The Sum of All Kisses

By: Julia Quinn

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's Summary

He thinks she's an annoying know-it-all...

Hugh Prentice has never had patience for dramatic females, and if Lady Sarah Pleinsworth has ever been acquainted with the words shy or retiring, she's long since tossed them out the window. Besides, even if Hugh did grow to enjoy her company, it wouldn't matter. A reckless duel has left this brilliant mathematician with a ruined leg, and now, unable to run, ride, or even waltz, he could never court a woman like Sarah, much less dream of marrying her.

She thinks he's just plain mad.

Sarah has never forgiven Hugh for the duel he fought three years earlier, the one that forced her cousin into exile, nearly destroying her family. But even if she could find a way to forgive him, it wouldn't matter. She doesn't care that his leg is less than perfect, it's his personality she can't abide. But when the pair is forced to spend a week in close company, they discover that first impressions are not always reliable. And when one kiss leads to two, three, and four, the mathematician may lose count, and the lady may, for the first time, find herself speechless.

©2013 Julia Quinn (P)2013 HarperCollinsPublishers

Not as great as her others

Any additional comments?

This series lacks the fun quippy humor that the authors other books have had. It's pretty standard romantic historical fiction. I had a hard time staying interested long enough to finish the series

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Smythe-Smiths Continued

What made the experience of listening to The Sum of All Kisses the most enjoyable?

Rosalyn Landor provides a fabulous narration. Her interpretations of dialogue and character inflection are spot-on. She captures the nuances of every line.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hugh and Sarah are equally engaging.

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

Having actually read the book prior to the audio version's being available, I truly appreciate the depth that well done narration can bring to all aspects of a work.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Julia Quinn's books are not deep, metaphysical works; however, the dialogue, plot twists, and inter-connectedness make reading each book in the series like a visit with a well-loved friend.

Any additional comments?

This work is best enjoyed as part of the Smythe-Smith series since each book shares characters.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The Sum of All kisses

I love this book. another great book by Julia Quinn. I have always like the Lady Sarah.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A WELL MATCHED PAIR

I enjoyed this book very much. Was it the most compelling? No! But, the characters were very matched and I like them both equally. He was a gallant genius and she was a protective sister and friend.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

personality with quips of comic attitude

Love the characters. Love the uniqueness of their personalities. humorous and firey. narration spot on by ms. landor. great listen

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Not my favorite

I didn't care for this at all. The leading male was whiny and emasculated... I kept hoping for a worthwhile solution to his situation, but it never really came. I also didn't feel the relationship was very convincing.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Very cute and deliciously romantic

I really needed and nice dose of romanticism and humor which Ms Quinn always provides. Good satisfying read!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great 3rd book in series.

Slow to get going, but then I started to get into the story. Loved when Sarah confronts Hughes' father. I really enjoy listening to Rosalind Landor, her different voices are excellent. I always know who is speaking.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've been waiting!

I've been waiting for Hugh's story since I met him in the first of the first of the Smyth-Smith Quartet. I fell in love with his stoicism and genius, his darkness that calls for the light that will reveal to him his own worth. Lady Sarah is plain-spoken and forward. Her main goal is to marry in order to avoid yet another horrendous performance in the annual Smyth-Smith musicale. These two should not be attracted, yet... Oh, this was definitely worth the wait and goes on my re listen list.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Very touching romance in a book that needs editing

The third in the Smith-Smythe Quartet series, the novel picks up the thread with the story of Hugh Prentice, the wounded party to the duel that sent Daniel into exile in book one. Though Daniel and Hugh were dueling adversaries, the growing friendship between the two is signaled at the end of book two. In this book the wounded Hugh is pulled into the Smith-Smythe circle despite Lady Sara Pleinsworth (Smith-Smythe cousin) and her outspoken animosity to him as the person who has caused her family so much grief. Hugh, however, turns out to be a noble wounded warrior, and the relationship that develops between him and Sara is touching in the extreme. As it happens, Lady Sara sprains her ankle badly, and one of the most endearing scenes is their lovely "walz" with each one leaning on the other to compensate for their "lameness." The author continues to portray this growing romance with compassion.

My one complaint, and it's not a small one, is when needless complexity and rather silly permutations of the central "problem" and its resolution go on forever. Judicious editing would make the farfetched scenario bearable and move the story along. It's enough to throw up one's hands, but I still recommend the book as the developing relationship between Hugh and Sara is worth the credit. Skim through the scenes with Hugh's father at the end, but don't miss how Sara manages to save the story from becoming unbelievable and silly by turning the problem upside-down.

3 of 5 people found this review helpful

I love the Quartet

What did you like most about The Sum of All Kisses?

To finally getting a story of Hugh of course! And Sarah. Quartet is even better than Bridgertons, at least I like them better

What did you like best about this story?

ehrm, everything

Which scene did you most enjoy?

As always anything where lady D. is.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and I did!

Any additional comments?

I can not believe there is only one left to come, I hope JQ will reconsider and write more on this family. Love Penelope's sisters, I am sure they could have some fun stories in them

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good listen

Like this narrators voice and style.

A sweet and just outlandish enough tale to entertain with miss Quinn signature humour ( have read funnier tales in the series but funny non the less).