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viselik's review against another edition
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I read this book because of the Historical Romance Society's Discord Server's mascot, the oh-so-lovely Governess, who is absolutely obsessed with this book and will not stop recommending it. I was also just curious about the book, but the Governess was my main reason.
I found it a rather sweet story with a more tolerable third-act breakup which is a thing I hate about romance books. It makes sense, and is fucking deserved because of what Daphne did. I didn't realise this as the sex scene I had skimmed over, but someone had told me what I had missed. I do not feel like Daphne deserves what she got in the end, and I fully believe she deserves to be alone.
The characters were a good change of pace except one, Daphne, and I found Simon a rather interesting male romance character! He does suffer at first glance from the usual 'stoic, emotionless man' trope, but he quickly sheds that, and by the end of the book, he is a character I want to read more about. I love that he has a stutter and goes mute in certain moments, as I haven't seen that often in HR books from what I've noticed.
I found Daphne was also quite alright UNTIL the sex scenes. Please DO NOT read this book if you are sensitive to the subject of sexual a*sult as Daphne r*pes Simon. I finished the book not realising that, but fuck Daphne. She deserves to be with Nigel from the beginning. She ignored when Simon made it very clear he didn't want this, and she forced it upon him FOR HER WANTS. I do not CARE that it is how she can get pregnant considering that Simon is infertile, HE SAID NO AND WANTED HER OFF OF HIM.
The characters were a good change of pace except one, Daphne, and I found Simon a rather interesting male romance character! He does suffer at first glance from the usual 'stoic, emotionless man' trope, but he quickly sheds that, and by the end of the book, he is a character I want to read more about. I love that he has a stutter and goes mute in certain moments, as I haven't seen that often in HR books from what I've noticed.
I found Daphne was also quite alright UNTIL the sex scenes. Please DO NOT read this book if you are sensitive to the subject of sexual a*sult as Daphne r*pes Simon. I finished the book not realising that, but fuck Daphne. She deserves to be with Nigel from the beginning. She ignored when Simon made it very clear he didn't want this, and she forced it upon him FOR HER WANTS. I do not CARE that it is how she can get pregnant considering that Simon is infertile, HE SAID NO AND WANTED HER OFF OF HIM.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Violence, Death of parent, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Child abuse, Classism, Sexual harassment, Infertility, and Sexual content
stungbythewood's review against another edition
medium-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
2.5
I truly debated on whether I should give this 2.5 or 3 stars and settled on 2.5.
I am genuinely surprised that I found a Bridgerton book that I liked LESS than Romancing Mr. Bridgerton,but alas, here we are.
My first thought when completing this book was “Thank the lord it’s over,” so do with that what you will.
I am quite simply very disappointed in this book. I had watched the first two available seasons of the Bridgerton show on Netflix before reading this and I must say that the show is so much better than this book. So if you’re debating on watching the show before having a chance to read the book just watch the show, I promise there’s no worthwhile context from the book that you’d be missing if you watch the show before reading the book.
Daphne in this book is sometimes simply unbearable and I LIKE Daphne in the show.
Something about hearing a thin, well off, attractive white woman say that she was not desired in society and no one saw her as more than a friend felt very “woe is me” in my opinion.
It’s slightly irritating and somewhat disheartening to see
the women in this series have next to no confidence in themselves.
There is just so much “time period misogyny” that I truly can’t look past regardless if it’s a historical romance novel. Just because it takes place in a certain time period doesn’t mean we have to uphold all the societal norms from back then.
I don’t know when it became romantic for men to voice such willing violence against you or say things like:
Simon started to shake with rage. “I own this room,” he growled. “I own you.” page: 337
and
He looked up, his eyes haunted. “You’re my wife.”
She said nothing.
“Legally, I own you.”
Daphne just stared at him as she said, “That’s true.”
He closed the space between them in a heartbeat, his hands finding her shoulders. “I can make you want me,” he whispered.
page: 340
I won’t get into details of the rape scene but just know that there is one and it isn’t handled tactfully at all.
There were some minor highs in this book for me, most of which being the moments between the Bridgerton family themselves. I admired how Anthony wasn’t quick to push Daphne to marry Nigel Berbrooke and wanted to let her choose a husband she’d at least like, even if she did not love him.
There was one quote that really stood out to me and it was from page 300
”She died at my birth.”
Daphne nodded. “I’d heard. I’m sorry.”
Simon shrugged. “I didn’t know her.”
“That doesn’t mean it wasn’t a loss.”
All and all this book is painfully just okay at the best of times and varying degrees of irritating at the worst of times with very few sprinkles of hope in between. I truly believe a majority of Daphne and Simon’s conflicts would have been solved in they simply communicated better but then I suppose we would have no story.
The show handles a majority of these issues in a much better light than the book does so if you’re debating on whether to read the book first before the show, just watch the show instead.
I am genuinely surprised that I found a Bridgerton book that I liked LESS than Romancing Mr. Bridgerton,but alas, here we are.
My first thought when completing this book was “Thank the lord it’s over,” so do with that what you will.
I am quite simply very disappointed in this book. I had watched the first two available seasons of the Bridgerton show on Netflix before reading this and I must say that the show is so much better than this book. So if you’re debating on watching the show before having a chance to read the book just watch the show, I promise there’s no worthwhile context from the book that you’d be missing if you watch the show before reading the book.
Daphne in this book is sometimes simply unbearable and I LIKE Daphne in the show.
It’s slightly irritating and somewhat disheartening to see
the women in this series have next to no confidence in themselves.
There is just so much “time period misogyny” that I truly can’t look past regardless if it’s a historical romance novel. Just because it takes place in a certain time period doesn’t mean we have to uphold all the societal norms from back then.
I don’t know when it became romantic for men to voice such willing violence against you or say things like:
Simon started to shake with rage. “I own this room,” he growled. “I own you.” page: 337
and
He looked up, his eyes haunted. “You’re my wife.”
She said nothing.
“Legally, I own you.”
Daphne just stared at him as she said, “That’s true.”
He closed the space between them in a heartbeat, his hands finding her shoulders. “I can make you want me,” he whispered.
page: 340
I won’t get into details of the rape scene but just know that there is one and it isn’t handled tactfully at all.
There were some minor highs in this book for me, most of which being the moments between the Bridgerton family themselves. I admired how Anthony wasn’t quick to push Daphne to marry Nigel Berbrooke and wanted to let her choose a husband she’d at least like, even if she did not love him.
There was one quote that really stood out to me and it was from page 300
”She died at my birth.”
Daphne nodded. “I’d heard. I’m sorry.”
Simon shrugged. “I didn’t know her.”
“That doesn’t mean it wasn’t a loss.”
All and all this book is painfully just okay at the best of times and varying degrees of irritating at the worst of times with very few sprinkles of hope in between. I truly believe a majority of Daphne and Simon’s conflicts would have been solved in they simply communicated better but then I suppose we would have no story.
The show handles a majority of these issues in a much better light than the book does so if you’re debating on whether to read the book first before the show, just watch the show instead.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexual content
kirraleah's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Misogyny
swagboat69's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
as someone who has seen the show more times than i will ever admit, i have come to the conclusion that 97% of the changes made by netflix are in fact good changes.
first off, the language honestly didn't really give me the historical romance feel, it felt very modern. i get the appeal of that but i feel like a historical novel should feel.... historical? meanwhile this oozes with early 2000s ideas of masculinity and sexuality - so in a way it's like 2 historical novels for the price of 1.
speaking of... it's quite predatory. i love that we get a bigger insight into simon's insecurities and confidence issues than the show provides, but he's sooo... i just personally don't believe that being angry at your father would cause you to think about your wife all possessive and horny like that??? but what do i know lol. she does rape him. so idk. maybe their dynamic is just supposed to be like that. hm. much to consider here.
at the end of the day i would recommend the show over the books. the show improves the plot and raises the stakes, it elevates the fake relationship trope (it's so minor in the book rip), it makes violet bridgerton likeable (julia quinn does NOT like her) and it promotes lady danbury and queen charlotte to main character status (i really missed them in this). i was also shocked that lady whistledown, basically the cause for any and all plot in the show, is barely in the book?? and doesn't have much impact outside of a few excerpts from her paper and a couple mentions?? wild. and generally quinn's writing simply cannot compete with the drama and visuals of the show
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Rape
gillianisland's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.5
I forever see Simon as the Miley Cyrus blue eyes meme now <3
So glad other reviews aren’t ignoring what Daphne does to Simon :) because it’s a character/writing choice that I can’t get over just because the pair end up being happy together. I hate that it is written off as nothing/that Daphne was right for what she did— she 100% wasn’t.
I was shocked by how quickly they get married, but it works in some way? I do wish it would’ve have a bit of a slower burn but I remember enjoying it over all. (I read it months ago now but just got this app!)
Over all I like them as a pair, but I have so many problems with writing choices that were made character wise :( keeping in mind it is a regency book there are certain things “of its time”, but in the same breath this is a work of fiction inspired by the regency era, written in modern times. I also really struggle with the way Daphne is written as a childlike in so many ways, and that being used to write-off things she says/does as well as it being a drive for their relationship… it’s not my thing personally.
Generally, I like that I can shut my brain off when reading it. I enjoy the show for what it is too, and did read the next book after finishing this one. I think it can be a fun read, but it definitely has issues in my opinion
So glad other reviews aren’t ignoring what Daphne does to Simon :) because it’s a character/writing choice that I can’t get over just because the pair end up being happy together. I hate that it is written off as nothing/that Daphne was right for what she did— she 100% wasn’t.
I was shocked by how quickly they get married, but it works in some way? I do wish it would’ve have a bit of a slower burn but I remember enjoying it over all. (I read it months ago now but just got this app!)
Over all I like them as a pair, but I have so many problems with writing choices that were made character wise :( keeping in mind it is a regency book there are certain things “of its time”, but in the same breath this is a work of fiction inspired by the regency era, written in modern times. I also really struggle with the way Daphne is written as a childlike in so many ways, and that being used to write-off things she says/does as well as it being a drive for their relationship… it’s not my thing personally.
Generally, I like that I can shut my brain off when reading it. I enjoy the show for what it is too, and did read the next book after finishing this one. I think it can be a fun read, but it definitely has issues in my opinion
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Rape, and Misogyny
readyforit's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4⭐️1.5🌶️(open door, not very descriptive)
I enjoyed this book but I enjoyed the show a little more! The show has a diverse cast, more drama, more characters, etc. In the book we don’t get the Queen, Anthony’s storyline, the featheringtons’ storyline, or the boxing storyline. Other than that there are some minor changes. I would suggest reading it if you’re a huge fan of the show. I also listened to the audiobook and I loved the narrator. Probably won’t reread, but will rewatch the show. If the show didn’t exist, I would reread.
I enjoyed this book but I enjoyed the show a little more! The show has a diverse cast, more drama, more characters, etc. In the book we don’t get the Queen, Anthony’s storyline, the featheringtons’ storyline, or the boxing storyline. Other than that there are some minor changes. I would suggest reading it if you’re a huge fan of the show. I also listened to the audiobook and I loved the narrator. Probably won’t reread, but will rewatch the show. If the show didn’t exist, I would reread.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Misogyny
Moderate: Classism, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Infertility, and Rape
zzaakkiiyyaa's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Death of parent
phillyhufflepunk's review
dark
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
My problems with the book are the lack of stakes within Daphne's search for a husband which makes their whole plan kind of pointless, the Duke's entire personality in Chapter 17, the lack of any real fallout from the event in Chapter 18, and the lack of a presence of other characters in their lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Child abuse, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Sexual content, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent and Vomit
racheleanne06's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I feel very conflicted about this book. I enjoyed the first half a lot, the Bridgerton family are vibrant and interesting. And I really liked the relationship that formed between Daphne and Simon.
But I found the second half of the book toxic, I knew what to expect after seeing the TV show but it was no less easier to experience. I understand this is a historical romance and times were different but I just wish their actions had had more consequences rather than just being brushed under a rug…
I am still looking forward to reading the rest of the series though, especially since I enjoyed season two of the TV show a lot more than I did season one (and I am hoping this is the same for the book too!)
But I found the second half of the book toxic, I knew what to expect after seeing the TV show but it was no less easier to experience. I understand this is a historical romance and times were different but I just wish their actions had had more consequences rather than just being brushed under a rug…
I am still looking forward to reading the rest of the series though, especially since I enjoyed season two of the TV show a lot more than I did season one (and I am hoping this is the same for the book too!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Violence, and Misogyny
Moderate: Death of parent and Miscarriage
annamarie98's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I guess it’s a mediocre romantic book and a good premise but there is some toxic relationship stuff and just overall creepy and abusive shit in there that I had a hard time looking past. Also if I have to read “buttocks” one more time I might lose it. Not to mention her comments have really ruined a lot of this for me and it’s just not ok. I’m reading the second one for a friend but it might be the last I ever read of her
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Domestic abuse