June 17, 2025sarahylockwood

It’s in His Kiss by Julia Quinn

Rate: 4/5

Medium: Audiobook

Overview (No Spoilers):

With this being my seventh Bridgerton book I’m having such a hard time letting Hyacinth grow up from the little girl we first met so long ago in the Duke and I. That said, the woman she has grown into is lovely, with her strong outspoken personality. This has to be one of my favorite Bridgerton books. How could it not be near the top when it includes a clandestine scavenger hunt and so much Lady Danbury?

It’s in His Kiss is quite familiarly Bridgerton at this point, much to my delight. Rakish men, family skeletons, and steamy romance are all on the menu. One similarity I’m not a fan of is that this is the second Brigerton book in a row that has the leading man make the decision that trapping the love of his life in marriage through seduction is the correct path. This whole concept of trapping is so uncomfortable, and far from romantic. In this book particularly, the transition to smitten and lust has to be record breaking for Gareth. There is no building of emotions, just a fast forwarding to ‘needing’ her now. I found the whiplash rather distracting from the story and honestly made me not like him as a character.

Gareth’s father is such a despicable antagonist, whose treatment of Gareth is beyond horrible for his whole life. Every scene he is in I would find myself holding my breath just waiting for him to say something terrible.

In contrast, Lady Danbury interacting with Hyacinth is easily tied as my favorite part of this read along with the scavenger hunt. Her spunk and sass are delightful, especially when paired with both Hyacinth and Gareth. It makes my heart happy every time she is in a scene. I honestly cried when she said she’s viewed Hyacinth as a granddaughter for a long time and was just waiting for her to realize it. 

Overall, It’s in His Kiss is one of my favorite Bridgerton books because who can resist some romance when paired with a high stakes scavenger hunt.   

Additional Insight (Spoilers Abound): 

  • What did Gareth’s ‘father’ think of the fact his brother had been Gareth’s true father?
  • Did Gareth’s late brother know he was illegitimate? 
  • The second epilogue was perfect. I can’t imagine the story without it. Thank goodness Hyacinth actually found the jewels. I love that Isabelle decided to rehide the jewels for her mom to find. 
  • The last two Bridgerton books involved seducing by our ‘heros’ to trap the heroines. Ugh. Not only do I find it distasteful but having it repeated here felt sour.

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