Jess

30 de diciembre de 2011

Romancing Mister Bridgerton

The love story in book 3, Benedict's, was love at first sight; Benedict and Sophie were knocked off their feet before they even said one word to each other. For Colin and Penelope, the opposite happened. They've known each other for years, he a popular Bridgerton, quick with a smile, or always letting his sense of humor show. Penelope, a shy girl, always a wallflower, has accepted that she'll have to love Colin from a distance, while she lives the life of a spinster.One of the many things I'm loving about this series, is how each sibling has found love. For Colin and Penelope it might be the most touching story so far - and yes I've said that with the first three books as well, but to know someone for years and finally SEE them, whether it's because Colin changed, or Penelope, or both of them, they grow together first as friends, then realize that they can't imagine their lives without one another. It was really the sweetest journey for them. They had a little bit of angst to get through, but it was nothing that their love couldn't overcome and sometimes, you don't need to have huge angst in a story to make the romance work. This story was all about their relationship and finding their way to each other, after only knowing friendship for so many years.Colin has so many layers to him, and it's not surprising. So far, we had only seen the playful, adventurous Colin, who is witty and fun, and takes off for parts unknown, loving to travel and see the world. But inside he's struggling to find his place. He doesn't have that "thing" in the world that he can point to with pride and say, this is mine, this is my accomplishment, this is something that I've done that I'm proud of. It bothers him deeply and only Penelope comes to understand this about him, even though he is a bit jealous of her and her secret accomplishments as a writer.Colin has a bit of a temper (who knew!!) but he doesn't have a mean bone in his body and even as he tries to find a purpose in his life, and takes it out a little on Penelope through a little jealously, he loves her fully, and her support for his own writing helps him see a side to himself that he was scared to take a chance on. Her approval and kind words mean the world to him, and for Penelope, to see the outgoing Colin as vulnerable, made her (and me) love him even more.Ahhhh Penelope. So many times throughout the book I wanted to cheer and clap for her. She's always been the wallflower, if for no other reason than she found herself so uncomfortable in crowds that she has a hard time expressing her true self and letting her real personality come out like she's able to with those closest to her. That part of Penelope was so easy for me to relate to - who hasn't had the experience of fighting for words when you most need them, only to have the perfect come back or simple comment well after you needed it? She's a sneaky one though and has been keeping a secret from everyone in her life for years. Colin finds out the truth, and while initially his main concern is the impact it will have on Penelope if/when the truth comes out, he wants no harm to ever come to the woman he loves, this is also the source of the jealously he feels. It causes a couple of bumps in the road, but Colin loves her. Simple as that and he'll do whatever it takes to make her happy.**********And then Penelope did the one thing that could break his resolve in an instant. She looked up at him, deeply into his eyes, and uttered one, simple word."Please?"He was lost. There was something heartbreaking in the way she was gazing at him, as if she might die if he didn't kiss her. Not from heartbreak, not from embarrassment - it was almost as if she needed him for nourishment, to feed her soul, to fill her heart.And Colin couldn't remember anyone else ever needing him with such fervor.It humbled him.It made him want her with an intensity that nearly buckled his knees. He looked at her, and somehow he didn't see the woman he'd seen so many times before. She was different. She glowed. She was a siren, a goddess, and he wondered how on earth no one had ever noticed this before.**********This is really just the best love story, start to end. And while all these books are stand-alones, it packs an even bigger punch if you've read the first three books and get a small taste of who Colin and Penelope are before their story, especially seeing what Penelope's gone through; suffering through embarrassing balls and moments that no poor girl should have to deal with. I ended the story with happy tears and completely, 100% satisfied with the journey and story that Colin and Penelope were given. Simply wonderful and I'm already feeling a bit sad that I'm now officially at the half way point of the series. Four more Bridgerton's to go, but there will be many rereads coming up!Ver más

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Jamie W.

8 de noviembre de 2022

Not as exciting as I had anticipated, but still great to be in the Bridgerton world

3.5 Stars! Since finishing the first season of the Bridgerton tv series, I have been dying to find out more about Colin and Penelope. While I still really enjoyed their road to romance, I do think that I may have hyped my expectations too high.Summary:Penelope Featherington has been in love with Colin Bridgerton for as long as she can remember. Him being her best friend’s brother has given her ample opportunity to watch him from afar, and dream. Penelope is sure she knows everything there is to know about the most charming man in London, but she’s about to learn she’s not the only one that can keep a secret. Colin has spent years traveling, having adventures in places others only dream of. He knows he’s lucky to lead the life he does, come from the wealthy and aristocratic family he does. But he’s tired of being known for his charm. He wants a purpose. A legacy. It doesn’t help that the infamous gossip columnist, Lady Whistledown continues to wax on poetically about his charming nature in every edition. Feeling a weird sort of ennui with the direction his life is going, Colin heads for the comforting familiar. But upon arriving in London, Colin gets a shock when he realizes nothing is quite the same. That includes the girl he can’t seem to get off his mind recently, Penelope Featherington. As he tries to decide where to go from here, Colin will soon learn that Penelope has a big secret of her own. A secret bigger and more potentially damaging than his. Is Penelope to be a part of his future or a threat to his happily ever after?I have devoured all of the Bridgerton books, thus far. Even Benedict’s book which I was sure I wouldn’t enjoy at all, and just wanted to get through it for the couple I’ve been panting after. And I loved being back in the Bridgerton world once again. That said, this book was a little of a let-down. As I said above, I think from seeing the show and Colin and Penelope’s interactions in previous books, I let my expectations rise too high. Penelope was absolutely lovely. I adored her in the book, the same as I do in the show. She was so smart, witty, talented, loving, loyal, and kind. She hid it all well behind a wallflower mask. I loved that she wouldn’t let just anyone take credit for her work, and I definitely applauded her for thwarting any attempt at doing so. Colin, dear, sweet Colin. Surprisingly, Colin was the issue I had in this book. I loved him in previous books and adored him in the show. I did see bits of the charming, happy-go-lucky, sweet, and kind-hearted bloke we’ve gotten to know. Unfortunately, his a$$hole behavior made a larger impact than anything else. I did not like that he took his frustration and lack of success out on Penelope and her accomplishments. Did he eventually get it together? Yes, but the parts where he didn’t had already done the damage for me, and he had way too much a hair-trigger temper. As a couple, I thought Penelope and Colin had good chemistry once Colin figured out that he was attracted to her. I was girly-happy that Penelope got the dream man she always wanted, but also that she knew she loved him without having him up on a pedestal. Colin’s road to finding Penelope was bumpy. I did enjoy seeing him realize and acknowledge his deeper feelings for her. I just kind of wish it happened a little sooner, and I wish we had gotten to see him chase after her a bit. In the end, Romancing Mister Bridgerton was an enjoyable read, if not one that completely captured my attention and heart. Catching up with the Bridgertons that we’ve already seen find their happily ever after was awesome. I also really loved that we saw so much of Hyacinth in this book. She’s a bit cheeky, so I definitely think her story will be an anticipated read for me. I’m eager to see how Romancing Mister Bridgerton compares to the tv show for season three. I absolutely love the actors and how they bring these fictional characters to life. I’ve also already purchased most of the upcoming books in the series and look forward to diving deeper into Bridgerton waters and getting to know the younger members. I think I’ll be taking a break, though. ♡

Yami's Bookshelf

20 de julio de 2023

One of the best in this series

Romancing Mister Bridgerton, penned by the talented Julia Quinn, is a delightful and enchanting historical romance that deserves every bit of its five-star rating. Set in the captivating world of the Bridgerton family, this fourth installment of the Bridgerton series takes readers on a journey of love, secrets, and undeniable chemistry.The story revolves around the independent and witty Penelope Featherington, a lady often overlooked by society, and her long-standing infatuation with Colin Bridgerton, the charming and handsome third son of the esteemed Bridgerton clan. Their dynamic is a perfect blend of friendship, banter, and unspoken longing, making them utterly irresistible as protagonists.Quinn's writing shines in this novel, showcasing her remarkable talent for crafting engaging and well-rounded characters. Penelope's relatability and intelligence make her a compelling heroine, while Colin's charisma and genuine kindness make him utterly swoon-worthy. The author deftly brings these characters to life, allowing readers to become emotionally invested in their journey.Romancing Mister Bridgerton boasts a well-paced and intriguing plot that keeps readers captivated from beginning to end. The unfolding of Penelope and Colin's relationship is filled with surprises, secrets, and heartfelt moments that tug at the heartstrings. Quinn expertly balances the development of their romance with the exploration of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the struggles faced by the characters.What sets this book apart is Quinn's ability to infuse humor and wit into her storytelling. The banter between Penelope and Colin is a constant source of delight, and the humorous interactions among the secondary characters add depth and levity to the narrative. It is a testament to Quinn's skill that she can seamlessly blend humor with emotional depth, creating a truly engaging and satisfying reading experience.The historical setting is vividly depicted, immersing readers in the Regency era with its detailed descriptions, social intricacies, and lavish events. Quinn's attention to detail brings the world to life, painting a vivid picture of the time period and allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story.Romancing Mister Bridgerton is a testament to Julia Quinn's mastery of the romance genre. With its well-crafted characters, engaging plot, and delightful humor, this book is a true gem that will leave readers smiling and swooning. Whether you're a long-time fan of the Bridgerton series or new to Quinn's work, this novel is an absolute must-read that will transport you to a world of romance, passion, and timeless love.

Ruth Anderson

31 de marzo de 2014

The wallflower blossoms, 4.5 stars!

Exactly two days before her sixteenth birthday, Miss Penelope Featherington fell desperately, irrevocably in love with Colin Bridgerton. The shy, quiet, awkward, and plump Penelope fell and fell hard for the dashing, devil-may-care brother of her best friend Eloise -- a love that was destined to remain unrequited (and undiminished) for the next twelve years. Never considered a social success (the infamous Lady Whistledown once memorably described a younger Penelope as resembling an "overripe citrus fruit"), and now rapidly approaching her twenty-eight birthday, Penelope has resigned herself to being considered firmly "on the shelf." She's embraced her impending, perpetual spinsterhood with a great deal of equanimity -- or so she thinks, until Colin returns from his latest round of travels and the gossip begins to swirl once again around the Bridgerton family's most eligible -- and determined to remain so -- bachelor. When she stumbles upon Colin's dearest secret, she begins to wonder if she's ever really known the man she's loved for nearly half her life -- and if she can trust him with a secret of her own.Colin Bridgerton leads a charmed life and he knows it -- but that is precisely what irks him most. A popular mainstay in Whistledown's columns, Colin is renowned for his easy-going nature and perpetual good humor, but he's desperate for something more substantial than the social regard of the ton. As the third Bridgerton son, he finds himself well provided for but lacking purpose, a void he despairs of ever filling until his little sister's best friend stumbles upon his travel journals. Her passion for his writing -- and his surprising passion for her approval -- awakens within him an...awareness of Penelope as an individual, a woman whose quick wit, intelligence, and compassion he finds himself craving like never before. But the unassuming Penelope harbors a secret of her own, one that Colin fears could destroy her in the eyes of the ton -- a fate from which he's determined to save her. For the confirmed bachelor and traveler has discovered the rarest of jewels in his very own backyard, one he's determined to make his own -- a gorgeous, blossoming wallflower.Since first discovering Julia Quinn's superb -- and highly addictive -- Bridgerton series earlier this year, I've attempted to make my first read-through of the series last as long as possible in order to prolong the enjoyment of discovery. But I'm quickly discovering that is a losing battle, because the more I read Quinn's writing the more I crave, and when I finished the the third Bridgerton novel -- An Offer From a Gentleman -- and realized that Colin's story was next, I dived into it immediately. Colin fast became a favorite character of mine from the moment of his first introduction in The Duke and I, with his irrepressible good humor and penchant for (lovingly) needling his siblings, particularly brothers Anthony and Benedict. While each Bridgerton book can stand alone, as far as reading these novels as a series goes Romancing Mister Bridgerton offers readers a huge pay-off, a love letter to anyone who has ever felt overlooked, undervalued, and dared to love impossibly.Quinn is a master at developing a heart-stopping romance that develops out of friendship and mutual interests. These Bridgerton books are smart romances, where that elusive spark of intellect and delight in one another's companionship play just as much a role -- usually more -- than simple physical attraction (which, never fear, Colin and Penelope share in spades regardless). Penelope is a heroine for anyone who has ever been a wallflower, who has ever struggled to shine in company and whose greatest desire is to be known and loved for oneself above all. Quinn has touched on this issue to some degree in each of the previous Bridgerton books -- after all, being "recognized" and claimed by one's true love is a trope of the romance genre -- but here she delves into her deepest exploration yet of the facades one constructs in order to protect one's heart, whether perennially popular like Colin or painfully shy like Penelope. I particularly loved how Colin had to work through a sense of shame in admitting his dissatisfaction with his (admittedly) blessed life. In lesser hands he would have easily come off as a petulant child instead of a swoon-worthy hero, but Quinn's deft characterization results in an honest exploration of the depths of his struggle to find personal fulfillment and purpose.In addition to her superb character and relationship development, Quinn positively excels at peppering her novels with with a host of delightful supporting players, from detestable villains like Penelope's arch-nemesis Cressida Twombley to the warmth and individuality of the Bridgerton siblings. But here she brings fearsome society matriarch Lady Danbury to the fore, with her audacious bet offering a thousand pounds to the member of the ton that uncovers Lady Whistledown's true identity. That bet serves as the spark that ignites an unlikely -- and utterly delightful -- friendship between Lady Danbury and Penelope, one in which the older woman's strength and no-nonsense wisdom gives a late blooming wallflower the strength and confidence to shine. For, as Lady Danbury tells Penelope, "Isn't it nice to discover that we're not exactly what we thought we were?"Woven throughout Colin and Penelope's story is the search for Lady Whistledown's true identity, and an examination of that columnist's impact on their lives and more importantly, their perceptions of each other. As I mentioned earlier, this novel offers a huge pay-off for series fans in that regard -- but a culmination, if you will, of the previous three books, there is a great deal of recapping that occasionally slows the pace of this otherwise effervescent tale. That very slight issue aside, Romancing Mister Bridgerton is Quinn at her best -- effervescent, breezy writing, a whip-smart sense of humor, and a sizzling romance made up of equal parts passion and intellect. For, as Lady Danbury tells Penelope, "Isn't it nice to discover that we're not exactly what we thought we were?" -- and therein lies the utter magic of this charming read. Colin and Penelope's slow-burning love story, founded on friendship and mutual interests, is a study in the heady, transforming power of love's ability to bring out the best in a couple. A romance to savor, Romancing Mister Bridgerton is a love letter to romantics, escapist wish fulfillment, yes, but a fantasy laced with a heart-tugging exploration of the risk and joy found in emotional honesty.

Heather Sanders

2 de marzo de 2025

I love them

I was most looking forward to Colin and Penelope's story...and was not disappointed! Colin and Penelope, although minor characters thus far, have been two of my favorites. And I was excited to see how things would evolve for them. Their love story and personal growth was fun and sweet - I think I laughed and smiled most often with this book than the previous ones - which is perfect considering Colin has always been depicted as the funny one. I definitely look forward the rest of the series, but I have a strong feeling Colin and Penelope will remain my favorite couple!Ver más

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Nancy

9 de mayo de 2024

Hoping Shondaland makes this better!

There was a TON of dialogue in this book. At times, I just wanted Julia Quinn to let us savor a moment before another character butted in with something to say. I admit, there were moments when I leaned in thinking, "Oh my gosh, would you please be quiet?" It was a slow burn, almost made me want to DNF because it was dragging, but then things got juicy for a bit and I thought, "Okay, I've got to keep going!" But the spice didn't last long. I was left feeling disappointed. The spice came and went, sadly. That's all there was to it. I did enjoy seeing Colin's siblings popping in and out of the story. A Bridgerton was either making an appearance or getting mentioned in a conversation, and that connection was lovely. I can't say I really connected with Penelope, but it was great to see her get a happy ending. Speaking of endings, I wasn't a fan of how this book wrapped up. It felt rushed and fell flat. I was hoping for something more, you know? Like this woman is Lady Whistedown! We should have gotten more of a reaction than that!I found it interesting that Quinn portrayed Colin as a man with a hidden temper, setting the stage for a much darker narrative. However, I felt that the romance aspect was lacking, with a sudden shift towards marriage and love without a substantial build-up. Where was the romancing? Consequently, I would give this book three strong stars because I really can't wait to rot in bed and watch a new series and I enjoyed Queen Charlotte so much. But I really did not connect with Penelope and Colin as I would have liked. I hope that Shonda Rhimes' adaptation will offer a different perspective.I think I'll continue with watching the Netflix series instead of reading the books though.Ver más

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