I've started the first one in this series and haven't managed to finish it yet. I read the second one and found it pretty average. This though - was perfect. Great romance, great characters, loved the plot. Poppy and Andrew are fantastic - I loved the banter between them and the random trains of thought into all manner of curiosities. I loved the passion they each had for puzzles and mysteries. I really loved the custom map puzzle (especially since I've heard of Spilsbury and the anecdote of how puzzles began) - I'm a puzzle fiend. I really liked the depth that was put into these characters. I felt the first two books lacked that - but this one went the extra mile to show us the backstories of the main characters - even if their romance did happen ridiculously fast - as frankly all historical romance and romance books in general do. I think in some ways it was the lack of romance that made this book a good romance. The characters genuinely get to know each other. Sure they flirt, but it's pretty superficial and restrained. We're through most of the book before they kiss and by that point their whole life stories have been conveyed.
- The guy is not a jerk OR a rake, which is great. He's flirty, kind, loyal and funny. The girl is strong, curious and inquisitive.
- I would have actually liked to see MORE of them just talking and being around each other, even though this one had about 50% MORE of that than most historicals. IDK, I guess I just wanted to feel them falling in love even more.
-No tragic past!! Just two people!! Normal people!! Meeting under less than normal circumstances, and eventually making the best of it. Seriously, this felt so fresh! I kept expecting him to reveal some dark secret that because of it he could not be permitted to love her and she'd be better off without him, but no, he's a smart man, she's a lovely woman, and that's it.
- Not enough peril. I mean, it's great none of them got seriously hurt, but I'm such a sucker for a tearful reunion with some bruises and cuts, plus I kind of felt like Andrew 'deserved' it so his family would know he had been truly in danger. Also, did he tell them about his real job or not??? I assume so, but I would've liked their reaction.
-The first thing I actually really liked was that they did NOT have sex until the last few pages of the novel, in which all of the lies have already been revealed and even their families knew they were going to wed. This is such a refreshing thing to see in Historicals because usually in these types of stories, the girl gets thoroughly "ruined" halfway through.
- IDK, this novel felt very refreshing for its genre and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Another delightful romance from Julia Quinn that was packed with adventure on the high seas and a romance that was fun, and cute. I enjoyed getting to know both Andrew and Poppy and thought they were perfect for each other.
First Date: From the start I adored Poppy Bridgerton. It is quickly clear that she is sharp, feisty and looking for a partner who is her equal intellectually. Poppy is exploring the coastal shore while visiting a family friend in Dorset. Of course she has left her maid to drink tea and stumbles into trouble while exploring a cave. All of which result in her being kidnapped and taken aboard a ship. It’s a privateers ship manned by Captain Andrews and his crew. They are preparing to set sail for Portugal. However, the captain isn’t who he seems. He is actually, Captain Andrew James Rokesby and on a mission for the British government. Imagine his surprise when he finds Poppy tied to his bed! I am all in!
Second Date: She thinks him a rogue and scoundrel, he can’t believe she is a Bridgerton! I loved the banter and barbs as they set sail. Both are in a bit of a pickle. Surprisingly, Poppy is handling things much better than Andrew. I give the girl credit. I may be a homebody, but I don’t think I could have conducted myself with such grace, if they locked me in a cabin no matter how politely I was treated. Despite the odds, the two converse and find common interests and a friendship begins to form...
Third Date: You can feel the chemistry between them swirling in the air, with glances and teasing barbs. The buildup was delicious. When they arrive in Portugal, Andrew takes her into town and the day is near perfect until it's not and suddenly the two are in trouble. I will leave you to discover what happens. I devoured every word of my final coffee date as I gripped my Kindle and wondered how Quinn would pull it all together. It was splendid. Now go, go grab your copy!