Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn (Smythe-Smith Quartet #3)
Released: October 29, 2013
Historical Romance
Avon
Reviewed by May
Hugh let out a long sigh. He had subdued his father, and he had located Daniel Smythe-Smith and brought him back to Britain. Now Daniel was getting married and would live happily ever after, and all would be just as it should have been.
For everyone except Hugh.
He looked down at his leg. It was only fair. He’d been the one to start it all. He should be the one with the permanent repercussions.
But damn, it hurt today.
This is Hugh’s story, and that is all I needed to know in order to jump in and devour this book instantly. Who is Hugh? He’s a friend of Daniel Smythe-Smith, and a severely injured man thanks to a duel with Daniel that he instigated years prior.
Hugh has a crazy and abusive father, and he has no reason to believe that he’ll ever find love. That isn’t even a consideration. Badly wounded from the duel he has to rely on a cane and is significantly limited physically. He keeps everyone at a distance and Quinn does a fabulous job of painting him as our tortured, scarred, terribly moody hero.
“Just marry some fool girl and give me an heir!” his father roared.
“All things being equal,” Hugh said with devastating calm, “I’d rather she not be a fool.”
Ah yes, like all of Quinn’s greatest characters Hugh has wit, charm, and a sense of humor should he so decide to use it. He’s resigned to his solitary life too.
Until, that is, he meets Sarah. A Smythe-Smith cousin who hates him tremendously for all of the pain and suffering he has caused her family. Given the chance she immediately confronts and berates him – and thus begins their unusual courtship and journey to happily ever after. She is forced to spend time with Hugh as her cousin has asked that she accompany him and make sure he is brought into the fold during their wedding celebration. It is very important to them to show that the fences have been mended, and that Hugh and Daniel are once again friends – and that the family accepts Hugh.
“You may assist me,” she spat, “by removing your presence from London.”
He tried not to groan. This was getting tedious.
“Or from this world,” she said venomously.
“Oh for the love of Christ,” he swore. Whoever this woman was, she’d long since sacrificed any obligation he had to speak as a gentleman in her presence. “Please” – he bowed, with flair and sarcasm in equal measure- “allow me to kill myself at your tender request, O unnamed woman whose life I have destroyed.”
Her mouth fell open. Good. She was speechless.
Finally.
I would be happy to fulfill your bidding,” he continued, “once you get out of my WAY.” His voice rose to a roar, or rather, his version of a roar, which was more of a malevolent growl.
In case you can’t tell yet, I adore Hugh. He is my favorite kind of romance hero – a super grumpy and gruff exterior hiding a very loving and kind man who is loyal and true to his closest friends and loved ones. I have been looking forward to his book since he stole Daniel’s book (previous book in this series).
“He’s not very friendly.”
“I find it more likely that he’s shy,” Honoria said.
Harriet, still seated at the desk, gasped with delight. “A brooding hero. The very best kind!”
Ah yes, our brooding hero is paired up with the heroine who has a flair for the dramatic and will do almost anything to not have to play in the Smythe-Smith musicale. Sarah is a wonderfully strong character and I found her to be a beautiful counterpart to Hugh and all his dark angst.
I enjoyed this book, and I daresay if you are a Quinn fan you’ll be charmed by it as well. A smart heroine, a delightfully rich cast of characters, and a blend of humor, tenderness, and emotion all flow together in this story.
It isn’t a perfect book by any means, most especially annoying was about the last 20% which I felt was rushed, random, and had Quinn throwing in appearances by a ‘villain’ that had no reason to be there nor did his presence add to the story for me.
While it could stand alone, I’d only recommend reading this book if you’ve read the previous book in this series as much of the story and supporting characters played key roles in that book.
Grade: B
More Julia Quinn Reviews
Goodreads l Author Website l Series Guide
Awwww I want to read it
Oh, this one sounds delightful. Buying!
Oh, I read the previous 2 books & this was an autobuy! I need to find time to read, though! Thanks for the review!
I’m a huge Julia Quinn fan and have read all of her books. I think you graded this book fairly.
Like you, I LOVED Hugh. He was brooding, but at times I also wondered if she was painting him as being on the Autism/Aspergers spectrum (with his difficulty relating to/interpreting emotions).
It took me a while to warm to Sarah. In the first third, I found her to be selfish and overly dramatic. But I came to like her a lot.
I also thought the love story took a while to get started. But once it started, it was utterly delightful. I think JQ writes some of the best dialogue out there (funny yet often poignant, and always engaging). I always fall for her witty heroes and am already looking forward to the next book.
PS Little Frances (was that the youngest sister’s name?) was adorable. Can’t wait for her to grow up and get her own book!
Great review May, I really have to start reading those books.