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.
The emotional aspects are not just limited to the couple. Family members and friends in these novels can also have strong reactions. They might be judgmental or supportive. The novels explore how these external reactions impact the main characters' emotions. For instance, in 'Room', the mother has to deal with her own emotions while also protecting her son from the outside world's reaction to their situation which was born out of an unwanted pregnancy - like situation.
One story could be that a couple was using birth control methods, but it failed. The wife was in the middle of an important career phase. The unexpected pregnancy brought a lot of stress as she had to decide between her career goals and the new life. She and her husband had long discussions about their financial situation, future plans, and the ability to take care of a child at that moment. Eventually, they decided to keep the baby after making some adjustments to their lives, like the wife reducing her working hours temporarily.
There was a couple who were advocates of free love. They thought that love should be unrestrained. However, when the woman became pregnant unexpectedly, they realized that their concept of free love didn't take into account the real - life responsibilities. They were both still in college, focusing on their studies and personal growth. The unwanted pregnancy put a huge strain on their relationship, and they had to consider options like abortion or adoption, which were very difficult decisions for them.
Communication is key. The couple should openly talk about their feelings, fears, and future plans. For example, if the wife is worried about her career, the husband should listen and offer support. They can also discuss financial aspects and how to manage with a new baby.
Use contraception consistently. Condoms are a simple and effective way. They not only help prevent pregnancy but also protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Birth control pills are also an option for women, but they need to be taken regularly as prescribed.
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.
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 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.