Rating: 
Summary: Julia comes through
Review: This book was fabulous. If you've read any of the other books from the Bridgerton series, you already know the shy wallflower, Penelope Featherington. And of course we all love Colin Bridgerton, our hero and all around nice guy. Except who would have guessed that these two would have a love story? And what a story it is.
Penelope is shy and awkward as a teenager, but no one really knows the real Penelope. And when Lady Danbury offers one thousand pounds to whomever discovers the identity of Lady Whistledown, Penelope is bound and determined to give her opinion on the identity of the witty columnist.
Of course, Colin and Penelope are thrown together during the attempt to unmask the unknown writer, and Colin soon discovers there is much more to our Penelope that he'd thought for all those years.
Quinn strikes gold in this novel, the fourth in the series. She made me run through a whole range of emotions and I have to say that this is the best of the series so far. But don't dispair! Even though we find out the identity of Lady Whistledown (finally!) there will still be more books in the series to follow.
Definitely a keeper!Kim
Rating:
Summary: the best in the series so far, I thought
Review: Sometimes, when an authour gets tied to a series, the later books become formulaic and a little boring. Fortunately, this was not the case with Julia Quinn's latest romance novel, "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton." This latest installment about the Bridgerton siblings was well worth the wait (I think that it took slightly more than a year for this novel to be published), and is, I think, the best book in the series so far. This novel is a wonderful mixture of romance, poignancy and whimsy. I fairly devoured the book, and was quite saddened to have finished it so quickly. I was also left with the fervent wish that there were more novels like this one out there for me to read. Miss Penelope Featherington has been in love with her best friend's elder brother, Colin Bridgerton, ever since she was sixteen. Unfortunately, Penelope is not a raving beauty, or a gregarious, charming wit. Somewhat quiet and shy (and a little plump), Penelope is the sort of young lady that fades into the woodwork, and not at all the type to cause Colin's senses to swim. The years pass (about 12 to be exact) and Penelope has resigned herself to both remaining a spinster and having her love remain unrequited, when Colin Bridgerton, who has taken to traveling extensively in order to escape his managing mother's attempts to marry him off, returns from Cyprus. Now, Penelope sees Colin almost everyday, and at every social do. She discovers that she is as deeply in love with him now as she was all those years ago, and wishes fervently that she was the kind of woman who could ensnare his affections. However the Colin who came back is also slightly different -- restless, bored and a little discontented with the manner in which his life in unfolding. And while Penelope enjoys the time that they spend together, she cannot help but wonder how long she will be able to continue hiding her love for him? After having spent so many years abroad, Colin Bridgerton returns to England, hoping to find something that will chase this ennui away. Who would have believed that his thoughts would be full of shy, quiet Penelope Featherington? And that he would enjoy her intelligence and dry wit to such an extent? Somehow, Penelope touches him in a manner that no other woman has before. And he finds himself wanting to protect her from the cruel and careless ways of the ton. His deep affection for Penelope, however soon begins to disturb him. Could he be falling in love with his sister's best friend? And does he even want to be in love? Reading "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton" made me understand why so many other readers rave about Julia Quinn's talents. This was an entirely delightful and appealing read. I loved the manner in the authour made this novel to unfold. Julia Quinn took great pains to first allow for Penelope's and Colin's friendship to be reestablished by allowing them to have some really meaningful conversations, where they actually discuss things (like his boredom and her unhappiness over always being on the fringes of things), before she eased them into a romance. Ever so often, the hero and heroine barely share a thought before they begin their rather erotic encounters. So that it was a treat to have Penelope and Colin talk, and not about politics and social issues either. I also liked that although Penelope has loved Colin forever, she doesn't simply nod her head and agree with him on everything under the sun. Penelope has her own opinions. And even when she senses that her thoughts may not be the ones that Colin wants to hear, she doesn't shirk from sharing them with him. This is one romance that is, I think, really going to stand the test of time. "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton" was a truly wonderful read about unspoken dreams and love. Mostly, however, eventhough this is a Bridgerton novel, this is a book that is actually all about Penelope -- about what life is like for a spinster who never 'took' and about the dreams and desires she never expected to be fulfilled. I found this novel to be an outstanding one, and one that was definitely worth treasuring.
Rating:
Summary: great regency romance
Review: Colin Bridgerton is without a doubt, THE most charming man in all of London. With one look at his devilish grin or his beautiful green eyes, the women fall at his feet. And with his glib mouth, he can get out of almost anything. Until one day, speaking out of frustration, he claims that he will never marry Penelope Featherington, in PUBLIC! What's even worse is that Penelope heard! Now years later, after having travelled extensively throughout Europe, the irresistable Mr. Bridgerton is back in London for the season, at the age of 33, while Penelope has become a spinster at the 28. But somehow, things aren't the same. When Colin looks at Penelope, he's struck by how big her eyes are and what a dreamy shade of brown they appear to be and how voluptous her body is. Not to mention how intelligent and funny and witty and kind she is. All in all, he's coming to realize what an amazing woman she truly is... Penelope, on the other hand, has known how amazing Colin was since 2 days before her 16th birthday. And she is surprised that he would even express such interest in her, let alone ask for her hand in marriage! But Colin knows that Penelope is the woman for him, had been the woman all those years when he had failed to give her a second glance and only danced with her out of pity. And now he's determined to make up all those years of blindness. The mysterious identity of Lady Whistledown is revealed here, even though I think that any avid reader of the Bridgerton series would have figured it out by the second book. It's a pleasure to read.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Enjoyable
Review: Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. I don't think this title fit the story. But whatever. I really really enjoyed this book, and almost stayed up all night to finish reading it, but my husband was sad w/o me in bed. Penelope is the typical Wallflower, her own shyness has caused her to not be very noticeable. Colin is charming and sweet, and has almost consistently been compassionately kind to Penelope. I say compassionate, because sometimes it was due to pity that he was kind. Penelope is befriended and soulfully encouraged by the outrageous, tell-it-like-it-is Mrs. Danbury. With this friendship, Penelope starts expressing her inner feelings & opinions in the presence of the ton, to everyone's surprise. No one (minus those that really know her, like her best friend Eloise & Eloise's mother, Matriarch Bridgerton) ever surmised that Penelope actually had a brain. Most of the dialogue is believable & natural and sometimes downright heartwrenching. However, there are moments when the dialogue feels forced and fake, and I concur with the other reviewers when they say it seemed like Ms. Quinn was just filling up space. Most of this book is truly an enjoyable read. I have only read one other of the Bridgerton series, Benedict & Sophia's story, which I thought was also very enjoyable. But I like this story better. I felt more when I was reading it. For the readers who didn't find any change in Penelope, I don't think you were reading v. well. Penelope was forced by her mother to wear colors that were not complimentary, previously she had never spoke her mind because of her debilitating shyness but with someone as open & outrageous as Mrs. Danbury encouraging her, telling her that maybe there is something more to her, she was able to open up & not be so shy around people. Penelope did change in this book, and also Colin grew up and was able to finally SEE Penelope for who she was, not his little sister's best friend, but a WOMAN who had quite a BRAIN in her and who gave him the courage and confidence that his writing might actually be worth something. I give this book 4.5 stars, due to areas where the dialogue was less than up to Julia Quinn's normal par and felt stunted & unnatural. I CANNOT wait for Eloise's story.
Rating:
Summary: The Perfect Summer Read
Review: The talented Ms. Quinn has produced another winner in her Bridgerton series. This book, as the others in the series, is lively and witty and written in a charming, frothy style that is convincingly period without being inaccesible. This was the perfect summer read -- the plot was entertaining and light, the characters likeable, interesting, and real. And let me take a moment to congratulate Ms. Quinn on her choice of heroine -- the unpopular wallflower, Penelope Featherington. It was heartening to read a romance in which the heroine is not a great beauty, but rather a shy girl who tends to be either ignored or laughed at by her peers. The author gave Penelope real depth of character in this book, and made her someone the reader honestly cares about. I was cheering her on as I read. And finally, the mystery of Lady Whistledown's identity is revealed! I thought I had figured out who it was, but I was completely mistaken -- and delighted to be so. A lovely story, and a lovely book. If you're new to this series, I would probably start with the first book, "The Duke and I." You can understand this story without going back, but you'll probably enjoy Penelope and Colin's romance more if you do. (And you'll *definitely* enjoy Lady Whistledown's unmasking more if you've been pondering the question for three books!) If you've already read the rest of the series, then I urge you to snatch this book up without delay!
Rating:
Summary: To Colin, the coolest Bridgerton brother
Review: Perhaps Penelope Featherington is the ancestor of the loser-heroine who finally got the best of the bunch! Sure, Anthony and Benedict Bridgerton are both handsome, charismatic, rich and gorgeous but the best of the Bridgerton men is Colin. Why? He has a very good sense of humor, totally cool and totally clueless that his one match in all the world is just the one person he never thought he would want to marry: his sister's best friend Penelope Featherington. Penelope started out as an awkward teenager who is used being a wallflower, who is usually rescued by the Bridgerton brothers from embarrassment in all the balls, and who secretly loves Colin Bridgerton. Colin might be clueless in how Penelope felt about him and how he felt for her but his feelings developed in a realistic way. He came to appreciate Penelope not only for her looks but also for her intellect, her wit, her personality --now how many men in this lifetime still has this trait? "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton" is a must read for people who still believe that love is not only skin deep.
Rating:
Summary: Lady Whistledown - REVEALED
Review: I waited forever for this book because I've read all of the others in this series and have been dying to know who Lady Whistledown truly was. You will find out if you read this book, but not from me! Penelope Featherington has been in love with Colin Bridgerton since she was 16 and now she is heading towards spinsterhood at eight and twenty. Colin has been abroad and has come home from his latest jaunt. In that time, Penelope still loves Colin but has little hope that he will ever notice her as anything other than his sister Eloises' best friend. Lady Whistledown can't seem to write columns without mentioning the very available and nice Colin Bridgerton - evidently nothing has changed since he left - or has it. The girl who was like a part of his family, now haunts his dreams. Could this be love? This is one of Julia Quinn's classic love stories with her trademark humourous dialog. A charming story, and the mystery of Lady Whistledown, finally revealed! I never guessed it!
Rating:
Summary: At Last!! Colin and Penelope's story!!!
Review: Romancing Mister Bridgerton is probably the most highly anticipated book in the Bridgerton series. Like everyone else, I have been antsy waiting for Colin and Penelope's story. I am happy to report that it was well worth the wait!! Julia Quinn weaves a very mature and romantic story of the handsome, witty third Bridgerton brother and the wallflower who has adored him all her life. As you read this tale, you will quickly see that there is a lot more to Colin and Penelope than anyone ever thought or suspected. Both of them possess secrets that will surprise and shock the other, as well as bond them in a way that is beyond either of their dreams. To top that off, Lady Whistledown is at it again. But has her day of reckoning come? And, will we finally get to unmask the ton's worst nemesis? I feel this book is for all the "unattractive" girls who got looked over because no one could see beneath the surface. And, it makes one believe that unrequited love can be fulfilled. This is the best in the Bridgerton series so far. With 3 more unmarried Bridgertons and 1 widowed, I am sure Ms. Quinn will allow us to visit this prolific, warm, and loving family once again. I can't wait to find out where Eloise runs off to.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT!!!
Review: Great story. never did found one in a bookstore in my country, had to rent it for a few bucks but worth every cent. took me the whole night to finish it and i just had to read it again until six in the morning. i got eye bags but it's really worth it. Colin and Penelope make quite a sweet couple. i always thought they were ment for each other after reading "An Offer from a Gentleman"
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Writing!
Review: This is my second Julia Quinn book, and my obssession to her writing is growing immensely. In this novel, she specifically writes as if you're watching a movie instead of reading a book. The "movie description" is not meant for the plot but for the dialogues themselves. Sometimes it's annoying and tiresome when writers explain everything, detail by detail, as if you're too stupid to figure things out for urself. That's what I like about Quinn; she's not worried if her readers might misunderstand some context on her writings. "Romancing Mister Bridgerton" is not the best in the series(I'm assuming for this is just my second quinn, as metioned b4) but it was fun to read. When I read a second novel from the same author, I usually expect repetitions or patterns on the plots. I was surprised and pleased that it is not so in Quinn's case. In this novel, she writes about the kind of love that "starts with a smile, a word a teasing glance" instead of the "thunderbolt-from-the-sky" type on "An Offer from a Gentleman." I find myself engrossed on every chapters and (shockingly) on the emotional scenes(I used to have a neutral facade when trying to read those kind of scenes on romance novels because they're so predictable), but Quinn had changed that. She also doesn't end the novel with a make-up chapter or a marriage. Here, she poured a part of herself that is a writer. Colin and Penelope had learned that each of them has a talent for writing. It made me think of the author herself, as I read the part where they are discussing one's joy when he/she find the exact words for their feelings or descriptions for their surroundings. Of course after good things, there's always a bad thing, even a small one. To be fair and not be called biased, I have to say that the story is a little bit slow in the beggining. Some of the should-be-witty comments turned out not to be witty at all. All in all, the strong points will definitely beat these weaknesses. It should be obvious by now that I absolutely recommend this book to everybody. Pls dont judge the cover by the cheap harlequin type picture on the 1st page. I almost didnt read it bcoz of that. I hope the publishers will give Ms. Quinn's talent a little bit more credit. But I think, Quinn, being the writer, is a 100% aware of the cover so I might as well direct my plea to her.
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