Review: The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

The Viscount Who Loved Me
Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #2
Publisher: Avon
Originally Published On December 5, 2000
Rating:

Summary: (Taken from Goodreads)
1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, this author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry.
And in truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better...
—Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

But this time, the gossip columnists have it wrong. 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 is 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 is 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...

My Thoughts

There is just something about those hate to love romances that never fail to make me happy. The second book in the Bridgerton's series follows Anthony, the eldest of the siblings. Anthony was 18 when he lost his father, and he has taken it the hardest. The loss has caused him to form a crippling fear of dying young himself. Not so much the dying young part, but of leaving behind people he loves. Because of this, he has rejected marriage and love, instead focusing on enjoying his life as a rake. However, he needs an heir to the Bridgerton wealth... so he has finally decided to settle down, as long as there is no love in the marriage. Just mutual respect. Meanwhile, Kate has pretty much accepted life as a spinster. She is nearing 21, and only now can her family afford for her and her beautiful younger sister to come out in society. She knows she is outshined by her sister, and so, she decides to help her find a wealthy, respectable, good, and loving husband. She manages all of her sister's suitors with ease and has no problems warning off rakes such as Anthony. However, Anthony is determined not to let Kate hold him back from marrying her pretty and intelligent sister that he happily has no spark with. Kate and Anthony hated each other from the beginning. Kate has based her opinion of him purely off of Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, and Anthony cannot stand the fact that she makes something in him stir. The sexual tension between them was wonderful. Once I started the book I could not put it down. I love the was Julia Quinn did not really make this a love triangle. I was worried when I saw he'd be courting her sister... however, Edwina and Anthony barely interact. Kate does such a great job of keeping them seperate, and Edwina never shows any interest at all. There is not a competition for his affections at all. Instead, just 2 sisters that truly love each other and support each other fully. Both Anthony and Kate are crippled by their own individual fears. I thought the way they truly cared and supported each other through them was beautiful. Even though they didn't understand the other, they strove to find a way to help and love. It was so sweet. I think if you are looking for a regency romance that is just super sweet, but funny and addictive, This is a great series to go with. I was literally laughing out loud at some parts. And, I think I kept a smile on my face the whole time. A great light-hearted read! More Like This: