annahamburger's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Fatphobia, Body shaming, Bullying, and Classism
Moderate: Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Blood, Stalking, and Sexual content
Minor: Eating disorder, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Violence, Death of parent, and Xenophobia
cepbreed's review against another edition
- 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
Songs:
- Touch - Shura
- Everything Has Changed - Taylor Swift
Graphic: Bullying, Fatphobia, and Body shaming
Moderate: Blood and Pregnancy
Minor: Sexism
writtenbydnicole's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Blood, and Pregnancy
the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
It seemed like Quinn wasn't sure how to set up the romance between Colin and Penelope, so she borrowed a lot of themes from The Viscount Who Loved Me. Unfortunately, these themes didn't translate well.
Spoiler
Making Colin someone with a temper was poorly executed, and it felt like Quinn spent a lot of time justifying this choice (perhaps because it felt like it came out of nowhere). Where the hot-headedness felt believable with other characters like Anthony, it felt like a strange choice with Colin and turned him into a particularly flat and rude character. As well, where discussing how unpopular Kate was felt natural in The Viscount Who Loved Me (mainly because it wasn't the book's primary focus), it was obnoxious with Penelope. It almost felt like Quinn went out of her way to emphasize how terrible Penelope was perceived to be, which wasn't necessary and came off as cruel.The relationship as a whole felt really reluctant and lacking romance. I didn't feel any kind of genuine spark between Colin and Penelope, and I expected more genuine build-up in the friends to lovers dynamic. Instead, it felt like Colin was talking himself into getting with Penelope despite all these perceived issues he had with her. Without the build-up and chemistry between the two, the romance felt like it came out of nowhere and gave feelings of obligation instead of passion.
Spoiler
I think part of the reason the romance wasn't successful is that Quinn dedicated so much time to the Lady Whistledown plot. Given that there was so much going on with that subplot, Quinn couldn't dedicate enough attention to the romance between Colin and Penelope. Instead of choosing one or the other to focus on, Quinn was left with 2 boring subplots in 1 novel.This book still gets 2.25 stars, because it's a lighthearted read and contains the usual fun of the other Bridgerton books. In my opinion, however, it's not one of the better books of the series.
Graphic: Fatphobia, Sexual content, Bullying, and Body shaming
Moderate: Blood
beatriks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Eventually, I liked the book a lot!
Spoiler
When reading the book, I was wondering what other twist would fill the rest of the book, as Colin and Penelope already found each other halfway through the book. Then the whole Wistledown-story got more important than I expected. This is the same as I’m The netlix-adaption, and I found the detail of that storyline quite entertaining.Graphic: Bullying, Fatphobia, and Sexual content
Moderate: Blood
lilacsophie's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Blood, Bullying, and Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Physical abuse