A Month of Historical Romances and Magical Girls | January Wrap Up 

The Bridgerton series and Lord of Scoundrels are both pretty old! I find more recently published historical romances tend to be a lot less problematic. I’m a fan of Alyssa Cole, Courtney Milan (the Brothers Sinister series is so good!), Rose Lerner, and Tessa Dare.

My thoughts on the Bridgerton series: 1. Anthony's book is my favorite so far. I think they make the most sense as a couple because they have a lot in common with their shared experience as firstborns. I love how they share the same values of devotion to their family. I personally think that their story gets better towards the end, although I agree with you that their first kiss was weird. Was it just to show how rakish he was like in the Netflix series? Maybe. 2. Benedict's book was okay and it wasn't too bad imo. However, I do think that the storytelling gets messy, especially with the big Cinderella reveal. It kind of fell flat, but, oh well, I powered through because I knew it will have a happy ending anyway. 3. I paused on reading Colin's book. I just keep wishing that there were more scenes of Colin, at the very least, valuing Pen not just when he came back, but all these years that they were apart. I wished he wrote to her while he was on his travels, or send her presents, even as a token of friendship on his part. At least give me something that signals that he's at least thinking about her! I think that's why when I read the book, and all I see is Pen pining for Colin, and Colin just being in love with her just because we are told that he just suddenly is, falls flat for me, I'm sorry. I would have loved it more if it's this live that just slowly crept up on him over time and not just boom bang suddenly there it is. 4. Julia Quinn is not good at SHOWING, and all we get from her is a lot of TELLING or exposition (at least in the Bridgerton series, maybe? I think these were her first books) . She may have realized this, though, through time, that's why I think the Netflix series is a bit different from her books. I think she, together with the director and other producers of the show are now using it as an opportunity to improve on the stories she originally created. Thank you allowing us to have some sort of cyber book club! I'm loving your channel. I'm binging your videos, some of them I've already watched multiple times. Thanks for keeping us company in uncertain times. 😉❤️

I really appreciate that you acknowledged that scene in Bridgerton!! I feel like a couple of people were talking about it right when it came out and now it doesn't seem like people are?? honestly I think it's because a male character is the victim and as much as people say male victims matter...it doesn't always seem like it :/ Yes I've been having issues with historical romance as well!! I find historical fiction with a romance element tends to handle the problematic aspects in a way I like better?? so far the only HR I've really loved is The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite! Oh my gosh I've been looking forward to The Ex Talk and I might have to pick it up sooner rather than later!

Benedict & Sophie book had lots of yikes moments, but colin & Penelope are

YESSSSSS ALL THE HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Recently I’m into historical romance ...this video is just what I needed ❤️

i can't stop binging you videos !!! 💗💗

Congratulations on 12K Daria!🎆🎊🎊. You deserve it girl ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I always look forward to your videos and seeing your wonderful, bright personality through your platform. Sending all the love and virtual hugs.

Okay, but I loved Benedict’s book 😭😭 but I agree with your thoughts on Anthony’s book!

So glad I’m not the only one who didn’t like Benedicts book! I’ve never met a “hero” who was such an asshole. The book is called “an offer from a gentleman” but the offer is to be his mistress and I don’t see what’s so gentlemanly about that???

I must say I haven't read the Brigerton series, but I did watch the show. It wasn't really that good in my opinion. The story wasn't something that I enjoyed. However I do recommend you read some books by Tessa Dare. She is one of my favorite historical romance authors and she has a great way of storytelling. Her books are never boring and are always making me laugh. 😊

I'm still waiting for the second witch video :)

The Ex Talk was actually the most recent book I finished the other day! I liked it as well and also ended up giving it 4 stars.

As someone who has read the first book and is half way through the show, from what I’ve seen it hits the main plot points and makes sensible changes to move the story along. You can skip the first book and be fine.

You're so pretty ❤ -from your Brazilian fan 🇧🇷

I so didn't know she created the Bechdel test!

Have you listened to/watched the musical Fun Home?

I started a few different series in January. I ended up finishing 18 books. My most common disappointment was that I lost interest as each series went on. I don’t think there was a single one I stuck out. Big sad.

This has actually nothing to do with the video but I was wondering if you could tell me your thoughts on 'The Ants That Carried Us' on Wattpad. It's non-romance and sort of a political war among siblings. I only left Wattpad a few days ago and feel as though my reading sense has been dulled due to the bad quality there. I'd like an outsider's opinion on it because I personally feel like it is one of the most underrated books but I can't trust my judgement enough to be sure.

if people are looking for a period series similar to the Bridgerton but with (generally) less sexism (but still adhering to rules of the time, I would recommend the author Stephanie Laurens. Her female characters are specifically "too strong" for the time. Though maybe skip 'Scandal's Bride'

The being forced to marry because of being caught in a compromised position trope is the author's way of getting quickly to the sex scenes XD