Tag Archives: Regency romance

The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown by Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for the further observations of lady whistledown book cover"

Title: The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown
Author: Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan
In: The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown (Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 6th – 26th April 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: “I’ve never seen him like that.”

Synopsis

Lady Whistledown Tells All!

Society is abuzz when the Season’s most promising debutante is jilted by her intended—only to be swept away by the deceitful rogue’s dashing older brother—in New York Times bestseller Julia Quinn’s witty, charming, and heartfelt tale.

When the scandalous actions of his beautiful fiancée are recorded in Lady Whistledown’s column, a concerned groom-to-be rushes back to London to win his lady’s heart once and forever, in Suzanne Enoch’s enchanting romantic gem.

Karen Hawkins captivates with an enduring story of a handsome rogue whose lifelong friendship—and his heart—are tested when the lovely lady in question sets her cap for someone else.

A dazzling and delightful tale by Mia Ryan has a young woman cast out of her home by an insufferable yet charming marquis—who intends to take possession not only of the house… but its former occupant as well!

Thoughts

I figured that I would thoroughly enjoy this collection just because it was created by Julia Quinn and featured the character of Lady Whistledown in some way, shape or form. What I didn’t expect was how brilliantly each of these four stories related in to one another. Mostly I was expecting four separate novellas with Lady Whisteldown’s witty repertoire at the very beginning. What I didn’t expect was to find each of the characters from the novellas in each other’s stories.

This is a fantastic historical romance collection which features some amazing new authors. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into some of their books! Each had that great sense of humour and wit that I recognise in the writings of Julia Quinn. Plus, each of the four women in these stories is strong in her own way. Strong and independent (in some cases, unusually so for this style of story). Not only does this make this collection fantastic, but it is a great hint of the type of women who filled the pages of this book with some wonderfully engaging words.

For anyone who loves regency romances, this is a fantastic short story collection. For people who have already fallen in love with Julia Quinn and her Bridgertons series…. it’s even more of a must have. There is just something about the unique voices of the four authors and the way they are able to so seamlessly intertwine their stories with each other… it is just amazing. And beautiful. Definitely a collection that I will be picking up again and again and again.

<- Thirty-Six ValentinesOne True Love ->

Image source: Goodreads

Thirty-Six Valentines by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the further observations of lady whistledown book cover"

Title: Thirty-Six Valentines
Author: Julia Quinn
In: The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown (Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 26th April 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: “What?” David and Clive demanded in unison.

Synopsis

Society is abuzz when the Season’s most promising debutante is jilted by her intended—only to be swept away by the deceitful rogue’s dashing older brother—in New York Times bestseller Julia Quinn’s witty, charming, and heartfelt tale.

Thoughts

What a fantastic way to round out the collection of The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown. This was kind of funny, seriously unique and very, very cute. It also ended with a happily ever after. The final of the four couples to get their romantic, beautiful ending. Definitely the kind of novella that I love to read. Just thinking about it all over again gives me the happy feelings.

I had expected this story to be filled with thirty-six instances of an attempt at romance. That’s kind of the hint that the title leads you to believe. But, it was a much, much better storyline. Instead of thirty-six moments of romance, there were literally thirty-six attempts at just writing one, small, romantic card. Considering I have a partner who probably couldn’t really write a valentine (he’s wonderful, just not great at that aspect of romance), I felt much, much closer to David than if he had’ve proceeded to create thirty-six seriously romantic moments throughout this story.

The opening Whistledown fragment immediately pulled me into this story. Primarily because it was made clear that the male love interest was embroiled in her history of being jilted and shunned. That makes it difficult to imagine how they would get over that little disagreement and find a way into each others’ arms… but, they do manage it. And in such a gloriously fun and engaging way. Mostly because instead of being about what other people expect… their relationship becomes about what they need in each other.

Not only did I seriously enjoy reading this novella, but it was also a great ending to the collection, The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown. All of the characters / couples from the past stories were revisited, all of the fun and passion was immersed within the pages. But, mostly, this story continued to entertain and enthral right up to the final page. Particularly when the story closes on a beautiful moment that hints at the happiness that could come forever after.

<- A Dozen KissesThe Further Observations of Lady Whistledown ->

Image source: Goodreads

A Dozen Kisses by Mia Ryan

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the further observations of lady whistledown book cover"

Title: A Dozen Kisses
Author: Mia Ryan
In: The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown (Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 22nd April 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: “Linney!”

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Synopsis

A dazzling and delightful tale by Mia Ryan has a young woman cast out of her home by an insufferable yet charming marquis—who intends to take possession not only of the house… but its former occupant as well!

Thoughts

I really couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next in the The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown collection. After all, even though these are independent novellas, there is still this great sense of continuity throughout the storyline. One that I love figuring out, even as I fall in love more and more with the characters in each individual tale.

At first I just couldn’t understand how the lead male had kicked the woman out of her home, and then, years later, decided that he wanted to marry her. I like rakish, fun and daring rogues. But I really don’t like selfish, pig-headed horrible men. It turns out that he wasn’t really either of these. Just a sweet, slightly injured gentleman. And the fact that he partnered up with a woman who is constantly fighting the urge to say things that are seriously inappropriate… I kind of fell completely in love with both of them.

Alright, I did fall in love with Linney a little bit more. Which isn’t really anything new… I tend to love the female protagonists more so than the males, regardless of the story… after all, I too am a woman. But, Linney was particularly special. I tend to sometimes come out with some very random, awkward comments. And I tend to constantly have little pep talks with myself about NOT saying every single thought that comes to mind… much like Linney.

What I think I loved most about this novella is that it’s about two misfits. They’re not what people would consider the elite and part of the respectable. They’re just a little too different. Which, of course is what makes me love them so damn much. I always adore the misfits.

<- Two HeartsThirty-Six Valentines ->

Image source: Goodreads

Two Hearts by Karen Hawkins

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the further observations of lady whistledown book cover"

Title: Two Hearts
Author: Karen Hawkins
In: The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown (Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 20th April 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: Liza dropped her arms to her sides.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Karen Hawkins captivates with an enduring story of a handsome rogue whose lifelong friendship—and his heart—are tested when the lovely lady in question sets her cap for someone else.

Thoughts

One of my favourite romance tropes is the one of friends to lovers. After all, it’s a relationship that is being built on an incredibly strong base. So finding one that is both a regency romance, a tale of individuality and close friends turning to lovers… it definitely put me in my happy place.

Although I have had a pretty major love of / fascination with regency romances recently, one thing I don’t love is the reminder of how women had very little autonomy over their own lives in this day and age. Not a great, happy feeling for me. But what I loved about this, is that it took a few liberties… but created a story in which the woman actually did have most of her autonomy and independence. She was completely herself and found a way to do so with all the flamboyancy that she could want.

Royce and Liza make a great couple. In the end when Royce kind of gets over all of his crap. At first, his attitude and selfishness towards Liza’s wanting a family is kind of irritating. But after he moves on from that… its actually really nice. Particularly since they’re both highly flawed characters (so far, the most flawed in this collection), but they love each other for exactly who they are. It’s just gorgeous.

In a time when everything is going completely, totally and utterly bat shit insane. It was really nice to read a novella that was all about loving people for who they are. For being with those that just accept you and want to be around you. It’s just a nice little departure from reality. One which I really appreciated.

<- One True LoveA Dozen Kisses ->

Image source: Goodreads

One True Love by Suzanne Enoch

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: One True Love
Author: Suzanne Enoch
In: The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown (Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 7th April 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: “I’ve never seen him like that.”

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

When the scandalous actions of his beautiful fiancée are recorded in Lady Whistledown’s column, a concerned groom-to-be rushes back to London to win his lady’s heart once and forever, in Suzanne Enoch’s enchanting romantic gem.

Thoughts

I was intrigued to see how the first novella in the The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown collection would be like. After all, I had just finished the Bridgertons by Julia Quinn, and needed it to be in somewhat of the same vein as her writings. Otherwise, in my mind, the collection just really wouldn’t work. And I was lucky. Because Enoch was able to write entirely within the same bounds and completely fascinated me with her wonderful, cute and sweet story. That, in true form, was filled with lots of sass.

The idea of arranged marriages is one of the most terrifying ideas for me. I understand that they can work, but since the man I ended up picking is drastically different to who my parents wanted for me… it seems kind of terrifying. And an organised proposal in Regency London strikes me with that same sense of discomfort. The fact that the lead, Anne, in this story obviously felt that same sense of disquiet at not having a decision in one of the most important decisions of her life… I totally understood. And felt some pretty major sympathy for her plight and need to fight constantly against the restrictions placed on her.

Maximillian and Anne have a great chemistry between them. You know that they will end up together in the end, after all, this is a romance. But, the journey, the wit and the fights that they have along the way are brilliant. Unforgettable. And just downright enjoyable. Particularly on the ice skating rink… that is one image that I just can’t get out of my head. It is both cute and funny. Kind of a ggreat way to sum up this whole novella…

<- The Further Observations of Lady WhistledownTwo Hearts ->

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The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the bridgertons

Title: The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons Companion
In: The Bridgertons (Julia Quinn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 15th January – 27th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Collection
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Off to the side, Colin winced.

Synopsis

Once upon a time, a historical romance author created a family…
But not just any family. Eight brothers and sisters, assorted in-laws, sons and daughters, nieces and nephews (not to mention an overweight corgi) plus an irrepressible matriarch who’s a match for any of them… These are the Bridgertons: less a family than a force of nature. Through eight bestselling novels, readers laughed, cried, and fell in love. But they wanted more.

And so the readers asked the author…
What happens next? Does Simon ever read his father’s letters? Do Francesca and Michael become parents? Who would win in a Pall Mall grudge match? 88 II Does “The End” really have to be the end? II 8 Now, with The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After, Julia Quinn delivers eight sexy, funny, and heartwarming “2nd Epilogues” plus a bonus story about none other than the wise and witty matriarch Violet Bridgerton herself. So get to know the Bridgertons all over again – because Happily Ever After is a whole lot of fun.

Thoughts

This is a great collection. Although my editions of the full-length novels often included the Second Epilogues, it was nice to have them all in one collection. Particularly since there is an extra novella at the very end that is not included in any other novel. Each and everyone of these stories not only makes you feel as though the story is actually completed, but they also give you happy, tingling feelings that leave a huge smile on your face.

I must admit, that although I loved each and everyone of these tales, it was the first five couples that I truly adored. Maybe because they all had such strong relationships to one another, whereas the last three were not as intimate with their older siblings. Which makes total sense, but the appearances of more than one sibling throughout the other stories meant that I felt far more attached to them than their younger counterparts. Which also meant that I didn’t enjoy the final second epilogues quite as much.

I love this collection of tales. There is something about it that completely draws you in and makes you fall in love with the Bridgertons again and again and again. Not only does it give some sense of what happens after happily-ever-after. But it also lets you revisit a world and characters that you have fallen in love with. There is definitely something unforgettable and completely loveable about the slightly insane family and all of those who choose to spend their lives with them…

<- Violet in BloomMore Julia Quinn ->

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Violet in Bloom by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the bridgertons

Title: Violet in Bloom
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #8.75
In: The Bridgertons (Julia Quinn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 27th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Avon
Year: 20
5th sentence, 74th page: “Oh, it’s a surprise,” Edmund said, grinning wolfishly at her from across the carriage.

Synopsis

All of the Bridgertons have found their happily ever afters. But what about the matriarch? Violet? What about her story? Does she find her happily ever after too?

Thoughts

Through the whole series of The Bridgertons, one character continuously shows up and takes centre stage. So I was deliriously excited to read a novella that is all about her… the mother, the caretaker and, quite possibly, the most meddlesome character of all the Bridgertons. It certainly wasn’t the kind of story that I was expecting, but it really was a sweet way to completely round out the series. Now the books are all back on my shelves and I look forward to reading them all in the future!

I was expecting this novella to be about Violet and Edmund – their romance and their courtship. And whilst this did make up a decent portion of this story, it really wasn’t the centre of it. In fact, this story was about Violet’s life. The entirety of her life, both before and after Edmund. It wasn’t quite what I wanted. But it was definitely what I needed.

It makes a certain kind of sense that this story isn’t just about Edmund and Violet. After all, most of her life actually ends up centring around her children. Which means that most of this story still focuses on them, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and her happiness.  It kind of makes you want to have your own gaggle of unruly children…

<- On the Way to the Wedding – The Second EpilogueThe Bridgertons ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

On the Way to the Wedding – The Second Epilogue By Julia Quinn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the bridgertons

Title: On the Way to the Wedding: The Second Epilogue
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #8.5
In: The Bridgertons (Julia Quinn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 25th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: “It’s a happy accident, I assure you,” Gregory said.

Synopsis

Gregory and Lucy found their happily ever after. But, with a gaggle of children, how do they figure out what to name each of the children? As always, things aren’t quite as simple as they seem.

Thoughts

I like that of all the Bridgerton siblings, it is the last one that seriously wants a whole slew of children. The last sibling who decides to do the same as his mother and have eight children. Which you find out at the end of On the Way to the Wedding. What I didn’t know I needed until this Second Epilogue was to find out what they named each of their children. Actually, just coming up with those names seems kind of ridiculous.

Gregory and Lucy weren’t necessarily my favourite couple in this series, their Second Epilogue was definitely the most potentially tragic. Where the other seven are filled with happiness, wit and humour, this story definitely didn’t have that. Actually, if it wasn’t for the fact that I’m getting so used to Quinn’s happily ever afters, I would have expected this to end so much worse than it did. I was genuinely scared. But, spoiler alert, it doesn’t all end badly.

As the final Second Epilogue of the series, I was kind of pleased that this didn’t necessarily have a happy note to it. My only real complaint about romances is that when you find your one and only, things don’t always go as planned. So finishing out a series in which all the lives are damn near perfect with the potential to tear everything apart… that kind of worked brilliantly.

<- On the Way to the WeddingViolet in Bloom ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
Overview
On the Way to the Wedding | Julia Quinn

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.

Synopsis

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…

Thoughts

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.

<- It’s In His Kiss – The Second EpilogueOn the Way to the Wedding – The Second Epilogue ->

Image source: Julia Quinn

It’s In His Kiss – The Second Epilogue by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the bridgertons

Title: It’s In His Kiss – The Second Epilogue
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #7.5
In: The Bridgertons (Julia Quinn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 10th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: “This really should count for something,” he murmured.

Synopsis

What happened to the diamonds?

If you’ve read “It’s in His Kiss, ” you want to know. Don’t miss this charming and passionate addendum, in which Gareth proves that some things get better with age, Hyacinth gains new respect for her mother (with a daughter like Isabella she’d have to, wouldn’t she?), and everyone learns that while diamonds are lovely, sometimes tenacity is a girl’s best friend.

Thoughts

One of my Mum’s favourite things to say to me is “I hope you have a daughter just like you”. It’s also something that gets said to Hyacinth throughout It’s In His Kiss. Which of course means that the second epilogue has to be partially about the daughter she has… who is exactly like her. Just as difficult, contrary and opinionated. I also love the fact that at the very conclusion of It’s In His Kiss, Isabella is also the one to solve the big mystery. Fast forward fifteen years and Hyacinth is still driving everyone nuts with her stubbornness.

Reading this short story made me think about To Sir Phillip, With Love: The Second Epilogue. And how much fun the two strong willed cousins would have together. How much havoc they would wreak upon the family. How many circles they would run around everyone… it made me laugh out loud and more than a little dizzy.

Although I absolutely adored that this story was about Hyacinth’s daughter being exactly like her. I loved even more that after fifteen years, Hyacinth is still searching for the same treasure. Still stubbornly trying to solve a riddle. And, Isabella not only finds out and gives her Mum the closure she needs, but she also appreciates the love and commitment that both of her parents show to one another. The love and commitment that shines through their everyday lives.

<- It’s In His KissOn the Way to the Wedding ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia