Hey everyone,
lately, I’ve started reading the Bridgertons series by Julia Quinn, so here’s my review of Romancing Mister Bridgerton, Colin’s story.
Title: Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgertons #4)
Author: Julia Quinn
Synopsis: On the sixth of April, in the year 1812 – precisely two days before her sixteenth birthday – Penelope Featherington fell in love. But Colin Bridgerton certainly didn’t fall in love with her in 1812 (and not in 1813, 1814, 1815, or – oh blast, not in all the years 1816-1822, either, and certainly not in 1823, when he was out of the country the whole time, anyway). Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend’s brother for well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret and fears she doesn’t know him at all. Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought of as nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone’s preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can’t seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip abroad he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same – especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide is she his biggest threat – or his promise of a happy ending?
Rating: 3 stars
This review may contain very minor spoilers of the plot
I’ve decided to pick up Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn – and the entire book series TBH – because the first part of season three of the TV series was just around the corner, and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. The book turned out to be pretty enjoyable, but it didn’t quite blow me away. So, here’s why I gave it a three-star rating.
First of all, I have to say that I really liked the two main characters, Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington. Colin, the dashing third Bridgerton brother, is charming, and with more depth than he lets on. Penelope, on the other hand, is the one I truly adored. She’s intelligent, witty, and has been secretly in love with Colin for years. Their journey from friendship to love is peppered with moments of humor, vulnerability, and just genuine affection.
One of the aspects I appreciated the most in this novel is how it delves into Penelope’s life and inner world. Her struggles, her love for writing and the way she has found to make her own voice heard are elements that I really enjoyed to read. And I have to say we also get to explore Colin’s inner world, his doubts and insecurities, which is another plus point. However, I have to be completely honest and admit that Colin’s character was, at times, way to self-absorbed, making his transformation less compelling than it could have been. Similarly, Penelope’s evolution from wallflower to confident woman, although satisfying, sometimes felt a bit too predictable.
Overall, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton is a sweet and enjoyable read. It didn’t entirely wow me, but it was a pleasant way to spend a few evenings. If you’re a fan of the Bridgerton series or just looking for a light, romantic read, than this is right up your alley!
I’m definitely curious to see how the second part of the TV adaptation will bring Colin and Penelope’s whole story to life!
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