Wife Wanted: Marital relations as necessary. Love not required nor sought…A bridal lottery seems the height of foolishness to ex-slave Caesar King, but his refusal to participate in the town council’s scheme places him in a bind. He has to get married to avoid paying a high residence fine or leave the Texas territory. After losing his wife in childbirth, Caesar isn’t ready for romance. A woman … woman looking for a fresh start without any emotional strings is what he needs.Queen Esther Payne, a freeborn black from Philadelphia, has been threatened by her family for her forward-thinking, independent ways. Her family insists she marry. Her escape comes in the form of an ad. If she must marry, it will be on her terms. But her first meeting with the sinfully hot farmer proves an exciting tussle of wills that stirs her physically, intellectually, and emotionally.In the battle of sexual one-upmanship that ensues, both Caesar and Queen discover surrender can be as fulfilling as triumph.
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A short, erotic adventure into the past with Caesar and Queen.
Widower and former slave Caesar King contracts to marry Queen Esther Payne, a Black woman from Philadelphia. In Caesar’s small, south Texas, post Civil War town, the Black community leaders strongly encourage single men to marry and procreate or move on out of town. Miss Payne agrees to the contract for her own reasons, unknown to Caesar.
In Michal Scott’s expert hands we find out what happens when two strong willed people, each with their own motivations and desires, come together in marriage. Hot!
Immensely readable with vivid characterizations.
This sexy, hot novella is set in Texas after the Civil War. The hero has contracted with a young Philadelphia woman for a two year marriage. Neither one wants love or commitment, that is until they meet for the first time. Then it is no holds barred. Powerfully written with unique characters.
This is a well written erotic romance with loveable characters and an interesting plot. Wonderful short story, worth the read.
Better to Marry than to Burn by Michal Scott
Short, sizzling, spicy romance that has two people fighting for dominance on the first night of their marriage. A mail order bride and her groom have different ideas about what the relationship should and will be but who will prove correct is to be determined.
This novella takes place in Texas after the Civil War. The town is trying to establish and grow and thrive and I assumed it was entirely or predominately black. The hint at slavery and being free was made but the story is really about two people and how they will find true freedom together.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3 Stars
What a beautiful, passionate story!
All the best parts of a great love story are included in this short novella. Caesar King, a widower, is living in a post-Civil War black community in Texas that has decided to protect their legacy by requiring all men to be married. A carefully worded ad, an intriguing response, and an inviting acceptance letter all lead to the arrival of Queen Esther, a woman from Philadelphia who has her own reasons for seeking this unusual marriage of convenience. The rest of this story follows our young couple as they first get married within minutes of meeting then begin to negotiate their way through the remainder of first day together.
Both of these are strong-willed people; one who has never known a master and is determined that she never will, and one who steadfastly refuses to ever have another. The fight for control and dominance in this new marriage is tempered and at times very tender and sweet, as they both learn that compromise is not defeat and working together is the only way to make a marriage work. Both of our romantic combatants are highly educated intellectuals, giving weight and meaning to even the smallest act or statement. Before their wedding night is over, they have settled all that needed to be addressed and the future looks very bright for their fledgling dynasty.
As strong as the emotional element of this story is, it’s definitely not for pearl-clutchers. These two do most of their negotiating sans clothing, using every tool in their arsenals to convince and control the other. Still, not a word or phrase is superfluous as each step in the laying of this marital foundation is essential.
It’s a rare thing to find such a short book that still contains all the passion, all the emotional impact, and all the character development necessary. This was a delightful read, and one I can highly recommend. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.