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Rokesbys #1
Because of Miss Bridgerton
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romance (2016)Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places...
This is not one of those times.
Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband... someday.
Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should...
Or not.
There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant, annoying, and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either.
But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor...
Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without...
This is not one of those times.
Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband... someday.
Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should...
Or not.
There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant, annoying, and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either.
But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor...
Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without...
375 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 29, 2016
About the author
Julia Quinn
150 books43.6k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don't read (or write) romance, and and if you watch reruns of the game show The Weakest Link you might just catch her winning the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code.
A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Her books have been translated into 32 languages, and she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
The Bridgertons, her popular series of historical romance, is currently in production by Shondaland as a Netflix original series starring Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, and Rége-Jean Page.
A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Her books have been translated into 32 languages, and she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
The Bridgertons, her popular series of historical romance, is currently in production by Shondaland as a Netflix original series starring Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, and Rége-Jean Page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,725 reviews
February 7, 2016
If you can believe it, this was my first experience with a Julia Quinn book, and I had no IDEA what I was missing.
I've heard great things about Julia Quinn, but I've been burned in the past by overhyped writers, especially in the historical romance genre. It turns out, I have very specific tastes in historical romance. I've fallen in love with the Tessa Dare and Courtney Milan brand of historical romance, which mainly consists of smart, out-of-the-box women, snappy dialogue, lots of humor, and slow-burn romances. I've become pickier and pickier with each book that I read, and I have little patience for books that waste my time. I'm so happy that this book lived up to my expectations, because now I can one-click away at Julia Quinn's back-list with gusto!
Billie Bridgerton is exactly the type of MC that I enjoy reading about. She is smart, independent, and shrugs off the expectations of her status without being too overbearing or preachy about it. I loved her sense of humor and how stubborn she was, but it never got to be so much that I found her annoying. I really liked her as a person, and I loved seeing her slow slide into romantic feelings for George. George was a good counter-balance for Billie, though I thought that he certainly took the backseat personality-wise in this book. The chemistry between them grew and grew (which is how I like it!), and I loved the interactions between them and between them and their families.
The plot was pretty straightforward (very few twists and turns there), but it was a ton of fun never boring. It was a simple acquaintances-to-lovers story, but Julia Quinn is such a talented writer that it felt smooth, polished, and endlessly entertaining.
While I thought that the ending was a bit rushed, the book is so engaging that you'll want to devour the whole series, book by book. Julia Quinn will just have to write faster to appease me!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I've heard great things about Julia Quinn, but I've been burned in the past by overhyped writers, especially in the historical romance genre. It turns out, I have very specific tastes in historical romance. I've fallen in love with the Tessa Dare and Courtney Milan brand of historical romance, which mainly consists of smart, out-of-the-box women, snappy dialogue, lots of humor, and slow-burn romances. I've become pickier and pickier with each book that I read, and I have little patience for books that waste my time. I'm so happy that this book lived up to my expectations, because now I can one-click away at Julia Quinn's back-list with gusto!
Billie Bridgerton is exactly the type of MC that I enjoy reading about. She is smart, independent, and shrugs off the expectations of her status without being too overbearing or preachy about it. I loved her sense of humor and how stubborn she was, but it never got to be so much that I found her annoying. I really liked her as a person, and I loved seeing her slow slide into romantic feelings for George. George was a good counter-balance for Billie, though I thought that he certainly took the backseat personality-wise in this book. The chemistry between them grew and grew (which is how I like it!), and I loved the interactions between them and between them and their families.
The plot was pretty straightforward (very few twists and turns there), but it was a ton of fun never boring. It was a simple acquaintances-to-lovers story, but Julia Quinn is such a talented writer that it felt smooth, polished, and endlessly entertaining.
While I thought that the ending was a bit rushed, the book is so engaging that you'll want to devour the whole series, book by book. Julia Quinn will just have to write faster to appease me!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
August 15, 2023
Super cute enemies to lovers romance.
Billie Bridgerton is smart, capable, independent, and a bit wild. George is respectable, dependable, and calm. So of course they're perfect for each other.
But just don't know it yet.
I loved the dialogue, I loved both of the main characters, and I loved the plot.
I'm kind of kidding about that last one because to be 100% honest, there really wasn't a plot. They don't like each other, they fight, they pick on each other, and then eventually...
And that's it. Really.
If you want something more substantial, you'll need to look elsewhere for a romance novel.
However, if you're looking for a fluffy little romance, check it out.
Billie Bridgerton is smart, capable, independent, and a bit wild. George is respectable, dependable, and calm. So of course they're perfect for each other.
But just don't know it yet.
I loved the dialogue, I loved both of the main characters, and I loved the plot.
I'm kind of kidding about that last one because to be 100% honest, there really wasn't a plot. They don't like each other, they fight, they pick on each other, and then eventually...
And that's it. Really.
If you want something more substantial, you'll need to look elsewhere for a romance novel.
However, if you're looking for a fluffy little romance, check it out.
April 16, 2016
Because of Miss Bridgerton started off quite unsteadily. For the first half of the book, the writing was too fragmented, and the flow wasn't as fluid as I'd expect from a Julia Quinn novel. It was almost as if Ms. Quinn was still trying to get a solid foothold on things in the first 30%-40%. There was an abundance of unnecessary details and dialogues that didn't blend well together.
It was hard to get into scenes like this:
I don't know about you, but. This. Feels. Too. Fractured. And. I. Can't. Get. Myself. To. Like. It.
Nor. Could. I. Bring. Myself. To. Enjoy. Paragraphs. Like. This. One:
Also, in the first half, Billie was super annoying, and George was as interesting as a cardboard box. This last bit was made even more obvious whenever George had a scene with Andrew, his little brother who reminded me so much of Sebastian from The Devil in Winter. I even started rooting for Andrew at one point, because I got bored with George.
BUT--yes, there's a "but"--things did pick up from the 50% marker. The writing improved, the pacing became less draggy, and the characters more likeable. There were moments in the last 50% when Julia Quinn's trademark wit shone, but I just wish that things could've been more balanced in the story. I've read enough of her works to know the magic she's capable of, and that's why I say that this was an underwhelming display of her usual brilliance.
Now, you might be wondering, "Why the three stars, Daniella?" Well, despite the book's initial imperfections, I truly fell in love with the story. The thing about Billie and George is that they weren't great characters individually, but together, they were amazing. I loved the banter, the subtle glances, the discreet gestures. I savoured them. I lived for them.
And in the end, I was convinced of their love for each other. Sure, you could argue that a big reason for this is that I'm a sucker for stories wherein the hero pines after the heroine. Yes, that's a big reason why I enjoyed this as much as I did. I'm a hero-centric reader, and that's what works for me. If you're not, then you might not rate this as highly.
Also, the epilogue was extremely short, so this may bother some of you guys who love to bask in the post-drama bliss.
Overall, I ended up liking this. I didn't expect to, especially when I was still in the first few chapters, but I did. I'm super excited for the next books in the series.
It was hard to get into scenes like this:
“No,” he said dryly, “you’re much too sensible for that.”
Billie decided to let this one pass. “It scratched me,” she said, jerking her head toward the cat.
“Did it?”
“We fell.”
George looked up. “That’s quite a distance.”
Billie followed his gaze. The nearest branch was five feet up, and she had not been on the nearest branch. “I hurt my ankle,” she admitted.
“I reckoned as much.”
She looked over at him in question.
“You would have just jumped to the ground, otherwise.”
I don't know about you, but. This. Feels. Too. Fractured. And. I. Can't. Get. Myself. To. Like. It.
Nor. Could. I. Bring. Myself. To. Enjoy. Paragraphs. Like. This. One:
She looked up sharply. He looked so solid. And strong. And dependable. He’d always been dependable, she realized. She was just usually too busy being irritated by him to notice.
Also, in the first half, Billie was super annoying, and George was as interesting as a cardboard box. This last bit was made even more obvious whenever George had a scene with Andrew, his little brother who reminded me so much of Sebastian from The Devil in Winter. I even started rooting for Andrew at one point, because I got bored with George.
BUT--yes, there's a "but"--things did pick up from the 50% marker. The writing improved, the pacing became less draggy, and the characters more likeable. There were moments in the last 50% when Julia Quinn's trademark wit shone, but I just wish that things could've been more balanced in the story. I've read enough of her works to know the magic she's capable of, and that's why I say that this was an underwhelming display of her usual brilliance.
Now, you might be wondering, "Why the three stars, Daniella?" Well, despite the book's initial imperfections, I truly fell in love with the story. The thing about Billie and George is that they weren't great characters individually, but together, they were amazing. I loved the banter, the subtle glances, the discreet gestures. I savoured them. I lived for them.
And in the end, I was convinced of their love for each other. Sure, you could argue that a big reason for this is that I'm a sucker for stories wherein the hero pines after the heroine. Yes, that's a big reason why I enjoyed this as much as I did. I'm a hero-centric reader, and that's what works for me. If you're not, then you might not rate this as highly.
Also, the epilogue was extremely short, so this may bother some of you guys who love to bask in the post-drama bliss.
Overall, I ended up liking this. I didn't expect to, especially when I was still in the first few chapters, but I did. I'm super excited for the next books in the series.
March 23, 2022
Because of Miss Bridgerton (Rokesbys, #1), Julia Quinn (Julie Pottinger)
Julie Pottinger, better known by her pen name Julia Quinn, is a best-selling American historical romance author. The Rokesby series, set in the late 1700's, this series follows the aristocratic Rokesby family.
Because of Miss Bridgerton, everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers, and she's not opposed: their families have been neighbors for centuries. There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate: George. He may be the eldest, and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant, annoying and she's certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either. But when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begin to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without . . .
تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز روز بیست و یکم ماه مارس سال2022میلادی
عنوان: بهخاطر دوشیزه بریجرتون؛ نویسنده: جولیا کویین (کوئین)؛ مترجم: نشاط رحمانینژاد؛ کرج، طلوع ققنوس؛ سال1398؛ در398ص؛ شابک9786226679046؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده21م
داستان دختری بیست و سه ساله و خودساخته به نام «بیلی بریجرتون» است؛ خانواده «بریجرتون» سالها با خانواده ی «روکسبی» همسایه هستند، «بریجرتون»ها دلشان میخواهد «بیلی» با یکی از پسرهای خانواده ی «روکسبی»ها ازدواج کند؛ «ادوارد» و «اندرو» هر دو برای همسر خوب بودن آفریده شده اند، اما «بیلی» عاشق برادر بزرگتر «جورج» میشود؛
نقل از متن: (بانو بریجرتون صبح علیالطلوع شروع کرد به برنامهریزی برای جشنی که در راه داشتند؛ بیلی لنگانلنگان به یک اتاق غذاخوری کوچک رفت، تا صبحانهاش را بخورد و کاملاً برای خدمت به مادرش آماده شود، ولی در کمال شگفتی و آسودگیاش مادرش به او گفت که نیازی به کمک او در برنامهریزی کردن ندارد؛ تنها چیزی که میخواست این بود که بیلی یک دعوتنامه برای ماری و فیلیکس بنویسد و بیلی سرش را با موافقتی شکرگزارانه جنباند؛ این کار را میتوانست انجام بدهد؛ بانو بریجرتون در حالی که به یک مستخدم اشاره میکرد که بشقاب صبحانه بیلی را آماده کند، گفت: «جورجیانا پیشنهاد داده بهم کمک کنه.»، «بیلی» با وجود پای دردناکش میتوانست حرکت کند، ولی حتی او، هم نمیتوانست تعادلش را روی یک پا حفظ کند، و هم از روی میز کناری برای خودش صبحانه بکشد؛ «بیلی» به خواهر کوچکترش که انگار از چشمانداز کارهایی که در پیش داشتند لذت میبرد نگاهی انداخت، جورجیانا گفت: «حسابی خوش میگذره»)؛ پایان
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 02/01/1401هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
Julie Pottinger, better known by her pen name Julia Quinn, is a best-selling American historical romance author. The Rokesby series, set in the late 1700's, this series follows the aristocratic Rokesby family.
Because of Miss Bridgerton, everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers, and she's not opposed: their families have been neighbors for centuries. There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate: George. He may be the eldest, and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant, annoying and she's certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either. But when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begin to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without . . .
تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز روز بیست و یکم ماه مارس سال2022میلادی
عنوان: بهخاطر دوشیزه بریجرتون؛ نویسنده: جولیا کویین (کوئین)؛ مترجم: نشاط رحمانینژاد؛ کرج، طلوع ققنوس؛ سال1398؛ در398ص؛ شابک9786226679046؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده21م
داستان دختری بیست و سه ساله و خودساخته به نام «بیلی بریجرتون» است؛ خانواده «بریجرتون» سالها با خانواده ی «روکسبی» همسایه هستند، «بریجرتون»ها دلشان میخواهد «بیلی» با یکی از پسرهای خانواده ی «روکسبی»ها ازدواج کند؛ «ادوارد» و «اندرو» هر دو برای همسر خوب بودن آفریده شده اند، اما «بیلی» عاشق برادر بزرگتر «جورج» میشود؛
نقل از متن: (بانو بریجرتون صبح علیالطلوع شروع کرد به برنامهریزی برای جشنی که در راه داشتند؛ بیلی لنگانلنگان به یک اتاق غذاخوری کوچک رفت، تا صبحانهاش را بخورد و کاملاً برای خدمت به مادرش آماده شود، ولی در کمال شگفتی و آسودگیاش مادرش به او گفت که نیازی به کمک او در برنامهریزی کردن ندارد؛ تنها چیزی که میخواست این بود که بیلی یک دعوتنامه برای ماری و فیلیکس بنویسد و بیلی سرش را با موافقتی شکرگزارانه جنباند؛ این کار را میتوانست انجام بدهد؛ بانو بریجرتون در حالی که به یک مستخدم اشاره میکرد که بشقاب صبحانه بیلی را آماده کند، گفت: «جورجیانا پیشنهاد داده بهم کمک کنه.»، «بیلی» با وجود پای دردناکش میتوانست حرکت کند، ولی حتی او، هم نمیتوانست تعادلش را روی یک پا حفظ کند، و هم از روی میز کناری برای خودش صبحانه بکشد؛ «بیلی» به خواهر کوچکترش که انگار از چشمانداز کارهایی که در پیش داشتند لذت میبرد نگاهی انداخت، جورجیانا گفت: «حسابی خوش میگذره»)؛ پایان
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 02/01/1401هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
May 11, 2022
Because if you're on romance binge, Julia Quinn is always the answer.
August 25, 2018
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DNF
Sometimes you read a book and the pages fly by. Other times, you read a book and each page drags on and on. You set the book aside for other, better books. But each night, when you go to bed, you see the book sitting there on your nightstand. Judging you. Mocking you. BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON is the latter.
In other words: BOOOOOOOrriiiiiiin. Boring. Yes.
I've noticed this problem with a lot of newer historical romances (like, written within the last five years or so). They play it way too safe. Rather than coming across as politically incorrect, they do their best to be as inoffensive as possible, with no mention at all of any sort of unsavory topics like plague or war or racism, sweeping those all under the fringed jacquard carpet to indulge in a bit of costume romance. The dresses make it seem historical and everyone speaks very prettily, but the focus of these books is solely romance and beyond that, not a whole lot of conflict.
I think I like Julia Quinn's earlier romances more, because they at least had a bit of fire to them. This book was dull. When we begin the novel, the heroine is up a tree trying to rescue a cat. Then getting down from the roof takes about two chapters. There's a couple more chapters at a dinner table where they all tease each other and the heroine, Billie's, sister feels left out. Then there's talk of a party. Then the hero, George, and the heroine, almost kiss and immediately go on the defensive to themselves that they don't really like each other, not really.
How dull. I had to DNF at that point, because the whole thing felt so tedious. I buddy-read this with Karishma and she liked it at least, so maybe if you enjoy light, fluffy reads, you will too.
1 to 1.5 stars
August 14, 2021
Y bueno muchachas a ver
ya sabemos que no es un hito de la literatura…. pero eso no es lo que buscamos cuando leemos julia quinn🥵🥵🥵🥵🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
la verdad que admiro la capacidad de esta mujer de crear escenarios para que los personajes estén juntos ajsjsjs
y bueno que decirles, es dr0ga. la pasas bien todo el tiempo, salvo obviamente por algun que otro comentario así medio border y alguna que otra escena cringe, pero es que qué se yo qué les voy a decir A MI ESTO ME FASCINA como diría josu diamond, este mamarracheo me vuelve loca
al finaaaaaal tuvo alguna que otra escena que me hizo bajarle media estrella porque fue medio whatefak
IGUAL no es lo mejor de julia quinn pero es un libro divertido para leer así y distraer la mente usted vio
me muero por leer el libro de andrew creo que es el tercero
qué sé yo los libros de julia quinn son muy divertidos no les voy a mentir si necesitan refrescar las ideas y gritar un poquito con un libro, alguno de todos los de julia son sus indicados
ya sabemos que no es un hito de la literatura…. pero eso no es lo que buscamos cuando leemos julia quinn🥵🥵🥵🥵🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
la verdad que admiro la capacidad de esta mujer de crear escenarios para que los personajes estén juntos ajsjsjs
y bueno que decirles, es dr0ga. la pasas bien todo el tiempo, salvo obviamente por algun que otro comentario así medio border y alguna que otra escena cringe, pero es que qué se yo qué les voy a decir A MI ESTO ME FASCINA como diría josu diamond, este mamarracheo me vuelve loca
al finaaaaaal tuvo alguna que otra escena que me hizo bajarle media estrella porque fue medio whatefak
IGUAL no es lo mejor de julia quinn pero es un libro divertido para leer así y distraer la mente usted vio
me muero por leer el libro de andrew creo que es el tercero
qué sé yo los libros de julia quinn son muy divertidos no les voy a mentir si necesitan refrescar las ideas y gritar un poquito con un libro, alguno de todos los de julia son sus indicados
May 15, 2016
This book was such fun! I love Billie Bridgerton. She is full of snark, a tomboy, watches over her father's estate, wears breeches as much as possible, she's just great. She is definitely not like the woman in 1779. She likes to ride her horse out and check on the crops and the tenants. I think it's brilliant. But she won't be the one inheriting, one day it will be her younger brother. I'm sure she can whip him into shape though.
They are also great friends with the Rokesby family. Billie's best friend was Mary and two of the brothers, Edward and Andrew. She never did get a long with George though, as the eldest he is Lord Kennard and he stays home while all of his younger brothers go off to war. This does not make George happy because he wants to go as well, but alas, he stays home as well as the youngest brother.
The setting takes place in Kent, England and the beginning of the book is what caught me and had me laughing as Billie is stuck on a roof.. with a cat.
--->EXCERPT<---
Oh bloody hell, what did it matter what the time was? It wasn't going to get her off this damned roof.
"This is all you fault," she said to the cat.
Predictably, the cat ignored her.
"I don't know what you think you were doing up in that tree," she continued. "Any fool would have known you couldn't have got down."
Any fool would have left it up there, but no, Billie had heard the mewling, and she'd been halfway up the tree before it occurred to her that she didn't even like cats.
"And I don't really like you," she said.
Needless to say who do you think comes to her rescue? George, only some crazy stuff happens and he gets stuck on the roof as well. They have a great arguing match with each other. Although, he's not to harsh with her as she has hurt her leg when um.. her and the cat fell from the tree onto the roof. Anyway, they soon get rescued by Andrew, George's brother who is back from the war because of an injury. I love the banter between these three any time they are together.
--->EXCERT<---
"Sixty-two," she said
He almost stopped walking. "You counted?"
"I had nothing else to do. The weather was beastly, and I couldn't go outside."
George knew better than to inquire about embroidery, or watercolors, or any of a dozen other indoor pursuits commonly taken up by ladies of his acquaintance.
"Probably a few more now," Billie admitted. "It's been a prodigiously sunny spring."
"What are we talking about?" Andrew asked.
He'd got a bit ahead of them and they'd only just caught up.
"My freckles," Billie said.
He blinked. "My God, you are boring."
"Or bored," Billie countered.
"Or both."
"Must be the company."
"I've always thought George was dull," Andrew said.
George rolled his eyes.
But...
Something strange is happening between Billie and George. They are acting strange around each other. You know what that means right? And then one day there is a kiss... a kiss... did you just kiss me? did he just kiss me? What just happened?
There are a little house parties that Billie detests because she has to wear dresses for these. George doesn't really care for them either. It seems someone is always trying to set the both of them up with people. And little known to anyone else or to themselves, they are slowly falling in love.
There turns up some bad news in the Rokesby family and the Bridgerton family is there to lend their support. And finally confessions are made and it's mostly all good. I do believe I'm going to have to continue on with this series as it comes out to see what all is going to happen. But I really enjoyed this book!
*I would like to thank Avon Books for a print copy of this book through The Reading Room in exchange for my honest review.*
Even though the book is out now, I got to it a little late and with this being the uncorrected proof copy I have to add that the excerpts may have changed in the published edition.
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
They are also great friends with the Rokesby family. Billie's best friend was Mary and two of the brothers, Edward and Andrew. She never did get a long with George though, as the eldest he is Lord Kennard and he stays home while all of his younger brothers go off to war. This does not make George happy because he wants to go as well, but alas, he stays home as well as the youngest brother.
The setting takes place in Kent, England and the beginning of the book is what caught me and had me laughing as Billie is stuck on a roof.. with a cat.
--->EXCERPT<---
Oh bloody hell, what did it matter what the time was? It wasn't going to get her off this damned roof.
"This is all you fault," she said to the cat.
Predictably, the cat ignored her.
"I don't know what you think you were doing up in that tree," she continued. "Any fool would have known you couldn't have got down."
Any fool would have left it up there, but no, Billie had heard the mewling, and she'd been halfway up the tree before it occurred to her that she didn't even like cats.
"And I don't really like you," she said.
Needless to say who do you think comes to her rescue? George, only some crazy stuff happens and he gets stuck on the roof as well. They have a great arguing match with each other. Although, he's not to harsh with her as she has hurt her leg when um.. her and the cat fell from the tree onto the roof. Anyway, they soon get rescued by Andrew, George's brother who is back from the war because of an injury. I love the banter between these three any time they are together.
--->EXCERT<---
"Sixty-two," she said
He almost stopped walking. "You counted?"
"I had nothing else to do. The weather was beastly, and I couldn't go outside."
George knew better than to inquire about embroidery, or watercolors, or any of a dozen other indoor pursuits commonly taken up by ladies of his acquaintance.
"Probably a few more now," Billie admitted. "It's been a prodigiously sunny spring."
"What are we talking about?" Andrew asked.
He'd got a bit ahead of them and they'd only just caught up.
"My freckles," Billie said.
He blinked. "My God, you are boring."
"Or bored," Billie countered.
"Or both."
"Must be the company."
"I've always thought George was dull," Andrew said.
George rolled his eyes.
But...
Something strange is happening between Billie and George. They are acting strange around each other. You know what that means right? And then one day there is a kiss... a kiss... did you just kiss me? did he just kiss me? What just happened?
There are a little house parties that Billie detests because she has to wear dresses for these. George doesn't really care for them either. It seems someone is always trying to set the both of them up with people. And little known to anyone else or to themselves, they are slowly falling in love.
There turns up some bad news in the Rokesby family and the Bridgerton family is there to lend their support. And finally confessions are made and it's mostly all good. I do believe I'm going to have to continue on with this series as it comes out to see what all is going to happen. But I really enjoyed this book!
*I would like to thank Avon Books for a print copy of this book through The Reading Room in exchange for my honest review.*
Even though the book is out now, I got to it a little late and with this being the uncorrected proof copy I have to add that the excerpts may have changed in the published edition.
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
November 19, 2016
Aww, I'm so glad I stopped torturing myself with a bad series and followed up with Julia Quinn. Her first Bridgerton series was soooo good. Apparently, this series is set before the Bridgerton series, and we get to learn a couple of things, such as the birth of "The Mallet of Death".
This book was a really sweet romance that built slowly and had all of the delicious banter that JQ writes so well. She has a way of writing situations and conversations that are full of dry wit and quirk. I always find myself chuckling over her books. In this one, we get a very fiendish cat who starts the ball rolling in the romance department. It's a good thing that all cats are evil, or our H/h might have never gotten together.
Don't let their evil cuteness fool you. It's a trap.
There is one thing that always bugs me when I read these historical romances, though. I can't help but always think about how smelly the world must have been back then. All crowded into hot ballrooms, in clothes that are rarely washed, with bodies that are rarely washed, and no deodorant, and no running water or toilets. It's gross. I find myself distracted by thoughts of bad breath, body odor, and greasy hair full of powder.
"wanna dance, baby?"
But, I guess that just mycraziness superb sense of cleanliness talking.
Plus, their teeth! Don't even get me started on their teeth!
Get this man some Crest Whitestrips and the number to an orthodontist, STAT!
But, even with all of those thoughts running manically through my head, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. Is it as good as The Duke and I? Not at all. Is it a cute and funny read anyway? yeah. Go for it, historical romance fans!
This book was a really sweet romance that built slowly and had all of the delicious banter that JQ writes so well. She has a way of writing situations and conversations that are full of dry wit and quirk. I always find myself chuckling over her books. In this one, we get a very fiendish cat who starts the ball rolling in the romance department. It's a good thing that all cats are evil, or our H/h might have never gotten together.
Don't let their evil cuteness fool you. It's a trap.
There is one thing that always bugs me when I read these historical romances, though. I can't help but always think about how smelly the world must have been back then. All crowded into hot ballrooms, in clothes that are rarely washed, with bodies that are rarely washed, and no deodorant, and no running water or toilets. It's gross. I find myself distracted by thoughts of bad breath, body odor, and greasy hair full of powder.
"wanna dance, baby?"
But, I guess that just my
Plus, their teeth! Don't even get me started on their teeth!
Get this man some Crest Whitestrips and the number to an orthodontist, STAT!
But, even with all of those thoughts running manically through my head, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. Is it as good as The Duke and I? Not at all. Is it a cute and funny read anyway? yeah. Go for it, historical romance fans!
June 2, 2022
I am giving this five stars because I enjoyed it so much. The characters were delightful, the dialogue was amusing and I just wanted to hide away and read the whole thing without stopping. Of course I could not do that but I came pretty close:)
Because of Miss Bridgerton and the Rokeby series is in a way a prequel to the Bridgerton series which is so well known now from the TV series. Billie (actually Sybilla) Bridgerton lives with her family close to the Rokeby mansion where there are three sons, Andrew, Edward and George. Their parents imagine fondly that she will marry one of them - probably Andrew or Edward -certainly not George whom she loathes. Or does she?
Those of us who read a lot of these books know how the enemies becoming lovers trope works and we can anticipate what will happen. Knowing does not spoil it one jot. The fun comes from watching them fight temptation, misunderstand the other's wishes, come so close to an understanding and then fall out again over nothing. All this written by Julia Quinn's talented pen makes for a really entertaining read.
I enjoyed it enormously and I will be happy if the next book is even half as good.
Because of Miss Bridgerton and the Rokeby series is in a way a prequel to the Bridgerton series which is so well known now from the TV series. Billie (actually Sybilla) Bridgerton lives with her family close to the Rokeby mansion where there are three sons, Andrew, Edward and George. Their parents imagine fondly that she will marry one of them - probably Andrew or Edward -certainly not George whom she loathes. Or does she?
Those of us who read a lot of these books know how the enemies becoming lovers trope works and we can anticipate what will happen. Knowing does not spoil it one jot. The fun comes from watching them fight temptation, misunderstand the other's wishes, come so close to an understanding and then fall out again over nothing. All this written by Julia Quinn's talented pen makes for a really entertaining read.
I enjoyed it enormously and I will be happy if the next book is even half as good.
April 30, 2016
2.5 Stars
I still remember what I felt when I read the Bridgertons for the very first time: It was pure fun.
I loved them. From Daphne to Gregory's stories, I could inhale them! I still "remember" when Gregory inadvertently pushes Simon into the river. ;)
The wit, the swoon worth romance, the writing, all of it was gold... that is why, it pains me to say this now, but it feels as if the author has lost that magical touch :/
Sure, I had some fun reading the beginning of this story: Billie is supposed to be an hellion and what's his name... George is all conservative and formal... you know, true to the time in which he was living?
As for Billie she comes out as someone somewhat cold ( doesn't like cats -_- never a good sign), someone who is indifferent to her younger sister to the point of having George admonish her.
I liked George _despite having forgotten his name *cough*_, his bafflement over his "sudden" interest in Billie was fun to read, but in the end this story's plot was practically non existent.
Do you want me to prove that to you?
This is what happens:
Stubborn girl grows up with responsible boy ( and his two brothers)
One day out of the blue they both find each other interesting.
They kiss.
___
___
Love is in the air.
"I can't marry her", says he.
"I will have to marry her, of course.", says the above mentioned.
There's a ball so that the girl can wear a pretty dress.
Said girl is considered the belle of the ball.
Guy can't dance with the girl due to very weak plot circumstances-_-
Hearts are broken.
There's make up sex.
Promises of marriage are made.
George is tested in the above mentioned weak plot circumstances ( I said this already, haven't I?)
Girl acts all brash and idiotic.
George questions his intelligence... I question your intelligence as well, George.
Vows of forever love are renewed.
The End.
Ugh.
It has the Bridgerton trademark, so of course I was expecting much more.
I still remember what I felt when I read the Bridgertons for the very first time: It was pure fun.
I loved them. From Daphne to Gregory's stories, I could inhale them! I still "remember" when Gregory inadvertently pushes Simon into the river. ;)
The wit, the swoon worth romance, the writing, all of it was gold... that is why, it pains me to say this now, but it feels as if the author has lost that magical touch :/
Sure, I had some fun reading the beginning of this story: Billie is supposed to be an hellion and what's his name... George is all conservative and formal... you know, true to the time in which he was living?
As for Billie she comes out as someone somewhat cold ( doesn't like cats -_- never a good sign), someone who is indifferent to her younger sister to the point of having George admonish her.
I liked George _despite having forgotten his name *cough*_, his bafflement over his "sudden" interest in Billie was fun to read, but in the end this story's plot was practically non existent.
Do you want me to prove that to you?
This is what happens:
Stubborn girl grows up with responsible boy ( and his two brothers)
One day out of the blue they both find each other interesting.
They kiss.
___
___
Love is in the air.
"I can't marry her", says he.
"I will have to marry her, of course.", says the above mentioned.
There's a ball so that the girl can wear a pretty dress.
Said girl is considered the belle of the ball.
Guy can't dance with the girl due to very weak plot circumstances-_-
Hearts are broken.
There's make up sex.
Promises of marriage are made.
George is tested in the above mentioned weak plot circumstances ( I said this already, haven't I?)
Girl acts all brash and idiotic.
George questions his intelligence... I question your intelligence as well, George.
Vows of forever love are renewed.
The End.
Ugh.
It has the Bridgerton trademark, so of course I was expecting much more.
March 28, 2016
Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child, the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband... someday.
Billie Bridgerton has always been expected to fall in love with one of the Rokjesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors and friends for centuries and the tomboy Billie has always been close to Edward and Andrew and someday one of the would make a perfect husband. The only on of the brothers that wouldn't make a good husband is the older brother George. He and Billie have always had a strained relationship. That is until fate steps in...
I was kind of desperate the other day for a change in genre. I had read so many crime novels in a row that I just couldn't face reading another one and guess what? This book showed up in the mail. I was literally going locking my door going down the stairs thinking I need something else to read and this book was in my mailbox. Like magic. Or perhaps thanks to the publisher and the mailman (and some magic)
Anyway, I devoured this book in a single day, most actually during one sitting. Which is odd since it's a romance book and the one genre I read very little of. But, I guess it was what I needed at the time. The book wasn't perfect, but it was damn funny and easy to read. The only part where I felt the pace slowing a bit down was during George and Billies stay in London, but it was the typical part of the book when the both have realized that they love each other but haven't confessed it to each other. The love dance, or the mating ritual part of the book. For some reason, I always get a bit annoyed with having to read about two people clearly in love but unable to express it other than being jealous.
But, all and all, the book was good. I loved the intro with Billie stuck on a roof and having George rescue her and the Pall Mall game with some guests as also fun. The book also took a more serious tone towards the middle of the book when George's family got some bad news. I like the mix of romance, comedy and drama in books and it worked fine in this book.
So if this book can make even a non-reader of romance happy, then I guess the ones that usually reads romance will love this book!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.
Billie Bridgerton has always been expected to fall in love with one of the Rokjesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors and friends for centuries and the tomboy Billie has always been close to Edward and Andrew and someday one of the would make a perfect husband. The only on of the brothers that wouldn't make a good husband is the older brother George. He and Billie have always had a strained relationship. That is until fate steps in...
I was kind of desperate the other day for a change in genre. I had read so many crime novels in a row that I just couldn't face reading another one and guess what? This book showed up in the mail. I was literally going locking my door going down the stairs thinking I need something else to read and this book was in my mailbox. Like magic. Or perhaps thanks to the publisher and the mailman (and some magic)
Anyway, I devoured this book in a single day, most actually during one sitting. Which is odd since it's a romance book and the one genre I read very little of. But, I guess it was what I needed at the time. The book wasn't perfect, but it was damn funny and easy to read. The only part where I felt the pace slowing a bit down was during George and Billies stay in London, but it was the typical part of the book when the both have realized that they love each other but haven't confessed it to each other. The love dance, or the mating ritual part of the book. For some reason, I always get a bit annoyed with having to read about two people clearly in love but unable to express it other than being jealous.
But, all and all, the book was good. I loved the intro with Billie stuck on a roof and having George rescue her and the Pall Mall game with some guests as also fun. The book also took a more serious tone towards the middle of the book when George's family got some bad news. I like the mix of romance, comedy and drama in books and it worked fine in this book.
So if this book can make even a non-reader of romance happy, then I guess the ones that usually reads romance will love this book!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.
April 2, 2016
Hmm...it was fun, but definitely not Quinn's best. This book was a nice change from some of the books I've been reading recently, so that was a definite plus for it there. It was fun because I tend to like the sort of love-hate/bickering/opposites-attract dynamic, which is somewhat present here. Billie and George don't get along, and that's mostly because they're pretty much polar opposites, with Billie being the adventurous spirit, while George is more staid (or, to her, the stick in the mud). (Though I still think Hugh/Sarah > George/Billie when it comes to bickering and love/hate. Hugh and Sarah were far more amusing in their interactions, imo.) And, oh, man, Quinn should've had more scenes of George being silently insanely jealous, because I found those to be the most amusing parts of the novel.
But, there were aspects of it that I didn't like (or were just odd to me). Right from the beginning, Quinn starts the not-like-other-girls refrain with Billie.
As if women who are feminine or fashionable or "flirt over a fan" aren't capable...? And why is it that women, like Billie, who can run estates can be considered capable, but not those who are able to run grand houses? So Billie considers herself to be capable (aka better) than like nine-tenths of the women around because, really, how many of them are going to be owning, much less running, estates like she does, right? (And I guess I'll never even come close to being considered capable because I'll never even own a grand house, so let's just forget about the estate. And neither will plenty of other people.)
Like, I ain't kidding, guys. Not-like-other-girls is strong with this one:
And.
And.
Look. If your female protagonist, like 91.648790325% (I've done the research and this is an accurate stat. Trust me!) of the female protagonists out there, isn't like other girls, statistically speaking...SHE IS! If almost every book I come across talks about how its female protagonist is "not like other girls," that means she actually IS like other girls, because then those "feminine" and "girlish girl" female protagonists are in the minority. So, technically speaking, THEY are the ones who are not like other girls.
Besides, what's so bad about being like that anyway? What gives Billie the right to deem a woman incapable just because she's feminine? Or can't—or, more likely, isn't allowed to—run an estate like she does? Or, God forbid, she flirts a little! What's with people having to set one woman apart from the rest in order to elevate her by comparison? Just stop. You're doing a huge disservice to everyone by continuing to encourage and spread this mindset.
Anyway. Moving on. When I usually read Quinn's novels, I find that they tend to lose steam in the second half some of the time. This one felt the opposite to me, in that it started off slowly but picked up after the halfway point. Things just started happening...which was where I had another issue. I felt that the events that occurred (even before the halfway point) were forced. It didn't make sense to me how the story jumped from one event to the next, with there being a house party...and then suddenly Like...wha? What is even happening??
I didn't even like the house party bit to begin with. It came out of nowhere, and that didn't make any sense to me. Supposedly it was for Andrew...? But then the house party is upon us and they're at dinner? And then playing Pall Mall? Okay, the Pall Mall scene was a little fun (though it was nowhere near the one from The Viscount Who Loved Me), and it also helped in the relationship development somewhat. However, I didn't really care for it for the most part. I also felt it could've been incorporated better as a whole (house party and all) than it was. Worst of all, though, was that it just felt like fan service to me. And, admittedly, I'm not a fan of fan service when it's so blatant, as I felt was the case here (because it feels cheesy, which makes me cringe).
I know some people might absolutely love the Pall Mall scene because they liked it in the original...but—confession time—I didn't really care for it in the original to begin with. It's not that I hated it, but I didn't really give a damn one way or the other about it. So it's inclusion here? I was less than enthused by it. (Which made it all the more cringey.) And, once the house party had served its purpose—which, I assume, was simply for the Pall Mall—it was immediately terminated. Again...wha?
On a side note...what was with the Earl of Northwick business? (Was it a reference to descendants in the previous books or something? I haven't read them in a good while, so, if they were some minor characters in those, I need some refreshing because I'm truly drawing a blank.) I kept waiting for something to come of it because Quinn spent so much time continuing with the Northwick bit...and then the house party was over, Alexandra was gone, and then, eventually, the book was over, too, with nothing explained. What was even the point of Northwick's inclusion and for Alexandra to go on and on about him? Is this going to be picked up in a later book or something? (Either way, poorly done in this book.)
Another out-of-nowhere thing was them going to London. House party is over...and now they're suddenly heading off to London??? As soon as London was mentioned, I had a feeling things were going to shift there, but I was waiting to see what would trigger it. I understood George going, but why Billie?! George is going so that he can try and find information on . But suddenly Billie wants to go too? Because she's only ever been to London once...? This is a time they're all worried about Edward, and to see if he's dead or alive, and they're all YUP BILLIE IS GOING TO LONDON! Because she's only been once! Wha...? This ain't no pleasure trip or vacation!
Also, besides the extremely weird circumstances, it conflicts with her established characterization. it makes no sense for her to hie off to London because she's only been once and might go sight-seeing. What happened to her not-like-other-girls-ness in which she has a big estate to run and barley to police? Quinn spends a good chunk of the book going on about Billie's responsibilities to the estate and how no one knows how to care for it except her (in her eyes, at least). She had a sprained ankle, but she still proceeded to risk further injury because she just HAD to check up on the estate and see that things were moving along nicely with the farming. And now she's off to London without a second thought to this estate she's been going on and on about throughout the book so far? Because she's only been once? Because she's going to go sight-seeing and theatre-going?
And, besides, why the heck is her family not going?? Wouldn't Lady Bridgerton want to go to comfort her dear, old friend, Lady Manston? But who cares...now they're off to London, explanations and logic and well-established characterizations be damned! And they're going to London to find out ...and then they immediately proceed to get Billie fitted at the modiste because they're going to balls. Again...wha?? What's even happening??
And then there's some espionage-lite business with Lord Arbuthnot. What was even the point of his subplot? I thought it was actually going somewhere at first, but then, like the house party, once it served its purpose, it was dispensed of. And then the book is over.
The disjointed and odd events aside, the emotions of characters (Billie in particular) I also found to be odd. I had trouble reconciling Billie's reactions and emotions to events in comparison to how I felt she should've reacted.
And then later, I found her reactions hard to swallow.
I felt parts of the book were pretty shallow with no deep development. Quinn tells you the surface aspects of things but never goes into them too much. (Why was Billie's not-like-other-girls aspect stressed so much? It's not like we ever really see her working on the estate, honestly. We're just told how great she is at it. Many times. And she's all about how superior she is compared to "delicate" and "feminine," yet she goes off to London for absolutely no discernible reason and then gets prettified and feminized.) And the lack of depth may be why the book felt so disjointed and seemed to jump from point to point. Subplots are also picked up randomly, then dropped once they've served a purpose.
And a final quibble I have is with the sexual pasts of characters. Since this is a historical, it can be expected that the heroine will be the virgin. (Though that seems to be the case more and more in contemporary romance, as well.) And, of course, the hero isn't. (I didn't go into this book expecting that he would be.) However, the author could've left certain lines out.
Couldn't the bolded line just have been left out? Why is that even necessary to include? The sentiment there doesn't change one bit if that single sentence was struck from the novel.
Like, seriously...why is it even necessary to talk about other women, even with no specifics, while he's with the heroine? Why am I being made to think about his passionate, raw, hungry, and lustful kisses with other women while he's with the heroine (and during her first few, at that)?
I really don't like mentions of other women, especially when dealing with a virgin heroine who's never even so much as been kissed by someone else. Especially if the meaning can be expressed without the inclusion of such lines or scenes.
But, there were aspects of it that I didn't like (or were just odd to me). Right from the beginning, Quinn starts the not-like-other-girls refrain with Billie.
The future Lady Kennard would be delicate, feminine. She would have been trained to run a grand house, not a working estate. She would dress in the latest of fashions, her hair would be powdered and intricately styled, and even if she possessed a backbone of steel, she would hide it beneath an aura of genteel helplessness.
Men like George loved to think themselves manly and strong.
She watched him as he planted his hands on his hips. Very well, he was manly and strong. But he was like the rest of them; he’d want a woman who flirted over a fan. God forbid he married someone capable.
As if women who are feminine or fashionable or "flirt over a fan" aren't capable...? And why is it that women, like Billie, who can run estates can be considered capable, but not those who are able to run grand houses? So Billie considers herself to be capable (aka better) than like nine-tenths of the women around because, really, how many of them are going to be owning, much less running, estates like she does, right? (And I guess I'll never even come close to being considered capable because I'll never even own a grand house, so let's just forget about the estate. And neither will plenty of other people.)
Like, I ain't kidding, guys. Not-like-other-girls is strong with this one:
Other young ladies might read romantic poetry and Shakespearean tragedies. Billie read treatises on agricultural management.
And.
If that made her some kind of strange, unfeminine freak, so be it. She would much rather be out on her horse. Or fishing at the lake. Or climbing a tree.
Or anything, really.
Not for the first time Billie wondered what her Heavenly Father had been thinking when she’d been born a girl. She was clearly the least girlish girl in the history of England.
And.
She’d known even then that she wasn’t like other girls. She didn’t want to play the pianoforte or pick at her sewing. She wanted to be outside, to fly through the air on the back of her horse, sunlight dancing across her skin as her heart skipped and raced with the wind.
Look. If your female protagonist, like 91.648790325% (I've done the research and this is an accurate stat. Trust me!) of the female protagonists out there, isn't like other girls, statistically speaking...SHE IS! If almost every book I come across talks about how its female protagonist is "not like other girls," that means she actually IS like other girls, because then those "feminine" and "girlish girl" female protagonists are in the minority. So, technically speaking, THEY are the ones who are not like other girls.
Besides, what's so bad about being like that anyway? What gives Billie the right to deem a woman incapable just because she's feminine? Or can't—or, more likely, isn't allowed to—run an estate like she does? Or, God forbid, she flirts a little! What's with people having to set one woman apart from the rest in order to elevate her by comparison? Just stop. You're doing a huge disservice to everyone by continuing to encourage and spread this mindset.
Anyway. Moving on. When I usually read Quinn's novels, I find that they tend to lose steam in the second half some of the time. This one felt the opposite to me, in that it started off slowly but picked up after the halfway point. Things just started happening...which was where I had another issue. I felt that the events that occurred (even before the halfway point) were forced. It didn't make sense to me how the story jumped from one event to the next, with there being a house party...and then suddenly Like...wha? What is even happening??
I didn't even like the house party bit to begin with. It came out of nowhere, and that didn't make any sense to me. Supposedly it was for Andrew...? But then the house party is upon us and they're at dinner? And then playing Pall Mall? Okay, the Pall Mall scene was a little fun (though it was nowhere near the one from The Viscount Who Loved Me), and it also helped in the relationship development somewhat. However, I didn't really care for it for the most part. I also felt it could've been incorporated better as a whole (house party and all) than it was. Worst of all, though, was that it just felt like fan service to me. And, admittedly, I'm not a fan of fan service when it's so blatant, as I felt was the case here (because it feels cheesy, which makes me cringe).
I know some people might absolutely love the Pall Mall scene because they liked it in the original...but—confession time—I didn't really care for it in the original to begin with. It's not that I hated it, but I didn't really give a damn one way or the other about it. So it's inclusion here? I was less than enthused by it. (Which made it all the more cringey.) And, once the house party had served its purpose—which, I assume, was simply for the Pall Mall—it was immediately terminated. Again...wha?
On a side note...what was with the Earl of Northwick business? (Was it a reference to descendants in the previous books or something? I haven't read them in a good while, so, if they were some minor characters in those, I need some refreshing because I'm truly drawing a blank.) I kept waiting for something to come of it because Quinn spent so much time continuing with the Northwick bit...and then the house party was over, Alexandra was gone, and then, eventually, the book was over, too, with nothing explained. What was even the point of Northwick's inclusion and for Alexandra to go on and on about him? Is this going to be picked up in a later book or something? (Either way, poorly done in this book.)
Another out-of-nowhere thing was them going to London. House party is over...and now they're suddenly heading off to London??? As soon as London was mentioned, I had a feeling things were going to shift there, but I was waiting to see what would trigger it. I understood George going, but why Billie?! George is going so that he can try and find information on . But suddenly Billie wants to go too? Because she's only ever been to London once...? This is a time they're all worried about Edward, and to see if he's dead or alive, and they're all YUP BILLIE IS GOING TO LONDON! Because she's only been once! Wha...? This ain't no pleasure trip or vacation!
Also, besides the extremely weird circumstances, it conflicts with her established characterization. it makes no sense for her to hie off to London because she's only been once and might go sight-seeing. What happened to her not-like-other-girls-ness in which she has a big estate to run and barley to police? Quinn spends a good chunk of the book going on about Billie's responsibilities to the estate and how no one knows how to care for it except her (in her eyes, at least). She had a sprained ankle, but she still proceeded to risk further injury because she just HAD to check up on the estate and see that things were moving along nicely with the farming. And now she's off to London without a second thought to this estate she's been going on and on about throughout the book so far? Because she's only been once? Because she's going to go sight-seeing and theatre-going?
And, besides, why the heck is her family not going?? Wouldn't Lady Bridgerton want to go to comfort her dear, old friend, Lady Manston? But who cares...now they're off to London, explanations and logic and well-established characterizations be damned! And they're going to London to find out ...and then they immediately proceed to get Billie fitted at the modiste because they're going to balls. Again...wha?? What's even happening??
And then there's some espionage-lite business with Lord Arbuthnot. What was even the point of his subplot? I thought it was actually going somewhere at first, but then, like the house party, once it served its purpose, it was dispensed of. And then the book is over.
The disjointed and odd events aside, the emotions of characters (Billie in particular) I also found to be odd. I had trouble reconciling Billie's reactions and emotions to events in comparison to how I felt she should've reacted.
And then later, I found her reactions hard to swallow.
I felt parts of the book were pretty shallow with no deep development. Quinn tells you the surface aspects of things but never goes into them too much. (Why was Billie's not-like-other-girls aspect stressed so much? It's not like we ever really see her working on the estate, honestly. We're just told how great she is at it. Many times. And she's all about how superior she is compared to "delicate" and "feminine," yet she goes off to London for absolutely no discernible reason and then gets prettified and feminized.) And the lack of depth may be why the book felt so disjointed and seemed to jump from point to point. Subplots are also picked up randomly, then dropped once they've served a purpose.
And a final quibble I have is with the sexual pasts of characters. Since this is a historical, it can be expected that the heroine will be the virgin. (Though that seems to be the case more and more in contemporary romance, as well.) And, of course, the hero isn't. (I didn't go into this book expecting that he would be.) However, the author could've left certain lines out.
George was no monk. He had kissed women before, women who knew how to kiss him back. But he had never wanted anyone as much as he wanted Billie. He had never wanted anything as much as this kiss.
Couldn't the bolded line just have been left out? Why is that even necessary to include? The sentiment there doesn't change one bit if that single sentence was struck from the novel.
He couldn’t quite believe how utterly delightful this was. He’d known kisses of passion, of raw, primal hunger and overwhelming lust. This was all that, but there was something more.
Like, seriously...why is it even necessary to talk about other women, even with no specifics, while he's with the heroine? Why am I being made to think about his passionate, raw, hungry, and lustful kisses with other women while he's with the heroine (and during her first few, at that)?
I really don't like mentions of other women, especially when dealing with a virgin heroine who's never even so much as been kissed by someone else. Especially if the meaning can be expressed without the inclusion of such lines or scenes.
November 16, 2016
3.5 stars
When in doubt, but you want a high rating anyway, go for the half stars.
I'll just copy/paste the blurb because historical romance (nothing new, really):
So what makes Miss Bridgerton different from those other HR novels out there?
For once, the main characters actually speak their mind. They don't go assuming and brooding. Both Billie and George are honest with each other, which is a breath of fresh air in a literary world where most lovers assume the worst and keep silent. As soon as our girl suspects the guy of going with another lady, she confronts him at once. I like that. I don't believe in suffering all by yourself. The world would be a much better place if we asked for clarifications instead of guessing.
Then, even if Billie is a virgin, George is not constantly trying to shag her. They honestly dislike each other at the beginning of the book, even if they grew up together. So there's no insta-love/lust in this novel. Their feelings start growing and it takes time. That means George doesn't try to harass her sexually. I very much liked that. Even if I like hot, excruciating passion, too, a respectable man is nice once in a while.
Anyway, if you enjoy HR and would like something a little different than the norm, you should give Because of Miss Bridgerton a try.
When in doubt, but you want a high rating anyway, go for the half stars.
I'll just copy/paste the blurb because historical romance (nothing new, really):
Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places...
This is not one of those times.
Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband... someday.
Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should...
Or not.
There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant, annoying, and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either.
But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor...
Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without...
So what makes Miss Bridgerton different from those other HR novels out there?
For once, the main characters actually speak their mind. They don't go assuming and brooding. Both Billie and George are honest with each other, which is a breath of fresh air in a literary world where most lovers assume the worst and keep silent. As soon as our girl suspects the guy of going with another lady, she confronts him at once. I like that. I don't believe in suffering all by yourself. The world would be a much better place if we asked for clarifications instead of guessing.
Then, even if Billie is a virgin, George is not constantly trying to shag her. They honestly dislike each other at the beginning of the book, even if they grew up together. So there's no insta-love/lust in this novel. Their feelings start growing and it takes time. That means George doesn't try to harass her sexually. I very much liked that. Even if I like hot, excruciating passion, too, a respectable man is nice once in a while.
Anyway, if you enjoy HR and would like something a little different than the norm, you should give Because of Miss Bridgerton a try.
October 29, 2021
4 Estrellitas muy bien merecidas. Iba con algo de miedo porque ésta serie tiene en general muy malas críticas, pero por mi parte he disfrutado muchísimo éste primer libro de los Rokesby.
No sé si era necesario que Julia Quinn escribiese o "explotase" el fenónemo Bridgerton en otra serie para seguir vendiendo, porque bien podría haberle dado a Billie otro apellido y ocurrir la acción de la novela en plena Regencia.
"Por culpa de Miss Bridgerton" nos lleva a la Inglaterra de 1779, a Aubrey Hall, en Kent. Donde Sybilla (Billie) Bridgerton, será nuestra protagonista. Billie es la hermana mayor de Edmund Bridgerton (el adorado padre de nuestros Bridgerton favoritos, que ni siquiera aparece en éste libro, pues es un chico de quince años que está en el colegio). De Billie puede decirse que se ha criado prácticamente como un marimacho y sabe llevar la finca de los Bridgerton tan bien como si fuese el administrador. Pero Billie también es única para meterse en líos, y rescatar a un gatito lo pondrá en el camino de reencontrarse con quien no soporta.
Los Bridgerton y los Rokesby siempre han sido amigos y vecinos. Billie ha pasado su infancia jugando y peleandose con Edward, Mary y Andrew Rokesby, pero siempre ha habido un Rokesby que la ha sacado de quicio, la ha mirado por encima del hombro, la ha prejuzgado y sacado lo peor de ella, y ése es George, el hermano mayor y heredero del conde de Manston.
George vuelve un día a casa y en el camino se encuentra a la señorita Bridgerton, que ha metido literalmente la pata donde no debía. El honor le obliga a socorrerla, pero todo sale mal hasta que tienen que socorrerlos a ambos. Sí, los primeros capítulos del libro son muy de Julia Quinn.
Puede que Billie y George nunca se hayan soportado, pero ése momento en el que ambos están atrapados infunde algo entre ellos que los hace olvidar sus diferencias y acercarse más el uno al otro. De repente, pueden ser amigos, hasta pueden llegar a gustarse, pero ninguno sabe que pueden llegar a enamorarse. Billie siempre pensó que se casaría con uno de los chicos Rokesby, pero Edward está luchando en Estados Unidos y aunque Andrew está en casa con un brazo roto preferiría estar en su barco y Nicholas solo tiene catorce años.
George Rokesby siempre vio a Billie Bridgerton como un incordio, aunque no puede decirse que fuese mala, solo una chica difícil. George es un hombre serio y responsable, el heredero perfecto para el condado de Manston. Sus padres piensan que a su edad ya debería haberse casado, pero aún no ha encontrado a la mujer adecuada. Y desde luego Billie Bridgerton y su espíritu aventurero no pueden ser la mujer adecuada.
La verdad de las verdades es que he disfrutado mucho de ésta novela y la he leído en un pis pas de lo que me ha enganchado. Por mi parte, sí he visto ése toque de Julia Quinn, al menos durante la primera mitad del libro. Por otro lado no puedo decir que el romance haya sido soso, tal vez George es algo soso, pero es que no podía ser como Billie, se trata de que sean como el agua y el aceite y Billie roba todo el protagonismo, es arrolladora.
Aunque el romance tarda en aparecer, si se deja ver ésa química entre ellos, y si está bien descrito el enamoramiento, o al menos a mí me lo ha parecido. Tampoco voy a decir que es el mejor libro de Julia Quinn, ni mucho menos; pero sí me ha gustado más que los mas sosetes de los Bridgerton.
La ambientación quizás ha sido el punto flojo. Como he dicho mas arriba, bien hubiese dado igual que los protagonistas fuesen Bridgerton o no, o que la novela ocurriese en el siglo XVIII o en la Regencia, porque aunque hay cuarenta años de diferencia, Julia Quinn no se molesta en darnos mas detalles o en ambientarnos algo mas del siglo XVIII mas que para decirnos que los personajes no llevan pelucas porque no les gustan o son molestas. Para mí, ese ha sido el fallo, algo más de ambientación para saber que estás en el año que estás.
En general ha sido un buen aperitivo para abrirnos el apetito a esta nueva serie. Siendo sincera los hermanos Rokesby me han gustado mucho y estoy deseando saber qué ha pasado con Edward, no tardaré en leer su libro.
No sé si era necesario que Julia Quinn escribiese o "explotase" el fenónemo Bridgerton en otra serie para seguir vendiendo, porque bien podría haberle dado a Billie otro apellido y ocurrir la acción de la novela en plena Regencia.
"Por culpa de Miss Bridgerton" nos lleva a la Inglaterra de 1779, a Aubrey Hall, en Kent. Donde Sybilla (Billie) Bridgerton, será nuestra protagonista. Billie es la hermana mayor de Edmund Bridgerton (el adorado padre de nuestros Bridgerton favoritos, que ni siquiera aparece en éste libro, pues es un chico de quince años que está en el colegio). De Billie puede decirse que se ha criado prácticamente como un marimacho y sabe llevar la finca de los Bridgerton tan bien como si fuese el administrador. Pero Billie también es única para meterse en líos, y rescatar a un gatito lo pondrá en el camino de reencontrarse con quien no soporta.
Los Bridgerton y los Rokesby siempre han sido amigos y vecinos. Billie ha pasado su infancia jugando y peleandose con Edward, Mary y Andrew Rokesby, pero siempre ha habido un Rokesby que la ha sacado de quicio, la ha mirado por encima del hombro, la ha prejuzgado y sacado lo peor de ella, y ése es George, el hermano mayor y heredero del conde de Manston.
George vuelve un día a casa y en el camino se encuentra a la señorita Bridgerton, que ha metido literalmente la pata donde no debía. El honor le obliga a socorrerla, pero todo sale mal hasta que tienen que socorrerlos a ambos. Sí, los primeros capítulos del libro son muy de Julia Quinn.
Puede que Billie y George nunca se hayan soportado, pero ése momento en el que ambos están atrapados infunde algo entre ellos que los hace olvidar sus diferencias y acercarse más el uno al otro. De repente, pueden ser amigos, hasta pueden llegar a gustarse, pero ninguno sabe que pueden llegar a enamorarse. Billie siempre pensó que se casaría con uno de los chicos Rokesby, pero Edward está luchando en Estados Unidos y aunque Andrew está en casa con un brazo roto preferiría estar en su barco y Nicholas solo tiene catorce años.
George Rokesby siempre vio a Billie Bridgerton como un incordio, aunque no puede decirse que fuese mala, solo una chica difícil. George es un hombre serio y responsable, el heredero perfecto para el condado de Manston. Sus padres piensan que a su edad ya debería haberse casado, pero aún no ha encontrado a la mujer adecuada. Y desde luego Billie Bridgerton y su espíritu aventurero no pueden ser la mujer adecuada.
La verdad de las verdades es que he disfrutado mucho de ésta novela y la he leído en un pis pas de lo que me ha enganchado. Por mi parte, sí he visto ése toque de Julia Quinn, al menos durante la primera mitad del libro. Por otro lado no puedo decir que el romance haya sido soso, tal vez George es algo soso, pero es que no podía ser como Billie, se trata de que sean como el agua y el aceite y Billie roba todo el protagonismo, es arrolladora.
Aunque el romance tarda en aparecer, si se deja ver ésa química entre ellos, y si está bien descrito el enamoramiento, o al menos a mí me lo ha parecido. Tampoco voy a decir que es el mejor libro de Julia Quinn, ni mucho menos; pero sí me ha gustado más que los mas sosetes de los Bridgerton.
La ambientación quizás ha sido el punto flojo. Como he dicho mas arriba, bien hubiese dado igual que los protagonistas fuesen Bridgerton o no, o que la novela ocurriese en el siglo XVIII o en la Regencia, porque aunque hay cuarenta años de diferencia, Julia Quinn no se molesta en darnos mas detalles o en ambientarnos algo mas del siglo XVIII mas que para decirnos que los personajes no llevan pelucas porque no les gustan o son molestas. Para mí, ese ha sido el fallo, algo más de ambientación para saber que estás en el año que estás.
En general ha sido un buen aperitivo para abrirnos el apetito a esta nueva serie. Siendo sincera los hermanos Rokesby me han gustado mucho y estoy deseando saber qué ha pasado con Edward, no tardaré en leer su libro.
March 28, 2016
At long last, Julia Quinn has come back to the family we all love, the Bridgertons! But, what do we think of her new book Because of Miss Bridgerton? We ask two of the Bridgerton series craziest fans their thoughts on the new book.
So girls, what were your thoughts when you saw that Julia Quinn was bringing a new book featuring the Bridgertons?
Annie: I lost my shit. The Bridgertons is one of my all-time favorite Historical Romance series and I still believe it’s some of Quinn’s best work so when I learned that she would be returning to this beloved family, saying I was excited is an understatement.
Suzanne: There may have been some squealing and happy dancing going on, luckily I didn’t turn incontinent (poor Annie, losing her shit like that!) but I was definitely busting some moves. The Bridgerton series is not only one of my favourite series by Julia Quinn, but also one of my favourite Historical Romances. The humour, the romance and love, not just between the couples, but between the whole family really shines, you can’t help but fall for every member of the family.
Now that you have read the book, did it live up to your expectations?
Annie: Yeah, it did. I was expecting the same trademark wit and humor that the original series had and this book definitely had some of that. I was also looking forward to exploring more of the family as it was such a big part of the other series. Quinn delivers; she has the same elements in this series that she had with the other but it’s still different enough that you can read this series without having read the Bridgertons.
Suzanne: It did…and it didn’t. I don’t think was as good as her original Bridgerton series, it didn’t manage to hook me in like those did. But, as always with Quinn, she did write a humourous and sweet romance, one that I enjoyed and I hope that I feel the sense of family more as I read through the series. I didn’t quite feel it like I did in the Bridgerton series.
What did you think of the hero and heroine? Did this have the traditional Bridgerton mixture of humour, romance and passion?
Annie: If you’ve read a Julia Quinn book then you know it’s fairly easy to fall in love with her characters. From the moment George and Billie find themselves stuck on a rooftop, arguing, I knew I was going to enjoy this book. Not many authors can put their characters into such ridiculous situations and make them work, let alone make them fall in love.
Suzanne: Quinn’s books, even the Bridgerton series, all follow a pattern and this one was no different; if you like one of her books you are very likely to enjoy them all. So, it did have that mix of humour, romance and passion I enjoy from her; however, it didn’t quite have the special something that makes the original series special.
Will you be rushing out to get the next book in the series?
Annie: I’m looking forward to it! I wonder who’s next?
Suzanne: Despite how negative some of my comments seem, overall I really liked this book and I will be looking forward to read the next one. I can’t wait to see who is next.
What do you rate this book?
Annie: A solid 4 stars. I enjoyed this one more than the latest few releases from Quinn but I’m still holding off until I’ve read more in the series to determine if its as good as the Bridgertons!
Suzanne: I would say 3.5 stars; but this is also a book I would recommend anyone who wants something light and funny paired with fantastic writing to give a go.
Read my review alternate review at Fresh Fiction
April 3, 2016
It's great to catch up with the Bridgertons.
Because of Miss Bridgerton was a cute story where love blossomed unexpectedly between family friends. Billie Bridgerton is a bit of a tomboy who at times, recklessly jumps into situations that get her into strife. This time her escapade leads her to needing assistance, and her unlikely hero, while not her first choice to save the day, leads to an attraction neither of them can deny.
Because of Miss Bridgerton was a cute story where love blossomed unexpectedly between family friends. Billie Bridgerton is a bit of a tomboy who at times, recklessly jumps into situations that get her into strife. This time her escapade leads her to needing assistance, and her unlikely hero, while not her first choice to save the day, leads to an attraction neither of them can deny.
June 14, 2023
a very slow burn romance that has little to not angst or problems. kind of boring but it's really cute at times.
September 18, 2016
There can’t be many people in Romancelandia who haven’t at the very least heard of Julia Quinn’s
Bridgerton
series. Through eight books (not including the subsequently published set of Second Epilogues), we followed the eight Bridgerton siblings as they found love, romance and their happily ever afters, and they’ve become some of the most beloved and iconic creations in the historical romance genre.
The problem for any author who has achieved such a feat must be how on earth to follow such a resounding success? Ms Quinn has written a number of enjoyable historical romances since she finished with the Bridgertons, but it seems that none of those has quite managed to work its way into the hearts and minds of readers as that family has. It’s been almost ten years since the last full-length novel in the series, but finally, there’s a new Bridgerton book on the scene and of course what people want to know is - is it any good? And - is it as good as the earlier series?
Honestly? Yes and no. Yes, it’s a good read and I enjoyed it. But no, it’s not The Viscount Who Loved Me or When He Was Wicked. But there is a truly evil game of Pall Mall and the Mallet of Death makes an appearance, if that’s any consolation!
If you’re looking for a story with lots of action and derring-do, Because of Miss Bridgerton isn’t it. It’s one of those books where the romance IS the story, and I liked that about it because it’s a delicious slow build and I was content to just watch things unfold and enjoy the way the protagonists gradually began to see each other in a different light. Snarky-not-quite-friends-to-lovers is a plot device I usually enjoy, so the basic storyline appealed to me straight away; and while the book doesn’t pack the emotional punch found in some of the original Bridgerton tales, the two central characters are very well drawn and fleshed out and it’s easy to believe in their emotional connection.
When we first meet Billie – Sybilla - Bridgerton, she is stranded on a roof because she climbed up an adjacent tree in order to rescue a kitten that quite obviously didn’t want to be rescued. Stuck on a roof with a badly sprained ankle and not much daylight left, Billie is at first delighted to see a distant figure heading in her direction – and then dismayed as she realises it’s the one person she really doesn’t want to find her in such a situation, her neighbor, George Rokesby, Viscount Kennard. Son and heir of the Earl of Manston, George is around five years older than Billie, who used to run wild with his younger brothers, Andrew and Edward, while George was receiving the education befitting the heir to an earldom. For some reason they can’t quite fathom, George and Billie have never really seen eye to eye; she’s vibrant and impulsive whereas George has responsibilities to live up to and is the frequent target of his brothers’ and Billie’s teasing, all of them viewing him as a bit of a stuffed shirt.
He isn’t, of course. But he’s a man who takes his responsibilities as an earl’s heir seriously, even though he does chafe at the fact that his station in life precludes his doing anything other than waiting to inherit his father’s title. He can’t help the frustration he feels over the fact that Andrew and Edward are serving their country in the Navy and Army respectively, and the author does a good job in conveying that and the restlessness that dogs him beneath his usually stoic demeanour.
With the normally active Billie forced into a short period of inactivity, Andrew, home on leave because of a broken arm, is the one who would usually be the designated cheerer-upper. But even though he is his normal madcap self and he and Billie fall easily into their established pattern of a couple of fast-talking hellions, Billie is rather surprised to discover that it’s George she looks for each day, and even moreso at the disappointment she feels on the occasions Andrew visits her without his brother.
George is equally bewildered at the strength of the attraction he feels for Billie, having spent so long regarding her almost as an annoying younger sister. But she thinks he’s a boring stick-in-the-mud, doesn’t she? – so he has to hope that this ridiculous infatuation will pass before he betrays himself and ends up as the butt of even more of his brothers’ jokes.
I have to say that the book synopsis is a little misleading when it states that George and Billie can’t stand the sight of each other because that isn’t the case. It’s pretty clear from the start that dislike isn’t what keeps them at a distance from each other and the tension that crackles between them whenever they meet has another cause. Their story isn’t so much about hatred turning to love as it is about their coming to understand the reason they have never felt quite comfortable around one another and finally admitting the truth to themselves and each other.
Because of Miss Bridgerton takes place in 1779, and Billie is the elder sister of Edmund, who, as fans will know, is the father of Anthony, Benedict, Colin and the rest of the crew. Billie’s a tomboy who does far more around her father’s estate than anybody realises; she’s the de Facto manager to whom all go with their problems and she’s the one who makes all the decisions since her father has become increasingly less active in the running of their estate. Edmund is still at school and with nobody else to lean on, her father turned to forthright, quick-witted Billie, who prefers to be outdoors riding around the tenant farms or inspecting fencing and drainage than being cooped up inside and has no skill whatsoever in the usual feminine accomplishments like needlework or dancing. I’m not normally a big fan of this type of heroine, but Ms Quinn adds layers to her character by having her be so obviously insecure when it comes to having to venture beyond the estate and local community where everybody knows her and doesn’t question what society at large would undoubtedly term her eccentricities. But because she’s Billie, who manages basically everything, nobody gives much thought to her as a person, even her own family; and there’s something about that aspect of her character that really resonated with me, the idea that she has been fulfilling other peoples’ expectations of her for so long that they can’t see that isn’t who she really is.
The one person who really does see her is George.
And he kissed her tenderly, because this was Billie, and somehow he knew that no one ever thought to be tender with her.
As a couple, they complement each other; he lends her some much needed steadiness and she brings him out of his shell a little. Most importantly, she enables him to see that he is doing something just as valuable as his brothers by staying at home and maintaining their parcel of English soil as a place fit for fighting men to return to.
Although it’s fairly slow-moving, I enjoyed the developing love story and would certainly recommend the book on the strength of it. What doesn’t work so well however, is an odd sub-plot that concerns Edward, the second Rokesby brother, who is away fighting in America. Without giving too much away, events transpire that see George becoming unwittingly embroiled in a potentially dangerous situation, but it doesn’t make much sense and the ending is rushed and somewhat confused.
Ultimately though, readers will be invested in the love story between George and Billie, who are a likeable, well-matched couple with great chemistry and about whose mutual affection and understanding there is no doubt. Because of Miss Bridgerton is an entertaining story that has plenty of warmth and humour and I’m sure it will delight the author’s many fans.
The problem for any author who has achieved such a feat must be how on earth to follow such a resounding success? Ms Quinn has written a number of enjoyable historical romances since she finished with the Bridgertons, but it seems that none of those has quite managed to work its way into the hearts and minds of readers as that family has. It’s been almost ten years since the last full-length novel in the series, but finally, there’s a new Bridgerton book on the scene and of course what people want to know is - is it any good? And - is it as good as the earlier series?
Honestly? Yes and no. Yes, it’s a good read and I enjoyed it. But no, it’s not The Viscount Who Loved Me or When He Was Wicked. But there is a truly evil game of Pall Mall and the Mallet of Death makes an appearance, if that’s any consolation!
If you’re looking for a story with lots of action and derring-do, Because of Miss Bridgerton isn’t it. It’s one of those books where the romance IS the story, and I liked that about it because it’s a delicious slow build and I was content to just watch things unfold and enjoy the way the protagonists gradually began to see each other in a different light. Snarky-not-quite-friends-to-lovers is a plot device I usually enjoy, so the basic storyline appealed to me straight away; and while the book doesn’t pack the emotional punch found in some of the original Bridgerton tales, the two central characters are very well drawn and fleshed out and it’s easy to believe in their emotional connection.
When we first meet Billie – Sybilla - Bridgerton, she is stranded on a roof because she climbed up an adjacent tree in order to rescue a kitten that quite obviously didn’t want to be rescued. Stuck on a roof with a badly sprained ankle and not much daylight left, Billie is at first delighted to see a distant figure heading in her direction – and then dismayed as she realises it’s the one person she really doesn’t want to find her in such a situation, her neighbor, George Rokesby, Viscount Kennard. Son and heir of the Earl of Manston, George is around five years older than Billie, who used to run wild with his younger brothers, Andrew and Edward, while George was receiving the education befitting the heir to an earldom. For some reason they can’t quite fathom, George and Billie have never really seen eye to eye; she’s vibrant and impulsive whereas George has responsibilities to live up to and is the frequent target of his brothers’ and Billie’s teasing, all of them viewing him as a bit of a stuffed shirt.
He isn’t, of course. But he’s a man who takes his responsibilities as an earl’s heir seriously, even though he does chafe at the fact that his station in life precludes his doing anything other than waiting to inherit his father’s title. He can’t help the frustration he feels over the fact that Andrew and Edward are serving their country in the Navy and Army respectively, and the author does a good job in conveying that and the restlessness that dogs him beneath his usually stoic demeanour.
With the normally active Billie forced into a short period of inactivity, Andrew, home on leave because of a broken arm, is the one who would usually be the designated cheerer-upper. But even though he is his normal madcap self and he and Billie fall easily into their established pattern of a couple of fast-talking hellions, Billie is rather surprised to discover that it’s George she looks for each day, and even moreso at the disappointment she feels on the occasions Andrew visits her without his brother.
George is equally bewildered at the strength of the attraction he feels for Billie, having spent so long regarding her almost as an annoying younger sister. But she thinks he’s a boring stick-in-the-mud, doesn’t she? – so he has to hope that this ridiculous infatuation will pass before he betrays himself and ends up as the butt of even more of his brothers’ jokes.
I have to say that the book synopsis is a little misleading when it states that George and Billie can’t stand the sight of each other because that isn’t the case. It’s pretty clear from the start that dislike isn’t what keeps them at a distance from each other and the tension that crackles between them whenever they meet has another cause. Their story isn’t so much about hatred turning to love as it is about their coming to understand the reason they have never felt quite comfortable around one another and finally admitting the truth to themselves and each other.
Because of Miss Bridgerton takes place in 1779, and Billie is the elder sister of Edmund, who, as fans will know, is the father of Anthony, Benedict, Colin and the rest of the crew. Billie’s a tomboy who does far more around her father’s estate than anybody realises; she’s the de Facto manager to whom all go with their problems and she’s the one who makes all the decisions since her father has become increasingly less active in the running of their estate. Edmund is still at school and with nobody else to lean on, her father turned to forthright, quick-witted Billie, who prefers to be outdoors riding around the tenant farms or inspecting fencing and drainage than being cooped up inside and has no skill whatsoever in the usual feminine accomplishments like needlework or dancing. I’m not normally a big fan of this type of heroine, but Ms Quinn adds layers to her character by having her be so obviously insecure when it comes to having to venture beyond the estate and local community where everybody knows her and doesn’t question what society at large would undoubtedly term her eccentricities. But because she’s Billie, who manages basically everything, nobody gives much thought to her as a person, even her own family; and there’s something about that aspect of her character that really resonated with me, the idea that she has been fulfilling other peoples’ expectations of her for so long that they can’t see that isn’t who she really is.
The one person who really does see her is George.
And he kissed her tenderly, because this was Billie, and somehow he knew that no one ever thought to be tender with her.
As a couple, they complement each other; he lends her some much needed steadiness and she brings him out of his shell a little. Most importantly, she enables him to see that he is doing something just as valuable as his brothers by staying at home and maintaining their parcel of English soil as a place fit for fighting men to return to.
Although it’s fairly slow-moving, I enjoyed the developing love story and would certainly recommend the book on the strength of it. What doesn’t work so well however, is an odd sub-plot that concerns Edward, the second Rokesby brother, who is away fighting in America. Without giving too much away, events transpire that see George becoming unwittingly embroiled in a potentially dangerous situation, but it doesn’t make much sense and the ending is rushed and somewhat confused.
Ultimately though, readers will be invested in the love story between George and Billie, who are a likeable, well-matched couple with great chemistry and about whose mutual affection and understanding there is no doubt. Because of Miss Bridgerton is an entertaining story that has plenty of warmth and humour and I’m sure it will delight the author’s many fans.
January 31, 2023
3.75 Stars
It was a very sweet book.
This series is a prequel to the Bridgerton series. The first book follows Edmund Bridgerton's older sister, who although we didn't see him, we loved him anyway.
Billie Bridgerton is unruly, riding a horse, wearing pants, not a typical woman of 1779.
George Rokesby is the eldest son of the family, so he has a lot of responsibilities. (Ιt reminds me of someone. Hmmmm.....Anthony Bridgerton.)
Billie and George have known each other since they were children, as their families have been friends for years, but they dislike each other.
Billie hung out with George's siblings Mary, Edward and Andrew. All her life she believed that at some point she would marry either Edward or Andrew (the truth is she didn't care which one, lol).
But rescuing a cat brought Billy and George closer.
The story was very beautiful. The character of the protagonists, their humor, how they played with each other, irritate each other, but also how much they wanted each other, was wonderful.
Greek Version
Ήταν ένα πολύ γλυκό βιβλίο.
Η σειρά αυτή είναι prequel της σειράς Bridgerton. Tο πρώυτο βιβλίο ακολουθεί την μεγαλύτερη αδερφή του Έντμουντ Μπρίτζερτον, που αν και δεν τον είδαμε, τον αγαπήσαμε έτσι και αλλιώς.
Η Μπίλι Μπρίτζερτον είναι ατίθαση, ιππεύει άλογο, φοράει παντελόνι, όχι δηλαδή μια τυπική γυναίκα του 1779.
Ο Τζορτζ Ρόκσμπι είναι ο πρωτότοκος γιος της οικογενείας, ως εκ τούτου έχει αρκετές υποχρεώσεις. (Κάποιον μου θυμίζει, χμ.... Άντονι Μπρίτζερτον)
Η Μπίλι και ο Τζορτζ γνωρίζονται από παιδιά, καθώς οι οικογενειές τους είναι χρόνια φίλοι, όμως αντιπαθούν ο ένας τον άλλον.
Η Μπίλι έκανε παρέα με τα αδέρφια του Τζορτζ τη Μέρι, τον Έντουαρντ και τον Άντριου. Όλη της την ζωή πίστευε ότι κάποια στιγμή θα παντρευτεί είτε τον Έντουαρντ είτε τον Άντριου ( η αλήθεια έιναι ότι δεν την ένοιαζε ποιον από τους δύο, γελάω)
Όμως, η διάσωση μιας γάτας έφερε την Μπίλι και τον Τζορτζ πιο κόντα.
Η ιστορία ήταν πολύ όμορφη. Ο χαρακτήρας των πρωταγωνιστών, το χιούμορ τους, πως έπαιζαν μεταξύ τους για να εκνευρίσουν ο ένας τον αλλόν, αλλά και ταυτόχρονα πόσο ήθελαν ο ένας τον άλλον, ήταν υπέροχο.
"We're a team."
It was a very sweet book.
This series is a prequel to the Bridgerton series. The first book follows Edmund Bridgerton's older sister, who although we didn't see him, we loved him anyway.
Billie Bridgerton is unruly, riding a horse, wearing pants, not a typical woman of 1779.
George Rokesby is the eldest son of the family, so he has a lot of responsibilities. (Ιt reminds me of someone. Hmmmm.....Anthony Bridgerton.)
Billie and George have known each other since they were children, as their families have been friends for years, but they dislike each other.
Billie hung out with George's siblings Mary, Edward and Andrew. All her life she believed that at some point she would marry either Edward or Andrew (the truth is she didn't care which one, lol).
But rescuing a cat brought Billy and George closer.
The story was very beautiful. The character of the protagonists, their humor, how they played with each other, irritate each other, but also how much they wanted each other, was wonderful.
Greek Version
"Είμαστε συμπαίχτες."
Ήταν ένα πολύ γλυκό βιβλίο.
Η σειρά αυτή είναι prequel της σειράς Bridgerton. Tο πρώυτο βιβλίο ακολουθεί την μεγαλύτερη αδερφή του Έντμουντ Μπρίτζερτον, που αν και δεν τον είδαμε, τον αγαπήσαμε έτσι και αλλιώς.
Η Μπίλι Μπρίτζερτον είναι ατίθαση, ιππεύει άλογο, φοράει παντελόνι, όχι δηλαδή μια τυπική γυναίκα του 1779.
Ο Τζορτζ Ρόκσμπι είναι ο πρωτότοκος γιος της οικογενείας, ως εκ τούτου έχει αρκετές υποχρεώσεις. (Κάποιον μου θυμίζει, χμ.... Άντονι Μπρίτζερτον)
Η Μπίλι και ο Τζορτζ γνωρίζονται από παιδιά, καθώς οι οικογενειές τους είναι χρόνια φίλοι, όμως αντιπαθούν ο ένας τον άλλον.
Η Μπίλι έκανε παρέα με τα αδέρφια του Τζορτζ τη Μέρι, τον Έντουαρντ και τον Άντριου. Όλη της την ζωή πίστευε ότι κάποια στιγμή θα παντρευτεί είτε τον Έντουαρντ είτε τον Άντριου ( η αλήθεια έιναι ότι δεν την ένοιαζε ποιον από τους δύο, γελάω)
Όμως, η διάσωση μιας γάτας έφερε την Μπίλι και τον Τζορτζ πιο κόντα.
Η ιστορία ήταν πολύ όμορφη. Ο χαρακτήρας των πρωταγωνιστών, το χιούμορ τους, πως έπαιζαν μεταξύ τους για να εκνευρίσουν ο ένας τον αλλόν, αλλά και ταυτόχρονα πόσο ήθελαν ο ένας τον άλλον, ήταν υπέροχο.
September 13, 2022
The Bridgerton's and the Rokesby's are one heart and soul, but the same cannot be said for Billie and George. The two have known each other forever, but they have never really liked each other. That changes when George rescues Billie from a hopeless situation. They are attracted to each other and the jealousy of the two does not come too short.... After the Bridgerton series, it is a must for me to read the Rokesby as well. With wit, humor and love, the author draws me back to England, in the 18th century, but this time to Kent.
March 6, 2017
I've already read 9 books about the Bridgteron family, but FUCK YES to a prequel. I honestly miss this family, even though this is technically in the "past" (more past than it already was).
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Romantic. Funny. Heartwarming.
Plot
I am SUCH a sucker for love-hate relationships. Billie and Geroge just make my heart melt with their endless cute bantering. I love the pacing of the romance, the light atmosphere, the humor, the cuteness, the strong family theme – this book is pretty much perfect. I absolutely adore the original 9-books Bridgerton series, but I have to say that this may be my 2nd favorite out of all of them.
I guess my only complaint here is that it ended a bit abruptly – on both the ending and epilogue. I wanted something…more. It’s still good though.
NOTES: Refer to spoiler sections at the bottom of review if you want more details on the ending.
Characters
– Billie: The protagonist is amaaazing – I admire that she actually works on her father’s property (even though she doesn’t have to). She is ambitious and she is proud of all of her accomplishments. Also, she’s rather forward-thinking considering the time - she voices her opinions, wears pants when she does labor, is not afraid to take initiative, etc. I find her likable because of these things - she is brave and funny. Her flaw is obviously her recklessness, but it’s still something to be admired that she’s bold enough to do such crazy things.
– George: I like him. He’s stern and calm, but mainly kind. I love that he’s honest and straight-forward with Billie. He’s pretty much the perfect balance for her craziness.
Final Thoughts
I’m giving it 4 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed it – it’s super cute and funny. The Bridgerton family always has a special place in my heart, and I’m glad to see that I genuinely love this one too. The characters within the 2 families (Bridgerton and Rokesbys) in this book are incredibly endearing. *happy sigh*
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Do you have to read the Bridgerton series first before this book?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scene?
What age level would be appropriate?
----------
Romantic. Funny. Heartwarming.
Plot
I am SUCH a sucker for love-hate relationships. Billie and Geroge just make my heart melt with their endless cute bantering. I love the pacing of the romance, the light atmosphere, the humor, the cuteness, the strong family theme – this book is pretty much perfect. I absolutely adore the original 9-books Bridgerton series, but I have to say that this may be my 2nd favorite out of all of them.
I guess my only complaint here is that it ended a bit abruptly – on both the ending and epilogue. I wanted something…more. It’s still good though.
NOTES: Refer to spoiler sections at the bottom of review if you want more details on the ending.
Characters
– Billie: The protagonist is amaaazing – I admire that she actually works on her father’s property (even though she doesn’t have to). She is ambitious and she is proud of all of her accomplishments. Also, she’s rather forward-thinking considering the time - she voices her opinions, wears pants when she does labor, is not afraid to take initiative, etc. I find her likable because of these things - she is brave and funny. Her flaw is obviously her recklessness, but it’s still something to be admired that she’s bold enough to do such crazy things.
– George: I like him. He’s stern and calm, but mainly kind. I love that he’s honest and straight-forward with Billie. He’s pretty much the perfect balance for her craziness.
Final Thoughts
I’m giving it 4 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed it – it’s super cute and funny. The Bridgerton family always has a special place in my heart, and I’m glad to see that I genuinely love this one too. The characters within the 2 families (Bridgerton and Rokesbys) in this book are incredibly endearing. *happy sigh*
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Do you have to read the Bridgerton series first before this book?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scene?
What age level would be appropriate?
April 1, 2016
4 1/2 stars (rounded up to 5 stars, because nobody writes light and funny historical romance with the right amount of "seriousness" to prevent it from becoming fluffy like Julia Quinn)
February 19, 2016
ARC Provided by Edelweiss for honest review. Thank you!
The synopsis of the book pretty much gives you the over arching story line so my review isn't going that direction for this one. But this one review I will go on and on about how this author does a beautiful job in creating wonderful characters.
George and Billie come to life in this story and I mean I'm right there with them feeling and experiencing what they are. George with his stubborn, stoic demeanor, but a heart of gold that would do anything and everything for his family. Billie, oh how I loved Billie, spunky and sassy, full of life and mischief but dedicated to her family and loyal. The beginning of the story was a absolute hoot and the dialogue and sass between these two will hook you right in. You can't but cheer these two on as they slowly become aware of a different side they never saw of each other. Things slowly become revealed, actions transpire, words spoken and what a sweet and rich romance. Now warning for some readers that this is not high on on the steam factor but the sweet factor more then makes up for it. Plus, can I just say I love my sassy heroine and stoic hero. Truly these two complement each other to a tee. I loved, loved the family aspect in this story and how it just enriched the relationship between these two. I will say like a few other reviewers commented on, that the ending was a little too abrupt and need to be smoother.
So if you like a sassy heroine, stoic hero, lots of family action and a sweet romance this is the book for you. On a side note, this is a very well written romance!!!
The synopsis of the book pretty much gives you the over arching story line so my review isn't going that direction for this one. But this one review I will go on and on about how this author does a beautiful job in creating wonderful characters.
George and Billie come to life in this story and I mean I'm right there with them feeling and experiencing what they are. George with his stubborn, stoic demeanor, but a heart of gold that would do anything and everything for his family. Billie, oh how I loved Billie, spunky and sassy, full of life and mischief but dedicated to her family and loyal. The beginning of the story was a absolute hoot and the dialogue and sass between these two will hook you right in. You can't but cheer these two on as they slowly become aware of a different side they never saw of each other. Things slowly become revealed, actions transpire, words spoken and what a sweet and rich romance. Now warning for some readers that this is not high on on the steam factor but the sweet factor more then makes up for it. Plus, can I just say I love my sassy heroine and stoic hero. Truly these two complement each other to a tee. I loved, loved the family aspect in this story and how it just enriched the relationship between these two. I will say like a few other reviewers commented on, that the ending was a little too abrupt and need to be smoother.
So if you like a sassy heroine, stoic hero, lots of family action and a sweet romance this is the book for you. On a side note, this is a very well written romance!!!
March 5, 2023
4.25 ⭐️
I’ve always been a fan of this sort of time period in general, but for some reason I just never gave historical romances a chance until now - but I’m really happy that I finally did, because I am definitely down to read more after enjoying this one so much.
It was really simple and to the point, but that’s why I liked it. There wasn’t a ton of drama or unnecessary side things going on - it was a really easy and fast paced read that was filled with witty banter that kept me wanting to flip the page… can’t ask for much more than that.
I really enjoyed Billie and George as the main characters. I liked them as individuals, I liked their interactions with one another, I liked how I got a solid feel for how they used to view each other in the past, and I liked how we got a good slow burn build up of getting to watch those feelings slowly change in both of them throughout the story - I thought that the circumstances behind why her and George’s feelings suddenly changed now as opposed to any other time in their pasts made a lot of sense… so I really liked how realistic that aspect felt (especially because often when two people have a long history of not getting along, I usually roll my eyes at the reasoning of why their feelings suddenly change - but that was not the case for this scenario)
My only hold up was that if anything, it was too simple? I feel like some moments could have used a bit more context or explanation and some plot pushing moments felt a tad too convenient… but I honestly was just enjoying the ease of reading it, so I didn’t care to over analyze it too much
I’ve always been a fan of this sort of time period in general, but for some reason I just never gave historical romances a chance until now - but I’m really happy that I finally did, because I am definitely down to read more after enjoying this one so much.
It was really simple and to the point, but that’s why I liked it. There wasn’t a ton of drama or unnecessary side things going on - it was a really easy and fast paced read that was filled with witty banter that kept me wanting to flip the page… can’t ask for much more than that.
I really enjoyed Billie and George as the main characters. I liked them as individuals, I liked their interactions with one another, I liked how I got a solid feel for how they used to view each other in the past, and I liked how we got a good slow burn build up of getting to watch those feelings slowly change in both of them throughout the story - I thought that the circumstances behind why her and George’s feelings suddenly changed now as opposed to any other time in their pasts made a lot of sense… so I really liked how realistic that aspect felt (especially because often when two people have a long history of not getting along, I usually roll my eyes at the reasoning of why their feelings suddenly change - but that was not the case for this scenario)
My only hold up was that if anything, it was too simple? I feel like some moments could have used a bit more context or explanation and some plot pushing moments felt a tad too convenient… but I honestly was just enjoying the ease of reading it, so I didn’t care to over analyze it too much
April 23, 2021
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2021/...
2.5 ★
Me sabe muy mal no darle más, pero me ha faltado encontrar lo que, en mi opinión, define a Julia Quinn: humor
Lo mejor, esa primera escena, estupenda ;)
Billie es un personaje arrollador, sí, pero de las que he leído ya demasiadas novelas para que me resulte novedosa
George es un personaje estirado, de los que resultan encantadores y educados, pero frío
La historia es totalmente lineal, no tiene climax, ni puntos de inflexión. Es cierto que su relación es paulatina, pero entre la pareja falta de todo, no hay chispa, no hay pasión y todo fluye de manera muy sosa, tan predecible... sus diálogos son amenos, pero le falta ese toque «quinn» que tienen la gran mayoría de sus novelas
Hay momento en los que me ha aburrido.
Con ella empieza una serie y contamos con los siguientes protagonistas, el que más me ha interesado es justo el que no aparece.
Esperando con ansia el segundo porque este no me ha gustado.
2.5 ★
Me sabe muy mal no darle más, pero me ha faltado encontrar lo que, en mi opinión, define a Julia Quinn: humor
Lo mejor, esa primera escena, estupenda ;)
Billie es un personaje arrollador, sí, pero de las que he leído ya demasiadas novelas para que me resulte novedosa
George es un personaje estirado, de los que resultan encantadores y educados, pero frío
La historia es totalmente lineal, no tiene climax, ni puntos de inflexión. Es cierto que su relación es paulatina, pero entre la pareja falta de todo, no hay chispa, no hay pasión y todo fluye de manera muy sosa, tan predecible... sus diálogos son amenos, pero le falta ese toque «quinn» que tienen la gran mayoría de sus novelas
Hay momento en los que me ha aburrido.
Con ella empieza una serie y contamos con los siguientes protagonistas, el que más me ha interesado es justo el que no aparece.
Esperando con ansia el segundo porque este no me ha gustado.
March 16, 2021
3'5⭐ YOUTUBE / INSTAGRAM
En cuanto empecé a leer este libro se me puso una sonrisa enorme en la cara. Las historias de Julia Quinn tienen un punto fresco y adictivo que siempre me cautiva.
De nuevo me han fascinado las dinámicas entre personajes que consigue esta autora. Me han gustado mucho las interacciones de Billie y George, adoro cuando los personajes empiezan cayéndose muy mal y poco a poco van trabando amistad y de ahí pasan a sentimientos más románticos... En ese sentido, la autora siempre me convence.
No obstante, en esta ocasión creo que la trama cojea en algunos puntos. Hay una subtrama que me ha parecido metida un poco con calzador porque no se ha explorado lo suficiente para mí gusto. Con algunas páginas más quizás habría sido más redondo, porque tal como está, me parece que casi sobraba. Es una línea argumental que supongo que pretende dar algo más de profundidad a la historia y al personaje de George, y tengo entendido que en parte se aprovecha para uno de los próximos libros, pero tal como se lleva y el cierre apresurado que se le da en este primero... podría haber sido mejor.
Pero es que disfruto TANTO de cómo escribe Julia Quinn... Desde la primera frase me absorbió y consiguió que me olvidara del mundo, además de reírme con ese humor tan especial de la autora.
Si pudiera, me empezaba el segundo ahora mismo.
En cuanto empecé a leer este libro se me puso una sonrisa enorme en la cara. Las historias de Julia Quinn tienen un punto fresco y adictivo que siempre me cautiva.
De nuevo me han fascinado las dinámicas entre personajes que consigue esta autora. Me han gustado mucho las interacciones de Billie y George, adoro cuando los personajes empiezan cayéndose muy mal y poco a poco van trabando amistad y de ahí pasan a sentimientos más románticos... En ese sentido, la autora siempre me convence.
No obstante, en esta ocasión creo que la trama cojea en algunos puntos. Hay una subtrama que me ha parecido metida un poco con calzador porque no se ha explorado lo suficiente para mí gusto. Con algunas páginas más quizás habría sido más redondo, porque tal como está, me parece que casi sobraba. Es una línea argumental que supongo que pretende dar algo más de profundidad a la historia y al personaje de George, y tengo entendido que en parte se aprovecha para uno de los próximos libros, pero tal como se lleva y el cierre apresurado que se le da en este primero... podría haber sido mejor.
Pero es que disfruto TANTO de cómo escribe Julia Quinn... Desde la primera frase me absorbió y consiguió que me olvidara del mundo, además de reírme con ese humor tan especial de la autora.
Si pudiera, me empezaba el segundo ahora mismo.
October 29, 2018
I OFFICIALLY HAVE A FAVORITE JULIA QUINN. Because of Miss Bridgerton was immediately my favorite from the very first page. This is by far the funniest of Quinn’s books that I’ve read, and the ship is pure fucking gold. SHIP SHIP FLAIL SHIP.
I mean, the heroine, Billie, has climbed up a tree to save a demon cat and fallen on a roof where she is now stuck with an injured ankle. Where, of course, the only person nearby is George Rokesby, the oldest of the neighbor boys, the only one who’s not her dear friend and the only one with a stick up his ass. The opening is so funny and puts their relationship in motion, because they begin to see each other in a new light and omg ship, guys.
Aside from the ship of bantery perfection, the Rokesbys and Bridgertons are adorable. The two families are besties and basically act like one big family. They meet up for dinners and talk about vaguely scandalous stuff, and I love them all dearly. I cannot wait for more Rokesby books because YASSS. Also, the mothers are such shippers and I love it.
READ IT READ IT READ IT. Tessa Dare fans, this is probably the most ideal introduction to Julia Quinn you could possibly have.
I mean, the heroine, Billie, has climbed up a tree to save a demon cat and fallen on a roof where she is now stuck with an injured ankle. Where, of course, the only person nearby is George Rokesby, the oldest of the neighbor boys, the only one who’s not her dear friend and the only one with a stick up his ass. The opening is so funny and puts their relationship in motion, because they begin to see each other in a new light and omg ship, guys.
Aside from the ship of bantery perfection, the Rokesbys and Bridgertons are adorable. The two families are besties and basically act like one big family. They meet up for dinners and talk about vaguely scandalous stuff, and I love them all dearly. I cannot wait for more Rokesby books because YASSS. Also, the mothers are such shippers and I love it.
READ IT READ IT READ IT. Tessa Dare fans, this is probably the most ideal introduction to Julia Quinn you could possibly have.
August 27, 2018
Billie Bridgerton and George Rokesby, Lord Kennard, do not like each other. However, when Billie is stuck on a roof after trying to save a cat, George is her unlikely rescuer. Well, not exactly. George gets stuck on the same roof as Billie when his rescue goes terrible wrong. George's brother, Andrew, comes by and helps them off the roof. But George does carry Billie, because of her sprained ankle, to Crake House. All because of a cat and the forced time they had to spend together on the roof, Billie and George are noticing things about each other, and, just maybe, discovering they don't dislike each other after all.
I quickly sped through this historical romance. The characters were well developed and I love the banter between Billie and the Rokesby siblings. Even Billie's sister has some spunk. The plot was simply straightforward, but never boring. This was a fun, delightful read. I can always count on Julia Quinn to write a terrific book.
I quickly sped through this historical romance. The characters were well developed and I love the banter between Billie and the Rokesby siblings. Even Billie's sister has some spunk. The plot was simply straightforward, but never boring. This was a fun, delightful read. I can always count on Julia Quinn to write a terrific book.
January 10, 2021
3.5
I must admit I’ve always been fond of the “he hates her/she despises him but really they’re hot for each other” theme. Add in some very funny scenes and you’ve got a charming tale of a happy ending.
I must admit I’ve always been fond of the “he hates her/she despises him but really they’re hot for each other” theme. Add in some very funny scenes and you’ve got a charming tale of a happy ending.
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