prettylittlewriter

 Synopsis
'1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, this author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry.
And in truth, why should he? When it comes to 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 is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands—and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is determined to protect her sister—but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...'

After watching the Bridgerton series, which I absolutely adore, I've been determined to read all the books before the next series comes out (I'm sure I've got loads of time as filming hasn't even started yet for season 3). 

The second in the series is the same as the TV show, and surrounds Anthony Bridgerton on his quest to find a wife. 

There is a huge difference with the book from the TV series, which is there is NOT a love triangle between Anthony, Kate and Edwina. Yes, Anthony wishes to court Edwina initially, as she is the newly introduced daughter of the season, however, within the novel, Kate cannot hide her interest in Anthony from her sister, therefore, nothing further happens with them. 

In some ways I preferred this, as the fact that Anthony almost married Edwina in the series made me angry, but it also made for lesser sexual tension and edging between Anthony and Kate. I think the reason I loved their romance so much on screen is how much sexual tension there was until a final climax at the end!

Kate's character is lovely, my favourite so far, and much prefer her character than Daphne from book 1. Anthony is very much the same in the book as the TV show, although slightly more masochistic and sexist as he is determined never to love Kate, and that it's okay to step-out on your wife if you don't love her *eye-roll*. 

There are some brilliant lines within the novel, especially from Kate. Quinn's writing is witty, clever and just perfect at keeping you hooked. There are also some incredibly romantic lines, with the iconic 'I burn for you' making a comeback, which I absolutely adore.

I would still say I prefer the TV show version (Johnathan Bailey is a god and Simone Ashley a goddess) but I still enjoyed the novel a lot and I will be continuing the series!

3.5/5 stars

Synopsis

‘When Daphne Bridgerton enters society to find herself a husband, no one seems to fit her mould. They’re either too old, too ugly or too persistent. Until she meets her Eldest brother’s best friend, The Duke of Hastings.

Simon has never wanted to marry, and most certainly never wants to have children. His past with his evil Father has solidified that. But when he meets Daphne Bridgerton, with a plan for a fake betrothal in action, marriage doesn’t seem to be that terrible of an idea. But when his beliefs have been so strong since a young boy, can Daphne really change that?’

Okay so I’m obsessed with the Netflix adaptation of Bridgerton, and my obsession borderlines unhealthy (I’ve bought special edition books/bookmarks/candles etc and I really need to stop!). So of course, I had to start reading the series, to see just how different the novels are from the TV show.

There were some great scenes within the book that would have been lovely in the show, including my favourite interaction between Hyacinth & Simon at the promenade, where he teases her and gallantly offers to place his shirt on the ground so she doesn’t have to walk through puddles (adorable).

The sex scenes were also brilliant, and although we got a lot of it in the show, it was definitely more graphic within the novel.

Simon is a brilliant character, he certain knows how to give Daphne what she desires (even when she doesn't known it!) and I enjoyed delving into his past a lot more than what the TV show does (his Father really was an arsehole).

Daphne on the other hand, I found to be petulant and very childish at points, and I felt like Simon should definitely have left her to it! (Daphne in the TV show, I adore).

There was also a rather questionable scene, that was definitely changed slightly for the better in the TV show, but it is still NOT acceptable under any circumstances, no matter whether it is a male or female doing it. I have seen a lot of people that really have hated this book due to this scene, but I’ve personally skipped over it and haven’t rated it as low as others because I still enjoyed the rest of the novel.

I do think this novel is slightly more dumbed down (speech-wise between the characters especially) than other regency era novels I’ve read, and I found myself skimming through some parts of the novel to get to the most interesting bits.

Overall, I did enjoy the read and I will continue to read the series, but I definitely enjoy the TV show more, so I’m very happy with what Shondaland has created!

3.5/5 stars