An enchanting collection containing the first three novels in New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn’s beloved Bridgerton series set in Regency England—The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, and An Offer from a Gentleman—now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix The Duke and IWhen Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, agree to a fake courtship, they think they’ve … I
When Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, agree to a fake courtship, they think they’ve found the perfect solution to their problems. Romantically associated with one of London’s most desirable catches, Daphne’s prospects among the ton will soar. For avowed bachelor Simon, an attachment to Daphne will deter would-be brides and their ambitious mamas. Their plan works like a charm—at first. But amid the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London’s elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule. . .
The Viscount Who Loved Me
London’s most elusive bachelor, Anthony Bridgerton is determined to wed. But one obstacle stands in his way—his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield, who is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal. Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands, and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. She’s determined to protect her sister—even as she fears she may not be able to resist the reprehensible and oh so desirable rake herself . . .
An Offer from a Gentleman
Sophie Beckett never dreamed she’d be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton’s famed masquerade ball—or that she would be spinning in the arms of her “Prince Charming”—the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton. But when the clock strikes midnight, Sophie’s enchanting evening ends. Since that night Benedict has been able to think of nothing but the bewitching young woman, and he’s sworn to find and wed his mystery miss. Yet will another unexpectedly steal his heart—and his chance for a fairy tale love?
more
Enjoyable light reading
It hooked me on romance novels again!
O.M.G. 1,053 pages. To be fair, it’s a compilation of three novels, but still …
I borrowed this from the library after watching the Netflix show. Shonda Rhimes took a lot of liberties with the book, adding characters (Queen Charlotte) and developing parallel story lines (the Featherington family). But all in all, this like the typical Regency romances I devoured in high school. Except a lot more graphic.
The third story in the set, a blatant rip-off of the Cinderella story (with no apologies to the Brothers Grimm), was my favorite. And by the end of the tome, Lady Violet Bridgerton was most definitely my favorite character.
If I decide to dive further into the series, I will be sure to find the individual separate stories.
I love the Bridgerton series.
Bridgerton novels 1-3 (Daphne, Anthony, Benedict)—Too much fun!
I watched the first season of Bridgerton, and knew there were major differences between that season, and the novel from which it was adapted.
One error common to both versions: the eldest unmarried daughter is Miss Family Name. Any younger sisters are referred to, and called, Miss Given Name Family Name. Jane Bennet was Miss Bennet, her sister was Miss Eliza Bennet.
When Lady Whistledown is writing of the Bridgerton brothers, except Anthony, they are The Honourable Messers. Bridgerton, as sons of a viscount. Their sisters are also referred to as Honourables.
I can enjoy the written and the filmed versions of the ‘Regency historical’, The Duke and I, for ‘themselves’. I suppose the producers of the filmed version had to have more explicit sex to draw in viewers, but after the first couple of times, it was boring same old-same old, except for location. Other ‘enhancements’ were more enjoyable.
Ladies’ daytime headgear does seem to have been left out, but this is alas not unique to this author or period. Ladies and women of other classes just did not go around, with few exceptions, without a headcovering out of doors until WWII, but resumed for a couple of decades afterwards. Inside, until the 18th century, women of the middle and upper classes women generally wore headgear of some sort inside.
May I say the dress on the cover of this collection is a style from just the wrong part of the century? Alas, authors seldom have control over cover art, more’s the pity.
I like reading internal dialogue, and I adored the wit of the characters. The family love is obvious: they unite against outsiders’ criticism even while they may squabble amongst themselves.
I hope Violet gets her own novel at some point: she deserves more than a sort or a novella.
I look forward to the next two collections, and I will likely wander enjoyably through her other series, as the characters & the plot complications seemed interesting.
I love anything Julia Quinn writes. This contains the first three books of the Bridgerton books which are better than the Netflix series. Definitely read the books then watch the series.
“But allow me to warn you—even if you do not choose to attend the ton’s events, they will find you.”
With the unknown Lady Whistledown’s gossip the tying ribbon, these three Julia Quinn regencies are a lot of fun! I might just have to take them out again and re-read them, and that says a lot for the author IMHO. Highly Recommended 5/5
Love those Bridgertons!
Love everything Bridgerton!
I love the Bridgertons and the Smythe -Smiths! Julia Quinn has a way of bringing them together and making you want to see what adventures they’ll get into.