The Other Miss Bridgerton

Starred review from November 5, 2018
Quinn’s superlative third prequel to her Bridgerton Regency series (after The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband) introduces one of her most delightful couples yet. Adventurous and curious Poppy Bridgerton finds a smuggler’s cave on the coast of Dorset and is taken captive by the privateers who claim it. Capt. Andrew Rokesby is traveling under an assumed name, under orders to get secret government documents to Lisbon as soon as possible, when Poppy, his neighbors’ cousin, is deposited in his cabin. Although he cannot let Poppy roam the ship or reveal his true identity to her, he does his best to make her comfortable. Charming discussions of geography, equal education for men and women, and family dynamics create a deep connection between the pair that sustains them through the voyage to Lisbon and during their separation afterward. Quinn’s clever dialogue makes the characters sparkle, and Andrew’s passion for engineering especially educates and entertains. This is a real treat for Quinn’s fans and anyone who loves historical romance. Agent: Steve Axelrod, Axelrod Agency.

December 1, 2018
When Poppy Bridgerton stumbles upon a pirate's cave, she is kidnapped and forced to sail with the crew, then realizes the captain is not only chivalrous, but also the most attractive, interesting man she's ever met.Poppy has just finished her second London season "much as she'd begun it--unmarried and unattached. And a little bored." Visiting a friend in Dorset, she ditches the maid who's been assigned to chaperone her in order to explore some local caves when she happens on a couple of privateers who kidnap her and take her to their ship. The captain of the ship, clearly a gentleman, nonetheless refuses to release her and forces her to set sail to Portugal, a prisoner in his cabin. Poppy is angry at her lack of freedom and anxious about her reputation, but even she realizes that Capt. Andrew James is not only "blindingly handsome," but also unusually honorable for a pirate. What she doesn't know is that Andrew James is really Andrew James Rokesby; his role as a privateer is actually a cover for his work for the monarchy; and he and his family are close friends with her Bridgerton cousins. Andrew is impressed by Poppy's intelligence, wit, and equanimity in the face of drastic circumstances. The more he comes to like her, the more he tries to make her journey more interesting, since she is clearly a curious soul. His good intentions backfire, however, when his desire to take her on an adventure becomes a fight for their lives just as he realizes he can't live without her. Quinn's mastery of banter, character development, and the slow build of romantic and sexual tension is on full display in the newest Rokesby title (a series of 18th-century prequels to the Bridgerton Regency romances). Mentions of puzzles and architecture add interesting texture to an already compelling story.Delightful and charming.

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December 1, 2018

Thrilled to discover what can only be a pirate's treasure cave during a seaside walk, Poppy Bridgerton is far less elated when she's captured by said pirates, carried off to their ship, and summarily dumped on the captain's bed. Stunned by his most inconvenient passenger, privateer Capt. Andrew James Rokesby, with secret documents to get to Portugal without delay, has little choice but to sail immediately--and take Poppy with him. Furious words fly and passions flare as Poppy and Andrew clash all the way to Lisbon, trying in vain to ignore the chemistry that bubbles in their wake. As Poppy doesn't know Andrew's true identity, things are even more dangerous. Moments of peril, an adorable cabin boy, and sweet sensuality are bonuses to a well-crafted romp. VERDICT A risk-taking pair thrown together by chance find love on the high seas in this fast-paced, passionate adventure graced with quick-witted dialog and a marvelous sense of fun. Another worthy addition to the ever-increasing Bridgerton saga. Quinn (The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband) lives in the Pacific Northwest. [Previewed in Kathryn Howe's "Love Changes Everything," LJ 10/15/18.]

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2018
Captain Andrew James (aka Andrew Rokesby) knows that many of his crew believe having a woman on board ship is bad luck. If that is truly the case, having Poppy Bridgerton confined in his cabin for two weeks means Andrew and the crew of the Infinity really are cursed. To be fair, it isn't as if Andrew wanted to drag Poppy along on the voyage to Portugal, but once she was discovered wandering around the secret caves where Andrew and his crew store their ill-gotten gains, what choice did he have? Surely Andrew can manage to last a fortnight with the vexing and vociferous Miss Bridgerton without giving in to temptation and tossing her overboard? The latest in Quinn's Bridgertons Prequels is another small-scale masterpiece of simmering sexuality, unforgettable characters, and deliciously dry wit.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)