If you want a read that features some excellent witty repartee, then roll right up to First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn. ~ Under the Covers

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Okay, let’s be real, we’ve all got those authors that feel like home, and Julia Quinn is the ultimate Regency security blanket author. While everyone is buzzing about the main Bridgerton siblings, I’ve been loving the Rokesbys as well.

Today, let’s take a look at the series finale, First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn. If you’re looking for high-octane drama, this might not be it… but if you want a ‘hug in a book’? This is the book for you. Fun fact: I actually got to play a round of ‘Kiss, Marry, or Summer Fling’ with Julia Quinn herself! Want to know which of her iconic characters she picked for each? Check out our exclusive interview with Julia Quinn here. But for now, let’s get to the review.

What is First Comes Scandal about?

Georgie Bridgerton is facing a major reputation crisis (thanks, 18th-century double standards). Her literal boy-next-door, Nicholas Rokesby, steps in with a marriage of convenience to save the day. It’s a low-angst, super-sweet ‘friends to lovers’ romance that proves sometimes the best love stories start with a little scandal.

The Real Tea: Kiss, Marry, or Summer Fling?
I put Julia Quinn in the hot seat to find out which of her iconic heroes she’d kiss, marry, or just have a summer fling with. Want to know if your favorite made the cut? You have to see her answers in this exclusive interview with Julia Quinn here!

First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn Book Review

Georgiana Bridgerton is in a terrible position, through no fault of her own. After being kidnapped by a fortune hunter, it is somehow her reputation that’s in tatters, not his. She now seems to have very limited choices, either marry the man who kidnapped her or live the life of spinster. Until an unlikely third option presents itself. Nicholas Rokesby. Her next door neighbour and friend.

This is a hard book for me to review. On one hand, I unquestionably liked this book. I read it very quickly and it made me laugh on several occasions. On the other hand, is that all I need from a book? Because although it did make me laugh and I did like it, in a few books time I’m probably going to forget I about it.

I know I know, that sounds very harsh. But, I think that this story was probably suited more for a novella than a full length novel, albeit a fairly short one. There just wasn’t enough conflict to keep this book going. First Comes Scandal was a book about two very nice people with an already existing solid friendship who are then thrust into marriage. Within this hasty marriage of convenience they continue to be nice people who respect and like one another, with no outside forces keeping them apart. Basically, nothing really happens.

That doesn’t mean this wasn’t an enjoyable read, it was. If you want a read that features some excellent witty repartee, then roll right up. Julia Quinn is, and always has been, a master at this. There was also a bit of social commentary as Georgiana faces the hard reality of the gender inequality of the time.

The mixture of witty banter and a fun easy going story line did make this a perfect light hearted read. And sometimes, that’s all you want.

Where This Fits in the Bridgerton-verse

First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn is the fourth and final book in the Rokesby series, aka the official Bridgerton prequels. Since this wraps up the series, it’s the perfect time to binge the whole family tree!

Ready to move from the prequels to the main event? Head over to my Julia Quinn Author Guide to see how the Rokesbys connect to the Bridgertons we see on Netflix, or jump straight into the book that started it all: The Duke and I Review.

Final Thoughts

If you love Julia Quinn’s signature witty banter and prefer your historical romance with low external conflict and high emotional safety, this is a must-read. It’s the literary equivalent of a warm cup of tea. It’s sweet, comforting, and perfectly Regency.

Where to next? Keep going on a Julia Quinn deep dive, or learn more about regency romance.

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