A Marriage To Remember
This is my FIRST Mills and Boons. It was part of the surprise box I ordered from booksbykilo. What was that experience like, is a story for another time. Right now, we are focusing on one of the books in the surprise box.
So, “Mills & Boon” (also known as Harlequin). Isn’t that a taboo? There’s a perception, especially regarding older titles, that they don’t adequately address issues of consent, portraying a more alpha-male dominance dynamic. And I’ve always heard that it’s nothing but steamy romance, which isn’t really my cuppa tea. Long story short, I’ve always avoided it.
But now that it’s part of my library, I can’t throw it away, right? And where is my adventurous spirit? Why should I experiment a new genre?
Recap
“A Marriage to Remember” by Carole Mortimer is a romance novel published in 1997 by Mills & Boon, known for their Harlequin romance series.
The story centers on a couple, Maggi and Adam Carmichael, whose marriage is in shambles. Three years prior, Adam walked out on Maggi, leaving her devastated. Now, he’s back, seemingly wanting to rekindle their romance and pick up where they left off.
After three years of an unfortunate incident, Maggi is trying for a come-back as a singer, this time as a solo. During her first performance, however, she’s joined by her partner-in-crime from the past, her MIA husband Adam. Their performance sets the club on fire, not literally, of course.
Maggi’s initial reaction is to finalize the divorce. However, Adam refuses, leaving Maggi in a complex situation. Part of her is angry, but another part, to her dismay, feels a flicker of rekindled desire. Torn between logic and lingering emotions, Maggi must decide whether to follow her head and finalize the divorce, or give in to her heart and try to make the marriage work.
And her dilemma gives us a delicious romance novella.
Review
I’ve already mentioned that it is my first MB romance.
To be honest, I felt that MB are hyped. There was one steamy scene, which wasn’t as overt, and a few kisses, all consensual. I’ve read much worse by some Indian authors, things that would make me cringe. This one, though touted sexy, was so timid in comparison. To its advantage, it was written in 1997. The world was easier and simple back then, not as twisted as it has become today.
These are a few lines that I could highlight, and note down, because you all know how lazy I could be at times.
Adam: Life is full of ifs, buts, maybes.
“Thank you,” she said with a distinct lack of graciousness.
I liked how Adam was shown to notice the slightest things in Maggi, that she’s feeling cold, that she hadn’t had breakfast, that she looks weak. A man should always be caring, because women always are.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Genre: Romance
- Central Conflict: Rekindling a broken marriage
- Main Characters: Maggi and Adam Carmichael
- Themes: Forgiveness, second chances, desire vs. logic
If you enjoy classic romance novels with a touch of angst and a focus on emotional reconciliation, “A Marriage to Remember” might be a good choice for you.
You can buy A Marriage to Remember on Amazon
Stay tuned for more book reviews.
Until next time, happy reading!
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Shabana Mukhtar