6th out of 118 books
—
313 voters
What Happens in London (Bevelstoke #2)
by
Julia Quinn (Goodreads Author)
RUMORS AND GOSSIP ... THE LIFEBLOOD OF LONDON
When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancee, she doesn't believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits ... and discovers a most intriguing man, who is d...more
When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancee, she doesn't believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits ... and discovers a most intriguing man, who is d...more
Paperback, 372 pages
Published
June 30th 2009
by Avon
(first published January 1st 2009)
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"What Happens in London" has so many rave reviews, that maybe my expectations were a little too high. I do think Julia Quinn's writing style is excellent, so much thought goes into every single page. The main characters' witty banter and snappy inner dialogue were so much fun to read. I absolutely loved the supporting character, Sebastian! He was just too much fun to read about, especially his love for the silly "Ms. Butterworth" novel. He was such a vivid character who just jumped off the page...more
This was a fun read with a touch of uniqueness, I thought - given that a lot of the plot/dialogue takes place through two windows belonging to neighboring houses. Add a bit of suspense toward the end and this became even more enjoyable.
Our heroine (a.k.a. Olivia Bevelstoke)accidentally spots her new neighbor (our hero - a.k.a. Sir Harry Valentine)in his study while looking out of her own bedroom window. What ought to have been a quick glance, however, quickly develops into a week long period of...more
Our heroine (a.k.a. Olivia Bevelstoke)accidentally spots her new neighbor (our hero - a.k.a. Sir Harry Valentine)in his study while looking out of her own bedroom window. What ought to have been a quick glance, however, quickly develops into a week long period of...more
SUPER fluffy. Even for a Quinn. But in a cotton candy delicious kind of way. Very much a comedy first, and romance second. The end has some ridiculous contrived issues to overcome (ransom, I don't even know who you are!) that were completely unnecessary.
Neither the title, nor the cover fits the book very well, which is frustrating, as I could imagine some fantastic replacements:
- The Benefits of Conversing Through Windows
By Lady Olivia Bevelstoke, Avid Window Fan
- How to Throw in Possibly Deep/...more
Neither the title, nor the cover fits the book very well, which is frustrating, as I could imagine some fantastic replacements:
- The Benefits of Conversing Through Windows
By Lady Olivia Bevelstoke, Avid Window Fan
- How to Throw in Possibly Deep/...more
Ever since I saw this one around blogland, I wanted it, then I saw the trailer and wanted it more. Then I visited one of the biggest cities in the country and yes of course I fell to temptation and bought it. And I am glad I did.
This was a funny book, I could giggle and smile. It was such a cute and sweet book. I really liked Olivia, sure she was silly, listening to her even more silly friends. Which leads to her spying on her neighbor, and she thinks she is getting away with it but he has been...more
This was a funny book, I could giggle and smile. It was such a cute and sweet book. I really liked Olivia, sure she was silly, listening to her even more silly friends. Which leads to her spying on her neighbor, and she thinks she is getting away with it but he has been...more
3 Stars...I liked it
So I have to start off by saying Julia Quinn is at times laugh out loud funny...the banter she creates between her characters is just hilarious. However...
I DO NOT buy romance novels for comedy relief...
There were a few things about WHIL that are still bothering the stew out of me...
~What happend to the romance aspect of this book?! Yes we have a girl and a boy who fall in love, but I know Quinn has more than this in her...I've read almost all of her books and most of them mo...more
So I have to start off by saying Julia Quinn is at times laugh out loud funny...the banter she creates between her characters is just hilarious. However...
I DO NOT buy romance novels for comedy relief...
There were a few things about WHIL that are still bothering the stew out of me...
~What happend to the romance aspect of this book?! Yes we have a girl and a boy who fall in love, but I know Quinn has more than this in her...I've read almost all of her books and most of them mo...more
I was in a terrible mood when I started this so it says a lot that I burst out laughing with glee a good few times and spent a lot of the rest of the time smiling stupidly. Wonderful! Harry is definitely one of the few male leads I've found actually interesting without being over-the-top with angst or manpain, and Olivia is a delight - fabulous! Their rapport was lovely, and the supporting characters were great, and I enjoyed this so much.
I'm not a blindly adoring JQ fangirl who automatically thinks that everything she churns out is literary gold (or, um, even literary stainless steel), but when JQ is at her best or even close to best, there are very few writers of any genre or era who can charm and delight me more.
I absolutely, unreservedly loved this book. There are more technically flawless, smoothly paced books I've read over the past year, but very, very few which elicited this degree of personal attachment and that "awww, s...more
I absolutely, unreservedly loved this book. There are more technically flawless, smoothly paced books I've read over the past year, but very, very few which elicited this degree of personal attachment and that "awww, s...more
Narration by Rosalyn Landor.
3.5* Grade B/B-
Harry has become one of my favorite heroes ever. I loved him! He reminds me somewhat of Jane Austin's Mr. Knightly in that he just wants a boring, quiet life. During the rather confusing "suspense" of the book, I was entertained by Harry wistfully thinking about retiring to the country and counting up sums in his ledger. Olivia is a fun character, too, and I enjoyed her mental "lists." Their relationship had a sweet quality to it and that was just what...more
3.5* Grade B/B-
Harry has become one of my favorite heroes ever. I loved him! He reminds me somewhat of Jane Austin's Mr. Knightly in that he just wants a boring, quiet life. During the rather confusing "suspense" of the book, I was entertained by Harry wistfully thinking about retiring to the country and counting up sums in his ledger. Olivia is a fun character, too, and I enjoyed her mental "lists." Their relationship had a sweet quality to it and that was just what...more
Second book in the Bevelstoke series which I read the first book The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever this past winter and it caught me so much that I had to go out and order this and the third book,Ten Things I Love About You.
Historical English romance about a beautiful woman that is waiting for love so has had to reject a lot of suitors so people think that she is cold and picky when she is just waiting for 'the One' like her best friend Miranda and her older brother. Miss Olivia Bevelst...more
Historical English romance about a beautiful woman that is waiting for love so has had to reject a lot of suitors so people think that she is cold and picky when she is just waiting for 'the One' like her best friend Miranda and her older brother. Miss Olivia Bevelst...more
I have to admit I wasn't going to read this story. I am not one for spy plots in romance (Joanna Bourne being the exception) and plus I had already had over 10 books on my wishlist for June when this book was released. Then I started noticing all the positive reviews around the blogosphere and I couldn't resist adding it to the pile. While not being my favorite read of 2009, I was still happy to have picked it up. I couldn't help but be charmed by Harry.
Over tea with her friends, Olivia Bevelsto...more
Over tea with her friends, Olivia Bevelsto...more
Great Story!! I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy, fast moving and entertaining book! At the end I laughed and cried b/c it was so sweet and funny!
One little thing that bothered me was the fact that Olivia's parents were not around much. She was unchaperoned much of the time and it just didn't seem right. Her parents seemed oblivious to anything she did!
I loved this story and highly recommend it! Great sequel to The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever
One little thing that bothered me was the fact that Olivia's parents were not around much. She was unchaperoned much of the time and it just didn't seem right. Her parents seemed oblivious to anything she did!
I loved this story and highly recommend it! Great sequel to The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever
2013 is apparently shaping up to be the year in which I read lots of genres that I wouldn't normally go near, and then end up loving them.
Surprise surprise - I never read romance! Never ever! I have nothing against a bit of romance as a subplot, but my problems with pure romance novels tends to be that a) the writing is (generally) awful; b) the girl is (generally) a cliche and/or really irritating; c) I get really bored of just romance really quickly. Buuut this one came very highly recommended...more
Surprise surprise - I never read romance! Never ever! I have nothing against a bit of romance as a subplot, but my problems with pure romance novels tends to be that a) the writing is (generally) awful; b) the girl is (generally) a cliche and/or really irritating; c) I get really bored of just romance really quickly. Buuut this one came very highly recommended...more
I honestly had this book on my shelf and had decided I was not going to read it any time soon. From reading the description of the book on the back cover I assumed it didn't sound like a book I would find particularly interesting. I was wrong. What Happens In London, was a great read. I couldn't put it down (I know I say that about a lot of books because I usually don't like to stop reading). There were several parts of the story that had me giggling or laughing out loud. The characters are witt...more
My very first Julia Quinn book :D.
What Happens in London is just downright HILARIOUS! I burst out laughing practically after every few pages. At every corner, Quinn never fails to somehow create a situational comedy or have some ridiculous circumstance spring on the characters.
I especially like the two main characters, Sir Harry Valentine and Lady Olivia Bevelstoke. Harry is my type of guy--more cerebral, with a sense of humor and a realistic preference to the quiet, peaceful life. I just love,...more
What Happens in London is just downright HILARIOUS! I burst out laughing practically after every few pages. At every corner, Quinn never fails to somehow create a situational comedy or have some ridiculous circumstance spring on the characters.
I especially like the two main characters, Sir Harry Valentine and Lady Olivia Bevelstoke. Harry is my type of guy--more cerebral, with a sense of humor and a realistic preference to the quiet, peaceful life. I just love,...more
Having started with book 3 in the series (Ten Things I Love About You), I moved back to book 2 - Olivia and Harry's story (and they seemed like a sweet couple from what I read in book 3).
So, Sir Harry Valentine (love the name) is an ex-cavalry translator of Russian for the War Office and he leases the house next door to Olivia's faimly. To the south. Olivia - gossiping with her friends - is soon apprised that Sir Harry is rumoured to have killed his fiancee. She starts spying on him, which he no...more
So, Sir Harry Valentine (love the name) is an ex-cavalry translator of Russian for the War Office and he leases the house next door to Olivia's faimly. To the south. Olivia - gossiping with her friends - is soon apprised that Sir Harry is rumoured to have killed his fiancee. She starts spying on him, which he no...more
I'll be honest and say that I bought What Happens in London by Julia Quinn with some trepidation. My hesitation was mostly based on the idea that her last three books haven't worked all that well for me. I absolutely hated The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever and her last experiment, The Lost Duke of Wyndham/Mr. Cavendish, I Presume didn't really work well for me (I found the "hook" tedious). But Kate really loved WHiL, and she and I have very similar reading tastes when it comes to histor...more
Suka bangeeet....
Kayanya emang gue sukanya sama novel-novel Julia Quinn yang ada unsur petualangannya deh, gak sekedar cinta-cintaan doang.
Gue suka sama buku ini sama kayak gue suka
dan
. Intinya gue suka dengan kehidupan hero dari Departemen Perang. Bridgerton series sih lewaat.. Splendid dll juga lewaatt..
Cerita novel ini bermula dari gosip temen-temennya Olivia Bevelstoke yang bilang kalau tetangga baru Olivia, Sir Harry Valentine, adalah seorang pembunuh! Gara-gara itu, Olivia jadi sering...more
Kayanya emang gue sukanya sama novel-novel Julia Quinn yang ada unsur petualangannya deh, gak sekedar cinta-cintaan doang.
Gue suka sama buku ini sama kayak gue suka
dan
. Intinya gue suka dengan kehidupan hero dari Departemen Perang. Bridgerton series sih lewaat.. Splendid dll juga lewaatt..Cerita novel ini bermula dari gosip temen-temennya Olivia Bevelstoke yang bilang kalau tetangga baru Olivia, Sir Harry Valentine, adalah seorang pembunuh! Gara-gara itu, Olivia jadi sering...more
This is one of the best books I have read so far. I have to admit that the beginning wasn’t so much amusing as the middle and the end; however the story evolves to be one of the most romantic ones ever.
Lady Olivia Bevelstoke is the daughter of the Earl of Rudland. Olivia has never been in love although she has been proposed to by many men. As a new man moves into the neighborhood, rumors starts to spread around claiming that this man, Sir Harry Valentine, has murdered his fiancé. Intrigued by th...more
Lady Olivia Bevelstoke is the daughter of the Earl of Rudland. Olivia has never been in love although she has been proposed to by many men. As a new man moves into the neighborhood, rumors starts to spread around claiming that this man, Sir Harry Valentine, has murdered his fiancé. Intrigued by th...more
Witty and good humoured book which will leave you smiling.
Lady Olivia is the toast of the ton. That said she is somewhat bored and is having a rather trying time of not letting anyone know what she actually thinks.
When a new neighbour, Sir Harry Valentine moves in, Olivia finds herself spying on him.
Enter a Russian Prince, who is a bit of a bore, and a comedy of errors ensues.
The dialogue is sparky and high jinks occur due to a lurid gothic novel.
There is great chemistry between Olivia and Har...more
Lady Olivia is the toast of the ton. That said she is somewhat bored and is having a rather trying time of not letting anyone know what she actually thinks.
When a new neighbour, Sir Harry Valentine moves in, Olivia finds herself spying on him.
Enter a Russian Prince, who is a bit of a bore, and a comedy of errors ensues.
The dialogue is sparky and high jinks occur due to a lurid gothic novel.
There is great chemistry between Olivia and Har...more
3.5 stars. This book features a hero, Harry, who is fluent in three languages, as good at dancing as he is at shooting (that is, very), witty, and handsome. The heroine, Olivia...is pretty. She speaks only English, has no skills to speak of other than creating silly lists in her head, doesn't like to read (except the newspaper), and isn't terribly graceful. Great. In fact, Olivia is so uninspiring that there's a scene in which Harry lists the reasons he loves her, and he actually has to make som...more
Okay, I don't normally read romance. Not because I look down on the genre or people who read it -- different people enjoy different things, and I don't enjoy romance novels.
It has something to do with the usual dynamic, with this woman presented as "strong" and "different," but invariably beautiful and intelligent and weak-kneed about this certain man and thinks it's romantic when he orders her around.
Or maybe it's the all-too-frequent trope of man and woman meet, man and woman hate at first s...more
It has something to do with the usual dynamic, with this woman presented as "strong" and "different," but invariably beautiful and intelligent and weak-kneed about this certain man and thinks it's romantic when he orders her around.
Or maybe it's the all-too-frequent trope of man and woman meet, man and woman hate at first s...more
Summary: When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancée, she doesn't believe it for a second, but still how can she help spying on him. Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security. He had all the training to be a spy, so he notices Olivia watching him. He discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And then Harry is roped into spying on Oli...more
I read this book last night. Overall, I thought it was charming and a fun, light read. While I did not *love* it, I did enjoy it in spite of myself. Why do I say in spite of myself? After I read the first few chapters, I found I did not like the heroine (Olivia) at all. I found her to be shallow, childish, and a little less than intelligent (she likes to read the paper, therefore the reader must conclude she is smarter than people give her credit for? Sorry, no. Many of her actions refute that a...more
It took me a while to decide to read this one because some of this author's latest works have been ho-hum, including the prequel to this book. I'm glad I finally decided to give it a shot.
Part of the reason I think I enjoyed it too much is that I've read a few too many romance novels recently that focus too much on the physical. And don't get me wrong, the sexual tension is present in this book, but that's not what made it good. It was the pure, simple honesty of the developing relationship, fro...more
Part of the reason I think I enjoyed it too much is that I've read a few too many romance novels recently that focus too much on the physical. And don't get me wrong, the sexual tension is present in this book, but that's not what made it good. It was the pure, simple honesty of the developing relationship, fro...more
Okay, so I've said before that I'd read anything Julia Quinn wrote--and I'd probably love it. I mean, I liked Splendid, her first book, and it's...spotty at best.
But this one? Finally, Julia Quinn has created a hero that I want for my veryvery own. I mean, I love her heroes--all of them. But there's never been the one that I just absolutely lust after. Until now. Harry is *fantastic*. He's a translator, for heaven's sake! He's badass and smart. He likes trashy novels, and reads them to the heroi...more
But this one? Finally, Julia Quinn has created a hero that I want for my veryvery own. I mean, I love her heroes--all of them. But there's never been the one that I just absolutely lust after. Until now. Harry is *fantastic*. He's a translator, for heaven's sake! He's badass and smart. He likes trashy novels, and reads them to the heroi...more
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. S...more
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. S...more
http://janicu.livejournal.com/77446.html
The Premise: This is the book after The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever and focuses on Olivia Bevelstoke, Miranda's best friend. Olivia's friends have gossiped that her new neighbour, Sir Harry Valentine killed his fiance, which she doesn't believe, but it makes her curious so she begins to spy on him from her window. Meanwhile, Harry knows Olivia is watching. He works for the War Department as a Russian translator, and he spends a lot of time in hi...more
The Premise: This is the book after The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever and focuses on Olivia Bevelstoke, Miranda's best friend. Olivia's friends have gossiped that her new neighbour, Sir Harry Valentine killed his fiance, which she doesn't believe, but it makes her curious so she begins to spy on him from her window. Meanwhile, Harry knows Olivia is watching. He works for the War Department as a Russian translator, and he spends a lot of time in hi...more
I have the first book in this series on my to-read list, but when I went to the library they only had this one on the shelf. There was mention to the couple in the first book, but it can clearly be read as a standalone. I've been really wanting to read a good historical romance after how crappy the last one I read was. This book wasn't my favorite, but it wasn't the worst either. I enjoyed reading it, but there are better regency books out there. I like my romance books with humor and this book...more
Alur ceritanya agak2 aneh,,dimana si Olivia harus memata-matai Harry yang diduga membunuh tunangannya. Tetapi berakhir dengan rasa suka menggoda yang dimiliki Harry terhadap Olivia krn reaksi gadis itu terhadap kejahilan Harry. semua tokoh cerita ini mengambang penjelasannya. Tidak diceritakan bagaimana kelanjutan hidup Ibu Harry setelah dia meninggalkan rumah dan ikut pelatihan militer.
Tidak diceritakan bagaimana gosip Harry membunuh tunangannya bisa menyebar atau mengapa Edward jadi suka mabuk...more
Tidak diceritakan bagaimana gosip Harry membunuh tunangannya bisa menyebar atau mengapa Edward jadi suka mabuk...more
Oct 25, 2011
Lori McD
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
chick-lit,
cozy-mystery,
easy-read,
favorite-author,
guilty-pleasure,
regency,
romance,
some-steam,
british-lit,
2011_read,
favorites
Oh my! IMO, this is perhaps my favorite Julia Quinn book since The Bridgerton series!!! YAY!
We are reacquainted with Olivia Bevelstoke from "The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever". Olivia is in Town for the Season with her parents and her twin, Winston. She may be in her second Season, but Olivia is still considered quite the catch -- a diamond of the first water. However, she's getting a reputation for being too picky; after all, she rejected six or eight perfectly good proposals last year...more
We are reacquainted with Olivia Bevelstoke from "The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever". Olivia is in Town for the Season with her parents and her twin, Winston. She may be in her second Season, but Olivia is still considered quite the catch -- a diamond of the first water. However, she's getting a reputation for being too picky; after all, she rejected six or eight perfectly good proposals last year...more
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#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don't read (or write) romance, and in 2001 she did so in grand style, competing on the the game show The Weakest Link and walking away with the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British an...more
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“Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron,” Sebastian said approvingly. “Excellent choice.”
“You have read this?” Alexei asked.
“It’s not as good as Miss Davenport and the Dark Marquis, of course, but worlds better than Miss Sainsbury and the Mysterious Colonel.”
Harry found himself rendered speechless.
“I’m reading Miss Truesdale and the Silent Gentleman right now.”
“Silent?” Harry echoed.
“There is a noticeable lack of dialogue,” Sebastian confirmed.”
—
50 people liked it
“You have read this?” Alexei asked.
“It’s not as good as Miss Davenport and the Dark Marquis, of course, but worlds better than Miss Sainsbury and the Mysterious Colonel.”
Harry found himself rendered speechless.
“I’m reading Miss Truesdale and the Silent Gentleman right now.”
“Silent?” Harry echoed.
“There is a noticeable lack of dialogue,” Sebastian confirmed.”
“I also think he is given to disguises...Sometimes he wears spectacles and sometimes he does not. And twice he has worn an extremely peculiar hat. Inside.”
—
35 people liked it
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