The Sherbrooke Bride

Honestly I have heard for years that Coulter was an exceptional writer and The Sherbrooke Bride is a great read. I feel lied to. I hated it. After reading the other reviews on this book (most are right around 4 stars) I am wondering if maybe it is just me.

Douglas is pretty ticked off that instead of finding the beautiful woman he expects to come home to he is married to her younger sister that although handsome (Alex said she was quite handsome when listing her attributes to Douglas) she appears dowdy when standing next to Melissande...of course...according to the author....everyone does. So, what does Douglas do? Just figure that he didn't really know any of the girls that well and only wanted a brood mare anyway to give him an heir show more and anyone would do? Get mad and simply annul the marriage? Nope he treats Alex horrid. Seriously, horrid.

He ridicules her clothes. Saying things like, "That is such an unfashionable dress I doubt it was ever in fashion. I suppose you intend to wheedle me out of a new wardrobe?"

He ridicules her hair. "You will not pleat your hair like that. I don't like it. You look like a little girl."

He ridicules her feelings for him.....I still don't understand how she could have any tender feelings for the man who treats her so awful.

He often tells her that she will NOT ask questions. She will DO as he says and OBEY him. Often telling her that she will respond that yes "She understands" even if she doesn't.

He often referenced to his wife while thinking of her as "the little twit".

Alexandra's own thoughts were just as belittling. When thinking of her sister and herself she knows that Melissande is a diamond and she, Alex, certainly isn't a diamond but perhaps she could be a Topaz. A Topaz is, after all, a quite suitable and a nice gem.

I think that the love scenes (I use the phrase loosely) were the worse to listen to (yes I listened to it on audio without skimming most of it had I done if I had an actual paper version). The love scenes (cough cough) were all about him telling her, quite clinically what he would do to her and that she would enjoy it. The first one was the most painful...granted they all were bad but the first one is like that first plunge into the swimming pool you never know quite what to prepare for and let's just say that the very first love scene will stay with me for a long time....like chicken pox scars.


Douglas did a lot of talking.....a LOT!!! I don't remember much of it thank goodness as I tried to block it but what I do remember is that Douglas doesn't find his wife remotely attractive and can't figure out why he loses control when he has sex with her as he is ALWAYS in control. So even though his wife is not stunning in beauty it must still be her fault he ruts her like a school boy's first outing.

Oh and at one point they were talking about if he found her lovely and irresistible (I am paraphrasing by the way) to which he replied...."Well, No. But you have nice breasts." What a pig!

And what does Alex do while her husband treats her like this???? Why...... she declares her love for him.

One reviewer said that they fell in love with Douglas and mentioned he was the first "Alpha" male that they read. To me there is a big difference between an Alpha male and a jerkwad. Douglas is a jerkwad....perhaps even more of an asshat. Jerkwad is too mild of a word.

I was going to give this book a flat out 1 star rating (I never give less than that because that is the lowest my rating scale goes...although a half star would make sense too if I really was going to think about it...but I'm not at this point) oh, anyway, it fully deserved 1 star up until the last 80 or so pages (I'm guessing by the way since I listened to it and honestly don't know). The last 1/5 of the book picked up and had some sort of a twist that was mildly interesting and made me see Alex and Douglas as actual characters and not horrible plotting mistakes. Unfortunately it only elevated the book half a star...too little too late.

Oh, and there was a ghost in the book called The Virgin Bride. Almost pointless to have had it in the storyline...I suppose it was to give the book an added depth and shake things up a bit but it was a big FAIL....really.

Now I'm kind of in a dilemma...I own 38 more of her books. I'm scared to even pick another up. show less

I reviewed this book for my blog www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com


A 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) show more 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 show less

Just how ugly is the heroine? She’s described as if she’s a troll. I can’t believe she would be so utterly unfortunate looking. Her sister has beauty that is indescribable, but Alex is ugly? Nope, don’t believe it. She might be plain, but not disgusting.

Other than that, this was a pretty good historical. I know it’s old, but it doesn’t suffer from the historicals of the 80’s with the non-con & simpering. I was thoroughly entertained.

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 show more 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. show less

Puntuación: 07.50/10.00

Es una historia apasionante y con una protagonista muy decidida. Me gusta. Sin embargo no llegó a encantarme. Considero que es una excelente historia para pasar el rato y entretenerse.

My Snopsis:

The Sherbrooke Bride is the first book in the Bride Series by Catherine Coulter.

Douglas Sherbrooke the Earl of Northcliffe is in need of an heir to carry on the family name. He decides to wed the beautiful, Melissande daughter of the Duke of Beresford. Unfortunately, duty comes first and Sherbrooke must send his cousin to wed his new bride by proxy while he is away on a mission.

But, when the Earl returns he is married to the wrong sister. His cousin has married Melissande and stuck him with Alexandra the younger, less attractive daughter. He must not only contend with the high spirited Alexandra, but a ghost resides at Northcliffe hall as well, the Virgin Bride.

What is the Earl to do? Remain married to the wrong bride or show more return her to her father? Will Douglas find love with Alexandra? You'll have to read to find out!

My Thoughts:

The Sherbrooke Bride was not my first read from highly acclaimed author, Catherine Coulter. Coulter has a very wide range in writing, from Regency style romances to FBI thrillers. I prefer her historical fiction and The Sherbrooke Bride did not disappoint.

I identified with the high spirited and stubborn, Alexandra who has always been in the shadow of her sisters incomparable beauty. Her reactions to Douglas' attitude are refreshing for a Regency romance. I enjoyed the banter that she and Dougas shared. Her love for him was very deep.

Douglas' character was very masculine. He did not come across as a gameplayer or a playboy. He seemed very honorable though a little tight laced. It is nice to see how he starts to loosen up as he begins to deal with Alexandra. The reader will feel his shock and betrayal when he finds he has married the wrong woman, but they will also feel his gradual acceptance of what's happened and the realization of what it means.

The subplot of the story involving Douglas' mission as a spy and the kidnapping it later causes, was a little predictable, but it did add an element of surprise and intrigue.

I liked this one, not one of my all time favorites, but definitely a good romance.

I give it 3 out 5 apples from my book bag! show less

Feeling the families pressure to produce an heir, the Earl of Northcliffe, Douglas Sherbrooke finally decided on taking a beautiful women he had known years before, Melissande Chambers. Getting a personal request from his country for help, Douglas had few options. Heading to France on a mission himself and leaving his cousin Tony Parrish, Lord Rathmore to marry for him by proxy. On his return he discovered that Tony had married Melissande as well as her sister Alexandra Chambers.

Book 1 ….. I have read all (so far) of Catherine Coulter’s FBI series, but this is the first of her historicals that I have read. While it has many elements that are consistent with the stereotyping of historicals and it is ,oh so predictable, but the show more combination worked well for me. Really liked Alex and even found myself liking the arrogant Douglas eventually. Will continue with this series as soon as I locate The Hellion Bride. show less