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The Viscount Who Loved Me
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The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #2) Start Feb. 11
Susan's Answers to Lisa Kay’s Questions & Comments for Chapters 1 - 7 1. Amazing. Even knowing the fate of Edmund Bridgerton, since I’ve read this book several times before, it still brings tears to my eyes when I read that Prologue. Ms. Quinn uses an economy of words to set the stage and still deliver the emotional impact of the situation.
I guess I fell in love with Anthony’s father not only because he married Violet so young, but because he chose not to be a distant father. Instead of the typical English peer, he expressed his love and devotion to his family and wanted to be with them. Lord, I’m tearing up again! Comments. I would love to read Edmund and Violet's story. I did cry reading the prologue. I want Anthony to be like his dad.
P.S. Boring medical info on bee stings: (view spoiler)
2. How are you liking Anthony? Can you understand his fear of death at an early age? Well, considering you put this question at the beginning, I'm guessing you're asking for first impressions. First impressions were good. I thought he was witty and I was sure he'd improve from the overbearing brother he was in Daphne's story. But since I've finished with ch 7, I can honestly say I don't think I've ever disliked a hero as much as I do Anthony.
3. I must admit, the very first time I read Mrs. Whistledown’s comments in the first book, I was, like, “Okay.” They didn’t bother me, I liked them, but they didn’t WOW me, either. (Of course, they did on re-read in our last “buddy read,” but that is because I knew what was coming. However, with this installment in the series, I think Mrs. W. really starts to shine. Such a crack up that – perversely – being insulted in her gossip column is a GOOD thing! Comments. Still enjoying her comments. Was Mrs. Sheffields comment about whenever Mrs Whistledown's identity is found out there will be hell to pay foreshadowing something important? I'm dying to find out who she is!
4. What do you think of Kate? Is she jealous of her sister Edwina? Can you love someone unconditionally and still be a tiny bit jealous? How did you like Kate’s dialogue with her step-mother, Mary? Yes, I think you can love unconditionally and still be jealous. She sees Edwina getting something she doesn't see herself ever getting. She's not catty and wishing it away from Edwina, she's just a little whistful. I do like the relationship between Mary and Kate.
5. Ah! So Edwina is a bookworm. Makes me love her all the more. Think she will find her scholar in London? I sure hope so!
BOOK QUOTE:
“Which is that a husband can break a heart with far greater intensity than a mere suitor.” She smiled – a small, knowing sort of smile – then added, “Don’t you think?”
“Having never been married, I am certainly not in a position to speculate.”
“Shame, shame, Mr. Bridgerton. That is the worst sort of evasion.”
“Was it? I rather thought it might be the best. I am clearly losing my touch.”
“That, I fear, will never be a worry.” Kate finished the rest of her lemonade. It was a small glass; Lady Hartside, their hostess, was notoriously stingy.
“You are far too generous,” he said.
She smiled, a real smile this time. “I am rarely accused of that Mr. Bridgerton.”
He laughed. Right out loud in the middle of the ballroom. Kate realized with discomfort that they were suddenly the object of numerous curious stares.
6. Oh, that Colin Bridgerton! Me thinks he is just a little more methodical – yet mischievous – than his brothers. You? Remember, he is the only one with green eyes. The World Traveler. The Risk Taker. **sigh** Ms. Quinn was so good with their introductory scene, I was half wishing Kate would fall for him instead. Nevertheless, do you think Colin was playing a bit of the Matchmaker with Kate and Anthony when he went to his brother after talking with Kate? Or was he just stirring the pot? I think he was playing matchmaker. He knows Anthony would never truly be happy with a wife whom he didn't love and Kate showed enough spark. Then again, he could have just been trying to get Anthony to stick his foot in his own mouth ;)
7. Which scene did you prefer? The one in the Drawing Room between Kate & Anthony, or the disaster at The Serpentine river? Ah. Such a shame; just when Anthony was beginning to feel something. The disaster at the Serpentine! It was funny! I didn't like how Anthony just left Kate there though.
8. Oh, my! Kate’s pumping her sister for information and Anthony had a wet dream nightmare of Kate! Why are these two so oblivious to their own pull toward one another? It is just a matter that they both made up their minds and are determined to stick to it? I don't know what it is with them. He's old enough and wise enough, he should know where his thoughts and feelings are leading him
9. I thought tons that happened in Chapter 7, including a lot of honesty. Sure, some of it was funny, but some of it was painful. Kate had a moment of naiveté, but grew up fast. And Anthony had a few epiphanies himself. Yet, despite several moments of regret, he still sent flowers – and that note! – to Edwina the next day. Comments. This is the chapter I referred to in my previous answer. Anthony Bridgerton is a cruel man and I hope he grovels long and hard before Kate has anything to do with him romantically. I posted a status update saying I didn't think I've ever disliked a hero as much as I dislike this one. Not gonna lie, Anthony has a long way to go to get back in my good graces.
So I've got sick lil ones who have now gotten me sick so I spent the day sitting in bed rubbing the back of a 3 year old with one hand holding this book in the other. I loved it. Finished it! I have a question for someone who has read the whole series. Do we ever discover Whistledowns identity? I don't want to know who it is yet, just a yes or no.
Dawn (Kat N Hat) wrote: "I have a question for someone who has read the whole series. Do we ever discover Whistledowns identity? I don't want to know who it is yet, just a yes or no. "
Yessss we do and that's all I'm going to say
Awww Dawn. Sorry about the sicko kids. And about you being sick too. At least you got some reading time :)
@ Susan#1 – Ditto, ditto, ditto! LOL!
#2 – LOL! Oh, dear! Let’s see if Ms. Quinn can redeem him in your eyes.
#3 – Guess we’ll have to wait to find out!
#4 – I concur; you can love unconditionally and still be a tiny bit jealous, or at least wistful and not wishing to deny the other person something. I like their relationship, too. ☺
#6 – Again, I concur; he was playing matchmaker. He had that insight into his brother’s psyche. But, you are right; why not have fun will doing it? LOL!
#7 – Well, he was pretty pissed and he was just leaving her to walk home with Mr. Berbrooke. I was just wondering why the hell he didn’t put his coat (though damp from Newton’s shake) around Edwina shoulders. Duh!
#8 – Ah! We disagree - slightly! 29 isn’t all that mature, especially if he has his mind made up on a matter. I see both of them as being pretty stubborn, in that regard.
#9 – Yes, I remember the first time I read this book, I thought that office scene had some painful/cruel things happen. Still do. In re-reading it, it made me reflect on why this book is a stand-out one for me, more than the first one, certainly. I love that Romance Books give me insight into my psyche.
Ah! Sorry about the little one, Dawn, and that you don’t feel well either. Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. However, glad you enjoyed the book. Susan is correct…oh… I almost let something slip…so I’ll zip my lip.
I don't remember Anthony being a bad hero... hmmm... It's been like 10 years or more since I read this one though. I just ordered a copy from paperbackswap, I just may have to re-read it sooner rather than later...
Yeah, he's pretty rough on her in the office, Kit★. In my humble opinion, anyway. And he realizes it, feels like an ass, but doesn't change is course. She certainly grows up a bit in that room. School of hard knocks, so to speak. There were times I thought Ms. Quinn was going to let Kate give him a break on a couple of important issues (what with the kiss), but she does NOT. She has Kate call him on them.
The bee scene in the gardens actually had me between laughter and tears. I couldn't decide wether to blink back tears at Anthony's reaction, so heartbreaking, or laugh at the Mrs Featherington fiasco. Crack-up!
Lisa Kay wrote: "Ah! Sorry about the little one, Dawn, and that you don’t feel well either. Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. However, glad you enjoyed the book. Susan is correct…oh… I almost let s..."Hmmm, you have me wondering what I'm correct about :)
CaroB wrote: "The bee scene in the gardens actually had me between laughter and tears. I couldn't decide wether to blink back tears at Anthony's reaction, so heartbreaking, or laugh at the Mrs Featherington fias..."Haven't gotten to the bee scene yet, but I cackled through the entire Pall Mall game with th mallet of death and Anthony getting the pink ball and Kate jumping up and deon screaming "I win!" loved it!!! :)
CaroB wrote: "I couldn't decide whether to blink back tears at Anthony's reaction, so heartbreaking, or laugh at the Mrs Featherington fiasco. Crack-up!"Ditto! I thought it was a great way for the author to combine to conflicting - and extreme opposite - emotions at the same time.
Susan (susayq) wrote: "Hmmm, you have me wondering what I'm correct about :)"When you said to Dawn: Yessss we do and that's all I'm going to say...
Susan (susayq) wrote: "...mallet of death..."Yes, that whole scene stuck with me, even after all these years.
I have been in kindergarten again today (and will be tomorrow too) so I haven't gotten much time to read, but I did read the scene where Anthony found Kate in the library during the storm and I have to say, I do like him. Ore after that :)
I loved the pall mall game scenes too! Was very familiar because my brother and I are so competitive in games. WE play a similar game to that, but it's called croquet. Very funny.
If its not too late when we get home from the ballet, I'll answer the questions; otherwise it will be the morning. The bee scene was funny and sad all at the same time.
Okay, I have to say that Anthony is realy cruel to treat Kate the way he did in the office and then sent a flower to her sister the next day. Bad Anthony!!!but....will you guys think less of me if I say that I still find him hot? ^_^
Pall mall scene really crack me up!!! Those Bridgerton really took their game seriously.
June wrote: "but....will you guys think less of me if I say that I still find him hot? ^_^"No, June, of course not! LMBO!
Susan's Answers to Lisa Kay’s Questions & Comments for Chapters 8 – 15 10. Was Anthony’s apology good enough for you? Amusing – and interesting – or would that be that it is most telling that she thought he was apologizing for the kiss? And he had never consider it. LOL! no, it wasn't good enough. But it was sincere and that does make a difference. I loved that he was thinking about kissing her again :)
11. The Bridgerton Pall Mall game and the Mallet of Death were too funny! The dialogue was realistic, snappy, flowed easily, and I never felt it sounded “present day,” as is often the case went authors get clever. I could easily picture the characters and the setting. It was certainly one of the most memorable of this book, long after the pages are closed. How about you? Did you have a favorite quote? I absolutely adored this! When Kate was jumping up and down screaming "I win!" was perfect :) I would love to hang out with the Bridgerton family. And how sweet that Daphne is preggo and Simon is all protective. That put a smile on my face.
12. A boon? Oh, he is a bit of a devil, isn’t he? LOL! (view spoiler) Still, as boons go, it was a good one. Comments. I liked that he didn't ask for a kiss like most men who ask for a boon.
BOOK QUOTES:
And then there was Kate Sheffield.
The bane of his existence.
And the object of his desires.
All at once.
---------
“What happened?”
“He was...he was…” Kate stumbled over her words, unsure of how to describe what exactly he’d done. And then she said something she’d never thought possible: “He was a hero.”
---------
“Never a ninny, Kate. Even when I thought you the most insufferable female creature on the planet, I had no doubts about your intelligence.”
13. Ah! The transitions from “soulless, reprehensible rake” - to “sensitive, caring, and principled...” - to “heroic…” From “a menace to society” - to “bane of his existence” - to “friends.” Were they convincing for you? yes. I find myself softening towards Anthony. He may make a good husband for Kate
14. I loved the information about how Mary would take Kate to her mother’s grave to ‘report.’ Another image I could easily picture. And you? that was so heart warming. Lots of times you read about how the step-mother was cruel and didn't care. It's nice to see the opposite.
15. What did you think about Kate’s road to her epiphany about her feelings toward Anthony, her withdrawing her objection about him courting her sister? Her thinking herself selfish because she wanted to keep him for herself, and then her anticipated agony of having to see him married to her sister? It kind of broke my heart. I can't imagine having feelings for someone that I'm going to have to watch marry my sister.
16. What did you think of the (view spoiler) scene? Lord, I’m so glad he took her to the gazebo afterwards! Still, in reality, he should have had a physician summoned, to make it more believable. I am glad he brought her to the gazebo. The bee scene was heartbreaking and funny at the same time. I hope Kate realizes how much he cares for her by him doing that(I think Violet did), I don't think he would have reacted exactly that way had anyone else been stung.
17. Oh, Anthony! Self-satisfied, unworried Anthony! I thought he was going to totally blow it when he visited Kate to have their little “talk” and give her her engagement ring. Instead, he only half blew it. LOL! I must confess, my memory of the rest of the book is a bit vague, so it is going to be a surprise to me. Any guesses? I'm a little concerned about how we're going to get the "I love yous" out there with his pronouncement of not marrying for love and that it won't happen. I think she's going to keep her mouth shut about her feelings
I read Mary's pre-wedding talk during intermission last night and have to say, she did a better job than Violet ;)
@ Susan#10 – **snortsnort** Okay, Susan! LMBO!
#11 – Yes, very memorable game.
#12 – Yes, nice little twist there.
#13 – I’m glad.
#16 – Yes, very paradoxical.
I'll see about putting up the rest of the DQs. Maybe later tonight, though I finished the other day.
Thank you for doing all the questions on this one! My week has been off with me working everyday but Wednesday. I'm out of practice lol
Ooo I love those beautiful pics and how pretty that lavender frock!!!Now respond to Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 8 – 15
10. Anthony definitely not apoligizing for the kiss :D
I think he apologize to Kate was rather sweet, he seems a guy that can bear the thought of hurting a woman, especially a woman who he put in high esteem like Kate.
11. The Bridgerton Pall Mall game without a doubt is one of the best scene in the entire series, well in my opinion at least.
12. Anthony is the devil, but the devil that Kate (and we) can't resist :D
13. I think they like each other since the start (as Edwina pointed out), they just too stubborn and proud to realize it :D
14. Mary is wonderful mother.
15. I think that pretty much in character with Kate, she's practical type, and love is the last thing she had in mind, and she;s the kind of woman who put her family above her. Eventhough it might hurt him, she will let Anthony go for her sister because she know that Anthony would treat her sister right.
16.I think the bee scene is both frightening (from Anthony POV), confusing (kate's) and downright funny with Mrs F witnessing the "innaproprite" scene.
@ June#11 – Yes, totally agree with you, June. Very memorable. Glad you liked it, too. The dialogue just flowed, making me think I was right there with them. LOL!
#13 – Very true.
#15 –Yes, you nailed her character.
#16 – Exactly!
Sorry, I don't know if I'll get the DQs up tonight, but maybe. We'll see. My sister-in-law's mother, who was 92, passed away on Valentine's Day and I talked with her today on the phone. My father passed away on that same day, back in 1996. Anyway. She was going to come up next week, but now I don't think so.
I finally finished and I really loved this one! I will have to get back to the questions tomorrow, hopefully. My husbands father just passed away yesterday so things are a bit crazy right now. I'm sorry for your loss Lisa Kay.
I'm sorry for your loss, too, Cheryl. Valentine's Day. I had an uncle pass away on that day, too. **sigh**
Cheryl and Lisa Kay,I'm so sorry for your losses. I finished the book last night before I went to bed. I really enjoyed it. Anthony was redeemed for me. The carriage scene towards the end is what did it :)
Oh my goodness, I'm so far behind. I've been trying to finish another book that I don't particularly like and haven't gotten to start this yet! Soon! I can't wait! ;)Cheryl and Lisa, my condolences to you both.
Thanks, Susan & Leah!
Lisa Kay’s Questions & Comments for Chapters 16 – Epilogue
18. Did you think Ms. Quinn was going to make Anthony wait a week? That has certainly been done by other authors. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes it doesn’t. Would it have worked here?
19. Comments on the wedding night? I was okay with all of it, except for the “ticklish?” I kind of rolled my eyes over that one.
20. What did you think of Kate’s fear of storms and Anthony’s role in unraveling the mystery?
21. Did your edition have the “author’s note” about Anthony’s reaction to his father’s death, and that it is more common in men than women? My father (who was a very intelligent man) was like Anthony; he knew that he was going to die at the same age he did. Fortunately, that was well into old age. However, my father was wrong; he lived even longer. Comments.
22. Ah! Anthony was redeemed in Susan’s eyes with his heroics and professions of love during and after the carriage accident. Was he in your eyes, too? I had to laugh when I read him saying, “It should have been me.” I kept thinking that Kate had to think he knew someone had somehow rigged the carriage.
23. So, what did you rate the book overall? Will you continue the series?
Susan's Answers to Lisa Kay’s Questions & Comments for Chapters 16 – Epilogue 18. Did you think Ms. Quinn was going to make Anthony wait a week? That has certainly been done by other authors. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes it doesn’t. Would it have worked here? I don't think it would have worked here. I loved that he called her on her reason by asking HOW she'd prepare :)
19. Comments on the wedding night? I was okay with all of it, except for the “ticklish?” I kind of rolled my eyes over that one. I'll be honest, I teared up when she asked who he was thinking of. Otherwise, I liked it ;)
20. What did you think of Kate’s fear of storms and Anthony’s role in unraveling the mystery? how could he not realize he loves her at this point? It was interesting reason for her fear of storms. My heart broke for Mary and Kate when Mary was telling her the story and saying she should have known. Mary was a good mother to her.
21. Did your edition have the “author’s note” about Anthony’s reaction to his father’s death, and that it is more common in men than women? My father (who was a very intelligent man) was like Anthony; he knew that he was going to die at the same age he did. Fortunately, that was well into old age. However, my father was wrong; he lived even longer. Comments. yes, my edition had that information. I can see where it's true. My Hubs thinks in those terms as well.
22. Ah! Anthony was redeemed in Susan’s eyes with his heroics and professions of love during and after the carriage accident. Was he in your eyes, too? I had to laugh when I read him saying, “It should have been me.” I kept thinking that Kate had to think he knew someone had somehow rigged the carriage. I was sure Kate would wonder who wanted to kill Anthony as well. LOL For me, it was a perfect redemption scene :)
23. So, what did you rate the book overall? Will you continue the series? I gave it 4 stars cause I just couldn't stand Anthony for so long lol yes, I'll continue to read this series. I like Julia Quinn's mix of humor with just a touch of angst. That's right up my alley
@ Susan#18 – I don’t think t would have worked, either. I was worried, upon first reading it, but JQ didn’t let me down. I did like his question, though. LOL!
#19 – Yeah, I liked all of it except the “ticklish” – and I loved how he set her straight. ☺
#20 – Men! You’d think he would have realized it then. Loved Kate’s relationship with Mary.
#21 – See? Men! So, the storyline totally worked for me.
#22 – I was perfect. I was right there with him, trying to get her out of the carriage.
#23 – Ah! Stubborn,
Respond to Lisa Kay’s Questions & Comments for Chapters 16 – Epilogue 18. Did you think Ms. Quinn was going to make Anthony wait a week? That has certainly been done by other authors. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes it doesn’t. Would it have worked here?
Hmm I think if they decide to wait, Kate probably would be more devastated, thinking that Anthony don't want her and only married her out of sense of honor. So I think it best to fot them just going at it :D
19. Comments on the wedding night?
Okay I admit, when I first read it years ago, I think the wedding scene was very hot, but now that I much more worldly and sophisticated (at least in erotic literature sense) I think it was pretty tame, LOL
20. What did you think of Kate’s fear of storms and Anthony’s role in unraveling the mystery?
What I love the most about it how genuinely upset Mary to know that Kate still have that problem but didn't tell her. She is great mother, and how (view spoiler)
21. Did your edition have the “author’s note” about Anthony’s reaction to his father’s death, and that it is more common in men than women?
Yes, my edition have AN , but I don't know someone that have reaction like Anthony, but obviously its not subject that come up in cozy conversations. I guess a strong bond between father and son could play role in that reaction.
22. Ah! Anthony was redeemed in Susan’s eyes with his heroics and professions of love during and after the carriage accident. Was he in your eyes, too? I had to laugh when I read him saying, “It should have been me.” I kept thinking that Kate had to think he knew someone had somehow rigged the carriage.
LoL, I thought the same, too.
I adore this quote
"It means that love isn't about being afraid that it will all be snatched away. Love's about finding the one person who makes your heart complete, who makes you a better person than you ever dreamed you could be. It's about looking in the eyes of your wife and knowing, all the way to your bones, that she's simply the best person you've ever known.
23. So, what did you rate the book overall?
5 stars. Anthony and Kate are my fav romance couple (although neither is actually romantic type, LoL). Its still very entertaining even as re-read.
Unfortunately I think I won't be join you guys for Benedict story next, I never into his book, it was good I suppose but not really exciting for me, beside there are some new releases I've been waiting for out in March. But count me in for Colin's book, Colin is my fav Bridgerton, even if he's bit mischievous
@ JuneI’m so sorry, June! I checked this post late one night and then went to sleep…never to come back to it! It was only when I came here to archive the thread that I remembered. My sincere apologies!
#18 – That could be. Good point. She might have turned it over in her mind one too many times.
#19 – LOL! Yes, it is strange how we get desensitized to that kind of thing.
#20 – Yes, I liked Mary. Something I didn’t appreciate the first time I read this book, was how efficiently Ms. Quinn got her character across. And she stayed consistent in the book, her reactions were not at the whim of the author, but stayed in character.
#22 – Yes! Great quote.
#23 – You know, you are right! Neither are the romantic types, are they? LOL!
See you for Colin’s story!
This series is so much fun! I'm so glad I've found you all. I was stuck in dusty tomes until I found you. (Most of the dust was due to lousy housekeeping.)
See? That is what audiobooks are for. LOL!
Chris wrote: "This series is so much fun! I'm so glad I've found you all. I was stuck in dusty tomes until I found you. (Most of the dust was due to lousy housekeeping.)"Naw, not lousy housekeeping. You've been busy reading ;)
I finally finished! This definitely gets 5 stars from me. I liked it much better than the first Bridgertons book. I thought there was potential for some parts to be a little "corny", and some almost made me think, "That's too unrealistic!" But only almost. I think Julia really pulled everything together well. I don't know how any of the other books in the series will be able to surpass this one. I guess I'll just have to read them and see. ;)
I agree with you, Leah. So glad you enjoyed it.
I'm about a third of the way into this one and I have to say that I HATE Anthony as much in this one as I did in The Duke and I. He's got a lot of redeeming to do for me!
Sue wrote: "I'm about a third of the way into this one and I have to say that I HATE Anthony as much in this one as I did in The Duke and I. He's got a lot of redeeming to do for me!"I read the series ages ago, but I don't remember hating him. I remember he was a bit harsh at times but he was just being a protective older brother in book 1. I loved him in his own book though, he was really vulnerable at times, (view spoiler)
ShoSho wrote: "Sue wrote: "I'm about a third of the way into this one and I have to say that I HATE Anthony as much in this one as I did in The Duke and I. He's got a lot of redeeming to do for me!"I read the s..."
Me too. I ended up liking Anthony and that scene is very memorable.
I disliked him in the first book because of his penchant for violence and his extreme lack of a sense of humor. Benedict and Colin always seemed to have a twinkle in their eyes while Anthony always seemed to have a sneer or a growl. So far in this one he seems the same way. I don't find "charming" a man who would stand on a woman's hand or physically intimidate her and force her to go to her knees before him in order to get out of the room in which he has imprisoned her. Simon had a reputation as a rake, but he was always kind and gentle with Daphne and the other women in the story. Anthony so far is a nasty piece of work and Kate is annoying me for not telling Mary and her sister exactly how bad he really is (including his plans with the opera singer). I would hope Mary wouldn't want her daughter involved with that although I think she sees the money and title and doesn't much care......
Sue wrote: "I'm about a third of the way into this one and I have to say that I HATE Anthony as much in this one as I did in The Duke and I. He's got a lot of redeeming to do for me!"Aww! Pity! I loved Anthony. This ties with Mister Bridgerton as my favorite in the series. The love/hate relationship is my favorite trope.
I'm sure he'll be redeemed but for me, violence toward a woman is the hardest thing to come back from.
Well I finished, and while Anthony redeemed himself and I didn't end up loathing him as much at the end as I did through the first 75% of the book, he was certainly not my idea of a romantic hero. Quinn really comes up with some outlandish daddy issue hangups for her guys. Super intelligent Simon thought that he was somehow going to spite his dead father by being unhappy and dying unmarried and childless? Really? And Anthony decides he's going shut down his emotional life since he's going to die young because his father did. OOOOkay??? But what really doesn't make sense is that Anthony talks about what a great man his dad was and how much he wanted to strive to be like him. But his father was good man who was happily and faithfully married and having children at 20, while Anthony (and Ben and Colin) are tom cats, gamblers, etc. How is that consistent with trying to live up to his father's example?
☺ I had fun finding them, Susanne.