I’ve admitted that I hadn’t been able to read much lately. Even the previous book in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series, An Offer from a Gentleman, didn’t entice me. I’ve never been found of the Cinderella trope, except for Rodgers and Hammerstein. But, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, the fourth in the series, drew me in and I sailed through this historical romance with its likable protagonists.

Penelope Featherington has been a minor character in previous books in the series, a young woman who has been a wallflower for more than four seasons in London. Very few people were kind to her over the years, and the gossip columnist Lady Whistledown even said one of her gowns made her look like an overgrown citrus fruit. But, the Bridgerton family has always been kind to her. And, Penelope has been in love with Colin Bridgerton, the third son of the family, since she was sixteen. Now, at twenty-eight, she’s still in love with him while he is still nothing more than kind.

Colin Bridgerton is just back from his recent trip to Cyprus. He’s thirty-three and his family, especially his mother, believes it’s time he married and settled down. Although everyone in the ton loves Colin for his smiles and charm, he’s never been in love. Even Lady Whistledown refers to him as charming. He’s never seen Penelope Featherington as more than his sister’s best friend.

This year, though, Penelope seems much more comfortable. She views herself as a spinster who will never marry, and she’ll certainly never marry the man she’s loved all these years. When Colin suddenly sees Penelope with different eyes, she’s afraid to tell him her greatest secret. Penelope has a hidden life that could ruin their friendship, let alone anything more. And, Colin has secrets of his own.

Romancing Mister Bridgerton has elements of the ugly duckling trope. The characters and their interactions are delightful. Quinn’s usual witty conversations are on full display in this book. And, it’s hard to imagine too more likable protagonists. Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton deserve their happily-ever-after.

Julia Quinn’s website is www.juliaquinn.com

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn. Avon/HarperCollins, 2002/2007. ISBN 9780062353689 (paperback), 408p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought my copy of the book.