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gabbygarcia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Death of parent
Moderate: Misogyny and Grief
Minor: Sexual assault and Injury/Injury detail
pookiee's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
2.5
I actually enjoyed more of this than my rating suggests; there were just some parts that were so uncomfortable, like when Anthony wouldn’t let Kate wait a week to have sex ....I know the point is to show how passionately he feels for her, but "he just can't control himself u.u" comes across as immature rather than sexy; there are many more—and hotter—ways to express that. were we not taking out the worst parts of the era, like the hygiene?
I love the parallels between Kate and Anthony, and seeing them realize that they are not alone in their feelings. Also I am a complete sucker for the responsible types learning that they can do something for themselves, like...fall in love.
I love the parallels between Kate and Anthony, and seeing them realize that they are not alone in their feelings. Also I am a complete sucker for the responsible types learning that they can do something for themselves, like...fall in love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Grief
Moderate: Alcohol and Car accident
Minor: Body shaming, Pregnancy, and Sexual assault
Death of parent/Grief:emilo's review against another edition
tw: straight people
(also he was a misogynist)
(also he was a misogynist)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexism
Minor: Sexual assault
fernando_reads_a_lot's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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? No
2.5
The utter lack of consent in this book is appalling. Anthony Bridgerton is an entitled angry and stubborn man. He does not take no for an answer even during sex. If Kate says no then you cannot push and wheedle until you get a yes. He also can't see what's right in front of him until Kate nearly dies. (this utter asshole can't actually or legitametly make his wife feel appreciated). If you want to truly enjoy the duo that is Kate and Anthony, then watch the TV show.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
amethyst_'s review against another edition
emotional
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Sexism, Sexual content, and Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual assault
amberlen's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I wanted more Bridgerton content, so I gave this book a try but was left a bit disappointed.
The writing was okay, a stereotypical romance novel, no surprises and very tropey but basically fine. I actually thought the book did a better job of building Anthony and Kate's emotional connection, which fell a bit short in the Netflix adaptation for me.
However, the book had other issues. Mostly, I was disappointed with the main characters. Anthony is not likeable at all in the book and quite flat for a primary character. His personality is mostly made up of trauma and being a bit of a douche but it's okay cause he can be nice if he wants to be. And Kate's character was just too inconsistent. She's supposed to be straightforward and confident but then also blushes and fumbles at the first sign of Anthony's assertiveness. In general, their dynamic was very clichéd "sexually experienced, confident man and innocent, swooning woman". The adaptation made them much more equal. Yelling at him at the top of her lungs that he vexes her? Book Kate could never.
My biggest problem with the book, however, is how it treats consent.
After Kate and Anthony marry halfway through the book, Kate asks Anthony to wait with the wedding night because she isn't emotionally ready. And Anthony straight up refuses. He argues with her and asks her to give him "good reasons" for why they shouldn't sleep with each other right then and there. When he sees that she's upset, he asks her if she is afraid because she was subject to unwanted advances in the past. Sir, the unwanted advances are coming from you?! Then he tells her that he just can't wait because he desires her so much (we call that coercion) and they sleep with each other. Kate is fine with all of this. Yay.
All in all, the book was just okay with some very problematic passages that bumped it down to two stars for me. I'll just wait for the next season; despite its faults, I find the Netflix adaptation much more enjoyable.
The writing was okay, a stereotypical romance novel, no surprises and very tropey but basically fine. I actually thought the book did a better job of building Anthony and Kate's emotional connection, which fell a bit short in the Netflix adaptation for me.
However, the book had other issues. Mostly, I was disappointed with the main characters. Anthony is not likeable at all in the book and quite flat for a primary character. His personality is mostly made up of trauma and being a bit of a douche but it's okay cause he can be nice if he wants to be. And Kate's character was just too inconsistent. She's supposed to be straightforward and confident but then also blushes and fumbles at the first sign of Anthony's assertiveness. In general, their dynamic was very clichéd "sexually experienced, confident man and innocent, swooning woman". The adaptation made them much more equal. Yelling at him at the top of her lungs that he vexes her? Book Kate could never.
After Kate and Anthony marry halfway through the book, Kate asks Anthony to wait with the wedding night because she isn't emotionally ready. And Anthony straight up refuses. He argues with her and asks her to give him "good reasons" for why they shouldn't sleep with each other right then and there. When he sees that she's upset, he asks her if she is afraid because she was subject to unwanted advances in the past. Sir, the unwanted advances are coming from you?! Then he tells her that he just can't wait because he desires her so much (we call that coercion) and they sleep with each other. Kate is fine with all of this. Yay.
All in all, the book was just okay with some very problematic passages that bumped it down to two stars for me. I'll just wait for the next season; despite its faults, I find the Netflix adaptation much more enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Confinement
meghanm404's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content
Minor: Sexual assault
mlrbs's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Death of parent, Misogyny, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Car accident
itsmealexandra's review against another edition
funny
tense
medium-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
Horrible from beginning to end. Do not recommend at all and I really, really hope the second season manages to clean up Anthony’s character and make him somewhat decent because i certainly do not vibe with an abusive, manipulative fuckboy in desperate need for therapy.
It was beautifully narrated in audible, though 🤷🏻♀️
It was beautifully narrated in audible, though 🤷🏻♀️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Rape, and Sexual assault
julesadventurezone's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Sexism, Sexual content, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Sexual assault
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