Bridgerton Collection Volume 2

Bridgertons #4-6

by Julia Quinn

An enchanting collection containing books four, five, and six of #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn’s beloved Regency-set Bridgerton novels—Romancing Mister Bridgerton; To Sir Phillip, with Love; and When He Was Wicked—now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix.

Romancing Mister Bridgerton

Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend’s brother from afar for forever—until she stumbles across Colin Bridgerton’s deepest secret and fears she doesn't know him at all. Meanwhile, Colin is tired of his reputation as an empty-headed charmer and of the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown. Upon his return to London, he discovers everything has changed—especially Penelope Featherington! The girl who was always simply there suddenly haunts his dreams. When he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide . . . is she his biggest threat or his promise of a happy ending?


To Sir Phillip, With Love

Sir Phillip knew that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he’d proposed, figuring she’d be timid and desperate to marry. Except . . . she wasn’t. And all he wanted to do was kiss her . . . As for Eloise, she couldn’t marry a man she had never met! Yet, she found herself in a carriage on her way to meet her perfect match. Except . . . he wasn’t. Despite being handsome, Phillip was a large, ill-mannered brute. But when he kissed her, the world simply fell away… could this imperfect man be perfect for her?


When He Was Wicked

After a lifetime of smiling slyly as women chased him, Michael Stirling, London’s most infamous rake, took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell hopelessly in love. Unfortunately for Michael, Francesca’s surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer—they met at a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin. But that was then . . . Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but she still sees him as a dear friend. Michael dares not profess his love . . . until one dangerous night, passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets . . .

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Regency, Adult

1173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2021

About the author

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don't read (or write) romance, and and if you watch reruns of the game show The Weakest Link you might just catch her winning the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code.

A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Her books have been translated into 32 languages, and she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.

The Bridgertons, her popular series of historical romance, is currently in production by Shondaland as a Netflix original series starring Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, and Rége-Jean Page.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well. Got sucked in for more by watching some of the Netflix series. I took a liking to Penelope and decided to read her story. She is a likeable character in the book also: smart, loyal, and hopelessly in love with a long term friend who has not really noticed her existence.

The main problem is these books are just so tropey! So many tropes....The women are usually likeable but incredibly naïve. The men are total playboys who miraculously convert into loyal monogamous husbands the minute “the right” woman bewitches them. They also all start off being lovely but usually betray their domineering, forceful or grumpy side as the story unfolds. The series is quite raunchy, but in the stereotypical throbbing member kind of way, and again the naïve, virginal women are instantaneously converted into nymphomaniac porn stars on their first sexual encounter. Light-hearted but not well connected with reality.

[Karen Witzler · Rating 2 out of 5]

My daughter and I love the tv show and I had some neurotic need to find out Penelope and Eloise’s future. They should have run off together. I’ll leave Gregory and Hyacinth alone.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection has three novels, two of which I’ve already reviewed individually and given 5 stars to (Romancing Mr. Bridgerton and To Sir Phillip With Love). I’ll use this space to review When He Was Wicked, because my highlights will show up this way. This one was more of a 3.5-4 star rating for me, but the collection as a whole is 4.5-5.

The subject matter for Wicked was definitely heavier, so the angst Michael and Francesca experienced was appropriate, but it was rather drawn out. I did love both characters, and I especially liked the overlap in timeline with the two other books in this collection (Colin’s and Eloise’s). Colin was a rock star in his scenes with Michael, and it was great to see him mess with Michael, shake him up a bit, and nudge him in the right direction. The second epilogue was moving and a perfect ending for this couple. I was thinking it might go in a different direction, especially after Francesca’s talk with Eloise, (F and M would adopt) but I guessed wrong, and that’s fine.

This nice thing about these collections is that they have all the second epilogues that Quinn wrote for each novel years after they were published, and they’ve all been lovely.

[**Sognatrice di libri** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tre fratelli e le loro storie tutte molto belle ed emozionanti sia in positivo che non, ma sempre davvero molto belle.
Anche questa seconda parte di trilogia è stata molto piacevole da leggere.

[Sam Dzuranin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these stories. I made it through the first two before it needed to be returned to the library - finished with When He Was Wicked after checking it out again... loved them all. These stories are my jam!

[Cheri Bernard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading stories of the Bridgerton’s. It’s all very predictable but who doesn’t love a romance with a happy ending. I love like the second epilogues as well.

[Linda Kaban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man. I thought nothing would top the first 3 books in Volume One. But Volume Two, with Colin's, Eloise's and Francesca's stories were just as glorious or more. (BTW, Goodreads, even this only counts as one book, I did just read 6 full books in Volumes One and Two. Shame it only counts as two books towards my goal)

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? From the moment I started watching Bridgerton, both of them became my 'comfort characters,' and I couldn't be happier after reading the RMB book. I truly believe that there is something empowering about seeing a plus-size and intelligent woman being genuinely loved. Even though, in the book, Penelope does lose some weight (let's not talk about that), she continues to be a plus size woman who slowly, finds new ways to love herself and her own body.
Colin's story development brings me so much joy when we realize that, as he starts to feel more comfortable - and falls in love with Pen, he feels encouraged to seek help from Penelope to edit and publish his journals.

Right now, I'm excited to see how they will translate a lot of the book moments to the show. Fingers crossed that the Polin nation will get what we deserve.

“She was a siren, a goddess, and he wondered how on earth no one had ever noticed this before.”

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let it be known that due to me cheating myself and reading a “collection” goodreads is not accounting the fact that I’ve actually read six (6!) individual books in a series and I only have myself to blame but it needs to be said! (6!)

RMB: fav; reader - I marry them! had me searching the fic archives, very unwell. TSPWH: exhausting blah blah n kids, I stopped reading for a full week it’s so snooze, but sir philly is a broody hot; WHWW: this is the most mommy romance title ever made before quinn’s it’s in his kiss. steamiest yet, I shall go (plane emoji) scotland asap. Overall: not bad, I like this series 3.5 avg

[A C · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping this would be a satisfying ugly duckling story because I love those, but eh. I wanted more drama and maybe even a love triangle. Like, give us basic bitches what we want! Make the “best friend” who finally sees the woman in front of him for what she is fight for her and prove his worth. She loves him because he’s hot and not actively belittling her, but when did he ever have to prove that he deserves her? Even Darcy had to work for Lizzy. C’mon.

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this bundle when it went on sale - Making my Bridgerton collection complete. Tbh romancing mr Bridgerton and to sir Phillip with love weren’t my favorites in the series. I really liked Colin and Penelope and Eloise in the show as side characters but I think my expectations were too high when I got to their book.

But props for when he was wicked for being the 🔥🔥 of the series

[Triffin Zecy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colin - 3 ⭐️
Eloise - 3.5 ⭐️
Francesca - 4 ⭐️ (Michael! ❤️ )

[Zimmy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope and Francesa's love stories have to be some of the best in the series!! Hyacinth's is definitely up there, though

[Lidia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siempre encantada de leer esta impresionante saga con todas sus historias a cada cual más bonita y romántica. Muchas felicidades 😘

[Heather Brownstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as much as Daphne and Simon's love story, but it was a fun read.

[Taka Hoy]

Ya it was a lot of Bridgerton in a row sue me

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of books 4-6 in the Bridgerton series- Colin/Penelope, Eloise/Philip, and Francesca/Michael.
This series is fun and there is a lot of personality in each book.

[Symone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton: 4
In comparison to the first three books in this series, this one takes the cake. There was so much banter not just between Penelope and Colin, but also between her and other characters. I feel like the personalities of the Bridgertons who hadn't yet had stories (in this case, Eloise and Hyacinth) are properly established now. Although I do prefer how this book was portrayed in the show, so far it's my favourite of the book series.

To Sir Phillip with Love: 3
It definitely wasn't my favourite Bridgerton story, but it also wasn't my least favourite. I wish letters played a more important role in the book (the title is very misleading), instead of just at the beginning, and starting off each chapter like Lady Whistledown used to. I could not bring myself to like Phillip, and I can't understand how Eloise could. I'm also just not a fan of stories where children are important characters, so that was another thing I didnt like (but that's a me problem).

When He Was Wicked: 4
The tone of this book was very different (much heavier) from all the others, but I still found everyone to be a bit dramatic. There were so many times where a little communication would have resolved everything. On the other hand, Francesca and Michael's story is filled with so much turmoil, I find I'm easily able to forgive them. I really appreciated the author's note at the end regarding the illnesses portrayed in the book (and that proceeds go to malaria research!).

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

non so, a me questi Bridgerton stanno proprio simpatici

[Sage · Rating 3 out of 5]

My disclaimer in my review for Books 1-3 definitely still applies to Books 4-6. I had already read Book 5 about Eloise separately, so I’ll put my review for #5 here again.

I was gonna leave reviews on the individual books but just decided to lump all these together, and if I don’t hit my 2021 reading goal, then this totally counts as 3 books. Overall I have mixed feelings about these books. On one hand, I did enjoy them, and on the other hand, some of the characters/situations are INSUFFERABLE and obnoxious and made me so annoyed. The writing is lovely though, and Julia Quinn is a delight. I definitely want to read more of these (and own my favorites!)

Book 4:
Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Penelope + Colin
3 stars.

- Penelope and Colin are a delight, and Penelope (along with Eloise) might be my favorite character!
- The Whistledown bits were hilarious and I really enjoyed them. And I think Colin was so OBNOXIOUS over his Whistledown jealousy. I totally get it, but good lord, stop being a wet blanket and support your wife!!
- I loved the reveal at the end though, and the epilogues were delightful.


Book 5:

Sir Philip, With Love
Eloise + Philip
3.5 stars.

Delightful to reread my favorite bits!

I really enjoyed the first half of this book, and then 2 things happened that made me not like it as much. A) The Bridgerton brothers are obnoxious. B) for the love of god, men are stupid, and Phillip and Eloise need to talk to each other!! But it ended well, and there was a lovely epilogue from 19-year-old Amanda’s POV which I really liked.

This book cracked me up — I legitimately snorted out loud at some of the book. Especially Eloise at the beginning being like “I’m a spinster at twenty eight” which I KNOW was of the 1823 ish times, but was hilarious to me, as an almost 27-year-old in 2021.

Phillip and Eloise’s initial correspondence and meeting was like the 1800s version of dating apps, and it was amusing to me. I flew through this book, and basically ignored my family and read in my room for 4 hours start to finish. Very satisfying! I’m not sure if I’ll read any of the others in the series, maybe eventually, but I did like this one a lot. Eloise is my fave!

Book 6:

When He Was Wicked
Francesca + Michael
2.5 stars

Overall, this book was decent, *but* I was honestly just exasperated 75% of the time. This is the SLOWEST of slow burns, and the whole book, I was like WOULD Y’ALL FUCKING TALK TO EACH OTHER and stop wasting time??? It was OBNOXIOUS.

The sex scenes were A+++ though so that’s something 🔥 but not sure they outweighed my exasperation over most of the book 🙃

Francesca and Michael was different, because Francesca wasn’t a blushing debutante, but a young widow who know what she wants. I just wanted Michael to TELL FRANCESCA HIS FEELINGS ffs. The epilogues were so lovely though, and I did really like each chapter starting with bits of letters from various characters.

[Marcela Jaramillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It feels like I'm cheating because I didn't review the first collection, but I'm lazy and I fear I'd go on and on about The Viscount Who Loved Me and, honestly? Who's got the time?

So, quick drive-by while I'm here:

1. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton
My thoughts run along the line of: "Time skip. Time skip? This again??" Yes. This again. But to be fair, the author saved us from waiting by having all 3 books in this collection happen AT THE SAME TIME. So, a lot of stuff makes sense when you finished the collection. Well, not Francesca. Nobody cares about Francesca.

Secondly, I've read from a lot of people the feeling of disappointment in this book, and I echo it... but for other reasons. Just like in B's story, conflict comes from the Bridgerton Boys being dicks to their "paramours". It was kind of jarring with Benedict, who was always characterized as "the nice one", being an asshole to Sophie for the plot to move along, but it comes back with full force with Colin. Colin had seriously no reason nor prior characterization to justify how goddamn annoying he is in this book. And, I kind of liked the concept of "oh, this devil may care attitude is a front", but the overall result of "so comfortable with someone you can just be horrible to them" isn't endearing to me. I feel like, if anything, Colin had a good amount of groveling to do towards Penelope, but it was bypassed because Pen is sooooooo in love that she overlooks him being consistently dismissive of her; even before their romance. Which takes me to my next point.

I mean, if the controlling asshole thing is justified by "historical accuracy" or whatever, I feel like fatphobia should've been addressed as well. Later on, Julia course corrects by implying that "guys didn't like Penelope because she was quiet", which made me laugh out loud. Look, clearly, I'm jaded, so don't take my word for it... but 30 odd years of experiential evidence leads me to believe that some (or quite a few) men would much prefer a quiet woman. So, at the time, I really don't see why her being "quiet" would be a deterrent. Would it look great that Colin dismissed Penelope because of her size? No. Not really a romance hero's greatest attribute. Would it have been more real? Yeah, absolutely. But hey, this is just me. I love me an asshole that has to eat shit to earn the love of his life. I live for that crap. (It's also kind of why A's story is my favorite. It's amazing at that. Maybe Anthony could've suffered a bit more, but all in all... satisfying journey for them. But anyways, I digress. (I told you I'd go on and on about The Viscount Who Loved Me!))

And, not to praise the Netflix series too much, but thank God they've set up some actual conflict for when Colin finds out Penelope is Lady Whistledown. "Oh, you're a writer and I'm just a dude with a notebook" is so weak compared to "You wrote the column that made me a laughingstock and drove away Marina Thompson, who I would've married and loved unconditionally." Just... mmm, delicious drama coming.

Also, way to bury the lede, Julia. Now I'm going to have to read G and H to find out what the hell happened after the Lady Whistledown reveal! (UNLESS THEY HAPPEN AT THE SAME GODDAMN TIME!)

Overall Score: 3/5

2. To Sir Phillip, With Love
Hooboy. I almost want to skip this one.

Let's start with the elephant in the room. I'm not a kids person. I'm sorry. Kids as a reason for marrying someone was never going to be my cup of tea. So, the kids plot line wasn't my fave. Don't get me wrong. The conflict the kids provided certainly relieved a lot of the weight from "the male lead is an asshole for no reason" from the overall structure, but still. The kids were cute. I felt for them. Was that enough of a reason for Eloise to want to marry A TOTAL STRANGER? Nah.

Part of me thinks this is a little due to the fact that I saw the Netflix series before reading the books so this characterization of her is such a strong departure from my idea of Eloise. Don't come for me, but, I really hope they either skip this story or change it entirely. Or nix the kids. I don't know. I'd just hate to see Netflix Eloise stuck in a country house raising some dude's kids and never doing anything she aspires to in the series. But, anyways, let me get back on track.

The whole kids thing, the whole Sir Phillip treating Eloise like a servant/mother for his kids and not a partner thing, the whole never-met-before-but-love thing aside... my general feeling is "this is so ludicrous". Like, if anyone in the Bridgerton series should've married without love, it was Eloise. And I like her. But it was a stupid move that should've had consequences. I don't mind her being rash and impulsive, but there should've been consequences. Bad ones. I don't know.

Also, Sir Phillip sucks. I hope he gets a major rewrite in the series. Netflix Eloise deserves better.

Overall Score: 2/5

3. When He Was Wicked
First off. That is simultaneously the best and worst title in this series.

Second, and I hate to stress this, nobody cares about Francesca. Francesca is the lost child of the Bridgerton clan and it took SO LONG for me to give an F (pun intended?) about Francesca. And, don't get me wrong, Francesca is a perfectly serviceable character, but she is so far removed from 5 (COUNT 'EM! FIVE!) previous books, that it's hard for her to ingratiate herself to me so late in the game.

Starting with: She got married off-screen. Well, "off-screen". You get what I mean. It's a mind stage. Off-mind stage. And her marriage is supposed to be this really good one, but you never see it. The only bit where you see John, he is SO boring that I refuse to believe he's Scottish. Relax, he isn't. They let us know later on that, even though they live in and own part of Scotland, they are very much English.

The love interest of the story is her late husband's cousin which already started to gross me out. Look. I get it. They're not blood related. But it still grossed me out. The fact that he was pining after her for years and years and years grossed me out even more. And, as it is hammered in by Colin repeatedly in this book, it's not illegal... but damn, does it feel awkward and wrong. Also, Colin, wtf are you doing solving Francesca's love life when you're supposed to be wooing Penelope? Get back to your own book!

That said, Michael is probably the best male lead of the collection. Even when he let us know he wasn't Scottish (-50 points for that, btw), he was the best male lead of the collection. What's so great about him? Well, shit. Let's see: consent, actually realizes how weird the cousin thing is, an actual personal conflict that isn't out of character, a patience with Francesca that's honestly worthy of canonization (if you're not Catholic, go look that up), creativity in the bedroom, defends F's honor, tells her to screw her family for ignoring her... Seriously, Michael's the best.

But it took me a while to get into it because... see points 1 and 2. But when I did, I enjoyed it. Only part that's unsatisfying is the happy ending. Look. I know that sounds bad. But, you make a big fuss about Francesca making peace with not having kids by the end, and then, boom... kids. Part of me thinks she should've just been happy being childless and it'd show her growth. But fine! Happy endings for all!

(Man, this is making me sound really anti-kids. I just want lasting character development.)

Overall Score: 4/5

---

So, if you know your averages in math, that makes a 3/5 overall rating.

[Alexei · Rating 1 out of 5]

After watching the Netflix series, I've decided to read Penelope's story again. And I m heartbroken and truly disappointed.
Colin manhandles her a lot and then he realizes that, in fact, she is actually beautiful and lovely. True love doesn't leave bruises.
He is very domineering, petty, and jealous. He is offending her quite a lot, I say.
Penelope deserved someone better.

[K.L. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fave book of the series

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok so after reading the love stories of six out of the eight Bridgerton's, I think it is fair to say that the author (or should I say This Author, geddit?) definitely has a repetitive formulaic structure of how romance should play out:

Initial meeting - Woohoo - Small conflict - Woohoo - One falls in love - Woohoo again - Major conflict / arranged marriage - Both realise they have loved each other all along so meaningful Woohoo- happy ending complete with a bevy of kids and endless woohoo-ing.

The novelty of it all really wore off by the end of Volume 1 but alas, I thought that 3 new characters would have a fresh approach including SPOILER ALERT: my fave Bridgerton.

Individual ratings: by character name as I have seem to have completely forgotten the titles of each novel and CBF looking them up even though it will only take 10 seconds...

1. Colin's story - 3.5 stars
I had to remind myself that this actually was Colin's story. Why was he such a dick?! Previously in Vol 1, homeboy has been referenced as oh so charming, oh so cheerful, oh so sweet and what he really is a very moody, kinda aggressive and occasionally annoying a**hole. Yes, no-one is perfect but it was polarising to the extreme. I was not entirely convinced of the romance but Penelope? Oh I have plenty of time for Miss Penelope Featherington. Her POV was prob the best in whole series so far so all the stars go to her alone.

2. Eloise's story - 4 stars
I know, I know, what a surprise right? Everyone's least favourite happens to be my personal fave. Particularly problematic (like all of them to be fair) but Eloise is my fave Bridgerton so yes, I am biased. Another romance I am still not convinced of but Eloise does remind me of myself and hell, I also can't choose a good man for myself even if my life depended on it so there is that...

3. When He Was Wicked / Francesca's story - 2.5*
1. I remembered this title because of how awful it is.
2. Doesn't everyone love a tall, brooding, handsome Scotsman? Yes, I thought so.
3. Hot Scotsman aside, it was a bit too much smut and not enough angst for me personally. It is obvious why both Francesca and Michael would feel so emotionally and mentally tortured with their attraction to each other given the circumstances, but if only they just used their mouths to speak and not for *coughs* other things, it may have given this a much more realistic take on this situation. Sighs, it just read like one-dimensional Fabio novel, with the "lovin" being the forefront of the narrative. And yes, I can sadly admit and attest to that.

N.B. Why does everything in this series happen in such a short amount of time? I literally just read through 6 "whirlwind" romances. I understand it happens but all of them?!*face palm*

Also N.B. Why do all the men (particularly the Bridgerton Bros) in this series, turn into hideous alpha males while courting? Why is this ok? Why is this swoon-worthy? I am looking at you in particular Benny boy! Why why why!??!

P.S I miss Lady Whistledown.

[mimi ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The moment we've all been waiting for... the unveiling of Lady Whistledown! Colin and Penelope's story was more exciting than I was hoping for. I thought it was going to be pretty bland as Colin and Penelope have been pretty bland background characters so far in their attitudes they present to the ton. Julia Quinn however is able to reveal more about their characters and relationship that introduces a new level of angst I would not have expected from these characters. Colin was a bit more infuriating than he has been in previous books and to be honest I was a bit annoyed with his search for purpose. Penelope though was a delight the whole way through. I especially enjoyed the scene of Colin coming to the Featherington's to ask for Penelope's hand in marriage!

In To Sir Phillip, With Love Eloise gets the spotlight. It is revealed that although Eloise is happy for Colin, her brother, and Penelope, her best friend, she is feeling a bit left out. She thought that Penelope would be her fellow spinster for life - not having Penelope by her side now makes her look for a romance of her own. She has been writing an estranged cousin's widowed husband, starting off with her condolences. Phillip had been living with an unhappy wife before she tried to kill herself, he saved her only for her to die from illness. He has two children that he doesn't know how to control. He asks Eloise to marry him through their letters without meeting. When Eloise does meet him he is a bit standoffish and sometimes rude - it reminded me a small bit of beauty and the beast. Phillip does have a soft side that Eloise is able to crack and she does the same with his naughty children that she recognizes are just scared. They were a lovely couple that I really enjoyed. I think this story showed us Eloise's strength even more. And it showed us a longing we would have thought Eloise was above.

In When He Was Wicked we are introduced to what has been going on with Francesca all this time - an easily forgotten Bridgerton even in the Netflix series. Francesca has been living in Scotland with an aristocratic husband who she seems to be in love with. Her husband dies shortly after this book begins and Francesca suffers a miscarriage as well. She happily lives as a widow running her former husband's household, but dreaming of children of her own. Michael, her husband's cousin, used to be very close friends with the couple and viewed her husband more of a brother, but he had a secret. He was deeply in love with Francesca since her wedding to his cousin. He flees to another country after the death of his cousin despite being the new heir to the fortune and estates. He returns to find a wife during the same season Francesca returns to London to find herself a new husband. They try to deny their feelings at first, especially Michael who doesn't want to betray his dead cousin by marrying his widowed wife. They sleep together several times before Francesca agrees to marry Michael. They seem to have some infertility for a while to Francesca's sadness before they are able to conceive to the happiness of all Bridgertons. This may have been my least favorite one so far - the angst just wasn't there for me that has been present in every other Bridgerton tale. I just felt sad for these characters and both Michael and Francesca were frustrating characters.

[Maria Luisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

This collection has both one of my favorites and my least favorite: Romancing Mister Bridgerton and To Sir Phillip, With Love, respectively.

Polin is such a good tandem. I really love how they've come together. I enjoy how we get to dive deeper into Colin's insecurities but also how he develops into his loving and dedicated role to Penelope. I also enjoyed seeing more of the Featherington family when Colin proclaims his intentions for Penelope. I loved Felicity having Penelope’s back!! And big points to Colin for showing Lady Featherington how blind she has been.

Now with Eloise’s book. I was quite disappointed with how Sir Phillip treated her. I thought he would have redeemed himself at the end, but I just don’t see that. I was willing to look past his initial goal of just marrying to have a wife to take care of his kids since I expected that he would shift that mentality. But then he goes ahead and gaslights Eloise for feeling neglected. Phillip throwing his trauma around as an excuse to demand Eloise be happy with what she has is so wrong. THEN Eloise just surrenders! The Eloise I was rooting for would have stood up for herself. She would’ve been smart enough to see that she doesn’t need to settle for that kind of treatment. What made this book bearable for me was the Bridgerton sibling interactions. I love love loved seeing more scenes with them. I love the brothers protecting Eloise but also getting bested by her at their games.

Now Francesca’s story is refreshing. She really goes through it! I enjoyed her scene with Violet in the epilogue where we see their shared connection for having been widowed. Plus the two of them finally acknowledging Francesca’s inability to be with child was so devastating. One of the more poignant lines I read was “[Violet] was grieving for the lost dreams of her child…And the irony was, Francesca would never know. She’d never know what it felt like to hurt for a child because she’d never know what it was to be a mother.” But with her losses, Francesca manages to carry on and even gain confidence in her own skin. I love seeing the female protagonist take control of her sexual experience. With the other books, there’s an emphasis on the fact that the women are so innocent. So seeing Francesca demand and instruct Michael was a nice change.

Overall, even though Eloise’s book was my least favorite, this collection still makes me excited to read on Volume 3.

[Natalie (Rosie) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Are these masterpieces? No
Are there POC? No
Are these books at all unique? No
Are these well written? Also No

This author is very clearly white and all her characters are white. Any description of non-european countries are incredibly racist and outdated. This is a historical romance so you may argue that it’s historically accurate but truly it didn’t need to be included because before being historical these are romance novels and those kinds of details have no affect on the story.

In addition there are many issues with consent throughout these books. Coercion, manipulation, and at times a complete lack of consent are present as part of tropes and/or plot lines. The historical context is used as an excuse to disregard some of the consent problems that should have been discussed or involved consequences with their inclusion. These scenes are almost romanticized and that is inexcusable.



I will admit that DESPITE these things I did enjoy the books on a very surface level. They are very quick reads that you don’t need to think much about. Characters between books are not all that different and even if the over arching trope the book focuses on is different there are other plot lines and tropes that are repeated. The books were a lot of fun because I was binge reading this series while still having school work and other stressful events.

I have not seen the TV show, so I do not know all the changes made, but it sounds like many of the changes were positive from the books. If you are not a fan of reading and you are a fan of the show, these are probably not worth reading.



If you want to read these I suggest you check them out of the library if possible to avoid supporting this author — which I wish I had known ahead of time


Main Tropes:
Romancing Mister Bridgerton - Childhood Friends to Lovers
To Sir Phillip, With Love - Strangers/Penpals to Lovers
When He Was Wicked - Widow and Friend/Ex’s Friend/Family to Lovers (sorry I’m not sure how exactly to describe this trope)


I will add specific content warnings for each book later with some context.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not at all expecting to like this as much as I did, but I absolutely loved it! Great characters, love stories not as tropey as the first three books, really great! I think I really like the more introverted characters that are the focus of all three books in this set. My only real complaint is that the second epilogues, while connected to the original characters, also give away some of the plot points of later books if you're reading it all in order for the first time.

Romancing Mister Bridgerton: Love it! I love the characters, how it all worked out, and as a Netflix-first person, I also love how some pieces of the story have been incorporated chronologically into the series. The adaptation is impressive, but this book is just great!

To Sir Phillip, With Love: Another enjoyable book! I think that everyone transformed far too quickly into wonderful, loving people but I still loved it overall. I kind of envy the writing that Eloise does, I keep wanting to be more of a letter writer but never actually set aside the time to just sit down and do it.

When He Was Wicked: I really thought that this one was going to be the trope-laden one where one or both of the protagonists were engaged or even at the altar when the big romantic reveal/gesture happened, but was glad that wasn't the actual plot. This book was also a bit more of what I originally thought the whole series would be, a bit more consistently risque than the prior five. I especially appreciated how the author did her research and shared some of the relevant aspects of that research with the reader in the Author's Note; donating profits to a charity to help fight the disease featured is the cherry on top. I would give this five stars plus for that aspect of it, really elevated the author in my mind and makes me more interested in seeking out anything else she's written too.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite of Bridgerton Novels

I liked this collection much more then the first three. This collection works well together because they happen essentially simultaneously. Colin and Penelope’s story is sweet. I enjoyed that one in they way candy is good. Simple and sweet. They fall in love the way a lot of people do, knowing each other for years before having a relationship. It’s a satisfying one.

I have mixed feelings about Eloise’s story. Some of it is sweet and fun. Other parts make me angry- I never like the men ordering the women. And it followed Quinn’s formula of sex first, love later and forced marriage. That’s getting old. And Eloise, for being so smart, seems really dumb getting herself in a situation to have to get married. It doesn’t fit her character at all. So it just feels contrived like a lot of her books do. My favorite part of this book though, was Eloise talking to her mother. Those were really sweet moment.

A lot of these novels make me angry. Everyone being “forced” to get married-essentially arranged marriages that work out. She’s incredibly predictable with everyone having sex then realize they love the person. But When He Was Wicked was a little more complex and explored difficult feelings. Moving on after the death of a spouse. Even a little infertility mixed in. And for once the marriage wasn’t “forced”. Everything was fully within the heroine’s power to decide.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books are fun and entertaining, as long as you don't think too much about it. The blatant references to how the men are all sleeping around while the women are practically forced to marry the first man they take a walk alone with makes it all less fun. This feels a little like complaining that it's set in England, as the "forced to marry" and "values of the time" tropes are clearly an intended part of the package here. There's always emphasis on how during their first time together, the woman is a perfect innocent and the man has to guide her, which seems played up as though it's part of the allure. The "well, when we're married, you'll have to obey me" stuff gets icky, too. I can't tell if all those things are supposed to be appealing or a reminder that we're better off now. I guess it goes with the genre, but it's also weird that the "will they/won't they" has been flipped from "will they get together" to "will they find out that they're both actually in love with each other after they've been forced to get married" -- because somehow they always seem to feel forced to marry, and they're always too busy being suspicious or wounded to open up to each other about being attracted to each other.