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jenna36's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
slow-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? It's complicated
2.0
I would have rated this one 3.5 stars if it were not for the r*pe scene. I do not think it was necessary, and I do not think that it was handled well. The person never received any consequences and it was just sort of glossed over. I think it was handled this way because it was a woman assaulting a man instead of the other way around. I found it really gross and upsetting. It tainted their relationship for me, which I had been enjoying up to that point.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual assault, Ableism, and Emotional abuse
hayleyvem's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Rape, Ableism, Emotional abuse, Grief, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Gun violence, Abandonment, Alcoholism, and Child abuse
Moderate: Alcohol, Death of parent, and Violence
hmlongstreet's review against another edition
challenging
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.5
Having watched the Netflix show first, I found at times always comparing the show to the book and vice versa. I have also read serval other comments on multiple different platforms about peoples opinions on the book before I had finished it. Some love it some hate it and I would be lying if I said other peoples opinions on this novel didn't affect my opinion on the it. But putting that aside I will give MY opinion on the events of the book and to what others have said about it.
Firsts things first I consider the books and shows as separate entities and did compare the two but only because I liked to see what the show added and what the book added to the overall story.
This whole section will be spoilers so skip to the bottom if you want my overall view.
One common thing I heard being said was the racist undertones which I have a bit to say about. Simon says "I am not some sacrificial lamb to be slaughtered on the altar of your mother" and Colin replies "You have spent a lot of time in Africa, haven't you?" It is just that one line towards the beginning of the book. This line could be taken as a racist remark, and I am not sure if this is actually the line everyone is referring to when they speak of the racism in the book. I will say it is off putting when you first read it, considering it has no significance to the story. It can also be taken two ways, 1. that actual humans are being sacrificed in Africa or 2. Colin is referring to an African tradition of slaughtering a lamb and it it most likely the latter. It is worded strange and if you read it fast it can come off as concerning.
The rape scene, the one everyone talks about. I heard about this scene long before I decided to read the books. The only thing that I didn't know is what lead up to it and the events after. I don't condone rape. However, I did hint at the authors attempt to rectify the situation by making both parties feel ponder their actions. That being said there was no strong repercussions to Daphne and she still got what she wanted in the end. I believe that along with the act itself this is the main reason I why people did not like. I am not trying to glancing over it, but it is just one aspect of the book that was a distasteful inclusion, which can be the case with any other book.
Finally the misogynistic and possessiveness of the characters. All I can say is that, some people like that and it is 1813. Woman were literally property of their husbands and it creates historical relevance.
With all that out of the way it was a pretty alright story. At times I found it cute, sweet and passionate and other times I had my nose turning and saying "This is awkward". However I probably wouldn't have picked up this book if it weren't for the show, which I watched first. However I will be reading the whole series so If you care about my reviews there will be many more Bridgerton ones to come.
Firsts things first I consider the books and shows as separate entities and did compare the two but only because I liked to see what the show added and what the book added to the overall story.
This whole section will be spoilers so skip to the bottom if you want my overall view.
The rape scene, the one everyone talks about. I heard about this scene long before I decided to read the books. The only thing that I didn't know is what lead up to it and the events after. I don't condone rape. However, I did hint at the authors attempt to rectify the situation by making both parties feel ponder their actions. That being said there was no strong repercussions to Daphne and she still got what she wanted in the end. I believe that along with the act itself this is the main reason I why people did not like. I am not trying to glancing over it, but it is just one aspect of the book that was a distasteful inclusion, which can be the case with any other book.
Finally the misogynistic and possessiveness of the characters. All I can say is that, some people like that and it is 1813. Woman were literally property of their husbands and it creates historical relevance.
With all that out of the way it was a pretty alright story. At times I found it cute, sweet and passionate and other times I had my nose turning and saying "This is awkward". However I probably wouldn't have picked up this book if it weren't for the show, which I watched first. However I will be reading the whole series so If you care about my reviews there will be many more Bridgerton ones to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Ableism, Rape, Abandonment, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, and Pregnancy
Minor: Violence, Alcohol, and Racism
rai's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Rape and Sexual content
blueberryelf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Ableism, Child abuse, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Pregnancy, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, Gun violence, and Death of parent
annanas's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
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? Yes
0.5
If you're thinking about reading this book, please check the content warnings before!
I can't believe that 81% of people here has has voted that this book is lighthearted (and 40% has voted that it is funny, lol when?). It started out very innocently and slow but the last part of the book was horrifying. It hit too close at home for me personally since I have experience with dysfunctional relationships, childhood trauma and mental disability. And all of these sensitive topics were not handled well at all. I feel horrible after finishing it. I'm so disappointed since I just wanted a lighthearted steamy read and it didn't feel that romantic or sexy at all đ
I can't believe that 81% of people here has has voted that this book is lighthearted (and 40% has voted that it is funny, lol when?). It started out very innocently and slow but the last part of the book was horrifying. It hit too close at home for me personally since I have experience with dysfunctional relationships, childhood trauma and mental disability. And all of these sensitive topics were not handled well at all. I feel horrible after finishing it. I'm so disappointed since I just wanted a lighthearted steamy read and it didn't feel that romantic or sexy at all đ
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Abandonment, Sexual violence, and Child abuse
Moderate: Ableism and Violence
Minor: Misogyny
Please check trigger/content warnings before reading!paperl21's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.25
Wie erwartet ein Schnulzenroman.
Allerdings ist neben Sexismus auch ordentlich Gewalt dabei, die sehr problematisch geframed ist.
Die Protagonistin nimmt Bedrohungen ihrer Person nicht ernst und schafft es anscheinend nur dadurch, ihnen zu entkommen. Ebenso dadurch, dass sie natĂŒrlich fĂŒr alles VerstĂ€ndnis hat!
AuĂerdem gibt es eine Vergewaltigung, die zwar etwas lĂ€nger thematisiert wird, aber da sie an einem Mann vorgenommen wurde und innerhalb einer Beziehung stattfindet, niemals als solche bezeichnet oder gekennzeichnet wird, nicht richtig aufgearbeitet.
Die Familien-/Geschwisterdynamik der Bridgertons fand ich allerdings sehr schön (auch wenn sie sich anscheinend eine Gehirnzelle teilen) und die Sprecherin der Lady Whistledown ebenfalls. Sie lĂ€sst mich zurĂŒck mit dem Wunsch, mich selbst gestochen und leicht sarkastisch auszudrĂŒcken.
Allerdings ist neben Sexismus auch ordentlich Gewalt dabei, die sehr problematisch geframed ist.
Die Protagonistin nimmt Bedrohungen ihrer Person nicht ernst und schafft es anscheinend nur dadurch, ihnen zu entkommen. Ebenso dadurch, dass sie natĂŒrlich fĂŒr alles VerstĂ€ndnis hat!
AuĂerdem gibt es eine Vergewaltigung, die zwar etwas lĂ€nger thematisiert wird, aber
Die Familien-/Geschwisterdynamik der Bridgertons fand ich allerdings sehr schön (auch wenn sie sich anscheinend eine Gehirnzelle teilen) und die Sprecherin der Lady Whistledown ebenfalls. Sie lĂ€sst mich zurĂŒck mit dem Wunsch, mich selbst gestochen und leicht sarkastisch auszudrĂŒcken.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Sexual violence, Drug use, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, and Sexism
Moderate: Abandonment and Ableism
Minor: Miscarriage
erikalv97's review
3.5
I really enjoyed reading this book, Itâs well-written and the characters are interesting.
The reason Iâm giving it such a low rating is because of a scene in which there is cw: dubious consent/ non-consensual sex. And it was extremely painful to read, specially because itâs pretty much thrown under a rug
The reason Iâm giving it such a low rating is because of a scene in which there is cw: dubious consent/ non-consensual sex. And it was extremely painful to read, specially because itâs pretty much thrown under a rug
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Rape, and Abandonment
hsmorgan's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Abandonment, Ableism, Confinement, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Violence, Child abuse, Cursing, Grief, and Death of parent
haileybones's review against another edition
funny
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? Yes
1.25
I was frequently drawn out of the narrative by fan fiction trope language -- clumsy repetition of story beats/descriptions, orbs instead of eyes, etc. -- but I'd be willing to forgive it if not for the unrepentant sexual violence and physical violence. Simon threatens to kill everyone at some point, even Daphne, and frequently comes to blows with other men. It's really unsettling and unromantic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Ableism, and Sexual content
Minor: Violence