrating of The Taming of the Shrew gave this book a historical and unique feel with the combining of the two. It took an adjustment to enjoy the verbage and style of the book, than I found that I really enjoyed the flow and workings of the story and setting.

The characters in their environments and with each other are really w...more It's been a while since I read any historical fiction. I wouldn't tie this down in the historical fiction department, but it did play into a certain time era. Plus, the integrating of The Taming of the Shrew gave this book a historical and unique feel with the combining of the two. It took an adjustment to enjoy the verbage and style of the book, than I found that I really enjoyed the flow and workings of the story and setting.

The characters in their environments and with each other are really what make the book. Caroline is not your typical heroine. She has been raised to be somewhat independent, to protect herself, and to speak her mind. But now she must marry a man within two days of meeting him as a business transaction to payoff her father's debt. You can see this isn't going to go well.

Anthony is the domineering, controlling husband we would expect with those times. First, he is nearly twice Caroline's age, and second, he has been living a wealthy, bachelor lifestyle for many years, including having a longtime mistress prior to his marriage. To say he will accept a wife who challenges him and does not "obey" immediately is an understatement.

What I appreciate about this book is that it didn't downplay the difficulties of this time. Yes, women were treated as property. No, not all marriages were love matches. Many were not. Yes, husbands frequently had mistresses. Yes, there was a double standard. Women had to be "pure" and men did not. Women could be easily cast aside for their inappropriateness.

To say Anthony and Caroline had a tumultuous relationship would be an understatement. Did Anthony bother me with his arrogance and secrecy and domineering attitude? Yes! But if I'm being honest, he really worked through so much of his character throughout the book because essentially he had to rethink all his old learning because of his new feelings for Caroline. Was he a bit of a possessive bully? Well, sure. But did he redeem himself eventually? Thank goodness he did.

As for Caroline, she doesn't get off scot-free either. Would it have killed her to listen once in a while and not be so stubbornly independent? No, perhaps she would have seen the lurking dangers if she weren't being so obtuse. But with an obstacle like Anthony in the way, that easily distracted her from the real dangers about her. But I loved Caroline's spirit and fire. She was the perfect match for Anthony.

I loved the passion between Caroline and Anthony. I didn't expect them to fall madly in love after knowing each other two days. But I appreciated that they at least had a real physical attraction to each other, which helped propel them toward becoming more emotionally intimate as well. They had many steamy moments in the bedroom, as well as many heated arguments, furthering their passions for one another. But in spite of their stubbornness, you could see their hearts for each other gradually change (and hopefully not change too late).

Overall, I really enjoyed this read. I was uncomfortable with some of the historical situations (like mistresses and pervy men, yuck). But I was very satisfied with the flow of the story and the resolution and ending. I would be interested in reading more books in this series.
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Dec 02, 2012 Arshia rated it 3 of 5 stars

When I read that this book was based on "Taming of the Shrew" I bought it automatically. I love that play even though the husband is very autocratic and annoying. I can tolerate him because that was the view point back then. I understand this is also a historical novel with similar views of marriage however it's not something I like to read in my ROMANCE novels. Therefore, I didn't like Anthony at all. From the beginning he irritated me. His character only improves at the very end and by that ti...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Jeanne Murray rated it 3 of 5 stars

This cute little tale has many witty moments and the heroine, a kind of tomboyish anomaly in her Regency world, is appealing and likeable. The plot centers around an arranged marriage with fairly unreal expectations on the parts of both Caroline and Anthony. However, the novel fails to rise above the mundane in its lack of development of Anthony’s character. He has returned from years at war and arranges a marriage with Caroline for no apparent reason. There is no back story. He is a close frien...more

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Nov 28, 2012 Judith rated it 4 of 5 stars

It's sexy and saucy and filled with the tension of a very good romantic romp. It's built around the premise of Shakespeare's play and yet there is that inevitable moment when the earl must decide if he is doing the taming or if indeed Caroline has tamed his heart. Of course, that is the point of Shakespeare's play as well, but it is fun to read it in a setting that is different yet very familiar to those familiar with the play. Readers will notice that the heroine doesn't like the Shakespeare pl...more

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Nov 03, 2012 Diana N rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, for-review, historical-regency, netgalley

Rating: D+

I had no problems with the writing of the structure of the story. My problem was with the characters and the overall story line. The heroine came off as indecisive, stubborn and not at all likable. One minute you started to feel sorry for her and then she said or did something that made you dislike her. Same deal for the hero. At first he was a total a*hole, but then you caught a slight glimpse of a softer side, which he then promptly ruined when he became controlling and hypocritical....more

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Sep 11, 2012 Jess the Romanceaholic rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, weak-heroine, hoyden, historical, regency-romance, steam-level-steamy, 2012-read, arranged-marriage, forced-marriage, enemies-to-lovers

Started off strong, but our heroine was of the Harlequin Presents model -- that is, whenever she goes to stand up for herself, our extremely virile hero gives her a smouldering look and she immediately is overcome with lust and falls into bed with him.

Don't get me wrong, I like a good steamy novel, but sometimes sex just isn't the answer.

Plus, I REALLY don't like when the mistress/ex/whatever is still in the picture. :-/

Not bad, and it certainly had its redeeming qualities, but the ex and the h...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Tara Chevrestt rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, romance, 2012-release

Not a bad novel. I didn't love it, won't read it again, and I'll divulge my reasons, but for those seeking a fun historical romp with a ton of sex, this would be your cup of tea.

It's a "retelling" of sorts of the Taming of the Shrew. There's even a funny moment when the play itself is mentioned.

Caroline is "sold" to the most worthy bidder for her lovely hand. She marries Anthony and gives him heirs and he pays off her family's debts. But in the process, he wishes to tame her. If he has his way,...more

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Mar 13, 2013 Danielle rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

I should have known a book with a title this offensive would be terrible.
anthony, the "hero" is a jackass and quite a bastard. caroline, the "heroine" is a moron who let's him bully her. he uses sex as a weapon, she thinks it means he loves her. he also belittles her, treats her like a dog, and ignores her. so of course it means he loves her. in fact the only male non-servant who isn't treating her like a whore or a dog is the "villain" of the piece. and he's only a villain by proxy.
I want the...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Stella rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, for-review, historical, romance

I LOVE Shakespeare retellings and The Taming of the Shrew is one of his plays I like the most, so as soon as I read the blurb of Christy English's latest novel and saw that it would be a Regency retelling of that story I was excited and impatient to read it.

We all know that The Taming of the Shrew is one of Shakespeare's most controversial plays, often criticized nowadays for its misogynistic ways, so I was curious to see how Christy English would manage this problem in her novel, which though s...more

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Nov 24, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, regency-england, shakespeare

HOW TO TAME A WILLFUL WIFE by Christie English is an exciting Regency Historical romance set in 1816 England. It is re-telling of Shakespeare's "Taming of The Shrew" and what a re-telling. A battle of wits between Anthony Carrington, Earl of Ravensbrook,an older friend of Caroline's military father and Caroline Montague,promised in marriage by her impoverished father to his friend. Caroline is most definitely not your everyday gentle bred lady,why she wears breeches,rides a wild stallion,shoots...more

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About Christy English

After years of acting in Shakespeare’s plays, Christy English is excited to bring the Bard to Regency England in the re-telling of The Taming of the Shrew, How To Tame A Willful Wife. When she isn’t acting, roller skating, or chasing the Muse, Christy writes historical novels (The Queen’s Pawn and To Be Queen) from her home in North Carolina. Please visit her at http://www.ChristyEnglish.com

More about Christy English...

Books by Christy English

To Be Queen: A Novel of the Early Life of Eleanor of Aquitaine

Love on a Midsummer Night (Shakespeare in Love, #2)

Much Ado About Jack (Shakespeare in Love, #3)

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How to Tame a Willful Wife (Shakespeare in Love #1)

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