Scan barcode
daisy_marg's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
My 2nd favorite book in the bridgerton universe! Benedict’s story will always be my favorite, but this one is now a very close runner-up. At first I found Poppy’s attitude and behavior unrealistic, but I quickly remembered that’s the point of this genre. I loved Poppy as a character and found her inner monologue relatable. If you’re a sucker for flirtatious banter and pirates this is for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Kidnapping
laerkefugl's review against another edition
2.75
Compared to the last book, this one was a bit disappointing. I felt like the first 200 pages lacked a bit everything. The plot was a bit dry and I must admit, I got bored. That’s probably why it took me 3 months the finish reading. The book gets a tad more exciting in the end, but it really wasn’t enough to compensate for the first part. The end just felt rushed. Both in the plot and the romance. This book was kind of like drinking lukewarm- almost cold tea.☕️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Sexual content, and Kidnapping
skb163's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This has been my favorite Rokesby book so far. I have one left but it would be hard to take it from the top spot.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content, Violence, and Kidnapping
leontyna's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Somehow it was equally fun on the second read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Violence
jackiepreston's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Sexual content, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death and Pregnancy
georgiaisreading's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence and Kidnapping
Minor: Death
savage_book_review's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Returning to the links between the Rokesby and Bridgerton families, this book tells the story of Poppy Bridgerton, a cousin of Edmund Bridgerton and so second cousin to the protagonists of the original series. While out exploring, she finds herself kidnapped by pirates (or privateers, as they are properly known) and left at the mercy of the ship's captain, who might just be more than he seems.
I have to firstly say that the setting at the beginning of the book made me smile; I've not long been to Charmouth! So it was incredibly easy to picture the beach, the cliffs, the caves etc. and Poppy wandering along. But even if I hadn't been there, the images invoked by the author almost have an Enid Blyton-esque feel to them, particularly when you add smugglers into the mix. However, I'd say about 75% of the story takes place in a single room; the captain's quarters on the ship Infinity. As you would expect, this quite severely limits the exploration of setting, but nevertheless compliments the plot. Because of this static scenery, I was able to visualise the story more as a stage play in my mind.
When you do leave the ship, however, the author demonstrates her ability to allow her reader to feel as excited and transported as her characters. Poppy's exploration of a foreign land is portrayed in such a way as to make you feel like you're right there with her, seeing this new culture for the first time and not always fully understanding the tour guide who waxes lyrical about the buildings, architecture, history and so on.
Poppy is certainly a strong character, fairly typical of the modern yet era-appropriate women Quinn writes. However, she doesn't come across as such a 'distinct' character as some of the other girls; her concern for her reputation is referred to throughout, which does become a little tedious. The flirty trading of insults is lighthearted and a little funny, but it just doesn't quite hit the mark in the same way as the brotherly/sisterly banter familiar from the other books.
I also wasn't as enamoured with the development of the characters' relationship in this book; because of the limited setting, there's actually very little for their relationship to be 'hung' on and effectively feels like it's only come about because of the forced proximity. I just wanted a bit more from that strand of writing.
In some ways, the plot reminds me of a farcical comedy - the repeated kidnappings being a major highlight of this. Except there aren't that many laughs and it's taking itself just a little too seriously to properly work. I'm just not sure that the plot couldn't have developed a lot more to give the story more depth and substance. As it is, it feels very single stranded and, while readable, not overly enjoyable.
It's not terrible, but I have read better.
I have to firstly say that the setting at the beginning of the book made me smile; I've not long been to Charmouth! So it was incredibly easy to picture the beach, the cliffs, the caves etc. and Poppy wandering along. But even if I hadn't been there, the images invoked by the author almost have an Enid Blyton-esque feel to them, particularly when you add smugglers into the mix. However, I'd say about 75% of the story takes place in a single room; the captain's quarters on the ship Infinity. As you would expect, this quite severely limits the exploration of setting, but nevertheless compliments the plot. Because of this static scenery, I was able to visualise the story more as a stage play in my mind.
When you do leave the ship, however, the author demonstrates her ability to allow her reader to feel as excited and transported as her characters. Poppy's exploration of a foreign land is portrayed in such a way as to make you feel like you're right there with her, seeing this new culture for the first time and not always fully understanding the tour guide who waxes lyrical about the buildings, architecture, history and so on.
Poppy is certainly a strong character, fairly typical of the modern yet era-appropriate women Quinn writes. However, she doesn't come across as such a 'distinct' character as some of the other girls; her concern for her reputation is referred to throughout, which does become a little tedious. The flirty trading of insults is lighthearted and a little funny, but it just doesn't quite hit the mark in the same way as the brotherly/sisterly banter familiar from the other books.
I also wasn't as enamoured with the development of the characters' relationship in this book; because of the limited setting, there's actually very little for their relationship to be 'hung' on and effectively feels like it's only come about because of the forced proximity. I just wanted a bit more from that strand of writing.
In some ways, the plot reminds me of a farcical comedy - the repeated kidnappings being a major highlight of this. Except there aren't that many laughs and it's taking itself just a little too seriously to properly work. I'm just not sure that the plot couldn't have developed a lot more to give the story more depth and substance. As it is, it feels very single stranded and, while readable, not overly enjoyable.
It's not terrible, but I have read better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Kidnapping
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Death, Grief, and Alcohol
gold_star_reader's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A cute period romance with a rakish privateer captain and a young woman in want of adventure. Predictable but enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Sexual content and Violence
itsgnat's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Kidnapping
kbpfaulkner's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Sexual content, and Kidnapping