One example could be 'The Arrangement' where the main character is forced into a marriage she doesn't want at first. It shows the journey of how she copes with the situation and eventually finds love within the unwanted marriage.
Often, they end with the couple falling in love. For instance, in many of these novels, after going through various conflicts and misunderstandings related to their unwanted marriage, they finally realize their true feelings for each other and have a happy ending together.
One common theme is the struggle for independence. In unwanted marriage novels, the protagonists often fight against the constraints of a marriage they don't want. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth wants to choose her own life and partner, not be forced into a marriage like her friend Charlotte who marries Mr. Collins for security. Another theme is the exploration of true love. Characters realize that they don't love their spouses in these unwanted marriages and search for their true love, like in 'Jane Eyre' where Jane ultimately finds true love with Mr. Rochester after escaping an unwanted marriage - like situation with St. John.
Another unwanted situation could be a change in financial circumstances, like unexpected debt or job loss. If the couple doesn't handle it well together, it can cause resentment. The wife may feel that the husband is not doing enough to fix the situation or vice versa. These types of unwanted situations often test the strength of a marriage in stories.
One of the well - known 'unwanted marriage novels' is 'Pride and Prejudice'. In this novel, Elizabeth initially has an unwanted marriage situation with Mr. Collins. She firmly refuses his proposal because she doesn't love him and doesn't want to be trapped in a loveless marriage. Another example could be 'Jane Eyre'. Jane faces the prospect of an unwanted marriage when she discovers Mr. Rochester is already married. Her strong moral sense makes her reject the idea of being a mistress, which shows her unwillingness to be part of an improper 'marriage' situation.
Unwanted sex in a marriage is a very serious and complex issue. It can lead to a lot of emotional distress for the person experiencing it. For example, it might cause feelings of violation, low self - esteem, and a breakdown in trust within the relationship. In some cases, it could be due to a lack of communication between the partners about their sexual needs and boundaries.
Mystery novels can be a great alternative. They keep you on the edge of your seat with their plots full of twists and turns. You'll be too busy trying to figure out who the culprit is to worry about any romance. Another option is science fiction. It takes you to different worlds and futures, exploring concepts like space travel, alien life, and advanced technology. Fantasy novels are also a good choice. They are filled with magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests.
Some modern - day novels that touch on this theme include 'Room' by Emma Donoghue. While not a traditional romance, it has a mother - son relationship born out of a very difficult situation which could be considered an off - shoot of the unwanted pregnancy theme in a way. In the romance genre, 'The Unwanted Wife' by Natasha Anders has elements where the initial relationship is marred by an unexpected pregnancy situation.
You can simply not pick up books that are clearly labeled as romance novels if you don't want them. Look at the cover, the blurb on the back, and the genre classification. If it says 'romance' and you know you don't like it, just pass it by. Also, if you're browsing e - books, use the search and filter functions. Type in the genres you like, such as 'adventure' or 'mystery', and exclude 'romance'. This will help you stay away from unwanted romance novels.
One common theme is redemption. The husband, who initially treats the wife as unwanted, often has to redeem himself for his past actions and attitudes. Another theme is self - discovery. The unwanted wife discovers her own strength and worth during the course of the relationship.