A generation before the Bridgertons, there were the Rokesbys...

Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers, and she's not opposed: their families have been neighbours for centuries. There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate: George. He may be the eldest, and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant, annoying and she's certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either. But when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begin to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without...

Return to the world of the Bridgertons with this first book in a dazzlingly witty prequel series from Sunday Times bestselling author Julia Quinn, featuring the ancestors of the Bridgertons you know and love.

Find out why readers love Julia Quinn.

'A veritable treat' - Daily Mail

'Light, pacy and full of feisty heroines' - Guardian on the Bridgerton series

'Julia Quinn's Bridgerton books take all of the classic tropes we know and love . . . and gives them a thoroughly modern twist. I can't focus on anything else' - Stylist

'Quinn is a master of historical romance' - Entertainment Weekly

'A smart, funny touch' - Time Magazine

'Like an episode of Downton Abbey mixed with a great rom-com' - iBooks Best Books of March

'Powered by a surfeit of dazzling wit and graced with a cast of unforgettable characters' - Booklist

'A romance readers will not want to put down . . . Hooray Julia!' - Romance Reviews Today

'Quinn writes delightfully fast-paced, funny, sparkling and bright romance' - Romantic Times

'The next best thing to Georgette Heyer' - Gloss

'Julia Quinn is one of the best historical romance novelists of our time' - Heroes and Heartbreakers

'Quinn excels in writing stories full of joy and delight, where laughter trembles on the edges' - Happy Ever After

'Full of wit, charm and smouldering attraction . . . an unputdownable story that I think romance fans will treasure' - Harlequin Junkie

'Quinn is incomparable! The latest addition to her beloved Bridgerton series is funny, charming, witty and wildly romantic' - RT Book Reviews