Reviewer: Holly Just Like Heaven (Smythe-Smith Quartet #1) by Julia Quinn
Series: Smythe-Smith Quartet #1
Also in this series: The Sum of All Kisses, A Night Like This (Smythe-Smith Quartet #2)
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: June 2011
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 374
Add It: Goodreads
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Series Rating:
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
Just Like Heaven
This series isn’t as quirky as the Bridgerton series, but there was still a lot of humor. The antics of the main characters, as well as the secondary, made for a quick, fun read.
Daniel, Marcus’s best friend is living in exile out of the country, and he charges Marcus with watching over his younger sister. Marcus takes the duty seriously. All is well until Honoria decides she’s going to do what she needs to do to marry by the end of the Season. She has someone in mind and she isn’t going to let anything get in the way of her snaring him…not even her brother’s annoying best friend. As Marcus chases her around, foiling her plans and being a general pain, they find themselves developing a mutual attraction.
Honoria has a sunny disposition and doesn’t let life get her down. I loved her outlook on life and how determined she is to take her future into her own hands. Marcus isn’t used to having anyone in his life to care for – or who cares about him. Honoria surprised him. Their romance was super sweet. I adored it.
As expected Quinn delivers a fun, fresh romp. This is Quinn at her best.
4.25 out of 5
This is one of my favorite books by Julia Quinn and is indeed the only one I have of hers on my Keeper Shelf. I’ve re-read it a goodly number of times and enjoy it each time even though there are aspects that strain credulity. (Where did Marcus’ manservant disappear to while Marcus was so sick?)
I didn’t love this series as much as the Bridgertons, but I did like all the books. Well, except for the one about Richard Kenworthy. I didn’t hate it, but it wasn’t love. I’m really enjoying her newer series though. Have you ever read What Happens in London by JQ. That’s one of my favorites ever!