The hit Netflix series Bridgerton comes from the surprisingly alluring light read novels from Julia Quinn.
While these romantic novels are historically placed they are not for the hard core Historical fantasy reader. True historians will note multiple historical inaccuracy's, a fantastical view of this century in British history.
However for the non-historically minded reader seeking romance set in the rose-tinted view of regency Britain look no further than the ridiculously readable novels from Julia Quinn.
It is worth noting, however, that no reader coming off of the back of the Netflix hit should expect the same kind of opened minded view of history. Where the Netflix series has been praised highly for its diverse use of cast within the setting, this particular creative choice was the brain child of producers at Netflix and not Julia Quinn.
From the blurb;
'1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believe, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And in all truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better....
'Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814.
'Having spent his twenties in a rakish pursuit of pleasure, Anthony Bridgerton knows it's high time he settled down and ensured the continuation of the Bridgerton line.
'Edwina Sheffield is the most beautiful debutante of the current season. She is sweet, innocent and eminently biddable - Anthony is sure she'll make a perfectly acceptable wife and vows to make her his.
'The only obstacle in his way is Edwina's older sister, Kate, who is determined to do all she can to allow her sister the chance to marry for love rather than convenience. The roguish viscount is beginning to think he may have met his match in Kate's keen wit and sharp tongue. Until, that is, he makes the mistake of kissing her...'
Readers who are coming off of the back of the Netflix sensation will be overjoys to know that the narration of Lady Whistledown does exist in the novels, in fact the writers dry remarks open every chapter of the book and provide a much needed levity to the story as a whole.
This second novel in the series tells the story of the second season of the Netflix show, however, readers will note that the differences between Quinn's tale and the Netflix imagining go much further than the country origins of the characters in question.
These books fall into the realms of romantic fluffiness, with consistent use of repetition in the writing, creating a story that is very easily read. While not featuring the high levels of sex that many will expect from these books following the Netflix series they do maintain a toe curling level of romantic pursuit.
If you're looking for a light weight romantic read this coming summer look no further than the works of Julia Quinn.
We give The Viscount Who Loved Me Three Stars
ISBN - 978-0-349-42979-3 Cover Price - £8.99