Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

The authors of Beyond Heaving Bosoms say that Anthony in Devil's Embrace is an "Alphole Hero We'd Like to Slap Around Some". (pg 77)

Is Anthony one of the most beloved heros in romance, or is he truly a character you'd like to forget? Come read this book with us in April and share your feelings :)

Average rating on goodreads: 3.55

Description on goodreads:
"Her debut historical romance reissued for the first time since its initial publication!

For beautiful Cassie, the seething city of Genoa seems a world away form her 18th-century estate where she was raised. Until she meets Lord Anthony Welles, the brutally handsome aristocrat who swears that he will win Cassie's heart, even as he conquers her body. And on the eve of her wedding to another man, Anthony proves that he will stop at nothing to be with the woman he loves..."

I'm almost scared to read this one *laugh*. I haven't read any Catherine Coulter books, but I bet I can probably find this book at my library.

I'll have to look...

After reading the reviews (which are allover the place) I'm intrigued enought to attempt this. Thankfully my library has it because I'm pretty sure this won't be a keeper for me but I like reading books that are either loved or hated to see where I stand.

Yeah, my library has it. I'm like you, Sara. I like to read books that either loved or hated to see which side I fall on myself :)

My library has it as well - good thing, because I got rid of my copy long ago. So I'll reread it just to see if my feelings have changed.

I've had Devil's Embrace and it's sequel, Devil's Daughter on my bookshelf for quite some time but have never managed to read either. I'll see if I can squeeze Devil's Embrace in sometime in April.

I am in on this one :) I have been wanting to read this for a while. I really enjoy these over the top, un-pc, old skool romance novels. I even enjoy the "Alphole" type of hero!

BJ Rose wrote: "My library has it as well - good thing, because I got rid of my copy long ago. So I'll reread it just to see if my feelings have changed."

What were your feelings originally?

Sorry, I'm not reading Catherine Coulter this month. I've tried quite a few of her romance books - didn't like them. The FBI ones are only marginally better IMO.

I'll look forward to next months picks.

Sara wrote: "BJ Rose wrote: "My library has it as well - good thing, because I got rid of my copy long ago. So I'll reread it just to see if my feelings have changed."

What were your feelings originally?"

Sir Anthony definitely earned his title of Alphole! And there was worse to come for the poor heroine than his actions. This ALMOST made a Rosemary Rogers book look good to me. I'm trying it again only because the library has it - I would not buy it again, even used. Sorry - but you did ask!

Oooh! I'll go into it expecting the worst, BJ :)

I found a copy of this at the library earlier today and breezed through reading it.

I am in complete agreement with the authors of Beyond Heaving Bosoms on this one. Anthony is an alphahole who I would like to slap around ;)

And, I didn't like Edward either. Bleh.

Here is my review.

I just finished this one and I really have mixed feelings. It wasn't boring and I finished it pretty fast, but the amount of sex and let's be honest here, excessive raping of the heroine tainted my enjoyment of the story. For a man who is supposed to be in love with this woman, I thought his treatment of her was a little over the top.

I really like Catherine Coulter and have enjoyed many of her other books, but this one is kind of odd. I don't think I'll be reading the sequel.

I just finished my reread of this book, which I would not have done if not for this challenge! So I knew about the rape - what a wonderful lover! (Just in case you didn't recognize it, that was sarcasm!!) - and the gang rape that comes later, and really expected those events to negate everything else. That said, I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed the rest of the book. I loved the sailing activities and descriptions, and almost-travelogue approach to descriptions of Genoa and Italian countryside. And as a history buff, I thoroughly enjoyed the British look at the 'irritating rebellion' in the Colonies. Setting aside the rapes (which it's impossible to do), this would have been a weak 4*, so I'm giving it a weak 3*

Note to Vanessa: You really don't want to read the sequel!

I tried to read this. I'm not a fan of 80's romance and this seems to be a particularily poor example of it from what I've read. I made it to chapter 9, page 86, before admitting defeat and putting it down.
Review

BJ Rose wrote: "I just finished my reread of this book, which I would not have done if not for this challenge! So I knew about the rape - what a wonderful lover! (Just in case you didn't recognize it, that was sar..."

Thanks B.J. I actually was surprised I enjoyed the book as much as I did, and so I do agree with you about kind of being able to overlook it. But again, not enough to read the sequel.