"After the Wedding" in the series 'The Worth Saga' by author Courtney Milan tells the story of Camilla, a woman who is desperate for love and acceptance after facing abandonment and trauma. The plot revolves around Camilla's marriage to Aidan, a man struggling with survivor's guilt and family responsibilities. The writing style of the book is described as emotionally fraught, with strong character development and a focus on themes of self-worth and forgiveness.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, with the female protagonist facing deep personal struggles and the male lead bringing kindness and emotional depth, supported by a diverse cast.

Writing/Prose:

The writing features a mix of witty and emotional prose, effectively blending humor with serious themes related to identity and self-worth.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a forced marriage at gunpoint, leading to a quest for annulment while addressing themes of personal identity, societal challenges, and familial struggles.

Setting:

The setting is Victorian England, highlighting social dynamics and issues relevant to the characters' situations.

Pacing:

Pacing varies, starting slow with extended emotional exploration, but builds toward a climax involving the resolution of the forced marriage.

When she was younger, she had used to imagine that one of the girls whose acquaintance she made—however briefly—would become her devoted friend, and they would swear a lifelong loyalty to one another....

Notes:

The female lead, Camilla, is bisexual and has had relationships with both men and women before the book begins.

The story is set in 1867 England and explores complex themes of race and class.

Camilla's family lost their title and wealth due to her father's treason, leading to her struggles.

Adrian, the male lead, is the youngest son of a wealthy Black family dealing with their own history and challenges, including survivor's guilt from the Civil War.

The plot revolves around a forced marriage at gunpoint and the couple's quest for an annulment.

Despite the heavy themes, the book has been noted for its humor and character dynamics.

The story explores the heroine's fight for self-worth and recognition amidst her traumatic past.

Courtney Milan is praised for her character development and witty dialogue, creating relatable and multidimensional characters.

The novel addresses the intersection of race and class in Victorian society, providing a unique perspective in historical romance.

It deals with the societal pressures faced by mixed-race families during the time, focusing on acceptance and identity.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of forced marriage, trauma, and social injustices which may be sensitive for some readers.

Has Romance?

There is a high level of romance present, as the story revolves around the developing love between the main characters.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

Adrian Hunter, the son of a duke's daughter and a black abolitionist, is determined to do whatever his family needs-even posing as a valet to gather information. But his mission spirals out of control when he's accused of dastardly intentions and is forced to marry a woman he's barely had time to flirt with.Camilla Worth has always dreamed of getting married, but a marriage where a pistol substitutes for "I do" is not the relationship she hoped for. Her unwilling groom insists they need to seek an annulment, and she's not cruel enough to ruin a man's life just because she yearns for one person to care about her.As Camilla and Adrian work to prove their marriage wasn't consensual, they become first allies, then friends. But the closer they grow, the more Camilla's heart aches. If they consummate the marriage, he'll be stuck with her forever. The only way to show that she cares is to make sure he can walk away for good...After the Wedding is the second full-length book in the Worth Saga. It is preceded by Once upon a Marquess, the first full-length book. The series books stand alone, but those who wish to read in order may want to start there. Also available in the series are Her Every Wish, a side-novella, and The Pursuit Of..., which is something of a prequel.

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After the Wedding

Courtney Milan

Book 3 in the series:The Worth Saga