A Night Like This

A Night Like This by Julia Quinn

rated 5 stars

Back Cover:

Anne Wynter might not be who she says she is . . . — But she's managing quite well as a governess to three highborn young ladies. Her job can be a challenge -- in a single week she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playing an evil queen in a play that might be a tragedy (or might be a comedy -- no one is sure), and tending to th... more »e wounds of the oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodging unwanted advances, he's the first man who has truly tempted her, and it's getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.

Daniel Smythe-Smith Might be in mortal danger . . .

But that's not going to stop the young earl from falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family's annual musicale, he vows to pursue her, even if that means spending his days with a ten-year-old who thinks she's a unicorn. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril, he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending . 

My Thoughts:
OK. Let the record show that I love, Julia Quinn.  She can do no wrong, and I sincerely believe that  we may be twins separated at birth except for the age difference....  I get her sense of humor and just love her checkiness.  I have loved her Bridgertons, and her Bevelstokes.  I loved the Smythe-Smiths from afar untill the last 2 books.  Now I love them from close up. I do find that there are many cousins and the names get a little confusing, but I am willing to invest some time in a spreadsheet if need be. 
I love the secondary characters that JQ (that's what I call her, JQ because we are soooo close) puts in her stories.  Everyone is so "fleshed out" and that makes for such a rich cast.  That speaks to me.  I find that I like it better when the H/H have family/friends/pets (anyone really) who adds flavor as a 3rd party.  I like to see the main characters interract with someone other than their main love interest.  In this case, to see Daniel and Anne "hanging" with Sophie, Elizabeth, and Harriet was great.  Those girls reminded me of my 2 girls alot.  There was bickering and long detailed conversations about some random thing.  One of her 3 charges is a budding playwright so we must discuss ad naseum the next play and it's characters, and plot and subplot and motivation and history and ....(you get my drift).  Well, I have 2 budding novelists at home and it never fails that in the car we must discuss what this character will do and why. They even argue about what the character should/would say.  Needless to say, there were moments in this book that had me laughing out loud.   

I love Anne and her genuine affection for her charges and for Daniel.  I love Daniel and his willingness to be silly and his ability to be so warm.  He is someone you want to spend time with. 

JQ is an auto buy for me.  This installment in the Smythe-Smith quartet did not disappoint.  I hope to see Sara's story and Hugh.  Maybe even Sara and Hugh!!!  Hmm?! 

On the Way to the Wedding

byJulia Quinn

Last in the Bridgerton Series::::sniff sniff::::

Rated 5 stars

Title with a W word.

Back Cover:

A funny thing happened...

Unlike most men of his acquaintance, Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love. And he is convinced that when he finds the woman of his dreams, he will know in an instant that she is the one. And that is exactly what happened.

Except, she wasn't the one. In fact, the ravishing Hermione Watson is in love with another. But her best friend, the ever practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermione from a disastrous alliance, so she offers to help Gregory win her over. But in the process, Lucy falls in love. With Gregory!!!

Except...Lucy is engaged. And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the alter.

My Thoughts:

I was so hesitant to start this book. I have loved just about every book from this series. (Francesca's story When He Was Wicked being the only acception, since I just liked it.) So, I was sad to see it come to an end, and was therefore hesitant. You can surely understand my dilemma. We'd met Gregory briefly, very briefly in some of the other books, but by no means were those meeting enough for me to become invested in his character. (which was the reason I only liked Francesca's story, I'd not really even met her before.) Anyway, so I was kinda, uh....not sure. But, I have an illness that requires I finish a series once I start it. Even if I don't really like the series. So, I grab the book and settle in for what I was dreading would be a mediocre read. So, our hero meets the ravishing Hermione and her trusty sidekick Lucy at a house party being thrown by his brother Anthony and Kate his lovely wife. Gregory is immediately smitten with Hermione, who is the most beautiful woman of the season. Lucy, however is the lovely (although who really notices around Hermione.) lady with an actual personality and a brain, and a sense of humor.

Lucy is however, engaged to another, who Gregory happens to know from school. This engagement is arranged by her uncle as a final payout to the intendeds uncle who has been blackmailing the uncle for years. As it turns out the intended is well, not that interested in Lucy. In reality Gregory knows that he will never be interested in Lucy or any other Lady for that matter. (if ya know what I mean.)

Lucy falls for Gregory. Gregory falls for Lucy. Her uncle won't let her out of the betrothal. So she thinking that it is the right thing to do, to marry him anyway, goes thru with the wedding even though her heart belongs to Gregory. Gregory, figures out what she is about to do and runs across town to stop the wedding. He rushes into the church just in time to say," Don't!!" Don't marry him, marry me. I love you!! She says....

No spoilers here!!! You'll just have to read it to find out how it ends.

But I will say, that I fell for Gregory too. He is totally awesome, and such a romantic. I just wanna grab him and squeeze him and hold him tight. I give it 5 stars. Awesome!!!

It's in His Kiss

by Juila Quinn

#7 in the Bridgerton Series

#3 in the Readers of Romance Winter 09 Challenge

Back Cover:

Meet Our Hero ... Gareth St. Clair is in a bind.

His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth's sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past .. and the key to his future. The problem is -- it's written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word.

Meet Our Heroine ... All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton.

She's fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there's something about her -- something charming and vexing -- that grabs him and won't quite let go ...

Meet Poor Mr. Mozart ... Or don't.

But rest assured, he's spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual -- and annually discordant -- Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth's every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other ... and that there is nothing as simple -- or as complicated -- as a single, perfect kiss.

My Thoughts:

I thought Gareth to be true to human emotions. I like that he still feels a strong physical and emotional response to his boar of a father even though he doesn't want to. I like that he is self aware enough to want to be different and grown up. Somehow he can't. I love that even though he is a notorious rake and seems to take nothing seriously, he is fiercely devoted to his grandmother Lady Danbury. ( who I personally fell in love with in Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. Penelope's story.)

Hyacinth is a great heroine too. She is smart and diabolical (according to her brother Gregory). She doesn't realize that she sometimes comes across off-putting and is troubled by that when she becomes aware. She has a soft heart even though she doesn't know it. She agrees to help Gareth translate his grandmothers diary and the fun ensues. They fall for each other eventually without the help of his grandmother and her mother who both want the match very much.

Upon first finishing the book, I thought maybe it's a 4. But after perculating on it a little. I keep remembering scenes that I really liked. I keep smiling. So, I don't think it was a 5 for me, like An Offer From a Gentleman, and Romancing Mr. Bridgerton and The Viscount Who Loved Me. but it has upgraded to a 4.5.

There is only one more in the series and I'm starting it, but am hesitant. I kinda don't want them to be over. (sad face) I guess all good things must come to an end. All right Gregory, you're up. I am a little disappointed that there are no more Pall Mall/shooting scenes etc. Those were some very fun things.

When He was Wicked

by Julia Quinn

rated 4 stars

Back Cover:

Everything was so much simpler... When he was wicked.

In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one's life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London's most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton. After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca's surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer -- the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin. But that was then…

Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love... until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets…

My Thoughts:

I love a good unrequited love story. I also like that it's the reverse of the usual, being the Man is the one who is the secret admirer. I like how they feel conflicted about how they are feeling about each other. I did feel like, Michael was too long in his suffering. I mean, really!!! It wasn't until the very end that they actually talk and process their feelings.

I wasn't as invested in Francesca as I was with the others. We'd not even really met her in the previous stories, so it took me a while to connect with her. I however connected with Michael very quickly. I mean Yowza!!! Then the malaria thing...her presence makes it better. Wow!!!

This was not my favorite. There was less of the Bridgerton fun, and more angst but it was still good.

To Sir Phillip With Love

by Julia Quinn

Rated 4.5 Stars

Back Cover:

Sir Phillip knew that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he'd proposed, figuring that she'd be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage. Except… she wasn't. The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her…and more.

Did he think she was mad? Eloise Bridgerton couldn't marry a man she had never met! But then she started thinking…and wondering… and before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match. Except…he wasn't. Her perfect husband wouldn't be so moody and ill-mannered, and while Phillip was certainly handsome, he was a large brute of a man, rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand. But when he smiled…and when he kissed her…the rest of the world simply fell away, and she couldn't help but wonder…could this imperfect man be perfect for her?

My Thoughts:

I enjoy Eloise. I liked her in Benedict and Penelope's story. I lked Phillip too. He was an honorable man, even if he was a tad removed from those in his life, especially his children. At first, I had my doubts about him. He was so removed and stand-off-ish. I felt like Eloise deserved the best England has to offer. He couldn't even seem to talk to his children....so, yea, I had my doubts. However, knowing how he'd tried with Marina and how he wanted things to be good for his kids...I had hopes. Then upon getting to know him, I saw his character, his quiet yearning. Aww! Whatta guy! He does everything that is expected of him, even if it wasn't meant to make him happy. He was selfless in that.

Some favorite scenes: The scene where Eloise puts the fish in Amanda's bed. The scene where the brothers show up and Anthony and Eloise are in the library. ( I laughed and sniffled perfection) The scene where Phillip, Benedict, Colin, and Gregory are getting to "know" each other and they end up smashed. The scene at My cottage where they are shooting was great. As soon as Eloise comes out and wants to join the game then all the boys (except Phillip) groan. Great!!!

I've yet to meet a Bridgerton that I haven't loved.

An Offer From a Gentleman

by Julia Quinn

#4 Book with a F Word

Rated 4.5 Stars

Back Cover:

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball -- or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other -- except, perhaps, this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers her his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

My Thoughts:

This is a fresh modern version of the traditional Cinderella fairy tale. Complete with wicked stepmother and stepsisters, a Ball, secret identity, and the stroke of midnight. It definitely gives Cinderella a run for her money. Instead of mice and household animals as companions, Sophie Becket is loved and nurtured by the household staff. It is this loving, albeit limited family who come up with the idea for Sophie to "crash" the masquerade ball given by The Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton. There our Sophie meets her Prince Charming, in the very debonair Benedict Bridgerton. Benedict is immediately drawn to his mystery muse.

After the ball, Sophie returns to her life in servitude to her Step-monster-ish, and her two daughters. After a turn of events, Sophie find herself on her own and finds work with a family elsewhere, and the son of that family attempts to mistreats her in a most personal way. Enter Prince Charming again, who happens to be a guest at a party given by same Son, Son of a B#%&H more like. He rescues our Sophie and their unlikely relationship begins.

She from the working class and he from the ton. It could never work in the traditional marriage sense so......Benedict makes her an offer. Be his mistress. Now, this reader doesn't usually like it when Heroes make such an offer. This reader tends to begin to really dislike said, Hero. But this time, and in this situation it was done with such warmth, that This Reader loved the Hero in spite. It really was a "No Win" for this unlikely couple and he knew he couldn't live without her so........

She categorically refuses his offer. Twists and turns later, I was pleasantly surprised at how Ms. Quinn worked the situation out for Our Sophie and Benedict "Charming". I knew she would. :::nods head for effect:::

I will not go into more details, so as not to spoil it for you, but This Reader loved this Cinderella story very much. I'm now referring to the entire Bridgerton series as my Vitamin B-ridgerton, cuz it's soooooo good. (and good for you!!!)

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton.

by Julia Quinn

Rated 5 Stars

#1 Beta Hero

Back Cover:

Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for...well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret...and fears she doesn't know him at all.

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty headed charmer, tired of the neverending sameness of his life, and, most of all, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip abroad, he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same---especially Penelope Featherington! The girl who was always simply...there is suddenly the girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide...is she his biggest threat---or his promis of a happy ending?

My Thoughts:

I loved Colin. I loved that he is discontent but knows he has nothing to complain about. I love when he starts getting angry at things, and show his temper that noone really thought he had. I love that he falls in love with the "on the shelf" maid/used to be wallflower/almost kid sister. I love how, she is suddenly cute to him and he finds that quizzical. "When did she become cute?"

I love that, Penelope isn't what she seems. I love that underneath the sorta shy girl is a rapier wit and a true backbone. I love that she falls in love so young, and even though she could have been bitter about her spinsterhood, she isn't. I love that she has the last laugh.

The scene on the front steps, the flashback where she walks out and Colin and his brothers are there and Colin is complaining and Says. "I'm never going to marry Penelope Featherington!" And there stands Penelope. Cringe Worthy!!!! You just feel her heart shatter, and you also just feel how Colin wants to die. He'd rather do anything than hurt Penelope, she's a friend after all, but he's just really stepped in it this time.

The Viscount Who Loved Me

by Julia Quinn
#15 Author Backlist

Rated 4.5 Stars

Back Cover:
1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And in all truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better...
--Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

But this time the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry--he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield--the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate's the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes to not make the best husbands--and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate's determined to protect her sister--but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...

My thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was the perfect mix of fun, witty banter, and poignant moments. Each lead character (Anthony and Kate) had their own fears and obstacles to overcome. I really love Lady Whistledown too. I know this review is short and probably not very impressive and also not very inspiring, but Hey, it's one of those days.

If you haven't read the Bridgerton's, you simply must try them. This author highly recommends them......:)

What Happens in London

by Julia Quinn

Back Cover:

When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancée, she doesn't believe it for a second, but still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits... and discovers a most intriguing man, who is definitely up to something.

Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security. He's not a spy, but he's had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than a nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself...

My Thoughts:

Ms. Quinn is brilliant at writing flawed/scarred characters. They are sympathetic without being pathetic. Sir Harry is he son of an alcoholic father, and a dead in the eyes mother. His overbearing grandmother takes over his upbringing and education. His older sister rebels and his younger brother is left to fend for himself when Harry leaves home. His cousin Sebastian is in many ways his polar opposite, but also his best friend.

Miss, Olivia Bevelstoke is Harry's new next door neighbor. She is spunky, and fun, and prone to making mental lists. Especially when she's bored with a conversation. She has a married brother and a sister-in-law who is her best friend. Her twin brother Winston is a hoot. (Can't wait to read his story)

Enter a Russian prince, intrigue, a silly hat, facing windows and a Lurid, Gothic Novel, and you've got great fun. I recommend this book for sure. It gets a 4.5 stars for sure.

Book Reviews

I'm really very far behind in reviewing and posting my books for the Summer Reading Challenge 09. So, I'll be summing them up here.

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

#10-title with Title (royalty)~~~Rated 4.5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Daphne was so much fun, and Simon, well I just love an underdog. He started off as a tortured hero, and the interplay between him and Daphne was great fun. I also loved the whole Bridgerton family. Super fun and heartwarming.

The Nerd Who Loved Me by Vicki Lewis Thompson

#7 Unlikely Hero/Heroine ~~~Rated 4 Stars

A Vegas Showgirl and a Nerdy Accountant. Match made in Heaven right? Lainie Terrel finds herself on the run with Harry Ambrewster. I totally loved this couple. The chemistry was Hot, and the entire cast of characters were so much fun. Outside of the villain, there was not a character I didn't love. I will read more about Ms. Thompson's nerds!

MacKenzie's Mission by Linda Howard

#4 Title published before 2000 ~~~Rated 3.75 Stars

I have definately a mixed opinion of this book. I loved Joe MacKenzie sooo much from MacKenzie's Mountain. He was 16, and so interesting. However, fast forward and He wasn't all that intersting to me. I liked him, but didn't see the depth in him that I'd seen from him previously. I liked Caroline so much though. I found her complex and tough, but with that soft vulnerability that was so appealing. I figured out some of the mystery, but that is fine with me. I don't particularly like mystery, so for me it is more about how are they going to resolve it.

Vampire, Interrupted by Lynsay Sands

#8 Title with Author "S" name like me! ~~~Rated 4 Stars

This is the story of Marguerite Argeneau, the Matriarch of the Argeneau clan. We've seen her try to match her sons and daughter and nephews, Brother-in-law......You get the picture. She is on her first assignment as a private investigator with "Tiny" her mortal boss. Christian Notte as hired them to help research and find out who his mother was. She meets Christian's father Julius who refuses to tell anyone who Christian's mother was. As it happens, Julius turns out to be Marguerite's true Lifemate. She has trust issues since her late husband was able to both read her and control her. I liked Julius and Marguerite. I liked Tiny alot, and want him to find an Immortal as a Lifemate. I love those Notte men. So hot and fun. These Argeneau's are such a hit. I love them all.