The Sum of All Kisses

The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Hugh Prentice got drunk and challenged his friend Daniel to a duel over a card game, the repercussions rocketed through not only his life but the lives of their family and friends. Hugh, for example, although recovered from the initial wound and near-death experience, now walks with a permanent limp and is in constant pain. Daniel had to flee the country for three years until Hugh managed to force his father to stop trying to kill Daniel in retribution for Daniel accidentally shooting Hugh in the leg. (To be fair, Hugh had accidentally shot Daniel first.) And Lady Sarah Pleinsworth, cousin of Daniel Smythe-Smith, was forced to delay her come-out and therefore missed her chance at a Season when not one, not two, but FOURTEEN eligible men proposed (and were presumably married) to eligible young ladies. Lady Sarah has never forgiven Hugh for either injury.

Fate, however, has a perverse sense of humor, as an extended house party encompassing two large weddings forces Hugh and Sarah into close proximity where they learn that first (and second and third) impressions can be misleading.

As always, Quinn's books make me laugh out loud. In this case, the dialogue between Sarah's sisters provides most of the humorous moments. I hope we get to see more of Harriet, Elizabeth, and Frances in later novels.

I appreciated that the characters were flawed and had a chance to grow and change over the course of the book. My one quibble with the story is that Sarah's horror at learning Hugh's method of subduing his father seems too extreme. I didn't think it was as big of a deal as she makes it out to be, and I felt at times like I must have missed something. The solution she comes up with works, but the whole end felt a little melodramatic. Still, it was a fun read.

For readers' advisors: character and setting doorways are primary, story secondary. Some sexual content and mild historical swearing.

View all my reviews

A Night Like This

A Night Like This (Smythe-Smith Quartet, #2) by Julia Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Curse you, Julia Quinn! I stayed up two hours past my bedtime because I could NOT put this book down until I finished it! I read on breaks and lunch. I read at the doctor's office. I even read while walking between my car and my library building (occasionally pausing to look for cars before crossing the streets) just to squeeze in a few extra minutes.

Eight years ago, Anne foolishly believed the lies of a handsome boy and was cast out for her mistake. She became a lady's companion and then a governess--eight long years of hiding from the young man and his vow of revenge, not to mention the unwanted attentions of her employers and their male relatives.

Three years ago, hampered by too much alcohol, Daniel, the Earl of Winstead, accidentally shot his friend, Hugh, in a duel and had to flee the country to escape the thugs hired by his friend's enraged father.

They meet on the night Daniel returns home (assured by Hugh that the threat is over), and sparks fly, but as his cousins' governess, Anne knows very well that he is out of her reach and therefore dangerous. Daniel refuses to believe that and persists in finding ways to sneak time with her, to Anne's delight and despair. Then an attempt is made on their lives...but which of them is the target?

For readers' advisors: story and character doorways are primary, but with the witty dialogue and historical (19th century England) setting, language and setting are secondary.

View all my reviews

I selected this post to be featured on Book Review Blogs. Please visit the site and vote for my blog!

Just Like Heaven

Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I love Julia Quinn because her books make me laugh out loud. This one is no exception. Honoria and her friends and cousins crack me up! I stayed up until 2 a.m. to finish reading this book, despite being totally exhausted after working all week. This is why I purchase Quinn's books instead of just checking them out from the library.

Fans of Julia Quinn will recognize the Smythe-Smith family from the horrendous annual musicales mentioned in most, if not all, of Quinn's novels. Honoria Smythe-Smith is one of that family's infamously untalented musicians (she tortures ears with the violin), but the difference is, she KNOWS she's awful. However, it is the duty of the unmarried Smythe-Smith women to play in the quartet. Honoria is therefore desperate to get married. (Well, and because she wants a large, noisy family to compensate for her currently too-silent home.)

Marcus Holyrood has promised Honoria's brother he'd watch out for her and make sure she doesn't marry anyone unsuitable. Last Season he scared off a couple of fortune hunters, an elderly hopeful, and a man with a cruel streak, all without Honoria knowing what he'd done. This year, however, the social recluse finds himself in a more hands-on role.

For readers' advisors: it's a tough call on doorways. Character and story are strong, but Quinn's humor also makes language a contender, and the 19th century England time period makes setting a factor as well. Anyone else who read this want to chime in and give your opinion?



View all my reviews