Ten Things I Love About You (Bevelstoke Book 3)

I agree with the top rated three-star review by C. Young - this book isn't very satisfying. I would have liked this book better if the reviews hadn't misled me into thinking it would be really funny. There are a few funny scenes, but the multiple scenes with the elderly, repulsive earl molesting the heroine turned my stomach. Each of these scenes negated any positive feelings I had about the book. The hero is extremely appealing and the heroine is lovely and sweet. This book is ok, the great combined with the not-so-great made this a neutral reading experience.

All of society thinks Sebastian Grey is a charming, entertaining mooch. Still, as the heir presumptive to Earl of Newbury, the doors of the ton are open to him everywhere. But now Newbury is courting a new bride. A woman whose lush curves practically scream fertility, according to the gossips - and Sebastian's cousin Edward - so it looks like Sebastian won't be the heir for long. The only person in society who doesn't seem to care about Sebastian's precarious position is Sebastian himself. Until he meets the woman Newbury wants to marry.

Annabel Winslow is a woman with few options. She's horrified by the prospect of marrying a man as vile as Lord Newbury, but since her father died, money has been running dangerously low for Annabel and her seven younger siblings. With her grandparents pressuring her, Annabel sees no other option. And then she meets Sebastian Grey. Sebastian is everything she could have dreamed of and more, but can Annabel rightly choose her heart's desire over the logic of her head?

Oh, how easy it is to find ten things to love about the delicious Ten Things I Love About You. One: Its handsome, witty, interesting hero who is Two: not all that he seems for reasons which are far too much fun to be revealed in a review. It follows that Three: Sebastian must be perfectly matched by his heroine which Four: he absolutely is in the intelligent, forthright Annabel. This of course means that Five: it's all-too-easy to become heavily invested in their romance, which Six: I of course did, reading it late into the night.

Equally important is Seven: the number of times I laughed out loud during this book, in part due to Eight: the delightful secondary characters, the majority of whom fans of Julia Quinn will remember meeting in Sebastian's cousin's book, What Happens in London. Though this leads to the only downside of Ten Things I Love About You, namely Nine: I was left desperately eager for more books by Ms. Quinn, hopefully featuring the unmarried relations of both Sebastian and Annabel, all because of Ten: Ms. Quinn's superior writing style, deft touch with humor, and talent for creating memorable characters and endearing, enduring romances

Shayna
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I am a huge fan of Julia Quinn's so I was really excited to read this book. While not living up to her Bridgerton series I was still glad to have read it. I loved Annabel's character and the interaction between her and Sebastian had me wanting to laugh out loud. I particularly liked that the initial focus of their story isn't how physically attracted they are to one another but the fun they have simply conversing with each other and the time they spend together. I found it hilarious that Sebastian was authoring romance books and it was interesting to see what the other characters had to say about his books not knowing he was the author.

Annabel's cousin did have me wondering at times what role would she really play in the story. At first I thought she might have been attracted to Sebastian as well and could cause trouble but at other times she seemed to encourage Annabel's attachment to Sebastian so I think her role in this story was more of a setup for her own book at some point. Annabel's grandmother came as a shock in more ways than one but she also provided some good one liners and laughter.

The one thing I will say that felt disjointed was Sebastian's inability to sleep and his reaction to gun shots. Both are brought up quite often but you don't really see how Annabel plays a part in resolving either issue so although the reader can predict that she will help with both problems the resolution seems to come out of thin air. One minute he's suffering from post-traumatic syndrome and the next he is miraculously cured. All in all while not a favorite still enjoyable.

So I had just finished reading a troubling book and needed something light to reverse the darkness in my mind. Looked over my bookshelf and chose Ten Things I Love About You. This is at least the third time I've read it and as with all of Julia Quinn's books, I laughed my head off. All darkness gone! This book is just so much fun and of course you end up with a Happily Ever After.

This is one of Julia Quinn's most light hearted romances ever. It had me grinning more times than not and I truly enjoyed it.

Annabel Winslow, the eldest country girl of eight siblings must find a husband of substantial means. Her father has passed away and her family is finding it harder and harder to pay for tuition for 4 boys at Eton as well as put food on the table. The answer to her family's prayers comes in the form of the Earl of Newbury who is not only her grandparents' age but utterly obese and disgusting. He is desperate for a new bride with the requirement that she can sire a healthy son so that his title and fortune do not pass to the heir presumptive, his nephew, Sebastian Grey. Unfortunately for Annabel, she is curvy to a fault with beautiful child bearing hips and an ample breasts which is more than enough to stir the prolific fantasies of the Earl of Newbury.

While at a party, running from an assault from Newbury, Annabel literally trips over Sebastian Grey after one of his midnight assignations. They both assess their situations fairly quickly and accurately and decide to wait out their returns to the party. As they strike up a conversation, they build a friendship with one another until Annabel learns that the man she is talking to is the hated nephew of the Earl. She flees from the situation, but as the story unfolds, she finds herself in his company and under his spell continuously. When Sebastian learns that she is the poor object of his uncle's attentions, he can't help but intercede. All the while, as he's rescuing a damsel in distress, he doesn't deeply question why he's doing it until it's too late to realize he's head over heels in love. The only problem is, Annabel needs a wealthy husband to support her family and he's known as a mooch with no steady income. Can she possibly choose Sebastian, regardless of her feelings, in lieu of her duty and responsiblity?

The story was a true delight! It is a beautiful love story of two people who make lemons into lemonade and share a rare sense of humor that is completely enchanting. It's not as steamy as many of Ms Quinn's novels, but it's rewarding in that the relationship is founded not only on attraction, but friendship. Sebastian is a truly wonderful hero and although Annabel is unsure of herself, you can almost feel her responsibility towards her family instead of to herself. The best of all is she doesn't dwell upon it making half the story her denial of her feelings. There are no misconceptions, miscommunications or betrayals in this one which is always refreshing. One other wonderful aspect for all you Julia Quinn fans, is that we find out who the horrible gothic novelist is from What happens in London.... remember death by pigeons? This is a great fast and fun read.

Sebastian Grey is funny, a war hero, a writer--wait for it--of romance! Was there ever a man more perfect than him? Well apart from the Bridgerton brothers and Michael Stirling and a few other Quinn heroes, I hardly think so.

Not only is Annabel Winslow gorgeous, she has a wonderful sense of humour, almost as good as Sebastian's. Their courtship is turbulent, wrought with mishaps, obstacles and hilarious one-liners from Sebastian. Must Read. No actually, MUST-MUST read. Like, right now.

Its been a while since I've really enjoyed a Julia Quinn novel. "What Happens In London..." was a risk, because I hadn't bought one of her books in a long time. This one, however, made me laugh out loud. I enjoyed the main characters, Sebastian and Anabelle. (Although, I'm really tired of reading about heroines named Anabelle.)yh favorite character though, had to be Lady Vickers. She was a hoot and a holler. I did think Sebastian a little "lite" but then again,I do get tired of reading about brooding heroes, who do nothing but brood til they realize that they are in love. Many of Quinn's heroes have always been a refreshing change from that, so Seb is okay. I was, however, taken aback by the constant use of the word 'breasts', it was odd and distracting and constantly jolted me out of the story.
If you like your romance light-hearted and fun, then this is a book for you.

This is not one of Julia Quinn's best works. Her trademarks - the subtle humor and likable protagnonists - are still there, which made this book a pleasant read. But readers are unlikely to remember this book a couple of weeks after they've read it nor will they be likely talk about it years after it has been published like they do the Bridgerton series.

At the start of the book, Annabel Winslow is in a pickle. Having newly arrived in London for her first season and being in possession of a voluptuous figure, is being openly courted the the Earl of Newbury, who is at least 75 and a nasty brute to boot. Annabel does not want to marry him, of course, but feels that she has no choice since her father has recently died and left the whole family, includeing Annabel's mother her 7 siblings, almost destitute. Then, while attending a party in the countryside, Annabel met Sebastien Grey, the Earl of Newbury's nephew. And suddenly she found herself not only courted by the lecherous uncle, but also the charming young nephew. Should she follow her heart so that she can be with the one she loves, or should she marry the loathsome earl just so she can put food on the table for her family and make sure that her brothers get to stay in school?

Once again, as with all of Julia Quinn's books, the book's strength lies in its protagonists. Both Annabel and Sebastien are very likable people, with a lively sense of humor. Annabel, in particular, manages to retain her sense of humor and not to become a martyr or doormat even when faced with the prospect of marrying a man she absolutely loathed. Sebastien, on the other hand, is the kind of beta-hero Juali Quinn has become a master at creating - charming, carefree, but not afraid to get his hands dirty when somone he loves becomes threatened. Annabela and Sebastien made a wonderful pair and the chemistry between them is palpable.

Despite the likable protagonists, my quibble with this book is the same ones I have with the previous book in the series, What Happens in London. Julia Quinn's books have always been light-hearted. But with the best of her previous books, even at its most light-hearted there is poignancy to her stories that made the happy ending all the more emotionally satisfying. This has been conspicuously absent from her last 2 books. Even a lot of the humor seem to fall flat and felt forced. There's also a lot of backstory that was left unexplored that could have made a book a little meatier, instead of the fluff that it is. For example, it is mentioned a couple of times in the book the Sebastien suffers from insomnia due to his war time experience, but that was mostly left unexplored. So what was the point of including it in the first place?

So while this book was a pleasant way to while a way a couple of hours, it's not one of her best. And if you have never read Julia Quinn before, I wouldn't recommend that you start here.

Annabel Winslow is the eldest of eight children, daughter to a disgraced Ton darling who married a small-time Gloucestershire countryman (and is now widowed). It all falls to Annabel to save her family from the poor house, and she is quickly shepherded off to London for her first season of husband-hunting. Luckily for Annabel she (and her wide hips) have caught the eye of Lord Newbury. He is a friend of her grandparents. Her grandparents! She looks set to marry a man three times her age, but who can save her and her family from destitution.
If only she hadn't stumbled upon Sebastian Grey on Hampstead Heath. If only Sebastian wasn't Lord Newbury's hated nephew. If only Annabel hadn't liked kissing Sebastian quite so much.

This is the third book in Julia Quinn's `Bevelstoke' series. The first book was `The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever', and the second book was `What Happens in London'.

It is from that second book that the hero of '10 things' is derived. Sebastian Grey was best friend and cousin to the male protagonist of `What Happens' and he absolutely stole the show in that book. Sebastian was wholly funny and charming - at one point completely stealing the limelight when he dramatised a scene from a gothic novel that had the housemaids crying and a Russian prince applauding. I could not wait to read his HEA because he so captivated me in `What Happens in London'.

Sadly, I was disappointed in Sebastian's book. I liked it, I didn't love it.

My first complaint had to do with Annabel and Sebastian's first meeting. The all important first meeting between a romance novel hero and heroine is crucial; it sets the tone for the whole romance and is the igniting factor for the characters interest, and the readers interest in the characters.

Annabel literally stumbles across Sebastian Grey in the dark of Hampstead Heath. Both of them are attending a Ton party, which Annbel promptly escapes from in order to avoid Lord Newbury's groping hands. When she falls over him, Sebastian is sprawled out on a picnic blanket having just completed an interlude with a married Ton woman.
It sounds seedier than it is - Sebastian is fully clothed and the Ton woman long since departed when Annabel finds him. But still, this first meeting annoyed me. Sebastian can tell straight away that Annabel is a virgin, and he revels in scandalizing her and admitting that he was having a romp with a married woman. Regardless, Annabel still finds him charming.
I don't think this is the most romantic way for a couple to have their first meeting. I just imagined Annabel telling her children one day how she first met their father - "oh, he'd just finished having a roll on the Heath with a married matron." Ick.

And it doubly annoyed me that Quinn built Sebastian up to be such a rake, but when he meets Annabel he (and she) promptly forget his previous liaisons. Urgh. I really hate when regency romance writers do this - they try so hard to make a scandalous character, but the second he falls in love all past indiscretions are forgiven and forgotten. Not even Annabel (who stumbled across first-hand evidence of Sebastian's rakishness) again mentions his womanizing and cavorting - not even to insist that he desist once they are married.

I really love Sebastian, and couldn't wait to read his HEA. But I think I preferred him in 'What Happens in London'. In '10 things' he just feels a bit muddled. There's a side-story about Sebastian having been in the war, and perhaps dealing with some post-traumatic stress from his experiences. But this storyline (which could have been the central plot of the book, IMO) didn't really pan out - it felt like a sloppy afterthought that was never properly executed or fleshed out by Quinn. A shame, really, because it could have added a whole new dimension to Sebastian's character.

I didn't particularly like the Newbury/Annabel/Sebastian `love triangle' plot. It's all very convoluted, but I never for one second thought that Newbury was really a threat to Annabel and Sebastian's love. At the end it just seemed like a lot of effort was put into a plot that I never really put much stock into.

One such reason the Newbury plot didn't work for me was Annabel's unconvincing dire circumstances. Much is made of the fact that Annabel's family is fatherless and supporting eight children. But we never read any scenes of Annabel's home life. She talks about them, sometimes, but because I never read a scene describing Annabel's struggling home life I found it hard to have much sympathy for her plight.

Harry and Olivia from `What Happens in London' do make lengthy guest appearances - but I wish they hadn't. Olivia is fine, funny as usual, but I had a real problem with Harry in this book. I loved him in `What Happens', he was a wonderfully romantic Beta hero - but in '10 things' he just comes across as a disinterested, absentee husband to Olivia. In the scenes Harry is in he's reading the paper, seemingly ignoring his wife. Olivia goes on strolls with Sebastian because Harry is too busy with his translations to take his wife out. I really wish Quinn hadn't written them at all because it almost taints their book.

I will also say that '10 things' elicits a few chuckles. One scene involving Annabel's somewhat slutty grandmother, her wandering hands, and Sebastian is quite `laugh out loud' funny.

I was really looking forward to this book because I loved Sebastian's appearance in `What Happens in London'. Unfortunately Julia Quinn didn't meet my expectations. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for a regency romance, or maybe my expectations were *too* high, but I found some faults with '10 Things I Love About You'. It's a shame, because the first two books in Quinn's `Bevelstoke' series are absolute favourites of mine.

To be honest, I was a bit caught off guard by how much I liked this book. After reading "What Happens in London," I looked forward to the sequel, but I never expected to like the sequel better. I also wasn't much of a fan of Sebastian - he seemed vain and a bit self-centered in that first book.

What a difference! "Ten Things..." is fun, funny, quirky, and very tongue-in-cheek. There were many scenes in the book where I was laughing out loud. In fact, the very last line in the book made me smile and compelled me to re-read the story (really, it's true!!)! I think the story really showcases Sebastian's and Annabel's best traits - their care and concern for their loved ones, their humility and even self-doubt, their sense of humor, etc. These two characters were lovably human. Where the previous story seemed like a farcical play, "Ten Things" was almost like one of Mrs. Gorely's books. And I never, ever could have guessed at the meaning of that joke!!!! Too funny!

Yes, Lord Newbury and Lady Vickers' characters were unnecessarily over-the-top. But, that's what made Annabel realize the choice she had to make. It was either be true to herself and her country values, or sell her soul to THAT world of "proper society."

I can understand how this story didn't appeal to some readers. This isn't a serious novel with a few funny parts - it's the complete opposite. It really can't be compared to anything else Quinn has written before. It might not be her best, but it's definitely up there in my top three.

I've never written a review for a book before. But I love Julia Quinn's intelligence, the layers she gives her characters, her wonderful romances, and most of all, her HUMOR. With a Julia Quinn book, you are guaranteed to laugh out loud at least a few times, and this was, in my humble opinion, her most fun romance yet.
The clever wit, snappy comebacks, and magnetic charm of the lead, Sebastian Grey, will draw you in immediately. He sees the humor in everything around him, and it makes the reader have fun along with him. His dialogue is just FUN to read.
The female lead, Annabel Winslow, is almost something of a straight man, considering how funny Sebastian is, but he shines so brightly, it's hard to compete, I guess. At least she's brave, and smart enough, and knows a good line when she hears one.
This book is just pure escapism at its best. It will make you smile a lot, sometimes burst out in a giggle -- and that alone makes it worth reading, much less once you get involved in rooting for Sebastian and Annabel to be together.
I believe that Julia Quinn has said (paraphrasing you, Ms. Quinn, forgive me if you read this & it's not an exact quote) that her purpose in writing is to entertain. I think she more than does that with this delicious book.

This book kept my interest and it made me laugh in a few places. I loved Sebastian and Annabel and the other characters were just as lovable but then you have your not so lovable characters with made the book so interesting. I do not know if there is a book about Edward or I think Annabel's cousin name was Louisa but I would love to see a book about them.

I really enjoy Julia Quinn's books and would recommend this book.

Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn
Avon, 2010
377 pages
Historical; Romance
Third in Bevelstoke Series
3/5 stars

Source: Bought

Summary: Sebastian Grey is the presumptive heir to his uncle's earldom but said earl hates him and is trying to find a bride to bear him a new heir. That young lady is Annabel Winslow who despises the earl but feels responsibility for her seven younger siblings and recently widowed mother-what's a girl to do?

Thoughts: I really loved the book trailer (and I usually avoid them like the plague) so I picked this up. I wanted to love it because Sebastian is soooo charming and it's always great when the womanizer is finally bested and falls in love with just the one woman. I also the idea of top ten lists. However this was such a jolting experience. First it would be charming Sebastian Grey; then the vulgar desperate earl; then more Sebastian; then Annabel being somewhat mopey. Instead of Quinn's usual polished style, it jumped and left me feeling disoriented. Every character was too exaggerated. The earl was too pervish, Annabel's grandparents were too mean and openly accepting of adultery to an innocent, Annabel had little personality. For one thing, if she loved her siblings so much why do I only know one sister's name? I would have appreciated diving more in to her family life and how that impacted her decisions.

The romance was okay-they said a lot of funny things to each other but it don't cohere in to a whole and it wasn't as deep as I would have liked. I guess I was expecting more from Sebastian, who utterly charmed me in What Happens in London but I was let down.

Overall: Disappointing story of a charming rogue.

Cover: I don't really like the girl's face (and I'm not sure she's curvy enough) but the white of the background looks good with the purple of the title and Quinn's name.

You know when you see an author's name and know the writing is going to be great, the story will be wonderful and it will leave you with a smile - Julia Quinn is one of those writers!

This is the story of Annabel Winslow who from a large poor family and her wealthy grandparents have decided to give her a season and marry her off to this OLD Earl. Annabel escapes the Earl's groping and meets Sebastian Grey in the garden... Sebastian is the Earl's nephew - and has the story twists and turns it becomes a wonderful romance...

I enjoyed this third entry in the Bevelstoke Series better than the others and I have enjoyed all three. Once again there is humor, with a secret author who writes gothic novels and a voluptuous heroine who is desperate to be rid of an elderly suitor. All beautifully brought together by Ms Quinn's wonderful ability to weave a story. The entire series is light hearted and a delightful escapist read. It is different than Ms Quinn's other series but she can still transport me to the regency era better than most.

We are born with some understanding of where we place in the general rankings of society. There is the possibility to move up in stature as a result of a marital match but for the most part we live and die in the same general area. But this would not be true for Sebastian Grey as he was not born with a title but could in fact inherit one were his uncle not sire a son. His uncle however, really wants anyone but Sebastian to inherit his title and is determined to marry and have a son. Sebastian is therefore seen by proper London society as marriageable because perhaps, just maybe there is a possibility that his uncle at his advanced age would not have a son and Sebastian could become a titled gentleman. Sebastian states clearly that he wants nothing that his uncle has -- or so he thought until he set his eyes upon Miss Annabel Winslow, the woman his uncle decided to marry and the resulting circumstances will have the Ton talking for many a day.

Annabel is not fond of Lord Newbury with his age being the least of her concerns, but she must marry to help support the family who is dependent on her now that her father is deceased. Her maternal jaunty grandmother is trying to fix her up and marry her off even though she sees Annabel as such the unsophisticated country mouse and explains that a woman can marry one man, yet be affectionate with another. Annabel is resolved to her fate until life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Sebastian after she trips over him, literally. He is charming, handsome and so irresistible to women that you would think Annabel might know better than to steal a kiss from him. But he draws her to him so that she becomes blind to everyone and everything when he is near. He makes her feel different, special and beautiful in ways she never experienced, and lets her know that she is desired for reasons other than to produce an heir. But Sebastian's uncle will not take this lying down and when he finds that Sebastian is pursing what he rightfully believes he owns, fists are drawn and a competition for Annabel's affection is issued.

There are secrets between them but none as great as the one Sebastian is holding back from Annabel. He may have declared his love, lifelong devotion and desire to have many children, but will he confess that he is a clandestine writer who pens graphic novels under a woman's name? Can he trust her enough to tell her all his dreams and desires? Sebastian believes he can because while his writing career was a dividing point in his life and had him view himself as before and after he began his writing career he is again standing at the crossroads where he sees what his life is and what it can be with Annabel as his wife.

There are 100 things I love about this book but the main one is that it is a joy to read. Sebastian and Annabel are so full of life and each bring so much of their own story to the book that together they create magic. Julia Quinn is the gold standard for historical romance and her books are something you can anticipate reading with a great story, wonderful characters and a little bit about the gossipy London society thrown in. You know when you read her books that everything will circle around the two main characters and the draw they have for each other, but the additional characters always bring so much to the book without crowding out the main characters.

Mary Gramlich is The Reading Reviewer at [...]

This is the only one I've read in this series and I found it to be funny and easy to read. I loved the humor and the way the hero and heroine bantered back and forth. There were some great lines from all the characters and I liked that no one was very stiff and proper as in so many historical romances.

I agree that the the lack of love scenes was a little disappointing but I did enjoy the fact that the one scene took place after they were definitely in love and getting married which made it all the more sweet. There could've been more development from back stories but this one seemed to really concentrate on what the hero and herione were thinking, so more background might've weighed the book down.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one.

I have every book Julia Quinn has published and just like her many other loyal fans I've been disappointed in her last few books. But since "What happens in London", they've started to become better, I feel. This story also along the style of What Happens In London, a lighthearted, funny romance. I laughed aloud in many places. I am not giving a summary of the story here as it is in the the store excerpt. It is true that heroine's character development wasn't done that well, but overall, it was an enjoyable read. This is not an intense romance and there is no mystery or suspense. I think it does serve very well as a lighthearted read. I hope she writes a book about Annabelle's cousin next.

I don't know what is it, but something was lacking. Maybe Seb and Annabel didnt spend enough time together so that their love could be believable. I didnt really feel the sexual tension between them and i think they became obsessed with each other far too quickly, especially since we all know the kind of man Seb is. Though i did like that he wrote novels, that was funny and i did feel that they were very much alike, but like i said i do not think they spent enough time together. And why wasnt Seb past in the war ever fully developed? I mean he began writing because it helped him and yet i never understood what he needed to heal from since it was never explained. Oh and really, Seb being the great lover that he presumely is, only gets one sex scene? Totally dissapointed, however i did like that they were going to marry and had confessed their love before making love, that was nice. Overall, i really did like the main characters but it was just an OK read and that's too bad since i was really looking forward to Seb's story since i was always intrigued by him in the other books.

I read this book in one sitting on a Saturday afternoon. If you're stressed out, burned out, and tired this book is your prescription for feeling better. It's not a literary masterpiece. It IS a light-hearted, sometimes sassy, sometimes sweet romance between two really likable people. I'd love to spend an afternoon with these two characters sipping tea, laughing, and generally feeling good about the world (now that they've outsmarted a nasty elderly suitor, half the ton, her meddling grandmother, and discovered each others secrets.) If you like historicals that make you smile, this book is a safe bet.

I really enjoyed reading this book because the author made it more about the romance than the sex. A caution for those readers who want their romances steamy hot -- the hero and heroine don't have sex until almost the end of the book.

Annabel and Sebastian are fun and quirky characters and the author did a great job of building the story. Annabel feels pressured (by family financial circumstances) to marry an aging but wealthy earl who wants an heir to keep his nephew from inheriting the title. Sebastian is the nephew and doesn't know his uncle is interested in Annabel the first few times they meet. Without a sex scene every 10 pages or so, she uses the time to develop the characters and make their budding romance feel believable. This book is related to What Happens in London because Sebastian is related to Harry from that book and spends a lot of time with Harry and Olivia. The purple prose gothic novel from the earlier book also factors into the plot of this book.

This romance is sweet, fun and romantic but not very steamy. I liked it.

I absolutely adored Sebastian Grey in Ms. Quinn's earlier book What Happens in London. He was witty and smart and elegantly a great cad with a phenomenal, fun secret.
I eagerly looked forward to his story, but found myself very disappointed. It feels like from one book to the next, his character changed entirely. His whole motivation in 10 things is something that never even appeared in What Happens in London. It was a disjointed read with few likable characters.
Somehow the entire book fell flat.

I agree with those who say her older books are her best works; for me it's 'Splendid', The Bridgerton Family, and my favourite - 'The Secret Diaries of Miranda C.'. I read this when it first came out, and while I enjoyed it, I did not like it as much as previously said titles. Yet when I bought it on an Audible special and I appreciated it much more and got a lot more out of it; it was richer and more vibrant than the book and the humour more apparent (Good Lord, I think I have used by daily quoter of the word 'more'). I would recommend the audio version.

And speaking of Ms Quinn (all wonderful things of course) - will there ever be the last two of 'The Bridgerton 2nd Epilogues'?

Julia Quinn has been off her game for the last few years but I am pleased that this book is a huge improvement. It isn't as good as the first few Bridgerton books, but it still a great read. It gets a little tedious at time which is why I have given it 4 stars as opposed to 5 stars. However, I adored Sebastion along with the gentle humour and romance. What can I say...welcome back, Julia.

A few months ago, I was really lucky to receive an e-arc of Julia Quinn's Ten Things I Love About You. I read the book in one sitting, and I can say that it's the best of what Julia Quinn offers--the trademark humor, the lovely romance, and touching emotions. It's like a glass of pink champagne: bubbly, frothy, entertaining, yet still has substenance.

The hero is Sebastian Grey, who almost stole the show in What Happens in London, with his performance of a certain book. In the prologue, you learn what many readers guessed in WHIL--that Sebastian Grey is, indeed, the author of those said books that are widely popular and ones that his cousin mocks. Sebastian suffers from insomnia, and one night as he's reading a book, he thinks how hard is it and begins to write. To his own surprise, they are fun and become well-loved. Sebastian is a charming hero--he's humorous and is such a nice guy that you want to clone him in real life. His uncle, the Earl of Newbury, detests Sebastian and does not want him to inherit the title, and the Earl is in search of a wife.

Dum dum dum. Enter our heroine, Annabel Winslow, whose hip size is a constant subject of her chances of breeding more likely. The Earl, as you see, wants a son, and Annabel knows she has to marry to help out her family. But she really, really, really does not want to become engaged to the Earl and tries everything she can to avoid it. Annabel and Sebastian meet in a delightful way, and Sebastian has no idea that Annabel is the woman his uncle wants to marry. All Sebastian knows is that he likes Annabel a lot, and she likes him, and then of course Sebastian finds out and . . .

Well, if I talk anymore about it, I'll ruin the book. Let me just say, you do not want to miss this book. It's lovely, charming, and there's a dinner scene that will have you laughing so hard. And the ending . . . the ending makes the whole book. I really think Ten Things I Love About You is one of the most romantic books I've ever read.

I completed this book in 4 hours because I could not put it down.I liked that the characters were well developed and that the book was full of humor all of which are classic JQ. What I also liked about the book is that the plot was not overtly complicated or ridiculouly dramatic. Authors have a tendency to ruin a book by using too many strang coincidences and over blown responses. This book however, has a relatively straight forward plot that gives the book its tension. What I also enjoyed about this book is that the book it is dialogue driven. The hero and heroine have actual conversations. This is how the get to know each other and fall in love. Sadly, this does not happen offen in a romance novel.

I remember thinking that this book was enjoyable when I read it, however now that a few weeks have passed I remember very little about it. I just finished Lisa Kleypas's book Love in the Afternoon, and loved it so much I read it twice back to back. I was about to leave a positive review, and was skimming through the others already posted and someone mentioned Ten Things I Love About You also dealing with PTSD, I cannot remember this issue being tackled in this book but if it was, it had to have been given only the most cursory treatment possible. I have rarely read anything that has left so small of an impression, the only thing I recall is that the grandparents were horrible people, with very little love for each other or their granddaughter and the villain never really got his comeuppance.

Ms. Quinn's trademark humor is present here--but there's a bit lacking with the depth of her characters. What I have always found endearing about her writing is that there is something catastrophic in their lives or keeping the hero and heroine apart. Here, there really isn't anything. They're just two very normal people falling in love in a rather normal way. It is still a lovely story, but it is a bit fluffier than what I've come to expect from her. Here's hoping the Smythe-Smith quartet will give us a bit more depth in the character development department.

I stayed up til midnight reading "Ten Things" last night. This morning, preparing to write this review, I realized I couldn't remember the characters' names, the main plot or much of anything else besides smiling at the dialogue and the unfolding relationship of the hero and heroine.

Julia Quinn writes (aside from the rare clunker) lovely, witty books that percolate along, delighting the reader with the characters' warmth and repartee. She even proved (in "When He was Wicked") that she can handle heavy issues as well.

"Ten Things" is a nice little bonbon, but it doesn't have the same depth as some of her best Bridgerton books. It was nice to see that Sebastian wasn't just the shallow (if charming) ne-er-do-well he appeared to be in the last book and the revelation of his secret life was a genuine surprise, but I'm disappointed Ms. Quinn didn't more fully explore his war-related PTSD (as I said above, she's certainly more than capable of pulling it off). Ditto Annabel--she was poor and desperate, but I thought Ms. Quinn would have been able to make Annabel's dilemma even more claustrophobic and heart-wrenching without resorting to a caricature villain--gross, selfish, and w/o a shred of humanity.

That said, I *did* have fun reading it, though I skipped the climactic (if you'll pardon the pun) love/sex scene at the end so I could go to sleep, which says something about my lack of engagement with the characters. And a 3-star Julia Quinn book is still head-and-shoulders above the average romance novel.

Unanimously, Julia Quinn fans will tell you "Ten Things I Love About You" is nowhere near as good as books 1-4 of the Bridgerton Series. So, straight away, we know this book is not a masterpiece.

Once you get past that, you actually have a chance at enjoying the story.

For whatever reason, I believe I read this particular series of books in reverse order. I read "Ten Things ..." first, then "What Happens in London" and finally "The Secret Diaries of Miranda Cheever." In retrospect, it probably was better that way. I was so enamoured with Sebastian and Annabel, I couldn't wait to read the others. Come to find out that "Ten Things..." is the strongest of the three. Character wise, Sebastian was hilarious! I love the just-watch-me-do-what-you-don't-think-I-should-do attitude and the demon-free spirit, and truly-i-am-a-joy-to-be-around personality. I also appreciated that Annabel was able to hold her own with Sebastian. Adding her knack for "listing" things was such a unique twist to the story.

Notice that Quinn has given the heriones in this particular series their own quirks of capturing their errant thoughts or feelings. Smart move because it's very apparent that we all miss Lady Whistledown's pre-chapter entries.

If you must read the other two books, save yourself some time and skip "What Happens in London... ." No good can come from a story whose hero's name is Harry.

Julia Quinn is still great as usual.

If you are a die hard Romance Novel fan, then you may not like this book. It doesn't follow the usual Hero meets Heroine, heroine in danger, gets saved. There is no drama that leads to Romance.

The book is hilarious, witty, and comical. The main characters are cute and no one is in grave danger. Great dialogue, awesome page turner, hilarious. Definitely a must read.

It starts with humor and remains on every page. Great story with well developed characters. A book you think about during the day anxious to get back to reading. IF you like romantic historical fiction then this is a must read.

I found I loved the characters. Sebastian was a brilliant hero. I adored him. And I loved Annabel, I could easily sympathize with her. But I found their relationship a bit lacking. They had great friendship chemistry, the interplay between them (mostly due to Seb's sense of humor), but the sexual tension between them was fleeting and at time unbelievable. It tended to come in spurts. It wasn't fluent throughout the book, it tended to come out of nowhere, whenever it seemed to suit the scene, so that I found them jarring instead of sinful and delicious as most Avon's I've read tend to be. Honestly, when he confessed his love for her, it felt to me like it jumped out of the clear blue sky. Again, it seems to suit the scene rather than being a believable buildup over the course of the story. Suddenly at the end they were just in love and I didn't get to see them fall in love and while I enjoyed the book, I feel a bit disappointed by that fact. So, the writing and characters were well done. Very vivid, but the romance lacked.

It starts with humor and remains on every page. Great story with well developed characters. A book you think about during the day anxious to get back to reading. IF you like romantic historical fiction then this is a must read.

I found I loved the characters. Sebastian was a brilliant hero. I adored him. And I loved Annabel, I could easily sympathize with her. But I found their relationship a bit lacking. They had great friendship chemistry, the interplay between them (mostly due to Seb's sense of humor), but the sexual tension between them was fleeting and at time unbelievable. It tended to come in spurts. It wasn't fluent throughout the book, it tended to come out of nowhere, whenever it seemed to suit the scene, so that I found them jarring instead of sinful and delicious as most Avon's I've read tend to be. Honestly, when he confessed his love for her, it felt to me like it jumped out of the clear blue sky. Again, it seems to suit the scene rather than being a believable buildup over the course of the story. Suddenly at the end they were just in love and I didn't get to see them fall in love and while I enjoyed the book, I feel a bit disappointed by that fact. So, the writing and characters were well done. Very vivid, but the romance lacked.

Julia Quinn's new book "Then Things I Love About You", is thourougly sweet, charming and witty. Main characters Annabelle Winslow and Sebastian Grey are completely lovable, and are joined by a nicely rounded cast of fun and quirky supporting characters. I felt like the story was truly romantic in that the chemistry relied the development of love, and not just on lust. Completely enjoyed this well written book!

Although I loved most of Julia Quinn's earlier books and the Bridgerton series, her last couple more recent books disappointed me. However, 10 Things I Love About You was a delightful and satisfying read. A bit whimsical, not-too-deep but lovely and witty all the same. At times it was perhaps--okay, definitely--too wordy but all around great fun to read.

Julia has done well with this book. After a few disappointing books (Don't get me wrong. If anyone else had written them they would have been great.), this one is back to some of her better work, with more amusing tete a tete between the main characters. The plot was a bit lacking, but again, for the genre, very good. If only there were more Bridgertons!

Annabel Winslow is about to marry an earl, but falls in love with the earl's nephew.

This book is entertaining, light-hearted, amusing....everything I want in a romance novel. My only complaint is that the sporadic (and a lot of times inaccurate) counting to 10 or 11 is pretty annoying and interrupted the flow of the book. I would prefer a different title for the book and deleting the counting sections altogether.

The cover of the book doesn't seem to suit the contents...

I've read all JQ's books and have noticed a change in her writing (lacking as much wit and humor) after her Bridgerton series, however this book brings it back. The hero and heroine are both humorous and very easy to like from the start. Their scenes are well written and you can tell there is a genuine attraction between them. This is a great book, easy to read, fast-paced book.

1. The entire Bridgerton Series
2. That she created Colin Bridgerton, my favorite character
3. Her witty and clever writing style
4. Her dedication page that always includes her husband
5. That she uses dialogue more than description
6. That her books truly are laugh out loud funny
7. That she hasn't switched over to contemporary romance writing
8. That I look forward to every book she writes
9. That she doesn't muddy up her books with lots of gratuitous sex scenes
10. That I didn't really love this book as much as all her others, but I will still buy anything she writes because she is that good

If this is your first Julia Quinn book I highly suggest that you try another one first. I own almost every single Quinn book. In fact, my Bridgerton collection is falling apart because I have read them so many times. This book, however, was disappointing. The characters lack depth and the storyline doesn't grab and hold you. In fact, it just took me a few moments to even remember what the storyline was.

Also, I did not like the "10 Things" aspect of the book. Both main characters used a "10 Things" list on a number of occassions and, frankly, I found it quite annoying, not quirky.

So, I would only suggest purchasing this book if you are an avid Quinn fan and want to mark it off your list. Otherwise, try out her Bridgerton series. They are romance gold.

I have collected almost all of Julia Quinn's books. I have loved them, especially the Bridgerton series. I have always thought her humor and ability to pull off a really good story line wonderful.

Oh someone tell me she did not write this book, maybe she is just testing the public to see how bad,confusing and boring a story she could write and still sell it.

I made it through page 67 and could not force myself to go on. I have read books that took at least 1/3 of the first part of the book to get interesting but from there I got caught up in the story line and was pleasantly surprised. However, the first 67 pages of "Ten Things I Love About You" are so awful that I can't, no I won't force myself to read any further. There could in no way be a pleasant surprise anywhere in this book (except if I had not bought it).

This book should have been titled "Ten Reasons Not To Read This Book" (no maybe 10 is not enough)!

Where have you hidden Julia Quinn and would you please bring her back!

Julia Quinn is one of my favorite authors. This is the first book of hers I could not even finish! What a waste of time, ink and paper.
Usually her heroines are very bright, feisty and funny. Annabelle was a dumb cluck who was as interesting as dish water. A kid could have done a better job writing this book. It has no depth, plot or story.

I am a huge fan of Julia Quinn's. I loved her Bridgerton series and have read most, if not all of her other books. I was disappointed with her latest. The story wasn't very engaging to me, the flow seemed choppy and it just didn't feel cohesive. Alright to pass some time but wouldn't bother to read again.

This book wasn't my favorite Julia Quinn book. I have read all of her books and have been able to read them numerous times without every becoming bored with them. This one, however felt different. The trademark Julia Quinn humor was still there and I loved seeing some old favorite characters appear, but I felt I had to wade my way through this one. I couldn't really define a plot and quite honestly, the hero, Sebastian, isn't really that likable. Annabel is kind of annoying. I just felt that the characters weren't as well developed as say...the Bridgertons.
Don't get me wrong, I can't wait for the next Julia Quinn and look forward to what she comes up with next...and this book with stay on my shelf with my others...but that is, sadly, where it will stay.

This was the most boring book I have read by J.Quinn. I guess I really did not care what happened to the characters. It seemed like something was missing. Seb and Annabelle were an OK couple but since they really never developed into a couple, the fact that they ended up together was no big deal. The only time it was entertaining was when someone like his cousin criticized his books even though she did not know he wrote the books. I would not recommend this book. You will be very disappointed.

I've been having a really hard time getting through Julia's last few novels. The spark that seemed to unfold organically between the characters in previous novels (such as the early Bridgerton books and "To Catch an Heiress")has been replaced with overwrought prose. Quinn is a witty writer, and I very much enjoy her prose...but she doesn't seem to know how to self-edit. Ten Things I Love About You may have been a good writing exercise - in theory - but in practice, it completely fell flat. I found the hero/heroine to have no sexual tension whatsoever, and this could be due to the fact that I was so distracted by the constant "listing." The title allows for a cute blurb, that's about it.

Julia Quinn is in fine form here! It was a pleasure to read this lovely, light-hearted romance. Very likeable hero/heroine, laugh-outloud funny at times, and romantic. Perfect summer read. Eagerly awaiting her next book...

I brought this book to read on a long flight....you know, the type of location where you are trapped and will read ANYthing. I could not read this disorganized attempt at a story. I left it on the plane, grateful that I packed not one, but two books to read.
I tried to like this book.
The title and premise intrigued me, but the story was just awful.

I'm usually a fan of this author, but this book was truly awful. Sordid story with very few redeeming qualities. The uncle and grandmother were disgusting. The hero and heroine uninteresting. Only likeable person in the book was heroine's cousin. Pass, pass, pass. Life is too short to waste on this. I don't know what has happened to Julia Quinn. Her past few books have been real disappointments - but this was the worst!

1. The cutesy title should have told me that the
2. the nauseatingly overlong, obnoxious lists coupled with
3. the lack of a gripping plot and
4. characters that are 'nice', but not memorable would have served to forewarn me about
5. the failure of the author to measure up to her previous body of work, especially the early Bridgertons.

Then I would have realized that

7. the book would be a waste of time
8. and that I would forget it quickly, which explains why
9. this is such a difficult review to write as I
10.can't remember much about it!!

This book wasn't my favorite Julia Quinn book. I have read all of her books and have been able to read them numerous times without every becoming bored with them. This one, however felt different. The trademark Julia Quinn humor was still there and I loved seeing some old favorite characters appear, but I felt I had to wade my way through this one. I couldn't really define a plot and quite honestly, the hero, Sebastian, isn't really that likable. Annabel is kind of annoying. I just felt that the characters weren't as well developed as say...the Bridgertons.
Don't get me wrong, I can't wait for the next Julia Quinn and look forward to what she comes up with next...and this book with stay on my shelf with my others...but that is, sadly, where it will stay.

Annabel Winslow is the eldest of eight children of impoverished parents, when the Earl of Newbury intimates that he may make an offer she should have been thrilled, except he is a friend of her GRANDPARENTS and has already buried one wife and narrowly missed marrying two other young women through the death of the first and the elopement of the second. If she had her choice she would refuse him wholeheartedly but her siblings' future depends on her.

The Earl of Newbury is desperate to marry a fertile woman after his sone and heir died, the last thing he wants is for his title to go to his dissolute nephew Sebastian Grey.

Sebastian Grey is a former sniper in the Army, plagued by insomnia (PTSD in modern parlance I expect) he discovers an interest in writing novels and has experienced no little success as the sensational gothic novelist Mrs Sarah Gorely, author of such novels as Miss Sainsbury and the Mysterious Colonel.

At a ball Annabel escapes into Hampstead Heath (outside the ball room) to avoid the Earl of Newbury and literally falls over Sebastian who is lolling about on a rug having had an assignation with a married woman. A short discussion follows and without knowing each others' names Sebastian and Annabel feel an instant connection, until Sebastian announces his name, Annabel realises he is the very last man in London she should be talking to un-chaperoned, especially the last man she should have shared a kiss with.

As the rake Sebastian falls hard for a curvy young virgin, ostensibly promised to his uncle can he persuade Annabel to take a chance on love?

If you love historical novels then I think you will love this one, there's a lively virgin promised to an elderly nobleman, a young handsome but (apparently) penniless rake, the opera, balls, country house parties and intrigue. Loved it.

You can't get any better than Julia Quinn! She's the best of the best! All of her books are absolutley amazing and never fail to please! Julia uses an excellent combination of hilarious dialouge, playful banter, and tear-jerking declarations of love in Ten Things and all of her novels. If you are looking for a funny, sweet, playful love story then your search has ended. Ten Things I Love About You is all that and more. You can't get any better than Julia Quinn!!