Scan barcode
quasinaut's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Oh, Hyacinth. Somehow, Julia Quinn made me like and understand a character who I'd only found obnoxious, rude, and far too nosy anytime she appeared or was mentioned in previous books in the series.
I particularly enjoyed the interactions with Lady Danbury, the insightful conversations with mama Bridgerton (and the ensuing introspection by Hyacinth), and, at least initially, the mystery of the diary. That said, I didn't get Hyacinth's reckless and enduring obsession with the diamonds. Overall, fun but not my favorite.
I particularly enjoyed the interactions with Lady Danbury, the insightful conversations with mama Bridgerton (and the ensuing introspection by Hyacinth), and, at least initially, the mystery of the diary. That said, I didn't get Hyacinth's reckless and enduring obsession with the diamonds. Overall, fun but not my favorite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Death of parent and Infidelity
readwithde's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.25
After reading earlier Bridgerton books, I was not looking forward to reading Hyacinth's, as she is often very annoying without much context to absolve her. I was pleasantly surprised that she is much less irritating in her own book, though still headstrong and opinionated.
As with Eloise's story, the narrative felt focused on the male MC's issues while the female was along for the ride to help him. Hyacinth has a bit more backbone than Eloise, but it still read like Gareth's story, not hers.
I liked Gareth for most of the book, but I can't condone that he set out to seduce Hyacinth to ensure she had to stay in the engagement and marry him. Although he adequately apologized, and although it didn't matter much in the long run, I don't think it's that easily excusable.
The plotline involving them searching for the jewels was very promising, but it fizzled out, being replaced by emotions, some steam, and a few arguments. I wanted them to find the diamonds, and it disappointed me too have the book end without Hyacinth's victory.
Overall, it was a bit slow for the first half, followed by lots of steam, fights, and distraction, then ending without warning. Worth the read, but not the best Bridgerton book.
As with Eloise's story, the narrative felt focused on the male MC's issues while the female was along for the ride to help him. Hyacinth has a bit more backbone than Eloise, but it still read like Gareth's story, not hers.
I liked Gareth for most of the book, but
The plotline involving them searching for the jewels was very promising, but
Overall, it was a bit slow for the first half, followed by lots of steam, fights, and distraction, then ending without warning. Worth the read, but not the best Bridgerton book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Death, Death of parent, and Infidelity
urreadtome's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment
inuy21's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Infidelity and Mental illness
lilacsophie's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Grief, Transphobia, and Miscarriage
Hermaphrodite is mentioned once to make someone laughnow_booking's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 Stars rounded down to 3 stars. This book would probably be categorized as the “mystery” in this series. Here, the premise is that Lady Danbury’s beloved grandson, Gareth, has been keeping a painful family secret for most of his life when he inherits a family diary in Italian. His grandmother’s protégée, Hyacinth Bridgerton, happens to understand Italian and offers to help him with the translation, leading to the discovery of the existence of a secret treasure hidden in his estranged father’s house. Hyacinth and Gareth work together to find the treasure whilst developing the most unconventional friendship.
I am not a huge fan of mysteries and the suspense of Hyacinth and Gareth sneaking about for clues and the threat of them getting caught was very stressful to me. However, if you like mysteries, this will definitely be the book for you. Hyacinth is in that lane of heroines who always speaks her mind that isn’t always aware when it might be best to keep her own counsel- I didn’t mind her but I definitely see how she can be perceived as obnoxious- not because she’s strong and outspoken- those are her excellent qualities, but because sometimes she lacks common sense. That said, I liked her as a heroine. I liked that Gareth was a poorer romantic hero but wasn’t a fortune hunter. Even though he is immensely privileged and has access to a good social network, a significant part of his story arch is that he lacks funds and it is addressed in a straightforward sort of way. I didn’t feel strongly either way about Gareth as a character. Where Hyacinth stole the show, I found him to be a good match for her and witty and funny as expected from a JQ hero, but nothing that jumped out and made him especially to die for. This was a fun addition to the series but not my favourite book in the series.
I am not a huge fan of mysteries and the suspense of Hyacinth and Gareth sneaking about for clues and the threat of them getting caught was very stressful to me. However, if you like mysteries, this will definitely be the book for you. Hyacinth is in that lane of heroines who always speaks her mind that isn’t always aware when it might be best to keep her own counsel- I didn’t mind her but I definitely see how she can be perceived as obnoxious- not because she’s strong and outspoken- those are her excellent qualities, but because sometimes she lacks common sense. That said, I liked her as a heroine. I liked that Gareth was a poorer romantic hero but wasn’t a fortune hunter. Even though he is immensely privileged and has access to a good social network, a significant part of his story arch is that he lacks funds and it is addressed in a straightforward sort of way. I didn’t feel strongly either way about Gareth as a character. Where Hyacinth stole the show, I found him to be a good match for her and witty and funny as expected from a JQ hero, but nothing that jumped out and made him especially to die for. This was a fun addition to the series but not my favourite book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Grief
Minor: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infidelity, Misogyny, and Terminal illness
More...