Historical Romance Book Club discussion
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BOTM 2 – Sept 2022 – Not Quite a Husband
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I just received this book at the library. I started it and am really impressed with Sherry Thomas’s writing. It is sophisticated very descriptive and a new literary style for this genre. I am sure I will love it.
I just borrowed this from the library as well and can't wait to get started on it!
I'm definitely going to join this BOTM read. I read it a few years ago and really liked it then, so looking forward to the reread.
Mod
I just finished this one, and really enjoyed it! I found myself unable to put it down for at least three quarters of it. This was my first Sherry Thomas book, and I was very impressed at the world building. I haven't even scratched the surface of the genre yet (only having really gotten into it in the past year), but I don't often see it done with such intention and meticulousness. She paints a compelling picture of the natural landscapes of India as well as the social and political environment. Can I attest to all the facts here? Absolutely not, but it certainly drew me into the world she was trying to create and amped the emotions and intensity of Bryony and Leo's journey back to one another.
I can see how this story could rub some people the wrong way, especially given the miscommunication between the characters. It works for me because Thomas acknowledges it pretty quickly (after building what I considered the right amount of anticipation and intrigue). We also have no illusions of Bryony being a perfect character and she comes to realize that Leo isn't either - they'd put each other on pedestals and perfection does not a marriage make.
I thought Thomas did a artful job of leading us to understand Bryony and why she has closed herself off. Though I was internally screaming, I could see the humanity behind Bryony's actions. When it feels like our world is falling apart, it's easy to let our pride and shame get in the way of facing the problem head on. When we're young, we can be too afraid and short-sighted to fight for what truly matters - or even to see it for that matter. It's sometimes easier to lock the vulnerable parts of you away, pull the blankets over your head and hope it goes away.
I couldn't quite empathize with Leo in the same way or understand his decision as much, it felt more superficial but I came to believe in his love for Bryony and was moved by his years-long adoration for her. Thomas also makes you understand how hard he tried, which softens the blow for me.
My biggest hesitation with this book is the sex scenes...I was able to suspend some serious disbelief and I ultimately enjoyed them and thought they did what they were supposed to within the larger story, but I can definitely see some people finding them uncomfortable and off-putting.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be picking up more Sherry Thomas books in the future!
Mod
It was very similar to the other BOTM, Duke of Shadows in that much of the story unfolds in India, during an uprising (although this one is set about 40 yrs later). It made me wonder what it was that I liked about this book, but not so much the other. Also, looking at reviews for this one, people seem polarised - with quite a few people who gave it 2 stars. Similar trope, similar setting, both full of angst....
I thought the romance (well the second one) was well done and believable (not sure about the first, but that was only a short backstory, and (view spoiler). I thought that the characters were well developed. On the negative side, the (view spoiler) I'll give this one 4 stars
Glad you enjoyed, Susan. I've started this today. I read it in 2017 so it's well and truly time for a reread. I gave 4 stars the first time around, so this time, we'll see. But I'm already hooked in again :) I agree the settings have some similarities to Duran's Duke of Shadows, but otherwise the books are quite different.
Both writers have original voices though, and write emotionally intense, non-cookie-cutter HRs. Sadly, I believe neither author has published a HR for some time. Sherry Thomas has been publishing her female Sherlock Holmes series, and Duran, I'm not sure. On hiatus perhaps. I'd love to see a new HR from either/both authors.
I reread this one quite quickly and really enjoyed it again. Finished it today. Still 4 enjoyable stars. A lovely second chance romance, very suited to this month's trope.@smdids I hope you do pick up and read some more books by this author - well worth it :)
Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas
Join us in reading this second chance romance Happy reading!
Synopsis:
Their marriage lasted only slightly longer than the honeymoon—to no one’s surprise, not even Bryony Asquith’s. A man as talented, handsome, and sought after by society as Leo Marsden couldn't possibly want to spend his entire life with a woman who rebelled against propriety by becoming a doctor. Why, then, three years after their annulment and half a world away, does he track her down at her clinic in the remotest corner of India?
Leo has no reason to think Bryony could ever forgive him for the way he treated her, but he won’t rest until he’s delivered an urgent message from her sister—and fulfilled his duty by escorting her safely back to England. But as they risk their lives for each other on the journey home, will the biggest danger be the treacherous war around them—or their rekindling passion?