Play Book Tag discussion

I feel like I should get a sticker that says "My First Regency Romance".
Well, the Bridgerton craze got me. I really wanted to read this before binging the Netflix show, and ended up starting the show before finishing this. This book seems.... "of it's time" (oh wait, it was written in the 2000's) maybe it's more "of it's genre". There are a lot of parts you just kind of have to look past to enjoy it, but if you can suspend disbelief and go with the times, it was pretty enjoyable and entertaining.

Daphne Bridgerton, the 4th in line of the alphabetical wealthy Bridgerton siblings is the "diamond of the season". She is to be wed-but to who. Enter the fake dating trope- this time to the Duke of Hastings, Simon- who has his own troubled past. Of course the fake dating thing always leads to confusions, feelings, and complications. This one peppered with the most dramatic of subjects-extravagant balls, punching people in the face, a wedding, questions about conceiving- and a DUEL!

I liked that our heroine had a personality, and was smart (until she wasn't)- LOVED the meet-cute scene. I honestly don't really see the appeal of the Duke, he mainly acted like an asshat the whole time. The drama kept the pages turning quickly, despite how ridiculous the plot was. Side characters weren't really developed- but apparently they get their own books later in the series. I tried REALLY HARD to look past the whole (view spoiler)[non consensual sex that Daphne forced on Simon (hide spoiler)]. Bur really- let's call it what is is (view spoiler)[rape (hide spoiler)].

All in all- I'm 3 episodes into the Netflix show, and it's already miles ahead of this book. I might continue the series for fun through, as the show got picked up for another season- and I'm curious if aspects that are in the show appear in other books in the series.

I cannot read your spoilers on my phone but I can guess what it is. It bothered me as well. It is handled a little better in the show.

I did enjoy the show! I finished last weekend. It was fun and bright and lighthearted.

I think I am going to start slowly reading the books. I read this one years ago, and I think I read the next one about Anthony as well, but I’ll probably reread them.

I feel like a 3 star rating amid a regency romance is borderline raving! Lol.

I agree that a 3 star review is practically a rave!

One does not read regency romances seriously -- absolute total escapism.

Congratulations, Joi! You are no longer a Regency Romance Virgin!
🤣😂😂

(could not resist!)

Is she a regency romance rake?!? Lol

OMG, laughing out loud, Theresa!!
I felt very generous with my 3 star review.

Question- Do all regency's use the title of 'rake' so much?!
The word rake should be in the 'Bridgerton' drinking game.

Oh yes, "rake" is standard. However, I've noticed that Stephanie Laurens has been using 'Wolf of the Ton' occasionally instead.
🤣

But of course, who wants a milquetoast when you can have a rake????

If you are new to Regencies, some other authors are Stephanie Laurens, Loretta Chase, Eloisa James (NOT the E. James of 50 Shades!), Tessa Dare and Amanda Quick. For less graphic romances, there is Mary Balogh, Carla Kelly and the original, Georgette Heyer. For a little bit earlier era, I like Stella Riley.

@Joi - now that you have lost your regency romance virginity,

Let me especially recommend my 2 favorite, reread often, Georgette Heyer: Frederica and Venetia. I give those 5 star reviews.

Some of my favorite Stephanie Laurens: The Lady Risks All which can be read as a stand alone, The Adventurers Quartet Complete Collection, and the Lady Osbaldestone Christmas ones.

Another older author I love, and most of her work available in ebook, is Barbara Metzger - not graphic at all, and often filled with humor and funny pets and children.

I echo Amanda Quick and have been thinking about rereading The Paid Companion.

Wolf of the Ton!! LOL!!

It is like the regency version of the Wolf of Wall Street 😂😂😂

I have read some Tessa Dare, who I like. In general, I pick up random ones.

There is a new series that is a bit of a tongue in cheek take on regency. Cannot think of the name now...has extraordinary and women in the title I think...book two came out last year....

Bringing down the Duke by Evie Dunmore. The series is A League of Extraordinary Women.

Nicole R wrote: "Bringing down the Duke by Evie Dunmore. The series is A League of Extraordinary Women."

I read that one and I think the setting is Victorian rather than Regency - not that that matters, it is the same kind of romance.

I do not know what the difference is, nor do I really care. Lol. There are corsets 😂

Thanks all, I think I'm definitely going to continue the Bridgerton series.

I'm not sure how quickly I'm going to be picking up any other regency/historical romances, but I think I'll err on the side of more modern versus the old paperbacks in hopes they have less "overlooking" to do.

I was going to start this then talked myself out of it. Lol.

I did pick up One to Watch—I think you read and liked that one, Joi, right?

Yes! I loved One to Watch! Perfect February read.

Nicole R wrote: "I do not know what the difference is, nor do I really care. Lol. There are corsets 😂"

The only real difference is no Napolionic War background or Prince Regent misbehaviours. Once you get into 1850s, fashions change - though still corsets of course - and frankly more layers - remmeber how Empress Josephine dressed vs. Queen Victoria. Women's clothing became more layers and more barriers than during regency. .

Joi, I did not even think of it being February! lol. I just wanted a nice romcom to cleanse the palate between Hilary Mantel books. Lol