Continuing her delightful Bridgertons Prequel series, #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn presents the latest love story between the Bridgerton and Rokesby families.
She was given two choices…
Georgiana Bridgerton isn’t against the idea of marriage. She’d just thought she’d have some say in the matter. But with her reputation hanging by a thread after she’s abducted for her … with her reputation hanging by a thread after she’s abducted for her dowry, Georgie is given two options: live out her life as a spinster or marry the rogue who has ruined her life.
Enter Option #3
As the fourth son of an earl, Nicholas Rokesby is prepared to chart his own course. He has a life in Edinburgh, where he’s close to completing his medical studies, and he has no time—or interest—to find a wife. But when he discovers that Georgie Bridgerton—his literal girl-next-door—is facing ruin, he knows what he must do.
A Marriage of Convenience
It might not have been the most romantic of proposals, but Nicholas never thought she’d say no. Georgie doesn’t want to be anyone’s sacrifice, and besides, they could never think of each other as anything more than childhood friends… or could they?
But as they embark upon their unorthodox courtship they discover a new twist to the age-old rhyme. First comes scandal, then comes marriage. But after that comes love…
more
I think just a couple of words will take care of my review. Julia Quinn, Bridgertons. Must I say more? If you have read any of Julia’s books and especially the Bridgerton series, you know they steal the hearts of all who are addicted to historical romance. Yes, raising both hands and happy to say so. Ms Quinn has an amazing gift of bring smiles, laugh out loud moments, serious angst, sometimes suspense, but always a story well told.
Georgie Bridgerton ends up in a no win situation. Abducted for her dowry, she is ruined in the eyes of the Ton. Either marry the rogue or live her life alone. Not a great choice?
But she is saved, or could it just be pulled out of the lesser of evils by the proposal of Nicolas Rokesby, who she has known as the boy next door.
Could this be an unexpected match to happiness? Nicholas had only ever thought of her as a friend, but sometimes the least expected might be what fate had in mind!
Warm hearted read that did break my heart as it spotlights the unfairness of the woman’s burden of reputation and the stunted expectations of aspirations merely because of her sex. Georgia and Nicholas are wonderful. Loved the cats, too.
Loved the beginning, but it fizzled out with the cats in the carriage. Disappointingly not one of the best books from one of my favorite authors
I love Julia Quinn! This book precedes her Bridgerton series and sets the fun tone for that entire family of 8 children! They are all delightful to read, but are best read in order. Please read this first! It was simply wonderful!
I love her books but this one didn’t quite measure up
It was an OK story. I think it was a bit pricey. Gave it three stars based on her previous writings that I have enjoyed.
* I received a free copy for an honest review
First Comes Scandal is a classic Julia Quinn story that she has become synonymous for. Her characters are well written and the story plot is well organized by the events in the book.
First Comes Scandal is a Bridgerton prequel and if you love the Bridgerton’s like me you will really enjoy this book. No spoilers but to say that you need to read this book. If you have never read any of her books then please purchase this book and enjoy.
First Comes Scandal is the fourth standalone book in the Rokesby series aka A Bridgerton Prequel by Julia Quinn. It can be read on its own by both fans of the original series and new readers. It’s a charming and funny, sexy and engaging romance that starts out with a scandal. Its also a sort of childhood neighbors turned into romance trope as well. Its a light read but don’t let yourself be fooled because it discusses a lot of historical facts about women’s lack of choices and a bit about some historical facts about medicine. Let Georgie and Nicholas charm you in the way their love story unfolds where first comes scandal, then comes friendship then comes admiration and love.
I love Julia Quinn books, and I have read all of the Bridgerton and Rokesby books. So I couldn’t wait for this one.
Nicholas Rokeby is a upstanding man, who is studying to be a Dr. He is not a rake or a rogue, doesn’t chase women, drink too much or gamble like most 27 year old man of the day. He is a nice change from what most romances start with. The Bridgerton and the Rokesby have been neighbors forever. Now that some have married it’s like a very large family. Georgiana’s brother Edmund was like a brother to Nicholas as they are the same age. Georgie being only a year younger was always under foot. They have known each other there whole life.
After Georgie is kidnapped and spends a whole day alone with one Freddie Oake’s a gambler, drunk, who was kicked out of Eton for cheating. He needs money to pay his debts quickly and Georgies dowry is very large. Even though she escapes before she can be violated her reputation is ruined. The rules of the ton are very strict for young unmarried women. Even though Georgie did nothing wrong, she is ruined. Nothing is said to the man except he should marry her. Which is why he took her in the first place.
When Nicholas find out that his father had him leave his exams, travel for 2 weeks thru 2 countries just so he could be told not ask to save Georgie he is hurt and so very upset.
Poor Georgie, knows she did nothing wrong but no one is listening to her. She has cried a ocean of tears, gotten mad and threw things, talked to her three cats and hid in her room. Her life as she knew it is now over.
As Nicholas and Georgie come to terms with what needs to be done, how it changes things for them, what they
discover about each other. This is an out and out love story, one that has some drama but nothing truly bad.
It is a wonderful story of two people who thought they knew everything about the other. They learn different.
Some reviews have said it is a slow story, no it is just not an action story. But if you are looking for a great
escape from whats going on right now, this is the story for you. No great drama, bad guys just love at its best. There will be secrets told by both.
The story would not be the same with the Butler’s of both family’s and Georgie’s three cats. They will make you laugh out loud. Do this book a chance it’s one I know I will be re-reading again and again.
I read and review a lot of ARC’s for author’s so I do not buy a lot of books, but I rushed to buy this one and so glad I did…
I absolutely adored this book, reading it nonstop because I just couldn’t put it down!! Nicholas and Georgie were such a wonderful couple, and I enjoyed watching their journey from childhood friends to a romantic duo! The whole book is engaging and funny and endearing.
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1cI
As the fourth son of an earl, Nicholas Rokesby had to choose a vocation, and is presently studying in Scotland to become a physician. He is alarmed upon receiving a note from his father, urging him to return home as soon as he can. Thinking of the worst possible scenarios, Nicholas rushes home at a crucial time in his studies, to learn that the reason for his summons is that the daughter of their neighbors and close friends had been kidnapped. Though the young lady was returned unharmed, her reputation is now shattered. Nicholas, while happy to learn that his friend is fine, is puzzled as to why he had to be brought home. Then he learns that his parents intend that he marry Georgiana in order to redeem her from scandal.
Georgiana Bridgerton had a few outings with Freddie Oakes, never realizing his intent to marry her and her sizable dowry. The fortune hunter never even asked for her hand in marriage before he absconded with her, hoping to force her to wed in order to save her reputation. Georgiana is far from helpless, and managed to escape Freddie, who then proceeded to share the story, still hoping to force her hand. Georgiana refuses to marry him, choosing to accept ruin rather than marry the scoundrel.
Initially, Nicholas refuses his father’s “suggestion” that he marry Georgiana. After all, he had been hoping to marry for love, as his siblings did. Still, the ties between the two families are very strong, and Georgie’s brother, Edmund, is Nicholas’ best friend. Nicholas likes Georgie, but never thought of her in any romantic sort of way. He decides to propose, and after an initial refusal, Georgie rethinks her answer, and decides to accept. It seems she never had any romantic thoughts about Nicholas either.
Both sets of parents are overjoyed, and attempt to take over the situation, showering the couple with servants, furnishings, carriages, and even a residence. Nicholas and Georgie marry immediately by special license, and set off for Scotland, as Nicholas must return to his studies. Nicholas and Georgie are committed to making their marriage a success, building on the foundation of their friendship and family ties. They begin to look at each other through new eyes, seeing lovers and partners, as they embark on their new adventure.
FIRST COMES SCANDAL is one of those rare, lovely books where the focus is on the couple getting to know each other and falling in love without huge drama or conflict. The only discord is in the first part of the book when they are wrestling with whether they will marry or not. I love this couple’s compatibility and how they seem to be so in sync with each other. Neither is very experienced sexually, but their eagerness to please each other leads to a hot physical relationship. There is plenty of Julia Quinn’s trademark humor, as one scene in particular, which takes place in a tree outside Georgie’s bedroom had me literally laughing out loud. That alone makes this book worth reading, but there’s so much more. I felt so good as I became immersed in this story, as I only had to sigh and enjoy their fabulous journey to love. FIRST COMES SCANDAL is a light, steamy, entertaining, and romantic delight guaranteed to leave you smiling. I loved this couple, and along with my favorite tropes of friends to lovers and marriage of convenience all wrapped up in one book, I was in reading paradise.
(Note: This is a Bridgerton prequel, but can easily be read as a standalone. For those who have read the series, Anthony, Benedict, and Colin Bridgerton appear here as young boys and an infant, respectively. Georgie is their aunt.)
First Comes Scandal (A Bridgerton Prequel – Julia Quinn
When I open a book written by one of my favourite authors, I admit I have a certain degree of expectation. Most times they meet what I’m looking for but with First Comes Scandal the story was so much better and it was like coming home to a group of people I have formed attachments to.
Nicholas Rokesby, the fourth son of The Earl of Manston is working towards becoming a Doctor, he is called home from Edinburgh with no explanation, just “Please return to Crake”. Can a missive be any more lacking in information?
The reason he is needed, Georgiana Bridgerton, younger sister of his best friend Edmund Bridgerton. Georgiana, has been compromised by Mr. Freddie Oakes (a rogue) and now she needs to be married. Of course not Oakes heavens not no one wants that. The Earl has a plan, since he is Georgiana’s Godfather, he will come to the rescue along with Nicholas, who has been “asked” (but not really asked) to propose to Georgiana therefore saving her from being ruined.
Julia Quinn provides quite a romp from the initial meeting between Nicholas and his father to the day they marry. She has also given the reader a wonderful story of these two characters discovering each other as adults and realizing that this marriage can work for them both.
For me the historical background of Nicholas returning with Georgie to Edinburgh to finish medical school plays its part giving Nicholas and Georgie to find some common interests, often discovering that they share some views of not just woman’s rights at that time but also medicine, its practice and its changing views of how to treat patients. It made for a wonderful backdrop of bring this couple together.
It was also a treat because now, her faithful readers can see Edmund and Violet as young parents of Anthony, Benedict and Colin, beloved characters of her Bridgerton Series.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would, probably because I’m a long time Rokesby lover but most of all because I’m a long time Julia Quinn lover!
Review originally published at Romancing Romances
I received an eARC at no cost from the publisher, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
3.25*
Julia Quinn is one of my favourite authors, and I can’t tell you how ecstatic I was when I saw that I had been given the opportunity to read the last book in the Rokesby series, the Bridgerton prequel.
This is the story of Nicholas and Georgiana (Georgie). I like marriage of convenience stories, and I thought I would really enjoy this one, pretty much until I got to 98% of the book. Because that’s when I realized I had been waiting for the plot to move, for the twist, the drama, something. And there was none of it. I even went to check if this was a novella or something of such, because I couldn’t believe so little had happened and the book was now over. I’m pretty sure my flatmates think I’m slightly crazy as I was rambling around the house talking to myself about how this didn’t make sense, and I was confused, and not happy.
First things first. It has lots of banter, it’s a funny book, and has great Easter eggs. I mean… young Anthony and Benedict, and always hungry baby Colin. How adorable is that? I loved the glimpse into Edward and Violet’s wedding bliss, but it wasn’t enough to make me forget that in truth… there really isn’t a proper, full, complete plot in this book. And it breaks my heart to say this, as I love, love, love Julia Quinn’s books. But this one… it almost felt like she didn’t have much to give us, and so this is what was available…?
It probably isn’t as bad as you might be thinking, reading this. I loved getting to know Nicholas, a med student, and Georgie, a young lady who has a very clever mind, who just wants to learn everything related to Medicine. And cats, I loved the cats, but they disappeared after the carriage ride from Kent to Edinburgh. What happened to Cat-head, and Judith, and Blanche? Did Cat-Head ever warm up to Nicholas, and vice-versa?
We have a virgin hero and a virgin heroine in this book, and it’s adorable, and sexy, and romantic, to see them grow together as a married couple. But… that’s just it. There was no conflict. Maybe the beginning of the book was supposed to be the conflict? With Nicholas and Georgie being slightly reluctant to marry one another? But that was fixed from day to night, literally. And then… that was it.
I actually enjoyed the book, I just feel that it wasn’t complete. So… I’m giving it 3.5* but plot wise (and I can’t believe I’m saying this)… It probably wouldn’t reach a 3*.
Still funny, and romantic, but definitely not as good as the previous books.
“Until she smiled. His breath caught. His heart leapt. And he felt all the nonsense.”
First Comes Scandal is a shining light, an perfectly sweet and fun read that left me grinning from ear to ear. Julia Quinn is absolutely a favorite author of mine, and any return to the “Bridgertons” makes me happy, so I knew that this was a sure thing and I wholeheartedly recommend this regency read.
The Rokesby’s and the Bridgteons are deeply connected, and when Geoginina Bridgerton is compromised, Nicholas Rokesbys is asked to step in and save her reputation. Sure they’ve long been friends, but marriage? In Nicolas’ eyes, she’s like a sister. That is until a witty dinner conversation makes him see her in a new light.
What I loved about this book was how humor and silliness bridged the gap and made these see each other differently. But Georgiana is not a sure thing. She’ll need to see him differently too. When she starts to see things his way, were propelled into a regency road trip that left me contemplating the creation of a hammock for a cat.
I desperately needed the escape that this book afforded me. It’s a fast-paced race to get Nicholas and Georgina settled into what now seemed like a fated match. 5 Stars and recommendation.
I have loved all of Julia Quinn’s books, but she has outdone herself with “First Comes Scandal,” book #4 of the Rokesby series. In fact, it may be my favorite of her books since the original Bridgerton series! It was so sweet and funny, featuring delightful characters and an engaging plot. I had a tough time putting the book down once I started reading.
The female lead character of this story, Miss Georgiana “Georgie” Bridgerton, was kind (even to those who didn’t necessarily deserve it), intelligent, inquisitive, and forward-thinking. I particularly loved that when confronted with the scandal of her ruination in the wake of being kidnapped by an overzealous suitor, she didn’t break down, but rather got angry and pointed out the injustice of society considering her “ruined” while her kidnapper suffered no damage whatsoever to his reputation. The male lead, medical student Nicholas Rokesby, was a great match for Georgie because of the way he encouraged her interest in medical matters and never tried to force her into the mold of a “proper” wife, which would have crushed her spirit. Instead, he loved her for who she was and how she made his life better, and in return, Georgie brought out a sweet, playful side to Nicholas that was buried beneath his serious exterior when the story began.
The secondary characters in this book were also a lot of fun, particularly Nicholas and Georgie’s siblings, several of whom were featured in the earlier books of the series. I also enjoyed the antics of the Rokesbys’ and the Bridgertons’ butlers, Thamesly and Wheelock. Servants don’t often get to play much of a role in historical romances, but in this case they were important secondary characters and had wonderful, well-developed personalities. They were both very funny and obviously took pride in caring for their employers’ families.
Overall, I highly recommend “First Comes Scandal” and look forward to Julia Quinn’s next book!
*ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss. All opinions expressed are my own.
First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn. A Bridgerton Prequel along with being book 4 in the Rokesbys series. This is the story of Georgiana ‘Georgie’ Bridgerton and Nicholas Rokesby. I have read the previous books which did add to my enjoyment of this one but I did feel it could be a standalone book. Georgiana was taken by a man who wanted to get her dowry but Georgiana was able to finally get away but not before her reputation was ruined. Nicholas is the fourth child of a Earl so that allows him the opportunity to study to work into the medical field. So that is his main focus until he is summon by his father. Nicholas’s father asked him to marry his childhood friend and neighbor Georgiana to help save her reputation. Of course he is taken back at first but maybe a marriage of convenience would be so bad. This was a easy enjoyable read that reminds me why I am in love with this author’s writing. Hope to read more from her soon.
Georgiana Bridgerton isn’t against the idea of marriage. She’d just thought she’d have some say in the matter. But with her reputation hanging by a thread after she’s abducted for her dowry, Georgie is given two options: live out her life as a spinster or marry the rogue who has ruined her life.
As the fourth son of an earl, Nicholas Rokesby is prepared to chart his own course. He has a life in Edinburgh, where he’s close to completing his medical studies, and he has no time – or interest – to find a wife. But when he discovers that Georgie Bridgerton – his literal girl-next-door – is facing ruin, he knows what he must do.
This is the fourth book in the series & an absolute delight. I’m loving these pre Bridgerton books & oh what joy a cameo appearance of a baby Colin. I love the banter between characters. Nicholas & Georgie were a true delight, well portrayed with plenty of depth. I loved the humour, the carriage ride & of course the cats. I also love a virgin hero & a slow burn romance. In fact I loved all of it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Though she eschewed a London season and is widely considered a spinster, Georgiana Bridgerton doesn’t wish to remain unwed; she just wants to make her own decision. But she’s left in a predicament when a would-be suitor seeking her dowry tries to force her hand by kidnapping her, leaving her reputation in tatters. Georgie is left to choose between marrying the villain or living as an unmarried spinster for the rest of her life.
Nicholas Rokesby is the fourth son of an earl and well-prepared to support himself as a physician. When he receives a cryptic note summoning him home from Edinburgh where he’s close to completing his studies, he’s shocked to learn that his childhood friend Georgie is the reason and even more shocked that his father plans to have him marry her.
Soon Nicholas realizes he must go through with his father’s mad scheme and is completely floored when she initially turns him down. But Georgie is sick of being pitied, especially by a man who is like a brother to her. Except, as the two meet again after being separated by Nicholas’ schooling, it becomes apparent to them both that there may be more attraction between them than either would’ve credited.
Somehow I have yet to read any of the Bridgerton books so this was my first foray into their world and I must say I adored it. The main characters were both likable and watching them go from firmly just old friends to realizing there was so much more between them was lovely. This book had me cracking up with their delightful banter. Georgie was a sensible heroine who knew her own mind and learned to stand up for herself without ever being shrewish and I loved her for it. Nicholas was a fabulous and deliciously sweet hero and I just loved this couple together. It’s ridiculous that it’s taking me so long to get into this series, but I’m very much looking forward to it if the others are anything like this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First Comes Scandals is not my first Julia Quinn novel, but it is the first book in the Rokesbys series that I have read and I was absolutely charmed. Thank you NetGalley, I will most definitely add this entire series to my TBR list.
Georgiana Bridgerton, Georgie, was the best heroine; smart, funny, and witty. And, Nicholas, well he was absolutely dreamy. Georgie and Nicholas practically grew up together, but never saw each other as anything other than friends. That is, until Georgie finds herself with a reputation in need of saving. Initially reluctant, Nicholas and Georgie finally agree on marriage and discovers that they may just be the perfect match.
I loved Nicholas and Georgie’s relationship because it was one based on communication, no unnecessary misunderstandings, thank you. I also loved Georgie’s inquisitive nature and the fact that Nicholas encouraged her and was never condescending.
This was a lovely and quick read with a delightful HEA. I cannot wait to read more of this series.