June 15, 2012

Returning to England from an enforced three-year sojourn in Europe after crippling a friend in a duel, Daniel Smythe-Smith, Earl of Winstead, arrives just in time for his family's annual musicale and is instantly captivated by a breathtakingly beautiful woman at the keyboard--a woman who is definitely not one of his relatives. But Anne Wynter, governess to Daniel's three young cousins, is a lady-in-hiding from a dangerous, scandal-tainted past--a past that returns to threaten both their evolving relationship and their lives. A cruel, sadistic villain adds a dash of uncharacteristic violence, making this intriguing story darker than Quinn's usual lighthearted fare. VERDICT Once again fans are swept up in the offbeat antics of the Smythe-Smith clan and will be rewarded with lively humor, delightful romance, and surprisingly thrilling suspense. Romance Writers of America Hall of Famer Quinn (Just Like Heaven) lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2012

Long-time Quinn fans remember the Smythe-Smith family from her popular series about the Bridgertons. In this second book in the more recent series (after Just Like Heaven), she focuses on the burgeoning relationship between Daniel, the lone Smythe-Smith brother, and governess Anne Wynter. VERDICT A governess and an exiled Earl? This is, of course, the perfect pairing for a Quinn novel, as usual full of fantastic characters and a sweet and spicy romance.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 20, 2003
This rewarding Regency-era anthology is connected by Quinn's popular gossip columnist, Lady Whistledown, who appeared in her previous novel, Romancing Mister Bridgerton. Each short romance features commentary from the society snoop and unfurls over the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, 1814. Characters meet, plots intersect, and cleverly, each author includes the same skating party (shown from the perspective of the four couples). Though all of the authors hold their own in this collection, Enoch's tale of a young woman who resists a childhood betrothal until her long-absent fiancé returns to make her reconsider is the strongest. Quinn also delivers a tasty confection about a young lady suddenly wooed by two brothers. Hawkins's romance between an eccentric spinster and an amiable rake is the most traditional of the lot, while Ryan stretches the bounds of the genre with a hero whose odd behavior stems from more than simple eccentricity. All in all, these Regency bonbons are filled with the wit and charm that mark the authors' full-length novels, yet they still contain enough passion to keep wintry readers warm. A wonderful introduction to the contributors' work, this is a perfect Valentine for romance readers. (Feb.)Forecast:With its star-studded lineup and well-timed release, this exceptional anthology will likely be one of the holiday's most sought-after romances.

February 15, 2003
Once again the witty, provocative comments of Lady Whistledown, Julia Quinn's astute Regency-era gossip columnist (introduced in The Duke and I) grace the pages of a lively romantic romp-but this time there's a difference. Instead of one author, there are four; and instead of one story, there is a quartet of charming novellas, each focusing on a particular couple but linked by common events and all tied together by Lady Whistledown's wry, insightful observations. The abnormally cold winter of 1814 (complete with ice-skating parties on the Thames), assorted soir es and theater evenings, and a much-anticipated Valentine's Day ball provide the backdrops for romances depicted from the perspective not only of the protagonists but of other characters as well. Readers should enjoy the variety. The engaging tales by Quinn ("Thirty-Six Valentines"), Suzanne Enoch ("One True Love"), Karen Hawkins ("Two Hearts"), and Mia Ryan ("A Dozen Kisses") are nicely unified by both Lady Whistledown's comments and the well-integrated story details. A perfect Valentine's Day read.

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.