What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wild, Unwilling Wife
Jarita's hair was glinting in the light of the candles, and her eyes were wide and frightened in her small face. Another crash of lightning reverberated in the room and now, as if she could not help it, she reached out towards Lord Vernham and instantly his arms were around her, holding her close.
"You are quite safe," he whispered.
She hid her face against his shoulder and he could feel her trembling.
In time the rainstorm eased. She moved and instantly Lord Vernham released her.
"I . . . I must go back to my own room."
"There is no hurry."
And suddenly he yearned with all his might to make her stay, to hold her in his arms; above all to make this strange and exotic woman his . . . in reality and not only in name.
"You are quite safe," he whispered.
She hid her face against his shoulder and he could feel her trembling.
In time the rainstorm eased. She moved and instantly Lord Vernham released her.
"I . . . I must go back to my own room."
"There is no hurry."
And suddenly he yearned with all his might to make her stay, to hold her in his arms; above all to make this strange and exotic woman his . . . in reality and not only in name.
152 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1898
About the author
Barbara Cartland
1,049 books849 followersBorn in 1901, Barbara Cartland started her writing career in journalism and completed her first book, Jigsaw, when she was just 24. An immediate success, it was the start of her journey to becoming the world’s most famous and most read romantic novelist of all time. Inspiring a whole generation of readers around the globe with her exciting tales of adventure, love and intrigue, she became synonymous with the Romance genre. And she still is to this day, having written over 644 romantic fiction books.
As well as romantic novels, she wrote historical biographies, 6 autobiographies, plays, music, poetry and several advice books on life, love, health and cookery – totalling an incredible 723 books in all, with over 1 billion in sales.
Awarded the DBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 in honour of her literary, political and social contributions, she was President of the Hertfordshire branch of the Royal College of Midwives as well as a Dame of Grace of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and Deputy President of the St John Ambulance Brigade.
Always a passionate advocate of woman’s health and beauty, she was dubbed ‘the true Queen of Romance’ by Vogue magazine in her lifetime. Her legend continues today through her wonderfully vivid romantic tales, stories that help you escape from the day to day into the dramatic adventures of strong, beautiful women who battle, often against the odds, eventually to find that love conquers all.
Find out more about the incredible life and works of Dame Barbara Cartland at www.barbaracartland.com
As well as romantic novels, she wrote historical biographies, 6 autobiographies, plays, music, poetry and several advice books on life, love, health and cookery – totalling an incredible 723 books in all, with over 1 billion in sales.
Awarded the DBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 in honour of her literary, political and social contributions, she was President of the Hertfordshire branch of the Royal College of Midwives as well as a Dame of Grace of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and Deputy President of the St John Ambulance Brigade.
Always a passionate advocate of woman’s health and beauty, she was dubbed ‘the true Queen of Romance’ by Vogue magazine in her lifetime. Her legend continues today through her wonderfully vivid romantic tales, stories that help you escape from the day to day into the dramatic adventures of strong, beautiful women who battle, often against the odds, eventually to find that love conquers all.
Find out more about the incredible life and works of Dame Barbara Cartland at www.barbaracartland.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 30, 2017
Sevemedim.. -_-
December 11, 2012
I loves this book.
June 16, 2013
A delightful bit of fluff.
Perfect reading for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Perfect reading for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
July 12, 2013
I love the historical background that she uses so we can see different aspects of society back then.
September 4, 2025
The Wild, Unwilling Wife delivers a classic Barbara Cartland tale of romantic backdrop of aristocratic England, duty, and emotional awakening. The story follows Lord Vernham, a nobleman returning from Africa, who discovers his estate drowning in debt. To salvage his family's legacy, he enters a reluctant marriage with Jarita, the daughter of the man who holds the financial reins.
Cartland weaves in references to colonial Africa and English aristocracy, giving the story a textured historical feel.
The marriage is a forced one and the tension between Jarita and Lord Vernham is palpable, especially during key scenes like the stormy night where she seeks comfort in his arms.
This novel is a delightful treat for lovers of classic romance. It’s not meant to challenge or surprise, but rather to comfort and charm. If you're in the mood for a gentle love story with a historical twist, The Wild, Unwilling Wife is a satisfying choice.
Cartland weaves in references to colonial Africa and English aristocracy, giving the story a textured historical feel.
The marriage is a forced one and the tension between Jarita and Lord Vernham is palpable, especially during key scenes like the stormy night where she seeks comfort in his arms.
This novel is a delightful treat for lovers of classic romance. It’s not meant to challenge or surprise, but rather to comfort and charm. If you're in the mood for a gentle love story with a historical twist, The Wild, Unwilling Wife is a satisfying choice.
August 19, 2017
Thank goodness this book has a hero which is different from Barbara Cartland's heros so far .... I am glad that I didn't have to feel stress after reading .... in short he isn't sleeping with married woman of the peer.. and he isn't treating the heroine like a child.... Unfortunately the story didn't has lots of things happening ...... I didn't want any murder or bad man lurking around but I hope there would be at least more things happening in the story....
June 23, 2023
Jarita's hair was glinting in the light of the candles, and her eyes were wide and frightened in her small face. Another crash of lightning reverberated in the room and now, as if she could not help it, she reached out towards Lord Vernham and instantly his arms were around her, holding her close.
"You are quite safe," he whispered.
She hid her face against his shoulder and he could feel her trembling.
In time the rainstorm eased. She moved and instantly Lord Vernham released her.
"I . . . I must go back to my own room."
"There is no hurry."
And suddenly he yearned with all his might to make her stay, to hold her in his arms; above all to make this strange and exotic woman his . . . in reality and not only in name.
"You are quite safe," he whispered.
She hid her face against his shoulder and he could feel her trembling.
In time the rainstorm eased. She moved and instantly Lord Vernham released her.
"I . . . I must go back to my own room."
"There is no hurry."
And suddenly he yearned with all his might to make her stay, to hold her in his arms; above all to make this strange and exotic woman his . . . in reality and not only in name.
September 17, 2010
Loved it!!!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews