Julia Quinn

It’s In His Kiss by Julia Quinn

Welcome to Sugarbeat’s books – The Home of the Romance Novel

Today is Series Sunday where we talk about books written in series.

Most of you know that my favourite thing is to read a book that is part of a series. Lately, we’ve been reviewing the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn in honor of her new book coming out at the end of the month!! I’m trying not to think about how many days…

Today we are going to talk about It’s In His Kiss, which involves Hyacinth Bridgerton. Many have said that this is their favorite Bridgerton book. I like it, but it might be number 2 or 3 on my list. It is good, none-the-less, so I hope you enjoy my thoughts….

It’s In His Kiss by Julia Quinn
ISBN: 0-06-053124X
Publisher: Avon Books
Source: I purchased this book to read

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–an 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.

Book 7 of the Bridgerton series brings back Lady Danbury, an older matriarch of society that appears in many of the former books as a crusty old curmudgeon who enjoys speaking her mind and is feared by many members of the ton. In this book Lady Danbury serves as a matchmaker to Hyacinth Bridgerton and her grandson, Gareth St. Clair. Hyacinth and Lady Danbury make an interesting pair. Hyacinth has been spending every Tuesday afternoon reading to Lady Danbury for some time but they continue to have a rather acerbic relationship. Hyacinth seems to feel duty-bound to read to Lady Danbury, but is happy when she often falls asleep and therefore ends the reading sessions. Hyacinth has not had much contact with Gareth until one day when he appears during reading time and asks Hyacinth to translate his paternal grandmother’s diary which is written in Italian (a language Hyacinth has some knowledge of). As Hyacinth and Gareth start uncovering startling facts from this diary they find themselves drawn together romantically. Gareth has never been in love before and yet finds himself falling in love with the willful and stubborn Hyacinth. Hyacinth on the other hand is shocked to find herself developing feelings for such a notorious rake.

Gareth’s unpleasant father starts to interfere with the budding relationship; threatening to tell Hyacinth Gareth’s paternity secret. Only when faced with losing Hyacinth does Gareth realize that he truly loves her and fights to keep her.

Again, a winner from Julia Quinn. She shows that she is capable of exploring many delicate subjects in the unforgiving time of Regency England. Gareth has had such a hard life with his nasty father, but Julia Quinn presents him in a redeemable light. Hyacinth has the potential of being one of those bluestockings that are left on the proverbial shelf.

RT Book Reviews has nominated It’s In His Kiss to be one of it’s Top Picks and gives it 4 and 1/2 stars saying: “Here’s another utterly delightful Bridgerton tale featuring a highly “modern” woman, whose warmth, vivacity and intelligence shine through on every page. Quinn pairs Hyacinth with an ideal hero and then places them in the center of a passion-filled, intriguing mystery that’s sure to shoot to the top of the bestseller charts.”

Drop back by next week for the last book in the Bridgerton series….how many more days do I have to wait for the new release???

When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

By Barb Drozdowich

Welcome to Sugarbeat’s Books – The Home of the Romance Novel

Welcome also to Series Sunday!

This is the day of the week where I post a review for a book from a series. In honor of Julia Quinn‘s latest release, we are re-visiting the Bridgerton series. This series started several years ago and remains one of my most favorite series of all time, so I’m enjoying remembering the various books as each Sunday progresses. This week the feature is When He Was Wicked, the book that features Francesca Bridgerton.

ISBN: 0-06-053123-1
Publisher: Avon Books

Source: I purchased this book to read

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…

The sixth book in the Bridgerton series explores the relationship between Francesca Bridgerton and John & Michael Sterling. Francesca meets Michael Sterling 2 days before she marries his best friend and cousin, John Sterling and for 2 years Michael hides his feelings for Francesca. One day John complains of a headache and lies down for a nap only to die of what is likely a brain hemorrhage at the age of 32. So, at 22 Francesca is a widow and Michael is now the Earl. Michael still attempts to hide his feelings from Francesca as they both mourn their loss. One night Michael offers simple solace to Francesca and this turns into heated lovemaking that leaves them both feeling guilty. They avoid one another to prevent a repeat performance, but Francesca begins to wonder if John is arranging things from heaven.

This wonderful book follows the lives of three friends who survive the loss of one, the subsequent mourning and deeper relationship of the two who remain. Again, a winner, as Julia Quinn deals delicately with both the loss of a young life, the miscarriage of a baby and chronic illness. A great addition to the Bridgerton series.

RT BookReviews gives When He Was Wicked 4 and 1/2 stars and says: “It is a story of great beauty and depth of desire—not only for love but for friendship too.”

Series Sunday – Review of Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn(sugarbeatsbooks.com)
Series Sunday – Review of To Sir Phillip With Love by Julia Quinn(sugarbeatsbooks.com)
Series Sunday – An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn(sugarbeatsbooks.com)
Series Sunday – Review – The Duke & I by Julia Quinn(sugarbeatsbooks.com)
Series Sunday – Review of The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn(sugarbeatsbooks.com)
Series Sunday – Book Review for The Lady Most Likely by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James & Connie Brockway(sugarbeatsbooks.com)

To Sir Phillip With Love by Julia Quinn

By Barb Drozdowich

Welcome to Sugarbeat’s Books – The Home of the Romance Novel!

Welcome to Series Sunday!

This is the day that we get to celebrate books written in series – one of my all time favorite things 🙂 If you have been following along…..we have been reviewing Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series, in anticipation of her new release at the end of May (less than a month now, if you are keeping track!) Today’s book is To Sir Phillip with Love. Of this series, it is my least favorite. That isn’t to say that it is poorly written, or lacking in any way. It is just quieter than the rest and in my mind, less romantic and more a practical love story. Just my view, which I might add, doesn’t keep with all the awards this book has won! I hope you give this book a go and feel free to disagree with me 🙂

To Sir Phillip with Love by Julia Quinn

ISBN: 0-380-82085-4
Publisher: Avon books

Source: I purchased this book to read

My dear Miss Bridgerton,

We have been corresponding now for quite some time, and although we have never formally met, I feel as if I know you.

Forgive me if I am too bold, but I am writing to invite you to visit me. It is my hope that we might decide that we will suit, and you will consent to be my wife.

—Sir Phillip Crane

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?

The fifth installment of the Bridgerton series is my least favorite, I think. Maybe that’s a bad way to start a review, but I might as well be honest up front that this particular story didn’t really appeal to me.

The story explores the relationship between Eloise Bridgerton and Sir Phillip Crane. Sir Phillip’s first wife died due to a fever after a suicide attempt. Since his wife is a distant relative of Eloise’s, she writes a letter of condolence upon the woman’s death. This starts a year long letter writing affair ending with Sir Phillip inviting Eloise to visit in order see if they would suit. Eloise feels lost after the marriage of her best friend, Penelope, to her brother Colin, and decides to visit Sir Phillip. Interestingly, she decides to go without taking a chaperone or letting her family know where she is going. She arrives to find two unruly, motherless children who do everything in their power to drive her away. Sir Phillip, it seems, is looking for a mother for his children. Eloise, growing up as 1 of 8 children, easily responds to the children’s pranks and turns them around but not until after several hilarious pranks are played by both sides! Sir Phillip is more work, but the decision to marry is taken out of their hands when all four of her brothers arrive to find her unchaperoned. Yet another interesting situation!

Although this is a story about tragic circumstances, I miss the glitter and the glamor of most of Julia Quinn’s books. I like the character of Eloise, but I found very little to like about Sir Phillip; he seems too stiff to me. Maybe it’s the missing glitter, but I thought Eloise could have found a better match.

This book was named one of the 6 best mass market original novels of the year by Publisher’s Weekly and was a New York Times bestseller. I guess I don’t share their opinion. What is your opinion of this book?