Tag Archives: Julia Quinn

Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn

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Overview
Ten Things I Love About You | Julia Quinn

Title: Ten Things I Love About You
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bevelstoke #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 12th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Because she was.

Synopsis

Ten Things You Should Know About This Book

  1. Sebastian Grey is a devilishly handsome rogue with a secret.
  2. Annabel Winslow’s family voted her The Winslow Most Likely to Speak Her Mind AND The Winslow Most Likely to Fall Asleep in Church.
  3. Sebastian’s uncle is the Earl of Newbury, and if he dies without siring an heir, Sebastian inherits everything.
  4. Lord Newbury detests Sebastian and will stop at nothing to prevent this from happening.
  5. Lord Newbury has decided that Annabel is the answer to all of his problems.
  6. Annabel does not want to marry Lord Newbury, especially when she finds out he once romanced her grandmother.
  7. is shocking,
  8. is delicious, and
  9. is downright wicked, all of which lead the way to
  10. Happily. Ever. After.
Thoughts

This was the final book in the Bevelstoke series. And, for me, I think it might have been the best. Although, now that I think about the other two… I also loved them. There was just something about Annabel’s situation that drew me in and plucked at my heart strings far more strongly than the other heroines in this series.

I had planned to just read a little of this book, and then go to sleep. I was kind of exhausted. But, that certainly didn’t happen. Again, Annabel’s plight and difficulties just completely drew me in. And every time I thought that there was a natural pause in this story coming up… a new challenge reared its ugly head and pulled me right back in again. It was an adventure that I was just swept away in. And next thing I knew… I’d stayed up WAY past my bedtime…

My only real moment of ow, that’s not the way it should be was when there just wasn’t quite enough comeuppance at the ending of this story. I think that the ending Quinn went with was absolutely wonderful and kind of perfect. But I’m of the vindictive persuasion… so I wanted the horrifying and somewhat evil Newbury to suffer. And suffer. And suffer. And, well, you get my vindictive little drift…

Sebastian most certainly drew my attention with his actions in Chapter Seventeen of What Happens in London. Which meant that I just couldn’t wait to find out who he would end up with. And Annabel just wasn’t what I pictured – but everything that I needed. Partner that with the fact that he’s a writer, an insomniac and just all round enjoyable and witty in his characterisation… I thought that he was the mot perfect of the three heroes in this series…

<- What Happens In LondonMore Julia Quinn ->

Image source: Julia Quinn

What Happens In London by Julia Quinn

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Overview
What Happens in London :HarperCollins Australia

Title: What Happens in London
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bevelstoke #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 10th – 11th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “I thought you’d stopped counting.”

Synopsis

Rumors and Gossip…
The lifeblood of London…

When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his finacee, 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 curatins, 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 an annoyingly 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…

Thoughts

From her first appearance in The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever, I fell a little in love with Olivia. There is just something humorous, witty and intriguing about the beautiful girl who can’t keep her impulses to herself. So when I realised that the next novel in this trilogy was about her, and started with her spying on her neighbour… I was completely swept away. And intrigued. And just generally in my happy place…

I was kind of floored by the “bad guy” in this story at the end. In fact, as I’m reading more and more Julia Quinn stories, I was surprised that there truly was a “bad guy”. Normally the people who get in the way of a good happily ever after moment in her stories (the ones that I’ve read thus far anyway) are the two romantic leads themselves. So when someone else gets in Olivia’s way… I was pleasantly surprised. I love when an author I’ve been reading a lot of is able to completely surprise me. There is just something all that much more exciting about such an act.

One of my favourite aspects of this novel was the spy angle. The war with the French and Napoleon are mentioned frequently in many of Quinn’s regency romances – but I’ve never read one that features spying and Russian. I also just loved the Russian spin and the fact that the lead male, Harry, is in love with the language. It made me weirdly keen to go out and learn Russian of all languages. That extra bit of subterfuge made this all that much more difficult to put down…. Especially when I was curled up with a nice cup of tea in my onesie whilst reading this…

Even Miranda managed to make an appearance in this book. Although, not enough of one to truly make me happy in this. She is mentioned frequently, and it makes me imagine a reality in which Turner, Miranda, Olivia and Harry all continue to live happily and a little less than conservatively… it definitely meant that I finished this book on a huge, happy smile.

<- The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda CheeverTen Things I Love About You ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn

Book Review, ,
Overview
The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever | Julia Quinn

Title: The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bevelstoke #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 5th – 6th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: That is neither here nor there.

Synopsis

2 March 1810…
Today, I fell in love.

At the age of ten, Miranda Cheever showed no signs of Great Beauty. And even at ten, Miranda learned to accept the expectations society held for her – until the afternoon when Nigel Bevelstoke, the handsome and dashing Viscount Turner, solemnly kissed her hand and promised her that one day she would grow into herself, that one day she would be as beautiful as she already was smart. And even at ten, Miranda knew she would love him forever.

But the years that followed were as cruel to Turner as they were kind to Miranda. She is as intriguing as the viscount boldly predicted on that memorable day – while he is a lonely, bitter man, crushed by a devastating loss. But Miranda has never forgotten the truth she set down on paper all those years earlier – and she will not allow the love that is her destiny to slip lightly through her fingers…

Thoughts

I have been reading a lot lately, and I really wanted and needed something that was just pleasantly, easily light and fluffy. Which is exactly what this is. After all, that is exactly what I love about Julia Quinn. You know there will be a happy ending. You enjoy the journey. And everything is just… generally, good and easy. Perfect for a nice night when you just want to sink into a good book with a nice, big glass of wine.

Miranda is predictably sweet. I love that at the beginning she feels a little like a wallflower. Until she is crossed, and in this case, I would be completely on her side. Then she is a bit of a hellcat. The imagery of her trying to beat a man with her bag is ingrained into my mind. And still has me giggling mercilessly. I would probably want to do the exact same thing in her shoes… it helped that when Turner begins to see her for who she is… he actually acknowledges that fire and spirit and states that his own brother would not be a good match for it. It just made the relationship all the more sweet… he recognised her less than desirable (at that time) qualities and adored them about her, didn’t dismiss her.

Where Miranda is predictably sweet, Turner is kind of a moron throughout much of this story. I kind of love him because he’s a wonderful character. But he’s just so damn stubborn. And even after that moment when he and Miranda finally decide to show their love for one another… he continues to be a moron. And stubborn. And just too damn scared to do or say anything that is against what he believes to be his truth… even when it’s damn obvious that he’s wrong, wrong, wrong.

Although the middle point where there is a great problem and milestone to overcome is kind of great. It’s also kind of frustrating. Because Turner is a fool. And, even as the story reaches its conclusion, you still want to smack some sense into the boy. Luckily though, at the point when you are just starting to get truly, and deeply fed up… things are solved and the horrors are mitigated. It’s a great story. A great ending and just all round cute. The perfect happy, peaceful and bubbly story to spend a night with.

<- More Julia QuinnWhat Happens In London ->

Image source: Julia Quinn

Lady Whistledown Strikes Back by Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for lady whistledown strikes back book cover"

Title: Lady Whistledown Strikes Back
Author: Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan
In: Lady Whistledown Strikes Back (Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 12th – 25th May 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Peter was sure of it.

Synopsis

Who Stole Lady Neeley’s Bracelet?
Was it the fortune hunter, the gambler, the servant, or the rogue? All of London is abuzz with speculation, but it is clear that one of four couples is connected to the crime.

Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, May 1816

Julia Quinn enchants: A dashing fortune hunter is captivated by the Season’s most desired debutante…and must prove he is out to steal the lady’s heart, not her dowry.

Suzanne Enoch tantalizes: An innocent miss who has spent her life scrupulously avoiding scandal is suddenly—and secretly—courted by London’s most notorious rogue.

Karen Hawkins seduces: A roving viscount comes home to rekindle the passionate fires of his marriage… only to discover that his beautiful, headstrong bride will not be so easily won.

Mia Ryan delights: A lovely, free-spirited servant is dazzled by the romantic attentions of a charming earl… sparking a scandalous affair that could ruin them both.

You’ll hear it first from Lady Whistledown

Thoughts

This was such a great little collection. Like The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown, the four novellas were intertwined in ways that you couldn’t quite imagine. But there was an extra complication / mystery in this collection – that of the missing bracelet. You don’t find out until the final story who actually stole it, but throughout all four novellas, you keep finding clues and wondering what actually happened at the party…

It was incredibly bittersweet finishing this collection – this is the last time I get to read a Lady Whistledown column for the very first time. I would like to reread all of these books in the future, but I’ll never have that beginning joy that you get when you read something for the very first time. I love how all four of these authors, each of who have very different styles, are able to have that similar tone of voice that you can read throughout the entire collection. It’s a great continuing thread that I don’t think many authors could manage so seamlessly.

I liked that this collection had an extra mystery that ran through all four novellas. It wasn’t just about the four couples and finding their happily ever after. But it was also about finding out who stole a priceless bracelet. And all of the wonderful connections between people in the ton. And just how messy this small community can be…

<- The Only One For MeThe First Kiss ->

Image source: Goodreads

The First Kiss by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for lady whistledown strikes back book cover"

Title: The First Kiss
Author: Julia Quinn
In: Lady Whistledown Strikes Back (Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 12th May 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Peter was sure of it.

Synopsis

Julia Quinn enchants: A dashing fortune hunter is captivated by the Season’s most desired debutante…and must prove he is out to steal the lady’s heart, not her dowry.

Thoughts

As always, this is a seriously sweet and cute novella. Quinn manages to infuse all of her works with a great sense of humour and love. Her wittiness and ability to make even the most undesirable of situations feel completely sweet and hopeful… just gorgeous. In this story, a girl grieving for her dead brother and his fortune hunter best friend are thrown into each others’ lives and the realisation that maybe Harry is still working from beyond the grave. Or at least, that’s kind of how it felt to me…

I love that the girl in this story is a lot less pushy and intense than some of the other women in Quinn’s novels. She’s still independent and unique, but she’s a lot less intense than some of the other women. A nice little departure. I relate better to the intense women, but it’s nice sometimes to just read something that feels like a bit of fluff and doesn’t leave me feeling weirdly attached to the protagonist woman.

The cameo appearance of Penelope in this novella might be one of my favourite aspects of this novella. The fact that Tillie wants to make better friends with her for her constant kindness and recognises the lack of joy in being a wallflower is genuinely amazing. And, it helps to further tie this collection and novel into the world of the Bridgertons.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and was seriously disappointed when I turned that final page. There is just something cute and wonderful about this story that left me with a huge smile on my face. Which was nice, particularly since I was feeling a bit mopey and alone when I read it…

<- Lady Whistledown Strikes BackThe Last Temptation ->

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The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown by Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for the further observations of lady whistledown book cover"

Title: The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown
Author: Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan
In: The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown (Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 6th – 26th April 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: “I’ve never seen him like that.”

Synopsis

Lady Whistledown Tells All!

Society is abuzz when the Season’s most promising debutante is jilted by her intended—only to be swept away by the deceitful rogue’s dashing older brother—in New York Times bestseller Julia Quinn’s witty, charming, and heartfelt tale.

When the scandalous actions of his beautiful fiancée are recorded in Lady Whistledown’s column, a concerned groom-to-be rushes back to London to win his lady’s heart once and forever, in Suzanne Enoch’s enchanting romantic gem.

Karen Hawkins captivates with an enduring story of a handsome rogue whose lifelong friendship—and his heart—are tested when the lovely lady in question sets her cap for someone else.

A dazzling and delightful tale by Mia Ryan has a young woman cast out of her home by an insufferable yet charming marquis—who intends to take possession not only of the house… but its former occupant as well!

Thoughts

I figured that I would thoroughly enjoy this collection just because it was created by Julia Quinn and featured the character of Lady Whistledown in some way, shape or form. What I didn’t expect was how brilliantly each of these four stories related in to one another. Mostly I was expecting four separate novellas with Lady Whisteldown’s witty repertoire at the very beginning. What I didn’t expect was to find each of the characters from the novellas in each other’s stories.

This is a fantastic historical romance collection which features some amazing new authors. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into some of their books! Each had that great sense of humour and wit that I recognise in the writings of Julia Quinn. Plus, each of the four women in these stories is strong in her own way. Strong and independent (in some cases, unusually so for this style of story). Not only does this make this collection fantastic, but it is a great hint of the type of women who filled the pages of this book with some wonderfully engaging words.

For anyone who loves regency romances, this is a fantastic short story collection. For people who have already fallen in love with Julia Quinn and her Bridgertons series…. it’s even more of a must have. There is just something about the unique voices of the four authors and the way they are able to so seamlessly intertwine their stories with each other… it is just amazing. And beautiful. Definitely a collection that I will be picking up again and again and again.

<- Thirty-Six ValentinesOne True Love ->

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Thirty-Six Valentines by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the further observations of lady whistledown book cover"

Title: Thirty-Six Valentines
Author: Julia Quinn
In: The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown (Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 26th April 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: “What?” David and Clive demanded in unison.

Synopsis

Society is abuzz when the Season’s most promising debutante is jilted by her intended—only to be swept away by the deceitful rogue’s dashing older brother—in New York Times bestseller Julia Quinn’s witty, charming, and heartfelt tale.

Thoughts

What a fantastic way to round out the collection of The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown. This was kind of funny, seriously unique and very, very cute. It also ended with a happily ever after. The final of the four couples to get their romantic, beautiful ending. Definitely the kind of novella that I love to read. Just thinking about it all over again gives me the happy feelings.

I had expected this story to be filled with thirty-six instances of an attempt at romance. That’s kind of the hint that the title leads you to believe. But, it was a much, much better storyline. Instead of thirty-six moments of romance, there were literally thirty-six attempts at just writing one, small, romantic card. Considering I have a partner who probably couldn’t really write a valentine (he’s wonderful, just not great at that aspect of romance), I felt much, much closer to David than if he had’ve proceeded to create thirty-six seriously romantic moments throughout this story.

The opening Whistledown fragment immediately pulled me into this story. Primarily because it was made clear that the male love interest was embroiled in her history of being jilted and shunned. That makes it difficult to imagine how they would get over that little disagreement and find a way into each others’ arms… but, they do manage it. And in such a gloriously fun and engaging way. Mostly because instead of being about what other people expect… their relationship becomes about what they need in each other.

Not only did I seriously enjoy reading this novella, but it was also a great ending to the collection, The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown. All of the characters / couples from the past stories were revisited, all of the fun and passion was immersed within the pages. But, mostly, this story continued to entertain and enthral right up to the final page. Particularly when the story closes on a beautiful moment that hints at the happiness that could come forever after.

<- A Dozen KissesThe Further Observations of Lady Whistledown ->

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The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the bridgertons

Title: The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons Companion
In: The Bridgertons (Julia Quinn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 15th January – 27th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Collection
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Off to the side, Colin winced.

Synopsis

Once upon a time, a historical romance author created a family…
But not just any family. Eight brothers and sisters, assorted in-laws, sons and daughters, nieces and nephews (not to mention an overweight corgi) plus an irrepressible matriarch who’s a match for any of them… These are the Bridgertons: less a family than a force of nature. Through eight bestselling novels, readers laughed, cried, and fell in love. But they wanted more.

And so the readers asked the author…
What happens next? Does Simon ever read his father’s letters? Do Francesca and Michael become parents? Who would win in a Pall Mall grudge match? 88 II Does “The End” really have to be the end? II 8 Now, with The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After, Julia Quinn delivers eight sexy, funny, and heartwarming “2nd Epilogues” plus a bonus story about none other than the wise and witty matriarch Violet Bridgerton herself. So get to know the Bridgertons all over again – because Happily Ever After is a whole lot of fun.

Thoughts

This is a great collection. Although my editions of the full-length novels often included the Second Epilogues, it was nice to have them all in one collection. Particularly since there is an extra novella at the very end that is not included in any other novel. Each and everyone of these stories not only makes you feel as though the story is actually completed, but they also give you happy, tingling feelings that leave a huge smile on your face.

I must admit, that although I loved each and everyone of these tales, it was the first five couples that I truly adored. Maybe because they all had such strong relationships to one another, whereas the last three were not as intimate with their older siblings. Which makes total sense, but the appearances of more than one sibling throughout the other stories meant that I felt far more attached to them than their younger counterparts. Which also meant that I didn’t enjoy the final second epilogues quite as much.

I love this collection of tales. There is something about it that completely draws you in and makes you fall in love with the Bridgertons again and again and again. Not only does it give some sense of what happens after happily-ever-after. But it also lets you revisit a world and characters that you have fallen in love with. There is definitely something unforgettable and completely loveable about the slightly insane family and all of those who choose to spend their lives with them…

<- Violet in BloomMore Julia Quinn ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Violet in Bloom by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the bridgertons

Title: Violet in Bloom
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #8.75
In: The Bridgertons (Julia Quinn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 27th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Avon
Year: 20
5th sentence, 74th page: “Oh, it’s a surprise,” Edmund said, grinning wolfishly at her from across the carriage.

Synopsis

All of the Bridgertons have found their happily ever afters. But what about the matriarch? Violet? What about her story? Does she find her happily ever after too?

Thoughts

Through the whole series of The Bridgertons, one character continuously shows up and takes centre stage. So I was deliriously excited to read a novella that is all about her… the mother, the caretaker and, quite possibly, the most meddlesome character of all the Bridgertons. It certainly wasn’t the kind of story that I was expecting, but it really was a sweet way to completely round out the series. Now the books are all back on my shelves and I look forward to reading them all in the future!

I was expecting this novella to be about Violet and Edmund – their romance and their courtship. And whilst this did make up a decent portion of this story, it really wasn’t the centre of it. In fact, this story was about Violet’s life. The entirety of her life, both before and after Edmund. It wasn’t quite what I wanted. But it was definitely what I needed.

It makes a certain kind of sense that this story isn’t just about Edmund and Violet. After all, most of her life actually ends up centring around her children. Which means that most of this story still focuses on them, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and her happiness.  It kind of makes you want to have your own gaggle of unruly children…

<- On the Way to the Wedding – The Second EpilogueThe Bridgertons ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

On the Way to the Wedding – The Second Epilogue By Julia Quinn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the bridgertons

Title: On the Way to the Wedding: The Second Epilogue
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #8.5
In: The Bridgertons (Julia Quinn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 25th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: “It’s a happy accident, I assure you,” Gregory said.

Synopsis

Gregory and Lucy found their happily ever after. But, with a gaggle of children, how do they figure out what to name each of the children? As always, things aren’t quite as simple as they seem.

Thoughts

I like that of all the Bridgerton siblings, it is the last one that seriously wants a whole slew of children. The last sibling who decides to do the same as his mother and have eight children. Which you find out at the end of On the Way to the Wedding. What I didn’t know I needed until this Second Epilogue was to find out what they named each of their children. Actually, just coming up with those names seems kind of ridiculous.

Gregory and Lucy weren’t necessarily my favourite couple in this series, their Second Epilogue was definitely the most potentially tragic. Where the other seven are filled with happiness, wit and humour, this story definitely didn’t have that. Actually, if it wasn’t for the fact that I’m getting so used to Quinn’s happily ever afters, I would have expected this to end so much worse than it did. I was genuinely scared. But, spoiler alert, it doesn’t all end badly.

As the final Second Epilogue of the series, I was kind of pleased that this didn’t necessarily have a happy note to it. My only real complaint about romances is that when you find your one and only, things don’t always go as planned. So finishing out a series in which all the lives are damn near perfect with the potential to tear everything apart… that kind of worked brilliantly.

<- On the Way to the WeddingViolet in Bloom ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia