Customer Reviews

The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgerton Series, Bk. 2)

5 star:		(110)
4 star:		(31)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

DON'T read the book jacket to decide if you want to buy this latest diamond of Julia Quinn's, just read what we, your faithful reviewers have to tell. Although I, the doubting one, thought she could never top 'How to Marry a Marquis'. No, just go directly to the Amazon 'BUY NOW' button and click quick. I recommend overnight delivery.

Now, I have read untold romances where the so-called plain older sister was witty, loyal, tooooooo perfect to believe, and who becomes pretty because some man falls in love with her. The younger, beautiful diamond daughter is either vapid and a bimbo or she is evil, conceited and totally unlikeable. But you want to know something? Julia Quinn, in her infinite wisdom, has decided to create characters who are very real. Kate, the older sister, has some definite (loveable at times) personality flaws, while Edwina the stunning is the brainy, kind younger step-sister with a smashing sense of the ridiculous. They love each other fiercely, and Kate will absolutely not allow an unworthy (in her opinion) suitor within 100 yards of Edwina.

Enter Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton. He knows he needs to father an heir (for reasons that are complicated so read the book. Just let me say that my father reacted exactly the way Anthony did to his father's death; my dad is now in his 70's). Viscount Bridgerton loves his siblings and thank you again, Julia, for a loving uppercrust family. So naturally Anthony asks his brothers who the season's diamond is and declares he will marry her when they tell him it is Edwina Sheffield.

The rest of the book had me (I hate to say braying, it is so unfeminine and undignified) with laughter unexpectedly on many pages. Lady Whistledown, unkown society reporter, is a wit and a seer. I sincerely hope that the next Julia Quinn (soon soon please please) tackles the engaging Lady Whistledown, or Anthony's younger, oh my gosh, just as wickedly charming brother Colin.

We readers await your pleasure, Julia Quinn!

"The Viscount Who Loved Me" is another great and enjoyable read from Julia Quinn. Anthony Bridgerton first delighted me when he teased and supported his sister Daphne in "The Duke and I." When Ms. Quinn announced her new book, I began to watch eagerly for its release. I was not disappointed!

In "The Viscount Who Loved Me" Anthony Bridgerton comes into his own in a delightful book that makes you laugh, feel the characters' emotions, and devoutly wish the Bridgerton's were your very own family.

Anthony has decided it is time he was wed and quickly settles on the Season's "diamond," Edwina who has said she won't marry unless her sister approves of the man. Anthony sets out to charm sister Kate. In Kate, Julia Quinn gives us a female character to match Anthony. Our characters verbally fence their way through the enjoyable chapters while understandably falling in love with one another.

I love a good read - and this book certainly qualifies as a god read. I couldn't put this book down.

The "The Viscount who love me" is the second book of the Bridgerton Series. The "Duke and I" is the first book & story of Dafne, first younger sister of Anthony. 3rd book would be the "An Offer From A Gentleman", story of second brother, Benedict. Still coming soon on July, 2001. 

This is my second book of Julia Quinn and I must say, I am more than please. The "Duke & I" was my first & as soon as I finished that, I went and bought this one. So far, so good... I cannot wait to read more of her books especially the rest of this Bridgerton Series.

Viscount Anthony Bridgerton is one my few favorites heroes of all time. He is not only handsome, rich & England's most eligible bachelor, he also possessed one character that impressed me the most. He respects and truly love his family. His father died when he was 18 years old and as the eldest son, he took the responsibility of taking care of his family ( a mother, 3 brothers, 4sisters and himself). Now that a big load, He didn't do this out of obligation though, he is truly devoted to them with love & pride. He is their protector and he most certainly watch out for them especially the woman. I specially loved the scenes of Anthony being helpless when it comes to his mother. The dowager Viscountess is surely a wonderful mother - Heart warming! Anthony still listens to her & even fears her ( chuckle ). Despite his MANLY reputation in the society, when it comes to his mother, Anthony is simply a son... and mother's knows best. He might be describe as a RAKE but he is responsible & honorable when it comes to his family. In the past, I have read books wherein it defines the hero as such too but there is limited action to convince me so. In this case, Anthony proved to be that and more... If u haven't read the "Duke & I", then you should pick it up before this one. You will truly be impressed with Anthony. He seriously went to the extent just to protect his family's honor ( protect his sister's honor & even his sister's heart). Now, if that isn't honorably impressive then I don't know what is..

On the same note, Kate is like Anthony. She too loves her family especially her younger sister, Edwina. Compared to Kate, Edwina, is the fairer, prettier & smarter. Naturally, she's became London's Belle of every Balls. She had many suitors & marriage offers... that includes Anthony Bridgerton, who decided it's time to settle down and produce an heir. Since Edwina is London's catch of the year, Anthony decided that she will do for his wife. The courting begun... how hard could it be, right? Afterall, he is England's greatest catch too. Oh....but Anthony never forsaw the greatest challenge, more like hindrance --> Kate, who loathe him and who vowed to protect her younger sister's heart from scoundrel rakes such as Anthony. Edwina, who loves & respects Kate just as much, seek out Kate's approval on every suitors. She even declared this to the entire Ton. Therefore, Kate was not immune to all the courtesy and special attention "Edwina's suitor" bestows upon her. But she knows the game well & is often ahead of it until Anthony shows up. He change the rules & confuse not only her mind but her heart as well.

I agree with one of the reviewers here in Amazon when she said that most story with plot as this one (sisters, one pretty... one plain), normally would describe the pretty one with awful character or a knit-wit. Meanwhile the plain one would have all the brains & perfect traits. In this book however, Julia Quinn made the characters very realistic. In addition to Edwina's extra ordinary beauty, she was still described as intelligent, and with a good heart. You can't help but like her. Kate, on the other hand... yes, she's plain & simple yet she has the spunk, sense humor & very witty ( often times, glib), that just impressed me. She was true to herself. She knows she doesn't have what Edwina has yet she is never jealous of her which I find heart warming. She often times outsmart Anthony on their bantering which thourougly entertained me (Lots of humorous dialogue). This however, leaves Anthony baffled. He didn't like her. She makes him furious most of the time. He knows that Kate would never be an obedient wife, she's too confident, tactless & doesn't have the gracefulness of Edwina yet... he finds himself thinking about her (esp. at nights) and longing to see her the next day. You'd think he'd avoid her & her mouth trashing words that's only meant for him. I guess, you don't need all the beauty & brains to be impressively attractive, huh? All u need is simply be yourself!

Aside from the love story of Anthony & Kate, I specially enjoyed reading updates of Dafne & Simon. I enjoyed the contribution of the secondary characters especially the famous Lady Whistledown. Oh my! Her gossip column just keeps getting bold & interesting every week. I just can't wait to finally find out who she really is. Aww, i tell ya, I have a guess who she might really be but... again, I am not 100% sure. After you read this, email me your guess. Perhaps we might have the same thoughts about this one. I can't wait to read "AN OFFER FROM A GENTLEMAN", that is Benedict Bridgerton's story, second brother of Anthony. I hope there is update of Dafne & Simon as well as Anthony & Kate (Edwina too). Although, I am sure that the mysterious Lady Whistledown would once again entertain us with her vastly amusing/interesting gossips. Hats off to you, Ms. Julia Quinn for a job well done!

Like her other books, I waited for this book to arrive on bookshelves. It was definitely worth the wait. I loved Anthony's relationship with Kate. The Bridgerton Pall Mall game was truly hilarious. From the moment Kate and Anthony meet, you can see the sparks fly and know that they are destined to be great lovers and loves. Buy this book. You won't be sorry.

"The Viscount who Loved Me" is another great book by Julia Quinn! Anthony Bridgerton had a magical, loving childhood surrounded by love and doting parents. His parents were fantastically in love and he had a shining example of that love held before him during his childhood. Which is what screwed him up. You see, Anthony's' father died at 38 years old, from a bee sting when Anthony was just 18 years old. Since he held his father in such high esteem he could never conceive of outdistancing his father as a man in any way and he is convinced that he will die by the age of 38, if not before. So, he has spent his years since then, not only taking care of his family - he has seven other siblings and a mother to take care of - but he has been living life to the hilt as the ultimate Rake.

Enter Kate Sheffield, she is the oldest sister of the `Diamond' of the season Edwina and the Anthony's chosen wife. Only, Edwina has decided that Anthony is too big of a Rake to make a good husband for her sister and is doing everything she can to stop his marriage. While Anthony is doing everything he can to not fall in love with Kate. He has decided that he could not bear to die young if he had to leave a loved one behind.

This really is a great book and I highly recommend it. It shows that an author can create a attractive, intelligent hero without making him a complete jerk or from a dysfunctional family where the word love was a byword for stupidity. She has also created an intelligent, loving woman who is nor a wimp and who shares the same interests as the hero. Julia Quinn reminds me of Amanda Quick only better.

The synopsis of The Viscount Who Loved Me is deceptively simple. Anthony Bridgerton has decided it is time to marry. He chooses his intended by asking two questions-who is considered the diamond of the season and has she a brain. He absolutely, positively, does not want to feel love for his wife. He is convinced that he will die young, like his father, and does not want to leave someone he loves behind. The Diamond's name is Edwina Sheffield. Edwina is not adverse to the Viscount's attention and her mother is already planning the wedding breakfast. The problem is Edwina's step sister, Kate. She is dead set against the match. She believes Edwina deserves so much more than a husband known as THE consummate rake and very unlikly to reform. Kate refuses to give her approval of Anthony's suit for Edwina. Anthony knows he must endeaver to make Kate like him before Edwina will accept his proposal. This is difficult because he himself does not like Kate all that much. The barbs that Kate and Anthony throw at each other are intelligent and amusing. Usually when two characters have a love-hate relationship they wind up sounding like spoiled brats, or worse yet, brother and sister. Anthony and Kate have real, entertaining dialogue. I found myself looking forward to each time they would verbally spar.

As the book progresses it becomes apparent that there is so much more to the synopsis. Clearly, as the inner workings of Kate and Anthony's characters are disclosed, these two are meant for each other. The author also artfully goes into detail about their demons and how they are expelled, leaving room for the happiness and love they hadn't realized they had been grasping. Julia Quinn has told a story that pulls at both the funny bone and the heart. It is told in an amusing manner, yet still manages to convey the true depths of Anthony's and Kate's dispairs.

Artfully done and hard to put done. Highly recommended.

Ms. Quinn has secured her place on my automatic buy list. I like her humor and the warmth of her tales and I'm yet to be disappointed by anything she writes. The Viscount Who Loved Me is a sequel to The Duke And I, in which the heroine was Daphne Bridgerton, the sister of the hero Anthony in this book. The alphabetically named Bridgerton siblings' bickering and bantering is just as delightful as in the previous installment and there's a hilarious scene where they play Pall Mall.

The heroine Kate is determined to keep Anthony away from her younger sister Edwina, who has turned out to be the Incomparable of the Season. Kate thinks Anthony is a bit too much of a rake for Edwina. We find out that Anthony fears death and is scared of love because his beloved father died in an early age. His fears are partly the reason he ends up in a compromising situation with Kate and they're forced to marry.

The outcome is obvious: Kate and Anthony are destined to end up together. The story of their love is so wonderfully told and so entertaining I'm sure I will return to this novel whenever I need something to pick me up. Don't miss this.

This is Julia Quinn's delightful sequel to the equally enjoyable, The Duke and I.

Anthony Bridgerton has come to the decision to marry. He looks for beauty and intelligence amongst the debutantes of the London season. The stipulation being that she be someone he would and could not love. He chooses Edwina Sheffield, the declared beauty of the season. Edwina has let it be known that she will only accept a suitor approved by her older sister. Kate Sheffield, 21 and almost "on the shelf", knows of Anthony's reputation as a Rake and will not allow it. You can imagine the rest ~ perhaps NOT !!

For what would be a familiar romantic plot is deftly handled in Quinn's creative hands. Both have unresolved issues resulting from their respective parents' death. It adds a deep emotional edge to an already well developed lighthearted story. And waiting in the wings with her ever clever reports; is the intrguing "Lady Whistledown".Who is SHE?? <g>

I am happy to say that there are several Bridgerton's with stories to be told....I, dear reader, wait impatiently!

I am slowly reading all the Julia Quinn books out there and I have yet to read one that disappoints me one bit. This story is only different in one sense...that so far it is my favorite one of all. One thing is for sure... this author makes me want desperately to be a part of the Bridgerton family and have all those marvelous and adorable brothers. But since I can't be a part of the family I,then, of course, want to meet one of the Bridgerton boys. But, well, that can't happen either so I guess I'll just go on with the dream that maybe I'll meet someone like one of them one day. Silly huh? Well it's books like this that touch your soul and your heart and make you believe that a love like this one might could possibly happen at least for a little while. And it's a very nice dream I must say. I won't go into any explanation about the plot or story because apparently this book has been read and reviewed by many many people. This tells me one thing...its very,very good and people want to talk about it after reading it. The writing is superb, which goes without saying ,but, I am saying it anyway. It drew me in completely and right away and I read it quicker than most. I had a hard time putting it down actually and finished it quickly... for me. This book takes you away to another time and you feel you really know these two wonderful, witty, and delightfully fun characters of Kate Sheffield and Anthony Bridgerton (I love that last name..has such a nice ring to it). You are rooting for them all the way to get together (although you know they do already before reading),but, its such a joyful ride as they do. If you love a great romance..this is the one to experience. Julia Quinn- I can't wait to read the next installment about the Bridgertons, but, am so glad you don't have to read these in order. Each one stands alone. This one is almost in a class all by itself.

What I loved most about this story was that the heroine was no utterly gorgeous woman who took the men's breath away and thus captured the elusive viscount, also the most elusive and eligable bachelor in London! She was average and very intelligent. She captured the gorgeous viscount just by being herself. Anthony (the viscount) didn't realize he had fallen for the wrong sister at first until it was too late. I LOVED this story and the hero of Viscount Anthony Bridgerton (eldest brother of the Bridgerton brood begun in 'The Duke and I' with his eldest sister Daphne)! Anthony was sweet, yet strong and determined to finally marry and settle down after years of bachelorhood and being labled the most notorious rake in all of England in 1814. I was very happy to see that Ms. Quinn used a different approach to the all-too-familar tale of the notorious rake who fell for the most gorgeous woman of the season. This rake fell for the most 'unseen' 'wallflower' of the season and potential spinster at the ripe old age of 21. Very impressed Ms. Quinn!

~The infamous and very mysterious Lady Whistledown is predicting that this season, April 1814 will finally see the consumate rake and most eligable bachelor, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton to settle down and take a wife. Watch out ladies! But the only thing the mysterious columnist has gotten wrong this time is that the viscount has already picked a wife! He has picked Edwina Sheffield, the 'belle of the season', a blonde beauty sought after by all the besotted men. He picks her simply because of her blinding beauty and the knowledge that he, the biggest rake and most responsible brother the ton has ever seen will surely not fall in love with her. He cannot afford that luxury. Love caused heartache and he had enough of that emotion. All he was concerned with now was protecting his large brood of brothers and sisters and his widowed mother and securing an heir without falling in love, if that was possible. The problem? Miss Edwina Sheffield, a diamond of the first water had a very very overprotective older sister named Kate who was also having her first season, at the age of 21! Anthony would soon learn he would have to go through Kate first to get to Edwina. Can he do it? With his heart intact?

Kate Sheffield has promised her younger sister that she would help her find a respectable husband and make sure he was good to her. Kate by all society's standards was no beauty. Long brown hair and brown eyes, tall and outspoken, she was no simpering belle of the ball and hadn't recieved one proposal. Her father was dead and her stepmother hadn't the money to give the girls two seperate seasons, so they were out in the same year. Which didn't do well. The only Miss Sheffield that any of the men saw was Edwina and Kate was simply...there. An aging spinster with no hope to marry. It was pretty much up to Edwina, 17 and gorgeous with a heart of gold to snag a wealthy and suitable husband to help her mother and sister. But she would only approve of the man her sister chose.
The rogue Anthony wasn't going to do well with Kate. He was far too scandalous and reprehensible for her sweet and gentle sister. But making the determined man see this was another story. Alas a battle of wills ensues and they find themselves fighting and bickering more than they find themselves paying Edwina any attention. Soon all that matters to Kate is to keep the scoundrel away from Edwina at all costs! But Kate finds herself hopelessy falling for the devilish rake and Anthony can't remember which sister he was trying to fight for! All he knows is he cannot choose Kate, his heart would be lost forever...

Ahhh, I just loved this story and can't recommend it enough. Contrary to most books with gorgeous siblings and more average ones, Edwina is honest to a fault and extremely dedicated to her older sister. I was happy to see the two so dedicated to one another and no jealousy keeping them apart. Edwina truly did not know how beautiful she was and Kate didn't envy her for it or try to belittle her. Kate was beautiful, but in society's shallow eyes she was plain and boring. It took a real man to see this and Anthony saw it, immediately, even thougyh it took him awhile to admit to loving her. Very impressive Ms. Quinn! Thank-you for the hours of enjoyment!
(1. THE DUKE AND I) (2. THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME) (3. AN OFFER FROM A GENTLEMAN)

Tracy Talley~@