I reviewed this book for my blog www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.comA couple of months ago I've read "The Valcourt Heiress" by CC, and my disappointment was so profound, that I gave that book a very scathing review, which brought forth a very lively discussion on Amazon, as well as with some of my personal friends. Some people agreed with me [...], and others not so much. In rereading my review of that book, I admit to being a bit harsh; however I still stand behind my words. This being a New Year and taking in account a promise I gave, I went back and reread "Sherbrooke Bride" which was my favorite CC ever. I read this book years, years AND years ago. This was her first novel in the Bride Trilogy. "Hellion Bride" (Ryder's story) followed and "The Heiress Bride" (Sinjin's story, the VERY controversial book with a spousal rape scene) was originally supposed to finish up the trilogy of the Sherbrooke's brood, but we still had Tysen, so I guess a few years ago CC decided we should catch up with him also, ergo a "Scottish Bride". I understand that there are a few more stories of their children, but I have not read any. First book introduces us to all Sherbrooke's, but it's the story of Douglas Sherbrooke, Earl of Northcliffe. This was one arrogant, crude, rude, and utterly loving tyrant of a man. He is one of those heroes that we hate to love and we try very hard to put up with all his rude, autocratic behavior only because deep down in our hearts we know that only love motivates this man to put up with all the weirdness and antics this family dishes up for him. Only love for his brother Ryder would motivate our hero to put up with their quarterly "bastard meetings". Only love would keep him from not murdering his cousin Tony for taking the only woman he EVER considered marrying. Douglas in the end of the book becomes, or grows I should say, into a fully fledged hero we knew him to be from the beginning. Alexandra Chambers is a sweet, loveable albeit plain, and yet very strong young woman who loved this man since she was fifteen. From the beginning of this story, I was frustrated with her meek behavior and I rooted for her to stand up and fight her man-for her man! And just when I thought she's down for the count, she picks herself up, and boy does she come up swinging! I greatly anticipated Douglas' downfall! Oh, and he did fall! BIG TIME! In rereading this story, I got reminded about why CC's books appealed to me. The book is very well written with rich and engaging three-dimensional characters. A good dose of humor and a little intrigue added to it, and viola, we have a first-rate romance novel! Some might say that the sex scenes were graphic, but to me they were entertaining and tastefully written. I got a kick out of Douglas' loss of control of his passion for Alex. It's nice to see a man lose control once in a while, don't you think? All in all, a very good read. As I neared the end of this book, I decided to go ahead and reread all four of the Bride series and I was so glad I did. It surprised me also to find out that this time around, I liked Ryder's story most of all, and I understood Sinjin's story and the controversy of spousal rape better than I did the first time I read it. At the end of the series, I felt like visiting long-lost family members, and yet I was glad to go home after a short visit. If you never read this author, please find her earlier titles. She used to write well. I'm not sure what happened to her writing lately, but as of now my disappointment still stands. I hope to change my mind, but I'm not holding my breath. I would love to hear from all of you about CC and her books. ALL opinions are more than welcome! Melanie
oh man how I laughed re-reading this book. I don't remember being so amused before. Leave it to Catherine Coulter to write the most brainless lustful book.The plotline was ok. Douglas found himself being married to the wrong woman, Alexandra. The pair did not start interacting until 20% into the story. The first 20% was spent on buildling up the backdrop of the story. Douglas had some government duties and Alexandra was already in love with Douglas. Douglas wanted to marry Alexandra's beautiful sister. All in all, quite messy. I truly detest Alexandra's character. She started out alright, as a quiet girl with a strong will. Very quickly she became this annoying heroine who begged Douglas to let her stay married to him, for "a chance to be his wife" as she called it. Douglas was angry and quite honestly, I understand him and cannot blame him for being an asshole. He repeatedly refused to accept her (and I have to say, I do not pity her). Somehow he made peace with the fact that he was stuck with Alexandra. And they started having wild sex, which was always very hard and quick and rather violent. Knowing Coulter's style, I kind of expected it. I think Alexandra ruined this perfectly brainless lustful book for me. This book could have been a great book for what it is: a brainless lusty read. Alexandra had to be this fierece little woman who would do anything for her sorry excuse of a husband who did not want her but could not keep his penis in his pants. I could work with an arrogant asshole such as Douglas, but could not, could not, I repeat, stomach a stupid heroine like Alexandra. This woman has no self-worth. She did all that she did because she wanted so desparately to be his wife. Even in her "tough moments" when she showed some backbone, she was just angry because her husband rejected her. Seriously, what did she expect? She married him by proxy knowing perfectly well that he intended to marry her sister. And she was upset that he did not want to overlook that fact? In the last 20% of the book, Coulter had to somehow wrap it up and make Douglas "fall in love" with his wife. So Alexandra was kidnapped and something terrible happened and oh wow Douglas could admit that he had feelings for Alexandra. I went through the last 10% very quickly, not really caring how Douglas came to find Alexandra. For 80% of the book I was reading with a certain level of enthusiasm, despite the messiness in this book. After all, Coulter is good at such lusty books. You don't need a heart to appreciate her romance stories because they are not romance stories. I imagine they are like hard porn, you wince and are appalled that people can actually get hot watching it. But you watch it occasionally and realize crxp people can get hot watching it.
What do You think about The Sherbrooke Bride (1992)?
For a time back in the 80’s & 90’s, my reading material of choice was frequently bodice rippers, historical fiction, and regency romances with a few contemporary best sellers thrown in for good measure. Most of them were pretty steamy (blush) &/or overly romantic, but I read them during a time in my life when I found myself as a single parent, and these books fit the bill. I found them to be highly entertaining. I recently donated a slew of them, but I wanted to catalog them all the same. So if there is no rating here from me, it means that I don’t remember anything about the book other than I obviously read it. If there is a rating, it must have been in some way memorable for me.I only wish that GoodReads had been around years ago so that I had some idea of the many books I have read – there were thousands! I did own a copy of this book, but most others came from the library because back then I could never have afforded the 100+ books I generally read in any given year.And by the way, I still read bodice rippers – just not quite so many as I used to!
—Mo
I had never read any Catherine Coulter. This book was a Goodreads recommendation based on the other books I had read in this old English genre. The characters were efficiently introduced with a plot that moved from the first few chapters. Coming from a fairly big family, the stories of other familial chaos always appeals to me. Because this is part of a trilogy, I knew by the end of the book I really wanted to see what happens next. The shocking way two of the four Sherbrooke brothers father illegitimate children when many woman is merely a notation in the yearly bookeeping meeting with their patriarch brother, Douglas. We are introduced to two of the Chambers family's daughters by way of a fixed marriage to a Sherbrooke cousin and by proxy Douglas. One daughter beautiful beyond reason and one young and feisty. I only gave four stars because it was a bit predictable, but it kept my interest throughout. Mad Jack is the nest in the series and I look forward to see what they are up to!
—Linda
there's enough of everything in this novel---humor, passion, and realistic human emotional obstacles. it's funny to witness how douglas loses self-control whenever he feels aroused with alex--and then promises to himself that next time, he would be better behave. its so cute :P and alex is an absolute treasure. she's so naive about her own charms, its quite funny. the secondary characters are also fun to read. this is one of ms. coulter's best. i admit im not one of her big fans since im disappointed with The Countess and The Duke. but with this story, i can say that she has redeemed herself in my eyes. lol ",)
—maricar
