Rating: 
Summary: only so-so
Review: Well, I liked all the aspects of friendship before love etc. But overall I think it dragged in places and I found myself waiting to get done with this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Last (so far) but definitely not least
Review: This book was by far the best of the Bridgertons'.
In fact, having read it before the others made the rest seem a bit of a disappointment, but have-no-fear! It is great for multiple readings.
The unlikely heroine made the book stand out amongst the crowd of "simpering debutantes" authors of the genre like to mock while simultaneously employing for use of the female lead. Penelope was not beautiful, not naive, not (too) young, and not an heiress. She was intelligent, awkward, and very funny. She is much easier for the average woman to identify with, I think- which leads me to wonder why more Regency authors don't take a hint.
As for Colin, he was refreshing as well, especially for those who are as tired of the "dangerous" and "enigmatic" nobility.
As one reviewer mentioned, the build-up between the two characters was probably the best aspect of the novel. I especially appreciated the fact that the novelist took time to establish a friendship and build-up to the romance. It made it more touching, and surprisingly steamier as well.I definitely recommend this one- even not-so-avid romance readers will appreciate the wit of Penelope and her alter ego.
Rating: 
Summary: Really five stars...
Review: This is definitely my favorite Julia Quinn book so far. I like that Penelope is a rather shy (and plump) wallflower. She is a spinster after only God knows how many seasons, and pines for a dashing sort of guy (Colin). Unfortunately, she isn't the type Colin would be attracted to (even her best friend believes so). But Colin seems to "grow up," and is soon bewildered at his gradual view of Penelope in a romantic light; he also gets an urge to kick himself because he didn't notice she was a great girl sooner. It's also great that they actually talk about things as friends. Realistically, I don't believe people can become lovers without being friends first.
Rating:
Summary: a refeshing change!
Review: I've been waiting, ever so patiently for this novel, and I was not disapointed! I loved the turn of emotions in Colin as he began to see Penelope in a romantic light after having befriended her for years. Their emotional adventures together was wonderful! It was very refreshing to finally met a heroine that was not the picture of absolute beauty. Let's be honest, most of us woman are not what society depicts as "perfect" as many of the heroines in romance novels seem to be. I loved watching her finally see her dreams come true and the man that she's cared for for so many years finally return her love, and to hell with looking perfect! It was great. Thanks Julia for another wonderful adventure!!
Rating:
Summary: Finally, a heroine that's not drop dead gorgeous!
Review: This was a refreshing turn on most romances. Penelope, a chubby shy wallflower, falls madly in love with dashing hunk Colin. He treats her like a kid sister, unknowingly hurting her repeatedly through his words and actions. Then 12 years later, both older and wiser, love finally strikes Colin and he can't figure out why. I especially liked the emphasis placed on their friendship. After all, if you aren't friends first, how can you be lovers?
Very entertaining and comical in places.
Rating:
Summary: Not her best work but must have for Bridgerton fans
Review: Not her best work, some parts were kinda ho~hum, but like I said still a pretty good read and a must have for any Bridgerton family fans!
Rating:
Summary: My First Julia Quinn Novel
Review: I read this book after surfing Amazon one day for my favorite author Nora Roberts. Someone had a wish list or something and mentioned that they loved Nora Roberts and Julia Quinn. I then went to [a bookstore] where they were having a buy 4 get 1 free sale. As my free book, I picked up this one. Suffice it to say, I was not dissappointed. This book was just plain fun! I read it in no time. I admit, it did get a bit slow towards the end, but I still liked it. I feel that the good parts, made up for the slower parts. After reading this book, I went out and bought Anthony's novel, which I shall review later. After reading the reviews on this book, however, I must say I am even more excited to get her other books, since this one does not seem to be her most popular by any means.
Rating:
Summary: Good but not her best
Review: In this installment to the series, Lady Whistledowne is finally revealed, but to be honest, I had it figured it by the last Quinn novel. Like Ms.Quinn's other novels, I fully enjoyed the witty dialogue that attempts to be in the vein of the historical time period these books take place. In this novel, Colin Bridgerton is the handsome Bridgerton brother who wants to be seen as a unique individual and not just as one of his many brothers.Penelope Featherington has been a wallflower all her life, and her secret writing has been giving her otherwise dull life some pleasure and purpose. However, upon discovering Penelope's secret, Colin is at first horrified, and then later becomes her champion. In return, Penelope gives him the courage to display some of his own talents that set him apart from his family. The love story is a bit weak, as Colin seems to fall in love quite quickly with a woman he never was attracted to in the past, and really didn't skim too deeply under the surface of Penelope until later in the novel. Nevertheless, it was a sweet love story. I only gave this book three stars because the ending seemed ridiculously far-fetched and almost laughable. It seems the Bridgerton's can do no wrong, and can turn any unpleasant revelation into a triumph. The whole ending felt very contrived regarding the unmasking of Lady Whistledowne, and totally out of character with the time period, which is usually Ms. Quinn's better writing traits. In fact, I had the same problem with her last novel, "An Offer From a Gentleman". In a setting where every social faux pas and geneology is so meticulous (shallow but true), it seems you can get away with anything as a Bridgerton and nobody seems to care. Ms.Quinn has real potential, but the unrealistic endings of her latest books have taken it down a notch. There is nothing wrong with the main characters having a happy ending, but she doesn't need to re-invent Victorian society so these characters are suddenly socially acceptable by all. However, some readers like it neatly tied up with a ribbon and a bow, and if you are one of them, you'll enjoy this book more than I did.
Rating:
Summary: The best of the lot.
Review: Contrary to the opinions of some reviewers, I felt this was the best Bridgerton book so far. It was obvious from previous novels who Lady Whistledown was, and Colin's declaration that he would never marry Penelope was only proof that they belonged together. With those ideas firmly in place, of course I wasn't surprised by any of the action of the book. (Gasp! They end up together in the end? Well, I never!) What I loved about this book, however, was the wry narration, both from Penelope's and Colin's points of view. From the first paragraph, I was hooked, and I chuckled my way through the entire book. I daresay some who prefer nonstop action would have wished for more angst, drama, and fisticuffs, but that was not the point of this tale. This book is a sweet story of old friends who learn more about each other and themselves. It could have been a stereotyped tale of Colin learning to see past Penelope's plumpness to her sterling character, but instead both characters demonstrated strengths, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities that were more charming than any of the other Bridgertons.
Rating:
Summary: Whole lotta NOTHIN goin' on!
Review: Julia Quinn, whose books I usually adore, has written a whole lot of nothin' in Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. I've followed all the Bridgertons from Daphne to Benedict and enjoyed their charming, hilarious romances. Here we have the perfect foils: adorable, smart Penelope Featherington and handsome, charming Colin Bridgerton. As characters, they are as endearing as Daphne and Simon & Kate and Anthony. But NOTHING HAPPENS!! Page after page of inane dialogue that goes nowhere. No plot, no action, no purpose. Even "comedy" scenes, where the characters end up falling all over the floor in hysterical laughter failed to elicit a smile from my lips. Come on, Julia - you can do MUCH better than this!!
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