"superb Bridgerton entry"

His seven siblings all fell in love seemingly at first sight though they each had a tale to tell (see the Bridgerton series) on the journey to their permanent happily ever after relationships. Now the only remaining single of his generation, Gregory assumes "the one" will show up when it his time as the soulmate has done with his brothers and sisters.

When he meets Hermione Watson, Gregory is convinced she is his one. However, he learns from the pragmatic plain speaking shrew Lucy Abernathy, his beloved's best friend, that his "One" loves someone else. However, as he struggles with his feelings, he also finds his thoughts returning to the outspoken Lucy who constantly rips his skin off leading him to believe she needs a muzzle.

Though the siblings spend less time in the finale, ON THE WAY TO THE WEDDING is superb entry in which Julia Quinn satirizes her previous Regency romances with a delightful twist on love at first sight. The story line contains a blackmailing subplot and has some minor involvement from Clan Bridgerton, but the prime theme is Gregory's internal war as he insists he loves Hermione, but relishes his verbal sparring with her beautiful pit-bull friend. Kudos to the courageous Ms. Quinn for this daring spin and even more so making it work.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 2, 2006

Summary

A funny thing happened...

Unlike most men of his acquaintance, Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love. And he is convinced that when he finds the woman of his dreams, he will know in an instant that she is the one. And that is exactly what happened. Except...

She wasn't the one. In fact, the ravishing Miss Hermione Watson is in love with another. But her best friend, the ever-practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermione from a disastrous alliance, so she offers to help Gregory win her over. But in the process, Lucy falls in love. With Gregory! Except...

Lucy is engaged. And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the altar...