The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy

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.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Julia Quinn's newest novel, The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy, continues the Smythe-Smith collection of love stories. With humor, mystery, and scandal, readers of Quinn will surely enjoy this latest installment. 

Iris Smythe-Smith and Richard Kenworthy are the main players in this theater of necessary marriage. Iris is a sarcastic, witty woman who has the highest regard for family. She's intelligent and quiet, loves reading and people watching. Readers will connect with her easily as they see her evolve from a shy girl hiding behind a cello to a wife who doesn't think twice about quipping with her new suitor. 

Richard Kenworthy is a baronet who must find a wife. Why? Well, I won't spoil the plot for you. Let's just say he does a have a secret and it's a big one. (Though not his alone...) Richard is also witty and up for playful banter when he isn't trying to charm his way toward a wife. He's a planner of the detailed sort, but quick to change tactics when the mood strikes him. Readers will enjoy his focused plan of making Iris his wife which provides laugh out loud humor and evokes understanding. The mystery of Richard Kenworthy is an intriguing aspect of the plot as readers will be uncertain how much they can trust him. But he is a good man, underneath the pile of evaded questions. 

The plot is a delicious tale of family and falling in love. As soon as Richard lays eyes on Iris Smythe-Smith at the horrid family musicale, he knows that she will be perfect for his plan. He begins to court her and not too soon after, the two are quickly married with a special license. Though Iris knows that Richard made sure they would be married posthaste, she has no idea why. Thus begins the fun of Richard trying not to seduce his new wife while also attempting to make her fall in love with him. Readers who have followed the Smythe-Smith series will not be disappointed in this fourth book. 

Rating: 3/5 Cups

Brighter Than the Sun

Charles Wycombe, the dashing - if incorrigible - Earl of Billington, needs a bride before his upcoming 30th birthday, if he hopes to earn his inheritance. The vicar′s vivacious, determined daughter, Miss Eleanor Lyndon, needs a new home, since her father′s insufferable fiancee is making her old one intolerable. Destiny has brought Charles and Ellie together - though their match at the outset appears to have been made somewhere rather hotter than heaven.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Julia Quinn writes a convenient marriage in her novel, Brighter Than the Sun. I came across this book in my favorite used book store in Missouri while on vacation and couldn't believe I had discovered something published in 1997 by Quinn that I hadn't read yet. My friend and I both bought copies and read them the next day. And I must admit, this was the only Quinn book I've read that I didn't enjoy immensely. (It is Julia Quinn, so I of course enjoyed it a little bit.)

Ellie and Charles are the main characters of this humorous historical romance. Ellie is about to be forced into servitude by her own future step-mother while Charles is on the verge of losing all of his money if he doesn't marry by his thirtieth birthday - which is a mere fifteen days away. Together they escape tragedy by agreeing to marry, but then they start to actually like each other and then things get a little tricky. 

Charles is a devilish rake who enjoys alcohol, sweets, and teasing Ellie until she blushes. Ellie is a sharp witted woman who isn't afraid to bite. Together they make a wonderful pair bringing laughter and happiness to the reader. At this point, I know you're wondering what made this book so disappointing. And now, I'll tell you. 

The plot. 

For such an outstanding writer as Julia Quinn, the plot seemed phony and thrown together. Hodgepodge. First we have the motivation for marriage - perfect. Then Quinn presents humorous situations that force the couple to develop deeper feelings of caring and concern. But wait, there's someone out to get Ellie? She just moved to the estate, how could someone be set on planning her demise already? This revelation is followed by a string of bad situations. Poor Ellie. This does allow readers to connect with the character, as they see her being mistreated readers will instantly form a sympathetic bond. But then, out of seemingly nowhere, Charles' life is in danger. Didn't enough horrible things happen to them already? Do they have to be kidnapped, roughed-up, and mortally threatened? Perhaps, but the myriad of mishaps for the couple are already so high, the plot and the ending are unbelievable. However, I will never give up on Julia Quinn and her amazing ability to spin a spectacular plot as there have been too many wonderful books that outweigh this one.

Rating:1.5/5 Cups

Just Like Heaven

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

*May Contain Spoilers*

Julia Quinn starts her Smythe-Smith series with Just Like Heaven. Two childhood friends, who were never supposed to fall in love, realize their feelings when a life or death situation is suddenly threatening their friendship. 

Honoria is the youngest sister of the Smythe-Smith brood. As a little girl, she followed her older brother and his best friend around until they couldn't stand it, always spying and making trouble for them. As a young woman of twenty-one, she's looking for a husband so she can have the big rambunctious family life she adored as a child. There's only one problem with her intentions and his name is Marcus. When Honoria's older brother left the country, he made Marcus promise that he would look after Honoria. The underlying meaning, of course, being to scare away any ill-intentioned suitors. When Marcus is hurt, keeping an ever watchful eye on Honoria, his simple twisted ankle and leg wound become a serious infection that threatens his life. Without any thought, Honoria rushes to his side, determined to save his life and unknowingly setting herself up to realize the love she holds for Marcus. 

Honoria is a wonderful character full of wit and love for her family. Readers will enjoy watching her discover the feelings she has for Marcus. They will connect with Honoria through her good nature and naive ways. Marcus, with his brooding and harsh features, will also capture the hearts of readers. He's a shy man who happened into the Smythe-Smith family as a young boy, quickly becoming an adopted son. Readers will enjoy his point of view as well as Honoria's and they will connect with him through his desire to be part of a loving family. 

Though the plot is quite simplistic, Quinn delivers a warm love story with her novel. It's an easy and relaxing book that historical romance readers will delve into, with the urge to continue the Quartet series when they finish. 

Rating: 3/5 Cups

The Lady Most Likely - Guest Blogger

I picked up The Lady Most Likely because, firstly, Julia Quinn (who is my personal favorite) is one of the authors involved and secondly because it seemed to hold amusing potential. This is the second book collaboration I've  completed and, although, I found the first one slightly repetitive I decided to give this one a shot.

Carolyn Finchley is hosting a house party just after the London season in an attempt to find a wife for her brother (upon his request). Thus a gathering of available men and women alike find themselves tossed together for games of hide-and-seek, hoping to discover their perfect match.  

The main characters of the bunch include: 

                   Hugh --  Carolyn’s horse loving brother 

                   Katherine -- out spoken and head strong

                   Neill -- the war-hero returned 

                   Gewndolyn -- the most desired of the season 

                   Alec -- dragged along to chaperone is sister Octavia 

                   Georgina -- the widow whom never plans to marry 

I personally thought that much fun and laughter was soon to commence, but instead found myself already confused by Chapter 5.  Chapter 4 begins from Gwen’s point of view, where on her morning walk she stumbles upon Alec, they have a pleasant conversation and he offers to escort her back to the house. 

Chapter 5 however is from Alec’s point of view where the conversation between them is quite different than that of the same conversation in chapter 4. After becoming rather "well acquainted," he sends Gwen back by herself to allow himself a dip in the cold pond.   

I found myself annoyed once again by a phrase that I read on page 149, “hell bent babe.” I feel this term wouldn't have been used in this time period and I found it quite out of place in this book. 

Other than those painfully irksome parts in the novel I continued and finished without much satisfaction. It was rather mediocre and I’ve found that with these three part novels you don’t really have time to attach yourselves to the characters. There was one particular pairing that I would have enjoyed an entire book about instead of only a third. I did find myself smiling at some parts and a few parts were quite amusing though.

-Caira

  The Lady Most Likely

                               on Amazon

                     

                            rating: 3/5 cups

Our Worst Enemy

The only one holding us back from what we want, is ourselves.

Julia Quinn explores this idea in her romance novel, When He Was Wicked. Michael is in love with Francesca, who is married to his cousin, John. But when John dies suddenly, Michael is too guilt-ridden and absorbed in his mourning that he cannot and will not open his heart to Francesca.

Throughout the novel, Michael struggles with his feelings, allowing the guilt that he feels from his cousin dying to keep him from what he wants - a life full of love and happiness with Francesca. Readers can relate to Michael through his fear, guilt, and self-esteem. He's scared that Francesca will never love him and he allows that to stop him from trying to win her heart. How often do all of us not do something because we let fear get in the way?

Does Michael indeed deserve Francesca? Would it be unfair of him to woo the woman his closest cousin once loved? Or is he just holding himself back from what he could easily obtain, making himself his own worst enemy?

When He Was Wicked on Amazon

rating: 3/5 cups