Audible Book Review: The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn

This is nicely romantic although not my favorite by this author.

The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband
A Bridgertons Prequel
By: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Series: The Rokesbys, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-30-17
Language: English
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Historical Romance, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 5.0

Publisher's Summary
With her brother, Thomas, injured on the battlefront in the colonies, orphaned Cecilia Harcourt has two unbearable choices: move in with a maiden aunt or marry a scheming cousin. Instead she chooses option three and travels across the Atlantic, determined to nurse her brother back to health.
But after a week of searching, she finds not her brother but his best friend, the handsome officer Edward Rokesby. He's unconscious and in desperate need of her care, and Cecilia vows that she will save this soldier's life, even if staying by his side means telling one little lie.
When Edward comes to, he's more than a little confused. The blow to his head knocked out three months of his memory, but surely he would recall getting married. He knows who Cecilia Harcourt is - even if he does not recall her face - and with everyone calling her his wife, he decides it must be true, even though he'd always assumed he'd marry his neighbor back in England.
Cecilia risks her entire future by giving herself - completely - to the man she loves. But when the truth comes out, Edward may have a few surprises of his own for the new Mrs. Rokesby.
©2017 Julie Cotler Pottinger (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Cecilia just lost her (less than caring) father when she receives a military letter that her brother Thomas has been injured. Cecilia sets off across the Atlantic to the Colonies to find her brother. Instead she discovers her brother’s best friend, Edward, in hospital. In order to be allowed to take care of Edward, Cecilia impulsively declares that she is Edward’s wife.

Edward wakes up from a coma and recognizes Cecilia from a miniature that Thomas carried. But he has lost several months of his memory and doesn’t remember the circumstances leading to his marriage to Cecilia. It could be, as Cecilia explains, that Thomas asked him to take care of her and that they were married by proxy.

Cecilia was a faithful correspondent with Thomas and after a time Edward shared in those letters. The pair enjoyed sharing humor and a gentle flirtation through the letters. As Cecilia cares for Edward, their friendship grows. Edward is more than open to accepting her as his wife even as he is willing to give her a chance to prepare for consummating the marriage.

Cecilia knows she needs to tell Edward the truth. He is bound to get his memory back at some point. She just can’t seem to find the right time to speak up. Besides, she has talked herself into experience the brief chance at happiness that she might have. Of course, a day of reckoning will come and how will Edward respond to learning she not only made up the lie initially but continued it to a point of compromising his honor?

I really enjoyed the excerpts of the letters that started each chapter. This fills in the history and letter romance that germinates between the pair. I liked the caring, mostly self-assured, character of Cecilia and loved the strongly honorable character of Edward. It was clear from the title and beginning that the pretend marriage was going to create conflict when it would finally be exposed. I had to keep shaking my head as Cecilia remained silent when she could, and should, have spoken out. In addition to that frustration the author pushed my comfort level with a little too much sexual content; not utterly graphic but certainly sizzling. (As much as I do like Julia Quinn she does have a few books that are heavily sizzling, especially some of her early stand alones.) Although this might not be my favorite of the Quinn novels, I do recommend her historical romance titles to readers who enjoy the genre (especially if they like a little zing).

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor, as always, is excellent in the narration performance. She presents good voices that fit the personalities and she adds lovely animation to the story. I always like to listen to Landor narrating these titles on audio.

Source: December 2018 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook, 2019Alphabet and Continuing Series goals.

Audible Book Review: Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

This is an easy, light and lovely historical romance.
Because of Miss Bridgerton
The Bridgerton Series
By: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

• Series: The Rokesbys, Book 1
• Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
• Unabridged Audiobook
• Release date: 03-29-16
• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Historical Romance
My Review: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places....
This is not one of those times.
Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband...someday.
Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should....
Or not.
There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant and annoying, and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either.
But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor....
Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without....

Review:
I always enjoy this author. There is no big suspense or crisis in this story (well maybe a little crisis) but Ms. Quinn tells a tale of two unlikely neighbors who have been antagonistic as they grew up. Now they are mature and are suddenly discovering new facets of each other’s personality. Quinn creates believable characters and manages to give them an engaging story of conflict to be resolved.

The story is fun, light and an easy read/listen. The sexual chemistry and tension grows even as it is appropriately portrayed for the status of a 27 year old Viscount and a 23 year old outgoing country noblewoman. I totally recommend this to readers who enjoy historical romance.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor is an exquisite narrator for historical romance. She nails the setting tone and character voices. I am sometimes astounded by how she manages to give even the male characters a voice that suits their personality. It is a joy to listen to her narration.

Source: 2017 May Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2018TBR and 2018 Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn

This is a light, fun Regency Romance by an author I really enjoy.

What Happens in London
Written by: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
Series: Bevelstoke, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-30-09
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Regency Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Rumors and Gossip . . . The lifeblood of London
When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancée, she doesn't believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits . . . and discovers a most intriguing man, who is definitely up to something. Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security.
He's not a spy, but he's had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself . . .
©2009 Julie Cotler Pottinger; (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Olivia is a young beauty who hasn’t been interested by the men who have sought her out during her first season. She becomes interested in her neighbor when her friends share a rumor that he murdered his fiancée. Olivia argues against their unsupported suspicions but that doesn’t deter her own curiosity. From her bedroom window on the second floor, she begins to watch Sir Harry through his study window on the first floor. She observes some odd, if not nefarious, behavior until she is embarrassed that Sir Harry has seen her through the window.

Sir Harry is annoyed by the young woman who has ‘spied’ on him for a week. He even created some scenes for her benefit. When they meet at a ton event, there is quick distrust and animosity between them. Harry is not a spy but he does Russian translations for the government office. He is asked to watch and report on activities of the Russian Prince whose actions in London are suspect and who has taken an interest in Olivia. Over several days, Harry and Olivia begin to share reading a book and conversation through their windows. Harry soon feels compelled to protect Olivia from any advances by the experienced Prince. Although their friendship is growing, Harry hasn’t shared his Russian background with Olivia. Olivia gets caught in a kidnapping scheme and Harry and the Russian bodyguard race to the rescue. Olivia has suffered the trauma of being kidnapped but now she realizes that Harry had ulterior motives for paying any attention to her. Will he be able to get her to talk to him again, much less trust him?

Listening to this reminded me that I have always enjoyed the likeable characters and conflicts that Julia Quinn creates. Quinn shares a good dose of humor and the unorthodox friendship and unacknowledged courtship between Harry and Olivia is fun to follow. There are secrets building to obvious conflict but getting to the HEA is entertaining. There is sensuality with one particular sexual encounter which isn’t overly graphic. I recommend this book and author to readers who enjoy Regency Historical Romances.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor does a fine job with the narration. She conveys the light heartedness of Olivia and the more serious character of Harry with equal ease. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of this story.

This was in my Audible library since 2012. It qualifies for Audio and Mount TBR Challenges as well as "W" for Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn

A delightful, warm historical romance with a wonderful narrator.
Ten Things I Love About You
    by Julia Quinn
    Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

    LENGTH    9 hrs and 46 mins
    RELEASE DATE    05-25-10
    PUBLISHER    HarperAudio
Genre:  Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Ten things you should know about this book....
1. Sebastian Grey is a devilishly handsome rogue with a secret.
2. Annabel Winslow's family voted her The Winslow Most Likely to Speak Her Mind and The Winslow Most Likely to Fall Asleep in Church.
3. Sebastian's uncle is the Earl of Newbury, and if he dies without siring an heir, Sebastian inherits everything.
4. Lord Newbury detests Sebastian and will stop at nothing to prevent this from happening.
5. Lord Newbury has decided that Annabel is the answer to all of his problems.
6. Annabel does not want to marry Lord Newbury, especially when she finds out he once romanced her grandmother.
Number 7 is shocking, 8 is delicious, and 9 is downright wicked, all of which lead the way to:
10. Happily. Ever. After.
©2010 Julie Cotler Pottinger (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Country raised Annabelle is the eldest of many children who needs to make an advantageous marriage to help secure the future happiness of her siblings. Annabelle’s rather outrageous grandmother is pleased that it appears they have snagged wealthy Lord Newbury as a match. He is elderly and desperately needs an heir, especially since he doesn’t want his nephew, Sebastian, to inherit. Annabelle isn’t thrilled with the idea of marrying the rotund man who is as old as her grandparents. But she is mostly reconciled to doing her duty, until she accidentally meets a charming rogue on a dark field.

Sebastian is certainly a rogue but he is really warm and likeable. He doesn’t believe in love and has been in no big hurry to settle down. The ton members think he is a poor relative waiting to inherit from his uncle, Lord Newbury, but Sebastian has actually provided funds for himself through a rather surprising, if secretive, means.

Sebastian is drawn to the witty, outspoken, and lovely young woman he meets out in the field at a party. He realizes she is trying to dodge someone as they stumble into a bantering discussion without proper introductions. He is pleased to see her again and begins to pursue her until he discovers that she is intended to be his uncle’s young bride (and brood mare)!

Annabelle finds herself in a society fix caught in an ugly family rival between uncle and nephew. If they both abandon her she will be shamed and no one will be interested in her. Sebastian’s good friend convinces him to step up and at least pretend to court Annabelle in order to save her reputation. This gives them the chance to spend time together and grow fond of each other even as it places them in more awkward difficulties that have to be unraveled. Plus Lord Newbury isn’t about to let this situation pass gracefully.

I have always enjoyed the historical romances of Julia Quinn and was reminded why when I listened to this fun audiobook. There is always warmth in Ms. Quinn’s characters with enjoyable verbal interplay. Even what might not be an altogether original plot becomes fun as the reader follows the heroine’s struggles to avoid an unwanted, arranged marriage and societal obstacles as she and an unsuspecting stranger discover they just might be falling in love. I highly recommend this book and this author to readers who enjoy witty historical romance, especially those that like their romances sensual without crossing over into steamy.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor offers a delightful audio performance of this book. The voices fit the characters and the subtle energies and humor are properly conveyed throughout the audio. The narration enhanced the book enjoyment for me.

This was a download from my own Audible library.

Audible Book Review and Print Giveaway: On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn

This is a light, fun romance by one of my favorite authors of Regency Romance.

Audible:

On the Way to the Wedding

by Julia Quinn

Narrated by Simon Prebble

• Mass Market Paperback: 371 pages
• Publisher: Avon (June 27, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060531258
• ISBN-13: 978-0060531256

Genre: Historical Romance

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher’s Summary from Audible:
This Regency-era tale closes best-selling author Julia Quinn's popular and critically acclaimed Bridgerton series. Gregory Bridgerton has watched love simply walk into the lives of his six siblings, so he has just been waiting for his turn. When he sees beautiful Hermione Watson, he is sure he has found his soul-mate. But then Hermione's friend Lucy informs him that Hermione's heart belongs to another.

Review:  I have always enjoyed Julia Quinn’s Regency historical romances and the Bridgerton's are a grand series. This book didn’t disappoint me.

Gregory Bridgerton hasn’t rushed to find a wife as he believes that true love is waiting to claim him as it has his siblings.  Finally he has spotted the woman who takes his breath away just by the sight of the curve of her neck.  Surely she will feel love’s zing too. But if not, then he can charm her ... just as soon as he meets her. 

Hermione Watson is a beauty who is accustomed to men instantly falling for her and Gregory is just one more. Hermione’s best friend, Lady Lucinda, on the other hand, thinks Gregory is wonderful. But Lucinda has been betrothed for years and she doesn’t believe in or expect love. 

Hermione is sweet for such a beauty but she has learned to be aloof in order not to encourage men. Although Lucy is attracted to Gregory herself, she is willing to help his pursuit of Hermione. Lucy is sunny, friendly, witty and comfortable to be with, even with her obsessive and quirky tendencies. Gregory enjoys her company but does’t see what is under his nose until it is too late.

Lucy’s brother appears to bring the bad news that their Uncle is ready to push Lucy into the long delayed marriage. Rumor has it that not all is right with Lucy’s betrothed but she is told he “will treat her right.” Lucy’s Uncle has secret reasons to force the arrangement and he is not beyond threatening Lucy if necessary.

It isn’t until Lucy is heading down the isle that Gregory realizes he can’t lose her.  She is the one who makes his world whole and bright. Can he get to her before she is wed to another man?

I love the little chapter titles that give you a clue to the chapter content: Chapter Ten: In which love is triumphant— but not for Our Hero and Heroine. I listened to this on Audible and enjoyed Simon Prebble’s smooth British narration which, for me, adds a nice flow and richness to the story. I thought the ending went a bit beyond expectations but mostly this was a sweet, lovely story.  I was glad for the humor and the easy, sweet romance as a nice break from the heavy sensuality of some other reads.

I picked this up on Audible to listen to but I have a print copy of the Book for Giveaway. (I have collected JQuinn's books and am tempted to keep this but decided I would rather share this lovely author.)

Back Cover Blurb:
Unlike most men of his acquaintance, Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love. And he is convinced that when he finds the woman of his dreams, he will know in an instant that she is the one. And that is exactly what happened. Except...

She wasn't the one. In fact, the ravishing Miss Hermione Watson is in love with someone else. But her best friend, the ever-practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermione from a disastrous alliance, so she offers to help Gregory win her over. But in the process, Lucy falls in love. With Gregory! Except...

Lucy is engaged. And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the altar... 

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