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: It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn

Series: The Bridgertons Book #7

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 384

Rating: 3.5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

MEET OUR HERO...

Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth's sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past... and the key to his future. The problem is—it's written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word.

MEET OUR HEROINE...

All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She's fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there's something about her—something charming and vexing—that grabs him and won't quite let go...

MEET POOR MR. MOZART...

Or don't. But rest assured, he's spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual—and annually discordant—Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth's every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other... and that there is nothing as simple—or as complicated—as a single, perfect kiss.

Review

This is a solid, interesting story but it didn't particularly capture me. Part of that is probably because of Hyacinth. She is a lot to take in so sometimes it can be a little too much.

Gareth is a solid hero. He has some brooding angst that stems from his childhood and relationship with his dad. But he is funny and very sweet to people like his grandmother. Like I said, Hyacinth is a big personality even by Bridgerton standards. She knows who she is and won't censor herself for "society" or anyone.

These two have fast chemistry, but it isn't explored too quickly. Ms. Quinn gives you that build up of sexual tension that helps make a good romance. I liked the banter between Hyacinth and Gareth. It is smart without being biting or cruel.

There is a mystery (no death or murder) element to the story. It's a big driving force for bringing the couple together. It's an interesting mystery and I like that it isn't connected to something gruesome.

I think I've said this before, but I am liking this reread of the Bridgertons series. It's especially been nice for the later books like this one which I had only read once before.

Thanks for reading! 

Holly

Review: When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

Series: The Bridgertons Book #6

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 368

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one's life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London's most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton. 

After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca's surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer—the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin. 

But that was then... Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love... until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets... 

Review

This was actually my first Julia Quinn book ever and this is my first time re-reading it. It is an unrequited love story, but it does work for me. 

In this one, the hero is the one who has been secretly in love with the heroine. He can get a little angsty, but it never feels like too much. There's an added layer of tension because Francesca is married to Michael's cousin. I think this marriage is what ends up making the romance so believable. Michael loves his cousin so he is around a lot. It causes them to build a strong friendship. This can then act as a foundation for their romance.

Francesca is different from a lot the other Bridgertons, but she is still one of them. She's a lot more calm then her siblings. And I liked reading her relationship with her mom-they both were widowed young. Michael is also a nice character to read. He's very in touch with his emotions/feelings.

Julia Quinn also includes some interesting medical situations. She's done this a few times in her books and I always enjoy the added elements. She briefly went to medical school and her husband is involved in the field of medicine.

This may be my new favorite Bridgerton novel. I'm glad I decided to re-read this series, just because I got to read it again.

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

Book Review: Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Series: The Bridgertons Book #4

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 370

Rating: 2 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for... well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret... and fears she doesn't know him at all. 

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. 

But when Colin returns to London from a trip aboard, he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same, especially Penelope Featherington, the girl haunting his dreams! 

And when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide... is she his biggest threat, or his promise of a happy ending?

Review

I had to re-read this because I'm doing a re-read of the whole series so I can review it. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't have. I remember not liking this one. But so many people love it and say this book is there favorite. So, I was hopeful that I would feel differently this time. Sadly, I didn't. I just started skimming which I never do.

My main problem is that I don't feel any chemistry between Colin and Penelope. I barely see feelings of friendship.Now, I almost never buy unrequited love so I guess that isn't a huge surprise. I also don't particularly find Colin to be likable. He's pretty whiny and can be rude to Penelope and his family.

The Bridgertons and Lady Danbury are the only saving grace for me. They are good and interesting characters. And again, I have to rave about Violet. She is a star and I love reading about her a little at a time in each book.

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

Book Review: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Series: The Bridgertons Book #1

Format: Ebook

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend’s sister, the lovely—and almost-on-the-shelf—Daphne Bridgerton. But the two of them know the truth—it’s all an elaborate plan to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers. And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable.

But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it’s hard to remember that their courtship is a complete sham. Maybe it’s his devilish smile, certainly it’s the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her… but somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke… for real! And now she must do the impossible and convince the handsome rogue that their clever little scheme deserves a slight alteration, and that nothing makes quite as much sense as falling in love…

Review

I have decided to reread the whole Bridgerton series so I can do a video review. This is a perfectly good book, but has some issues. Daphne does some questionable things which is probably my biggest problem. But the Bridgertons are a fun family. I'm excited to read these in order for the first time so I can see everyone grows up.

Simon is my favorite part. He has a dark-ish past to make him that stereotypical brooding hero. His silence is traditional, but the reason for it is a nice change. He's also adorable with Violet and the younger Bridgertons. 

The romance felt a little rushed especially once they were married. Actually, the whole second half was fast. Simon and Daphne worked through some pretty serious issues a little too quickly for my taste.

Can I say how much I hate the over-protective big brother character? A little protectiveness can be endearing, but this was too much. Personally, I think 2 consensual adults can make their own decision. Anthony is one of my favorite Bridgertons, but he was just ridiculous here. Eventually it changes from protecting a woman to a d**k measuring contest. And I think it's disrespectful not to protect your sister to make her own decisions.

Time to talk about the thing that made me cringe.

This may be considered a spoiler.

So, Daphne rapes Simon. It isn't in the traditional way, but I still consider it rape. He clearly stated his feelings on children and she prevents him from using birth control (however ineffective pulling out is). This is made even worse by the fact that she doesn't feel bad about it. It was a hard scene to read and I can't really get passed it.

Of course, I will continue reading the series. I am curious to see how I feel-especially about my favorites-now that I'm older and more well read then I was when I first read these books.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Violet in Bloom by Julia Quinn

The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After

Format: ebook

Rating: 5 stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                Where the hell did this story come from? This is probably the best short story I’ve read. And after a few disappointing reads it was nice to remember why I continue to buy and read Julia Quinn’s books.

                I liked Violet in the original series. She’s a great woman, mother, and presence. But I was blown away by getting to know her.

                And it really was a story about her life. Initially, I thought it would be about Violet and Edmund. I didn’t think I could handle that since I know he dies fairly young. But seeing her grow from a young girl to a wife to a great-grandmother was beautiful. And I definitely cried when she had to deal with losing her husband while being pregnant. So much happened but it all worked. Seeing her and Edmund meet as a couple was adorable.

                Seriously, I should probably stop. But I’m amazed by how much Ms. Quinn was able to stuff into such a short story. And it makes me want to re-read the series with this new perspective on Violet.

Thanks for reading!

Holly 

The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn

Series: The Bridgertons (Second Epilogues)

Format: Ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                I’ve been working my way through this collection for a little over a year. I’m definitely a fan of the Bridgertons so I love spending more time with them.

                Overall, I enjoyed getting a new or different perspective. My least favorite one was for Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. But if you liked the originals I think you’d like this collection. Some even provided a little extra resolution for the original story.

                My favorite is the little surprise story about Violet. I hadn’t expected a story about her and absolutely loved it. I’m actually going to do a separate review on that. It should be up on the blog soon.

Violet in Bloom Review

Thanks for reading!
Holly