It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn

Title: It's In His Kiss
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons (book #7)
Previous in series: When He Was Wicked
Next in series: One the Way to the Wedding

My rating: 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 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.