Julia Quinn's debut novel is one of her best. Lovable and sensible characters meet and become friends, instead of unrealistically falling head over heels the first time they meet each other. Witty and unconventional, this book was a quick and fun read. I highly recommend it for anyone who's a fan of Julia Quinn.

There are two things everyone knows about Alexander Ridgely. One, he's the Duke of Ashbourne. And two, he has no plans to marry anytime soon...

That is until a redheaded American throws herself in front of a carriage to save his young nephew's life. She's everything Alex never thought a woman could be--smart and funn, principled and brave. But she's a servant, completely unsuitable for a highborn duke--unless, perhaps, she's not quite what she seems...

American heiress Emma Dunster might be surrounded by Englishmen, but that doesn't mean she intends to marry one--even if she has agreed to participate in one London Season. When she slipped out of her cousin's home, dressed as a kitchen maid, all she wanted was one last taste of anonymity before her debut. She never dreamed she'd find herself in the arms of a dangerously handsome duke...or that he'd be quite so upset when he discovered her true idenity. But true love tends to blossom just when one least expects it, and passion can melt even the most stubborn of hearts.

There are two things everyone knows about Alexander Ridgely - One , hes the Duke of Ashbourne and two he has no plans to marry..That is until a redheaded American Throws herself in front of a carriage to save his young nephews life. Shes everything Alex never thought a woman could be, smart, funny, principled, brave, but shes a servant, completely unsuitable for a highborn duke unless perhaps, shes not what she seems. American heiress Emma Dunster might be surrounded by Englishmen but that doesn't mean she intends to marry one, even if she has agreed to participate in one of Londons season. When she slipped out of her cousins home, dresses as a kitchen maid, all she wanted was one last taste of anonymity before her debut. She never dreamed shed find herself in the arms of a dangerously handsome duke or that he would be so upset when he discovered her true identity. But true love tends to blossom just when one least expects it and passion can melt even the most stubborn of hearts.

Best read before Dancing at Midnight and Minx, Alex and Emma's story..excellent

From Back Cover: There are two things everyone knows about Alexander Ridgely. One, he's the Duke of Ashbourne. And two, he has no plans to marry anytime soon... That is until a redheaded American throws herself in front of a carriage to save his young nephew's life. She's everything Alex never thought a woman could be--smart and funny, principled and brave. But she's a servant, completely unsuitable for a highborn duke--unless, perhaps, she's not quite what she seems... American heiress Emma Dunster might be surrounded by Englishmen, but that doesn't mean she intends to marry one--even if she has agreed to participate in one London Season. When she slipped out of her cousins' home, dressed as a kitchen maid, all she wanted was one last taste of anonymity before her debut. She never dreamed she'd find herself in the arms of a dangerously handsome duke...or that he'd be quite so upset when he discovered her true identity. But true love tends to blossom just when on least expects it, and passion can melt even the most stubborn of hearts.

Very funny book. I can't recommend this book highly enough. One of my favorites by Julia Quinn.

Julia Quinn's first novel and it is indeed Splendid. Wonderful story of Emma and Alex.

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I really liked this book, and Emma and Alex are a memorable pair. I would have liked to have seen more of Alex's teasing side -- he was a bit too posessive for my taste. But don't let that keep you away. This is the first in the series -- read Dancing at Midnight and Minx next.

Dancing is my fave, with John Blackwood a nicely-flawed hero. You get to hear Dunford's story in Minx, and he is playful and funny -- the most humorous of the three books.

I've read about five Julia Quinn novels and enjoyed them all - both as entertaining reads and because of her writing craft. But this book is an exception. If I had known she had written it just after graduating from college, I might have thought twice about reading it. The writing style is very amateur (she obviously hadn't learned much about novel writing), much of the dialogue unnecessary and trite, and the characters stereotypical. It's embarrassing.........and disillusioning to know that novels this poorly written are published. But at least she learned from her early attempts and went on to become a much better writer.

Loved this story. Laughed alot! A nice build up of the other characters to come in the next two books.

The book started well enough but lost its appeal in the middle. As much as I like strong willed women. I was really irked by the heroine. I've read many of Julia's books and I love the Brigerton series but I just felt like she rushed through this book.

A fun, engaging read.

a bit mushy but its good

Julia is a personal friend. I love her wit and clever dialogue. Hope you do too!

this is an early quinn, showing lots of potential.

Her very first publication....SUPER!

Cover pic is different on my copy.
"American heiress Emma Dunster has always been fun loving and independent with no wish to settle into marriage.She plans to enjoy her Season in London in more unconventional ways than husband-hunting.But this time Emma's high-jinks lead her into dangerous temptation........

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