Tag Archives: Regency romance

What Happens In London by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
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 Only One For Me by Karen Hawkins

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

Title: The Only One for Me
Author: Karen Hawkins
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: 25th May 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Didn’t like anything that belonged to the old bird, not the stand, the toys, even hated the silver bell m’aunt had bought for the stupid thing.

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Synopsis

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.

Thoughts

I’ve been looking forward to this novella since Lord and Lady Easterly make a brief appearance in The First Kiss. It was not only a great story, but a fantastic ending to this whole collection. Four gorgeous couples got together and you finally find out what happened to the missing bracelet. In fact, although this story is all about reconciling an estranged married couple, much of it is about the pursuit of truth. Not only the truth of whole stole the bracelet (which you do find out in this story, the last of the collection). But what the truth about your feelings are too.

At the beginning I really couldn’t understand how the male lead was going to be someone I could like. After all, he left his wife for twelve damn years and then returns. I can’t really imagine a situation in which that is okay. And, even though I’ve now finished this story and I did actually like him. I still found the whole moving away for twelve years because one’s pride has been injured kind of… well, ridiculous and unforgivable. Frustrating and horrible to say the least.

One of my favourite aspects of this novel is that there is so much fire and passion in this story. I’m an argumentative and difficult girl, even at the best of times. It was nice to read a story in which the protagonist is the same – argumentative, passionate and sometimes too stubborn and proud for her own good. Actually, both of these characters are wonderfully prideful and stubborn…

<- The Best of Both WorldsLady Whistledown Strikes Back ->

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The Best of Both Worlds by Suzanne Enoch

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

Title: The Best of Both Worlds
Author: Suzanne Enoch
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: 24th May 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: “I know you’re probably used to getting what you want, but it won’t -“

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Synopsis

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.

Thoughts

This story took a great pause and investigated what the different concepts people have of respectability. It does, obviously, take the regency spin on such an idea – but it does kind of act reminiscent of today’s issues. Throughout this entire story, Charlotte’s parents are more concerned with propriety and not being involved in a scandal than their own child’s happiness. It makes for a bit of a painful read in places, but it does work brilliantly well.

One of my favourite things about Charlotte in this is that she does point out the double standards that women are forced to adhere to. Xavier has run around town finding lovers, gambling and all sorts of entertainment. Charlotte has NEVER done anything untoward – but the moment he talks to her, a possible scandal is revealed. Again, it’s not as severe in today’s society, but it’s still a bit of an issue.

Throughout all of this novella, I was smiling and happy. But what I ended up loving the most was the ending. When Charlotte and Xavier have done everything they can to make her parents approve and feel comfortable, they take slightly more drastic measures. It’s definitely a comeuppance for the treatment that Charlotte is constantly receiving at the hands of her parents. It may not be overtly cruel, but it is definitely not exactly something that I can approve of.

<- The Last TemptationThe Only One for Me ->

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The Last Temptation by Mia Ryan

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

Title: The Last Temptation
Author: 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
Dates read: 22nd May 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: “You are the one who organized Lady Neeley’s haunted party, aren’t you?”

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Synopsis

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.

Thoughts

This is a wonderfully sweet and innocent novella. The town rake falls for the quiet servant. There is nothing dark and twisty about this story. There is nothing horrible going on. Just a gradual falling in love between two people who would not necessarily otherwise have been bought together.

There are a number of somewhat insane moments throughout this novella, but I honestly think that one of my favourite things is the battle with the damn parrot. It is so completely obsessed, and adds a great sense of humour to a story that would otherwise just be a cute, sweet journey.

Ultimately, I love that this story is about two people falling in love. One woman finding her own way in the business world. And finding a way to break the bounds of convention – he might be of the ton, but he’ll still marry the woman he loves. Even if she does go into business and does things just a little differently…

<- The First KissThe Best of Both Worlds ->

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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A Dozen Kisses by Mia Ryan

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

Title: A Dozen Kisses
Author: 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
Dates read: 22nd April 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: “Linney!”

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

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 really couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next in the The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown collection. After all, even though these are independent novellas, there is still this great sense of continuity throughout the storyline. One that I love figuring out, even as I fall in love more and more with the characters in each individual tale.

At first I just couldn’t understand how the lead male had kicked the woman out of her home, and then, years later, decided that he wanted to marry her. I like rakish, fun and daring rogues. But I really don’t like selfish, pig-headed horrible men. It turns out that he wasn’t really either of these. Just a sweet, slightly injured gentleman. And the fact that he partnered up with a woman who is constantly fighting the urge to say things that are seriously inappropriate… I kind of fell completely in love with both of them.

Alright, I did fall in love with Linney a little bit more. Which isn’t really anything new… I tend to love the female protagonists more so than the males, regardless of the story… after all, I too am a woman. But, Linney was particularly special. I tend to sometimes come out with some very random, awkward comments. And I tend to constantly have little pep talks with myself about NOT saying every single thought that comes to mind… much like Linney.

What I think I loved most about this novella is that it’s about two misfits. They’re not what people would consider the elite and part of the respectable. They’re just a little too different. Which, of course is what makes me love them so damn much. I always adore the misfits.

<- Two HeartsThirty-Six Valentines ->

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