Review: Just Like Heaven

Just Like Heaven

By Julia Quinn

Publication date: May 31, 2011

My review:

In this spin-off from the Bridgerton series, Honoria Smythe-Smith is determined to find a husband since it is her second season. She is somewhat halfhearted about it but feels that it is something she must do so she decides on a likely candidate. Unfortunately for Honoria (and without her knowledge) Marcus Holroyd, her brother Daniel's best friend, has been scaring off her would-be suitors at Daniel's request. Marcus and Honoria have known each other since she was six and he was eleven and they have become friends over the years. Marcus does not think any of the young men who have taken interest in her are good enough. Could it be that he might be her perfect match instead?

Just Like Heaven may be predictable but it is also very funny and I enjoyed Marcus and Honoria's friendship. I think that was the best part of the story. It is nice to read a romance where the couple know each other so well that their relationship is based on much more than attraction. They have a shared history and they understand each other very well. It was also touching to see Honoria taking care of Marcus when he was severely ill. There is nothing surprising here-no unexpected plot twists or evil villains to get in the way. It is just a nicely developed and believable romance with some great comic scenes such as the annual Smythe-Smith Musicale. There is also a nice little nod to the hilarious Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron story from What Happens in London. I really wish Julia Quinn would actually write that entire story and publish it, even if it was just a little novella!

The one thing that kept me from completely enjoying this book was my annoyance with some of Honoria's cousins. Thankfully most of the book revolved around Honoria and Marcus. While this is a spin-off from Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series, it is not necessary to have read those books first. I have not read the Bridgerton books and I was able to follow this one perfectly. This works quite well as a stand alone book. 

Just Like Heaven is the third Julia Quinn novel that I've read and I will probably go on to read the Bridgerton series as well. I really enjoy the humor and the characters in her books. I don't usually read traditional historical romance novels but these seem to be a cut above the rest. If you are in the mood for a light humorous romance, give Just Like Heaven a try.

Readalikes: Julia London, Sarah MacLean

Note: I received an ARC of this book through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.