A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience
Author: Stephanie Burgis
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B+
What I’m Talking About:
Margaret Dunhaven, a human, finds herself married to Lord Riven, the vampire lord of Shadowcroft Manor. Her relatives kidnapped her from her college library and forced her to marry, telling her that they are being blackmailed into it. However Riven claims that her family is extorting him and took the magical Rose of Normandy gem from his keeping.
A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience is a fun and darling retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It’s a quick read, coming in at 80 pages in print format (Amazon), but it’s full of passion and righteous indignation. Margaret and Riven quickly piece together they were both duped, and together they decide to set things right.
I love Margaret’s determination and drive; as a woman in pursuit of scientific endeavors, she’s had to fight for every accomplishment. I adore how she rationalizes allowing Riven to help her. And when her drive nearly destroys the pair, Riven praises her as no one has before. Traveling alone together allows the pair to learn about one another and grow closer, both admiring the accomplishments of the other.
I absolutely revere Burgis’s storytelling: mixing paranormal and fantasy aspects into a historical setting while spinning a cozy romance. A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience is a joy to read!
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Jen
About the Book:
Margaret Dunhaven may have been forced into marriage with the sinister vampire lord of Shadowcroft Manor to fulfill a family obligation, but she’s not about to stay trapped there for long. The beastly man doesn’t even have any decent tea leaves in his kitchen!
However, when she realizes that she’s not the only one who’s been forced into this marital union, it’s time to join forces with her unwanted new husband. If they can combine her scholarly skills with his ancient history, then, working together, they might just manage to reclaim her inheritance, break his curse, and find their freedom.
…Just so long as they don’t fall in love along the way.
A witty and sparkling gothic fantasy novella that puts a new twist on Beauty and the Beast in an alternate-history version of late 19th century England.
Release Date: August 5, 2024
Publisher: Five Fathoms Press
Series: The Unexpected Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance, retelling, novella
Format(s): paperback (80 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Author
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)