Splendid (Blydon Book 1)

First of all, the title for this book describes it perfectly! SPLENDID is Julia Quinn's debut novel which was originally released in 1995 and the first in her "Blydon" series. This was my fourth time reading it and I can honestly say that I still love it as much today as I did the previous three times. If you've never picked up a book by Ms. Quinn (where have you been hiding?) then this (or the famous Bridgertons) would be a perfect place to start. I personally think her earlier work is better than her more recent books anyway, but that's just my lone opinion.SPLENDID was such a fabulous story and deserves much higher praise than anything I can put into words. Not only does it have a beautiful romance, but the humor was just too much fun to read about. The entire cast was fantastic including Alex and Emma, and I literally adored every single one of them. It was fast paced with never a dull moment, and I was hooked from the very first chapter. A must read for all historical romance or JQ fans and so worthy of this five star review. I re-read it every five years or so and enjoy every moment. I hope you do too 😊Below is a list of the entire "Blydon" series and reading order for those who don't know:Book 1 - SPLENDID (Emma Dunster & Alexander Ridgely, the Duke of Ashbourne)Book 2 - DANCING AT MIDNIGHT (Arabella "Belle" Blydon & Lord John Blackwood) Belle is Emma's cousinBook 3 - MINX (Henrietta "Henry" Barrett & William Dunford) Dunford is Alex's best friendBook 3.5 - A TALE OF TWO SISTERS (A novella located inside the WHERE'S MY HERO? anthology, featuring Ned Blydon) Ned is Emma's cousin & Belle's brother

I had forgotten how much I like her humor. Likeable characters also. Really entertaining read. I think it's time to reread The Duke & I.

If you are a bridgerton/Julia Quinn fan you need this book. It is whimsical, romantic and sexy.

This book may have been JQ’s first, but I hold that it just might still be her best. This book is wonderfully written, complete with plot twists, amazing and well fleshed out characters, and all the fun and romance one expects from a regency romance novel! I own 3 copies, 2 in paperback (one in excellent condition that is part of my collection of most of Julia Quinn’s books, one in rough condition that I carry to hospital appointments, and a digital copy on my phone.I can’t recommend this book enough. Total comfort read, beginning to end!

FINAL DECISION: A book that feels more formulaic than a normal Julia Quinn novel, SPLENDID has some madcap moments but after a while the number of dramas that had to be negotiated wore on the story.THE STORY: Emma Dunster is an American heiress who intends on enjoying her season in London with no plans for marriage because she wants to return to America, marry and run her father's business. Masquerading as a kitchen maid, she goes out on an errand and ends up saving the nephew of Alexander Ridgely, Duke of Ashbourne, a notorious rake. Furious when he finds out her deception, Emma and Alexander begin a dance where neither wants marriage but yet they cannot stay away from one another.OPINION: This book begins well. The twist of having Alexander believe that Emma is a kitchen maid and then discovering that she is actually an heiress is funny and brings the characters immediately together in an intimate fashion. Emma shows herself to be independent and determined as she wants to use her business sense. Alexander is a bit of a jerk about the whole thing. The two cannot seem to stop being attracted to one another despite each believing that they want something else.This book just has too many dramatic moments and twists and turns to drive the story forward instead of fostering connection between the characters. For me that means that while I like the book, I found it somewhat forgettable. It's one of those books that I read, enjoyed but won't think to pick up again.The good news is that Quinn has gone on to write some amazing books.WORTH MENTIONING: This was Julia Quinn's first book and at times it shows.CONNECTED BOOKS: SPLENDID is the first book in the Splendid or Blydon Trilogy.STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.

The first and best book in the series. The character of Emma (American cousin of London elite) is feisty and fun; the male counterpart (Alex) is the non-marriage minded Duke every woman wants to land. The novel is fast-paced, fun, and romantic. I feel that the ending was not tied well in that all throughout the book it is important to Emma that she take over her father's shipping business, but she just dismisses the idea in the end and her father isn't even there for the wedding or thereafter. Overall, a great read.

Emma os from Boston sent by her dad to her aunt whom is nobility. She wishes to stay unwed and run her dad shipping business. Upon being in London she geta into mischief with her cousin Bella and meets Lady Sophia and her brother whom is a Member of the ton Alex. Alex instantly os attracted to the minx and decides she is his . Even though hos thoughts on marriage are null. Good book witty and page turner

Early Blydon trilogy make for great reading. Leads nicely into the Bridgerton books! I’ve now read all of Julia’s books twice and can’t wait to see what she writes next. I’ve now been enjoying Lisa Kleypas’ “Wallflower” series.

Lots of exciting edge of your seat events to keep you entertained along with the hero and heroine’s clash of personalities which had to be sorted.

I have read most of the Bridgerton books enjoyed them all, Splendid was I think my favorite so far, great read.

Es una novela para pasar un buen rato y estar entretenida.La mayoría de las veces no busco más y esta autora lo consigue con facilidad

It's splendid in name and truly splendid.I enjoyed.I would recommend it to everyone.One of the best books of Julia Quinn.

Absolutely loved it ! Over the top and not really historically accurat, but still great tension, couldn't stop reading.