Friday, February 10, 2023

Quick Reviews

 An Offer From a Gentleman (Bridgertons #3) by Julia Quinn (2006)

The illegitimate daughter of an earl, Sophie is basically a servant to her stepmother and two stepsisters.  One night she sneaks into the Bridgerton family's masquerade ball, and her connection with Benedict Bridgerton is swift and undeniable - until she disappears at midnight.  A couple years later, she once again enters Benedict's orbit - but she's a housemaid and he doesn't recognize the maskless Sophie.  Now, Benedict is torn between the woman of his dreams and the woman right in front of him, not knowing it's the same person.  I really loved this story!  The initial meeting between Sophie and Benedict is so dreamy, swoony, romantic - all the feels!  When they are brought back into each other's lives, I just wanted Sophie to be honest with Benedict, although I understood her hesitance.  They have such great chemistry, even when they're bickering.  I loved all the scenes with the extended Bridgerton clan, too - there is so much cheeky humor!  4.5 stars

Ignite by Melanie Harlow (2022)

Dex is a 30-something firefighter and single dad just getting over a divorce; Winnie is a 22-year-old event planner who isn't looking for anything serious - sparks fly when these two move in next door to each other.  This was kind of of a "meh" read for me.  I like the single dad aspect (the kids were really cute, and I don't often like kids in books), although I felt bad for his ex.  The age gap could have been more fun, but Winnie was very immature (her love for Wendy's Frostys came up way too many times).  I did appreciate that Winnie is actually pretty self-aware, knowing that she falls too hard and too fast in love, so she tries to keep this thing with Dex casual.  I didn't realize when I started the book that it was part of a series/universe, so there are a LOT of side characters to keep track of.  Like, too many - why did we need all these other people?  It's like the story wasn't long or strong enough on its own.  Also, there were parts that were so unrealistic - like, Winnie is offered a dream job that I'm not sure she was actually qualified for, and Dex is able to take on a pretty serious side gig despite his crazy firefighter's schedule.  In the end, a predictable romance with a couple steamy scenes.  2.5 stars


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14 comments:

  1. I am so glad you are enjoying the Bridgerton series. It's my favorite escape and the audio books are awesome, too. I am listening to book six right now. I can't wait for the new season on Netflix.

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    1. Haha, I still need to finish watching season 2!

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  2. Readin the Bridgerton bllurb, I actually forgot it was a Bridgerton book and thought it must be a Cinderella retelling (of sorts!)

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  3. I'm glad the first one was good! Although I could use a frosty right about now lol- haven't had one of those in AGES.

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  4. What a bummer about Ignite! I hate when it's not clear if something is part of a bigger universe, really messes up the reading experience (although that makes me want to reminisce my childhood with a Frosty, haha! How funny it was mentioned so much!). I'm glad you're enjoying the Bridgerton books!

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    1. I guess it was probably my own fault for not realizing it was part of a series, but even still, it was a little overwhelming.

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  5. It's always a treat to find a book with characters who have great chemistry!

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  6. Oh, An Offer From A Gentleman is next on my Bridgerton TBR so I'm so happy to see you loved it!

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  7. I've been enjoying the Bridgerton series too. I just finished Eloise's story last week and thought that was another excellent installment.

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I'm so glad you stopped by, and I would love to hear your thoughts! Comments are always greatly appreciated!