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I enjoyed reading this second book in the Bridgerton series, but felt it wasn't as good as the first. The plot was fine, but it wasn't as much a page-turner. I didn't feel the love between the hero and heroine as much as in the first book, and the writing seemed more stilted - the descriptions and dialogue didn't seem to flow as well. That said, it was worth the time I spent on it, so I'm rating it as 3.5 to 4 stars, rounded up to a 4.
Does the author do her own reviews. This was just a silly dumb book with little chemistry between the two people and no depth to the story at all. The first book was outstanding, but this was silly, ridiculous and laughable. The author's notes at the end about bee stings didn't help. Very shallow read. I would not recommend wasting your time on this silly story.
This is the first novel by Julia Quinn that I have read and I bought it based on the many mostly positive reviews at Amazon.com. the heroine while she is hiding under his desk; for me this is absolutely unacceptable behaviour on the part of the "hero", whatever the provocation. I think in 1814/1815 this had to be the hottest topic everywhere, not only politically but in every drawing room; with the influx of French emigrants it affected all levels of society.
Instead it is full of gross historical inaccuracies. Aside from all this the heroine sees her only worth in being an attachment to a man and the hero is a overbearing, patronizing cad (I really like "rakes", but one who admires his own stamina which is illustrated by his practice of keeping two mistresses simulaneously, is a real turn off for me). I found the book very disappointing and cannot understand how it got all the positive feedback.I don't expect a historical romance to be overburdened with historical detail, but it should at least convey some of the feeling of the period, which this novel doesn't do at all.
On the other hand, each chapter is introduced by a completely anachronistic gossip column (Lady W's Society Papers), a format which didn't come into fashion until about a hundred years later.These are just the things that jumped out at me, and I'm not really a Regency expert. Firstly, the main protagonists get married within a week; but at the time the novel is set, in order to get married the bans had to be read on three consecutive Sundays in church prior to the wedding or a special licence had to be procured.There is also a description of somebody wearing "puff sleeves" on a dress, and during the time in question they weren't in fashion at all. If I remember correctly, the hero is politically involved (as a member of parliament or in some other government capacity) but not once is Napoléon mentioned: Hello.
The worst scene is where he kicks. All in all this romance (it can't really be called a historical, much less a Regency) gives of the vibes of a very shopworn, old-fashioned, bourgeois and misogynist sensibility.
This is definitely a 5 star pick book. I like to have some story and a little extra something. I love Kate, the heroine in this book, because she isn't the beautiful woman, she isn't graceful and she can't play any instrument beautifully. This book is actually second in the series but was the first one I read. I will admit I didn't find the newer ones as good but it could be because my favorite siblings were Anthony, Colin and Benedict so of course those were my favorite stories in the series. If you doubt me, I have to say this one was so good that I lent it to someone, never got it back and went out and bought a second copy because I love re-reading it so often.Here is the short blurb from Julia Quinn's website: Kate Sheffield is determined to keep Anthony Bridgerton from seducing her sister. The Bridgerton family series is one of my favorite series and I've read all of Julia Quinn's books. If the book makes me laugh then it's usually one that makes it onto my keep shelves (Julie Garwood's historical romances are other books that do it for me too).
But what if the notorious viscount decides to seduce her instead.A few of the things I love are that this book makes you laugh. I'm not one of those into romance books that are mostly sex scenes. She's also been known to leave her dancing partner with aching feet so how can you not love it when she catches the interest of the wealthy and handsome viscount who could have almost any woman he wants.After reading this one I quickly went and bought up the rest of the books that were out at the time and anxiously awaited each new book. If you love a good romance story and want some humor tossed in this is definitely one to pick up.
Oh. this book is marvelous, I love it better than THE DUKE AND I. I like the witty dialogue between Katherine & Anthony. This book is perfect.
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