4.5 stars
Anthony Bridgerton is the eldest of eight siblings, the youngest of whom never even got to meet their father. Anthony idolised his father, Edmund, who he thought was everything a man could ever aspire to become, as a nobleman, husband or father. When Edmund Bridgerton died suddenly from a bee sting when Anthony was 18, he became convinced that like his father, he would die at the same age (38). Having spent most of his twenties taking care of the family’s finances and trying to support his mother and be a good role model for his brood of younger siblings, Anthony has nonetheless developed quite the reputation as a rake. Now nearing his thirties, he’s very aware of his responsibilities as a viscount and wants to get married and father heirs to continue the title. However, having seen the great love his parents shared, and how his father’s death almost crushed his mother with grief, Anthony doesn’t want to marry a woman whom he will love passionately, as then dying at a relatively young age will hurt her too much.
Having made the decision to marry, he asks his brothers who the most promising young debutante on the marriage mart is, and makes up his mind that she’ll probably do as well as any other. There’s only one obstacle. The lovely Miss Edwina Sheffield has declared that she’ll not marry anyone who doesn’t have the approval of her older half-sister Kate, and Miss Katharine Sheffield doesn’t like feel that the rakish Viscount will be a suitable match for her sister at all. Taller, plainer and four years older than her sister, Kate is used to being compared unfavourably with her sister and knows gentlemen only dance with her and talk to her to get closer to Edwina. She and Anthony absolutely infuriate each other, although the viscount only becomes more determined to win Edwina’s hand when her meddlesome sister is so against the match. He thrives on a challenge, after all. Now if he could only stop picturing Kate every time he closes his eyes, wooing her sister would be a lot easier.
Unlike The Duke and I, which I never re-read until this year, I’ve read The Viscount Who Loved Me several times, because I love Anthony and Kate’s story. I like the way they absolutely can’t stand each other to begin with, and with every encounter grow more and more attracted to each other, while constantly saying the wrong thing and infuriating each other. The “I hate you, I hate you, I can’t stop thinking about your hair” trope can be incredibly frustrating if done badly, but it can also be a delight, and Julia Quinn manages it marvellously in this book.
Full review on my blog.
I like Kate, but I find Anthony too supercilious by half to really enjoy the book.
Having been sick for TWO MONTHS (AAAAAAARRRGGH) I just finished re-reading this as it is as comfortable as warm slippers and good tea. I agree, it’s one of the best examples of “I hate you but you smell so good” romances around. It was one of the first romance books I ever picked up, and along with Lord of Scoundrels, one of the ones that hooked me into what has evolved into a serious addiction.
I will say the second half doesn’t hold up as well upon my own re-read. I enjoy them hating each other more than them getting over their respective childhood traumas. This is more a reflection of my personal tastes rather than the quality of the book, because the Bridgerton series is by far one of if not THE best historical romance series around.
I hope you feel better soon. I think, both in terms of family dynamics and in the overall quality of the series, you can’t really beat the Bridgertons.
You guys are really making me want to start reading Julia Quinn, but my library doesn’t have The Duke and I in its collection. I might have to take a trip to Bookman’s this weekend and hope they have a copy . . .
What is your e-mail address (you can PM me on Facebook if you like)? Do you need it in e-pub or Kindle format? I can hook you up with either.
Wow, thanks, Malin! You’re like the romance novel fairy. I’m narfna at gmail. I usually read on Kindle, but I do epub as well on ibooks. You’re awesome.
I do consider myself a force for good when it comes to spreading romance to the masses. I have actually lost count how many people I now share books with. I’ll convert the first four Bridgerton books and send your way.
You’re the best!
*blushes* I like sharing my books, so I have more people to discuss them with.
I shall have to oblige you, then!
She is the best, I know we all think it, but I wanted to write to down for her, too. She has been so generous, INCREDIBLY MAGNANIMOUS in terms for both sharing and supporting romance readers.