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A review by jules_cr
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
My library app offered this as an available audiobook when I was going for a walk so I decided to try it. I love a good historical romance where two people of different socio-economic backgrounds are thrust together with their flaws and enter into a steamy romance. This is not one of those books.
Anthony Bridgerton is a rake (the book spends the intro telling us he is and on reflection, he agrees with it.) He is also of an age to marry so he can sire a son before he dies (like his father and uncle). Kate is an orphan living with her step-sisters and step-mother (who we are constantly assured loves Kate like her real daughter) who has come to London for the season to find her pretty sister a husband.
The story is a very very long and uncomfortable recounting of how Anthony abuses his power over women (generally Kate) to get what he wants when he wants it, regardless of the cost to the women in his path. He kicks Kate in the stomach while she's stuck under his desk and then locks her in his study until she makes out with him a little. His terror of bees forces them to get married after he forces himself on to her to suck bee poison from her bosom in the presence of his mother, her step-mother and a gossip. Ultimately, the two fall in love because they're flat characters defined by their phobias and heavy handed machinations of the author.
Ultimately, the true hero of the book is Chonker, Agent of Chaos (aka Newton the overweight corgi) who attempts to kill or at least inconvenience most of the main characters.
Anthony Bridgerton is a rake (the book spends the intro telling us he is and on reflection, he agrees with it.) He is also of an age to marry so he can sire a son before he dies (like his father and uncle). Kate is an orphan living with her step-sisters and step-mother (who we are constantly assured loves Kate like her real daughter) who has come to London for the season to find her pretty sister a husband.
The story is a very very long and uncomfortable recounting of how Anthony abuses his power over women (generally Kate) to get what he wants when he wants it, regardless of the cost to the women in his path. He kicks Kate in the stomach while she's stuck under his desk and then locks her in his study until she makes out with him a little. His terror of bees forces them to get married after he forces himself on to her to suck bee poison from her bosom in the presence of his mother, her step-mother and a gossip. Ultimately, the two fall in love because they're flat characters defined by their phobias and heavy handed machinations of the author.
Ultimately, the true hero of the book is Chonker, Agent of Chaos (aka Newton the overweight corgi) who attempts to kill or at least inconvenience most of the main characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual content