This is the 4th book that I've read in the Bridgerton series. I was truly looking forward to Colin and Penelope's love story. I had grown fond of both characters over the course of the previous 3 books (and of course the show). Unfortunately this was my least favorite story in the 3 thus far. I found the focus of the plot to be subdued and dry and I did not at all enjoy Colin's characterization. He was harsh, possessive, and at times unnecessarily aggressive towards Penelope in ways that I did not find attractive at all. I struggled with this one until around Chapter 21 when some of this harshness seemed to let up and the plot picked up a bit.

Still, I will read through the rest of the story and hold onto the more favorable picture of Colin and Penelope that I have in my head.