What Happens in London

By: Julia Quinn

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Rumors and Gossip . . . The lifeblood of London

When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancée, she doesn't believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits . . . and discovers a most intriguing man, who is definitely up to something. Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security.

He's not a spy, but he's had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself . . .

©2009 Julie Cotler Pottinger (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Bedroom window stalker

Would you try another book from Julia Quinn and/or Rosalyn Landor?

Yes, this was an easy, fun listen. This is my 2nd Quinn download and What Happens in London did not disappoint. Harry and Olivia flow easily and their attraction is believable. They are recent neighbors. The audio begins with Olivia spying on Harry from her bedroom window. She basically stalks Harry for a good week as she tries to unearth a rumor and Harry in all his Regency romance male glory thrives on it. He says he doesn't like her, says he is annoyed by her but of course his character goes on for a minute or two about her hair. Yadda Yadda. You get this gist.This is a light, sweet, and smile worthy listen. I cooked, I went for walks and gardened while listening to this audio. There are no major surprises or deep revelations and that is just fine. If you are looking for great narration and a regency romance that gels then you'll like this. I know I did.

Witty and fun

The conversations in the book were witty and fun, made me smile.
The story line was fairly interesting.
The narrator is superb as always.

A fun, happy romance

Any additional comments?

Book: 3 1/2 stars
This is a fun, happy read. There is a lot of internal dialog, especially at the beginning, but in this case it's humorous and lively. I especially enjoyed that Olivia and Harry come to like each other and actually become friends.

Audiobook: 4 1/2 stars (Rosalyn Landor)
The audiobook gives the narrator a lot of opportunities to showcase her wide range of talents, including accents, foreign phrases and even a little singing.

Ms. Quinn Does It Again

What made the experience of listening to What Happens in London the most enjoyable?

The combination of romance and humor is always a winner with me. Aided by Ms. Landor's narration, it is irresistible

What other book might you compare What Happens in London to and why?

Ten Things I Love About You may contain even more humor, but the romance is on par with this one.

What does Rosalyn Landor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ms. Landor is one of my favorite narrators. If I am on the fence about should I or shouldn't I purchase a book, her name as narrator can and will tip the scales.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Who exactly is the man next door....and why on earth does he wear that hat?

Any additional comments?

Very enjoyable audio book. One which I shall listen to over and over again.

Hilarious

This is my favorite of all Julia Quinn’s books! It is so funny and heartfelt!

A joy to listen too!

This is a very sweet and clever romance. It is filled with funny scenes and the individuals are realistic and enjoyable. It’s a pleasant, peaceful romantic read and I recommend it!

Twist and Turn

Just about the time you think you have gotten the direction of this novel, it takes a new twist. I enjoyed it very much.

Superb work by a fabulous author + narrator

I adore this author and narrator combination generally, but this was a particularly excellent book. This delightful book had me clutching my pillow to my face choking with laughter because it’s the middle of the night and my family is asleep.

I almost wish Julia Quinn would undertake to write The Mad Barron book on a lark.

I love these stories. The narrator is the best I’ve ever heard for this style of RITA HAE. Julia Quinn writes each character so beautifully and uniquely that I feel I’m half in love with them by the end of the story too.

Excellent Performance

If you could sum up What Happens in London in three words, what would they be?

I enjoyed it.

Would you recommend What Happens in London to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, I would recommend it. It was different than most love stories, and although the first part was a little slow, the second part was interesting. It was worth listening to.

Which character – as performed by Rosalyn Landor – was your favorite?

Harry

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I enjoyed the humor.

Any additional comments?

The performance by Rosalyn Landor made this story. Her ability to change her voice between male and female were exceptional, making the story interesting. Without her, I think it would have been hard to follow.

Funny

This was such a cute love story with lots of giggles. I loved it! I actually laughed out loud at some parts.