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esv_'s review against another edition
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
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Death, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, and Grief
Minor: Torture, Rape, Grief, Body horror, Misogyny, and Violence
tlanereads's review against another edition
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
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
Moderate: Suicide, Mental illness, Child abuse, and Physical abuse
fromthefoxhole's review against another edition
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.
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
Graphic: Child abuse, Suicide attempt, and Mental illness
ambrosiablue's review against another edition
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
Graphic: Child abuse, Grief, Suicide, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Mental illness, Death of parent, and Death
ginamiya's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Grief
waitwhathelp's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Mental illness, and Sexual content
ghostmomxoxo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, and Child abuse
Moderate: Alcohol and Classism
kasiasffrealm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
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
3.0
really loved both charachter’s development!! second fave in the series so far, even if it started out dull
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide attempt, Bullying, Mental illness, Suicide, Self harm, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, and Death
britwalsh16's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Book Eloise & TV Show Eloise are very different. I have trouble imagining TV Eloise running away from home for a possible husband. But I do like Book Eloise, she has guts, & she knows what she wants. And watching her grow up throughout the book is inspiring. And stubborn Eloise becomes her mother by the end, I LOVE IT!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death, Sexual content, Child abuse, Death of parent, Mental illness, Cursing, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Terminal illness, Sexism, Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Suicide, and Violence
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: War
sandysmith's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
4.0
This is my 5th Bridgerton book that I have read in the series and probably my favourite so far. It is about Eloise, who writes to Sir Phillip after his wife dies, and they slowly begin corresponding with Sir Phillip, eventually writing to her to invite her to his estate/ makes a proposal. Whilst there is romance, my favourite parts of the book involve Phillips unruly children's twins, Amanda and Oliver,and her relationships with her siblings, particularly the shooting contest when her brothers come to "rescue" her and her reputation. I also liked the snippets of letters at the beginning and interspersed throughout the chapters. I appreciate that in comparison at times, Sir Phillip seems one dimensional and flat, but the writing wins through. So, in summary its fluffy historical light fast read where love wins.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death of parent, Mental illness, Suicide, and Suicide attempt