Customer Reviews

Splendid

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Ms Quinn has always been a favorite author of mine; and until recently I did not realize that I had missed her very first novel. So I picked it up and was rapt from the very first.

Ms Quinn has always used humor in her books. Sometimes with ridiculous action on the characters part, and sometimes with the characters themselves. In this book we see her use the humor in both manners and it works quite well.
I loved Ms Quinn's mixing of an American woman, with the new world sensibilities and somewhat more freedom than her English counterparts have with the somewhat staid and stodgy sensibilities of the English ton.

As the book opens we learn that Emma Dunster will be sent over to England by her father to have a season, Emma has been working for her fathers shipping company and doesn't want to leave. But leave she does and almost immediately gets into a mess not of her making. In doing so she meets Alex (a Duke of course!) under the most inauspicious of circumstances. Of Course Alex is drawn to the woman even though he really doesn't know the real her! Now because both have decided that they will most likely never marry---what do you think will happen? Yep, it's love; maybe not on first sight ; they both really work on becoming friends first, but love does happen.

Yes this book does follow the general guidelines of what constitutes a 'romance', but in Ms Quinns hands it seems fresh, sexy new and funny.

What I did like is that once the 'happily ever after" is attained a secondary story is picked up with some exciting moments.

A book that I think is well worth your time and trouble, and will allow you to see as you read more of Ms Quinn's books, how she grows as an author. This book was first published in 1995 and I believe it has withstood the test of time

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.

Julia Quinn's "Splendid" features Alex, the dashingly roguish Duke of Ashbourne and Emma, the flame-haired American beauty who captured the duke's heart and soul. I loved the way Ms. Quinn kept her characters appearing in some of the other series, like Alex, who was briefly mentioned in one of the Bridgerton books. Although, "Splendid" was published before the Bridgerton series, the story of Alex and Emma happened later than the Bridgerton stories.

Alex was determined not to fall for the American beauty whose escapades included rescuing her cousin Ned and earned her Alex's grudging respect not to mention arouse his possessive nature. This book truly entertains and delivers another Quinn classic.

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)

This book should be titled 'Dire' or 'Dreadful'. What is the point of setting a book in London if the dialogue and description are pure American. I love American romantic fiction, I think Jayne Anne Krentz is without equal, so why didn't this Author set her book in America. It is irritating and distracting to have so-called English characters using American English. A little research would cure the problem, witness Amanda Quick, and make the reading far more enjoyable. I gave this book one star because there isn't a no star option.

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.

This is Quinn's first novel, and it shows. The lack of polish and maturity in her writing that she devlops by the Bridgerton series is why I give this book 3 stars. It is, however, worthy of the read.

The characters are fairly rote for romance, Alex is your hero, and is typically wealthy, titled, and bored with life. Emma is your heroine and is also typically wealthy, vibrant and independant. Although this book doesn't show Ms. Quinn's later flair for plot, it is an admirable job and doesn't get bogged down in too many balls or any other usual first novel quagmires. It is full of humor, and as typical of Quinn has several laugh-out-loud scenes that you have to re-read because you're laughing too hard to focus the first time through.

My only real problem with the plot is a weak villain subplot that seems like it was hastily added at the end to increase word count. The last scene with the villain could have been completely cut in my opinion, especially since he was effectively dealt with earlier in the novel.

Quinn fans who wish to complete their library will enjoy this novel, but I don't recommend it as an introduction to her work. For a reader new to Quinn, I suggest "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton" instead.

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.

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.

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.