The Other Miss Bridgerton

Starred review from November 5, 2018
Quinn’s superlative third prequel to her Bridgerton Regency series (after The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband) introduces one of her most delightful couples yet. Adventurous and curious Poppy Bridgerton finds a smuggler’s cave on the coast of Dorset and is taken captive by the privateers who claim it. Capt. Andrew Rokesby is traveling under an assumed name, under orders to get secret government documents to Lisbon as soon as possible, when Poppy, his neighbors’ cousin, is deposited in his cabin. Although he cannot let Poppy roam the ship or reveal his true identity to her, he does his best to make her comfortable. Charming discussions of geography, equal education for men and women, and family dynamics create a deep connection between the pair that sustains them through the voyage to Lisbon and during their separation afterward. Quinn’s clever dialogue makes the characters sparkle, and Andrew’s passion for engineering especially educates and entertains. This is a real treat for Quinn’s fans and anyone who loves historical romance. Agent: Steve Axelrod, Axelrod Agency.

December 1, 2018

Thrilled to discover what can only be a pirate's treasure cave during a seaside walk, Poppy Bridgerton is far less elated when she's captured by said pirates, carried off to their ship, and summarily dumped on the captain's bed. Stunned by his most inconvenient passenger, privateer Capt. Andrew James Rokesby, with secret documents to get to Portugal without delay, has little choice but to sail immediately--and take Poppy with him. Furious words fly and passions flare as Poppy and Andrew clash all the way to Lisbon, trying in vain to ignore the chemistry that bubbles in their wake. As Poppy doesn't know Andrew's true identity, things are even more dangerous. Moments of peril, an adorable cabin boy, and sweet sensuality are bonuses to a well-crafted romp. VERDICT A risk-taking pair thrown together by chance find love on the high seas in this fast-paced, passionate adventure graced with quick-witted dialog and a marvelous sense of fun. Another worthy addition to the ever-increasing Bridgerton saga. Quinn (The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband) lives in the Pacific Northwest. [Previewed in Kathryn Howe's "Love Changes Everything," LJ 10/15/18.]

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2018
When Poppy Bridgerton stumbles upon a pirate's cave, she is kidnapped and forced to sail with the crew, then realizes the captain is not only chivalrous, but also the most attractive, interesting man she's ever met.Poppy has just finished her second London season "much as she'd begun it--unmarried and unattached. And a little bored." Visiting a friend in Dorset, she ditches the maid who's been assigned to chaperone her in order to explore some local caves when she happens on a couple of privateers who kidnap her and take her to their ship. The captain of the ship, clearly a gentleman, nonetheless refuses to release her and forces her to set sail to Portugal, a prisoner in his cabin. Poppy is angry at her lack of freedom and anxious about her reputation, but even she realizes that Capt. Andrew James is not only "blindingly handsome," but also unusually honorable for a pirate. What she doesn't know is that Andrew James is really Andrew James Rokesby; his role as a privateer is actually a cover for his work for the monarchy; and he and his family are close friends with her Bridgerton cousins. Andrew is impressed by Poppy's intelligence, wit, and equanimity in the face of drastic circumstances. The more he comes to like her, the more he tries to make her journey more interesting, since she is clearly a curious soul. His good intentions backfire, however, when his desire to take her on an adventure becomes a fight for their lives just as he realizes he can't live without her. Quinn's mastery of banter, character development, and the slow build of romantic and sexual tension is on full display in the newest Rokesby title (a series of 18th-century prequels to the Bridgerton Regency romances). Mentions of puzzles and architecture add interesting texture to an already compelling story.Delightful and charming.

COPYRIGHT(2018) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 20, 2003
This rewarding Regency-era anthology is connected by Quinn's popular gossip columnist, Lady Whistledown, who appeared in her previous novel, Romancing Mister Bridgerton. Each short romance features commentary from the society snoop and unfurls over the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, 1814. Characters meet, plots intersect, and cleverly, each author includes the same skating party (shown from the perspective of the four couples). Though all of the authors hold their own in this collection, Enoch's tale of a young woman who resists a childhood betrothal until her long-absent fiancé returns to make her reconsider is the strongest. Quinn also delivers a tasty confection about a young lady suddenly wooed by two brothers. Hawkins's romance between an eccentric spinster and an amiable rake is the most traditional of the lot, while Ryan stretches the bounds of the genre with a hero whose odd behavior stems from more than simple eccentricity. All in all, these Regency bonbons are filled with the wit and charm that mark the authors' full-length novels, yet they still contain enough passion to keep wintry readers warm. A wonderful introduction to the contributors' work, this is a perfect Valentine for romance readers. (Feb.)Forecast:With its star-studded lineup and well-timed release, this exceptional anthology will likely be one of the holiday's most sought-after romances.

February 15, 2003
Once again the witty, provocative comments of Lady Whistledown, Julia Quinn's astute Regency-era gossip columnist (introduced in The Duke and I) grace the pages of a lively romantic romp-but this time there's a difference. Instead of one author, there are four; and instead of one story, there is a quartet of charming novellas, each focusing on a particular couple but linked by common events and all tied together by Lady Whistledown's wry, insightful observations. The abnormally cold winter of 1814 (complete with ice-skating parties on the Thames), assorted soir es and theater evenings, and a much-anticipated Valentine's Day ball provide the backdrops for romances depicted from the perspective not only of the protagonists but of other characters as well. Readers should enjoy the variety. The engaging tales by Quinn ("Thirty-Six Valentines"), Suzanne Enoch ("One True Love"), Karen Hawkins ("Two Hearts"), and Mia Ryan ("A Dozen Kisses") are nicely unified by both Lady Whistledown's comments and the well-integrated story details. A perfect Valentine's Day read.

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.