Brighter Than the Sun

Rating:
Summary: Not her best, but ...
Review: ...Julia Quinn is such a wonderful author, even her not-so-great books are still better than most! In BTtS, we meet up again with Ellie, Victoria's little sister from Everything and the Moon, and watch her make her way through a marriage of convenience with Charles Wycombe, Earl of Billington. Both characters are fairly likeable in typical JQ style. The plot is just a little thin and the nearly constant stream of injurious incidents can get a little irritating. However, it is a light, fluffy read that may see you through a rainy afternoon. And if you are a JQ fan, you will probably want to add BTtS to your collection anyway, so who cares if it's not up to speed with the Bridgerton books and How to Marry a Marquis? It's still head and tails above much of the rest.

Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly good
Review: As opposed to the dozens of people who loved How to Marry a Marquis (another novel published later than Brighter Than the Sun), I set the book on my bookshelf and never looked at it again. But browing through my bookstore, empty-handed and desperately craving a read, I spotted this one and decided to give Ms. Quinn another try. From the first page, I became involved in the book; Charles and Ellie meet under certainly unconventional circumstances, and their banter throughout is light and amusing. My one issue was the "villain" element: it seems as if it was thrusted in at the last moment with little thought to provide denouement in the last few pages, and at first I didn't even recognize who the villain was as the villain was only mentioned once or twice, briefly. However, my problem aside, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Brighter than the Sun. It's a delightful, frothy read perfect for those days you'd like to relax, and although I have to admit it certainly isn't one of my favorites it has redeemed Ms. Quinn in my eyes.

Rating:
Summary: Too simplistic for me
Review: By the end of the first half of the book - I was ready for the ending. I didn't feel any chemistry between the two characters. I have read and enjoyed the books of Ms. Quinn', esp. The Duke and I, but this one was not up to snuff.

Rating:
Summary: Easy and enjoyable reading
Review: Enjoyable way to spend an afternoon - likeable characters - easy reading.

Rating:
Summary: Utterly Charming
Review: Even better than "Everything and the Moon". While Robert and Victoria were starcrossed lovers, Charles and Ellie seem to be on a "collision course" with destiny. I loved Charles and the "lists". The calculated mishaps the murder plot made it much more interesting. Both Charles and Ellie are strong characters. I was really impressed with Danelle Harmons review as she is one of my favorite romance authors. I wholeheartedly agree with her assessment of this book.

Rating:
Summary: Julia Quinn has the cure for your blues!
Review: Honestly, this book is SUCH a great pick-me-up when you are feeling down and in need of a hearty laugh. Quinn's dialogue simply sparkles, her characters funny, likeable, and all too human. If you haven't read any of her others, please, I implore you, do. You won't ever go back!

Rating:
Summary: Irritating
Review: I enjoyed a few of Julia Quinn's other books but this one was just terrible. The dialogue was cute at first but then it just got ridiculous. The heroine was just so witchy and aggrivating, a non stop cat fight that I wanted to shake. The reasons why they got married were a bit thin. Both heroine and hero came of as immature...perhaps they were well suited. I like a book rich in character as well as background. I couldn't tell what timeperiod this was suppose to be written for... Not to sound too harsh but it was a waste of money, really.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyed it cover to cover!
Review: I found myself laughing out loud in some chapters....very light-hearted. I have read several other books by Julia Quinn and they all have been entertaining.

Rating:
Summary: A real disappointment
Review: I have read all of the Bridgerton series, and a few others (such as To Marry a Marquis), and LOVED all of them. This one I found extremely disappointing. No chemistry - at least on her part - and as others have said, it is just not realistic in terms of behaviour in the period. I never would have pegged this as a Julia Quinn book. I guess I would recommend buying it based on the many reviews that are far more positive than mine (and about 3 or so others who felt the same way!)


Rating:
Summary: Captivating
Review: I have read almost all of Julia Quinn's books and this one tops them all. It has a wonderful balance of humor, romance, and intrigue. Great job Julia! This book is absolutely wonderful.