Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn

Just Like Heaven (Smythe-Smith Quartet, #1)

by Julia Quinn

Honoria Smythe-Smith, the youngest daughter of the eldest son of the Earl of Winstead, plays the violin in the annual musicale performed by the Smythe-Smith quartet. She's well aware that they are dreadful. In fact, she freely admits (to her cousins) that she is probably the worst of the bunch. But she's the sort who figures that nothing good will come of being mortified, so she puts on a good show and laughs about it.

Marcus Holroyd is the best friend of Honoria's brother Daniel, who lives in exile out of the country. He's promised to watch out for Honoria and takes his responsibility very seriously. But he has his work cut out for him when Honoria sets off for Cambridge determined to marry by the end of the season. She's got her eye on the only unmarried Bridgerton, who's a bit wet behind the ears. When her advances are spurned, can Marcus swoop in and steal her heart in time for the musicale?

Reviewed by Angie on

3 of 5 stars

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What happens when you dig a fake mole hole to get your foot trapped in so that you can grab the attention of an eligible bachelor, but instead your childhood friend steps in it and breaks his leg? Just Like Heaven will answer that question, and yes the answer is that they fall in love instead. Obviously. Honoria plays violin in her family's very much lacking in talent quartet. It's tradition for unwed daughters to participate until they're married, so Honoria has three choices: get injured, get married, or be humiliated.

I absolutely adored the set up for Just Like Heaven. Honoria's family tradition is absolutely hilarious. It sounds like a good idea in theory, but since none of the girls have any real musical talent, it's just a disaster waiting to happen. Plus, Honoria's plan to catch a groom was devious and also hilarious. At least until someone actually got hurt. But then I also really liked how Honoria stepped up to take care of Marcus, including cleaning his festering wound! It's certainly not a romantic situation at all, but hey, it works.

Just Like Heaven did feel light on the romantic development though. Honoria and Marcus have already known each other for 15 years, so we don't really see how they first meet and get to know each other. That's all already happened. There are some feelings being developed while Marcus is bedridden, but like I said, festering wounds are not exactly conducive to romance. There's plenty of scenes with Honoria and her cousins which I thought were fun, but I would have preferred more of her and Marcus instead.

Just Like Heaven was a delightful read. The set up is humorous, and I loved Honoria and her cousins' relationship. Marcus' meddling aunt was also great! It just needed more tension and kissing!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 21 January, 2016: Finished reading
  • 21 January, 2016: Reviewed