Review: The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn

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The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn
Historical
Avon (April 2, 2013)

Rating: A
Heat: Sweet

Heroines: Daphne, Kate, Sophie, Penelope, Eloise, Francesca, Hyacinth, Lucy, and Violet! 
Heroes: Simon, Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Phillip, Michael, Gareth, Gregory, and Edmund!

 

Synopsis:

Review:

Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, Hyacinth... and, of course, the matriarch of this lovely bunch, Violet. Also known as the Bridgertons. When I first met this group, starting with Daphne in The Duke and I, it was love at first page. That week I devoured the first four books in a row. Then, when I realized there were only eight Bridgertons and thus only eight books in this series, I slowed my pace down. Savored them.

Because Julia Quinn writes fantastic romances and this series is an excellent example of her sweet, fun, and, often, sarcastic style that’s infused with so many emotions that she never fails to tug on my heart strings. Simon and his stutter. Anthony and his fear of bees. Sophie and her cruel stepmother. She creates characters you can’t help but love.

If you haven’t yet met the Bridgertons, I highly recommend you do... and before you read this book, as this is their after the happily ever after. Their second epilogues.

The Duke and I. Takes places twenty years after. Oh, Simon. Always, always loved him—even when he was trying his best to not let anyone, especially Daphne, love him. In Daphne and Simon’s second epilogue, we get to see what would cause Simon to actually open the letters from his father. And Simon and Daphne get a huge surprise that surprised me too.

The Viscount Who Loved Me. Takes place fifteen years after. Anthony and Kate make bickering an art form. And, for them, it’s also an odd sort of foreplay. Time definitely hasn’t changed that. Watching them try to outwit and outmaneuver each other during their annual Pall Mall game was hilarious. Especially when they get a little bit dirty.

An Offer From a Gentleman. Takes place three years after. Benedict and Sophie may have found their Cinderella-esque happy ending, but Sophie’s un-wicked stepsister Posy has not. Thankfully for Posy, Sophie is dedicated to finding a love match for her... and I’m glad, because Posy definitely deserves it.

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. Takes place months later. Colin and Penelope were my favorite unlikely but completely perfect match. Their book also marked the reveal of Lady Whistledown. But one important person in Penelope’s life still doesn't know Lady Whistledown’s identity. Eloise. And now the only good time to tell her is on Eloise’s wedding day. I’m glad these two best friends no longer have any secrets between them.

To Sir Phillip, With Love. Takes place ten years after. Eloise and Sir Phillip’s second epilogue is different from the rest because it’s told in first person. Told by one their troublesome twins, Amanda. It was wonderful to see her all grown up and to hear about her parents from her point of view.

When He Was Wicked. Takes place three years after. Michael and Francesca had one of the hardest, most emotional beginnings. They had a long journey to their Happily Ever After. And, even though they're happy together now, something is still missing. Someone. Their story made me cry but it was worth the tears.

It’s in His Kiss. Takes place twenty two years after. Hyacinth, Hyacinth, Hyacinth. The troublesome and outspoken Bridgerton. Gareth is a lucky man, even if she is often a handful... and has been obsessed with finding the St. Clair family jewels for two decades. Luckily, she gets a little help from their daughter Isabella.

On the Way to the Wedding. Takes place eight years after. Lucy and Gregory are the most prolific breeders of the Bridgerton children, having nine children of their own. But their last, the twins, births were not so easy. Poor Gregory. Poor Lucy. Good thing Hyacinth was there to take care of everything. *wink*

Violet in Bloom. Violet Bridgerton may never have had her own book, but she was an important character in all of the books. Such a wonderful, devoted mother. It was fantastic to see her in different stages of her life... and I loved seeing how she and Edmund met. Even though it made me cry. This was my favorite story by far.

The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After is such a spectacular companion to this series. I wish I had the time to reread each book and follow them with its second epilogue. Still, even though it’s been some time since I read the books, it was great to revisit and 'catch up' with all of the Bridgertons. Oh, and I also adored the small forwards before each story from Miz Quinn. I loved reading her thoughts, a few fun little tidbits about each character, their story, and why she decided to write that particular second epilogue.

Thoughts While Reading:

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