REVIEW: The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

In The Other Miss Bridgerton (Rokesbys #3) by Julia Quinn, One moment Poppy Bridgerton is walking along the beach, relishing the freedom of an adventure on her own for a change, when the next moment she finds herself at the mercy of pirates. Who knew that exploring a cave would lead to her being kidnapped? But that is exactly what happens. Poppy is soon on a ship setting sail for Portugal, tied and bound, and about to meet the most handsome, infuriating, charming–did she mention handsome?–man she’s ever seen. As they grow closer to their destination, Captain James becomes a friend of a sort, engaging in conversations on a wide assortment of topics and takes the time to actually listen to her. But Poppy knows her situation is more troublesome for her than her captor. For depending upon how much her family and society knows of her abduction, her life may be altered completely if and when she arrives back to England.

‘How funny to think that if she were back in London, she could be ruined by a single kiss. It seemed so trivial now, compared with, oh, being kidnapped by pirates.
And yet as she stared into the captain’s eyes, it didn’t seem trivial at all.’

Captain Andrew James Rokesby has been leading what some might call a double life. To outsiders, he is a privateer who travels more days in a year than he spends at home with family and friends. But to the British government he is an important asset, bringing documents to other countries and doing his best to serve the crown. When two of his crew bring Poppy aboard after she found their loot, Andrew knows he’s in for one heck of a journey. His men will no doubt see her as bad luck, being the superstitious lot they are. But hearing her last name, well, he realizes he might end up having to ask for her hand in marriage when she is delivered safely back to England, considering he grew up with her cousins–who will not let him tarnish her name. Not that he’s against the idea the more he gets to know his beautiful, smart as a whip captive. But they have more to worry about once they land in Portugal. And it will be up to Andrew to lead Poppy and his crew to safety.

“All I want is a kiss.”
He grabbed her. Pulled her close. “It won’t be just a kiss, Poppy. It could never be just a kiss between us.”
And then–God help him–she whispered, “I know.”

An adventure on the high seas full of wit, charm and smoldering attraction, The Other Miss Bridgerton captivated me right away. And as with Julia Quinn’s other books, I hated to see my time with this cast of offbeat characters end.

“Do not contradict me. If I want to call you beautiful, I will do so without interruption.”
“But–”
“Shush.”
“I–”
His mouth found hers again, hungry and mischievous, nibbling at the edge of her lips as he murmured, “There are many ways to silence you, but none so pleasant as this.”

I do truly adore Julia Quinn’s novels. She writes some of the most interesting hero and heroine combinations who are relatable, yet each have their own unique personality and background. I thought Poppy and Andrew were the perfect pair for a journey on the sea–and it was a kidnapping trope, no less! (Well, there were *two* kidnappings actually, which you’ll find out when you read this book.) Their conversations kept me in stitches with their lively bantering and Andrew and Poppy’s inherent curiosity showing through loud and clear.

Aside from their wonderful conversations, I think what I loved most was the fact that this rather extreme situation brought two people together who have always somewhat felt misunderstood and felt like outsiders. That connection between Poppy and Andrew only added to the undeniable chemistry they had together, and I thought it created a bond that helped them become friends…and so much more.

Now some people may not like Poppy’s inquisitive nature–which got her into her predicament in the first place–but to me she was adorable and simply a riot to get to know. Quinn did a great job in my eyes with making Poppy intelligent but still a bit naive and vulnerable, but she had a strong backbone and was stronger than she realized. Andrew was a great counterbalance. He was the ship’s captain, so he was strong, a natural leader, and could make snap decisions with ease. But when we really got to know him, there was a kinder, gentler–and more romantic–side to Andrew than one might think at first glance. And I loved how that played out in how the events unfolded as the book neared its end.

So. Much. Fun. I don’t think I’ve smiled or laughed so much reading a historical romance since, well, probably the last time I read a Julia Quinn book. (lol) The Other Miss Bridgerton proved to be an unputdownable story that I think romance fans will treasure.
 

Book Info:

Publication: November 20th 2018 | Avon | Rokesbys #3

She was in the wrong place…

Fiercely independent and adventurous, Poppy Bridgerton will only wed a suitor whose keen intellect and interests match her own. Sadly, none of the fools from her London season qualify. While visiting a friend on the Dorset coast, Poppy is pleasantly surprised to discover a smugglers’ hideaway tucked inside a cave. But her delight turns to dismay when two pirates kidnap her and take her aboard a ship, leaving her bound and gagged on the captain’s bed…

He found her at the wrong time…

Known to society as a rascal and reckless privateer, Captain Andrew James Rokesby actually transports essential goods and documents for the British government. Setting sail on a time-sensitive voyage to Portugal, he’s stunned to find a woman waiting for him in his cabin. Surely, his imagination is getting the better of him. But no, she is very real—and his duty to the Crown means he’s stuck with her.

Can two wrongs make the most perfect right?

When Andrew learns that she is a Bridgerton, he knows he will likely have to wed her to avert a scandal—though Poppy has no idea that he is the son of an earl and neighbor to her aristocratic cousins in Kent. On the high seas, their war of words soon gives way to an intoxicating passion. But when Andrew’s secret is revealed, will his declaration of love be enough to capture her heart…?