Title: On the Way to the Wedding
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: The Bridgertons #8
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 24th – 25th March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: “Would you?” she whispered.

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 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…

This is a nice ending to the stories of the Bridgertons. Gregory is the last of the eight siblings to get married and, because Quinn is a wonderful writer… it can’t be simple, it can’t be easy and it has to be something a little unexpected. But, still sweet and still with that great dose of humour that has you laughing out loud throughout. Maybe not my favourite Bridgertons story, but still one of my favourite series and a great book.

The idea of love at first sight is great, it’s sweet and it’s kind of endearing. But, one thing that I liked about this was that Gregory was so damn wrapped up in the idea of true love at first sight that he kind of acted like a moron. Yes, for some it hits you like a freight train, for others it’s a more gradual falling. Which, eventually he discovers. But I loved that this kind of acted as a reminder that sometimes it’s not all angels singing… but in that, love can be so much more.

One thing that I’ve never quite understood is why women aren’t supposed to love food. Throughout this story, it is Lucy that is mostly food driven and loves to talk about the meals which are laid out in front of her. It’s a great little side of comical relief to the more serious moments, but it also highlights that we women can also be ridiculously food driven. Or at least, I know that I can be. I would quite happily stand in a room and have a conversation about sandwiches for any length of time… Lucy therefore was a little more “real” to me than her best friend (and the original focus of Gregory’s affections). After all, she’s a little outspoken, kind of awkward and in love with her food. What wouldn’t I love about such a character?

Although there are a few appearances of the Bridgerton siblings throughout this story, my favourite reappearance has got to be Hyacinth. I wasn’t necessarily nuts about her in her own book, but when she’s badgering her siblings… yeah, she’s my favourite. Especially her actions later in the book as she tries to help her beloved older brother. All in all, this is a fantastic book that I just inhaled. It’s not one that I’m likely to forget anytime soon, much like the rest of the books in this fun and cute little series.

Image source: Julia Quinn

Title: It’s In His Kiss
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 9th – 10th March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: And he isn’t the only one.

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.

Hyacinth stands out pretty strongly in some of the other Bridgertons books. She is pushier, more independent and more outspoken than the rest of the family (which is saying something). And, considering the time in which this story is set… it’s interesting to imagine just when and how she is going to find herself a husband… it’s hard enough being an outspoken woman in this day and age… let alone Regency London. But, find one she does. And he’s just as off-kilter and fun as she is.

As a woman who is intelligent and independent, it took me a long time to find somebody to match with that. Not just someone who would love me for everything that I am, but could also stand toe to toe with me when necessary. I liked that this was a big part of the journey for Hyacinth. There’s even a moment of revelation between her and her mother as to how to find a man who can actually challenge her. Not just one that will accept her – but someone that can even occasionally beat her at her own game…

I absolutely adored the mystery throughout this story. The mystery of Gareth’s past, his grandmother… there were so many little secrets that were hidden throughout that I just loved trying to tease out and find the answers to. So many little moments that hinted at a great truth. And, although not all of the mysteries were solved at the conclusion of the novel… the adventure and the journey was absolutely fantastic.

Although this wasn’t my favourite book thus far in the series, it was my favourite relationship. There is just something about these two characters (and the relationship with Lady Danbury) that had me laughing out loud and feeling incredibly connected to these two characters. Hyacinth is so much more aware and sure of herself than the rest of the women in the series. And Gareth is so much less controlling and witty. Just something about these two that works kind of perfectly…

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Title: When He Was Wicked
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 9th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: He shrugged.

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 reamin Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer – the occasion of the 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…

Francesca story is kind of alluded to a little in the two books beforehand (To Sir Phillip, With Love and Romancing Mister Bridgerton). Which kind of makes sense because the occurrences in all three books happen in the same year… but, unlike the other Bridgertons, Francesca is much further removed and less intrinsically tied into the rest of her family. She’s a little quieter, a little more apart, and I actually really loved the differences that she showed in this story.

Again, this story took a nice little departure from a typical romance… for starters, it starts with Francesca being married to another man. Who then dies. And then you get to fast forward four years to the couple as they try and get over their guilt and renegotiate their relationship. I love that the biggest hurdle in this story wasn’t so much about them realizing their feelings and getting together… it was about getting over their guilt and finding a way to their own happily ever after.

I found this story the most tragic of the series thus far. Not only does it start off with a woman who is put through the absolute ringer, you also don’t even feel completely confident that they’ll get their happily ever after. I mean, you assume that they do, because it’s a romance novel. But, it’s not really as much of a given as any of the other stories. And, even if they do, you worry a little that they’ll be too tied up in their guilt to actually get their happily ever after…

Reading this story will make you feel kind of gooey inside. But, not in that everyone gets one partner way. It’s a great story of hope for those who have already lost the person that they planned to spend their lies with. It deals with death, infertility, miscarriage and the overwhelming feelings of guilt and jealousy. All of which are so completely human, and difficult to deal with more often than not. This whole story just made my heart skip a beat, in a way that none of the other Bridgerton stories have thus far…

Image source: Julia Quinn

Title: To Sir Phillip, With Love
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: The Bridgertons #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 8th March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: His children had not been kind to their governesses, and he did not imagine they’d be much more charitable to a female guest who was obviously there in the role of prospective stepmother.

She wrote him a letter…and he stole her heart.

Sir Phillip knew that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he’d proposed, figuring that she’d be homely and unassumig, 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… and more.

Did he think she was mad 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 while Phillip was certainly handsome, he was a large brute of a man, rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand. But when he smiled… and when he kissed her… the rest of the world simply fell away, and she couldn’t help but wonder… could this imperfect man be perfect for her?

I’m not sure if Eloise or Hyacinth are my favourite Bridgerton sisters… probably Eloise, she has all of Hyacinth’s opinions and intensity, but just a little smoother and, well… less terrifying. So reading a story about Eloise and her man… that was always going to be something that I loved. Especially when the entire story begins with Eloise making an incredibly impulsive decision. I’m after all, fairly, ridiculously impulsive… even at the best of times. So I can relate WAY too much to her impromptu decision making…

Sadly, I read the Romancing Mister Bridgerton Second Epilogue before sinking my teeth into this, so Eloise’s impulsive decisions and the way in which Phillip and Eloise decide to get married wasn’t as much of a revelation as I would otherwise have wished for. Though, it was still an incredibly fun and humorous little adventure. One that had me giggling quite happily throughout. And made me smile. Especially since of all the sisters, Eloise is the only one who acknowledges that she specifically needs a man who is able to stand up to her four brothers. Something that I’m sure all of them feel, but Eloise’s moment of epiphany is kind of cute and sweet.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this story is that it involves children who already exist. Unlike the other books in this series, Phillip already has two children which have to factor into his relationship. The fact that they are twins and total terrors… well, it’s incredibly amusing and seriously fun. Something that made it not only impossible to put this book down… but also had me giggling out loud frequently. And loudly. With much mirth.

So far I think that this is probably my favourite of The Bridgertons books. Firstly, I relate to Eloise more than I have any of the other female leads, but I also found myself absolutely loving her paramour. The fact that he is a good father (although it takes him a little while to figure out how to do this), and a botanist… that definitely drew me in. unlike the other gentry in this series, Phillip actually has an occupation and a degree that he uses. I can’t WAIT to read this book again and again and again!

Image source: Julia Quinn

Title: Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 5th – 7th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: But Penelope had a feeling she wasn’t quite as firm in her convictions as her friend.

IEveryone 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 of as nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can’t seem to publish an edition without mentioning him. 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 who was always simply there is suddenly the girl haunting his dreams. 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?

I’ve been wanting to know how Penelope and Colin ended up together ever since their appearance in The Duke and I: The Second Epilogue. It was a bit of a hint as to what was to come, but, since these are romance books as soon as you read about the two leads, you know that they’re going to end up together anyway. But the way in which they do it? That’s the journey that I was excited about. And it turns out that the excitement was TOTALLY justified.

Of the two “spinsters” in this story, I’m more like Eloise than Penelope. I’ve never been the full centre of attention, but I also haven’t been a total wallflower with no attention. Yet, it was still kind of relatable reading about a woman who is like this. She’s not odious, she’s not ugly. But she also doesn’t get attention. She’s kind of invisible. Which is a little gut wrenching, but I love how Penelope isn’t bitter and snarky about it. She just kind of accepts that this is what life will be and continues to hold her loved ones close.

Colin is probably my favourite of all the Bridgerton brothers. He has been since he was announced as Daphne’s favourite in The Duke and I. Which made it incredibly nice to find out that he also gets an amazing happily ever after. Especially when the happily ever after has been in front of him for TWELVE damn years. Who said men aren’t just a little bit silly?

But, even though the romance in this was fun, witty and quite light… it was actually the shock reveal that was the best. For two people who have known each other for twelve years, you would think that Colin and Penelope have got a pretty good understanding of each other. They don’t. they both have secrets that they’ve kept hidden from everyone. And I just LOVED the jaw drop moment when these secrets are revealed… it certainly left me in my deliriously happy place.

Image source: Julia Quinn