Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
the best in the series so far, I thought, July 3, 2002
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.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lady Whistledown - REVEALED, July 3, 2002
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!
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A romance dedicated to readers and writers, March 2, 2003
This is my first Julia Quinn and my first romance novel. If there are more like this one, I'll keep reading - and buying! Romancing Mr. Bridgerton was witty and sweet and sexy while having a sound plot with a great deal of internal conflict that really brought the main characters to life. I guess not having read the previous three books, I can't really compare it as other reviewers have done, but I can assure you that as a stand-along novel it is definitely enjoyable.Penelope Featherington isn't beautiful, popular, titled, or rich. She has been unsuccessfully on the Marriage Mart for over a decade and has been shelved as a spinster, really only going to balls to chaperon her younger sister. Her dominating mother does not do much to bolster Penelope's self-esteem and a lifetime of maternal companionship awaits her. Penelope has good company as a wallflower, though. Her best friend, Eloise Bridgerton is also single. Although, Eloise has actually turned down offers, while Penelope simply hasn't had any. For almost as long as they have been friends (since their debuts), Penelope has been (secretly) in love with Eloise's older brother Colin. Colin still isn't married and has recently returned from a long trip abroad. He returns to find everything the same, exactly the same, which only feeds his wanderlust again. He is discontent with his position in English society, but isn't strong enough to give it up, and so he leaves to find purpose in his idle existence. Meanwhile, during his tenure in London, he has to put up with the social doings of the ton and the frequent mention of his name in the thrice-weekly gossip rag, "Lady Whistledown's Society Papers." The only thing making it bearable is, surprisingly, Penelope Featherington's sane, pleasant conversation, especially after she finds out his hidden ambition and encourages him in it. A challenge is issued from the prickly, but honest Lady Danbury: a thousand pounds to the person who reveals the true Lady Whistledown. She also takes an added interest in Penelope, recognizing her intelligence and drawing her out to receive some deserved attention. Penelope slowly grows out of her forced shyness to blossom before Colin and the rest of the ton. Of course, Colin is smitten, but he is plagued with doubts. Penelope also does not just fall at her hero's feet, especially since he hasn't done anything particularly heroic. I enjoyed their conversations, their individual personalities, and the cozy interiorness of their thoughts and struggles. It created amazing empathy (with Penelope in particular) and wasn't overblown or dramatic or chaotic to create something out of nothing. Quinn synthesizes a sensible, likeable heroine with an intelligent, honest partner within a relationship that will develop each partner in their chosen separate paths. I also loved the Bridgerton clan - they are such a *nice* family (admittedly, with superior verbal skills). Having looked through other novels subsequently, I was surprised how unpleasant many people and events are. Quinn has a light touch, without stepping into the realms of complete comedy or biting satire. She handles the funny and the intense with a sure hand. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton was a delight to read and I'm only sorry I finished it too quickly. I can't wait to find out about the other Bridgertons!
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