Well folks, I’ve done it. I’ve finished the Bridgertons series and just in time, too. The Netflix show premieres next month and I am so so excited! While On the Way to the Wedding was not my favorite Bridgerton novel by far, it was still very sweet, and I am so glad I read this popular historical romance series.
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Now a Netflix series created by Shonda Rhimes— producer and creator of Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, and Scandal— starring Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, and Nicola Coughlan.
A funny thing happened …
Unlike most men of his acquaintance, Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love. And he is convinced that when he finds the woman of his dreams, he will know in an instant that she is the one. And that is exactly what happened. Except …
She wasn’t the one. In fact, the ravishing Miss Hermione Watson is in love with another. But her best friend, the ever-practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermione from a disastrous alliance, so she offers to help Gregory win her over. But in the process, Lucy falls in love. With Gregory! Except …
Lucy is engaged. And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the altar …
Buy On the Way to the Wedding.
(Or better yet – go for the whole series!)
This was such a sweet read and I loved the first 70% of it or so. Lucy is sweet and pretty, but often overshadowed by her best friend Hermione. They’re both young and going into their first season together. They meet Gregory Bridgerton at a house party hosted by his brother and sister-in-law. Gregory becomes infatuated with Hermione, even though she’s in love with someone else. Lucy, meanwhile, sees that Gregory is a better match for Hermione and is fine with setting them up. However, over the course of a few days, the two are drawn to one another. When Lucy returns to London, it’s to be married, and Gregory is desperate to stop the wedding and make sure the two, who have confessed their love to one another, wind up together.
The plot of this one was just all over the place. Lucy has to get married – but wait, her future husband is gay! But she has to anyway, because her uncle is being blackmailed and the truth will ruin her family! Throw in a sort-of-kidnapping of Lucy by Gregory and I was just over it. What started off as a great study on infatuation and real love turned into a shitshow, IMO. That being said, the characters were still lovely and I loved all the cameos by Hyacinth from It’s In His Kiss. This novel was published in 2017, so I can’t forgive the usual Bridgerton bullshittery from the first few novels that I felt Gregory portrayed during the climactic scenes of this one. Also, I don’t like using a gay character as a plot device. He deserves a happily ever after, too.
As for the epilogues, you might know by now I have a bone to pick with Miss Quinn about the Bridgertons all popping out babies. I wanted a wedding scene or a bonus love scene but got them having NINE CHILDREN instead. Every single one of these EIGHT siblings wanted children?! And then the second epilogue packs an emotional punch. It has a happy ending but is filled with suffering.
Overall, this was a great series, but some of the books in it are problematic af. All of the characters are wonderful, but some of their actions are questionable. I get why it’s a popular series since I genuinely loved some of the books in it, but honestly if I am ever thrown back into Regency London, I’m staying away from this family. They all have beautiful hair but are a lot of work. Nonetheless, I’m so excited for the show!! This was a 3 star read in a 4 star series.
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On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a cute read though I couldn’t help but feel Gregory was up to some of the Bridgerton bullshit from the first few novels during the climactic part. 🙄 Also, the second epilogue has a happy ending but is really sad?? I loved the first 70% of this one but then I just got annoyed with a lack of communication and weird kidnapping of sorts, plus I didn’t like how a gay character was just used as a subplot. He deserves a HEA too. Not the best end to the series but I’m still glad I read it.
Book Club Questions
- What was the “flutter” Hermione felt with multiple love interests?
- What’s the difference between love, lust, and infatuation, and what emotions do you think the various characters experienced at different times?
- Assuming you have read the entire series – who is your favorite Bridgerton sibling and why?
