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    A Night Like This
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    A Night Like This
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    A Night Like This
    Ebook352 pages4 hours

    A Night Like This

    By Julia Quinn

    4/5

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    About this ebook

    Nora Roberts calls Julia Quinn’s novels, “Delightful.” The #1 New York Times bestselling creator of the irresistible Bridgerton family, Quinn offers historical romance readers new delights with A Night Like This—the second book (following the phenomenal Just Like Heaven) to feature the affairs, romantic and melodic, of the endearing, if painfully untalented, Smythe-Smith musicians. On A Night Like This in Regency England, anything can happen, especially when a beautiful pianist sitting in at the annual Smythe-Smith musicale catches the eye of a haunted, hunted man in desperate need of redemption. There is simply no author in the realm of historical romance fiction hotter than the remarkable Julia Quinn—and anyone who has ever been swept away by the love stories of Amanda Quick, Lisa Kleypas, or Jill Barnett will cherish A Night Like This.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperCollins
    Release dateMay 29, 2012
    ISBN9780062072917
    Author

    Julia Quinn

    #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn began writing one month after graduating from college and, aside from a brief stint in medical school, she has been tapping away at her keyboard ever since. Her novels have been translated into 43 languages and are beloved the world over. A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.  Look for BRIDGERTON, based on her popular series of novels about the Bridgerton family, on Netflix.

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    Reviews for A Night Like This

    4/5

    406 ratings20 reviews

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    • 4/5
      This book pretty much started where the first book ended. I've been enjoying these characters, they have depth and are actually funny. Julia has a knack for drawing in the reader to the story and making the reader like the characters. I want the story to continue as I'm sure it will. Looking forward to the next installment.
    • 5/5
      Have you met the Smythe-Smith's? I was introduced to this delightful family last year with Just Like Heaven. The Smythe-Smith is a family who upholds tradition especially when it comes to the Smythe-Smith Quartet. The family has a lot going for them but musical talent is not one of those things. Every year the family gathers to put on a ghastly musical. This particular book focuses on Anne Wynter. She's is not a Smythe-Smith but rather the governess of Harriet, Elizabeth, and Frances, that steps in when one of the members of the quartet falls suddenly ill.Daniel Smythe-Smith has just returned from exile. Although he's assured that all has been forgiven, he can't help but still look over his shoulder. He's immediately attracted to Anne. Both characters have secrets they've been hiding. Anne thwarts all of Daniels attempts to woo her. She has a shady past that has taught her to stay clear of men like Daniel but she can't help but be attracted to him and living under the same roof as him threatens to undo everything she's worked so hard for.I loved every page of this book. Julia Quinn has quite a knack for story telling. She combines romance, humor, and a bit of danger and turns out a fantastic story. The Smythe-Smith's are an endearing family that I wish I was apart of. Daniel's and Anne's story is fantastic but I have to say Anne's students Harriet, Elizabeth, and Frances stole the show. These three girls are hilarious. Their dialog and banter literally made me laugh out loud at times. I love how Quinn writes her characters. I could picture the expressions on their faces which made me laugh even more. The Smythe-Smith's are characters that will warm your heart and win you over. Overall I thought this is a great story. This is a series that I highly recommend. You won't regret it!
    • 5/5
      Very fun book. Anne is working as a governess to three young ladies. It's not the life she thought she'd have, but it is certainly interesting. It gets more interesting with the arrival of the Earl of Winstead. After spending the last three years exiled from England he's really glad to be home, even more so after seeing the beautiful Anne. He's determined to pursue her but somebody wants him dead and that danger spills over onto her. I really liked both Anne and Daniel. Eight years earlier Anne, at the age of sixteen, Anne had fallen for a young man in a local family. Thinking he was going to propose she gave herself to him, only to find out he was engaged to someone else. When he accosted her at a local event she cut his face while trying to defend herself. In order to protect her family her father made her change her name and become a companion to an old lady far from home, refusing to allow her any contact with her family. Then she became a governess, always worried about her reputation and her safety. When she meets Daniel she is drawn to him but knows that there is too big a difference in their stations for anything good to happen between them. She can't escape him as he uses his relationship to her charges to find a way to be with her whenever possible. She began to fall for him as she got to know him and also see the love he has for his family. When something from her past puts her in danger it is Daniel she ends up going to for help. I really liked seeing the changes that her love for Daniel made in her. His love for her gave her the courage that she needed at the end to protect herself.Daniel found himself participating in a duel with a friend. He never quite understood how their card game ended up that way and never meant to injure his friend. That friend's father threatened to kill Daniel afterward, so he ended up spending three years wandering Europe, trying to stay ahead of the people sent to harm him. Daniel was thrilled when Hugh came to find him and tell him it was safe to come home. One of the first things that happened when he got home was seeing a beautiful woman at his family's musicale. Daniel was immediately smitten with her. He didn't care that she was a governess or that her family was lower than his. He was determined to overcome her resistance, even to the point of hanging out with his young cousins. I loved seeing him participate in their activities just so he could be close to Anne. I also liked seeing his protectiveness, both in London and in the country. Daniel showed the changes in his maturity between the beginning and the end. Seeing him go from that slightly irresponsible young man to the one who cared for his family, watched over his estates and people, and protected the woman he loved was very satisfying. I always love the humor in Julia Quinn's books. The Smythe-Smith musicales are a great frame for this family. It's obvious that there is plenty of love shared among them all and that love extends to others. The three girls that Anne is governess to were so much fun to read about. There was so much about them that made me feel like they were real people, from their squabbles among themselves to the expressions of their imaginations. There were also some great conversations between Anne and Daniel that were fun and flirty. I really liked the way that she had some pretty good comebacks when he'd get carried away.
    • 3/5
      Another love story about a member of a Smythe-Smith family. Sadly, their famous musical abilities were not the focus of this story, but it's mentioned of course a couple of times.

      Daniel Smythe-Smith comes back home the evening of famous yearly Smythe-Smith's musical (unlucky him). Weirdly, the tradition is broken this year and some girl (Anne Wynter) who is not member of Smythe-Smith family is playing the piano. But then he looks into her eyes and ... ZAP! Insta-love. As he admits, he saw beautiful women before but he is sure he can not live without this one... I never could stomach insta-love plots, they seem un-realistic to me and I do not believe it can be true love and lead to true HEA.

      Anne Wynter is a governess for three young girls: Harriet, Elizabeth and Frances (Smythe-Smith's cousins). I loved these girls. Their conversations were full of humor and love for life and I always read them with a smile on my face. Here's a little example:
      "What happened to your face?" Harriet asked.
      "It was a misunderstanding," Daniel said smoothly, wondering how long it might take for his bruises to heal. He did not think he was particularly vain, but the questions were growing tiresome.
      "A misunderstanding?" Elizabeth echoes. "With an anvil?"
      "Oh, stop", Harriet admonished her. "I think he looks very dashing."
      "As if he dashed into an anvil."
      Another thing that bothered me in this book is that whole plot is just over-the-top. It feels like Julia Quinn was inspired with "Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron". o.O There is amount of evil villains, murder attempts and kidnaps that one historical romance novel can contain before it becomes absurd.

      My rating: 3 stars because of insta-love and ridiculous plot.

      Will I be reading next book in series? Yes. I hope Harriet, Elizabeth and Frances will be in the next book too!
    • 3/5
      A Night Like This
      3.5 Stars

      Likeable characters but is missing the wit and charm of Quinn's other books and the plot is too drawn out at the beginning.

      The first 1/3 is boring. The interminable scenes with the Pleinsworth girls are excessively long and add nothing to plot or characterization. Thankfully, things begin to liven up when Anne's big secret comes back to haunt her.

      The suspense plot is well-developed and intense, and the villain truly despicable - this is what saved the book for me. The story from this point is darker in tone than Quinn's other books (it shares some similarities with An Offer from A Gentleman but is much harsher).

      Anne is a strong and admirable heroine. Her traumatic past and the descriptions of how she suffered and coped over the years are heartbreaking at times.

      Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Daniel. It is never a good thing when you prefer a secondary character over the hero and Hugh is for more intriguing. Daniel's immediate and all encompassing infatuation with Anne is unrealistic and his stalker-like tendencies are potentially disturbing as is his disregard for the consequences Anne faces if they should be caught. He is, however, somewhat charming, patient and loyal which softens the more annoying aspects of his personality.

      All in all, the book is a little disappointing but the suspense plot and the exciting climax make it a worthwhile read. Looks like Hugh's book is next and I'm salivating already.
    • 4/5
      I adore Julia Quinn's novels! Each book brings something fresh, new and addictive. She fills her stories, like this one, with lovable characters, witty sass and a plot line that sweeps you off your feet and takes you back in time. From start to finish, you're unable to close the book, and before you know it, you're at the end, saying goodbye to friends.Daniel Smythe-Smith is new to the Earl business, and in a drunken stupor, challenges his friend to a duel after a card game gone sour. Slipping in wet grass, with his finger on the trigger, Daniel accidentally pulls the trigger. Wanting to make amends, he tries to apologize to the father, but the father threatens his life. No other choice, Daniel leaves for the Continent and is gone for 3 years. Now, he's back and, walking into a musicale performance, lays eyes on the beautiful Anne Wynter.Anne Wynter, governess to Daniel's cousins, slips away after a musicale performance that she subbed for one of the cousins. She flees in to the darkened hallway only to be confronted with Daniel, the handsome Earl who has been gone for 3 years. She can't help but feel the attraction and accepts a kiss from him. But, her standing as a governess and his as an Earl leave her feeling that they can't ever kiss again.Daniel Smythe-Smith and Anne Wynter are characters that are both witty and complex. Both of the sweet, lovable characters come with secrets that will change lives. Daniel is determined to pursue the beautiful governess, and Anne is determined to steer clear and keep her secrets hidden. But, when lives are once again threatened, Daniel will do what it takes to protect them, and to claim Anne as his true love.I definitely recommend this 4 Book worthy novel to everyone who loves sass, romance and fun in a historical read. You'll be captivated instantly and become a part of the Smythe-Smith's family. From start to finish, it's a whirlwind ride of fun, and I am anxiously awaiting the next Julia Quinn novel!
    • 4/5
      Much like the first in the series, Just Like Heaven, this is a charming and easy read. The Smythe-Smith Quartet is shaping up nicely to become a must-read - which is something that doesn't often happen for me with this type of romance novelish book. A Night Like This is a light-hearted and thoroughly charming novel with two very likeable and compatible leads in Daniel and Anne (and scene-stealers in Frnaces, Elizabeth and Harriet.) There's much more than steamy sex scenes to look forward to in this - there's comedy aplenty (I admit I lol'd at the play chapter especially) and plenty of action and danger to keep the pages turning with alacrity. I freely admit don't read a ton of romance novels - I have nothing against them, but on the whole, every reader goes into that genre of novel generally knowing the final outcome: love, sex and a happy ending. What makes it fun to read these type of books are the authors who take the time to create whole, rounded characters and a real plot to keep things advancing instead of just sex scene after sex scene. I don't/can't/won't care about the sex if I am not emotionally invested in the people having it! Julia Quinn is one of those rare authors, which is why I have found myself completely wrapped up in everything in this novel. There is am emphasis on the romance (instalove ahoy), but I didn't mind in this book, with these two. Thankfully, both Anne and Daniel are both flawed, amusing, wholly believable, personable characters with motivations and secrets of their own. They complement each other very well and have chemistry to burn but they are not utterly dependent on the other. Anne is a resourceful and smart girl that can save herself - and does on several occasions. Daniel's chacterization is a bit more typical of a young, honorable lord but his sense of humor and interactions with Miss Wynter show a more rounded version of the Earl.I can't talk about characters in A Night Like This without mentioning the unexpected and utterly hilarious trio of girls that Anne is governess for: Frances, the unicorn-loving youngest, the middle-child Elizabeth, constantly caught between propriety and annoying her older sister, and Harriet, the earnest young playwright behind such classics as The Strange, Sad Tale of The Lord Who Was Not Finstead. Anne and Daniel are more than compelling to read about with their interwoven tales of revenge and mystery, but it is the three Pleinsworth cousins who truly make this as light-hearted and humorous as it is. Several times during their appeareances I would actually laugh-out-loud (thank you, Frances.) The cast of this novel is really the biggest attraction to he had - moreso than the slightly predictable plot, or even than the genuinely sweet romance angle of the two main leads, the large, clangorous and musically-impaired Smythe-Smith family is just plain fun to read about.This is only the second of the series, and my imagination is already at work trying to predict the main leads for the third novel. Hugh Prentice and Sarah? Harriet? While it's a bit early to tell just now, you can be sure that I will be stalking GoodReads, waiting for the next book to pop up with information. Julia Quinn has an easy, inimitable style and her novels are an amusing way to pass an afternoon, but rewarding at the same time. With each novel of this author's that I read, I am more and more inclined to buy another. Fans of her Bridgerton series as well as of the first book will find more of the same here easy humor and steamy sexy scenes in A Night Like This.
    • 3/5
      This was an OK read, but not one that I found as funny or as interesting as other books written by Quinn, or the first in the series. It just felt all too predictable and I just couldn't sum up enough interest to care about either Daniel or Anne. Still there were some funny moments and it passed the time.
    • 4/5
      Another cute but slight book from JQ World. Now that all the Bridgertons are married off, we're following the destinies of the Smith-Smythes, heretofore known primarily for their execrable musicales.

      Daniel Smith-Smythe, Earl of Winstead, returns from three years on the Continent and is immediately gob-smacked by his cousins' governess Anne Wynter. Daniel is quite adorable, and his growing obsession with Anne is funny and touching at the same time. Anne has a secret past and is completely unsuitable to become an earl's wife. Thus, it's surprising how little consternation there is from Daniel's mother when he announces his plan to marry Anne.

      The revenge plots (yes, there are two of them) are rather over-the-top, but Quinn delivers humor-within-drama (or perhaps drama-within-humor) when Daniel and his compadres, Hugh and Marcus, charge off to rescue the heroine. We've already had Marcus's story in the first book, but I was quite intrigued by Hugh and hope Quinn plans to write one about him.

    • 4/5
      Another light read from Quinn. It was enjoyable, but not as much as Just Like Heaven, the first Smythe-Smith novel.

      I did laugh out loud several times. Anne's young charges and their antics had me in stitches.
    • 4/5
      When I rediscovered romances, Julia Quinn was one of the authors I fortuitously stumbled across. I devoured her Bridgerton series, funny, well-written, and thoroughly enjoyable. I realized that sometimes I need to read a book where I am guaranteed a happily ever after and romances fit the bill perfectly. So when the opportunity to meet her latest family arose, I couldn't jump on it fast enough. And the perpetually unmusical Smythe-Smiths are entertaining but they are no Bridgertons.Daniel Smythe-Smith, the Earl of Winstead, had to flee England three years ago after he tripped and shot his friend in a duel. He spent three years looking over his shoulder since Hugh's father vowed to hunt him down and kill him. But Hugh himself finds Daniel and convinces him that he has extracted a promise from his father to quit hunting Daniel. And so Daniel comes home. He comes home the night of the annual Smythe-Smith musicale when the unmarried girls in the family showcase their lack of musical talent by performing perfectly dreadfully. The cousin slated to butcher the piano accompaniment fakes an illness and her younger sisters' governess, Anne Wynter, is roped in as a stand-in. From behind a cracked door, Daniel spies Anne laboring away at the piano and he is immediately struck by her.Daniel pursues her by spending time with his young, highly entertaining cousins whenever they are in their governess' care. Anne tries to hold herself away from him and deny the growing attraction between them because she is desperate to maintain her position and to chart her own course in life, no matter how lonely that course is destined to be thanks to a youthful indiscretion. But when Daniel's and Anne's lives are in danger, she might just have to let him in on the secret of her past.The banter between Anne and Daniel is delightful and they definitely have a sweet sexual tension as well. The hilarious and lively secondary characters often overshadow them when they appear in scenes though. The plot romps along and is strongest when Daniel's family (those strong secondary characters) is a part of the narrative. Once Anne and Daniel have to figure out who wants to hurt them (and which one of them is the target), the plot weakens and relies on some tired plot devices like a kidnapping. On the plus side, Anne is not a hand wringing sort of heroine and she is a deeply caring character. She is determined and takes charge of herself. Both Anne and Daniel have had to make amends for terrible misjudgments in their respective youths but they've come out of it as appealing characters who deserve each other and happiness. This is a pleasant, well-written tale that fulfills the historical Regency-set romance reader's expectations.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this book. I love that the smythe-smiths girls can't play their instruments! It was a nice enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next in the series.
    • 3/5
      The Smythe-Smith adventures continue, this time with a deeply stressed heroine, hiding and desperately fighting for her survival. I love that Anne takes every opportunity to defend herself, and that Daniel is willing to help her along. It's a bit of a farce, but that's what I like.
    • 3/5
      2.5 / 5

      While Julia Quinn writes a charming romance, I could not make myself overlook glaring discrepancies between the ending and certain social expectations that were mentioned throughout the novel.

      Also, Mary-Sues/Marty-Stus all over the place. EVERYWHERE.
    • 3/5
      It hurts me to give a Julia Quinn novel such a rating. BUT, comparing it to other J. Quinn books I can't give it the same. And I guess, it didn't do this book any favor that I gave 5/5 to the first book of this series. However, I do believe this is above average within the genre.
      The thing I liked the least was how insta-lovey it felt at the beginning. It took me a while to get fond of them because of that infatuation. BUT, I must say, I love how Quinn portrays the intimacy that exists. So I guess, the second part of the story made up a little bit for the first part.
      And this is a ME thing. But I'm not a huge fan of dramatic endings (soap-opera style). So, there's that.
    • 5/5
      I have never read a Julia Quinn book that I didn't love and this is no exception. Daniel Smythe-Smith has come home after three years abroad. His exile in Italy was the result of a duel in which he accidentally shot and wounded his friend and the man's father swore to kill him. Now assured that the threat has been removed, Daniel returns home on the night of the dreaded Smythe-Smith musicale.Anne Wynter is the governess of Daniel’s nieces and has been coerced into playing the piano for the recital after one of the girls fakes an illness. Anne is mortified at having to perform in public, not only because she knows how horrible the group sounds but also because she does not like to be on public display. Anne has secrets in her past and she means to keep them there. Daniel spots her right away and is drawn to her but she has been burned before by the master of a house she works in and doesn’t want to lose her job.Ms. Quinn has written a delightful tale of a man charming his way into a woman’s heart. There is plenty of romance to be had and a good helping of suspense as well. What always make me happiest in Ms. Quinn’s books are the little vignettes she adds that show the caring and good humor of the characters. There is a scene where Daniel participates in a 12 act play that one of the girls wrote that is absolutely hilarious. Daniel and Anne are both good people who have made tragic mistakes in their lives which they have paid a heavy price. Daniel has made peace with his past and is ready to move on but Anne is not there yet and has a lot of fear about her future and what could happen if she lets her guard down. As always love conquers all but it is a convoluted path to the end. I am on pins and needles for the next Smythe-Smith installment.
    • 4/5
      When Daniel returns from exile after shooting and maiming Hugh in a duel, he meets Anne Wynter, the governess for his nieces. Anne too is fleeing her past when she was seduced and scarred a gentleman while protecting herself. She knows that she could lose her position, so tries to break away from Daniel, but their attraction is too great. As both protagonists are drawn to each other, danger also follows him, but each one isn’t sure whose past is coming back on them or if both will survive the revenge.
    • 3/5
      Good one!!!
      I´m liking the Smythe-Smith more and more!!
      Really looking foward to the next one! :)
    • 4/5
      This is probably more of a 3.5 star read, but I rounded it up to 4 as I am enjoying this series. I didn’t buy how quickly Daniel became infatuated with Anne but the pacing of the book was good and I enjoyed finding out more of Daniel’s backstory.
    • 5/5
      I love this book. If you are one for historical romance, this should be on your bookshelf along with every other Julia Quinn book like The Duke and I and On The Way to the Wedding. Hope you like them just like I do!