Musings Via Jenevia

I am in the mood for romance…romance novels that is. Though I wouldn’t mind the former, that is not what this blog is about. My love for books shall take center stage. Recently I have been in the mood for something steamy yet classy, naughty yet nice.

To quell my need for a scintillating novel I sought out the local library. For the only thing better than a good book is a good book that you can read for free. And as I write this blog the voice in my head is one of a notorious nineteenth century fictional gossip columnist. I am currently binge reading the very enthralling Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn, and am definitely channeling my inner Lady Whistledown!

I must admit, Julia Quinn has a way of drawing you into the throws of England’s exclusive upper class society aka the “ton”. Here is a snippet about what I enjoyed most about each Bridgerton couple from four out of the first five of Quinn’s novels in this series:

Simon & Daphne Basset: The Duke & I

The most refreshing and deeply satisfying thing about the relationship between Daphne and Simon is, in my opinion, their friendship. They have an ease of being around each other, a rare chemistry that is only found amongst kindred spirits. They forge a bond that lays a foundation for love and passion that knows no bounds. Their chemistry leaps off the page and makes you catch your breathe. The forbidden nature of their love makes it all the more exciting. Simon lusts after that which he cannot have, the younger sister of his best friend. It is another story of forbidden fruit, and Julia Quinn does an exceptional job as readers can’t help but root for the dashing Duke and hope that these unexpected yet intense desires are well within reach.

Benedict & Sophie Bridgerton: An Offer From A Gentleman

Upon reading the third installment in the Bridgerton Series I felt like I was reading a Cinderella Story with a Lady Whistledown twist. Evil step-mother…check, orphaned beauty…check, two wicked step-sisters…check, magical ball…check, prince charming…check. Hey, I have always been a fan of Disney, so I do not mind one single bit! The love story between Benedict and Sophie is indeed a magical one. Their love is a BIG love, a ‘love at first sight’, kind of love, and the romantic in me is immediately sold.

Benedict and Sophie’s love is preordained. It’s justly compared to being struck by lightening, sudden and undeniable in its intensity. In close proximity they feel each other before they even lay eyes on each other. Their love is truly a thing made of fairytales.

Colin & Penelope Bridgerton: Romancing Mister Bridgerton

Penelope Featherington is probably the most relatable character in the Bridgerton series. She is quirky, shy, witty and unpopular. She is what is described as a “Wallflower”, always on the sidelines of society looking in. But oh, how we love an underdog story! And the fourth installment in the Bridgerton series is one where we see the ugly duckling of the ”ton” transform into a beautiful swan. She snags the one and only, most eligible bachelor, Colin Bridgerton to boot! Their love story is a slow burn, that is intertwined splendidly with the revelation of Lady Whistledown’s identity.

However, what I love most about Colin and Penelope’s love story is the individual character development of both lovers. They evolve in their own right alongside the progression of their romance. Penelope finds her voice and discovers that she, Penelope Feartherington, is a force in her own right. Colin finds his purpose outside of his distinguished family name, something that eluded him despite his vast journey’s around the world to find himself. They simultaneously grow as individuals and make each other stronger along the way, making this couple the most relatable in the series so far.

Sir Phillip & Eloise: To Sir Phillip With Love – Eloise’s Story

Upon reading Quinn’s fifth book in the Bridgerton series, what I enjoyed the most is not the romantic build between the fiery Eloise and the docile Sir Phillip, but rather the development of the relationship between Sir Phillip and his children. ‘Father power’ to me is the most beautiful theme explored in this novel. Experiencing the very emotional journey of the male protagonist coming into his role as a loving, worthy father figure is impactful, heart wrenching and beautiful. Sir Phillip’s love for his children rolls off the pages and I personally enjoy the development of his relationship with his children even more so than the climax of the main characters love affair. It is also a nice change of pace from the previous novels’ focus on the nuclear family unit as we explore the dynamic of the blended family.

Overall the Bridgerton series successfully quenched my thirst for a juicy yet classy, naughty yet nice ‘New Year’ read. Quinn uses the romance genre in a crafty, ingenious way to explore other deeper, darker themes. Themes such as childhood trauma and it’s impact on mental health and relationships, inequality, grief, post partum depression, abuse of power, low self esteem and the journey to self-identity to name a few. If you are in the mood for a good romance novel with some depth this ‘New Year’ I definitely recommend Julia Quinn’s Regency-set Bridgerton books now a series created by Shondaland on Netflix. You will not be disappointed!

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