"strong Victorian romantic suspense"

In 1853 suffragette supporter Elizabeth Dunaway plans an incident to insure she will be arrested as a way of protesting the lack of women's rights. However, her scheme goes awry when Earl Ross Carrington rescues her. Even more shocking Elizabeth is forced to marry her "hero" for proprietary sake.

Though a bride attracted to her spouse, Elizabeth continues her support of women's rights working as a conductor on the underground train that helps abused females to flee an untenable situation. At the same time, Ross keeps a vigil on developments in Russia and Austria that could impact England. When their two ventures suddenly merge, they realize they love one another, but first England is in jeopardy.

MARRY THE MAN TODAY is a strong Victorian romantic suspense that grips the audience from the moment that Ross rescues Elizabeth and never slows down until the final altercation. The story line is action-packed starring two courageous champions although their respective causes differ. Fans obtain an intriguing look at the frustrations of the early suffragettes struggling against a tide of "family values" that assumes a woman needs a man for food, shelter and safety/protection. Though the merging of the two subplots seems strained, readers will appreciate this fine historical tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 28, 2005

Summary

What's In a Husband?

Elizabeth Dunaway believes that the moment an independent- minded woman marries, her husband seizes complete control of her life. That's why she is determined never to walk down the aisles of matrimony. But when an unfortunate incident gets her thrown in prison, she has no choice but to accept a marriage of convenience to the insufferable, albeit handsome, Ross Carrington, the Earl of Blakestone.

As a gentleman spy, Ross often finds himself embroiled in scandals not of his making. But he never thought his inquiries into the disappearance of three young ladies would lead him to a notorious ladies' club ... or wed to the magnificent Miss Dunaway. Not many men would appreciate his new bride's rebellious spirit, yet Ross finds it both charming and seductive. Now he just has to convince Elizabeth that true liberation can be hers by surrendering to his passion and love.