This book (and this author) is entirely out of my reading zone. I rarely read pure romance novels anymore. But I recently read rave reviews on her Bridgerton series that is coming out soon on Netflix India. And I thought I’d try Mr. Cavendish, I Presume, and see if it would suit me.
Tweets like this (by the booksmugglers) would spark anyone’s interest.
JULIA QUINN!!! These were the first ever romance novels I read, and it’s what started the Book Smugglers even!
Initially tweeted by booksmugglers (@booksmugglers) on 11/02.
Unfortunately, Mr.Cavendish, I Presume, didn’t work for me.
About Mr. Cavendish, I Presume
Amelia Willoughby has been engaged to the Duke of Wyndham for as long as she can remember. Literally. A mere six months old when the contracts were signed, she has spent the rest of her life waiting for Thomas Cavendish, the oh-so-lofty duke, to finally marry her. But as she watches him from afar, she has a sneaking suspicion that he never thinks about her.
It’s true. He doesn’t. But just when he realizes that his bride might be more than convenient, Thomas’s world is rocked by the arrival of his long-lost cousin, who may or may not be the true Duke of Wyndham. And if Thomas isn’t the duke, then he’s not engaged to Amelia. This is the cruelest joke because this arrogant and illustrious duke has made the mistake of falling in love with his fiancée!
~ Synopsis from goodreads
My Review
It’s not very easy to create an engaging romance. The hero and heroine have to sparkle, and there needs to be credible wit and incredible passion. The reader needs to buy into the romance – especially since the romance is the book’s entire purpose.
But I had high hopes for this book. Julia Quinn seems to be quite liked by most bloggers and friends who like romance. There were comparisons with Georgette Heyer (one of my all-time favorites). Also (slightly ashamed to admit my bias), the author bio said Quinn is from Harvard – so I automatically assumed there would be some weight to her writing 😆.
So, it pains me to say it, but I did not like this book. Thomas was a bore, Amelia was a non-entity, Thomas’ grandmother was a nightmare, and the plot – which could have been very interesting – was frustrating at best.
In short, without mincing any words, the book was a bore. And I don’t think I will try any of her other books. Unless someone can convince me in their comments?
Do you read romance? Any recommendations for me?
