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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
emotional
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A little slower moving than the first and oh so predictable. But a fun fluffy read!
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was okay, but it dragged a lot more than the previous book. The personal conflicts that Anthony and Kate went through just weren't as compelling as Simon and Daphne. I did sympathize with Anthony a little, since I could understand losing a father and fearing your own mortality as a result, but the whole "I will not love my wife" thing was irrational and I found it hard to relate to it. Poor Kate never really seemed to settle on a personality or a personal conflict to overcome.
I think my main problem with this book was that it didn't have a steady build like the last one. It felt like it was bouncing around a lot, especially where Kate was concerned. She was this fiery, passionate person who wasn't afraid to fight... until she got married. All that fire seemed to die out of her. Her trauma about the thunderstorms only made things worse. So many times, the narrative described her as either acting like or sounding like a child. And she was also struggling with Anthony not loving her. I feel like that conflict would have been much more interesting to stick with and explore, but the author just couldn't stick to it.
I know the enemies-to-lovers trope is overdone, but that really was the most interesting part of the book. I think because Anthony and Kate verbally sparred with each other in such an interesting way. Something they stopped doing once they got married. Kate suddenly turned timid and, as I said, there was a weird amount of emphasis on her childlike behavior when storms came. If Quinn had just let them keep the same spirit the whole way, they would've been a fun couple to follow. The second epilogue proved that, since it was all about them trying to beat each other at pall-mall. Why couldn't we have this Anthony and Kate for the whole book?
I wasn't as old as Anthony when I lost my father, but he and I were very close, so I can sympathize with Anthony. I can even understand his belief that he won't outlive his father. I didn't always like him as a character, but as I've said in other reviews, a character doesn't have to be likeable to be interesting. And I do think Anthony was interesting... sometimes. I think if Quinn had portrayed his views on mortality a little differently, it would have helped. Made him overly cautious and protective instead of trying not to care about anything. Maybe it just reminded me too much of Will's behavior in The Infernal Devices.
It's unfair to compare the book and the TV show, but in this case, the TV version of Anthony and Kate are leagues better. The book versions just aren't as compelling.
I think my main problem with this book was that it didn't have a steady build like the last one. It felt like it was bouncing around a lot, especially where Kate was concerned. She was this fiery, passionate person who wasn't afraid to fight... until she got married. All that fire seemed to die out of her. Her trauma about the thunderstorms only made things worse. So many times, the narrative described her as either acting like or sounding like a child. And she was also struggling with Anthony not loving her. I feel like that conflict would have been much more interesting to stick with and explore, but the author just couldn't stick to it.
I know the enemies-to-lovers trope is overdone, but that really was the most interesting part of the book. I think because Anthony and Kate verbally sparred with each other in such an interesting way. Something they stopped doing once they got married. Kate suddenly turned timid and, as I said, there was a weird amount of emphasis on her childlike behavior when storms came. If Quinn had just let them keep the same spirit the whole way, they would've been a fun couple to follow. The second epilogue proved that, since it was all about them trying to beat each other at pall-mall. Why couldn't we have this Anthony and Kate for the whole book?
I wasn't as old as Anthony when I lost my father, but he and I were very close, so I can sympathize with Anthony. I can even understand his belief that he won't outlive his father. I didn't always like him as a character, but as I've said in other reviews, a character doesn't have to be likeable to be interesting. And I do think Anthony was interesting... sometimes. I think if Quinn had portrayed his views on mortality a little differently, it would have helped. Made him overly cautious and protective instead of trying not to care about anything. Maybe it just reminded me too much of Will's behavior in The Infernal Devices.
It's unfair to compare the book and the TV show, but in this case, the TV version of Anthony and Kate are leagues better. The book versions just aren't as compelling.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Guys…I loved this.
I think the book is better than the show because the relationship between Anthony and Kate is more well developed. I can see the chemistry and true love more. The book is also less stressful than the show lol. And I enjoyed plenty of Kate and Anthony time.
It was such a fun read and I love how much they test each other.
4.25/5⭐️
I think the book is better than the show because the relationship between Anthony and Kate is more well developed. I can see the chemistry and true love more. The book is also less stressful than the show lol. And I enjoyed plenty of Kate and Anthony time.
It was such a fun read and I love how much they test each other.
4.25/5⭐️
Review originally posted at http://bookstobrightenyourmood.blogspot.com/
Should I say how much I love living in the Victorian England of Julia Quinn's novels???Well,I just adore it and I can't have enough of her books!After being completely fascinated by her previous book in the Bridgertons series,The Duke and I,I was trully eager for the next book!And I wasn't disappointed in the least!
This book follows the story of the oldest brother of the Bridgerton family,Anthony,who,as the first book promised,was a fascinating character!Well,Julia Quinn short of reinvents and reintroduces to her readers Anthony Bridgerton and creates a unique character who stays in your mind for a long time!Surely,from what I read about Anthony in the first book,I just couldn't wait to read about his story,but the result,just exceed my expectations!As was only logical,we got to know a lot more about him,and what we learned,well,all I can say is that one couldn't even imagine it from the previous book...Anthony is so much better, caring, insecure, strong and determined.
Katie on the other hand is a character with whom I can completely identify with,a female lead perfect for this kind of story!I loved her devotion to her family and her relationship both to her half sister and her step mother!The story follows more or less the same pattern with the previous installment of the series and the dialogues are hilarious!The witty exchanges between the lead couple are plainly delightful!
I just love Julia Quinns writing style!Her portrayal of the era reminds me that of Jane Austen's books,but she just takes her stories a step further adding all those spicy details an author of Jane Austen's time could never do!I love the language she uses,how real she can make her characters appear and the pace of her stories which never bore you.If not,you just don't want for the story to end,and when it does,you immediately want to sink in the next novel!
All in all,Julia Quinn was the author through whom I was introduced to the historical romance genre and for that I will always have a soft spot for her work in my heart!I just love those books!
funny
hopeful
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
AH so good!!
I must say if you are reading this because of the show be prepared that it is VERY different. However a lot better and a part of me wishes the season went the way this book did!
also if you listen to the audible book, there are two epilogues and the second epilogue will spoil who Colin gets married to, however it’s not a very big surprise ;)
I must say if you are reading this because of the show be prepared that it is VERY different. However a lot better and a part of me wishes the season went the way this book did!
also if you listen to the audible book, there are two epilogues and the second epilogue will spoil who Colin gets married to, however it’s not a very big surprise ;)