The Ruthless Groom by Monica Murphy

The second book in Monica Murphy’s Wedded Bliss series, which is part of the larger Midnight Dynasty world, follows Perry and Charlotte after her inconveniently timed run in with her ex-boyfriend Seamus on the morning of their wedding day and then later on while they’re on their honeymoon and after. Seamus’ appearance puts Perry in a bad mood to say the least, and Charlotte is stuck dealing with a completely surly new husband that seems to want to make her time with him miserable. This part of Perry and Charlotte’s story finds them navigating their very new marriage after that unfortunate occurrence, and we get to see a different side to their relationship.

The Reluctant Bride, the first book in this series, left us with a cliffhanger that had me so excited for this book, and I was pleased that it continues the angst and drama that I felt the first one delivered. Seamus’ appearance creates such a rift between the newly wedded couple, and it was interesting to see how they dealt with it. Having said that, Perry proved to be a difficult character to like at times, because his anger and jealousy eclipsed his actual feelings for Charlotte. On the other hand, Charlotte was so sweet, and I really felt for her character throughout this story. She’s grown up privileged but lonely and left to feel unloved and uncared for, and I think that’s why Perry’s anger and dismissal of her irked me as much as it did. However, that tension is what made this book so angst ridden and had me reading it in one afternoon. I couldn’t put it down, and now I’m desperate to see how Perry and Charlotte’s story ends, especially with the cliffhanger we’re left with at the end.

Also, I loved the dramatic suspense written through this book. There’s more happening than we know beneath the surface of this story, and this touch of mystery just makes it so interesting. I feel like we get the sense that Perry and Charlotte are just pieces to this whole game being played out by others in the series, which makes it all that much more exciting.

As the second part of the series, this is definitely not a standalone but rather the middle of Perry and Charlotte’s larger story, and I absolutely recommend it. It’s emotional at times with plenty of steam and intrigue, and I can’t wait to see what will become of Perry and Charlotte next.