


Romance writers tend to be writers as opposed to storytellers so their work tends to get better with age (whereas in other genres the author sometimes runs out of stories to tell) and there has been a drastic change in the norms in the past 20 years.

With romance I work backwards and typically there's a point where I stop.

When I read a typical authors works I start with the first and work in order of publication. She started that series right when romance authors started writing books that were less problematic and much less rapey (If you read a classic Judith McNaught book you will see the drastic difference from pre-2000's romances). It's the time when the books were written. I understand this was perhaps because book 1 had to take the time to introduce everyone to the Bridgertons while book 2 could focus more on the love story as we are already familiar with the characters. I also think the banter Anthony and Kate share explains their attraction and affection better and makes their love story more believable. In my opinion, TVWLM is a superior book as Anthony's and especially Kate's characters are far better developed. And yes, it seems there are no good fathers who are alive in the series. I do think that them making Daphne the diamond of the first water was their attempt to not be repetitive with Kate being the wallflower or spinster.Īfter a while the books kind of get repetitive although the romance tropes might differ like fake to real relationship, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers etc.The personalities and interactions of the siblings and their significant others however are where the differences lie and I personally enjoyed that the most.īesides at one point Anthony grumbles that hopefully one of the siblings could have a wedding not involving a scandal. Kate and Anthony’s banter and how they help each other grow is what I loved about this book and them. Even their banter wasn’t unhinged like most Enemies to Lovers couples have. Also, I am not sure why some people think Simon and Daphne were “enemies” when they clearly became friends quickly lol. Overall, I do think they will keep it because of all the bee hints they gave in s1. Anthony immediately agrees to marry Kate while Simon doesn’t. Anthony was trying to save Kate’s life as he thought she was in danger after the bee stung her (esp knowing how his father died), while Simon willingly went after Daphne and made out with her in a garden where anyone can see them. Kate and Anthony’s situation was more comedic than the dramatic way Simon and Daphne were found. Yes, both couples were forced to marry but the way the situation unfolded for both of them was different.
