historical

Just when I think that Julia Quinn has written one of my favorite novels, she writes another that I like even better. Quinn is now at the height of her creative powers so far, able to create an intensely warm, charming and vastly entertaining story that simmers with passion, tenderness and depth. The last chapter before the epilogue actually moved me to tears.

Penelope Featherington (whom we know from all previous Bridgerton novels) is 28 and has been in love with Colin Bridgerton since she was 16. Unfortunately for her, Colin barely knows she exists, though he has always been friendly and kind to her. As Eloise Bridgerton's best friend, Penelope has spent a lot of time at the Bridgerton home and is considered practically a part of the family, especially now that she and Eloise are both spinsters.

Colin (who's 33 and still not married) returns from one of his many long voyages abroad, and somehow Penelope seems different-or maybe he's different. He's not sure. As they're thrown together, he begins to notice admirable-and highly attractive qualities-in her that he's never seen before. But suddenly Penelope glimpses darkness and fear in the supremely confident Colin she's always loved. What is the secret he's keeping from her? And can their beautiful developing friendship grow into love?

Here is a novel in which telling the external plot (which revolves around everyone trying to figure out who Lady Whistledown is) gives no guide to the treasures within. This novel is about character and dramatic situation. The characters themselves grow and keep growing on the reader. The Bridgerton family is endlessly delightful. Colin and Penelope especially seem so real that it's hard to believe they're fictional. Colin's own travel writing is exquisite-a joy to read. And there are some really priceless scenes-like the madcap one in which Colin asks Penelope's mother for Penelope's hand: pure and vastly entertaining comedy!

The identity of the wonderfully wise and witty Lady Whistledown is finally revealed here, and my having guessed who she was three novels ago didn't diminish the pleasure in the least.

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton is a complex, mature and vastly entertaining work that no romance enthusiast should miss!

Colin and Penelope....finally! I read this book in one day. It was wonderful. Penelope has always been one of my favorite characters in the Bridgerton series because she was so ordinary. She wasn't a raving beauty or a duchess or countess(I never knew England had that many peers of the realm anyway!) but she went to the parties and muddled through, somehow. She was the butt of many jokes by a nasty, mean-spirited girl that I know reminded everybody of someone they knew in school. If not then YOU probably were that girl(for shame).
I can't say much more without giving away some major plot twists. But the Lady Whistledown mystery is solved to my everlasting satisfaction. Yeah!, Wow!, I knew it all the time! This is a good book and if you like all the Bridgertons as much as I do, don't pass on this latest but probably not the last installment. Thanks Julia Quinn for another enjoyable read and I guess I'll have to wait until(ulp) 2003 until the next book comes out.

i must say i really enjoyed this book right from the beginning and it is a great read. Penolope and Colin are such a fine match. Colin is so charming and Penelope may act a bit shy in the first place but she turned as witty as any woman who doesn't make their debut in society much. All in all this book is great and I highly reccomend it to anyone who haven't got one of the taste from quinn's best book.