prettylittlewriter

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...’

This is probably my second favourite of the Bridgerton novels so far! (#3 Benedict is still my fav).

It starts with Michael Stirling pining over his cousin’s wife, whom he’s been in love with since her first met her, and his internal monologue is showcasing his turmoil about how he can’t have her.

Then pretty soon after (maybe even the first chapter?!) his cousin John dies, and Francesca is left widowed.

Michael, ever the gentleman, still refuses to consider that he could now be with Frannie; it would be disrespectful towards John and Frannie didn’t feel that way about him, did she?

Francesca doesn’t consider Michael as a romantic prospect for quite a while throughout the novel, talking about him as her best friend, and like a brother to her. The relationship between them was quite special, and I loved seeing how close they were without any romance involved at the start, and it was quite apparent to me that John would definitely have approved of them together after his death (he even comments upon how Michael looks after her when he’s not around, before his death).

We skip ahead 4 years after John’s death, and Michael has been in India for the last 4 years, unable to cope being around Francesca knowing his feelings towards her.

Upon his return, he meets Francesca in London unexpectedly (she is ready to find a new husband), and it soon transpires that he has caught malaria on his travels.

This is the first time they both have some intimate relations, as Francesca takes care of him during his fever spells.

As the story progresses, Francesca starts to realise that she is beginning to have feelings for him, but is determined not to act on them to honour John’s name.

The one thing that infuriated me a little bit was how much they both refused to give in to their feelings. It took them nearly ¾ of the novel before they started having any romantic/intimate encounters, as they were both being incredibly stubborn that it wasn’t the ‘done’ thing.

I will say however, that once the spicy scenes started, they were brilliant. I would even go as far as to say that this is the spiciest of the first 6 books! The scene where Francesca is taking charge over Michael was *chefs kiss*.

I also really liked how much Michael considered Francesca’s feelings throughout, even though he knew she wanted him after their first encounter, he would always wait for her consent before doing anything.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one, and it’s definitely one that I look forward to seeing play out on the TV show!

4/5 stars

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.’

Well this one was a big let-down.
 

I love the character of Eloise in the TV adaptation, so I was looking forward to a wonderful female empowering story for her. Unfortunately, she is depicted as this talkative busybody that annoys most people she meets, including Sir Phillip with whom she hopes to marry. I actually didn’t mind Eloise’s character in the book as from her internal monologue she seemed like a lovely character, but I hated that to everyone around her (as it’s written in 3^rd person) she was this chatterbox that wanted to be involved in everything and they found her irritating.

Sir Phillip’s character on the other hand was a bit of an arsehole. The only time he was ever really nice was when he was lusting over Eloise, otherwise he was argumentative, he was horrible to his children most of the time, and it outraged me that he didn’t even know what was happening to them under his own nose. Not to mention that his idea of them being well suited is that he can make her orgasm *eye-roll*. The ONLY thing that redeems him slightly is the shit childhood he had. The other irritating thing was how he was constantly referring to Eloise as the perfect mother to his children, even to her face. He never said she’d be the perfect wife, even when he realised he was starting to have feelings for her.

The storyline itself was fine, I enjoyed seeing Eloise’ and the children’s relationship blossom, and seeing the Bridgerton brothers come to her aid as big brothers should. Her relationship with Benedict’s wife Sophie was also very sweet.

Unfortunately this just wasn’t interesting enough, and it’s incredibly upsetting seeing Eloise’s character with such a rubbish love story. I hope they do much better for her in the TV adaptation.

2/5 stars

Synopsis
‘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?’ 

This is my favourite Bridgerton novel so far! I’m not sure whether it’s because there isn’t currently a season of the TV show to compare it to, but I just found this so much more romantic and sweet.

I loved the Cinderella storyline with Sophie, treated abhorrently by her stepmother and sisters (although Posy ended up a sweetheart!) with a deadline of making it home at midnight and leaving an item of clothing behind! One thing I must say with all of these masked ball scenarios where the man doesn’t recognise the woman in real life, is how totally unrealistic they are. I could 100% tell if they were the same person if I’d been staring at a part of their face an entire night!!

I also adored Benedict’s character. He was such a strong and empathetic character, who from the offset of meeting Sophie (as Sophie, not the mystery woman) wanted to help her, comfort her, and give her what he could. I thought Anthony was my favourite Bridgerton brother, but I now think it’s definitely Benedict!

Araminta was an absolutely horrendous woman, whom I really wished had gotten a little bit more of a punishment at the end of the novel than she did, however, I was still really impressed with Posy and how her character really grew up and took charge in the end.

Violet (Mrs Bridgerton) and the entire family actually, made Sophie feel so welcome around them, and never treated her with any disrespect or even as they would a normal maid when she started working for them at Benedict’s request, and I really believe that’s because they all knew that she was different, and that Benedict was in love with her from the start!

So overall I absolutely adored this third instalment, and I’m hoping to enjoy all the rest! The only think I would have liked more of is smut, which is why I’m giving it a 4 star rating instead of 5, but that’s not to everyone’s taste!

4/5 stars

Synopsis
‘When Kitty Talbot is jilted by her fiancé three months before their wedding, the future looks dark. Without his fortune to pay off her late father's gambling debts, she and her four sisters face certain ruin. 
But Kitty has never backed down from a challenge, so she leaves the countryside and heads toward the most dangerous battleground in all of Regency England: The London Season. 
The aim is simple: find a wealthy bachelor to wed in order save the Talbot family from destitution. 
Kitty is neither accomplished nor all that genteel, but she is utterly single-minded; imbued with her father's gambling spirit, Kitty knows that risk is just part of the game. What she doesn't anticipate is Lord Radcliffe, elder brother of the deliciously wealthy Archibald de Lacy. Radcliffe sees Kitty for the fortune-hunter that she really is, and is determined to scotch her plans at all costs...’ 
This is one of the easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given to a novel, especially one of the Regency era.

Sophie has really outdone herself with this novel, and you can tell so much research was done to keep the story accurate to the era.

Kitty is a brilliant heroine, full of passion, kindness and dedication to her family that leaves me in awe. At times, she can be seen as cold and calculated, especially in the eyes of Radcliffe, however, her determination to not allow her sisters to fall into squalor is her only motivation. She even contemplates marrying some absolutely grotesque men, of whom she would never wish to marry under normal circumstances.

Before going into the novel, I knew there would be some form of romance, but I did not initially expect it to be between Kitty and Radcliffe, as they seemed to have complete distain for each other. Once they were spending more time together however, you could see that they are very similar characters, and almost made for each other. I definitely enjoyed this slow-burn romance, probably slightly more than other Regency novels, such as the Bridgerton books, mainly because I felt the novel has much more action and a better plotline, and not just waiting for Kitty to fall in love and marry which I find the Bridgerton books are like.

Some of the anecdotes and quips that Kitty and even Radcliffe come out with are very witty, and their banter was just perfect! It really made me fall for Radcliffe, and he reminded me a lot of the TV version Anthony from Bridgerton.

If you’re looking for a modern-day Jane Austen style novel, I would definitely recommend you pick this one up! Absolutely brilliant and I cannot wait for the 2^nd novel!

ps. How beautiful is this special edition copy from Illumicrate?!

5/5 stars

 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