Book Review: The Viscount that Loved Me Book 2 in the Bridgerton Series

Book Review for: The Viscount Who Loved Me

 

B00UG8RP22

 

Author: Julia Quinn

Published by: Avon Books, 2006, 2015, 

Overall rating: 4.5 Stars 

 

 

 

PLOT:  (4.5 Stars)

 

Anthony Bridgerton is a young, attractive viscount who is feeling the urge to settle down and find a wife. He’s not worried about his reputation – in fact, he’s rather proud of being a rake and a rogue. He has absolutely no intention of beginning in love with the woman he picks for his wife, so he sets his eye on the lovely Edwina Sheffield, the belle of the ton. 

 

Kate Sheffield is Edwina’s older sister and is also making her debut season in the ton. She finds Anthony’s reputation despicable and is mortified to discover he’s set his eye on Edwina. She has no intention of allowing Edwina to marry a rake and a man who doesn’t love her. 

 

When Anthony and Kate meet, the sparks fly. Both are so much alike – stubborn, full of pride, and quick-witted. As Kate runs interference for her sister, she finds herself more and more attracted to the handsome viscount. Dare Anthony fall in love with perfect woman for him? 

 

CATAYLIST: (4 Stars)

 

I was shopping at Costco when I found the book. I hadn’t read book #1 (The Duke and I) yet, but I was ready for a historical, regency romance. This cover, for me, was more in line with what I had envisioned for the story. 

 

THOUGHTS: (4.5 Stars)

 

For me, both characters were easy to like. Kate made a determined heroine, but her fear of thunderstorms is deep seated. When Anthony finds her in a vulnerable position due to her fear, he strives to help, proving he’s more gentleman than a rogue and allows Kate’s feelings for him to grow. Anthony, too, has a deep-seated belief – he’s convinced he’s not going to live to an old age, dying young as his father did. This fear drives his decisions, and yet when he meets Kate and discovers the power of love, he learns he is the master of his own destiny – but what choice should he make? The safe one or the risky one? 

 

WHAT WORKS: (4.5 Stars)

 

The witty banter. The plot moves a nice clip and I found myself rooting for Kate and Anthony. 

 

WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME (WHAT WAS ‘OFF’): 

 

The ending seems a little forced and rushed. Anthony has his epiphany and rushes to find Kate. Good. BUT the scenario where Kate was in danger felt a little, well, forced. 

 

WHY 4.5 STARS:

 

I enjoyed the setting and the escapism of the novel. Both main characters were well fleshed out with their flaws and vulnerabilities which made them very relatable. 

 

WILL I WATCH THE NETFLIX SERIES:

 

Not at this time. I love a good regency romance and the Bridgerton book series could very well be that, but I appreciate more the realism of the escapism, than the reimagining of it. The TV Series itself would stand much stronger on its own if it was its own world and not the reimagined world of the ton. 

 

EXTRA COVER SIDE NOTE:

 

As I usually do with a review, I download the cover and share it with the review. Well, I discovered the book had more than one cover. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, as it had a different color when it was published in 2006 and 2015. 

*****

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Book Review: The Duke and I - 3 Stars

Book cover inspired the by Netflix Series

Book review for:

 

The Duke and I

Author: Julia Quinn

Published by: Avon Books, 2000

Overall rating: 3 Stars 

 

 

 

PLOT:  (3 Stars)

 

Daphne Bridgerton is a young lady in Regency England. The ton dictates society’s norms and it’s her turn to traverse the rumors and innuendos of the season along with Lady Whistledown’s gossip column.  Daphne is well liked, heck, she’s everyone friend, so when it comes to finding a potential mate, he’s got to be something special because ordinary won’t do.

 

Simon Basset is young, handsome, and the new Duke of Hastings upon his father’s death, only Simon never cared much for his father. In fact, Simon’s father abandoned him as a young boy when he discovered Simon had a stutter. Simon vowed to be opposite of his father – never to fall in love, never to marry, and never have children.

 

When Daphne and Simon meet, the incident is memorable for both. Friendship grows into attraction, but Daphne and Simon have opposite goals in life. Daphne wants to be married and have children.  Simon doesn’t want any of marriage and children. When the couple is caught by Daphne’s brother in a compromised position, will a forced marriage bring happiness or misery? 

 

 

CATAYLIST: (3 Stars)

 

I was shopping at Costco and found the book. I liked the blurb, but thought the cover was ‘off’ – and it was reading the cover that I discovered Netflix made a series out of the book.  The actress on the cover was ‘Daphne’ – she totally captured the character.  The actor on the cover seemed off for ‘Simon’ – oh, he was handsome, but as I read the book, and developed my own inner visual for Simon, I found the disconnect a bit disconcerting.  Still, I was intrigued enough to buy the book and read it. 

 

THOUGHTS: (3.5 Stars)

 

Daphne is easy to like. She’s honest, forthright, brave and knows her mind. Her family is easy to like, too – even Anthony, who can be a little rough, but it’s understandable why he is, and his love for his siblings always shines though.

 

Simon is the more complicated character. He’s had a hard time of it, having to overcome a stutter and the abandonment of his father. Simon hides his background and challenges well in society, but when confronted with uncharacteristic emotions, he buckles down on what he knows – avoidance.  Daphne brings out the best and worst in Simon as she challenges him to confront his complicated emotions. 

 

WHAT WORKS: (4 Stars)

 

The banter is witty. The plot moves at a nice clip until a certain scene. The characters are appealing.

 

WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME (WHAT WAS ‘OFF’): (2 Stars)

 

I don’t mind sexually graphic scenes. The romance genre varies from sweet to heavy charged graphic scenes. There are such scenes here in this novel. However, there’s a point in the novel where Daphne has sex with a drunk Simon and he’s barely aware of his surroundings. He’s in no condition to really give his consent to the encounter. That said, Simon’s been firm about his wishes – he does not wish to have children. The scene ends with the opportunity for Daphne to conceive and yet, it’s not something that Simon wanted.  Simon’s character development is not fleshed out to the point in this novel, when this encounter happens, where he willingly consents to Daphne’s desires.  For me, a romance reader, consent is a must. Not drunken consent, not implied consent, consent given willingly and freely. 

 

WHY 3 STARS:

 

I liked the setting, the time period, and the escapism of the novel. I liked Daphne as a heroine. I appreciated the complicated character that Simon was, I just didn’t think the author took the time to develop the character to the point where he was in an emotional place to share Daphne’s desires when he has drunken sex with her. 

 

WILL I WATCH THE NETFLIX SERIES?

Not at this time.  I love a good escapism series and Bridgerton could very well be that, but I appreciate more the realism of the escapism then the reimagining of it.  The series itself would stand much stronger on its own if it was its own world and not a reimagined world of the ton. 

 

EXTRA: COVER SIDE NOTE:

 

As usually I do with a review, I download the cover and share it with the review.  Well, I discovered the book had more than one cover. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, as it had a different covers when published in 2000 ,and then as it was published throughout the world, it was given different covers.  

 

I thought it would be interesting to compare covers.  Which ones have more appeal and which ones have less.  I’d love to get your thoughts on it. 

 

Super Book Blast: The Perfect Duke by Dawn Ireland

THE PERFECT DUKE

By

Dawn Ireland

BLURB:  

Known as The Marble Duke amongst the Ton, Garret Weston, the Duke of Kendal sets himself apart from his peers. Nothing will hinder his guilt-driven attempt to become a perfect duke.  Nothing that is, save the alluring and imaginative betrothed he’d thought dead. His intended believes-of all things-that she is a Vicar’s daughter. The “perfect” duke needs a “perfect” duchess, but how was he to discern her suitability? Employing her as a governess to his niece seemed like an ideal solution. But whose “suitability” is being tested? His betrothed refuses to see he is beyond redemption. And most grievous of all, she stirs his blood, making him forget what’s important.

Cara believes fairy tales really can come true, until she meets the unrelenting and arrogant Duke of Kendal. He looks like a Prince, but acts like a Beast. Why must he challenge her at every turn? Her greatest peril is her attraction to the vulnerable, seductive man behind the title. A match between them would be impossible. But can she show him, without losing her heart, that “perfect” is in the eye of the beholder? 

EXCERPT: The duke peered down at her. “I asked Timmons to refrain from telling you about the servants’ lives.”

“You told him what?” Cara stood. “You had no right.”

“Actually, I have every right.”

For the first time in her life, Cara wanted to throw something at another human being. Fortunately, the oriental vase on the table closest to her was out of reach. “Tell me something. Do you relish being feared by your staff?”

He took a backward step. “That is ridiculous. They do not fear me.”

“Don’t they? And what makes you so sure?” Cara could not believe the man had no idea how he treated others. “When did you last speak to a footman?”

“I speak with them daily.”

“Don’t you mean ‘command’ them daily?” She’d witnessed the impersonal way he treated his staff. “I’m willing to wager you don’t even know one of their names.”

“Charles.”

Cara crossed to within inches of him. Staring up into his frigid green eyes, she enunciated every word. “There is not one footman named ‘Charles.’ It’s the name you give them, like referring to all dogs as ‘dog.’”

“You would not understand. That is the way things are done. It would be impossible for me to learn every footman’s name.”

“Impossible, or tiresome?”

The duke took her arms in a firm hold and Cara had the impression he wanted to shake her. “My conduct is not your concern.”

Dawn Ireland

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

“Once Upon a Time” are four of Dawn’s favorite words. Her love of story became a love of romance when she read Georgette Heyer’s, Devil’s Cub. It inspired her to write stories with strong characters that discover love is never easy, but always worthwhile. Dawn’s written several award-winning novels set in Georgian England – an era filled with rules and intrigue. Her characters often defy “Society” as they pursue love, run away, pursue, run away – well, you get the idea.  

Then again, she might write romance in order to do the research. What other profession encourages you to sit in the audience at Harlequin’s Male Model search, and take notes, or just sigh?

Dawn lives in a Victorian home in Upstate New York with her husband and very independent cats. When she’s not writing, she’s singing, gardening, learning to play the harp or wood carving. If you’d like to learn more about Dawn and her novels, go to her website at www.dawn-ireland.com            

LINKS:

www.dawn-ireland.com

www.smpauthors.wordpress.com

facebook

The Perfect Duke

ASIN: B00BT0NGOC

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BT0NGOC

 Dawn Ireland will chose one randomly commenter to receive a $20 Amazon gift card.

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. You can find the tour dates here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/04/super-book-blast-perfect-duke-by-dawn.html

Book Review Tuesday - The Rogue Pirate's Bride

Book Review for: The Rogue Pirate's Bride
Written by: Shana Galen
Sourcebooks
ISBN: 978-104022-6556-6
Avail: ebook and print
5 Stars

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

"Breathtaking Romance"

Shana Galen delivers again with "The Rouge Pirate's Bride." This story is the third installment of the "Sons of the Revolution" series and is packed with action, adventure, betrayal, greed, and clever characters. Sebastien Harcourt has found his way in the world as a pirate, but has he met his match with Raeven Russell, an admiral's daughter, who proves she's just as resourceful as any of Sebastien's crew? I've read the previous stories in this series, and I enjoyed them very much. I was looking forward to reading Sebastien's tale and for me, this story did not disappoint.

Set in 1802, Sebastien has escaped the turmoil in France only to become the captain of a pirate ship. He's on the hunt for another pirate, Jourdain, who killed his mentor. Raeven Russell is an admiral's daughter who wants revenge on Sebastien for killing her fiancé in a ship battle. The novel opens with plenty of excitement as Raeven, disguised as a man, challenges Sebastien. He gets the best of her, but not before revealing she's a woman, causing the sparks to fly between the couple. They meet again, several months later and it appears time has not lessened the sparks between them. Can Sebastien and Raeven tame their attraction or will it prove their undoing?

Galen's writing is full of witty dialogue, vivid descriptions, and effortlessly plunges the reader into Sebastien and Raeven's world. The plot moves at just the right pace, leaving the reader breathless.

The most rewarding part of the story is the rich characterization. Sebastien is full complexities, hurt over losing his family and mentor, yet so very giving with Raeven. Raeven is a spitfire, not afraid to look danger in the eye, and is full of tricks, yet her heart is wounded as well.

The story has several love scenes that are tasteful and embody the sensuality that Sebastien and Raeven share. "The Rogue Pirate's Bride" is a page-turner, full of emotion, danger, suspense and heartwarming romance. I highly recommend this book.