Julia (2011) Mass Market Paperback - Just Like Heaven by Quinn

What Happens in London offers possibilities in a title and in a smart youtube video teaser-but just does not live up to the hype.

This is the Story of Olivia Bevelstoke - 19th century "IT" girl and Harry, son of an embarrassing alcoholic and translator extraordinaire - the party girl and the brain - the most unlikeliest of matches.

Olivia is breathtakingly beautiful and has either broken off engagements or cleverly prevented having to find herself having to refuse potential offers. People rarely look at her beyond her beauty and she is both frustrated by this and the result is a clever and funny inner thought pattern that Quinn shares with us.

On the other hand, Harry avoids hanging with the ton and avoids young ladies like Olivia. It isn't until he finds Olivia spying from her window into his that he starts to suspect that she is not as innocent as she appears to be.

The pluses of this novel is the dialogue. This is always Quinn's strong suit-clever dialogue and humor. This is the reason why she got my three stars--she entertained in this aspect. What is missing is the passion. The romance...that deep inner conflict and feeling. This is what I think has been lacking in her books since When He was Wicked...with the exception of Miranda's Diary because at least one of the two had this sort of passion.

Harry realizes that he is going to marry this girl and that is that. There really is no deep fear that Olivia will make the mistake of her life or that Harry has to really win her over. It is just..well..blah.

Perhaps, the saddest part of this novel is that the guy who steals the show is Harry's cousin Sebastian-who thankfully is the subject of her next book. He sounds promising.

And the other sad part of this book is the love scene. (and there really is only one) It looks more like an afterthought that Quinn had to squeeze in. It just..didn't fit. And with the suggestive title "What Happens In London" (stays in London) you would think that this would be a pretty..well steamy, exciting story.....and it is not even close.....

....I am just so sorry...I am just not that into this book. Julia..please bring back the passion and romance in your Romance novels!

Sir Harry Valentine translates documents deemed important for national security. He's smitten by a spectacular blonde woman who is watching from her window. Soon, he turns the tables and begins spying on her as well and not only is he watching her, but he's also falling for a very intriguing woman!

This book is so cute and funny. The heroine doesn't have a problem speaking her mind and she is as charming as she is witty. I loved the interaction between the hero and heroine and was pleasantly surprised at the different ways they connected with one another.

JULIA QUINN is an auto-buy for me and her books always go on my keeper shelf.

This book gets going at around 40% when Harry and Olivia start getting along. Harry's cousin Sebastian is a total scene stealer and even Prince Alexei ends up being a good guy. The beginning was a bit slow, but it was worth sticking with the story to get to the romance in the second half of the book. Olivia and Harry are a likable couple and the ending left me with a smile.

I really enjoyed this book! It really was a sweet and cute story! There are moments when you will find yourself laughing out loud and giggling at everything that goes on. I also really enjoyed the little lists the main character is always making in her mind, it was a nice touch! While there is not some huge plot leading to a huge conclusion rooting from somewhere in the past,(As a lot of romance novels go) I enjoyed the fact that it was just that, a sweet little story that is a fast read.

Julia Quinn has a way of writing delightfully fun and humorous stories that ride the line of silly without (usually) tipping over. This one stands as the perfect example.

Olivia Bevelstoke and Sir Harry Valentine's relationship is an absolute joy to watch develop. Both characters share the ability to see the absurd in everyday situations and laugh at their own participation in them. Their first conversation from the windows of their respective homes while reading and discussing a torrid romance novel had me laughing out loud. Unfortunately just when I thought this would be the perfect, sweet romance where the couple are left to grow and develop a normal relationship, Quinn succumbs to the fatal urge of incorporating a very cliche and WAY overused plot devise to add suspense. That plus the absurdly ridiculous, completely unrealistic sex scene kept "What Happens.." from a much higher star.

I adore Julia Quinn. No hankies are needed because I can never contain the smiles and laughs as I read her books. This book started out as such a disappointment. I was honestly going to throw it back in the junk pile after the first 100 pages of inane and at times tedious dialogue and writing. I'm glad I gave it the old college try because all of a sudden, on page 128, magic arrived! Like other JQ characters, her characters FINALLY came alive and I fell in like, in laughter and in love with them. The pace finally went from 0-100mph in nothing flat. Skim the first hundred pages, and stay committed. You've like this book. Not the best JQ only because I felt tortured for having to commit that much that time before it got kicking but still a fun and hilarious ride in the later 2/3rds...So I will give it 3 stars overall even though it ended on a 4.5 star in the end.

Light-hearted fun with a bare wisp of a sideplot; "What Happens in London" concentrates almost 100% on the humorous story of a hero and heroine who dislike each other at first sight, very much so. But of course, once they spend time together they quickly realize they are perfect for each other.

Olivia is many things: titled, beautiful, intelligent, and curious. And it's her curiosity that first has her spying on her neighbor. She's sure the rumor that he killed his fiance isn't true, but still. She just can't figure out what it is he does all day at his desk...and what's up with the hat?

Sir Harry spotted his spying neighbor right away, but didn't bother to let on. Of course he did try to entertain her with the hat and a few other ludicrous actions. Upon meeting, she seems rather icy and snobby; truly not Harry's type. But the War Dept has asked Harry to keep an eye on a visiting Russian noble and that noble seems to have his eye on Olivia. Harry soon comes to consider Olivia HIS, and once Harry makes up his mind...well, you'll never look at a window quite the same way again.

It seems whenever I paused while reading this book, I had a silly grin on my face. Julia Quinn's stories are so very likeable not just because her characters are human with assets and foibles exactly like us, but also because she knows just how and where to add humor to her stories--from grins to giggles to outright laughter. And I must say the proposal scene in this book is one I've never encountered before!

Quinn's story rolls out with perfect pace and pitch and the light drama added by the Russians is spot on with little danger. I've known quite a few linguists in my time and I must say I never thought an author could make that character-type seem romantic, but Harry is just that. So for fun and a bit of steamy romance, pick up "What Happens in London"--you'll even learn a new word or two!

The second book in Julia Quinn's engaging Bevelstoke series, I listened to this on e-audio, narrated by the thoroughly and entertaining voice of Rosalyn Landor. Julia Quinn’s stories remind me of Jane Austen's lovely and elegant novels of manners. Just people's everyday lives in Regency England. For my full review on my blog: [...]

Sir Harry Valentine has been fluent in English, Russian, and French since the age of twelve. After years in the Army, Harry now rents a residence south of Rudland House. The War Office often delivers documents to Harry which needs to be translated to English quickly. Harry spends most of his time in his office doing these translations; however, he keeps getting distracted by the fact that Lady Olivia Bevelstoke keeps standing at her window staring at him. Harry has no idea whether she is just a curious debutante or is actually a spy. After a couple of meetings Harry decides Lady Olivia is neither a spy, nor kind. In fact, Harry decides he does not like her at all.

When Harry is summoned to the offices at Horse Guards in Whitehall he knows the reason cannot be good. A Russian prince is visiting at the same time that three known sympathizers of Napoleon are in town. It is rumored the prince's late father had favored Napoleon, but no proof was ever found. It is also rumored that his fortunes have diminished and the prince seeks a bride. He has been paying much attention to Lady Olivia. Thus Harry has been ordered to keep an eye on the prince and to make sure Olivia did not unwittingly commit treason. As Harry spends time with Olivia he finds that she is not as cold and remote as he had assumed. Olivia is full of humor and mischief. Perhaps Harry's mission will not be as boring as he had once believed.

***** FIVE STARS! This story overflows with humor to help offset the serious spy content. Harry gives Olivia "a lurid gothic novel" that had been recommended by his sister. Over half of this story is sprinkled with hilarious gems from the gothic novel (which Olivia demanded Harry read and suffer through too). I absolutely could not hold back my laughter as the pair verbally rips the story to shreds often. Once again the author, Julia Quinn, shows readers how her story-telling talent puts her on the Best Seller lists so often. Absolutely marvelous! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

I love Julia Quinn's writing style. She is clever and very witty. I found both characters in this story enjoyable. I even liked the secondary characters. (Can't wait to read Sebastian's story) I loved the scene where Sebastian was reading a silly novel to a room full of men. I thought the proposal was wonderful too.

While this book was a good read, it also felt like it was missing something. I think this book was sweet, but lacked the passion of Julia's other books. What happens in London seemed a little light on the emotional level, lacking at times in emotional depth.

I have read every Julia Quinn book I could find. They are all well-paced and hard to put down. The humor is delicious and the characters are well-developed. I would highly recommend any and all of her books to anyone who likes humor and romance. The Bridgerton series also has a rather interesting event that shows up in 3 different books being described from a different vantage point each time. It is the only time I have ever read something like that and was very well done.

I could read a thousand pages about Olivia and Harry. I was smiling through the entire book. I was so charmed by this romance. They are such an even and lovely match. I was captivated. (Harry being so intelligent, gallant and sexy didn't hurt either!) One of my favorites. Julia Quinn never disappoints!

I have read every Julia Quinn book I could find. They are all well-paced and hard to put down. The humor is delicious and the characters are well-developed. I would highly recommend any and all of her books to anyone who likes humor and romance. The Bridgerton series also has a rather interesting event that shows up in 3 different books being described from a different vantage point each time. It is the only time I have ever read something like that and was very well done.

I could read a thousand pages about Olivia and Harry. I was smiling through the entire book. I was so charmed by this romance. They are such an even and lovely match. I was captivated. (Harry being so intelligent, gallant and sexy didn't hurt either!) One of my favorites. Julia Quinn never disappoints!

I love a book that makes me laugh unexpectedly. This was a lot of fun to read. I will admit that it was a bit slow in the beginning and I almost didn't keep reading. Very glad I did. Very entertaining.

I eagerly picked up this book after seeing it listed as a summer read recommendation. Every scene dragged on and on ... I finally gave up trying around page 98, but I did flip through to see if it got any better (hoping I might want to slog ahead). Every page I scanned seemed to be a laborious continuation of 10 pages prior.

There seemed to be an effort to get the reader into Olivia's head, but I found "reading" her every thought to be extremely irritating. Despite this, the character development seemed clumsy and half-hearted.

Even the ending (I read it in case it got any better) fizzled. Overall the plot was reasonable, but this would have been a much more exciting book if shortened by 90%. Apparently there are readers who enjoy this writing style. I'm not one of them.

This author writes a good romance, with great repartee between the hero and heroine, warm family relationships, etc. The only problem is her time slot. The characters, especially the females, don't seem to belong to 19th century England. The vocabulary, way of talking, etc. don't fit there. I read a review some time ago which stated that Quinn was the Jane Austen of our time. If so, she should place her characters in our time and thus deserve this praise.

Sir Harry Valentine was ordered by the War Office to spy on a Russian Prince and the women who he has been courting Olivia Bevelstoke. The twist is that Olivia lives next door to Harry and she has been 'snoopy-spying' on him for past 5 days. The romance is sweet because it grows from a real friendship. The scene when they are acting out novel is SOOO funny - it made me laugh out loud. Great writing, funny and nice culture twist, Enjoy!

I have always enjoyed Ms Quiunn's books, despite some recent less than flattering comments from other readers. But this book is a mishmash wiht no plot.
Lady Olivia crawling about her bedroom to escape notice rather reminded me of Winnie the Pooh, and I'm afraid she stayed a bear of very little brain.
After writing herself into a corner where her protagonists didn't like each other, it seems the writer had to come up with something to keep them together, hence this poorly explained plot, where nothing really made any sense. There was no sense of any real danger, no sense of any real caring, just one scene after another forcing Lady Olivia and Sir Harry along a boring, predetermined path. There were many little sidestreets that could have fleshed out this story, but they hinted and departed at light speed.
There were some humorous scenes which lightened the road.

Julia Quinn scores again with a mere baronet! The prelude wraps you into the heart of Harry Valentine as he struggles with his father's alcoholism. Not a pretty picture, but gives the viewer the needed insight of what makes our hero tick.
Lady Olivia (best friend of Miranda (Secret Diary of Miss Miranda Cheever)had me laughing out loud with her "lists" and antics. Miranda's story was good, however, Olivia's story is excellent!
I am anxiously awaiting more stories in this series!

I have enjoyed reading Julia Quinn's other books, so I got this one without looking at any reviews.

Once again, Julia Quinn does an outstanding job! After Lady Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor, Sir Harry Valentine, killed his fiancee, she decides to watch him and determine whether or not he is a murderer. Olivia watches him from her bedroom window, which looks into his office window (where she finds he spends much of his time). She does this for five days.

Sir Harry Valentine knows she is watching him those five days. And he doesn't like that she's watching him because he doesn't know why she is watching him. And then finally on the fifth day, he looks at her window, knowing she is not at it, but soon realizing she actually is at it. He has seen her and now she knows he has seen her.

The story is filled with the two's entertaining constant banter. At every turn they are verbally challenging each other, and I found myself eager to discover their comebacks. I certainly fell in love with all the characters (especially Harry's cousin, Mr. Sebastian Grey...I am looking forward to his story, along with many others!).

I HIGHLY recommend this novel, as I am sure any other reader will enjoy the witty remarks. -LM

It started very slow, in my opinion. However, it slowly developed into a sweet love story. I like a dose of humor in my novels, and Quinn obliged!
"She was so beautiful it made her teeth ache.
He made a mental note not to attempt poetry."

There was some really good humor in this book. And the transition from disliking to liking and then loving one another was great. The window thing was a bit too far fetched. And they really could make love more than once ;)
All in all, a pleasant book and a nice way o spend an afternoon :)

This is a quirky, cute, easy historical romance read. I thought that the hero and heroine were very likeable; both quite humorous as were the supporting characters in the book. It is just that simple--a fun romance with humor and a touch of mystery. I recommend this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed Julia Quinn's latest tale that continues the story of Lady Olivia Bevelstoke, one of the main characters we meet in "The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever." It was delightfully entertaining and had me laughing throughout. It was a light read and so enjoyable that I read it all in one day and it left a smile on my face when I finished it. I recommend this book if you are wanting something that is light, entertaining and a fast read.

I am looking forward to reading Sebastian's story when it is released. I think there is more to this man than what he projects to the world and it will be fun to explore his character.

Having been warned, I bought this book anyway. I was cautious enough to read the first page of the Prologue which begins: "By the age of twelve, Harry Valentine possessed two bits of knowledge that made him rather unlike other boys of his class in England of the early nineteenth century. The first was his complete and absolute fluency in the languages of Russian and French." Intriguing, right? We are anxious to meet Harry and discover what his second bit of knowledge is.

But things fall apart almost immediately, beginning with the introduction of Harry's Russian grandmother, Olga, and his sister, Anne, both of whom fail to add substance or interest, to themselves or to Harry. It is Quinn's writing that fails here; before Harry's story can get a running start, she interrupts, boring us with dull narrative and needless information that contribute little and provides no real forward movement. It is not necessary to include every thought a character has, especially when those thoughts are mundane and insipid; and yet she repeatedly does it here (and in her last few published works).

And then we learn that Harry's second "bit of knowledge" is that he knows how to clean up his drunken father's vomit! And keeps count of the number of times he does it. Now, really! Quinn intends, I suppose, to show us that Harry, brilliant, obedient, and a good son, is also slightly obsessive and quirky; he learns languages easily and is a compulsive tracker of facts, which later makes him highly successful in his work for the War Office. But instead of showing us these traits, and thereby making Harry admirable and even heroic, Quinn tells us about them. And the telling is deadly dull. Far too much of the narrative is aimless and uninteresting and the dialogue is repetitive and pointless. Dialogue should speed the story up while allowing a character to learn something he would have no way of knowing otherwise. And yet! The dialogue in this book slows everything down; it includes meaningless exchanges, and worst of all, is boring. It reads like self-indulgent filler, much the way people really talk, which is not a good thing in fiction.

The characters are little better. Harry could have been better developed and therefore far more interesting. Olivia is Quinn's usual independent, spunky, but somewhat irritating heroine. Sebastian, who has all the characteristics of a devilish rogue, will, no doubt, receive his comeuppance in a future Quinn novel.

This book desperately needed an editor, which I believe is the problem with Quinn's last few titles, which have been dismal. The publishers have apparently decided that, as a best selling author, she can self-edit. If What Happens in London is an example, I strongly disagree.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It harkens back to the writing style of the Bridgerton series which I loved so much. Julia Quinn is a delightful author and writes like no other. I think this book is entertaining, enjoyable, fun and a great read. I highly recommend it and didn't mind that there wasn't much of a bedroom romp. There is enough chemistry between Olivia and Harry to keep you interested even if there isn't much detailed description of how they perform behind closed doors. It is worth reading just for the witty dialogue. Nobody does dialogue as well as Ms. Quinn. I look forward to Sebastian's story.

This book is really witty! The romance parts are not the best of Julia Quinn and the general story line is somewhat ambigious, but to make sure, I have never ever laughed so much at a romance book as this.

The part when Olivia returns to her parlour, finding a reciting of the silly book to the unrelated crowd there, is totally for those who would love a good laugh.

Unless you are expecting some seriousness of affairs or drama, you would enjoy the book.

This was my first time purchasing a book in larger print. The print was very easy on the eyes...I didn't have to squint as much as I usually do when I read a novel, but the large size of the book was actually tiring to hold.

This book should have a picture of Fabio holding the corseted women on the cover. If you are looking for mindless romance, this is the book for you. I listened to the audio book and the narrator was wonderful, the material dreadful.

I preface this by saying that I usually greatly enjoy Julia Quinn books and own copies of everything she has out. Lately, however, I have not been impressed with the stories. To be honest, I was not that impressed with the Secret Diaries of Miranda Cheever, so I suppose it was not surprising that I did not enjoy this story.

To be quite honest, the story itself was all right. I just really had not vested interest in what happened to Olivia Bevelstoke or Sir Valentine. To me, they were not very interesting characters and by the end I was skipping forward to finish the story.

If you have extra time, pick this one up to read, but don't expected to be blown away.

I just dicovered Ms. Quinn. This was my first book. I started reading it and was was enthralled with her quick wit and fun writing style. I found I kept thinking to myself as I read: "Please Julia, this is so fun to read, don't put any pornography in it." Darn it all, SHE DID. Julia, you totally didn't need those couple of pages. It would have been a SIX star without it!

"what happens in london" has now become my favorite book by julia quinn. the characters are believable, but more importantly, they are extremely likable. i finished the book in one night. the characters definetely showcase quinn's trademark humor and witty dialogue. this one's a keeper!