First Comes Scandal: A Bridgerton Prequel

Written by Julia Quinn

Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

There were Bridgertons before the eight alphabetically named siblings. In this fourth of the Bridgerton prequel series, following The Other Miss Bridgerton, we go back to where it all began. . . from #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn.

She was given two choices...

Georgiana Bridgerton isn’t against the idea of marriage. She’d just thought she’d have some say in the matter. But with her reputation hanging by a thread after she’s abducted for her dowry, Georgie is given two options: live out her life as a spinster or marry the rogue who has ruined her life.

Enter Option #3

As the fourth son of an earl, Nicholas Rokesby is prepared to chart his own course. He has a life in Edinburgh, where he’s close to completing his medical studies, and he has no time—or interest—to find a wife. But when he discovers that Georgie Bridgerton—his literal girl-next-door—is facing ruin, he knows what he must do.

A Marriage of Convenience

It might not have been the most romantic of proposals, but Nicholas never thought she’d say no. Georgie doesn’t want to be anyone’s sacrifice, and besides, they could never think of each other as anything more than childhood friends... or could they?

But as they embark upon their unorthodox courtship they discover a new twist to the age-old rhyme. First comes scandal, then comes marriage. But after that comes love...

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Apr 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9780062956217

Julia Quinn

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn began writing one month after graduating from college and, aside from a brief stint in medical school, she has been tapping away at her keyboard ever since. Her novels have been translated into 43 languages and are beloved the world over. A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.  Look for BRIDGERTON, based on her popular series of novels about the Bridgerton family, on Netflix.

Reviews for First Comes Scandal

[Sean Fleming · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a treat to "read" a book in which neither of the characters behaved like obtuse idiots! I kid, sort of, but not really. I think we've all experienced the frustration of characters being so stubborn, suspicious, distrustful, and obtuse that you want to beat your head against a wall and put the recording on 1.2 spead. This one had just the right amount of tension/drama, plenty of sweetness and hotness, and no characters behaving like idiots. <3 And of course all of the charm. I loved it!

[Deb Spencer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved that the Bridgerton boys were brought into the story as children! Delightful read!

[Jessica B · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great audiobook. Well read and a great ending to the story!

[Dominika Rudz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic series! Couldn't put it down... Must read, won't be disappointed!!!

[Irish · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it, made me laugh numerous times, utterly enjoyable! The narrator is excellent as well!

[Franka · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very nice book! The plot was real, beliveable and I loved it! And narrator did an excellent job!

[Lisa Hernandez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love reading or listening to Julia Quinns books. They keep me engaged and entertained when listening at work. If you're looking for a love story with a little spice these books are a must!

[Alena Christie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love the book and characters but the plot felt like it was missing something. Any hardships the characters faced seemed like they were overcome to quickly.

[Elizabeth Iman · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read this very slowly cuz my anger issues could not get pass the sexism of the time period ughhh… Glad it all ended up well. Nicholas is a terribly decent dude and probably one of my favorites. So glad there is zero red-coat drama here because that’s what I hated about the first (although I enjoyed the book) and what made me skip 2nd and 3rd. Now the plot felt a little uneventful after they got married. The most exciting part was the cat.

[Elizabeth Mellen · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I liked this one, but not quite as much as the others in the series. The butlers and the cat were honestly the best part. I did like Georgiana’s interest in medicine like Nicholas, while his proposal was not for romantic reasons, I think they obviously suit really well.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First Comes Scandal
4 Stars

In this final installment of the prequel series to Julia Quinn's Bridgertons, the youngest Rokesby son, Nicholas, is summoned home from medical school in Scotland by his father. Rokesby senior more or less orders Nicholas to marry Georgianna Bridgerton whose reputation has been thoroughly ruined through no fault of her own. The only problem is Nicholas views Georgie as a sister . . . or does he?

Julia Quinn's trademark humor and wit are showcased clearly in Nicholas and Georgie's angst-free friends-to-lovers romance. Their wonderful chemistry and delightful verbal sparring are almost eclipsed by the feline shenanigans of Georgie's cat, whose laugh-out-loud antics make this an even more worthwhile read.

There are also updates on the other Rokesby couples as well as several bittersweet moments with Edmond and Violet (parents to the Bridgerton siblings) and glimpses at Anthony, Benedict and Colin as children.

All in all, a charming end to the series and I look forward to whatever Julia Quinn has in store next.

[thewestwing-864351 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Easy read. I didn’t think much actually happened in this story but I still enjoyed it. Also liked that we saw the Bridgerton children, Anthony and Benedict featured in part of the story.

[jennybeast · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So many times this book left me laughing out loud, even while it addresses the dark side of reputation and regency culture. So many of the modern regency romances flirt with ruined reputations: this one embraces it head on.

Advanced Reader's copy provided by Edelweiss.

[jorgeousjotts · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a bit of a dud for me, but I can't quite give it 2 stars. I didn't like either lead all that much, they seemed quite young for their age. And the story itself was a bit slow, a bit disjointed, a bit slap-dash. And the parts I think were going for humor fell kinda flat and just felt silly rather than funny. it felt like an entire chapter was dedicated to just a cat not liking to ride in a carriage... And in what world would a whole crowd of people gather around to watch and everyone be so impressed with her just for directing someone to hang a tiny hammock in a carriage? How bored are these people? And I'm even much more interested in early medicine than the average reader, but still, I didn't feel that engaged. There wasn't anything offensive, I just know that Quinn can do much better.

[humouress · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

{Fourth of 4 Rokesbys series; romance, historical fiction} (2020)This is the last of the Rokesbys, which is the prequel series to the Bridgertons (which I haven't read). Nicholas, the youngest of the Rokesby children, is called back urgently from his medical studies in Edinburgh in the middle of exams to be informed that Georgiana, the youngest of the Bridgertons and his best friend's sister, had been abducted. Although she escaped unharmed, her reputation is ruined and his father, whose goddaughter she is, wants him to marry her. Though they both feel that they have little choice given to them, they are good enough friends that they go through with it.Romance is outside my usual reading fare although I venture occasionally and, having read most of the other books in the series, I thought I would finish it. I've also manage to let go of any notion that these might bear any resemblance to a Jane Austen novel or any other contemporary account so I could relax and enjoy the story for what it was.Of the three books in the series that I've read, I think I prefer this one the best. I like the way that they are attracted to each other before they get married and (later) they realise that they have fallen in love with the person they are married to. Somehow, I find that more romantic. I confess - I was happy that the obligatory bedroom scenes (which seem to be the same in all the books) happened after the couple were married but I especially liked the fact that neither party had any experience before their wedding night. And I did like the way that the story continued on beyond the protagonists getting married and into the first months of married life. Though, to be honest, that seemed to be more to shed light on medical teachings of the time than to further their story.3.25***

[narshkite · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sweet, slight, not my favorite Julia Quinn (I usually love her books) but still an enjoyable read.

[pearlbaguette · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars. A very light romance, almost no conflict. Virgin hero, which I thought was cute. This was so sweet

[scoutmomskf · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fun friends to lovers romance. Nicholas and Georgie have known each other all their lives. They grew up on neighboring estates, and Nicholas was her brother Edmund's best friend. Nicholas's parents are Georgie's godparents as well as her parents' friends. So when Georgie ends up in the middle of a scandal, through no fault of her own, her godfather comes up with what he thinks is the perfect plan.Nicholas is attending the university in Edinburgh, nearly through with his medical studies, when he receives an urgent message from his father. Nicholas is to return home immediately, though he is given no explanation. Expecting the worst, Nicholas hurries back to discover that his father has a most unusual request for him - marry Georgie and save her reputation. Nicholas is understandably stunned and none too happy. He has no time for marriage thanks to his studies, and besides, Georgie is almost like a sister to him. Well, okay, maybe not a sister, but he's never thought of her that way.Meanwhile, Georgie despairs of her future. Thanks to Freddie Oakes' attempt to force a marriage by abducting her, her reputation is shredded. Her choices are to marry him or not marry at all. An unexpected third option is almost as bad. Married because a friend feels sorry for her is too terrible to contemplate.I felt terrible for Nicholas during his conversation with his father. He has seen his two brothers marry for love and be happy, yet his father expects him to make a loveless marriage. He understands the reason, but he has other plans for his immediate future. However, he promises his father that he will think about it. That evening, the Rokesbys have dinner with the Bridgertons. This was one of the best scenes in the entire book. Thanks to that conversation with his father, Nicholas finds himself looking at Georgie differently. He notices her wit and beauty, and especially how easy it is to talk to her. He is surprised by her genuine interest in his studies, and their subsequent discussion was hilarious. It also made Nicholas think that maybe marriage between them could work after all.However, marriage is not a foregone conclusion. Nicholas has accepted the idea, but now he has to convince Georgie. I ached for Georgie. Nicholas's attempt at a proposal was awkward and wasn't helped by the presence of her two young nephews. She was furious at being thought an object of pity, someone that Nicholas had to be coerced into marrying. She barely let him get a word in as he tried to talk to her before he stormed off in frustration. Georgie is an intelligent woman, though, and once she gets past her injured pride, she looks honestly at her options. Her decision is further helped along by the arrival of an unexpected and unwelcome visitor. This was another funny scene that showed how well Georgie and Nicholas were suited.The development of their relationship is a slow one, rooted in their friendship, and without any significant conflicts. Georgie is fascinated by Nicholas's work and endlessly curious about it. She is not the least bit squeamish and takes every possible opportunity to make herself useful to him. Nicholas is impressed by her intelligence and curiosity. Their journey from their homes in Kent to Edinburgh is full of laughter and growing attraction. There is a little strain between them when they reach their destination, thanks to their living arrangements. I liked how Georgie took matters into her own hands to solve the issue, and that Nicholas supported her actions. There is a bit of a scare at the end that highlights their love and trust in each other. The epilogue was a nice peek into their future together.I also enjoyed the glimpse of Edmund and Violet's marriage. It is a little bittersweet, knowing what the future holds for them. At this point, they have only three of their eight children, but the descriptions of those three show that their personalities formed early. I think I will have to reread the original Bridgerton series before the TV series begins.

[spinsterrevival · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Pretty much a perfect and no-drama read for these crappy times. Just a lot of fluff and cat hijinks along with a ton of laughs and some awesome butlers; good times all around.

[stefaniegeeks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thanks to Edelweiss, I was able to read this clever confection a little early and it is by far my favorite Bridgerton prequel to date. Between a baby Colin cameo and two delightful friends-to-lovers I just don't see any contest! This low-drama historical romance is perfect for our current world affairs and I wholeheartedly recommend a read or listen (Quinn's audiobook readers are also stellar!).

[eyes92c · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

1791. An unusual beginning! Nicholas Rokesby has been studying in Edinborough to be a doctor. When his father calls him home urgently he little knew the proposal his father had in mind. He was imagining one sort of tragedy and was gob smacked by something quite different.Local neighbor and his father's goddaughter Georgiana Bridgerton, whom Nicolas regarded as a sister, has against her will been placed in a compromising position by an impecunious admirer, Freddie Oakes.This had a brilliant beginning, some truly funny moments, and a feisty heroine who had expected to marry for love. The various cat inclusions were delightfully different bordering on hilarious.Our hero started off fabulously and then in my mind lagged, although he does keep reviewing his attitudes towards women.We see enough of Georgina to understand she has a truly enquiring mind that could take action when needed. The last part of the book is a comment on women of the times, particularly medical aspirants, not being allowed to work equally alongside men.So a few tropes came together; marriage of convenience, virgin couples (quite unexpected and nicely done--a five star inclusion), and women's place in 18th century England.I just felt the last part of the book didn't quite live up to the fabulous beginning. A charming read however and a must read for those who love Quinn's Rockesby / Bridgerton series.A HarperCollins ARC via NetGalley

[cats57_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'll let you know this -during this horrible time of stress, this was a perfectly fluffy, funny, yet thoughtful read and I really needed it!This book had a wonderful blend of romance, women's rights issues (during that century), and, heat without going too far overboard. For this century and the two families involved, it was a believable story.*ARC Supplied by the publisher.

[readinggeek451 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Nicholas Rokesby's father summons him home from medical school in Edinburgh and orders him to propose to Georgiana Bridgerton, who is embroiled in scandal after being abducted by a scoundrel. Nicholas and Georgiana have know each other all their lives, and are good friends, but they neither wants to marry the other. Or do they?A fun, frothy romance, with delightful characters full of charm and wit.