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

Author: Julia Quinn

Title: On the Way to the Wedding

Series: Bridgertons #8

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: paperback

Pages: 384

Published: June 27, 2006

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

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...

Review:

Been holding off on finishing this series! It takes so long between each season of the show that I've been slowly making my way through the series. I finally decided to finish the main books of the series and read Gregory's tale. I still need to read the short story about Violet. 

Gregory is not your A-typical guy of the ton. He believes in love and wants to find love. He wants what all his other siblings have. He wants it badly. When he comes across Hermione, he fancies himself in love. She HAS to be the one? Right? ...Right? Enter in Hermione's best friend, Lucy, who likes Gregory. He seems like the best of suitors, so she decides to try to help him win the girl. Lucy is engaged, and there is no way out of it, so why not let her best friend find love? 

So I loved that Gregory truly wanted to be happy and find his own person. He sees how happy everyone in his family is, and he is the last unmarried sibling. He wants it so bad that he finds himself in love with the wrong person. It isn't love...no spoiler. Lucy is his person. He is just a dumb-dumb to not see it. Same with Lucy, but I get why she is blinded to it. She's technically engaged anyway. Not by choice, but family duties and whatnot. 

I struggled really bad for the first...mmm....45% of the book? Gregory's infatuation with Hermione grated on my nerves. Sure. That is the whole story. He eventually wakes up after an event and realizes he never loved her. He loved the idea of being in love. Why SOOOO long? Why not shave that off a bit? Maybe only being in love like....30% of the book? And then fighting to get the real girl. I would've liked to see more time with Gregory yearning for Lucy and making her feel wanted. 

Other than that block. I loved the story. It was dramatic and crazy and just plain fun. Gregory has a huge heart, and he's a big dumbdumb. Silly. 

Lucy was sweet. 

I liked one character a lot (I won't spoil anything). I was really hoping he found an HEA. Maybe the show will flush his story our more *fingers crossed*

In the end, this was a lovely series. I can see myself re-reading this someday. I loved all the siblings, even though they frustrated me sometimes. I'm so glad Netflix is making these books into a show. I would love to see more books like this find the limelight. But yes, totally worth reading the whole series. I had a little issue with this one, but by the end, I ended up having fun. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Reading Challenges

-  Reading Romance Challenge #2 (Wedding)

Book Review: Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn

Author: Julia Quinn

Title: Mr. Cavendish, I Presume

Series: Two Dukes of Wyndham #2

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 383

Published: September 30, 2008

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

There went the bride...

Amelia Willoughby has been engaged to the Duke of Wyndham for as long as she can remember. Literally. A mere six months old when the contracts were signed, she has spent the rest of her life waiting. And waiting. And waiting... for Thomas Cavendish, the oh-so-lofty duke, to finally get around to marrying her. But as she watches him from afar, she has a sneaking suspicion that he never thinks about her at all...

It's true. He doesn't. Thomas rather likes having a fiancée—all the better to keep the husband-hunters at bay—and he does intend to marry her... eventually. But just when he begins to realize that his bride might be something more than convenient, Thomas's world is rocked by the arrival of his long-lost cousin, who may or may not be the true Duke of Wyndham. And if Thomas is not the duke, then he's not engaged to Amelia. Which is the cruelest joke of all, because this arrogant and illustrious duke has made the mistake of falling in love... with his own fiancée!

Review:

I waited a while before reading this one after book 1. This one overlaps a lot and is told in Amelia's  and Thomas' POV (they were sides in book 1). 

Amelia and Thomas have been engaged since they were pretty much babes. Amelia has been waiting all her life to marry him. Even when they reached the appropriate age for marriage she was told to wait....and wait. Does he intend to marry her? He does....eventually. When he starts to realize that Amelia is more than just a convenient step in life, his long-lost cousin arrives. His long-lost cousin could take his role as Duke away. If Thomas is NOT the duke....then he is not actually engaged to the Amelia. 

I hate Thomas. I really do. He's boring and annoying and dumb. He only truly realized he "loved" Amelia because another man might be the actual duke and want to marry her instead. GAH. Amelia is an angel and deserves far better than Thomas. 

Now here you would expect me to say that I warmed up to Thomas? Right? NOPE. Big fat NOOOO for me. I still hold true that Amelia deserves better. 

I did enjoy the switch of POV but bleh. Thomas sucks. 

All-in-all, it was entertaining but Amelia deserved a better person. 

3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Okay

Reading Challenges: 

- Library Love #32

Audiobook Review: The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn

Author: Julia Quinn

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

Title: The Lost Duke of Wyndham

Series: Two Dukes of Wyndham #1

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: May 1, 2008

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

WILL THE REAL DUKE OF WYNDHAM PLEASE STAND UP?

Jack Audley has been a highwayman. A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine... until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she's not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have...

Review:

Can't help but adore Julia Quinn and her work. Always fun. 

Here we have Jack and Grace. Jack has been it all....a soldier, a highwayman, and always a rogue of the top order. However, when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. He is soon to become a Duke. Grace has spent the last five years as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, but at least she is saved from a life she would've hated. Enter in Jack who is about to shake everything up. 

This was really cute and fun. Not a crazy amount of drama. Lots of talking and thinking and traveling. Which is always refreshing. Yes, yes, yes I love a good drama, but sometimes it's nice not having it. Sure, there is the whole drama of Jack and becoming the Duke. There is no doubt who his father is, but is he legitimate? Were his parents married before or after his birth? Jack has no idea so they have to travel to Ireland to check the church records. And there is the pesky contract of marriage. Amelia is suppose to marry the original Duke, Thomas, but with Jack coming in...that brings up some questions. 

Lots of fun. Lots of talking. Lots of kissing. Cute. 

The dowager made my head hurt. Yes, she is old and etc, but someone please YELL at her. Tell her to calm down. She was a menace and mean. 

I still don't fully understand HOW Jack became a highwayman. Yes, we get some explanation about his past later on, but I feel like it was glossed over. Maybe we are supposed to assume that after the war he ran off after his cousin died? I was very confused. I might've missed it...maybe...but yeah. I'm happy to assume but I would've liked to learn more about Jack. 

The narrator was perfection as per normal. Her voices are always great. Perfect for the story at hand. 

In the end, I really enjoyed this. More detail about Jack's past would've been nice, but all-in-all, I found this delightful. For sure fun. 4 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Enjoyable

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #32

-  Library Love #18

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

Author: Julia Quinn

Title: It's In His Kiss

Series: Bridgertons #7

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: paperback

Pages: 431

Published: June 28, 2005

Where I Got It: My shelf (Used book store)

Summary: 

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 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:

*sips tea* S3 of Bridgerton is around the corner so I am for sure in a Bridgerton mood. I wanted to save this one and the last one for a rainy day when I have a bad itch for the show. But alas....I couldn't stop myself. 

Here we follow Hyacinth who is the youngest of the Bridgertons and Gareth. Hyacinth is in her 2nd season and she is already over it. She is a younger version of Lady Danbury....outspoken and extremely smart. Enter in Gareth. Gareth has a diary from his grandmother and he wants to read it to try to find the truth about a family secret, but sadly....it's in Italian and he doesn't speak a lick of Italian. Low and behold, Hyacinth knows enough Italian to give it a go. What they will uncover could change everything. Oh and they might uncover what is in the diary as well that could change Gareth's life. 

Awwwww I liked Gareth and I loved how Hyacinth grew up to be a mini version of Lady Danbury. It's adorable. She was a kid for the majority of the other books (as she is the baby of the family) so it was fun to watch her muddling her way through her second season. It's adorable. 

Gareth was a sweetie and I felt so bad for him. His father is an ass who needs to be kicked in the teeth. 

I am a little bummed we really didn't get to see much of the Bridgertons here. I would've liked a wedding scene or something. We get to see Violet and a splash of Anthony. I think Daphne swung by? I honestly don't recall. If she was there it was so miniscule that I didn't really keep it retained in my head. Gregory also made a quick appearance to be an annoying brother. But the interactions were VERY slim. Hyacinth spent most of the book at Lady Danbury's or with Gareth. Or alone with the diary in her room. I honestly would've appreciated a wedding scene or SOMETHING where we get to see the other siblings interact with her all grown up. Maybe harassing, lovingly, Gareth. IDK I felt like we didn't get the full Bridgerton Family feels like we have in the others. 

Besides for that, I did enjoy that. The drama was not too over-the-top. The main drama was between Gareth and his father. And yes, the love birds do have a couple fights and a slight misunderstanding, but that was resolved easily enough after everyone calmed down to talk and listen. 

But yes, this was very sweet and I ADORED the epilogues. Both were so good. I loved seeing them as parents. 

All-in-all, this was good. It was very sweet and I loved watching these two fall in love while trying to uncover a mystery. I'll give this 4 stars. I missed seeing the big Bridgerton family together for at least ONE scene. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Adorable

Audiobook Review: When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

Author: Julia Quinn

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

Title: When He Was Wicked

Series: Bridgertons #6

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: June 29, 2004

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible) 

Summary: 

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...

Review:

Slowly finishing this series. I'm trying not to rush through it since we have so much time before the next season comes out (I heard late 2023)...but it is so hard not to gobble the whole series up in one sitting. 

This one follows Francesca Bridgerton and Michael Stirling. Francesca thought she had her happily ever after when she married John. However, life is cruel. After John dies, Francesca is alone. She is even more alone when her best friend (and cousin to her late husband), Michael, leaves for India suddenly. Time goes on and he finally returns years later. She is done mourning and ready to remarry. Michael is done chasing women and decides maybe he should marry. He wishes he could marry Francesca since he has been in love with her for years, but it would be wrong to marry his cousin's widow. He dares never tell her how he feels until one dangerous night when she steps into his arms...

Poor Fran. Life is a cruel, cruel thing. She was so happy with John. And all she wants is a baby!! UGH. The feels. 

Sure, I felt bad for Michael too because of his loving her the whole time. I wanted Fran and him to be together....but I didn't want John to pass away. I was hoping he was a cruel man and tossed her to the side or something. The little we get to learn about John he was a good egg. Michael is a rake, but a good egg too. I can see how Michael felt so guilty about his love for Fran. 

I really liked this one. It had a really different format than the others. It takes forever for Fran to realize she has feelings for Michael too (that are not just physical) but it was needed. It is hard going from friends to lovers ESPECIALLY when they are technically family members too (he being her late hubby's cousin). You can't help but cheer when they finally find common ground and their HEA. 

OMG the additional epilogue had me clapping. Make sure to read the version that has the 2nd epilogue, because you will cheer like me. It will break your heart but the ending is just so sweet. 

Def do the narration. The narrator is simply perfect for these books. She is great. 

Sighs. I may need to read the next book or re-read Colin's book. I have been seriously itching for season 3 of the show. GAH.

In the end, I really, really liked this. It was a slow burn when you read Fran's POV, but with Michael, you can feel how much he aches for her. It was def my favorite of the series. So good. And that 2nd epilogue? OH my feels. 5 stars for sure. 

Challenge(s):
- #3 for Audiobook challenge

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

Author: Julia Quinn

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

Title: To Sir Phillip, With Love

(Bridgertons #5)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: July 1st 2003

Where I got It: Library 

Summary: 

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:

I've been nervous about this one. People seem to hate it or love it. It's divided for sure on GR. Finally decided to get it over with and check it out. Pulling a bandage, eh?

Here we have Eloise and Phillip. Eloise never thought she would get married. Did she even want to? Until Phillip. They have been corresponding for nearly a year after the death of Phillip's wife. She seems like the perfect person to marry and help raise his unruly twins. He suggests this and offers for her to come over (with proper chaperoning of course). Without much of a thought or even a reply, she goes straight to his estate and surprises him. They realize they really don't know each other and decide to get to know each other before even thinking about marriage. 

Oh, Eloise. She is so smart but so daft at the same time. LOL. She didn't think her family would find out she just left to some dude's place without a chaperone??? Silly girl. But that is the Eloise-way. I ended up really liking her. I was neutral throughout the other books. Yes, she is ALWAYS talking and is bossy and kinda selfish. BUT I think she has matured in some ways and she really is a good person at the end of the day. 

I feel bad for Phillip. He really doesn't process emotion well and he went through a lot with his previous wife and his abusive father. She for sure had depression and hated her life. He tried, but he couldn't make her happy. He tries to be a good father, but he sucks at it. He is so scared of being like his abusive father that he stays away especially when the kids make him angry. He isn't very social and doesn't do well in social situations. Such an awkward fella. He is literally obsessed with his garden. It is his happy place. He could spend all day outside. He reminds me of someone I know who has Asperger's syndrome. He was such an enduring character when I made that connection. Sure, there were times he exhausted me and I wanted to give him a little shake, but I liked him overall. 

I thought he and Eloise were simply perfect for each other! And she was perfect for the kids who needed extra love. Oh boy. Did they find the extra love with this Bridgerton family!

I think what I liked about this one was how open they were with each other. They talked a LOT. They really and truly got to know about each other and about the kids even after they married. There was one scene that I thought was a tad overdramatic on Phillip's side. Like dude...chill. But they worked through it. 

Awwwww the ending was adorable. Especially the epilogues. So cute. 

The narrator was fantastic. I hope she does the rest of the books because her voices are always on point. 

In the end, I ended up really liking this one. I went in really, really worried because there is a huge division. Some love it. Some hate it. I ended up really loving it. A couple little issues like that one overdramatic scene, but it made me appreciate Eloise more and I loved Phillip. I can't wait for how they do this in the show. 4 stars on my end. 

Challenge(s):
- #33 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Author: Julia Quinn

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

Title: Romancing Mister Bridgerton

(Bridgertons #4)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  July 1st 2002

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

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? 

Review:

Yayy for the Bridgertons!

Here we follow Colin Bridgerton who is number 3 in the family. He is charming and the ton love him, but they think he is nothing but an empty-headed charmer. He is also tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown. When Colin returns to London from his most recent trip abroad, he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same and that includes Penelope Featherington. The girl is now haunting his dreams. How did that happen? They have been friends for years. However, he will discover a secret about Penelope that could ruin everything for everyone. 

Ooooooooooh Penelope. I love her so much! I have been rooting for her and Colin to get together. Yes, yes, I knew it would happen but it has taken years and 4 books. SIGHSSSS. Dumb Colin. 

Yes, he's dumb, but I adore him too. He is so sweet and he really is a charmer. He does get pretty grumpy here, but the boy's mind is all muddled especially after discovering Penelope's big secret. I would be pissed too. However, sometimes he was just TOO grumpy and it made me mad. Don't be a jerk to my girl sir!

There wasn't too much drama between the two...only the secret and what to do about it. That was the only real drama and tbh...it was an easy solution when it was all said and done. But the way Colin deals with it at the very end....made me cheer too. I can't say what, but I'm sure if you seen season 1 of the show...you know. What he did was fantastic. He redeemed any grumpiness and asshat-ness he had earlier. 

The narrator was fantastic as well....she is the queen. She really does rule this genre. Her voices are perfect.

In the end, this was cute. I love Colin. I love Penelope. They are meant for each other and it took a long, long times. I can't wait for the show to catch up ;) This shall be stamped with 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #14 for Audiobook challenge

Joint Review: An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Hello all! Blodeuedd and I will be discussing "An Offer From a Gentleman" by Julia Quinn. Blodeuedd is in blue and I am in purple.

Author: Julia Quinn
Title: An Offer From a Gentleman

(Bridgertons #3)

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

Genre: Historical Romance
Published: July 1st 2001
Format: ebook & audio

Pages: 390

Summary:

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 this 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?

Discussion:

Third Bridgerton book! What did you think?

I’m glad we read it! I enjoyed it! Not my favorite of the series so far, but I liked watching these two find loveeee. 

I am a bit torn, I felt that it was 20 years old, and because of that I overlooked some of his tendencies. I do think I am happy that I did not start with these when I started reading Quinn cos as it stands now, would I have read more? Dunno

Ya - you could tell this was an older one of hers. Benedict was a jerk for a good chunk of it. WHICH men back in the day would never marry a maid...but the blackmail was uncalled for. I didn’t like that. He did redeem himself, but still...he was a jerkface. 

The blackmail was creepy. Totally creepy. I forgave him cos hey olden timey romance heroes had their weird ways. These days a romance hero will totally marry a maid, seamstress or whatever. Sure he will be all, but!!! But still. Here Benedict had other things on his mind

Very creepy and rude esp after she helped heal him back to health. I would’ve liked to see them get married and see how they introduce her to society. That would add some meat to the story and help redeem him more. I think him telling people to F off and defend his woman would’ve been delightful to see. You KNOW the ton would be meaaaaaaaan to her for sure. 

But now all they will see is a ward to the old Earl. Sure there will be gossip, but hey Lady Bridgerton is popular. I would rather see him tell people to f off.

Even being a ward with no real title would be beneath so many folks. They are terrible people. Could you imagine Mama Bridgerton and Benedict teaming up against those rich snobs? Man. I wish we could’ve seen that. I would’ve loved it. I also want to read a short story or something with Mama Bridgerton and the Maid War. Too much fun!!!

 So true. It’s like the book was just eh, no time for that nonsense about people thinking she is not good enough. Also yes the Maid Wars would have been fun!

I do feel like there were a lot of things she could’ve added to make this even better and help redeem Benedict from being an ahole and maybe develop their love more. I bet the tv show will add a lot of extra stuff so I’m kind of excited for when they get to his story someday.

OOOO I loved the ending with a certain character (not spoiling who) came out of nowhere and helped Sophie. Didn’t see that coming!!

Yes he does have ahole written on him in my eyes, I am sure the show will change it for the better. It does sound like I didn’t like it at all, but I did! It was light and nice (if I overlook certain things, at least it wasn’t a rapey 80s book). I can take some of Benedicts ways.

I’m sure they will or make him pay for and have to earn her more. Something. BUT same. I liked it. It was nice and light and Sophie deserved a HEA poor girl. F that stepmother!! MONSTER deserved to be locked away for the abuse. And yes, this for sure was a book that was written an eon ago and tbh...if this was a real romance in that time period this is how it would’ve been. Except...they would’ve never married. She would’ve been his mistress until he married or found someone different if she got too old/boring. 

But real life sucks! She would have been his mistress, had a few kids, maybe they would have been together a long time. Maybe he would have moved on. Maybe she would have been miserable cos she would never moved in his circles.

Also, her stepmother can die that stupid evil B! Ugh!!! Oh and yes that person who you talked about helped her, yes I liked that!

True! Real life sucksssss. Being a mistress is so unstable. The ton would never accept her fully. That stepmother should’ve been shipped to Antarctica. GRRRR. 

Hope they have ugly clothes in the show, lol. To show how evil the stepmum and Araminta are.

I think the stepmother’s name was Araminta and the one evil daughter was Rosalyn or something (they need to be shipped away together grrr). YEASSSSSS they should have even uglier clothing than Penelope and her family LOLL. 

Oh damn, I think you are right. How did I forget Rosalyn, eh, she was not as memorable as Posy. Posy was omg brain freeze…..you know the last kid of the Feathertons, omg I can’t spell or think. Watching tv, my bad.

Posy was the chubby daughter of Araminta that was treated poopy too. Kinda like Penelope. I think the two should become best friends. Which! Did you read the book or do the audio? I did the audio. 

I could see the actress who played Pen, but could I think of the name? Nope. I read it. Was it good in audio?

Yessss the audio was amazing bc the Queen of Audios read it...Rosalyn Landor! She was flawless and perfect as per normal. 

Ohh, I like Rosalyn Landor! Maybe that would have been better.

She always makes it a hair better even if it is meh. ^_^

A good narrator is gold :D So, a good book, but it has aged. Or we do not forgive things as easily?

Depends on how you look at it and feel. I enjoyed it even though it made me growl at the hero and he had to earn her love FOR sure. And yes, the narrator is gold. I totally recommend the audio but I am biased because I love this narrator. She is a queen!

He did cut it a bit late though...But he did care.

Yes. He for sure was not the best of the brothers so far. I think the show will make him more favorable...hopefully.

In the show I liked him best with Eloise. Other times, eh, did not really care. 

He is adorable with his siblings, especially with Eloise.

Huh, I was looking at the books I have read, and I could not find Eloise’s book, I am sure I have read it!

 I believe it’s book 5. 

I also seem to have disliked Gregory’s book but couldn’t find the review, just a rating, omg, whyyy

Maybe a future book ;) Revisiting it to see whyyy you did. I’ve only read the first, second, and this one. I do plan on reading all of them.

Phew, found the review on my blog! Must post it on GR

Yess you must!

About the Authors

Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging for a long while now. The last few years the epic duo has been discussing books, watching movies, and even wetting the pen and sharing their stories with the worldwide web. They both love cats, chocolate, and a good story.

Audiobook Review: The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

Author: Julia Quinn

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

Title: The Viscount Who Loved Me

(Bridgertons #2)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 391

Published: December 5th 2000

Where I got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

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 all truth, why should he? When it comes to playing 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's the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes to not make the best husbands--and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate's 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:

Liked book 1 and the TV show, so I was excited to start book 2! Plus I want Anthony to be happy. I adore that rake. 

The story follows Kate Sheffield and Anthony Bridgerton. Anthony feels like he is running out of time so he has to find a wife ASAP. He needs someone perfect and he found her. The only issue is the intended's older sister, Kate who is the most meddlesome and stubborn woman in all of London. Kate does not want her lovely sister to marry a rake...even a reformed rake...and that is what Anthony is. 

Awwwww I felt so bad for Anthony and Kate. The both had some trauma to deal with and they both lost a parent/parents so they had a lot of things to deal with. I really liked how they realized they needed each other so much and how perfect they were for each other. So cute!!

My only issue was their wedding and how it came to be (don't wanna spoil anything). I was hoping for something....different. I think Kate deserved more and Anthony needed to do more.  

I just adore the Bridgertons!!! They are such a great family! I love how competitive they are. The scenes with them playing that game made me laugh. Too cute!!!!

The narrator is fantastic. Her voices are awesome and she really brings this time period to life. Love her!

This was good. I can't wait to read book 3 and I can't wait for season 2 of the show to come out ;) I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #27 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Author: Julia Quinn

Narrator:  Rosalyn Landor

Title: The Duke and I

(Bridgertons #1)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: January 5th 2000

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

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 deuced honest for that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen.

Amiability is not a characteristic shared by Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Recently returned to England from abroad, he 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…

Review:

I want to watch the Netflix show, but I wanted to read the book that started it all. Plus I found it at the library! So perf!

The story follows Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Daphne is the fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family. She has been able to become friends with all the most eligible young men in London...but she can't capture their hearts. Talk about friend zone! Simon has just returned to England from abroad and he intends to shun both marriage and society. He doesn't want to continue his family line and pass on the Dukedom, because of his painful childhood his father inflected upon him. And what a better revenge plan on his deceased father! Yet...things change when his best friend's sister offers a different option. If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the matchmaking mamas of the ton and Daphne's prospects and reputation will soar. The plan seems to work...until love ruins everything. 

So fun. I really did like this story. I liked Daphne and I liked Simon. They were perfect for each other from page 1. Plus, Simon needs a good family. His sucked. Especially his asshat father. GRRR. Her family is a lot to handle, but I love them! Her siblings are crazy and funny and so dang lovable. 

I loved the whole issue Simon had to battle. It was really good way to make him seem so human and added a whole extra layer to him. I really applauded this because it is rare you find a hero who has speech issues. 

I love Simon...don't get me wrong....but I wanted to smack him. SURE Daphne did something NOT cool, but chillax man!!! 

Also...I feel like there are some storylines and plot things that are being missed. Maybe book 2? I feel like Simon and Daphne need more! I could be biased ;) 

The ending made me smile. I loved it. I want more. Onto book 2 for sure! Especially if I can get the audio from my library. This narrator is flawless and I love her work. She is perfect especially for these romances! Her guy voices make me smile. 

In the end, I am going to FINALLY check out the show now on Netflix. I will try to not compare the two because I really did like this one. I can't wait to start book 2. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #15 for Audiobook challenge

- #10 for Romance Bingo - Borrowed from lib.

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: To Catch an Heiress by Julia Quinn

When Caroline Trent is kidnapped by Blake Ravenscroft, she doesn’t even try to elude this dangerously handsome agent of the crown. After all, she’s been running from unwanted marriage proposals. Yes, Blake believes she’s a notorious spy named Carlotta De Leon, but for six weeks until her twenty-first birthday, when she’ll gain control of her own fortune, hiding out in the titillating company of a mysterious captor is awfully convenient—and maybe just a little romantic, too.

Blake Ravenscroft’s mission is to bring “Carlotta” to justice, not to fall in love. His heart has been hardened by years of intrigue, but this little temptress proves oddly disarming and thoroughly kissable. And suddenly the unthinkable becomes possible—that this mismatched couple might be destined for love. 

Mass Market Paperback, 377 pages
Published July 30th 2002 by Avon Books (first published July 1st 1998)
Agents of the Crown #1
Historical romance
Library

My thoughts:

For some reason my library had two "new" Quinn books. They do not seem to know the order of things, sure this is book 1 but when I emailed and asked if they would get book 2 they said they had so many Quinn books. But hey I read one ;)

Anyway in the middle of the book it turned into an almost farce. Oh the things that happened, it made me lol. It was so silly, but fun.

Ugh, I am bad at reviewing today. Get it together gal!

Blake is an agent that needs to catch a spy. He does catch a woman. Idiot him thinks she is the spy even though she says he kidnapped her. Fun times! Obvi these two fall in love too. Oh and his fellow agent was fun, you know book n 2 that the library wont be getting cos they have so man Quinn books (totes out of order.)

Conclusion:

Rather silly and fun

Cover

Dull