Book Review: On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn

Title: On the Way to the Wedding

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Bridgerton Series (Book #8)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction

Pages: 371

Publisher: Avon 

Year Published: 2006

Format:  Audiobook

"A funny thing happened...

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 Hermoine Watson is in love with another. But her best friend, the ever-practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermoine 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..."

My Rating: 4/5

I enjoyed this one. It had more drama than some of the past ones in the series and every time  I think that I might not like one in this series, I'm pleasantly surprised. Julia Quinn does a great job of writing unique character traits for each of the siblings and their love interests. I liked the idea of friends to lovers mixed with she's engaged to someone else. I look forward to reading more by Julia Quinn in the future and would recommend if you like the show.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn

Title: It's in His Kiss

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Bridgerton Series (Book #7)

Genre: Romance, Historical, Adult Fiction

Pages: 384

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2005

Format: Audiobook

"IF IT'S IN HIS HEART... IT'S IN HIS KISS

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 HERIONEl...

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 musical. 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."

My Rating: 4.25/5

I know that with these point stars, I start to get down to the nitty-gritty. But this one was really fun. I loved the hero, and I think that Hyacinth is fun to read from, but some of the plot points weren't the most enjoyable for me. I did enjoy seeing Lady Danbury in a new light and watching someone not be shamed for being an individual in a historical romance. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

Title: When He Was Wicked

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Bridgerton Series (Book #6)

Genre: Adult, Romance, Historical 

Pages: 368

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2004

Format: Audiobook

"Everything was so much simpler... when he was wicked.

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..."

My Rating: 5/5

This is my favourite in the series so far. This one does contain a lot more intimacy, and it was so well done. I think the idea of having a character who was a widow helped with the plot and kept the series interesting. It has similar tropes that I enjoy (ex. Friends to Lovers) and the pining was so well done. The characters in this book were distinct and felt so real to me! I can't wait to continue with the series, and a friend of mine has already suggested the prequel. I can't wait!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

Title: To Sir Phillip, With Love

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Bridgerton Series (Book #5)

Genre: Romance, Historical, Adult

Pages: 372

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2003

Format: Audiobook

"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."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This is yet another book in the Bridgerton series and they just keep getting better for me. This has got to be one of my favourites. My only complaint is how mental health was dealt with in this book. I think it was likely accurate to the time period but as someone who has struggled with depression the way the author deals with it is not enjoyable. I would recommend if you can get past that fact, but if you or someone you love has had suicidal thoughts or has committed suicide I would NOT recommend. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Title: Romancing Mister

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Bridgertons Series (Book #4)

Genre: Adult, Historical Romance

Pages: 370

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2002

Format: Audiobook

"Everyone knows that Colin Bridgerton is the most charming man in London. 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 abroad he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same- especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But 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?"

My Rating: 5/5

I love a friends to romance! This is a trope that I just adore. I also think that long-time crushes that pay off in a cute way just make me so happy. It reminds me of my relationship at the beginning with my husband. I think that the author did a great job leading up to this romance. It's one you could see building in the background throughout the past books and their love grew so well over time. I loved, loved, loved this! I can't wait to continue the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Title: An Offer From a Gentleman

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Bridgerton Series (Book #3)

Genre: Historical Romance, Adult

Pages: 390

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2001

Format: Audiobook

"Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball- or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning 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 the alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?"

My Rating: 5/5

This was what I've been hoping to see from this series. Yes I loved the first few seasons of the show, and all the books have been fun, but this felt like it was taking the historical romance tropes into account. I appreciated that Benedict was so different from his brothers and it was easy to read this book without feeling like it was a repeat. I enjoyed seeing a story where both parties weren't part of the upper class. Julia Quinn's characters each have a unique voice which has made this series is a fun listen-on audio.

I look forward to continuing with the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

Title: The Viscount Who Loved Me   

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Bridgertons (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Historical, Adult Fiction

Pages: 354

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2000

Format: Audiobook

"1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, this author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And in truth, why should he? When it comes to play the consummate rake, nobody does it better...

    -Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

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..."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was really great to read after watching the most recent season of the Netflix show. It was vastly different from the show though and I would recommend reading it if you didn't enjoy the second season of the show as much as the first. This book really helped to explore the inner thoughts of both of these characters, their desires and their rationales to themselves about everything going on. Also, it has quite a different plot than the show so still worth a read even if you did enjoy the last season. I plan on continuing with the series on audiobooks as soon as possible! Would recommend it for romance fans for sure (as I'm finding out I might be one).

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Duke & I by Julia Quinn

 Title: The Duke & I

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Bridgerton Series (Book #1)

Genre: Historical Romance, Adult

Pages: 384

Publisher: Avon Books

Year Published: 2000

Format: Audiobook

"The Duke and I is a romance set in the Regency era.

In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound. From their earliest days, children of aristocrats learn how to address an earl and curtsey before a prince- while other dictates of the ton are unspoken yet universally understood. A proper duke should be imperious and aloof. A young, marriageable lady should be amiable... but not too amiable.

Daphne Bridgerton has always failed at the latter. The fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family, she has formed friendships with the most eligible young men in London. Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit. But no one truly desires her. She is simply too deduced honest for that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen.

Amiability is not a characteristic shared by Simon Basset, Duke of Hasting. Recently returned to England from abroad, eh intends to shun both marriage and society- just as his callous father shunned Simon throughout his painful childhood. Yet an encounter with his best friend's sister offers another option. If  Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the mamas who parade their daughters before him. Daphne, meanwhile, will see her prospects and her reputation soar.

The plan works like a charm- at first. But amid the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London's elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule."

My Rating: 3.5/5

The same as the rest of the planet I have watched the first season of Bridgerton and to bridge the gap (see what I did there) between seasons I've decided to read the books after the coinciding season. This one was just ok for me. I really enjoyed seeing the characters in their original work, but I will say that I loved the antics in the show just a little bit more. I understand that there are many who find this book problematic and I won't argue with that. I will say that it was explained to me in a way that I thought that the scene would be more graphic than it was. But if you didn't like the conflicts in the show, I doubt you will enjoy that in the book.

I plan to continue the series on audio after finishing each coinciding season of the show.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny