Not Julia Quinn's best, but it remains enjoyable.I rather liked that both characters had had real traumas in their past, and were not only merely terrified of their shadows and of the idea that they would die too young. However those real traumatic events were not fully developed and certainly not handled in a dramatic way, but in Quinn's usual light-hearted style. It worked mostly, even if it left me wanting for more once or twice.The ending felt a bit rushed, I really disliked that George Chervil's wife would end up as punished as he was, whereas she was completely innocent of any wrong-doing and seemed like a really nice and rather unlucky person. I enjoyed "A Night Like This" much more than the first book of Julia Quinn's "Smythe-Smith Quartet". Although this story does not follow an actual musician responsible for the notorious musicale, Anne was an honorary member in the previous novel.Daniel's past was a very major sub-plot in "Just Like Heaven" and as the hero of this book, it is expanded even further. I really enjoyed his light sense of humor, despite having been experienced the terror of living life on the run, and felt that this part of him is what makes him a perfect match for Anne. Having been exiled and in hiding for the past eight years, Anne has felt many of the same things but she does not have the same support system to help her. After being very much on her own for so long, she finds not only true love with Daniel, but also a (large) family that she may now belong.The main conflict in this story revolved around the constant sense of danger and urgency. I loved how both characters were concealing their own demons, leading to both believing that the sabotage was a result of someone from their own respective pasts. George acted the madman and the readers will never understand what he is thinking. However, Hugh really stole the show during the climax of the story. His characters is described in such a manner that begs the audience to question his thoughts. After having confirmed that he is the hero of the next book, I eagerly anticipate continuing the series. I also hope (somewhat spitefully) to see how Anne's family has taken the news that the daughter they turned out has become a countess.
What do You think about Una Noche Inolvidable (2013)?
I liked Honoria's story better (Just Like Heaven).Unfortunately I found the sex scene cheesy and Anne was a bit too weak for my liking. Her parents were unforgivable for not being supportive after what happened to her and I felt so bad for how she was cast out. This book was like a buffet of cheesy sex, suspense regarding who the perp was, the saga of Ms Winter...quantity but lacking the quality of a good romance. Some of the dialogue was quinn-essential (pun intended) JQ but not her best work. And I don't get how Anne could get away with saying that her first time didn't count...regardless of how she was used or whether her feelings or the other party's said feelings were genuine, sistah, it did happen and you can't call a Mulligan!Favorite parts were the flashback to Daniel and Hugh's fiasco and scenes involving the Pleinsworth sisters together. With all due respect, I think JQ can write wonderful rom-com but stay away from erotica.
—lianemerald
Instant love and attraction for Ann and Daniel. Their eyes meet at the annual Smythe-Smith musicale. Ann has been forced out of the role of governess when Sarah backs out of playing because of "illness".Ann is fleeing a tragic past where love and attraction were her downfall yet she can't resist Daniel. He is trying to re-establish his life after being forced to flee because of an earlier duel that went wrong.I found this couple most interesting when interacting with Daniel's cousins and Ann's 3 young charges. Plus, all the people around the Smythe-Smith circle are fun bit players.
—katiesue
It had a few funny parts where I laughed out loud. A cute story.
—tccedar
Not the best of Julia Quinn, but a fun and lighthearted read.
—patty
