In "The Force of Such Beauty," a new novel publishing in July, writer Barbara Bourland critiques the happily ever after in the form of a modern fairy tale: a former Olympian is swept off her feet by a young, European royal and becomes a princess, literally. Though things are not as charming as they seem for the main character, and she soon ends up a "prisoner princess."
Marrying money is the dream (at least, on paper) for most of the characters in "Bridgerton," Netflix's hit show now in its second season. For the young women, it's really the only way to improve their circumstances and that of their families. The sole future they can hope for is a good marriage.
