“In 2005 I reviewed this one for AAR and gave it a B+ and rated its sensuality Warm. Only my second Quinn book in all my years of romance reading, I keep reminding myself that I need to look into this author's backlist.
"If you are looking for some lighthearted, laugh-out-loud summer reading, that will also fill your need for a tender romance – look no further. Julia Quinn’s latest installment of the Bridgerton series is full of subtle humor, witty dialogue, and an undeniable chemistry between the leads. Although many of the story’s scenarios are usual fare for a European historical romance, Gareth and Hyacinth’s story had a sparkling edge that drew me in. Yeah, Gareth is the immensely attractive, lovable rogue who has never considered marriage - but with a freshness that made me appreciate this type of hero all over again.
Hyacinth Bridgerton has seen three full seasons on the Marriage Mart and now in her fourth season, has discovered that all the balls, parties, and suitors just aren’t very exciting anymore. She still finds enjoyment in the many activities of the ton – after all, she is a sensible woman and certainly not one to complain about the wealth and privilege one is forced to endure. Although she is well-liked and considered a good catch for matrimony, men tend to think of Hyacinth as best in small doses. Always competitive and more intelligent than most, she is not one to give up a contest easily or feign stupidity. Therefore, she was considered…challenging.
Gareth St. Clair is known as such a delectable combination of impropriety and sinful handsomeness that few, if any, match his level of infamous wickedness. His father, Baron St. Clair, had cut him off financially at the age of 18 when Gareth refused an arranged marriage to salvage the family’s finances. On that same day, his father had revealed his reason for hating Gareth all those years – he was not his son but rather the by-blow of one of his mother’s affairs. For years, Gareth has enjoyed throwing scandal in the baron’s face as he attempts to hide the fear that one day his illegitimacy will be revealed. Now, as Gareth stands to gain the barony after his older brother’s death, it seems his father is systematically running the estates into the ground. After all, what better revenge could a wronged man have against a bastard son than leaving him riddled with debt?
A delightful secondary character, Lady Danbury (Gareth’s maternal grandmother), seemed more like a third lead character to me. She is a lioness among the ton, fearless in her words and willing to poke fun at anyone, including herself. Regarded as a crotchety old lady, she relishes her outspoken manipulative nature. Each Tuesday, dear Hyacinth Bridgerton reads to her some daring adventure story and then the two spend time cracking jokes and sharing their lives. Both hold a deep respect for the other – Hyacinth wants to emulate Lady Danbury’s distinctive attitude towards life and Lady Danbury considers Hyacinth her ideal protégée. She shares a close relationship with her favorite person, her grandson, Gareth, and seems to be maneuvering Hyacinth and Gareth into each other’s company more and more these days.
Finding themselves sitting side by side at the Smythe-Smith musical, both Hyacinth and Gareth suspect there is some matchmaking going on. He appreciates her droll nature and although he finds her vaguely annoying as well, he just can’t quite forget her - but still - she is the strangest woman. She thinks he’s funny and smart with the ability to leave her speechless at times – but really - why does he have such uncomfortably blue eyes? When Gareth is given his paternal grandmother’s diary, written in Italian, Hyacinth volunteers to translate the text for him. Realizing that his father knows nothing of the old diary, Gareth discreetly entrusts the family heirloom into her care, hoping it will provide answers to some of the more disturbing questions about his heritage. Hyacinth views her assistance as the beginning of a grand adventure – finally something exciting is happening in her life!
As the two compare notes on the diary, they discover an increasing need and desire to see one another. What Hyacinth uncovers in her translations soon has them hunting for answers – sometimes in the middle of the night on the streets of London. Their search, as a plot device, lacked the sophistication that otherwise permeated the story and seemed a trifle too typical for my tastes. During these scenes, Hyacinth’s persistence at being included in everything all the time made her appear a bit spoiled and Gareth’s tendency to give in to her demands came close to undermining his strong character. This progression of events kept the story from entering DIK territory but otherwise, I found fault with little else as it flowed effortlessly to the end.
It’s in His Kiss is book seven of the Bridgerton series – there are eight Bridgerton siblings of which Hyacinth is the eighth. I have read only one of the previous books in the series and found this book read well as a stand-alone. One Bridgerton, Gregory, remains without a book - Quinn’s website indicates he will wrap up the Bridgerton series in the summer of 2006.
In closing, both Gareth and Hyacinth’s characters were well developed - funny, highly likable, and vulnerable – certainly a winning combination for romantic leads. Their verbal interaction was the most outstanding aspect of this charming story. European historical romances have traditionally been my favorite category for reading but lately contemporary romance has almost eclipsed their position. It’s in His Kiss reminded me once again why I first fell in love with these historicals."
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Lea AAR wrote this review Wednesday, June 18 2008.
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