C2’s review of Because of Miss Bridgerton (Bridgertons, Book 10) by Julia Quinn
Historical Romance published by Avon 29 March 16
Ah, faithful reader, who doesn’t have at least one Julia Quinn book on their Keeper Shelf (physical or virtual)? I know I have several! That being said, I have been underwhelmed by her more recent releases, so I was hesitant to try her next. BUT, when I saw that the title was Because of Miss Bridgerton, I was intrigued all over again. The Bridgertons are one of romance’s most beloved families, after all! And the premise of the new book – quirky heroine? neighbors? older brother of her best friend? I am here for that!
So, was this a return to fabulous JQ form? Or another less-than-spectacular effort? Onward!!!
First up, our heroine, Billie Bridgerton – tomboy, practically runs the family estate while her younger brother (the heir) is in school, some vague scandal attached to her presentation at Court (we find out details, eventually). Oh, let me mention that we’ve moved backward in time from the first round of Bridgerton books. Because of Miss Bridgerton is set in the Georgian era. Anyhoo, Billie and her family live in the country and their nearest neighbors/closest friends are the Rokesby family. Billie grew up with several of the younger Rokesbys but has never had much to do with George, the eldest brother and heir. George is older and always was more responsible and whatnot – no cavorting about the countryside for him.
When our story begins, George’s younger brothers are both fighting in the war with the Colonies (darn those pesky rabble-rousers) – one in the Army in America (Edward) and one in the Navy (Andrew). Andrew is home recuperating from an injury, but they haven’t had a letter from Edward in a while. George has always felt stuck and useless – he won’t inherit for years (and he’s glad because he quite likes his dad), but there are lots of things he can’t do…serve in the military, for example.
While on his way home from the village, George finds Billie stuck on the roof of an abandoned cottage – the result of a cat rescue gone wrong. Unfortunately, when George tries to rescue them, they all end up trapped on the roof. Thanks to a generally gloomy state of mind, George starts discussing the worst-case scenarios – including the two of them (and the cat) being stuck there overnight. Which would result in her being compromised. Which would result in marriage!!
Billie, possessing a sunnier disposition, poo-poos that thought. They are in the country where everyone knows them and knows nothing untoward would ever happen…even if they were stuck together overnight. Which they won’t be anyway, she says, because Andrew has to pass right by on his way home from the village. Still, while waiting for Andrew, they are alone together for the first time, maybe ever. And they become aware of each other as adults for the first time. A spark is born, faithful reader!
Over the course of the next few weeks, they are thrown together more and more – first she stays at the Rokesby estate while recovering from a bad ankle sprain (darn that cat!) and then her family throws a house party and the Rokesbys attend, of course. Slowly, they both realize there is much more to the other than they thought. There are hints of family plotting, but nothing is confirmed outright. And there are obstacles, of course, as well as potential tragedy (AKA sequel bait) that sends them to London (with his mother…stop thinking scandalous thought, faithful reader). Admittedly, some of the plot points toward the end are a bit clunky, but a happy ending arrives (a bit abruptly). Yay!!!
So, how was it, overall? Pretty good! I enjoyed Because of Miss Bridgerton much more than Ms. Quinn’s most recent releases. The relationship between the hero and heroine, the relationship between the families, and the family dynamics, in general, seem like a return to form – very fun, snappy dialog (with a hint of snark) and random silliness. Plus, there a couple of Easter eggs that long-time Bridgerton fans will enjoy. Although, if you haven’t read the earlier books and like this one, you have a new series to glom!
Does it stand alone? Absolutely! It has a familiar feel for those who have read previous Bridgerton books, but they don’t need to be read to completely enjoy this one. Also, if you like childhood friends/frenemies to lovers/best friend’s other brother plots, this book is for you.
My grade: B
Summary:
Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places…This is not one of those times.
Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband… someday.
Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should…
Or not.
There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he’s arrogant, annoying, and she’s absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can’t stand the sight of him, either.
But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor…
Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can’t abide is the one person they can’t live without…
Read an EXCERPT. (You can send an excerpt to your Kindle! That’s awesome!)
The other Bridgerton books:
