Gaele Hi
I’m a spotty (although I have them) Bridgertons reader, and I’ve got a handful of other titles from Quinn to get to. One would think I’d have plenty of time to read considering the shelter at home orders, but there are far too many books and far too little me in that pile of “titles to read”. This is Georgina and Nicholas’ story, and we have plenty of time to meet the ‘next generation’ of baby Bridgertons – which added a nice depth to what was, for me, a rather conflict-less, question-less story. Let me explain. Georgina was wonderful, a bit sheltered with a mind of her own, her kidnapping left her with few choices after the scandal: marry her kidnapper or live her life as a spinster with a bit of a cloud surrounding her. She’s not enamored of either idea, and really isn’t thinking that there will be anyone else who she could love, or would ignore the scandal to marry her. Enter Nicholas, fourth son and currently studying medicine: not only willing to marry Georgie, but quite insistent. But – it’s not that simple for her: she refuses to be a ‘last choice’ for anyone, and she doesn’t want her own reputation now tarnished, to effect his. And while their friendship and banter feel quite natural (and leaves many moments for laughs) there is a clear thread of affection between the two. Neither is particularly attached to their own recognition of possibilities, or of their growing esteem – which does make the romance grow slowly, adding to the rather over-long coaching ride to Edinburgh that was laden with conversation and banter, but we get to see Nicholas in his ‘element”, allowing Georgie’s curiosity, answering rather than fobbing off her questions, and in a move rather unusual for the era, respecting her intelligence. These two are adorable together, and the match is obvious, despite the obstacles to getting there. But, like many things in life – it was not without its issues. There was no real conflict to give readers a sense of “will they or won’t they”, and much of the backstory (and sub-stories that were alluded to or wrapped quickly) just never developed. Long swathes of story happened, all very sweetly without many teeth, and left me wanting more from the stories: just how ill was Georgina as a child – all that led to her being very sheltered, even for a girl at that time. No real animus aimed at the rogue that kidnapped her to get her dowry, a few ‘mentions’ of woman’s rights (all appropriate to the time) but little conviction behind it. Now it was information that brought their friendship and banter into the present – and it was lovely to see how they started – but full-on gripping it was not. And, perhaps we all need something that is just light and easy to read- with a HEA that we know is there……. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
38 people found this review helpful
Phillipa Bowe
Always enjoyed JQ books, this one in particular. Both Nicholas and Georgina were engaging, funny and their story just a little different. As a long time reader of the Bridgerton books, 20 years, I particularly enjoy a glimpse into Violet and Edmunds relationship and seeing the older Bridgerton men as children. Its always worth the wait for a new JQ book.
31 people found this review helpful
Kayli Anahera
This was different than the other storylines in terms of introducing the main two romantic characters, which I liked. I liked having read the Bridgeton series before this series. I liked the growing love and appreciation the characters have for one another as individuals, and how supportive they were.
