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savage_book_review's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Billed as the first Bridgerton prequel, this book tells the story of Billie Bridgerton who, if I've got my family tree right, should be Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne et. Al's paternal Aunt. Raised by liberal parents, she is commonly seen riding astride about the family estate, wearing breeches, and doing a better job of running the place than her father or his steward. Lifelong friends with the middle sons of the titled family next door, she can see herself perhaps one day accepting a proposal from one or the other. As long as she doesn't have to have much to do with the oldest brother and heir to the Rokesby fortune, George...
I bought this (and the others in the Rokesby series) on a whim, purely because they are described as prequels to Bridgerton. After reading that series, I had middling expectations; I just hoped for a gentle, happy, easy read in that familiar style. And actually, my expectations have been far surpassed; this is certainly my favourite Julia Quinn book to date. It doesn't take itself too seriously, the characters and relationships launch themselves off of the page and it's probably the most relatable. In some respects, I feel like it's the closest match in tone to the Bridgerton TV series; all of the Georgian grandeur you'd expect, brought right up to date to give a 21st Century audience the ability to understand their 18th/19th Century counterparts.
The constant back and forth between the three principal characters; Billie, George and Andrew, is an absolute joy to read. It's pitched perfectly; part banter, part good natured teasing, part flirtation, and the energy sparks from it with no effort from the reader whatsoever. And best of all it doesn't tail off - the bounce it brings to the prose is sustained and effective from beginning to end.
Similarly, the romance element is there all the way through, but it's kept quite subtle until fairly late on in the story. Now, it doesn't take a genuis to work out what happens partnership-wise, but it's quite a nice gradual realisation and development, rather than the 'thunderbolt' that quite often annoys me. As for the spice, it's fairly minimal and I'd say less detailed than a lot of the Bridgerton novels.
I loved the examination of Billie's character and the fact that she isn't a typical debutante. I'd say that Eloise in the TV series pulls quite a lot of characterisation from Billie (although not the breeches, at least not yet!) as that independent streak is definitely a shared trait. While I'm not entirely convinced that there were many aristocratic families that would have countenanced a daughter or wife acting as Billie does, I did enjoy the fact that it seems giving your children a long leash to discover themselves appears to be a Bridgerton family tradition rather than a reaction from Edmund (and Violet) to a restricted childhood of their own.
I was planning to put this in the local book swap when I finished, but have 100% changed my mind and it'll be going on my bookshelf as soon as I can make some space!
I bought this (and the others in the Rokesby series) on a whim, purely because they are described as prequels to Bridgerton. After reading that series, I had middling expectations; I just hoped for a gentle, happy, easy read in that familiar style. And actually, my expectations have been far surpassed; this is certainly my favourite Julia Quinn book to date. It doesn't take itself too seriously, the characters and relationships launch themselves off of the page and it's probably the most relatable. In some respects, I feel like it's the closest match in tone to the Bridgerton TV series; all of the Georgian grandeur you'd expect, brought right up to date to give a 21st Century audience the ability to understand their 18th/19th Century counterparts.
The constant back and forth between the three principal characters; Billie, George and Andrew, is an absolute joy to read. It's pitched perfectly; part banter, part good natured teasing, part flirtation, and the energy sparks from it with no effort from the reader whatsoever. And best of all it doesn't tail off - the bounce it brings to the prose is sustained and effective from beginning to end.
Similarly, the romance element is there all the way through, but it's kept quite subtle until fairly late on in the story. Now, it doesn't take a genuis to work out what happens partnership-wise, but it's quite a nice gradual realisation and development, rather than the 'thunderbolt' that quite often annoys me. As for the spice, it's fairly minimal and I'd say less detailed than a lot of the Bridgerton novels.
I loved the examination of Billie's character and the fact that she isn't a typical debutante. I'd say that Eloise in the TV series pulls quite a lot of characterisation from Billie (although not the breeches, at least not yet!) as that independent streak is definitely a shared trait. While I'm not entirely convinced that there were many aristocratic families that would have countenanced a daughter or wife acting as Billie does, I did enjoy the fact that it seems giving your children a long leash to discover themselves appears to be a Bridgerton family tradition rather than a reaction from Edmund (and Violet) to a restricted childhood of their own.
I was planning to put this in the local book swap when I finished, but have 100% changed my mind and it'll be going on my bookshelf as soon as I can make some space!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and War
georgiaisreading's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
itsgnat's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
kbpfaulkner's review against another edition
funny
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
Graphic: Sexual content
marionlundqvist's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
madsmcw_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Because of Miss Bridgerton is the first in Julia Quinn's Rokesbys series. It follows the Bridgertons a generation before the series we all know and love as well as the Rokesby family, neighbors and close friends of the Bridgertons.
This story is centered on Billie Bridgerton and George Rokesbys in a childhood friends/adversaries to lovers story. I absolutely LOVED the banter between the two of them, it was fun and fiery and frequently kept you on your toes. The romance is a slow burn as they begin to realize their love for one another but is SO worth the wait, and there's enough chemistry between them to carry you through the story. I also really enjoyed how Billie didn't care how she didn't fit into the mold of how a lady during the time should act and that she didn't feel shame because of it.
I listened to this on audio and the narrator is fantastic, so if you're going to read in highly suggest going that route!
This story is centered on Billie Bridgerton and George Rokesbys in a childhood friends/adversaries to lovers story. I absolutely LOVED the banter between the two of them, it was fun and fiery and frequently kept you on your toes. The romance is a slow burn as they begin to realize their love for one another but is SO worth the wait, and there's enough chemistry between them to carry you through the story. I also really enjoyed how Billie didn't care how she didn't fit into the mold of how a lady during the time should act and that she didn't feel shame because of it.
I listened to this on audio and the narrator is fantastic, so if you're going to read in highly suggest going that route!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexual content
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
meghanm404's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury, and War
km_loves_books's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol
taysaraadam's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
apoppyinthewind's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It follows the same path of all the Bridgerton books so there are no big surprises though I did like this one slightly more than the last Julia Quinn book I read. The first couple of chapters were a little rough but ultimately I was just happy to see Billie less hung up on her reputation or the need to get married after the slightest bit of physical contact. I mean, of course, the main characters get married because it’s a Julia Quinn romance but it was nice to see something a little different.
Once I get through my current library holds, I’m going to space out reading Quinn’s books because while I do enjoy her writing I think the tropes are making me feel like I’m reading the same book over & over at the moment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content