A review by savvyrosereads
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

emotional funny lighthearted 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

5.0

Rating: 5/5 stars

The second book in the Bridgertons series (and the basis for the show’s second season), The Viscount Who Loved Me tells the story of eldest son Anthony—haunted by this loss of his father and believing himself doomed—as he falls in love (against his will) with the witty, snarky, and apparently irresistible Kate Sheffield.

I’m not going to rehash too much of my Bridgerton obsession, because if you’ve been following my Instagram at all you already know about it (and if you’re not following me, you should! We have fun here.) As for Kanthony specifically, I watched all of season two in a day, and read this entire book in just over 12 hours, so safe to say I adore this love story.

Of course, I knew before reading that there were a lot of differences between season two and book two, and to be honest—I can’t decide which I love more. The book is snarkier, definitely lets us see more of Kanthony’s relationship, and gives much more detail on Kate’s fear of storms and Anthony’s feeling of doom, which I appreciated. But the show offers an impeccable slow burn, more supporting cast visibility, and, of course, the incomparable Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey and their stunning chemistry.

I’m usually very much a book purist, but (possibly because I watched the show first), I can’t quite feel that way here. Rather, I think the two are halves of the same whole, and I love the book for giving me the extra details I craved, while loving the show for bringing this beautiful relationship to life. In short—watch it, read it, enjoy it, join me in my never-ending love for all things Bridgerton.

Recommended if you like: historical romance; enemies-to-lovers; lots of snark and banter.

CW: Death of a parent; grief; panic/anxiety attacks.

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