It's in His Kiss

by Julia Quinn

Paperback, 2005

Status

Available

Call number

813.54

Collection

Publication

Avon (2005), Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

Description

Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. Humor (Fiction.) HTML: A New York Times Bestseller From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the story of Hyacinth Bridgerton, in the seventh of her beloved Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix. HYACINTH'S STORY Meet Our Hero . . . Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth's sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past . . . and the key to his future. The problem is�??it's written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word. Meet Our Heroine . . . All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She's fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there's something about her�??something charming and vexing�??that grabs him and won't quite let go . . . Meet Poor Mr. Mozart . . . Or don't. But rest assured, he's spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual�??and annually discordant�??Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth's every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other . . . and that there is nothing as simple�??or as complicated�??as a singl… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member Anniik
Re: description from back of book -- And so she claims? Er, Hyacinth does speak Italian. It's not like she's pretending...This book is fun. Gareth is Lady Danbury's grandson, and I've liked her all through the rest of the Bridgerton books. Gareth is a fun character, although he shares some
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characteristics with Simon from "The Duke and I" - although only vaguely - in that they have severe parental issues. They're still very different characters, though. Hyacinth is also fun, although sometimes she gets on your nerves (although I think she's supposed to, actually, so it's alright). A good book!
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LibraryThing member francescadefreitas
Who knew that the youngest Bridgerton girl was an early incarnation of Nancy Drew?!? Not as original as the others, but still good fun.
LibraryThing member gollybabe
I have a bone to pick with MS JQ: her books are so interesting and sometimes downright hilarious that when i get into one, i am often chuckling out loud---- in which case pple think i'm a loon--- or so engrossed that things get burnt, i miss my stop or i have a novel hangover at work as i've bin up
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all night with her latest pageturner.
JQ yu rock
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LibraryThing member thebookbabe
This book is just one more reason to understand why Quinn is overrated.
LibraryThing member Sugarbeat
Book 7 of the Bridgerton series brings back Lady Danbury, an older matriarch of society that appears in many of the former books as a crusty old curmudgeon who enjoys speaking her mind and is feared by many members of the ton. In this book Lady Danbury serves as a matchmaker to Hyacinth Bridgerton
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and her grandson, Gareth St. Clair. Hyacinth and Lady Danbury make an interesting pair. Hyacinth has been spending every Tuesday afternoon reading to Lady Danbury for some time but they continue to have a rather acerbic relationship. Hyacinth seems to feel duty-bound to read to Lady Danbury, but is happy when she often falls asleep and therefore ends the reading sessions. Hyacinth has not had much contact with Gareth until one day when he appears during reading time and asks Hyacinth to translate his paternal grandmother’s diary which is written in Italian (a language Hyacinth has some knowledge of). As Hyacinth and Gareth start uncovering startling facts from this diary they find themselves drawn together romantically. Gareth has never been in love before and yet finds himself falling in love with the willful and stubborn Hyacinth. Hyacinth on the other hand is shocked to find herself developing feelings for such a notorious rake.

Gareth’s unpleasant father starts to interfere with the budding relationship; threatening to tell Hyacinth Gareth’s paternity secret. Only when faced with losing Hyacinth does Gareth realize that he truly loves her and fights to keep her.

Again, a winner from Julia Quinn. She shows that she is capable of exploring many delicate subjects in the unforgiving time of Regency England. Gareth has had such a hard life with his nasty father, but Julia Quinn presents him in a redeemable light. Hyacinth has the potential of being one of those bluestockings that are left on the proverbial shelf.
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LibraryThing member halo776
Brief Synopsis: Hyacinth Bridgerton has had 3 full seasons in London. She's refused a few proposals, and now her mother is ready for her to finally marry. The problem is, the only man she can think about lately is Gareth St.Clair, Lady Danbury's beloved grandson. He's handsome, charming, and witty,
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but he carries a bit of family baggage. His father despises him and is now endeavoring to ensure Gareth is left with no fortune, only large debts. Gareth decides the best way to prove his father wrong about him is to marry a worthy woman. He realizes Hyacinth is perfect for this purpose, but what happens if they actually fall in love with each other?

The Good: Hyacinth is a likable character, and Gareth has much to recommend him as the hero. He's a devilishly handsome rake who also happens to be able to match Hyacinth's quick wit. At the end of the book, he is searching for a way to prove his feelings for Hyacinth. This was a beautiful scene. He was so tender and thoughtful, and this was when I really began to believe he was worthy of marrying a Bridgerton. Julia Quinn gives us the happy ending we expect, and all major loose ends are tied neatly.

The Bad: The so-called "mystery" involving the missing jewels is ridiculous. It simply doesn't work in this story. It comes across as an under-developed plot element that attempts to add an air of danger but simply falls flat. I never expected anything to come from it, and of course, nothing did. I was much more interested in the story of Gareth's grandmother (particularly, why she was forced to marry his grandfather). I was hoping for an explanation or just more to Sophia's story and was very disappointed that she played such a small role. Truly, she would have been the most interesting character, and I felt her loss deeply. Regardless of how handsome Gareth may be, he is the hero I've liked the least. When he decides to compromise Hyacinth so she will not be able to back out of their wedding, I was disgusted. I don't know why that part had to be in the book. I don't expect my characters to be perfect, but this was so dishonorable as to be unforgivable. I had to wonder how Hyacinth could ever be happy knowing his true motivations and intentions toward her. It was a bit unbelievable that he was able to fall in love with her so completely, especially considering his past. I thought he probably had some real issues that should have been dealt with first. If these were real people, I think their marriage would be a rocky one.

In Conclusion: I had been looking forward to Hyacinth's story all along. She was such a precocious child that I thought her romantic story would be drastically different from the rest. I just somehow expected more--more adventure, more laughter, more passion. However, if you love the Bridgertons as I do, you won't want to miss a minute, even if this is not as spectacular as the previous books. I'm hoping Gregory's story in book 8 will redeem this mediocre addition to what has been one of the best series I've ever read.
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LibraryThing member omnia_mutantur
The Bridgerton series sort of loses momentum as it progresses. This was a perfectly serviceable period romance novel.
LibraryThing member foreverbklover
Had fun reading this.
LibraryThing member abigailyow
It's in his kiss wasn't a bad book nor was it a fantastic one. I liked Hyacinth in the author's previous books. But here, I just found her childish and not in the least, endearing. Gareth was supposed to be Mr. Charming - endowed with both devastating looks and a wicked reputation. Unfortunately,
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he appeared to be more of a sulking brat who craves for his father's love. Though considering his circumstances, it's only understandable that he would have acted in such a way but there were times where I would have liked to whack him in the head.The only reason why I gave the novel two stars was because of the witty dialogues and certainly not because of the recycled storyline or flat characters.
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LibraryThing member riverwillow
This one marks time a little as Lady Danbury is quite clearly the most interesting character in the book. But at least she got the 7th Bridgerton sibling safely married.
LibraryThing member faniP
I liked it more than I expected. It was humorous, light and fast-paced. I loved Gareth and found Hyacinth charming. But most of all, I loved their witty dialogues; none can write witty lines as Quinn does. To me it was like a touch of fresh breeze: very enjoyable but forgetable after a while.
LibraryThing member LadyIsis
This book has a whole cast of characters that make it a very enjoyable read that you won't want to put down. There are the returning characters; Anthony Bridgerton, Lady Danbury, Gregory Bridgerton and Violet, lady Bridgerton. Lady Danbury's role is a little more involved in this book than it has
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been in any of the previous editions. She is Gareth St. Clair's grandmother and probably one of the few people that really cares about Gareth. Lady Danbury is a character and in many ways she reminds me of comic character Maxine. I love that she is determined to get Hyacinth and Gareth together and married. She is as much a matchmaker as Lady Bridgerton.

Gareth is itelligent, caring and has a dry, wicked sense of humor. While he has a reputation as a rake I think that is more to upset his father than anything else. He cares too much for his grandmother to be a real wastrel. He is also attracted to Hyacinth which makes him a wonderful person. Gareth is also a gentleman. I think that the scene where he goes to Anthony to ask for Hyacinth's hand in marriage is probably one of the most amusing in the book.

We get to see a little more of Gregory in this story and he is so much the brother that we all know in our own lives. He is always finding ways to pull pranks on Hyacinth and is sticking his nose into things that Hyacinth doesn't want him into. There is a scene where they are having tea in the drawing room at Number Five that is also quite funny.

Finally we have Hyacinth. I think that in many ways she is misunderstood. She is the youngest and I think that the youngest child in a big family develops a sarcastic sense of humor and a superior attitude as a defense mechanism. Most men are afraid of her because she has learn to ride and shoot and think as well as any of them. She also is lonely in a lot of ways and when Gareth seems to understand her and accept her she realizes that this is the man she wants to marry.

Overall this is a great addition to the Bridgerton series. I enjoyed it very much and it is a quick easy read.
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LibraryThing member MlleEhreen
I don't know if I would say that this is Julia Quinn's best, but I really disagree with the other readers who have trashed It's In His Kiss.

I think that one of the trends in romance over the past decade or so has been to try to keep the 'magic' - the escapism, the one-true-love, etc. - but also to
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bridge the gap between happily ever after and the kind of romances that real people can relate to. What's the point of reading romances if all you'll ever learn from them is that this kind of fairy tale is not for you?

So the fact that Hyacinth has to figure out that actually, she's been so intimidated by her equals in the past that she's brushed them all off as potential suitors, that she's dug her own grave in effect, and that she has her own mental baggage to sort out in the process of trying to get together with Gareth, was a big part of the book's appeal for me. I really sympathized.

I also really, really liked the end of the book. I don't think that it makes the mystery irrelevant; I think it just puts two kids of treasure on the balance, a treasure of gold and a treasure of love, and shows which is more valuable. And the answer is love.

It's not a very action-packed book, and I was a little underwhelmed by how much the characters had to be prodded into the relationship, but I liked them, and I liked their dynamic together.

I think that one of the strengths of the Bridgerton series is that all of the romances play out in a different way; all of the children have a different problem that they have to solve in themselves before they can really find love. I thought that this was a really good addition to the series.
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LibraryThing member Capnrandm
When I found a Bridgerton novel on my to-be-read shelf I was floored, "How could I have missed this?!" Once the eBook was loaded and I began reading, I had the sneaking suspicion that I hadn't. That's right, I'd read it before, never marked it as TBR, and couldn't remember from the blurb that I had
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already read it. To be fair, Hyacinth Bridgerton was a long running favorite, so she was always sound familiar, it was the description of Gareth that let me down. Once I saw him on the page, read him interacting with his grandmother and Hyacinth, I knew I had met him before.

A sweet book with a strong heroine that manages to fall in love without trading away any pieces of her own confidence, I greatly enjoyed seeing Hyacinth and Gareth find their happily ever after, even for the second time.
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LibraryThing member sammii507
Re: description from back of book -- And so she claims? Er, Hyacinth does speak Italian. It's not like she's pretending...This book is fun. Gareth is Lady Danbury's grandson, and I've liked her all through the rest of the Bridgerton books. Gareth is a fun character, although he shares some
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characteristics with Simon from "The Duke and I" - although only vaguely - in that they have severe parental issues. They're still very different characters, though. Hyacinth is also fun, although sometimes she gets on your nerves (although I think she's supposed to, actually, so it's alright). A good book!
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LibraryThing member grapeapril75
Oh, I do love the Bridgerton Family! Each story is a wonderful romance with plenty of drama. A nice touch of steam to keep things naughty! Love this whole series and the epilogues!! And that Lady Whistledown is a hoot!! Such wonderfully engaging characters! Makes me wish I could be transported to
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that era!
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LibraryThing member mrsdanaalbasha
Gareth St. Clair has a father who hates him and who is determined to ruin the St Clair family fortunes. Gareth's sole heirloom is an old diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past... and the key to his future. The problem is—it's written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a
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word.

All of the ton agreed: there's no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She's fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken and —according to Gareth— probably best in small doses. But there's something about her —something charming and vexing— that grabs him and won't quite let go. And Hyacinth — or so she claims— speaks Italian...
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LibraryThing member iShanella
Hyacinth is probably my fave of the Bridgerton sisters, she the youngest, and just a little eccentric, and I really enjoyed the hero, Gareth, in this case. He was definitely her equal and someone who could stand by with all her singlemindedness. I wasn't too keen on the scavenger hunt, but it was a
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nice distraction.
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LibraryThing member MyaB
it was a cute story.
LibraryThing member Emathison
Very enjoyable read. I also found myself laughing out loud. I wish the end had been written differently; I don't think it matches the tone and pace of the majority of the book.
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
It's In His Kiss
4.5 Stars

Synopsis
Hyacinth Bridgerton is a handful to say the least - excessively intelligent, witty and outspoken. Most men are completely intimidated except for Gareth St. Clair who is both exasperated and charmed by her. Despised by his father, Gareth has secrets in his past that
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he wishes to uncover and after receiving an old family diary written in Italian, he enlists Hyacinth's help with its translation and the two set off on an adventure in intrigue and love.

Review

Definitely one of Quinn's best and ranks up there with The Viscount Who Loved Me and Romancing Mister Bridgerton as my favorite in the Bridgerton series.

Although not as steamy as When He Was Wicked, Hyacinth and Gareth's relationship is more romantic and magical. Hyacinth is my favorite Bridgerton sister, and her wit, charm and outspoken honesty make her endearing and delightful. As mentioned in many of my reviews, I am a sucker for a tortured hero and while Gareth is not as tormented as Simon, Michael or Phillip, he definitely fits into this category. He is gorgeous, witty and absolutely likeable despite one or two morally questionable actions (which are, nonetheless, quite understandable given his upbringing and fear of losing someone he loves).

Once again, the secondary characters are excellent, especially Lady Danbury whose conversations with Hyacinth had me laughing until I cried. Gareth's father is a spiteful and obnoxious villain, and it is a pity that he doesn't get more of a comeuppance.

The treasure hunt plot device is very entertaining but ultimately disappointing because it fizzles out at the end, possibly because Quinn wanted to save its conclusion for the 2nd epilogue.

Overall, a light-hearted and entertaining addition to a wonderful series. There is only one more to go, which leaves me with a bittersweet feeling.
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LibraryThing member samnreader
Another winner I guess. I felt particularly connected to these two...
LibraryThing member MickyFine
Hyacinth Bridgerton has never been one to hold her tongue. She knows who she is and she's not afraid to speak her mind, much like her dear friend Lady Danbury. However the one man who seems to throw off her ability to always have the perfect bon mot is Lady Danbury's grandson, Gareth St. Clair.
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When he and Hyacinth team up to translate his Italian paternal grandmother's diary they'll discover not only that there's a potential cache of treasure in Gareth's family home but that there may just be something even more precious developing between Gareth and Hyacinth.

This seventh entry in the Bridgerton series brings the banter and I am here for it. The quips fly thick and fast as Hyacinth, Gareth, and Lady Danbury are all wonderfully witty and I was delighted. A really sweet entry in the series with an entertaining subplot involving the diary, I was pleasantly surprised with this one as I'd anticipated that Quinn might have run out of steam with the Bridgertons. I'm very happy to be wrong.
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LibraryThing member kmartin802
Hyacinth Bridgerton is the youngest and most outspoken of the Bridgertons. She would like to marry as six of her seven siblings are happily married. Gareth St. Clair is the despised son of a father who is sure that Gareth is a bastard. The father is determined to run the estate into the ground
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before Gareth can inherit it. He also holds his parentage over Gareth's head.

Gareth and Hyacinth meet because of Lady Danbury, Gareth's grandmother. When Gareth is given a journal kept by his Italian grandmother, he learns that Hyacinth speaks and reads the language. Hyacinth learns a secret as she translates - the grandmother had diamonds she didn't tell her husband or son about. Gareth and Hyacinth begin a treasure hunt to find them before his father does and fritters them away.

This one was a sexier episode than many in the series since Gareth decides he needs to compromise her so that she can't back out of their engagement. Hyacinth is in love with him and would not back out for any reason but Gareth finds it hard to believe that.

Great episode.
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LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Gareth St Clair has problems, his father detests him and seems to be determined to run the estates to the ground. He has a diary that might tell him things but it's written in italian and he doesn't.
He's directed to Hyacinth Brigerton; outspoken and smart she is determined to make her life her
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own.Gareth intrigues her but she wasn't someone who wants her, not just her dowry.
It's a fun read and the two characters spark well off each other. I really enjoyed how they kept searching for the jewels and how that all resolved.
I did feel the pain of the concert.
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Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

2005-06-28

Physical description

384 p.; 7.3 inches

ISBN

006053124X / 9780060531249
Page: 0.2854 seconds