Quinn takes the Smythe-Smith family next. Whether or not we do, I’m eager to see where Ms. Quinn had me laughing out loud at the younger Pleinsworths’ antics, and though this series is supposed to be a quartet, I do hope we get to revisit Harriet, Elizabeth, and especially Frances when they’re older. Speaking of family, Sarah’s sisters definitely threaten to steal the show in The Sum of All Kisses. Honoria and Daniel (of Just Like Heaven and A Night Like This) do play strong supporting roles, and it was lovely to see both of their weddings. The Sum of All Kisses is the third book in the Smythe-Smith quartet, but it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, once Sarah and Hugh begin to fall in love, The Sum of All Kisses takes off and readers are treated to the sigh-worthy romance Ms. Quinn’s usual magic is missing from this book. I’m a bit conflicted about The Sum of All Kisses, for as much as I liked it (and I did), the slowness of the first half of the book and the confrontation with the villain at the story’s climax left me strangely hollow. Despite their initial wariness (on his part) and dislike (on hers), Sarah and Hugh are a great match and their chemistry keeps The Sum of All Kisses afloat, even through the surprisingly slow-paced first half of the story. Fate seems to have a cruel sense of humor, for the one woman Hugh shouldn’t want is fast becoming the one to capture his heart.Ī brilliant mathematician, an outspoken heroine, and Julia Quinn’s trademark humor all come together to create a charming read. The more time the two spend around one another, the closer they become, to the surprise of both.

That alone wouldn’t be a problem, but the weddings have thrown Hugh together with Sarah. Now that Hugh’s done his best to make things right with Daniel, he’s found himself a guest at not one, but two Smythe-Smith weddings. After all, it’s Hugh’s own life he ruined – and the life of Sarah’s cousin Daniel Smythe-Smith – thanks to a reckless accusation followed by a duel that ruined Hugh’s leg and forced Daniel to flee the country. If it weren’t, the fact that she declares she hates him and that he ruined her life would do it.

Hugh Prentice has no patience for theatrics, which should be enough to turn him off of Lady Sarah Pleinsworth. My review cross-posted from Joyfully Reviewed.

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