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Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML: An enchanting collection containing the first three novels in New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn's beloved Bridgerton series set in Regency England�The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, and An Offer from a Gentleman�now a series created by Shonda Rhimes for Netflix. The Duke and IWhen Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, agree to a fake courtship, they think they've found the perfect solution to their problems. Romantically associated with one of London's most desirable catches, Daphne's prospects among the ton will soar. For avowed bachelor Simon, an attachment to Daphne will deter would-be brides and their ambitious mamas. Their plan works like a charm�at first. But amid the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London's elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule. . . The Viscount Who Loved Me London's most elusive bachelor, Anthony Bridgerton is determined to wed. But one obstacle stands in his way�his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield, who is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal. Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands, and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. She's determined to protect her sister�even as she fears she may not be able to resist the reprehensible and oh so desirable rake herself . . . An Offer from a GentlemanSophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball�or that she would be spinning in the arms of her "Prince Charming"�the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton. But when the clock strikes midnight, Sophie's enchanting evening ends. Since that night Benedict has been able to think of nothing but the bewitching young woman, and he's sworn to find and wed his mystery miss. Yet will another unexpectedly steal his heart�and his chance for a fairy tale love?.… (more)
User reviews
i) The Duke and I
(2000)
Romance, transposed into 'Regency' times of balls and matchmaking mammas. Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest Bridgerton daughter with three older brothers, wants to get married but all the eligible bachelors think of
I put in a request on Overdrive for this months ago when the TV series came out but it said it I would be on the hold list for about 9 weeks and by the time it did come through, I wasn't really in the mood for a steamy romance. It seemed fairly standard for the genre (anachronisms, Americanisms and all) with more than the usual number of steamy scenes.
3 *** stars
ii) The Viscount who Loved Me
(2006)
Kate Sheffield is not as pretty as her younger half-sister, Edwina. The Sheffield's can only afford one season in London and Edwina is the more likely to find a suitable, rich husband so Kate appoints herself her protector. She wouldn't want Edwina to have her heart broken by a rake such as Lord Bridgerton. Unfortunately, as Edwina is the toast of the season, Lord Bridgerton sets his sights on her when he decides that he will marry this year. Naturally he clashes with Kate and, despite their mutual apathy, discovers that he desires her.
He had no business lusting after this woman. He didn’t even like her.
Quinn seems to have no clue as to the social mores of the period; there are several scenes, for example, when people confuse the two Misses Sheffield when they are talking about them when any good Austenite knows that they should be Miss Sheffield and Miss Edwina Sheffield. The five Bennet sisters were never confused when referred to.
More fluff and less fun than the first instalment.
2.5 ** stars
iii) An offer from a gentleman
(2001)
This is a Cinderella story complete with wicked stepmother, one night at a ball, slippers and a cast off glove and fairytale 'love at first sight' (or just before first sight).
As the illegitimate daughter of the earl of Penwood Sophie has an aristocratic upbringing but her lot in life changes after her father dies. When she goes to a masquerade ball she meets her prince charming - Benedict, the second of the Bridgerton brothers - and they fall in love as soon as they sense each other across the room. As a consequence of going to the ball, Sophie is thrown out of the house so she leaves London to find work as a housemaid. Despite being mesmerised by his mysterious woman in silver, Benedict doesn't recognise her when they meet again but feels the attraction. He cannot marry a servant but he can make an ungentlemanly offer. She will not let any child of hers suffer the same kind of childhood she did. But a Bridgerton doesn't take no for an answer.
if her experience had been sufficiently wretched so that she refused to risk bearing a bastard herself—well, then, he should have respected that.
If he respected her, then he had to respect her beliefs.
Not my favourite instalment (I think you gather that).
2 ** stars
NB: I’m not sure why, whenever she describes any of her characters as plump, Quinn implies it’s not a good thing. Up until the 20th century being well endowed was desirable as it indicated wealth and health.
Despite the book titles, these are all written in the third person.
Averaging out: 2.5 stars
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omnibus:
Book 1: The Duke and I (2023-02)
Book 2: The Viscount Who Loved Me (2023-02)
Book 3: An Offer From A Gentleman (2023-02)