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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
I cannot remember the last time I just enjoyed a Julia Quinn novel as unequivocally as I did this one. It was a wonderful feeling to immerse myself in this book and want to stay there. Poppy's abduction was not dramatic. From the beginning Andrew is respectful, and she is practical. They are both fiercely intelligent people. Their relationship develops into a friendship through conversations that span from sparring banter to deep, philosophical discussions. And the best part? Quinn sacrificed not one iota of either characters intelligence to manufacture drama. Some dramatic events befall Poppy and Andrew, but they use their intelligence and practicality to deal with them the best way they can. Together. No one does anything foolish. It was amazing. (And such an antithesis to its predecessor in the series that it's sort of baffling.)
Classic kidnapped by pirates, falls in love story. I did not like the beginning, I found Poppy to be a bit annoying, but I guess she was kidnapped so she’s allowed to complain? It was kind of a Stockholm syndrome plot but it never really felt that off putting at all. I liked Andrew and I want to be a Bridgerton. That is all.
What I enjoyed most about this story was how much the male lead appreciated the female lead's curiosity, sense of humor, and witty repartée. Which may be self-serving, since those are all things I value about myself. But for a book about forced proximity, and considering the genre, there's actually relatively very little of the elaborate, I-can't-keep-my-eyes/hands/thoughts-off-the-other-person's-body descriptions and more we're-falling-in-love-by-talking, and I'm a sucker for that.
Yes, the inciting incident is pretty contrived, but that's a hazard of the genre, and honestly, it was plausible enough for being entirely implausible by nature.
There are a few, fairly short, (actually not-very) explicit scenes at the very end of the book (nothing on the ship) that aren't important to the plot and can be easily skipped, if that's not your jam.
All in all, a fun, light read to while away a winter afternoon with a cold.
Yes, the inciting incident is pretty contrived, but that's a hazard of the genre, and honestly, it was plausible enough for being entirely implausible by nature.
There are a few, fairly short, (actually not-very) explicit scenes at the very end of the book (nothing on the ship) that aren't important to the plot and can be easily skipped, if that's not your jam.
All in all, a fun, light read to while away a winter afternoon with a cold.
After reading the 8 Bridgerton books and past two Rokesbys novels, I feel as if I can say this novel is by far my favourite!
International travel, less socialite niceties, and more vexing one another, make for a much more genuine connection. I already want to pick this book back up and read it again.
International travel, less socialite niceties, and more vexing one another, make for a much more genuine connection. I already want to pick this book back up and read it again.
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:
No
Very delightful cute fluff. It's funny how many times she finds herself abducted. Read this for the one-bed-trope, but don't expect much spice.
I liked this one the best out of the prequels. Fun story and it ended happy.
Cute story. Not all that much happens, because about half the book is the two main characters on a ship flirting with each other, but their banter was funny and I enjoyed how lighthearted it was.
Critiques: I thought the story wrapped up a little fast.
I wouldn't have minded a little more angst about Poppy and Andrew meeting at dinner. Like one of them almost decides not to go last minute. Or, once they're seated next to other, more tension over having to pretend they don't know each other and faking conversation.
And then when their connection is revealed, I would've liked to hear how they explained how they knew each other (especially if Andrew had tried to lie about it or cover parts of it up) and see the various character's reactions. But then it was completely glossed over, and bam the end.
However, since the rest of the book was so lighthearted, perhaps more angst in the last 20% would have felt out of place.
Critiques: I thought the story wrapped up a little fast.
Spoiler
I wouldn't have minded a little more angst about Poppy and Andrew meeting at dinner. Like one of them almost decides not to go last minute. Or, once they're seated next to other, more tension over having to pretend they don't know each other and faking conversation.
And then when their connection is revealed, I would've liked to hear how they explained how they knew each other (especially if Andrew had tried to lie about it or cover parts of it up) and see the various character's reactions. But then it was completely glossed over, and bam the end.
However, since the rest of the book was so lighthearted, perhaps more angst in the last 20% would have felt out of place.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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:
N/A
I received an advance copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I think this might be one of my favorite Julia Quinn novels in my decade+ of reading her work. Poppy is a vibrant, smart, and funny heroine, and Andrew is the perfect amount of rogue and gentleman.
When Poppy Bridgerton manages to go for a walk while unchaperoned, the worst-case scenario happens and she's reluctantly kidnapped by two pirates. Once aboard the ship, they're gone with the tide, as Captain Andrew James has a very nice port that is needed in another port.
But Andrew has a secret: he's actually a Rokesby, another landed family who've married into the Bridgertons, and he's not a pirate either, but a spy and privateer for the British government. And the British government doesn't care if Poppy's reputation is ruined when she ends up Portugal-bound with some very sensitive papers for the British envoy. So off Poppy goes with Andrew to parts unknown (to her).
This was a lovely spin on the "pirate steals the girl" trope, as he's not a pirate and she's no fainting miss waiting to be ravished. While their relationship was first out of proximity, it soon comes to be out of fondness and more.
I think this might be one of my favorite Julia Quinn novels in my decade+ of reading her work. Poppy is a vibrant, smart, and funny heroine, and Andrew is the perfect amount of rogue and gentleman.
When Poppy Bridgerton manages to go for a walk while unchaperoned, the worst-case scenario happens and she's reluctantly kidnapped by two pirates. Once aboard the ship, they're gone with the tide, as Captain Andrew James has a very nice port that is needed in another port.
But Andrew has a secret: he's actually a Rokesby, another landed family who've married into the Bridgertons, and he's not a pirate either, but a spy and privateer for the British government. And the British government doesn't care if Poppy's reputation is ruined when she ends up Portugal-bound with some very sensitive papers for the British envoy. So off Poppy goes with Andrew to parts unknown (to her).
This was a lovely spin on the "pirate steals the girl" trope, as he's not a pirate and she's no fainting miss waiting to be ravished. While their relationship was first out of proximity, it soon comes to be out of fondness and more.
I still have book 2 sitting in my shelf, but that is the good thing with his rom, you can read out of order.
Poppy was, well her name suits her. She was fun, insightful and wanted to know everything. Which lands her in trouble and she is kidnapped by pirates.
Ok privateers.
Nope, not even that. The captain is an agent of the crown, so sorry, no pirates!
Andrew is a Rokesby. His brother is married to Poppy's cousin. His family thinks he is out there being a normal captain and not secret agent man. But omg Andrew, why could you not tell her! I get that is should be a secret because he does carry secrets, but just tell her who you are! Men!
A lot of the book takes place on the ship where they slowly get to know each other. Because he really is a gentlemen even if he can not tell her the truth.
Then there is some danger, and a certain smexy scene that made me go all come on you two! Not there!
Something was a bit wrong though. It lacked that Quinn-ess. The funny wit. Maybe ship books are not for her.
Narrator.
Sorry, but Andrew did not sound that smexy. He sounded like some 60 year old. SO sad. I did like her Poppy voice, that fit really well.
But I do fear I have read too many Quinn books, because in my head this was not the Quinn narrator in my head.
Poppy was, well her name suits her. She was fun, insightful and wanted to know everything. Which lands her in trouble and she is kidnapped by pirates.
Ok privateers.
Nope, not even that. The captain is an agent of the crown, so sorry, no pirates!
Andrew is a Rokesby. His brother is married to Poppy's cousin. His family thinks he is out there being a normal captain and not secret agent man. But omg Andrew, why could you not tell her! I get that is should be a secret because he does carry secrets, but just tell her who you are! Men!
A lot of the book takes place on the ship where they slowly get to know each other. Because he really is a gentlemen even if he can not tell her the truth.
Then there is some danger, and a certain smexy scene that made me go all come on you two! Not there!
Something was a bit wrong though. It lacked that Quinn-ess. The funny wit. Maybe ship books are not for her.
Narrator.
Sorry, but Andrew did not sound that smexy. He sounded like some 60 year old. SO sad. I did like her Poppy voice, that fit really well.
But I do fear I have read too many Quinn books, because in my head this was not the Quinn narrator in my head.