It's In His Kiss Reviews

• Just OK....Julia had to rush to finish this...and sadly, it shows

  
  By A3ALZZUXVW7838 on 2005-07-07
  I am a huge Julia Quinn fan...SO huge that with the release of each and every JQ novel, I read through the entire Bridgerton Series in time to read the latest offering. I have turned many a friend to JQ...and right now I feel egg on my face
  
  YES... I am afraid this is not her best work.
  
  I will not recap the story--there is an excellent recap above, but I would like to comment as to why I--and two of my friends--found this book lacking. (AND btw I loved When He Was Wicked....so I do not see this as a trend...) Granted, this is better than most of the fare out there..but to me..that is not good enough. JQ has been nothing short of brilliant thusfar in her career....and we can all forgive bits and pieces..but not such huge gaps.
  
  *****AND I should add--I do recall reading on her website that with this particular book she had started it..scrapped it after maybe 100 pages/several months (thus she had not read anything as she was busy catching up...) and ultimately she started over.
  
  She had never done this before.
  
  I am disappointed that her publisher and editor did not extend her deadline and allow her to create a complete full bodied book--with plausable motivations and memorable characters. We don't know if she asked for this extention..but ANY good editor or publisher whose job is to guide a shining star such as JQ... SHOULD have the wisdom to send their writer back to fix up a book that could have been fixable...because frankly this book could ruin the reputations of writer, editor AND pubisher...
  
  So..in my opinion, this is more of an imperfect draft that I am sure...if Julia had been given an extention...she would have realized some of the grave flaws I captured below-and exchanged them with some of the full bodies characters and pomp and spark that we so love in JQ books!****
  
  No more interuptions...here are my reasons:
  
  
  1) No real chemistry. Sure, at the Smyth-Smith concert there are a few flickers..but no real sparks. And as the book progresses--NO flames.
  
  I just didn't CARE if these two ever ever got together. Period.
  
  (BTW I think Gregory should be paired up with a Smyth-Smith--it is about time! And the possibilities here are delightful!)
  
  AND what is this?? After a frank discussion with Violet, Hy wonders about some of the guys she may have turned away? No way! The ONLY guy for her is the hero..yet we wonder if even SHE isn't sure about him--that she has to hold onto this guy as she has already let too many fish get away.
  
  
  2) Hyacynth is not especially likable--and part of it is JQ TELLS us she is this or that but she does little to SHOW us Hy's attributes. We are constantly reminded that she is smarter than most men and that she is very clever. Yet, when it comes down to it... she seems to have no real personality of her own. Show us how she is clever and diabolical...please. Hy seems more like a character out of Mean Girls than a heroine that we could AND should relate to. IE at the Smythe-Smith concert..it is more of a joke..vs Penelope who had gone because she FELT for these poor talentless women. Hy seems almost smug in her knowledge that she is a Bridgerton and everyone will be beholden to her because of this..vs someone who is more of an individual....and people want to be with her because of HER. Thus, there is not a lot about her to like.
  
  I have found that there was more character developement in JQ's short stories than what was displayed in this book. Readers need to FEEL something for the heroine and sadly, we felt zero.
  
  3) I admire Julia Quinn for trying something new--and in this case, a mystery, but I never found myself waiting for the big reveal. No suspense. No surprise. Again, each character knows a secret that they are keeping from the other..but there is NO feeling! VERY unsatisfactory. In fact, had this been resolved in a satisfactory fashion, I may have a TOTALLY different rating. But the way this book ends really reveals how little the mystery really meant to the story. YET this WAS a romantic mystery...yet there was no romance nor any mystery. Bleh. I just hope this is Julia's last mystery. Or, she needs to read some Agatha Christie before she attempts another. And the last page of the book reveals how little this mystery really had to do with this story.
  
  4) The first sex scene is really..shall I use the word...unnecessary?? Ok the motivations of Gareth to 'bed' her is REALLY weak..and thus it just seems that JQ put that scene in there because 2/3rds of the book went by and there had not been any sort of sex scene. Gratitious. :(
  
  5) The Bridgerton clan is more of a guest appearance...and tired at best. Gregory does not seem more than remotely interesting--and he is the last book. He just seems REALLY dull. :( And Anthony! UGH! Just ruined the Viscount that Loved Me for me...
  
  What I really wonder is why Anthony is written the way he is..when he married a far more difficult woman than Hy..a woman who was not afraid to speak her mind when she had too many years on the shelf and was outspoken as all get out--without any sort of fortune or grand family name behind her. There is no way that after living with Kate all of these years that Anthony would have handled Hy the way he did....
  
  
  6) Gareth's parentage. I think that having something similar (two brothers/like brothers) two books in a row was not the freshest idea...and this goes back to my rushed idea. I don't have the eww factor that others have..but more that this seems that the writer is out of any sort of fresh ideas.
  
  7) While I am at it, I am pushing for JQ to do a book on Violet's story. Yea, we know it ends sadly, but like Star wars Episode three, we know the outcome, we just want to know how she go there!
  
  

• Started strong...

  
  By A38IUAQKFXYBO1 on 2005-06-28
  This is the 7th book chronically the Bridgetons. It touches on some emotional issues, such as Hyacinth expressing how she feels about being raised without knowning her father, which serves as the opposite to Gareth's experiences with his father. I thought the first half of the book was really excellent, but the second half fell short of my expectations. I think the plot searching for the jewels was really weak. While there are cameo's by brothers Gregory and Anthony, I was disappointed at the lack of family interaction in this book. Which given the character of Gareth, I though that the family interaction was an important element.
  
  Overall, the book was a fun and quick read. I did love that this book really seemed to stay true to who Hyacinth was in the previous books. And I loved the appearance of Lady Danbury in this book.
  
  
  
  

• It's Pains Me to Rate This 3 Stars

  
  By A2X1A3MY0EEESU on 2005-07-08
  I am a loyal and faithful Julia Quinn fan. I love her prose, characters (primary and supporting), and sharp wit. The Bridgerton series is one of my favorite Regency family series. However, I was disappointed with Hyacinth's story. While you can read the synopsis in other posts, I'll jump right to my opinions.
  
  There was limitless potential for this story: mystery, family legacy, two headstrong lead characters, a meddling grandmother, and a sneaky mother. Because Hyacinth is observed in exchanges with various supporting characters during the book, it seems there will be "more" to the story in the end--as if the interactions & characters will connect in the end (to the mystery and/or romance between Hyacinth and Gareth). However, none of them do. In retrospect you wonder what was the point in some of the interactions. While a few helped with character development, many of them did nothing to strengthen the plot.
  
  Other problems inclue:
  Although the first break-in to the St. Clair estate is amusing and mysterious, repeating this twice was tedious. The major conflict between Hyacinth and Gareth is too boring & predictable to create any suspense for the reader. The resolution regarding the mystery is EXTREMELY disappointing. It left me wondering why Ms. Quinn devoted 75% of Hyacinth's and Gareth's time to a particular undertaking to have it resolved in a way that left them ignorant as to the end of the mystery. I suppose one could see her resolution as allowing Hyacinth & Gregory to keep what brought them together: "the search" for the answer rather than "the solving" the puzzle, but it didn't seem to be written that way. She could have better accomplished this by ending the book on page 363 instead of 368.
  
  The exchanges between Gareth and his father are so predictable and redundant, there is no need for five "run-ins" between them. Hyacinth is witty, intelligent, and assertive with just the right amount of peculiarity. She's has a small fear of intimacy. But this concept is not expounded upon outside of one conversation with her mother. Therefore, her character is likeable but less dynamic. Gareth's character has a little more depth. The first love scene is extremely awkward. Perhaps Ms. Quinn was shooting for realism here--which I can accept. However, her writing of the couple's "intimate" encounters seemed choppy and poorly timed. When Gareth & Hyacinth share say, "I love you," for the first time, the scene is initally touching. But, quickly becomes almost satirical after the couple proceeds to compete regarding who can say: "I Love You" the most times. I adore the "I Love You" scene in a romance novel. But this was almost a mockery.
  
  Overall, this was a cute book if you're looking for an average romance novel to kill sometime. However, it didn't pack the punch that so many have. Most romance novels have a line or scene that really stand out in your head. The only ones I can recall of this novel are the ones with Hyacinth and Lady Danbury. In fact, all of the interactions between the heroine and the supporting characters were either humorous, emotionally stirring, or endearing. This was not so in the romance elements between Hyacinth & Gareth. I think therein lies the problem. It seems Ms. Quinn lost focus on Hyacinth & Gareth by concentrating so heavily on supporting characters and subplots that were never culminated. The product was a romance that seemed more like a brotherly love than a passionate love.
  
  I strongly suggest reading the earlier novels: The Duke & I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, and Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, if you want to read the best Bridgerton books. In the meantime, I look forward to Gregory's story. I belive there was a hint in this book as to who his love interest will be. I also hope to see more Bridgerton's in the conclusion of the series.
  
  

• A fitting story for the youngest Bridgerton.

  
  By A172NPN3DAM8OP on 2005-07-02
  In Julia Quinn's newest Bridgerton book, "It's In His Kiss", readers get to meet an adult Hyacinth, who was only a child during the first Bridgerton book. Hyacinth is an outspoken, witty girl of 22 - perhaps too witty and outspoken, since she is still not married after three years on the marriage mart. Just when her mother is beginning to despair of her, she meets Gareth St. Clair, the grandson of her friend Lady Danbury. Gareth is a known rake who has no interest in respectable ladies of any kind - even if they are able to hold their own in a conversation with him. But when he is given his grandmother's diary, written in Italian, he finds himself spending more and more time with Hyacinth as she attempts to translate it. She discovers an exciting secret, and without meaning to Gareth starts to find himself in the most compromising situations with her...and when a kiss brings them even closer together, he finds himself not minding.
  
  Fans of Julia Quinn's earlier books may be a bit disappointed by this one. Like her past books, this one has her trademark wit and humor, and there are appearances from many past characters (Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton play a key role, Gregory Bridgerton is present as a vexing older brother, and Penelope, Anthony, and Francesca all show up briefly). Unfortunately, the romance between Hyacinth and Gareth does not have the tension and excitement that many of her other books do. In fact, the romance seems almost anti-climactic - it takes a back seat to the mystery of the diary, which is interesting but presents no real danger or intrigue to the plot. The main conflict in the story is Gareth's relationship with his father, or rather lack of a relationship. The two hate each other, and Gareth's father seems to motivate him in everything he does.
  
  If you are a previous Bridgerton fan, then I would reccomend this book. It is worth it to see Hyacinth all grown up, and the characters are likeable. If you have not yet read one of the Bridgerton books, I would not start with this one. You might find yourself unable to understand what all of the fuss is about.
  
  Although Hyacinth is the youngest, this is not the last Bridgerton book. Her older brother, Gregory, will get his own book in Summer 2006. The previous Bridgerton books, in order, are: "The Duke and I" (Daphne), "The Viscount Who Loved Me" (Anthony), "An Offer From A Gentleman" (Benedict), "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton" (Colin), "To Sir Philip, With Love" (Eloise), and "When He Was Wicked" (Francesca).
  
  

• not a keeper

  
  By AW24ODXPY9CMI on 2005-07-08
  I gave this book 3 stars because Julia Quinn is an excellent writer. Unfortunately, the story she came up with this time is not excellent. I have actually not cared for most of her recent books. I read them, but they don't make an impact on me. They are so light (with one exception--the one with Francesca--I think) that they become almost trivial. I am afraid that JQ is sort of going down the Amanda Quick path. Her earlier books were fantastic, but as her career progressed, she became too clever. Her heroines were too intelligent, too spunky, and too annoying. Ultimately, I stopped reading Quick's books. The characters in It's In His Kiss were not annoying, but I didn't care about them. I didn't like the way Hyacinth was so energized after her intimate encounters with Gareth. I just didn't like it. Gareth could have been really good with a better written heroine. I liked the conflict with his father and felt some of his desperation. There was just something about Hyacinth that rubbed me wrong. IMO, Julia Quinn should ease up on the cleverness and just concentrate on developing two lead characters you want to remember. She certainly has the talent to do it.
  
  
• Good, but still can't beat the previous Bridgerton stories.
  By A10RJZ4DAQLAZN on 2005-06-29
  I really feel that Julia Quinn should take a year off writing and travel somewhere to get fresh ideas. The first Julia Quinn book that I read was 'An Offer From a Gentleman', which was about the second Bridgerton sibling. I loved it; I was hooked to Bridgerton stories. I love 'The Duke and I', 'The Viscount Who Loved Me', and 'Romancing Mr Bridgerton'.
  
  I think since 'To Sir Phillip, With Love', the quality of Julia Quinn's writing has gone downhill. 'Sir Phillip' is still a good read, but Francesca story (see, I don't even remember the title, but I remember it's the one with the red cover) is kinda boring. 'It's In His Kiss' doesn't make me read in a marathon, can't-sleep-until-finish kind of reading like the books I mention in the first paragraph of this review. But what can I say; I love Bridgerton stories. I hope Julia will write a great story about Gregory.
  
  
• Sadly, this one just doesn't quite measure up...
  By A3TSKXGJ346JZ on 2005-07-12
  First of all, let me state that I do not believe that Julia Quinn is on some sort of downward spiral with her books, like some reviewers are lamenting. Personally, I really enjoyed "When He Was Wicked" and "To Sir Phillip, With Love."
  
  Now on to "It's In His Kiss":
  
  It seems to me that with this novel JQ was trying to veer back towards a more standard romance novel format, since her last two novels were much more unusual... The only problem is, Hyacinth and Gareth aren't compelling enough to carry the story all the way to the end. Loyal JQ readers might have had our expectations set too high for Hyacinth...
  
  Some of my problems with the novel:
  
  1)Throughout the novel, JQ constantly tells the reader how clever and sneaky Hyacinth is, yet it never really shows in her actions. She also keeps informaing us that Gareth is a consummate rake, but the reader never sees it. I think she assumes her readers will be familiar enough with the Bridgerton clan to not need reminding why they are so endearing. Hyacinth just didn't seem to get the sparkle she had in previous novels.
  
  2) The chemistry between the two characters fizzles halfway.. I actually began to fall asleep reading and I've never done that with a JQ novel before
  
  3) The conversations between Lady Danbury and Hyacinth get a little annoying... I began to get the feeling they both thought they were more clever than they actually were
  
  I know this all sounds incredibly harsh, and let me make one thing clear. "It's In His Kiss" is still twice as entertaining as many romance novels, because even JQ at her dullest is still pretty darn good. I don't consider this book to have been a waste of money, merely not quite the keeper like "The Duke and I" and "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton."
  
  Also, I agree with another reader who said that they felt as though Gregory had been inserted purely as a prop for the next book. I'm hoping that JQ will allow some "time" to pass in her fictional world so Gregory will develop a more complex character...
  
  
  
• Disappointing!
  By A20TLJXCL367OK on 2005-06-30
  I love Julia Quinn but this book was so dull that I actually quit reading it in the middle. I usually rush out and buy her books the day they come out but I think I'll wait a little longer next time. She seems to try a little too hard to make Hyacinth witty. Gareth is a dud as well.
  
  
• FLOP, FLOP. NO SIZZLE...
  By A14DA6YN79EWP1 on 2005-07-16
  OKAY: 1) I feel a bit let down after finishing the book. 2) The Brigerton "spirt" was lacking 3)Romance- wasn't all that we'd normally see from Julia.
  Antony's brief appearance left a "why did she write him like THAT?" taste in my mouth. He was just thrown away from the 'hero' persona that we have come to love him for...& before you ask- Gareth is a loooong way from being a character that we would love like we all loved Anthony (just FYI there).
  >Lady 'D' was fun- but, overdone for my taste.
  >Violet appears a good amount.
  "Hy"- well, she was just a let-down. Where's the story we would have expected? Julia threw us a few bones with the emotional aspects of their lives; it just never took off or truly developed. The loving and exciting romance that had me completely hooked in every other book of Julia's, that I have read, was not here in this novel. Was she rushed when writting it?
  But,hey- read it- for a true fan- you've got to do it. It is a part of the series. Maybe something will inspire Mrs. Quinn before she write another part of the saga. I am just hoping next time will be better.
  I'll set this book aside and try to read it again in a few weeks and see if my opinion changes. It hurts to say, but I'm rather suprised Hy's story didn't cut it. :(
  
  
  
• Rotten piece of work
  By AG4IMP6FLQWQV on 2005-07-09
  Okay, so this book wasn't so bad, but it's certainly not something worth paying for. If you can get it for free and have nothing better to do, then go ahead and read it. Otherwise save yourself some money and valuable time.
  
  This book is utterly forgettable. The storyline is recycled, the characters are two-dimensional, and the writing is mediocre at best. If I'm buying something, I like to feel that my hard-earned money is well spent. Why pay for the same book over and over again? All of Julia Quinn's work is redundant. If you've read one of her books you've read them all. It's the same book with a different title. She thinks the can fool us by changing the cover, but she can't.
  
  On a side note, I emailed the author about some problems I had with the plot and she didn't even have the decency to write back. She has a thing about incest (in `When He Was Wicked' the heroine sleeps with two cousins and in `It's In His Kiss' the hero's mother sleeps with two brothers). What's that about? I don't buy romance to read about things like that.
  
  Readers: DON'T add to this woman's back account!
  
  
  
• Unimaginative Dialogue! . . 4 very low stars.
  By A1NY28967H5TIQ on 2005-07-24
  I've heard people say that too much of anything is not good for you! In Julia Quinn's IT'S IN HIS KISS, too much tedious dialogue was not good for me! The story just had too much senseless chatter that didn't advance its plot! Routine dialogue that turned boring; routine dialogue that felt strangely contemporary!
  
  IT'S IN HIS KISS, continues with the Bridgerton family saga. This time Ms. Quinn tackles Hyacinth's story. Hyacinth is the youngest of the Bridgerton clan, and like most 'youngest' in a family, she is a manipulator, who loves to get her own way -- and she usually does. She is spontaneous, devilishly outspoken, charming, and exasperating -- exasperating enough to provoke Gareth St. Clair.
  
  Gareth St. Clair was his father's contempt. The man loathed him. Gareth was a by-blow, nothing more than a whelp his mother obtained from another man. Oh how, his 'legal' father delighted in that wounding confession. Yes, someday Gareth St. Clair would inherit his father's title and properties, but first the old man would beggar the St. Clair estates. Nevertheless, Gareth did have one endowment: his grandmother's diary - a diary written in Italian. Bewitchingly smart Hyacinth Bridgerton offers to translate for Gareth. Yet, as they attempt to solve the text, Gareth St. Clair soon discovers he wants Hyacinth Bridgerton! If for no other reason than to show his father he is good enough for a 'ton' girl.
  
  After Quinn's victory with WHEN HE WAS WICKED, I looked to this entry with much anticipation, but I finished disappointed. IT'S IN HIS KISS is reminiscent of Quinn's BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN and DANCING AT MIDNIGHT. Lifeless dialogue plagues all three; all three are inglorious.
  Grade: B-
  
  MaryGrace Meloche.
  Reviewer for: RomanceDesigns.com
  
  
• Not the best of the Bridgerton Bunch
  By A1XX3RDTQKODEZ on 2005-08-26
  I was disappointed in this book as many reviewers were. The hero was very likeable but why he would choose Hyacinth was a mystery. All the situations in the book seemed contrived. Two dances and the gossip now linked them together and it seems they just went along with it. Didn't Gareth have some sort of reputation? Why Violet seemed to push Hyacinth towards marriage with Gareth didn't seem logical. I didn't really like the way the rest of the Bridgerton clan treated Hyacinth.
  
  The whole situation of his Italian grandmother's hidden treasure was ridiculous. If they had found anything in Gareth's father's house it would have been stealing if they removed it. Even though their motives were honorable, (to keep something of the St. Clair legacy intact), it would not have been an option to take them since his father was still alive and the jewels would be part of the estate.
  
  The Italian diary was an interesting element but turned out to be rather tame. I doubt that the grandmother would have revealed who Gareth's real father was. I did enjoy Lady Danbury - her character was the most amusing in the entire book.
  
  I am reading the Bridgerton series all out of order. Each, including this one, stands alone. Anyone reading the series will want to read Hyacinth's story - but it is certainly not the best of the bunch.
  
  
  
• Loved it at first, then. . .
  By A15JGT0FQBG1SN on 2005-09-05
  I love Julia Quinn's humor. It makes me laugh out loud, and for about half of "It's in His Kiss," her talent shone through. However, about the middle of the book, it devolves. First, I was TOTALLY UNINTERESTED in the mystery of finding Gareth's grandmother's jewels. As another reviewer asked, were there no Italian dictionaries available? Second, Gareth's attractiveness diminished, the longer the book went on. Afraid that Hyacinth and her family will break off the engagement if they find out his secret, he decides to compromise Hyacinth by seducing her, knowing it would lock her into marrying him. I kept telling myself that THIS was when Gareth realized that he truly loved her, when he realized that such an act would dishonor her, but no such luck. Instead, we have the same-old, same-old sex before marriage--let alone previously Hyacinth sneaking out--repeatedly--in the middle of the night to help Gareth find the jewels. Unbelievable. Third, Gareth's "love" for her is shown in his anger at her endangering herself by her coming to his apartment, etc. Excuse me, but this rang hollow, once he risks her well-being by seducing her. Don't these heroes ever think, "What if something prevents us from marrying (my getting sick or dying, for example) and she produces an illegitimate child?" Such a line of thought would indicate real love, to me.
  
  To summarize, I suggest you get this book from your library and go read something in your pile of unread books.
  
  
• Was ok
  By A1HGR45RDKQUZZ on 2005-07-04
  The book was ok, I have keep up to day with all the Bridgerton children and can not wait for Gregory's book. Then the grandchildren's stories will hopefully follow.
  Hyacinth I thought would be more intresting though. The book bounced around a bit and left you hanging at the end. Wasn't one of my Favorite Bridgeton family books. But you will like it just the same.
  Didn't mention any of the other family member as much as I would have suspected. Anthony of course since he is head of the family, but no sister-in laws or brother inlaws had any parts.
  My favorte one is Lady Danbury, who had a larger part in this book then the previous and still as cranky as ever! Gotto love her!
  is a good book, just don't buy it expecting too much an dyou will be happy!
  
  
  
  
• Boring
  By A2SS00G4Z9ZILP on 2005-07-10
  With each book I get a bit more disappointed. The first couple in this series -- esp. Viscount Who Loved Me -- were really spectacular. But, I guess that since we keep buying the books no matter how lousy they get, Ms. Quinn doesn't have to bother working as hard as she initially did to write a good story. This one is pretty weak. At least this was readable, something I can't say about Eloise's story or even Francesca's.
  
  
• Disappointed
  By A9QROKQ40P13R on 2005-07-11
  Although I have declared to my friends that Ms. Quinn is my favorite romance writer, I agree with many other readers who feel disappointed with this book. I've read all Ms.Quinn's books and am a great fan of the Bridgerton series. While some readers had some strong comments for To Sir Phillip With Love, I, however enjoyed it.
  
  I usually finish a Bridgerton book within a night this time, it took me over a week. The story was not gripping. Also, it was neither funny nor deep. In this bookViolet Br. became quite a bore and the exchange between father and son were so mundane. Compare this book to Duke & I (both heros have conflict with their fathers) and you'd see how Ms. Quinn has let us down.
  
  I also had expected more about the family or family activities. Such as playing Pall Mall, trips to Greenwich, but was disappointed to find none. Despite the fact that Ms. Quinn keeps stressing in the book about the closeness of this family. In my idea, Gregory was brought in, only to remind us that his book is coming out next year. Besides a few sentences just to annoy his sister, he did nothing. Though he is described as always being the "big brother" figure in her life. One would have thought that he would catch her sneaking out to meet Garath at least once.
  
  Although I don't see Ms. Quinn coming out with that many books (1 a year and a novella?), I agree with someone who says she should go away and get some fresh ideas.
  
  
• Hhhmmm -- Good, but not the best Quinn
  By ACLZYGKXQD15K on 2005-07-20
  I won't go into the plot, since others have done so quite well. What is the best way to describe this book?
  
  Well, if I were to compare it to other Quinn books; I'd give 2 and half stars. But, compared to other historical romances, it has to have 5 stars. so, it averages out to about 3.5, I think (sorry, math is not my best subject.) The thing about Julia Quinn is that even her worst work is better than everybody else's best work.
  
  This book features some great scenes between Hyacinth and Gareth, and the same sort of love scenes one has come to expect in Quinn's books. I think that she had a lot to overcome with Hyacinth, because we'd seen her in the other Bridgerton books and (let's face it) she's kind of annoying.
  
  I, personally, did not like the whole "oh, let's read the diary and go looking for jewelry" mystery subplot. I realize that we need to have a reason for these two to keep talking to each other, but did it have to be a pseudo-mystery? That whole plot gives me flashbacks of (bad) novels by Quick and Coulter. Also, the resolution to that plot is very unsatisfying in the end.
  
  There was not as much of the trademark light-heartedness that is found most of her novels. While it wasn't a dark book, by any means, it just wasn't the romp I was expecting from Hyacinth's story.
  
  I loved the scene between Violet (Hyacinth's mother) and Hyacinth. I love how in every book Violet reveals something that is special to her child that is not relevant to the other children. It shows that she loves each one in a different way.
  
  All in all, definitely worth the read - if you haven't read a Bridgerton book yet, then buy every single one today and set aside the whole weekend to read them in order. You will not regret it. To get more info on which books are in the Bridgerton series series, visit Quinn's website. It's excellent.
  
  
• An alpha male and the spirited woman who captures his heart.
  By A3RX5RMRAJ8Z5B on 2005-08-28
  I picked this book up and devoured it in a day. The story grabbed me from the start, saucy characters, and great plot twists. It is a fun, escape from reality read.
  
  Gareth is an alpha male and Hyacinth is the spirited woman who captures his heart. Gareth is handsome, sexy, intelligent, but embittered by life. I am always a sucker for stories with "heartless" heroes who find their souls through the love of a good woman. The dialogue was Julia Quinn at her best...witty and amusing. The reader will feel the despair, the heartbreak, passion and the joy of Gareth and Hyacinth in this very excellent character driven romance. Gareth and Hyacinth were both wounded, intriguing, complex, wonderful characters. The action/suspense was fast-paced and thrilling. The setting was beautiful and exotic. The sex was HOT and perfect for the story.
  
  The plot moved along at a great pace. Full of enjoyable supporting characters and stories. The plot and characters seemed fresh, the pace was quick, and it was a totally engrossing read. This was an awfully good and original read! It was written with an amazing level of intensity and feeling that my heart was pumping furiously with both the palatable passion and the keen sense of danger infused in the story.
  
  Wonderfully written! And very sexy Historical Romance book. I loved, loved ,loved this book!!!
  
  
  
• Disappointing
  By A3RCAL4DME8F7S on 2005-10-05
  I have always enjoyed Julia Quinn novels, and most especially I love her Bridgerton family series. The description on this one looked great, and because I've seen the spirited Hycanith as a secondary character in her siblings' stories, I was especially looking forward to her finally geting her own book.
  
  Unfortunetly, I barely finished it. I read the first half and was so bored I set it aside and read several other books before finally coming back in hopes that the end would redeem the beginning...it didn't.
  
  As another reviewer noted, Hycanith isn't particularly endearing. We're forever told how clever and witty she is, but we never see that. Instead she just seems sort of boring. There is far more time spent describing her through the eyes of others than there is "seeing her in action," and as a result I felt like I hardly knew her.
  
  The hero was fine, but rather unremarkable due to lack of chemistry between the characters. It seemed as though the author was lacking in energy or creativity, or both. The entire story seemed formulaic and dull.
  
  I gave it two stars instead of one out of loyalty to Ms. Quinn, but if this would have been the first book I read by her I would not have even bothered to finish. In a nutshell, this book just dragged and I wouldn't recommend wasting your time or money(do try other books by Julia Quinn though...this dud is not her norm!).
  
  
• Not quite as strong as hoped...
  By A182KFEGPOCZ7Y on 2005-06-29
  This book is fast, fun, and written in Ms. Quinn's usual impeccable style. But the relationship felt forced and the plot contrived. Both Gareth and Hyacinth impulsively go for a kiss and have "aha" moments where they realize their deep, previously hidden love and passion for each other. In Romancing Mister Bridgerton, Colin has a similar sort of realization, and as I read through that passage, I completely bought his unexpected emotional upheaval. Gareth and Hyacinth's fall into love was far less believable. On top of this, the jewel plot was a bit silly.
  Still, a mediocre book by Julia Quinn is an excellent book. Gareth and Hyacinth were both solid characters with consistent personalities. After the awkward realization of love, the two of them mesh quite nicely as a couple. All of the secondary characters were strong as well, although this book feels a little empty when I consider how few of the Bridgerton clan actually walk through these pages.
  
  
  
• Fun, light-hearted read
  By A3UM12VP2C9ZTQ on 2005-06-29
  This is a great summer read. Quinn returns to the more light-hearted style that she's famous for and delivers a fun read. I read this one sitting last night - it suited my mood exactly.
  
  Some of the scenes felt a bit rushed, the plot can be a bit thin, but the characters are fun and keep everything moving.
  
  
• The BEST Bridgerton book!
  By A3861MV21EZAMM on 2005-06-30
  I love all of the Bridgerton series, but this one has to be the absolute best. I laughed out loud so much reading this book! Gareth is truly the only man on Earth who could ever keep up with Hyacinth Bridgerton. Anyone who has read the other Bridgteron books knows how delightfully funny and entertaining Hyacinth is, and in her now very own book she has definately met a man who is just as funny and sarcastic! Gareth St. Clair is absolutely hilarious, and very sweet. This book is the most entertaining book I have read in a very long time.
  
  
• Still not quite back...
  By A6YPH5MQO233F on 2005-07-06
  First, let me say I have loved the Bridgerton series. They are almost as good as the Cynster's (Stephanie Laurens) which are as good as they get in my opinion. Still Hyacinth's story left me floundering.
  
  It starts out really strong. The story is good, Hyacinth is a great character. Gareth is a strong hero, though not as well fleshed out as others have been. Her attraction to him rings true... if a little hasty, but his to her could have been better developed. Still the story moves along nicely.
  
  The parts with his father are unsatisfying, the reader is pulling for Gareth to finally have his victoy, or at least acknowledgement... and some parts come close, but don't quite get there. Lady Danbury gets a lot of attention, but I felt she should have had a part in sloving the "mystery" of the jewels, parentage, or diary. Instead she brings them together, but doesn't do much else. The diary is also unsatisfying as it doesn't give as much as the reader hopes it will.
  
  The ending is what really lacked for me. I guess I believed in Hyacinth too much to like her not being able to finish the story herself. I also didn't care for it jumping years ahead for the ending. Having the solution handed to the reader, only to be taken back without anyones reaction to it really felt unfinished. Perhaps in another book it will be, but considering how little time anyone else in the family had in this book, it doesn't seem likely.
  
  If you love the Bridgerton's it is a must read, but if you have never read any of the other books, go back a few first. Daphne's story was the best I think. If you have never read Stephanie Laurens Cynster series... that series sets the bar for other Regency Series!
  
  
• An enjoyable read, but not the best in the series.
  By A2HMHN6Y9VX18K on 2005-07-13
  I've read every one of the Bridgerton series and loved them all, but this book didn't measure up for me.
  
  First of all, I found the little narrative quotes at the beginning of each section to be thoroughly distracting. Though they were humorously written, they yanked me out of the story.
  
  The romance between Hyacinth and Gareth didn't quite connect for me. I think a large part of that is more that all the eluded references to each character - Hyacinth as being clever and sneaky and Gareth being a well-known rake with a reputation mamas wanted nothing to do with - were more referenced than shown. We saw very little that required clever or sneaky behavior of Hyacinth, and Gareth's reputation seemed a thing of the past. I just didn't see enough character evolvement. It was a surface romance, IMO, and didn't catch at my heart. I didn't really see reasons why these two particular people were fated for each other (other than the fact that no one else would put up with Hyacinth) and no one else.
  
  I agree with another reviewer, as well, that the conversations between Lady Danbury and Hyacinth got a little annoying. They were more examples of one-upmanship and less examples of conversations between friends.
  
  ANY Julia Quinn book is worth the money spent to read, and this one included but it's not her best.
  
  
• Solid Romance novel but not Quinn's best
  By AOEP96629WHHA on 2005-07-28
  Quinn is one of my favorite romance writers. Without undue flattery, she is often compared to Jane Austen. She won my heart through her ability to create warm, likeable characters with quick wits. I've come to expect many laugh out loud moments while reading her books...but, unfortunately, I didn't get too many of those here. This novel doesn't demonstrate her at her best. In my opinion, the tension between characters is what makes or breaks a romance--not just the sexual chemistry, but the evolution of relationship. There must be some reason that two people are drawn together, and, to sustain the typical romance arc, held apart. Hyacinth and Gareth--plausible characters, both, and Gareth at least has an interesting backstory--fall together rather naturally and placidly. The obstacles which must be overcome between them are not particularly compelling. Neither, in my opinion, is the passion that inspires them to try. It isn't that I disliked the novel or that I wouldn't recommend it. It was pleasant; it was a good read; it was just not up to Quinn's usual standards. She can do better. And I hope she will, with her next installment.
  
  
• Very Enjoyable Read!
  By A4B3AYDIDRJ80 on 2005-12-05
  I read this book after having decided to take a break from romances for awhile. "It's In His Kiss" was a very satisfying return to the historical romance genre for me. I had been a tad bit disappointed with a few of the previous books in the Bridgerton series but this one delivered. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty interaction between Hyacinth and Gareth - and Lady Danbury...what a hoot! Many laugh-out-loud moments combined with some quite touching scenes make for a very enjoyable read.
  
  I look forward to reading Gregory's story in the future.
  
  
• By no means the best in the series...
  By A2CB7FKI74MTD2 on 2005-06-29
  ...but it was a light, (very) fast, reasonably enjoyable read. The two primary characters are certainly likeable. My main disappointment was that the story focused more on solving Gareth's family mysteries than the relationship between he and Hyacinth. There was very little "challenge" to their relationship, which fell together a little too neatly, in my opinion. I'll keep "The Viscount Who Loved Me" and "The Duke and I" at the top of my shelf, but I'll have this one tucked away somewhere for a rainy day down the road. Let's hope JQ can end the series on a high note with Gregory's story!
  
  
• At least Target takes 25% off the price!
  By A5RIXXUCWCZGF on 2005-07-11
  Ugh! Not happy with this one! However, I think a lot of readers have already reviewed it and captured my main complaints about it, so there is no point repeating what they have already pointed out. Very disappointing read, but then it's been that way with the last two books in this series....I think the author may have gotten a little overly confident with the success of this series and not devoted as much time to making the book all it could be. At this point, I hardly care what happens to Gregory, the remaining bachelor in the family! Such a shame, too, because I really enjoyed the first couple of books in the series.
  
  
• Not good
  By A5ES70YSDB161 on 2005-08-07
  I have to agree with the previous reader review and say that this is not the best book by this author. You would be better spending your hard earned dollars on another title.
  
  
• Um...I beg to differ.
  By A2FYNQ347Q60LW on 2005-08-09
  Some writers I read for their intricately woven plots, others for their finley drawn characters, I read Julia Quinn for her laugh-out-loud moments wrapped up in a fast-paced package of stomach flipping regency romance. As a longtime reader of Julia Quinn's novels, even of her promising, yet awkward early work, I am extremely puzzled by other long time readers' assessment of It's in His Kiss. Unlike the other reviewers I found It's in His Kiss to be Quinn's best offering since Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. Julia Quinn is at her best when her characters are needling one another and her depiction of the familial interactions of the Bridgertons add a sense of fun and community to her novels that is missing in those novels which take the lead Bridgerton out of the family circle (see To Sir Philip With Love and When He Was Wicked). Far from their chemistry-deprived descriptions by previous reviewes, I found the interactions of Gareth and Hyacinth to be funny and sweet. And yes, while some of their escapades did seem a bit far fetched, none were impossible within the context of the novel. Unlike To Sir Philip With Love and When He Was Wicked, the darker backstory doesn't overshadow the novel's lighter moments. Instead, the backstory serves to make the comedic moments more welcome and the romance more tender. Quinn has not failed to deliver what her readers have come to expect from her. On the contrary, with It's in His Kiss, she has returned to the madcap comedy at which she excels. And for that, this reader is truly thankful.
  
  

• On the Way to the Wedding
• To Sir Phillip, With Love (Bridgerton Series, Book 5)
• When He Was Wicked (Bridgerton Family Series)
• Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgerton Series, Book 4)
• Offer From a Gentleman, An (Bridgerton Series, Bk. 3)