Book info

• Title Romancing Mr Bridgerton
• Author Julia Quinn
• Year 2002
• Genre Historical

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 of as nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him. 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 who was always simply there is suddenly the girl haunting his dreams. 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?

Thoughts

We’re back to a story that has been adapted into the television series, with Colin and Penelope having their turn in the spotlight. I enjoyed recognising scenes in my head - her overhearing him saying he wouldn’t marry her, and of course the infamous coach scene. But there’s lots in there that are more impacting in the book. His deep desire to have achieved something noteworthy, her real connection to writing in all its forms. The yellow dresses are there, and the love story we know, and it’s also fun to see little hints from the characters we’ve already married off. Daphne and Kate get significant mentions, and it’s obvious we’re gearing up to something for Eloise too. More, please!

Rating: 4 / 5