Gemini Rising

Book Review: The Viscount Who Loved Me

Book Review for: The Viscount Who Loved Me
Note: Just catching up on some reviews I've meaning to post for a while...

The Viscount Who Loved Me: Anthony's Story, The Inspriation for Bridgerton Season Two (Bridgertons Book 2)   (Rated: 18+)

ASIN: B00UG8RP22
ID #115424

Product Type: Kindle Store
Reviewer: StephBee
Review Rated: E

Setting:
Story Plot:
Length of :
Usefulness:
Overall Quality:

Amazon's Price: $ 7.99

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B00UG8RP22

Author: Julia Quinn
Published by: Avon Books, 2006, 2015,
Overall rating: 4.5 Stars



PLOT: (4.5 Stars)

Anthony Bridgerton is a young, attractive viscount who is feeling the urge to settle down and find a wife. He’s not worried about his reputation – in fact, he’s rather proud of being a rake and a rogue. He has absolutely no intention of beginning in love with the woman he picks for his wife, so he sets his eye on the lovely Edwina Sheffield, the belle of the ton.

Kate Sheffield is Edwina’s older sister and is also making her debut season in the ton. She finds Anthony’s reputation despicable and is mortified to discover he’s set his eye on Edwina. She has no intention of allowing Edwina to marry a rake and a man who doesn’t love her.

When Anthony and Kate meet, the sparks fly. Both are so much alike – stubborn, full of pride, and quick-witted. As Kate runs interference for her sister, she finds herself more and more attracted to the handsome viscount. Dare Anthony fall in love with perfect woman for him?

CATAYLIST: (4 Stars)

I was shopping at Costco when I found the book. I hadn’t read book #1 (The Duke and I) yet, but I was ready for a historical, regency romance. This cover, for me, was more in line with what I had envisioned for the story.

THOUGHTS: (4.5 Stars)

For me, both characters were easy to like. Kate made a determined heroine, but her fear of thunderstorms is deep seated. When Anthony finds her in a vulnerable position due to her fear, he strives to help, proving he’s more gentleman than a rogue and allows Kate’s feelings for him to grow. Anthony, too, has a deep-seated belief – he’s convinced he’s not going to live to an old age, dying young as his father did. This fear drives his decisions, and yet when he meets Kate and discovers the power of love, he learns he is the master of his own destiny – but what choice should he make? The safe one or the risky one?

WHAT WORKS: (4.5 Stars)

The witty banter. The plot moves a nice clip and I found myself rooting for Kate and Anthony.

WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME (WHAT WAS ‘OFF’):

The ending seems a little forced and rushed. Anthony has his epiphany and rushes to find Kate. Good. BUT the scenario where Kate was in danger felt a little, well, forced.

WHY 4.5 STARS:

I enjoyed the setting and the escapism of the novel. Both main characters were well fleshed out with their flaws and vulnerabilities which made them very relatable.

WILL I WATCH THE NETFLIX SERIES:

Not at this time. I love a good regency romance and the Bridgerton book series could very well be that, but I appreciate more the realism of the escapism, than the reimagining of it. The TV Series itself would stand much stronger on its own if it was its own world and not the reimagined world of the ton.

EXTRA COVER SIDE NOTE:

As I usually do with a review, I download the cover and share it with the review. Well, I discovered the book had more than one cover. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, as it had a different color when it was published in 2006 and 2015.