The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy by Julia Quinn

Title: The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy (Smythe-Smith #4)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon 2015

Genre: Romance

Pages: 378

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf

Sir Richard Kenworthy has less than a month to find a bride. He knows he can't be too picky, but when he sees Iris Smythe-Smith hiding behind her cello at her family's infamous musicale, he thinks he might have struck gold. She's the type of girl you don't notice until the second—or third—look, but there's something about her, something simmering under the surface, and he knows she's the one.

Iris Smythe–Smith is used to being underestimated. With her pale hair and quiet, sly wit she tends to blend into the background, and she likes it that way. So when Richard Kenworthy demands an introduction, she is suspicious. He flirts, he charms, he gives every impression of a man falling in love, but she can't quite believe it's all true. When his proposal of marriage turns into a compromising position that forces the issue, she can't help thinking that he's hiding something . . . even as her heart tells her to say yes.

I, um, was not impressed by this book. It’s fine as a Regency romance, but I wasn’t super into the characters or the plotline. I really did not like the story once it shifted to Yorkshire. I like some tension and conflict with my main characters, but this book took it to a new level that I did not appreciate. Such a disappointment.

Smythe-Smith Quartet:

• #1 Just Like Heaven

• #2 A Night Like This

• #3 The Sum of All Kisses

• #4 The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn

Title: The Sum of All Kisses (Smythe-Smith #3)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon 2013

Genre: Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Sarah Pleinsworth can’t forgive Hugh Prentice for the duel he fought three years ago that nearly destroyed her family, sent her cousin fleeing, and left Hugh himself with a badly injured leg. That’s fine with Hugh, who can’t tolerate Sarah’s dramatic ways. But when the two are forced to spend a week together, they find that unexpected kisses, and mutual passion, may have the power to change both of their minds.

Oh Yes! This is exactly what I want out of my historical romance. Two strong-willed and fun characters, a progression from hatred to passion, not much miscommunication, a real relationship explored, and a bit of sexy time on the side. After the previous book, A Night Like This, I really hoped that we would get to see more of Hugh Prentice. Lucky me, this book is all about him! The quick glimpses that we got of him intrigued me. I needed to know more. And we get so much more! As for Sarah, she was annoying in the previous books, but I suspect that’s more because she was contrasted with Honoria and then Anne’s personalities. Sarah is much more straight forward and confident in herself. We get two very strong-willed people that clash and clash and clash before finally realizing that they love each other. Delightful!

Smythe-Smith Quartet:

• #1 Just Like Heaven

• #2 A Night Like This

• #3 The Sum of All Kisses

• #4 The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Night Like This by Julia Quinn

Title: A Night Like This (Smythe-Smith #2)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon 2011

Genre: Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; Unread Shelf Project RC - Favorite Genre

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 the 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 10-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....

CW: Rape, sexual assault (not described in details, but there)

Much better than the first book in the series. These characters are actually interesting and likable. I totally bought their romance. Their back-and-forth was lovely and engaging. I enjoyed the mystery of who Anne was and the lingering affects from Daniel’s banishment. I was even more excited that Quinn didn’t make Hugh a complete villain. He is going to be delightful as a hero in the next book. I cannot wait! My biggest complaint is the lack of steamy scenes. The one scene seems very rushed and unfocused, but I think this just might be how Quinn writes them.

Smythe-Smith Quartet:

• #1 Just Like Heaven

• #2 A Night Like This

• #3 The Sum of All Kisses

• #4 The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy

Next up on the TBR pile:

Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn

Title: Just Like Heaven (Smythe-Smith #1)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon 2011

Genre: Romance

Pages: 374

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf Project

Honoria Smythe-Smith is:

A) a really bad violinist
B) still miffed at being nicknamed "Bug" as a child
C) not in love with her older brother's best friend
D) all of the above

Marcus Holroyd is:

A) the Earl of Chatteris
B) regrettably prone to sprained ankles
C) not in love with his best friend's younger sister
D) all of the above

Together they:

A) eat quite a bit of chocolate cake
B) survive a deadly fever and the world's worst musical performance
C) fall quite desperately in love

It's Julia Quinn at her best, so you know the answer is...

D) all of the above

I was a bit disappointed by this one. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but found the main characters lacking in, well, character. I just didn’t find Honoria or Marcus very compelling as romantic leads. I was interested in learning more about the Smyth-Smith family, but I didn’t love this one. I wanted more from our romantic leads. And I definitely wanted more steamy scenes. One mostly closed door scene was not enough at all. I fear that this will continue, but I do have the second and fourth book in the series, so I’ll probably keep reading them.

Smythe-Smith Quartet:

• #1 Just Like Heaven

• #2 A Night Like This

• #3 The Sum of All Kisses

• #4 The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn

Title: The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After (2nd Epilogues and Violet’s Story)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon 2013

Genre: Romance

Pages: 374

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - NPR Romance

Ever wonder what happens after the Happily Ever After?

Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series remains one of the most beloved among historical romance readers, and this collection of “second epilogues”—stories that take place after the original books end—offers fans more from their favorite characters. 

Also unique to this volume is a novella featuring Violet Bridgerton, beloved mother of the eight Bridgerton siblings, in addition to second epilogues for The Duke and I; The Viscount Who Loved Me; An Offer from a Gentleman; Romancing Mister Bridgerton; To Sir Phillip, With Love; When He Was Wicked, It’s in His Kiss; and On the Way to the Wedding sure to satisfy the legions of Julia Quinn fans.

I enjoyed being able to read all the second epilogues for the series. I had been able to read a few (namely books 1-3), but my editions of the rest did not include these stories. I loved Francesca and Michael’s epilogues and Gregory and Lucy’s made me tear up a bit. Overall they were pretty good stories to have. My one big complaint is that the second epilogue to An Offer from a Gentlemen didn’t feature enough Benedict! A travesty!

Bridgerton

• #1 The Duke and I

• #2 The Viscount Who Loved Me

• #3 An Offer from a Gentleman

• #4 Romancing Mr. Bridgerton

• #5 To Sir Philip, With Love

• #6 When He was Wicked

• #7 It’s in His Kiss

• #8 On the Way to the Wedding

• Happily Ever After (2nd Epilogues and Violet’s Story)

Next up on the TBR pile:

On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn

Title: On the Way to the Wedding (Bridgerton #8)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon

Genre: Romance

Pages: 381

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - NPR Romance

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 Miss 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 altar ...

And we finally get Gregory’s story! I must say that I liked this one much more than Eloise’s and Colin’s stories, but definitely as much as Benedict’s and Francesca’s stories. We just don’t get enough of Gregory’s own personality to make this a 5 star book. I did completely adore Lucy and loved following her story. As an added bonus, we get a very fast-paced tense situation at the conclusion of this novel. A bit of a departure from the rest of the Bridgerton books. I really enjoyed the action sequences. I did want more steamy scenes (seriously such a lack in this one), but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the ending to the series.

For the record, my favorite overall book from the series is When He was Wicked featuring Francesca and Michael. But my favorite character pairing is Benedict and Sophie featured in An Offer from a Gentleman. Seriously, I would have totally picked Benedict out of all the male leads in the series.

Bridgerton

• #1 The Duke and I

• #2 The Viscount Who Loved Me

• #3 An Offer from a Gentleman

• #4 Romancing Mr. Bridgerton

• #5 To Sir Philip, With Love

• #6 When He was Wicked

• #7 It’s in His Kiss

• #8 On the Way to the Wedding

• Happily Ever After (2nd Epilogues and Violet’s Story)

Next up on the TBR pile:

It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn

Title: Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgerton #7)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon

Genre: Romance

Pages: 407

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - NPR Romance; UnRead Shelf

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.

Another enjoyable historical romance. I was hoping that Hyacinth would get a glorious love story and thankfully she gets Gareth. He is who really makes this book so enjoyable. I loved the banter between him and Hyacinth and the banter between him and Lady Danbury. So lovely! I do love a book with witty dialogue. The Romance is good, but those scenes became less important than the connection between the two main characters. The mystery was a nice addition to liven up the book. I’m hoping that the series finishes off strong with Gregory’s story.

Bridgerton

• #1 The Duke and I

• #2 The Viscount Who Loved Me

• #3 An Offer from a Gentleman

• #4 Romancing Mr. Bridgerton

• #5 To Sir Philip, With Love

• #6 When He was Wicked

• #7 It’s in His Kiss

• #8 On the Way to the Wedding

• Happily Ever After (2nd Epilogues and Violet’s Story)

Next up on the TBR pile:

When He was Wicked by Julia Quinn

Title: When He was Wicked (Bridgerton #6)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon

Genre: Romance

Pages: 426

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - NPR Romance; UnRead Shelf

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 . ..

Another very enjoyable volume of the Bridgerton saga. I had been wondering about Francesca’s story since the first book. She always seemed to be the lost Bridgerton sibling. We finally get to understand her a little bit better and learn why she was in Scotland during most of the first few books. I loved Francesca and Michael’s relationship, but wished to have spent a bit more time with them after they got together. Plus, no epilogue! That was a bit disappointing. I always want just a little bit more. Only two more siblings to go and I’m hoping that their stories are interesting and romantic.

Bridgerton

• #1 The Duke and I

• #2 The Viscount Who Loved Me

• #3 An Offer from a Gentleman

• #4 Romancing Mr. Bridgerton

• #5 To Sir Philip, With Love

• #6 When He was Wicked

• #7 It’s in His Kiss

• #8 On the Way to the Wedding

• Happily Ever After (2nd Epilogues and Violet’s Story)

Next up on the TBR pile:

To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

Title: To Sir Phillip, With Love (Bridgerton #5)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon 2017

Genre: Romance

Pages: 426

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - NPR Romance

She wrote him a letter...and he stole her heart.

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?

Another thoroughly enjoyable Regency romance! I had really enjoyed the glimpses of Eloise in the previous books so it was nice to read her story. Unlike the last book, we actually come to understand what each person sees in the other. I was invested in their romance. But the real star of the show was the twins Amanda and Oliver. I loved their interactions with Eloise so much! In addition to all that, we get appearances from Anthony, Benedict, Sophie, Colin, and Gregory. I don’t think this volume can top Anthony or Benedict’s stories, but I loved reading it.

Bridgerton

• #1 The Duke and I

• #2 The Viscount Who Loved Me

• #3 An Offer from a Gentleman

• #4 Romancing Mr. Bridgerton

• #5 To Sir Philip, With Love

• #6 When He was Wicked

• #7 It’s in His Kiss

• #8 On the Way to the Wedding

• Happily Ever After (2nd Epilogues and Violet’s Story)

Next up on the TBR pile:

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Title: Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgerton #4)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon

Genre: Romance

Pages: 418

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - NPR Romance; UnRead Shelf

Everyone knows that Colin Bridgerton is the most charming man in London . . .

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 of as nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him. 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. When he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide . . . is she his biggest threat— or his promise of a happy ending?

This one was a bit of a let down. I have absolutely loved Colin every time that he appears in the books so far. He’s such a delightful character! I wanted to absolutely love his story with Penelope. As for her, I did enjoy the glimpses that we got of Penelope in the previous books. I did want to know more about her. So I was excited that we finally got their story. It just wasn’t that exciting or romantic at all. Colin was a bit of a wet blanket and Penelope wasn’t that interesting. Their chemistry was practically non-existent. I just didn’t feel the sexual tension between these two characters like the previous books. Here’s hoping the next book is better.

Bridgerton

• #1 The Duke and I

• #2 The Viscount Who Loved Me

• #3 An Offer from a Gentleman

• #4 Romancing Mr. Bridgerton

• #5 To Sir Philip, With Love

• #6 When He was Wicked

• #7 It’s in His Kiss

• #8 On the Way to the Wedding

• Happily Ever After (2nd Epilogues and Violet’s Story)

Next up on the TBR pile:

An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Title: An Offer from a Gentleman (Bridgerton #3)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon 2015

Genre: Romance

Pages: 390

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - NPR Romance; UnRead Shelf

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.

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?

Another lovely romance! I loved the set-up with this one. A Cinderella-esque story was just what I needed this week. It starts out so predictable, but them we really get to know Benedict and Sophie and things get more interesting. I loved their romance so very very much. I couldn’t wait to see how they would navigate the seemingly impossible connection. I loved that we get more interactions with the Bridgerton family, especially Violet. It was even nice to see what happened the Sophie’s stepsister Posy in the end. But most, I loved the romance getting to know Benedict so much more. (He might just be my favorite Bridgerton.)

Bridgerton

• #1 The Duke and I

• #2 The Viscount Who Loved Me

• #3 An Offer from a Gentleman

• #4 Romancing Mr. Bridgerton

• #5 To Sir Philip, With Love

• #6 When He was Wicked

• #7 It’s in His Kiss

• #8 On the Way to the Wedding

• Happily Ever After (2nd Epilogues and Violet’s Story)

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

Title: The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgerton #2)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon 2015

Genre: Romance

Pages: 398

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - NPR Romance

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 do 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...

I really loved the first book in the series, but somehow I loved this one even more. Anthony and Kate are such amazing characters! We get two very strong-willed people attempting to do what’s right and failing to see the happily ever after right in front of their faces. These two were very frustrating but in such a good way. I was rooting for them the entire time. I love how we get to really see two adults find romance and understanding within the strict bounds of Regency society. I can’t wait to read about Benedict’s story!

Bridgerton

• #1 The Duke and I

• #2 The Viscount Who Loved Me

• #3 An Offer from a Gentleman

• #4 Romancing Mr. Bridgerton

• #5 To Sir Philip, With Love

• #6 When He was Wicked

• #7 It’s in His Kiss

• #8 On the Way to the Wedding

• Happily Ever After (2nd Epilogues and Violet’s Story)

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Title: The Duke and I (Bridgerton #1)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon 2015

Genre: Romance

Pages: 433

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - NPR Romance; Winter TBR

Can there be any greater challenge to London's Ambitious Mamas than an unmarried duke?—Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1813

By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend's sister—the lovely and almost-on-the-shelf—Daphne Bridgerton. But the two of them know the truth—it's all an elaborate ruse to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers. And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable.

But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it's hard to remember that their courtship is a sham. Maybe it's his devilish smile, certainly it's the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her . . . but somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke . . . for real! And now she must do the impossible and convince the handsome rogue that their clever little scheme deserves a slight alteration, and that nothing makes quite as much sense as falling in love.

CW: Rape

I finally, finally, started the Bridgerton series this past week. And overall, I am completely addicted to this one. I have to read all these books detailing the romance pursuits of all the Bridgerton children. Daphne is a delight and Simon is a lovely male lead. I loved reading their romance progress from a mutually beneficial arrangement to real romance. So good. Beyond Daphne and Simon, I loved following the rest of the Bridgerton family. I can’t wait to see which sibling gets their happily ever after next. My one quibble is obviously that scene. Seriously. I read an interview with Quinn that talked about how the scene played at the time of writing and when it was set, but it really doesn’t go over well now.

Bridgerton

• #1 The Duke and I

• #2 The Viscount Who Loved Me

• #3 An Offer from a Gentleman

• #4 Romancing Mr. Bridgerton

• #5 To Sir Philip, With Love

• #6 When He was Wicked

• #7 It’s in His Kiss

• #8 On the Way to the Wedding

• Happily Ever After (2nd Epilogues and Violet’s Story)

Next up on the TBR pile:

Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn

Title: Mr. Cavendish, I Presume (Two Dukes of Wyndham #2)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon 2008

Genre: Romance

Pages: 370

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: UnRead Shelf

Amelia Willoughby has been engaged to the Duke of Wyndham for as long as she can remember. Literally. A mere six months old when the contracts were signed, she has spent the rest of her life waiting. And waiting. And waiting . . . for Thomas Cavendish, the oh-so-lofty duke, to finally get around to marrying her. But as she watches him from afar, she has a sneaking suspicion that he never thinks about her at all . . .

It's true. He doesn't. Thomas rather likes having a fiancée—all the better to keep the husband-hunters at bay—and he does intend to marry her . . . eventually. But just when he begins to realize that his bride might be something more than convenient, Thomas's world is rocked by the arrival of his long-lost cousin, who may or may not be the true Duke of Wyndham. And if Thomas is not the duke, then he's not engaged to Amelia. Which is the cruelest joke of all, because this arrogant and illustrious duke has made the mistake of falling in love . . . with his own fiancée!

The companion novel to The Lost Duke of Wyndham and it was a good one, even with some repetition. We get the first book, but told from Thomas and Amelia’s points of view. I didn’t love these two quite as much as Jack and Grace. However, I did come to love Amelia as a great foil for Thomas and even for the Dowager. A nice Regency romance for my weekend reading.

Two Dukes of Wyndham

• #1 The Lost Duke of Wyndham

• #2 Mr. Cavendish, I Presume

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn

Title: The Lost Duke of Wyndham (Two Dukes of Wyndham #1)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon 2008

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 371

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: UnRead Shelf

Jack Audley has been a highwayman.

A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine . . . until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she's not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have . . .

After some heavy books lately, I had to fall back to one of my comfort genres: Regency Romance. I’ve had this first book of a duology sitting on my shelves since Borders closed years ago. I finally dove in and read it in less than 48 hours! Such a comfort read! I immediately fell for Grace and her highwayman suitor Jack. A great meet-greet. And then we get the big question of whether Jack is the lost Duke of Wyndham… From there the story gallops along until its conclusion. I was here for every single page. The ending was just a great feel-good conclusion with a lovely happily-ever-after. I can’t wait to pick up the companion novel. Thank goodness it’s sitting on my nightstand.

Two Dukes of Wyndham

• #1 The Lost Dyke of Wyndham

• #2 Mr. Cavendish, I Presume

Next up on the TBR pile:

Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn

Title: Ten Things I Love About You (Bevelstoke #3)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon Books 2010

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 377

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seriously Series; Monthly Key Word - September (Number); Lucky No. 14 - First Letter's Rule

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.

I started this book on the strength of the second in the series.  I was not disappointed.  It turned out better than the second book.  I loved the characters of Annabel and Sebastian.  I loved their predicament.  I loved the storyline.  Until we got to the last 30 pages.  A bit disappointed about the almost deus ex machina, but then fake out.  The writing got a bit clunky at the end.  But overall, a solid historical romance.

Bevelstoke

• #1 The Secret Diary of Miss Miranda Cheever
• #2 What Happens in London
• #3 Ten Things I Love About You

What Happens in London by Julia Quinn

Title: What Happens in London (Bevelstoke #2)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon 2009

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 372

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Women Author; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W30

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 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 . . .

I was with this book all the way up to the last 30 pages.  And then it just went off the rails for me.  We get this story of two interesting characters who eventually fall in love.  I loved it!  However, the ending involves a kidnapping, an extortion plot, a sudden reversal of character, and a hasty gimicky marriage proposal.  No thank you.  I could have done without those plot turns.  What's so bad with having a nice romance novel focused on characters instead of a cliched plot devices?  My advice, read the novel until they arrive at the ball.  Then, just quit reading.  It's a much better story that way.

Bevelstoke

• #1 The Secret Diary of Miss Miranda Cheever
• #2 What Happens in London
• #3 Ten Things I Love About You

The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn

Title: The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke #1)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon 2007

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: A to Z Authors: Q; Historical Fiction

How I Got It: I own it!

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 . .

Not bad.  I read this in one sitting, granted I was on a plane, but still one sitting.  I liked the main characters, Miranda.  She was tough and feisty, but still a dreamer.  The male lead, Turner, was mostly likable.  There were a few times throughout the book that I really wanted Miranda to smack him for his actions and speech.  But overall, I thought he was a good character.  I was really rooting for him by the end.  The plot is fairly typical with a "will they, won't they" romance, a tragedy,  steamy sex scene, and a plenty of other characters to complicate matters.  I admit that I even started tearing up in the last few chapters.  They really pulled at my heart-strings.  But by the end, I was happy and got my fairy tale ending.  Quinn writes description, exposition, and dialogue smoothly.  I'm really looking forward to reading more by her.

Bevelstoke

• #1 The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever
• #2 What Happens in London
• #3 Ten Things I Love About You