Book Review: The Wrong Husband (Marriage by Contract, #1) by Marcella Archer
When I received an email announcing a free download of The Wrong Husband, I couldn’t believe my luck! In the midst of eagerly awaiting the July 3rd release of It Must Be Love, this surprise felt like a gift from the literary gods. Having read several of Marcella Archer’s books, I always look forward to her unique storytelling, so I jumped right in. While I’ve rated it 4 stars, there were elements that both thrilled and puzzled me, leaving me with plenty to reflect on.
At its core, The Wrong Husband is a story steeped in sibling rivalry, familial cruelty, and the quest for self-acceptance—showing us just how twisted family dynamics can get. Our heroine, Emilia, is a 23-year-old artist who has always felt like the "lesser" sister, overshadowed by her stunning and vivacious older sibling Bianca. Emilia’s upbringing, marred by her mother’s hatred and the callousness of her sister, had me wringing my hands with sympathy for her character. The story hooks you with its emotional depth, and I found myself rooting for Emilia as she navigated a world that had constantly belittled her.
On the other hand, I struggled to wrap my head around the extent of cruelty portrayed by her family. While fiction is often a mirror to reality, I often find it hard to believe that people can inflict such harm on their own flesh and blood without anyone noticing. Then again, the news is rife with stories where even the most heinous behaviors seem to go unnoticed until it’s too late—a sobering thought that grounded my reading.
The star-crossed romance between Emilia and Damian, who initially belonged to Bianca, escalates the tension. Their relationship is a juxtaposition of passion and confusion, especially given that Damian proposes to Emilia while still nursing feelings for her sister. The "ick factor" is present, but it only adds layers to their story. The writing is compelling and pulls you along at a brisk pace, allowing the angst to build to a satisfying crescendo.
One of my favorite moments comes when Emilia stands up for herself. In a particularly empowering scene, she declares, “Sign the divorce papers, Damian and get the hell out of my life.” This resolute stand symbolizes her transformation from doormat to empowered woman, a journey that weaves throughout the narrative.
Archer’s narrative techniques, from inner monologues to dynamic dialogue, kept me engaged. However, I felt the pacing could have benefited from a deeper exploration of some secondary characters—like Damian’s brother Duncan, who shows signs of growth after meeting Emilia. There’s rich potential waiting to be uncovered there!
In conclusion, The Wrong Husband is a rollercoaster of emotions and an engaging read for anyone who enjoys a mix of family angst and complicated romance. Fans of stories where the underdog triumphs against all odds will surely find themselves cheering for Emilia by the end of the book. For me, it was a stark reminder of resilience and the importance of finding your own voice amidst chaos. If you’ve ever felt like you were underestimated, this book will resonate deeply. I can’t wait for more from Marcella Archer, especially as we inch closer to It Must Be Love!
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