The Sherbrooke Bride (Bride Series Book 1) - Historical Romance Novel for Wedding Inspiration & Bridal Shower Gifts

"Being a gentleman pales when one is confronted with a wife one doesn't know, doesn't want, never did want, never even knew existed."THE STORY: Douglas Sherbrooke, Earl of Northcliffe decides that it is time for him to marry and produce an heir. He decides to find out whether the beautiful woman he was entranced with three years ago is still available. Melissande, the daughter of a duke, seems to be the perfect candidate for his wife. Once the alliance is agreed upon, Douglas has to send his cousin to have the wedding performed by proxy since Douglas will be out of the country. When Douglas returns, he finds that his "wife" Melissande is married to his cousin and his cousin has instead married Douglas to Melissande's younger sister Alexandra. Alex has loved Douglas for three years and was able to be persuaded to be the replacement bride. Douglas is not pleased.OPINION: There is much to criticize about this book. Douglas is a jerk and he treats Alex terribly. Admittedly, he has some justification since she was foisted upon him, but he still is a jerk. The story is implausible and at times the story is over the top. Yet, I still love this book. The writing is clear and the story is fast paced so that I never felt bored. I believe the story is supposed to be over the top and not feel like a serious drama. Even Douglas being a jerk has an overdramatic quality to it that contributes to the humor of the book. I certainly can understand that some readers find Douglas' actions unforgivable, but I enjoyed the journey of these characters. Douglas starts out with an unwanted wife and ends up falling deep in lust and then in love with Alex. The book to me seems quite aware that Douglas is being unreasonable and winks at the reader. The book was also written in the early 1990s and the standards for relationships in romance books were very different. This book would probably not be written in the same way today, but that is okay to me. I don't mind these older books (perhaps because I read them when they were new) but readers looking for sensitive heroes won't find him in Douglas Sherbrooke.At the same time, Alex is no shrinking violet. She makes an incredible journey in this book. She begins willing to do anything to please Douglas, but his disdain helps transform her into a strong woman who demands his respect.WORTH MENTIONING: I read this book when it was first published in the early 1990s. I really enjoyed it then so I am not completely independent when reading the book now. Readers should also be aware that this book depicts a miscarriage which might be disturbing to some readers.FINAL DECISION: I love this book despite its flaws. Douglas is a complete jerk. Some of his actions are understandable, but he honestly is also just a jerk sometimes. I loved Alex. Despite the flaws of this book, it still is a story that I remember and enjoyed reading again.CONNECTED BOOKS: THE SHERBROOKE BRIDE is the first book in the Brides series.STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.