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A review by trivial_reads
The Unplanned Wedding by L. Steele
2.0
I recently picked up "The Unplanned Wedding" (The Davenports #3) by L. Steele, as my first read from Hambright PR. Attracted by the intriguing marketing that described it as a blend of "Beauty and the Beast" and "Fifty Shades of Grey." I love a good fairytale retelling, so I was eager to see how this one would unfold. Unfortunately, I found the experience to be somewhat disappointing, largely due to misleading elements in the synopsis and issues with how the central relationship was portrayed.
To start, the spice level in this book might be too intense for readers like me who aren’t seeking overly graphic content. I knew going in that it would explore BDSM themes, which can be compelling if handled with care and authenticity. However, while I have read other books that delve into this territory without feeling off-putting, this one missed the mark. My biggest issue with the portrayal of BDSM in this book is how one-dimensional it feels. Though I am not a member of this community, I have heard that in a healthy BDSM dynamic, trust and care are foundational. The submissive voluntarily gives over control, trusting that the dominant will meet not only their physical needs but also their emotional and psychological ones. However, in this story, the dynamic feels skewed. Instead of a balanced give-and-take relationship, the submissive is often subjected to arbitrary discipline, seemingly to reinforce the dominant’s control without any reciprocal care or nurturing. This approach oversimplifies BDSM into something purely about power and punishment, neglecting the deeper elements of trust, affection, and emotional support.
What frustrated me most is that the book seems to perpetuate harmful ideas about relationships, normalizing unhealthy dynamics in which one partner exercises control without genuine care for the other. This reinforces the troubling notion that objectifying or mistreating someone can be glamorous or desirable, which couldn’t be further from the truth. If you are going to write about BDSM or other complex relationship dynamics, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and present a more holistic view rather than focusing solely on shock value.
This was my first time reading a book by L. Steele, and unfortunately, it didn’t leave me eager to explore her other works. I am open to giving her writing another shot if I come across a book that promises better balance and character development. As it stands, “The Unplanned Wedding” left me feeling more disappointed than entertained.
To start, the spice level in this book might be too intense for readers like me who aren’t seeking overly graphic content. I knew going in that it would explore BDSM themes, which can be compelling if handled with care and authenticity. However, while I have read other books that delve into this territory without feeling off-putting, this one missed the mark. My biggest issue with the portrayal of BDSM in this book is how one-dimensional it feels. Though I am not a member of this community, I have heard that in a healthy BDSM dynamic, trust and care are foundational. The submissive voluntarily gives over control, trusting that the dominant will meet not only their physical needs but also their emotional and psychological ones. However, in this story, the dynamic feels skewed. Instead of a balanced give-and-take relationship, the submissive is often subjected to arbitrary discipline, seemingly to reinforce the dominant’s control without any reciprocal care or nurturing. This approach oversimplifies BDSM into something purely about power and punishment, neglecting the deeper elements of trust, affection, and emotional support.
What frustrated me most is that the book seems to perpetuate harmful ideas about relationships, normalizing unhealthy dynamics in which one partner exercises control without genuine care for the other. This reinforces the troubling notion that objectifying or mistreating someone can be glamorous or desirable, which couldn’t be further from the truth. If you are going to write about BDSM or other complex relationship dynamics, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and present a more holistic view rather than focusing solely on shock value.
This was my first time reading a book by L. Steele, and unfortunately, it didn’t leave me eager to explore her other works. I am open to giving her writing another shot if I come across a book that promises better balance and character development. As it stands, “The Unplanned Wedding” left me feeling more disappointed than entertained.