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random_37's review against another edition
2.0
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Racism
phillyhufflepunk's review against another edition
- 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
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
nikogatts's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.0
I did my best to judge this book on its own merits, but I feel like a comparison to the Netflix adaptation by Shonda Rhimes is warranted when discussing how sparse the story feels. Without the show's (in my opinion, much more interesting) side characters and B-plots, you're left with one mostly straightforward story and a handful of characters with one-word personalities. A lot of the witty banter felt like it went back-and-forth much longer than it needed to, and it feels a bit like the author was just padding out the page count.
Admittedly, this was the first book in the series, and presumably the author hadn't planned out many of the side characters or decided what to do with the other Bridgertons beyond the standard hallmarks of the genre (overprotective brothers, marriage-obsessed mother, etc.). Again, trying to provide the benefit of the doubt.
What I did like: Lady Whistledown as a scene-setting device, Daphne throwing hands with a creepy guy, Daphne and Simon's meet-cute involving them planning what to do with the body of the guy they knocked out, Daphne refusing to bow to the pressure of her three overbearing brothers. Judging this as a standard Regency romance with a few erotic scenes, it's pretty decent. But for me, this book didn't go beyond "just okay" and any memorable parts of it will be memorable for being horrific.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy
joyfulfoodie's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Usually I am hands down “the book was better” but I feel like they are both delightful in their own way. I thought it was fascinating that Charlotte isn’t in the book at all - with the new prequel series she has almost become my favorite character so it’s interesting that (so far) she is a Shonda Rhimes creation.
The same event that was so uncomfortable in season one is featured here, so if you really struggled with that in the show it got its origins here and you won’t dodge it the second time. I won’t say it is easier here, but the mental state of all parties is better explored. Doesn’t make it permissible just gives better insight. The timeline of events after that is different, but worked well in each medium.
This was probably a 4.75 for me, but rounding up for goodreads. Read a good chunk of it at the beach and I’m almost never able to pay attention to my book consistently enough to make progress while at the beach. 😂😊😎
Graphic: Rape and Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy, Bullying, Violence, Miscarriage, Sexism, Infertility, Abandonment, and Ableism
its_thekla's review against another edition
1.0
The first bit was super formulaic, but fun and light and cheesey and everything I was looking for. The whole Bridgerton clan was super fun and I enjoyed them quite a bit. We get to MMC's hang ups, and cool, ok, whatever man, makes sense. It's a regency romance, not a Pulitzer Prize winner. The whole pacing of this book was like it was sthe byproduct of rote memorization. No real substance, but fun.
THEN
Well, I'm sure most people know by this point but what the heck???? How are people ok with that??
So yeah. That kind of settled it for me. Kept reading because, well, there has to be SOMETHING right? Nope. Nothing. Nada.
Won't read any of the others.
Graphic: Sexual violence, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Child abuse and Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent and Miscarriage
kaseyvickers's review against another edition
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, Rape, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
dakotab219's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
Graphic: Gaslighting, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Rape, and Sexual content
kayleejanes's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Alcohol, Grief, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Sexism, Death of parent, Gun violence, and Violence
sydneyhorner14's review against another edition
2.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Sexism and Misogyny
chaotically_katie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Grief, Medical content, Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, Emotional abuse, Death, Miscarriage, Vomit, Chronic illness, Medical trauma, Sexism, Abandonment, Alcohol, Body shaming, Cursing, Excrement, Infertility, Toxic friendship, Confinement, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Blood