Sherry Thomas is one of the hottest new voices in historical romance, garnering the highest praise from today’s bestselling writers (“Entrancing.” —Mary Balogh; “Ravishingly sinful, intelligent and addictive.” —Eloisa James). Now Sherry delivers this powerful story of a remarkable woman and the love she thought she’d never find—with the man she thought she’d lost forever.… 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?
I am quite disappointed in Not Quite a Husband. It felt like it was written by a completely different author than Delicious, which was wonderful! Bryony is a successful doctor, an odd occupation for a woman, but she's always been a little odd. That's what Leo has loved about her since he was eleven years old. He's shocked when she proposes, and then more shocked when she shuts him out as soon as they're wed. Needless to say, their marriage ends quickly. Three years later, Leo tracks Bryony down in India with news of her ailing father. Now the two are stuck together for weeks of travel through hostile terrains.
Not Quite a Husband has a great premise, and the characters have excellent foundations, but it was an uncomfortable and boring read. We learn little by little about what led up to Bryony and Leo's annulment, and it's quite underwhelming. What he did was wrong, but I was expecting something bigger from the way Bryony reacted. However, what I found unforgivable was that while married, he would have sex with her while she was asleep! WTF?! He does explain himself, but it's still not okay! She ended up locking her door and staying awake to make sure he didn't come back! Then during their trip through India, she has sex with him while he's in a malaria induced fever! What is wrong with these people?!
Clearly, I found problem with the romance, but the plot of Not Quite a Husband didn't hold my interest. It could have been interesting and exciting, but it wasn't. Our lovers have to cross the front lines of a war, then wind up fighting in the war! But, their interactions during this time were so awkward, and most of the danger is just glossed over. It wasn't very enjoyable to read.
