On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn | BOOK REVIEW

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Non-spoiler

I have really enjoyed reading the Bridgerton series but this was a disappointing finale. It’s one of my least favourites and I didn’t feel any connection or love for the main characters.

We’d only really seen Gregory in Hyacinth’s story and, from what I’d seen, he was really funny and charming. But in this book… he was just annoying. There was painful insta-love at every turn in this story and Gregory was whiny and irritating through the whole thing. Lucy wasn’t much better- there was nothing enamouring or interesting about her.

The story was extremely predictable and I wish the blurb hadn’t given so much of the plot away. I also don’t think the prologue was necessary- it basically outlined what was going to happen in the story and destroyed any suspense or intrigue.

It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn | BOOK REVIEW

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Non-spoiler

I still have one more book to read in this series but I THINK THIS IS MY FAVOURITE! I absolutely adore Hyacinth and she was a captivating and brilliant heroine in this book. I loved the mystery element, the romance, and the humour. The epilogue had me simultaneously frustrated and ecstatic! I don’t even know how that’s possible.

Hyacinth is probably my favourite Bridgerton sibling. She didn’t star in the show very much so I didn’t know what to expect but she’s perfect. She’s intelligent, outspoken and unashamed to be herself. She doesn’t apologise and she has a certain charm and sarcasm that instantly endeared me to her. I also loved Gareth. There are some questionable love interests throughout this series but Gareth was great. He was entertaining, funny and could match Hyacinth’s wit. I loved their banter and it was a joy to read.

I think the reason why I love this book more than the others is because this one had an actual subplot! We had a mystery to solve throughout this book and it was so much fun to watch Hyacinth and Gareth discover all the clues and try to solve the mystery. Like I said, the epilogue was both infuriating and satisfying and it makes me desperate to read the following short story to see if Hyacinth ever finds the jewels!

When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn | BOOK REVIEW

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Non-spoiler

I really loved this one! I absolutely fell in love with this book and this couple. When He Was Wicked is definitely the steamiest Bridgerton book so far. The romance was scorching and addictive so, if that’s you cuppa tea, this is the book for you.

I didn’t know much about Francesca going into this book but I liked her. I can’t say she’s my favourite female protagonist of them all but she was smart and funny and passionate. Michael… was probably one of my favourite male protagonists, though. He was funny, charming, sexy and nowhere near as problematic as some of the other characters (after Phillip in the last book, Michael seemed like he fell from heaven).

I thought the ‘I’m-in-love-with-my-cousins-wife’ take on a popular trope was fun, well done and worked really well for the characters. I was glued to the page whenever Francesca and Michael were in the same scene and the ending was beyond satisfying.

To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn | BOOK REVIEW

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Non-spoiler

I had high expectations for this book. Eloise is my favourite character in the show and, while I knew I couldn’t expect the book version of her to be quite so iconic… I was disappointed. It was a flat story and probably my least favourite pairing of all the books so far.

I went into these books fully aware that Eloise wasn’t going to be the explicit feminist icon that she was in the show. That wasn’t what bothered me about the book. Phillip bothered me. He’s not good enough for Eloise. I understood Phillip’s background and trauma but that man was a raging red flag! He has definite anger issues and doesn’t listen to Eloise on so many occasions. I don’t mind a quiet and introverted character (I would be quite hypocritical to do so) but he was rude and dismissive for no reason. Eloise deserves much better.

The side characters we saw were mainly Oliver and Amanda and, while I liked watching them slowly come to like Eloise, they annoyed the hell out of me. They were really rude and boisterous and (for someone who isn’t great with kids) I would be so overwhelmed in their presence. I also couldn’t stand Phillip’s anger and aggression towards his kids. No, he never hit them, but he thought about it so much that it made me really uncomfortable. Red flag. Red flag. Red flag.

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julian Quinn | BOOK REVIEW

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Spoilers

I’ve been looking forward to Colin and Penelope’s book and it didn’t disappoint! Penelope is such a sweetheart and this story made me love her even more. I loved reading in her perspective and learning more about her experiences and reasons for becoming Lady Whistledown. I also adore Colin- he’s so much funnier and more interesting in the books. I hope the show can portray him with justice in the following seasons.

Watching Colin and Penelope’s relationship unfold was beautiful. I feel like they bring the best out of each other- Colin gives Penelope confidence and Penelope helped Colin realise his dreams of being a writer.

I really enjoyed the plotline of Lady Whistledown’s identity and how it all came out. It was fun knowing from the beginning that Penelope was behind the whole thing and it was great to see Penelope grow confidence and a sense of pride over what she has accomplished.

An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn | BOOK REVIEW

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Non-spoiler

I sped through this so fast! I couldn’t get enough! Benedict and Sophie’s story was a Cinderella retelling which I absolutely adored. This story had MAJOR love-at-first-sight vibes but it didn’t annoy me all that much. I just accepted the insta-love and let myself enjoy the book.

Benedict was one of my favourites from the TV show and the book did nothing but strengthen my love of him. I thought Sophie was a perfect match for him (though, I really wanted TV show Benedict to be gay…). I loved the Cinderella-esque qualities of Sophie’s circumstances and watching the two of them develop a relationship was beautiful.

I also especially loved this book because we got to see our first true appearance of Eloise! She was definitely my favourite character of the show so I’ve been waiting not-so-patiently for her to show up in the books! I loved that we saw glimpses of Benedict and Eloise’s close bond because I adored their dynamic in the show.

I continue to absolutely love Colin, despite him being such a minor character at the moment! I don’t think the show has done his character justice just yet- he’s constantly making me smile and laugh! I also have to say that my initial opinion of book- Violet has changed. At first, I thought she was pushy and annoying but I like her a lot more now- she’s funny, kind and extremely clever.