Review
"* 'Quinn has a smart, funny touch' - Time magazine"
Book Description
A wonderfully entertaining Regency romantic comedy from Julia Quinn
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Alex Ridgely, Duke of Ashbourne, long ago learned just what it was woman saw when they looked at him: his fortune and his title. Oh, and that he was young and eligible. His looks helped, but in the scheme of things they weren't that important. When it came to his character, well, that was irrelevent.
That was until the day a serving maid threw herself in front of a carriage to save his nephew. When the maid turns out to be more than he expected, Alex faces the prospect that his beliefs might just be wrong. But Alex is stubborn, very stubborn and he's never wrong.
He's almost as stubborn as Emma Dunster, sent to London for the season, when she'd much rather be back at home in Boston, learning to take over her father's business. Whether she likes it or not, however, no company could thrive with a woman at the helm, no matter how capable she is. It just isn't done. But although Emma might have agreed to a season with her aunt and cousins in England, that doesn't mean she has to like it. Nor that she's relinquished her dream.
Until she finds herself unconscious in the Duke of Ashbourne's carriage, dressed as a serving maid.
'Splendid' is a light-hearted, thoroughly enjoyable romp, full of the wit that characterises all of Julia Quinn's novels. However, it is clear that this is a first novel, with the occasional slips into modern language. Alex himself is the typical rakish duke, too rich, good-looking and arrogant for his own good. Similarly, Emma is a head-strong, beautiful outsider, but JQ writes their encounters with enough reluctant romance and amusing flare for all to be forgiven. Besides, the supporting cast of secondary characters (Belle, Dunford, Ned etc) prevent 'Splendid' from ever becoming too boring or predictable.
True, it lacks the smoothness of characterisation and frequent laugh-out-loud moments to be found in later JQ novels, but it's a book to be read with a smile on your face - one that stays even after the last page.
If you're new to Julia Quinn, I recommend starting with the Bridgertons (The Duke and I), but once you're done with them, come back to this - it's worth it.
That was until the day a serving maid threw herself in front of a carriage to save his nephew. When the maid turns out to be more than he expected, Alex faces the prospect that his beliefs might just be wrong. But Alex is stubborn, very stubborn and he's never wrong.
He's almost as stubborn as Emma Dunster, sent to London for the season, when she'd much rather be back at home in Boston, learning to take over her father's business. Whether she likes it or not, however, no company could thrive with a woman at the helm, no matter how capable she is. It just isn't done. But although Emma might have agreed to a season with her aunt and cousins in England, that doesn't mean she has to like it. Nor that she's relinquished her dream.
Until she finds herself unconscious in the Duke of Ashbourne's carriage, dressed as a serving maid.
'Splendid' is a light-hearted, thoroughly enjoyable romp, full of the wit that characterises all of Julia Quinn's novels. However, it is clear that this is a first novel, with the occasional slips into modern language. Alex himself is the typical rakish duke, too rich, good-looking and arrogant for his own good. Similarly, Emma is a head-strong, beautiful outsider, but JQ writes their encounters with enough reluctant romance and amusing flare for all to be forgiven. Besides, the supporting cast of secondary characters (Belle, Dunford, Ned etc) prevent 'Splendid' from ever becoming too boring or predictable.
True, it lacks the smoothness of characterisation and frequent laugh-out-loud moments to be found in later JQ novels, but it's a book to be read with a smile on your face - one that stays even after the last page.
If you're new to Julia Quinn, I recommend starting with the Bridgertons (The Duke and I), but once you're done with them, come back to this - it's worth it.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Julia Quinn is excellent at writing light romantic comedies and this book is no exception. I truly loved the characters in this book for Emma and Alex are perfect together and have a wonderful chemistry. Julia also weaves a great deal of excellent comedy into the plot and this keeps you entralled throughout. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to read a light historic romaintic comedy to lighten your mood or to relax you after a busy day!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Splendid was Julia Quinn's first published novel, and in her brief introduction she does say herself that she thinks Splendid isn't as 'polished' as her more recent works, but she still has a special fondness for her first work, and who can blame her?
Like a lot of writers in this genre, especially American writers, there are some anachronisms and Americanisms that do slip into the text. I can more readily forgive this in Quinn's books as there is a great sense of humour and fun about them and the characters really come to life from the page.
I still think the Bridgerton series is her best, but still, this is not to be sniffed at! Enjoy!
Like a lot of writers in this genre, especially American writers, there are some anachronisms and Americanisms that do slip into the text. I can more readily forgive this in Quinn's books as there is a great sense of humour and fun about them and the characters really come to life from the page.
I still think the Bridgerton series is her best, but still, this is not to be sniffed at! Enjoy!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not great
I'm normally a big Julia Quinn fan, but I just couldn't get into this one. I quite like the h&h, but all they seem to do is argue. Read more
Published 25 days ago by Lucy
Truly Splendid
The book has a very good introduction and the story grows better after every page. Love the characters,both main and background. Read more
Published 5 months ago by NasH3110
splendid, julia quinn
Have been reading this series of Julia Quinn books in quite a haphazard order but have found them all very entertaining. Read more
Published 8 months ago by wendy
not as splendid as hoped for!
When you open up a book and find a note from the author acknowledging that this book was her first and that it isn't quite as polished as her later books, your heart sinks a... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Rabel1
was ok
american emma isnt looking for a husband and Duke of ashbourne isnt looking for a wife but they both dont get what they want when the literally bump into each other. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Lindymck
Excellent
I wasnt sure about this book as there are such mixed reviews.....but ....... I loved it!!! Its fun, creative and romantic and I couldnt wait to buy the next in the mini series to... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Tinksjane
Bit disappointing
Well, I really like Julia Quinn, but this book is not as good as others.
Published on 28 Sep 2009 by M. MIRONSKA-MACZKA
waste of time
What a lot of nonsense! I love regency novels and I picked up this book hoping to discover a new Georgette Heyer. Instead, I discovered a novel more worthy of Mills&Boon. Read more
Published on 8 May 2009 by Blue Cat
Hardly authentic Regency speak!
A pleasant enough read, although words such as "corny" and phrases such as "You must be kidding!" as hardly authentic 1816 Regency period, surely!. Read more
Published on 5 Aug 2006 by LEP
excellent read
I have just read this book and was amazed at the quallity of the storyline finaly a book where he is as crazy about her as she is about him a brilliant read. Read more
Published on 15 Feb 2001 by Ms. K. Greenwood
Popular Highlights
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Its far easier to shut yourself off from people than to love them. If you keep your heart surrounded by strong walls, no one can get close enough to you to break it.
Highlighted by 14 Kindle users
Alex planted his hands on his hips. I have thoroughly compromised your niece, he declared. Will you please insist that she marry me?
Highlighted by 13 Kindle users
Im not sure if he likes me or if he just likes to stalk.
Highlighted by 12 Kindle users
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