Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - In Liebe, Ihre Eloise

Eloise is my favorite character in the Bridgerton television series and it bothered me to see her end up with Sir Philip rather than a man who could match her progressive views and intellectual mind. In Sir Philip I found major misogynistic, sexist, and even, at times, predatory tones within his perspecitve. And while this sexist reality might not be uncommon for the Regency era, it was not enjoyable to read about in the modern day, especially in regards to Philip seeming to connect with Eloise on every level of what a romantic relationship is, except on a mental, emotional level.

Overall, this was the first Bridgerton book I have read and I found Julia Quinn's style to be humorous and nicely lighthearted. I like how Eloise is described and how she grows as a character. I just can't help but feel like Sir Philip doesn't deserve her. Obviously Sir Philip's backstory explains his ways, but in no way does this excuse them. I hope Eloise finds a love interest who is better matched for her in the Netflix series.

Content Warnings

esv_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful lighthearted sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Content Warnings

tlanereads's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I would argue that the Bridgerton characters, specifically the men, are generally unlikable. It is one thing for characters to have flaws and hurdles to overcome, but the books don’t typically treat some of the more aggressive traits as flaws to be held accountable for. Phillips speaks demeaningly towards Eloise, and while Eloise is upset about it, some other big trauma occurs that allows excuse for Philip to not be held accountable. Eloise brings up a genuine concern that Philip refuses to hear acknowledge because he writes her off as being a woman and therefore beyond his understanding. The thing that solves this? They have a good sex life., Which somehow leads them to falling in love with each other deeply in a week, even though most of their scenes are spent arguing.
I was genuinely intrigued by the premise of the story – the two falling in love through their letter, writing, but that is such a minuscule part of the story. When the letters were alluded to in Penelope‘s story, I am immediately was excited to read Eloise’s, so the fact that it was mostly a preface was disappointing.
Lastly, they speak of Marina and her mental illness was offputting to say the least. She is treated as a failure and a disappointment for having postpartum depression. Tragic

Content Warnings

fromthefoxhole's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I’m reading these because the show has me in its claws, okay? I know they’re not quite following the script, but i really can’t get enough rn and i had to do something.

I rated it a 4, thought about it, and am lowering to a 3!

Loud opinionated Eloise landing a man who likes to silently take care of his plants is the best choice Julia Quinn could make, honestly. Other than making her gay (which could def be the show getting to me).

Phillip and Eloise have a very interesting push and pull dynamic, they have incredible banter and physical chemistry. I also loved every interaction with Eloise and the twins - being able to immediately compare them when her own brothers came to look for her was hysterical to me.
On a more serious note, I think Quinn did a great job of describing Phillip’s own trauma informing his actions with his children. She handled it with grace and kindness, and when Eloise connects the dots, she does much the same.

That said, Phillip has a brain full of rocks! Literally he is such a moron, and god it's infuriating. Eloise is so clever and half of this book is her trying to talk to him about serious things and him being like "but what if...we have sex instead". Like focus up, bud! Your kids are being abused?? My god.

Content Warnings

ambrosiablue's review against another edition

Go to review page

slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

I read this book because I liked the Netflix show so much that I wanted to read ahead. I regret it, and hope Netflix does a better job with Eloise's story.

Content Warnings