Listening to audio books while I do other things has really helped me catch up on my reading goals quicker. I also find myself getting more done when I have the enjoyment of listening to a book while I do it! Don't get me wrong, I'm still behind on my GoodReads goal for the year, but it doesn't seem as dire anymore. I no longer think I may have to alter that goal. I have every confidence that I can actually finish by the end of the year now! The two books I'm reviewing today were both 5 star reads. I have come to expect nothing less from the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn and I'm getting impatient to watch the show at this point. I haven't decided if I will watch now, or wait until I've finished all the books in the series first. The other book was the 2nd book in the Cruel Prince series by Holly Black. With how slow the first book started, I was a little worried that I wouldn't like this one, but it surpassed my expectations and I ended up loving it. I found that this second book was more engaging from the beginning and there was so much going on that it was easy to get lost in it. The following are my two reviews.
While the first book in this series started a bit slow for me, this book had me jumping right into the action. Perhaps because I was already invested at this point, but I tend to think that the story went a little quicker as well.
Jude grows a lot over the course of the first book, but I found that she got even stronger during the second. The tension between her and Cardan is palpable and I think the reader feels the back and forth and the indecision along with Jude.
There is much deceit, adventure and intrigue going on in this story. And although it's a fairy book, there is a fair amount of politics at play. I enjoy how many different pieces are all moving and how we don't even see what all is happening until it's done. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger and I'm eager to start on book three. I have to admit to being completely shocked at the end, I didn't see it coming at all!
*****
An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Each book in the Bridgerton series seems to be better than the last. This story had a definite "Cinderella" feel to it, so if you like that type of story, this one is surely for you. I've rarely hated a character as much as I hated Araminta in this book. When writers get the readers to feel things on such a real and visceral level, it's quite an accomplishment and a true testament to their writing.
Sophie is such an immensely likeable character. I found that her smile was infectious even though I was only seeing it in my mind. I also was impressed with her ability to laugh and find joy in the most simple of things.
One thing that really stuck out to me in this story was the importance of family, and how that's not always the family you're born with, sometimes it's the family you make. While it can be hard to realize that your blood may not treat you well, it's nice to know that there are people out there who will treat you as deserved even if they are not blood.
Fans of the Bridgerton series are sure to love this book as much or even more than the previous two. I'm getting really eager to watch the show now!
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