NO MAN'S BRIDE

Author: Shana Galen ISBN: 006112494X 9/2006 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: London 1801

No Man's Plaything... Catherine Fullbright has vowed never to marry. Growing up with a disreputable father, she witnessed male behavior at is very worst. Unfortunately her ambitious parent refuses to marry off Catie's pretty, pliable younger sister until the elder is wed—and his underhanded scheming comes to a head when Catie finds herself standing at the altar with her sister's fiancé. No Woman's Fool... To achieve his ambition, Quint Childers, Lord Valentine, needs a wife—some charming, gracious lovely to play the perfect hostess ...certainly not a brash, stubborn hellion like Catherine Fullbright. Why, then, is he mesmerized by the fiery chit? And when an old man's deception puts Catie in Quint's bed, why does the prospect of their union excite the handsome lord so? Winning the remarkable lady's love will be a trial—she doesn't even like him! Still, is that a glint of desire he sees flashing in those hazel eyes?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

NO MAN'S BRIDE is the first book in Shana Galen's Misadventures in Matrimony series. NO MAN'S BRIDE showcases Galen's witty and exceptional prose. I very much enjoyed this book and it has the entertaining qualities of such popular Regency authors like Suzanne Enoch.

Catherine Fullbright has been abused and demeaned by her drunkard father and spoiled little sister, Elizabeth, all her life. After making a pact with her cousins about never going to marry, the time in her life comes when her father is going to force her hand to the first man who will have her, so that her sister can marry her betrothed and bring more wealth and notoriety to the family. She refuses to marry, and if her sister can hold off becoming married for just a little while longer, Catherine may be able to run away from her cruel home. She, with the help of her exceptionally ambitious cousins, begins to devise a plan to either postpone Elizabeth's wedding, or to put an end to it all together. So what if it means tying Elizabeth up once or twice?

Quint Childers, Lord Valentine, is ready to marry. Marriage will support his place in society and that will, in turn, guarantee his position in Parliament. Elizabeth Fullbright is more than ready to help him achieve his goals—however, he simply must figure out why he is inadvertently attracted to her eccentric older sister. Catherine possesses the qualities that he cannot possibly have in a wife. He needs an outgoing and socially acceptable wife, who knows her place in society and can help him achieve his goal of becoming the New Cabinet Minister.

Quint is going to have a lot of explaining to do when he realizes he has just said "I do" to the wrong Fullbright sister. Now what is he to do with his tempting, troublesome and yet exquisite bride, Catherine?

I would love to tell you more of this wonderful story, but I do think it's best that you run to your nearest bookstore and read it all yourself.

Catherine is a very loving and affection woman, but after being mistreated practically all of her life, she has put up a wall of bricks around her heart. Quint eventually finds out why Catherine acts the way that she does, and he tries so many different ways to make Catherine tear down her wall, brick by brick. It is very heartwarming to see him try so hard to make her feel wanted and loved.

I love Quint. He is an incredibly sensual hero, even though there were times that even I would have walked out on him. However, his redeeming qualities got the best of me, too. Catherine is just a fiery woman who eventually realizes her self worth and slowly builds up her self-esteem—with Quint's help, of course! Together they build a strong bond and a passionate relationship.

I think I should also mention that Ms. Galen wrote a naughty little voyeur scene (that I really liked), which sets the sparks flying between Quint and Catherine.

NO MAN'S BRIDE is a treasured read for any Regency fan. I loved it and it already has found a place on my bookshelf! I do hope it will find a place on yours!

Julie Kornhausl