Listen. Sometimes a gal just needs something fun and comforting, so this week, I reread all of Julia Quinn’s “Rokesby” books, which, yes, are “Bridgerton” prequels and… I love them more. The Bridgerton’s are soapy fun. The Rokesbys are fluffy fun. Gimme that low-drama romance! Just nice people falling in love with each other and being adorable, and I needed that. Anyway, since I only read the one series this week, I’m going to mix up the Reading Roundup format a bit and do a mini review for each in the series. Yay!
Because of Miss Bridgerton (“Rokesbys” #1): I liked this one the first time, but I loved it the second. Quinn’s greatest strength is probably writing family dynamics – if you ask me, she’s even better at that part than the actual romances. *GASP* I know. But that’s how I feel. Because of Miss Bridgerton is a great start to the series because it is set so squarely within the home-life of the Bridgerton and Rokesby families, and you get a strong sense of the personal dynamics and the world these people inhabit. Also, our leads, Billie and George, are so much fun together, and I could watch them roll their eyes at Andrew’s antics all day long!
The Girl With the Make-Believe Husband (“Rokesbys” #2): Considering that I just said the families are my favorite part of Quinn’s writing, it might surprise you that this is my favorite because we’re away from the Rokesby home and family all the way until the very end of the book. But just because I think Quinn is generally better at the family stuff doesn’t mean I don’t also adore the romance, and Edward and Cecilia are, quite frankly, the sweetest. Which is why I don’t even mind the lie/misunderstanding upon which the whole plot turns. Because they’re nice people. And they mean well. And, yes, I am thoroughly charmed by watching Edward be charmed by the woman he (quite adorably, happily) thinks is his wife. They are my precious darlings, and I just want them to be together and happy forever.
The Other Miss Bridgerton (“Rokesbys” #3): Speaking of precious darlings… this series really is full of them, and next up, we have Andrew and Poppy, who are a true match made in heaven. One of the things I love about their relationship is that it’s based on their shared intelligence, curiousity, and playfulness, as much as on any physical attraction. These are two lively individuals who are always operating in top gear, used to being the funniest or cleverest in the room, and so, when they’re suddenly forced to spend time in close quarters, it’s no surprise that they each enjoy the challenge the other presents. They also understand each other in a unique way that others can’t. There’s very little plot to The Other Miss Bridgerton, which largely takes place on the ship, in the cabin to which Poppy is confined, but it’s never boring while Poppy and Andrew are teasing, competing, and falling in love.
First Comes Scandal (“Rokesbys” #4): What to say about this one? Of the four, it probably has the least plot and really… no obstacles for the couple to overcome. It’s just them, being sweet and funny and starting their lives together. And it’s wonderful. Georgie and Nicholas are both cinnamon rolls, who, after knowing each other their entire lives, suddenly realize they could have something more together. If you want a low-stress romance, this is one of my top recommendations. Only feel-good vibes and laughter beyond this point! And long live Cat-Head!
So there you go! Those are my thoughts on the Rokesby series, which I only discovered late last year, but it’s already a comfort read. And it was exactly what I needed in this week of stress and chaos. I know Quinn isn’t a perfect writer, but in the case of this series, she delivers all the goods. If I were to rank these books (subjectively, of course), I think my favorite would be The Girl With the Make-Believe Husband, then Because of Miss Bridgerton or The Other Miss Bridgerton (it changes, depending on what I’m in the mood for), with First Comes Scandal following close behindl
Have you read the “Rokesby” series, and if so, what do you think? Or if you haven’t… have I persuaded you to give it a try?
–b
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