RUMORS AND GOSSIP ... THE LIFEBLOOD OF LONDON
When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancee, she doesn't beli...
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reviews
Nov 04, 2009
Angelc
rated it: 
"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
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46 comments
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(17 people liked it)
Oct 11, 2009
Cynthia
rated it:
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 F 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 F More...
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(9 people liked it)
Jun 01, 2011
Blodeuedd
rated it: 
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 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 More...
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(2 people liked it)
Jan 16, 2010
Barbara M.
rated it:
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 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 More...
4 comments
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(5 people liked it)
Dec 13, 2009
Cheryl
rated it: 
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 More...
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 More...
4 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Feb 08, 2012
Ally
rated it: 
1.5 stars (for a couple of laughs in it, but more of a 1 than a 2)
This book was really, really bad. It seemed like this was written in about a week without an editor. I loved the first 4 Bridgerton books (with Offer from a Gentleman being my least favorite, but still well written), but this book was ridiculous. It reminded me a bit of the foolishness that was On the Way to the Wedding (Gregory Bridgerton's story). I also read How to Marry a Marquis and Just Like Heaven by Julia Qui More...
This book was really, really bad. It seemed like this was written in about a week without an editor. I loved the first 4 Bridgerton books (with Offer from a Gentleman being my least favorite, but still well written), but this book was ridiculous. It reminded me a bit of the foolishness that was On the Way to the Wedding (Gregory Bridgerton's story). I also read How to Marry a Marquis and Just Like Heaven by Julia Qui More...
Jan 19, 2012
KatiD
rated it:
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
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Nov 16, 2011
Marsh113
rated it:
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! 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! More...
Sep 25, 2011
Taghrid
rated it:
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. Intrigue 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. Intrigue More...
Sep 25, 2011
Twiggy
rated it:
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.
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.
More...
Jun 21, 2011
Elena
rated it:
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
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Dec 24, 2010
~ames~
rated it:
What Happens in London was a hilarious book! Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. And this book had me cracking up with belly clutching guffaws. For real. Funny. My sides hurt.
At first I didn't want to read this because I don't like heroines who take it upon themselves to spy on others. But I should have trusted Julia Quinn. Olivia was a cute heroine and smart too! I can see though how Harry thought her kind of snobbish at first. So yeah, Harry moves into the house behind More...
At first I didn't want to read this because I don't like heroines who take it upon themselves to spy on others. But I should have trusted Julia Quinn. Olivia was a cute heroine and smart too! I can see though how Harry thought her kind of snobbish at first. So yeah, Harry moves into the house behind More...
Aug 28, 2010
Laura
rated it:
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 ma 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 ma More...
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Jul 17, 2010
Jessi
rated it:
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
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Jul 07, 2010
Brigitte
rated it:
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
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Apr 06, 2010
Christine
rated it:
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 relatio 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 relatio More...
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Aug 14, 2009
Jill
rated it:
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 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 More...
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Jul 19, 2009
Julie (jjmachshev)
rated it:
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 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 More...
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(12 people liked it)
Jul 09, 2009
Janice (Janicu)
rated it:
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 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 More...
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Oct 31, 2011
Fanny
rated it:
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 More...
Tidak diceritakan bagaimana gosip Harry membunuh tunangannya bisa menyebar atau mengapa Edward jadi More...
Oct 25, 2011
Lori
rated it:
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 go 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 go More...
Jul 04, 2011
Sarah (saz101)
rated it:
Oh, this book was a delight. And remarkably different in tone from The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever. Light, fluffy, and so sweet my teeth hurt, it was so much fun to read. Nothing heavy, nothing serious, just a simple romance.
It was lovely reading a story about two people falling in love, at the same time, equally as much as the other. What starts off as disdain turns to friendship turns to attraction turns to a very sweet case of utterly-in-love between Sir Harry Valentine a More...
It was lovely reading a story about two people falling in love, at the same time, equally as much as the other. What starts off as disdain turns to friendship turns to attraction turns to a very sweet case of utterly-in-love between Sir Harry Valentine a More...
May 25, 2010
Asma
rated it:
Lady Olivia may be a brilliant hostess and socialite, she knows better than to believe ungrounded rumors. But when she hears that her next door neighbor, Sir Harry Valentine, has killed his fiancee, she is more than curious about the man. While Sir Harry tries to avoid the social radar, he is tasked by the War Office to spy on Lady Olivia, and her possible fiance to ensure England's safety.
This is my first Julia Quinn novel, and I have to say, it started out GREAT! I loved the chara More...
This is my first Julia Quinn novel, and I have to say, it started out GREAT! I loved the chara More...
Nov 04, 2009
Erin
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jul 01, 2009
Samantha
rated it:
Loved.It.
I think this will definitely be one of my favorites of Quinn's (right after Romancing Mister Bridgerton).
I loved the characters, Harry and Olivia were wonderful. There were so many witty and charming moments and that is how I would describe their story...full of wit and charm until you're pulled right along while they fall in love. I love it when characters can actually be rational about things. There is no need for theatrics, but just enough to make you smile to yourse More...
I think this will definitely be one of my favorites of Quinn's (right after Romancing Mister Bridgerton).
I loved the characters, Harry and Olivia were wonderful. There were so many witty and charming moments and that is how I would describe their story...full of wit and charm until you're pulled right along while they fall in love. I love it when characters can actually be rational about things. There is no need for theatrics, but just enough to make you smile to yourse More...
Oct 15, 2011
Abby
rated it:
I would really like to give this book 4.75 stars, but alas, Goodreads does not cater to such whims.
This is a perfectly delightful, charming, utterly enchanting romance. Olivia Bevelstoke is a bit at loose ends after the marriage of her best friend to her older brother. When she hears that her new neighbor may have killed his finace, even though she doesn't believe the rumor, she decides to spy on him from her window.
Sir Harry Valentine values peace, quiet and normalcy. As More...
This is a perfectly delightful, charming, utterly enchanting romance. Olivia Bevelstoke is a bit at loose ends after the marriage of her best friend to her older brother. When she hears that her new neighbor may have killed his finace, even though she doesn't believe the rumor, she decides to spy on him from her window.
Sir Harry Valentine values peace, quiet and normalcy. As More...
Jul 30, 2011
Jane
rated it:
I am by no means a fan of pappy waste of paper romantic ‘comedy’ (or otherwise) literature but I was very pleasantly surprised by this book!
I bought this on a whim awhile ago just because the blurb on the back sounded like it could potentially be a good story... (spying and Russian princes sounds like a good match to me!) I admit that I had trouble adjusting to Julia Quinn’s way of writing initially but I soon found that it was appropriate for such a light hearted and yet wholesome gentle read More...
I bought this on a whim awhile ago just because the blurb on the back sounded like it could potentially be a good story... (spying and Russian princes sounds like a good match to me!) I admit that I had trouble adjusting to Julia Quinn’s way of writing initially but I soon found that it was appropriate for such a light hearted and yet wholesome gentle read More...
Jan 25, 2011
Sam
rated it:
Chick lit Regency Romance.
Some spoilers:
Things that I liked about What Happens in London
1. The whole scene in the park where Winston and Harry meet. I giggled thru this whole scene.
2. Sebastien meeting the Prince at the ball.
3. The reading of the Ms Butterworths novel by Harry and Sebastien to the prince.
4. The meetings via the window. (sweet and romantic)
Things that I couldn't figure out why More...
Some spoilers:
Things that I liked about What Happens in London
1. The whole scene in the park where Winston and Harry meet. I giggled thru this whole scene.
2. Sebastien meeting the Prince at the ball.
3. The reading of the Ms Butterworths novel by Harry and Sebastien to the prince.
4. The meetings via the window. (sweet and romantic)
Things that I couldn't figure out why More...
Nov 14, 2009
Dyanne
rated it:
This is book #2 In Julia Quinn's new "Bevelstoke" series.
I found this book enchanting and a delightful quick read. It is a stand alone , but to be honest, I went back and re-read the first book "The secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever" which I decided I liked better on the 2nd read. I think what I like about this book, and Julia Quinn's books in general and that her characters are less formal for regency romance. They seem more day to day and I kind of like that. More...
I found this book enchanting and a delightful quick read. It is a stand alone , but to be honest, I went back and re-read the first book "The secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever" which I decided I liked better on the 2nd read. I think what I like about this book, and Julia Quinn's books in general and that her characters are less formal for regency romance. They seem more day to day and I kind of like that. More...
Dec 22, 2011
adventurat
rated it:
I really liked this book! I can't give it five stars, because it warped off into a bit of crazysauce melodrama toward the end, but if I could give it 4.75 stars I would, because the crazysauce melodrama was (a) short-lived and (b) very entertainingly written, and (c) never made me want to pummel any of the characters, unlike the crazysauce melodrama in the first book in this series, The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever. In this book, I just said, "Really?!" and kept reading, beca
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