A review by carlacbarroso
Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

5.0

Another great recommendation from Slayra. In conversation I had told her I wanted to read some light novels that she had enjoyed and in response she brought me this one. And this is how I become a fan of this author. True, I had read many reviews of books by Julia Quinn (especially on Julie's blog, who introduced me to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series) and those reviews spiked my curiosity, but not enough to ever acquire the books. Now I want to read more!

Being the fourth volume of a family saga, there are relationships that we perceive to have been developed in previous books, but that doesn't spoil the reading, quite the contrary it makes you want to read the previous novels. This volume focuses on the Bridgerton's third son, named Colin, and on Penelope Featherington, who had always been in love with him but resigned herself to become a spinster, a wallflower. And so, since she never expected to be chosen by anyone, she begins to bloom, so to speak, at the age of 27and reveal her true person, which surprises Colin. But both have secrets that could jeopardize their relationship.

I do have to highlight the humour of this book. From the opening scene, in which Penelope meets Colin, to the characters like Lady Danbury, the entire book is hilarious. It also has a bit of mystery, especially regarding the identity of Lady Whistledown, author of a funny gossip column, but I confess that I discovered the identity very early, and it sets the beginning for the next book, whose main character Eloise always appears enigmatically with ink on her hands throughout this book and mysteriously disappears at the end. The characters are interesting and easy to sympathize with; the development of their relationship is credible and agreeable to follow. We can't but cheer for the main pair, though here and there are disagreements as Penelope shows herself to be a determined woman trying to lead have her way in some situations.

On the whole it is a beautiful novel, possibly to be reread again and again.