Review: On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn

Series: Bridgertons Book #8

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 371

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Unlike most men of his acquaintance, Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love. And he is convinced that when he finds the woman of his dreams, he will know in an instant that she is the one. And that is exactly what happened. Except... 

She wasn't the one. In fact, the ravishing Miss Hermione Watson is in love with another. But her best friend, the ever-practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermione from a disastrous alliance, so she offers to help Gregory win her over. But in the process, Lucy falls in love. With Gregory! Except... 

Lucy is engaged. And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the altar...

Review

It's the last Bridgerton novel-sort of. I didn't remember this at all, so it was like I was reading it for the first time. And I got really into it and found myself really caring about these characters. Lucy, the heroine, especially was easy for me to connect with.

Gregory, the hero, unabashedly believes in love. Really, how could he not after seeing his whole family. He gets a little moony-eyed over Lucy's best friend, but I still love that he isn't afraid of love. So many romance heroes are crazy damaged, jaded, etc. There is a time and place for that hero, but Gregory and place for that hero, but Gregory is a nice change. Ms. Quinn also explored the psychology of his relationship with his brothers which was very interesting. 

Lucy was just a treat. She is funny in a subtle way and knows who she is-very pragmatic. She's also incredibly loyal-perhaps too loyal. Her supportive and beautiful relationship with her best friend, Hermione, is very nice t o read about. 

The romance was pretty slow since Gregory first "falls in love" with Hermione. Lucy is helping Gregory woo her friend. This allows them to build a friendship and open their eyes to the potential between them. And they had a subtle, sweet chemistry. Crazy, burning passion can be fun to read, but a change is nice to read.

I'm sad to have just the 2nd epilogues left in this series. It isn't the most amazing series but it's a fund read with an amazing family.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

Series: The Bridgertons Book #4

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 372

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Sir Phillip knew from  his correspondence with his dead wife's distant cousin that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he'd proposed, figuring that she'd be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage. Except . . . she wasn't. The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her...

Eloise Bridgerton couldn't marry a man she had never met! But then she started thinking... and wondering... and before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match. Except... he wasn't. Her perfect husband wouldn't be so moody and ill-mannered. And he certainly should have mentioned that he had two young - and decidedly unruly - children, as much in need of a mother as Phillip is in need of a wife.

Review

This was a very fun read. Ms. Quinn deals with some serious issues like depression and suicide, but it's still a very sweet story.

I liked both Eloise and Phillip. Eloise is very chatty which I identify with. She's also very opinionated and doesn't take anyone's crap. Phillip has some anger issues, but unlike some romance heroes he attempts to control himself. And even though he struggles, he wants to be a good father. I think those are very admirable traits.

The romance was cute. It was a nice blend of organic and fast-paced. Although I am a sucker for stories with letter writing. It's probably the Jane Austen fan in me. And Ms. Quinn did a good job of showing the struggles in a marriage/relationship.

I'm not the biggest fan of kids in books/romances. I believe Sarah Wendell calls them plot moppets. They weren't fully developed, but did feel real enough while advancing the plot and character development in others. In the end, I liked them.

This was a re-read, but I don't remember how I felt the first time I read it. Sometimes series can start to drag when they get this far a long, but this was a nice surprise.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Series: Bridgertons Book #3

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 358

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Will she accept the offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball. Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, waltzing in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other— except, perhaps, this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. If he offers her his heart, will he sacrifice his only chance for a fairy-tale love?

Review

I am continuing with my re-read of the Bridgertons series. This was always one of my favorites and I've read it several times. I still enjoyed it (read in only a few hours), but I did see some problematic things especially with Benedict.

First, the Bridgerton family is the star of this book/series. Violet, especially, is quite the scene-stealer. They are just a fun, supportive, healthy, and loving family. this is the kind of family that takes in people and is always turning friends into family. I'm a sucker for a good family.

This is a Cinderella retelling with the evil stepmother and "prince charming" in Benedict. I actually am not a huge fan of this type of story, but this one works for me. I think that's because of how strong Sophie is as a character. While the world has limited a lot of her options she fights for agency and independence whenever she can. IT's very east to like and care about her. She also has a little sarcastic streak that I love.

Benedict is the prince charming character. He is also where I saw some issues this time around. Now, he is a kind man who cares about his family which is endearing. Generally, he's respectful of women, but sometimes he says and does some problematic things. He has a tendency to talk down to Sophie when she says no to him. Thankfully, she stands up to him and defends herself. But it was still disrespectful. He also did the thing I hate when characters are having sex: say he won't be able to stop. I get that this is a sign of passion, but NO, both parties must stop if consent is ever removed. I feel like you don't see this exchange much anymore.

Even with my issues this time around, I like this book. It's an emotional read for me and I even teared up a little. Onto the next one.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

Series: Bridgerton Book #2

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 354

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

But this time, the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry—he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield—the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands—and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is determined to protect her sister—but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...

Review

I've read this book countless times and it's always been one of my favorites in the Bridgerton series. It is a very standard Julia Quinn book-cute and fluffy. She also writes really good bickering couples.

Kate is a great heroine. She's witty and sarcastic. She also really cares about her family. I love books with healthy family relationships. It's especially nice that she and her stepmom are so loving toward each other.

Anthony is a rake, but one with a good heart. Again, he loves his family. Ms. Quinn gave him a reason for rakish behavior which is interesting and different. He's a little bossy, but Kate handles it well.

These books definitely feels like an older (early 2000s) romance. It is a slightly different style then you see now, but something I read with fondness.

Thanks for reading!

Holly