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Bridgertons #4
Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Everyone knows that Colin Bridgerton is the most charming man in London. Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for...well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret...and fears she doesn't know him at all.
Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip abroad he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same - especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide...is she his biggest threat - or his promise of a happy ending?
Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip abroad he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same - especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide...is she his biggest threat - or his promise of a happy ending?
370 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2002
About the author
Julia Quinn
187 books33.4k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don't read (or write) romance, and and if you watch reruns of the game show The Weakest Link you might just catch her winning the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code.
A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Her books have been translated into 32 languages, and she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
The Bridgertons, her popular series of historical romance, is currently in production by Shondaland as a Netflix original series starring Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, and Rége-Jean Page.
A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Her books have been translated into 32 languages, and she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
The Bridgertons, her popular series of historical romance, is currently in production by Shondaland as a Netflix original series starring Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, and Rége-Jean Page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 15,984 reviews
December 23, 2018
3.5 stars
Though I loved Penelope Featherington, Colin was another story altogether. Before this book I really loved Colin. I couldn't wait for his story. Maybe my expectations were too high. I don't know but I really didn't like Colin most of the time. At times he came off like a big asshole. He was blowing his top every time the wind blew. His temper was just a bit much. One minute he was fine and then he was pissy, cold, and rude. If I was Penelope I would have kicked him in the balls. Penelope was sweet and smart. I felt bad that after being the shy wallflower that everyone acted like was a ugly plain girl, to have the man of your dream finally want you, only to have him snapping at you at the drop of a hat was just sad. Overall with the plot and Penelope this book was still 3 to 3.5 star read but Colin was a real disappointment.
Though I loved Penelope Featherington, Colin was another story altogether. Before this book I really loved Colin. I couldn't wait for his story. Maybe my expectations were too high. I don't know but I really didn't like Colin most of the time. At times he came off like a big asshole. He was blowing his top every time the wind blew. His temper was just a bit much. One minute he was fine and then he was pissy, cold, and rude. If I was Penelope I would have kicked him in the balls. Penelope was sweet and smart. I felt bad that after being the shy wallflower that everyone acted like was a ugly plain girl, to have the man of your dream finally want you, only to have him snapping at you at the drop of a hat was just sad. Overall with the plot and Penelope this book was still 3 to 3.5 star read but Colin was a real disappointment.
January 28, 2021
Here’s me thinking I would end up giving this 5 stars and it ended up being the worst one in the series so far.
How did one of the most wittiest brothers end up being such a bore? I don’t understand where his personality went.
The romance lacked absolutely everything. The chemistry was missing, once they got together they became even more boring and the plot was irritating and overtook the actual romance.
Nothing felt believable. I skim read towards the end of the book and then just gave up on the whole thing.
1 star for the Bridgerton family (minus Colin) and Lady Danbury.
How did one of the most wittiest brothers end up being such a bore? I don’t understand where his personality went.
The romance lacked absolutely everything. The chemistry was missing, once they got together they became even more boring and the plot was irritating and overtook the actual romance.
Nothing felt believable. I skim read towards the end of the book and then just gave up on the whole thing.
1 star for the Bridgerton family (minus Colin) and Lady Danbury.
July 24, 2022
Wow! I’m soooo sooo sooo pissed off right now! Since I devoured streaming series I got addicted to the Bridgerton madness like 63 million householders and Penelope became my favorite character from the beginning (being a Irish series Derry Girls fan also affected my judgment because Nicola Coughlan is such a brilliant actress who plays Penelope) and at first two books I got impression that Colin was smartest and most likable brother of Bridgertons.
So I skipped the third book to read two of my favorite characters on my Saturday which reserved for more regency romance and chill with Chardonnay!
But... I’m directly saying: Colin is a real ASS! ( or ARSE) Oh boy! What the hell happened to that lovely boy: he became a true, annoying, immature, insignificant, irritating spoiled brat who deserves my ten thousand punches! He’s rude, arrogant, cold, pretentious! Nope! He doesn’t deserve to be called hero ! He can be only irritating, very punchable supporting character of a book or unlikable soap opera character who kicks out at the third episode of the series!
On the other hand Penelope is still amazing, brave, smart, sweet pie! I hope she may end up with a better hero but well, they were childhood friends and she waited for too long to have him and she couldn’t see the man turned into the worst nightmare of true romance lover readers ( she has no idea she’s going to marry with an ass! Poor girl!)
And the conclusion of the story was so abrupt just like the other books’ ending! ( why the author has hard time to finish the books with proper endings. Maybe she doesn’t end then at all! )
Anyways: I only gave three disappointing stars for my love of Penelope but overall as I expected to love this book more than the other books of the series, I disliked it more!
Next week I think I’ll turn back to book third and find out what I missed!
I’m ending my review with sulking face, dissatisfied mood! I wish for myself to read better romances with more tolerable heroes in near future! Fingers crossed!
So I skipped the third book to read two of my favorite characters on my Saturday which reserved for more regency romance and chill with Chardonnay!
But... I’m directly saying: Colin is a real ASS! ( or ARSE) Oh boy! What the hell happened to that lovely boy: he became a true, annoying, immature, insignificant, irritating spoiled brat who deserves my ten thousand punches! He’s rude, arrogant, cold, pretentious! Nope! He doesn’t deserve to be called hero ! He can be only irritating, very punchable supporting character of a book or unlikable soap opera character who kicks out at the third episode of the series!
On the other hand Penelope is still amazing, brave, smart, sweet pie! I hope she may end up with a better hero but well, they were childhood friends and she waited for too long to have him and she couldn’t see the man turned into the worst nightmare of true romance lover readers ( she has no idea she’s going to marry with an ass! Poor girl!)
And the conclusion of the story was so abrupt just like the other books’ ending! ( why the author has hard time to finish the books with proper endings. Maybe she doesn’t end then at all! )
Anyways: I only gave three disappointing stars for my love of Penelope but overall as I expected to love this book more than the other books of the series, I disliked it more!
Next week I think I’ll turn back to book third and find out what I missed!
I’m ending my review with sulking face, dissatisfied mood! I wish for myself to read better romances with more tolerable heroes in near future! Fingers crossed!
October 26, 2020
not sure if it's the PMS or the book but i did release a singular bitch baby tear upon finishing this
i wasn't entirely enthusiastic about starting this fourth book because the first three books have been decidedly meh. however, julia quinn did a really good job setting up the relationship for this book at the end of the last one so i was a little more excited for this than i would have been otherwise. and honestly... this book didn't disappoint!
this was a childhood friends to lovers kind of story. the hero and heroine weren't besties growing up but they definitely spent a lot of time together and that sort of made the heroine invisible to the hero for a while. watching him figure out what an absolute gem Penelope was, was such a treat.
these are definitely my two favorite characters from the series so far and i was able to overlook a few things that annoyed me (but will mention here for y'all). i thought that Colin's hidden depths of being angry and jealous were not particular sexy. and the plot did meander a bit near the end. i understand that there can be multiple plot lines in a story but it felt like a little too much was going on at points.
that being said, i really liked most of Colin & Penelope's interactions. if you're looking for a pretty wholesome historical with a mostly non-douche hero & a really cool and witty heroine i'd recommend this.
i wasn't entirely enthusiastic about starting this fourth book because the first three books have been decidedly meh. however, julia quinn did a really good job setting up the relationship for this book at the end of the last one so i was a little more excited for this than i would have been otherwise. and honestly... this book didn't disappoint!
this was a childhood friends to lovers kind of story. the hero and heroine weren't besties growing up but they definitely spent a lot of time together and that sort of made the heroine invisible to the hero for a while. watching him figure out what an absolute gem Penelope was, was such a treat.
these are definitely my two favorite characters from the series so far and i was able to overlook a few things that annoyed me (but will mention here for y'all). i thought that Colin's hidden depths of being angry and jealous were not particular sexy. and the plot did meander a bit near the end. i understand that there can be multiple plot lines in a story but it felt like a little too much was going on at points.
that being said, i really liked most of Colin & Penelope's interactions. if you're looking for a pretty wholesome historical with a mostly non-douche hero & a really cool and witty heroine i'd recommend this.
August 11, 2021
”I love you with everything I am, everything I’ve been, and everything I hope to be. I love you with my past, and I love you for my future. I love you for the children we’ll have and for the years we’ll have together. I love you for every one of my smiles and even more, for every one of your smiles”.
¡Por fin llegué al libro que spoilearon con la primera temporada de la serie de Netflix! En Seduciendo a Mr. Bridgerton nos encontramos con la historia de Colin, el tercer hermano de una de las familias más poderosas e influyentes de Londres. Él, a diferencia de Anthony y Benedict, siempre ha querido ver el mundo y viajar a lugares increíbles y precisamente por eso es por lo que se ha perdido varias temporadas de verano en la capital inglesa. Sin embargo, Colin ha vuelto y, por supuesto, su madre no va a dejar de acosarlo con que ya tiene 33 años y debe casarse pronto. Ahora, por otra parte tenemos a Penelope, que a sus 28 años ya es considerada una solterona y, por ende, su madre ya ha dejado de insistirle en que busque marido. La cosa es que Penelope, aunque ya está resignada a quedarse sola para siempre, nunca ha dejado de pensar en Colin Bridgerton y en cómo adoraría que él realmente la viera como algo más que una amiga.
La verdad es que con cada libro que pasa me doy cuenta de la magia que tiene Julia Quinn para escribir. Es impresionante cómo nos transporta a un Londres de 1800 lleno de carruajes, vestidos espectaculares, veladas bailando vals y, sobre todo, chismorreos de época. Es fascinante.
Me gustó conocer mucho más a Penelope en este libro y ver lo buena persona que es a pesar de todo lo que ha vivido y de los desaires de la aristocracia londinense. Es decir, claro que tiene una manera de desahogar todo lo que siente al respecto, para eso es Lady Whistledown, y creo que hubiera sido muy fácil que terminara siendo un personaje amargado y con ganas de venganza, pero Julia Quinn evita ese cliché y, en cambio, nos presenta a una chica encantadora, romántica y con muchísima esperanza y bondad dentro de ella. La amé.
Y Colin… bueno, es un Bridgerton y eso ya le da quinientos puntos en la tabla de guapo, ingenioso, amable y valiente. Quizá lo que más me gustó de Colin fue, precisamente, su deseo de ver el mundo, de conocer diferentes rincones poco explorados y, sobre todo, dejarlo todo plasmado en sus diarios. Casi me muero de la felicidad leyendo los fragmentos que narraban sus aventuras por Escocia porque reconocí muchos de los nombres y los lugares. Pero, más allá de esto, creo que Colin fue un gran personaje porque, contrario a la idealización que tenía Penelope de él en su mente, nos demostró la cantidad de matices y dudas que hay dentro de él, pues está lejos de ser perfecto.
Otra cosa que me sorprende de estos libros es que si bien por su fórmula podrían ser tremendamente repetitivos, Julia Quinn siempre logra sorprenderme de una manera u otra. En este caso, me encantó que la relación de Colin y Penelope no surgiera inmediatamente, sino que esa amistad de tantísimos años fuera cambiando ligeramente y, cuando ninguno de los dos se lo esperaba, empezaran a sentir algo mucho más grande dentro de ellos. Esos turning points me parecieron preciosos.
Y nada, creo que mi única y ligera queja con respecto a este libro es que, de los cuatro que he leído hasta ahora, es el que tiene menos salseo, jajaja. Y ya está.
¡Por fin llegué al libro que spoilearon con la primera temporada de la serie de Netflix! En Seduciendo a Mr. Bridgerton nos encontramos con la historia de Colin, el tercer hermano de una de las familias más poderosas e influyentes de Londres. Él, a diferencia de Anthony y Benedict, siempre ha querido ver el mundo y viajar a lugares increíbles y precisamente por eso es por lo que se ha perdido varias temporadas de verano en la capital inglesa. Sin embargo, Colin ha vuelto y, por supuesto, su madre no va a dejar de acosarlo con que ya tiene 33 años y debe casarse pronto. Ahora, por otra parte tenemos a Penelope, que a sus 28 años ya es considerada una solterona y, por ende, su madre ya ha dejado de insistirle en que busque marido. La cosa es que Penelope, aunque ya está resignada a quedarse sola para siempre, nunca ha dejado de pensar en Colin Bridgerton y en cómo adoraría que él realmente la viera como algo más que una amiga.
La verdad es que con cada libro que pasa me doy cuenta de la magia que tiene Julia Quinn para escribir. Es impresionante cómo nos transporta a un Londres de 1800 lleno de carruajes, vestidos espectaculares, veladas bailando vals y, sobre todo, chismorreos de época. Es fascinante.
Me gustó conocer mucho más a Penelope en este libro y ver lo buena persona que es a pesar de todo lo que ha vivido y de los desaires de la aristocracia londinense. Es decir, claro que tiene una manera de desahogar todo lo que siente al respecto, para eso es Lady Whistledown, y creo que hubiera sido muy fácil que terminara siendo un personaje amargado y con ganas de venganza, pero Julia Quinn evita ese cliché y, en cambio, nos presenta a una chica encantadora, romántica y con muchísima esperanza y bondad dentro de ella. La amé.
Y Colin… bueno, es un Bridgerton y eso ya le da quinientos puntos en la tabla de guapo, ingenioso, amable y valiente. Quizá lo que más me gustó de Colin fue, precisamente, su deseo de ver el mundo, de conocer diferentes rincones poco explorados y, sobre todo, dejarlo todo plasmado en sus diarios. Casi me muero de la felicidad leyendo los fragmentos que narraban sus aventuras por Escocia porque reconocí muchos de los nombres y los lugares. Pero, más allá de esto, creo que Colin fue un gran personaje porque, contrario a la idealización que tenía Penelope de él en su mente, nos demostró la cantidad de matices y dudas que hay dentro de él, pues está lejos de ser perfecto.
Otra cosa que me sorprende de estos libros es que si bien por su fórmula podrían ser tremendamente repetitivos, Julia Quinn siempre logra sorprenderme de una manera u otra. En este caso, me encantó que la relación de Colin y Penelope no surgiera inmediatamente, sino que esa amistad de tantísimos años fuera cambiando ligeramente y, cuando ninguno de los dos se lo esperaba, empezaran a sentir algo mucho más grande dentro de ellos. Esos turning points me parecieron preciosos.
Y nada, creo que mi única y ligera queja con respecto a este libro es que, de los cuatro que he leído hasta ahora, es el que tiene menos salseo, jajaja. Y ya está.
December 11, 2020
Damn you, Colin Bridgerton, for getting my hopes up. You were so great in the other Bridgerton books, and everyone says, Colin! He's the best! that I was expecting this book to be a homerun. But you, my friend, are a spoiled brat. Yeah, I said it.
Okay, that might have been a bit harsh, but I'm sick of romance readers lifting up mediocre men. Penelope Featherington is a catch, and just because Colin *finally* noticed her curves, beautiful eyes, and brains for days, doesn't make him great. It just doesn't. You need be ACT great to BE great.
I'm more than a little peeved about Colin because I was expecting him to be one of the better Bridgertons. I'm not a Bridgerton stan, I'll just say that. In fact, I'm very all over the place with my reviews of this series, with my ratings going from 1 to 5-stars, depending on the book. I've read this series out of order, which doesn't seem to be an issue thus far, and none of the books hold a candle to When He Was Wicked. Now, THAT'S a romance hero. Colin? He's a child.
Colin ranged from acting sort of snobby but acceptable to full-on petulant baby. He had times when I saw some glimmer of what others see in him, but most of the time he pouted when anyone else was doing well. I quickly lost my fascination with him.
Penelope stole the show with this book. She fully carried Romancing Mister Bridgerton, and I was cheering her on every step of the way. I liked everything about her, including how she stood up for herself, even if sometimes it was in a subversive way. I wish she stood up to Colin more, but I just wish *anyone* stood up against Colin. Spoiled, rude baby...
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Okay, that might have been a bit harsh, but I'm sick of romance readers lifting up mediocre men. Penelope Featherington is a catch, and just because Colin *finally* noticed her curves, beautiful eyes, and brains for days, doesn't make him great. It just doesn't. You need be ACT great to BE great.
I'm more than a little peeved about Colin because I was expecting him to be one of the better Bridgertons. I'm not a Bridgerton stan, I'll just say that. In fact, I'm very all over the place with my reviews of this series, with my ratings going from 1 to 5-stars, depending on the book. I've read this series out of order, which doesn't seem to be an issue thus far, and none of the books hold a candle to When He Was Wicked. Now, THAT'S a romance hero. Colin? He's a child.
Colin ranged from acting sort of snobby but acceptable to full-on petulant baby. He had times when I saw some glimmer of what others see in him, but most of the time he pouted when anyone else was doing well. I quickly lost my fascination with him.
Penelope stole the show with this book. She fully carried Romancing Mister Bridgerton, and I was cheering her on every step of the way. I liked everything about her, including how she stood up for herself, even if sometimes it was in a subversive way. I wish she stood up to Colin more, but I just wish *anyone* stood up against Colin. Spoiled, rude baby...
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January 31, 2023
3.75 Stars
January 16, 2022
Meet Lady Whistledown, your one and only source into the scandalous lives of London's elite.
I had high hopes for Colin's love story and the grand reveal of Lady Whistledown. Disappointment on both accounts.
Colin is a shell of the man he used to be and there was no zing in his love story. He has also become somewhat of a jerk after all his globe trotting adventures. The only reason I didn't DNF this book was Penelope. I have a soft corner for wallflowers and Penelope seemed like a genuinely interesting character. Too bad her choice in men sucked.
This entire series (till this book, atleast) is pretty much like Gossip girl for peers, but with less sex and spice. I'm actually gonna take a break from the Bridgertons, go watch GG and fangirl over Nate (and his shoulders) for a while. XOXO.
I had high hopes for Colin's love story and the grand reveal of Lady Whistledown. Disappointment on both accounts.
Colin is a shell of the man he used to be and there was no zing in his love story. He has also become somewhat of a jerk after all his globe trotting adventures. The only reason I didn't DNF this book was Penelope. I have a soft corner for wallflowers and Penelope seemed like a genuinely interesting character. Too bad her choice in men sucked.
This entire series (till this book, atleast) is pretty much like Gossip girl for peers, but with less sex and spice. I'm actually gonna take a break from the Bridgertons, go watch GG and fangirl over Nate (and his shoulders) for a while. XOXO.
October 10, 2018
Re-read/listened to the audiobook version Oct'2018:
5 stars – Historical/Regency Romance
The audiobook narrator was fabulous, and it's still a big 5-star read for me.
Original Review from Sept'2010:
5+ stars – Historical/Regency Romance
Words seem wholly inadequate, my friends. Why are the best books always the hardest to review?! Alas, if only I could have clever Lady Whistledown write this.
Flirtatious, affable, charming, and witty Colin has been my favorite Bridgerton sibling from the beginning, and I was most looking forward to his story, especially knowing that the strikingly handsome, popular bachelor was being paired with his sister’s sweet best friend, plump, unpopular, wallflower, spinster Penelope Featherington. I adore romances where the supposedly ugly duckling, Plain Jane heroine is finally seen as a beautiful swan, has her day in the sun, and finds happily ever after with the wonderful hero of her dreams, and Romancing Mister Bridgerton is one of the most enjoyable that I’ve read.
Colin and Penelope are perfect for each other, and the fact that they’re insecure, flawed, and have some growing up to do makes them all the more relatable and lovable. Their relationship progression, from friendship to love, was believable, sweet, and utterly romantic, and the love scene was exceptionally touching, beautiful, sensual, and tender. Colin’s gentle, passionate reverence of Penelope during their lovemaking was sigh-worthy.
It’s a heartwarming, funny, and delightful feel good romance with a swoon-worthy hero and an adorable heroine that will have you smiling, laughing, crying, cheering, sighing, and perhaps wishing for your very own Mr. Colin Bridgerton.
What else can I say? It’s like the highest quality dark chocolate...just scrumptious! I’m in love with Colin, I adore Penelope, and I simply love, love, love this book! 5 Big, dreamy stars!
My favorite Colin quote:
He murmured her name, tenderly taking her face in his hands. “I love you,” he said, his voice low and fervent. “I love you with everything I am, everything I’ve been, and everything I hope to be.”
“I love you with my past, and I love you for my future.” He bent forward and kissed her, once, softly, on the lips. “I love you for the children we’ll have and for the years we’ll have together. I love you for every one of my smiles, and even more, for every one of your smiles.”
I love that Colin has striking green eyes. How about Michael Vartan for Colin?
5 stars – Historical/Regency Romance
The audiobook narrator was fabulous, and it's still a big 5-star read for me.
Original Review from Sept'2010:
5+ stars – Historical/Regency Romance
Words seem wholly inadequate, my friends. Why are the best books always the hardest to review?! Alas, if only I could have clever Lady Whistledown write this.
Flirtatious, affable, charming, and witty Colin has been my favorite Bridgerton sibling from the beginning, and I was most looking forward to his story, especially knowing that the strikingly handsome, popular bachelor was being paired with his sister’s sweet best friend, plump, unpopular, wallflower, spinster Penelope Featherington. I adore romances where the supposedly ugly duckling, Plain Jane heroine is finally seen as a beautiful swan, has her day in the sun, and finds happily ever after with the wonderful hero of her dreams, and Romancing Mister Bridgerton is one of the most enjoyable that I’ve read.
Colin and Penelope are perfect for each other, and the fact that they’re insecure, flawed, and have some growing up to do makes them all the more relatable and lovable. Their relationship progression, from friendship to love, was believable, sweet, and utterly romantic, and the love scene was exceptionally touching, beautiful, sensual, and tender. Colin’s gentle, passionate reverence of Penelope during their lovemaking was sigh-worthy.
It’s a heartwarming, funny, and delightful feel good romance with a swoon-worthy hero and an adorable heroine that will have you smiling, laughing, crying, cheering, sighing, and perhaps wishing for your very own Mr. Colin Bridgerton.
What else can I say? It’s like the highest quality dark chocolate...just scrumptious! I’m in love with Colin, I adore Penelope, and I simply love, love, love this book! 5 Big, dreamy stars!
My favorite Colin quote:
He murmured her name, tenderly taking her face in his hands. “I love you,” he said, his voice low and fervent. “I love you with everything I am, everything I’ve been, and everything I hope to be.”
“I love you with my past, and I love you for my future.” He bent forward and kissed her, once, softly, on the lips. “I love you for the children we’ll have and for the years we’ll have together. I love you for every one of my smiles, and even more, for every one of your smiles.”
I love that Colin has striking green eyes. How about Michael Vartan for Colin?
December 14, 2022
Ehhhhhh.
Shockingly, I didn't love-love this one. Mostly because I found Penelope incredibly dull. I wanted to like her but she just had ZERO spunk.
Well, outside of
And Colin was ok as far as the charm went, but then there was this "angry" side of him that was just...laughable. Angry? He acted upset and she would blanch with shock at the fact that something was able to penetrate his carefree exterior.
Really? Is that a thing someone would actually think about another human? That you just don't get angry about anything?
Now, in her defense, he needed to get over himself quite a bit. But Penelope wasn't very forceful about it. I kind of expected more out of an 'ugly duckling' story. I wanted to see some of the old fighting spirit from her, but the best I got was her sort of sneaking around and doing what she wanted without his knowing.
She practiced the it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission philosophy, which is admittedly a necessity on occasion, but I would have liked to have seen her bow up and slap Colin around with some feisty shit by the end. <--I did not get my wish.
The only really memorable thing about this is that you find out the identity of Lady Whistledown. Which is, let's face it, not too hard to figure out.
Originally I gave this 4 stars when I read the book 11 years ago. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a lovely job making this a bit more interesting than it probably was, this time around. This was by no means a bad story, and Julia Quinn does write a good historical romance with enough fluff to keep you warm.
Even so, this was at best a 3 star read in the end.
Shockingly, I didn't love-love this one. Mostly because I found Penelope incredibly dull. I wanted to like her but she just had ZERO spunk.
Well, outside of
And Colin was ok as far as the charm went, but then there was this "angry" side of him that was just...laughable. Angry? He acted upset and she would blanch with shock at the fact that something was able to penetrate his carefree exterior.
Really? Is that a thing someone would actually think about another human? That you just don't get angry about anything?
Now, in her defense, he needed to get over himself quite a bit. But Penelope wasn't very forceful about it. I kind of expected more out of an 'ugly duckling' story. I wanted to see some of the old fighting spirit from her, but the best I got was her sort of sneaking around and doing what she wanted without his knowing.
She practiced the it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission philosophy, which is admittedly a necessity on occasion, but I would have liked to have seen her bow up and slap Colin around with some feisty shit by the end. <--I did not get my wish.
The only really memorable thing about this is that you find out the identity of Lady Whistledown. Which is, let's face it, not too hard to figure out.
Originally I gave this 4 stars when I read the book 11 years ago. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a lovely job making this a bit more interesting than it probably was, this time around. This was by no means a bad story, and Julia Quinn does write a good historical romance with enough fluff to keep you warm.
Even so, this was at best a 3 star read in the end.
July 30, 2018
At some point in our lives we all ask some fundamental questions regarding our existence, the great mysteries of the universe, the past, the present and the future of humanity. Mankind is curious (and peculiar) like this; spending hours pondering on notions, dedicating personal effort and money, researching, reading, trying to find a solution to quench the hunger that consumes us. The Author knows this kind of struggle all too well. The last few days have been dedicated to the answer of one single question, one question to define her personality, her hopes, her dreams and wishes, but she still hasn't made up her mind.
Anthony or Colin Bridgerton?
How can a person choose? Anthony is the Rake turned into family man extraordinaire, while Colin is the carefree, smooth, genial and flirty gentleman every creature with ovaries adores, and thanks to Romancing Mister Bridgerton, we discovered another side to him, that rendered him more alluring and, well, delicious (don't mind the Author, she's a notorious man-eater). The questionmark that haunts her thoughts may remain immoveable like the mountains, but the Author can declare with clarity that the forth story of the Bridgerton family is her favorite. She found a shadow of herself in Penelope Featherington, the witty, funny wallflower everyone overlooked. She devoured the pages (because aside from a maneater she's also a book-eater) that brought to life a heart-warming, slow-burning, toe-curling romance infused with the perfect dose of hilarity and sensuality, with spicy scandals and even spicier, clandestine meetings. And the cherry on top? The bounty on Lady Whistledown's head. Between precious Bridgertons' moments, falling in love and magical dances, the Author felt calm. At peace. Home. Penelope and Colin tugged at her heartstrings, and made her believe.
Believe that Colins Bridgerton exist.
(The Author is a little naive, so please forgive her extravagant declarations).
- Katerina's Bookish Papers, July 2018
December 27, 2012
Oh, what a difference the second half of a book can make.
I want to be clear on this: when I was still only halfway through the book, I considered it a keeper. Penelope was wonderful: truly shy around anyone she didn't know well, with a few horribly painful/embarrassing moments in her life that Quinn actually took the time to show. I cringed in sympathy when Penelope came upon Colin just as he was telling his brothers that he wouldn't marry her and Penelope did what she could to preserve her dignity and not make it too obvious that he had just crushed her dreams. I enjoyed watching Penelope blossom as she resigned herself to being an old maid. Her friendship with Lady Danbury warmed my heart, and I loved it when they both confessed to attending horrible Smith-Smythe musicales so that the one Smith-Smythe girl who realized they were awful would have someone in the audience who was not making fun of her.
I loved Colin, too. He was a nice guy, and never hurt Penelope on purpose. He felt miserable when she overheard him saying that he wouldn't marry her – it's just that he was too immature, at that point in his life, to know how to best handle the situation. Later on in their lives, when there was another moment when he could have accidentally hurt her feelings, she stopped him, and he took that time to think about the potential consequences of his actions and how Penelope might be hurt by them. Then he deliberately did his best not to hurt her. Colin wasn't in love with Penelope then and hadn't yet realized that a wonderful person had been right under his nose for years, but he still liked her, and I could have hugged him for the kind and thoughtful way he handled that moment.
There's no way I can properly gripe about what Quinn did in the second half (last third?) of the book without spoiling things, so, if you don't like spoilers, stop reading this review at this point (or, more accurately, don't click the "spoiler" link).
Others may not feel the same way about the ending that I did. However, because of that ending, a book I had initially considered a keeper is now one I'll be offloading in order to free up shelf space.
(Original review, with read-alikes and watch-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
I want to be clear on this: when I was still only halfway through the book, I considered it a keeper. Penelope was wonderful: truly shy around anyone she didn't know well, with a few horribly painful/embarrassing moments in her life that Quinn actually took the time to show. I cringed in sympathy when Penelope came upon Colin just as he was telling his brothers that he wouldn't marry her and Penelope did what she could to preserve her dignity and not make it too obvious that he had just crushed her dreams. I enjoyed watching Penelope blossom as she resigned herself to being an old maid. Her friendship with Lady Danbury warmed my heart, and I loved it when they both confessed to attending horrible Smith-Smythe musicales so that the one Smith-Smythe girl who realized they were awful would have someone in the audience who was not making fun of her.
I loved Colin, too. He was a nice guy, and never hurt Penelope on purpose. He felt miserable when she overheard him saying that he wouldn't marry her – it's just that he was too immature, at that point in his life, to know how to best handle the situation. Later on in their lives, when there was another moment when he could have accidentally hurt her feelings, she stopped him, and he took that time to think about the potential consequences of his actions and how Penelope might be hurt by them. Then he deliberately did his best not to hurt her. Colin wasn't in love with Penelope then and hadn't yet realized that a wonderful person had been right under his nose for years, but he still liked her, and I could have hugged him for the kind and thoughtful way he handled that moment.
There's no way I can properly gripe about what Quinn did in the second half (last third?) of the book without spoiling things, so, if you don't like spoilers, stop reading this review at this point (or, more accurately, don't click the "spoiler" link).
Others may not feel the same way about the ending that I did. However, because of that ending, a book I had initially considered a keeper is now one I'll be offloading in order to free up shelf space.
(Original review, with read-alikes and watch-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
November 17, 2014
”I am certainly not going to marry Penelope Featherington!”
Ever since we heard Colin Bridgerton
And eat them he did.
Penelope Featherington. She freshly comes out to society, out to meet the ton, with an excess of a few stones in her weight, and either orange/yellow/red gowns which doesn’t do her complexion any good. We can’t blame her. Her mother is a tyrant. But Penelope knows she doesn’t look good. The entire ton would agree with her. She also lacks the confidence to show her sharp wit to at least make up for her disgraceful attire. And instead of being seen as an intellectual lady with a terrible fashion sense, she’s seen as a stuttering plump and overripe orange, only worthy of staying at the sidelines as a wallflower. Season after season, she manages to improve herself, loosing the extra weight, however never being able to get rid of the horrendous clothes her mother has been forcing her, but still the ton doesn’t see her, or rather refuses to see her as her beautiful self. And she ends up on the spinster shelf.
Colin Bridgerton. What more could he ask for? He’s loaded with good looks and charm. And he’s a Bridgerton. So, what more? Unfortunately, one does find it hard to seek contentment with just what he has. He has sought refuge in his travels. He’s not just the charming easygoing gentleman everyone thinks, because behind his beguiling smile are tons of layers of insecurities and dissatisfaction with his life.
But in this work of fiction lies real people with real problems. How can we not relate to either one or both of them? Who hasn’t been insecure a few times in their life? Who hasn’t felt the fear of looking a fool? Who hasn’t dreaded no being able to search their life’s purpose?
How could one not want what Penelope and Colin have? They were friends in the beginning and ended up as something more. And having one another seemed to be more than enough.
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, despite the laugh out loud parts and the easy smiles it caused me or rather distressed me with, since I couldn’t help but smile in public places, is a romance of tough and broad proportions. It made me laugh. It made me smile. It made me cry. It touched my heart and it touched my soul.
And it also made me desire a certain Mr. Colin Bridgerton. He loves intensely. Just the way a certain me wants to be loved. As proof, I leave you with this:
”I love you with everything I am, everything I’ve been, and everything I hope to be. I love you with my past, and I love you for my future. I love you for the children we’ll have and for the years we’ll have together. I love you for everyone of my smiles, and even more, for every one of your smiles.”♥
March 23, 2021
4.25 stars
I was so excited to read Colin and Penelope's story. Penelope has been one of my favorite characters of the series so far and I couldn't wait for her to get her happily ever after. I adored Penelope. I love her friendship with Eloise, and I loved seeing her growth through the series. She started off as a wallflower, but she had her own path and truly shined. I also loved how much Colin loved her. Once he truly saw her, he couldn't look away. They complimented each other so well.
I do have to add, I feel that if I would have read this before watching the show it might have been a five star for me... I think that . Still, I enjoyed this one so much. I love this Bridgerton family and I can't wait to read the next book!
Isn't it nice to discover that we're not exactly what we thought we were?
I was so excited to read Colin and Penelope's story. Penelope has been one of my favorite characters of the series so far and I couldn't wait for her to get her happily ever after. I adored Penelope. I love her friendship with Eloise, and I loved seeing her growth through the series. She started off as a wallflower, but she had her own path and truly shined. I also loved how much Colin loved her. Once he truly saw her, he couldn't look away. They complimented each other so well.
I do have to add, I feel that if I would have read this before watching the show it might have been a five star for me... I think that . Still, I enjoyed this one so much. I love this Bridgerton family and I can't wait to read the next book!
Audio book source: Hoopla (library borrow)
Story Rating: 4.25 stars
Narrators: Rosalyn Landor
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Historical romance
Length: 13 hours and 17 minutes
January 4, 2021
– 3.5 stars
Penelope & Colin and Kate & Anthony are my favorite couples in this series so far.
Penelope & Colin and Kate & Anthony are my favorite couples in this series so far.
December 3, 2020
Out of all of the Bridgertons, I was most excited for Colin's. He was such a fun character in the first three books and the angst between him and Penelope was just so amazing. I couldn't wait for them to fall in love!
I can't really say a whole lot about this book without spoiling things, so I'll just say that I didn't really love Colin as much as I thought I would in his book. His insecurities at the end were frustrating and I just wish he had communicated them to Penelope from the start. I did love how he fell for Penelope slowly and how their relationship grew.
I loved Penelope and how she was a wallflower. She definitely stole the show in this book. I adored her relationships with Eloise and I couldn't get enough of the Bridgerton family.
I am annoyed how 3 out of the first 4 books in the series have the couple getting together a little over halfway through and the rest is just more conflict after they're together. I'm not a fan when the couples get together so early and I want there to be even more of us waiting for them to finally marry and be together. So the ending just felt a bit tedious by the end, but that last scene before the prologue was so adorable! Overall, I did enjoy Colin and Penelope's story, but Benedict's book still remains my favorite!
I can't really say a whole lot about this book without spoiling things, so I'll just say that I didn't really love Colin as much as I thought I would in his book. His insecurities at the end were frustrating and I just wish he had communicated them to Penelope from the start. I did love how he fell for Penelope slowly and how their relationship grew.
I loved Penelope and how she was a wallflower. She definitely stole the show in this book. I adored her relationships with Eloise and I couldn't get enough of the Bridgerton family.
I am annoyed how 3 out of the first 4 books in the series have the couple getting together a little over halfway through and the rest is just more conflict after they're together. I'm not a fan when the couples get together so early and I want there to be even more of us waiting for them to finally marry and be together. So the ending just felt a bit tedious by the end, but that last scene before the prologue was so adorable! Overall, I did enjoy Colin and Penelope's story, but Benedict's book still remains my favorite!
October 12, 2018
3.5*.
My favorite of the Bridgerton boys and this was such a cute story of being in love and believing in that love.
My favorite of the Bridgerton boys and this was such a cute story of being in love and believing in that love.
June 26, 2022
*** 5 Seducida por Mr Bridgerton STARS***
Queridos amigos de goodreads:
Quiero confesarles que me enamorado por 9383383737 vez y ahora es de Colin Bridgerton , mi hombre de la sonrisa sesgada y seductora, su mirada pícara y sus ojos color verde esmeralda, me ha conquistado con su personalidad divertida y amable, con sus conversaciones ingeniosas y su buen corazón.
Se ha robado mi corazón oh bueno lo que le queda a esta humilde servidora.
Con amor,
Grecia A. Robles, 03 de noviembre de 2017
Estoy en una disyuntiva ¿no les ha pasado que se enamoran de los personajes pero no tanto de la historia y que no sabes que calificación darle? así estoy en este aprietoaunque en estos momento ya se habrán dado cuenta que calificación le di ( MENTIRA este libro se merece un millón de estrellas y no exagero con la relectura lo amé infinitamente😍😍 )
Yo estaba súper emocionada cuando me enteré que Penélope era la pareja de Colin, me encantan este tipo de Clichés de chicas florero solteronas con hombre encantadores y seductores , me imagine una historia diferente más divertida no me malentiendan me gustó pero no me encantó.(SI ME ENCANTÓ)
En cambio los personajes me enamoraron empecemos con Penélope que fue una agradable sorpresa para mí hasta me atrevo a decir que llevó el peso de la historia, se me hizo similar a La Conspiración de la Condesa de Courtney Milan OJO similar más no igual no es tan emotivo como ese libro.
Penélope es inteligente sarcástica ingeniosa, pero nunca ha dado rienda suelta a sus atributos porque es tímida con las personas con las que no siente confianza, lleva enamorada toda una vida de Colin aunque ella sabe que su amor no será correspondido. Guarda un secreto que ya lo sospechaba desde hace tiempo y me encantó cuando por fin fue revelado. NADIE MÁS QUE ELLA PODRÍA SER.
Penelope es una DIOSA, es el personaje femenino que más amo de esta serie, ella por sí sola es increíble, es maravillosa yo caigo rendida a los pies de Penelope YAAS QUEEN!!👏👌💅👑
Colin ¿Ya dije que lo amo? Ok Ok LO AMOOOO!!
LO AMO
LO AMO
LO AMO
😍😍😍😍😍😍
Resultó ser más de lo que vimos en los anteriores libros, era más que un simple hombre encantador y querido por lo sociedad, tenía inquietudes, frustraciones, inseguridades y estaba insatisfecho con la vida quería poder encontrar una finalidad en su existencia quería tener un sueño que lo apasionara, aquí se muestra a un Colin más profundo, melancólico y vulnerable.
Caí rendida ante los encantos de mi amado Colin desde la primera vez que hizo aparición y en este libro estoy profundamente enamorada de él como ya se habrán dado cuenta en mi declaración de amor.
Esta es una historia de un amor, de evolucionar como personas, alcanzar los sueños, de aceptación, de avanzar, superarse y crecer juntos como pareja.
Colin y Penelope son un couple goals son TOP TOP TOP, me encantan me fascinan, amé sus conversaciones ingeniosas, todas sus interacciones, sus escenas románticas. Son mi pareja favorita son increíbles y estoy tan contenta que Julia Quinn los haya puesto juntos porque por separados son geniales pero juntos son UFFF GORGEOUS💑💕
Y la declaración de amor Oh Mon Dieu es la más bonita que he leido es que ES la declaración de amor y es la escena más sublime y especial de toda la serie.
😭😍😭😍
Objetivamente el libro no es perfecto tiene un par de escenas anticlimáticas que no se dan de manera orgánica y hacen que te saquen de onda sobre todo el primer beso pero como yo NO SOY OBJETIVA para mí todo es perfecto, Colin es perfecto, Penelope es Perfecta ellos son perfectos.
PD: Como se habrán dado cuenta reedité mi reseña porque en esta relectura AMÉ CON LOCURA Y PASIÓN este libro no sé como la primera vez pude decir que no se merecía las 5 estrellasTú muy mal Grecia
No saben como fangirlié como lloré de felicidad, releí mis frases y escenas favoritas una y otra vez y m dejó por días en las nubes me atrevo a decir que esta ha sido mi lectura del AÑO con decirles que me están ganas de volverlo a leer.
Te amo con todo lo que soy, todo lo que he sido y todo lo que espero ser. —Colin… —Te amo con mi pasado y te amo por mi futuro. —La besó dulcemente en los labios —Te amo por los hijos que tendremos y por los años que tendremos juntos. Te amo por todas y cada una de mis sonrisas y más aún, por todas y cada una de tus sonrisas. Penélope se apoyó en el respaldo de un sillón. —Te amo —repitió él.
Queridos amigos de goodreads:
Quiero confesarles que me enamorado por 9383383737 vez y ahora es de Colin Bridgerton , mi hombre de la sonrisa sesgada y seductora, su mirada pícara y sus ojos color verde esmeralda, me ha conquistado con su personalidad divertida y amable, con sus conversaciones ingeniosas y su buen corazón.
Se ha robado mi corazón oh bueno lo que le queda a esta humilde servidora.
Con amor,
Grecia A. Robles, 03 de noviembre de 2017
Estoy en una disyuntiva ¿no les ha pasado que se enamoran de los personajes pero no tanto de la historia y que no sabes que calificación darle? así estoy en este aprieto
Yo estaba súper emocionada cuando me enteré que Penélope era la pareja de Colin, me encantan este tipo de Clichés de chicas florero solteronas con hombre encantadores y seductores , me imagine una historia diferente más divertida no me malentiendan me gustó pero no me encantó.(SI ME ENCANTÓ)
En cambio los personajes me enamoraron empecemos con Penélope que fue una agradable sorpresa para mí hasta me atrevo a decir que llevó el peso de la historia, se me hizo similar a La Conspiración de la Condesa de Courtney Milan OJO similar más no igual no es tan emotivo como ese libro.
Penélope es inteligente sarcástica ingeniosa, pero nunca ha dado rienda suelta a sus atributos porque es tímida con las personas con las que no siente confianza, lleva enamorada toda una vida de Colin aunque ella sabe que su amor no será correspondido. Guarda un secreto que ya lo sospechaba desde hace tiempo y me encantó cuando por fin fue revelado. NADIE MÁS QUE ELLA PODRÍA SER.
Penelope es una DIOSA, es el personaje femenino que más amo de esta serie, ella por sí sola es increíble, es maravillosa yo caigo rendida a los pies de Penelope YAAS QUEEN!!👏👌💅👑
—Lo sé. —Se le acercó más y le dio un impulsivo beso en la mejilla—. Eres el hombre imperfecto de mi corazón, y eso es mejor todavía. Siempre creí que eras infalible, que llevabas una vida encantada, que no tenías ninguna preocupación, ni miedos, ni sueños sin realizar. Pero no era justa al pensar eso.
Colin ¿Ya dije que lo amo? Ok Ok LO AMOOOO!!
LO AMO
LO AMO
LO AMO
😍😍😍😍😍😍
Resultó ser más de lo que vimos en los anteriores libros, era más que un simple hombre encantador y querido por lo sociedad, tenía inquietudes, frustraciones, inseguridades y estaba insatisfecho con la vida quería poder encontrar una finalidad en su existencia quería tener un sueño que lo apasionara, aquí se muestra a un Colin más profundo, melancólico y vulnerable.
Caí rendida ante los encantos de mi amado Colin desde la primera vez que hizo aparición y en este libro estoy profundamente enamorada de él como ya se habrán dado cuenta en mi declaración de amor.
Esta es una historia de un amor, de evolucionar como personas, alcanzar los sueños, de aceptación, de avanzar, superarse y crecer juntos como pareja.
Colin y Penelope son un couple goals son TOP TOP TOP, me encantan me fascinan, amé sus conversaciones ingeniosas, todas sus interacciones, sus escenas románticas. Son mi pareja favorita son increíbles y estoy tan contenta que Julia Quinn los haya puesto juntos porque por separados son geniales pero juntos son UFFF GORGEOUS💑💕
Y la declaración de amor Oh Mon Dieu es la más bonita que he leido es que ES la declaración de amor y es la escena más sublime y especial de toda la serie.
😭😍😭😍
Objetivamente el libro no es perfecto tiene un par de escenas anticlimáticas que no se dan de manera orgánica y hacen que te saquen de onda sobre todo el primer beso pero como yo NO SOY OBJETIVA para mí todo es perfecto, Colin es perfecto, Penelope es Perfecta ellos son perfectos.
PD: Como se habrán dado cuenta reedité mi reseña porque en esta relectura AMÉ CON LOCURA Y PASIÓN este libro no sé como la primera vez pude decir que no se merecía las 5 estrellas
No saben como fangirlié como lloré de felicidad, releí mis frases y escenas favoritas una y otra vez y m dejó por días en las nubes me atrevo a decir que esta ha sido mi lectura del AÑO con decirles que me están ganas de volverlo a leer.
February 27, 2020
Muy muy fan de esta saga! He de decir que este libro me ha sorprendido, por un lado tenemos el humor con que la autora nos describe a Penelope, la protagonista, y por otro lado a Colin; serio y malhumorado. De momento no es mi pareja preferida, pero he de reconocer que te ríes bastante con ella. En cuanto a la trama... Como es lógico, no puedo hablar de eso, pero me he quedado parpadeando cual mariposa en pleno vuelo jaja...
September 30, 2017
BR with Andrea and Lacey. Thanks ladies- I am glad I read it. At least I am not dissing the book from a position of ignorance! It just is not my kind of romance:)
I had never liked the idea of this book, although I have read a few in this series and I seem to remember thinking they were ok. I could not enjoy this one.
The writing was fine. It was both the MCs- they just plain annoyed me.
Colin was self-satisfied but insecure. He whined about having no purpose in his life, while he traveled the world having a good time. When he discovers our heroine's secret he is so jealous that he is cruel, even exhibiting quite bullying behaviour. (He actually pushes her around physically.) There is no discussion, no attempt to understand her point of view and no courage on his part to explain his aggressive and OTT reaction. He is constantly surprised that he could possibly be feeling anything for her- for God's sake, it was Penelope Featherington, after all. Plain, plump and old (28) Penelope.
Penelope was a total doormat. Her mother pushed her around. The other debs pushed her around. Her bloody fiancé pushed her around. She is too busy saying sorry and trying to understand their point of view to ever realise that, hey, she has a right to do something worthwhile and creative with her own life.
She has a right to defend her position and decisions.
She has a right to say "no" to her mother.
She has a right to tell Colin he is way out of line and to pull his fucking head in.
But she was too sweet, too nice and too weak to assert herself at all. Not even once. Always quick with the backdown and full of mind numbing and cringe-worthy gratitude that Colin might actually want her- Penelope Featherington, for God's sake!.
There were so many passages in the book that just made me angry. I should have highlighted them all and included them in this review, but it would have been pages long.
And I have a sneaking suspicion if the boot had been on the other foot, and Penelope had been the mean one, with poor Colin trying to justify a secret activity, all the HR fans out there would have been howling and calling her a nasty, spoilt, petulant cow.
Even at the end, although we are given the sop that Penelope was his "editor", it is Colin's success that is lauded, his book she admires and his career that we are to look forward to. (She is preggo and that's her life over re: individual career or life purpose.)
I do not like immature heroes and stereotypical, traditional roles in a relationship. That is not a true partnership.
Julia Quinn has definitely written some good books for me. This was absolutely not one of them.
I had never liked the idea of this book, although I have read a few in this series and I seem to remember thinking they were ok. I could not enjoy this one.
The writing was fine. It was both the MCs- they just plain annoyed me.
Colin was self-satisfied but insecure. He whined about having no purpose in his life, while he traveled the world having a good time. When he discovers our heroine's secret he is so jealous that he is cruel, even exhibiting quite bullying behaviour. (He actually pushes her around physically.) There is no discussion, no attempt to understand her point of view and no courage on his part to explain his aggressive and OTT reaction. He is constantly surprised that he could possibly be feeling anything for her- for God's sake, it was Penelope Featherington, after all. Plain, plump and old (28) Penelope.
Penelope was a total doormat. Her mother pushed her around. The other debs pushed her around. Her bloody fiancé pushed her around. She is too busy saying sorry and trying to understand their point of view to ever realise that, hey, she has a right to do something worthwhile and creative with her own life.
She has a right to defend her position and decisions.
She has a right to say "no" to her mother.
She has a right to tell Colin he is way out of line and to pull his fucking head in.
But she was too sweet, too nice and too weak to assert herself at all. Not even once. Always quick with the backdown and full of mind numbing and cringe-worthy gratitude that Colin might actually want her- Penelope Featherington, for God's sake!.
There were so many passages in the book that just made me angry. I should have highlighted them all and included them in this review, but it would have been pages long.
And I have a sneaking suspicion if the boot had been on the other foot, and Penelope had been the mean one, with poor Colin trying to justify a secret activity, all the HR fans out there would have been howling and calling her a nasty, spoilt, petulant cow.
Even at the end, although we are given the sop that Penelope was his "editor", it is Colin's success that is lauded, his book she admires and his career that we are to look forward to. (She is preggo and that's her life over re: individual career or life purpose.)
I do not like immature heroes and stereotypical, traditional roles in a relationship. That is not a true partnership.
Julia Quinn has definitely written some good books for me. This was absolutely not one of them.
May 17, 2021
3.5 stars
Penelope Featherington has resigned herself (quite happily) to spinster status.
And, wow, what a relief it is to not fret about being asked (or not being asked) to dance, to not see other men pretending not to see hare and to just not worry anymore.
Colin Bridgerton is known as the wittiest, funniest and most charming of the Bridgerton brothers...and honestly, that can be quite tiring having to seem so happy all of the time.
After a long trip away, Colin returns to London and spots Penelope...and there's something different about her...there's just something about her that he just cannot forget.
And soon he begins to wonder if he should try for something more.
ARGHHHH! Talk about a disappointment.
On the one hand, Penelope's perspective was a fresh breath of life into this series. She's so charming and witty and relatable. I absolutely adored her.
Her longtime-crush on Colin was so stinking cute and I was so happy for her as she came out of her shell.
And on the other hand, Colin was a wet, moldy blanket. Ready to smother the joy out of Penelope's life.
Seriously!
After three books, I thought I knew what Colin was going to be like - lighthearted, semi-carefree and entertaining...only much to my surprise, as soon as we get into Colin's head, we find that he's just as moody and misogynistic as his brothers!
And don't get me started on the whole Lady Whistledown reveal.
No spoilers BUT the way Colin handled it made me want to strangle him.
Okay...actually, I lied cause I want to include some spoilers.
He made me so mad from that once incident that it took a whole star off the review.
Penelope Featherington has resigned herself (quite happily) to spinster status.
And, wow, what a relief it is to not fret about being asked (or not being asked) to dance, to not see other men pretending not to see hare and to just not worry anymore.
Colin Bridgerton is known as the wittiest, funniest and most charming of the Bridgerton brothers...and honestly, that can be quite tiring having to seem so happy all of the time.
After a long trip away, Colin returns to London and spots Penelope...and there's something different about her...there's just something about her that he just cannot forget.
And soon he begins to wonder if he should try for something more.
ARGHHHH! Talk about a disappointment.
On the one hand, Penelope's perspective was a fresh breath of life into this series. She's so charming and witty and relatable. I absolutely adored her.
Her longtime-crush on Colin was so stinking cute and I was so happy for her as she came out of her shell.
And on the other hand, Colin was a wet, moldy blanket. Ready to smother the joy out of Penelope's life.
Seriously!
After three books, I thought I knew what Colin was going to be like - lighthearted, semi-carefree and entertaining...only much to my surprise, as soon as we get into Colin's head, we find that he's just as moody and misogynistic as his brothers!
And don't get me started on the whole Lady Whistledown reveal.
No spoilers BUT the way Colin handled it made me want to strangle him.
Okay...actually, I lied cause I want to include some spoilers.
He made me so mad from that once incident that it took a whole star off the review.
October 28, 2022
maybe historical romances aren’t for me?
don’t get me wrong, i adored Colin and Penelope together. they were so witty and charming, with such a soft and soulful bond. i just... the writing style was a bit stifling for me and it struggled to keep my attention. and i think it was a bit aimless, plot-wise. but i really did enjoy this— it was just right book, wrong time, for sure.
because it definitely had four star potential but it’s my fault and not the book’s. book slump + covid = zero attention span. ive been struggling to find the right read lately.
im really glad i read the book though! now i feel well equipped to watch season three of the show😌 im excited to see some of these scenes play out on screen.
And that was when he realised that Daphne had been right. His love hadn't been a thunderbolt from the sky. It had started with a smile, a word, a teasing glance. Every second he had spent in her presence it had grown, until he'd reached this moment, and he suddenly knew.
He loved her.
don’t get me wrong, i adored Colin and Penelope together. they were so witty and charming, with such a soft and soulful bond. i just... the writing style was a bit stifling for me and it struggled to keep my attention. and i think it was a bit aimless, plot-wise. but i really did enjoy this— it was just right book, wrong time, for sure.
because it definitely had four star potential but it’s my fault and not the book’s. book slump + covid = zero attention span. ive been struggling to find the right read lately.
im really glad i read the book though! now i feel well equipped to watch season three of the show😌 im excited to see some of these scenes play out on screen.
April 22, 2013
St. Bride's Church Fleet Street, London, England, c.1830*
★★★★½ I read this when it first came out over ten years ago and remember loving Colin. Though I’m a bit of a “re-reader,” I haven’t done so. Consequently, I jumped at the chance to join in a “buddy read,” the forth in this enduring series.
However, on re-read I was really impressed with Penelope. Don’t get me wrong: I still had heart palpitations over Colin and his deep green eyes. Nevertheless, I appreciated Penelope’s subtle straight-forward intelligence, calm humor, and not-so-common common sense. Not that she doesn’t have a secret or two up her sleeve.
I was also surprised at how much more I enjoyed seeing these two “perfect for each other” people – the wallflower spinster no one notices and the always popular “Golden Boy” – go from friendship to love on this second visit to Ms. Quinn’s world.
Of course, it isn’t strictly true that they were friends first, because Penelope has loved Colin for years. She always felt any attention Colin gave her was but perfunctory courtesy. Thus, it is a sweet delight to see him finally realize the jewel right under his nose. This story more than simply ‘holds up’ – it is definitely worthy of notice today.
P.S. I wish they’d put it on audio!
P.P.S. Ms Quinn borrowed the curmudgeonly** Lady Danbury from Stephanie Laurens’ Cynster series and made her more than a walk-on character – she’s an integral part of the plot. Such fun!
*19th century engraving; engraver unknown 19th century; public domain picture.
** Yes, I know “curmudgeonly” is a masculine term, but it works here, I think.
★★★★½ I read this when it first came out over ten years ago and remember loving Colin. Though I’m a bit of a “re-reader,” I haven’t done so. Consequently, I jumped at the chance to join in a “buddy read,” the forth in this enduring series.
However, on re-read I was really impressed with Penelope. Don’t get me wrong: I still had heart palpitations over Colin and his deep green eyes. Nevertheless, I appreciated Penelope’s subtle straight-forward intelligence, calm humor, and not-so-common common sense. Not that she doesn’t have a secret or two up her sleeve.
I was also surprised at how much more I enjoyed seeing these two “perfect for each other” people – the wallflower spinster no one notices and the always popular “Golden Boy” – go from friendship to love on this second visit to Ms. Quinn’s world.
Of course, it isn’t strictly true that they were friends first, because Penelope has loved Colin for years. She always felt any attention Colin gave her was but perfunctory courtesy. Thus, it is a sweet delight to see him finally realize the jewel right under his nose. This story more than simply ‘holds up’ – it is definitely worthy of notice today.
P.S. I wish they’d put it on audio!
P.P.S. Ms Quinn borrowed the curmudgeonly** Lady Danbury from Stephanie Laurens’ Cynster series and made her more than a walk-on character – she’s an integral part of the plot. Such fun!
*19th century engraving; engraver unknown 19th century; public domain picture.
** Yes, I know “curmudgeonly” is a masculine term, but it works here, I think.
March 22, 2014
There is a perfect word to describe how I feel about Julia Quinn. It’s ‘meh’. I don’t love her, I don’t hate her, I will read her, I will quickly forget her.
I’m not sure why that is because she is very popular and other people seem to find her books, and this particular one especially, amazing. But to me they are just too cute. Too sweet. I don’t want cute and sweet. I’m sure you’ve gathered that much from my reviews – I can tolerate cute and sweet only in really homoeopathic doses.
So what is Romancing Mr Bridgerton about? Well, she has loved him for ages, he barely notices her. Until he notices her and falls in love. And then they get married and live happily ever after. Also they make out in a carriage once which is something I have always wanted to do.
The most interesting part of this story was how Quinn handled the bruised ego of the hero which was bruised on the account of his beloved being more successful than him (and what’s worse - in the same field!). This, I feel, needs to be addressed more often in romance novels. Is it unsexy for the hero to be less successful than the heroine? Especially if they work in the same field? Would you want to read a romance novel where a hero takes in his stride that he would never be as good of a scientist/doctor/writer as the heroine? How about real life? Personally, I prefer not to date another fiction writer just in case. Bruised male egos is something I have very little time for.
*full reviews back to due to popular demand (true story)
I’m not sure why that is because she is very popular and other people seem to find her books, and this particular one especially, amazing. But to me they are just too cute. Too sweet. I don’t want cute and sweet. I’m sure you’ve gathered that much from my reviews – I can tolerate cute and sweet only in really homoeopathic doses.
So what is Romancing Mr Bridgerton about? Well, she has loved him for ages, he barely notices her. Until he notices her and falls in love. And then they get married and live happily ever after. Also they make out in a carriage once which is something I have always wanted to do.
The most interesting part of this story was how Quinn handled the bruised ego of the hero which was bruised on the account of his beloved being more successful than him (and what’s worse - in the same field!). This, I feel, needs to be addressed more often in romance novels. Is it unsexy for the hero to be less successful than the heroine? Especially if they work in the same field? Would you want to read a romance novel where a hero takes in his stride that he would never be as good of a scientist/doctor/writer as the heroine? How about real life? Personally, I prefer not to date another fiction writer just in case. Bruised male egos is something I have very little time for.
*full reviews back to due to popular demand (true story)
February 15, 2019
Colin is my favorite Bridgerton since the first book, so I was really excited to read his book, and it was amazing!
I also really love Penelope, she is my favorite heroine in this series, I was happy she finally got the man of her dreams. Their love story was adorable. ❤️
Additionaly we finally found out who Lady Whistledown is! (For a long time I had no clue, but in this book I had some suspicions. The author really chose the perfect person to be her, this made the story even better!)
Anyway I'm going to miss her in the next books.
July 19, 2016
I don't know what's with me and Julia Quinn, but her books really don't work for me. I see that a lot of people love this series and her other books, I see that this book got a lot of love from readers, but I... I was bored most of the time.
Spoilers ahead.
Colin and Penelope were friends one moment and the other he wants to marry her. Just like that. I never saw how his feelings changed, we never witness his attraction, just all of a sudden they're kissing and he's asking her mother for her hand.
And then the whole thing with Lady Whistledown. We find out about Penelope's secret life at the same time as Colin, and I wish we as readers were let in on the secret a bit earlier than that. I guess it would've brought a bit tension into this sugary honey sweet cotton candy chocolate-y story.
And then there is the climax when Cressida blackmails Penelope because she somehow magically figured out that Penelope is Lady W. That's when Penelope was really stupid. Cressida had no prof to back up her claims, it was her word against Penelope's and Penelope could've easily played dumb and pretend she didn't know what Cressida was talking about. Like any normal person would do. Because this was a big secret and could ruin Penelope and whatever. But nooooo, she admits it almost right away and allows Cressida to blackmail her in her own house. And then Colin swoops in and lets the cat out of the bag in front of 500 people and everybody is happy they were being fooled and insulted and talked about for eleven years and we see that Colin and Penelope's fear of ruination was really unnecessary.
I don't know, I'm the odd one here I guess. I don't know why I even try anymore.
Spoilers ahead.
Colin and Penelope were friends one moment and the other he wants to marry her. Just like that. I never saw how his feelings changed, we never witness his attraction, just all of a sudden they're kissing and he's asking her mother for her hand.
And then the whole thing with Lady Whistledown. We find out about Penelope's secret life at the same time as Colin, and I wish we as readers were let in on the secret a bit earlier than that. I guess it would've brought a bit tension into this sugary honey sweet cotton candy chocolate-y story.
And then there is the climax when Cressida blackmails Penelope because she somehow magically figured out that Penelope is Lady W. That's when Penelope was really stupid. Cressida had no prof to back up her claims, it was her word against Penelope's and Penelope could've easily played dumb and pretend she didn't know what Cressida was talking about. Like any normal person would do. Because this was a big secret and could ruin Penelope and whatever. But nooooo, she admits it almost right away and allows Cressida to blackmail her in her own house. And then Colin swoops in and lets the cat out of the bag in front of 500 people and everybody is happy they were being fooled and insulted and talked about for eleven years and we see that Colin and Penelope's fear of ruination was really unnecessary.
I don't know, I'm the odd one here I guess. I don't know why I even try anymore.
May 24, 2022
Colin let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.
Penelope is cool and Colin is my favorite out of the men in this series, but, similarly to his brothers, he can be very irritating at times. I want to fist fight each and every Bridgerton. Expect Violet. His bursts of anger were concerning. He needs to realize that it is okay to be completely and utterly useless. There is nothing wrong with that.
Overall, Romancing Mister Bridgerton had it's fair share of faults, but it was enjoyable, so I am willing to overlook them to a certain extent. Also grand gestures are so cringey, please stop writing them.
~ 3.5 stars
March 25, 2022
Colin and Penelope. The pairing I've been waiting 4 books for, the forever friends to lovers we've seen hinted at throughout the last 3 stories. The wallflower and the ultimate charmer. I think I built this one up too much in my head, because unfortunately I wasn't that impressed with the story we get.
Colin is just mean throughout most of this book. To the point where I genuinely thought that Penelope was better off without him. She should have took the money and ran. I liked Penelope's character development though. She's forever the invisible attendant at the party, the one everyone forgets about, and this leads to many inpromptu opportunities. I particularly liked her blossoming friendship with Lady Danbury. The two share a kinship in feeling like the odd one out, and overall it felt quite sweet and leads to Penelope opening up and expressing her opinion and wit more.
I just wish this level of attention had been given to Colin and Penelope's relationship. At first it's as though the guy can do no wrong, when he's quite obviously a bit of a dick who cannot appreciate Penelope for who she is. This develops into him becoming aggressive and possessive, and honestly not all that great. The carriage scene did redeem the relationship a little, but quite honestly for me the romantic connection never really felt fully there.
Disappointing. My favourite couple have let me down. Benedict and Sophie have been promoted.
Colin is just mean throughout most of this book. To the point where I genuinely thought that Penelope was better off without him. She should have took the money and ran. I liked Penelope's character development though. She's forever the invisible attendant at the party, the one everyone forgets about, and this leads to many inpromptu opportunities. I particularly liked her blossoming friendship with Lady Danbury. The two share a kinship in feeling like the odd one out, and overall it felt quite sweet and leads to Penelope opening up and expressing her opinion and wit more.
I just wish this level of attention had been given to Colin and Penelope's relationship. At first it's as though the guy can do no wrong, when he's quite obviously a bit of a dick who cannot appreciate Penelope for who she is. This develops into him becoming aggressive and possessive, and honestly not all that great. The carriage scene did redeem the relationship a little, but quite honestly for me the romantic connection never really felt fully there.
Disappointing. My favourite couple have let me down. Benedict and Sophie have been promoted.
May 12, 2021
Tenía la esperanza de que este libro me gustara mas que los anteriores.
Me habían dicho que era uno de los mejores de la saga y además la pareja principal ya la conocía. No había personajes nuevos como interés romántico que es lo que pasa en los libros anteriores.😲
La gran decepción fue el personaje de Colin. Parecía tan buena persona en los primeros 3 libros de la saga e incluso en la serie de televisión y de repente al tenerlo de protagonista es otro. Me cayó demasiado mal. Se enojaba por todo y le decía cosas horribles a Penélope con la excusa de "no puedo mantener mi irá". Horrible.
El problema es que la autora obviamen😖te romantiza a este personaje y es el gran galán de la novela (con mucha ira interna y un carácter horrible) 😬
Penélope me encantó, hasta ahora es mi protagonista femenina favorita. Una lastima que una tan linda persona como ella haya terminado con alguien como Colin. Ella es súper fuerte y tiene una re linda personalidad. Defiende sus intereses y tiene mucha para contar. Las 3 estrellas que le pongo a este libro son todas por Penélope.🥰
Si voy a admitir que hasta ahora es el libro con escenas más interesantes de todos. Cada libro es más dramático que el anterior y este no se queda atrás. Muchos secretos escondidos entre la alta sociedad y muchos bailes para revelarlos. 👀
En este libro se tocó un montón el tema de Lady Whistledown y eso me gustó muchísimo. Fue muy interesante que por fin ahondaran más en la misteriosa escritora.😌
En conclusión. Leo estos libros por puro ENTRETENIMIENTO, no me aportan NADA pero son ADICTIVOS. Están buenos para leer algo diferente que me saque de mi zona de confort.
Son historias muy simples, básicas y lineales.
Yo leyendo Seduciendo a Mr. Bridgerton: 😔😌🤭😬🤔
Me habían dicho que era uno de los mejores de la saga y además la pareja principal ya la conocía. No había personajes nuevos como interés romántico que es lo que pasa en los libros anteriores.😲
La gran decepción fue el personaje de Colin. Parecía tan buena persona en los primeros 3 libros de la saga e incluso en la serie de televisión y de repente al tenerlo de protagonista es otro. Me cayó demasiado mal. Se enojaba por todo y le decía cosas horribles a Penélope con la excusa de "no puedo mantener mi irá". Horrible.
El problema es que la autora obviamen😖te romantiza a este personaje y es el gran galán de la novela (con mucha ira interna y un carácter horrible) 😬
Penélope me encantó, hasta ahora es mi protagonista femenina favorita. Una lastima que una tan linda persona como ella haya terminado con alguien como Colin. Ella es súper fuerte y tiene una re linda personalidad. Defiende sus intereses y tiene mucha para contar. Las 3 estrellas que le pongo a este libro son todas por Penélope.🥰
Si voy a admitir que hasta ahora es el libro con escenas más interesantes de todos. Cada libro es más dramático que el anterior y este no se queda atrás. Muchos secretos escondidos entre la alta sociedad y muchos bailes para revelarlos. 👀
En este libro se tocó un montón el tema de Lady Whistledown y eso me gustó muchísimo. Fue muy interesante que por fin ahondaran más en la misteriosa escritora.😌
En conclusión. Leo estos libros por puro ENTRETENIMIENTO, no me aportan NADA pero son ADICTIVOS. Están buenos para leer algo diferente que me saque de mi zona de confort.
Son historias muy simples, básicas y lineales.
Yo leyendo Seduciendo a Mr. Bridgerton: 😔😌🤭😬🤔
January 5, 2021
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥Colin♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Nuestra reseña en A la cama con... un libro
//RELECTURA//
Sinceramente, creo que el libro es para valorarlo un pelín más bajo porque, aunque tiene mucho tema por cierta historia relacionada con la saga, en la pareja (que para mí es lo importante) no tiene tanto, hay pocos momentos románticos y menos de akfjakljflkadjfksja. Pero ya solo por la pareja en sí y por él, por mi Colin ❤, no puedo bajarle puntuación. En esta relectura lo he leído con menos ansiedad que cuando lo leí en su momento y creo que lo he disfrutado igualmente, aunque de otro modo. Es preciosa la relación que se establece entre Colin y Penélope y he disfrutado mucho del modo en el que se tratan. Me sigue llegando al corazoncito como la primera vez ❤.
Nuestra reseña en A la cama con... un libro
//RELECTURA//
Sinceramente, creo que el libro es para valorarlo un pelín más bajo porque, aunque tiene mucho tema por cierta historia relacionada con la saga, en la pareja (que para mí es lo importante) no tiene tanto, hay pocos momentos románticos y menos de akfjakljflkadjfksja. Pero ya solo por la pareja en sí y por él, por mi Colin ❤, no puedo bajarle puntuación. En esta relectura lo he leído con menos ansiedad que cuando lo leí en su momento y creo que lo he disfrutado igualmente, aunque de otro modo. Es preciosa la relación que se establece entre Colin y Penélope y he disfrutado mucho del modo en el que se tratan. Me sigue llegando al corazoncito como la primera vez ❤.
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