I almost feel guilty writing this Pillow Talk, because the truth is that I’m writing it on April 28, 2006, precisely, after reading an Advance Review Copy. It doesn’t seem fair! But that’s the truth of it: ARC arrived this morning, I ripped it open, and retreated to bed and read the whole thing.

It’s a delicious book! I’m not running this review until you can go out and buy it yourself — so trot out today and buy it. Take the day off. Go to bed. Read all day.

I think what delights me most about Julia Quinn’s writing is the subtle irony that runs through every line. It’s more than a question of lines — the irony is structural to the plot. This book opens up, for example, with Gregory Bridgerton running, running, running to get to the church on time — not for his own wedding, but to stop someone else’s. “Don’t do it,” he gasps. “I love you… Marry me,” he whispered, one last time.” And the chapter cuts.

Aaaargh!

Then the story backs up two months to depict Gregory strolling into a garden at a house party and falling deeply, desperately, in love with the back of a gorgeous woman’s neck. Who happens to be in love with someone else; not only that, but she’s receiving fulsome letters from that other person, who’s in love with her as well.

What do we really want from romance? If I’m the reader, I want the story, the sensuality, the feeling that love grows — all of that is here in spades. But even more, I want to be surprised. I want to be unsure whose marriage Gregory stops in that first chapter. I want to be very, very unsure about what the bride’s answer will be, even after I figure out whose marriage it likely is.

I was surprised… I was delighted. You will be too! Let’s discuss favorite lines and favorite moments in the Book Club. Generally the Book Club starts around the 15th of the month, but I have the feeling that lots of people are dashing out to buy this book and read it immediately — so let’s jump right in!