Review: I found “To Sir Phillip, With Love” to be one of Julia Quinn’s darker romance novels. We learn from the start that Sir Phillip has lost his wife and is in need of a new companion to help tend his children. That is where Eloise Bridgerton comes in. 

I really loved reading Eloise and Sir Phillip’s correspondence through their letters at the beginning of the novel. It was refreshing to have a change in format and very endearing. 

Like Eloise, I quickly fell for the Sir Phillip who is very much a gentle giant. His passion for botany was infectious and my heart tore in two the more we learned about his backstory. He was treated poorly by his father and lived in fear of being a bad parent, like his own father, to his two children. 

Sir Phillip was not planning to fall in love with Eloise, he was just looking for a mother for his children, but i’m glad that he did. The two complement each other perfectly and Eloise drew Sir Phillip out of the darkness. 

I definitely recommend this novel to lovers of historical romance and fans of the show on Netflix who would like to know more about the lives of the Bridgerton family!

Review: Initially, I was nervous about reading this novel because it involves a love triangle. Reviewers on Goodreads saying this book should be skipped altogether also contributed to that nervousness. Determined to read the entire series, I read "On the Way to the Wedding" and found that I actually enjoyed this book more than some of the others in the series.

I found Lucy’s character to be very relatable. She was very apologetic and worried more about her friend’s happiness than her own. In fact, she was under the impression that Hermione would be better off with Gregory Bridgerton. Even though she had developed feelings towards him, she still put Hermione first. I feel as though many readers including myself have been in this position before (prioritizing others before ourselves). Perhaps that is the reason why I like her character so much. She is flawed, which makes her all the more realistic.

I quite enjoyed Lucy and Gregory’s romance, which communicates that love can be found in the most unexpected people. Gregory believed that Hermione was meant to be his perfect match. Because of this, he refused view Lucy as more than a friend. But the more he spent time with her to get insight on Hermione, the more he began to realize that Lucy was the one. By the time he came to this conclusion, Lucy stood at the alter, prepared to marry another. Gregory would not let her say “I do” without a fight.

To all my Bridgerton readers, please do not skip this book. It is very much worth your while.

Jess Approved?: ✓

Review originally posted to: Booklr | Bookstagram

Review: Though I had already read all the second epilogues because they were included in the newer editions of the other Bridgerton books, I was ultimately glad to have gotten my hands on this anthology.

FINALLY, after 8 Bridgerton books, this collection allowed me to read from Violet Bridgerton’s perspective. Violet and Edmund’s relationship made my heart so full. I found Edmund’s characterization so interesting. He was described as confident, comfortable in his body, and good spirited! It was a change of pace to see a carefree gentleman as opposed to the uptight, arrogant men in the other novels. I only wish that Violet’s novella was longer!

I am so glad to hear that Netflix has ordered a limited prequel series that will expand on the events detailed in "The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After." The Bridgerton universe is expanding and I am here for it!

Jess Approved?: ✓

Review originally posted to: Booklr | Bookstagram

Review: I was definitely looking forward to this book because I love visiting the Scottish Highlands in historical romance novels (I blame Julie Garwood for that obsession). This book definitely delivers on that front!

I think what I appreciated the most is the novel’s commentary on grief and loss. When Francesca Bridgerton loses her husband, she is under the impression that she can never love again. For, to love another would be a betrayal to the man she lost. Michael Stirling, the cousin of Francesca’s departed husband, has loved Francesca in secret all his life. He feels incredibly guilty for loving her. The two end up in each other’s arms one night and their friendship grows into something more.

I loved how the pair were able to help each other realize that it is OKAY to move on. It is never easy to lose a loved one and grieving is a normal part of life. But so is healing. Francesca found happiness in Michael and learned to let go of the guilt she once felt. Getting to that point was difficult and I love that Quinn did not sugarcoat it.