The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons, #2)

by Julia Quinn

book data

1,073 ratings, 4.13 average rating, 60 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		37%
4		40%
3		20%
2		1%
1		0%

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published

December 1st 2000 by Avon

binding

Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages

characters

Anthony Bridgerton, Kate Sheffield

setting

The United Kingdom

isbn

0380815575 (isbn13: 9780380815579)

description

1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no i...more

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09/08/08

Eastofoz rated it:

Overall it’s good but I didn’t really like Anthony all that much –he was too “hot” or “bossy” or something at times, can’t quite put my finger on it. I liked Kate and I felt sorry for her, but I thought she could have had more inner strength especially towards Anthony. There are a few scenes where you get teary eyed because of some very strong emotions that surface. Lady Whistledown is a riot yet again!

The story itself is very well-written with a lot of fun smilin...more

Like this review? yes (6 people liked it)

5 comments

01/02/09

Inara rated it:

bookshelves: novels-historical-romance

Read in December, 2008

recommends it for: historical romance fans

What a wonderful second book in the Bridgerton Series! I really enjoyed reading it and I´m soo looking forward to read the next books. Although my joy with this book was somewhat clouded - the ridiculous business with the bee was a bit exaggerated but the rest was just entertaining, funny and gave me some cheerful hours!

Website of the author: http://www.juliaquinn.com/

Like this review? yes (3 people liked it)

2 comments

04/08/09

Barbara M. rated it:

5 Stars...woop woop!!! Don't you just love this ladies writing?! I have almost come to the end of the line for Quinn books, there's only a few left that I haven't read. I loved, loved, loved Anthony and Kate's story ladies, and I really love the expect the unexpected love stories. I would recommend this book to anyone with a guilty pleasure of a good old fashion love story.

Oh yeah...Don't skip the "Authors Note" at the end (page 353). Quinn gives you a definite ending that...more

Like this review? yes (2 people liked it)

10 comments

06/26/07

Sara rated it:

bookshelves: books-i-own, favorites, romance

Read in April, 2007

(#2 in the Bridgerton Series)

This was the first Julia Quinn [www.juliaquinn.com] book I ever read (even though it's the second in the series), and it is still my favorite. I need to buy it (and the rest of the series)... I read it like 4 or 5 times now...

The thing I LOVE about this book is that it is just SO FUNNY. Don't read it in public unless you want people to look at you like you're crazy. It's laugh-out-loud funny. The hero and heroine... OH GEEZ! They're HIL...more

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06/26/09

Jacqueline rated it:

bookshelves: historical-romance

Has a copy to sell/swap — Read in June, 2009

recommended to Jacqueline by: Me, Myself, and I
recommends it for: Those who love romances without an antagonist

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Overall, quite enjoyable! My favorite point on any book comes on the heals of reading it and finding zero dry points. Thankfully, whith this book, not once did I get antsy with the pacing, plot, or characters. The writing, of course, was fantastic, no doubt!

AS for the story, I thoroughly enjoyed it, with having only one critism: the climax and end of the story were rather anti-climatic. The epilogue simply noted Anthony's brithday 9 years later and detailed the point that, contrary t...more Overall, quite enjoyable! My favorite point on any book comes on the heals of reading it and finding zero dry points. Thankfully, whith this book, not once did I get antsy with the pacing, plot, or characters. The writing, of course, was fantastic, no doubt!

AS for the story, I thoroughly enjoyed it, with having only one critism: the climax and end of the story were rather anti-climatic. The epilogue simply noted Anthony's brithday 9 years later and detailed the point that, contrary to his fears, he didn't infact die at age 39. While I felt that the story was rather deflated at the end, I still enjoyed the story for, in it's context, it couldn't really have ended any differently.

After coming to the realization he needs to marry, Anthony sets his sights to Edwina Sheffield- the belle of the season, beautiful and intelligent, pursued by all...and younger half-sister to Kate Sheffield. In the ensueing chapters, Anthony turns his attentions to Kate in effort to win her approval to a marriage between Edwina and Anthony. Yet despite his charming reputation, the two constantly butt heads all up until my second favorite scene of Anthony stumbling across Kate in his study. Kate, whose hiding crouched beneath the desk, prays she won't be discovered, for Anthony's entertaining a past lover in the very room! This is a high charged, comical, and intense scene that leads to the couple's first kiss.

Yet, overall, it is their meeting that remains my favorite, for Colin (Anthony's brother) plays a key, halarious role in introducing the two and it is priceless!

The plot is rather simple, leading to the scene in which Anthony's panic over Kate's bee sting in the garden leads to a rather quick marriage. The plot levels out, with Anthony discovering his love for Kate before, and after, a bad carriage accident, which breaks Kate's leg.

Simply put, overall this book was definatly not a waste of time! Rarely has Quinn ever truly dissappointed me, and The Viscount Who Loved Me was no exception.

On a side note I must say I found Quinn's Author Note very entertaining and interesting regarding the reference to the ordeal surrounding Anthony's father's death by bee sting. Pointing out that he, Anthony, had no such allergy and lives until 92 was such a nice, unique, and cute informative fact.

Favorite Quote From Book: "You have to live each hour as if it's your last, and each day as if you were immortal."- Kate(less)

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06/13/09

whistledom rated it:

bookshelves: desert-isle-keeper, historical-romance, romance

The Viscount Who Loved Me is the second installment of the Bridgerton series from best-selling author Julia Quinn. TVWLM features Anthony, the eldest of the Bridgerton siblings, and Kate Sheffield. Kate is determined that her beautiful half-sister, Edwina, marry a reputable man. Unfortunately for Kate, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton--London's most eligible bachelor and a notorious rake to boot--sets his sights on Edwina, and what the viscount wants, the viscount gets. Only this time, Anthony must w...more

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04/23/09

Chasidy rated it:

bookshelves: julia-quinn, romance

I enjoyed reading The Viscount Who Loved Me, though at times I found myself wanting to strangle the stubborn Miss Kate Sheffield. It's not that I found her disliking in the least, it's just that she was a bit.. I don't know, too opinionated? That is of course in my opinion and I have grown a great amount of respect for her towards the later of the book, probably due to the fact she complmented Mr. Bridgerton perfectly.

In another note, I am indeed glad that our bull headed and loyal M...more

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1 comment

06/05/09

Kate rated it:

Read in June, 2009

Wow. I have loved every Bridgerton book I've read, and up until now, When He Was Wicked has been my favorite. Now it may have some tough competition!

Anthony Bridgerton is determined not to fall in love. He has specifically chosen a wife with whom, although pleasing to the eye and perfectly suitable as a viscountess, he is in no danger of falling in love. Unfortunately, her sister, Kate, is determined not to let him near his chosen - after all, he does have a rather strong reputati...more

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11/21/08

Jaimey rated it:

bookshelves: 25-fav-romance-regency, reviewed, romance-regency

Read in December, 2008

recommended to Jaimey by: a fellow bookcrosser
recommends it for: those who enjoy witty Regencies

In a nutshell:

Viscount Bridgerton is convinced he will die at a young age. To that end, he is determined to marry a young woman with whom he could not possibly fall in love. He settles his matrimonial sights on Edwina Sheffield, a young woman of great beauty, manners, and disposition. The only problem is her sister, Kate.

Kate does not believe that rakes make the best husbands. She is determined to prevent her sister from making the horrible mistake of marrying one, namel...more

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12/29/08

e.lyn rated it:

bookshelves: 2008

Read in December, 2008

I like to check out the romance forum on Amazon to get recs and The Viscount Who Loved Me is a title that popped up a lot. After reading The Duke and I (the first of the Bridgerton series), which was okay but nothing amazing, I wasn't sure about TVWLM. Well far from it, I absolutely loved it. Julia Quinn has such a good sense of humor. She wrote a note in the beginning mentioning it would be a little Pride and Prejudice-ish and yep it delivered just that and more. I'm really looking forward to t...more

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05/11/09

Michelle rated it:

bookshelves: historical_romance, julia-quinn, regency_1811-1820

Read in May, 2009

Anthony Bridgerton is the eldest of the family. When he was 18 his father died from a bee sting so Anthony took over as head of the family. His biggest fear is that he'd never live past the age of 38, the age his father died. Because of this he decides to finally find a bride but never fall in love with her. He decides to pursue the beautiful Edwina Sheffield but knows he must first gain approval from her sister, Kate. As Anthony gets closer to Kate he finds himself very attracted to her. One da...more

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01/23/09

Kathy rated it:

bookshelves: 2009, historical-romance

Read in June, 2009

This is the second book in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series. This is the tale of oldest brother Anthony, who happens to be quite a rake but who has also decided it is time to wed. Before he dies. When Anthony was 18, his father died very young and Anthony has gotten it into his head that the same thing will happen to him. He knows he needs to father an heir and when he asks his brothers who the diamond of the season is, he sets his sights on her.

Enter the kind and witty Kate Shef...more

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04/30/08

Kym rated it:

bookshelves: aar-top-100-romances--2007-, historical-romance

Read in July, 2006

After his father's death at the age of 38, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton convinces himself that he will suffer the same fate. In an effort to protect his family including his mother and seven siblings, he decides that he will marry to preserve the title and provide for his family, but that he will never fall in love as it would be a disservice to the wife who he would leave behind.

Leading up until the time he thinks he might marry, he behaves as the worst sort of rogue (and even Rake w...more After his father's death at the age of 38, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton convinces himself that he will suffer the same fate. In an effort to protect his family including his mother and seven siblings, he decides that he will marry to preserve the title and provide for his family, but that he will never fall in love as it would be a disservice to the wife who he would leave behind.

Leading up until the time he thinks he might marry, he behaves as the worst sort of rogue (and even Rake with a capital R, if the society papers are to be believed). Finally, at the age of 29 he decides it's time for him to marry. He has 3 simple requirements of his future wife: 1) she should be reasonably attractive, 2) she must not be stupid, and 3) she can't be anyone he might actually fall in love with. He consults with his brother's to see who has been crowned the jewel of the season and is informed that it's Miss Edwina Sheffield, an incomparable beauty with intelligence and wit to match. Just like that his decision is made: he will marry Edwina.

What Anthony fails to take into account is that Edwina's older sister, Katharine, has already decided the her sister will not fall prey to any rogue who will break her heart or find her lacking. She is determined that he sister not fall in love with Viscount Bridgerton and is willing to go to any lengths to ensure that the two don't marry. What she doesn't expect is that she might fall in love with him herself.

This is the first book I've ever read by Julia Quinn, but I found it delightfully refreshing. In an era when most romance writers tend to make their heroines simpering heiresses without a care in the world, Quinn has chosen a woman who doesn't necessarily come from a family of great means but has twice the wit and bearing to make up for it. I loved Katharine and found it amusing that she went toe to toe with Anthony for most of the book and held her own. I will definitely read the other books in the Bridgerton series, and even though I think this is the second one I had no problems reading them out of order.(less)

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03/11/08

Gina rated it:

bookshelves: historical-romance, own

Read in September, 2008

recommends it for: anyone who loves historical romances.

Incredibly entertaining!

Now in London for the season, Kate is more determined to help her sister find a husband than to find one for herself. She doesn’t believe than any man would find her attractive and demure enough to ever want her. But when she learns that Anthony Bridgerton has in mind to ask for her sister’s hand, she’s dead set against it. She believe Anthony is the worst sort of rake, and while love doesn’t have to be present right off the bat, she doesn’t want her...more Incredibly entertaining!

Now in London for the season, Kate is more determined to help her sister find a husband than to find one for herself. She doesn’t believe than any man would find her attractive and demure enough to ever want her. But when she learns that Anthony Bridgerton has in mind to ask for her sister’s hand, she’s dead set against it. She believe Anthony is the worst sort of rake, and while love doesn’t have to be present right off the bat, she doesn’t want her sister in a loveless marriage where her heart would be broken by a faithless husband.

After her sister, Edwina, announces casually that she won’t marry unless she has her sister’s approval, things turn difficult. And Anthony will do what is necessary.

They find each other completely impossible to deal with, not wanting to like each other at all. Anthony believes that Edwina would be the perfect bride. Kate believes that Anthony is all wrong for her sister - and is determined to keep them separated at all costs.

What she didn’t count on was her attraction to him, nor was she counting on falling in love with him. And that, to her, only makes matters worse, for Anthony refuses to fall in love, believing that he will die young and doesn’t want to leave behind a family who loved him to no end, like his father before him. While Anthony was just eighteen when his father died at the age of thirty-four from an apparent bee sting, Anthony is terrified of the same thing - and of falling in love.

An incredibly beautiful story. I loved watching Kate and Anthony ‘duel’ each other, words and actions. The way the author writes them with such conviction makes them very real with definite personalities that, while they don’t like each other, they are similar in ways that warms a reader’s heart. From one disaster to another, the attraction between the two grows and while neither wants to admit it, this reader was cheering happily with a ‘ha-ha, just you wait and see’ laugh. I’d have to say my favourite scene is the Pall Mall game, in which Anthony gets a taste of his own medicine.

Ms. Quinn writes superbly, sucking you right into the story of lives all around, while the main characters are still the focus. Descriptions are beautifully done - you can see everything lively in your mind, to what the characters are wearing, their demeanors and their surroundings.

I can’t wait to get my hands on the third installment of the series!(less)

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12/08/07

Ana T. rated it:

bookshelves: read-in-2008, traded

Read in April, 2008

1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And in all truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better...

-Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

But this time the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry-he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle i...more 1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And in all truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better...

-Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

But this time the gossip columnists have it wrong. 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 to 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...

The first time I read the Bridgerton series Anthony and Kate's story was my favourite. On my reread I find it a vast improvement on the previous The Duke and I. It's still funny and full of laughable moments but that humour doesn't seem as forced as in the first book. And the Bridgerton brothers (especially Colin) come across as more endearing than domineering. Anthony is by far the Alpha Male of the pack, he is domineering, controlling and decided to rule his heart as he rules his businesses. With reason and no feelings. He can't seem to stop his attraction to the sister of the woman he plans to marry though and since they are always bickering with each other there was some funny moments there and some scenes are used to emphasize that - the fall into the pond, the Pall Mall game... but nothing would have been achieved if they hadn’t been forced to marry. After that the book looses some of its funny undertones but it becomes more interesting (to me) as Kate and Anthony try to deal with each other and heal each other's wounds.

Quinn has a knack for writing the secondary characters that are Anthony Bridgerton family. I ended the book thinking of picking the next one immediately because of how well she made like them.

Other people have mentioned to me how their favourite scene in the book is the Pall Mall game and Anthony ending up with the pink mallet while Kate has the Mallet of Death. That's a funny one to be sure but my favourite scene is when Anthony rescues Penelope from Cressida Cowper's meanness. That was so hero worthy!

Grade: B(less)

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05/01/09

Liz rated it:

bookshelves: family-friendship, guilty-pleasures, historical, romance

I didn't lke this as much as The Duke and I, and it lost one star for the graphic descriptions, which pulled me out of the novel as I had to keep skipping. But this was still a good summer-type read. Julia Quinn has a great way of intertwining some other, non-romantic themes into her books, which i think is what has pushed this book from the harlequin-type romance level into the ranks of the 'real' publishing industry. I'd still hide the cover, though...

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05/29/09

Joy rated it:

bookshelves: 21c, american, romance

Read in May, 2009

So far, the Bridgerton series feels fairly generic, but the warmth and humor of the familial interactions makes up for a lot. The central pairing here is fairly appealing; that said, I felt the hero's issues were a bit much for an otherwise sensible characters. (I rolled my eyes a lot.) Especially funny: Pall Mall battle royale. Alos noteworthy: younger brother Colin continues to be much more appealing than any of his siblings.

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01/01/09

fbuser706866582 rated it:

bookshelves: chick-lit

Read in December, 2008

recommends it for: Myeda, Ravia

Surprisingly, a very entertaining, funny and well written book. The hero and heroine are engaging and charming and one cares what happens to them (unlike typical happy-ending books where you know how and even when its gonna happen). However the ending chapters seemed a bit 'slow' and 'anti-climatic' as compared to the rest of the book. Would like to read more of Julia Quinn. Overall, a good read in this genre.

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01/29/08

Kimberly rated it:

bookshelves: historical-fiction, romance-novels

Read in January, 2008

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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12/09/08

Laurie rated it:

bookshelves: romance

Read in December, 2008

much fun. the sibling switcheroo plot is always a good one if handled well. and though the early parental death angst flirted with the over-contrived line, it did not quite cross it, so was nice and deliciously angsty and denial-y.

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