Book Review: Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

I decided to read this book out of curiosity, and because I like the title which makes me think of red roses, chocolates, champagne and silk sheets. I was curious about the work of the author, whose "A Tale of Two Sisters" in the three - story anthology "Where's My Hero?", I enjoyed a tiny bit more than my favorite author's (who is the reason why I bought the anthology). I thought, maybe, since I enjoyed the Julia Quinn novella, I would find reading a full Julia Quinn historical romance novel a thoroughly enjoyable activity. Her book, "Ten Things I Love About You" is hilarious, witty, and charming. But still, I thought, is she really that good? Hence, "Romancing Mister Bridgerton". The book spent four weeks in the New York Times bestseller list, was a finalist in the 2003 RITA (Romance is Treasured Always) awards for Best Long Historical Romance given by the Romance Writers of America (RWA), and voted by RWA as one of 2002's Top Ten favorites, among other achievements which readers may find out at Julia Quinn's website.

The main characters of the story are Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington. Colin Bridgerton is described in the book as a most sought after bachelor who tops the list as a desirable husband in abundant possession of looks, fortune, and charm. He is thirty - three, addicted to traveling, and has absolutely no interest in snagging a wife. Penelope Featherington, on the other hand, has been in love with Colin since two days before her sixteenth birthday. She is twenty - eight, a spinster (by 19th century England standard), and regarded by Mister Bridgerton as his sister's best friend who is just...simply there, like a house plant one passes by every day and notices once in a while, at times when pointed out by the lady of the house or some other resident of the abode. In other words, she is an unremarkable single woman.

Other prominent characters in the story are Eloise Bridgerton, Lady Danbury, Portia Featherington, Violet Bridgerton, Felicity Bridgerton, and Lady Whistledown. Eloise Bridgerton, Penelope's best friend, happens to be Colin's favorite sister. She, like our heroine, is a spinster (but by choice) and occupies her time by writing letters to anyone she could think of. Lady Danbury is a terribly outspoken old lady whose company everyone tries to avoid. This old lady, however, is more astute than most people and sees that there is more to Penelope than meets the eye. Portia Bridgerton is Penelope's mother. She is resigned to the fact that Penelope is a spinster and looks forward to growing old with her third daughter at her side, catering to her needs. Her project is to marry off her fourth daughter - to Colin Bridgerton. Violet Bridgeton, our hero's mother, is set to accomplish her major goal of seeing all her eight children married. Her focus at the moment is, of course, Colin. Felicity Bridgerton is the fourth and youngest of the Featherington brood. She is an affectionate and supportive sister to Penelope. Lady Whistledown is a mysterious society writer whose column about her observations of the British le bon ton has everyone salivating to read each edition of her paper.

"Romancing Mister Bridgerton" is a regency historical romance novel. It is set in nineteenth century England featuring life of British high society in the 1800's. The le bon ton resided in the districts of St. James and Mayfair in London. Penelope lives with her family on one of the rows of houses in Mount Street, which is a short walk to Berkeley Square while the unmarried Bridgerton women live with their mother at number five Bruton Street along the edge of the square. Colin, however, maintains an apartment in Bedford Square where the working class is concentrated.

The book provides many occasions to smile and laugh, and most importantly, to tingle from head to toe, which I believe, is a must in a worth - reading romance novel. 

Romance novels usually relate how a boy meets a girl. The said boy and girl fall in love. Then they live happily ever after. In the novel, Mister Bridgerton does not even remember how he met Miss Featherington! But he falls in love with her, anyway. It is not the struck-by-lightning type of falling-in-love. More like a dawning kind of falling-in-love, like the sun creeping up in the horizon slowly tinting the sky with yellow hues until it takes over the dark with blinding brilliance. However, Penelope finds that Colin harbors a secret. Our hero was not happy about being found out. Then, he discovers that Penelope has a secret of her own. Her secret is more scandalous than his and awakens dark feelings that he did not know he possessed. Of course, Mister Bridgerton and Miss Featherington found a way to dispel the negative consequences of their secrets. The novel ends like all romance novels do - hero and heroine, happy together.

So, there you are. Romancing Mister Bridgerton is a romantic novel full of wit and humor. Julia Quinn is really really good. Historical romance readers, like me, will undoubtedly find the book a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend it. In fact, I recommend the whole series. I have read every Bridgerton novel by Julia Quinn and none disappointed.