The best of the Bridgerton books. Farmer George and Just Charlotte have my heart. 

This is by far the most substantive of all the Bridgerton books—meaning, there’s (somewhat) of an actual plot and meaning behind the romance. I love how this book explores the race dynamics of the Bridgerton world, which were only vaguely hinted at in the show (barely), and not at all in the books (since the author wrote everyone white). Is it perfect? No, and I don’t know that I’m the best person to comment on how good the representation was in this book—but it’s there, which is much more than I can say for the others in the series (and many historical romances I’ve read). 

It also really touches on George’s mental struggles, and how those around him try to help and manage them. That, combined with the ton opening to be more than just white people, made this book INFINITELY more interesting than the others in the series. My main gripe with those is that they feel like the same story told over and over—but this one felt new, and I loved it. And I loved the love that Charlotte and George shared. They were flawed, but wonderful together, and I’m so glad I gave this story a shot before watching the show.