Because of Miss Bridgerton (The Rokesbys, #1)

by Julia Quinn

[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.