The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy
Written by Julia Quinn
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
Sir Richard Kenworthy has less than a month to find a bride. He knows he can't be too picky, but when he sees Iris Smythe-Smith hiding behind her cello at her family's infamous musicale, he thinks he might have struck gold. She's the type of girl you don't notice until the second—or third—look, but there's something about her, something simmering under the surface, and he knows she's the one.
Iris Smythe–Smith is used to being underestimated. With her pale hair and quiet, sly wit she tends to blend into the background, and she likes it that way. So when Richard Kenworthy demands an introduction, she is suspicious. He flirts, he charms, he gives every impression of a man falling in love, but she can't quite believe it's all true. When his proposal of marriage turns into a compromising position that forces the issue, she can't help thinking that he's hiding something . . . even as her heart tells her to say yes.
Julia Quinn
#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn began writing one month after graduating from college and, aside from a brief stint in medical school, she has been tapping away at her keyboard ever since. Her novels have been translated into 43 languages and are beloved the world over. A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. Look for BRIDGERTON, based on her popular series of novels about the Bridgerton family, on Netflix.
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Reviews for The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy
271 ratings22 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5One of my most anticipated books of 2015 did not disappoint! A unique read with focus on family secrets. It was refreshing, as most regency romances (and historical romances in general) focus on destitution or personality flaws in the main characters. While Sir Kenworthy's marriage scheme is crazy, above all, he loves his crazy family more...enough to sacrifice his future, his bride's, and that of his future children.
Although I guessed the secret before the main character did, I held my breath for her reaction. I couldn't decided on how it would end! So many choices and complications. So many lives and reputations hanging in the balance. A true page-turner for me! I'm only sad that the next book in the series has yet to be announced...*sigh*.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This was such a good book. Everything we've come to expect in Julia Quinn. Iris Smythe-Smith is used to being a wallflower, she actually prefers it so that she can observe everything. Until she meets Sir Richard Kenworthy a man who is in need of a wife, like right now.
How can you not love a book where even the male lead likes Austen and quotes her. The play is hilarious I laughed so hard I woke up my husband. But by the middle of the book, even though I couldn't read anymore I had to know what Sir Richard's terrible secret was...leave it to Iris to figure it all out think to her observational skills. Quinn is as good as always.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5This is my least favourite Julia Quinn book to date. The hero is just too unlikable.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Once again, Quinn has written a book that is both heart-felt and humorous. More so than many of her others, this one has a depth that was surprising. And while I figured out the secret rather early in the story, this only made watching the characters more interesting. I wasn't sure how things would turn out - indeed, until the very end. But the way it did turn out was perfect. Quinn has a knack for making characters with realism and depth - even secondary characters are fleshed out (which makes sense because those secondary characters often become main characters in future books). This was one of my more favorites of her work, and I highly recommend.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Love all the books in this series! Love the narration
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I see that there is a lot of readers who didn’t care for the lies from our hero, but I was more frustrated with the length of the secrecy. And then once our hero admits the truth his sister gets a lengthy secret too. I understand she wanted to create suspense for her characters, but just too long of a wait. Besides that I have truly enjoyed this series, including all the others tied to this.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Nice story. In line w her Bridgerton books, but different enough flavor for something new.
- Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5"Hero" is a conniving liar. Not my idea of romance.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Silly and delightful end to a quartet -- I hope the Smythe-Smiths occur elsewhere, as I like them very much. I do feel like it was more drama than was necessary, but I suppose that is the point.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5An interesting plot and story line which is typical of a Julia Quinn novel.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Well written with the right about of secrets and scandals. I enjoyed the book
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/53.5 stars
I read a lot of romance and I've read a lot of romance from the '70 and '80s so when I began hearing of a "secret" that was throwing everyone into a frenzy in this story, my imagination went wild. I'm going to put what I was imagining in spoiler tags so as not to ruin anything people who haven't read the book may be imagining.I imagined an insane wife locked in the attic, old blood feud that required the killing of the enemy's daughter, and as I read the story I, seriously, thought the sister was going to be a step-sister or even half sister and was carrying Richard's baby. So, because my shock has been weathered down due to my gluttony in this genre, I got to the secret and ended up not being disturbed horribly one way or the other. This is the genre of marrying because of wills and decades old blood feuds! I don't think the secret here was too crazy but I do understand how people left with a negative vibe from this book.
I was quite a fan of the first 80% of this book as I really enjoyed Iris and Richard's dialogue; they had a wonderful teasing and playful flow. I also think this had a very grown-up feel to it, meaning this is not a puppies and rainbows romance. There was a realistic and realness feeling of how two people who have just meet fall in love. Butterflies, nervousness, awkwardness, and tempered excitement all color Iris and Richard's interactions, I found myself feeling hopeful for them. This is no two hot people have the hots for each other but a view into the learning of one another, it was all sweetly real.
As to Richard not being truthful as to why he wanted to marry Iris, I didn't have a huge problem with it because like I said, I've cut my teeth on the revenge marriages of the '70s. What I did have a problem with was how all the characters suddenly turned very vitriol, really quite nasty. I understand that Iris was upset and felt betrayed and that led to her snappiness and coldness and Richard's barking of orders and general a-holeness was because of the stress of lying and trying to make things work out but all this anger and hate came at the last 20% or so. I can handle our leads being at odds in the beginning but at the end I like my couples to have figured it out and be growing emotionally and sexually closer. The switching of gears and flip flopped feeling left much to be desired for me, not to mention the very rushed ending.
I will say, this was my favorite from the series. I was just about to give up on Julia Quinn but the dialogue and interaction between Richard and Iris in the beginning has me on board for reading her next book. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Great Last book in the series!! Fun, mysterious twist at the end and it keeps it interesting. Just wish the series wasn't ending!!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I have really enjoyed reading the Smythe-Smith quartet. Julia does a great job bringing humor to the 1800s. The Smythe-Smith sisters have such different personalities. They are independent yet traditional. Every time I read one of these books I’m pulled into the lives of the characters. I don’t know if I could have ever lived in the 1800s but I like reading what life was like back then. I can’t wait to read more of Julia’s books. If you like historical fiction this quartet is worth the read.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Very good book, filled with Julia Quinn's signature humor. Sir Richard has come to London, desperate to find a bride and marry her quickly. He spots Iris at her family's musicale and is immediately drawn to her. She seems to be good at disappearing into the background, but he sees something else. He arranges an introduction (a pretty funny scene itself) and decides that she's the one he wants. Iris had noticed him staring at her during the musicale and doesn't understand why. When he is introduced to her, his intensity makes her suspicious, as does his focused attention over the next few days. We know from the start that Richard has a reason he needs to marry quickly, but we don't know what it is. Iris isn't exactly what he had in mind when he started his search, but once he met her he couldn't accept anyone else. He likes her intelligence, her obvious love for her family, though he didn't expect the zing of attraction. He'd like to be able to take the time to court her properly, but he's in a bit of a time crunch. Though he's not proud of it, he's going to have to do something to force a quick marriage.Iris is a very practical young woman who is also very self aware. She knows she isn't beautiful, doesn't have a big dowry to tempt suitors, and tends to be rather sarcastic in her wit. Richard's attentions are a surprise, though she does enjoy them. Though he gives the impression that he is falling for her, she senses that there is more to it than that. When his apparently impulsive proposal of marriage places her in a compromising situation, she's almost sure of it. She would have said yes anyway, but now she wonders what he's hiding.The interactions between them once they were married were quite interesting. Both had discovered that there was a very strong attraction between them. Though nervous about it, Iris was rather looking forward to their wedding night, and was confused and hurt when Richard didn't appear. Over the next few days of their journey to Yorkshire it's obvious to the reader that he is really attracted to her but fighting it. Iris is increasingly confused, hurt and angered by his behavior. Richard sees the effect he is having on her and feels guilty, but is intent on his purpose.Once they arrive at his home, they are given the chance to get to know each other better. Richard sees how wonderful she is with the people on his estate and how well she fits into his life and his guilty feelings continue to grow. He knows he needs to tell Iris the truth behind their marriage, but he can't figure out how. Once his sisters arrive back home from a visit to their aunt's, everything comes out, and Iris's reaction is worse than he feared. Iris had begun to have hope that things were progressing properly in her marriage until she discovered Richard's reason for marrying her. The truth was devastating to her, as she had fallen in love with him. She had to decide if she was going to go along with his plan, or stand up for what she believes in.I felt a little bit sorry for Richard. He was doing what he thought best for his sisters, even though none of the people involved agreed. He wasn't listening to what his oldest sister really wanted to do. He was falling hard for Iris, but because of his plans he couldn't follow through on what he really wanted. Iris was devastated by what she saw as Richard's betrayal, but because she loved him was eventually willing to help. But she was also a keen observer of people, and she soon figured out the truth behind the problem. I loved seeing her put her mind to fixing it in a way that made it possible for all the parties to end up happy. I enjoyed the epilogue and seeing where they were a few years down the road.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Iris is pure wit! Really recommend it! Wasn’t expecting much. Great surprise!
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5I haven't enjoyed the Smythe-Smith quartet anywhere near as much as I did her Bridgerton series and other early books. I felt like the plots and romances were all thinner. Especially this last book, the male lead was completely unsympathetic. His "secret" pretty much ruined the book for me. Quinn used to be my favorite author, and now I am losing interest.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I enjoyed it but the main characters really needed to TALK. Sir Richard traps Iris Smythe-Smith into marriage and finds that his well-laid plans may not be as easily dealt with as he supposes. The women around him need him to talk to them and include them in his plans rather than him riding roughshod over them.I enjoyed it with some reservations, the big dark secret plot is a bit of a trope that really needs some stomping on.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5With only a short time to find a bride, Sir Richard Kenworthy settles on Iris Smythe-Smith, compromises her, and carries her off to Yorkshire. He feels guilty for deceiving her, but his duty to his family leaves him no choice. Iris is smitten, but confused by the way he runs hot and cold. Then she discovers the truth....Sir Richard is a good man who behaves badly, albeit with good intentions. For a while, a believable happy ending seems unlikely, but Richard does redeem himself.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sir Richard Kenworthy, needs a wife and soon. As he is looking in London, for prospects, he attends the infamous musicale done by the Smythe Smiths, what he doesn’t expect is to find the cello player, to be the woman of his dreams. He is captivated by her, and he knows that she will be perfect. She is passionate and he knows that there much more to than meets the eye and he means to find out what is beneath the surface. Iris Smythe-Smith knows that it can be easy for her to fade in the background and not be seen, so when Sir Richard, starts calling on her and paying attention, she is suspicious at first, but then when his courting proves to be sincere, but then when they are caught in a compromising position they are forced to marry and soon Richard becomes even more mysterious than before, and as his wife, Iris is determined to uncover everything that he is hiding from her, but it isn’t what she expects and she fears it could tear them apart for good. The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy is the forth installment in this latest series by Julia Quinn. I still can’t believe that we are already on the fourth book; I swear time has just flown by; it seems like yesterday when the first book of the series came out. I have had such a ball of fun with this series, and although my heart has always been centered on the bridgertons, there is something so quirky and fun about this series. This book was a hoot, it had charm and elegance and a book of surprises and twists that you never see coming. The “Secrets” of our hero, is not something you would expect, and I enjoyed seeing these two work together to solve a bit of a puzzle. At the beginning of the story, the book is just a sweet courtship, nothing spectacular, just your average regency romance…but that is not the case with this one. I will admit that the first half of the book I had some problems getting fully entrenched in the story, but once I entered the second half, the ball really gets rolling, and I had a hard time keeping up with this one. It really seemed to develop and seemed to contain quite a bit of conflict and sexual tension…and oh boy does the story really heat up. Quinn sure knows how to write a steamy romance, without it seeming to be super steamy, she has a talent of balancing story line and plot with sexual tension, that it blends perfectly into a batch of splendid romance, enchanting characters and a plot to crave. ASTOUNDING!!!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy
4 Stars
Sir Richard Kenworthy is in want of a wife and after little consideration has decided that Miss Iris Smythe-Smith is the most suitable candidate. Now all he has to do is convince her without revealing the truth behind his romantic suit. Unfortunately for Richard, there is more to Iris than meets the eye and he will have to use all of his considerable charms to woo her …
More enjoyable than expected given some of the less than stellar reviews.
Sir Richard’s character seems to be the main bone of contention with numerous reviewers focusing on his secrets and lies. While these certainly do not recommend him as a hero, the reason behind them and his obvious guilt and distress go a long way to mitigating his behavior (for me, Daniel in book #2 is a much more manipulative and selfish hero). Moreover, the fact that Iris has her suspicions about his motivation for courting her also helps alleviate my usual annoyance at the keeping secrets trope.
Iris, on the other hand, is a fantastic heroine. Her intelligence, practicality and wit make her particularly endearing. The most difficult moments come when Richard’s secrets so obviously cause her pain, but she handles it all with grace and aplomb.
Despite the secrets and lies, Richard and Iris’s romance is lovely. Their chemistry is not off the charts spectacular, but rather sweet and subtle and their banter is delightful.
All in all, an entertaining end to the Smythe-Smith Quartet and I am sorry to see the series end. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5It was sweet!!