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actualophelia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual content, Vomit, Violence, and Ableism
Minor: Death of parent and Infertility
thereadinghammock's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
The banter between Daphne and Simon was *chef's kiss* perfect as was the sibling dynamic between the Bridgerton siblings (loved the trio dynamic between her older brothers and Daphne especially). Was a bit disappointed Eloise was merely a mention in this book, but I suppose it can't be helped and that her character will be more forthcoming in the future books.
Graphic: Bullying and Child abuse
Moderate: Ableism, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent
readbeales's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Sexual assault
pagesfromhome's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Edit: Updated the review to 3 stars (from 3.5) after a 2024 reread
Graphic: Rape, Bullying, and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
jeanneerin's review against another edition
- 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
I wish I'd read this before watching the Netflix show. It was a very nice book, but it's missing what I loved the most from the show which means all I thought throughout reading it was about those missing items. But it's a sweet book and a quick read. Quinn has a great knack for slowing down and speeding up time that has been missing from a number of other books I've read lately. I'll be reading the other books happily.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Infertility, Miscarriage, Vomit, and Sexism
madamepincers's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Bullying and Sexual assault
leahsbooks's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Reading about Regency-era life was rather interesting, although it seemed like a very rigid and stifling time for women. I really felt for Daphne when it became clear how her entire life was focused on finding a husband, and that if she could, her life goal would be fulfilled, while if she couldn't, her life would be ruined. Initially, she seemed really sweet and innocent (with a great punch), although she did have some manipulative tendencies that became clear later in the book. I liked her, until there was one event that occurred later in the book. While perfect characters aren't interesting, Daphne did something that I really struggled with.
Simon was the other main character. His flaws were on display right from the start, but he was a cinnamon roll under all the rakish behavior. I loved seeing him come out of his shell and learn to be his authentic self. His arc showed the most character growth, and it allowed him to resolve some of his longer-standing issues.
The romance wasn't always an easy one, and it grew out of what is rapidly becoming my favorite trope - the fake relationship. Daphne and Simon pull it off well, even amongst the heavy societal pressures of Regency-era London and Lady Whistledown's society papers. I think the story could have been written without removing one character's say in their own reproductive rights, but aside from that, it was a light-hearted and enjoyable read. The narrator was perfect for the role, with a posh British accent and a voice that kept me engaged throughout the story. While it was a long read, it didn't feel that was at all, with the story maintaining a fast pace that held my attention and kept me entertained.
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Miscarriage, and Rape