Just Like Heaven (Smythe-Smith Quartet, Book 1)
by Julia Quinn
Regency Romance
Miss Honoria Smythe-Smith is in her third season and still not betrothed, something that disturbs her greatly, mostly because it means she is still a member of the Smythe-Smith musical quartet. It’s a long-held tradition in her family for the oldest unmarried girl cousins to form a string plus piano quartet and put on an annual musicale, despite the fact that most of them are not particularly talented, musically speaking.
Marcus Holroyd, Earl of Chatteris, has been watching over Honoria during her seasons after promising her brother Daniel, currently in exile on the continent, that he, Marcus, would make sure she did not contract a misalliance.
The two are thrown together when Honoria attends a house party at a bordering estate, but disaster strikes when Marcus is injured and develops a bad infection. Honoria and her mother nurse him through the worst of it, and afterwards, each one realizes the depth of their feelings. But immediately afterward she learns that he has been chasing away her beaus. All comes right when Marcus defends her after a particularly awful musicale.
The quartet is a running joke thoughout this entire series. Quinn’s writing is light and amusing, often laugh-out-loud funny. I enjoyed it a lot and recommend the book for fans of Regency romance.
Linda
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I’ve never heard of Regency Romance! Thank you for sharing this one!
I too have never heard of it. Funny how narrow our reading world can be. THanks!
This surprises me, because I have reviewed Regency romances before. Maybe you just forgot.
And yes, many readers like one kind of book–mysteries, romances, science fiction, etc.–and may not be aware of other genres and subgenres.
Sounds like a fresh twist on an old trope.
It’s been a long time since I read a Julia Quinn novel! I used to devour her books. I just may need to get this one! 🙂 I love the cover!
This is a fun series. Some of Quinn’s best, I think.
I’m a huge fan of Julia Quinn’s – she’s an autobuy author for me. Her books are always so light and fun. And I love the Smythe-Smith component of this series. I read this book when it first came out and can second your recommendation. 🙂
Thanks for the review!
I love that series, too. So clever.
One of my critique partners used to write regency romance. Who knows? She may return to the genre one day! Anyway, she introduced me to Julia Quinn. This author is entertaining on the page and in behind the podium. Thanks for reviewing!
Julia Quinn is an excellent speaker.
I loved Georgette Heyer in my younger days (still do, although I think I’ve read through all her best). Never encountered this author, but she sounds like Georgette reincarnated. Thanks for the introduction!
I love Georgette Heyer, also. Some of her books are just so witty.