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Summary: Just wanted to let you all know:
Review: Julia Quinn's two books, Splendid and Dancing at Midnight are going to be republished.
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Summary: Great Book!!!
Review: Julia's writing is Splendid indeed. This story is about an american girl who falls in love with a never going to marry Duke. Funny. Could not put it down!
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Summary: Eh.....
Review: Not so great. A luke warm plot. Not Julia's usual vivacious plotting. Wishy washy and plodding. Emma and Alex just don't do it for me. Read the Bridgertons instead. She really shines there.
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Summary: I couldn't help but like this book
Review: Okay, okay, this book is a little predictable, but I really liked it. I really loved the hero Alex. He has a good sense of humor, and really puts up with some of the scrapes Emma gets mixed up in. I liked Emma too. She was young and full of energy, with the tendency to get herself into trouble. This is a lighthearted read, and if you don't want anything too deep, this is the book for you.
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Summary: I had a Splendid time
Review: One gloomy afternoon, I found myself reading "Splendid" by Julia Quinn and I forgot how gloomy the day was. That is how I felt about Alex and Emma's story. Alex Ridgely, Duke of Ashbourne, was London's most elusive bachelor; this was due to the duke's vow not to be trapped by women who were just enamoured of his title and wealth. Enter strong willed American beauty, Emma Dunster, whose rescue of Alex's nephew set the stage for the start of their passionate romance. As Alex finds himself falling hard for Emma, his stubborn hold for his vow seemed kind of silly in some part of the story especially when Emma was telling him about her cousin Ned's problem and Alex did not even let her finish but jumped to his own conclusion. But this little quirk is negligible since the entire story was truly an enjoyable read.
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Summary: I had a Splendid time
Review: One gloomy afternoon, I found myself reading "Splendid" by Julia Quinn and I forgot how gloomy the day was. That is how I felt about Alex and Emma's story. Alex Ridgely, Duke of Ashbourne, was London's most elusive bachelor; this was due to the duke's vow not to be trapped by women who were just enamoured of his title and wealth. Enter strong willed American beauty, Emma Dunster, whose rescue of Alex's nephew set the stage for the start of their passionate romance. As Alex finds himself falling hard for Emma, his stubborn hold for his vow seemed kind of silly in some part of the story especially when Emma was telling him about her cousin Ned's problem and Alex did not even let her finish but jumped to his own conclusion. But this little quirk is negligible since the entire story was truly an enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: I had a Splendid time
Review: One gloomy afternoon, I found myself reading "Splendid" by Julia Quinn and I forgot how gloomy the day was. That is how I felt about Alex and Emma's story. Alex Ridgely, Duke of Ashbourne, was London's most elusive bachelor; this was due to the duke's vow not to be trapped by women who were just enamoured of his title and wealth. Enter strong willed American beauty, Emma Dunster, whose rescue of Alex's nephew set the stage for the start of their passionate romance. As Alex finds himself falling hard for Emma, his stubborn hold for his vow seemed kind of silly in some part of the story especially when Emma was telling him about her cousin Ned's problem and Alex did not even let her finish but jumped to his own conclusion. But this little quirk is negligible since the entire story was truly an enjoyable read.
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty much 3.5 stars!
Review: Splendid is the first book of this trilogy: Splendid, Dancing at Midnight and Minx (plus a short story about Ned in the anthology "Where's My Hero"). It is also Julia Quinn's first novel! She wrote this in her early 20's and while the story is excellent, he execution is not as polished as her other novels. By the time Dancing at Midnight was published Quinn had a much better grasp of British English and Regency diction, etc. I do really really like the book, and Quinn is a natural story teller! Read it to start the series but know that it will only get better! Her other series are great as well, especially the Bridgerton series (which is my favorite)
Rating:
Summary: Pretty much 3.5 stars!
Review: Splendid is the first book of this trilogy: Splendid, Dancing at Midnight and Minx (plus a short story about Ned in the anthology "Where's My Hero"). It is also Julia Quinn's first novel! She wrote this in her early 20's and while the story is excellent, he execution is not as polished as her other novels. By the time Dancing at Midnight was published Quinn had a much better grasp of British English and Regency diction, etc. I do really really like the book, and Quinn is a natural story teller! Read it to start the series but know that it will only get better! Her other series are great as well, especially the Bridgerton series (which is my favorite)
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Summary: Not quite spendid enough
Review: Splendid was my first Julia Quinn book. Although I found it to be an interesting book - I did not think that it was outstanding. The writing follows many of the same old romance plot lines but it does give us a few surprises. Alexander, the hero, was typically handsome, rich, sexy, and had no interest in marriage. He is the Duke of Ashbourne and is extremely sought after as a marriage candidate. Alex differed from the usual romance hero in that he tolerated some fairly immature antics from the heroine. Although he strenuously objects each time she is involved in one of her dangerous capers, he somehow sees past them. His reluctant acceptance of Emma's outlandish adventures appears more as a mature adult dealing with a rebellious child than two adults in love. The heroine, Emma, was kind and beautiful as you would expect and a little atypical in that she was American and as inferred previously - very mischievous. She is a rich heiress and has been very involved in her father's shipping empire in America before her trip to England with her aunt, uncle, and two cousins. Emma doesn't want to marry although that is the hope of all her family. While she longs to run her father's business some day, he has informed her that it will never be possible for a woman to head such a large company and continue profitably. He doesn't think poorly of a woman's abilities - he just accepts that most men during this time period will not conduct business with a woman. So, it is with some reluctance that she begins her first season in London. She barely can tolerate all of the societal dictates she encounters in London and lives for the possible adventure (actually misadventures). Emma is presented as a fun loving young woman but her mischievousness made her seem immature and she had more than one TSTL (to stupid to live) moment. It is during one of these misadventures that Alex and Emma first meet. She has sneaked out of her aunt's home, secretly dressed as a maid and running an errand when she first meets Alex. He is fascinated with this commoner and follows her home - a home that he and many other members of the ton have been invited to that evening for Emma's coming out ball. Alex, being the proper romance hero, detests balls and never attends them. However, his curiosity causes him to accept the invitation and he arrives that evening fully prepared to search out the intriguing maid. The fun begins when he discovers that Emma is not a maid at all and confronts her. The chemistry between the two is strong and Alex is rather bold and improper towards her. The book then mostly follows the romance between Alex and Emma. There are many moments to savor as we see these two develop their relationship. There are a few sensual scenes and they rate about a 3.5 to a 4.0 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines). I will certainly read more Quinn books. I have read many very positive reviews of her books. However, I was disappointed overall with Splendid. What I believe is most indicative of this book's appeal is the fact that I finished reading it only a few days ago and have a difficult time remembering what happened. If I really enjoy a book, I certainly don't forget it - no matter how many books I read. Since my memory of Splendid didn't last much longer than the next day, I consider it as average and only slightly entertaining. It did provide some fun moments but was not a book that I eagerly picked up to resume reading.
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