Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

'Romancing Mister Bridgerton' is part of a serial of books, which this particular one is the fourth instalment. However, in my opinion, it can be read as a singular entity, as I have come to find that I accidentally started this series on the third book, 'An Offer From a Gentleman'.

In the Bridgerton series, Quinn delves deep into high society of the ton and the peaks and troughs of being on the 'marriage mart'. The Bridgertons consist of eight siblings, each named after the next letter in the alphabet: Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth. However, in the context of this book, the sibling which the story is based is on Colin.

However, the other main protagonist in the book is Penelope. Penelope is someone who is considered to be one day a spinster, rather than married off to anyone of interest to the ton. In fact, it is assumed by her mother that she will grow old and look after her when she is much older. But this is not something which Penelope wants in her heart. Far from it actually.

Even though being a member of the ton can be seen as being a blessing in this time, it can also be a curse for someone such as herself. As she is considered as being a wallflower and given the most hideous clothes during her time of the marriage mart season, she has simply been regarded by other society members, as well as possible suitors that they would not believe her to be a good match. But Penelope is so much more than their opinions of her, which has attracted not only the person of her affection, but one of the most eligible bachelors in society, Colin Bridgerton.

But this story is not without struggle. Things come to light, drama unfolds and romance blossoms in some of the most unexpected of ways.

Personally, I found this book to be one of the better books in Quinn's Bridgerton series. It feels more real, more material and something that could possibly be relevant to the present day. Colin made me laugh out loud so many times to his reactions of how people were around him, to the point that I had to explain why I was laughing so much. Penelope was one of the better protagonists, as it feels as though she has a lot to lose, but yet still has society by the tips of her fingers, as they have not come to know her in the way that she should.

I'm glad that Quinn used less cliché's compared to other books within her series and I am glad that she gave the underdog the story that she deserves. I'm a little bit sad that I won't get to find out what is next for Penelope except for the epilogues that have been provided. She is definitely an interesting character indeed and one I cannot wait to see on the small screen.

I gave this book a four star rating due to how even though this seems like one of the better books that Quinn has written, I am still a bit annoyed that there isn't any more to read on these two particular people. In some ways, the book felt a bit formulaic and from reading other books she has written, I have begun to see a pattern of how her stories tend to end. But hey, you can't always win as they say.

Thoughts of a Bookworm #5: Goodreads Choice Award is Fake

Hello! So, I know that it has been some time since I was last writing to you all. But I saw an email the other day and it really got me that I couldn’t not share my thoughts on it. As we all know it’s that time of year again. The fairy lights are beginning to twinkle, the days and nights are getting darker and colder and we are all starting to look ahead to the next year. But what comes before next year? Well, the Goodreads Book Choice Awards of course. One of the biggest events in a bookworm’s calendar. But personally, I think the whole thing is an insult to the whole book community. Obviously, when I was younger I didn’t think any different to most bookworms. However, I have come to realise that it isn’t necessarily what is the best book of the year but rather a popularity contest. More so now than ever with the insurgence of ‘BookTok’. Honestly, I don’t think we will ever get a book worthy of the title ever again. It has become a pure vanity project. Take me back to the T...

Thoughts of a Bookworm #6: Booktok is killing literature

Booktok. One of the most exciting community spaces for a reader in the past five years. A place where there is a big online community giving insight into old and new releases. Reviewers who are receptive to their audience and you don't have to be 'somebody'. This is no branded bookclub. It is a place for all people with different tastes come together to share what they truly love. Books. I have to be honest, I have also been a fly on the wall. Using their recommendations many a time for myself or as research to help someone else in their favourite genre. It can be a great tool. But there are times where I have thought that I was giving into the book version of 'fast fashion'. But what do I mean by 'fast fashion' exactly? Well, have you been watching recently? Especially in the romantasy space where plots have been subverted to a simple trope. One huge example that I tend to see is 'how much spice is there?' I get it. You want certain things to make...

A Wedding in the Country by Katie Fforde

SYNOPSIS Lizzie has just arrived in London, determined to make the best of her new life. Her mother may be keen that she should have a nice wedding in the country to a Suitable Man chosen by her. And Lizzie may be going to cookery school to help her become a Good Wife. But she definitely wants to have some fun first. It is 1963 and London is beginning to swing as Lizzie cuts her hair, buys a new dress with a fashionably short hemline, and moves in with two of her best friends, one of whom lives in a grand but rundown house in Belgravia which has plenty of room for a lodger. Soon Lizzie's life is so exciting that she has forgotten all about her mother's marriage plans for her. All she can think about is that the young man she is falling in love with appears to be engaged to someone else...