Bridgerton: The Viscount Who Loved Me

Article Written By: Lindsey

Disclaimer** This review may contain spoilers and is firmly based on my opinion**

Title: Bridgerton: The Viscount Who Loved Me

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon Books (2000)

Category & Genre: Adult Historical Romance Fiction

Page number: 354

Tropes: Enemies to lovers, sworn off love, mortality in question

Synopsis from the book jacket:

“This time the gossip columnists have it wrong. London’s most elusive bachelor Anthony Bridgerton hasn’t just decided to marry—he’s even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield—the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate’s the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands—and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate’s determined to protect her sister—but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony’s lips touch hers, she’s suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself…”

Why did I choose this book to read?

I was apprehensive about reading the second installment of the Bridgerton series because I disliked the first one, however I wanted to give it a shot. One bad apple doesn’t mean the entire tree is dead, so I figured, maybe I would be surprised.

What did I like about The Viscount Who Loved Me?

The connection between Anthony and Kate was very well done, and the romantic tension was captivating but not overpowering. I enjoyed how both Kate’s and Anthony’s backstories were portrayed, making the characters more vivid, especially Anthony’s. His inner monologues and struggles with his mortality are very interesting, especially their origin.

Where did The Viscount Who Loved Me go wrong for me?

I didn’t like the way the author portrayed Kate’s phobia. I understand and appreciate that Julia Quinn was trying to showcase its seriousness, but I don’t think it translated well when written out on the pages, or at least it could’ve been done better. I also felt very underwhelmed by Kate’s sister, Edwina’s character. The parts she was in were alright, and the author painted her out to be very demure and proper, a counterpart to Kate’s more outspoken nature, but it made her dull. 

Here are some of my favorite quotes…

“Anthony, is there an animal under your desk?” Anthony let out a bark of laughter. “You could say that.” Kate’s fist came down on his foot.”

“Falling in love with one’s husband– who would have thought it could be such a disaster?”

“It is called Newton, although it is difficult to imagine that England’s great inventor and physicist would have appreciated being immortalized in the form of a short, fat canine with poor manners.”

My character connection…

Kate is a great character. I enjoy how outspoken and opinionated she is and how she doesn’t quite care about what the rest of the ton thinks of her. I love her devotion to her family, especially her sister, and her protection of her feelings and future happiness. She has a softer side that she reserves for her family and people she trusts, which I relate to her, making her so lovable. She comes off much more realistic this way, and I appreciate that the author didn’t make her demure to fit into society and what was appropriate for the time in which the story takes place.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Final Verdict:

I would definitely reread this. After reading the book, I watched the show and found myself preferring the version on paper, which was a welcome surprise after the first novel. I was nervous about reading this because I disliked the first book, but I was grateful that the second novel turned my perspective around and gave me a brighter outlook for the rest of the series.