Book Review: The Unwanted Marriage

The Unwanted Marriage follows Faye and Dion, two characters whose lives have been entwined since childhood. Their mothers were best friends and made a pact when Faye was just three years old: she and Dion would marry one day. But tragedy struck when both mothers died in a plane crash, an accident Dion has carried guilt over for years, believing his tantrum to bring them home early led to their deaths.

Since then, Dion has kept his distance, partly due to their 10-year age gap and partly because of his remorse. Meanwhile, Faye grows up under the thumb of a controlling and abusive father, raised to be Dion’s bride and the key to her family's financial survival.

Let’s start with the biggest issue I had: this ARC was, hands down, the worst I’ve ever received. From missing chapter breaks to formatting issues where every single “f” was replaced with a random symbol (yes, seriously), it made reading a chore. I even reached out to the contact email provided for ARC feedback, but of course, crickets. And considering this book was already published two years ago, there’s really no excuse for such glaring issues in a "deluxe edition."

That said...the story? I was hooked.

Despite the frustrating formatting, I couldn't stop reading. I love an arranged marriage trope when it’s done well, and this one had me rooting for the couple from the start. Dion and Faye’s emotional journey, from obligation to love, was satisfying, spicy, and surprisingly sweet in parts. The trauma they both carry, the way their relationship slowly unfolds, and the glimpses of healing and happiness are what kept me turning the pages (even when deciphering f-less words).

Add in Dion’s brothers and their hilarious sibling banter, and you’ve got a dynamic, addictive series following the Windsor family.

This book gave me strong Cinderella-retelling vibes with the stepmother and stepsisters playing their part in the background chaos, but overall, it was a great romance.

And I have to shout out the dedication: “Keep making those difficult choices until your waking hours are better than your sweetest dreams.” A simple line, but it really stuck with me.

If you’re picking up a clean, edited copy, I can see this being a hit for fans of emotional, slightly angsty, but ultimately hopeful love stories.