Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgerton Series, Book 4) [Mass Market Paperback]

Julia Quinn (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 25, 2009

Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for . . . well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret . . . and fears she doesn't know him at all.

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip aboard he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same—especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide . . . is she his biggest threat—or his promise of a happy ending?

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Setting: Regency England

Sensuality: 7

Penelope Featherington fell madly, hopelessly in love with Colin Bridgerton two days before her 16th birthday. Unfortunately, Colin has always seen Penelope as the plump, shy best friend of his younger sister. By the time Penelope is 28 and a seasoned member of the English ton, she's accepted that her love for Colin is destined to remain unrequited and she shall be a spinster forever. Fate, however, has other plans. When Lady Whistledown's Society Papers announce that Colin has returned from his nearly nonstop travels, Penelope is blissfully unaware that her life is about to change dramatically. Colin is equally unaware of the turn his life is about to take. He's not surprised that his beloved mother is determined to marry him off, but he's rather astonished to find himself inexplicably drawn to Penelope. Her dry wit and intelligent mind are delightful, and Colin soon finds himself joining forces with her to deflect his matchmaking mama's good intentions. Together, the two will thwart their mothers' iron wills, face the formidable Lady Danbury, confront the gossips of London society, and resolve the lovely dilemma of falling in love. And, oh yes, there is that matter of the true identity of Lady Whistledown. Will the twosome unmask the elusive journalist? Or will their efforts be doomed to failure like so many others' before?

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton continues author Julia Quinn's wildly popular series of Regency historicals featuring the Bridgerton family, The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, and An Offer from a Gentleman. True, the novel possesses all that we've come to expect from Quinn, including deft plotting, witty repartee, a faultless Regency setting, and expert characterization. But perhaps the book's most pleasing facet is Quinn's quietly nuanced handling of the hero's and the heroine's internal growth, which is furthered by their blooming relationship. They're two strong individuals made stronger by their bond. Now that's love. --Lois Faye Dyer

From the Back Cover

Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for . . . well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret . . . and fears she doesn't know him at all.

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trop aboard he discovers notyhing in his life is quite the same—especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide . . . is she his biggest threat—or his promise of a happy ending?

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 370 pages
• Publisher: Avon; Reissue edition (August 25, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380820846
• ISBN-13: 978-0380820849
• Product Dimensions: 4.4 x 1.1 x 7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (250 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Julia Quinn started writing her first book one month after finishing college and has been tapping away at her keyboard ever since.

The New York Times bestselling author of nineteen novels for Avon Books, she is a graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#18 in Books > Romance > Historical

#22 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Romance > Historical Romance

#18 in Books > Romance > Historical

#22 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Romance > Historical Romance

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 62 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars the best in the series so far, I thought July 3, 2002

By tregatt

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Sometimes, when an authour gets tied to a series, the later books become formulaic and a little boring. Fortunately, this was not the case with Julia Quinn's latest romance novel, "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton." This latest installment about the Bridgerton siblings was well worth the wait (I think that it took slightly more than a year for this novel to be published), and is, I think, the best book in the series so far. This novel is a wonderful mixture of romance, poignancy and whimsy. I fairly devoured the book, and was quite saddened to have finished it so quickly. I was also left with the fervent wish that there were more novels like this one out there for me to read.

Miss Penelope Featherington has been in love with her best friend's elder brother, Colin Bridgerton, ever since she was sixteen. Unfortunately, Penelope is not a raving beauty, or a gregarious, charming wit. Somewhat quiet and shy (and a little plump), Penelope is the sort of young lady that fades into the woodwork, and not at all the type to cause Colin's senses to swim. The years pass (about 12 to be exact) and Penelope has resigned herself to both remaining a spinster and having her love remain unrequited, when Colin Bridgerton, who has taken to traveling extensively in order to escape his managing mother's attempts to marry him off, returns from Cyprus. Now, Penelope sees Colin almost everyday, and at every social do. She discovers that she is as deeply in love with him now as she was all those years ago, and wishes fervently that she was the kind of woman who could ensnare his affections. However the Colin who came back is also slightly different -- restless, bored and a little discontented with the manner in which his life in unfolding.... And while Penelope enjoys the time that they spend together, she cannot help but wonder how long she will be able to continue hiding her love for him?

After having spent so many years abroad, Colin Bridgerton returns to England, hoping to find something that will chase this ennui away. Who would have believed that his thoughts would be full of shy, quiet Penelope Featherington? And that he would enjoy her intelligence and dry wit to such an extent? Somehow, Penelope touches him in a manner that no other woman has before. And he finds himself wanting to protect her from the cruel and careless ways of the ton. His deep affection for Penelope, however soon begins to disturb him. Could he be falling in love with his sister's best friend? And does he even want to be in love?

Reading "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton" made me understand why so many other readers rave about Julia Quinn's talents. This was an entirely delightful and appealing read. I loved the manner in the authour made this novel to unfold. Julia Quinn took great pains to first allow for Penelope's and Colin's friendship to be reestablished by allowing them to have some really meaningful conversations, where they actually discuss things (like his boredom and her unhappiness over always being on the fringes of things), before she eased them into a romance. Ever so often, the hero and heroine barely share a thought before they begin their rather erotic encounters. So that it was a treat to have Penelope and Colin talk, and not about politics and social issues either. I also liked that although Penelope has loved Colin forever, she doesn't simply nod her head and agree with him on everything under the sun. Penelope has her own opinions. And even when she senses that her thoughts may not be the ones that Colin wants to hear, she doesn't shirk from sharing them with him. This is one romance that is, I think, really going to stand the test of time.

"Romancing Mr. Bridgerton" was a truly wonderful read about unspoken dreams and love. Mostly, however, eventhough this is a Bridgerton novel, this is a book that is actually all about Penelope -- about what life is like for a spinster who never 'took' and about the dreams and desires she never expected to be fulfilled. I found this novel to be an outstanding one, and one that was definitely worth treasuring. Read more ›

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 10 out of 5 April 6, 2003

By R. Plaza-Gotay

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Penelope Featherington has loved Colin Bridgerton (3rd of the Bridgerton clan) since she was 16. He never paid much attention to her and she knew that she could never have a man like him. She wasnt beautiful by society's standards and she was just a tad chubby when she was introduced to society in order to gain a husband. Unfurtunately, no one looked her way and Colin only danced with her in those balls out of pitty, and because his mother order him to (and you dont mess with Lady Bridgerton). 10 years later Penelope is 28 and used to the idea that she's a spinster and she will remain so. Colin has barely seen her in those 10 years since he spends too much time traveling, but when he returns he sees a different Penelope, because she is slowly starting to speak her mind instead of being so quiet as she used to. There's much more to the story. The plot is so entertaining I skipped a study session for a final so i could keep reading the book. I simply loved everything, the characters are well written, the plot is great, the dialogue is fantastic as well as funny and tender. In short this is my favorite JQ book! Highly recomend it! Plus there's a very interesting surprise as well! and Lady Whistledown is more superb than usual!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Lady Whistledown - REVEALED July 3, 2002

By M. Rondeau VINE™ VOICE

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I waited forever for this book because I've read all of the others in this series and have been dying to know who Lady Whistledown truly was. You will find out if you read this book, but not from me!

Penelope Featherington has been in love with Colin Bridgerton since she was 16 and now she is heading towards spinsterhood at eight and twenty. Colin has been abroad and has come home from his latest jaunt. In that time, Penelope still loves Colin but has little hope that he will ever notice her as anything other than his sister Eloises' best friend.

Lady Whistledown can't seem to write columns without mentioning the very available and nice Colin Bridgerton - evidently nothing has changed since he left - or has it. The girl who was like a part of his family, now haunts his dreams. Could this be love?

This is one of Julia Quinn's classic love stories with her trademark humourous dialog. A charming story, and the mystery of Lady Whistledown, finally revealed! I never guessed it!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Revenge of the Wallflower August 24, 2005

By Dana

Format:Mass Market Paperback

My oh my... after finishing the *excellent* "The Viscount Who Loved Me" I really didn't think that JQ can do any better than that. But she does. I can't quite make up my mind as to which of the two is better!

This is the story of love come true ever after. Penelope Featherington has loved Colin Bridgerton for more than 10 years. Alas, she is not the kind of girl who attracts his kind of man, she being of the sort who nobody notices, and he being quite the opposite. So she is quite resigned to keeping her feelings to herself and remaining "on-the-shelf" at the ripe age of 28.

But something happens. They have always been friends, but no Colin discovers, to his utter amazement, that there is more to the ugly duckling than meets the eye. She is funny and perceptive, and kind hearted. And while he wonders how come that nobody else sees this in her, he finds himself quite entangled with her.

While Colin is not exactly my sort of hero - I always go for the "dark, brooding type" :), Penelope is my perfect heroine. Perhaps because I can easily identify and symphatize with her. I always thought it unfair that only the most beautiful girls get to be heroines. I always felt that a true hero should see what the others do not, and Colin does this, so this redeems him completely in my eyes.

And Penelope, the eternal spinster, the wallflower, truly gets her revenge on society in a most satisfactory manner.

It is also very nice that this is not "love at first sight"; instead, the two of them are friend before anything else, and they really get to *know* each other before they fall in love.... And it's also very nice that the two of them have many things in common and are not bound only by physical attraction (these arguments are also valid for "The Viscount Who Loved Me"...).

Oh, and I LOVE Lady Danbury. She is great. She is the one who eventually gives Penelope confidence in herself. I'm so glad that JQ decided to make her more of a central character in this book!

The final ball scene is among one of the best I have ever read. I could hardly keep reading, I was so excited what was going to happen next - kind of like Lizzy in reading Darcy's letter in P&P, which JQ is apparently so fond of, since there are several references to "young men of large fortune" in her books.

This book is wittier and funnier than "The Viscount Who Loved Me" and just as good. I can't wait to move on to Eloise's story! Read more ›