Because of Miss Bridgerton

Loved this book!!! I seriously laughed most of the way through. George and Billie's love story was sweet and fun. Another brilliant story by Julia Quinn! Can't wait for Andrew, Edward and Georgianna's stories!!!

I enjoyed the characters that made up the 2 families. The conversations were smart and interesting. The love interest progressed gradually and smoothly. Easy and fun to read. Looking forward to more of their stories!

FINAL DECISION: A worth successor (although a prequel) to the fabulous Bridgerton series, BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON is good with the feel of the Bridgerton novel with a whole batch of new characters, a different time period, and a different set of troubles.

THE STORY: Billie Bridgerton is what might be termed a tomboy. The eldest child, she loves the family estate and helps to run it, although she is denied the opportunity to inherit because she is a girl. She knows she will eventually marry and everyone (including her) expects that she will marry one of the Rokesby brothers, lifelong neighbors. There are so many choices between the brothers, but the one brother Billie never plans on hitching herself to is George, the heir of the earldom and the one that Billie can't help but bicker and argue with. The two can't stand one another and yet when they are thrust together unexpectedly, they find that the sparks they strike off one another might hide a passion for one another.

OPINION: I am a big fan of Quinn's Bridgerton series. As a result, I worried that this book would be a disappointment because so many of those Bridgerton books are classics. For me, BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON doesn't meet the best books of the Bridgerton series, but it would fall smack in the middle of the series. It is sold and satisfying and at times hilarious.

BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON has the wit and humor and genuinely nice characters for which Quinn is famous. I am a big fan of the "adversaries" to lovers trope. This one has hysterical situations between Billie and George. The two have known one another forever and yet never looked at one another in a romantic fashion before. Quinn is well known as having couples who fall in love slowly and unexpectedly. This story realistically portrays two people who grew up together but for the first time see one another as a romantic partner. I loved that they have so much in common and have a deep respect for one another which comes from their familiarity with one another. The romance in this one takes some time to develop but ultimately is sweet and fulfilling.

WORTH MENTIONING: Fans of THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME's infamous Pall Mall game will find another fabulous -- and yet different -- game here.

CONNECTED BOOKS: BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON is the first book of the Rokesby series which is a prequel spin-off series to Quinn's immensely popular Bridgerton series. This book can totally be read as a standalone even though there are lots of Easter eggs for fans of the Bridgerton series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

Having just completed a read of the entire Bridgerton Series I was looking forward to this book. Let me say it didn’t disappoint. This story is a prequel of sorts. Sybilla (Billie) Bridgerton is the aunt of the 8 Bridgerton siblings in the previous books.
Meeting Billie we can see that she is quintessentially a Bridgerton – good looking, intelligent, reckless and not afraid to speak her mind. She is the perfect heir for her father with the exception of her being a girl.
This story takes place in the country where the Bridgertons and their close neighbors the Rokesbys have raised their children together. Billie has grown up as one of the boys – teasing each other, climbing trees, jumping horses, shooting, and generally getting into any kind of mischief.
Now, at the ripe old age of 23, never having gone to London for a season, Billie finds herself stranded on the roof of an old farmhouse with a sprained ankle and no way to get down. She finally sees someone in the distance all calls for help. Unfortunately, it is the eldest Rokesby – George, Lord Kennard. George is 5 years older that Billie’s companions in crime and as the heir he was raised to be responsible so he had refrained from a troublemaking childhood. As such, Billie and his younger siblings consider him a bit of a stick in the mud.
Billie and George are like opposites, they don’t get along – until they do. When George gets trapped on the roof with Billie something changes. They start to talk and the chemistry happens. The remainder of the book is a dance of attraction and repulsion. They like each other but can’t believe it’s true. George must marry someone who will be an appropriate countess and Billie never imagines marrying.
A family crisis in the Rokesby family draws them together and a kiss seals the deal. I always like stories where the couple have practically grown up as brother and sister until they realize they aren’t related at all. This is definitely a fitting addition to the Bridgerton family series and leaves the door open to more stories about this generation of Rokesbys/ Bridgertons.

FINAL DECISION: A worth successor (although a prequel) to the fabulous Bridgerton series, BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON is good with the feel of the Bridgerton novel with a whole batch of new characters, a different time period, and a different set of troubles.

THE STORY: Billie Bridgerton is what might be termed a tomboy. The eldest child, she loves the family estate and helps to run it, although she is denied the opportunity to inherit because she is a girl. She knows she will eventually marry and everyone (including her) expects that she will marry one of the Rokesby brothers, lifelong neighbors. There are so many choices between the brothers, but the one brother Billie never plans on hitching herself to is George, the heir of the earldom and the one that Billie can't help but bicker and argue with. The two can't stand one another and yet when they are thrust together unexpectedly, they find that the sparks they strike off one another might hide a passion for one another.

OPINION: I am a big fan of Quinn's Bridgerton series. As a result, I worried that this book would be a disappointment because so many of those Bridgerton books are classics. For me, BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON doesn't meet the best books of the Bridgerton series, but it would fall smack in the middle of the series. It is sold and satisfying and at times hilarious.

BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON has the wit and humor and genuinely nice characters for which Quinn is famous. I am a big fan of the "adversaries" to lovers trope. This one has hysterical situations between Billie and George. The two have known one another forever and yet never looked at one another in a romantic fashion before. Quinn is well known as having couples who fall in love slowly and unexpectedly. This story realistically portrays two people who grew up together but for the first time see one another as a romantic partner. I loved that they have so much in common and have a deep respect for one another which comes from their familiarity with one another. The romance in this one takes some time to develop but ultimately is sweet and fulfilling.

WORTH MENTIONING: Fans of THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME's infamous Pall Mall game will find another fabulous -- and yet different -- game here.

CONNECTED BOOKS: BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON is the first book of the Rokesby series which is a prequel spin-off series to Quinn's immensely popular Bridgerton series. This book can totally be read as a standalone even though there are lots of Easter eggs for fans of the Bridgerton series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

Having just completed a read of the entire Bridgerton Series I was looking forward to this book. Let me say it didn’t disappoint. This story is a prequel of sorts. Sybilla (Billie) Bridgerton is the aunt of the 8 Bridgerton siblings in the previous books.
Meeting Billie we can see that she is quintessentially a Bridgerton – good looking, intelligent, reckless and not afraid to speak her mind. She is the perfect heir for her father with the exception of her being a girl.
This story takes place in the country where the Bridgertons and their close neighbors the Rokesbys have raised their children together. Billie has grown up as one of the boys – teasing each other, climbing trees, jumping horses, shooting, and generally getting into any kind of mischief.
Now, at the ripe old age of 23, never having gone to London for a season, Billie finds herself stranded on the roof of an old farmhouse with a sprained ankle and no way to get down. She finally sees someone in the distance all calls for help. Unfortunately, it is the eldest Rokesby – George, Lord Kennard. George is 5 years older that Billie’s companions in crime and as the heir he was raised to be responsible so he had refrained from a troublemaking childhood. As such, Billie and his younger siblings consider him a bit of a stick in the mud.
Billie and George are like opposites, they don’t get along – until they do. When George gets trapped on the roof with Billie something changes. They start to talk and the chemistry happens. The remainder of the book is a dance of attraction and repulsion. They like each other but can’t believe it’s true. George must marry someone who will be an appropriate countess and Billie never imagines marrying.
A family crisis in the Rokesby family draws them together and a kiss seals the deal. I always like stories where the couple have practically grown up as brother and sister until they realize they aren’t related at all. This is definitely a fitting addition to the Bridgerton family series and leaves the door open to more stories about this generation of Rokesbys/ Bridgertons.

Nice pre-equal to the Bridgerton sibling stories. I found it entertaining and fun, but perhaps a little slow compared to the other books in this series. Billie Bridgerton is a force all her own, she knows her own mind, wants to be her own person and doesn't like being told what to do or how to act. Then, she falls in love with THE BOY NEXT DOOR!!! and her life is not the same. Entertaining and light reading...I would read it again. Some books, like movies have to be read of seen twice to catch the nuances missed the first time around. I'd recommend it for light reading. Nice story.

I absolutely loved Billie's character, so full of spunk and verve, she was absolutely delightful! Julia Quinn is at her best in this book that is full of sly humor interwoven with loving and large families, a house party and pall mall, which of course if you are familiar with the Bridgertons means the Mallet of death! One of my favorite part of her stories are the dialogues in between her characters. The dialogues that sounds almost mundane but are extremely sly and humorous. They always make me feel as if I am part of the scene and am hearing those volleys go back and forth in between the characters. If you have read the Bridgerton series, this book predates the series and is just as lovable as the rest of the series. If you are new to this series, this book can be read as a stand alone but I would definitely recommend reading the series. If you are a fan of historical romances, you are truly missing out.

I loved the two Bridgerton and Rokesby families and wish we get to read the stories of Edward, Andrew and Georgiana from the author soon!

I have read all of Julia Quinn's books and this is the first to leave me feeling simply so-so. The book was simply a pleasant read. At no point, could I not out it down and I rarely read more than a chapter or two at a time. The characters were likeable, and there were moments that felt like a true Quinn story, but they were few and far between. This would have been much better as a long novella. Hoping that the next story has more oomph to it.

I read this book when it came out and I loved it as I love all of Julia Quinn's books. I re-read it now to refresh my memory before reading the second book in the series and I loved it just as much. Billie is an original, I love her honesty and confidence. George is the heir with the privileges and limits that entails and somehow they fit perfectly. I loved the natural, almost effortless way their romance developed. It just leaves me with such a lovely feeling.

I love Julia Quinn and I have read and loved every Bridgerton book. However, this was not at the level of the other books. I loved Billie and George, but it was was too cliched, and nothing much happened. I would have preferred that she started the book when the characters were younger, to give more of a background leading up to the start of the actual romance. I just hope Julia is working on Edmund and Violet's story.

So many great historicals out there - this one was a disappointment. Besides the rushed ending, it just lacked everything I love about a romance novel. No heart wrenching or breath taking moments and the dialogue did not propel the story. It had some laugh out loud moments, but I wanted more - more insight into the emotions of the characters, more steam, more intimate conversations.

First off, I love Julia Quinn. After I read this book, I reread a couple of her older books just to make sure it wasn't me that had changed. The book is boring, the heroine is boring, and the hero is boring. Even the intimate parts are boring. The whole book is a rerun of her earlier works. This isn't the first book this year by one of the authors I love that was bad though, so I actually wonder if its the publishers that are encouraging the authors to write a certain way that just isn't clicking with the authors style. This is far from her best, but it isn't her worse book. Three stars.

I love most books by Ms. Quinn, but truly disappointed with this one. I am at 27% and cannot continue because of too much dialogue that is going nowhere for the total 27% I have read. Yes, Ms. Quinn is a great writer and she is in my top five favorite so I was really looking forward to this one. I thank the other reviewers who also agree with me and from their reviews I know I am not missing anything by not finishing this book. ):

Very humorous romance. Girl next door gets boy next door with a few lumps bumps and laughs along the way. I liked Billie and George but in the back of my mind it was always "poor Edmund". The Bridgertons are a wonderful family and I liked this book but I think going back took something away . I'd have rather moved forward with the next generation instead of back or else moved on to a whole new family.

I highly recommend this book. Often times we count ourselves out when God has counted us in. This was the case with Miss Bridgeton; she believed that no one would ever love her because of her deafness but oh how she was proven wrong. I found this book hard to put down wanting to read throughout the night. Buy it, read it, and you will like it.

Again another great Author and all the books about the Bridgerton family are fantastic stories you do have a hard time putting them down, so if you have not read Julia Quinn try them as you will find them a very good book to read.

Beautifully written story of neighboring families and how love developed between the grown children. One was the heir to an Earl and the female didn't fit the female role of the times. Was a lovely, well written humorous book.

In general I love Julia Quinn's work, but this is one of the woeful exceptions. There are only about 6 things that actually happen in the plot, spread over 24 chapters, so that's an average of one event every 4 chapters. The rest is filler -- mostly inane conversations among the characters who are primarily the members of two neighboring families -- the Bridgertons and Rokesbys. Sometimes for a change of pace, there are long passages of the characters' inane internal dialog. (!) Each family has several children ranging in age from teens to late twenties. In this novel the H is the eldest Rokesby, George, and the h, the eldest Bridgerton, Billie. The children all grew up as close friends, so they treat each other as siblings, which makes the budding relationship between the H/h a bit creepy at the outset. To give you an example of the six things that happen -- the first chapter opens with Billie climbing a tree to rescue a cat, falling and hurting her ankle. That situation spreads over 4 chapters. The rest of those chapters is conversations among the various members of the two families, mostly in the vein of sibling rivalry/teasing. An example: Andrew, one of the younger Rokesby siblings, is building a house of cards (literally, not figuratively), and Billie and George are nearby teasing him a bit by implying they will knock it down. "We move the air with our breath," Billie explained, giving the statement gravity it absolutely didn't deserve. (George says) "I see." (Billie says) "Yesterday I sneezed." George turned to her with full admiration. "Well done." At another point in the conversation, Andrew says, "The two of you are enough to make me want to tear my hair out." Lord, I'm with you there, Andrew! After the first couple of chapters I switched to skimming just out of curiosity to see if it would get better. It didn't. There's a set up for the next book in the series thrown in, which is the most interesting thing in the story. I honestly wondered if this was really supposed to be tongue in cheek -- not supposed to be a real novel but a parody of one. Or maybe she was trying to capture the feel of Seinfeld, a show about nothing, by writing a novel about nothing. Skip this catastrophe and read (or re-read) the Bridgerton series. Your time and money would be much better spent!

The good:
Visiting with the earlier generation of Bridgertons.

The character driven plot.

The Less Good:
The book should have been about 100 pages longer. Too much of the action was crammed into the last 10 pages of the story.

Squeeeeeeeee! This book was FANTASTIC! It felt like a Bridgerton book, which means that it was Julia Quinn at the top of her game (unlike the Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy, which I enjoyed but cannot say was great). The witty banter that has defined much of her work was out in full force. I had a huge, silly grin on my face every time Billie talked to George or Andrew.
I still think Penelope Featherington is the best JQ heroine, but Billie might have taken over second place. She reminded me a little of a cross between Eloise Bridgerton and Henrietta from Minx. She was smart and funny and competitive and SO capable.
George was lovely, too, and I enjoyed seeing him come to terms with (and not just accept, but embrace) his role in his family and as a member of British society.
It really was Billie that stole the show, though. I rarely like the heroine more than the hero, but I absolutely ADORED her.
I can't wait to see what's in store for Andrew, although I think I saw somewhere that Edward's story is next.

You just can't go wrong with a book by Julia Quinn! Every time I finish one of her books, it becomes my new 'favorite.' Same with this one. You will fall in love with all the characters... and you will automatically want to read the next one in the series. But you will have to wait because it hasn't been released yet.

Fluff, annoying fluff at that. The "banter" between the characters is supposed to be lighthearted but comes off as inane, and takes up far too much print space. There is no real plot here, no compelling reason for the protagonists to have fallen in love (other than being stuck on a roof together for 15 minutes?), and very little steam. Ms Quinn either needs a better editor or a new career, which is highly disappointing considering she used to be an auto-buy author - but that was long ago.

This book was given a 41/2 rating so I was expecting a good read. I had a hard time getting through it. I found it to simple, the author kept repeating the same things about the families over and over through the book and didn't make it interesting. It was a waste of money and very boring.

...so you won't be too disappointed about spending money on Ms Quinn's silliest work of art! Believe me I am one of her biggest fan and I love all the Bridgerton family members even their stiff upper lip butler! But this latest novel is such a huge letdown! We all know that there won't be a happily ever after novel on Edmund and Violet Bridgerton so the least she could have done was revived the essence of the Bridgerton series...which was lots of sexual tension mixed with wholesome family banter. Sadly, the only reason I bothered to finish reading this book was my loyalty to the Bridgerton family but simply, don't buy the book. Get the kindle or better yet, just borrow it from your local library. It's not worth a dime at all. I know these are harsh words but the truth often hurts.

Julia Quinn has a number of books on my "keeper" shelf. My favorite thing about her books has always been her skill with dialogue and how she uses it to make her characters real and engaging. This time, I'm sorry to say that the dialogue and witty banter do not work well at all. The book had some funny moments, but it was more tiresome than funny and often came across as immature. The book has some nice moments, but they don't overcome the issues.

This is sweetly bland and uneventful and a double dose of the usual things to be found in a Quinn romance: 1) Lots of silly, pointless banter, 2) Characters who have nothing unique about them, especially if you've read other Quinn novels and then you'll even think they're almost clones of former Quinn characters, and 3) "Historical" in name only. There's nothing in a Quinn book that couldn't be found in a contemporary romance. She doesn't use the historical setting to any purpose.

Until I picked this up I had been avoiding Quinn books for maybe 4 or 5 years, but this is touted as a prequel to her early Bridgerton series, which I had enjoyed. Set in Georgian times (1779), this has as its characters the parents and siblings of the deceased father of the Regency-era Bridgerton clan. His sister Billie is the main focus here. She's 23 years old and trapped on a roof with a cat as the story begins. Yeah, and as the story begins, so it continues. There's really no story. Reviewer Avid Reader said it best in her review here when she compared this to the old Seinfeld TV series. Remember? The sit-com about nothing? Yep, this HR has nothing of consequence in it.

Printing up paperback copies of this is a waste of wood pulp. Reading the e-book is a waste of one's time. As a note to Ms Quinn I'd like to say: You've been writing HRs since 2002. You have writing talent. Maybe it's time to stretch yourself and get out of that comfort zone of writing for teenagers. Instead of challenging yourself, you seem to be sinking further and further into that cozy spot you've made for yourself in the world of HRs. I'd love to see what you could do with a story for older readers of romance. We do exist.

I can't even finish it. It is boring, nonsensical, has nothing to do with anything historical for the late 1700s whether in behavior, language, social customs and isn't even in the right country. This is the story of a modern tom boy and her best friend's brother riding all over the ranch and raising hell while growing up enough to learn they like each other. I thought this would be a "next generation" Bridgerton novel and I did enjoy most of them, especially of course the early ones. It is not. This predates the Bridgerton series by at least 20 years so I have no idea who these Bridgerton parents are except that they are oblivious idiots.

Have been waiting for this book come out....loved the Bridgestons series....this was so disappointing have no idea who this branch family is..never says plus silly 2 adults Billie..the heroine to spoke of..and Andrew brother of hero..so to spoke...back forth burbs ..I passed over so many pages...than not spoil for y who will. buy story made no sense....Julia leave us with our great memories of the Bridgertons...

I've been reading about the Bridgerton's for 10+ years and was not a fan of this book.
First off there was no plot line. No climatic scene, no struggle with emotions or something for the couple to overcome. By reading this book, I could not finish it with feeling satisfied with the end. I'm truly not sure where Billie fits in with the Bridgerton's. Is she Anthony and Kate's daughter?? If so I'm supremely disappointed in the choice to completely leave out any mention of the original family. Or is she the to be doomed Edmund that is the husband to Violet and father to the Bridgerton's we know and love? A very blah story and not worth the $7.

The story is nice, sweet and inane. If you want to be able to predict what you'll read on the next page, the next chapter, this is for you.

Miles of fatuous dialogue and internal musings. No action, no tension, everything was just...nice...and sweet...and inane. The "banter" was usually silly and left me flat. I kept waiting for something to happen. It didn't. The "wicked humor" was juvenile. The characters were cardboard cutouts. The pacing...SLOW. The plot rambled.

Zzzzzzz.....

Overall rather boring. Seemed like a book or story about good bantering back and forth. A lot of "I'm going to kill him". And speaking thru clenched teeth type of writing. Nothing really happens. Mediocre story. Boring. Billie and Andrew seemed immature. Billie's younger sister came across as much more mature as did the hero, George. And yet, none of these characters did anything.....but banter back and forth page after page!

Well written, just like you would expect for Quinn. A bit slow moving and tons of dialogue. I enjoyed it but usually I laugh out loud a couple times with her books and I didn't with this novel. Any other author, this would be four stars, but I hold her to a higher standard. Still worth a read.

Very interesting book. Wound give a 5 except that I had to skip over pages of sex scenes. Looking forward to (for once) reading a love story where the woman shows strength enough to not rush to bed before marriage but savour it on their wedding day.

BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON is Julia Quinn's venture into Georgian historical romance. Fans of the Bridgerton series will be note that the heroine is Violet Bridgerton's future sister-in-law. However, this is not a story about the Bridgertons as much as the beginning of the Rokesby Series. Our hero George and his family are close neighbors and friends to the Bridgertons. The story trope is that of old adversaries coming to realize that those childhood punches in the arm meant true love.

Quinn utilizes the best features of her novel writing when she makes use of family stories laced with humor. All the secondary characters are fully developed with foibles and personality to spare. There is laugh out loud humor. I broke up when Andrew and George were discussing Sir Reggie's teeth. There is also grief and hope in the story of George's brother. Fans who were disappointed in Quinn's last novel (I still miss the money I spent on Sir Richard) should come back for this one. Quinn adds enough Bridgertonisms (Pall Mall anyone?) to make fans of that series happy but I think the story would stand just as well if Billie's name had been Jones.

I have loved all of Julia Quinn's previous books, but this book had no plot and way too much childish dialog. I thought that they would NEVER get off that roof!! So sorry to write a negative about one of Ms. Quinn's books but this one was a stinker.

I was very disappointed in this book. Except for one scene, there was no sign of the witty dialog, interesting characters, or intriguing plot that the other Bridgerton books have. 75% of the book was painful to read. I would give the last 25% of the book three stars. As a history teacher, it also bothered me that there were a lot of historical inaccuracies.

This is definitely one of Ms. Quinn's better endeavors in recent times and only after reading reviews did I order it. Once upon a time Jullia Quinn was on pre-order but I haven't been enchanted by her recent works. I did in fact find this book enchanting, and as another reviewer put it, this is a comfort book. There are not a lot of twists and turns or ridiculous reasons why the hero and heroine cannot be together, but rather the steady unfolding of a beautiful relationship and the revelation of love that was a long time coming.

Billie Bridgerton is not your typical Miss and has no aspirations for a marriage and family like most women. At the age of 23, she's perfectly happy to stay at the family estate and help with the maintenance and development of her family's lands. Although she has a much younger brother who will someday be Viscount, Billie takes on her responsibilities as if she were the man and heir of the home. Although Billie has never had a London season, she always assumed she would one day marry one of her neighbors, the Rokefords. They all grew up together and she was inseparable with three of the four children, Mary, Andrew and Edward, but considered the eldest, George, the bane of her existence. So of course, when Billie finds herself in an impossible predicament, who else besides George finds her a damsel in distress.

This story, although in a completely different time era, reads very much like Anne of Green Gables and with the exception of some naughty thoughts and one sex scene, is almost just as wholesome. The story is fast, sweet, and uncomplicated, and I much prefer that over contrived and forced plotlines. There's also some scenes that, although don't add anything to this couple's story, are there to lay the foundation for future stories around the Rokefords and the Bridgerton's.

Sybilla “Billie” Bridgerton marches to the beat of her own drum. Tomboy personified, Billie is happiest out of doors in breeches rather than indoors acting like the lady she was born to be. Little by little she has helped her father in managing their estate, increasing productivity of crops and managing all sorts of tenant issues with fairness and expertise. That is, when she’s not getting herself into some of the more unenviable scrapes and accidents that could possibly happen to any one person. The latest has left her stranded on the roof of a barn!

Waiting for someone to come by to rescue her, it naturally had to be the one person Billie didn’t particularly like - namely George Rokesby. The one Rokesby brother who didn’t approve of her - the heir to the earldom - arrogant, annoying and she just knows he detests her.

Simply a wonderfully entertaining novel by the perpetually award winning author Julia Quinn. Her trademark humor is always constant and her believable character driven stories always deliver the best in highly romantic and sensually tinged dialogs that can run the gamut of sweet to highly humorous. Personally, I haven’t met a Bridgerton that hasn’t stolen my heart! Definitely put BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON on your next books-to-buy list.

Marilyn Rondeau

Kent England - 1779

Miss Sybilla (Billie) Bridgerton, age 23, is late getting home because she is stuck on a roof after trying to rescue a cat from a tree. She fell from the tree onto the roof and inured her ankle. When she calls out for help, the last person she wants to see, George Rokesby, is the one who comes along to assist her. She is determined to do her best to act grateful to him. While their families have been neighbors and the siblings all played and grew up together, Billie and George have always been at odds with one another. George is in line to be the next Earl of Manston and is known as Viscount Kennard.

Billie has always been an outspoken young woman but no one has ever help that against her. But when the ladder George finds to help her down ends up falling leaving both of them stranded on the roof, Billie voices her fear that unless someone finds them soon. she will be considered compromised and they will have to marry. Gah! What a horrible thought for both of them.

Billie feels responsible for seeing that her family’s estate is run well and thus educates herself on agriculture and is constantly riding around checking on the crops. While wearing breeches is not considered ladylike, Billie does not care because she is used to doing things her way and enjoys being somewhat of a tomboy.

George has always known he must be groomed to be the heir and has always busied himself with learning to take over the reins. He and Billie have never seen eye-to-eye on things and, thus, just tolerate one another. But now, that she is injured and she and her family will be gathering together for a house party, he takes it upon himself to help her get from room to room by carrying her. This nearness sparks an attraction that seems to come out of nowhere but simply cannot be denied.

A cute novel written Julia Quinn style. I enjoyed her first books, but they now seem to carry the same scenario of oneupmanship and silly humor. She is a very talented author and some of the humor is truly funny, but I really would like to see her leave the Bridgeton’s behind and go back to stand-along novels.

Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over

A friend recommended this novel, and it looked good. I’m happy to report I was not disappointed.

The story begins in a comedic moment, and not the only one, where the two main characters are very much at odds. There is lovely repartee between Billie and George from the start, and it serves to ground the reader in a long-standing relationship between their two families.

Billie is a wonderful character both because of and despite her flaws. She knows she’s not perfect, and she is quick to lay the blame for events she’s been instrumental in on others’ shoulders. At the same time, she’s not the wild brat everyone seems to have decided is her role to play. Instead, she’s taken on traditionally male tasks to keep her beloved Aubrey Hall thriving while her younger brother grows up enough to take on the mantle of heir.

Do not be mistaken. This is a humorous romance, but at the same time, it takes on the gender politics of the era (late 1700s), and not just in the case of Billie. The responsibilities and opportunities offered young men of quality and how birth order determines their futures also plays a part.

The story is strongly seeped in the events of the period, being set during the American war of independence. It’s a little odd (as an American) seeing the war from the opposite side, but the focus is on how war affects the families left behind more than a debate of who was in the right or wrong.

I liked the way the small picture (crops and daily life) is mixed in with the bigger issues of sons going off to war when there is little to no news reaching home (and a delay of weeks if not months for the news that does). The plot was a very personal one, and at times, the greater picture seemed shoehorned in, but the effect was still that of a strong, getting-to-know-yourself story for both main characters.

Billie and George came to understand their own motivations at the same time as recognizing how their feelings for each other had transformed from annoyance to love. And the intervention of the mothers is precious (I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers).

There are explicit moments toward the end, so I wouldn’t classify this as a clean romance, but it had that feel in how it focuses on the characters growing into their new feelings even when their worlds are being torn apart. I enjoyed the time spent with these characters and feel it was well worth the read.

It's official. I have a book hangover. I've been a bit miserable all day because I just want to go back to the Bridgerton-Rokesby world. I wish there were more books in the series already so I could binge them! I am a huge Julia Quinn fan and I thought this was a great start to her new series! Once again, I have fallen in love with these characters and I can't wait for George and Billie's siblings to find love! I really liked the dynamic between these two families. They have been friends forever and the awkwardness that sometimes accompanies new couples and their families is not present here.

Billie and George have never been close, as there is a 5 year age difference between them. As the eldest of the family, George has always missed that closeness that his younger siblings Andrew, Edward, and Mary shared with Billie. Things between Billie and George are definitely fun, as the two don't really get along. Watching them fall for one another was adorable, as neither one expected it AT ALL. Billie is super headstrong and I loved how independent she was. It was nice to see how different country living was from city living. Billie had the freedom to be herself and engage in activities that would appall society women. She's always gotten herself into mishaps, so it was fun to watch George bait her about her most recent one.

George was a sweetheart and I adored him. I love how he stood up for her at times and how protective he could be. His jealousy was also super cute. It took quite a bit of time for these two to finally make things happen, but the slow burn really worked. And the scene where they declare their love for one another will undoubtedly be one of my favorites. It was so blunt and I loved that they weren't afraid to put it out there.

As I said, I am SO ready for more books in this series. I will miss Billie and George, but knowing the Bridgertons and Rokesbys, I'm sure more shenanigans will ensue in the future!

Because of Miss Bridgerton is another great novel by Julia Quinn. I read some of the reviews that stated that she had lost her writing skills and was just churning out words. I guess it's all subjective, because I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought that it had all of the classic Julia Quinn magic, complete with witty dialogue and likable characters.

The events in this book take place prior to the books about the Bridgerton's, including The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, An Offer From a Gentleman, et al. Billie Bridgerton is more comfortable in trousers and being outdoors than wearing gowns. She enjoys overseeing the crops, reading agricultural treatises, overseeing the tenants and addressing their concerns. However, she also recognizes the times when she needs to don a dress and comport herself as a lady should.

The Bridgerton's and the Rokesby's are great friends live on adjoining properties. Billie has managed to get herself trapped on the roof of an abandoned farm house while attempting to rescue a cat that's stuck high up in a tree. As she grabbed for the cat, it scratched her and she fell onto the roof and twisted her ankle. So when she sees the oldest of the Rokesby offspring, George, she yells to get his attention. Unfortunately, after he brought the ladder around to get her down and had climbed it to the roof, the cat chose that time to bite George and when he almost fell off the roof, the ladder fell, leaving him and Billie stranded on the roof. It wasn't until hours later that one of George's younger brothers came by and rescued them. As George carries Billie to his home, since her family was to have dinner with his family, the two of them begin to discover things about each other they hadn't noticed before.

Thus begins a story that is loaded with the witty repartee for which Ms. Quinn is famous. It has a house party, a cutthroat croquet match, missing family members, espionage, jealousy and first love all mixed in together. I love Ms. Quinn's writing and this was definitely one of her better books!

Too bad I fell for the "Bridgerton" title. This unfortunate story is supposed to be a sequel to the successful series of the same name. There isn't anything resembling the other chemistry of characters or plot in this one. Inane dialogue, non-existent plot, and a clearly-timed cliffhanger for the next book to come along, does not a story make. Save your money, re-read your favorite in the original series.

The best Julia Quinn I’ve read in a while — and that’s saying something! I love the characters of Billie and George. I love the fact that it’s very much about character and relationship development, without too much intrigue. I love the dynamics between siblings and childhood friends (George, his brother Andrew, Billie, and her sister Georgiana.) And I love the dialogue, which sparkles with the wit and humorous repartee that makes Julia Quinn one of my favorite romance writers, historical or otherwise.

The opening scene had me laughing from the start, and I’m pretty sure I didn’t stop smiling through the entire book. Quinn deftly portrays Billie and George’s initial sniping and their dawning (almost horrified) awareness of their growing attraction, laying the groundwork for George’s feelings almost from his first appearance.

Billie is a breath of fresh air, a young woman who serves unofficially as her father’s steward or estate manager and to that end rides astride, in breeches. She’s resourceful, courageous, impetuous, and totally dedicated to her family, which by virtue of long association includes the Rokesbys. When they were growing up, poor George was excluded (due to his age and position as heir) from the tightknit foursome of Edward, Mary, and Andrew Rokesby and Billie Bridgerton, but he and Billie still consider each other “family” to some extent. He has a history of disapproving of her independent ways, and it was fun to see that disapproval convert to acceptance and eventual admiration. Both of them mature during the novel, without ever losing the traits that make them who they are.

I’m pleased that Quinn is exploring an earlier era of British history. There are so very many Regency and post-Regency romances out there, and a fair number of mid- to late Victorian-era romances. But with the notable exception of Jo Beverly’s Malloren series, far fewer are set in the mid- to late 18th century. BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON takes place in 1779, placing it during Britain’s war with the upstart American colonies. I would like to see a bit more historical detail, but it’s so refreshing to visit a relatively “new” period of history.* And of course, there’s the fun of seeing the previous generations of Bridgertons, who are as witty, as spirited, and as family-centered as young Edmund’s eventual offspring will be. (See the Bridgertons series.) They’re also just as cut-throatedly competitive when playing Pall Mall — and we get to see the origins of the pink mallet and the Mallet of Death, in a scene that had me laughing out loud.

This new series is called “the Rokesbys” and will apparently feature George’s family. His brother Edward’s story is coming in 2017. But I do hope we’ll get to see the eventual courtship of Edmund and Violet** (once Edmund grows up, of course; he’s all of 15 and off at Eton during this book.) And I have hopes for 14-year-old Georgiana Bridgerton, too; she’s quiet compared to Billie, but she’s got the family spark of humor. Mostly, though, I’m just delighted to be back in the Bridgertons’ milieu, experiencing another generation of the family.

*I say “new” because it’s new to me in terms of romances (not having read Jo Beverly yet), but I’m a huge British history nerd, so it's not unfamiliar in that sense.

**Sadly, JQ says in her Bridgertons FAQ that she doesn’t plan to write Edmund and Violet’s story, in part because (SPOILER for those who haven’t read the Bridgertons series) he dies at 39. But… I can always hope she’ll change her mind, right?

REVIEW ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED on The Bookwyrm's Hoard blog. [...]
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.

Fans of historical romance let out a collective squee when it was announced that Julia Queen would be returning to the world of the Bridgertons with a new series. I fell in love with the Bridgertons several years ago when I dipped my toes back into the historical romance genre. I was immediately captured by this unconventional family. Julia Quinn is back with a new book about the Bridgertons and a new family, the Rokesbys. As far as I can tell (and I haven't done a ton of research) this series happens before the original Bridgertons series and focuses and an earlier generation. The Rokesbys and Bridgertons families have been closely linked for many years. Only 3 miles separate the estates and the matriarchs of the families are the best of friends. It was only logical that their children should become closer friends as well. Billie Bridgerton, the eldest daughter in the family, has always run wild the the Rokesby children. She gets along famously with all of them - all of them except for one.

I love a good story of when opposites attract and when we first meet Billie and George, it seems like the two could not be more different. Billie is very open and friendly with those around her while George is more reserved and serious. Billie is headstrong and independent. She is no simpering female and isn't afraid to speak her mind. George, on the other hand, is much quieter and more subdued. He has a sharp wit and wicked sense of humor that sometimes need a bit of coaxing to come out of his shell. The two have a wonderfully playful and sometimes antagonistic relationship that just heightens the tension between them.

The plot is well paced and extremely entertaining. There isn't a lot of action or mystery, but I was fine with letting Billie and George be the center of the story without a lot of intrigue. I love the great family dynamic that Quinn's series have. Their interactions always feel very genuine and I loved meeting all of the new family members in both the Rokesby and Bridgerton clans. I am sure we'll be seeing more of these characters as the series goes on and I am especially interested in learning more about Edward.

Because of Miss Bridgerton is a great kickoff to a new series that has all of the trademark humor, wit, passion and wonderfully drawn characters that Quinn's work is known for. I am really excited to see where Quinn takes us with this series and am already anticipating book 2!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my review or opinion of the book.

With the return of the Bridgertons - or should I say, the start of the Bridgertons - Julia Quinn is definitely on her game with the wit and banter of one of Regency romance's most-loved families. In Because of Miss Bridgeton, we're introduced to Billie Bridgeton, Edmund's older sister. (Edmund, as you may know, is the father to the Bridgertons we all know and love.)

The year is 1779, and it was made apparent right away that this novel wasn't going to be primarily set amongst the glittering ballrooms of London. I was also immediately aware that we weren't in the 1800s (aside from the date on page one) by everything from the mention of tricorn hats to the speech patterns of the characters.

Billie is a headstrong, confident, happy woman, secure in herself and the knowledge that she is a much-loved member of her community. However, she is sometimes a bit too overconfident. Her heart is pure gold, though, and that's what everyone around her chooses to see - which needles the hero, George Rokesby.

George is a serious fellow, one who's always been a bit apart from his younger brothers and the Bridgertons. He's focused on learning how to run his estate, proper schooling, etc. He's never really sure what to make of Billie - she's anything but proper, but instead of society scorning her, as one would expect, they embrace her. She's such a mystery to him. And, as Billie herself describes him, he's a "stick in the mud one would expect from the heir to an earldom."

But as we get to know George, we see that he's so much more than that. He's not jealous of his brothers' easy friendships with the Bridgertons, but he's definitely envious. He considered himself a bit too old to gallivant with them when they were children, but he wants the kind of friendship they all seem to possess - the easy grace, loving insults, familiarity. It was a joy to watch as he discovered that he could let his hair down (so to speak) and connect with Billie in ways that, to him, were so foreign to how he'd always been.

It was equally a entertaining to watch Billie be taken down a notch. She wasn't an annoying female lead - in contrast, she was charming and lovely and fun. But she was brimming with the overconfidence of youth, where everything she did was excused by both the Bridgertons and the Rokesbys (old family friends with estates that neighbored each other) because of her last name. She was free to be who she wanted to be, but without the restrictions of society. And while that was all well and good in the country, when she had to travel to London for a proper Season, we watch as she's shaken up a bit and discovers that she perhaps isn't as all-knowing as she thought she was.

Watching these two reluctant characters fall in love was entertaining. The dichotomies of their personalities was well thought out, each flaw of one being a strength of the other so that they're a perfect balance.

I have to say, though...the funniest pat of this book was the Pall Mall scene. Let's just say that the competitive streak is alive and well in this first generation of Bridgertons...we also learn why there's no red set, and how the black mallet got its name of the Mallet of Death. Questions I didn't even know I had, yet I'm so glad they were answered!

This is a classic JQ - funny, witty dialogue and imperfectly perfect characters who draw you into their world, and making you wish - just a little - that you were a Bridgerton, too. Five stars.

I didn't care very much for the Smythe-Smith Quartet of books, so I wasn't sure what to expect from this latest Bridgerton novel. Luckily for the reader, it's a return to form for Julia Quinn. Because of Miss Bridgerton has sparkling dialogue, memorable characters and some very funny moments. I really enjoyed this book.

Because of Miss Bridgerton is set in the Georgian period and the heroine is Sybilla "Billie" Bridgerton, the older sister of Edmund Bridgerton. Readers will recall that Edmund grows up to marry Violet and father all those Bridgerton children. In this book, Aubrey Hall is within three miles of Crake House, so the Bridgertons and Rokesbys are close friends and neighbors. Billie's best friend is Mary Rokesby, but she's close to Mary's brothers, too. This friendship hasn't always included George Rokesby, however. George, the Viscount Kennard, is the oldest child and heir to the Earl of Manston. George has always been the responsible one, whereas Billie and his siblings were always out having fun and getting into mischief. While close to his siblings, he's always felt somewhat excluded in their relationship with Billie.

As the story opens, Billie climbs up a tree to save a cat and falls onto a nearby roof. Injured and with no way down, Billie is eventually rescued by George. Over the next few weeks, they're thrown into each other's company, and soon begin to see one another in a new light. While still opposites, they also complement each other. Billie always felt that George's younger brothers inherited all the charm, but she begins to appreciate George's subtle humor and steadiness. Since they've grown up together, there's a comfort level between the two. They begin to appreciate their shared interests, such as their love of the land, instead of their differences. For all of Billie's confidence in the country, she feels insecure whenever forced to go to London. George helps Billie to gain confidence in all social settings. Both slowly realize that they're perfect for each other.

One possible problem for readers is that an espionage plot is suddenly introduced in the last few chapters. I think it serves a purpose since it allows George to come to terms with not being able to serve his country like his two younger brothers are. Other readers might feel this plot comes and goes too quickly and isn't really necessary to the story.

In conclusion, not only are we treated to a sweet romance and a spirited Pall Mall match, we also get an introduction to other Bridgertons and Rokesbys that might be featured in future books.

I had really hoped for more from the return of the Bridgertons! And perhaps that's the trouble. I do love that JQ is exploring the Georgian era here, particularly since most romance authors shy away from the period surrounding the American Revolution. The problem was, neither the characters nor the plot really grabbed me. Billie had some intriguing points, but then they'd get ruined by driving home how "not like the other girls" she was, which is a trope I'm not a fan of. I did like that we were told she was an able estate manager, but that could've used more showing, not just informed ability. George's most interesting plot development doesn't come until about 85% of the way through the book, and then it's under-utilized and just feels weirdly tacked on. A solid enough read with a few chuckle-out-loud moments, but not the shining star I'd hoped for.

If the original eight Bridgertons weren't quite enough for you, rejoice! Quinn's newest series is a sort of Bridgertonian prequel, in which we travel back to 1779 and a time when paterfamilias Edmund was still off at Eton and his eventual eight children not even yet a twinkle in his eye.

Instead, we meet Edmund's older sister, Sybilla, more commonly called Billie, who's pretty good at running the manor her father shows no interest in but not so good at rescuing cats from trees. Thankfully her neighbor, the brother of her best friends and long-time bete noire, George Rokesby, is gentleman enough to offer an assist. Turns out he's not so good at rescuing cats, either, but their shared failing at least gives them something to talk about when they wind up trapped on a roof together. (See also: The cat won this round something fierce.)

Quinn gleefully picks up the I'm-Suddenly-Hot-For-My-Younger-Sibling's-Bestie trope and runs with it, adding just enough of a sobering dash of Hero-Has-Conflicted-Feelings-About-Having-To-Stay-Home-While-His-Brothers-Fight-the-Wars to counterbalance all the fluffy charm of Billie and George's flirtation. The author also neatly sidesteps the fact she's setting this novel at least thirty years prior to her other books (which would seem to require a certain level of additional historical research) by keeping the action mainly in the country where we can mention tricorn hats and the war in the colonies and then more or less act like we've sufficiently established that we're in 1779.

3.5/4 Stars | Hot Steam

Every new release from Julia Quinn is a cause for celebration. Her impeccably written novels, filled with glorious romance, adventure, and brilliant wit, never fail to entertain, inspire, and satisfy. And, while I’ve greatly anticipated each of her past novels’ debuts, my delirious excitement for BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON was uncontainable. I live for the Bridgertons. They are my all-time favorite fictional family. THE DUKE AND I, my very first Historical romance, spurned my utter devotion to the genre. So, when the divine Ms. Q announced that there would be more Bridgertons featured in a brand new series, I jumped for joy, set my expectations to the stratosphere and counted down the days until I could immerse myself in the dramas, delights, and desires of the next generation of Historical romance's most beloved and enduring dynasty. And, what fun it was! Enchanting, lively, and blissfully passionate, Billie and George’s adversaries-to-friends-to-lovers story is a cannily penned, sweet, and slow-burning affair that takes its time to build a meaningful foundation for the couple’s deepening connection, startling attraction, and fated love to thrive.

Admittedly, I was skeptical at first as Billie seemed a tad immature for a grand romance. Young, isolated, tomboyish, wild, reckless, and impulsive—men aren’t on her radar. Her time and energy is wrapped up in taking thoughtful care of her family’s estate. But, as the novel progresses and she and George grow to appreciate, understand, and confide in one another, everything fundamentally shifts for her. Still as impulsive as ever, she steadily matures and approaches her awakening sexuality and budding feelings for George like she does everything else in her life—boldly, with spirit, zeal, abandon, and pure joy in the moment. And I loved her for it!

Equally wonderful and perfect for Billie, I adored George so much. Having always frowned upon Billie’s britches and wildness, I loved his shocking realizations, again and again, as Billie, just by being herself, shakes him to his core with increasing lust and admiration. He begins to seek out and relish her unconventionality, strength, compassion, intelligence, drive, and dizzying beauty. The unkempt girl he’s known and dismissed his entire life is suddenly vital to his every breath and happiness. I loved reading his tantalizing POV as his rattling fascination with Billie turns into a red-blooded obsession. He has such riveting fire in him, and I couldn’t get enough!

Sigh…I so enjoyed this romance! What a fabulous start to the Rokesbys series! I simply can’t wait for Billie & George’s charming, boisterous, and hilariously incorrigible siblings to each find their own unique happily ever afters too!

Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

Billie Bridgerton and George Rokesby are, at first, an unlikely couple. If not adversaries, they are certainly not of the same mind set on life for the majority of their previous acquaintance. Yes, their families are friends, Billie considers several of the Rokesby clan to be as close as family – but not George. As the heir, he’s too closed off, more inclined to shake his head at the other’s antics. At least, that’s how Billie has viewed him. The truth, as it often is, couldn’t be further from her assessment. So when George is the brother who appears to help her out of a most embarrassing predicament she’s not exactly thrilled. Yet the situation they find themselves in does give each a slightly different view of the person they had “though” they knew so well.

As George and Billie’s relationship slowly changes over the course of their story we are front row for a slow burn romance that moves from barely tolerating each other to not wanting to be apart from the other. Love? Yes, most definitely. Yet each one changes, and with each change sees the other in a different light. A little bit of jealousy, a family crisis and growing into their different views of each other allows this couple to not only capture each other’s hearts – but ours as well. Am I being a bit vague? Most definitely. For this is a story that I believe you should experience first hand – not through the opinions of another reader.

There will, of course, be comparisons between the new Rokesbys series with the Bridgerton series. I happen to consider the Bridgerton series to be one of the best all-time Historical Romance series. I enjoyed and loved each and every one of those stories. It’s too early for me to say that the Rokesbys series will reach that same feeling for me. It is about an earlier generation, different world events along with some familiar legends early beginnings. Yet I do know this – I’m loving what I’m finding so far… at the time of this review there are only two books out … and I feel that I will be enjoying this new series just as much as the one it connects to. I don’t like to do comparisons, it’s like asking which of your two children do you love more. But this one has captured my attention, my enjoyment and my need for the next story…soon. So, yeah. it’s really, really good.

I own a paperback copy of this story – which is destined to be well worn from re-reads in the future.

This is the first in a series of prequels to the wonderful Bridgerton books. I love that Ms. Quinn is bringing us more of this delightful family and their friends. I truly enjoyed reading Billie and George’s story which is full of humor, witty banter and romance.

Billie Bridgerton loves living at her family’s estate and has no intention of marrying any time soon. When she does marry, it will probably be to one of the Rokesby’s, either Edward or Andrew, such a romantic admission. The two families have live a few miles apart in the country for generations and most of the children all grew up together, except the eldest George.

George is the oldest and never was around his brothers much, he was groomed from the beginning to be the heir and was either learning about the estates or off to school, he knew his place but often thought how things could be different. He is the stoic one, ever proper, and he can hardly stand to be around the wild Bridgerton sister, Billie. When he finds her stranded on a rooftop he tries to help her, and ends up spending the entire afternoon with her, and he found he did not mind.

Their mother’s decide that it is a good time for a house party and everyone must spend the nights at the Bridgerton’s, this leaves Billie and George spending more time together than ever before and they are each experiencing some interesting feelings toward each other.

This is a great addition and new start to the Bridgerton’s series that many have loved over the years. Both families are ever present and we are treated to a fun and engaging romance with a “not so friends” to lovers tale to satisfy all.

Billie is a hoot, she is smart and sassy and knows what she wants out of life, but unfortunately she is worried that one day when she marries she will lose the one thing she loves to do, manage the estates for her father. Her parents do not really acknowledge this fact, but she studies and plans the farms for peak performance. She does have a backup plan for marriage if needed and either Edward or Andrew will do; anyone but George. That is until they start spending more time together and her feelings start to change.

I adored George, he is an amazing hero. I like how he acts around Billie, yes they have an increasingly witty banter going on and often argue about the strangest stuff but he treats her wonderfully and as his feelings grow he is intrigued by her as a person. He often felt left out when the others were smaller, there was a bond he never felt, and you can see some of his feelings in his actions, but when all is said and done, he enjoys his life and after a peer included him in some mysterious actions, he realizes that he was not meant for anything other than who he is.

The pace of their love story works well, they start out as non-friends and gradually gain respect and later love for each other. The house party is a big part of the story and I enjoyed the interactions between each family, the characters are well done. I love Andrew and look forward to is story someday, he plays the part of the younger son very well, full of fun and fantasy. The party is cut short when a family tragedy comes in the form of a letter from the war in the colonies and the two families rally around each other for comfort. This is the beginning of a story arc that does not end here and continues on to the next book. The mystery that George gets involved in has something to do with the tragedy and I was a bit confused about why it appeared so late in the story, but maybe this will also continue. Overall I enjoyed this romance; there is a lot of humor and charm throughout along with some drama and angst to round out this wonderful story.

Copy from the publisher for an honest review

The story is nice, sweet and inane. If you want to be able to predict what you'll read on the next page, the next chapter, this is for you.

Miles of fatuous dialogue and internal musings. No action, no tension, everything was just...nice...and sweet...and inane. The "banter" was usually silly and left me flat. I kept waiting for something to happen. It didn't. The "wicked humor" was juvenile. The characters were cardboard cutouts. The pacing...SLOW. The plot rambled.

Zzzzzzz.....

Overall rather boring. Seemed like a book or story about good bantering back and forth. A lot of "I'm going to kill him". And speaking thru clenched teeth type of writing. Nothing really happens. Mediocre story. Boring. Billie and Andrew seemed immature. Billie's younger sister came across as much more mature as did the hero, George. And yet, none of these characters did anything.....but banter back and forth page after page!

Well written, just like you would expect for Quinn. A bit slow moving and tons of dialogue. I enjoyed it but usually I laugh out loud a couple times with her books and I didn't with this novel. Any other author, this would be four stars, but I hold her to a higher standard. Still worth a read.

Very interesting book. Wound give a 5 except that I had to skip over pages of sex scenes. Looking forward to (for once) reading a love story where the woman shows strength enough to not rush to bed before marriage but savour it on their wedding day.

BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON is Julia Quinn's venture into Georgian historical romance. Fans of the Bridgerton series will be note that the heroine is Violet Bridgerton's future sister-in-law. However, this is not a story about the Bridgertons as much as the beginning of the Rokesby Series. Our hero George and his family are close neighbors and friends to the Bridgertons. The story trope is that of old adversaries coming to realize that those childhood punches in the arm meant true love.

Quinn utilizes the best features of her novel writing when she makes use of family stories laced with humor. All the secondary characters are fully developed with foibles and personality to spare. There is laugh out loud humor. I broke up when Andrew and George were discussing Sir Reggie's teeth. There is also grief and hope in the story of George's brother. Fans who were disappointed in Quinn's last novel (I still miss the money I spent on Sir Richard) should come back for this one. Quinn adds enough Bridgertonisms (Pall Mall anyone?) to make fans of that series happy but I think the story would stand just as well if Billie's name had been Jones.

I have loved all of Julia Quinn's previous books, but this book had no plot and way too much childish dialog. I thought that they would NEVER get off that roof!! So sorry to write a negative about one of Ms. Quinn's books but this one was a stinker.

I was very disappointed in this book. Except for one scene, there was no sign of the witty dialog, interesting characters, or intriguing plot that the other Bridgerton books have. 75% of the book was painful to read. I would give the last 25% of the book three stars. As a history teacher, it also bothered me that there were a lot of historical inaccuracies.

This is definitely one of Ms. Quinn's better endeavors in recent times and only after reading reviews did I order it. Once upon a time Jullia Quinn was on pre-order but I haven't been enchanted by her recent works. I did in fact find this book enchanting, and as another reviewer put it, this is a comfort book. There are not a lot of twists and turns or ridiculous reasons why the hero and heroine cannot be together, but rather the steady unfolding of a beautiful relationship and the revelation of love that was a long time coming.

Billie Bridgerton is not your typical Miss and has no aspirations for a marriage and family like most women. At the age of 23, she's perfectly happy to stay at the family estate and help with the maintenance and development of her family's lands. Although she has a much younger brother who will someday be Viscount, Billie takes on her responsibilities as if she were the man and heir of the home. Although Billie has never had a London season, she always assumed she would one day marry one of her neighbors, the Rokefords. They all grew up together and she was inseparable with three of the four children, Mary, Andrew and Edward, but considered the eldest, George, the bane of her existence. So of course, when Billie finds herself in an impossible predicament, who else besides George finds her a damsel in distress.

This story, although in a completely different time era, reads very much like Anne of Green Gables and with the exception of some naughty thoughts and one sex scene, is almost just as wholesome. The story is fast, sweet, and uncomplicated, and I much prefer that over contrived and forced plotlines. There's also some scenes that, although don't add anything to this couple's story, are there to lay the foundation for future stories around the Rokefords and the Bridgerton's.

Sybilla “Billie” Bridgerton marches to the beat of her own drum. Tomboy personified, Billie is happiest out of doors in breeches rather than indoors acting like the lady she was born to be. Little by little she has helped her father in managing their estate, increasing productivity of crops and managing all sorts of tenant issues with fairness and expertise. That is, when she’s not getting herself into some of the more unenviable scrapes and accidents that could possibly happen to any one person. The latest has left her stranded on the roof of a barn!

Waiting for someone to come by to rescue her, it naturally had to be the one person Billie didn’t particularly like - namely George Rokesby. The one Rokesby brother who didn’t approve of her - the heir to the earldom - arrogant, annoying and she just knows he detests her.

Simply a wonderfully entertaining novel by the perpetually award winning author Julia Quinn. Her trademark humor is always constant and her believable character driven stories always deliver the best in highly romantic and sensually tinged dialogs that can run the gamut of sweet to highly humorous. Personally, I haven’t met a Bridgerton that hasn’t stolen my heart! Definitely put BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON on your next books-to-buy list.

Marilyn Rondeau

Kent England - 1779

Miss Sybilla (Billie) Bridgerton, age 23, is late getting home because she is stuck on a roof after trying to rescue a cat from a tree. She fell from the tree onto the roof and inured her ankle. When she calls out for help, the last person she wants to see, George Rokesby, is the one who comes along to assist her. She is determined to do her best to act grateful to him. While their families have been neighbors and the siblings all played and grew up together, Billie and George have always been at odds with one another. George is in line to be the next Earl of Manston and is known as Viscount Kennard.

Billie has always been an outspoken young woman but no one has ever help that against her. But when the ladder George finds to help her down ends up falling leaving both of them stranded on the roof, Billie voices her fear that unless someone finds them soon. she will be considered compromised and they will have to marry. Gah! What a horrible thought for both of them.

Billie feels responsible for seeing that her family’s estate is run well and thus educates herself on agriculture and is constantly riding around checking on the crops. While wearing breeches is not considered ladylike, Billie does not care because she is used to doing things her way and enjoys being somewhat of a tomboy.

George has always known he must be groomed to be the heir and has always busied himself with learning to take over the reins. He and Billie have never seen eye-to-eye on things and, thus, just tolerate one another. But now, that she is injured and she and her family will be gathering together for a house party, he takes it upon himself to help her get from room to room by carrying her. This nearness sparks an attraction that seems to come out of nowhere but simply cannot be denied.

A cute novel written Julia Quinn style. I enjoyed her first books, but they now seem to carry the same scenario of oneupmanship and silly humor. She is a very talented author and some of the humor is truly funny, but I really would like to see her leave the Bridgeton’s behind and go back to stand-along novels.

Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over

A friend recommended this novel, and it looked good. I’m happy to report I was not disappointed.

The story begins in a comedic moment, and not the only one, where the two main characters are very much at odds. There is lovely repartee between Billie and George from the start, and it serves to ground the reader in a long-standing relationship between their two families.

Billie is a wonderful character both because of and despite her flaws. She knows she’s not perfect, and she is quick to lay the blame for events she’s been instrumental in on others’ shoulders. At the same time, she’s not the wild brat everyone seems to have decided is her role to play. Instead, she’s taken on traditionally male tasks to keep her beloved Aubrey Hall thriving while her younger brother grows up enough to take on the mantle of heir.

Do not be mistaken. This is a humorous romance, but at the same time, it takes on the gender politics of the era (late 1700s), and not just in the case of Billie. The responsibilities and opportunities offered young men of quality and how birth order determines their futures also plays a part.

The story is strongly seeped in the events of the period, being set during the American war of independence. It’s a little odd (as an American) seeing the war from the opposite side, but the focus is on how war affects the families left behind more than a debate of who was in the right or wrong.

I liked the way the small picture (crops and daily life) is mixed in with the bigger issues of sons going off to war when there is little to no news reaching home (and a delay of weeks if not months for the news that does). The plot was a very personal one, and at times, the greater picture seemed shoehorned in, but the effect was still that of a strong, getting-to-know-yourself story for both main characters.

Billie and George came to understand their own motivations at the same time as recognizing how their feelings for each other had transformed from annoyance to love. And the intervention of the mothers is precious (I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers).

There are explicit moments toward the end, so I wouldn’t classify this as a clean romance, but it had that feel in how it focuses on the characters growing into their new feelings even when their worlds are being torn apart. I enjoyed the time spent with these characters and feel it was well worth the read.

It's official. I have a book hangover. I've been a bit miserable all day because I just want to go back to the Bridgerton-Rokesby world. I wish there were more books in the series already so I could binge them! I am a huge Julia Quinn fan and I thought this was a great start to her new series! Once again, I have fallen in love with these characters and I can't wait for George and Billie's siblings to find love! I really liked the dynamic between these two families. They have been friends forever and the awkwardness that sometimes accompanies new couples and their families is not present here.

Billie and George have never been close, as there is a 5 year age difference between them. As the eldest of the family, George has always missed that closeness that his younger siblings Andrew, Edward, and Mary shared with Billie. Things between Billie and George are definitely fun, as the two don't really get along. Watching them fall for one another was adorable, as neither one expected it AT ALL. Billie is super headstrong and I loved how independent she was. It was nice to see how different country living was from city living. Billie had the freedom to be herself and engage in activities that would appall society women. She's always gotten herself into mishaps, so it was fun to watch George bait her about her most recent one.

George was a sweetheart and I adored him. I love how he stood up for her at times and how protective he could be. His jealousy was also super cute. It took quite a bit of time for these two to finally make things happen, but the slow burn really worked. And the scene where they declare their love for one another will undoubtedly be one of my favorites. It was so blunt and I loved that they weren't afraid to put it out there.

As I said, I am SO ready for more books in this series. I will miss Billie and George, but knowing the Bridgertons and Rokesbys, I'm sure more shenanigans will ensue in the future!

I know I should have read Julia Quinn earlier, but with so many authors, it is not easy to decide whom work to try or not.
Plus the more I read, the more I know what I’m looking for.
But this first read fulfills all the lines contract!
The heroine is no weak no whiny woman, the hero not an alpha ape and they are able to communicate without yelling at each other despite their not always easy relationship in the past.
It was a lovely story of two people who have always known another but never really looked at it, until now.
They are full grown, they have their hopes and dreams and in some ways, they share the same.
Sibilla/Billie knows she is no lady’s material, but she does not mind as it is not what she is looking for. Her life is in the country, managing her father’s estate, until her brother comes in age. But then?
George Rokesby as the eldest son, has always know what to expect from life, he has watched his siblings living the house for a more adventurous life. He might have at sometime liked to be able to do the same but he also came to like his life.
They have known each other since childhood but never they have a real thought about the other. Funny then less happy circumstances brought them together, little by little they will open their eyes and really see the other, come to understand and love it.

“It was the loveliest sound he’d ever heard. And quite possibly the most terrifying. Because he had a feeling he knew what it meant. And if there was one person in this world he was not going to fall in love with, it was Billie Bridgerton.”

With time, they will realize that life can take twist and turn, bringing together two characters who thought they have nothing in common until they understand they are two halves of a whole.

“She’d been transformed. He had awakened something inside of her she had not even known existed, something wild and selfish. And she wanted more.”

Definitively a great read to begin with Julia Quinn’s work.

I’m a verified customer on the store.fr

Because of Miss Bridgerton is another great novel by Julia Quinn. I read some of the reviews that stated that she had lost her writing skills and was just churning out words. I guess it's all subjective, because I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought that it had all of the classic Julia Quinn magic, complete with witty dialogue and likable characters.

The events in this book take place prior to the books about the Bridgerton's, including The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, An Offer From a Gentleman, et al. Billie Bridgerton is more comfortable in trousers and being outdoors than wearing gowns. She enjoys overseeing the crops, reading agricultural treatises, overseeing the tenants and addressing their concerns. However, she also recognizes the times when she needs to don a dress and comport herself as a lady should.

The Bridgerton's and the Rokesby's are great friends live on adjoining properties. Billie has managed to get herself trapped on the roof of an abandoned farm house while attempting to rescue a cat that's stuck high up in a tree. As she grabbed for the cat, it scratched her and she fell onto the roof and twisted her ankle. So when she sees the oldest of the Rokesby offspring, George, she yells to get his attention. Unfortunately, after he brought the ladder around to get her down and had climbed it to the roof, the cat chose that time to bite George and when he almost fell off the roof, the ladder fell, leaving him and Billie stranded on the roof. It wasn't until hours later that one of George's younger brothers came by and rescued them. As George carries Billie to his home, since her family was to have dinner with his family, the two of them begin to discover things about each other they hadn't noticed before.

Thus begins a story that is loaded with the witty repartee for which Ms. Quinn is famous. It has a house party, a cutthroat croquet match, missing family members, espionage, jealousy and first love all mixed in together. I love Ms. Quinn's writing and this was definitely one of her better books!

Too bad I fell for the "Bridgerton" title. This unfortunate story is supposed to be a sequel to the successful series of the same name. There isn't anything resembling the other chemistry of characters or plot in this one. Inane dialogue, non-existent plot, and a clearly-timed cliffhanger for the next book to come along, does not a story make. Save your money, re-read your favorite in the original series.

The best Julia Quinn I’ve read in a while — and that’s saying something! I love the characters of Billie and George. I love the fact that it’s very much about character and relationship development, without too much intrigue. I love the dynamics between siblings and childhood friends (George, his brother Andrew, Billie, and her sister Georgiana.) And I love the dialogue, which sparkles with the wit and humorous repartee that makes Julia Quinn one of my favorite romance writers, historical or otherwise.

The opening scene had me laughing from the start, and I’m pretty sure I didn’t stop smiling through the entire book. Quinn deftly portrays Billie and George’s initial sniping and their dawning (almost horrified) awareness of their growing attraction, laying the groundwork for George’s feelings almost from his first appearance.

Billie is a breath of fresh air, a young woman who serves unofficially as her father’s steward or estate manager and to that end rides astride, in breeches. She’s resourceful, courageous, impetuous, and totally dedicated to her family, which by virtue of long association includes the Rokesbys. When they were growing up, poor George was excluded (due to his age and position as heir) from the tightknit foursome of Edward, Mary, and Andrew Rokesby and Billie Bridgerton, but he and Billie still consider each other “family” to some extent. He has a history of disapproving of her independent ways, and it was fun to see that disapproval convert to acceptance and eventual admiration. Both of them mature during the novel, without ever losing the traits that make them who they are.

I’m pleased that Quinn is exploring an earlier era of British history. There are so very many Regency and post-Regency romances out there, and a fair number of mid- to late Victorian-era romances. But with the notable exception of Jo Beverly’s Malloren series, far fewer are set in the mid- to late 18th century. BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON takes place in 1779, placing it during Britain’s war with the upstart American colonies. I would like to see a bit more historical detail, but it’s so refreshing to visit a relatively “new” period of history.* And of course, there’s the fun of seeing the previous generations of Bridgertons, who are as witty, as spirited, and as family-centered as young Edmund’s eventual offspring will be. (See the Bridgertons series.) They’re also just as cut-throatedly competitive when playing Pall Mall — and we get to see the origins of the pink mallet and the Mallet of Death, in a scene that had me laughing out loud.

This new series is called “the Rokesbys” and will apparently feature George’s family. His brother Edward’s story is coming in 2017. But I do hope we’ll get to see the eventual courtship of Edmund and Violet** (once Edmund grows up, of course; he’s all of 15 and off at Eton during this book.) And I have hopes for 14-year-old Georgiana Bridgerton, too; she’s quiet compared to Billie, but she’s got the family spark of humor. Mostly, though, I’m just delighted to be back in the Bridgertons’ milieu, experiencing another generation of the family.

*I say “new” because it’s new to me in terms of romances (not having read Jo Beverly yet), but I’m a huge British history nerd, so it's not unfamiliar in that sense.

**Sadly, JQ says in her Bridgertons FAQ that she doesn’t plan to write Edmund and Violet’s story, in part because (SPOILER for those who haven’t read the Bridgertons series) he dies at 39. But… I can always hope she’ll change her mind, right?

REVIEW ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED on The Bookwyrm's Hoard blog. [...]
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.

Fans of historical romance let out a collective squee when it was announced that Julia Queen would be returning to the world of the Bridgertons with a new series. I fell in love with the Bridgertons several years ago when I dipped my toes back into the historical romance genre. I was immediately captured by this unconventional family. Julia Quinn is back with a new book about the Bridgertons and a new family, the Rokesbys. As far as I can tell (and I haven't done a ton of research) this series happens before the original Bridgertons series and focuses and an earlier generation. The Rokesbys and Bridgertons families have been closely linked for many years. Only 3 miles separate the estates and the matriarchs of the families are the best of friends. It was only logical that their children should become closer friends as well. Billie Bridgerton, the eldest daughter in the family, has always run wild the the Rokesby children. She gets along famously with all of them - all of them except for one.

I love a good story of when opposites attract and when we first meet Billie and George, it seems like the two could not be more different. Billie is very open and friendly with those around her while George is more reserved and serious. Billie is headstrong and independent. She is no simpering female and isn't afraid to speak her mind. George, on the other hand, is much quieter and more subdued. He has a sharp wit and wicked sense of humor that sometimes need a bit of coaxing to come out of his shell. The two have a wonderfully playful and sometimes antagonistic relationship that just heightens the tension between them.

The plot is well paced and extremely entertaining. There isn't a lot of action or mystery, but I was fine with letting Billie and George be the center of the story without a lot of intrigue. I love the great family dynamic that Quinn's series have. Their interactions always feel very genuine and I loved meeting all of the new family members in both the Rokesby and Bridgerton clans. I am sure we'll be seeing more of these characters as the series goes on and I am especially interested in learning more about Edward.

Because of Miss Bridgerton is a great kickoff to a new series that has all of the trademark humor, wit, passion and wonderfully drawn characters that Quinn's work is known for. I am really excited to see where Quinn takes us with this series and am already anticipating book 2!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my review or opinion of the book.

With the return of the Bridgertons - or should I say, the start of the Bridgertons - Julia Quinn is definitely on her game with the wit and banter of one of Regency romance's most-loved families. In Because of Miss Bridgeton, we're introduced to Billie Bridgeton, Edmund's older sister. (Edmund, as you may know, is the father to the Bridgertons we all know and love.)

The year is 1779, and it was made apparent right away that this novel wasn't going to be primarily set amongst the glittering ballrooms of London. I was also immediately aware that we weren't in the 1800s (aside from the date on page one) by everything from the mention of tricorn hats to the speech patterns of the characters.

Billie is a headstrong, confident, happy woman, secure in herself and the knowledge that she is a much-loved member of her community. However, she is sometimes a bit too overconfident. Her heart is pure gold, though, and that's what everyone around her chooses to see - which needles the hero, George Rokesby.

George is a serious fellow, one who's always been a bit apart from his younger brothers and the Bridgertons. He's focused on learning how to run his estate, proper schooling, etc. He's never really sure what to make of Billie - she's anything but proper, but instead of society scorning her, as one would expect, they embrace her. She's such a mystery to him. And, as Billie herself describes him, he's a "stick in the mud one would expect from the heir to an earldom."

But as we get to know George, we see that he's so much more than that. He's not jealous of his brothers' easy friendships with the Bridgertons, but he's definitely envious. He considered himself a bit too old to gallivant with them when they were children, but he wants the kind of friendship they all seem to possess - the easy grace, loving insults, familiarity. It was a joy to watch as he discovered that he could let his hair down (so to speak) and connect with Billie in ways that, to him, were so foreign to how he'd always been.

It was equally a entertaining to watch Billie be taken down a notch. She wasn't an annoying female lead - in contrast, she was charming and lovely and fun. But she was brimming with the overconfidence of youth, where everything she did was excused by both the Bridgertons and the Rokesbys (old family friends with estates that neighbored each other) because of her last name. She was free to be who she wanted to be, but without the restrictions of society. And while that was all well and good in the country, when she had to travel to London for a proper Season, we watch as she's shaken up a bit and discovers that she perhaps isn't as all-knowing as she thought she was.

Watching these two reluctant characters fall in love was entertaining. The dichotomies of their personalities was well thought out, each flaw of one being a strength of the other so that they're a perfect balance.

I have to say, though...the funniest pat of this book was the Pall Mall scene. Let's just say that the competitive streak is alive and well in this first generation of Bridgertons...we also learn why there's no red set, and how the black mallet got its name of the Mallet of Death. Questions I didn't even know I had, yet I'm so glad they were answered!

This is a classic JQ - funny, witty dialogue and imperfectly perfect characters who draw you into their world, and making you wish - just a little - that you were a Bridgerton, too. Five stars.

I didn't care very much for the Smythe-Smith Quartet of books, so I wasn't sure what to expect from this latest Bridgerton novel. Luckily for the reader, it's a return to form for Julia Quinn. Because of Miss Bridgerton has sparkling dialogue, memorable characters and some very funny moments. I really enjoyed this book.

Because of Miss Bridgerton is set in the Georgian period and the heroine is Sybilla "Billie" Bridgerton, the older sister of Edmund Bridgerton. Readers will recall that Edmund grows up to marry Violet and father all those Bridgerton children. In this book, Aubrey Hall is within three miles of Crake House, so the Bridgertons and Rokesbys are close friends and neighbors. Billie's best friend is Mary Rokesby, but she's close to Mary's brothers, too. This friendship hasn't always included George Rokesby, however. George, the Viscount Kennard, is the oldest child and heir to the Earl of Manston. George has always been the responsible one, whereas Billie and his siblings were always out having fun and getting into mischief. While close to his siblings, he's always felt somewhat excluded in their relationship with Billie.

As the story opens, Billie climbs up a tree to save a cat and falls onto a nearby roof. Injured and with no way down, Billie is eventually rescued by George. Over the next few weeks, they're thrown into each other's company, and soon begin to see one another in a new light. While still opposites, they also complement each other. Billie always felt that George's younger brothers inherited all the charm, but she begins to appreciate George's subtle humor and steadiness. Since they've grown up together, there's a comfort level between the two. They begin to appreciate their shared interests, such as their love of the land, instead of their differences. For all of Billie's confidence in the country, she feels insecure whenever forced to go to London. George helps Billie to gain confidence in all social settings. Both slowly realize that they're perfect for each other.

One possible problem for readers is that an espionage plot is suddenly introduced in the last few chapters. I think it serves a purpose since it allows George to come to terms with not being able to serve his country like his two younger brothers are. Other readers might feel this plot comes and goes too quickly and isn't really necessary to the story.

In conclusion, not only are we treated to a sweet romance and a spirited Pall Mall match, we also get an introduction to other Bridgertons and Rokesbys that might be featured in future books.

I had really hoped for more from the return of the Bridgertons! And perhaps that's the trouble. I do love that JQ is exploring the Georgian era here, particularly since most romance authors shy away from the period surrounding the American Revolution. The problem was, neither the characters nor the plot really grabbed me. Billie had some intriguing points, but then they'd get ruined by driving home how "not like the other girls" she was, which is a trope I'm not a fan of. I did like that we were told she was an able estate manager, but that could've used more showing, not just informed ability. George's most interesting plot development doesn't come until about 85% of the way through the book, and then it's under-utilized and just feels weirdly tacked on. A solid enough read with a few chuckle-out-loud moments, but not the shining star I'd hoped for.