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It's in His Kiss (Bridgertons, #7)

Julia Quinn

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Bridgertons

Can I read The Viscount if I've watched Bridgerton but not read The Duke & I?
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Jul 05, 2011 Melissa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audible-book, 2018-reads, 2011-reads, 2012-reads, whispersync

I was a little nervous about starting this book because there were considerably more negative reviews to this book than the previous books in the Bridgertons series. I had enjoyed these books so much that I didn't want to spoil my enjoyment by reading one that would leave me with a sour taste in my mouth. Several reviewers commented on the difficulty they had in liking the male lead of this story, Gareth. But, despite the complaints, I read on. I'm glad that I did. This is a little different tha I was a little nervous about starting this book because there were considerably more negative reviews to this book than the previous books in the Bridgertons series. I had enjoyed these books so much that I didn't want to spoil my enjoyment by reading one that would leave me with a sour taste in my mouth. Several reviewers commented on the difficulty they had in liking the male lead of this story, Gareth. But, despite the complaints, I read on. I'm glad that I did. This is a little different than the previous books in this series. There is an element of mystery to the book, and the characters are quite a bit more daring than those introduced in the earlier books. It is true that Gareth is perhaps a little harder to love than the men of the earlier books, but I think that is only initially. While in earlier books the love between the two characters is evident early in the book, in this book it is not as obvious. I think that part of this is because Hyacinth is such a headstrong character who knows her own mind and can take on any man who comes her way. In many ways she plays off of Gareth more as a best friend would, rather than as a romantic interest. The two of them have a good rapport, and they engage in verbal jousting each time they meet. Although it seems as if people are pushing them to have a relationship, neither one of them seem inclined to pursue one at first. Instead, they involve themselves in translating the Italian diary of Gareth's grandmother and unraveling the mystery of the diamonds that she has hidden away somewhere in the St. Clair home. The romance of this book almost sneaks up on Gareth and Hyacinth because they are so involved in the mystery of these diamonds. Because of the way that this plays out, it isn't a romance that I was pushing for as a reader during the first parts of the book. In the previous books I couldn't wait for the romance to finally begin, but in this one I was content to ride the story out. It just read a little differently than the previous books of the series, but I enjoyed it just as well. It was frustrating to see how long it took for Gareth to finally recognize the love that he felt for Hyacinth, but he got there, nonetheless. I would say that the most frustration I felt for this book, however, was with Gareth's ridiculous plan to seduce Hyacinth so that she would not be able to back out of the marriage if she figured out that Gareth was not the legitimate son of the baron. I was HIGHLY irritated with this decision. It seemed underhanded in every sense of the word. How exactly would that have succeeded in starting off their marriage successfully? Why, oh why, can't the characters in these romances just try a little openness and honesty? I realize that it was another time and place, but still, through these books it seems as if the Bridgertons and their spouses have always acted much better than the world around them. They were able to break some of the societal rules that prevented them from finding true happiness with their true loves. I just have come to hope that these characters could rise above the crazy norms of their world. Ultimately all of them do, even Gareth and Hyacinth in this book. But, Gareth had to descend into madness for a bit as he decided to hide his uncertainty of birth from Hyacinth and instead seduce her so she felt pressure to continue the marriage, irregardless of his family situation. It seemed like a jerk of a move to me. Luckily, this is a Julia Quinn romance, so everything worked out in the end. Hyacinth learned the truth and then was able to figure out who Gareth's real father was. The news was great, Gareth and Hyacinth married, and everyone lived happily ever after. I guess that was a little bit of a spoiler, but what more could we expect from these books? Just so that I don't end my review with only negative thoughts, I have to say that I absolutely LOVED the talks that Hyacinth had with her mother, Violet. Violet has never taken center stage in any of these books, but she is a driving force in the background of all of them. In the conversations she had in this book we were able to see some of the hidden thoughts and emotions that have driven her throughout her life, especially as they related to her children and late husband. This family is what it is because of her love and strength, and it was wonderful to see that shown so powerfully in this book. Although this wasn't my favorite book of the series I still enjoyed it a lot. I liked the little change of pace from the earlier books that helped this book to seem a little fresher. The epilogue was really sweet to me. At first I was a little horrified with Isabella's actions, but after thinking about it I thought that it fit the book excellently, and it especially fit the personalities of Gareth and Hyacinth. Isabella obviously shares some traits of her parents, as well as her spunky great-grandmama, Lady Danbury. This was another quick and fun romance book to read. Seven Bridgertons married -- one to go!

2018 Audio Update - After reading the previous two books of this series, one with my least favorite hero and the second with my least favorite heroine, it is time to turn to another relatively good Bridgerton book with a big flaw. In this seventh installment of the series I find a hero and heroine who I love waltzing through a plot that bothers me. It's the plot that doesn't work in this story. I love Hyacinth and Gareth. They deserved a fairly epic love story. Overall, it ends up okay. They have a delightful Happily Ever After. And I REALLY love the epilogue to their story ... probably one of my favorites of the series. But I really, really, really, hate that Gareth manipulates Hyacinth in order to "seal the deal" with his engagement. He loves her. She loves him. They will be getting married. And yet he has to go to somewhat deceitful means in order to make sure that she HAS to marry him. Totally unnecessary and really irritating as a plot device. For two people who are known for their communication skills, they could have really used those skills much more effectively in their relationship to prevent this sort of ridiculousness. Having said that, I still love this family and all of their stories. A bad Bridgerton book is still worth four stars in my opinion. This time I experienced this story through the audio version. Simon Prebble is growing on me as a narrator for these stories, but I still feel like he doesn't quite capture the moods and atmospheres of these stories exactly right. But I enjoyed it. Four stars. I really liked it. ...more

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Jun 10, 2011 Sylvain rated it liked it · review of another edition

This entry in Julia Quinn's bestselling Bridgerton family series is a champagne bubble of a book, brimming with wit, humor, and a wonderful romance. In her fourth season on London's marriage mart, Hyacinth Bridgerton, far too outspoken to be universally attractive, finally gets the love she deserves. The youngest of eight siblings who were famously named in alphabetical order, Hyacinth prefers to spend her time not socializing but reading to the sharp-tongued Lady Danbury. The only man who doesn

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