Asia
4.5/5
I loved this book more than I thought I would. Hyacinth and Gareth were both amazing. I loved their bickering and back-and-forth.
I loved Danbury there too, and how loving she was towards her grandson and Hyacinth.
Gareth was great. I'm glad he had his grandmother there for him and then Hyacinth. I enjoyed him and I liked him UNTIL he decided to compromise Hyacinth. He should have told her the truth about his parentage, but instead, he decided to deceive her. I wanted her to slap him.
I'm glad she got angry, but I'm disappointed that she was the one who made the first move. Garthe should have been the one who begged on his knees for her forgiveness.
But all in all, I loved their relationship.
And as always, I loved seeing other Bridgerton siblings. Gregory was so sarcastic I can't wait to read his book. And Anthony was amazing, as always, That whole scene with his and Gareth was hilarious; I couldn't stop laughing.
The whole quest to find jewels was intriguing and I enjoyed it. The conclusion was hilarious too. I loved that.
Tropes:
- friends to lovers
- matchmaking mamas
- partners in crime
- forced proximity
-mystery
4.5/5
I loved this book more than I thought I would. Hyacinth and Gareth were both amazing. I loved their bickering and back-and-forth.
I loved Danbury there too, and how loving she was towards her grandson and Hyacinth.
Gareth was great. I'm glad he had his grandmother there for him and then Hyacinth. I enjoyed him and I liked him UNTIL he decided to compromise Hyacinth. He should have told her the truth about his parentage, but instead, he decided to deceive her. I wanted her to slap him.
I'm glad she got angry, but I'm disappointed that she was the one who made the first move. Garthe should have been the one who begged on his knees for her forgiveness.
But all in all, I loved their relationship.
And as always, I loved seeing other Bridgerton siblings. Gregory was so sarcastic I can't wait to read his book. And Anthony was amazing, as always, That whole scene with his and Gareth was hilarious; I couldn't stop laughing.
The whole quest to find jewels was intriguing and I enjoyed it. The conclusion was hilarious too. I loved that.
Tropes:
- friends to lovers
- matchmaking mamas
- partners in crime
- forced proximity
-mystery
4.5/5
This book was emotional, sad, hopeful, and fun. Also, it made me root for a man.
Firstly, I loved the relationship between Francesca and John. It was so sweet and calm and pleasant, and they both loved each other dearly. His death was devastating and sudden to everyone.
And then there's Michael. He was so fun from the beginning. His sly sense of humor, his wicked words, everything made him instantly my favourite. I love how much he loved Francesca but John as well, and how much he respected and adored John. He never wanted this to happen and he felt such guilt over the course of the book. I'm glad he finally let go of that.
Francfesca was complicated. I loved her at first, but then she started using Michael, while refusing his proposal, but still usijng him for her pleasure. She lead him on for weeks while refusing to think about what she really wanted, to think about ho she was going to accomplish it. She just took and took from Michael while not giving him anything. I get that she was hurting and she wanted children and maybe wasn't ready for marriage, but she should have told Michael all this instead of leading him on. I think Michael was justified in wanting Francesca out of the house after he confessed his love and she still didn't give him an answer.
The infertility issues were very emotional but I'm glad everything worked out (it's a romance novel, I didn't expect anything else). I loved Michael's realization at the very end that he wanted the kids not just for Frannie but for himself too. The scene at John's grave was emotional and lovely and I'm glad that both Frannie and Michael relaized that this is what John would have wanted.
The second epilogue was amazing, I loved it. The spice was great too!
Tropes:
- second chance (in life)
- friends with benefits
- friends to enemies to lovers
- forced proximity
4.5/5
This book was emotional, sad, hopeful, and fun. Also, it made me root for a man.
Firstly, I loved the relationship between Francesca and John. It was so sweet and calm and pleasant, and they both loved each other dearly. His death was devastating and sudden to everyone.
And then there's Michael. He was so fun from the beginning. His sly sense of humor, his wicked words, everything made him instantly my favourite. I love how much he loved Francesca but John as well, and how much he respected and adored John. He never wanted this to happen and he felt such guilt over the course of the book. I'm glad he finally let go of that.
Francfesca was complicated. I loved her at first, but then she started using Michael, while refusing his proposal, but still usijng him for her pleasure. She lead him on for weeks while refusing to think about what she really wanted, to think about ho she was going to accomplish it. She just took and took from Michael while not giving him anything. I get that she was hurting and she wanted children and maybe wasn't ready for marriage, but she should have told Michael all this instead of leading him on. I think Michael was justified in wanting Francesca out of the house after he confessed his love and she still didn't give him an answer.
The infertility issues were very emotional but I'm glad everything worked out (it's a romance novel, I didn't expect anything else). I loved Michael's realization at the very end that he wanted the kids not just for Frannie but for himself too. The scene at John's grave was emotional and lovely and I'm glad that both Frannie and Michael relaized that this is what John would have wanted.
The second epilogue was amazing, I loved it. The spice was great too!
Tropes:
- second chance (in life)
- friends with benefits
- friends to enemies to lovers
- forced proximity
3.5/5
I wish I liked this book more because I loved the premise. Eloise running away to meet her pen pal to see if they would be fit to marry, and Phillip, being not only blindsided by her visit, but also trying to connect with his children but couldn't. And them having to work through their differences to find happiness.
It was such an interesting premise, I was so excited to read it. Alas, the book was disappointing.
Firstly, Eloise was amazing. I really loved her (and she was so different from her show version. Who would have thought Eloise was the sunshine wanting to be a wife and a mother?), she was cheeky, and witty, and sarcastic. And I loved how she treated Oliver and Amanda from the start and even as blindsided as she was of learning aboutt heir existence, she was not only ready but also determined to take care of them.
Then, the twins. Or more specifically, Amanda. She was one of the best parts of the book for me. All cheeky and hoping for her father's attention and witty. I loved her. Meanwhile, Oliver was just there. I think that if Oliver didn't exist, the book would still have been the same - I mean even the 2nd epilogue was written from Amanda's perspective, Oliver was always like an afterthought.
And then there's Phillip-all-woe-is-me-Crane. I sympathised with him when it came to Marina and not wanting to be an abusive father like his own had been. But for heaven's sake, this man was so... bland. That's all there is to it. He was bland. He didn't contribute in any way (except for getting rid of the children's nurse, finally), I mean he didn't even know that his children could swim. Or count. Or that they outgrew their clothes. He was so clueless all of the time, it was annoying.
And while he was understandably annoyed with Eloise at first (she did, in fact, ignore his letter for a month and then showed up with no notice), it became frustrating when he locked himself in his greenhouse all day and sulked, and when Eloise tried tot alk to him about his own children, he screamed at her that there's nothing more important than him than to take her to bed because he hadn't been with a woman for years.
Boo hoo.
And their love confession came out of nowhere. At least it was more believable from Elosie's perspective, I think, since she was the one who was trying to reach out, but it was very sudden and slightly out of character for Phillip to confess first. He only wanted a wife to take care of his children and leave him alone (except at night) so it was just weird to see him confess.
But I have to admit that the flowers spelling out his love was very, very romantic.
Now, for the second-favorite part of the book. Bridgerton brothers.
More specifically, Anthony and COlin (but Gregory was there too!)
I love them so much. Anthony was such an older sibling, taking charge and reprimanding Eloise (as was his right imo) and making sure she was safe. I really loved him barging in and trying to strangle Phillip, it was funny to me. And the banter! Amazing. I laughed so much during that part of the book and then I cried when Anthony and Eloise talked in the study.
And Colin "I Miss My Wife" Bridgerton was absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough lol.
All in all, the book had an amazing premise but it didn't stick the landing - mostly because Phillip was so bland I think. I've heard fans opinions about him and I honestly forgot about them - but as soon as I finished the book I thought to myself "oh, so that's why they all hate Phillip, makes sense now." I personally don't hate him, I just don't care about him. At all.
Also, can we appreciate Eloise turning into Violet in the 2nd epilogue, as she tried to matchmake her daughter shamelessly? I loved that. Hilarious.
Highlights:
- Eloise was not who I expected but she's amazing anyway
- the twins (well, Amanda)
- ABCG charging after Eloise. The best (and funniest and most emotional) part of the book.
- The shooting competition. I loved that.
Lows:
- Phillip "woe is me" Crane. I didn't really care about him
- The book was a bit boring. I doin't know why, I just wish it was done differently.
Tropes:
- forced proximity
- love letters
- grumpy & sunshine
- opposites attract
- single parent
- marriage of convenience (if you squint)
3.5/5
I wish I liked this book more because I loved the premise. Eloise running away to meet her pen pal to see if they would be fit to marry, and Phillip, being not only blindsided by her visit, but also trying to connect with his children but couldn't. And them having to work through their differences to find happiness.
It was such an interesting premise, I was so excited to read it. Alas, the book was disappointing.
Firstly, Eloise was amazing. I really loved her (and she was so different from her show version. Who would have thought Eloise was the sunshine wanting to be a wife and a mother?), she was cheeky, and witty, and sarcastic. And I loved how she treated Oliver and Amanda from the start and even as blindsided as she was of learning aboutt heir existence, she was not only ready but also determined to take care of them.
Then, the twins. Or more specifically, Amanda. She was one of the best parts of the book for me. All cheeky and hoping for her father's attention and witty. I loved her. Meanwhile, Oliver was just there. I think that if Oliver didn't exist, the book would still have been the same - I mean even the 2nd epilogue was written from Amanda's perspective, Oliver was always like an afterthought.
And then there's Phillip-all-woe-is-me-Crane. I sympathised with him when it came to Marina and not wanting to be an abusive father like his own had been. But for heaven's sake, this man was so... bland. That's all there is to it. He was bland. He didn't contribute in any way (except for getting rid of the children's nurse, finally), I mean he didn't even know that his children could swim. Or count. Or that they outgrew their clothes. He was so clueless all of the time, it was annoying.
And while he was understandably annoyed with Eloise at first (she did, in fact, ignore his letter for a month and then showed up with no notice), it became frustrating when he locked himself in his greenhouse all day and sulked, and when Eloise tried tot alk to him about his own children, he screamed at her that there's nothing more important than him than to take her to bed because he hadn't been with a woman for years.
Boo hoo.
And their love confession came out of nowhere. At least it was more believable from Elosie's perspective, I think, since she was the one who was trying to reach out, but it was very sudden and slightly out of character for Phillip to confess first. He only wanted a wife to take care of his children and leave him alone (except at night) so it was just weird to see him confess.
But I have to admit that the flowers spelling out his love was very, very romantic.
Now, for the second-favorite part of the book. Bridgerton brothers.
More specifically, Anthony and COlin (but Gregory was there too!)
I love them so much. Anthony was such an older sibling, taking charge and reprimanding Eloise (as was his right imo) and making sure she was safe. I really loved him barging in and trying to strangle Phillip, it was funny to me. And the banter! Amazing. I laughed so much during that part of the book and then I cried when Anthony and Eloise talked in the study.
And Colin "I Miss My Wife" Bridgerton was absolutely fantastic. I couldn't get enough lol.
All in all, the book had an amazing premise but it didn't stick the landing - mostly because Phillip was so bland I think. I've heard fans opinions about him and I honestly forgot about them - but as soon as I finished the book I thought to myself "oh, so that's why they all hate Phillip, makes sense now." I personally don't hate him, I just don't care about him. At all.
Also, can we appreciate Eloise turning into Violet in the 2nd epilogue, as she tried to matchmake her daughter shamelessly? I loved that. Hilarious.
Highlights:
- Eloise was not who I expected but she's amazing anyway
- the twins (well, Amanda)
- ABCG charging after Eloise. The best (and funniest and most emotional) part of the book.
- The shooting competition. I loved that.
Lows:
- Phillip "woe is me" Crane. I didn't really care about him
- The book was a bit boring. I doin't know why, I just wish it was done differently.
Tropes:
- forced proximity
- love letters
- grumpy & sunshine
- opposites attract
- single parent
- marriage of convenience (if you squint)
4/5
I enjoyed this book. Which, if you don't know me, is very surprising since I hate show Penelope and don't care for show Colin.
But I digress.
I loved Colin since the first book, he was awesome. I always love sarcastic heroes and he was. Sassy too. I love this relationship with his siblings (especially his brothers) and I was intrigued to see how his relationship with Penelope progresses in the books.
Penelope, who is so different in the books that I can't help but admire. She's an amazing friend, very kind and nice and forgiving. And she's great as Lady Whistledown: so witty and sarcastic and delightful and funny. She's not at all cruel, she just reports on what happens without any malicious comments (the show did her dirty). Every time Lady Danbury said "I like her" about Penelope, I was like "me too, actually!"
Book Penelope and Colin are much better characters, and I love them.
Lady Danbury was a lovely surprise. She's somewhat similar to her show's counterpart but less meddling, which I appreciated.
As for the other characters, I love Eloise and Hyacinth so much, as well as their relationship with each other, Violet, and Pen. They're both super sassy and hilarious, and I can't wait to read their books, especially Hyacinth's one.
However, Anthony will forever remain my favourite. And this book only solidified that.
He was incredible. i love how much he honestly cared about Penelope and saw her as his sister since the beginning: the cut he gave to Cressida, how he walked Pen home after Colin's comment, how happy he was to welcome Pen to the family,a nd how proud he was when he found out she was Whistledown (and I wish we saw those conversation between him and Colin in the book!). he was the second person (right after Danbury) to clap for her after the announcement! Truly, the nicest man in London.
I love that Penelope and Colin were honest with each other and confessed their feelings before their wedding so there would be no miscommunication at all. I'm not always a fan of an unrequited love but this one was done well. And it was so refreshing to see Colin actually realize he loves Pen now but didn't before - so many books have MMCs say stuff like "it was always you I was just an idiot and didn't see it but I felt it", but not here. Instead, it's much more realistic, "I should have noticed you years ago but I didn't and I'm sorry. I love you now and i was too stupid to not see you like that before" which I appreciate.
I would have given this book 4.5 stars if not for 2 things: one) Colin annoyed me a little bit when he was so jealous of Pen's accomplishments, but he wouldn't tell her and instead refused to speak to her about Whistledown completely.
and 2) the book was a bit boring after they got engaged. There was nothing happening for almost 15% and while I'm glad that they were happy, it was boring. Nothing happened until Cressida's blackmail and suddenly then all of things happened at once: Colin's plan, Eloise's weird behaviour (if it weren't for the 2nd epilogue, I wouldn't know what was going on, but there were so many hints in hindsight), Hastings ball... it was hard to keep up. So yeah, I was really bored for a few chapters.
All in all it was a really good book and I'm glad that unlike his brithers (and Simon), Colin didn't do anything horrible to Penelope (like lying about not being able to have children. Or tossing her a key that she couldn't catch so she would kneel in front of him. Or harassing her to become his mistress). He was so sweet and gentle and amazing. And I'm glad he found his passion in life (other than the food that is).
4/5
I enjoyed this book. Which, if you don't know me, is very surprising since I hate show Penelope and don't care for show Colin.
But I digress.
I loved Colin since the first book, he was awesome. I always love sarcastic heroes and he was. Sassy too. I love this relationship with his siblings (especially his brothers) and I was intrigued to see how his relationship with Penelope progresses in the books.
Penelope, who is so different in the books that I can't help but admire. She's an amazing friend, very kind and nice and forgiving. And she's great as Lady Whistledown: so witty and sarcastic and delightful and funny. She's not at all cruel, she just reports on what happens without any malicious comments (the show did her dirty). Every time Lady Danbury said "I like her" about Penelope, I was like "me too, actually!"
Book Penelope and Colin are much better characters, and I love them.
Lady Danbury was a lovely surprise. She's somewhat similar to her show's counterpart but less meddling, which I appreciated.
As for the other characters, I love Eloise and Hyacinth so much, as well as their relationship with each other, Violet, and Pen. They're both super sassy and hilarious, and I can't wait to read their books, especially Hyacinth's one.
However, Anthony will forever remain my favourite. And this book only solidified that.
He was incredible. i love how much he honestly cared about Penelope and saw her as his sister since the beginning: the cut he gave to Cressida, how he walked Pen home after Colin's comment, how happy he was to welcome Pen to the family,a nd how proud he was when he found out she was Whistledown (and I wish we saw those conversation between him and Colin in the book!). he was the second person (right after Danbury) to clap for her after the announcement! Truly, the nicest man in London.
I love that Penelope and Colin were honest with each other and confessed their feelings before their wedding so there would be no miscommunication at all. I'm not always a fan of an unrequited love but this one was done well. And it was so refreshing to see Colin actually realize he loves Pen now but didn't before - so many books have MMCs say stuff like "it was always you I was just an idiot and didn't see it but I felt it", but not here. Instead, it's much more realistic, "I should have noticed you years ago but I didn't and I'm sorry. I love you now and i was too stupid to not see you like that before" which I appreciate.
I would have given this book 4.5 stars if not for 2 things: one) Colin annoyed me a little bit when he was so jealous of Pen's accomplishments, but he wouldn't tell her and instead refused to speak to her about Whistledown completely.
and 2) the book was a bit boring after they got engaged. There was nothing happening for almost 15% and while I'm glad that they were happy, it was boring. Nothing happened until Cressida's blackmail and suddenly then all of things happened at once: Colin's plan, Eloise's weird behaviour (if it weren't for the 2nd epilogue, I wouldn't know what was going on, but there were so many hints in hindsight), Hastings ball... it was hard to keep up. So yeah, I was really bored for a few chapters.
All in all it was a really good book and I'm glad that unlike his brithers (and Simon), Colin didn't do anything horrible to Penelope (like lying about not being able to have children. Or tossing her a key that she couldn't catch so she would kneel in front of him. Or harassing her to become his mistress). He was so sweet and gentle and amazing. And I'm glad he found his passion in life (other than the food that is).
3.5 ⭐
Sophie, an illegitimate daughter of an Earl, sneaks away to the masquerade ball where she meets Benedict Bridgerton. After a magical evening, she disappears just as the clock strikes midnight.
Benedict never forgot her, and he never wanted another woman. Until he meets a maid, Sophie, to whom he feels a connection.
This book was a rollercoaster to me. I loved it, then I hated it, and then I loved it again.
I loved the first half up until Benedict recovered from his cold again. I hated how much he pushed and pushed for Sophie to become his mistress, despite her telling him no and no again. And the fact that he blackmailed her into going to Violet's house with him and threatened that he would have her arrested if she didn't, and then when he'd show up in his mother's house to bother Sophie over and over again - I wanted to punch him. Repeatedly.
And I wanted to strangle him when he argued with her in the nursery. I really thought that I'd give this book 2 stars at most.
And then the scene in prison changed things.
Benedict was cruel, dismissive of Sophie's struggles and denials, and took advantage of Sophie in every encounter. I hated him. He partially redeemed himself during the jail scene, which made me root for them again. For a long time, I was baffled that he would get the girl, but he somewhat redeemed himself in my eyes. not fully - I wanted more grovel - but he apologized, which is more than I can say for more male characters.
I loved Sophie; she was amazing and didn't deserve what Araminta put her through. Posy was amazing, and I loved the 2nd epilogue giving her hea.
I finally got to the "I will never marry Penelope Featherington" scene! Colin, to jail with you. I loved how Penelope stood up for herself. "I've never asked you to" was incredible. And Anthony was so amazing when he offered to walk her home. Their bond is amazing, and it seems like he thinks of her as his younger sister.
I'm glad we got the ABC scene. I missed having the sibling bonding scenes. A and B making fun of C was funny. And I loved the sisters' scene as well! EFH were delightful, and I can't believe H is 14 already!
Highlights:
- Sophie's kindness and resolve. I loved her
- Benedict in the jail scene.
- Violet. She was incredible, the real MVP.
= Posy. She deserved better from her mother!
- Sibling bonding! Finally!
Lows:
- Benedict not taking no for an answer, harassing Sophie to become his mistress and threatening and blackmailing her. Ugh.
- Araminta and Rosalind. I hated them.
Tropes:
- Secret identity
- Class difference
- Cinderella retelling
- Insta love
- Forbidden romance
- Forced proximity
3.5 ⭐
Sophie, an illegitimate daughter of an Earl, sneaks away to the masquerade ball where she meets Benedict Bridgerton. After a magical evening, she disappears just as the clock strikes midnight.
Benedict never forgot her, and he never wanted another woman. Until he meets a maid, Sophie, to whom he feels a connection.
This book was a rollercoaster to me. I loved it, then I hated it, and then I loved it again.
I loved the first half up until Benedict recovered from his cold again. I hated how much he pushed and pushed for Sophie to become his mistress, despite her telling him no and no again. And the fact that he blackmailed her into going to Violet's house with him and threatened that he would have her arrested if she didn't, and then when he'd show up in his mother's house to bother Sophie over and over again - I wanted to punch him. Repeatedly.
And I wanted to strangle him when he argued with her in the nursery. I really thought that I'd give this book 2 stars at most.
And then the scene in prison changed things.
Benedict was cruel, dismissive of Sophie's struggles and denials, and took advantage of Sophie in every encounter. I hated him. He partially redeemed himself during the jail scene, which made me root for them again. For a long time, I was baffled that he would get the girl, but he somewhat redeemed himself in my eyes. not fully - I wanted more grovel - but he apologized, which is more than I can say for more male characters.
I loved Sophie; she was amazing and didn't deserve what Araminta put her through. Posy was amazing, and I loved the 2nd epilogue giving her hea.
I finally got to the "I will never marry Penelope Featherington" scene! Colin, to jail with you. I loved how Penelope stood up for herself. "I've never asked you to" was incredible. And Anthony was so amazing when he offered to walk her home. Their bond is amazing, and it seems like he thinks of her as his younger sister.
I'm glad we got the ABC scene. I missed having the sibling bonding scenes. A and B making fun of C was funny. And I loved the sisters' scene as well! EFH were delightful, and I can't believe H is 14 already!
Highlights:
- Sophie's kindness and resolve. I loved her
- Benedict in the jail scene.
- Violet. She was incredible, the real MVP.
= Posy. She deserved better from her mother!
- Sibling bonding! Finally!
Lows:
- Benedict not taking no for an answer, harassing Sophie to become his mistress and threatening and blackmailing her. Ugh.
- Araminta and Rosalind. I hated them.
Tropes:
- Secret identity
- Class difference
- Cinderella retelling
- Insta love
- Forbidden romance
- Forced proximity
4/5
I enjoyed this book. Which, if you don't know me, is very surprising since I hate show Penelope and don't care for show Colin.
But I digress.
I loved Colin since the first book, he was awesome. I always love sarcastic heroes and he was. Sassy too. I love this relationship with his siblings (especially his brothers) and I was intrigued to see how his relationship with Penelope progresses in the books.
Penelope, who is so different in the books that I can't help but admire. She's an amazing friend, very kind and nice and forgiving. And she's great as Lady Whistledown: so witty and sarcastic and delightful and funny. She's not at all cruel, she just reports on what happens without any malicious comments (the show did her dirty). Every time Lady Danbury said "I like her" about Penelope, I was like "me too, actually!"
Book Penelope and Colin are much better characters, and I love them.
Lady Danbury was a lovely surprise. She's somewhat similar to her show's counterpart but less meddling, which I appreciated.
As for the other characters, I love Eloise and Hyacinth so much, as well as their relationship with each other, Violet, and Pen. They're both super sassy and hilarious, and I can't wait to read their books, especially Hyacinth's one.
However, Anthony will forever remain my favourite. And this book only solidified that.
He was incredible. i love how much he honestly cared about Penelope and saw her as his sister since the beginning: the cut he gave to Cressida, how he walked Pen home after Colin's comment, how happy he was to welcome Pen to the family,a nd how proud he was when he found out she was Whistledown (and I wish we saw those conversation between him and Colin in the book!). he was the second person (right after Danbury) to clap for her after the announcement! Truly, the nicest man in London.
I love that Penelope and Colin were honest with each other and confessed their feelings before their wedding so there would be no miscommunication at all. I'm not always a fan of an unrequited love but this one was done well. And it was so refreshing to see Colin actually realize he loves Pen now but didn't before - so many books have MMCs say stuff like "it was always you I was just an idiot and didn't see it but I felt it", but not here. Instead, it's much more realistic, "I should have noticed you years ago but I didn't and I'm sorry. I love you now and i was too stupid to not see you like that before" which I appreciate.
I would have given this book 4.5 stars if not for 2 things: one) Colin annoyed me a little bit when he was so jealous of Pen's accomplishments, but he wouldn't tell her and instead refused to speak to her about Whistledown completely.
and 2) the book was a bit boring after they got engaged. There was nothing happening for almost 15% and while I'm glad that they were happy, it was boring. Nothing happened until Cressida's blackmail and suddenly then all of things happened at once: Colin's plan, Eloise's weird behaviour (if it weren't for the 2nd epilogue, I wouldn't know what was going on, but there were so many hints in hindsight), Hastings ball... it was hard to keep up. So yeah, I was really bored for a few chapters.
All in all it was a really good book and I'm glad that unlike his brithers (and Simon), Colin didn't do anything horrible to Penelope (like lying about not being able to have children. Or tossing her a key that she couldn't catch so she would kneel in front of him. Or harassing her to become his mistress). He was so sweet and gentle and amazing. And I'm glad he found his passion in life (other than the food that is).
4/5
I enjoyed this book. Which, if you don't know me, is very surprising since I hate show Penelope and don't care for show Colin.
But I digress.
I loved Colin since the first book, he was awesome. I always love sarcastic heroes and he was. Sassy too. I love this relationship with his siblings (especially his brothers) and I was intrigued to see how his relationship with Penelope progresses in the books.
Penelope, who is so different in the books that I can't help but admire. She's an amazing friend, very kind and nice and forgiving. And she's great as Lady Whistledown: so witty and sarcastic and delightful and funny. She's not at all cruel, she just reports on what happens without any malicious comments (the show did her dirty). Every time Lady Danbury said "I like her" about Penelope, I was like "me too, actually!"
Book Penelope and Colin are much better characters, and I love them.
Lady Danbury was a lovely surprise. She's somewhat similar to her show's counterpart but less meddling, which I appreciated.
As for the other characters, I love Eloise and Hyacinth so much, as well as their relationship with each other, Violet, and Pen. They're both super sassy and hilarious, and I can't wait to read their books, especially Hyacinth's one.
However, Anthony will forever remain my favourite. And this book only solidified that.
He was incredible. i love how much he honestly cared about Penelope and saw her as his sister since the beginning: the cut he gave to Cressida, how he walked Pen home after Colin's comment, how happy he was to welcome Pen to the family,a nd how proud he was when he found out she was Whistledown (and I wish we saw those conversation between him and Colin in the book!). he was the second person (right after Danbury) to clap for her after the announcement! Truly, the nicest man in London.
I love that Penelope and Colin were honest with each other and confessed their feelings before their wedding so there would be no miscommunication at all. I'm not always a fan of an unrequited love but this one was done well. And it was so refreshing to see Colin actually realize he loves Pen now but didn't before - so many books have MMCs say stuff like "it was always you I was just an idiot and didn't see it but I felt it", but not here. Instead, it's much more realistic, "I should have noticed you years ago but I didn't and I'm sorry. I love you now and i was too stupid to not see you like that before" which I appreciate.
I would have given this book 4.5 stars if not for 2 things: one) Colin annoyed me a little bit when he was so jealous of Pen's accomplishments, but he wouldn't tell her and instead refused to speak to her about Whistledown completely.
and 2) the book was a bit boring after they got engaged. There was nothing happening for almost 15% and while I'm glad that they were happy, it was boring. Nothing happened until Cressida's blackmail and suddenly then all of things happened at once: Colin's plan, Eloise's weird behaviour (if it weren't for the 2nd epilogue, I wouldn't know what was going on, but there were so many hints in hindsight), Hastings ball... it was hard to keep up. So yeah, I was really bored for a few chapters.
All in all it was a really good book and I'm glad that unlike his brithers (and Simon), Colin didn't do anything horrible to Penelope (like lying about not being able to have children. Or tossing her a key that she couldn't catch so she would kneel in front of him. Or harassing her to become his mistress). He was so sweet and gentle and amazing. And I'm glad he found his passion in life (other than the food that is).
3.5 ⭐
Sophie, an illegitimate daughter of an Earl, sneaks away to the masquerade ball where she meets Benedict Bridgerton. After a magical evening, she disappears just as the clock strikes midnight.
Benedict never forgot her, and he never wanted another woman. Until he meets a maid, Sophie, to whom he feels a connection.
This book was a rollercoaster to me. I loved it, then I hated it, and then I loved it again.
I loved the first half up until Benedict recovered from his cold again. I hated how much he pushed and pushed for Sophie to become his mistress, despite her telling him no and no again. And the fact that he blackmailed her into going to Violet's house with him and threatened that he would have her arrested if she didn't, and then when he'd show up in his mother's house to bother Sophie over and over again - I wanted to punch him. Repeatedly.
And I wanted to strangle him when he argued with her in the nursery. I really thought that I'd give this book 2 stars at most.
And then the scene in prison changed things.
Benedict was cruel, dismissive of Sophie's struggles and denials, and took advantage of Sophie in every encounter. I hated him. He partially redeemed himself during the jail scene, which made me root for them again. For a long time, I was baffled that he would get the girl, but he somewhat redeemed himself in my eyes. not fully - I wanted more grovel - but he apologized, which is more than I can say for more male characters.
I loved Sophie; she was amazing and didn't deserve what Araminta put her through. Posy was amazing, and I loved the 2nd epilogue giving her hea.
I finally got to the "I will never marry Penelope Featherington" scene! Colin, to jail with you. I loved how Penelope stood up for herself. "I've never asked you to" was incredible. And Anthony was so amazing when he offered to walk her home. Their bond is amazing, and it seems like he thinks of her as his younger sister.
I'm glad we got the ABC scene. I missed having the sibling bonding scenes. A and B making fun of C was funny. And I loved the sisters' scene as well! EFH were delightful, and I can't believe H is 14 already!
Highlights:
- Sophie's kindness and resolve. I loved her
- Benedict in the jail scene.
- Violet. She was incredible, the real MVP.
= Posy. She deserved better from her mother!
- Sibling bonding! Finally!
Lows:
- Benedict not taking no for an answer, harassing Sophie to become his mistress and threatening and blackmailing her. Ugh.
- Araminta and Rosalind. I hated them.
Tropes:
- Secret identity
- Class difference
- Cinderella retelling
- Insta love
- Forbidden romance
- Forced proximity
3.5 ⭐
Sophie, an illegitimate daughter of an Earl, sneaks away to the masquerade ball where she meets Benedict Bridgerton. After a magical evening, she disappears just as the clock strikes midnight.
Benedict never forgot her, and he never wanted another woman. Until he meets a maid, Sophie, to whom he feels a connection.
This book was a rollercoaster to me. I loved it, then I hated it, and then I loved it again.
I loved the first half up until Benedict recovered from his cold again. I hated how much he pushed and pushed for Sophie to become his mistress, despite her telling him no and no again. And the fact that he blackmailed her into going to Violet's house with him and threatened that he would have her arrested if she didn't, and then when he'd show up in his mother's house to bother Sophie over and over again - I wanted to punch him. Repeatedly.
And I wanted to strangle him when he argued with her in the nursery. I really thought that I'd give this book 2 stars at most.
And then the scene in prison changed things.
Benedict was cruel, dismissive of Sophie's struggles and denials, and took advantage of Sophie in every encounter. I hated him. He partially redeemed himself during the jail scene, which made me root for them again. For a long time, I was baffled that he would get the girl, but he somewhat redeemed himself in my eyes. not fully - I wanted more grovel - but he apologized, which is more than I can say for more male characters.
I loved Sophie; she was amazing and didn't deserve what Araminta put her through. Posy was amazing, and I loved the 2nd epilogue giving her hea.
I finally got to the "I will never marry Penelope Featherington" scene! Colin, to jail with you. I loved how Penelope stood up for herself. "I've never asked you to" was incredible. And Anthony was so amazing when he offered to walk her home. Their bond is amazing, and it seems like he thinks of her as his younger sister.
I'm glad we got the ABC scene. I missed having the sibling bonding scenes. A and B making fun of C was funny. And I loved the sisters' scene as well! EFH were delightful, and I can't believe H is 14 already!
Highlights:
- Sophie's kindness and resolve. I loved her
- Benedict in the jail scene.
- Violet. She was incredible, the real MVP.
= Posy. She deserved better from her mother!
- Sibling bonding! Finally!
Lows:
- Benedict not taking no for an answer, harassing Sophie to become his mistress and threatening and blackmailing her. Ugh.
- Araminta and Rosalind. I hated them.
Tropes:
- Secret identity
- Class difference
- Cinderella retelling
- Insta love
- Forbidden romance
- Forced proximity
