Ten Things I Love About You

By: Julia Quinn

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

“Delightful.”

—Nora Roberts

A perennial New York Times bestselling author, whose books have reached as high as #1, Julia Quinn returns with Ten Things I Love About You, another clever, witty, and delightful historical romance. Author Jill Barnett calls the incomparable Quinn, “Truly our contemporary Jane Austen,” Time magazine says her books are, “Smart, funny”—and this absolutely delicious tale of a beautiful country girl equally desired by an aging lecherous lord and his handsome rogue of a nephew is further proof that, “1. [Quinn’s] characters are engaging, fun, and witty. 2. [Her] dialogue is engaging, fun and witty” (Orlando Sentinel).

Miss Butterworth Strikes again

I was anticipating loving this story as a light-hearted sequel to "What Happened In London". In some ways, that's exactly what it is - Miss Butterworth's author "Sara Gorley" strikes again in really awful (and yet fantastic!) gothic romances which make the interaction between the characters smile worthy. Yet this book deals with more somber themes in general than "What Happens In London" - the both the heroine and the hero are struggling with issues and Quinn briefly touches on women's rights (or lack thereof) in the era she writes in.

My one complaint about this book is that the heroine and hero waffle. I understand their motivations, I understand their logic, but they are both so clearly not okay with the situation she is placed in and flabbergasted that her relations would put her in this situation - yet reluctant to abandon the familial plans for her. I struggle with the on-again-off-again "I should, I shouldn't" aspect of the plot, even while I acknowledge that the reality of life at that time would have meant Annabelle would not have been able to simply ignore her family's plans for her, despite how despicable (or weirdly connected - there's a twist at the climax that I didn't anticipate) the villian is to Annabelle.

Olivia and Harry make quick appearances, but really Edward is the teaser in the book. Maybe there will be a book for him sometime? (Hint, hint, Ms. Quinn!)

I'm giving this three stars for story because it was 1) harder to pull me into, 2) a more frustrating listen plot-wise (Listen to Louisa already, Annabelle!) and 3) a little slower, yet heavier thematically than I was expecting. If I could give it three-and-a-half, I would because I do like that we get to know Sebastian-the-Charmer's more serious side and background and kudos to Quinn for not pretending that Annabelle could instantly make "the right choice".

To sum it up: Sara Gorley and her Miss Butterworth series made this book an entertaining read.

Long but worth it.

Not. your regular cheesy romance novel. There's some suspense, an absolutely nut case who seriously brings the crazy.0

Light and Fluffy

Fluff... Lots of fluff... but I really enjoy the light heartedness that Julia Quinn puts into her characters. So I found myself smiling throughout the book - and sometimes that's just what I need! The plot is predictable but the quirky characters are just fun and the author ensures you really do care about what happens to them. A fun, pleasant read perfect when you need a smile.

My biggest problem with the book was the narrators voice for our Hero... it took me half the book to "listen through" the voice. He sounded like a popinjay - someone that lacked strength or intelligence. I didn't like it at all.

Skipping stones

A fun and love filled story. you will have to wait it out with some drama thrown in. Women always seemed drawn to the "rake".

3 things I love about you would have been better

This was my first Julia Quinn book and I did enjoy it though she used terms that did not fit the time properly. If you are willing to overlook that then the book was very entertaining. I would have given the book a 4.5 if it was available but well including it here is just as well. The only thing I did not like about this book was the ten things JQ kept listing in the book. A bit silly especially since they were not all meaningful points. Nevertheless, If you like historical romance then this book is a good one to listen to.