March 6, 2013

A Night Like This - Julia Quinn

A Night Like This book cover
A Night Like This by Julia Quinn
Series: Smythe-Smith Quartet #2
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: May 29, 2012
Source/Format: Borrowed from Mel || Paperback

Anne Wynter’s job as governess to three highborn young ladies can be a challenge – in a single week she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playing an evil queen in a play and tending to the wounds of the oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodging unwanted advances, he's the first man who has truly tempted her, 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 falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family's annual musicale, he vows to pursue her. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril, he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending. (from Goodreads)

It has been entirely too long since I read a historical romance, and A Night Like This was a wonderful reunion with the genre. Not only is it by one of my favorite authors Julia Quinn, but it also features an adorable and surprisingly refreshing tale of romance, deception and family. While I wouldn't necessarily count it among my favorites, it was entertaining, lovely and just what I needed when I read it.

I loved the fact that Anne was a governess. It added an extra charm to her character, especially seeing how she acted around the children she was in charge of. She was patient, kind and understanding. While she allowed for creativity and lots of fun, she was also firm about getting the children raised in the right manner. She managed to become a part of the family, and it was clear that there was something truly lovable about her and about her willingness to give of herself to these kids.

Daniel, on the other hand, is more of a beta hero than an alpha one. He's really, truly a good guy, in spite of what transpires early on in the book. In his pursuit of Anne, he's determined and slightly sly and very sweet. He's also very dedicated to his family, which I loved about him! I do feel like I didn't get to really know much about him, apart from his history (which revolves around the "mortal danger" indicated in the summary) and his feelings for Anne and his family.

Their romance is quiet and sweet, although it definitely has a very potentially scandalous start indeed. I can appreciate the fact that, even though their feelings and the moments they shared were certainly lovely, there were also real difficulties that they each had to overcome in order for them to be able to be together. I like the fact that the difficulties were not just one-sided, as it's true that in most relationships, both people bring their history to the table.

Even though I'm sure everyone reading this review can predict how it all turns out, I still enjoyed reading A Night Like This. Apart from being really easy to read, it was fun to revisit the Smythe-Smiths and to find out more about them. Julia Quinn definitely has a talent for writing these series revolving around a particular family, and I can't wait for the next book! If you're looking for a sweet little romance novel to pass the time with, I'd recommend this one (or any of Julia's books, really).

30 Comments:

  1. I really love Quinn's writing-I just find it so comforting and she always manages to bring a smile to my face. This story was no exception!

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    1. She's one of my go-to romance writers, especially her Bridgerton series. I really, really love the Bridgertons!

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  2. I've been in a bit of a reading slump--perhaps a genre shift is the cure? Wonderful review...seems like a very enjoyable read.

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    1. A genre shift usually helps me get out of a reading slump. Romance is one of my "fun" genres, as well as being a great comfort to me when I'm stressed out, so I always go back to it now and again.

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  3. I'm so glad you liked it! This was my first Julia Quinn novel and consider me a fan now! It was a really sweet romance and you know I always fall for a good guy ;)

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    1. It's your FIRST JQ novel! I'm glad that's sorted, but you really must read her Bridgerton series, because that's absolutely FANTASTIC.

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  4. I love Julia Quinn too! I thought this was a sweet romance and I agree that I wish we had gotten to know a little more about Daniel's personality. The Smythe-Smith's are always fun to hang around with. Great review!

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    1. Have you read her Bridgerton series? I do like the Smythe-Smiths, but the Bridgertons are still the best, in my opinion.

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  5. This sounds like an interesting series! Will definitely have to check it out one day.

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    1. I think you definitely should check this series out. Julia Quinn is one of my favorite authors EVER.

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  6. I've been reading a lot of dystopian, paranormal, and the like this year. I've really gotten away from anything historical or romantic lately. I'd like to find my way back. This sounds like a series that I could get in to.

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    1. I actually realized recently that I had fallen into that same pattern too. I've been neglecting my historical romances, so it was good to get back into the groove with this one!

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  7. This isn't a favorite JQ book of mine, but I liked it nonetheless. I love JQ's heros/. They often are just nice guys. I can't wait for her next one.

    Do you have a favorite JQ?

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    1. YES! I think my all-time favorite books from her are in the Bridgerton series, and it's either The Viscount Who Loved Me or It's In His Kiss. Love the Bridgerton family!

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  8. I really liked this book, predictable and all. The characters were so great and really, I just love JQ's books.

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    1. Same here! It might not have been my favorite, but I did like it well enough :)

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  9. I'm not big on historicals so I'm not sure this would be for me but the romance sounds really good! I especially like the use of the word scandalous! The best way to get me to pay attention! bahah

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    1. It's a pretty fun, fluffy read! I love a good historical romance, and Julia Quinn is one of my go-to writers in that genre :)

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  10. It's been ages since I read a historical, and this one sounds wonderful! I clearly need to meet Daniel. I love alphas, but sometimes it's nice to have a break and read about a genuinely sweet romantic interest. I love when a guy is dedicated to his family, so that's another huge plus! Great review :-)

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    1. YES. That's what I was thinking as I read about Daniel. Then again, I'm more of an alpha girl...

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  11. This was such a cute one! While it wasn't my favorite Quinn novel, like you said, it was still totally enjoyable.

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    1. Definitely! Her books are really cute all the time, but I do have my favorites. The Bridgertons are still the best!

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  12. I think I've only read Quinn's Bridgerton series, so I'm interested in expanding beyond that one. I think I've seen this around, think I'll give this a try. Thanks! :D

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    1. No problem! I hope you end up liking it. Even though it still has JQ's writing style, it's definitely different from the Bridgertons.

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  13. I rarely gravitate towards historical romances, but I definitely like the sound of this one now. Daniel sounds like someone I'd love to meet! Great review, Alexa. :)

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    1. Thanks Sam! I hope you do pick up this or any of Julia Quinn's novels. She's one of my favorite writers in this genre.

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  14. I read this a few months ago! I liked both characters and I totally agree about Daniel!

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    1. Daniel's not your typical hero, for sure, but I liked that. I thought he was really sweet :)

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  15. Yay! I totally just put this one on hold at the library :)

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    1. AWESOME! Let me know how you find it once you read it :)

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