Romancing Mister Bridgerton: Penelope & Colin's Story, The Inspiration for Bridgerton Season Three

Exactly two days before her sixteenth birthday, Miss Penelope Featherington fell desperately, irrevocably in love with Colin Bridgerton. The shy, quiet, awkward, and plump Penelope fell and fell hard for the dashing, devil-may-care brother of her best friend Eloise -- a love that was destined to remain unrequited (and undiminished) for the next twelve years. Never considered a social success (the infamous Lady Whistledown once memorably described a younger Penelope as resembling an "overripe citrus fruit"), and now rapidly approaching her twenty-eight birthday, Penelope has resigned herself to being considered firmly "on the shelf." She's embraced her impending, perpetual spinsterhood with a great deal of equanimity -- or so she thinks, until Colin returns from his latest round of travels and the gossip begins to swirl once again around the Bridgerton family's most eligible -- and determined to remain so -- bachelor. When she stumbles upon Colin's dearest secret, she begins to wonder if she's ever really known the man she's loved for nearly half her life -- and if she can trust him with a secret of her own. Colin Bridgerton leads a charmed life and he knows it -- but that is precisely what irks him most. A popular mainstay in Whistledown's columns, Colin is renowned for his easy-going nature and perpetual good humor, but he's desperate for something more substantial than the social regard of the ton. As the third Bridgerton son, he finds himself well provided for but lacking purpose, a void he despairs of ever filling until his little sister's best friend stumbles upon his travel journals. Her passion for his writing -- and his surprising passion for her approval -- awakens within him an...awareness of Penelope as an individual, a woman whose quick wit, intelligence, and compassion he finds himself craving like never before. But the unassuming Penelope harbors a secret of her own, one that Colin fears could destroy her in the eyes of the ton -- a fate from which he's determined to save her. For the confirmed bachelor and traveler has discovered the rarest of jewels in his very own backyard, one he's determined to make his own -- a gorgeous, blossoming wallflower. Since first discovering Julia Quinn's superb -- and highly addictive -- Bridgerton series earlier this year, I've attempted to make my first read-through of the series last as long as possible in order to prolong the enjoyment of discovery. But I'm quickly discovering that is a losing battle, because the more I read Quinn's writing the more I crave, and when I finished the the third Bridgerton novel -- An Offer From a Gentleman -- and realized that Colin's story was next, I dived into it immediately. Colin fast became a favorite character of mine from the moment of his first introduction in The Duke and I, with his irrepressible good humor and penchant for (lovingly) needling his siblings, particularly brothers Anthony and Benedict. While each Bridgerton book can stand alone, as far as reading these novels as a series goes Romancing Mister Bridgerton offers readers a huge pay-off, a love letter to anyone who has ever felt overlooked, undervalued, and dared to love impossibly. Quinn is a master at developing a heart-stopping romance that develops out of friendship and mutual interests. These Bridgerton books are smart romances, where that elusive spark of intellect and delight in one another's companionship play just as much a role -- usually more -- than simple physical attraction (which, never fear, Colin and Penelope share in spades regardless). Penelope is a heroine for anyone who has ever been a wallflower, who has ever struggled to shine in company and whose greatest desire is to be known and loved for oneself above all. Quinn has touched on this issue to some degree in each of the previous Bridgerton books -- after all, being "recognized" and claimed by one's true love is a trope of the romance genre -- but here she delves into her deepest exploration yet of the facades one constructs in order to protect one's heart, whether perennially popular like Colin or painfully shy like Penelope. I particularly loved how Colin had to work through a sense of shame in admitting his dissatisfaction with his (admittedly) blessed life. In lesser hands he would have easily come off as a petulant child instead of a swoon-worthy hero, but Quinn's deft characterization results in an honest exploration of the depths of his struggle to find personal fulfillment and purpose. In addition to her superb character and relationship development, Quinn positively excels at peppering her novels with with a host of delightful supporting players, from detestable villains like Penelope's arch-nemesis Cressida Twombley to the warmth and individuality of the Bridgerton siblings. But here she brings fearsome society matriarch Lady Danbury to the fore, with her audacious bet offering a thousand pounds to the member of the ton that uncovers Lady Whistledown's true identity. That bet serves as the spark that ignites an unlikely -- and utterly delightful -- friendship between Lady Danbury and Penelope, one in which the older woman's strength and no-nonsense wisdom gives a late blooming wallflower the strength and confidence to shine. For, as Lady Danbury tells Penelope, "Isn't it nice to discover that we're not exactly what we thought we were?" Woven throughout Colin and Penelope's story is the search for Lady Whistledown's true identity, and an examination of that columnist's impact on their lives and more importantly, their perceptions of each other. As I mentioned earlier, this novel offers a huge pay-off for series fans in that regard -- but a culmination, if you will, of the previous three books, there is a great deal of recapping that occasionally slows the pace of this otherwise effervescent tale. That very slight issue aside, Romancing Mister Bridgerton is Quinn at her best -- effervescent, breezy writing, a whip-smart sense of humor, and a sizzling romance made up of equal parts passion and intellect. For, as Lady Danbury tells Penelope, "Isn't it nice to discover that we're not exactly what we thought we were?" -- and therein lies the utter magic of this charming read. Colin and Penelope's slow-burning love story, founded on friendship and mutual interests, is a study in the heady, transforming power of love's ability to bring out the best in a couple. A romance to savor, Romancing Mister Bridgerton is a love letter to romantics, escapist wish fulfillment, yes, but a fantasy laced with a heart-tugging exploration of the risk and joy found in emotional honesty.

3.5 Stars! Since finishing the first season of the Bridgerton tv series, I have been dying to find out more about Colin and Penelope. While I still really enjoyed their road to romance, I do think that I may have hyped my expectations too high. Summary: Penelope Featherington has been in love with Colin Bridgerton for as long as she can remember. Him being her best friend’s brother has given her ample opportunity to watch him from afar, and dream. Penelope is sure she knows everything there is to know about the most charming man in London, but she’s about to learn she’s not the only one that can keep a secret. Colin has spent years traveling, having adventures in places others only dream of. He knows he’s lucky to lead the life he does, come from the wealthy and aristocratic family he does. But he’s tired of being known for his charm. He wants a purpose. A legacy. It doesn’t help that the infamous gossip columnist, Lady Whistledown continues to wax on poetically about his charming nature in every edition. Feeling a weird sort of ennui with the direction his life is going, Colin heads for the comforting familiar. But upon arriving in London, Colin gets a shock when he realizes nothing is quite the same. That includes the girl he can’t seem to get off his mind recently, Penelope Featherington. As he tries to decide where to go from here, Colin will soon learn that Penelope has a big secret of her own. A secret bigger and more potentially damaging than his. Is Penelope to be a part of his future or a threat to his happily ever after? I have devoured all of the Bridgerton books, thus far. Even Benedict’s book which I was sure I wouldn’t enjoy at all, and just wanted to get through it for the couple I’ve been panting after. And I loved being back in the Bridgerton world once again. That said, this book was a little of a let-down. As I said above, I think from seeing the show and Colin and Penelope’s interactions in previous books, I let my expectations rise too high. Penelope was absolutely lovely. I adored her in the book, the same as I do in the show. She was so smart, witty, talented, loving, loyal, and kind. She hid it all well behind a wallflower mask. I loved that she wouldn’t let just anyone take credit for her work, and I definitely applauded her for thwarting any attempt at doing so. Colin, dear, sweet Colin. Surprisingly, Colin was the issue I had in this book. I loved him in previous books and adored him in the show. I did see bits of the charming, happy-go-lucky, sweet, and kind-hearted bloke we’ve gotten to know. Unfortunately, his a$$hole behavior made a larger impact than anything else. I did not like that he took his frustration and lack of success out on Penelope and her accomplishments. Did he eventually get it together? Yes, but the parts where he didn’t had already done the damage for me, and he had way too much a hair-trigger temper. As a couple, I thought Penelope and Colin had good chemistry once Colin figured out that he was attracted to her. I was girly-happy that Penelope got the dream man she always wanted, but also that she knew she loved him without having him up on a pedestal. Colin’s road to finding Penelope was bumpy. I did enjoy seeing him realize and acknowledge his deeper feelings for her. I just kind of wish it happened a little sooner, and I wish we had gotten to see him chase after her a bit. In the end, Romancing Mister Bridgerton was an enjoyable read, if not one that completely captured my attention and heart. Catching up with the Bridgertons that we’ve already seen find their happily ever after was awesome. I also really loved that we saw so much of Hyacinth in this book. She’s a bit cheeky, so I definitely think her story will be an anticipated read for me. I’m eager to see how Romancing Mister Bridgerton compares to the tv show for season three. I absolutely love the actors and how they bring these fictional characters to life. I’ve also already purchased most of the upcoming books in the series and look forward to diving deeper into Bridgerton waters and getting to know the younger members. I think I’ll be taking a break, though. ♡

Shondaland does well but, the book is even more. Emotions appeared somewhat different in the book. Story just worked better. Love both book and Netflix series. I've already read the Bridgerton series. Ready to read pre-quels.

I really enjoy how the characters are developing and the twists and turns that this series offers. I couldn’t put it down.

A witty and satisfying friends-to-lovers story, Romancing Mister Bridgerton highlights Penelope’s growth, a slow-burn romance, and the big Lady Whistledown reveal. Funny and engaging overall, though Colin’s jealousy subplot may frustrate some readers. 📘✨

I am a fan of Ms Quinn’s books. Ordinarily, I love what she writes. I wanted to like Penelope and Colin as characters. I did, up to a point. But, for me, this seemed to drag on for a very long time. I felt at times I was slogging through a great number of words. Penelope is a young woman who has a huge secret. She is intelligent, humorous and very observant of the world around her. But, for her entire life, she has been considered to be a wallflower. Part of that is due to the fact that her mother dresses her to look her worst. I found that to be very sad. It made me wonder why Penelope never chose to wear dresses which were more flattering. I wanted her at times to grow a spine and stand up for herself. Nearly her entire life she has been in love with Colin. Eloise, her best friend is one of his sisters. So, she has spent a good part of her life seeing Colin within his family. Everything about him is her ideal. Colin is from a powerful family. He is wealthy and he has chosen to travel the world. Every time his mother wants to point him in the direction of a future bride, he leaves the country. He is intelligent and presents a picture of being a charmer who has little depth to his personality. In reality, he has determined that he has no purpose in his life and that is keeping him in disappointment and distress about his life. Colin discovers that Penelope is a wonderful woman. He is very surprised that his opinions have been so skewed. He works to become better acquainted with her. As he does, his admiration grows. Each of them learn about the other. They see all the good as well as the bad. I wanted this to move a little faster. I wanted to have fewer pages of descriptions and inner thoughts and viewpoints. I have many more of Ms Quinn’s books on my Kindle. I know I will find them to be wonderful stories. This is simply not one of my favorites.

Since beginning the Bridgerton series, I was partial to the first 2 novels (Daphne and Anthony's) and not very taken with Benedict's (although the ending in the jail cell was good), so I wasn't sure how I would like this one, since Amazon.com reviews were mixed. I was pleasantly surprised and found this to be my favorite novel. Colin is by far my favorite Bridgerton. This novel had a lot going for it. I wasn't disappointed at all. The final scene in Daphne and Simon's ballroom was stellar! Colin was a true gentleman and a man who loved his wife, even if she wasn't a favorite of the "ton." While I felt like Anthony and Benedict were kind of trying to be people they weren't and then had a miraculous transformation into loving husbands, Colin was always just himself. And that was cool. Colin was previously portrayed as the funny and charming Bridgerton who had to explore the world before settling down. When this book starts, he is the oldest of the 8 children that haven't married already, and it's not easy on him since his older brothers have found their calling (Anthony is the viscount and Benedict is an accomplished artist. He's back in London for the season and bored out of his mind. Then there's Penelope Featherington, who was mentioned in all prior novels -- her mother had her "come out" 1 season too early, before she was ready (she was kind of chubby, nobody wanted to dance with her, and she was a wallflower), she was never dressed in flattering colors (her mother put her in orange and yellow because they were happy colors, and a happy girl was more likely to attract a husband), and now she's 28 years old, and unmarried. She's a spinster! The horror! Because Penelope is good friends with Colin's younger sister Eloise (who is also unmarried), Penelope and Colin run into each other fairly often and have developed an easy friendship. Also, the Bridgerton's mother, Violet, always makes her sons dance with Penelope at "ton" events because she was once a wallflower, and doesn't want Penelope to feel left out. Penelope has loved Colin for the better part of 12 years, whereas Colin just sees Penelope as his sister's friend (and in Benedict's story, he swears he will never marry her) until she accidentally reads his travel journals, and then he wonders why he never looked at her before. This story is better than all the other ones because their relationship had time to build, and Julia Quinn nods to happenings in other books, old characters readers love. We know Colin and we know Penelope. We understand how she feels and why she feels this way. While Colin's declaration of love is somewhat of a surprise, it isn't a surprise, and the scene where he tells off Mrs. Featherington was awesome. Whereas in the other books. his brothers and sister fell in love rather quickly, Colin fell in love because he really knew Penelope -- he knew her since she was a kid. Another intriguing part of the story is the identity of Lady Whistledown! Can't say too much more because when you find out her identity everything makes sense. This is a really delightful story. I highly recommend it.

I enjoyed the Bridgerton series on television, and wanted to read the books. Sometimes when books are made into television, the television series disappoints, and sometimes when you read the books after watching the show, you realize the books are not as good. In this case, the television show is great, but the books are better. While the show doesn't follow the books exactly, ( they never do), I still love the books. Each one is even better than the last. Can't wait to read the next!

Oh I loved this! Ever since I saw Colin Bridgerton in the Netflix series and my goodness Penelope, the absolute marvel I was hyperventilating to get my hands on this book! It really is amazing, I don't know if I should saying this but Penelope and Colin's love story is the most interesting one out there of all the Bridgerton siblings I've come across even better than Anthony's!!

Penelope Featherington fell in love two days before her sixteenth birthday, and over twelve years later she loves him still. It doesn't matter that he's her best friend's brother, or that there's never been the slightest chance he'll love her back. He's Colin Bridgerton, and that's all there is to it. The third of the infamous Featherington sisters, Penelope has never enjoyed much success or popularity amongst the ton. Or even in her family. Despite her friendship with the Bridgertons she has always been a wallflower. Now, at eight and twenty, she's a spinster, but at least her mother had stopped dressing her in orange and yellow. It's not so bad being a spinster, especially as she has Eloise Bridgerton to keep her company. Besides, she hardly deems it fair to marry anyone when her heart already belongs to another. Not that anyone has ever proposed. The object of her affections is newly returned from his travels abroad, and, at three and thirty, Colin is not impressed to have his oldest brother pushing him to marry. It's enough to make a man flee the country... again. And yet, despite his frequent travels, Colin feels restless and discontent. His life lacks meaning, he has no focus, nothing to show for himself except repeated mentions in Whistledown about how charming he is. And he is charming, not to mention goodnatured, good-looking and wealthy, but they're hardly achievements, and not what he wants to be remembered for in years to come. Then one day Penelope discovers something about him that he's never told anyone before, and in the midst of their conversation he finds himself telling her how he feels. When she loses her temper with him, he realises he risks a friendship he never expected to find. One that means more to him than he realised. And something that threatens to turn into much, much more... At last Colin Bridgerton gets a book of his own! And it is by far my favourite of the 'Bridgertons'. Unlike Daphne, whose love grew inspite of itself, or Anthony - which was more of a farce - or Benedict's fairytale, Colin's begins with friendship. He's known Penelope for years, he even swore once (loudly, publicly, causing mortifying embarrassment) that he would never marry her. However, the more he gets to know her, the more he sees, and the more precious their friendship becomes. This is my favourite 'Bridgerton' book, probably my favourite JQ novel, because Colin is such a wonderful character, developed gradually over the previous tales - and returning regularly hereafter (except for in Hyacinth's tale). But, even better, Penelope is a delightful heroine, well worthy of her place amongst the Bridgertons. Her experience amongst the ton can be heartbreaking at times, and while it's lovely to see Colin stand up for her, it's even better when she stands up for herself. This is a tale for every shy, ugly duckling and wallflower out there, and proves that occasionally (just occasionally) the heroes do the smart thing and marry the girl for her brains, not just her beauty. Oh! And thanks to a challenge issued by the irrepressible Lady Danbury (she's back, huzzah!), Lady Whistledown is unmasked. Have you guessed who it is yet? Brilliant and wonderful, I wish I had more stars, because five just isn't enough.

Love this special edition and the little extras in the thoughtful design make it stand-out. I look forward to completing the set. Julia’s involvement shows in every volume.

Enjoyable read. Not too long, but packs a punch. Took me to a world I'll never be familiar with but can love. I enjoy reading for this reason and this book delivers. Thank you, Julia Quinn!

É lindíssimo. Vale MUITO a pena. Já tinha lido em português, mas nada se compara à versão original nessa edição.