Sunday, May 22, 2011
Just Like Heaven Only Better: Julia Quinn's Newest Novel Is A Delight
There are those people in life—everyone has them—that you know in some regard you’re better than them. You have a better sense of style or you’re better in school; they’re just somebody to think of when you think your life is the worse hand dealt ever, you could be more unfortunate and be them. We don’t think it to be cruel; and I’m sure the people we think of also have someone they know they’re better than. It’s a coping mechanism really.In the Regency era, those people were called the Smythe-Smiths.
Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series was a bit hit or miss with me, but the one constant I always enjoyed was the Smythe-Smith musical. It was a cacophony of musical instruments and well-dressed misses who were forced every year to perform (since 1807) and every year they were awful. Bloody awful. It was a hysterical running gag; and it was featured in nearly every book.
Now the Running Gag has its own story in JUST LIKE HEAVEN. We get to meet one of the unfortunates who has to play in this awful quartet: Honoria Smythe-Smith. She is everything we like to root for in a heroine, the definition of the spunky kid or the plucky heroine. She is a consummate team player. So even though she knows—and who doesn’t know?—that they are the most awful musicians ever, she will be the glue that holds this quartet together. It’s tradition; it’s expected; and their family actually thinks they’re good.
The hero, Marcus, the Earl of Chatteris, is the definition of the best friend hero, which we all know that Julia Quinn has perfected in her novels. (I think most of her heroes are of the best friend archetype variety.) Marcus is best friends with Honoria’s older brother Daniel, who has been disgraced and is currently living on the Continent. Before Daniel left, he asked Marcus to keep an eye on Honoria and make sure she didn’t marry an idiot. So even though Marcus hates London, he comes every season to make sure Honoria isn’t married off to just anyone.
Honoria is rather desperate to find a husband this season since the only way you can get out of playing in the quartet is to be married. And it’s from that desperation that Honoria accidentally cripples Marcus with her homemade mole hole and he nearly dies. It’s a little more complicated than that, and it’s actually very well done. What I really appreciate about Quinn’s novels is that the drama is of the lower action variety. No spies, no kidnapping villains, none of the typical fare of many of the Regency novels available. Despite this, however, she’s written a very emotional, touching novel—a novel in which the growth between the hero and heroine feels authentic, and the chemistry between the characters feels passionate but not forgetting how people would likely behave in the time period. I believe with this book, Ms. Quinn has truly earned her title as our modern day Jane Austen.
So if I haven’t been clear: GO READ IT IMMEDIATELY.
In the meantime, let’s discuss heroes. What archetype do you prefer most for your heroes? What author do you read that provides that archetype hero for you again and again? What is your favorite Julia Quinn novel? Are you excited about this new one? I’ll give away my copy I received of this book today to one commenter, so long as they don’t mind that I read this book while eating ramen noodles and did take a bath with it. (Yes, you can’t put it down.)
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62 comments:
I don't know if this is a hero archtype, but I like the trickster.
Don't hit me, but I don't think I've read Julia Quinn.
Who writes the hero's I love? Jim Butcher. The wise-cracking against all odds type of hero.
Hmmm. I seem to be suffering from a few words... Well, I wrote a lot this weekend. Nuff said.
I've been wondering if I should pre-order this on my kindle. I liked the Bridgertons, though I ran out of gas with them toward the end. The first ones were great, I thought. I did buy the Duke of Wyndham and Mr. Cavendish I presume but they weren't really compelling so I've kind of passed on things since then.
But I've been wondering if this one might be good, since it's returning to the Bridgertons, who I love. I think I will buy it, honestly.
My favorite heroes? I like this best friend to lover kind. And I like the reunited lover. That they were in love once and separated by some circumstance. I love when there's a history. I think sometimes when there isn't a history that it's harder to write those couples. Starting from scratch rather than having established emotions to fall back on is more difficult.
I haven't actually finished a JQ novel. I tried, but it didn't work for me for some reason. I'm going to the library today so I'll see if I can find something that intrigues. :)
As for archetypes. Mmm. I like the warrior types. I read a lot of those, although it's not likely I will write that kind of book myself. :) My heroes tend to be warriors of wit. LOL
P.S. I hope all you folks in MO are safe. It looks like you're in for some more stormy weather today. :(
I'm with Chance - I don't think I've ever read Julia Quinn. Maybe there was an audiobook once, but maybe not - I really can't remember reading her.
I'm a huge fan of the best friend hero so it looks like I need to add her to my buy list ASAP if that's a theme she uses a lot.
I'm fine; and I don't believe there was any reason for Sin to travel to Joplin, so she's fine. However, if any of our lurkers are southern MO dwellers, I hope all of you are all right!
2nd, isn't Jack Sparrow a bit of a trickster? *LOL* I could totally dig a trickster. I would think you'd go for whatever Barbossa is, and I don't think I'd automatically call him a trickster hero.
I also love the wise-cracking-against-all-odds too!
Marn, it reminds me of the earlier Bridgerton books. And I felt the same about her latter books as well.
I prefer the reunion couple to the best friends couple, per se, though I guess there is probably not a lot of difference. *LOL* But I agree: it's a lot easier to build something when there's history than to create something out of thin air.
Donna, I'd wager you never finished a JQ novel because none of her heroes are warriors. One or two have been a Chief; one's been a charmer; I bet I could find a lost soul--but I don't think any of them have been warriors in the tradition I would relate him to. *LOL* So if you dig warriors, she would not be your go-to person. They're definitely more laid back.
Scapegoat, you should add one or two to your booklist at least. *LOL* Romancing Mr. Bridgerton was my favorite--though I wouldn't necessarily call them "friends". He was a charmer; and she was a wallflower. The one with Francesca and Michael was also really good; and they might be friends to lovers, if memory serves.
Good to know you're safe, Hellion. Such scary stuff going on.
Warriors aren't the only type I like. In fact, I suggested that as an archetype because I was thinking of the recent stuff I'd read. LOL I try to read something completely different than I'm writing -- so I end up reading a lot of romantic suspense.
I actually like the charmer types the best, but since that's what I write, I have to stay away from them while I'm writing. LOL
I have other issues with the JQ's I've tried to read. :)
I read one Quinn a few years ago but it wasn't a Bridgeton. I did like it though. And I've had the privilege of sitting down to a meal with Ms. Quinn a couple of times. (They were group meals, not just the two of us. *g*) If you ever get the chance to take her Writing Dialog workshop, definitely do.
I like the intelligent charmer who is also good in bed. Wait, all romance heroes are good in bed, what the hell am I saying? Anyhoo, I like a guy with wit and charm who makes the heroine (and me) laugh. But he has to step up and have his alpha moments.
For me, Crusie hits it everytime.
Donna, I prefer charmers most too.
Bo'sun, I can see Crusie totally in the "intelligent witty charmer who is good in bed" description. *LOL* Those are her heroes verbatim! *LOL* Bet Me anyone?
You should give this Quinn novel a whirl. It's really good.
As much as I love the friends to lovers story, I adore the enemies to lovers story just as much or more. :)
My fav heroes tend to either be cocky, funny men or the scarred, tormented man with inner demons. Wow - talk about the ends of the spectrum.
*LOL* Scapegoat, I completely identify with that remark. If you look at my bookshelf, the heroes are either one end or the other. Cocky or tormented. *LOL*
Donna, I prefer charmers most too.
In real life they cause the most problems. One of these days I'll learn. LOL
It looks as if I'm a minority voice again. I love JQ's books. I started reading them with Splendid, and I haven't missed one since. Her final Bridgerton book is not among my favorites, but The Duke and I, An Offer from a Gentleman, and Romancing Mr. Bridgerton are all in my all-time fave list, and the second epilogue to When He Was Wicked is perfection IMO. I liked the Wydham books and admire JQ for doing something risky, and I loved both What Happened in London and Ten Things I Love About You, particularly the latter. I'm looking forward to the new one.
Reunited lovers is my favorite trope, and I like the friends-to-lovers theme as well. As for heroes, I'm sure it's no secret that while I have favorite heroes who fit a number of archetypes, I have a particular affection for the beta hero.
I'm trying to see where my hero fits into this spectrum. Self-deprecating, amusing, but not completely cocky. Or maybe he is but it's hidden under the guise of being a problem solver.
Hm.... Interesting.
Marnee - I've always thought of most of the funny-cocky heros as being self-deprecating as well. That attitude is usually there to cover up something missing in his life emotionally. At least in most of the romances I read. Or it's a defense mechanism against the heroine becuase she knocks him off balance.
I will definitely give her books another try. I may have picked the wrong one to start with. :)
For instance, I read a book this weekend of an author I really like, but this book wasn't as satisfying--it didn't seem like the style I'd fallen in love with. So if someone had started with this book, they might not read her other books.
Can't wait to see Janga's discussion of beta heroes. :)
BTW - as a follow-up to Donna's excellent twitter post last week, I wanted to share this post from Nathan Bransford. Really great basic twitter info here:
http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2011/05/how-to-use-twitter-reply.html
Janga, I'm a huge fan of Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, as well as When He Was Wicked. Kudos to Quinn for having such a long-standing and beloved family series. What I really preferred about this book was how authentic the desire seemed between the two characters. It was very fitting and very wonderful. I really enjoyed this addition; and I hope to see more books about Sarah, Iris, and the mysterious Miss Wynter.
Marn, I think charmers can be self-deprecating. Self-deprecating is just a different type of charmer. *LOL* A smarter version, in my book. Most of us like self-deprecating people, but how many of us really like cocky? *LOL*
Janga, I didn't want to call Marcus a beta because he had some very alpha moments. *LOL* That's why I referred to him as a best friend archetype, which is essentially beta, but doesn't limit you to beta only.
I used to read all kinds of heroes, but the tortured dudes don't do it for me so much anymore. Really, any hero written really well will pull me in, but for some reason I don't seek some out anymore.
And now that I think about, the hero of my new WIP is sort of tortured, alpha, and cranky. So I'm going to shut up now. LOL!
Scape, thanks for the kudos. I'd originally had that info in my post but it was too long so I cut it. :) Wish I'd left it in now that I see all the retweets. LOL
Donna, if you're in the mood for an alpha...and a Marine, here's a good buy: http://whispershome.com/erotic/perfect-to-the-corps/
Dee S. Knight writes wonderful stories!
Hellie, that looks really good -- thanks for the rec! Although I need to resist it just a little bit longer. LOL I have to finish up a couple more H&H things today, so I better get going. I'll see if I can snag some Bridgerton books from the library too. :)
I forgot that book was coming out this week. She sent me the rough draft a couple weeks ago then said, "It changed, don't bother." LOL! I'll have to download that tonight. I love the twist at the end about him knowing something about how her husband died.
And I'm kind of partial to the Outer Banks.
Hel - Oh, Jack is the trickster, but Hector is the senior trickster. A bit more in love with the long trick...Jack is a quick trick sort of guy...
;-)
Oh, I see, Jack has a short trick and Hector has a long one? You really will go to all lengths to prove Hector is superior, won't you? Size doesn't always matter, you know. And Jack is usually able to have four or five tricks in an hour. I mean, sure there is an argument over quality vs quantity, but right now I'm about quantity. And Jack's quality isn't anything to sneeze at anyway. *LOL* His leap off the lighthouse before it explodes was a good trick.
Exactly, Bosun, who isn't partial to the Outer Banks. Dee knows how to deliver!
It ain't a competition! When ya gets older yer more willin' to wait for the long trick and bide yer time fer vengeance...
Yer also a bit colder 'bout it and who gets hurt on the way there...
I started back into romance with JQ's An Offer From a Gentleman and was hooked. The Viscount Who Loved Me is my favorite. I'm with Marnee on this - I really loved the first 4 Bridgerton books but after that they really aren't that memorable for me. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've read everything she's ever written and those first 4 Bridgertons are still the ones that stand out and I return to for a little JQ fix.
I'll have to check this new one out if you say it is reminiscent of the early Bridgertons. I always loved the musicals and thought the Smythe-Smiths would make great heroines. I initially thought JQ might put one of them with Gregory, the youngest Bridgerton.
I'm not sure what archetype I like best. I like them all if they are done well. I guess it would be the friend to lovers, especially if the hero is the friend of a brother. If I read that in the blurb I'll usually pick it up. Could be cause I had a lot of crushes on my brother's friends growing up. :)
Ahh, I adored The Viscount Who Loved Me and When He was Wicked, the later probably being one of my absolute favorite romances. i re-read that one all the time. I must say, though, JQ is a bit hit-or-miss for me. I really enjoyed the Wyndham duo, but What Happens in London hit the wall. There just wasn't enough conflict to keep me occupied. lol.
So I'll definitely grab this one, esp if it's reminiscent of the earlier Bridgertons.
As for heroes, I'm a big, big fan of the strong, silent archetype, ala Gibbs :) You know, the grizzly bear on the outside who's really just a big pile of mush that's been tortured on the inside.
I like men with a good sense of humor. Self-deprecating, or snarky, or dry wit, or even a little silly. It's all good, it's all funny.
I initially thought JQ might put one of them with Gregory, the youngest Bridgerton.
Irish, it's funny you mention Gregory. He features pretty prominently. And Colin makes an appearance. It's like a reunion really.
I think I remember liking the Viscount one too.
Hal, I had the same problem with What Happens in London. I prefer when Quinn goes a little darker, gives a little more meat to work with!
Gibbs? You mean POTC Gibbs??
P--a good sense of humor is very important. I usually list that first and intelligence second. :) Though admittedly I did enjoy Slightly Dangerous by Balogh which featured a duke who didn't seem to have a sense of humor and it was fun finding him one in the book!
Gibbs = NCIS. Mark Harmon. That man has aged well.
Ter called it. Yep, that Gibbs.
I love how he's all serious and prickly on the outside, but sweet to people he really loves.
Oh, THANK GOD. I thought Hal had a screw loose for a minute there. Sorry, totally out of the loop on anything that shows on CBS. Mark Harmon HAS aged well though. Him and Tom Selleck. (Laugh if you will.)
I think of Bewcastle as an "extremely intellectual" funny man. Different than the "awww shucks" or self deprecating funny guy.
I thought Bewcastle was hilarious - his remarks, cuts, sarcasm and put downs showed he had a remarkable sense of humor. You get the idea that he would have been laugh out loud funny if he wasn't saddled with the dukedom, at least IMHO.
I actually like Joshamee Gibbs, too!
I actually like Joshamee Gibbs, too!
You would. ;)
oh I LOVE that Mary Balogh series - Bewcastle was such fun!
Tom Selleck never changes, though that mustouche (never can spell that) has taken on a life of its own.
Irish - Ya think? He was so serious, but when she got him to play, it was awesome. That's one hero that needed serious loosening up.
The friend one can always count on? Of course I like Joshamee!
How many times has he lost that ship for Jack??
Yeah, but in this last movie... He... well...trust me, does good stuff! And is clever all on his own!
What do you mean...lost the ship? Wait a minute. Are you impugning the name of Joshamee Gibbs? Once! Once he got drunk and tricked... By Barbossa!
He did LOSE the ship, 2nd. You can't deny it. *LOL* But he does play an important part of being a more ridiculous character than Jack when Jack is doing one of his tricks. *LOL*
Stalwart, steady, perfect foil...tolerant of abuse. And great storyteller. Come on! Gibbs deserves some respect!
Have you all gone to see Janga's post at Heroes and Heartbreakers? It's on beta heroes, and it's lovely, as expected. :)
http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/blogs/2011/05/i-heart-betas-beta-heroes-in-romance
And I picked up a JQ at the library. I think the title is "It's In His Kiss". I read the 1st bit and it seemed humorous. :)
Thanks for the shout out, Donna! I loved writing this one, and I'm so excited to be joining you and others as a Heroes and Heartbreakers blogger.
I had to look to see which Quinn book that was. *LOL* I thought it might be the one with the kids, but it's the youngest daughter. It's a funny one; and best of all, it features a Smythe-Smith musical, which provides you with the background to understand how horrific their playing really is. *LOL*
It is absolutely one of my favorite running gags ever. *LOL* Quinn did a great job keeping it up.
Sweet article, Janga! I'm glad you've found a new place to blog widely! :) I love your blogs!
Love the blog, Janga. You're the perfect addition to that group.
Thanks, y'all. I owe the new gig to a generous friend, Pirate Donna.
Congrats, Janga! I'd comment in the blog but I am poorly read when it comes to the topic...and my memory couldn't pull a name out of room full of people wearing nametags right now.
Like in one eyeball and out the other...
Okay, that was sorta gross, but really...the memory for names, who wrote what and plot details are just mist to me now.
I love all of Julia's novels. She has a very keen command of what is appealing in a hero and a heroine and I just love the storylines she comes up with!
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