A sparkling, yet tender Regency romance
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Sparkling dialogue - the heroine irrepressible reminscent of a Lizzie Bennett or Heyer's Horatia Winwood. And Lady D very much in the tradition of the great Heyer matriachs - overbearing, meddlesome, dismissive of fools yet meriting much respect. What sets this apart for me are the moments of tenderness between the hero and the heroine. Hyacinth's heart opens to Gareth upon witnessing a scene of cruelty and hatred between "father" and son, and Gareth in turn finds himself defending Hyacinth against those threatened by her sharp tongue and who think her unmarriageable.
There are also more than a few moments that jar with my Heyer schooled notions about the Regency period - Hyacinth's "comfortable walking shoes" under her evening wear is just one. However, the interesting storyline and lively characters compensate - and I think the ending works very well.
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Bad, bad, bad.
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Miss Quinn's apparently audacious disregard for the conventions of the Regency period shines through, rendering the reader liable to feeling distinctly irritated. Occasional Americanisms do not improve the rather flat writing style for English readers. Setting the denouement of her plot in a room which would not have existed in English houses of the period simply serves to underline the fact that Miss Quinn should do a little research before attempting to write a novel set in a period about which she appears to be largely ignorant.
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Bridgertons are forever... and even a girl's best friend
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Hyacinth Bridgerton, youngest of eight, isn't like other girls in the ton. She's forthright, outspoken, intelligent and good friends with Lady Danbury. In fact she's so like the fearsome dowager countess that she's scared off her suitors altogether.
When a heart-to-heart conversation with her mother points this out, Hyacinth is forced to admit that while most men don't stand a chance of keeping up with her, the few who do... terrify her completely. Not that it matters, of course, because there's no one around who she's the slightest bit interested in.
Except...
Gareth St. Clair, handsome, charming, intelligent and the grandson of Lady Danbury. If anyone can keep up with Hyacinth, it would be him. But he has such a terrible reputation, not to mention that he always appears to be laughing at her. But he also has a challenge for her that she simply can't resist.
Lady Danbury returns! Ever since her meddlesome matchmaking in 'How to Marry a Marquis', Lady D has been a staple of Julia Quinn's books, playing a vital role in 'Romancing Mr. Bridgerton' and making her presence most definitely felt throughout the majority of the rest. Here she stars in the very first chapter, alongside Penelope and Hyacinth, in a wonderful scene that sets the tone for the book: witty, light-hearted fun, with the occasional dash of sarcastic humour.
Although Hyacinth and Gareth are a wonderful pair - and very well suited to each other - this book is made by a few fabulous Bridgerton moments: Hyacinth's two conversations with her mother; Gareth's interview with Anthony; Gregory's appearence. They all add that extra touch to JQ's usual humourous romance.
And once again it ends with a perfect epilogue (don't miss the Second Epilogue e-book - it's worth downloading!). Ever since her first appearence in 'The Duke and I', Hyacinth has been a witty scene stealer, so it's great to see her end up with the story she deserves.
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Light reading only
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This is the latest in Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series and in book 7, its Hyacinth's turn to find love, and a little adventure along the way. Hyacinth had to be one of my favourite characters in all of the book for being the youngest and most outspoken of the Bridgerton siblings, and she finally met her match in Gareth St Clair. The plot revolves around Hyacinth translating Gareth's grandmother's diary that is written in Italian. In the diary are secrets about Gareth's family that he is trying to find out, and naturally along the way he and Hyacinth develop an affinity towards each other. The book is pure brain candy, but one that could be taken in small doses. I loved Julia Quinn's earlier books, but I found the storyline sweet, if a little bland and the adventures were not that exciting and then the story ended a little bit abruptly with a chapter at the end to tie up all the lose ends.
It was interesting to read about what some of the other Bridgerton siblings were doing, those who were mentioned in the book, but I think since the series is nearing its end with on Gregory Bridgerton to be married off, I hope that the final book will be more riveting.
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