Because of Miss Bridgerton: A Bridgerton Prequel (The Rokesbys, #1)

by Julia Quinn

RETURN TO THE WORLD OF THE BRIDGERTONS . . .
________________________________________

Before the Rokesbys, there were the Bridgertons . . .
Go back to where it all began in this dazzlingly witty new series from New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn.

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 neighbours 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 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 humour . . .

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 . . .

________________

Find out why readers love Julia Quinn . . .

'Quinn writes delightfully fast-paced, funny, sparkling and bright romance' Romantic Times

'The next best thing to Georgette Heyer' Gloss

'A smart, funny touch. . . reminiscent of Helen Fielding' Time Magazine

'Powered by a surfeit of dazzling wit and graced with a cast of unforgettable characters' Booklist

'A smart, funny touch. . . reminiscent of Helen Fielding' Time Magazine

'Quinn is incomparable! The latest addition to her beloved Bridgerton series is funny, charming, witty and wildly romantic' RT Book Reviews

'Like an episode of Downtown Abbey mixed with a great rom-com' iBooks Best Books of March

'Julia Quinn is one of the best historical romance novelists of our time' Heroes and Heartbreakers

'Quinn excels in writing stories full of joy and delight, where laughter trembles on the edges' Happy Ever After

'Quinn is a master of historical romance' Entertainment Weekly

'Full of wit, charm and smouldering attraction . . . an unputdownable story that I think romance fans will treasure' Harlequin Junkie

'This book was an utter delight . . . I just loved it' Love in a time of Feminism

• ISBN10: 0349410526
• ISBN13: 9780349410524
• Publish Date: 29 March 2016
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 20 April 2021
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
• Imprint: Piatkus Books
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[mrs_mander_reads]

Another good one! I'm not even mad that I read them out of order. Nothing was spoiled from one to the other. Ready for #3!

[jamiereadthis]

I’m 1-for-3 on Julia Quinn now. I’d say it was the longtime-friends aspect that I liked about When He Was Wicked, but this book has that aspect too and I just couldn’t get into it. Too many parts were either silly or boring.

[wyvernfriend]

Billie Bridgerton, it has been assumed, will marry one of the Rokesby brothers, they've grown up with each other and it's only logical that she would marry one. But not George, she finds him insufferable and he finds her annoying.  Then they're thrown together and they find that there's an attraction, but can they tolerate each other?
 
Entertaining and funny, enjoyed the read and the realisations by the characters that there was an attraction there.

[kimbacaffeinate]

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.

Copy provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[nitzan_schwarz]

This is trademark Julia Quinn.

Bille is fun and determined and so strong, and I always love my historical heroines in breeches! George is serious but with a wonderful dry and sarcastic sense of humor that compliments Billie. They start off as childhood friends (enemies??) and move on to falling in love and it was absolutely delightful to see!

I wish we'd gotten a little more at the end, perhaps a look at their families' reaction to everything, but maybe we'll get some of that in the next book, which I can't wait to read! :D

[Berls]

3.5 stars. By the end I really enjoyed this book - it just took me until the halfway point to really get into it. I never disliked it - or I would have DNF with my 20% rule. I just wasn't dying to know what would happen - as it was fairly predictable. But at the half way point, I started to really love the heroine - Billy - and to feel an attachment to the characters in general. I will definitely read more.

[Amanda]

4.5

Julia Quinn knows what's up. I've been in a few-months-long dearth of reading. It's not a slump, necessarily, more of an "Oh, right, reading is a thing I can do, but look it's time for bed and zzzz..." If that adequately explains things.

Because of Miss Bridgerton was the first book in a while that reminded me how good it feels to read a lighthearted book. There are plenty of other books I could (maybe should) have read first, but you know what? Sometimes you just need to do something for yourself.

As much as I love this book (hello, antagonists to lovers!), it's likely not one to stand up to a lot of scrutiny. But that's part of its charm; I wanted an escape from life and Because of Miss Bridgerton provided it. At least for an evening.

If you're familiar with the Bridgertons series, Miss Bridgerton in this story is the aunt of all those Bridgerton siblings. Edmund, who eventually becomes Viscount, is off at school and not even present much of the story. But it's not needed. This story is all about Billie and George. Because of their proximity, the Bridgertons and Rokesbys have been friends for years, and so have their children... except for Billie and George. (Which, really, is like the clue that they should be together, at least in romance novel terms.)

But that all changes after George rescues Billie. A switch is flipped (if you'll excuse the historically inaccurate phrase) and they find themselves not quite enemies and not quite friends. Shenanigans ensue afterward, including one highly charged Pall Mall game.

Because of Miss Bridgerton also sets up the next book. Not about more Bridgertons (at least, not yet -- Edmund isn't Billie's only sibling), but about the Rokesbys. And I can't wait for more.

[Kait ✨]

Really loved this the second time around — I thought it was quirky and funny, and the banter was excellent. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood the first time around?

_____

ORIGINAL REVIEW: 2 stars

For me, this just did not hold up to what I've come to expect from Julia Quinn. It felt draggy, saccharine, and utterly conventional. It's not a favourite and while I love Julia Quinn, I'd recommend one of her other books over this one. Disappointing, as I was looking forward to this new series. I'm hoping the follow-up will be better.

[stacey_is_sassy]

It's great to catch up with the Bridgertons.

Because of Miss Bridgerton was a cute story where love blossomed unexpectedly between family friends. Billie Bridgerton is a bit of a tomboy who at times, recklessly jumps into situations that get her into strife. This time her escapade leads her to needing assistance, and her unlikely hero, while not her first choice to save the day, leads to an attraction neither of them can deny.