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    The Bride
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    The Bride
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    The Bride
    Ebook457 pages6 hours

    The Bride

    By Julie Garwood

    4/5

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    About this ebook

    An arranged marriage leads to passionate love in this classic Scottish historical romance from #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood.
     
    By edict of the king, the mighty Scottish laird Alec Kincaid must take an English bride. His choice is Jamie, youngest daughter of Baron Jamison—a feisty, violet-eyed beauty. Alec aches to touch her, to tame her, to possess her...forever. But Jamie has vowed never to surrender to a man she considers a highland barbarian.
     
    Alec is everything Jamie’s heart has warned her against—an arrogant scoundrel whose rough good looks speak of savage pleasures. While Kincaid’s scorching kisses set fire to her blood, she is determined to resist him...until one rapturous moment quells their clash of wills, and something far more dangerous than desire threatens to conquer her senses...

    Includes an excerpt of another beloved Julie Garwood highland romance, The Wedding
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Group
    Release dateJun 7, 2011
    ISBN9781101533116
    Author

    Julie Garwood

    Julie Garwood (1944--2023) was the author of numerous New York Times bestsellers, including Fire and Ice, Shadow Music, Shadow Dance, Murder List, Killjoy, Mercy, Heartbreaker, Ransom, and Come the Spring. There are more than thirty-six million copies of her books in print.

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    Reviews for The Bride

    4/5

    84 ratings32 reviews

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    • 5/5
      Loved this book - a cut above the usual Highland romance, very enjoyable read, I read it in one day. For once it wasn't filled with a ton of angst at the end that goes on for 50 pages where the heroine is kidnapped and the hero has to rescue her. There was some tension there at the end, but bearable. I really loved the relationship between Alec and Jamie and how they interacted. One minute they're at loggerheads with each other, the next they're just plain into each other - fun read!
    • 3/5
      On the one hand, this book had one of my favorite kinds of heroine, the insecure one who doesn't know her own worth. I appreciated her self-deprecating commentary and Cinderella-esque childhood, because I love the story arch of the hero showing the heroine how valuable and wonderful and deserving of love she is. There was lots of banter and shyness and angst, which is my favorite stuff right there.

      However...

      The book jumped the shark a bit at the end. I mean, the random and complete acceptance of Helena's child just seemed so unlikely. Jamie goes from being insecure and meek to suddenly kidnapping a child and being assured of her husband's love for her? She is just suddenly a mom? It wasn't a realistic character progression to me. And the story dragged a bit at the end.

      Overall, this averages out to three stars. I'll probably look into more of Julie Garwood's work.
    • 4/5
      I gave The Bride three stars because the story is entertaining and funny. For Julie Garwood fans who love her work, you will like this one.
    • 4/5
      Omg...read it twice . . . back to back. The funny, frustrating, and biting back and forth between Alec and Jaimie is a little close to home, but so much more romantic.
    • 3/5
      Scotish Lord Alex kincaid is told by his King that he must take an English bride. He choses Jamie, the youngest daughter of an English Barion. Jamie was also told by her King that she must marry. Jamie must adjust to the more rugges lifestyle in Scotland and not loose her identy in the process.
    • 4/5
      Series Info/Source: This is the first book in the Lairds’ Fiancees series. There are two books in this series. I bought a copy of this on ebook for my Kindle. I picked this up because it was one of the top books on a list of “top romances” to read.Thoughts: This was a very well done historical romance with a lot of humor and fun in it. I ended up enjoying it immensely and struggled to put the book down.The story is fairly standard enemies to lovers romance. Jamie is the spunky youngest daughter of an English baron; she pretty much runs her current household and also is the family healer, hunter and an excellent horsewoman. Meanwhile Scottish laird Alec Kincaide has been commanded by the King to take one of Baron Jamison’s English daughters as a bride to help prolong peace between the two lands. Alec and Jamie hate each other but are hugely attracted to each other too. As they spend more time together they grow to respect each other’s skills.For the most part I really enjoyed this. The chemistry between Jamie and Alec is very well done and I loved how Jamie quickly proved her worth to Alec’s people. I enjoyed Jamie’s flighty sisters a lot less and thought that at times Jamie also seemed very naive. Additionally, Alec’s initial dismissive attitude about women in general rankled but I supposed was probably historically accurate.The writing style was easy to read and I loved all the witty banter in here. Garwood’s writing style isn’t super refined or anything, sometimes I found descriptions lacking and the plot as a whole was a bit weak. This is definitely a historical romance first and a book about the Scots and the English second. Which is fine, it was what I was expecting. However, I wasn’t in awe of Garwood’s amazing writing or anything, it was just a fun, decent read. So definitely some mixed feelings about Garwood as an author.My Summary (4/5): Overall this was a fun historical romance read and I enjoyed it. It was a quick read with a lot of humor and well done steamy scenes. I liked the main characters well enough. The plot is a bit weak, it definitely focuses on the romance more than anything else. I personally prefer a bit more balance between an interesting plot and romance. However, I am not a huge flat-out romance fan so I am really not the target audience. I don’t plan on picking up more of Garwood’s books. This was a fun enough, easy read but just not my preferred cup of tea so to speak.
    • 2/5
      ReviewIf I read this outside of a book club/book of the month, I may have enjoyed it. I may have read it for the joy of reading, and that would be that. Garwood has a nice style, unpretentious and funny.But I read this for a book of the month w/ the Historical Romance group, and so I noticed things. First, let me say I wouldn't have gotten through the first sex scene in all likelihood. By that point, Jamie is trying to open up and get to know Alec and Alec gives her nothing. When the scene is set, Jamie has just decided her new husband may be sweet and gentle after all-maybe she'll kiss him.That is not how it goes. To me, it read as non-consensual and really out of place. At this point, we don't really understand any bit of Alec, and his predominant characteristic are that he is a Scotsman and a warrior. WE know there's attraction between the two of them but we have so much of Jamie's inner thoughts, we also know she's not willing. She verbalizes it "moaning" plenty of times and there's no discussion or hesitation because obviously this man knows what she needs and wants. It was not acceptable to me as a reader, and I felt betrayed by Alec. I read a lot of old skool with this dynamic, and I always cringe through it, while I can do dubious or non-consensual sex, some of these older romances the sex feels as wedged in as the mystery plot did here and does not serve character, relationship, or motivation.So the mystery plot, that was also inelegant, out of place and silly. Worse here, the person who killed Helena and wants to harm Jamie is portrayed as developmentally delayed in some way, and is the only such person in the novel. If I hadn't been over the book by then, my disappointment would've registered. Unfortunately I saw that coming too.And finally, while Jamie carried the first 1/3-1/2 of the book for me, it became clear extremely quickly that she was the Maryest Sue I've ever read. There is nothing she can't do-shoot an arrow standing on horseback, charm a king, diagnose and treat an infant's milk intolerance, save a child from a boar attack, and unite warring clans. it was too much, and I always need something more.I'm glad to have read this - I actually don't know if I've read Garwood before. Her writing is fun, but her plots and characters based on this book leave little to recommend.
    • 5/5
      New reading is slow in coming for me lately, so for my book review Tuesday, I'm relying on another old favorite from Madame Garwood: THE BRIDEFROM THE PUBLISHERBy edict of the king, the mighty Scottish laird Alec Kincaid must take an English bride. His choice was Jamie, youngest daughter of Baron Jamison...a feisty, violet-eyed beauty. Alec ached to touch her, to tame her, to possess her...forever. But Jamie vowed never to surrender to this highland barbarian.He was everything her heart warned against—an arrogant scoundrel whose rough good looks spoke of savage pleasures. And thought Kincaid's scorching kisses fired her blood, she brazenly resisted him...until one rapturous moment quelled their clash of wills, and something far more dangerous than desire threatened to conquer her senses...The bride dares to wear black to her wedding. When the groom is an enormous Scottish laird, that says alot about her daring and character. Any of Julie's medievals are worth noting, but this is among the top 3 of my yearly re-read list. Hmmm... I might even have to pull it off my shelf to enjoy it again shortly.
    • 5/5
      I read this book decades ago [this is the first book in Lairds' Fiancées series] and thought to revisit it once more but in audio.tb jg o Let me say this up front. My love of romance started with Jude Deveraux and Julie Garwood so I'm a huge fan. However, sometimes what has been written and read decades ago, can be quite different from reading it today. I'm so happy to report that this story was even better today than years ago. I loved everything about it, especially Rosalyn Landor. She made the words written come alive. Her accent was spot on, be it English or Scotts. As for characters, all were three dimensional and complex, especially the heroine, Jamie. Her sweetness and lovability was contagious. You can't help but like this self-deprecating and self-sacrificing character. She was adorable. On the other hand, I had some doubts about Alec. At the start of the story we see a lot of arrogance, but as the story develops, we get to know him better and to like him more. He was strong yet caring of his clan and especially of his English wife. Wonderful Alpha male with some sensitive beta hero characteristics.I thoroughly enjoyed this fun and funny medieval romance. The author made me believe in these two and their story. I was vested in them but the mystery within made me a bit antsy. Thank God it all worked out!Years after it's written, this story still stands strong. Highly recommending!Melanie for b2b
    • 5/5
      I was hooked on HR for a very long time - this is my top book
    • 5/5
      Loved this and wished there was more. Jamie is a legit rock star heroine, and I adore her and everything she does. It took me longer to warm to Alec (Jamie definitely understood his ways better than I did), yet he grew on me too. Lots of great humor and action and love; this is going into my Scotland romance 101 syllabus.
    • 3/5
      Funny , breezy read.
    • 3/5
      I've read and re-read "The Bride" over a dozen times since I was first introduced to Scottish laird Alec Kincaid and feisty English beauty Jamie in high school. And I enjoyed following their story each time.After a few years away from this book, I picked it up again. My, how times have changed - I couldn't even make it halfway without wanting to tear my hair out. Jamie and Alec are just TSTL. Yes, I said it. Their interaction consists of pointless misunderstandings and talking circles around each other. Alec is a dim-witted barbarian, and Jamie...well, it's like she has amnesia and forgets what she does or say. Maybe it's ADHD. Whatever it is, it drove me nuts.This is one of Garwood's earlier works, and you can tell by its lack of sophistication. My absolute favorite from her is still "Ransom". I'm very partial to the Medieval Highlands genre - that's the only reason this received a higher rating than it deserves. Well, that and nostalgia.
    • 4/5
      I've recently been in a bit of a rut with books. I just can't seem to connect and get immersed in the last five or so I've read. But oh man, this one just swept me off my feet. I can't even put my finger on exactly what it was. It was just so charming and warm and lovely.
    • 3/5
      14 Sep 2013: This book is the audible.com daily deal today; just $4.95. At that price, I think I'll give it another try. Also, the incomparable Rosalyn Landor narrates.

      2 March 2012: I'm surprised to find that I'm rather "meh" about this book. From reading all of the reviews on GR and elsewhere, I expected more. It's a sweet story with amusing banter between Jamie and Alec, but there's really no drama. The whole murder plot is very underplayed and neatly resolved. I suppose I've come to expect something a little darker when reading about Highland Lairds.
    • 2/5
      This is the worst kind of storytelling -- cliched, head-hopping, main characters always set to 11, supporting characters not really fleshed out. The h/h spend the entire book purposefully misunderstanding each other, screaming at each other, and having a lot of cliched but unmemorable sex. There's no real tension -- despite what Garwood wants you to think with all the damned shouting -- because there's no POV -- you always know what every character is thinking. Nothing is withheld. Nothing here to recommend a female hero who is presented as the most capable member of her household, but meets the hero and suddenly can't do anything right except make the male hero angry, which seems to equal turned-on. The whole story seems to take place in a few days, in which many improbable little scenarios arise and are resolved, much shouting, huffing and puffing occur, and yet everything turns out ok. And the main characters, if it seems like you've met them before, you have. Nothing about them is presented as unique: Tiny, beautiful spunk and big, lusty hunk. The one subplot that may have differentiated this book is not adequately fleshed out. Not recommended. -cg
    • 2/5
      I was disappointed in The Bride this time around. I originally read it sometime during high school, and I remember loving it at the time and thinking it was the best book ever. My experience this time (12 years later) is just a taaad different.

      Julie Garwood is a great romance writer, one of the "pillars" of the genre. She is famous for melding heart-warming humor with romance in her novels, and her medievals are considered "classics." This is quite the accomplishment and makes for a fun, light and humorous read, right? This book even won the Rita Award in 1990! So why didn't this book do it for me?

      First, the set up: Alec, a powerful Scottish Highlander, is forced by edict of the English king to marry an English lass (FYI- the English and the Scottish Highlanders are very different and don't like each other.) He shows up with his buddy, has the hots for the impetuous, violet eyed and beautiful Jamie, marries her, and carts her off with him to the Highlands. And so the drama begins.

      First of all, the hero, Alec Kincaid, is kind of an ass. Yes, we get it, he's a warrior and all that, but he treats Jamie like she is an annoying nuisance (which she very well might be) and tried to make her insecure all the time. He also tries to bully and push her around and make her "succumb to his will," whatever that means even though he actually adores the hell out of her. Does he ever apologize? Nope! In the end Jamie "wins," but not because she is an equal partner or anything, but rather because she annoys him into surrender.

      In comes Jamie: Beautiful and violet-eyed, impetuous, (as evidenced by the fact that she likes to ride bare-back on her horse,) educated in the healing arts (as all heroines in medievals,) and a little bit of a meddling busy-body (which, in her case, is not supposed to be a bad thing.) She seems unaware of her "place" as Medieval society would dictate it and doesn't understand that she is supposed to be inferior and "obedient" to her husband, so she constantly questions him and badgers him about it. In her first week as wife of the laird, she manages to almost start three (or is it 4?) wars with neighboring clans, saves multiple lives, and earns the love and undying loyalty of nearly everyone in the clan.

      I really wish a few things for this book. I wish that Jamie was a little bit less of a well meaning ditz and more of an equal partner to Alec, who I wish was a little bit less of a jerk and a little bit more loving and supportive. I wish that there was more time in the book for Alec to realize that a woman can be an equal partner and a worthy opponent. I wish that Jamie didn't feel like she had to take care of everything and everyone and actually DEALT with the fact that her step-dad treated her like a servant and she feels like she has to be one in order to be accepted/loved. I wish there weren't these long dialogue bits where each of the characters would be talking about nothing (really, nothing!) and lose their train of thought. I wish there were more of the moments of brilliance and fun I found in the text like when Jamie and Alec first meet and their wedding night. This book had a lot of potential, and it was well written, but there was just something missing for me here.
    • 4/5
      Enjoyed this book, set in early English history during the 1100s. There were interesting adventures and clashes between the Scottish warrior and his English bride. Liked reading about the characters. Listened to this though Audible.com.
    • 5/5
      The Bride by Julie Garwood
      Audiobook Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

      4.5 🌟 After all these years this book still holds up. I have reread it numerous times and I am sure I will reread it again.

      ~ Paragraphs and Petticoats ~
    • 5/5
      The kings of England and Scotland, to unite the countries, has decreed that two sisters from Jamie’s family must marry two Lairds. Her father had attempted to hide Jamie from the oversized warriors so she could continue running his household, but they arrive early and Alec Kincaid is intrigued.With Jamie we’ve got a character that is compassionate, outspoken and when she sees something that needs to be done, well there isn’t much that will stop her. Within a week not only does she have the loyalty of the clan, but through her actions, war is declared with a number of other clans. It’s really not her fault that things are so different in the highlands.Alec had no desire to get married but will obey his king. He learns fairly early on what a treasure he’s got, even though his world is turned up upside down and won’t easily admit that love could be involved.The characters, chemistry and situations are well done. There is a mystery and I recall being surprised by the who back when I first read this twenty-five years ago. I can’t begin to guess how many times I’ve read this book as well as a number of others the author put out back in the 80s and 90s. I just wish the author would go back to writing these historicals.
    • 2/5
      I’m surprised at the high rating for this book. Compared to other Garwood novels this one ranks quite low for me. I didn’t find the main characters as likeable or as endearing as some of her other novels. Alec Kinkaid is a typical Alpha male who wants a strong courageous woman. He wants her to be subservient and caring of him…even love him although he’s not prepared to reciprocate those feelings for fear that it would make him weak. Jaime is a fiesty and untamed violet-eyed beauty who understandably wants to be her husband’s equal. I found both of the main characters not as likeable as other Garwood novels. I didn’t start liking them till the middle of the book. Jaime came off as being too perfect with her only flaws being her temper and no sense of direction. Alec was just arrogant with old fashion sensibilities. Some of the character interactions were funny, but some parts that were supposed to be witty I found to be annoying. The plot was also predictable and very similar to her other Highland romances. Overall, it was an okay quick read…perfect for a rainy day read or a beach read.
    • 4/5
      Jamie is the youngest of her sisters, but is the one that has always protected them. For her that is normal, however for most families...its not. So when the king orders that one of her sisters marry Alec Kincaid, she is at a loss on how to comfort them..for they will have to marry a scot and a barbarian. However when she meets Alec, he chooses her as his bride. At first Jamie doens't comprehend why he would want to marry her, but knows that she has no choice, better her sacrifice than any of her sisters. So with both her and her sister Mary married off to his friend, they head out to Scotland, not knowing how her life may change. At first all that exist between Alec and Jamie is confusion, opposite personalities and a powerful desire that fires up the blood. However as things progress between these two, a tender love develops.The Bride is one of the historical's written by Julie Garwood. Its also one of my favorite type of story plots that I enjoy reading. I know I have read this one before now, however I know its been along time since there were moments that I was surprised and part I didn't remember. So it was good reading this again, and getting to know these characters and what a great story it is. We have a heroine that isn't appreciated, who was practically treated a a servant, and Alec is very protective of her, and shows her what its like to be appreciated and cherished. Something she has never experienced before until she meets him. Such a truly magical story with love and passion and some mystery aspects to heighten the blood, and one that will delight you!!! I loved it!!!My Favorite Quote"I want you Jamie," Before Jamie could catch her breath, he cupped the sides of her face and claimed her mouth. Jamie's last coherent thought was that Alec Kincaid certainly knew how to kiss
    • 5/5
      I'm going to go out on a limb here and say no one writes romance like Julie Garwood. My first introduction to her work was "The Gift," and I thought "The Bride" could not live up to that story. I was wrong; it's a beautifully-written romance that will have you laughing, crying, and utterly breathless by the end. I so enjoyed the interwoven mystery. Jamie is a heroine you can cheer for--she's strong, loyal, and generous. Although Alec seems like a brute at times, he fiercely protects Jamie. The pair look for the best in each other, and even though they were forced to wed, they try to make the most of it. Jamie stands by her husband and refuses to believe the rumor that he killed his first wife. Alec, on the other hand, insists that his wife be treated like a queen to make up for the hard work her father and sisters forced on her. In a way, I suppose this is almost like a Cinderella story. The prince is indeed charming, Jamie is kind and exceedingly beautiful, and the ending is every bit as "happily ever after" as you would expect.
    • 5/5
      This is the first book I ever read by Julie Garwood back when it was originally published in 1989. I reread it every year or so and it is still my favorite of all her books. And I have them all. She has been on autobuy since I read The Bride.The publisher's blurb does not do this book justice. The best parts of the book are the funny scenes which come constantly. The Kincaid knows how a wife is supposed to behave and Jaime (the fact that she has a man's name is a running joke) does not follow his preconceptions. She thinks his ideas are crazy and he knows hers are.Shoot, I may have to pick it up and read it all over again!All of Julie Garwood's early historicals are wonderful. I don't like her contemporary suspense books as much, although I do still read them. I keep hoping she'll pick up her old style.
    • 5/5
      read again later, very feel good romance
    • 4/5
      England & Scotland 1102 - Always having a place in her fathers house was the one thing Jamie, the adoptive daughter of Baron Jamison, could count on. Her place in the household, ever since she was born, had always kept her busy but also gave her a scenes of security and a feeling of being needed. News that two of her older sisters would be married off soon by the Kings orders, filled her with dread, for them, because she knew how difficult of a time they would each have adjusting to that type of situation. Arriving at his destination, Alec Kincaid was confronted by a fellow countrymen wanting to know things that a simple stable master should never ask of a Laird. Discovering through the Scot that his Baron master was planning on hiding away one of his daughters so that she could not be his choice for a bride only made Alec’s decision easier, he would chose Jamie for himself.This is a new author for me. I enjoyed the humor and the timing of the humor as well as the more sentimental emotions. While the plot became transparent from the first chapter, the writing style was a delight to find in this historical romance.
    • 4/5
      This tale set in the England and Scotland of yore, when marriage was decided by Kings and lords, features a couple whose strong wills seemingly make their union destined to be a stormy one--or could it be that the fact that each will stand up to the other make them a perfect match? Jamie hails from England and Alec from Scotland. Forced to marry an English bride Alec expects to return to Scotland with a nice docile Englisher he can soon forget about. But he doesn't reckon on being captivated by the spirited Jamie from the first moment he sees her. Nor on her being outspoken and anything but docile. The sparring--and making up--between these two and they discover how to love each other makes this romance a lot of fun to read. If you like romances with spirited characters and wild, romping adventures this one is for you.P.S. I would rate it 'R' on the sensuality factor.
    • 5/5
      The Bride was cleverly written with a good amount of humor to slide it along. Julie Garwood weaves a fantastic tale that can later be followed up with The Wedding which occurs within the same world, just several years down the line. Jaime is a headstrong and vibrant woman, and Garwood truly places you in both her shoes and in Alec Kincade's shoes as the story moves along.
    • 5/5
      After hearing raving reviews about Julie's work over the past four or five years, I finally found two of her books in my local bookstore and quickly grabbed them up. The covers on the books, well, on the newest reprint of the books at least, are breathtakingly beautiful and that alone made me love the book. Plus, it is set in my favorite country and time period: Scotland in the medieval times. I wasn't surprised that I ended up loving the book as much as I did, not after all the recommendations and the perfect story written by Garwood.The story was amazing, brilliantly written and delivered. Garwood knows how to write a story that is both interesting and romantic, sensual and sexual, depending on the specific scene, funny and sweet, witty and charming. The characters were well developed and dynamic, and before you got half way through the book you find yourself falling in love with them. I can't wait to read more of her books, and I hope that some of the beloved characters we met in this book will return in one of her other books. One of the things I loved the most about Alec and Jamie's story was the fact that while Alec was very possessive and strong *A total Highland Larid, of course!*, he also proved to be caring, funny, tender and loving. When he started to fall for Jamie, and she started to fall for him in return, I almost had to wipe away a few tears, their story and connection were that strong and intense, almost gut-wrenchingly so. I wish that I had a man like Alec. He accept Mary even though she wasn't his child, and he proved to be a wonderful father. He loved to rouse Jamie's spark and passion, which is also something I enjoyed: Both the fact that he was so intrigued by having such a strong woman as his wife and the fact that she wasn't a wimpy heroine, which I cannot stand in a romance novel *or any book, really*. Their love scenes were both tender and intense, passionate and steamy, and even playful at times. It showed the emotional and physically side of their relationship nicely, which is something that is sometimes lacking in other romances. I can now say that I am a proud Julie Garwood fan. :)5/5 STARS! A wonderfully exciting tale of medieval love and adventure in the highlands, told by an amazing author. The characters and their story will stick with long after the book is over. ~TBQ~
    • 5/5
      garwood at her best. funny, tender and strong hero. perfect. this will be a keeper on the shelf