by Julia Quinn
Series: Rokesbys #1
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Gifted
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places...
This is not one of those times.
Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband... someday.
Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should...
Or not.
There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant, annoying, and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either.
But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor...
Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without...
BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON by Julia Quinn is the first novel in a prequel series to the Bridgeton series featuring the Rokesbys family. Filled with snark and hilarious banter that has become the signature mark of Quinn’s writing I delighted in the antics of Billie and George.
Last year the publisher gifted me an ARC copy of this around its release, but I wanted to read the Bridgerton series first. At the moment I am on book three in audio format but decided to begin these with the publication of book two, THE GIRL WITH THE MAKE-BELIEVE HUSBAND. I should note that it isn’t necessary to have read the Bridgeton series first as this series works on its own.
So first, a confession. I had a bit of a brain fart the week I read this book. I accidentally read book two first. Don’t ask me how as it still baffles the mind. Because of this I knew going into the book how it would end. However, I am happy to report that it didn’t distract from my enjoyment, as I think it is clear from the beginning that Billie and George are fated.
Do you love snark, wicked banter and quirky characters? Then you will adore Billie Bridgerton and her exchanges with George. Billie is intelligent, strong and quite different from the other girls in society. She is known to wear britches, and prefers to be outdoors in the sun! I adored Billie from our first encounter, and as soon as George Rokesby entered the picture, I knew he was perfect for her.
The Rokesby and Bridgertons are close friends and neighbors. While George is slightly older, Billie grew up playing with Mary, Edward, and Andrew. Billie and George have this whole haters thing going. She sees him as arrogant and annoying. He thinks she is outlandish and wild, but when he rescues her, he begins to see that there is so much more to Billie.
Quinn has this delightful gift for making her characters feel real and allowing the reader to become swept up. From a game of Mallard to time spent in the library we are delighted with snark, good humor and a sense of the love these families feel for each other.
The romance was a slow burn as both characters saw the other in a new light. It was exciting experiencing all of the firsts with them. Of course, they are both stubborn, and there is some denial. I loved the jealous moments, the miscommunication and stolen kisses.
BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON delivered a story that transported me to the London countryside. Quinn made me fall in love with this couple and their families. I simply cannot wait for Andrews story.
Banter and toe-curling kisses can be found in Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lark
This was such a delightful book! I loved Billie and George. And I enjoyed the Georgian setting, slightly different from the typical Regency era. Maybe I should re-read it before I plunge into The Girl With the Make-Believe Husband.
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe,….reread. Who has time for that..LOL Although I do love to skim my favorites.
Debbie Haupt
Oh great premise I love it! Thanks for sharing Kim
kimbacaffeinate
You are welcome, Debbie.
Angie
So glad you enjoyed this one, Kim! I loved the original Bridgerton series, but this one didn’t work for me so much. Hopefully the second installment will.
Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
I am sorry to hear that. The next book is special, so I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Cyn
Kim! I’m so glad you’re getting into the Bridgerton series!! This definitely was a cute read (and I totally loved the Girl with the Make Believe Husband so much!). Can’t wait to see more of your thoughts on this series!
kimbacaffeinate
Cyn I loved GWMBH it was fantastic. I have listened to the first two Bridgerton books and I am loving those as well.
The Bibliophile Babe
This sounds right up my alley!
kimbacaffeinate
It was a fun read 🙂
Lily B
aww so awesome to hear you enjoyed her. I haven’t read her work yet and I love HR, will def need to make sure to read her work. I already have one book I am totally looking forward to.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh, you need to try Quinn Lily!
Sophia Rose
I do enjoy scintillating witty exchanges. Ha, funny about the series order mix up. I do that a lot. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I never do, and it did it twice in one week. *hangs head*
Katherine
I own this one but haven’t read it yet despite the fact that Quinn is one of my favorite authors ever (actually this may be the reason I’m dragging my feet – I’m scared it won’t live up to the hype!) . I’m glad that you enjoyed this. The witty snarky banter sounds like such fun and I know Quinn is a master at it. If you haven’t read It Happened in London I really recommend it for the banter. It’s not a Bridgerton novel but it’s hilarious.
kimbacaffeinate
Don;t be afraid, the first two books are simply delightful!
Angela Adams
“Filled with snark and hilarious banter” — I enjoy that in a novel. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
It was a lot of fun Angela.
Melliane
I really need to try a book by this author. I heard great things about her
kimbacaffeinate
Her books are always such fun Melliane
Mary Kirkland
I love snark and witty banter, that makes for a fun read.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh, me too and Quinn makes it all feel genuine and special.
Ethan
I love that the prequel works on its own terms. I’d also be lying if I said I’ve never mistakingly read a series out of order!
kimbacaffeinate
It is just so weird, I had both ARCs, knew the order and didn’t realize until I went to write my review that I had done it backward. *hangs head*
Rita
Your review might be the reason I finally pick up a Julia Quinn! Not my usual go-to genre, but I’m open to good storytelling wherever I can find it. I like witty banter and strong women in historical fiction, and appreciate that it’s not overly sensual. Thanks for a good review.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I hope so, Quinn is delightful offering feel good, humorous stories whose characters capture you.
kindlemom1
This is the third review today I’ve seen for a historical romance of some kind. It makes me want to pick this genre up this summer and read more from it.
kimbacaffeinate
There was a period where HR was all that I read and to be honest I burned out. Now I weave them in because they are simply delightful, particularly Regency romances.
ShootingStarsMag
Oh gosh, I’m always reading the second book first! It happens – but that’s great it didn’t deter you from loving this one. And I ADORE snarky, quirky characters.
kimbacaffeinate
Lauren this is something I never do, and I did it twice in one week which prompted me to unplug for a few day..lol
Tracy Terry
Whilst I’m not looking to begin any books that form a series, let alone those that are a prequel I am tempted by these books. Great review, I love your admitting to a ‘brain fart’.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I had to confess all. LOL
Nadene
I see that you had fun with this one. I have neve read this author before, but it does sounds like she has wriiten some awesome stories.
kimbacaffeinate
I was late to the game myself but have enjoyed every book I have read by her thus far!
Nick
We’re review twins today, Kim! Well close! I’m reviewing the next book in the series. I agree with every word of your review. This was such a great book, mostly because of how charming and kind the characters were. I love her writing so much! I’m happy you liked this too, Kim! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
OMG Nick I adored The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband too
Silvia
Soooo, I should probably go ahead and read the copy they sent me, huh? I actually have two books in this series, which I get it could work in my favour if I end up enjoying this one 🙂 I truly hope to have your same reaction!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…..I loved both of them Silvia and will share book two next week.
blodeuedd
Quinn is always fun 😀
kimbacaffeinate
I agree with you, Linda.
Trish
Of course I love snark, witty banter and quirky characters! Who doesn’t?! Funny that you read book 2 by mistake, I’m always doing things like that. I once read an arc that was book 2 (but had the book 1 title on it in error) and was so confused. I kept checking GR to try and figure out what was going on and eventually realised it was a publisher error!
Julia Quinn is an author that I keep meaning to read. Someday soon.
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, I had both ARCs and for some reason started the wrong one. Now what happen to you would have driven me batty…lol
Geybie's Book Blog
Awesome review, Kim. Ohh.. I did the same, Kim. I read book 2 of a series, not knowing that it is part of a series. So, I ended up knowing the ending and all the twists and turns of book 1. I decided to quit after it, though. I should have read the book 1 and continued the series. Maybe in the future.
kimbacaffeinate
Since each book is about a different sibling it didn’t effect too much. Thanks, Geybie.