The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons)

part two... after part one....oh, yes.... keep these characters coming.....I'm waiting. Thank goodness for KINDLE apps .... IPad and Samsung 4s phone..... I can take these books anywhere with me. RAIN OR SHINE.... I NEVER dreamed I could actually give up my paperback book experiences. I just loved holding a good book and reading until the early hours of the night. BUT, life doesn't always help us! Soon I was staging my reading time during the day with the sun at my back and going to bed angry because the light was gone. My old Palm was a clue but reading on a 2inch screen was not enticing But now, rain, shine, sun, day or night.... Even the wee hours, I'm enjoying my Kindle experiences. THIS AUTHOR certainly meets my reading appetite and the Kindle Reader along with the store feeds my hunger!

This book was a treat to read, a real delight! This story is about Kate and Anthony (The eldest of the Bridgeton 8 children). He is a rake and a rogue, but very devoted to his family. Unfurtunately he has to take over his family soon in life (at 18) because of the sudden unexpected death of his father. Kate on the other hand is a very nice woman, but she is also strong, and unfurtunately not as beautiful as her sister, and unfurtunately because everyone compares her to her sister, but Kate's so used to it that she doesnt mind anymore. 12 years after the death of his father Anthony decides to find a wife, a smart, attractive, humorous and great to get along with wife. He sets his eyes on Edwina, Kate's sister, but Kate will not allow a man like Anthony (no matter how reformed our rogue/rake is) take her sister as his wife. Thus this 2 characters clash! Julia Quinn has a very unique writting style which i completely admire and love. She presents this story in such a realistic way you feel like you are right there with the characters feeling what they feel. Also, and a major plus, its that Anthony and Kate's relationship evolves slowly, it is not from over night, which is something very hard to find in similar plots in other romance novels. Quinn is easily one of my favorite authors even though i recently stumble upon her magnificent work!

Julia Quinn continually brings the reader one delightful tale after another. In The Viscount who Loved Me, Kate's character is a very realistic character, flawed in a way we can all relate to. Kate is the witty older sister with a beautiful, younger half sister she loves dearly (who, while at times a bit of a romantic ninny is really a very intelligent and kind girl). Kate isn't exactly adored by the ton, which is a fact I loved about her. Its the socially unappreciated we all really root for. Anthony is the handsome young viscount. Adored by the ton, he is rich, titled, handsome, and completely flawed. When Anthony decides to marry Edwina, as she would be the perfect wife: a beautiful one in which he didn't love Kate has a thing or to to say about her beloved younger sister being around the scoundrel. Anthony did not want to fall in love, but that was before Kate stumbled into his life...and got herself stung by a bee(this explained in the book!). Marriage to the Viscount? Oh, all the fun she has. If you like these types of romance novels-characters who are wonderfully developed, terribly human, and completely in love in a odd-girl-out-gets-the-guy tale-BUY THIS BOOK! Better yet, any fan of romance should buy this book. Enjoy!

I've read all of Julia's books including the newest On The Way To The Wedding. I believe this book is the best of the 8 in the Bridgerton series. Although I hold a special place in my heart for Colin (Romancing Mr. Bridgerton), Anthony is the man for me. The infamous rake and head of the large family decides its time to get married. He chooses Edwina, who he believes would be the perfect wife, a beautiful obediant lady that would not interfere with his life and give him an heir. Kate, Edwina's sister, will do everything in her power to keep the Viscount rake away from her pure sister. Kate and Anthony despise eachother, therefore they will marry and eventually come to their senses and fall madly in love with eachother. The story is delightful with plenty of humor we're used to from Quinn. The scene where Anthony catches Kate under his desk is hilarious. Get this book, you won't regret it and get the rest of the series, they're all really good.

I also recommend the 2nd epilogue to this book. It's only available as an ebook, so you'll have to download Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0 (free) to get it. It's worth it!

The second book in the Bridgerton series, "The Viscount Who Loved Me" tells the story of Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sheffield.
Anthony had always belived that he would not live beyond the age of 39. His beloved father had died at this age, killed by a mere bee sting. He adored his father so much that he thought that he would never be as good as his father in anything, even living beyond the age of 39. As Anthony was the eldest son, he had to fulfil his job of producing heirs to carry on the Bridgerton line. So, in that particular season, he picked out Edwina Sheffield, who was the best choice, with good looks and great personality, the best candidate to be a viscountess. The thing was courting Edwina was not the easiest task because with her was her meddlesome elder stepsister, who wanted to ensure that Edwina marry well. And marrying well did not include marrying a rake, especially Anthony Bridgerton, who is the greatest rake of all! However, the constant bickering of the these two characters (Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sheffield) had become the reason that made them aware that they were attract to each other after all!
The beginning and ending of the book are a bit difficult to get through. The story really begins from the part when there was a party at the Bridgerton country residence. This story is a pretty fun read, light and humorous, as is the way of Julia Quinn's other books.
Quite enjoyable!

Recommended by Blythe and Linda of the online "Pandora's Box," this historical set in the regency is a very good reading experience. It didn't knock me out as they were knocked out by it but I enjoyed it a lot. Compared to Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" by many readers and reviewers, this didn't deliver that much of a knockout wallop to me personally. It has a very well done hero and heroine who are each haunted by deaths. She is haunted by her mother's and it comes back to her in thunder and lightening storms. He is haunted by his father's which seems to portend an early death for him as well. These are the only impediments to their happiness. With Quinn's usual light, comedic touch, there is also much to laugh out loud about in this novel. I especially liked the society newspaper notes by Lady Whistledown. For many romance readers this will probably be a 4.5 or 5 star reading experience and I can't imagine telling a romance reader not to buy it and read it. Quinn has definitely arrived on the romance writing scene with her best book to date.

Visit my blog with link given on my profile page here or use this phonetically given URL (livingasseniors dot blogspot dot com). Friday's entry will always be weekend entertainment recs from my 5 star the store reviews in film, tv, books and music. These are very heavy on buried treasures and hidden gems. My blogspot is published on Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

This is the 2nd novel in the growing Bridgerton series (it is now up to 7 books) by Julia Quinn. It follows "The Duke and I" and tells the tale of Anthony, the elder brother of Daphne, the heroine of "The Duke and I". While I enjoyed "The Duke.." immensely, "The Viscount..." is a book who went right to my heart, and it will stay there forever.

The plot is simple: Anthony is the head of the Bridgerton family and at the age of 29, he feels that it is time for him to marry. However, he goes about the matter in a very rational and cool-minded way, deciding to choose a wife with whom he will get along very well, but whom he will never love. Why? Because he is positively certain that he will die before he turns 38 (read the book for details :) ) and does not want to make his life or the life of his wife harder, by submitting either of them to the pain of losing a loved one. So he chooses a suitable girl, Edwina Sheffield. She is beautiful, intelligent and a very nice person altogether.

Enter Kate Sheffield: the sort-of ugly duckling older sister of Edwina, who loves her immensely and is determined that Edwina will marry a man who will truly make her happy. Anthony is by no menas suitable, having a rakish past (the author wisely chooses not to dwell too much on that), and even more since it is clear to her that he is not in love with her sister.

What follows you can imagine: they spend some time together, they find grudgingly and reluctantly that they like each other, they form a friendship of sorts... and then they are forced to marry.

What makes this book different?

First of all, Anthony is not the typical rake hero. I loved the way that JQ, while saying that he had been a rake when he was young, now chooses to dwell on his qualities: he is responsable, and fiercely devoted to his family, he is a capable estate manager, he is a man with honor, he is sensible towards others less fortunate (he takes sides with a bullied young woman), all the time while not appearing less man for that. It is the Anthony we have met in "The Duke..." but now we see more of him. Also, his seemingly irrational fears make him very human. He is not a perfect man, but he has depth of feeling and a complex character.

The way their relationship evolves is also beautifully done. It is great to see that a man and woman can find something between them except lust. Oh, lust and passion are there, and by no means lacking, but these two have much more in common: love for their families, troubled pasts with unspoken nightmares, a love for the countryside. So, it seems much more plausible that they end up together, instead of the usual "romance" way: he sees her and wants to get her into bed.

The everpresent Lady Whistledown is there as always, and she actually shows a tenderer side to herself! By now, I even have a clue as to her identity... hopefully I'll find out in the next book.

All in all, a heartwarming book. Recommended.

Another entertaining novel in the Bridgerton family series!
Here eldest brother Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton, has decided that it's time to marry to father an heir, so he almost randomly chooses Edwina Sheffield, one of the season's hottest debutantes. He chooses her more specifically because he knows she is someone he could never fall in love with. And the last thing Anthony would ever want would be to fall in love: it would be too painful given that he just knows he will die young like his father did.
The only obstacle to Anthony's neat little plan is Kate Sheffield, Edwina's older half-sister, who is fast on the way to becoming a spinster. Kate despises Anthony the rake and will do everything in her power to prevent him from duping her sister into a marriage that she fervently believes will be unhappy for Edwina. Kate adores her sister and wishes only for her happiness.
Anthony realizes that in order to get Edwina's consent, he must win over Kate. But he never bargains for the intense feelings the very independent and forceful Kate engenders in him. And Kate is dismayed to find that, after spending a lot of time with Anthony, she actually likes him. She comes to see beyond the roguish façade. But Anthony is determined to avoid true love at all costs.
Quinn nicely continues in this novel to explore more character depth. There is not as much witty dialogue as in previous books, but this suits Anthony and Kate, haunted as they are by their problems. A lovely friendship and moving tenderness gradually develops between them-the reader can really feel how and why they fall in love.

Julia Quinn is making her way through the ranks of the aristocracy, and fortunately, we get to go along for the ride. The Viscount who Loved Me is the best yet.
Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton (the brother of Daphne from the THE DUKE AND I) is determined to marry a woman he cannot love. He sets his sights on the season's Incomparable, but somehow just can't get the Avowed Beauty's step-sister Kate out of his head. For her part, Kate is determined to keep a rake like Anthony away from her innocent sister -- even if it means she has to spend time with him herself.
Unlike many romances where the hero and heroine repeatedly announce each hates the other, this book really shows a plausible progression for the relationship, as dislike turns to respect, then trust, and finally, to an acknowledgment of love. Julie's gift for whimsical dialogue and amusing plot twists shines here. I know I am looking forward to playing the Bridgerton version of Pall Mall (crocquet).
We see more of the delightful Bridgerton family in this book, and I must admit, I have my suspicions as to the identity of Lady Whistledown. I hope someday, the truth will be known.

The synopsis of The Viscount Who Loved Me is deceptively simple. Anthony Bridgerton has decided it is time to marry. He chooses his intended by asking two questions-who is considered the diamond of the season and has she a brain. He absolutely, positively, does not want to feel love for his wife. He is convinced that he will die young, like his father, and does not want to leave someone he loves behind. The Diamond's name is Edwina Sheffield. Edwina is not adverse to the Viscount's attention and her mother is already planning the wedding breakfast. The problem is Edwina's step sister, Kate. She is dead set against the match. She believes Edwina deserves so much more than a husband known as THE consummate rake and very unlikly to reform. Kate refuses to give her approval of Anthony's suit for Edwina. Anthony knows he must endeaver to make Kate like him before Edwina will accept his proposal. This is difficult because he himself does not like Kate all that much. The barbs that Kate and Anthony throw at each other are intelligent and amusing. Usually when two characters have a love-hate relationship they wind up sounding like spoiled brats, or worse yet, brother and sister. Anthony and Kate have real, entertaining dialogue. I found myself looking forward to each time they would verbally spar.
As the book progresses it becomes apparent that there is so much more to the synopsis. Clearly, as the inner workings of Kate and Anthony's characters are disclosed, these two are meant for each other. The author also artfully goes into detail about their demons and how they are expelled, leaving room for the happiness and love they hadn't realized they had been grasping. Julia Quinn has told a story that pulls at both the funny bone and the heart. It is told in an amusing manner, yet still manages to convey the true depths of Anthony's and Kate's dispairs.
Artfully done and hard to put done. Highly recommended.

"The Viscount who Loved Me" is another great book by Julia Quinn! Anthony Bridgerton had a magical, loving childhood surrounded by love and doting parents. His parents were fantastically in love and he had a shining example of that love held before him during his childhood. Which is what screwed him up. You see, Anthony's' father died at 38 years old, from a bee sting when Anthony was just 18 years old. Since he held his father in such high esteem he could never conceive of outdistancing his father as a man in any way and he is convinced that he will die by the age of 38, if not before. So, he has spent his years since then, not only taking care of his family - he has seven other siblings and a mother to take care of - but he has been living life to the hilt as the ultimate Rake.
Enter Kate Sheffield, she is the oldest sister of the `Diamond' of the season Edwina and the Anthony's chosen wife. Only, Edwina has decided that Anthony is too big of a Rake to make a good husband for her sister and is doing everything she can to stop his marriage. While Anthony is doing everything he can to not fall in love with Kate. He has decided that he could not bear to die young if he had to leave a loved one behind.
This really is a great book and I highly recommend it. It shows that an author can create a attractive, intelligent hero without making him a complete jerk or from a dysfunctional family where the word love was a byword for stupidity. She has also created an intelligent, loving woman who is nor a wimp and who shares the same interests as the hero. Julia Quinn reminds me of Amanda Quick only better.

This is my 4th Quinn's novel in the Bridgerton series. I didnt read "the Duke and I" yet and I heard it's as good as this one. This "one" is not good at all...it is way BETTER than I'd dream it would ever be, metaphorically speaking(not that I actually dreamed about it). I love Quinn's writing, and I mentioned my admiration on her writing on some of my reviews, so Im not gonna repeat myself.
But this novel had pulled stronger emotions and reactions within me than the other titles in the series had not been able to do. You know those moments, where the author puts the heroine in a really embarassing situation, and u dont know if you wanna laugh at Kate's misfortune, or slam the book, thinking that it will stop the inevitable? There's not a single page that will put you to sleep. BUt humor is only a part of this book. There are also those moments that will surely tug some heartstrings or 2. The only thing that I dont like is the obvious planned-similarity on Anthony and Kate's past. I know that is the VERY reason that they are RIGHT for each other, but...for me, it only adds more to it predictableness(if there's such a word). And then Quinn took it farther with the overly-dramatic carriage incident. But enough about those observations, coz nothing will ruin this book for me.
Contrary to the should-be's-- where Eloise's story or Penelope's story SHOULD have all the witty and smart dialogues for they are portrayed as the cleverest in the group--I find that Anthony and Kate's battle of the insults more engaging, smarter, wittier and sassier on the whole Bridgerton saga.

I definitely found a new author that I love: Julia Quinn. I just loved this second volume of the series. There are a number of certainties and expectations I have when I start a historical novel: interesting characters (between the heroic and the realistic), I like that there is spark between the characters, a decent historical overview, some unexpected events and a happy ending. Julia Quinn can achieve all of these items.
The Pall Mall game was really funny to read.
It is undoubtedly a series to continue.

The Viscount Who Loved Me is one of the best books in the series, filled with dry and witty humor, making the storyline sparkle!

Anthony Bridgerton needed a wife and heir before he died prematurely just like his father before him. He's picked out the perfect bride, a diamond of the first water, the Season's Incomparable. The only problem is her older sister Kate, a wilted daffodil, who is certain that Anthony's rake reputation will not make him suitable for her sister.

Anthony refuses to let this little obstacle stop him and sets to make certain Kate knows that, even though everytime they're together, sparks and insults fly. However, Kate slowly begins to see Anthony's innate goodness and realizes that she can't refuse his suit any longer. But now that Anthony is free to woo Edwina, he finds that he misses Kate.

An unfortunate though hilarious incident force them to marry, though Kate is still under the impression that Anthony wants her sister. But as usual, they slowly realize their deep love for each other. What's even better is that this discovery happens amongst numerous hilarious scenes involving other members of the enormous Bridgerton family!

It's a book to treasure!

Anthony Bridgerton, the head of the family has decided to marry. And of course, the only girl good enough has to be the toast of the Season,Edwina. However, one thing stands in his way-the girl's spinster sister, Kate, is determined to stop this marriage because she feels Anthony is a rake.
Of all Quinn's books, this was the most well written. The courtship scenes and Kate's attempted interference are very amusing. During this time, Anthony sees more than just a spinster older sister (Kate), but a woman he connects with and finds attractive. However, he fights his feelings at every turn. How can he lower his expectations and marry a spinster? Kate in turn realizes Anthony is much deeper than she ever imagined, but feels is out of her reach.
Their falling in love is slower paced, but believable. I think readers need to be patient and realize this is not a love at first sight book, but a love that grows slowly. I especially loved the croquet game.
This novel is a winner. And the delightful Lady Whistledowne always makes things interesting!

By 1814, the Ton consider Anthony Bridgerton the leading bachelor in London. The gossipmongers including papers like Lady Whistledown's Society Papers claim Anthony will spend the year breaking hearts by remaining a bachelor. Needing an heir, Anthony plans to marry this year because he expects to die young like his younger brother and his father.

Anthony selects Edwinna Sheffield as his intended bride. However, instead of a smooth and simple courting as proscribed by Polite Society, Anthony concludes that Edwinna's older stepsister Kate is an interfering shrew. Neither one expected their war to turn to love, but will both come to their senses and realize what happened?

THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME is a humorous yet poignant Regency romance that will enhance the deservedly lofty reputation of Julia Quinn amidst sub-genre fans. The story line is enjoyable as both of the lead characters struggle to overcome demons that threaten their love. The secondary cast provides depth, but in a whimsical manner.

Harriet Klausner

The "The Viscount who love me" is the second book of the Bridgerton Series. The "Duke and I" is the first book & story of Dafne, first younger sister of Anthony. 3rd book would be the "An Offer From A Gentleman", story of second brother, Benedict. Still coming soon on July, 2001. 
This is my second book of Julia Quinn and I must say, I am more than please. The "Duke & I" was my first & as soon as I finished that, I went and bought this one. So far, so good... I cannot wait to read more of her books especially the rest of this Bridgerton Series.
Viscount Anthony Bridgerton is one my few favorites heroes of all time. He is not only handsome, rich & England's most eligible bachelor, he also possessed one character that impressed me the most. He respects and truly love his family. His father died when he was 18 years old and as the eldest son, he took the responsibility of taking care of his family ( a mother, 3 brothers, 4sisters and himself). Now that a big load, He didn't do this out of obligation though, he is truly devoted to them with love & pride. He is their protector and he most certainly watch out for them especially the woman. I specially loved the scenes of Anthony being helpless when it comes to his mother. The dowager Viscountess is surely a wonderful mother - Heart warming! Anthony still listens to her & even fears her ( chuckle ). Despite his MANLY reputation in the society, when it comes to his mother, Anthony is simply a son... and mother's knows best. He might be describe as a RAKE but he is responsible & honorable when it comes to his family. In the past, I have read books wherein it defines the hero as such too but there is limited action to convince me so. In this case, Anthony proved to be that and more... If u haven't read the "Duke & I", then you should pick it up before this one. You will truly be impressed with Anthony. He seriously went to the extent just to protect his family's honor ( protect his sister's honor & even his sister's heart). Now, if that isn't honorably impressive then I don't know what is..
On the same note, Kate is like Anthony. She too loves her family especially her younger sister, Edwina. Compared to Kate, Edwina, is the fairer, prettier & smarter. Naturally, she's became London's Belle of every Balls. She had many suitors & marriage offers... that includes Anthony Bridgerton, who decided it's time to settle down and produce an heir. Since Edwina is London's catch of the year, Anthony decided that she will do for his wife. The courting begun... how hard could it be, right? Afterall, he is England's greatest catch too. Oh....but Anthony never forsaw the greatest challenge, more like hindrance --> Kate, who loathe him and who vowed to protect her younger sister's heart from scoundrel rakes such as Anthony. Edwina, who loves & respects Kate just as much, seek out Kate's approval on every suitors. She even declared this to the entire Ton. Therefore, Kate was not immune to all the courtesy and special attention "Edwina's suitor" bestows upon her. But she knows the game well & is often ahead of it until Anthony shows up. He change the rules & confuse not only her mind but her heart as well.
I agree with one of the reviewers here in the store when she said that most story with plot as this one (sisters, one pretty... one plain), normally would describe the pretty one with awful character or a knit-wit. Meanwhile the plain one would have all the brains & perfect traits. In this book however, Julia Quinn made the characters very realistic. In addition to Edwina's extra ordinary beauty, she was still described as intelligent, and with a good heart. You can't help but like her. Kate, on the other hand... yes, she's plain & simple yet she has the spunk, sense humor & very witty ( often times, glib), that just impressed me. She was true to herself. She knows she doesn't have what Edwina has yet she is never jealous of her which I find heart warming. She often times outsmart Anthony on their bantering which thourougly entertained me (Lots of humorous dialogue). This however, leaves Anthony baffled. He didn't like her. She makes him furious most of the time. He knows that Kate would never be an obedient wife, she's too confident, tactless & doesn't have the gracefulness of Edwina yet... he finds himself thinking about her (esp. at nights) and longing to see her the next day. You'd think he'd avoid her & her mouth trashing words that's only meant for him. I guess, you don't need all the beauty & brains to be impressively attractive, huh? All u need is simply be yourself!
Aside from the love story of Anthony & Kate, I specially enjoyed reading updates of Dafne & Simon. I enjoyed the contribution of the secondary characters especially the famous Lady Whistledown. Oh my! Her gossip column just keeps getting bold & interesting every week. I just can't wait to finally find out who she really is. Aww, i tell ya, I have a guess who she might really be but... again, I am not 100% sure. After you read this, email me your guess. Perhaps we might have the same thoughts about this one. I can't wait to read "AN OFFER FROM A GENTLEMAN", that is Benedict Bridgerton's story, second brother of Anthony. I hope there is update of Dafne & Simon as well as Anthony & Kate (Edwina too). Although, I am sure that the mysterious Lady Whistledown would once again entertain us with her vastly amusing/interesting gossips. Hats off to you, Ms. Julia Quinn for a job well done!

Full of typical JQ humor you will not be disappointed in this book. Be prepared to laugh out loud or have a silly grin on your face while you read. And yes Lady Whistledown is here as well.
Anthony is an elusive bachelor with no immediate plans to marry. Or has he?
The society gossip column is wrong Anthony does plan to marry has even gone to the trouble to pick his wife to be out. What he did not plan on was the reaction of his wife to be's sister Kate. She does not think that Anthony is a good choice for her sister. In fact he is the Wrong choice for her sister and is determined to do all that she can to make sure that this rake does not marry her. What Kate did not count on or what Anthony did not count on was the attraction that they would feel for each other.
Full of laughs and fun characters you will not be let down with this one.

Well I started this series out reading the third book first and now I've just finished the second book. I am finally going to start the first book in the series. This book is about the oldest Bridgerton brother, Anthony. He is the head of his family and has finally decided to settle down and marry. He is determined not to love is wife so when he picks a potential bride is caught completely off guard when he meets her older sister, Kate. Kate is determined that her baby sister not marry the dashing rake. She stands up to him and even manages to ruffle his feathers a bit when she takes her dog on a walk that ends up in disaster. This book has lots of humor in it and I enjoyed reading about all the Bridgerton family. I can't wait to read the other stories. Plus I have an idea who the mysterious Lady Whistledown is. I can't wait to find out if I'm right!

What a wonderful story. I just finished this book and I am so sad that the story is over. Anthony and Kate have become very real. Anthony has decided that it is time that he was married. His chosen bride is to be the shining star of the season Edwina. Kate (Edwina's sister) is very protective and has to be sure that the man who marries her sister is worthy of the honor. Anthony & Kate spend so much time together trying to work out the situation, that they forget that Edwina is even in the picture. The best part about this book is that all of the characters in it are so refreshing. I wanted to know more about each one of them. My favorite scene is the family game of Pall Mall. I laughed out loud. The facial expressions, the conversations, I actually felt like I was there watching the game. What a fun book to read. Highly recommended!

I've really never loved a couple more than I loved Anthony and Kate!

This story was just so cute and gripped me from beginning to end!

The arguing between these two was so fun. It never got old and boring and I'll never forget the "mallet of death" scene. Their growth of love was just sweet and I loved how they were just their for each other when they needed them. Ugh! I just loved it!

Also helps that I am a corgi lover!!!! ;)

Although I read books of this kind, rarely do I write a review. If I ever do write one, then the book was either too dreadful or, as here, find a lack of words in praising it. This was the first Julia Quinn book I ever read, but it will not be my last. The story is very appealing, the characters so real, and the dialogue witty as hell; so much that I often surprised myself grinning or laughing. I will avoid giving you the Cliff Note's version, which would not do justice. Kate and Anthony are wonderful, amusing and charming people to whom anyone would be able to relate to, and more over, interested to share their falling-in-love process. The supporting characters (specially their sibling's) are also very well drawn, apart from being interesting and smart. It has been a long time since I last enjoyed a book as much as I did this one, so much that I read it in a few hours because I did not have the strength or the will to put it down. My only regret is that I read it too quickly, and the enchantment it brought forth came to an end much to soon. Ms. Quinn, this is a winner , and I want, nay!, NEED to learn more about the alluring Bridgerton family. And hopefully, the entertaining Lady Whistledown will be the one to inform us in her ironic, nonchalantly and truthful tone. YOU WON'T REGRET IT!

The eldest Bridgerton brother, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton takes his responsibilities as head of the family quite seriously, but this did not stop him from enjoying life to the fullest, especially when it comes to women! This earned him a rakish reputation and when it came time for him to find a bride, his candidate was no other than Edwina Sheffield --smart, beautiful and the Season's Incomparable. But Anthony's attempts at courtship kept getting foiled by Edwina's older sister, Kate. Kate is not as beautiful as Edwina; but she is a woman of strong character, and stronger determination to protect her younger sister from the clutches of the rakish viscount. Anthony is equally determined to pursue Edwina, but to his dismay, Kate is the one who occupies his thoughts....and might also occupy his heart.
Another enjoyable addition to the Bridgerton stories, "The Viscount Who Loved Me" is great in the moments you expect but if you cound empathize with Anthony's fear of bees, you're in for another Quinn-tessential read!

This is Julia Quinn's delightful sequel to the equally enjoyable, The Duke and I.
Anthony Bridgerton has come to the decision to marry. He looks for beauty and intelligence amongst the debutantes of the London season. The stipulation being that she be someone he would and could not love. He chooses Edwina Sheffield, the declared beauty of the season. Edwina has let it be known that she will only accept a suitor approved by her older sister. Kate Sheffield, 21 and almost "on the shelf", knows of Anthony's reputation as a Rake and will not allow it. You can imagine the rest ~ perhaps NOT !!
For what would be a familiar romantic plot is deftly handled in Quinn's creative hands. Both have unresolved issues resulting from their respective parents' death. It adds a deep emotional edge to an already well developed lighthearted story. And waiting in the wings with her ever clever reports; is the intrguing "Lady Whistledown".Who is SHE?? <g>
I am happy to say that there are several Bridgerton's with stories to be told....I, dear reader, wait impatiently!

I've been going through an extended Austen phase, and this book completely tickled my funny bone.

The hero and heroine are both strong loveable characters, and the plot moves smoothly. There's just enough angst to make the story filling. There are very few detestable characters, and they stay on the side.

There's a beautiful, nice, smart sister, and she's not the heroine. She gets a good guy, but not the hero. Very different!

There are a good number of contractions and other regency no-no's. But for the most part, the story is just a great read.

And the Pall Mall scene actually had me laughing out loud.

Lovely!

(*)>

This is my favorite Bridgerton novel. Banter is excellent and sexual tension is even better. Have reread it several times and each time I find something funny. Pall Mall scene reminds me of those screwball comedies from the thirties and forties with Cary Grant. I think the later novels get too serious.

From Most to Least Favorite

2nd book- "The Viscount Who Loved Me" Anthony's story
4th book- "Romancing Mister Bridgerton" Colin's story
1st book- "The Duke and I" Daphne's story
3rd book- "An Offer From A Gentleman" Benedict's story
7th book- "It's In His Kiss" Hyacinth's story
8th book- "On the Way to the Wedding" Gregory's story
5th book- "To Sir Phillip, With Love" Eloise's story
6th book- "When He Was Wicked" Francesca's story

This is the second novel in the "Bridgeton" series...following "The Duke and I" and followed "An Offer from a Gentleman" "Romancing Mr Bridgerton" "To Sir Phillip, With Love" and soon..."When He was Wicked."
This is the story of the oldest Bridgerton sibling, Anthony, who goes searching for the "perfect" wife and finds a wife that is perfect for him! Kate is not searching for a husband at all...she is mostly around to keep Anthony away from her sister Edwina. Soon Kate finds herself in love and betrothed to a man who thinks himself incapable of love...it is up to Kate to change his mind and convince him that love lasts forever!

The second book of the Bridgerton series and it largely retained the style of the first book, The Duke and I. Somehow the men in Julia Quinn's stories were all foolishly refusing love, thus all the pain and anguish, until something snapped to shake some sense to them. It was still a charming read. However, I wish the plot twists could offer more surprises. Both books had similar plots: the men who refused to love, the sensible ladies, the forced marriage as a result of compromising situation, the anguish-filled escape, the near-death panic, the confession and forgiveness, and finally, happily ever after. But I did enjoy the book, which was filled with witty, sweet and sensual moments.

Anthony Bridgerton decides its time to get married so he sets his sight on the most beautiful girl of the season, Edwina Sheffield, younger sister to plain and ordinary Kate Sheffield who Anthony can't stand after meeting her. But to his surprise he finds himself falling love with her after he promised NEVER to love his future wife no matter who it is. When they are found in a compromising situation Anthony has no other choice but to marry Kate. The book is an average historical romance read- Kate and Anthony have to overcome problems about their feelings for eachother and their fears that have been haunting them. Kate is terrified of thunderstorms and Anthony thinks he's going to die young since his father did, and it's all because of a single bee! One part from the book sums up the storyline pretty well: "Love isn't about being afraid that it will be snatched away. Love's about finding the one person who makes your heart complete, who makes you a better person that you ever dreamed you could be..." Overall, The Viscount Who Loved Me is a good read with a satisfying end. Definetly worth 4 stars!

The Viscount who loved Me by Julia Quinn is very funny historical romance novel with some very sweet moments. Anthony Bridgerton has decided he must marry and picked the hit of the season. The problem is that her sister doesn't approve of the match - and then fate takes control. I was up until the wee hours of night finishing this novel - enjoy! The Bridgerton series: The Bridgerton series: #1: The Duke and I , #2: The Viscount Who Loved Me, #3: An Offer from a Gentleman, #4: Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, #5: To Sir Phillip, With Love, #6 When He Was Wicked #7: It's In His Kiss,#8: On the Way to the Wedding

This was a hard book to review, because at first I was captured and loved the chemistry and budding romance between Anthony and Kate. I love her sass and their little fights, and how she fights to keep him away from her sister. Plus, the romance between Kate and her sister Edwina and her stepmother is great. However, as soon as Kate is stung by the bee (the way Anthony's father died) the plot becomes horribly cheesy, and begins to ruin the wonderful beginning. I wouldn't say it's not worth reading, because overall it was a fun read. But I was sad with the end as the beginning was so good.

Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton has decided that its time to a take a wife and he has set his sights on Miss Edwina Sheffied, but first he will have to get pass her older sister Kate, and is planning to make sure that her sister does not marry a rake like Anthony. But as time goes on, he begins to fall for Kate.
"The Viscount who loved me" is the second book by Julia Quinn in her "Bridgerton Series" and I have to say that while the book was okay, its seem to lack the charm of the first book. To me, Anthony really seem all that entertaing and if turth be told, I was glad when I finished the book.

Viscount Bridgerton, Anthony to friends of the Bridgerton clan, has decided it's time. It's time to marry, beget heirs and complete his list of responsibilities as head of the family. And it's important to do so this Season as he wasn't going to live much longer than eight more years. That's a certainty. It's been ordained. And finally, his wife to be should be pretty, smart, and a pleasant addition to the Bridgerton family. Especially as she would be raising Anthony's children alone after he was gone. So, Anthony chooses the most beautiful and desired debutante of the Season, Edwina Sheffield. She was everything he needed. Until he finds in order to win Edwina's hand, he must first pass inspection by Edwina's sister, Kate. Suddenly, Anthony is in a quagmire of confusion. He wishes to marry Edwina, where his emotions will not be engaged and Edwina therefor will not be terribly hurt upon his demise. But, there's something about Kate. He can't get her out of his mind. And so the entertainment ensues...

Expertly executed, I was thoroughly sucked into Kate and Anthony's romance. I laughed, cried and cheered for this pair. Julia Quinn's heroes are uniquely flawed, in comparison to the vast majority of the Regency Romance characters on the market currently. Each one is defined in a manner not to be confused with any other Alpha male on the prowl in 1815 London. Each book is not "just another Regency". A talented author indeed!

5 Stars...woop woop!!! Don't you just love this ladies writing?! I have almost come to the end of the line for Quinn books, there's only a few left that I haven't read. I loved, loved, loved Anthony and Kate's story ladies, and I really love the expect the unexpected love stories. I would recommend this book to anyone with a guilty pleasure of a good old fashion love story.

Oh yeah...Don't skip the "Authors Note" at the end (page 353). Quinn gives you a definite ending that she didn't include in the story (hopefully all you 4 and 5 Star raters didn't miss that).

"The Viscount Who Loved Me" is another great and enjoyable read from Julia Quinn. Anthony Bridgerton first delighted me when he teased and supported his sister Daphne in "The Duke and I." When Ms. Quinn announced her new book, I began to watch eagerly for its release. I was not disappointed!
In "The Viscount Who Loved Me" Anthony Bridgerton comes into his own in a delightful book that makes you laugh, feel the characters' emotions, and devoutly wish the Bridgerton's were your very own family.
Anthony has decided it is time he was wed and quickly settles on the Season's "diamond," Edwina who has said she won't marry unless her sister approves of the man. Anthony sets out to charm sister Kate. In Kate, Julia Quinn gives us a female character to match Anthony. Our characters verbally fence their way through the enjoyable chapters while understandably falling in love with one another.
I love a good read - and this book certainly qualifies as a god read. I couldn't put this book down.

This book was wonderful! I actually laughed out loud at many scenes -especially the family game at Bridgerton's country house- and I enjoyed every minute of it. I liked mostly the fact that the hero and heroine, although they had many differences, respected deeply each other.
I am surprised with myself that I didn't enjoy "the duke and I" as much. I will certainly give it another try and buy "An offer from a gentleman" as soon as possible.
A perfect book to get your mind off everything and help you relax and have fun. Highly recommended to everyone!!!

Julia Quinn has done it again. She's created wonderful characters that you just have to love. But the thing I loved the most about this book is how both of these characters love and respect their family. With such a beautiful younger step-sister, Kate could have been bitter. And although you'd love to dislike Anthony, you always know by the way he treats his family he's just a good guy at heart. The tension between these two is apparent from the first, and it only gets better. I highly recommend this book as another "winner" from a wonderful author.

The synopses already presented will give you a good idea of the story line, so I won't duplicate comments. But I must say, this is one of the absolutely best written novels I've ever spent time with.
Quinn's style is smooth, stylish, in vogue of the times for which it was written without being laden, and witty. Her story line in this novel is fresh, interesting, believable and very well paced. Nowhere did the story drag. And I loved the author's note at the very end. Having written six novels myself, I did indeed enjoy that one.
Highly recommended.

This book was my introduction to Julia Quinn, and I was amazed by how wonderful it was. JQ takes a step out of the typical regency romance novel, providing storylines that are funny, heartwarming and meaningful, with characters that are believable and complex. The Viscount Who Loved Me is one of her best, and one that I have read several times over. Anthony is the best kind of hero, and Kate's character is a perfect match for his. Their road to romance is paved with humor, sexiness, charm, wit and tenderness that leap off the page. Buy this one and keep it handy for curling up with a favorite on a rainy day.

I cannot see how anyone could NOT absolutely LOVE this book. I would definitely consider it one of my top five favorites. Kate is a character with which one can easily identify and Anthony is a character with which one can easily fall in love. I read this book every few months, and I still laugh and cry as I did the first time I read it.

I find I cannot agree with those who feel the writing and characters are inconsistent with the Regency period.

First of all, it is not possible to create a completely accurate historical novel with the resources available. For those who want to read through a day in the life of a regency miss, I would suggest a non-fiction novel.

Secondly, I have read much of Jane Austen's work and have found that she incorporates humor and drama as frequently as do authors of today, so the idea that the nobility of the Regency period were, at all times, the epitome of propriety and monotony is, in my opinion, ridiculous.

Julia Quinn possesses a refreshing, humorous style of writing that keeps me highly entertained. I read fiction to forget real life for a little while, so I am willing to overlook a few minor historical inaccuracies. Julia Quinn's novels (but most especially "The Viscount Who Loved Me") depict what every girl dreams of: a happily-ever-after, forever and always kind of love. And that is exactly what I look for in a novel.

But this is just the humble opinion of a hopeless romantic.

Ms. Quinn has secured her place on my automatic buy list. I like her humor and the warmth of her tales and I'm yet to be disappointed by anything she writes. The Viscount Who Loved Me is a sequel to The Duke And I, in which the heroine was Daphne Bridgerton, the sister of the hero Anthony in this book. The alphabetically named Bridgerton siblings' bickering and bantering is just as delightful as in the previous installment and there's a hilarious scene where they play Pall Mall.
The heroine Kate is determined to keep Anthony away from her younger sister Edwina, who has turned out to be the Incomparable of the Season. Kate thinks Anthony is a bit too much of a rake for Edwina. We find out that Anthony fears death and is scared of love because his beloved father died in an early age. His fears are partly the reason he ends up in a compromising situation with Kate and they're forced to marry.
The outcome is obvious: Kate and Anthony are destined to end up together. The story of their love is so wonderfully told and so entertaining I'm sure I will return to this novel whenever I need something to pick me up. Don't miss this.

I liked this book because of the closeness of the siblings. The bickering and teasing of the Bridgerton's had me laughing. The story was a slow and steady one that I enjoyed. Some authors just have characters who fight and hem and haw throughout with no real storyline, until the bed scene then Epilogue. The end. I recommend this to everyone who wants to follow a series of well written books. Enjoy!

Julia Quinn's style hasn't managed to convince me. Maybe is is just me, but sometimes I feel that her novels lack deep feeling. Some of her books I have enjoyed, like "An Offer from a Gentleman" and "The Duke and I", but this one, I don't know, it just doesn't have it.
I remember that when I started reading the book, I would shake my head in disbelief about some of the things I was reading, now I can't even remember what those were (that's the impact this book had on me)
It bothered me to keep reading how beautiful and perfect Edwina was, and how plain and unatractive Kate was in comparision.
I din't like Anthony very much in "The Duke and I", I thought he was meddlesome, overprotective, petulant and intransigent. I know that he was trying to protect his sister, but really, enough is enough. I thought that challenging his best friend to a duel, and being willing to kill him, just because he compromised his sister was too much, after all, nobody but him found out about that, and that duel, far from helping Daphne, would have detroyed her reputation beyond repair. But anyway, this is not part of this book, although I commented on this because after all, it has to do with Anthony. Now, on this book, he finds his female counterpart, a girl that is as annoyingly overprotective of her sister as he is. But really, those two make me want to scream at them, Mind you own bussiness! It is not that I don't like them, I know that they mean well, and if they act that way is because they care about their families, but they get really annoying at times.
The book is funny, I have to hand it that, the scene about the park and the dog made me laugh for several minutes, but I was looking for romanticism, not comedy, and truly, the scene of their wedding night, when he tickles her, is just ridiculous and most unromantic. Also, I keep having trouble finding hilarious the things Quinn's characters laugh about. It seems to me that they laugh without any justifiable reason.
Maybe it is just me, seeing that other readers have rated this book so highly. But for me, it was..how to put it?...unremarkable.
Now I'm reading "Romancing Mr.Bridgerton", and even though I'm only in the first chapter and it is too soon to judge the book, I'm liking it so far. I hope is better than this one.

I really liked this book. Yeah his little problem was a bit unnerving but I think a lot of our phobias, for lack of a better word, are not always reasonable. I thought it was handled well and that he wasn't just cured miraculously. It was a gradual thing and yeah I don't think he was completely over it until after his birthday, the point of the epilogue. There were several scenes that were heartwrenching, funny and just plain loving. Give the book a shot :)

The Viscount Who Loved Me is a very outstanding book. I absolutely loved it and was so sorry when it ended. It had some very funny scenes (especially the desk and bee scene) and had some sad moments, too. Anthony and Kate are very special characters and deserved to be with one another so much. I am in awe of Ms. Quinn's talent. She is an extraordinary writer and keeps qetting better and better. I just cannot say enough about the book and Ms. Quinn's writing. All her books are favorites and I just cannot wait until the next Bridgerton brother's story to come out.

In the last 12 months, I've read a lot of romances. This has been my absolute favorite. It's one of those books you can't put down. Anthony and Kate's relationship develops believably, the dialogue is superb, the secondary characters are fabulous, and Lady Whistledown's gossip pages are so much fun.
This book has a perfect balance between laughter and seriousness, something that it is very difficult to achieve. If you like fun, sexy, emotional, never-boring, unputdownable romances, read this book.

A friend recommended the first book in the Bridgerton series, The Duke and I, to me and I loved it. So I happily picked up this book expecting more of the same: realistic plots and emotions, fun and well-drawn characters, and steamy love scenes. Unfortunately, The Viscount who Loved Me did not deliver. It was like a completely different person wrote this book. The story started well, but quickly slipped into romance cliches and silly, over the top writing. Honestly, how many times can a pretty girl be described as "a diamond of the first water?" Similarly, the main characters were initially interesting and likable, but somehow along the way Kate turned into a needy, scared innocent and Anthony became arrogant and insecure. He kept sliding down the slippery slope of alpha male-ness to obnoxious and idiotic. And the love scenes were silly, not sexy. Heavy on "I'm going to make you mine now" and seriously lacking chemistry or foreplay. Overall, a disappointment. I wish I'd skipped this one and moved on the next book in the series.

the characters are very well developed,the conversations are very natural and probable and there is just enough going-ons(i do not like romance novels with too many plots). i like all the characters in the novel,i feel like i personally know them. but i want more tension, sexual tension, i like romance novles that make my heart ache and even though everything else was good i found myself skimming quite a bit.

My favorite of the Bridgerton books--real conflict (many of the others in the series don't have enough conflict) and likeable characters (some don't have these either). Smoothly moving the animosity between the hero and heroine into love demonstrates Julia Quinn's real skill as a romance writer. I could have done without the musical instruments, however.

I enjoyed reading this second book in the Bridgerton series, but felt it wasn't as good as the first. The plot was fine, but it wasn't as much a page-turner. I didn't feel the love between the hero and heroine as much as in the first book, and the writing seemed more stilted - the descriptions and dialogue didn't seem to flow as well. That said, it was worth the time I spent on it, so I'm rating it as 3.5 to 4 stars, rounded up to a 4.

I read this book not realizing that it was the second in a series, however I'm sure that it won't really matter if I read them out of order. This book was simply wonderful. The characters were rich and full of life, her writting style is simply wonderful! I have already purchased a few more books by Julia Quinn, I feel that I'm about to become a devoted fan! What a wonderful writter she is!!!
Thanks again Julia for such a wonderful adventure!

I've enjoyed most of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series except for this one. Although a lot of criticisms from readers were towards the male love interest, Anthony, I actually disliked the female, Kate, more. Kate is Edwina's older sister. Edwina is the woman that Anthony thinks he wants as a wife because she's fair, biddable, and not crazy like her sister, Kate. Perhaps to truly contrast the differences between the sisters and to make Kate stand out from the rest of the crowd, the author tries to make Kate seem witty, smart, and opinionated, but I think it's very overdone and, instead of natural, makes it seem obviously fabricated. It is done to the point of annoyance. And the events are just very over the top. The whole dog chase in the park and dunking of Edwina into the lake, etc. The author gives the perception that Kate is a caring, protective older sister, but Kate's actions make her look more like a selfish hypocrite than anything else, especially when she keeps trying to prevent her sister, Edwina, from being with Anthony, but instead puts herself in those positions with contrived devices from the author.

I'm not usually a fan of characters who are forcibly made to stand out because they are loudmouthed, belligerent people and then admired for these traits. Perhaps if they had other admirable qualities, it'd be a different story, but having Kate be the star of this book simply because she is loud, obnoxious, and with a facade of being a caring older sister just isn't my cup of tea.

The first book that I read in this series was An Offer From A Gentleman, then I moved on to this book. I must say that this book has now become a re-reader for me. I love all the Bridgertons. Anthony is, on the outside the eptomite of a sterotypicall Rake, but on the inside he is very much humbled by the fact that he thinks he will die before he's 39. He can curse and seduce with the best of them. I like how Ms. Quinn makes him, one minute a ruthless, cunning seducer , ie, when Kate mistakenly hides in his study and Anthony walks in with the Italian opera singer. Then by the end of the book he's so afraid of loosing her he cries. I loved that!
I must say my favorite part of the book was the Bridgerton game of pall mall. That was the first time I actually laughed while reading a book.!
This book is definitley a MUST read. It has the romance, scandal, heroics, humor, all the makings of a great book. Once you start you won't be able to put it down.!

What a wonderful book. The plot is well balanced and fast paced. I could not put it down and stayed up half the night to finish it. Anthony and Kate are perfect for each other and the way their love story unfolded was exciting. I could not help but fall in love with Anthony, a loveable hero with just the right amount of alpha. Kate is the kind of heroine you will root for....not extremely beautiful but witty, practical and strong. Beautifully written. You can feel the chemistry and characters and scenes come alive as you read about them. Very funny too. Highly recommended as Julia's best book.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I can't pick a favorite of the 8 Bridgerton Family books - they are all so lovely and riveting (I'm on my third read thru of the series), but Anthony does lead this pack of zany and interesting characters, of course. So a nod to him as the favorite is surely a sign of loyalty to the family... His is the second book in the series - and it only gets better. So - keep reading! You'll love every minute you spend with the Bridgertons - and end up wishing they were real and in your circle of friends!

HINT TO JULIA - I'm hoping there may be books on the children. The Bridgertons have surely spawned a plethera of potential future storys - and we'll get to visit again and see how A thru H are doing in the future with parenthood. More please!!!! :)

The first chapters, with all the intelligent conversation and light-heartedness, promised a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

Then it become predictable. This wasn't that bad, there are a lot of cliche romances that I liked. But after that, all the exaggerated emotional turmoil the hero is experiencing became laughable. Of course the heroine has an accident that makes him realize he's afraid to loose her. The chemistry was weak, the love scenes were warm and uninspiring at best..

The book is not awful so it should have deserved one more star but it proved such a waste of time that I couldn't give it.

Love Julia Quinn's writing!!! Love reading about the Bridgerton Family!! Anthony and Kate had so much heat to them from the time they met, it was great reading these two together!! If you have read any of Julia's books you will love this one, just awesome!!

I really like old romance novels and if you enjoy the books where strong, young women and handsome, encourageable rakes fall in love in the most unconventional ways, I would recommend this book. The Viscount is the oldest of the Bridgertons and he is also my second favorite of the group (favorite being Colin). When he first meets Kate, he doesn't even really notice that she is there. Kate is Edwina's older sister and they are out at the same time due to money issues with there family. Well Anthony has to win Kate's approval to be able to wed her sister and one thing leads to another and the tables are turned during a quiet walk outside one sunny day...
Anyways, Anthony fights his demons that were there since his father died when he was 18 and Kate deals with her always present fear that she is being compared to her sister.
All in all, if you want to fall in love, I would recommend falling for a Bridgerton. You would love this book. Trust me. It's worth it.

Oh! What a delightful read! I adore Julia Quinn's work..her Bridgerton series in particular, and while I love all of them...this is definitely thee best of the bunch. Kate and Anthony are great together...and some of the situations that Kate gets herself into will have you laughing out loud...it's it's almost as if you can FEEL her embarassment. This is really a lovely book...I recommend it highly...Read all of the Bridgertons!

This book inspired me to read more books of Julia Quinn. So far, this is the best one I have read until now. What I like about this book are the the development of characters. Unlike the heroines of other books, Kate is just a spinster who is considered as a shadow of her beautiful sister- Edwina- but that makes her more special. I like these types of heroines: normal appearance but adorable personality!

This book was the first of Julia Quinn's books I've read, and I can't wait to read more! The scenes were just the right pace, and you really found yourself rooting for the characters. Katherine, the heroine, was one of the best heroines I've read in a historical romance! Why? Because you can actually identify with her! None of this violet eyes and golden hair with a perfect body- she's no bell of the ball either. In other words, she's normal, and that was SO effective in the story. I hope everyone reads this book! My only complaint was that it seemed to end so soon!!

This sequel to "The Duke and I" has all of the charm of the the first book. Julia Quinn is a gifted storyteller who can make the reader laugh and well as cry. There were moments in this book where I laughed out loud. "The Viscount Who Loved Me" was an involving story that I couldn't put down until I had finished. I would read any book with Julia Quinn's name on it.

This was a thoroughly enchanting read that I actually read all in one day. Anthony is a terrific character along with Katherine. Anthony definitely met his match. What a great love story with a tiny bit of suspense added in. A definite must read.

If you only need one reason to read this book it is this: The mallet of death. Although the romance between the two main characters is funny, as real as a romance novel can get, and touching, the Mallet of Death steals the show. It is showcased in a scene that shows why I love the Bridgerton books. The family interaction is classic and hilarious. I love my family dearly but what I wouldn't give to become part of this family. I am currently re-reading this book and remembering how much I love it. Quinn's books are so good because the people in them are just regular fellows (mounds of money and good looks aside)...there is no death threat or plot involving being hunted for your fortune. They just make you sincerely happy and isn't that really the whole point of a romance?

Trust me. The mallet of death is reason enough to read this book.

I discovered Julia with this book, and I'm reading them out of order, but so far, I have liked this one the best. I've read 2 others from Julia and a few from other authors, but this one really sticks in my mind. How often can you say that? Usually, no matter how much I love a book, I forget it as soon as I start another one. This book is wonderful!

I like this the least of the B series. At first I thought that this was going to be about Violet...LovED. Kind of confusing at first glance..grammer gah. The author doesnt intend to write Violets story because of the death of her husband....but a lot of readers have been interested. Using past tense like this title and stating it on the back wouldnt detract her fans since they already know he dies and plenty of stories make money if a main character dies..she says she wont write it because it wont sell if he dies.

Like her other books, I waited for this book to arrive on bookshelves. It was definitely worth the wait. I loved Anthony's relationship with Kate. The Bridgerton Pall Mall game was truly hilarious. From the moment Kate and Anthony meet, you can see the sparks fly and know that they are destined to be great lovers and loves. Buy this book. You won't be sorry.

This book was outstanding! Having never read a romance novel, I was a bit hesitant about purchasing this book, especially with the rather cheezy-looking couple in an embrace on the binding. However, at a friend's insistence, I made the purchase. And it was truly a fantastic read. I was stunned by the high level of vocabulary used by Ms. Quinn in addition to the fairly intricate plot. Additionally, I fell in love with the personality of the characters and was amazed by the ability of Ms. Quinn to keep me captivated throughout. She is truly the J.K. Rowling of Romance, and I look forward to reading the rest of series. Three cheers for The Viscount!

Quinn's novels in the Bridgerton series outweigh any historical romance novel or series I have read. Her characters are complex, intriguing, witty, and intelligent. Her words make pages turn quickly. All in all, each novel is a success.

Personally, read these from 1-8th...don't start in the middle or you will miss half the fun. The series is wonderful. Enjoy them all, I guarantee you will.

I loved the first book in the series, but this one is as good or better. Funny characters, a story beside the usual chest-heaving soft porn in many romance novels, the hero & heroine actually like each other, the secondary characters are great and the story is interesting & fun. Read it!

This is the first Julia Quinn book I read and I was not disappointed. I loved her main characters and how they both try to dislike the other even when they can't. This book was so good that I have now purchased the whole Bridgerton family series.

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn was a very good read. The characters had depth, and the fears of both main characters, being realized and confronted, built a nice plot. The last few chapters dragged, but overall, it was a nice rainy day novel.

Julia Quinn is the queen of humorous regency romance. There is no one out there who can top her. I read this novel in four hours. Didn't put it down once. That's how good her novels are. If you love regencies or just plain historical romances, then you should pick up this book today.

Having read ALL the Bridgertons , I must warn readers that the series does have, in my opinion, a couple of duds.....When He Was Wicked (Francesca Bridgerton) and Late For The Wedding ( Gregory Bridgerton) They just didn't have the umph! of the others. I loved all the siblings and couldn't wait to read all their stories but these two did not live up to the excitement and intrique of the others. I'm still a devoted Julia Quinn reader and recommend the Whistledown books as delightful along with her original three: Splendid, Dancing At Midnight and Minx (same character series).

I loved the first book in the series, but this one is as good or better. Funny characters, a story beside the usual chest-heaving soft porn in many romance novels, the hero & heroine actually like each other, the secondary characters are great and the story is interesting & fun. Read it!

This is the first Julia Quinn book I read and I was not disappointed. I loved her main characters and how they both try to dislike the other even when they can't. This book was so good that I have now purchased the whole Bridgerton family series.

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn was a very good read. The characters had depth, and the fears of both main characters, being realized and confronted, built a nice plot. The last few chapters dragged, but overall, it was a nice rainy day novel.

Julia Quinn is the queen of humorous regency romance. There is no one out there who can top her. I read this novel in four hours. Didn't put it down once. That's how good her novels are. If you love regencies or just plain historical romances, then you should pick up this book today.

Having read ALL the Bridgertons , I must warn readers that the series does have, in my opinion, a couple of duds.....When He Was Wicked (Francesca Bridgerton) and Late For The Wedding ( Gregory Bridgerton) They just didn't have the umph! of the others. I loved all the siblings and couldn't wait to read all their stories but these two did not live up to the excitement and intrique of the others. I'm still a devoted Julia Quinn reader and recommend the Whistledown books as delightful along with her original three: Splendid, Dancing At Midnight and Minx (same character series).

I am a closet romance reader. I love the stupid things. And the Bridgertons are my favorite. Julia Quinn is a lovely writer, and the family story is delightful. The women are sassy, the men are good, and Lady Whistledown is fun. Highly recommended.

Very cheesy! This is the type of book where you guess exactly how things are going to play out within the first few chapters. Although entertaining at some points the dialog between characters is very immature and it is attempting to be funny but unfortunately it just comes off as drawn out and extremely cheesy. Nothing exciting happens until the very end of the book.

To tell the story in this review wouldn't be fair to the reader. I'll simply say that I enoyed this book from beginning to end and read it straight through without laying it down. It kept my interest with the sweet story that was neither too sweet or implausible. Julia Quinn always captures my attention in her stories. I look forward to each new one that comes out.

There are many reasons for me to like this book (one being that it *is* JQ and the other being that Anthony *is* a Bridgerton ;)) BUT there are more reasons for me to NOT like this book.
I like the Bridgerton brothers very, very much. Anthony has always been some what of a fascination for me, mainly the way he eases into his father's role is very admirable. Kate Sheffield is really a pretty likeable character (unlike Warrior's Song's Chandra, who is so stupidly stubborn it was almost painful to read her) who is both kind and firm and loving towards her family.
THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME is a book full of potential -- 2 wonderful characters with common sorrows and fears and the possibility of a common dream between the two of them is quite exhillarating. The Problem then falls with JQ's management of the two characters; she *hasn't* managed to show me HOW they fell in love. She hasn't managed to show me the kind of emotional depth Benedict and Sophie shared despite all her paragraphs on the "feelings" Anthony and Kate have for each other. One reason why it didn't work for me is that all of these paragraphs are always about the same things! They are so blatantly repettitive that it wasn't neccessary to read them to get what she was saying. I just didn't feel the kind of storm love should conjure between two individuals.
I'm sad that this novel fell "flat" (as one brave reviewer put it) because I truly did liked the both of them. However, this book has some gems... Colin, as always, has some of the best teases and fun. The PallMall scene at the ancestral seat of Bridgerton is very, very amusing. The twist about Kate is surprising, but I still don't like the book.
Sorry 'bout that.

I enjoyed "The Duke and I" alot, but this book topped it! There is a scene in the park that had me rolling in the floor, literally! My husband asked me to keep it down I was laughing so hard. I don't want to give anything away, but it involves a very comical dog (Kate's) named Newton. This book is great! I thouroughly enjoyed it and I can't wait to read the next one!

This is the second book of The Bridgerton Series

This is the Bridgerton eldest son, Anthony's story. I didn't like for the fact that if fate hadn't intervened then Anthony would have never chosen and married Kate. That's why this book is not my favorite. He would have went ahead and married Kate's sister even if he was in love with Kate. That's my biased opinion, plus if the love story had been better then I would have rated it higher.

The series follows the Bridgerton siblings

1st book- "The Duke and I" Daphne's story
2nd book- "The Viscount Who Loved Me" Anthony's story *eldest sibling*
3rd book- "An Offer From A Gentleman" Benedict's story *my favorite story out of the series*
4th book- "Romancing Mister Bridgerton" Colin's story *second favorite*
5th book- "To Sir Phillip, With Love" Eloise's story -haven't read yet-
6th book- "When He Was Wicked" Francesca's story -haven't read yet-
7th book- "It's In His Kiss" Hyacinth's story -haven't read yet-
8th book- "On the Way to the Wedding" Gregory's story *THE LAST of the series* -haven't read yet-

I am trying to describe this reading experience but words fail me. So I am just going to say this: If you don't enjoy the rest of the story you have just got to read it to know the best way to "express venom". LOL!

Great humor, absolutely one of the best of Bridgerton books. This was the first Quinn book I read, and I have been hooked ever since. The characters are winning and I laughed right out loud during the interactions with the siblings. I am the oldest of seven myself, so it really rang true!

I cried in this book.. not because it was really sad but just so good.. I felt for the chars and it was just a very good story line between Anthony and Kate .. she is a heroine I can relate with .. not to beautiful not to charming .. just real! I love it..

Julia Quinn's heroes start off as disagreeable rakes and rogues and she doesn't seem able to redeem them by the end of the novel. Whereas in a Stephanie Laurens novel the hero is called a rake and a rogue it is clear that he is a strong, good, honorable man who has sown more than his share of wild oats but will be a devoted loving husband in the end. Not so with a Quinn hero. And Anthony is one of the worst. I actually found myself sick to my stomach and my lip curling at how gross he was. In one scene Kate is under his desk listening while he tells his ex-mistress how he doesn't intend to love his wife and will continue paying a mistress after he is married. And he's deadly serious in this intent. Kate's role is to keep him from marrying her sister and putting her in the role of unloved wife. But does she tell her sister this? NO! Does she warn her sister that Anthony has kissed her and acted like a beast to her? No! She seems to think she will just keep warning Anthony that he can't have her sister and he'll oblige. She just runs around like a ninny trying to manipulate situations to her own liking, rather than sit her sister down and tell her what's been happening. In this she is just as unlikable as Anthony. And I'm really tired of hearing the Bridgerton men say they are going to kill somebody every five minutes. That doesn't make them look strong it just makes them look stupid.

Also Quinn has a liking for her characters to have to marry because of social ruin. This is the second book I've read where they are forced to marry because of being found in a compromising position. I find myself with no respect for people who marry for such a stupid reason. Have they no more imagination than that? After they marry, the man then throws off all his fears for again, no explicable reason, and starts sayng I love you, I love you, I love you with no discernible sincerity that I can see. Quinn has spent so much time with him acting terrible that she can't pull off his change of heart and behavior in any believable way. There is no chemistry between the two, no real conversation that is not banal beyond belief.

And there are how many more Bridgertons? They'll have to marry without me as a witness.

This is the second book in the Bridgerton series. It has witty dialogue, fun characters and a wickedly delightful game of Pall Mall(Croquet). The only reason I did not rate it a five is because I felt as if something were missing through the entire book. I can't really describe what that feeling was or why. But, I did love it nonetheless and recommend it for anyone who loves Julia Quinn.

This is the first novel by Julia Quinn that I have read and I bought it based on the many mostly positive reviews at the store.com. I found the book very disappointing and cannot understand how it got all the positive feedback.
I don't expect a historical romance to be overburdened with historical detail, but it should at least convey some of the feeling of the period, which this novel doesn't do at all. Instead it is full of gross historical inaccuracies. Firstly, the main protagonists get married within a week; but at the time the novel is set, in order to get married the bans had to be read on three consecutive Sundays in church prior to the wedding or a special licence had to be procured.
There is also a description of somebody wearing "puff sleeves" on a dress, and during the time in question they weren't in fashion at all.
If I remember correctly, the hero is politically involved (as a member of parliament or in some other government capacity) but not once is Napoléon mentioned: Hello!? I think in 1814/1815 this had to be the hottest topic everywhere, not only politically but in every drawing room; with the influx of French emigrants it affected all levels of society.
On the other hand, each chapter is introduced by a completely anachronistic gossip column (Lady W's Society Papers), a format which didn't come into fashion until about a hundred years later.
These are just the things that jumped out at me, and I'm not really a Regency expert. Aside from all this the heroine sees her only worth in being an attachment to a man and the hero is a overbearing, patronizing cad (I really like "rakes", but one who admires his own stamina which is illustrated by his practice of keeping two mistresses simulaneously, is a real turn off for me). The worst scene is where he kicks! the heroine while she is hiding under his desk; for me this is absolutely unacceptable behaviour on the part of the "hero", whatever the provocation.
All in all this romance (it can't really be called a historical, much less a Regency) gives of the vibes of a very shopworn, old-fashioned, bourgeois and misogynist sensibility...

I looooooovvvvve love/hate type romance books. This books definitely falls into the genre with a lot of "laugh out loud" scenes. I would not mind reading this book again. I loved the "Bee sting" scene...do not wish to give away much :-)

I confess that I'm late to the Bridgerton party. Mostly because Quinn's books are way out of my price range. But someone gave me an the store gift card and now I can't stop scrounging up money to buy the next book. The Viscount Who Loved Me had me laughing out loud so often that my husband began giving me odd looks. Absolutely a stunning tale. I can't wait to read the rest while I'm eating beans and weenies.

This is the first novel by Julia Quinn that I have read and I bought it based on the many mostly positive reviews at the store.com. I found the book very disappointing and cannot understand how it got all the positive feedback.
I don't expect a historical romance to be overburdened with historical detail, but it should at least convey some of the feeling of the period, which this novel doesn't do at all. Instead it is full of gross historical inaccuracies. Firstly, the main protagonists get married within a week; but at the time the novel is set, in order to get married the bans had to be read on three consecutive Sundays in church prior to the wedding or a special licence had to be procured.
There is also a description of somebody wearing "puff sleeves" on a dress, and during the time in question they weren't in fashion at all.
If I remember correctly, the hero is politically involved (as a member of parliament or in some other government capacity) but not once is Napoléon mentioned: Hello!? I think in 1814/1815 this had to be the hottest topic everywhere, not only politically but in every drawing room; with the influx of French emigrants it affected all levels of society.
On the other hand, each chapter is introduced by a completely anachronistic gossip column (Lady W's Society Papers), a format which didn't come into fashion until about a hundred years later.
These are just the things that jumped out at me, and I'm not really a Regency expert. Aside from all this the heroine sees her only worth in being an attachment to a man and the hero is a overbearing, patronizing cad (I really like "rakes", but one who admires his own stamina which is illustrated by his practice of keeping two mistresses simulaneously, is a real turn off for me). The worst scene is where he kicks! the heroine while she is hiding under his desk; for me this is absolutely unacceptable behaviour on the part of the "hero", whatever the provocation.
All in all this romance (it can't really be called a historical, much less a Regency) gives of the vibes of a very shopworn, old-fashioned, bourgeois and misogynist sensibility...