Which book?
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, by Julia Quinn
Genre?
Historical Romance
Summary? (from GoodReads)
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 aboard, he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same, especially Penelope Featherington, the girl haunting his dreams!
And 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?
When did I first read it?
I’ve been trying and failing to remember. I went through two main phases of romance-novel reading: high school and my sophomore and junior years of college. So it was probably during one of those times.
Why did I first read it?
This is the fourth book in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series, and I honestly can’t remember if I had read the ones before this book already and that’s why I picked it up, or if I just read it randomly.
What did I think about it then?
I immediately liked that it was lighthearted and funny. So many historical romance novels tend to be on the overly dramatic side, but “Romancing Mr. Bridgerton” manages to have emotional heft AND humor. Similarly, I loved that Colin wasn’t a dark and brooding hero. He’s a nice, normal guy who’s not perfect but tries his best to be a good person. I also liked that the book wasn’t all about the sexual tension between the two characters. They actually get to know each other and become friends and have meaningful (and witty) conversations. Hallelujah.
What do I think about it now?
This is my favorite romance novel. Ever. I adore all of Julia Quinn’s books, but this is definitely my favorite of hers, and I’ve reread it more times than I can remember. I love the story and the writing style a lot, but more than that, I love Penelope. That girl is my soul sister. I always prefer books where I can relate to the main character, but when it comes to Penelope, I kinda feel like I am her. We’re similar in so many ways it’s ridiculous. So if there was ever a book I could live vicariously through, this is it.
Have you read this book? What did you think?
I really love Penelope but I was never a big Colin fan so this isn't my favorite. I liked Anthony and Benedict's stories more. I love that you had romance reading phases-I have the same thing.
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