Keeping Up with the Cavendishes - Lady Bridget's Diary

Bridget is the complete opposite of what Darcy sees as the perfect wife, but he finds himself constantly thinking about her. She is a breath of fresh air and the only one who is not afraid of him. Bridget doesn't think much of Darcy in the beginning, but is charmed by his brother, Rupert. She has a hard time fitting in and all her thoughts and mistakes, as well as her siblings, are written in her diary. Including the fact that she thinks she is in love with Rupert but her thoughts are not far from Darcy, as well as secrets that could destroy both her family and his. Darcy is set in his ways, but Bridget gets to him as no other, and he finds himself losing control around her. When Bridget's diary is stolen, he'll have to make the choice between his own happiness and his duty to family. Their romance is a slow burn with plenty of chemistry between the pair. I loved the closeness of the Cavendish siblings and I can't wait for them all to find their perfect love match.
4.5 stars

I received an ARC via Edelweiss for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.

ARC PROVIDED FOR MY HONEST REVIEW

I'm going to try hard not to gush, but I really really really LOVED Lady Bridget's Diary.

It's filled with everything I want in my books- humor, warmth, great characters(both the good and bad ones)- it was also impossible to put down and so very very romantic.

What I also loved was this book was the modern style despite being a historical. It was fresh and breezy...with a touch of a soap-opera feel...OH SO FREAKING GOOD!

All of the characters are so well developed and the side stories are just as engaging. I wasn't bored once, and there was no dragging of the pace. It's going to be hard to wait for the next book in the series(but thankfully it's a short one).

Both Bridget and Darcy are strong, with huge hearts. The banter/back and forth between them was witty and realistic. There are some teary moments(I sniffled a few times) and Ms. Rodale knows how to deliver a bull's eye to both your heart and funny bone. Seriously, do not miss this book.

I have some of her backlist, and not only she is now on my auto-buy, I plan on reading and buying what I don't own ASAP.

I like Maya Rodales's books. They are quick enjoyable reads but there always seems to be something that stops them from being keepers. A typo, plot discrepancy or maybe a modern word sneaking in. The last is understandable as she also writes contemporary romance.

This is a cute story of an American girl who goes from Miss Cavendish to Lady Bridget upon her brother's inheriting a dukedom. Their aunt, the Dowager Duchess, is determined that Bridget and her 2 sisters will be accepted by society. Bridget keeps track of everything they're going through until her diary disappears. She must recover it before her family secrets are exposed.

The hero, Lord Darcy, is horrified by the Americans but can't help being attracted to Bridget. He fights his feelings but does he give in to them? Read this cute book to find out.

I am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series as we discover how Bridget's siblings are adapting to the aristocracy.

I really enjoyed the first third of the book. It was fun and I found i could ignore the Bridget Jones Diary/Mr. Darcy mashup. The second third of the book dragged. Repetitive and not only was the premise of the story unbelievable ( which I was able to ignore the first third) but so was the romance. The last third of the book was painful. The diary entries seemed to be written by a 13 year old, the story didn't move on, and I didn't care what happened to the characters.

I adored this novel. I tore through it, not wanting to put it down. I loved how bits and pieces were from both Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones's Diary (yes I know, but trust me, it's true and it does work.). I loved the relationship with the siblings - their loyalty, their love, and their banter. I even liked the dragon dowager duchess, she grew on me. Bridget is clever, charming, and entertaining. I love her interactions with Lord Darcy from the beginning moments. I enjoyed the slow burn romance. I liked Lord Darcy - appreciated his back story and why he's so responsible. I enjoyed his relationship with his brother too. I loved the writings in the diary, how her sister would steal it and tease her, and how it went missing. I can't wait to read more about the Cavendish family!

5 Stars | Hot Steam

As a longtime fan of Maya Rodale’s signature splendidness, I knew, without a doubt, that I’d enjoy this book. However, not since Avery & Ashbrooke’s breathtakingly beautiful story in THE WICKED WALLFLOWER has Rodale’s delightful writing been more enchanting, affecting, and dreamily transportive! Inspired by Jane Austen’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and borrowing the best elements from its modern retelling, BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY, Maya Rodale has artfully and affectionately penned one of the most remarkably brilliant, blissfully entertaining, irresistibly sensual, and perfectly joyous mashups/homages/re-imaginings in Historical romance today with her latest keeper-shelf confection, LADY BRIDGET’S DIARY.

From prologue to epilogue, Rodale deftly works her literary magic, transforming the charmingly familiar into something wonderfully unique, fresh, vital, and so impossibly endearing that I couldn’t contain my happy, I’m-in-heaven tears. Jane Austen would be so proud and Helen Fielding green with envy as Bridget and Darcy’s revelation of a romance lovingly honors the former and outshines the latter page after paradisal page.

Darling Bridget is positively adorable and imperfectly perfect in all of her hilariously harried and ravenous glory! She is a marvelous heroine—witty, spirited, brave, open-hearted, and prone to wild romanticisms. I admired her ability to laugh at herself as well as her resilience in the face of adversity. I especially savored her axis-shifting effect on snobbish, stuffy, and divinely sexy Lord Darcy.

Darcy may start as a stuck-up prig but, after one fateful, uproariously irregular encounter with Lady Bridget, “The Girl Who Fell,” his carefully regimented world is annihilated with feelings—intense, unwanted, and overpowering feelings that Darcy has been forcibly raised to not have or relinquish himself to. Scandalous Bridget shocks him, stands up to him, speaks her mind, and unbeknownst to her, dangerously tempts and awakens him like no other woman before her. Darcy becomes increasingly rattled, on edge, and maddened with inconvenient lust for her unconventional behavior, surprising mind, and luscious curves. His riveting anguish, frustration, and despair simply melted me. And, when he couldn’t fight his driving need for Bridget any longer and his passions broke free…Mercy, he was magnificent!

Exquisitely satisfying and impossible to put down, LADY BRIDGET’S DIARY is the swoon of the season! You’re going to love it!

Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

I greatly enjoy Maya Rodale and the characters that she create. I have a fun, enjoyable ride in the hi-jinks of the heroines that come across on her pages. Now with this new release of a re-imaging of Pride and Prejudiced and blending Bridget Jones' Diary. I loved the offering.

The Cavendishes family has lots of characters to love and hate or just not quite understand. Just a bit of the Kardashians. A family that you see all the time but love to hate or hate to love. Either way there are emotions begin triggered and felt all around throughout the entire read.

I loved Lady Bridget. She was not the perfect lady of the ton. She wanted so much to make things work for her family but she stayed true to who she was. She fought tooth and nail the attraction building between her and Lord Darcy. American common meets London proper. This is better than you could imagine.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Lady Bridget's Diary by Maya Rodale
Book One of the Cavendish series
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: February 23, 2016
Rating: 5 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

In the first novel of Maya Rodale's stunning new series, an American heiress must learn to navigate London society and an infuriatingly irresistible rake . . .

Lord Darcy is the quintessential Englishman: wealthy, titled, impossibly proper, and horrified that a pack of Americans has inherited one of England's most respected dukedoms. But his manners, his infamous self-restraint, and his better judgment fly out the window when he finds himself with the maddening American girl next door.

Lady Bridget Cavendish has grand—but thwarted—plans to become a Perfect Lady and take the haute ton by storm. In her diary, Bridget records her disastrous attempts to assimilate into London high society, her adoration of the handsome rogue next door, her disdain for the Dreadful Lord Darcy, and some truly scandalous secrets that could ruin them all.

It was loathing at first sight for Lady Bridget and Lord Darcy. But their paths keep crossing . . . and somehow involve kissing. When Lady Bridget's diary goes missing, both Darcy and Bridget must decide what matters most of all—a sterling reputation or a perfectly imperfect love.

What I Liked:

I received an ARC of this from Avon, for the Avon Addicts program. I also received an eARC from Avon via Edelweiss. Both were for free. This in no way affected my opinion.

I ADORED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! I had a feeling, because it's Maya Rodale and she is sooooo good (I love her Wallflower series!). This book is definitely my favorite of the ones I've read by her, and in running for favorite romance novel of 2016! (Obviously I have eleven and a half more months for this to stay put or change.) I do not think I will be able to do this book justice, so please forgive the possibly short review!

Bridget and her older brother, older sister, and younger sister are leaving America and joining the haute ton of England. As it would turn out, James is the new Duke of Durham, inherited from his deceased uncle. The three sisters as well the as new Duke must learn (quickly) how to fit into society - but every attempt is a complete disaster, especially when it comes to Bridget. Bridget writes down her family's disasters, from falling in the middle of a ballroom, to Amelia's brief disappearance... to Bridget's scandalously delicious kiss with Lord Darcy ("Dreadful Darcy"). But when the diary goes missing, Bridget and Darcy must decide what to do about the impending scandal and ruination.

I haven't read too many books involving American heirs/heiresses (if any at all?), so this was a new experience. I love how "American" and different the Cavendish family is! The three girls are simply too wild for English society; all the hasty lessons in manners and deportment have done nothing to ease or slow the disasters that follow the girls. Bridget falls at their first ball, Claire is much more interested in mathematics, and Amelia tells someone that she likes to ride horses. And James - he prefers to be riding horses than navigating through a sea of social-climbing young women.

Bridget is probably one of my favorite historical romance heroines, at least in the least year or two. I can't remember giggling so much while reading an HR novel! Bridget isn't necessarily clumsy, but she doesn't have the grace and hardness that the English noblewomen have drilled into them since birth. Bridget has so much character and wit and charm and wickedness. She is the only one of the sisters that really wants to try to fit into polite society; but I hoped that she would never become like those stuffy, shallow girls in society.

Lord Darcy (whose lovely given name is Colin Wright - I love the name Colin!) is the paragon of an English nobleman. He's a very important earl with lots of power, money, and a spotless reputation. He's stiff and completely expressionless and emotionless, at least in terms of outward appearances. Since he was little, his father and tutors taught him how to properly be a gentleman and the heir to a very powerful title. So, Darcy is extremely stiff and immobile and emotionless, and it's shocking to him when the teasing of an impertinent American sister of a duke actually gets to him. Despite Darcy being very hard to read, he's very swoony in his own way! I mean, physically, he's supposed to be very attractive, but the whole silent thing really works in his favor, and he's one of the most eligible bachelors.

At first, it seems like Bridget will marry Darcy's younger brother, Rupert. Rupert it charming and handsome and comes to Bridget's rescue many times. But there are circumstances that Bridget knows nothing of, which makes Rupert an ineligible match. But for a good portion of the book, Bridget is convinced that Rupert will propose to her... all the while, she can't keep her eyes (and interest) off Darcy.

Ahhh, the romance. Watching these two interact is SO precious. Darcy is practically a robot (it's cute, really!), and Bridget is an impertinent, witty not-quite-yet-a-lady. Darcy's like a block of ice, whereas Bridget is a wildfire - she thaws him out. First there is lust, but Darcy doesn't want to act on it because he thinks his brother will propose (again, this CAN'T happen, but Bridget doesn't know that), as well as Darcy is supposed to be looking for a perfect English lady (not an uncivilized American!). So it's a lot of push and pull, a hate-to-love type of relationship (apathy-to-love?). I LOVED seeing these two interact, and fall in love!

The chemistry between them is a slow-burn chemistry, just like the romance. There is tension between them from the start. but Bridget doesn't really pay attention to Darcy (she doesn't really notice that he is an attractive man) until A Certain Event occurs - and same for Darcy. So cute! And hilarious - definitely one of my favorite scenes of the book.

If any of you is wondering about a love triangle - nope! It's all Darcy and Bridget, and they are ridiculously cute and hilarious. It takes a while for Darcy to thaw, but when he does... *fans self* There is only one real love scene in this book, but it was pretty steamy! It seems to be Rodale's style, to only have one sex scene in her books. Which is fine, but this book could have benefited from many more of those scenes! However, the one scene really fit, especially in terms of how Darcy and Bridget are, and the circumstances of their relationship (semi forbidden, as Darcy doesn't expect to fall for the American, and Bridget was still foolishly waiting for Rupert to propose, not for the entire book though).

I adore Bridget, and Darcy and Bridget and Darcy. I love the Cavendish siblings and their family dynamic! They are very true to each other and very devoted to each other. Darcy is also very committed to helping his brother - he doesn't want Rupert to be a thing like him, or their father. I love how important family is, in this book.

Overall, I am a HUGE fan of this book. It wouldn't have gotten the rare five-star rating from me otherwise. I can't wait to read Amelia's book next!

What I Did Not Like:

Come on, Maya - more love scenes, please! There was only one sex scene, and it could have been much more drawn out. Maybe another one at the very end or something! I did love the thick tension and chemistry between the characters though!

Would I Recommend It:

I soooo recommend this book to historical romance fans. Like, definitively, YES. Don't miss this book. I had a "miss" book just a few days ago (The Rogue by Katharine Ashe) but this book was a HUGE hit. Like I may go reread it right now because the whole book was hilarious and swoony and enjoyable and not filled with angst! No heartbreaking stretches or crazy climax/ending. And yet the story (outside of the romance) captured my attention entirely. Ah! You need this book!
Rating:

4.5 stars -> rounded up to 5 stars. This is my first five-star rating of 2016! That really did not take long (it's my eighth read of the year). So much love for this gorgeous book! I can't wait to read Amelia's side of things, in Chasing Lady Amelia!

What a lovely comical romantic story --- three sisters and a brother go to England because they have become a Lord and Ladies in the country that their father left for true love and life in America --- the characters were all just perfect and watching how the girls tried to understand and fit in with hoity toity of the Upper English was just so cute and often funny with often despairing and family ruining results! The story was well written, well plotted and a pure pleasure to read! I will find more books by Maya and keep my TBR pile never empty!

This is an adorable pride and prejudice romance with lovable characters.
From the first page I couldn't put the book down.
Bridget and Lord Darcy loathed each other at the first sight (of course the unwanted desire too) but as they get involved in the dire situations to prevent the scandals and threat to their families, Lord Darcy and Bridget must decide what matters most of all- a sterling reputation or a perfectly imperfect love.
I highly recommend this sweet and sexy romance that made me giggle and captivated throughout the whole story. I am so looking forward for the next book in this series.
Thank you Maya Rodale!

Lady Bridget’s Diary by Maya Rodale (Audio Edition)
Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld
Series: Keeping Up with the Cavendishes #1

4 Stars - This book is very much a Bridget Jones meets Pride and Prejudice. It really is the best way I can describe it. The storyline is always a good one and I liked the slight changes in the details.

The narrator was new to me and she read well, I would listen to her again.

~Paragraphs and Petticoats~

Grabbed this book while on Spring Break with the kids and without my Kindle. I thought it would take me a day or 2 to finish it with all our activities. Started the book just to get the feel for it when we got home from a movie at midnight. Big Mistake. I finished the book at 445am staying up all night to read it! LOVED the story of Bridget and Dreadful Darcy! The way he fought against himself over his feelings for Bridget all while trying to do right by everyone. The ending was fabulous with Bridget's actions! Can't wait to see what Amelia was actually up to in the next book!
Patti Wissore

I loved this story about awkward Bridget, "The Girl Who Fell" and "perfect" Looord Darcy. Bridget's family was born & raised in America, but her brother just inherited a dukedom. Bridget & the whole family are having trouble fitting in, despite tutoring in etiquette from their aunt. The family is very close & supportive. Darcy is drawn to Bridget, despite her social problems and that she has an infatuation with his brother. I loved seeing how their romance progressed & loved both families. Looking forward to the stories for the rest of the family!

Maya Rodale's books are always a delight to read. They are well-written, filled with humor and passion; strong, independent heroines; and stoic-but-underneath-it-all-passionate heroes. "Lady Bridget's Diary" is an homage to Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" but with an American family of Cavendishes instead of the British family of Bennetts. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the Cavendish series.

Lady Bridget and her siblings sail over from America to England so their brother can take his role as a new Duke. Upon arrival aal of England seems annoyed that such an old title to be given to those Americans.

There is a lot of similarities between this and Austin's P&P . There is also a lot wiity banter that I loived how the author incorporated into this novel. I need to read the rest of series still great read

This book was so much fun. I absolutely adored it.

This book was a mashup homage of all things I love: lots of adaptations of P&P including Bridget Jones' Diary (hey, our boy Darcy's first name was Colin, after all) and a dash of Mean Girls. I'm a huge fan of romantic comedies and historical romance and this book is a delightful mixture of the two. Quite frankly, I believe there's not enough romantic comedy in historical romance these days. So. Much. Angst. I do love a bit of drama, but isn't it overwhelming after a while? Don't you just want to read something that's lighthearted and fun with feminist undertones? I read a lot of reviews and they focus so much on a perceived lack of historical accuracy. Maybe 100% historical accuracy is your bag. That's cool. But there clearly weren't 90.000 dukes in Regency England, so the argument ends there, in my opinion.

Strangely from the beginning I had an idea how this story would go, but let me tell you...I was not disappointed one bit!! What a rollercoaster of emotions and quite the nail biter. I'd like to k ow what happens to Francesca and of course the rest of the Cavendish siblings. A definite good read for sure!

I loved this book, certainly one of the best historical romances I have read this year. Bridget was spunky and smart and I fell in love with her right away. Darcy was, of course, unlikable at the beginning, but then slowly became the lovable hero we expect. While very predictable, I had a very hard time putting down this book and my middle of the night sleep suffered! I would highly recommend this book and I have started reading this authors' backlist as well.

I really really enjoyed this regency romance. The humor was delightful and the romance was filled with sexual tension and true affection. A great read. I occasionally wanted to smack some sense into Bridget, and I found Aunt Josephine difficult to tolerate, but this book shines in spite of that.

This book is purely for entertainment. A nice way to spend the afternoon. A HILARIOUS Regency romance of a young woman from America, who tries to fit in with the English ton. Only her mixed feelings for the very proper Duke next door interfere with her "proper behavior." I very much enjoyed the parallel references to Pride and Prejudice. Hilarious!