What happens when a marriage of convenience isn't so convenient?
Lieutenant Colonel Benedict Draven has retired from the army and spends most of his days either consulting for the Foreign Office or whiling away the hours at his club with his former comrades-in-arms. He rarely thinks about the fiery Portuguese woman he saved from an abusive marriage by wedding her himself. It was supposed to be a marriage in name only, but even five years later and a world away, he can't seem to forget her.
Catarina Neves never forgot what it felt like to be scared, desperate, and subject to the whims of her cruel father. Thanks to a marriage of convenience and her incredible skill as a lacemaker, she's become an independent and wealthy woman. But when she's once again thrust into a dangerous situation, she finds herself in London and knocking on the door of the husband she hasn't seen since those war-torn years in Portugal. Catarina tells Benedict she wants an annulment, but when he argues against it, can she trust him enough to ask for what she really needs?
“What I want-no, no-what I need,” she said coolly, is a husband.”
After reading this sentence, I knew I was going to adore Benedict Draven and Caterina Neves story. While serving in the army in Portugal, Draven marries Caterina to save her from an arranged marriage. After the service, they share a passionate kiss and Draven leaves Caterina at her aunt’s home and rejoins his men.
Draven is surprised when Caterina appears in London and requests an annulment. Shana Galen writes strong heroines—and the passionate, talented Caterina is one of her best. In five years, Caterina has become a successful business woman. Caterina lace with its intricate patterns and soft thread is famous throughout Europe. Draven senses that Catarina isn’t telling him why she wants the annulment and he avoids giving her an answer.
I loved how this couple fell in love. The sparks between Draven and Caterina were even stronger now than when they first met. Loved that the author paired an older hero with a younger heroine. Draven referred to himself as older and Caterina countered back each time by telling him he was strong and virile. Pairing the strong willed, independent Caterina with the honorable, calm Lt. Colonel Draven worked. Their journey from friends to lovers was perfectly written and lovely to read.
Enjoyed that several of Draven’s dozen appeared in the novel and loved Ines and Tigrino. There was conflict, a villain and danger—just enough to make the story interesting. Loved that the author focused on the romance in this story. Both Caterina and Draven deserved their HEA-and it was so enjoyable to read their journey.
Kudos to Shana Galen for writing a fabulous story for Draven! The Claiming of the Shrew is the perfect weekend read—once you read the first page you will be captivated by Ms. Galen’s characters and the their story. Am looking forward to the next book in this series!
Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the author
Shana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making.
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