Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - The Viscount Who Loved Me

....I know the point is to show how passionately he feels for her, but "he just can't control himself u.u" comes across as immature rather than sexy; there are many more—and hotter—ways to express that. were we not taking out the worst parts of the era, like the hygiene?

I love the parallels between Kate and Anthony, and seeing them realize that they are not alone in their feelings. Also I am a complete sucker for the responsible types learning that they can do something for themselves, like...fall in love.

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emilo's review against another edition

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tw: straight people
(also he was a misogynist)

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fernando_reads_a_lot's review

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

The utter lack of consent in this book is appalling. Anthony Bridgerton is an entitled angry and stubborn man. He does not take no for an answer even during sex. If Kate says no then you cannot push and wheedle until you get a yes. He also can't see what's right in front of him until Kate nearly dies. (this utter asshole can't actually or legitametly make his wife feel appreciated). If you want to truly enjoy the duo that is Kate and Anthony, then watch the TV show.

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amethyst_'s review against another edition

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emotional

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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amberlen's review against another edition

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emotional relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I wanted more Bridgerton content, so I gave this book a try but was left a bit disappointed.

The writing was okay, a stereotypical romance novel, no surprises and very tropey but basically fine. I actually thought the book did a better job of building Anthony and Kate's emotional connection, which fell a bit short in the Netflix adaptation for me.

However, the book had other issues. Mostly, I was disappointed with the main characters. Anthony is not likeable at all in the book and quite flat for a primary character. His personality is mostly made up of trauma and being a bit of a douche but it's okay cause he can be nice if he wants to be. And Kate's character was just too inconsistent. She's supposed to be straightforward and confident but then also blushes and fumbles at the first sign of Anthony's assertiveness. In general, their dynamic was very clichéd "sexually experienced, confident man and innocent, swooning woman". The adaptation made them much more equal. Yelling at him at the top of her lungs that he vexes her? Book Kate could never.

My biggest problem with the book, however, is how it treats consent.
After Kate and Anthony marry halfway through the book, Kate asks Anthony to wait with the wedding night because she isn't emotionally ready. And Anthony straight up refuses. He argues with her and asks her to give him "good reasons" for why they shouldn't sleep with each other right then and there. When he sees that she's upset, he asks her if she is afraid because she was subject to unwanted advances in the past. Sir, the unwanted advances are coming from you?! Then he tells her that he just can't wait because he desires her so much (we call that coercion) and they sleep with each other. Kate is fine with all of this. Yay.

All in all, the book was just okay with some very problematic passages that bumped it down to two stars for me. I'll just wait for the next season; despite its faults, I find the Netflix adaptation much more enjoyable.

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