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jelavision's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Confinement, Misogyny, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
allyhoo811's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
I'm going to write out a very quick pro/con list for this one as it was a reread for me. The last time I read the Bridgerton series I was in high school/college and so far, it has definitely lived up to the nostalgia.
Pros:
The banter/wit: One of the things I love most about Quinn's writing is her wit. There are so many little moments that make me laugh out loud, and I can't get enough of the sarcastic banter.
The Bridgerton Family dynamics: Always on point, always feels real
Colin: This installment in the series included bonus Colin scenes. Colin is the best character -- enough said.
A plot that discusses real issues: As with most of Quinn's novels, The Viscount Who Loved Me skillfully explores real issues in a way that many romance novel do not.
Cute dog character: Again enough said.
Possible Cons/Problems/Concerns/Content Warnings:
Period typical sexism and a lack of explicit/enthusiastic consent: As with almost all Regency romance novels, sexism and misogyny play a large role. Consent in sexual situations often means not saying no or kissing someone back when clear power dynamics are at play. I'm not an expert in the Regency period, by any means, but this seems to be considered historically accurate and is consistent throughout almost all novels I have read written in this genre. If you are particular sensitive to or uncomfortable with these types of situations, I would avoid novels in this genre -- or at least those written prior to 2017/2018 where this behavior is far more normalized.
Steam Level = Medium
For those who like a reference for how steamy a novel gets before deciding to read it, The Viscount Who Loved Me is what I would consider to be a medium level of steam. There are several steamy scenes throughout the novel, with to going beyond fade to black (if I remember correctly). But nothing is extremely graphic. The romantic scenes do impact the plot, so I don't think they could just be skipped, but if you aren't into reading explicit sexual content you could problem skim them.
Pros:
The banter/wit: One of the things I love most about Quinn's writing is her wit. There are so many little moments that make me laugh out loud, and I can't get enough of the sarcastic banter.
The Bridgerton Family dynamics: Always on point, always feels real
Colin: This installment in the series included bonus Colin scenes. Colin is the best character -- enough said.
A plot that discusses real issues: As with most of Quinn's novels, The Viscount Who Loved Me skillfully explores real issues in a way that many romance novel do not.
Cute dog character: Again enough said.
Possible Cons/Problems/Concerns/Content Warnings:
Period typical sexism and a lack of explicit/enthusiastic consent: As with almost all Regency romance novels, sexism and misogyny play a large role. Consent in sexual situations often means not saying no or kissing someone back when clear power dynamics are at play. I'm not an expert in the Regency period, by any means, but this seems to be considered historically accurate and is consistent throughout almost all novels I have read written in this genre. If you are particular sensitive to or uncomfortable with these types of situations, I would avoid novels in this genre -- or at least those written prior to 2017/2018 where this behavior is far more normalized.
Steam Level = Medium
For those who like a reference for how steamy a novel gets before deciding to read it, The Viscount Who Loved Me is what I would consider to be a medium level of steam. There are several steamy scenes throughout the novel, with to going beyond fade to black (if I remember correctly). But nothing is extremely graphic. The romantic scenes do impact the plot, so I don't think they could just be skipped, but if you aren't into reading explicit sexual content you could problem skim them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Medical content, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Alcohol, Body shaming, Bullying, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, and Sexual content
aligmich'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 was such a pleasant read. With similarities to the first one, this enemies-to-lovers tale had enough unique elements to keep this feeling fresh, and entertaining. If you love a cute romance with feisty personalities this is one for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Death, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexism
local_jobber's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexism
miamccarroll's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
meganpbennett's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
3.75
Notorious Rake, Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton has decided to marry this season, and so marry this season he will. He has chosen the Diamond of the First Water, the most beautiful girl in her first season, and he knows nothing will get in his way. Edwina Sheffield is only 17, and with no dowry, she's not exactly a catch, despite her beauty. And then there's the fact that any man wanting to marry her has to have her sister's approval. And Kate does not approve of Rakes. Anthony discovers both of these facts when Colin sets him up, knowing Anthony will put his foot in it.
But... Anthony and Kate are a much better match than Anthony and Edwina. And Anthony can't get his mind off of Kate, despite the fact that he's supposed to be courting her sister. They see each other at their best and worst, before being caught in a compromising position (that's not really what it looks like, but, given the time period....)
The death of Anthony's father is very important in this story, as is the death of Kate's mother, and the causes of their deaths cause Anthony and Kate panic attacks at various points. Another possible troubling point is that Edwina is 17, and she's expected to marry this season, to someone older than her.
But... Anthony and Kate are a much better match than Anthony and Edwina. And Anthony can't get his mind off of Kate, despite the fact that he's supposed to be courting her sister. They see each other at their best and worst, before being caught in a compromising position (that's not really what it looks like, but, given the time period....)
The death of Anthony's father is very important in this story, as is the death of Kate's mother, and the causes of their deaths cause Anthony and Kate panic attacks at various points. Another possible troubling point is that Edwina is 17, and she's expected to marry this season, to someone older than her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Sexism, Car accident, and Misogyny
Moderate: Alcohol
parrishm's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I enjoyed Kate so much as a character it made up for the fact that for the most part, I wasn't a huge fan of Anthony. Overall though, it was a fun, light afternoon read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Panic attacks/disorders
Lots of Purity Culture and glorification of virginity for those who might have issue with that. I expected it going it and it was still a bit muchjulesadventurezone'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
thebookishjenna's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
It is Anthony's turn to find a wife.
So, we know what is going to happen, that is why we pick up these books. We are in it for the happy end, for the sweet conclusion, for the frustrating plots ultimately bringing characters together.
All that said....Anthony sucks.
Anthony lost his father tragically and that really affected him, but it also serves as justification for his abusive behaviour, especially towards women. He is manipulative and self-centred, super self-righteous, emotionally abusive and has anger issues. I SAID IT.
Kate, however, is a great romance MC, she is quick-witted and charming. Kate is able to understand Anthony due to her own struggles and traumas in her past. She has a deep passion for her family, which apparently Anthony shares, and a lot of fire in her. I think she deserved better if I am being completely honest.
I keep reading and will keep reading because I definitely feel like Shondaland has added huge value and depth to the novels via the Netflix adaptation. Obviously, keeping some of the more problematic parts of the book *looking at you Daphne*. I don't necessarily feel these books are bad, but they aren't good.
So, we know what is going to happen, that is why we pick up these books. We are in it for the happy end, for the sweet conclusion, for the frustrating plots ultimately bringing characters together.
All that said....Anthony sucks.
Anthony lost his father tragically and that really affected him, but it also serves as justification for his abusive behaviour, especially towards women. He is manipulative and self-centred, super self-righteous, emotionally abusive and has anger issues. I SAID IT.
Kate, however, is a great romance MC, she is quick-witted and charming. Kate is able to understand Anthony due to her own struggles and traumas in her past. She has a deep passion for her family, which apparently Anthony shares, and a lot of fire in her. I think she deserved better if I am being completely honest.
I keep reading and will keep reading because I definitely feel like Shondaland has added huge value and depth to the novels via the Netflix adaptation. Obviously, keeping some of the more problematic parts of the book *looking at you Daphne*. I don't necessarily feel these books are bad, but they aren't good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Sexism
Moderate: Death of parent and Sexual content