REVIEW: Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

In Because of Miss Bridgerton (Rokesbys #1) by Julia Quinn, Billie Bridgerton grew up next to the Rokesbys, spending hours upon hours running around free outside with Edward, Andrew and Mary. George is the one member of the family she doesn’t know well, aside from the snippy remarks they’ve thrown at each other over the years. But now after a few quiet moments alone with George as he comes to her rescue, Billie finds that she is intrigued by him. And attracted to him, which definitely wasn’t in her plans. Can the uptight heir of an earldom actually find her attractive and overlook her tomboyish ways?

“You disapprove of everything about me.”
He stepped toward her, his hand tightening on her arm. “That is so far from the truth as to be laughable.”
Billie’s mouth fell open. Then she realized that George looked as shocked by his words as she did.

Being the heir apparent has meant that George had to be more serious and focus on his education while growing up instead of frolicking across the countryside with his siblings and their outspoken neighbor Billie. George has never given her a second thought until he realizes what a quick, intelligent mind she has as they have a civil conversation for once. Plus, she truly does have a captivating smile. Billie is the opposite of who George should choose as his duchess, but for the first time in his life he doesn’t care one whit about society’s rules.

“When have you ever backed down from a dare?”
…”Never,” she declared, staring him straight in the eye.
He smiled, and his gaze grew hot. “That’s my girl,” he murmured.
“I’m not–”
“You will be,” he growled, and before she could utter another word, his mouth captured hers in a searing kiss.

Loved. It. I had such a fantastic time reading Because of Miss Bridgerton thanks to the easy flow of Julia Quinn’s writing and the witty dialogue between all of the characters. I don’t think I’ve chuckled so much while in the midst of a Historical Romance in a long time.

I sincerely did have a ball getting to know the Bridgertons and Rokesbys in this novel. From what I understand, this prequel series explains the previous generation to Quinn’s popular Bridgerton series which has been out for several years. This being my introduction into the dynamics between the two families, it was easy to see that there was a lot of love and respect between them all. That became quite evident as events took place during this story and they had to come together both socially and for moral support later on.

I loved the character development itself and felt like I really got a good grasp on who each of the family members were, especially Billie and George. Although I loved George’s brother Andrew, too. He had such a fun sense of humor and was always there to liven things up. I thought Billie, being an outspoken tomboy who jumped first and asked questions later, was a great match for dependable heir to the earldom, George.

This wasn’t really an enemies-to-lovers trope, but it was definitely about George and Billie antagonizing each other until they spent some time together and found out that they could actually be friends. Their romance was a slow burn, which was great. It felt realistic and like I said, their constant bantering was smart and deliciously fun as it all played out. I did kind of feel like the ending was a tad abrupt and left me wanting an epilogue, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed Billie and George’s happy-for-now journey together. (Hopefully the next book will give us some updated details on the happy couple!)

Whether or not you’re a fan of the original Bridgerton series, I think Historical Romance readers will breeze through this wonderful story. It will have you laughing, sighing and gasping, but most importantly, believing that everyone deserves a chance at love.

Book Info:

Publication: Expected publication: March 29th 2016 | Avon | Rokesbys #1

Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places…

This is not one of those times.

Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband… someday.

Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should…

Or not.

There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he’s arrogant, annoying, and she’s absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can’t stand the sight of him, either.

But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor…

Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can’t abide is the one person they can’t live without…