NOT QUITE A HUSBAND

Author: Sherry Thomas ISBN: 9780553592436 5/2009 HISTORICAL Publisher: BANTAM
Time Period: Late Victorian

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?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Sherry Thomas is quickly becoming a must-buy author for me. Her stories are deep and complex; her characters flawed and emotionally well-developed, as well as passionate and individually unique.

NOT QUITE A HUSBAND is the story of two people who marry each other far too young, each for very different reasons. Growing up as neighbors and playmates, Leo, "the Golden One," has loved Bryony all of his life and can see himself married to no one else. His love for her is all-consuming to the point that it almost seems like an obsession. When Leo's dreams are answered and he finally gains Bryony as his wife, the idealistic portrait his mind's eye has painted of their marriage turns out to be far from true life's reality.

Bryony, for her part, is very hard to like in the beginning of this story. She seems cold, distant and icy; withdrawn from her own emotions and in her ability to feel for others. Considering herself both unloved and unlovable, she immerses herself into her dream of becoming a doctor. However, one look at the now-grown, stunningly handsome Leo, and for the first time in her life, Bryony feels the stirrings of desire and wanting. She doesn't really love Leo at this point, because she doesn't quite understand what love means; all she knows is that she must have him as her husband, if only to show he's chosen her above all the others.

There is so much that goes into this failed marriage and relationship as Thomas twists her readers' emotions in knots. Set against the backdrop of the Swat Valley Uprising of 1897, NOT QUITE A HUSBAND is a perfect blend of romance and history featuring vivid imagery and truly indelible characters. It's a definite keeper and in two words, simply superb.

Nancy Davis