First Comes Scandal: A Bridgerton Prequel

· A Bridgerton Prequel Book 4 · Sold by HarperCollins
4.6
151 reviews
Ebook
384
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

There were Bridgertons before the eight alphabetically named siblings. In the fourth of the Bridgerton prequel series, following The Other Miss Bridgerton, we go back to where it all began. . . from #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn

She was given two choices...

Georgiana Bridgerton isn’t against the idea of marriage. She’d just thought she’d have some say in the matter. But with her reputation hanging by a thread after she’s abducted for her dowry, Georgie is given two options: live out her life as a spinster or marry the rogue who has ruined her life.

Enter Option #3

As the fourth son of an earl, Nicholas Rokesby is prepared to chart his own course. He has a life in Edinburgh, where he’s close to completing his medical studies, and he has no time—or interest—to find a wife. But when he discovers that Georgie Bridgerton—his literal girl-next-door—is facing ruin, he knows what he must do.

A Marriage of Convenience

It might not have been the most romantic of proposals, but Nicholas never thought she’d say no. Georgie doesn’t want to be anyone’s sacrifice, and besides, they could never think of each other as anything more than childhood friends... or could they?

But as they embark upon their unorthodox courtship they discover a new twist to the age-old rhyme. First comes scandal, then comes marriage. But after that comes love...

Ratings and reviews

4.6
151 reviews
Gaele Hi
April 23, 2020
I’m a spotty (although I have them) Bridgertons reader, and I’ve got a handful of other titles from Quinn to get to. One would think I’d have plenty of time to read considering the shelter at home orders, but there are far too many books and far too little me in that pile of “titles to read”. This is Georgina and Nicholas’ story, and we have plenty of time to meet the ‘next generation’ of baby Bridgertons – which added a nice depth to what was, for me, a rather conflict-less, question-less story. Let me explain. Georgina was wonderful, a bit sheltered with a mind of her own, her kidnapping left her with few choices after the scandal: marry her kidnapper or live her life as a spinster with a bit of a cloud surrounding her. She’s not enamored of either idea, and really isn’t thinking that there will be anyone else who she could love, or would ignore the scandal to marry her. Enter Nicholas, fourth son and currently studying medicine: not only willing to marry Georgie, but quite insistent. But – it’s not that simple for her: she refuses to be a ‘last choice’ for anyone, and she doesn’t want her own reputation now tarnished, to effect his. And while their friendship and banter feel quite natural (and leaves many moments for laughs) there is a clear thread of affection between the two. Neither is particularly attached to their own recognition of possibilities, or of their growing esteem – which does make the romance grow slowly, adding to the rather over-long coaching ride to Edinburgh that was laden with conversation and banter, but we get to see Nicholas in his ‘element”, allowing Georgie’s curiosity, answering rather than fobbing off her questions, and in a move rather unusual for the era, respecting her intelligence. These two are adorable together, and the match is obvious, despite the obstacles to getting there. But, like many things in life – it was not without its issues. There was no real conflict to give readers a sense of “will they or won’t they”, and much of the backstory (and sub-stories that were alluded to or wrapped quickly) just never developed. Long swathes of story happened, all very sweetly without many teeth, and left me wanting more from the stories: just how ill was Georgina as a child – all that led to her being very sheltered, even for a girl at that time. No real animus aimed at the rogue that kidnapped her to get her dowry, a few ‘mentions’ of woman’s rights (all appropriate to the time) but little conviction behind it. Now it was information that brought their friendship and banter into the present – and it was lovely to see how they started – but full-on gripping it was not. And, perhaps we all need something that is just light and easy to read- with a HEA that we know is there……. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
38 people found this review helpful
Did you find this helpful?
Phillipa Bowe
April 26, 2020
Always enjoyed JQ books, this one in particular. Both Nicholas and Georgina were engaging, funny and their story just a little different. As a long time reader of the Bridgerton books, 20 years, I particularly enjoy a glimpse into Violet and Edmunds relationship and seeing the older Bridgerton men as children. Its always worth the wait for a new JQ book.
31 people found this review helpful
Did you find this helpful?
Deborah Adams
April 22, 2020
Just when I think Julia Quinn can't get any better, she writes this. This was one of the funniest and most heartwarming romances I've ever read.
68 people found this review helpful
Did you find this helpful?

About the author

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn began writing one month after graduating from college and, aside from a brief stint in medical school, she has been tapping away at her keyboard ever since. Her novels have been translated into 43 languages and are beloved the world over. A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. Look for BRIDGERTON, based on her popular series of novels about the Bridgerton family, on Netflix.

Rate this ebook

Tell us what you think.

Reading information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.