Just Like Heaven: Number 1 in series (The Smythe-Smith Quartet)

A would recommend this book, I have read the other Bridgerton books and like those, this does not disappoint. A great start to the new series, a great mix of plot and character building. A great read.

Julia tells a fun well delivered story. Marcus the hero, is yet another sad neglected lonely person, a surprisingly normal adult despite the childhood neglect , finally finds his life partner in Honoria, Daniel his best friend’s younger sister. Unfortunately I’m not overly enamoured with all the nonsense regarding the quartet. A story with potential for me somewhat superficial.

Another great addition to the Bridgerton universe.

I've read most of Julia Quinn's back catalogue in the last six months since receiving my kindle, so I was excited to have the chance to purchase one of the books at its actual release. I was also excited about the prospect of a series of books about the Smythe-Smith girls, given what we've learned of them through attendance at their recitals in Quinn's other novels.The first in the series revolves around Honoria, who knows how terrible their musical performances are but doesn't allow this to show because of her love for her family, and Marcus, who has become part of her family but lacks his own (save the wonderful Lady Danbury). I thought the development of their romance entirely logical and very well done both plot and timing wise, but for some reason it didn't capture me emotionally and for me, a romance novel has to do this to succeed. Who wants her first reaction to finishing a story about love to be "Yes, I could see the logic in that"? There's just no real spark here to carry you along.The theme is the importance of family and that comes across very strongly, but having read the book I still don't feel I know Honoria particularly well outside that love for her family. I didn't think we were given much else to go on re her character and truth told, I found her dull. Marcus fared a little better - I enjoyed the insight into his mind provided when he was under the influence - but not much. I also wasn't convinced by the device used to separate the two after the initial period in which they realised they cared for each other - given what they'd already done together, I found it difficult to believe it wouldn't have been resolved quickly.This being a series, there are what seem to be various subplots for later books introduced (Honoria's brother's bind, identity of the governess) and, because the main romance wasn't holding my entire attention, I found myself getting sidetracked into looking for clues to how those would be resolved. There are also so many other potential heroines introduced for the rest of the series (the governess again, the other three members of the quartet and Honoria's best friend) that I ended up wondering whether we'd get to see Happily Ever Afters for all of them plus Daniel. They were given so much focus that at times, the central romance seemed neglected.One of the things I like about Quinn's writing is that she uses the universe she's created across her various series - as well as the infamous quartets and Lady Danbury, Mrs Gorely's novels have appeared in both this and the Bridgerton series in addition to the series which ultimately revealed the author's identity - and I had fun trying to work out from her subtle hints and the status of the Bridgertons mentioned where in her timeline this one fits. There are two incidents, revolving around a 'familiar looking' wallflower who likes eclairs and a letter opener injury, which give the answer in this case. The fact the latter also allows the plot of this novel to develop, by highlighting how the heroine has been affected by her experiences with the hero, demonstrates how skilled Quinn is when it comes to weaving plots together*.There needs to be a balance between referring to existing people and events and developing your new characters and stories. Although this book forms part of a series it does need to be capable of being read on its own and I don't think Quinn has quite pulled that off here; in her previous works, she's been slightly more subtle setting up future developments (you were ultimately able to work out Lady Whistledown's identity from the hints spread across the books, for example, but there weren't so many hints that they detracted from the other stories).I wavered between giving this book three or four stars, but having written this down I think it's a three. Not enough focus on the central romance and too much time spent setting up future potential novels to make this a truly satisfying read for me.*Although having reread the beginning of the book since writing the review, I've realised there's actually a massive continuity error in one of the early chapters - a statement about a Berbrooke which suggests the story takes place after the timeframe which is later established.

Your typical fall in love with your childhood friend and brothers bestie! It was a cliche storyline, however it was written SO well, I devoured it. The detail and description, the emotion shown through the dialogue, body language and internal thoughts. I really loved these characters and just wish they revealed their true feelings sooner and stopped beating around the bush! However, this really did lead up to some fantastic tension gearing me up for the inevitable saucy scene.

'Just Like Heaven' is the first book of The Smythe-Smith series by Julia Quinn.Honoria Smythe-Smith is one of the eponymous Smythe-Smith cousins who entertain the Ton every year with their famous musicale.The musicale, and the necessity for marriage, are two issues that occupy Honoria's time and thoughts, that is until Marcus (the Earl of Chatteris) - her absent brother's best friend - finds himself in a dire situation and requires her help.I found this book to be very entertaining, engaging, and witty. The author is a master of creating brilliant characters who are charming, likeable, and intelligent. This book has lively dialogue, an enjoyable plot, and characters who have a spark and a frisson. Honoria and Marcus made a perfect couple. This is a feel-good novel with a satisfying conclusion.

This was a great first book in the series which also includes characters from Bridgerton.Book is great when it can make your laugh out.loud then make cry from heartbreak then make you laugh again. This all happened to me whilst.reading this book I couldn't put it.down

I have been in love with Julia Quinn's writing for years and she has always been on my must-buy list. However, her more recent books such as "What Happens in London" and "Ten Things I Love about You", in my opinion haven't been as good. There was nothing wrong with the writing or the characters (except Olivia Bevelstoke, she was just plain annoying) but I just didn't feel the special connection with the book and if I'm honest I didn't really want to re-read them! Which I though was a shame as the first one in that series "The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever was one of my favourite Julia Quinn's."Just Like Heaven" I felt was back to the Julia I know and love, I couldn't put the book down and read it in one sitting, which completely messed up my body clock but who cares. The characters were charming and I really wanted the hero and heroine to end up together, which they do so don't worry. I'm can't wait for the next book in the Smythe-Smith Quartet to come out. It was also nice to finally get their stories after hearing so much about them in her other books, however, that is not the only reason you should buy this book. It stands by itself as a must-read book and has, for me, reinstated Julia Quinn as a must-buy author again!Now, I don't wont to say anything more detailed about the plot, as I and probably some over people don't particularly like spoilers, but you should buy this book and don't be put of by the 3stars, it isn't a three star book.

i love to read romance novels but i'm very picky about which authors. this was my first novel by her and i cant wait to read more! this was actually laugh out loud funny throughout and i loved it!

I've read quite a lot from Julia Quinn and I must admit this isn't one of my favourite. The love story between Marcus and Honoria is very sweet, they've known each other since forever, they've been like family really and love simply came natural to them. But nothing significant happened in more than half the book and then, almost at the end, too much happened. It's like 70% of the book is deadly slow and the rest rushes to an hopefully satisfactory conclusion. I liked the end and of course Julia Quinn's fun and witty style, but I really hope the next books in the series are better than this

Simple but wonderful, as all Julia's stories. You will want to read more titles of this saga!

Ummm....so many moments that made me go all fuzzy with emotion and love for Honoria and Marcus....simply heavenly this book

Julia Quinn reminds me of a witty friend who cracks you up with their dry view of the world. In ‘Just Like Heaven’ Ms Quinn is at her wittiest. Her target is an incredibly untalented string quartet who hold an annual concert. She has a lot of fun with the quartet of debutante cousins, who target men for marriage just so they can get out of the annual concert. The cousins squabble but they love each other. And this book centres around the theme of family love, and being an outsider.I like that leading man Marcus is like a real man, attractive without being a chippendale, and with a poignant inner dialogue. I like Honoria the heroine who is a determined mischief making little girl underneath. The characters are truly endearing. I think the best HR author’s are able to bring emotional depth that lifts an ordinary story up a few levels. This is what Ms Quinn has done in this rather enchanting book.