-
Amazing
“The book is predictable; you can guess the entire plot by reading the back cover. But therein lies the beauty of it. Despite knowing what would happen, I couldn't put it down.
An amazon user wrote this on 2010-03-12.
The story is haunting. Francesca's transition from a mourning widow to lover is made beautifully. Michael's guilt is gut-wrenching.
I've read around 50 romance novels and this one stands out well above most of the rest.
Not for people looking for a light-hearted read. ” -
1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
My Unexpected Favorite "Bridgerton" Book
“I've read all of the Bridgerton Books (in one week). I won't run through a synopsis of this book (or any others mind you) as each one has been cataloged and described in detail.
An amazon user wrote this on 2010-03-08.
I initially fell head over heals in love with Simon, Daphne Bridgertons' husband in the first book "The Duke and I". Simon in still a favorite and was so until Michael came along in "When He Was Wicked".
I came to love Anthony Bridgerton more through his appearance in subsequent novels than his own "The Viscount Who Loved Me." Although his roles in other novels were brief his strength, authority and the responsibility and love he feels for his family really shine in the two books succeeding his and in Daphne's story preceeding. The dining room scene in "To Sir Philip With Love" is truly priceless. The thought of four gorgeous, powerful and thoroughly all male Bridgerton brothers coming to save the day is enough to make any girl (young or old at heart) giddy.
I loved each book, each hero and each heroine separately and for their own individuality. I've read hundreds of novels and I have found that for the most part, other than variations in coloring (hair, eyes etc often completely different than that described in the book) my hero and heroine in each usually retain the same appearance in my minds eye. Not so with the Bridgerton series. Julia had done a brilliant job of bringing each character to life in both personality and looks (even though the Bridgerton children are regularly noted to be so similar in look they are nearly interchangeable). I am able to vividly recall the individuality of each of the Bridgerton children and their perspective spouses throughout each book. From Francesca's blue eyes to Colin's green. I even pictured Benedict's slightly taller stature than his brothers before Julia even mentioned it in the first ballroom scene in "The Duke and I" when Daphne is talking to her three eldest brothers. Only Michael in "WHWW" did I have a hard time picturing with ebony hair, he always came up lighter in my mind. (odd as he's my favorite male by far.)
"WHWW", "Romancing Mr.Bridgerton" and "To Sir Philip" actually all take place simultaneously at the same point in time. You could actually read them in any order you like. I'm glad "WHWW" was the one I read last because I don't think I would have enjoyed Colin or Eloise's story as much since I would have been expecting the same level of fever and passion that is in "WHWW".
"WHWW" is unlike the other books simply due to it's more melancholy nature. It does however have much more wit and humor in it than I was led to believe it may through other reviews. There is definitely a shift in Julia's writing with "WHWW". It's more mature, deeper emotionally and holy Mary is it steamy. Completely wicked on a level the others don't quite subscribe to. Michael simply took my breath away. As I said there is something delicious and sensual about Simon that endeared me to him from the first book but Michael Stirling leaves me breathless. Ooohhh La La where can I get a man like THAT!? It does take a lot longer for anything to happen between Frannie and Michael than in the other books but under the circumstances had anything happened sooner it would have seriously discredited the grief and guilt that Michael and Frannie were dealing with. Like I said though what Julia makes you wait for is truly worth the wait.
Of all the books, "WHWW" was the only one that also really touched me on an emotional level. At the end of the book I found tears rolling down my cheeks as Frannie talked with John at his grave. Julia really did a phenomenal job with this book and hope she realized the task she has laid before herself when both Gregory and Hyacinth have their stories told. Anything less than what Michael and Frannie exposed us to and it will be like raising a sail with a gentle breeze.
I miss Michael and Frannie already. I do wish Julia would have added more to the epilogue instead of leaving the reader hanging wondering if Frannie ever does conceive. This was such a main point of the book and the catalyst of sorts that brings the two together. Of course I'm sure if her and Michael have a son (I can only hope this is confirmed in Hyacinth's book) they name him John. It's rather predictable but under the circumstances only fitting.
Thank you Julia for creating such a wonderful family and such deliciously, delectable, delightfully, dashing men. It does make returning to the real world a little bitter sweet however.
” -
An intense read
“I found this an incredibly intense read. Although it gets a bit repetitive at the end, Julia Quinn did a great job putting you inside a memorable hero's head.”
An amazon user wrote this on 2010-02-28. -
Tear Jerker
“I'm STILL thinking about this novel, even though I am off to read another one now. I do understand some people don't appreciate the darker side sometimes, but this novel became very very real, which is refreshing because suddenly this isn't just a novel, this is something that could've happened to anyone. The characters were people you could relate to.
An amazon user wrote this on 2009-12-05.
100% recommended! It'll make you cry a bit, but it's so beautiful :o) ” -
Waste of Time
“I found this book to be very annoying. It has a plot that has been done so many times and there wasn't really anything original to make it stand out. The plot in a nutshell: Francesca marries John, the love of her life. John cousin Michael, who is more like a brother to him, is also head over heels in love with Francesca but hides it by being a very accomplished rake. John dies young, Michael feels it is his fault because he was secretly in love with Francesca. He runs off to India, Francesca is upset with him and mourns her husband for six years. When Francesca comes out of mourning and decides she is ready to remarry, Michael happens to have come back to London. Both of them fight their attraction for each other but of course, eventually give in. They end up a happily married couple.
An amazon user wrote this on 2009-04-24.
There are some very uncomfortable moments in the book where Francesca compares Michael's lovemaking skills with her deceased husbands. Of course Michael is better. I honestly feel that we all would have been better off if the author had simply given us a love story with John as the main character or simply never mentioned Francesca's story at all.”
