Quick Review: Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas

From the Back Cover:

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?

My Thoughts:
 
I admit, I'm tough on romances. But it's because I love them! There are just so many out there, and many talented authors that I may never get the chance to read, so when a romance falls short of my expectations, I rarely give the author another shot. Thus I'm always searching for a romance that rises above the rest, and an author who makes me want to run out and read her entire backlist. And I'm happy to say: this is one of them!

Several things really made this romance stand out for me. First, the set-up: Estranged husband and wife find their way back to each other. A well-used convention, true, but one I usually like. And in this case it's particularly well done, with a lot of raw emotion, and serious, valid issues standing between Leo and Bryony. Second, Leo and Bryony themselves. Two great characters! Bryony's a little strange, but she's very well written and believable, and after all, they say there's a fine line between madness and genius. Third, the location: India. Yes! Something different! A lush, exotic backdrop, rich in period detail, and frightening for our couple. Which brings me to my fourth point: a strong, well-researched historical element--an exciting race to safety as Leo and Bryony find themselves in the middle of an uprising, and are forced to make a stand with the lean and pitifully unprepared British garrison. And finally, a healthy dose of hot, yet tasteful, sex never hurts! I loved just about every minute of this novel, and I was really pulled in emotionally. This one's earned a spot on my Keeper Shelf, and I have already added Ms. Thomas's other novels to my To-Buy list. Highly recommended to fans of historical romance looking for something a little more meaningful.

My Rating:  5 Stars out of 5