Because of Miss Bridgerton

by Julia Quinn

Paper Book, 2016

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Publication

New York, New York : Harper Collins Publishers, 2016.

Description

Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML: Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places... This is not one of those times. Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband... someday. Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should... Or not. There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant, annoying, and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either. But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor... Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without....… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member readinggeek451
The first in a prequel series to Quinn's popular Bridgerton series, set a generation earlier.

Billie Bridgerton spent her childhood running wild with the neighboring Rokesbys, Andrew, Edward, and Mary. Now she runs the family estate for her father and still runs as wild as she can. The eldest
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Rokesby, George, never really approved of Billie, but when he rescues her from a roof (she was rescuing a cat from a tree, and things got out of hand), they begin to come to a new understanding.

The characters are delightful and well-rounded, and the romance charming. Another winner.
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LibraryThing member WendyK
Fans of Ms. Quinn are in for treat with Because of Miss Bridgerton. I have to admit I was a little worried.......as I adore the Bridgertons, but once again Ms. Quinn has written a novel that leaves you feeling well happy. You will be thrilled to have read this one. This is a fun, easy, quick read.
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Fans of Ms. Quinn are sure to devour it. Those who are new won't be lost but will be eager to read any other Bridgerton book. I highly recommend this one to all fans of historical romances. I loved the relationship between Billie and George! I loved how their relationship changed and grew. Ms. Quinn has written characters that are easy to fall in love with as well being realistic. You will be turning pages eager to see what's next but also a little sad to see the ending coming. It's one of those "can't wait for more" reads! I can't wait to see what's next from Ms. Quinn. Because of Miss Bridgerton is certainly a Keeper Shelf Read!

*This book was received for the purpose of an honest review.*
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LibraryThing member TheLustyLiterate
3.5/4 Stars | Hot Steam

Every new release from Julia Quinn is a cause for celebration. Her impeccably written novels, filled with glorious romance, adventure, and brilliant wit, never fail to entertain, inspire, and satisfy. And, while I’ve greatly anticipated each of her past novels’ debuts, my
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delirious excitement for BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON was uncontainable. I live for the Bridgertons. They are my all-time favorite fictional family. THE DUKE AND I, my very first Historical romance, spurned my utter devotion to the genre. So, when the divine Ms. Q announced that there would be more Bridgertons featured in a brand new series, I jumped for joy, set my expectations to the stratosphere and counted down the days until I could immerse myself in the dramas, delights, and desires of the next generation of Historical romance's most beloved and enduring dynasty. And, what fun it was! Enchanting, lively, and blissfully passionate, Billie and George’s adversaries-to-friends-to-lovers story is a cannily penned, sweet, and slow-burning affair that takes its time to build a meaningful foundation for the couple’s deepening connection, startling attraction, and fated love to thrive.

Admittedly, I was skeptical at first as Billie seemed a tad immature for a grand romance. Young, isolated, tomboyish, wild, reckless, and impulsive—men aren’t on her radar. Her time and energy is wrapped up in taking thoughtful care of her family’s estate. But, as the novel progresses and she and George grow to appreciate, understand, and confide in one another, everything fundamentally shifts for her. Still as impulsive as ever, she steadily matures and approaches her awakening sexuality and budding feelings for George like she does everything else in her life—boldly, with spirit, zeal, abandon, and pure joy in the moment. And I loved her for it!

Equally wonderful and perfect for Billie, I adored George so much. Having always frowned upon Billie’s britches and wildness, I loved his shocking realizations, again and again, as Billie, just by being herself, shakes him to his core with increasing lust and admiration. He begins to seek out and relish her unconventionality, strength, compassion, intelligence, drive, and dizzying beauty. The unkempt girl he’s known and dismissed his entire life is suddenly vital to his every breath and happiness. I loved reading his tantalizing POV as his rattling fascination with Billie turns into a red-blooded obsession. He has such riveting fire in him, and I couldn’t get enough!

Sigh…I so enjoyed this romance! What a fabulous start to the Rokesbys series! I simply can’t wait for Billie & George’s charming, boisterous, and hilariously incorrigible siblings to each find their own unique happily ever afters too!

Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member N.W.Moors
I love Julia Quinn's books and I've been looking forward to this one which didn't disappoint. Billie and George seem like opposites, but in truth, have some of the same insecurities about their situations in life. Billie has always been closest to George's younger brothers and George has found her
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to be a pest in the past, but when they get stuck on a roof together, their views of one another start to change.
While I didn't like this quite as much as the Bridgerton series, I still enjoyed this first book in the Rokesby series very much. Billie and George are perfect for each other, even if they don't realize it for quite a while and the two families are very interesting. I hope that we get to see something of Edmund (and Violet) as the series continues though they're not strictly Rokesby family members as well as more of Billie and George.
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LibraryThing member vampiregirl76
I'm a big fan of the Bridgertons series, I was hooked from the first pages of The Duke and I. I have been waiting patiently (okay maybe not patiently) for this one to come out. Going into the book, I thought this was gonna deal with one of the Bridgertons children. But no Ms. Quinn went back a bit
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to 1779, telling the story about Billie Bridgerton, The Bridgerton's aunt. I was absolutely entranced once again and can't wait to read more. This book has everything I love about the Bridgertons series and it is also fresh and new. A must read.

If you're worried about reading all the Bridgerton books to get to this one (all though I highly recommend them. Great series) don't be. Because of Miss Bridgerton can be read as a stand alone.
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LibraryThing member bbofje
I received a copy of Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn through The Reading Room and Harper Collins. I normally don't read historical fiction/romance novels but I did enjoy this book. The characters were likable and it was a fast read.
LibraryThing member tori_hoffert
This book is a historical romance. First of all let me say I loved this book! It had a lot of witty banter which I found very amusing. The romance was great also. The two characters go from hating each other to falling in love. I loved this novel and can't wait for the next book in the series to
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come out! I would recommend this to readers
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LibraryThing member mmoj
Billie Bridgerton is a young woman who comes from a good family, is charming but tends to act before she's thought of the "what could happens". Usually this all works out for Billie, however this time she's found herself on a roof, with a twisted ankle and no way down. Unfortunately the person who
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comes to rescue her is her nemesis, her neighbor George Rokesby. While Billie loves the rest of the family, and assumes she'll marry one of George's brothers, he and George always seem to butt heads. Imagine their surprise when they begin to notice the other after they finally get off the roof.

What I love about this book, and what is so refreshing to me, was that this book is all about Billie and George falling in love. All the supporting characters are really around just as a foil for this growing love affair. I didn't have to be distracted by a mystery, scoundrel or even a horrid daily member. It's been awhile since I've read a historical romance that was just that.It was a pleasure to read about these two characters realizing they are in love and not just neighbors.
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LibraryThing member Narshkite
This started really slowly, and I began to fear that Julia Quinn, one of my very favorite romance authors, had fallen down on this one. But once I got about 25% of the way in it picked up like crazy and evolved into a wonderful story. Charming characters, a sweet story, a good start for this new
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series.
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LibraryThing member scoutmomskf
I loved this book. I was very happy to see a return to the Bridgerton family, and intrigued to see that the new series explores the generation before the orginal series. Though someday I'd like to see the Bridgerton children too. This is the story of Billie (Sybilla), the oldest of the Bridgerton
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siblings. She is twenty-three and has lived most of her life on the family's estate in Kent. She never had a London Season because of an unfortunate incident at her Court presentation, but that's fine with her. She's happiest when she's riding about the land (in her breeches), supervising planting and harvests and checking on tenants. As the only child for so long, she took on the role of a son to her father, learning the estate's management, and has continued to help until her younger brother is old enough to take over. She is smart and sassy, has no problem expressing her opinion, is loving and loyal to her family, and tends to be just a tad impulsive/reckless. Her best friends have been Mary Rokesby and her two brothers Edward and Andrew. They all ran pretty wild together as children, and still have a close friendship. Billie expects she'll marry either Edward or Andrew someday. Her relationship with the oldest brother, George, is more contentious. She always feels that he's judging her, and reacts by teasing him whenever possible.

George is the oldest, and as the heir, spent most of his childhood in training for his future duties. He never really had the chance to run around like the rest of them. He is quiet, always aware of his responsibilities, but would do anything for his family. While he loves his home and the land, there's a small part of him that is envious of his brothers ability to join the military and fight for King and country.

I loved the beginning of the book. Billie has gotten herself into a predicament - she is stuck on the roof of a building and has sprained her ankle. She hopes that someone will come along soon who can help her get down. Unfortunately the first person to show up is last one she wants to see - George. The encounter is pretty funny, with each giving as good as they get in attitude. Through yet another mishap, George ends up stuck on the roof with her, until his brother Andrew comes along. It's during this forced time together that George comes to a rather startling realization. He is attracted to Billie, absolutely the worst person he could choose as a bride. But he starts to see that there's more to her than the hoydenish bane of his existence. Billie also feels something unexpected around him and isn't sure what to make of it. She's never paid attention to his features or his build before, but the kindness and sympathy that emerges has her looking at him differently. The usual banter continues between them that evening, but there is also something different about it.

I loved the progression of their relationship. They have spent so long as antagonists that both are a bit confused as to why they suddenly want to spend more time together. Their arguing and teasing continues, but there is a different feel to it. I also enjoyed how their fascination was demonstrated in the way they would sneak looks at each other, find ways to touch each other. Billie's mother's decision to have a house party threw them together even more. I loved seeing the jealousy that popped up, especially in George. For such a calm and normally reasonable man he had some pretty amusing reactions to the men who showed an interest in Billie. She wasn't too far behind in her reactions to other women, especially one. The Pall Mall (croquet) game she instigated was pretty funny.

But just when things were starting to get interesting, disturbing news for the Rokeslys arrives, ending the house party. I ached for their pain, and George's worry about his father that put more responsibility on his shoulders. I loved how Billie was there for all of them, but especially worried about George. It was funny to see his mom find a way to get Billie to London with them. Billie is hoping to be able to just stay in the background and be support, but his mom has other ideas. Billie is terribly worried about making an appearance at the ball because of her lack of experience. George plans to be there to help her through it, something comes up that prevents it. While this could have been a huge misunderstanding to create drama, they deal with it quite differently, with the resulting realization that they belong together. The final scene is great, with George doing his best to keep Billie from another reckless action and discovering that all it takes is to tell her why. I loved the depth of his emotion as he expressed it and the effect it had on Billie. I loved his mom's reaction which honestly didn't surprise me at all. I had seen those wheels turning early on in the book.

I'm really looking forward to the rest of the books in the series. Georgiana especially intrigues me, even though she's still young. She has spent so long being somewhat ignored by the others that she's bound to make her presence known in some spectacular way. I'm also looking forward to Andrew's story. He is such a rogue and a flirt that he needs someone who will lead him on a merry dance.
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LibraryThing member Gingermama
I had read so many negative reviews of this book, my expectations were low. So I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's a perfectly sweet little romance. The hero and heroine are appealing and there are several memorable supporting characters. Julia Quinn's dialogue is always so well done, and
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her usual humor was here, as always with several laugh out loud moments. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed it for what it was: a light, fun romance with characters I felt invested in.
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LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Billie Bridgerton, it has been assumed, will marry one of the Rokesby brothers, they've grown up with each other and it's only logical that she would marry one. But not George, she finds him insufferable and he finds her annoying. Then they're thrown together and they find that there's an
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attraction, but can they tolerate each other?

Entertaining and funny, enjoyed the read and the realisations by the characters that there was an attraction there. I adored the game of Pell Mell (apparently an early precursor to Croquet) and the reactions to a variety of comments, it was an interesting bonding moment with several of the characters.
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LibraryThing member vonze
This may be one of my favorite Julia Quinn novels. Definitely top three. Although, I suddenly feel the need to go back and re-read them all to make sure.

It has everything I've discovered I love about her writing. Above all, witty dialogue! There's a sense that it isn't just a Regency romance novel,
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it's a Regency RomCom. The banter between characters cracks me up and adds to the great romantic tension.

In this novel, the heroine, Billie, is an unconventional young lady. It was refreshing to follow a Regency heroine who wasn't overly obsessed about the season and husband hunting. Meanwhile, George is the uppity brother of Billie's best friends and neighbors. I don't normally jump for hate-turned-to-love plots, but this one worked out very naturally.

There's also the delightful sense of Regency community and family. Nosey somewhat meddling mommas. Best friend aka why-won't-you-just-be-my-sister-in-law-already? One brother who just wants to stack cards. Another brother who's fighting for King and country.

Ooo, that ending left me hanging! How much longer until the next book??? I have the feeling the setting will be very interesting.
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LibraryThing member BillieBook
The heroine's name is Billie, so of course I was going to love it.
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
Because of Miss Bridgerton
4.5 Stars

Wild and spirited, Billie Bridgerton is always getting into one scrape or another and everyone finds her endearing except, that it, for George Rokesby. Despite the friendship between their families, Billie and George can barely tolerate one another, so when
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circumstances bring them together neither can quite comprehend the sparks that fly and the attraction that builds. Suddenly, these two lifelong adversaries begin to realize that the one person they cannot abide is the only one they cannot live without…

Series Note: This is the first book in the prequel series to the Bridgertons. The heroine, Billie, is Edmund's (father to the Bridgerton siblings) older sister. It is not necessary to read the Bridgertons in order to enjoy this book. but I highly recommend doing so sooner rather than later.

An enchanting romance with all of the wit and charm that characterizes Julia Quinn’s writing.

Quinn is very skilled at placing her characters in unrealistic situations that somehow work despite the circumstances. This is certainly the case with the opening scene, which is laugh out loud funny as Billie and George’s arguing and banter set the stage for their sweet and passionate relationship.

As with the original series, the secondary characters are well-developed and the closeness of the Bridgertons and the Rokesbys add to the amazing sense of family and friendship established in the story.

Although the plot is lighthearted and humorous, the characters also deal with deeper emotions as George struggles with being the eldest sibling and all of the duties and responsibilities that being the heir entails. The Rokesby family must also cope with the dangers of their sons going to war and the inevitable consequences.

All in all, a lovely book and I look forward to reading Edward’s story, especially after the developments in this one.
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LibraryThing member PNRList
Classic Quinn. I laughed, I teared up, I adored the hero and heroine. So excited for this new series! I am guessing Andrew is next, but who will be his heroine?!
LibraryThing member Kathy89
The Bridgertons and the Rokesbys have estates next to one another and the children have grown up playing and living in one anothers houses. Billy Bridgerton is sort of tomboy and helps with the running of her families estate. Edward is the oldest of the Rokesbys and will one day inherit the estate
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and the title. He's out walking one day and finds Billy stranded on the roof of a barn after attempting to save a cat. He gets a ladder to climb and rescue her but the ladder falls and they are stranded on the roof. They bicker but she has a sprained ankle and can't walk. He, as a gentleman feels compelled to help her. Their dislike begins slowly turning in love after more bickering and miscommunication until they finally admit their true feelings and begin the HEA.
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LibraryThing member WhiskeyintheJar
Found the heroine hard to connect with, she was a bit oblivious/ignorant of how rude she would come off. The hero was a beta treat and their enemies-to-lovers trope I'm a sucker for but their interactions and chemistry seemed a bit off and uneven. This could have been a novella as a lot of the
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story dragged and felt like not much happened, very character driven but problems with unevenness I mentioned hurt it. Quinn's writing is always good so I liked it but this felt uninspired compared to her original Bridgerton series.
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LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
Watching Billie fall in love with the one Bridgerton son she has always disliked is amusing and seductive all at once. I liked Billie a lot.
LibraryThing member chrirob
Miss Billie Bridgerton loves helping her father run their estate, dressing for the occasion (mainly in breeches), and visiting with her dearest neighbors the Rokesby family. However, while she loves all the Rokesby clan as if they were her own family, she cannot abide their eldest son George. His
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arrogance and predictability are the last thing Billie would consider a "catch" by all the other eligible females of the ton. But, things are not always as they seem...when George steps in to perform a good deed (and possibly save her reputation), Billie begins to see a different side of George. But, old habits and feelings are hard to dismiss and their newfound friendship may just be doomed before it every really begins.

This is the first novel in the Bridgerton Prequel series and it was just as good as its' predecessors! I had forgotten how much I loved Julia Quinn's novels until I read this one - so full of wit, adventure, and just great laughs! I ran out and bought the remaining 3 novels in the series and cannot wait to dive in!
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LibraryThing member ToniFGMAMTC
This was a pretty fun read. The female lead is very outgoing for her time. She's not great at being girly and doing girl things. The male lead has been her friend since they were kids. Finally something clicks for them. It has amusing dialogue and entertaining scenes. Since this is connected to
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Bridgertons series, I think readers of that series will be more involved in the storyline. I have not read it so I didn't recognize all the characters, but that didn't distract me from liking the book.
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LibraryThing member ToniFGMAMTC
This was a pretty fun read. The female lead is very outgoing for her time. She's not great at being girly and doing girl things. The male lead has been her friend since they were kids. Finally something clicks for them. It has amusing dialogue and entertaining scenes. Since this is connected to
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Bridgertons series, I think readers of that series will be more involved in the storyline. I have not read it so I didn't recognize all the characters, but that didn't distract me from liking the book.
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LibraryThing member cyderry
I have loved the original Bridgerton series since the first book was published in 2000 and have read them all. I was excited to hear that this new series was a prequel to that series giving another view of the family that Netflix viewers have found outside the pages of a book. However, this book
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didn't seem to have the same zing between the pages that the original Bridgerton series had. Not to say that it wasn't enjoyable, just not the same standard. Maybe the next one will be better.
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LibraryThing member jennybeast
Wonderful, hilarious romance, with two stubborn and irascible protagonists. Satisfying story without extreme melodrama or hysteria. Yum.

Advanced reader's copy provided by Edelweiss.
LibraryThing member MickyFine
Billie Bridgerton has never conformed to expectations of what a young lady ought to do. So it isn't entirely surprising when her neighbour and long-time family friend, George Rokesby, finds her stranded on a roof with a sprained ankle after attempting to rescue a cat. What is unexpected is that
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Billie and George, who have always found each other irritating at best are suddenly wondering if there might be something more between them.

An excellent romance novel filled with plenty of banter and a decidedly slow-burn frenemies to lovers plot. While the book (and its series) is technically a prequel to the now-universally well-known Bridgerton books, it stands on its own very well. That said there is a round of Pall Mall in this book that will delight readers of the previous series and isn't derivative either. Recommended for historical romance readers in general and Quinn fans particularly.
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Awards

RUSA CODES Listen List (Selection — 2017)

Language

Original publication date

2016-03-29

Physical description

375 p.; 18 cm

ISBN

0062388142 / 9780062388148
Page: 0.3313 seconds