The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons #2) by Julia Quinn

 

Summary (from the publisher): This time the gossip columnists have it wrong. London’s most elusive bachelor Anthony Bridgerton hasn’t just decided to marry—he’s even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield—the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate’s the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands—and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate’s determined to protect her sister—but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony’s lips touch hers, she’s suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...

Review: In the second installment of this entertaining romance series, author Julia Quinn tells the love story of the oldest Bridgerton sibling Anthony.  Anthony finally decides he must fulfill his duty to marry. But with hidden demons of his own stemming from his father's early death, he refuses to seek love in a wife. He selects the imminently suitable Edwina Sheffield as a proper bride, but he must first gain the approval of her protective older half-sister Kate. Yet despite their intentions, Anthony and Kate find themselves increasingly drawn to each other.

This was yet another entertaining romp through the world of the Bridgertons. Certainly not perfectly historically accurate but a very delightful love story. I do believe I enjoyed this installment more than I did the first book. Anthony is a at heart a kinder and more likeable man and I liked feisty nature of Kate, who is fiercely protective of her sister and unafraid of defying social expectations to marry if she must. As an aside, Netflix really did this book wrong and made unforgivable changes in the tv adaptation. The book is much better. 

Stars: 4

Related Title: 

• The Duke and I (Bridgertons #1) by Julia Quinn