A Night Like This by Julia Quinn

October 23rd, 2013 Kimberly Review 34 Comments

23rd Oct
A Night Like This by Julia Quinn
A Night Like This
by Julia Quinn
Series: Smythe-Smith Quartet #2
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

Anne Wynter might not be who she says she is . . .But she's managing quite well as a governess to threehighborn young ladies. Her job can be a challenge—in a singleweek she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playingan evil queen in a play that might be a tragedy (or mightbe a comedy—no one is sure), and tending to the wounds ofthe oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodgingunwanted advances, he's the first man who has truly temptedher, and it's getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.
Daniel Smythe-Smith Might be in mortal danger . . . But that's not going to stop the young earl from fallingin love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family'sannual musicale, he vows to pursue her, even if that meansspending his days with a ten-year-old who thinks she's aunicorn. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to seehim dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril,he will stop at nothing to ensuretheir happy ending . . .

I love a good Regency romance, and when the author adds in a little suspense and deliciously fleshed out characters the world around me fades away. A Night Like This by Julia Quinn was such a tale. Quinn delivered a wonderful story, with colorful characters and dangerous suspense that had me flipping the pages. Three-word review: romantic, suspenseful and incredibly delicious.

The Earl of Winstead returns to London on the eve of the Smythe-Smith musical, and not wanting to upstage his sisters, he hides in the wings while they perform. It is here that he spies the pianist, Anne Wynter, and from that moment he knows only one thing; he will kiss her. Anne Wynter is the governess, and the Earl is the first man in a long time that has captured her attention, but she cannot risk being discovered. The tale that unfolds was wonderfully paced, filled with humor, tender moments and a suspenseful twist that held me captive as I searched for my happily-ever-after.

I truly enjoy Regency romances and love flawed, fleshed out characters and Quinn delivered a hero and heroine that I adored. Anne Wynter is bright, has an excellent sense of humor and is quite good in her role as a governess. Daniel, the Earl of Winstead has not had an easy go of it, especially after events that forced to leave the country. I loved the little back-story regarding those events and his return. He is immediately smitten with Anne, and I love that he can see beyond social classes. The banter between them was hilarious, and the attraction curled my toes. The romance built slowly, and I appreciated how Quinn let the tension build. Anne’s wards were delightful, and I would love to read their romances once they come of age. I imagine they will cause quite a stir!  Other characters from; Daniel’s best friend, meddling family members and someone from Anne’s past added to the suspenseful thread weaved throughout the novel and at times complicated the romance.

A Night Like This was a clever tale, and despite being the second book in the Smythe-Smith Quartet, I immediately felt comfortable. It would appear each is a self-contained tale. Daniel while not a devilish rake captured my heart with his straightforward manner and delicious banter. I love when my heroines are feisty and don’t quite conform to the acceptable norm of the ton. Anne tries to be exactly what everyone expects, but it is difficult to dim such a bright light. While this was a relatively clean book, Quinn does discreetly bring us the heat. Many of the aspects I loved would only spoil the tale for you and I find myself biting my tongue. The pacing was well done, as Quinn provided details that allowed me to slip into the story and imagine myself there as an observing servant. The tale slowly built with tension as we moved towards the climactic ending. Quinn wrapped things up nicely, allowing me to close the book with a smile.

Fans of Regency romances, banter, and suspense, will find A Night Like This to be an engaging tale. Julia Quinn has a knack for creating captivating tales, and I look forward to reading her next novel.  The Sum of All Kisses, the third book in the Smythe-Smith Quartet releases on October 29th, 2013.

Photo of kimbacaffeinate
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

34 Responses to “A Night Like This by Julia Quinn”

  1. Vilia

    I’ve only read “Romancing Mr Bridgerton” by Quinn so I really should branch out and try some of her other works. I was going to work my way through the Bridgerton series first but this sounds tempting.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I just grabbed book one, since it was 1.99, and this was a good one, I am anxious to try the Bridgerton series as well.

  2. Lori H

    You do have a way with words and I so enjoy reading your reviews 🙂
    I enjoy Quinn’s books and own some of them. I haven’t read this one but have read a couple of good reviews on it. I plan to add it to my collection. Did you find anything you didn’t like about the book? Is 5 the highest ranking? I wasn’t sure.
    Thanks 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thank you for your wonderful comment. 5 cups of coffee is the highest..LOL I tend to give those to books that “blow my mind” This was wonderful, but predictable- which isn’t necessarily a bad thing and there is insta-love.

  3. Lark of the Bookwyrm's Hoard

    Great review, Kimba! It’s a tough book to avoid spoilers on, but you managed to make sound as delightful as it is without giving anything away. I really enjoyed this book! Quinn is so good at blending witty, sparkling dialog and real emotion. I can’t wait for The Sum of All Kisses, the third book in the quartet. I’ve already pre-ordered my copy!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thank you Lark, I really try to avoid spoilers and I enjoyed this as well. I snagged book one for 1.99 and like you I am waiting for Sum of All Kisses

  4. Lauren

    I also love regency romances and you really can’t go wrong with Julia Quinn. I love banter so I think I’m going to love Daniel. And I always love hearing that each series book is self-contained and not dependent on the books that came before it. Playing catch up on a 4 or 5 book series is so much more daunting than just picking up one. 🙂 Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am a series addicted and even I appreciate when books stand on their own.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was fun Pamela, these are the types of books I love for in-between heavier books 🙂

  5. Lupdilup

    Awww! How I wish I could find Julia Quinn’s magic 🙁
    I listened to this a long time ego, and although is was OK, I couldn’t totally fall in-love with writing style. I think that if would had discovered her before my reading got corrupted…LOL I’d probably would had love it.
    Great review 🙂

    • Lupdilup

      I came to check your reply and I noticed I said I listens to this one, I meant, Just Like Heaven. Maybe I will give this one a shot after all, maybe I can find the magic. It sucks getting old and getting all confused about books I’d read..lol. Funny when I was reading your review I thought, I’d had liked this..lol

  6. Candace

    I know I’m a broken record, but you always make me want to pick up a historical romance after reading your reviews! Once again, I’m too far behind to manage that, but hopefully soon!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Aurian, who is Anna? I know you know that I am Kimberly or Kimba..but two days in a row you have called me Anna. I gotta tell ya it has given me the giggles! *hugs*

    • aurian

      Ooo I am sorry Kimba, I am just too tired lately. Anna is the hostess of another fun blog, Herding Cats and Burning Soup.

      • kimbacaffeinate

        Well it just so happens that I adore Anna as well! I hope you are feeling rested soon, and no worries sweetie!

  7. Melissa (Books and Things)

    This sounds good and you say it ended with you smiling… I so enjoy books like that. Just read one where I was frustrated with the book, but ended up smiling. Yep, your smile sold me on this book. 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, I closed the book smiling and Melissa they don’t have to be read in order!

  8. Trish

    Sounds like a lovely escapist read! And the cover is lovely, I’d grab it for that alone 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was a lovely escape and I enjoyed the suspenseful aspects as well. Thanks Trish!

  9. Jenea

    What a pretty cover! Sounds good too, and I am happy that you enjoyed it. The banter between Quinn and Daniel sounds like a lot of fun. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I love good banter between the characters, thanks Jenea 🙂

  10. Cyn

    Great review Kim! This was definitely such a cute read. I’ve overly excited for The Sum of All Kisses haha. Can’t wait to see Hugh and Sara banter haha!

  11. Debbie Haupt

    Hmm, thanks for the great post and I love the incredibly delicious description, let me guess you’re not talking about food 🙂
    deb

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I just grabbed book one for 1.99 and look forward to reading it, thanks Felicia 🙂

  12. kindlemom1

    All of your great reviews in the genre so make me want to pick them up and start reading!! I really need to make the time for one now and then.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Mmm, yeah you did not like the insta-love on his part. I found it sweet though..LOL