Julia Quinn creates wonderful characters—feisty, independent heroines and honorable, intelligent heroes—and the conversations between her characters is superb. BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON has all of the elements in a regency romance that I adore; fabulous main and secondary characters, interesting plot, great dialogue and romance!

The Bridgerton and the Rokesby families are neighbors and have been friends for years. Billie Bridgerton and Mary Rokesby are best friends and everyone assumed that Billie would marry either Edward or Andrew Rokesby. Billie is a take charge person who is also very independent and competitive. George Rokesby is the eldest Rokesby sibling. He's an honorable, responsible man. One day, Billie finds herself stranded on the roof of a barn. She has injured herself by trying to save a cat. George walks by and tries to help Billie. The ladder falls to the ground and George ends up stranded on the roof with her. Billie and George are not friendly, in fact they don't have a lot in common. She thinks George is boring and he thinks Billie is too unconventional. The witty conversation between these characters as they dealt with their situation drew me into the story. Julia Quinn's trademark sarcastic humor is highlighted in these paragraphs. I could sense Billie being upset as the conversation progressed and could imagine George's face as he and Billie traded insults. Eventually, Andrew walks by the barn and rescues them.

Andrew and George visit Billie the day after her accident and within minutes the conversation between Billie and George turns to trading insults. George realizes that he enjoys needling Billie and he doesn't like it when his brother flirts with her. Billie understands that as the Rokesby heir, George is unable to fight in the war but he would like to serve his country. After spending time with Billie, George understands that Billie is balancing the ledgers and reading agricultural books because it's necessary for her to run the estate. Billie and George's relationship changes as their relationship shifts from friendship to attraction.

My favorite scene occurs at the Wintour Ball. I thought it was very romantic when George notices Billie in her crimson ball gown from across the ballroom. Ms. Quinn's descriptive prose shines in the last few chapters of the novel. George doesn't see Billie as the woman he enjoys teasing, he sees her as a beautiful woman. She takes his breath away. George desires her and realizes that he loves her. George and Billie are heading towards the dance floor when George is waylaid by someone with important information about his brother. He leaves without honoring his promise to dance with Billie. Can she forgive him?

BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON is fabulous written story about love, honor and family. Billie and George's romance progresses as the families deal with several issues. The conversation between George and his mother before the Wintour ball is well-crafted and sets the tone for the chapter. Every can relate to George's loyalty to his family, his desire to serve his country and his love for Billie. Will he have to choose between love and duty? Loved the cleverly written last chapter of the book because it has several surprises and sets up the plot for the next novel in the series.

I am looking forward to the next Rokseby-Bridgerton novel!