Dancing at Midnight (Avon Historical Romance)

I tried Splendid- bored to death. Then tried this - bored to tears. Maybe the next one will just bore me. I KNOW that Ms Quinn is a huge talent. Some of her books I adore, so maybe it is just these early ones that are so trite. Shallow characters, cliched dialogue- I actually struggled to get through it at all. Straight to the donation bin, I’m afraid!

I loved this book..absolutely loved it. It was witty, fun, and sensual, and the characterization was excellent. Loved the story as well. I would definitely read it again and it is on my keeper shelf along with all my many other Julia Quinns. She is an excellent writer. She could write the phone book and I would read it in a heartbeat.

I was shocked to see the negative reviews for this book which turned out to be my favorite of them all. John, the male love interest was more appealing to me than any of this author's previous heros in that he was not perfect. He limped and he had onerous emotional scars from the war which made him brooding and self depreciating. He also was not a rich man. He emotionally pushed Belle away because he felt unworthy of her. He was attracted to Belle quickly not just because of her beauty but because of her intelligence and her lively wit. Belle was attracted to him because of he was different than the usual spoiled, rich men of the ton. She especially loved him because he read books and poetry. I've read just about all of Julia's books and I liked this one the best. When I was 1/4 through the book, I couldn't put it down. I ended up staying up all night to finish it. I wish I hadn't read Minx first though because while I was on the edge of my seat when Belle and John's lives were threatened, I knew they were happy and alive in Minx. I love the series books. I often miss the characters when the book is done. Please don't by-pass this book because of the other reviews. I guess it's like they say: Different Strokes for Different Folks. I'd say if you want a book with a hero that's handsome, but not perfect, and a heroine who is not shy and simpering, but bold and knows exactly what she wants and how to get it.... you will love Dancing at Midnight.

I absolutely loved this book. Julia Quinn is a great writer, and I have enjoyed all her books (well, all except "an offer from a gentleman", but that's another matter altogether...) but this is by far my favorite. I tend to rate how good a romance novel is by the guy (which only makes since because I get to play the part of the chick, right?). In this case, the reason this book is so great (in other words, the reason John is such a great character) is that someone has FINALLY written a romance novel where the man is not extremely rich, extremely handsome, extremely rakish, and "extremely titled". Okay, yes, John is handsome and titled, but he's basically just a "good guy". And, really, all most women want is a good man with a good heart who tries to do what's right. He's the kind of guy you might actually fall for...which makes for a great romance novel!

I really loved this book! The sequel to Splendid it really caught my attention and I read it so fast; I was sad when it was over. I really liked and cared for the characters in this book. I LOVED the hero John. He was dark,dangerous, and had a wicked sense of humor. I liked Bella too. I loved her determination to make him her man. I really believed that they loved and liked one another. They don't fight constantly between themselves and have too much conflict between them. They really cared for one another! It was great! Bella took what she wanted, and that is rare in romance novels. It was really great to read about Alex and Emma too! Please read Splendid first before you read this. Although I liked Splendid, I loved Dancing at Midnight! But Splendid introduces you to Bella (She is Emma's English cousin) and gets you prepared for the best book between the two!

This book is being republished in early 2000 and will no longer be out of print!