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

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

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