Rating: 
Summary: Oh help me please! This book was so cliche.
Review: After having read the "Duke and I", I searched for some more Julia Quinn novels. I found "Splendid". There was nothing splendid about it. (Please pardon the cliche!) I think it is very sad when an author attempts to write a story with silly cliches simply to fill the pages. Its also a sad testimony to romance readers when an author thinks we will be happy with just any old story-line. Please we need some better story-lines and authentic characters. I am so upset with this purchase, I also have "Dancing at Midnight" left to read. I am not looking forward to it, but I don't want to waste my money, I will force myself through it.
Rating: 
Summary: Terrific
Review: After reading all of Julia Quinn's later books, I was thrilled when "Splendid" and "Dancing at Midnight" were re-released. Both her earlier novels are definitely worth reading. The characters involved in them will be familiar to readers who have read "Minx". Emily is a terrific American heroine: intelligent, spirited, independent and witty. Alex is less vividly portrayed, but - although his violent mood swings are a little hard to understand - he finally shows enough love, loyalty and strength to satisfy the reader that he is worth Emily's love. Tender and poignant at times and hilarious in others, "Splendid" is a great romance and a must-read for lovers of the genre.
Rating: 
Summary: OK but not Splendid
Review: American Emma Dunster is sent to London by her father to visit with her aunt, uncle, and cousins. Emma wants to stay in Boston and learn all the aspects of her father's shipping business, which she intends to take over. Her father realizes people won't want to do business with a company ran by a woman so he sends her off to London for a distraction.On the day of her introduction to the ton, Emma and her cousin Belle decide to sneak down to the kitchen so they won't have to arrange flowers. Once in the kitchen, Emma decides to run an errand for cook. Dressed in maids garb, she runs the errand and on the way back saves the live of a little boy, who happens to be the nephew of the Duke of Ashborne. Emma is knocked unconscious and wakes to find herself in a carriage with the Duke. They are both attracted to each other instantly. The Duke thinks Emma is a maid, not a member of the ton. He will find this out later that night at the ball. From then on he tries to catch her for himself. Of course he doesn't realize this until everyone tells him he's in love with her. This book seemed to be a typical historical romance. The characters were typical of most romances. He doesn't want to marry except to obtain an heir. She doesn't want to marry either, but knows that when she marries she wants it to be a love match, not a marriage of convenience. I found the "romantic scenes" were rather routine. In fact, I could have read this book without reading the love scenes. They just did not get my attention. And as in most romance novels of this type there is the usual kidnapping. I would love to read historical romances where there is no kidnappings. All in all this was an OK book to read. It was a fast, easy read. The characters for the most part were likeable, not stuffy. The plot seemed good. It was just too routine. I have read "To Sir Phillip, with Love" by Julia Quinn and liked it much better.
Rating:
Summary: OK but not Splendid
Review: American Emma Dunster is sent to London by her father to visit with her aunt, uncle, and cousins. Emma wants to stay in Boston and learn all the aspects of her father's shipping business, which she intends to take over. Her father realizes people won't want to do business with a company ran by a woman so he sends her off to London for a distraction. On the day of her introduction to the ton, Emma and her cousin Belle decide to sneak down to the kitchen so they won't have to arrange flowers. Once in the kitchen, Emma decides to run an errand for cook. Dressed in maids garb, she runs the errand and on the way back saves the live of a little boy, who happens to be the nephew of the Duke of Ashborne. Emma is knocked unconscious and wakes to find herself in a carriage with the Duke. They are both attracted to each other instantly. The Duke thinks Emma is a maid, not a member of the ton. He will find this out later that night at the ball. From then on he tries to catch her for himself. Of course he doesn't realize this until everyone tells him he's in love with her. This book seemed to be a typical historical romance. The characters were typical of most romances. He doesn't want to marry except to obtain an heir. She doesn't want to marry either, but knows that when she marries she wants it to be a love match, not a marriage of convenience. I found the "romantic scenes" were rather routine. In fact, I could have read this book without reading the love scenes. They just did not get my attention. And as in most romance novels of this type there is the usual kidnapping. I would love to read historical romances where there is no kidnappings. All in all this was an OK book to read. It was a fast, easy read. The characters for the most part were likeable, not stuffy. The plot seemed good. It was just too routine. I have read "To Sir Phillip, with Love" by Julia Quinn and liked it much better.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappear to a land of fun.
Review: Apparently, this book was Ms. Quinn's debut novel. In the version I purchased (an August 2003 ship date), the author reveals the joy she experienced giving Emma Dunster and Alexander Ridley life. Incredibly, the reader shares this joy. The wonderful mood created throughout the book is the spontaneity of the story. The characters' impromptu reactions are both fun and refreshing. An amusing and interesting piece, no wonder the publishers reissued this paperback. I found myself chuckling over the silliest moment. This is lighthearted reading at its best. Julia Quinn immerses the reader in the developing love story of a headstrong American heiress and a notorious English rake. Every secondary character in the book supports a master plan to bring these two charming people to the altar. These meddlesome players add to the richness of the novel's spirit. Delightfully, Quinn displays an incredible female camaraderie between Emma and her lovely English cousin Arabella (Dancing at Midnight). Then the author enchants the reader with the delightful platonic friendship between these two ladies and Alex's dear friend Dunford (Minx). I realize these creative alliances set the stage for her sequel books. Still, Quinn successfully attracts the interest. If this book has a weakness, I suspect it can be found in the contemporary feel in attitude and conversation. Overlook this flaw and enjoy an outstanding book for a weekend escape. Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite Quinn
Review: As a longtime reader of romances, I rarely find a book which I think has a good balance of elements. This one does. The hero is in no way confused or fainthearted. He meets Emma when she is dressed as a maid and is intrigued by her, so he appears at the ball to introduce the "maid" to London society! From that point on, he is focused on the goal: make Emma his wife! Emma is also a strong character and not a prissy miss. She is an independent American who has had experience in helping her father run his shipping business. She doesn't wait to be rescued, but comes to the aid of her cousins when they are in need. This book is charming. It gives a wonderful picture of the times, the restrictions of society (which the hero uses to his advantage!) and most of all, humor. Life without humor is flavorless. Ms. Quinn has succeeded in showing the caring between the hero and heroine, the strong attraction they share and with humor mixed in in just the right time and proportion. Get this book! You will read it again and again. It will bring a smile to your face and sunlight to your heart.
Rating:
Summary: Not merely beautiful, Splendid *sigh*
Review: Emma Dunster- a young, wealthy miss from America, is sent to London to spend the Season with her relatives. Bored with being a lady, she borrows her maid's uniform and goes to the market for eggs where...she saves a young boy from being run over and meets The Duke of Ashbourne. He declares that she is not just beautiful, she is splendid (sigh). The rest I will let you discover for yourself.
This was Julia Quinn's first published romance with Avon. It is not as polished as her later works, but it still contains that fresh and witty dialogue that she is so well known for. Give it a try.
Rating:
Summary: Terribly Disappointing
Review: For those who have not read any other Julia Quinn novels, don't take this as the norm. This book lacks her normal humour, relatively strong female characters and some semblance of a plot. This novel was appalling and I am glad to see that it is one of her first novels not her later ones.
Rating:
Summary: Loved this book
Review: I could not put this book down. I lost a night of sleep reading this book. I kept telling my self i need to go to bed but i just couldn't wait to see what happend between Alex and Emma. This was my first JQ book and after i have read it i have become a fan. I liked how while reading this book you get to know more about the characters then you would in any other book. When you think its over and there is no more left you get surprized and happy when you get to read more. It goes farther into Alex and Emma's life then you'd expect and i like that alot. I read the book in a night and half a day and was not disapointed. I truly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Just like it's name.....
Review: I do not know how I have missed reading this book before now. It is a classic Julia Quinn & I totally enjoyed it. The characters were smart & funny & were delightful to get to know. It is light on the plot - but that's exactly what I was looking for this time. I liked the fact that even though there were problems to solve, misunderstandings, arrogance & stubborness to get through - JQ did not take it overboard & make the characters childish, immature, or borish. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other & it was fun watching them enjoy each other; it's one of those that showed me why they fell in love. The love scenes were so very, very sweet (uh.... well... sweet & hot, if THAT makes any sense! lol) The secondary characters were just great & added a lot to the story; And I laughed out loud more than once at various ones antics. The villian was a tad stupid - but that's ok, I'm burnt out on evil right now - so stupid was good (lol lol). If you like simple, fun historicals, then do not miss this one. Guess I need to go & check to make sure I haven't missed any other JQ books.
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