cover image How to Tame a Willful Wife

How to Tame a Willful Wife

Christy English. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $6.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-1-4022-7045-1

Caroline Montague, an only child, has been indulged by her father. She wears breeches, rides astride, and knows how to use a dagger. Anthony Carrington, earl of Ravensbrook and her fiancé, is intent on molding her into a typical lady. As soon as they marry, Anthony starts her lessons in lovemaking and proper behavior; Caroline defies and challenges him repeatedly without stopping to consider his reasons, lying to the servants and circumventing his edicts at every opportunity. Caroline may be an independent and strong woman, but her willfulness and selfishness make her look like a child. Anthony has his own faults, being too proud and stubborn to explain his actions, but his adult realization that marriage will change his life will please readers who weary of Caroline’s tantrums. Their interactions are refreshingly honest and passionate, but Shakespeare fans will find this Regency-set supposed homage a far cry from the original Taming of the Shrew. Agent: Margaret O’Connor, Innisfree Literary. (Nov.)